In the vast and intricate universe of Warhammer 40,000, the tales of loyalty, honour, and sheer grit are nothing short of legendary. Today, we delve into the stories of two renowned noble houses: House Hawkshroud and House Taranis.
House Hawkshroud is famed for their unwavering commitment to honour and loyalty. The bond they share with the Space Wolves is a testament to this. The alliance was forged in the crucible of battle where a Knight of Hawkshroud was saved by Crom Dragongaze, a revered leader of the Space Wolves. In gratitude, House Hawkshroud pledged to stand by their saviours whenever called upon. This defining act of honour and loyalty has forever etched their place in the annals of Imperium history.
The Knights of Hawkshroud are known for their willingness to march into battle for those they respect, regardless of the distance or danger involved. Their dedication is visibly depicted in the symbols of their alliances that they proudly bear on their battle-worn armours. Yet, this constant state of readiness and widespread engagements raise a crucial question – the defence of their home, Kellan.
Vicount Tudan, the leader of House Hawkshroud, is acutely aware of the risks posed by their dispersed forces. Should Kellan face a significant threat, the limited number of Knights left to defend it would require immediate support from their numerous allies. This delicate balance House Hawkshroud must maintain between their far-reaching obligations and the security of their home is a constant tightrope walk they must endure.
House Taranis, on the other hand, holds the unique honour of being the first Knightly house ever established. Its origins are rooted on Mars, long before the dawn of the Imperium. Coinciding with Mars’s rise as a hub of technological innovation, House Taranis evolved under the protection of the Knights of Tyranis. Their advanced suits of exo-armor, inspired by the original armor developed by the Knights of Tyranis, were provided to many expeditionary fleets.
By the time the Horus Heresy erupted, House Tyranis boasted a formidable force of around 600 Knight suits. This impressive arsenal included a variety of rare and powerful patterns such as Poeran Atropos, Meera, and Styrix. They stood firm in the Battle of Mars, siding with the forces of Fabricator General Cain against the Dark Mechanicum.
The Battle of Mars was a harrowing ordeal for House Taranis. Despite fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds, almost all their Knights were destroyed in the conflict. Only two members of the House survived and their subsequent fate remains shrouded in mystery.
Throughout their storied history, House Taranis has engaged in numerous significant battles across millennia, always demonstrating their unwavering resolve. From facing a demonic incursion on Tarok Fev to playing a pivotal role in the Crusades campaigns during the Indomitus Crusade, their fierce loyalty to the Imperium is legendary.
A sinister chapter unfolded after the Battle of Malak, where House Taranis fell victim to the Murder Curse, transforming these noble warriors into berserkers of chaos under the influence of Khorne, the Blood God.
The Knights of House Tyranis are distinguished by their red armor, adorned with black and white greaves and shoulder plates, and silver edging. Prior to the Horus Heresy, they wore primarily dark blue armor, a stark contrast to the red or silver common to those houses affiliated with Mars. This changed during the heresy, however, as most surviving pilots repainted their Knights red.
Whether it’s the unyielding loyalty of House Hawkshroud or the steadfast resolve of House Taranis, the tapestry of the Imperium’s Knightly houses is rich with tales of honor, courage, and sacrifice. As we delve deeper into the lore of Warhammer 40,000, stay tuned for more epic tales from the vast universe of this iconic game.
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