Welcome back, fellow lore seekers, to our multi-part dive into the annals of Warhammer 40,000 history. Today, we’re focusing on the 14th Legion, the Dusk Raiders, and their transformation into the Death Guard. So, buckle up and prepare to dive into the grim darkness of the far future.
I’m sure you’ll agree, the Dusk Raiders were the epitome of tenacity. Resilient in defense, they were known for their ability to endure the harshest conditions, staunchly holding their positions against the fiercest onslaughts. In the offensive, their forte lay in close combat, unleashing wave upon wave of relentless fighters.
These formidable Space Marines were so terrifying, enemy soldiers would rather abandon their posts at sunset than face the impending doom of an attack in the dark. Yet, despite their fearsome reputation, the Dusk Raiders were noble adversaries. They respected the rules of engagement, adhered to agreements, and treated their human prisoners with mercy. Xenos or mutants, however, were not so lucky.
Under the banner of the Imperium, the Dusk Raiders secured dozens of victories, their honor only increasing with the promise of a genetic father to lead them. But when Mortarion, their much-awaited Primarch, finally arrived, things took a grim turn.
The Dusk Raiders, previously hailing from the region of Old Albian in Southeastern Europe, found their traditions and culture uprooted by Mortarion’s preference for recruits from his home planet, Barbarus. This shift caused tension within the Legion, changing them irrevocably and leading to their transformation into the Death Guard.
The recruits from Barbarus proved to be hardier than those from Old Albian, displaying a unique resistance to toxins and diseases. This remarkable resilience was further enhanced by the Legion’s gene seed. Mortarion, ever the innovator, designed the Primar armor to amplify this resistance and provide protection in battle.
The Primarch’s favored weapon, a massive scythe named Silence, was a formidable sight on the battlefield. Some speculate that this weapon, a legacy from his foster father, played a role in the tragic events that later befell Mortarion, but that remains a mystery. One thing’s for sure – Silence is one of the most formidable blades in the galaxy.
Then there’s the Lantern, an energy revolver gifted to Mortarion by the Emperor himself. Created on the world of Shenlong, a planet once hostile to the Imperium, the Lantern became Mortarion’s weapon of choice.
In their first decade serving the Imperium, the Death Guard, formerly the Dusk Raiders, fought valiantly. Pursuing the liberation of humanity with a zeal unmatched, they were a force to be reckoned with. Never retreating, they moved from campaign to campaign, waging war and leaving conquered worlds in their wake.
Stay tuned, fellow lore seekers, as we continue our journey through the grim and fascinating history of Warhammer 40,000. The Death Guard’s tale is just beginning, and trust me, it’s a story you don’t want to miss.
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