The Tragic Fall of the Thousand Sons
In the early days of the Great Crusade, the Thousand Sons Legion was not significantly different from other Legiones Astartes, apart from their unique psychic abilities. However, with the arrival of Magnus, their primarch, the legion underwent significant organizational and hierarchical changes. The chapters were rebranded as Fellowships, with the rebuilt legion comprising 10 such units.
The Reorganization of the Thousand Sons
Following a particularly brutal campaign, the Thousand Sons suffered heavy losses, including the near-destruction of an entire Fellowship. In response, Magnus decided to reorganize the legion into nine Fellowships, known as the Pesedjet. Two elite units were created: the Scarab Occult Terminators and the Hidden Ones of the Scout Auxillia. The legion’s command structure was also modified to incorporate Prosperine philosophy, with senior officers ranked according to their psychic abilities and influence.
Condemnation and Council of Nikea
As the Crusade ventured into uncharted regions of space, the Thousand Sons encountered hostile forces wielding powers similar to their own. This, combined with rumors of “witchcraft” and “sorcery,” led to increased scrutiny from other legions. Mortarion, joined by Leman Russ, openly condemned the Thousand Sons, culminating in the Council of Nikea. The Emperor ultimately decreed that no Astartes could employ psychic powers, under threat of destruction.
Withdrawal and Rebellion
Stunned, the Thousand Sons withdrew from the Crusade and returned to Prospero. Magnus, aware of the impending Horus Heresy, attempted to save his brother’s soul using his powers and those of his senior legionnaires. Failing, he psychically warned the Emperor of the betrayal, but this action ultimately sealed the Thousand Sons’ fate.
The Burning of Prospero
Leman Russ, now corrupted by Horus, convinced the Space Wolves to attack Prospero, ensuring Magnus would never leave alive. The Thousand Sons, unaware of their primarch’s acceptance of defeat, defended their homeworld against the surprise attack. Despite initial successes, they were eventually pushed back by the combined forces of the Space Wolves, Sisters of Silence, and Adeptus Custodes.
Magnus’ Fall and the Thousand Sons’ Exile
In a final, desperate bid to save his legion, Magnus invoked ancient sorceries, consciously giving in to the daemonic voice that had tempted him. He escaped Prospero with the remnants of his legion, fleeing to the Eye of Terror, where a Daemon World awaited them. The Thousand Sons’ tragic fall was complete, forever bound to the will of their new patron.
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