Editing Heralds of Hektor (section)

==The Unification Wars==

[[File:Space Marines by The First Magelord.jpg|250px|thumb|The Space Marines]]
Due to uncertainty regarding the survival of the other Primarchs, the Emperor first experimented with a mixed body of Space Marines known as the [[Sacred Band]].  This formation, commanded by Hektor, had a squad to represent each of the gene-lines that would spawn the great Legiones Astartes.  The experiment soon proved its short-comings, as only Hektor's own gene-sons truly prospered under his command, but the Sacred Band would still win its spurs in the '''Pacification of the Merican Hives'''.  Though short-lasting, the Sacred Band left a legacy of brotherhood among the early Marines, as the most prominent members of most Legions had known and fought alongside one another.  Hektor Cincinnatus benefited greatly from being identified as the first commander of the Space Marines.

The First Legion was born shortly after the fighting in Merica.  Hektor was given command, with his favourites '''Ajax Camillus''', '''Hephaestion Horatius''', and '''Leonidas Manisicus''' appointed as his Lieutenants.  These three warriors would soon bear the title '''Ouragos''', drawn from the tales of Sekander that young Hektor had so enjoyed.  Although the Emperor did not bias supply towards the First Legion, the presence of their Primarch made Hektor's sons by far the most effective of the Legiones Astartes and they were the first choice for every difficult assignment.  Hektor's outrageous success in winning Luna for the Imperium brought an immense wealth of genetic knowledge and equipment into the Space Marine project and his alliance with [[Pallas Eugenesis]] insured that the First Legion would receive the first priority for genetic resources.  With their ranks swelling with outstanding warriors and their battle records growing long with tales of victory, the First emerged from the Unification Wars as not merely the oldest, but the greatest of the Space Marine Legions.

===Notable Campaigns===
{{See also|Unification Wars (Hektor Heresy)}}

*'''Pacification of the Merican Hives''': The Sacred Band's contribution to victory in the Merican campaign was small but significant.  Even more important was the leadership of Hektor and his gene-sons, which would establish a precedent for the First Legion being at the head of the Legiones Astartes.
*'''First Pacification of Luna''': Thanks to their Primarch's unexpected alliance with the Eclipse Queen, [[Pallas Eugenesis]], the First Legion spearheaded an unexpectedly easy conquest of Terra's satellite.  Their victory secured valuable genetic laboratories and the Hektor's political marriage to Pallas would have a lasting impact on the Legion.
*'''Burija's Folly''': Newly-elected Fabricator General Valran Burija led a Mechanicum expedition to Terra, planning to humiliate the Emperor.  First Legion used Yndonesian Stormbird transports to swiftly respond and caught the warriors of [[Mars (Hektor Heresy)|Mars]] while they were unloading from their transports.  The disorganised Mechanicum force was swiftly routed before they could deploy their Titans and Burija was slain by Hektor.  The survivors, under the command of [[Zorr Yenser]], slunk back to the Red Planet to face the displeasure of the Martian Parliament.