In our latest instalment of the Warhammer 40,000 lore series, we delve into the legendary tales of battleground behemoths, the Baneblades, and other revered tanks of the Imperial Guard. Notably, we tell the story of the illustrious faux Breer tank, a paragon of resilience and adaptability. Sporting armor that has seen countless repairs and replacements, the Breer tank, steered by the seasoned officers from the Cadian 78th Armored Regiment’s fourth company, was a force to be reckoned with.
The Breer tank’s command fell under the scar-ridden veteran tanker, Rosney. The honor of operating such a machine was reserved for the most venerated veterans. However, its battle-hardened armor met its match against a KV 128 Stormsurge, piloted by the young yet skilled Tau warrior, Foo Boran Isharon. Despite the Breer tank’s relentless offensive, the Tau walker’s robust shields and swift maneuvering ultimately led to the tank’s downfall.
Among the Breer tank’s comrades were other time-honored machines like the Hellhammer model, Emperor’s Decree, and the Banhammer model, the Blessing of Obliteration. Gaining mention is the Mars Triumphant, a famed Baneblade and a hero of the novel Baneblade. This ancient marvel, constructed in the 39th Millennium, endured for over a thousand years before meeting its end on Kalidar 4.
The tank’s commanders’ names were etched onto plaques attached to the lower deck, a wall of memory. However, over time, the names of the earliest commanders who led the Martian marvel into battle had faded, rendering them unreadable.
Another noteworthy mention is the Morian Honor tank, a machine that fought valiantly in the third Morian heavy tank company of the Morian Iron Guard for over two Millennia. Tragically, it met its end during the third war for Armageddon against the Ork Waaagh of the Greenskin Warlord Gazul Mag Uruk Thraka.
Equally legendary was the Fortress of Arrogance, the personal Baneblade of the renowned Commissar Sebastian Yarrick. The tank, equipped with a platform from where Yarrick commanded the soldiers, became a symbol of heroism and propaganda for the Imperium.
Interestingly, Baneblades often took the role of command vehicles. Their powerful Vox-caster and holographic projector made them ideal mobile command posts. The tank crews varied depending on local traditions and battlefield conditions. The Mechanicum believed the tank itself chose its crew, and often, the tank commanders held high ranks, with the tank itself viewed as a symbol of prestige and honor.
Join us in the next part of the series as we continue to explore the thrilling and grandiose universe of Warhammer 40,000. Until then, may the Emperor protect you!
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