[hider=Warhammer 40K] [hider=House Ravencroft Family History] [b]Family History:[/b] House Ravencroft’s fate is prophesied to be intertwined with that of Ilium, having existed since the planet was brought into Imperial Compliance 10,000 years ago. Because House Ravencroft has ruled Ilium for over 10,000 years, not each member of the dynasty has been recorded for posterity. Instead, only the worthiest are chosen to be included in the hall of family portraits, with their deeds and accomplishments to be remembered. Members of House Ravencroft are all born with vibrant purple eyes, as well as having either black or white hair. The reason for this is unclear, ranging from warp taint to a blessing from the Emperor.The recorded members of House Ravencroft throughout the last 10,000 years are the following… [hider=First Raven Lord: Tros ‘Founding Father’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.imgur.com/WpxEIWT.png[/img][/hider] (??? – M31.003 Founder of the House. It is known that the House was originally given control of the planet after Tros Ravencroft having not only acted heroically during a crucial battle, but also having discreetly eliminated a competing House that was another candidate for planetary governorship. The reason given for their elimination was sedition against the Imperium, though evidence was never provided. He brought the planet of Ilium into Imperial Compliance. Made the Dynastic Decree never to modernize the world (discovered the slumbering Necron tomb which modernizing may awaken). He is known to have died of natural causes shortly before the Horus Heresy. White of Hair. [hider=Second Raven Lord: August ‘the Savior’ Ravenrcroft][img]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS-tsgaNKR-iu7EyA2Cq6qPZgdUdZKt-ZHrYg&usqp=CAU[/img] [/hider]– Responsible for having successfully not only defeated his sibling Octavius in a war of usurpation but also having defeated the heretics and traitors which rose during the Horus Heresy. He was known to have died at the end of the Heresy of exertion after having assured the planet’s loyalty to the Imperium. White of Hair. [hider=Third Raven Lord: Ilus ‘the Eye’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/70/3f/e6703f15b0e904ae9e8c3b5a9b8a9445.jpg[/img][/hider] Responsible for the Creation and Acquisition of the Eye of Absolution space station which orbits the planet. This came from Tubal-Cain Prime before its fall. Known to have married his sister, Ilia Ravencroft. Black of Hair. [hider=Fourth Raven Lord: Lucian ‘the Loyal’ Ravencroft][img]https://roguetrader.owlcat.games/storage/images/Digest/Commisar%20portrait.jpg[/img][/hider] - Responsible for colonizing the moons of Ilium, Nyx and Nox. He founded the Corvus Cohortis and created their Headquarters and Training Facility on Nox. He made Nyx into a private retreat home for House Ravencroft. He married his sister Lusitania Ravencroft and his brother Lucius is known to have successfully become a Space Marine. Black of Hair [hider=Fifth Raven Lord: Regulus ‘the Red’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/97/43/53/974353670ff7cb517668400546fdee8c.jpg[/img][/hider] – Responsible for the exportation of massive numbers of the population to Imperium wars, this led to much controversy around Regulus during his reign. The peasants came to resent the mass deportation and death of their kinsmen, while the bureaucrats of the Imperium appreciated his contributions of Imperial Guardsmen. This favor he curried with the Imperium is said to have saved them from a worse, though unknown, fate. It would take generations for the planet to reach its pre-Regulus population. Black of Hair. [hider=Sixth Raven Lord: Silas ‘the Silent’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/474x/f8/0b/0f/f80b0fff0594a93700dc9252e48360c4--character-ideas-character-art.jpg[/img][/hider] – Known to have successfully defeated not only a planetary rebellion by House Scipio but also was responsible for defeating a Ork Waaagh lead by clan Rip Jaws which threatened to consume the planet, driving them to the Ida Mountain region in the Levant. His brother Soren Ravencroft was known to be a prodigious and skilled starpilot. Black of Hair. [hider=Seventh Raven Lord: Atticus ‘the Astute’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4f/ca/16/4fca16478a2c7d58a3231fbfae72c0ae.jpg[/img][/hider] – He was known to have hoarded vast quantities of knowledge (some even forbidden) from all over the universe within the family’s library aboard the Eye of Absolution, and marrying his sister Ava Ravencroft. His eccentricities were offset by the fact that he made massive contributions to popularizing and standardizing the Imperial cult on Ilium. He also assisted the Ecclesiarchy in their acquisition of Lesvos III in the star system after the death of the original trio of Silver Sisters, who were his siblings. White of Hair. [hider=Eighth Raven Lord: Aldous ‘the Prosperous’ Ravencroft][img]https://i.redd.it/o6ki3jevn9p41.jpg[/img][/hider] – Responsible for having ushered in an era of prosperity on Ilium in which population, standards of living, life expectancy, and more all rose across the planet. He was known for frequently visiting the planet and spending time among its various peoples. Statues of appreciation made in his honor and of him still stand on the planet to this day. He was also responsible for aiding in the planetary reclamation of the mining world Imbros for the Imperium. [i]Ninth Raven Lord: Unclaimed[/i] [b]Current Family:[/b] [i]Imperial Commander & Planetary Governor Lord Geoff Ravencroft[/i] – Though he is only in his mid-50’s he appears closer to his 70’s. The weight of rulership has burdened him greatly, but he has succeeded in both maintaining relative peace on the world he has rulership of and paying the Imperial Tithe, a feat few other Imperial Governors can boast of. He has spent little time with his son and heir, relying primarily on bureaucrats to tutor him. White of hair. [i]Lady Tress Ravencroft[/i] – Wife of Lord Geoff Ravencroft and mother to Victarius. She is descended from a noble lineage in another part of the eastern fringes, one that is actually even more wealthy and influential with the Imperium than House Ravencroft. [hider=Victarius Ravencroft][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d3/6f/73/d36f730d814ea50d3d4c2c799eaf1ceb.jpg[/img][/hider] – Born 996 M41 – Protagonist. Firstborn son, heir apparent and only child to House Ravencroft. He has been raised to rulership from birth, though he has spent more time with various tutors and mentors than with friends or family. He has been born with the genetic mutation of being a psyker. Like every Ravencroft he aspires to become a Raven Lord. Born with white hair. [/hider] [hider=Planetary Governorship of Ilium by House Ravencroft] [b]Segmentum:[/b] Ultima, Eastern Fringes, Damocles Gulf [b]Sector:[/b] Dovar [b]Sub-Sector:[/b] Troad [b]System:[/b] Ilium System [b]Planetary Population Adjective Name:[/b] Illyrians [b]Sun:[/b] Hyperion [b]Planet:[/b] Ilium, 3rd from Hyperion [b]Planet Classification:[/b] Mu (Feudal World) [b]Planet Authority:[/b] Adeptus Administratum [b]Rulership:[/b] House Ravencroft [b]Population:[/b] 250,000,000 [b]Planetary History:[/b] Ilium is a feudal world specializing in food production that has served as a breadbasket not just for the Troad sub-sector, but has contributed in feeding the entire Dovar sector with food rations from the planet being delivered as far away as the Hive World of Agrellan. It has been inhabited by Humans for an indeterminate amount of time as it was discovered during the Great Crusade and claimed by the Imperium. The planet consists of three equally sized continents that all have largely similar terrains, with each continent consisting of around 80% nutrient rich arable farmland. The remaining 20% consists of mountains, thick forests, and archipelago. Each continent has its own regional capital ruled by a King, with a High King ruling from the planetary capital city of Io. It is at this planetary capital in which the Imperial cult maintains the sole active landing pad on the planet for spacecraft. Because of the social, cultural, and political nature of the planet its maintainers are considered closer to priests than engineers or technicians. Even they do not know the significance of the maintenance rituals they perform, except for the Arch Priest of the Temple. There have been many rebellions and civil wars throughout the many recorded millennias of the planet, including one major conflict during the Horus Heresy. Most have been petty squabbles by different ambitious feudal families, or peasants’ insurrections over their working and living conditions. The last major conflict took place 20 years ago when there was a war between two Scipio brothers over the succession of High King of the planet. The planet has a relatively low human population for its agricultural production levels, and only consumes around 15% of the food harvested each season. The rest of it is sent as the planet’s contribution to the Imperial Tithe. [b]Regional Information:[/b] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=The Levant] (Influences; Mediterranean, Middle Eastern) – The region of Levant is ruled by House Scipio from the regional and planetary capital of Io. It is largely plains, and the staple crop it produces is wheat. The region possesses the only major mountain range on the planet known as Mt. Ida. This region is where colonization first began of the planet, and is thus the oldest sites of civilization. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Judge, lead by the famous Saladin. The city of Io itself it located atop seven hills surrounding a lake with two rivers running through the city to the lake in the heart of the city. The rivers are named the Xanthos and Scamander. Beneath the city of Io is the mythical catacombs known as Sheol. Regional Adjective; Levite [hider=Planetary Capital: Io][img]https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/ancient-babylon-theatre-backdrop-featuring-entrance-to-city-57007730.jpg[/img] [/hider] Io is the pride and joy of Ilium, having never been successfully sacked in it's entire history other than it's surrender to Tros Ravencroft and the Tempestus Scions during the Imperial Compliance War. House Scipio has ruled it and the region for as long as House Ravencroft has watched from above, and the two Houses have had a generally positive relationship. Io is also home to the planet's only spaceport, allowing for the exportation of it's food supply as well as allowing transport to and from the Eye of Absolution. [hider=Cult of the Stars][img]https://edgeofspace.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ancient-astronomy-a-brief-history-1280x720.png[/img] [/hider] The Cult of the Stars arrived on Ilium with the Imperium and House Ravencroft. They are highly privileged and educated individuals, among the upper echelons of society in Io. Though they do not truly understand the importance of the rituals they perform, it is they who perform maintenance on the Spaceport located in Io, allowing for ease of transport for both people and goods. Only the Polaris who leads the Cult of the Stars knows of it's true importance, and he is the only individual on the planet who the High King does not have authority over, as he reports to House Ravencroft aboard the Eye of Absolution directly. [hider=Mt. Ida][img]https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/4/2021/08/mountains-7ddde89.jpg?quality=90&resize=768,574[/img] [/hider] The peak of Mt. Ida is known as a sacred location, as it is where the legendary Tros Ravencroft and the Tempestus Scions originally landed to begin their task of enforcing Imperial Compliance on the world. The mountain is far too dangerous for pilgrims now, as it is home to the Rip Jaws Ork Clan. [hider=Sheol][img]https://francetravelblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Are-the-Catacombs-of-Paris-Dangerous-960x540.jpg[/img] [/hider] These are sprawling ancient catacombs constructed entirely underneath the planetary capital of Io. No one knows for sure who created them or whose bones the catacombs belong to, though there are many theories. Sheol is believed to be haunted by the local population, and it is forbidden for the people of Io to enter them. Despite this, children and teens of the city often play and explore the more shallow portions, while rebels, revolutionaries, cultists and more have taken up residence deeper within at one point or another. Some say the catacombs have no end. [hider=Judges][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a5/05/81/a50581d2aa2d2fab4767372b5510eaae.jpg[/img] [/hider] An ancient order who have sworn themselves to protect the Levant and in specific, Io. Their name is to remind the populace that they exist outside of the traditional judiciary system, as it is their authority to act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner whenever and wherever within the region they see fit. They are known for primarily wielding scimitars as well as longbows of sandalwood, and have been the main force holding back the Rip Jaws Clan of Orks from Mt. Ida. from spreading. [hider=Notable People of the Levant] [i]High King Priam Scipio of Io[/i] – An elderly man who has ruled over Ilium firmly but fairly in the name of House Ravencroft and the Imperium. He is known for showing both dedication to his responsibilities as well as his family. He has managed to avert multiple schisms, rebellions, and civil wars in his lifetime, and has never failed to ensure the Imperial Tithe of the planet is ready on schedule. [ARC 1 ONLY] [i]Sarpedon Scipio of Io[/i] – A young man who is strong, swift, and smart, like his father he takes his responsibility seriously. He has learned eagerly from Priam, and is poised to succeed him as head of House Scipio and ruler of Io. He is known for his charismatic and generous nature, being beloved by the people. [i]Judge Saladin[/i] – The finest swordsmen in the Levant and a deeply religious man. He wields a obsidian scimitar and while he technically serves High King Priam Scipio, he is rarely in Io as he is known to wander the region helping those in need. He is stoic, with a quiet confidence that inspires his allies. He is deeply feared and respected by the local Ork clan of the planet, having killed hundreds of their number himself. [i]Polaris Orion[/i] - Head of the Cult of the Stars in Io, he is responsible for the maintenance of the only Spaceport on the planet and is the only member of his order who is aware of its true purpose. He is the second most powerful man on the planet, after High King Priam Scipio. While Priam has absolute authority over the entirety of the planet and reports directly to House Ravencroft, the spaceport is considered the only other sovereign area on the planet, with only the Cult of the Stars having jurisdiction and authority over it's property with the Polaris similarly reporting directly to House Ravencroft. [/hider][/hider] [hider=Hibernia] (Influences; Celtic, Norse) - The region of Hibernia is ruled by House O'Hara from the capital of Bann. It contains the only heavily forested area on the planet known as the Emerald Sea. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Emerald Knights, lead by the famous Sir Oryn. The staple crop produced by Hibernia is potatoes. Regional Adjective; Hiberian [hider= Regional Capital of Bann][img]https://www.history.com/.image/t_share/MTc5NjY1ODc5ODA0NDIyMTA0/ancient-celtic-settlement-gettyimages-487955697.jpg[/img][/hider] The village of Bann has long been one of the few neutral grounds in the region among which the various tribes and clans which have warred with one another can come together in times of need, such as for the common defense or for trade. Situated along the river Bann for which it gets its name, it is located on the outskirts of the Emerald Sea. [hider=Emerald Sea][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Amazon14_%285641588550%29.jpg[/img] [/hider] The only major Forest on the planet, it is untamed and largely unexplored. Some of the local clans have the courage to delve deeper than others, but all agree that there are strange noises and sights deep within the Wood and it is unwise to be caught in it too deep alone at night. [hider=Emerald Knights][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/fc/c0/b6fcc052bc7e8998055beafa0d25bb10.jpg[/img] [/hider] The Emerald Knights are the only organization in Hibernia open to any citizen of the region, regardless of their clan or tribal affiliation. Originally founded to protect the village of Bann from any threat during negotiations, hostage exchanges, ect. They have since grown to a size that they have claimed the entire region as being under their jurisdiction, to varying levels of approval from varying tribes. Regardless of acceptance however, they are the only organization willing to make large scale expeditions deeper into the Emerald Sea than any other. The primarily wield great axes or swords, and are known for their boisterous and aggressive fighting style. [hider=Notable people of Hiberia] [i]Queen of Hiberia Aedammair O'Hara of Bann[/i] - A young and pale woman with both fiery hair and temper, she commands respect from her subjects by having personally lead several expeditions of Emerald Knights into the Sea against cultists. [i]Ser Oryn[/i] - The most skilled swordsmen in Hiberia, he wields an obsidian longsword and a shield with the sigil of the capital of Bann upon it. He is in his mid fifties now, beginning to grey and slow. He is renowned as the heart and soul of the Emerald Knights, having slain endless numbers of heretics within the Emerald Sea over the course of his career. [/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [/hider] [hider=The Orient] (Influences; Chinese, Japanese, Korean) - The Orient is a largely tropical region, with near the entirety of it being at sea level.The capital city of this region is Kyoto, currently ruled by House Takanaka after a recent successful rebellion against House Kikagawa. It contains the only major archipelago on the planet. The staple crop produced by the region is rice. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Hidden Hand. Regional Adjective: Oriental [hider=Kyoto][img]https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/0ced3bea-9065-4e67-98a3-53bc85c95b44/d4vzl9x-2338cf63-e857-4f89-b963-1a10111eb32d.jpg/v1/fill/w_1600,h_921,q_75,strp/japan_village_by_b_zuleta_d4vzl9x-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9OTIxIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMGNlZDNiZWEtOTA2NS00ZTY3LTk4YTMtNTNiYzg1Yzk1YjQ0XC9kNHZ6bDl4LTIzMzhjZjYzLWU4NTctNGY4OS1iOTYzLTFhMTAxMTFlYjMyZC5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTYwMCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.Sl9VTNWfi0cEant2TrMqZwyeDcTtFVT5Wh4vGQolLi4[/img][/hider] [hider=Big Blue][img]https://assets.ltkcontent.com/images/90261/archipelago-of-south-stockholm_7abbbb2796.jpg[/img][/hider] Known locally as the Big Blue, it is the deepest and most biologically diverse of all oceans upon the planet. It [hider=Hidden Hand][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/fe/83/6efe835e4fd0624b3b7c069d03503c1a.jpg[/img] [/hider] The Hidden Hand are a strict and secretive order that prefer to wait and watch from the shadows. They are renown masters of assassination, and they themselves possess the only known cures to their poisons. They are said to be allies to the weak and vulnerable, and a constant threat to the corrupt. It is rumored that they helped usurp House Kikagawa, though why is unknown and this is unconfirmed. [hider=Notable People of the Orient] [i]Shogun Hiro Takanaka of Kyoto[/i] - Ruler of the Orient. In his mid twenties, his father was a noble lord who died leading a successful rebellion. [i]Ronin Yamamoto Kikagawa[/i] – Ronin of the Orient on Ilium, he is the best swordsmen in the Region. He is the last surviving member of the clan that ruled the Orient before their displacement by the Takanaka. Mid-twenties. Said to wield an obsidian katana. [i]Kotaro Amon[/i] - This man leads the Hidden Hand, and is known for his stoic and serious nature. He is willing to do anything for the good of the Orient, and is rumored to have aided the Takanaka family in their coup of the Orient against the Kikagawa clan. [i]Jin Katsuo[/i] - The only ally of Yamamoto Kikagawa, his family had served as bodyguards to the Kikagawa's for generations until the coup. Now they are the last survivors of their respective clans, and Jin has sworn to serve Yamamoto and see him restored to his rightful position. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Numidia] (Influences; African, South American) - Numidia is geographically the largest region on Ilium, and is lush with natural resources. It has large swathes of desert, plain, and thick jungle. It is renown for having a greater variety of wild and plant life than any other region. The staple crop of this region is Cassava. Regional Adjective: Numidian [hider=Kukulcan][img]https://i.pinimg.com/736x/d8/1f/a0/d81fa05dda031d32b0a8443ffe1a06e6--ap-spanish-aztec.jpg[/img] [/hider] The regional capital of Numidia, it is located deep within the heart of Amazonia. The city of Kukulcan is build on a series of both artificial and natural islands interconnected by both canals and bridges. Despite the inhospitable terrain, they have managed to irrigate specialized islands able to produce surprising amounts of food. They are by far the most reclusive of any other region, having little interest in the affairs of others and tolerating no intervention in their own. [hider=Amazonia][img]https://subtronik.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/jungle-a.jpg[/img] [/hider] A more humid counterpart to the more northern Emerald Sea, Amazonia is smaller but much denser. Unlike the Emerald Sea, Amazonia has been largely explored by it's local inhabitants though this hasn't reduced its danger to outsiders. It contains some of the largest known raw resource deposits on the planet, though these are fiercely protected by the local peoples. Near the center of the jungle is a swamp in which the capital of Kukulcan has been constructed. [hider=Animal Warriors][img]https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/66131caa-c12e-43bf-a482-556213679315/de5zm3j-0f386f86-5bd7-484e-a492-4e45db5d3af2.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzY2MTMxY2FhLWMxMmUtNDNiZi1hNDgyLTU1NjIxMzY3OTMxNVwvZGU1em0zai0wZjM4NmY4Ni01YmQ3LTQ4NGUtYTQ5Mi00ZTQ1ZGI1ZDNhZjIuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.dQZAenF1sWGkFYoeoGxVnrIRRIGeHi_zD3Na881eqLQ[/img] [/hider] The warriors of Numidia are separated into various tribes including Jaguar, Panther, Serpent, and Eagle based on their weapons of waging war. The Serpants use spears, the Eagles use bows, the Jaguar use clubs and axes, and the Panther dual wield twin knives. All of them collectively are sworn to serve the regional capital of Kukulcan. They are lead by the twin brothers Ticonderoga and Salamachus of the Jaguar and Panther tribes. [hider=Notable people of Numidia] [i]King Methusalah Cuauhtémoc[/i] - The oldest living man on Ilium, he is still sound in mind though his body is decrypt. Though eccentric, he is considered to be genius. Occasionally High King Priam Scipio of Io even writes to him, asking him for advise. He spends much of his time on his throne in Kukulcan due to his infirmity. [i]Jaguar Ticonderoga Cuauhtémoc[/i] - A large and intimidating man who naturally takes control of any room he is in. He is charismatic, and has earned the loyalty of not just his fellow warriors but of the people in general. [i]Panther Salamachus Cuauhtémoc[/i] - Salamchus is a quiet and patient man who prefers to let his brother do the talking and taking the limelight. He is smaller in stature than his brother, but quicker and more agile. He is skilled at stalking the underbrush of the jungle, and is a master of the ambush. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Scythia] (Influences; North American, Hun, Mongolian) Regional Adjective: Scythians [hider=Great Basin][img]https://defenders.org/sites/default/files/styles/meta_image/public/2019-04/north_dakota_prairie_rick_bohn_usfws_header.jpg?itok=HzlHMHKx[/img] [/hider] The vast majority of Scythia is sprawling open plains, with horses and bison being the two most frequent animals of the region. Most water sources come from rain water or various freshwater lakes. [hider=Horde of the Horse][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c4/10/4a/c4104a2de71b8783415008cf78bb564b.jpg[/img] [/hider] The Horde is a massive herd of mounted soldiers and hunters that roam the Basin and stomp out any resistance to the rule of the Khan. They cycle out members of the Horde with the various nomadic tribes, with each stint in the Horde usually lasting five years. There are lifelong members of the Horde, who usually rise to leadership positions within it. [hider=Kennereth][img]https://media.istockphoto.com/id/120485693/vector/native-american-village.jpg?s=1024x1024&w=is&k=20&c=VTbi8Oqxkj_8gBFULyY7L6ZBuLXO-PRqi5ZRlaaPvZU=[/img] [/hider] The only permanent settlement in the region, it is used to grow the majority of the region require tithe to Io and the Imperium at large. It is supplemented by hunted meat by the Horde as it travels the region. The village is located near the largest freshwater source in Scythia, a large lake. [hider=Notable people of Scythia] [i]Khan Tiramisu[/i] - Ruler of Scythia and Kennereth, Tiramisu is a solemn and scarred man who spent many years leading the Horde. He eventually shattered his leg after killing the leader of a challenging faction over control of the Horde, but his horse died from under him, and he could never ride it again. He has retired to Kennereth, giving the reigns to his close friend Marzipan. Now he oversees the growing of Kennerth's crops, supplies the Horde, and ensures Io receives the regions tithe. [i]Marzipan the Mighty[/i] - The rising star of Scythia, he rides a massive black stallion. He is bald, loud and angry. He rides at the front of the Horde, and is the first to fling himself into conflict. He is known for excelling in multiple forms of combat including archery, hand-to-hand, and the regional favorite of the kopesh. His favorite weapon is a obsidian kopesh. [/hider] [/hider] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=Moons of Ilium] [b]‘Dark Sister’ Moons – Nyx & Nox.[/b] [hider=Nox][img]https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2022/06/23/10/26/moon-base-7279488__340.jpg[/img][/hider] The surface of this moon is near entirely covered in sprawling military installations and defensive fortifications. It serves to host the Headquarters of the elite Corvus Cohortis, with the headquarters hosting just over a thousand soldiers. This moon serves as the central nerve center for Imperial defensive measures should any major naval threats arise in the star system. It has a small Imperial naval docking yard, as well as supports a overall population of tens of thousands of Guardsmen, maintenance crews, pilots, ect. The Battle of Nox occurred here during the Horus Heresy, slaughtering most of the soldiers stationed there. [hider=Tempestus Scions - Corvus Cohortis][img]https://i.redd.it/kmvnt02f2fz41.jpg[/img][/hider] An elite group of 300 Tempestus Scions meant to officially serve as House Ravencroft’s bodyguards aboard the Eye of Absolution. They are said to have been personally led during the Imperial assault of the War of Compliance led by Tros Ravencroft, though they would not be formally founded until the reign of the fourth raven lord Lucian. They are most famous for the Battle of Io, the only battle during the War of Compliance and the Battle of Nox in which they warred among one another during the Horus Heresy. It is said that seven of their number died in the Battle of Io, while several hundred local soldiers perished before their surrender. A tapestry depicting both battles is hung in their headquarters on Nox near the tomb of the seven. During the Horus Heresy, a hundred of the then still Tempestus Scions were convinced by Octavius to embrace Chaos. This caused an internal conflict which caused far more of their number to die than had ever before, with by the end of the Heresy their number having been reduced to twelve. These twelve survivors of the Heresy would become known as the greatest heroes of the Corvus Cohortis. In the modern era they are primarily used to enforce imperial compliance whenever the peasants of the planet forget their place. They are referred to as ‘Angels’ by the local population due to their orbital drop pods, which the soldiers find both humerus and attempt to uphold this title with pride, considering they believe Adeptus Astartes to be the same. They are currently led by Commodus Cromwell with his younger brother Cassius serving as XO. [hider=Nyx][img]https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/004/364/975/large/jun-li-liu-final-copy.jpg?1482984103[/img][/hider] Personal retreat home of the Ravencroft family. The planet also serves as the official burial ground of House Ravencroft, with near innumerable graves scattered across its surface. [hider=Night Maidens][img]https://external-preview.redd.it/UzGV6AAUChZN_XSBjqwBCK9OZojuJecaaRKzqnyrdAs.jpg?auto=webp&s=47724de8a3f370896babb0254e00c0d8f9b660ff[/img][/hider] The Night Maidens are a hidden imperial cult exclusively comprised of women who have been taught to deify the members of House Ravencroft, having been founded during the rule of the fourth raven lord Lucian. They are the stewards of the home and planet while the Governing family are away, and their Matron is aware of the Necron Tomb which Ilium is host to. They are trained assassins and have spent much time perfecting their poisons, to which only they have the cures to. They recruit via taking the orphan girls that inevitably are the result of Ilium's petty interplanetary conflicts. [/hider] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=Space Station: Eye of Absolution, in orbit around Ilium][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c4/aa/10/c4aa10864c438d76664f230998cf587e.jpg[/img] [b]Space Station Information:[/b] Constructed during the reign of the third raven lord Ilus Ravencroft on the forge world Tubal-Cane Prime it has served as both a massive observatorium of the planet, a personal residence for House Ravencroft, and a defensive platform against foreign threats, it is undoubtedly the greatest asset of House Ravencroft other than the Writ of Authority concerning Ilium. The station is large enough to support a little more than a thousand people, and indeed does. It is divided into four wings; [i]North Wing[/i] – This is the private residential section of House Ravencroft, including their familial library. It includes a dining area, pool, and parlor, as well as emergency escape pods. [i]West Wing[/i] – This section serves as the military and security heart aboard the space station, housing the Corvus Cohortis that are not assigned to their headquarters on the moon of Nox. It includes a barracks as well as a firing range. [i]East Wing[/i] – This area hosts the local tech-priest, X-13, which oversees maintenance of the space station as well as hosting the ‘Eye’ of the Eye of Absolution, allowing the family to see with detailed clarity anything happening on the planet’s surface at a moment’s notice. It also hosts the three elderly astropaths which serve the family. [i]South Wing[/i] – This section of the space station serves as the housing area for the various noncombatant and civilian servants, chefs, maids, and maintenance crews. It is rumored to have hidden areas that even the Ravencroft family do not know of that the servants use for their own means during their down time. [b]Crew:[/b] [i]Three Crones Astropaths[/i] – The three ancient astropaths have served Lord Geoff his entire governorship as well as having served during the governorship of his father, and even his father’s father before him. None know or remember how old they are. Their names are Nona, Decima, and Atropos though it can be hard to tell them apart. They each specialize in telepathy, divination, and telekinesis respectively. [hider=The Crones][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/05/63/97/056397893ed93fdb6c4d439f8a82f942.jpg[/img][/hider] [i]Tech Priest[/i] – X-13. Chiefly responsible for maintenance on the Eye of Absolution. [/hider] [/hider] [hider= Other Planets of the Ilium System] [b]Planet:[/b] [hider=Imbros, 1st Planet from Hyperion][img]https://i.redd.it/4wz018slx5k01.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Planet Classification:[/b] Delta (Dead World, Mining World) [b]Planet Authority:[/b] Adeptus Administratum [b]Rulership:[/b] Mineral Mining League [b]Population:[/b] 75,000,000 [b]Planetary History:[/b] Imbros is best described as a planet sized meteoroid. It has a vast amount of natural mineral resources, though it is incapable of supporting life due to the lack of an atmosphere. It has vast habitation domes which houses millions of miners each. It also includes massive underground tunnels which crisscross all over Imbros, with each of them eventually leading to the meteor planet’s sole subterranean city of Ember, which serves as the heart of the mining operation and transports raw resources up to the more conventional habitation domes to be exported. Imbros suffered like any other during the Horus Heresy, and like Tubal-Cain Prime it also collapsed into anarchy and civil war which eventually led to its abandonment after a blood stalemate. It was only thanks to the Eighth Raven Lord who managed to recolonize the planetary Meteoroid and once more begin mining operations to increase the strategic value of the sub-sector. After having successfully retaken the area from mutants, surviving heretics, and worse, he handed off control to a council with each member representing a different faction among the miners. [b]Planet:[/b] [hider=Tubal-Cain Prime, 2nd Planet from Hyperion][img]https://oyster.ignimgs.com/mediawiki/apis.ign.com/transformers-fall-of-cybertron/9/97/Cybertron.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Planet Classification:[/b] Phi (Forge World) [b]Planet Authority:[/b] [s]Adeptus Mechanicus[/s] None [b]Rulership:[/b] None [b]Population:[/b] Minimal, Unknown. [b]Planetary History:[/b] A mighty forge world which once specialized in the construction of Titans for the Imperium, it was consumed by civil war during the Horus Heresy. This war proved so destructive that the mighty forges of the planet have cooled and gone silent, with no known detectable life still inhabiting the planet. While it was once known as the technological counterpart to Ilium’s food production, it has all but been forgotten. [b]Planet:[/b] [hider=Eros, 4th planet from Hyperion][img]https://sites.google.com/site/mailankahome/_/rsrc/1430336272182/Home/gurps/space-opera/galactic-frontier/space/jungle-world/scifi_jungle_by_kaioshen-d61zwsi.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Planet Classification:[/b] Gamma (Civilized, Paradise World) [b]Planet Authority:[/b] Adeptus Administratum [b]Rulership:[/b] House Verm [b]Population:[/b] 120,000,000 [b]Planetary History:[/b] A pleasure world that is used by various members of the upper echelon consisting of wealthy merchants, noble lords, even high-ranking members of the Ecclesiarchy. The planet is infamous for its wide variety of edible natural vegetation, as well as docile yet beautiful wildlife. Indeed, there are no known carnivores on the planet. Even its omnivores only resort to meat eating when deprived of other food sources, something that never occurs in their natural environments. Some of these starved omnivores which resort to predation are surprisingly competent, showing extreme levels of strength, speed, and agility when required. Because there are no predators on Eros, its wildlife is not afraid of each other or humans. Humans could, and have, gotten lost on safari tours and survived for days or even weeks with relative ease. The planet does support small mountainous, forested, arctic and desert regions, but is primarily comprised of a tropical geography with various archipelagos. Most of the world is still wild and untamed, with a limited number of domes covered resorts dotting the landscape as well as floating stations in the sky that act as mid-way points which serve to ferry both tourists and supplies down to the surface. The planet is ruled by a fat and hedonistic Governor named Diocletian who is as shrewd as he is pragmatic. The man cares nothing for the imperial truth, or any other creed or ideology. He works only for his own benefit, and has survived thus far only by being sure to always make sure that he aligns with whichever is the winning side of any given conflict. His contribution to the imperial tithe is little more than the stewardship of the planet to be used for recreational purposes by those with more influence than himself. The planetary defense force consists primarily of locals who act as guides to tourists. He rules from a palace which also serves as the largest and most luxurious of the habitation domes dotting the planet. One of the greatest attractions on the planet is the aphrodisiac plant known to local tribes as a fertility fruit, which once consumed greatly increases the chances of conception. For unknown reasons the fruit withers and dies rapidly if taken off planet. [b]Omnivore Kaiju Animals:[/b] [hider=Gigantopithecus ‘Kongs'][img]https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/prd-rteditorial/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/14000515/King_Kong_Anniversary1.jpg[/img][/hider] – Kong level gorillas which typically eat fruit, leaves, and bamboo. Strong enough to fight a Space Marine. [hider=Felis Vulpes ‘Lynxs'][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/e8/2f/9de82fe897da055b49f5a29fd5305267.jpg[/img][/hider] – Huge cat that is super-fast. Ordinarily eats special grape-like vegetables. Panther-like? Feline like. [hider=Canis Magnum ‘Hounds’][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b9/d9/a1/b9d9a1615ec378f638ba8a418190ab37.jpg[/img][/hider] – Dogs that turn to Wolves. Pack Hunters. Large Canine creatures. [hider=Cetacea Selachii ‘Water Rays'][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ac/f0/43/acf04309eb63a99fca5cf41563caf0f5.jpg[/img][/hider] – Dolphins that turn sharklike. Eat certain types of kelp and seaweed. [hider=Caelum Avis ‘Aetherions’][img]https://scontent-den4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/72484690_2457808591161332_496741284501782528_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=gie9-OjykuYAX8wYzad&tn=9BifiHobGQWcfllE&_nc_ht=scontent-den4-1.xx&oh=00_AfAJku3cuMVAqvGUQWAhEQxVm4tqH6wSeIyIZk4rgel64g&oe=63D5ADE3[/img][/hider] – Eagles that turn Vulture-like. Likes to eat dead creatures, but will eat living creatures if there are no dead ones. [hider=Basiliscus Magnum ‘Jib Jibs’][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/87/12/b2/8712b2241c69c0dc89df139b654aaef4.jpg[/img][/hider] – Giant serpent creature that normally eats fruits. [b]Planet:[/b] [hider=Lesvos III, 5th planet from Hyperion][img]https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/ySh5a15cNRwO88Nwc5GBClXS5Y0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/taiga-57bf24215f9b5855e5f3dd09.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Planet Classification:[/b] Gamma (Civilized world, Shrineworld) [b]Planet Authority:[/b] Adeptus Ministorum [b]Rulership:[/b] Adeptus Ministorum (Ecclesiarchy) [b]Population:[/b] 70,000,000 [b]Planetary History:[/b] A shrine world that is renowned throughout the system as the final resting place of the Silver Sisters. It is covered in nearly 90% thick forests with frequent rain storms. The Silver Sisters are recorded as having sacrificed their life closing a warp rift that threatened to engulf not just the planet but the entire sub-sector. Not only were their lives sacrificed, but the closing of the portal rocked the planet to the point it now has three separate moons, named after each of the Sisters. It is the center of Ecclesarchial operations in the sub-sector. It is host to many Cathedrals used for both prayer and the practice of warfare. The heart of its operations is known as the Silver Bastion. Currently the three moons are barren and uncolonized. [i]Adepta Sororitas - Lesser Order Militant – Sisters of the Silver Sword:[/i] While technically a branch of the Order of the Sacred Rose, it was founded with the deaths of the Silver Sisters. They were called such because of their Ravencroft white hair. They were martyred on the planet of Lesvos XI when a chaos cult had managed to open a warp rift that threatened to consume not only the planet, but the entire sub-sector. The Order of the Silver Sword has had numerous heroic and renowned members, being comprised almost entirely of the women of House Ravencroft who sought to follow in their footsteps. The original trio known as the Silver Sisters were named Rose, Lily, and Violet Ravencroft. These were three identical triplets whose zeal and service to the Emperor were the stuff of legend, having said to have fought daemons in the warp, crushed innumerable chaotic cults, fought in several Wars of Faith, and even visited Holy Terra itself. Rose was known to be the most passionate of the three and served as their leader. She was fiery and fierce, having no hesitation in flinging herself into danger to serve the Emperor, and acting as an inspiration for others while she did it. Lily was known for being the most gregarious and merciful, primarily acting as the healer of the three to tend to the wounded and comfort the dying. Violet was quiet and reserved, known for her shrewd resourcefulness and intellect. She was known for being a master of traps and ambushes. There is a depiction of the holy sisters kept in their sepulcher. It is common for fledgling Sisters of the Order to choose which of the three is to be their patron. Now each member of the Order considers herself a ‘Silver Sister’. [hider=Silver Sanctum][img]https://artwork.40k.gallery/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/16005246/40K-20170919102418-768x1024.png[/img][/hider] [hider=Rose Ravencroft, Sister of Courage][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/40/d3/68/40d3684a457e2f790d4a0a7862d046b2.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Lily Ravencroft, Sister of Mercy][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/61/8b/2b/618b2b6653d44e107f1179d329b72ede.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Violet Ravencroft, Sister of Intrigue][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/57/1f/2d/571f2d3847752b198f7268bf4bf48437.jpg[/img][/hider] [/hider] [hider=Plot Arcs] [hider=FIRST TRILOGY] [hider=Arc 1: WELCOME TO ILIUM] [b](Iota Level Psyker) (Age 16) (Various)[/b] It is detected that Victarius is a Psyker, and a Black Ship is alerted and dispatched to Ilium. He spends his remaining time in meditation, training his mind under the tutelage of the Three Crones. Eventually the ship draws near and he grows scared upon feeling the null Sisters of Silence aboard it. He flees the Space Station to the planet below in an escape pod. Crash landing in the Emerald Sea of Hiberia, he comes across Aedammair O'Hare who, like him is also fleeing from her own responsibilities. They spend time together in the Emerald Sea but are hunted by Tzeentch Chaos Cultists. He develops a romantic relationship with Aedammair and from her learns the ways of the Emerald Knights. They are nearly caught by the Tzeentch Cultists but are rescued by Ser Oryn. They are forced to flee to the Orient where they meet Yamamoto Kikagawa and Jin Katsuo, the disgraced survivors of their clans. They discover that Takanaka usurped the previous ruling House of the region and plans to even attempt to usurp House Scipio. They save Kikagawa from being captured and executed by the Hidden Hand, and from him Victarius learns the ways of the Hidden Hand. Corvus Cohortis searching for Victarius arrive and they are forced to flee to Numidia. Upon arriving in Numidia they meet with King Methusalah who personally knows the Planetary Governor Geoff and finds Victarius antics amusing, even hinting that Geoff had done something similar when he was Victarius age. They are informed that a local Numidian Khorne Cult has begun terrorizing Amazonia and needs to be dealt with. The party does so, but Silent Sisters arrive and they are forced to flee to Scythia. Arriving in Scythia they learn to ride and join the Horde of the Horse, assisting in slaying a little known group of mutants that are essentially centaurs, men who have melded flesh with their horse. Afterwards the cult of Tzeentch from the beginning arrive again and they flee to the Levant. Arriving in the Levant they meet with Judge Saladin and Sarpedon Scipio and help them in slaying Orks who have descended from Mt. Ida and are raiding the Levant. After slaying them the cult of Tzeentch manage to successfully kidnap Victarius, taking him deep within Sheol. There they begin a ritual which is interrupted by his party of adventurers consisting of Aedammair, Ser Oryn, Yamamoto Kikagawa, Ticonderoga, Salamachus, Marzipan, Sarpedon and Saladin. Though the ritual is interrupted, it vastly increases Victarius psychic abilities as well as giving him a vision of the future, one in which a massive xeno invasion fleet assaults Ilium. After saving him they are finally caught by the Corvus Cohortis and the Silent Sisters, who do not know of his capture, to which Victarius is taken to the Black Ship to be sent to Holy Terra. After having his soul linked to the Emperors on the Golden Throne he is handed over to the Scholastica Psykana for training and monitoring. Original Party: (1)Aedammair, (2)Ser Oryn, (3)Yamamoto Kikagawa, Jin Katsuo (4) (5)Ticonderoga, (6)Salamachus, (7)Marzipan, (8)Sarpedon and (9)Saladin. Travel Route: Eye of Absolution < Hiberia < Orient < Numidia < Scythia < Levant < Sheol < Eye of Absolution < Black Ship < Holy Terra < Eye of Absolution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [b]Arc 1.5 DUEL TO THE DEATH[/b] - Planetary Governor Geoff Ravencroft learned from his son about the usurpation of House Kikagawa by House Takanaka in the Orient and declares a duel will be fought to settle the matter once and for all. Yamamoto vs Hiro and Jin vs Kotaro Amon. Our heroes win and peace is restored to the Orient.[/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [hider=Arc 2: WAR BOSS LOCKJAW OF THE RIP JAWS CLAN WAAAAGH] [b](Zeta Level Psyker) (Age 21) (Orks)[/b] Returning to Ilium he meets and speaks briefly to his father Geoff before he dies, becoming the new Planetary Governor. He travels to Io and meets with High King Priam who is much older and feebler now. The leaders of each region travel to Io and pledge their allegiance and tithe to him. Shortly afterwards a WAGH is heard from Mt. Ida and the entire mountain is quickly overwhelmed by a surge of Orks. Planetary Governor Victarius leaves the planet to visit Nox and receive the pledge of allegiance of the Corvus Cohortis. As he rallies them to travel to Io, the Orks descend from Mt. Ida and begin terrorizing the Levant as a whole. High King Priam leads the combined forces of the entire planet, still assembled in the city to pledge allegiance to Victarius, against the Orks. The Orks win decisively and High King Priam dies in battle, as does Methuselah. The Orks begin to lay siege to Io and spread out, terrorizing ever region of the planet in a global WAGH. Planetary Governor Victarius lands in Io with the Corvus Cohortis, who successfully manage to break the siege on the planetary capital. The Corvus Cohortis split up and begin waging guerilla warfare against the Orks in every region, assisting local planetary forces such as the Emerald Knights and Judges. The war sputters into a bitter stalemate which lasts for several years, culminating in a second Battle of Io in which Victarius slays Warboss Lockjaw. The Ork clan retreats back to Mt. Ida, the war essentially over. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Arc 2.5: PILGRIMAGE TO NYX (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 25) (Peacetime)[/b] Victarius travels to the moon of Nyx to pay respects to his deceased ancestors, including his father. He also arrives to retrieve a pledge of allegiance from the Night Maidens. Their matron informs him of a terrible threat slumbering within Ilium which will awaken if the planet ever industrializes. Around the same time he receives a vision of the future in which a massive xenos invasion force assaults Ilium, which is woefully under equipped for such a threat in its current feudal state. He ultimately makes the decision to ignore the matron of the Night Maidens and begin taking steps to transform Ilium into a Knight world in preparation for potential future threats. [/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=Arc 3: RECLAMATION OF TUBAL-CAIN] [b](Delta Level Psyker) (age 27) (Tubal-Cain Reclamation, Mutants & Nurgle Cult)[/b] Victarius declares the Reclamation of the Forge World Tubal-Cain Prime. He requests assistance from the Imperium of Man, who send a detachment of Imperial Guard while the Mechanicum send a detachment of Skitarri. He leads his own Corvus Cohortis in assaulting the forge world, finding it overwhelmed by Mutants and Heretics. In specific cults of Nurgle infest the decaying world. They fight their way to the core of the forge and manage to reignite it, doing battle with a Greater Daemon of Nurgle and sending it back to the warp. The Mechanicum swear an oath to produce Knights for House Ravencroft for this service. He is declared the Ninth Raven Lord of Ravencroft. [/hider][/hider] [hider=SECOND TRILOGY] [hider=Arc 4: TROUBLE IN PARADISE][b] (Delta Level Psyker) (age 30) (Eros, Slaaneshi Cultists)[/b] [hider=Slaaneshi Chaos Cult][img]https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b0c6d666-9594-4f41-a3ba-9adcd0bd6507/dfam73h-18f47e42-2459-4275-b9ee-335309c0f5d1.png/v1/fill/w_900,h_507,q_80,strp/slaanesh_daemonette_tentacle_cult_by_slaaneshg_dfam73h-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTA3IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvYjBjNmQ2NjYtOTU5NC00ZjQxLWEzYmEtOWFkY2QwYmQ2NTA3XC9kZmFtNzNoLTE4ZjQ3ZTQyLTI0NTktNDI3NS1iOWVlLTMzNTMwOWMwZjVkMS5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.xhujz62JKn4Jqlp4NY6gpI4P-2-FZbk1RNqwprVLqhU[/img][/hider] After having been asked to visit the paradise world of Eros by a fellow local Planetary Governor, Victarius vacation is quickly soured as he begins to unravel a tempting Slaaneshi pleasure cult. He discovers that he has been secretly stranded on the planet and communications to Ilium have been severed. He does manage to psychically send a message to the planet of Lesvos III and contact the Silver Sisters, who send a detachment to Eros to investigate. He is forced to flee into the wilds of Eros, living off fruit and bonding with it's extreme fauna. Eventually this culminates in a battle between Daemonettes and Silver Sisters, as well as Victarius fighting the traitorous Planetary Governor of Eros who had allied with a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Arc 4.5: KNIGHTHOOD (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 32) (Peacetime)[/b] Victarius successfully transforms Ilium from a humble Feudal world to a proper Knight world. Each member of his house is promised a Knight from Tubal-Cain, as are the leaders of each planetary region. He pledges his Knightly House to the Adeptus Terra over the Mechanicum, as he is pressured to show his loyalty to the Emperor due to the suspicion he is constantly under for being a Psyker. He receives his own Knight model, and binds himself to the Throne Mechanicum wrestling with the machine spirit until he tames it and names it Rex Regum.[/hider] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=Arc 5: AS ABOVE SO BELOW][b] (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 35) (Necron)[/b] Just as the matron of the Night Maidens forewarned, the recent industrial activity upon the surface of Ilium has awoken a terrible and ancient foe. Necrons come marching out of the depths of Sheol, quickly overwhelming the defenders of Io from inside. The Knights of Ilium are given their first test of combat, and while they initially take heavy losses, including the deaths of Ticonderoga and Marzipan the Mighty, they eventually begin to turn the tide of war and defeat the Necrons. [/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [hider=Arc 6: PIRATES OF ILIUM] [b](Delta Level Psyker) (Age 39) (Drukhari)[/b] It is unconfirmed if the Tau hired or otherwise sent the Drukhari ahead of them to either soften up the Imperial system or convince it of the need for protection, but what is confirmed is that a Drukhari raiding group decided to target Ilium for slaves and victims. They initiated lightning fast strikes on outposts that gained in frequency and intensity until they culminated in open war for the civilian population of the planet. The Drukhari withdrew after severe causalities, with the Illyrians suffering the deaths of Ser Oryn and the Judge Saladin. [/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [/hider] [hider=THIRD TRILOGY] [hider=Arc 7: FOR THE GREATER GOOD][b] (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 41) (Tau)[/b] A massive Tau Expeditionary Force is detected entering the Troad Subsector, on a direct path to the Ilium system. This causes the system to go into a production overdrive, with Imbros exporting massive amounts of raw minerals to Tubal-Cain Prime for processing and refinement into military hardware, primarily Knights. These are exported to Ilium in preparation for the battle to come. Upon the arrival of the Tau, Victarius manages to forestall negotiations long enough for further preparations to be completed. He forms a intimate, though manipulative relationship with their Chief Diplomat Sunsmile. When war does inevitably happen after he can delay no longer, the Tau begin their invasion in the Orient with the Imperial defenses managing to fend them off though costing the lives of both Shogun Yamamoto Kikagawa and Jin Katsuo of the Hidden Hand.[/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [hider=Arc 8: SWARMING LOCUSTS][b](Delta Level Psyker) (Age 45) (Genestealers & Tyranids)[/b] Whispers of cults begin to arise among the general population, though they seem different somehow than the usual rumors. They seem not to worship any discernible facet of the Chaos Gods, instead focusing much more on familial duty. His childhood lover Aedammair attempts to rekindle their romance. Eventually Victarius detects a approaching Tyranid splinter fleet through it's disruption of the Immaterium. He attempts to confide this in Aedammair only to find she has already been killed and replaced by a member of the Genecult who now bears his child. The Tyranid hive fleet arrives and chaos erupts on the surface of Ilium. The Scythian Tiramasu and the Numidian Salamachus lay a trap using Tau Technology for the Tyranids which kills a great many at the expense of their lives. Victarius kills the geneclone of Aedammair, the Genestealer Patriarch, and his own Tyranid abomination child. He manages to broker an alliance with the Rip Jaws Ork Clan of Mt. Ida, and together they fight back the remaining Tyranids. Upon calculating far more biomass would be expended conquering the planet than would be gained, the Tyranids disengage.[/hider] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [hider=Arc 9: PRODIGAL SON] [b](Beta Level Psyker) (Age 50) (Chaos Invasion lead by Tzeentch)[/b] Warp Gates open in every region of Ilium, with demons pouring through supported by Rubric Marines of the Thousand Sons. They are lead by Kairos Fateweaver, who announces that Victarius is a Chosen One of the Chaos God Tzeentch. He wishes for Ilium to become a planet in the image of Sortiarius, Plane of Sorcerers and Home of Magnus and his Legion. Kairos attempts to possess/tempt Victarius into becoming a Champion of Chaos for Tzeentch equal to the Excoriator reborn. Victarius rejects this offer and a climactic battle for the fate of the planet ensues. The Silver Sisters of Lesvos III arrive to assist. Victarius true potential is unleashed, and he peaks at Beta Psyker levels. Kairos tells Victarius that his fate is already written and so long as a single of his nine companions lives he will inevitably fall to Tzeentch. The conflict results in victory for the Imperium at the cost of the death of his final companion, Sarpedon Scipio. Ends with Victarius going to his family library aboard the Eye of Absolution and reading books located in the restricted section that are banned, gathered by the seventh raven lord. [/hider] [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Knight Information] KNIGHT PATTERNS; High King of Ilium Pattern: Acastus Model: [hider=Asterius][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/9/99/KnightAsterius.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: 'Rex Regum (King of Kings)' Operator: Victarius Ravencroft Knight Baron of Hiberia Pattern: Cerastus Model: [hider=Castigator][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/c/c7/CastigatorArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: 'Lugh' Operator: Aedammair Knight Baron of Levant Pattern: Dominus Model: [hider=Castellan][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/1/12/KnightCastellanArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: 'Pride of Io' Operator: Sarpedon Scipio Knight Baron of Orient Pattern: Cerastus Model: [hider=Atrapos][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/b/be/KnightAtrapos.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: B-33 'Bee' Operator: Yamamoto Kikagawa Knight Baron of Numidia Pattern: Cerastus Model: [hider=Acheron][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/8/87/AcheronArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: 'Quetzalcoatl' Operator: Ticonderoga Knight Baron of Scythia Pattern: Cerastus Model: [hider=Lancer][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/2/22/LancerArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Name: 'Greatest Stallion' Operator: Marzipan the Mighty ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Knight of Judges: Pattern: Questoris Model: [hider=Paladin][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/e/ed/KnightArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Numbers: 25 Knight of Emerald Knights: Pattern: Questoris Model: [hider=Crusader][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/2/21/KnightCrusaderArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Numbers: 25 Knight of Hidden Hand: Pattern: Questoris Model: [hider=Errant][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/5/5a/KnightErrantArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Numers: 25 Knight of Animal Warriors: Pattern: Questoris Model: [hider=Warden][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/0/00/KnightWardenArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Numers: 25 Knight of Horde of the Horse: Pattern: Questoris Model: [hider=Styrix][img]https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/5/58/StyrixArt.jpg[/img][/hider] Numers: 25 [/hider] [hider=Enemy Forces] [hider= Tau Invasion Force Detected] [b]Sphere of Expansion:[/b] 3rd [b]Tau Expeditionary Cadre:[/b] Dray’Nye [b]Ethereal:[/b] [hider=Aun’ui T’olku Vross ‘ Aun’Vross’][img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/37/df/94/37df9463f177713f2e8784ebadba6b85.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Commanded by:[/b] [hider=Shas’El Dal’yth Vel’En ‘Lord Silentwave’ ‘ El‘Vel’En ’][img]https://dodermandefense.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/tau-warrior-1.jpg[/img][/hider] [b]Chief Diplomat:[/b] [hider=Por’Vre Dal’yth Sak’Ura ‘Diplomat Sunsmile’][img]https://i.redd.it/f229kr3s84y61.png[/img][/hider] [b]Fighting Style:[/b] Kauyon [b]Sept:[/b] Dal’yth [b]Colors:[/b] Purple and Blue [/hider] [hider=Ork Clan Rip Jaws] [b]Main Clan:[/b] Snakebite [b]Subculture:[/b] Beast Snagga [b]Warboss:[/b] [hider=Lockjaw][img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDOcs8cVcAICEgG?format=jpg&name=4096x4096[/img] [/hider] [b]History:[/b] The Rip Jaws Orks have inhabited Mt. Ida since the defeat of their parental clan, the Snakebites, at the hands of the sixth raven lord millenia ago. They have primarily warred among each other in the mountain region, but occasionally unified enough to pose a serious enough threat to descend the mountain and do battle against the Judges of the Levant. It has only been with the rise of the Ork Lockjaw that the warring feral ork clans of Mount Ida have finally become unified under his banner. He is a staunch traditionalist, preferring choppas over shootahs and snaggas over vehicles. He is known for having a sever underbite and harboring an intense grudge against the raven lords, wanting to defeat them to prove himself and his clan strongest where the Snakebites failed. [hider=Notable Rip Jaws Orks] [i]Ironjaw[/i] - The second in command of the clan and a staunch loyalist to Lockjaw, the two have been close allies for as long as either can remember. It was Ironjaw's strength and skill that was instrumental in uniting the warring feral orks of Mt. Ida. [i]Jabberjaw[/i] - One of the leading Orks of the clan and by far the most charismatic and gregarious. While Lockjaw is bigger and stronger, Jabber Jaw seems to be marginally smarter and more emotionally stable, helping to advise Lockjaw to keep him from making rash mistakes. [i]Smoothjaw[/i] - The leading weirdboy of the clan who has proven his value in being the most capable of controlling his psychic abilities, he helps manage the fluctuating and unstable energy of Lockjaw's WAAGH and redirect it towards productive goals. [/hider] [hider=Rip Jaws Ork][img]https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ga7iwzqG-zU/W89Eo_kH--I/AAAAAAABhK8/cUeybw60sHQerR3VyZ2FnFb2YlB-wbpAACLcBGAs/s1600/07b2fff28b0865f32ab634bcf9c4c8aa.jpg[/img][/hider] [/hider] [hider=Tyranid Splinter Fleet Ziz] [b]Main Fleet:[/b] Leviathan [b]Abnormalities:[/b] All members of Splinter Fleet Ziz possesses the albinism. Upon arrival on Ilium they seem to have primarily evolved to counter [hider=Tyranid Fleet Descending][img]https://64.media.tumblr.com/459d6782d80d24cd73ea6dbe5026b857/tumblr_oyc05fmZpw1vjjcaco1_1280.jpg[/img][/hider] [hider=Tyranid Assault][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/60/5e/bf/605ebfcde5960e18223df904f7f7ce65.jpg[/img][/hider] [/hider] [/hider] [/hider]