Editing Eyes of the Emperor

{{Infobox Spess Mahreen Chapter
|Name = Eyes of the Emperor
|Heraldry = [[File:Eyes_of_the_emperor.png|200px]]
|Battle Cry = "His Eyes are upon you!"
|Number = XIX
|Founding = First Founding
|Successors of = N/A
|Successor Chapters = Wraith Corps
|Chapter Master = 
|Primarch = [[Octullus Tyran]]
|Homeworld = Illobian
|Specialty = Ranged specialists
|Strength = 
|Allegiance = Loyalist
|Colours = Red and gold
}}

{{/tg/-Heresy-Head}}

The '''Eyes of the Emperor''' were one of the great [[Legiones Astartes (Hektor Heresy)|Legiones Astartes]], once led by the Primarch [[Octullus Tyran]].  They were known for  peerless marksmanship, technical acumen and secretive ways - but their secrets were more than even their Primarch knew.

=History=
Much of the Legion's history is clouded in shadow.  Its leaders rarely kept written records and filed only those reports which were demanded of them.  Journalists were unwelcome on their Expedition Fleets.  Despite the lack of evidence, some key episodes could be reconstructed from the histories of other formations.

===Beginnings: XIX Squad and the Council of Ten===
Fragmentary evidence, including a commendations by '''Malcador the Sigilite''' in which the XIX Squad of the Sacred Band are praised as ''having redeemed the dishonor of their sires'' suggests that the Eyes of the Emperor drew their Terran recruits from among the families of those who had defied the Emperor.  Even less survives of their battle record in the Pacification of the Merican Hives, but it is clear that Hektor Cincinnatus came to trust them as he did few others.  Hektor's dispatches show that the squad's main role was to serve as battlefield snipers, guarding over the brotherhood of the Sacred Band from on high.  After the end of the Unification Wars, this band of warriors would rule the XIX Legion as the '''Council of Ten''' and spoke with one voice.   They counted among their number:

* '''Kamal Kulkarni''' or '''Master Scroll''' was the leader of Nineteenth Squad and the spokesman of the Council.  His soft voice and languid manner in civilian settings belied a cold cunning.

* '''Surya Narang''' or '''Master Scalpel''' served the Legion as the head of the Legion's ''medicae''.  He was well-known among the other warriors of the Sacred Band, and in contrast to the rest of the Eyes was always eager to share medical knowledge.

* '''Shresth Nibhanupudi''' or '''Master Forge''' was trained in the forge-fanes of Mars itself shortly after the signing of the Treaty of Olympus Mons.  Due to his mastery of the machine arts and proud history, Shresth came to hold dominion over the many Techmarines of the Eyes of the Emperor.  He and his direct gene descendants were not members of the ''Wesias'' caste, but claimed responsibility for "guiding" their younger brothers.  Shresth was considered by many Magoi to not only have an extraordinary understanding of the Machine Spirits but also to have gone far on the Quest for Knowledge.  By the time of the Heresy, he had become almost entirely mechanical in form and fused his body with a suit of Terminator armour.

* '''Madhukar Jain''' or '''Master Termite''' supervised the Legion's Castra.  Although the Eyes built few large-scale fortifications, they had many hidden fortresses and caches in their areas of operation.

* '''Bala Misra''' or '''Master Cloud''' took command of the Legion's fleet strength.  He maintained close relationships with many Forge Worlds and his correspondence with Magoi on the effort to match the needs of the Eyes with the technical possibilities of warship design is one of the few substantial written records in the Legion's history.

* '''Nilam Tamboli''' or '''Master Brush''' supervised the intake of new Aspirants into the Legion.  He was pitiless but rarely raised his voice in anger.

* '''Damodara Mhasalkar''' or '''Master Rat''' was charged with overseeing the Legion's ''Frumentarii''.  Unlike in other Legions, in which intelligence-gathering activities were subordinate to the Victualary and broader logistical concerns, the Eyes put great store in their spies and scouts.  He maintained close ties with the Rogue Traders Militant who preceded the Great Crusade.

* '''Sanjit Chowdhury''' or '''Master Leopard''' had overall operational control of the Legion.  Although he deferred to the other Council members on overall strategy, Chowdhury was a gifted planner and military leader who could be relied upon to achieve the goals of the Legion.

* '''Somchai Metharom''' or '''Master Owl''' commanded the Legion's Victualary and his command of supply made him one of the most influential members of the Council.

* '''Phirun Soun''' or '''Master Silence''' was one of the most mysterious and powerful individuals in all of the Legiones Astartes.  He served as Chief Librarian for the Eyes of the Emperor, and he was one of the most powerful psykers in all of the vast Imperium.  Soun had taken a vow of silence on completing his training.

Their influence was spread their their gene-descendants, the ''Acharya'' caste of officers and techpriests.  Though they claimed the Primarch as one of their own, the rediscovery of Octullus Tyran greatly disrupted Nineteenth Legion and even the fulsome praise of Hektor could not soothe the discontent.


===Great Crusade===

During the first years of the Primarch's leadership, the Eighteenth were relocated to the Death World '''Kumul''', where their Neophytes could be tested against the ferocious native predators.   Throughout the [[Great Crusade (Hektor Heresy)|Great Crusade]] the Eyes of the Emperor acquitted themselves with honour, winning many notable victories, but they were never among the great conquerors of the Legiones Astartes.  Their contemplative, almost spiritual ways were suited to careful consideration of possibilities and judicious use of force, not carving a swathe through the stars.

Those who were loyal the Octullus Tyran accepted his teaching that the wars of the Great Crusade were important, but that their true trial was still to come.  For a long time, this prophecy had a far-off air to it, but as the 31st Millenium began the Primarch announced that he sensed darkness swiftly approaching.  Attempting to head off the crisis, the Eyes of the Emperor brought evidence of sorcerous acts among the [[Black Augurs]] to the Emperor, triggering the [[Council of Nikaea (Hektor Heresy)|Council of Nikaea]].  They also argued against the banishment of [[Void Angels|Winged Victory]], but to no avail.

===The Heresy===

[[File:Lewecke-gateport.jpg|200px|thumb|Dodu rises over Malluma]]
Shortly after the banishment of Gaspard Lumey, Octullus Tyran and his bodyguard arrived on the moon '''Malluma''', where they had been dispatched at the orders of the Warmaster Hektor Cincinnatus.  Contrary to the intelligence provided to them, the Eyes of the Emperor encountered no [[Orks (Hektor Heresy)|Orks]] on Malluma.  They faced a far more dangerous foe, as the treacherous Warmaster had sent them into a deadly trap - a daemon world, ruled by the ''Shadow in Time'', a powerful child of Tzeentch.  The daemon separated Octullus Tyran from his bodyguard and attempted to win him as the chosen of the Changer of Ways, but the Primarch remained true to the Emperor.  In the fight that ensued, the sacrifice of many Space Marines banished the Shadow in Time.  Although Octullus and his closest suffered greatly on Malluma, they emerged resolute and certain that their hour had arrived.  The fleet regrouped and made haste towards the Solar System.

=Culture=
Although the Council of Ten and Octullus Tyran would be at odds politically, they had surprisingly similar cultural values.  The Eyes of the Emperor prized ritual and contemplation.  Their fortresses and warships were places of restorative beauty, adorned with silks, fine metalwork, and decorative plants.

==Domain and notable worlds==
===The Death World Kumul===
{{Infobox 40k Planet
|name= Kumul
|bgcolor=black
|fgcolor=white
|image=[[File:Desert planet j1.jpg|200px]]
|type= Death World/Space Marine Chapter Homeworld
|orbdist= 0.94AU ± 0.13AU
|gravity= 1.03G
|temp= Warm and arid
|pop= no civilian population
|governor=
|system= Kumul System
|sector=
|subsector=
|segmentum= Ultima Segmentum
}}
Although they drew their manpower from a wide range of worlds, the Eyes of the Emperor trained all of their neophytes on the Death World Kumul.  If this inhospitable planet was barren of life, its arid heat would still make human life difficult.  But it is plagued by horrific predators, including the feared '''olgoi-khorkhoi''', a gigantic acid-spewing worm-like creature.

The world was the last that Octullus Tyran visited before he took command of the Legion.  Few were privy to what had drawn the Primarch to this desolate place, but his actions were above question.  For a whole season, Octullus Tyran lived in the wastes of Kumul, purifying his spirit before undertaking his Father's sacred charge.  This period of solitude and deprivation is echoed in the training of the Neophytes of the Legion.  After passing the Aspirant Trial, every Neophyte is brought to Kumul to be implanted with the gene-seed and trained according to the standards of the Eyes of the Emperor.  Thus, this terrible world is the answer to one of the great riddles of the sons of Darius.  Although they draw men from a wide variety of worlds and allow these warriors to retain something of their homelands' identities, all go through training together on Kumul and must learn to co-operate with their battle brothers, regardless of origin.  Neophytes make this lesson a part of them or perish.


'''Notable places'''

The only man-made sights on Kumul are the works of the Sand Keepers.  Successful aspirants first meet the elegant lines of the '''Khiruhton''' spaceport, which perfectly marries a symbolic gateway form with its function as a landing pad.  Those who survive the march to the squat fortress, '''Inshushinak''' are sometimes awed by the scale of the building, but rarely marvel at its external appearance.  However, the interior is a masterpiece of architecture.  Great halls, carved from the living rock, are carefully lit to produce a daunting atmosphere.  This hallowed place is the heart of the Legion, housing the genetic repositories that ensure the Sand Keepers' survival.  Neophytes struck down with ''The Mark of Octullus Tyran'' are escorted to the bowels of Inshushinak, never to emerge.  

Farming on Kumul is extraordinarily difficult, but the Sand Keepers impose this onerous task on their recruits in the belief that a dose of humble work gives a finer temper to a warrior's spirit than a purely martial education.  Neophyte companies are seasoned in fortified farming communities on the flanks of the '''Anshan''' range.  Each commune is presided over by a Recruit Captain, usually a veteran of the Sand Keepers' wars, with senior Neophytes appointed Recruit Sergeants and tasked with supervising their juniors.  For all the efforts of these youths, their survival is only possible thanks to the '''Springs of Octullus Tyran'', Kumul's sole source of freshwater.  It is a matter of some contention whether the Primarch created or merely discovered the springs.

One of the last tasks of the successful neophyte on Kumul is to dig himself a '''Karaan''' (rock dwelling) in the volcanic rock of '''Mount Zohhāk'''.  Here he must endure the passing of a full season, nourishing himself by hunting the great predators of the Death World and learning discipline in solitude.  After the disappearance of Octullus Tyran, an occasional recruit would report that they had been saved by the intervention of the Old Man of the Desert, but none have verified these tales.  Whether the Neophyte dies or survives to join the Legion, his Karaan is destined to be his memorial.  The Eyes of the Emperor go to great pains to inter their fallen in the graves they have wrought with their own hands.  '''Ashtur''', the empty Karaan of Octullus Tyran, is a centre of veneration.

==Recruitment and training==
As a secretive and highly ritualised Legion, the Eyes preferred to gather their Aspirants at a very young age.  By the time that Octullus Tyran was rediscovered, the age of induction had dropped to 6, with the boys gathered up and given religious and physical instruction ahead of final physical, psychological and genetic screening.  Those that failed at this stage were inducted into one of the various meditant orders that provided the Eyes with their support staff.  The successful aspirants undertook a final ordeal to test their spiritual purity.  The precise details of the ordeal were a closely-guarded secret, with failed aspirants and neophytes converted into Servitors.  It is clear that there were many degrees of achievement in the final aspirant trial, allowing the Eyes of the Emperor to separate the recruits into different castes.  

Spiritual indoctrination accompanied the process of an aspirant becoming one of the Legion.  There were seven vows of purity that each neophyte must take to become a full fledged space marine. Each vow was the result of a long period of spiritual education and meditation and precedes the implantation of new Space Marine organs.  Ahead of the first surgeries, the neophyte took the vow of '''Rapture''', affirming his joy at undertaking the path of the Emperor.  Once the ''Secondary Heart, Ossmodula,'' and ''Biscopea'' have been successfully implanted, a vow of '''Determination''' corresponded to the ''Haemastanen'' and ''Larraman's Organ''.  The third vow of '''Concentration''' commenced the Neophyte's hypnotherapy courses and the implantation of the ''Catalepsean Node, Preomnor, Omaphagea,'' and ''Multi-Lung''.  Next, the vow of '''Investigation''' came with the enhanced perception of the ''Occulobe'' and ''Lyman's Ear''.  Neophytes who survived to the next stage took a vow of '''Tranquility''', finally setting the disturbances of their past life behind them as they accepted the ''Sus-an Membrance, Melanchroma,'' and ''Oolotic Kidney'' into their bodies.  In what would typically be the Neophyte's tenth year in the care of the Legion, he must take a Vow of '''Mindfullness''' ahead of the implantation of the ''Neuroglottis, Mucranoid,'' and ''Betcher's Gland''.  The final vow of '''Equanimity''' is a declaration of the Neophyte's dedication to the Legion and the Emperor and his indifference to his own singular fate.  Following this vow, the ''Progenoid Glands'' and later the ''Black Carapace'' are implanted.

Once the implantation process is complete, the new member of the Legion is granted the rank of ''Shishya'', or disciple.  He is paired up with an experienced battle brother of the same caste, his ''Guru'', who will train and monitor him for seven years before the ''Shishya'' is considered a regular battle brother.  During this time, ''Shishya'' are not exempt from battle duties, but accompany their ''Guru'' in the campaigns of the Imperium.  As a sign of his wisdom, a ''Guru'' bears a veteran bolt implanted in his forehead for each ''Shishya'' he has trained.

Every member of the Eyes has some level of technical training and is expected to supervise the routine maintenance of his equipment.  The Legion's firing ranges are almost always busy, but the fighting cages rarely see any traffic.  All members of the Legion spend time in the Meditation chambers, where marines relax, meditate and recover from injuries of war.

==Notable Members==

* The memory of the Eyes of the Void is the '''Venerable Dreadnought Occhio''', formerly a member of the Wesias caste who fought alongside the Fallen Angel himself.   Occhio particularly distinguished himself by leading the assault on a Relic Imperator Traitor Titan via teleporting to the gun turrets on the back of the vile War machine.  There, he led his squad deep into the machine itself, fighting wave after wave of cultists and traitor brethren. Eventually, he made it into the control command throne room, and fought the Arch Heretic in a brutal duel. Occhio overwhelmed the traitor and smashed his Assault Cannon's barrel into the Traitors face to deliver him unto the wrath of the Emperor. But this did not end the threat, as the rogue Machine spirit of the titan lashed out at Occhio, casting the warrior out of the main view ports. He was recovered, badly wounded but alive, and placed into a Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought.  Occhio's great machine frame is fitted with a '''Emperor's Gaze''', a relic Conversion Beamer.

=Legion Organisation=

The Eyes developed a strict caste system, with their geneseed indicating their rank and role in the chapter.  Gene-seed harvested from the smaller Progenoid Gland in a marine's neck would bind its recipient to the same caste as the donor.  However, the Legion's medicae would carefully inspect the gene-seed of fallen Brothers to determine whether the gene-seed was destined for a higher or lower caste.
* The ''Satria'', the lowest caste, had three orders.  The lowest were equipped as ordinary marines.  The middle order went into battle bearing the light armour and stealth equipment of Reconnaissance squads.  Heavy Support were the most highly-regarded of the three Satria orders.
* The ''Wesias'', the middle caste, were the most technically able part of the Legion.  They trained as vehicle crews, with their best being indoctrinated into the mysteries of the Adeptus Mechanicus or the Terminator Brotherhood.
* At the peak of the Eyes of the Emperor were the ''Acharya''.  Among this caste were the officers, priests, and adepts of the Legion.   Some were indoctrinated as Apothecaries or Librarians but the majority were warriors, entrusted with all leadership positions above sergeant.  After his rediscovery, Octullus Tyran himself was claimed as part of the Acharya caste, contributing to its prestige.

Unusually, the Legion had no serfs.  All of their menial work was conducted by the many servitors of the ''Wesias'' caste and child-aspirants being prepared for their Trial.

==Tactics==
The Eyes of the Emperor favored engaging their enemies at range, mostly focusing on heavy artillery, mechanical warfare and sharpshooting. As a result, they developed very close ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus.  When presented with a foe, they strove to maneuver the battlefield to capitalize on their advantages in ranged combat. They were ridiculed by some close combat oriented legions and little trusted by any of their Astartes brethren.  Many Imperial Army commanders bore deep grudges against the Eyes, as they often seemed to treat human auxilliares as a "meat shield".

They were renowned for their use of Reconnaissance Squads, Heavy Support Squads and Whirlwind Missile Launchers, along with a impressive parking lot of Rhinos.  The ideal Eyes of the Emperor attack worked in a three layer format.  Reconnaissance squads would infiltrate through the enemy lines to attack high value targets in their rear, such as commanders and supply dumps.  Next, fast-moving Tactical squads would isolate enemy strongpoints and eliminate weaker forces.  Finally, the Heavy Support would reduce the strongpoints.  Artillery was deployed lavishly to assist the forward elements.  This formation was known as the Tītana starita dīvāra, or the Layered walls of the Titan.

Brothers are encouraged to consult every other marine under and above their command for advice on upcoming campaigns and other actions. Every decision is meditated upon, every deployment carefully considered to ensure maximum success.  When fighting a opponent, they will usually plan days, weeks and months ahead to the very last second, and will base their plans on specifically how the enemy reacts. They are so well timed, there is cases of them firing with such timing, aim and precision, that they were able to kill entire flanks of enemy. They are famous for their saturation attacks as well, leading enemies into death traps of heavy weaponry.

==Equipment==
[[File:Eyesoftheemperor.jpg|200px|thumb|A warrior of the ''Satria'', wearing the Legion's black battle robe.  This garment signified the hatred the Eyes felt towards the enemies of mankind and their willingness to slay those who endangered humanity.]]

The Eyes were an exceptionally well-equipped force, long favoured by Mars.  The signature skill of their medicae was bionic replacement.  It was a testament to their prowess that so many battle brothers bore bionic parts, rather than being among the honoured dead.  Similarly, the Eyes possessed many Dreadnoughts, although these hallowed warriors served more of a spiritual than martial role.

The sniper rifle was almost synonymous with the Legion, but the expert marksmen of the ''Satria'' employed a wide variety of weapons.  If they were limited in any regard, it was their reluctance to use bolt- and auto-weapons, preferring the quiet efficiency of the lascannon and the deadly hail of their advanced plasma guns.

Their ''Wesias'' caste frequently deployed prototype equipment.  Although it is a fact largely lost on history, this brotherhood of warriors were the first Astartes to deploy the Tactical Dreadnought, or Terminator armour.  The ''Wesias'' prized the Terminator as a fire platform, but from their first deployment they were well aware of how effective the armour was in close-quarters.

==Specialist Ranks==

* '''Assault marines''' were gathered on a volunteer basis.  Upon joining an Assault Squad, a Battle Brother was considered dead until they finished their period of service.  They must take up a vow of silence, and either take a regular bolter or wield twin chain hooks.   '''Chaplains''' are drawn from those who find their calling among the Assault Squads.  These  warrior-ascetics meditate in isolation for hours upon hours trying to commune with the Emperor. In a Legion not known for personal bravery, Chaplains are a rare exception.

* Due to the large amount of Bionics in the Eyes of the Emperor, the legion's ''medicae'' were members of the Acharya caste.  Their special sect in their ranks known as the '''Steel Eyed''', with the '''Master Scalpel''' at their head.

* '''Dreadnoughts''' are more akin to walking altars that rarely enter combat.  It is more often that a Dreadnought is awoken to remind the chapter of their legendary exploits or to pass on wisdom.  The interred have their former visage carved onto the front of the dreadnought so that all may look upon the machine and see the glory of those who are said to have found their ''jivanmukti'', or perfected state.

==Fleet==
The Eyes of the Emperor were unusual in fielding no battleships at all.  It is unknown whether the Legion was ever issued with large vessels, but whenever they required heavy firepower the Nineteenth Legion turned to their allies in the Adeptus Mechanicum.  That close relationship also led to the Eyes fielding some of the most modern and experimental cruiser designs, including the stealthy ''Echo'' class.

When the Hektor Heresy began, the Eyes' fleet numbered 32 grand cruisers, 141 heavy cruisers, 182 light cruisers, 395 frigates, 206 destroyers, and 167 auxiliary military vessels.  During Octullus Tyran's brief civil war against the Council of Ten, the majority of the Legion's Strike Cruisers and Battle Barges - the warships with large complements of Marines - were seized by the Loyalists.  However, more specialized vessels were often crewed by auxilia and remained at the disposal of the Traitor camp.

=Rules=

==Expeditionary Fleets (Battlefleet Gothic)==

'''''Echo''-class Strike Cruiser (190 points)

The Eyes of the Emperor had little taste for fighting their enemies eye-to-eye and toe-to-toe.  Their preference was to strike precisely from a distance, emulating their great founder's marksmanship.  This posed certain difficulties for the Legion in space combat.  The shipyards of Mars mainly turned out vessels suitable for a close-in fight, prizing heavy armour and great batteries of relatively inaccurate weapons.  It would only be late in the Great Crusade that the Adeptus Mechanicum began to manufacture a light cruiser specifically suited to the doctrine of the Nineteenth Legion, but the ''Echo'' was fielded in surprisingly large numbers by the time of the Hektor Heresy.

{|border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|-style="color:white; background-color:black;" align=center
!TYPE/HITS
!SPEED
!TURNS
!SHIELDS
!ARMOUR
!TURRETS
|- align=center
|Cruiser/6
|35cm
|90°
|2
|5+
|2
|-style="color:white; background-color:black;" align=center
!ARMAMENT
!RANGE
!colspan="3"|FIREPOWER/STRENGTH
!FIRE ARC
|- align=center
|Prow Lances
|60cm
|colspan="3"|4
|Front
|- align=center
|Port Launch Bays
|Thunderhawks:20cm
|colspan="3"|1
|N/A
|- align=center
|Starboard Launch Bays
|Thunderhawks:20cm
|colspan="3"|1
|N/A
|}
{|border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
|style="background-color:lightgrey;"|'''''Notes:''' The Echo class was a technological marvel.  Its advanced engine design gives it +1D6 movement on ''All Ahead Full'' orders.  In addition, enemy vessels further than 15cm away must make a Leadership check to target an Echo class.
|}

==Nineteenth Legion (Warhammer 40,000 using Forge World's Horus Heresy supplements)==

'''Venerable Dreadnought Occhio (HQ:CCL Points)'''

{|border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
!
!WS
!BS
!S
!F
!S
!R
!I
!A
|- align=center
|Occhio
|4
|7
|7
|14
|12
|10
|2
|1
|}

'''Unit Composition'''
* 1 (Unique)
'''Unit Type'''
* Vehicle, Walker
'''Special Rules'''
* Atomantic Shielding
* Fleet

WEAPONRY
               
Heavy Conversion Beamer 
 <nowiki>Range		Str	AP	Type
Up to 18”	7	-	Heavy 1, 5” Blast, Firing Calibration
18” to 42”	9	4	Heavy 1, 5” Blast, Firing Calibration
42” to 72”	10	1	Heavy 1, 5” Blast, Firing Calibration</nowiki>

* Occhio may also have Extra Armour for +20 points
* Occhio may also have a Searchlight for +3 point
* The Occhio may also have a carapace-mounted Cyclone Missile Launcher for +45 points


{{Template:/tg/-Heresy-Legions}}
[[Category:The /tg/ Heresy]]