MedHammer 40,000

Really Like the Ideas posted in Midhammer, and was sad to see it hasn't been edited in a while. I wanted to share some of my ideas to fill in the spaces for Midhammer. My goal was to add efficient effective institutions while keeping with the Bittersweet, "Grimbright" feel of Midhammer. I posted these originally on the Main Midhammer 40,000 page, but it wound up just cluttering everything. And there is probably too much to just put in the talk section. Please let me know what you think! Wammnebu.

WORK IN PROGRESS

The Great Treachery (IE The Lorgar Letdown)

The Great Treachery was one of the greatest tragedies to befall the Imperium of Man. Maddened that his worship of The Emperor was rebuffed, Lorgar turned against his father, falling prey to the Dark Powers. During his act of Treachery, Ultramar and Luna were left forever scarred, the Segmentum Pacificus was ravaged by civil war, and the Emperor himself was wounded by the macinations of his traitorus sons.

Term for Lorgar Letdown

The term for The Lorgar Letdown should be something grandiose like "The Great Heresey," "The Great Treachery" or "The Desolation of Lorgar." The overreaction of the Imperium to it helps set the tone for the Grimbrightness, and helps convey how innocent the Imperium of this world is. Much like how WWI was naively called "The War to End All Wars." We the readers know it could get much, much worse, but for those living in Grimbright future of the 41,000, this is as bad as it gets.

Suggestion For The Drop-Site Massacre

Merge Betrayal at Calth with Isstvan IV with Rouboute Gulliman taking the hit for Sanguinious and Ferrus Manus. Alpharius and Lorgar devise a plan to royally f*** over the Ultramarines, and use Gulliman's realm to create an inter-Imperial civil war.

Lorgar and Alpharius’ Evil Scheme^TM

1. Alpharius and Lorgar convince Horus to send him and Gulliman to take car of Calth.
2. Lorgar Splits his Legion in Two. Keeps half of the most loyal (to him) to travel with him to Calth, the other Half goes to Maccragge with Kor Phaeron.
3. Kor Phaeron brings most of the Loyalist Word Bearers with him, however nearly all of the ship's crew and psykers are fervent traitors. Mortarian's loyalists will also be nearby.
4. When Gulliman and Friends get to Calth, the Word Bearers would betray him, kill Gulliman and most of the ultramarines there.
5. Lorgar sends word out to Galaxy that Ultramarines have betrayed the Emperor, so that other Primarchs (especially The Lion and Russ) will come to happily destroy Ultramar.
6. Loyalist Word Bearers and Death Gaurd conveniently near Maccragge hear the news, and invade to "pacify" the planet
7. Once WB and DG loyalists have done enough damage to the ultramarines (or before they start to realize they were sent to kill loyalists), DG and WB ships will begin Gas Bombing Their own loyalist regiments.
8. Traitor Word Bearers on board will offer the chaos, bloodshed, and unholy fratricide as an offering to the Dark Gods for a demonhost to appear on Macragge.
9. Other Loyalist Legions like the Dark Angels and Space Wolves will arrive on Maccragge see chaos demons and surmize the reports of Gulliman's treachery were correct. Begin take no prisoners assault on Maccragge
10. Alpha Legion will send reports to rest of Ultramar that The Emperor betrayed them, loss of both Gulliman and Maccragge will prompt the Kingdom to retaliate.
11. Lion and Wolf will fight Ultramarines
12. Lion and Wolf will lose because Luther and Khornite Space Wolves will take this opportunity to betray their Genefathers. El'Johnson and Russ die surrounded by traitors and vengeful ultramarines.
13. Profit. Permanent rift between Ultramar and Empire. Ultramar will be susceptible towards Chaos. Three Loyalist Primarchs will be dead, Ultramarine, Space Wolves, and Dark Angel remnants will join the Traitors. Kingdom of Ultramar will be Merged with Monarchia for Chaos Base of Operations.

Failures of The Betrayal

Fortunately For the Imperium, things start Falling apart around Step 4. For a number of Reasons.

Khan-Gulliman Broship

Because of the friendship between the Vth and XIIIth legions in this timeline, the Stormseers get a premonition of the dark macinations against the Ultramar and decide to warn them. Unable to physically warn him because of warp storms, Khan pulls a Magnus and sends a supercharged Psychic warning to Gulliman: a vision of an destroyed nest where Mother and Eaglet lay dead amidst a pile of smashed eggs. Gulliman got the message and chose to secretly travel from Monarchia (where both legions were) to Macragge with a few ships leaving the expedition to Calth in the capable hands of Sargent Aeonid Theil. Gulliman is able to get to MacCragge before the invasion begins.

Bel`akor

Bel`akor wrecks Step 5 and 6 There was a second consequence to Khan's Psychic message, in that it left the barrier between reality and the warp soft around the already warp-soft Monarchia. Because of this, Bel`akor (who was already irritated at the Uppity Lorgar trying to take his job) took this opportunity to lead an invasion to claim Monarchia for himself. Belakor's Bluster has several implications on Lorgar/Alpharius' evil scheme: This invasion caught both legions off guard, weakening both the Ultramarines and to a greater extent the Word Bearers. Not only did the incursion of Monarchia destroy the suprise factor of Chaos, but Lorgar inadvertantly taught the Ultramarines how to fight demons. The warp storms that built up as a result of the increased demonic activity prevented Alpharius from learning what was going on to devise a new plan The counter attack and exterminatus delayed the betrayal by months. Giving Gulliman much needed planning room. news about the Demon incursion at Monarchia gets out, complicating things for the loyalists under Kor Phaeron. After the demonhosts and the cultists are defeated, the suspicious Aeonid Thiel determines that the best course of action is to Exterminatus Monarchia before he and Lorgar go to Calth. In hindsight the smart thing for Lorgar to do would have been to try to attack the Ultramarines there, but instead Lorgar bites his tongue, decides to stick to the plan, and goes along with the exterminatus, offering the death of his planet as a sacrifice to the Dark Gods.

Gulliman wrecks Steps 6 and 7

Gulliman arrives on Maccragge in secret and with the Regents of Ultramar and has ample time to asses the situation and make preparations. Realizing that Warpstorms surrounding Ultrmar have cut it off from the rest of the Imperium, that the Death Gaurd and Word Bearers have amassed fleets within striking distance, he saw what was about to happen. Lacking his Space Marines, he decides the best course of action is to prepare for an evacuation of the planet. In what could be called his logistical magnum opus, he is able to ground, redirect, and even construct enough vessels to amass an armada to evacuate more that 70% of the Planet, led by his mother. The 30% that remained refused to let Maccragge go down without a fight, and so they prepared under Gulliman to for a last stand until help from the Imperium could come (it doesn't). Additionally because Gulliman was there to defend his planet personally, he was able to prevent most of the inter-loyalist bloodshed that was supposed to happen. Commander Nathaniel Garro Meets Rouboute Gulliman during their invasion of Maccragge and is able to save the loyalist death Gaurd from unite the loyalists for a last stand of Macragge. During the long seige Gulliman composed several writings including what would eventually become "The Codex Astartes." Garro is able to escape with the Last Writings of Rouboute Gulliman who dies fending off the demon hordes.

Luther and Khorne wreck Steps 9, 11, and 12

The Delay of the Betrayal of Calth, and Warp Storms as a result of the Demon incursion/Exterminatus of Monarchia mean that by the time the Betrayal of Calth and invasion of Macragge actually happens, Khorne grows impatient with Tzeentch/Lorgar/Alpharius's plan, and decides he wants the Space Wolves under him now. The Wolf Sons grow impatient and more rabid. Perhaps if Lorgar had known he could have helped the Wolves hold their sanity, but he was out of contact with the greater Imperium because of the warpstorms. So when The Legion goes to Prospero there is nothing anyone (russ, alpharius, or lorgar) can do to stop the feral hordes that were once men of Fenris. Unable to stop the Bloodshed, a disgraced Russ sends a lone message of warning to the greater Imperium. When the Dark Angels received word of The Burning of Prospero, they were supposed to have been well on their way to Maccrage, yet there were no messages from Calth or Maccragge. And the Dark Angels were attending to their own affairs on The Rock. The Lion upon hearing about the Destruction by the Hands of the Space Wolves, he orders his legion to immediately abandon their current mission and come to the aid of Magnus' homeworld. Luther becomes concerned. Had the Plan changed? Had it Failed? He wasn't sure, but he was certain that he couldn't let The Lion get to Prospero. In haste he and Alpharius (who has not heard from Lorgar or Kor Phaeron) orders his fallen to create an impromptu "Drop Site Massacre" complete with sabotages of 1st Legion Fleets, as well as control of Calliban's Fortress monastery. Ironically, Luther's ad hoc plan was far more successful Alpharius' meticulously planned Massacre of Macragge as the bitter and enraged Lion spent many bitter months fighting mile by mile against Alpha Legion Trickery, Tzeentchian Demons, The Fallen, and his own corrupted country men. By the time he was able to capture Luther at The Rock, most of the Fallen had taken nearly half of his fleet and left most of his homeworld destroyed. When the exhausted and betrayed El'Johnson heard about The Ultramarines "Betrayal" at Calth and preparation for Maccragge, he prepared for a mad dash to massacre the Ultramarines. Fortunately for the Imperium by the time the Lion got there, Maccragge had long since fallen, and the survivors such as Nathaniel Garro were able to explain what actually happened.

What was Alpharius Thinking? =

Suprise! it was all just as planned. Alpharius got all of his objectives out of this mess: Rouboute was Dead half of the Dark Angels are his puppets Lorgar Humiliated before the Chaos gods Magnus punished for defying Tzeentch Daddy Tzeentch proud of his scheming The Ultramarines were broken and scattered All of the chaos and lack of communication in Ultramar, Fenris, and Calliban meant that Terra was less defended. He could go in and strike the Imperial Palace, killing Malcador and delivering a near fatal blow to The Emperor

Codex Astartes

If the Imperium post LL gets divided into Primarch-run Fiefdoms, the Softer form of the Codex Astartes could act similar to Imperial "Feds" or "Catholic Holy Orders:" orders with a specific purpose that operate above and outside the Feudal Segmentums run by Primarchs.

Creation of The Codex Astartes

The first writings that would eventually become the Codex Astartes were composed by Rouboute Gulliman during his last days on Maccragge. Alone in an empty planet, the Thirteenth son began writing down his thoughts about each individual legions, its greatest strengths and its greatest weaknesses. He also mused about the ramifications of "The Great Treachery" (The Lorgar Letdown), and its impact on the Imperium. It was here that he called for legions to be broken up into individual chapters, with the remaining Primarchs leading their sons by example rather than by force. This he argued, would not only ensure that further treacheries would not happen again, but allow the Astartes to redeem themselves to the greater Imperium.

We should not be so arrogant to assume that all sins fall on Lorgar and his ilk. As if it is us not them who have nothing to atone for. All of us have committed great crimes in the name of a Higher Truth. Perhaps I can say that my legions never stooped to the brutality of Angron and his world eaters, yet the home of Nuceria was part of my kingdom. The men who tortured and mutilated the soul of my brother continued their evil with their deeds unpunished. Even if I am not a monster by my deeds I have been their husbandman through my omissions. All of us have committed our crimes and when we do, we place hope in our immortality, thinking that the memories of our nefarious deeds will die with our ephemeral brethren. They do not. Instead the stories echo and amplify in whispers and hearths and children's bedsides. Eventually all of the galaxy will know of us not as the heroes we paint ans sculpt ourselves to be, but mythical monsters who steal their children and punish the wicked. And as they grow fearful, we grow cold. And as aloofness becomes callousness, callousness becomes contempt. And after contempt? What then? Then perhaps it would be better if Lorgar and the traitors did succeed, for at least such maniacal evil has the virtue of honesty, and that's one more virtue than possessed by the hypocrite. No, if the citizens of this Imperium are to serve us, then we must serve them as well. Our astartes should grow and bond not merely with us and their ships, but the planets they serve, attend to their needs, take on their way, right their wrongs and nurture their growth. If we take the best of their sons for our own ranks, should we not return something as well?

Roboute Gulliman, Reflections on the Great Crusade (eventually part of the Preface to The Codex Astartes: Index Aurelian)

The break up of the chapters, in Gulliman's mind, was needed to correct the rising indifference he noticed in both his and other legions. By shifting the Astartes as protectors of individual planets, they would begin to see the imperium for its citizens and culture rather than as an abstract notion. The Collected writings of the Codex were smuggled out of Maccragge by Nathaniel Garro, who along with other loyalists was betrayed by Mortarion and Kor Phaeron. Roboute Gulliman died in Kor Phaeron's ritual, in which Maccragge was consecrated to the dark gods and the corpses of the multitude of dead heros were possessed by the demons of the Ruinous powers. These beings eventually tortured and killed Roboute, but not before he helped Nathaniel Garro and the remaining Loyalist Death Gaurd and Word Bearers to escape. The Codex Astartes was compiled and authored by Jaghatai Khan (the nomad prince), who took on the notes and writings of his friend Roboute Gulliman (the institutionalist) as a way to preserve the relations between Ultramar and the Greater Imperium. The realm of Ultramar was still spiritually and physically scarred by the Scouring of Maccragge and the Primarch treachery. Between bearing the brunt of the LL, and the misinformation campaigns of Alpharius (claiming that The Imperium ordered Gulliman killed and maccragge destroyed), Ultramar was suspicious of returning to the Greater Imperium at large. Khan, feeling guilty about the death of his friend, and how his Legion was spared most of the losses that befell his brothers, saw this as a way to make amends. Because the book was co-written, Rouboute's concerns about legions going traitor are tempered by Khan's nomadic experience with settler decadence and horde fragmentation. The result is a pseudo-united "Paralegionary" Force. The Khan willingly cedes control of two thirds of his Legion to be broken up into chapters, and the now Rogue Ultramarines agree to do the same. These Chapters are scattered throughout the galaxy. They can come at the request of The Primarchs (or other Imperial or Ultramar governors), but they ultimately answer to no one but The Emperor. Certain Primarchs (Magnus, Fulgrim, Corax, Vulcan) could have these Free Chapters help shore up the dwindling defenses of their territories. It also gives the Emperor a little bit more direct control over regions, (cant be too careful...). Eventually Primarchs like Rogal could grudgingly see the wisdom in this and donate chapters to fortify around the eye of terror. One of Khan's Stormseer successor chapters eventually becomes "The Grey Knights," etc. Perhaps too other Primarchs allow for some of their sons to form chapters according to the Khan-Gulliman Codex. The Blood Ravens could be an example of one such. Additionally, since both RG and JK have the most stable Geneseed (besides Rogal), and other legions would be disproportionately affected by the "Lorgar Letdown," the splitting of these two chapters would be seen less as a break up, and more of a "flowering" since the Khan would expect their successor chapters to act like Nomadic Bands that split off to form their own vibrant tribe. While Gulliman and Khan are technically no longer incharge of any of their now emancipated sons, they still have significant authority over The Codex itself, and any changes and revisions made.

Rules for Post First Founding Chapters

The Codex provides the provisions under which a group of Astartes can apply for "Chaptership." Should an aspiring chapter-master wish to create an independent chapter, he must meet the following provisions:

• Permission from your Primarch (or Legionary Commander)
• Sponsorship from at least 10 other Chapter Masters,
• Endorsement of good character by no less than three of your fellow legionaries of equal or greater status,
• An endorsement of gene-seed health by the Ordo Biologius.
• Have strength of no less than 150 Astartes, but no greater than 500
• Among these 150, no less than 10 Librarians and 10 Apothecaries
• Other requirements based on the Index upon which your chapter is founded under (those founded under Regula Magnus, have additional regulations placed on Psykers, for instance)

If all 6 of these provisions are met, then the Rules and Chapter can be approved by a Majority of The High Lords of Terra and the Approval of 3 Ultramar Princes (Emperor can Veto) If any of these provisions are lacking, then either the Emperor's approval or a Unanimous Vote of The High Lords is required.

Index Astartes and Regula Astartes

While Gulliman and Khan wrote the entire book together, they also provided their own sections or "indexes" that they wrote independently. An applying chapter must apply to be under one of these rules, and will be subject to the regulations of the chapter they are headed under. Sections are Numbered in order of their creation Section 1: Index Aurellian or "The Rule of Gulliman" Index Aurellian requires provisions relating to planetary administration. Those under the Rule of Gulliman are expected to live up to Gulliman's vision of Statesmen Astartes and have mastery of the diplomatic and administrative arts as well as military matters. Index Gulliman also has additional requirements regarding Chapter Composition and Fortress Monasteries. Section 2: Index Chorgoris: or "The Rule of Khan" Index Chorgoris provides guidelines on nomadic or spaceborne chapters. It is less interested in composition and focuses more on clear lines of succession, Chivalric rules regarding behavior between fellow astartes and non-astartes, and managing Intra-chapter disputes. The Rule of Khan is considered to be less stringent on the Chapter as a whole, but places more of the rules and liability on individual Astartes. Eventually Other Primarchs (with the permission of Khan/Ultramarines Chaptermaster) added their own Indexes (Shown in order of their creation) Section 3: Index Phoenician: or "The Rule of Fulgrim" Fulgrim's Rule places additional requirements on Artificers and Apothecaries. Astartes under the Rule of Fulgrim are also expected to be masters of Personal Combat. Those under Fulgrim's rule are expected to be both expert fighters and expert craftsmen. Curiously there are no Emperor's Children Successor chapters under the "Fulgrim's Rule." Due to the weakness of The Emperor's Children, they could never afford to donate. Instead the followers of The Rule of Fulgrim are almost exclusively Iron Hands Successor Chapters. Index Phoenician was written by Fulgrim at the personal request of Ferrus Manus, who had several companies request their Genefather's permission to form Chapters. Section 4: Index Praetorian: or "The Rule of Dorn" The Rule of Dorn has a few stipulations for personal behavior or for chapter management. The ultimate focus of Index Praetorian is Seigecraft and Engineering. A chapter under Index Praetorian is rigorously disciplined in the arts of engineering, warfare, architecture, and defensive tactics. Additionally, there are certain "sub indexes" or Regulae, which while not significant enough in their divergence to be considered its own chapter, provides additional rules for further specialization of space marine chapters. Section 2(a) Regula Mortis (Rule of Garro) Special section of rules for loyalist sons of traitor legions. Mostly follows Index Chorgoris, but with guidelines pertaining to managing a Chapter composed of multiple Genefathers, as well as additional rules for safegaurding against corruption. Section 1(a) Regula Viatorris (Rule of The Webway) A work of headache inducing compromise, and endless negotiations between Jaghatai Khan, Magnus, and The Representatives of Craft World Biel-Tan. Astartes founded under this codex were the first Space Marines to be permitted to operate in the Webway, and as such shoulder their crippling regulations with pride and distinction. In addition to stringent regulations regarding chapter organization, organizational hierarchy, and restricted activities, chapters in the Rule of The Webway must also accept the sponsorship of an individual craftworld, and are required to answer to them regarding activities in the web way. Section 1(b) Regula Prosperae (Rule of Magnus) Heavily Modified variation of Index Aurelian, the Regula Magni adds additional qualifications for Librarians, and tactics for Librarian heavy combat. Section 2(a) Regula Tempestus The Rule of Warp Created to help in the creation of chapters who operate near the Eye of Terror, and as such have more encounters with Warp Storms and Demonic incursions. Section 3(a) Regula Tyrranis (The Rule of Tyrannids)

For Tyranid-busting chapters, augments Index Chorgoris with its emphasis on adaptability, with Dorn's experience and resilience enshrined in Index Praetorean. Exceptional at adapting to an ever adapting foe. Section 2(b) Regula Skythiae (Rule of The Nomad) The Mellennium long ambition of the Khan realized through the benignly negligent sponsorship of Commoragh. Created in M38, the Rule of The Nomad offers significantly more flexibility than the bureaucratically asphyxiated Regula Viatorres Astartes. In exchange for limitations on operations inthe webway, they have greater flexibility travelling through the webway, making these Astartes chapters the ultimate force for rapid response and deployment throughout the Imperium with little Eldar interference.

Chapter Foundings

First Founding The First Founding was made entirely of White Scars and Ultramarines. The Creation of the Free Chapters was seen as the first step towards reconciliation between Ultramar and The Greater Imperium. First Founding Chapters: Novamarines Genesis Chapter Macragge's Honnor Rampagers Mantis Warriors Marines Errant Storm Lords Sons of Gulliman Inceptors Black Counsels Second Founding (ie The Penitential Founding) While Jaghatai and Gulliman had created the Codex Astartes with the Loyalist fragments in mind, it was a very controversial position and Jaghatai didn't want to jeopardize his carefully hammered out reintegration of Ultramar with Traitor Chapters. Instead, Jaghatai used his own legion "The White Scars" as a sort of Parole Office for Wayward Astartes, helping to mitigate concerns about their reintegration by sending them out to demonstrate their loyalty to the Imperium under his Supervision. When Jaghatai felt the time was right, he used Nathaniel Garro, well-liked on Ultramar being the last Astarte to see Roboute Gulliman alive and the protector of The Primarch's last writings as the Posterboy for his "Second Founding." Garro was granted permission to found his own Chapter made up of Former Death Gaurd loyalists, and permission to recruit new astartes and carry one the Death Gaurd Geneseed. With the success of Garro's "Dusk Raiders" Soon other chapters were able to form their own loyalist chapters under "The Rule of Garro." Unlike in Vanillahammer, these chapters are aware of their gene-father's treachery and have built themselves around continuing their Emperor-made purpose. Second Founding Chapters: "Oathkeepers" Fmr Death Gaurd, formed from Nathaniel Garro "The Charcodons" Fmr Night Lords "Silver Skulls" Fmr Iron Warriors "Consumed" Fmr World Eaters Space Wolves Fmr Space Wolves (Vanilla Wolf Brothers), the few who survived the madness. Their founding was unique in that their request to form a Chapter was rejected by non-other than Leman Russ himself. Leman, who was so disgusted with himself and his Legion, did not want any part of his legion to carry forward. They went to the High Lords of Terra and the Emperor himself pleading for the chance to serve the Emperor once again, and permission for the Name "Space Wolves" to die an honorable death. Additionally, they went to Magnus to beg for him to intercede on their behalf, in exchange for service. Magnus was impressed by their gall, and agreed to help them overrule Russ's refusal. The war cry of the new Space Wolves is "Remember Prospero." They go through the galaxy hunting their former brothers, but try to stand clear of their furious father. Fourth Founding or "The Phoenecian Founding" The Fourth Founding consisted of a donation of Iron Hands. The Iron Hands were swelling with new ranks and many of the tensions between Ferrus Manus and his Augmentation obsessed sons was beginning to surface. Both were affecting the efficiency of the Legions. Seeing the behavior and capabilities of other legions like The Thousand Sons, Emperors Children, Ultramarines, and Salamanders; Ferrus Manus was concerned that his obsession with brute strength and refinement of flesh was stifling the creativity and capabilities of his Astartes. In the interest of seeing his Sons thrive and adapt, Ferrus Manus commissioned his friend Fulgrim to design a set of rules to allow his successor chapters to reach their full potential. In many ways the Successor chapters of the Fourth (and future Iron Hands) Founding are unique in their dual heritage, taking on traits of both Primarchs Fifth Founding or "The Corvidae Founding" The Fifth founding came about as a result of a the First Black Crusade, when several legions (the Iron Hands in particular) learned the hard way how painfully ill-equipped they were for war against demonic forces. While orders like The Grey Knights did exist, they were small, and the Inquisition's "Ordo Malleus" was distrusted by most, if not all Space Marine Legions. Thus it was Magnus The Red's Turn to Donate, and as Such Composed The Regula Prosperae, providing for new Psyker-heavy Chapters, and ways to guard them against Chaos. Fifth Founding Chapters: The Corvidae Donated by Magnus the Red to be one of The First of the new Mystic Chapters The Exorcists The Pleasure-Seekers Chapter and Ironic name provided by Fulgrim, this Chapter excels in fighting against the Servants of Slaanesh The Emperor's Path White Scars Successor, specializes in fighting against Tzeentch The Emperor's Peace Focuses on The Servant's of Khorne, The Wolf Hounds Another Anti-Khorne Chapter, Thousand Son's Successor trained by Leman Russ The Apothacaries Iron Hands Successors, specialize in killing Demons of Nurgle. Espandor's Faithful General Anti-Demon Ultramarine Successors Memory of Maccragge Ultramarine Successor, expert Nurgle Killers. Sixth Founding or "The Dornian Founding" Called The Dornian Founding by those not in Proximity to Rogal Dorn, was made up of the deserters of The Imperial Fists Legion. Dorn's Legion, angry that Dorn had abandoned crusading for obsession with fortifications requested that part of the legion break off and serve Horus's plans. Dorn consented on the condition that he would allow them to break off if they agreed to follow The (maligned by Fists) Codex Astartes. Unfortunately they Called his bluff. Sixth Founding Chapters The Emperor's Champions Founded by None other than Rogal's Former Champion, Sigismund, This chapter is unique among the other Imperial Fist Chapters in that it is one of the Few that does not use "Index Praetor," Instead preferring the Rules set out by The Khan enshrined in Index Chorgoris. The Crimson Fists The Celestial Lions The Imperial Fists Fists Exemplar Excoriators Iron Knights Astral Knights Soul Drinkers In this universe a Dorn Successor chapter that follows the Rule of Magnus)

Primarch Governments

Due to their Father’s Illness, The Remaining Loyalist Primarchs have taken on the burden of imperium. Some of the Primarchs have remained in charge of The Imperium-at-Large, while others have taken over individual Segmenti. Horus has remained warmaster, and at his call, the Primarchs must gather their forces for “The Golden Crusade.”

At-Large Primarchs: These Primarchs have foresworn their own territory in order to serve the Imperium-At-Large. Horus: The Warmaster Horus has maintained his position of warmaster, and as such is responsible for coordinating all forces in the Imperium, both for great crusades, as well as the collective defense of the imperium. His greatest weapon is his own legion “The Sons of Horus,” which serves as the spearhead in most offensives.

Sanguinius: The Regent Beloved by all, there was no other person who could shoulder the burdens of Empire. Sanguinius serves as the De facto Head of The Imperium with his father taking an advisory role while he recovers.

Jaghatai Khan: “The Book-Keeper” Inheriting the Codex Astartes from Roboute Gulliman, Jaghatai Khan oversees the Chaptered Astartes as “Qitobuqa” (Chorgoran (ie Distorted Chagatai) for “Master of the Book”). Given the many varried and specialized roles that these Chapters have taken on. Jaghatai, (With The Lion) have taken on many of the duties that The Inquisition does in Vanilla Hammer.

Lion El’Johnson: “The Praetorean” Following Dorn’s Descent into Madness, Lion El’Johnson has assumed Dorn’s former Role as The Emperor’s Praetorean. The Lion’s focus is on Counter-intelligence, and security. Building a fortification of knowledge rather than of rockcrete. His Dark Angels are scattered across the imperium rooting out spies and uncovering threats to the Imperium.

Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus: Imperial Chief Artificer Originally offered to Vulkan, who declined in favor of governing the Segmentum Pacificus. Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus work together to create technology and equipment for the Imperium. Both Civilian and Military. Fulgrim’s focus being something of a “Surgeon General” for the Imperium while Ferrus Manus serves as the head engineer and liason to the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Segmentum Primarchs These Primarchs have taken to a Particular Segmentum of the Imperium, and govern it as their own Mini-Imperium, complete with their own Segmentum Gaurd. While still loyal to the Greater Imperium, these Primarchs are granted greater leeway in management of their territories so long as their territory remains defensible and provides tithes.

Magnus: Segmentum Obscurus

The Closest to The Eye of Terror, only Magnus The Red, was considered to be the most capable of protecting the Imperium’s most Warp-Susceptible region. On the front line of any attack by Lorgar and The Ruinous Powers, Magnus has tailored his legions and his armies in defense against the Warp. His armies have both the highest number of blanks as well as the Highest number of Sanctioned Psykers. He Governs from Novo Prospero.

Dorn: Segmentum Tempestus

Taking the Segmentum Closest to Terra, Dorn has transformed the entire segmentum into a fortress, in the event that terra falls. No statues and no art is to be found in the Segmentum Tempestus, and yet no one can fail to see the Mark of The Master-Builder throughout the realm. Dorn Governs from what was once Inwit, but the planet has been rebuilt from the bedrock up into a labyrinthine fortress world thrice its original size. The Banal Name “Fort Inwit” does not do justice the the masterwork of fortifications that is at the center of an entire interplanetary realm of fortifications. Those travelling to The Segmentum cannot shake their sense of awe at dorn’s handiwork, while also shaking a sense of dread. “What sort of Enemy would need these fortifications?”

Vulkan: Segmentum Pacificus The hardy and rebellious peoples of the Segmentum Pacificus need a Primarch both unwavering in his sense of justice, and caring in love of the people. No other person could fufil this role but Vulkan.

Corax: Imperial Ultima Segmentum: Corvus Corax of The Raven Guard governs the Imperial Territories of the Ultima Segmentum. While Technically one of the smallest in terms of territory, Corvus also has the additional role of serving as Chief Imperial Ambassador to The “Independent” Dominion of Ultramar.

Horus: Terminus Segmentum Not a Segmentum per say, but Territories reclaimed from the Forces of Chaos and Xenos are considered to be a part of the Terminus or Frontier Segmentum. These are officially under the Jurisdiction of the Warmaster, who often has little more than a Military Presence.

Non-Segmentum Regions These regions do not have a specific governor, but instead are managed by human governments who are in Alliance with the Imperium.

Segmentum Solar. Segmentum Solar does not technically have a Primarch governor. As the Seat of the Imperium, Segmentum Solar is under the governorship of the Emperor himself and his chosen representatives (The High Lords of Terra). In practice however, Fulgrim and Sanguinius have the most involvement in managing the Segmentum Solar, and often circumvent the High Lords.

Adeptus Mechanicus Holding to the Ancient Treaties established by The Emperor, the Adeptus Mechanicus maintains its autonomy in managing the Many Forgeworlds of the Imperium. They often buttheads with the also autonomous kingdom of Ultramar, as well as the Imperial Artificers for Scientific and Religious reasons (usually treated as the same thing). Ultramar Ultramar, following the Treaty of Chorgoris after the Great Treachery of Lorgar was recognized to be independent in its own affairs. The Realm of Ultramar still recognizes the Emperor as its Sovereign Lord, as well as the Father of their god The Aurelian. Half of Gulliman’s remaining legions were donated to the Codex Astartes, who serve the Imperium at large and answer only to the Emperor. Ultramar, according to the Treaty, answers only to the Emperor himself, but in practice usually works with Corvus Corax, Ultima Adeptus and Liaison to Ultramar, and Jaghatai Khan, the “Book-Keeper” and “The Master of Chapters.” Ultramar is governed as a collection of Feudal Kingdoms under the Suzerainty of Ultramarines Chapter Master.

The Five Hundred Worlds of Ultramar are De Jure "Independent" from the Imperium because of the events of the Lorgar Letdown (destruction of maccragge, warpstorms, suspicion of other primarchs), but in reality The Imperium exerts as much control over its "Ally" Ultramar as it does any distant realm of the Imperium. This is in no small part thanks to the Work of Jaghatai Khan, who took the Notes of His Buddy Rouboute for The Codex Astartes, and Christopher Tolkein'd them into The "Codex Astartes." Under the Codex Most of The White Scars, Orphaned Ultramarines, and Loyalists abandon their legions to act as independent chapters that would work in Ultramar and The Imperium, while still being personally loyal to the Emperor (not any Primarch or admin of Terra). In the 41st Millennium, Ultramar is Space Bretonia complete with A deified Tarasha Euten Serving as the Lady of The Lake (as well as Mary in Catholicism/Orthodoxy). Ultramar is covered with noble houses who religiously follow the Codex Astartes (as well as Gulliman's other Writings), and will go on quests for the "Great Mother's" Favor. This Universe's "The Black Templars" are called the "The Black Eutenites" who are essentially a Collection of Grail Knights and Knights Errant, who go Lorgar Hunting. The are "Black" because they Paint over their previous Chapter Insignia to denote their service exclusively to "The Queen Mother." The Capitol of Ultramar is now Espandor (Space Vatican), with Calth (Space Santiago) and a rebuilt Maccragge (Space Jerusalem) being Sites of Holy Pilgrimage. The Refugees of Maccragge have become a special nobility in Ultramar, with families taking the names of the Evacuation ships.

Religion

Idea for Religion Since Lorgar's writing would be likely purged by the Emperor and all of the Primarchs, The Ultramar Cult of The Aurelian, The Cult Mechanicus, and Promethean Cult all Step in to take its place. The Imperium of Midhammer is a much more Tolerant place, with religious devotion not losing its head to violent fanaticism (mostly). Holy Terra still promotes the Imperial truth, but The Emperor grudgingly tolerates the rise of religions centered around him. The Lorgar Letdown convincing both him and the Primarchs that pretending Chaos does not exist, and ignoring mankind's need for things to believe in is probably a bad idea. The "Aurelian Cult" alongside Vulkan's Promethean Cult and Cult Mechanicus are the three accepted religions in the Imperium. The Aurellian Cult in particular serves as the substitute for The Imperial Cult of Vanillahammer, (perhaps instead of being Grimdark evil Goge Vandire is just Space Luther and creates a different sect?). The Religion functions similar to how The Koran thinks Christianity works, with The Emperor (The Father), Gulliman (The Son), and Tarasha Euten (The Holy Spirit/Blessed Mother) forming the Holy Triad of Dieties, with the Father being Supreme over the Son and Mother, but is definitely not a God. The Return of the Avenging Son is considered a sign of the End Times, when it is prophesied that The Avenging Son will return to Earth to Slay Lorgar and -Reuniting with his father and brothers- shall slay the Ruinous Powers.

The Aurelian Cult Founded in Ultramar, the Aurelian Cult Worships Roboute Gulliman and The God-Emperor. It serves as this timeline's main replacement for the Ecclesiarchy. The Cult places great emphasis on the Emulation of Roboute Gulliman and his writings for how to live. They believe that in the fullness of time The Avenging Son will return with his Father in Glory to defeat the Traitors once and for all, and build an "Imperium Secundus" in the warp. The Aurelian cult would function a bit like the Bretonians as well, with Tanasha Euten acting as The Lady of The Lake. The Aurelian Cult is the Largest Religion in the Imperium claiming Trillions of Souls and almost 35% of the Imperium’s Total Population. Key Beliefs

Deities There are three chief deities of the Aurelian cult: The Father, The Son, and The Queen Mother The Father

The Not-God, Emperor of Mankind, Those who practice the Aurelian Cult believe that the Spirit or Soul of the Emperor far outgrows his actual physical presence, and that while he is Physically present on Holy Terra, his spirit is everywhere. The Aurelian Cult is very careful not to call The Emperor a “God.” And while Theologians throughout the Imperium speculate on the nature and essence of Chaos Demons, The Heresiarchs, The Aurelian, or the Mother. Speculation on the Emperor himself is strictly forbidden. He is known as “The Undefinable one,” “He who is above all,” “Rightful Ruler of All Things” etc. The Mechanical Aurelian Certain Sects of The Aurelian Cult have syncretized with the Adeptus Mechanicus (particularly those Techmarine heavy chapters), who have taken on some of the Beliefs of the Emperor as The Omnissiah made flesh. They are allowed, but are watched with suspicion by The Mainline Aurelian Cults, Mechanicus, and Imperium. They are also the closest The Aurelian Cults can get to calling the Emperor a God without falling into Heresey. Heretical Sects Unlike in Vanillahammer when heresy is thrown around by any sufficiently miffed Inquisitor. Heresy means something very specific in The Aurelian cult. It means to act “As Lorgar” who committed the Two Great Heresies by Calling the Emperor a God and by worshipping the Dark Gods. Lorgarite is sometimes used as an accusation of Heresy. Gulliman: The Son The Aurelian Cult believes that Gulliman was sent by his Father to Ultramar so as to teach men how to follow him. And that by living as a human among humans, he could set an example for what The God-Emperor expects of all his Children. The annals of Gulliman's life is recorded in a several sacred texts, but his own writings about life on Ultramar and the Imperium are also treasured. It is believed that by dying on Macragge Guliman was beloved by his father and uplifted to godhood, where he now fights for the souls of those loyal to the Emperor. Imperium Secundus Imperium Secundus has taken on a spiritual meaning as an afterlife. It is believed that Rouboute is building Imperium Secundus in the warp, and all noble souls of the Imperium will join him in this new and final kingdom. Excerpt (Writefaggotry) "For though we are lost in Illyrium, Beset by all our foes, We trust in you The Ultramarine, For In Illylium you are Building a Kingdom For In Illyrium you are paving the path For in Illyrium the wild beasts obey you For in Illyrium the brutes and monsters scatter For in Illyrium the Loyal will gather to you For in Illyrium a New Kingdom will be made. The Aurelian says to Forest of Illyrium "Be Trimmed and Pruned" And The Forest will Grove itself The Aurelian says to the Cliffs of Illyrium, "Be Sturdy and Sloped" And The Cliffs will make themselves Foundations The Aurelian says to Oceans of Illyrium "Be Calm and be Clean" and The Oceans will harbor themselves The Aurelian will say to the Beasts of Illyrium "Be docile and fertile" and the beasts will husband themselves. The Aurelian will say to Illyrium "Be a Kingdom fit my Father" And Illyrium will bow and become Imperium." -Exerpt from The Psalter of The Matron The End Times By dying, Guilliman saved the souls of humans from drowning in the warp he is building his "Imperial Secundus" in the warp. When the End Times come, The Aurelian will reunite with the Emperor, bringing with him the souls of those noble souls who served the Emperor in Life and Served him and The Aurelian in Death. Then The Aurelian with Join his brothers and all Imperials and lead them into the Eye of Terror to slaughter the ruinous powers. The Mechanical Aurelian In these cults, The Aurelian is sometimes called “The Great Creations.” As the Omnissiah is the Great Machine, The Aurelian, and all of the Primarchs are in a sense his Great Machine Spirit. The Queen Mother Tarasha Euten, The Mother of Roboute Gulliman, she through her trials on the Flight to Holy Terra has become a god in her own right. She acts on behalf the Emperor and Her Son. She is seen as the "Facilitator" aiding man to follow the path to the Emperor laid out by Rouboute Gulliman. Apotheosis Gulliman's Mother, Tarasha Euten, takes on special significance in both Ultramar and The Aurelian Cult. This is not only because of her connection to her son, but also because of the events of "The Macragge Armada." The Macragge Armada were the ships that Gulliman was able to save from Macragge's destruction along with Billions of Ultramar Citizens. The Refugee Ships went through their own Grimbright version of The Flight of The Eisenhorn, where the Gellar Field failed on their warp to Terra. Tarasha Euten stood defiant against the Demons and horrors of the warp, and took command of the fleet. Because Tarasha was there and because there were billions upon billions on board, rather than a single battleship, Tarasha was able to comfort the fearful refugees; and rally them to faith. Excerpt (Writefaggotry) "Perhaps you are falling into despair, and you believe The Emperor has abandoned Ultramar in its darkest day. But Know This! That as my son gave his dying breath fighting these very demons he did not lose his faith in the Emperor. And because of this I know That The Lord of Ultramar stands alongside us, I see him like a great wave of sparkling clean water driving down the Floatsam and mud of the warp. He did not lose his faith, and so I swear to you on this accursed demon-ridden ship, nor will I. So if you weary to place your faith in the Emperor and too tired to carry your prayers to Terra, then fear not! Your hopes and prayers will not be lost in the hell, for as The Queen Mother of Ultramar I command you to look upon me and to place your faith in my faith and the faith of Rouboute. For we have not forgotten him -and with our last words, passing spirit, and dying gasps- My son and I will carry your names and your prayers to the Golden Throne." Courage and Honnor, my Children! The Emperor Protects!"

-Last Vox Broadcast of Tarasha Euten on board "The Maiden of Espandor."

By Using herself and Gulliman as the focal point for their belief, the Refugees were inspired to repel the demons and were able to build a sort of substitute Gellar Field of Faith." The other result of this was that Tarasha Euten achieved Apotheosis transforming into a minor god (not a demon-prince of Gulliman, a minor God, like Isha, or The Chaos God of “The Greater Good”). Gulliman himself also achieved Apotheosis as a result of this Flight and there are occasional sightings of "The Aurelian" a Man in Gold and Blue coming to the aid of The Imperium. The Tasks of The Mother: (Space Grail Knights!) Those loyal servants of The Imperium will receive tasks by the Queen Mother, those who dedicate their lives to The Lady of Ultramar and fufill her tasks in protecting Mankind are bestowed with great power. The Daughters of Tanasha The Queen Mother Appeared to The Women of Ophelia during the m33 telling them to gather their swords and "Rebuild her Home" The Aurelian Mechanicus

The Mother is referred to “The Mother of Mechanicus” because she participated in The Omnissiah’s Creative energies in helping to maintain and nourish the Omnissiah’s great creations. The Mother is the Patron of all Apothecaries and Techmarines. 

Demonic Entities The Aurelian Cult (whether by accident or design) does not actually know the names of the actual Ruinous powers. Instead they are known through the Traitor Primarchs that serve them Alpharomegon: The Schemer Perturabo: The Great Temptor Angron: The Corruptor Mortarion (or whoevs): God of War and Wroth. Lorgar: The King of Demons Kurze: The Demon of Chaos Korphaeron: The Desecrator Holy Entities The Celestial Saints These include holy men and women from Gulliman and The Emperor's past who are believed to be in Imperium Secundus with Gulliman. They work on behalf of him and the faithful of the galaxy. Like the Living Saints their power is granted by the Holy Triad. Examples of the Celestial Saints: St. Malcador the Hero St. Olanius Pius St. Konor St. Aeonid Theil St. Genetrix (the wife of Gulliman whose name is lost to history). The Living Saints The Divine Brethren

The Primarchs are considered to be somewhere between gods and Saints.

Sacred Texts "The Protoevangelion of St Konor" in which St. Konor reveals unto Antoli sacred truths of the life of Rouboute Gulliman "The Psalter of The Matron" the Hymns sang by Tarasha Euten during the the "Flight to Terra" "The Apocalypse of The Steward" Account of the Last Battle for Maccragge by an unnamed Servant who remained on the planet. It was found during the Holy Crusade of Macragge in M35 reclamation by "The Daughters of Tanasha" "Last Testament of Aurellion" Collection Gulliman's Last Writings, his thoughts and warnings to the people of Ultramar, to the Imperium, and to His Astartes. Cult Organization: Leadership: Chapter Masters The Cult is Headed by the Chapter Master of The Ultramarines (Currently Maneus Calgar), headquartered in Espandor. He is considered "First Among Equals" Among the Other Chapter Masters The Chapter Masters of The XIII Legion: All Ultramarine descendent Chapters in union with The Cult serve administrative roles in the Cult. The Chapter-masters occasionally convene at Espandor in a Conclave to discuss, declaration of heretics and inter-cult discipline. These meetings are specific ceremony-bound practices, and should not be confused with the Chapter-Masters regular Duties as leaders of the Adeptus Astartes. Adeptus Sorroritas:

They follow their own organizational rules, and answer only to their Spiritual Liege the "Lord of Ultramar." Because their code was seen to be derived by The Queen Mother Herself, none dare challenge it.

The Black Eutenites: (this world's black templars/death company Grimbright Sad Marines) A fanatical and controversial order of Legions who have received "The Golden Sorrow" where upon they are witness to the Suffering and Death of Rouboute Gulliman. Additionally they are witness to the "the current sufferings of gulliman today" Where they are given visions of all those in the Galaxy whose prayers are yet to be answered, or in a need of aid. They call themselves the Black Eutenites because it was reveiled to them they are in descent to Tanasha Euten, who was the First to Recieve "The Golden Sorrow" as she was spiritually connected to Roboute Gulliman as he was tortured and killed on Maccragge. While Emotionally, Spiritually, (and physically) painful the Black Eutenites see this as a great honor, and have their own term for it - "The Gift of The Mother." This order is particularly controversial because they see themselves as an order apart from the rest of The Ecclesiarchy (and the Imperium for that matter), and that they are charged by Gulliman and Tanasha themselves to right the wrongs of the imperium (including when righting said wrongs puts them at odds with the The Ecclesiarchy and other Imperial Administrations). Holy Sites

The Ecclesiarchy of the Aurelian Cult is Set around 13 Sacred Sites. Espandor (contentiously) holds the honor of First Among Equals. However Each Holy Seat is powerful in its own right. Every Ultramarine Successor Chapter and Sister of Battle Chapter Must Choose one Holy Seat in which they are beholden to. Holy Seats (in order of Importance:

Espandor Holy Terra Because of The Stringent rules about religion and Cults on “Holy Terra,” The Seat of Holy Terra is not on Terra itself, but on “The Temple of The Holy Martyrs” on Luna. The Church also owns several “Monuments” on Holy Terra, that serve both sites of Pilgrimage as well as tourism. Ophelia The Site of where Tanasha Euten's Ship Crash Landed, during Maccragge's Famous "Flight to Terra." Is one of the Oldest Seats of the Ecclesiarchy, and is also the founding site of the Sisters of Battle. Most Sisters of Battle Claim this Seat as their Spiritual Liege. Calth Nova Thulium Sotha Arda Prandium Maccragge Despite its obvious religious Importance, Maccragge was only purged of the Demonic Taint of Nurgle following the Sister's Crusade of M37. Maccragge was considered a had a sister seat of both Ophelia, Espandor, and Nova Thulium there until M39, when the Seats were united under a single Spiritual Liege. Gantz Saramanth Uldregor Laphis

Primarchs:

Sanguinius

Sanguinius only fought one Battle in the Lorgar Let Down. The in which he did He and his men were consumed with The Red Thirst. It was so barbaric that Sanguinius refused to fight anyone but Lorgar himself. Having also consumed Kor Phaeron, he is now witness to the horrid memories of The Black Cardinal and is fighting this corruption in addition to The Red Thirst. He fears that the next time he develops the Red Thirst, he will fall to Chaos.

Lion El’Johnson

Between Alpharius' Manipulations of Luther, The Destruction of Calliban, and almost getting manipulated by Alpharius into starting a Civil War with the Ultramarines. Lion El'Johnson is obsessed with Counter-intelligence, and information networks. Unlike Vanillahammer The Lion's Dark Angels have made the Existence of The Fallen well known, and alert other legions to its activities. They "stay in the Dark, to help others see the light." The Lion is now also very deliberate and slow moving in his actions. To the point where some have claimed he is "Sleeping" on the Rock. He is not. He is just paranoid about being manipulated again.

Jaghatai Khan

Jaghatai is based less on Ghengis Khan, and more Babur the Great. In general his White Scars and Chorgoris bear more resemblance to the Central Asian Steppe Peoples like the Old Uyghurs, Uzbeks and Chagatai of Timur (Convenient, eh?). Less "ruthless barbarian" trope and more "noble savage" trope. Make no mistake, he will still raise a mighty horde and will slaughter your army down to the last man, but afterwards he will stop to write a poem about the only flower left standing on the ruined battlefield. I'm imagining The Khan taking on a more Noble appearance, less leather and more fine garments, layered plate mail, and Qalpak hats. His legion and ships have also taken on a distinctly more medieval central asian look, with his battleships embellished with the elaborate Gold and Turquoise of the Registon Maydoni. And his Stormseers spinning in their psyker chants like Whirling Dervishes. His armies being a diverse array of Medieval Asiatic warriors from Nomadic Warriors to Gurkhas In keeping with the shift from Karakorum to Samarkand, Jaghatai in this universe is a greater administrator than he is in Grimdark. What sets him apart from other administrative focused Primarchs (Fulgrim, Gulliman, Lorgar), is his suspicion for settled governments, and a preference for nomadic. Khan sees a little of The Palatine in every Settlement he meets, and is convinced that the best form of government is one where the government is mobile. His meeting with his father, experience with space travel has only solidified this opinion. Khan thinks that just as it is best for the Hordes to govern cities, it should be the Fleets that direct planets, not Planets that direct fleets. His effort to convince his father and brothers of this has so far been unsuccessful, but many have come to respect his views. Rather than being forgettable but likable, Jaghatai, in this timeline, has an "odd couple" broship with Roboute Gulliman, similar to that of Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus. Jaghatai and Rouboute represent the ideal form of opposing ways of life. They have a friendly rivalry, and regularly trade opinions and debates on the ideal administration. Khan admires the logistical prowess of Gulliman's "Settler system" while Gulliman is impressed with the Flexibility and adaptability of Khan's "nomadic system." Ultimately it was because of this unlikely friendship that after the events of the Lorgar Letdown, Gulliman entrusted Khan with composing The Codex Astartes. After the Events of the Lorgar Letdown, Khan spends his time in the frontier regions of the Imperium, travelling aiding and governing the forgotten planets. He also oversees the Ultramar/Imperium alliance, as well as an advisory role for the "Codex Astartes" Chapters

Rogal Dorn

Dorn, The Mad Architect Disgraced as the Emperor's Praetor, Humiliated by Alpharius and Perturabo, and Abandoned by his own Legion, Rogal Dorn, Former Praetor of Terra, and Great Architect of The Imperial Palace has retreated to his home in the Inwit sector, and there he is building. Those few Imperial Fists (now called The Hands of Dorn) who have remained loyal are his master builders, serving to transform the Entire Inwit Segmentum into a Citadel. Few of his brothers know why, or what he is building for, and most have assumed their brother mad, for surely nothing exists to be as terrible to need a fortress this strong? During The Lorgar Letdown: Perturabo is able to goad Dorn and his fists into a Trap on Olympia, which Perturabo has transformed into a massive fortification he calls the Iron Cage.The LL Iron Cage is less Grimdark than its Vanilla hammer version, its more like a standard seige (Though Perturabo now also employs warp magic into his fortifications, making it a trippy seige as well). Its significantly less devastating than on the Imperial Fists, however it does take a really long time to seige. Long enough for Dorn to be away at his post on Terra for Alpharius to sneak in, destroy half the Imperial Palace (and about half of the Custodes, and a good chunk of what was Asia and the Pacific) on Terra with an Archeotech Bomb, Kill Malcador the Sigilite, Mortally Wound the Emperor and Steal the Emperor's Right Hand and Heart as a Tribute to Tzeentch. Once he finally cracked Perturabo's Seige Perturabo was no where to be found. Perturabo then Blew up the planet of Olympia as an offering to The Prince of Pleasure for Demonhood. Excerpt (Writefaggotry) "Do you Remember, Rogal, when you were asked if there was any Fortress you could build that I could not siege?" "Yes" said Dorn, "and the answer remains the same." "As curt as ever. Now what about the inverse? Does the Great Architect of Terra believe he could crack any Fortress I built?" "This is evident now" Dorn replied, to the muffled laughs of the Imperial Fists. "Indeed, Father, never really granted me the same opportunities as my new patron does. Did you know, I was so angered by your hubris that day, that in my more foolish mortal life, I would spend weeks at a time, agonizing over your plans and my own, your battle records. Convinced that, given the opportunity, I could outshine you with a fortress that you could never crack. But now that my patron has given me the tools to fulfill my desire, I see the truth. I was not your rival, I never existed. In your mind, I was a projection of your own sins. You once accused me of recklessly throwing legionaries at walls, and yet..." The Primarch Waved his hands around his ruined Citadel, "here we are at the site of my ruined walls. Leveled only by the Fine Skulls of your Legionaries. That ruthless obstinence is not my failure, it’s yours. Do you know what I have realized, My dear Brother Rogal? For so long, my mind was obsessed over designs for "the perfect fortress" it was my obsession, my dream, i would build the best Fortress. Then I realized my folly. There is no best fortress, whether we build them with sticks like our ancestors, or Rockcrete and Adamantium, they are all built with the same purpose. Do you know what that purpose is?" "To make it so strong you stop the enemy from entering" said Rogal. "NO" Roared Perturabo with a bellowed, triumphant laugh."I knew you would say that, but that's ok, I used to say that as well." "All fortresses are pregnable, Rogal, with enough time and resources. Ancient Troy fell through trickery. Qunstinable Fell through treason, Jibralter fell through Technology, and Nova Yorik fell through the unruliness of its own citizens. Just as Terra falls now due to the negligence of its Defenders. It is the duty of any fortification not to be impregnable, but to make the cost of breaking it so high the enemy is either deterred or exhausted. To be so costly, that it is not worth the treasure inside. And if that is true, the ultimate fortress, my brother, is not one that can't be besieged, it is one not worth seiging at all." "And That, my ever-obstinate brother, is your greatest failure. Perhaps you are right, maybe there is some design of yours I could never break. But I never needed to, perhaps, like Illium of Old I just my Ulysses to open the Gates. All i needed was its great defender, Rogal Dorn, away long enough for the defenses to falter. Terra has fallen, and I dont care. But I know you do, just as I know in your heart you think you could siege any fortress I built. No matter how meticulous my design, you would find a way to tear it down, whatever the cost. You have to, that's why you projected onto me, your pathetic shadow. So obsessed are you with your ability to build and siege, that, like me, you could never comprehend, never even conceive of the idea that a fortress would cost too much to crack. That it is not worth the treasure inside. Well here it is, Rogal. Here is the heart of my Fortress. An Ancient Planet-destroying Bomb from the Dark Age of Technology, much like the one that has detonated on Terra in your absence. I set it to detonate in 100 days, but that was the day before you came here, about ...99 days, 16 hours and 55 minutes ago. I do hope you remember the way out Rogal and your legion is ready for a lively sprint, as I am afraid I am not here to show you the door. Good Luck dear Brother." -Holographic Projection of Perturabo at the heart of the Labyrinthine, Continent-Spanning Fortress of Olympia. The Imperial Fists, already exhausted from the endless months of intense seiging and warfare from multiple fronts, suddenly had less that a few hours to regroup, salvage their equipment, and make it to the transport ships (they were unable to teleport). Dorn and his legion barely escaped. And of the 30% of his legion he lost to the Seige of the Iron Cage, nearly two thirds came from those who were unable to escape, their souls now captives to the Prince of Pleasure as a gift from his favorite champion. After The Lorgar Letdown His legion was mostly intact, but he took the injuries his Father and Terra sustained very personally. The fact that his father was only wounded, and that there was only a continent sized crater on Earth did little to lift up his spirits. Dorn resigned from his Position as The Emperor's Praetorian, and wandered the galaxy. At some point in his self-imposed exile of he stumbled upon rumors of Hive Fleet Tiamet. He and his men followed through and in M33 he encountered Ziaphoria's Tower. Ordering an excavation of the tower. Through this Dorn has learned the awful truth of what is coming, and that Humanity is not prepared. Perturabo's words ringed in his soul and he suddenly realized his true calling. He saw an entity who, like him, had no concept of surrender, no notion of the cost of war, no instinct except endurence and adaptability. Discovering new found purpose he returned to Terra and formally requested that the Segmentum Tempestus be handed over to him. The Sector, which was divided among the already overworked brothers, were more than happy to have their brother back and active in Imperial affairs again. They readily granted it to him. Now in control of the Segmentum, He immediately set to work. All local leaders who opposed his rule or designs were expelled (this now includes the nomadic fleet Tallarn, who opposed the engineering of their home system). All resources in the Segmentum, be it human, material or spiritual, exists for the fortifications of the Segmentum. Planets, drained of their mantle for Ore, stars have gone dark from Dyson spheres, asteroid fields lay vacant, gas giants Syphoned to their core. At the Center of it all lay Inwit, once an ice world now a Fortress world three times the size of its old planet, surrounded by rings and floating fortresses. Abandonment by his Legion. While Russ lost his legion to the madness of chaos, Dorn lost his to his own all consuming obsession. Sigismund, representing those Fists who wished the Legion Returned to their founding purpose of Great Crusades and glorious conquests confronted Dorn. Dorn, while furious, let them go. The Few that remained (about 4 chapters worth) renamed themselves the Hands of Dorn. Because of his Legion Deserting him, Dorn has come to rely more on the Men and Women of The Segmentum, in particular the "Crenellations of Krieg," who are his steadfast fortress defenders. The Entire Segmentum is hammered into the image of Dorn. Stoic, utilitarian, obstinate, and ever resilient. And when The Hive Fleets dig begin to arrive in the Segmentum. Dorn and his Troops stood ready.

Roboute Gulliman

Gulliman is dead. Not "in stasis" dead. Just Dead. Sanguinius/Ferrus Manus dead. The death of Rouboute Gulliman serves as this universe's focal point for all of the spiritual shenanigans that Vanillahammer 40k has like the Living Saints, Sanguinor (The Aurelian), The Sisters of Battle (Daughters of Euten), The Ecclesiarchy (With Maneus Calgar as "The Spiritual Liege" Space Pope). The Ultramarines also now have a Grimbright version of The Black Rage called "The Golden Zeal," where the Heroic last Stand of Rouboute Gulliman Inspires them to fight demons and heretics. Istavaan IV and The Drop Site Massacre is instead Calth and the demonic destruction of MacCragge (see dropsite massacre suggestion), in which Rouboute gives his life to help ensure the evacuation of the Macragge through hundreds of evacuation ships (important later), as well as the writings that would eventually become the Codex Astartes. Because of his sacrifice, and the faith of his mother and the Maccragge refugees, Gulliman achieved Apotheosis after his death.

The "Aurelian Cult" alongside Vulkan's Promethean Cult and Cult Mechanicus are the three accepted religions in the Imperium. The Aurellian Cult in particular serves as the substitute for The Imperial Cult of Vanillahammer, (perhaps instead of being Grimdark evil Goge Vandire is just Space Luther and creates a different sect?). The Religion functions similar to how The Koran thinks Christianity works, with The Emperor (The Father), Gulliman (The Son), and Tarasha Euten (The Holy Spirit/Blessed Mother) forming the Holy Triad of Dieties, with the Father being Supreme over the Son and Mother. The Return of the Avenging Son is considered a sign of the End Times, when it is prophesied that The Avenging Son will return to Earth to Slay Lorgar and -Reuniting with his father and brothers- shall slay the Ruinous Powers.

Traitor Primarchs

Perturabo

Given that Perturabo has a whole "Hellenic/Italian Renaissance" Theme, His Slaaneshi demon form looks like the Vitruvian man with extra arms and legs emerging from a single point. His contribution to the Lorgar Letdown was keeping Rogal Dorn and his entire Legion occupied in a Grimbright version of the "Iron Cage (which is now Olympia)." Dorn's Absence from Terra allowed the Alpha Legion to sneak in and cause a ruckas on Terra.

Curze

Curze is a Traitor, however he was a "loyalist" during the LL. Outline: Raided and ruined Ultramar Spent most of the LL attacking the then-loyal Mortarion, eventually driving him to Khorne Met by the Cabal, who in this world wanted him to destroy the Emperor himself, curze declined. Brutally murdered all involved. Learned the truth of what was happening and switched sides. Went to Terra and was Vital in the expulsion of Demons from the Planet Was given a ceremonial slap on the wrist for his behavior at Ultramar given his own segmentum to rule, which he rules only as Konrad Curze could Still Haunted by his visions of WH40K Sometime around M34, starts to think Cabal was right, disgusted by "decadence" of imperium Is able to convince Khan et al to allow him to make Astartes Chapters, nightlords scattered everywhere but Ultramar. Tensions between Cuze and other Primarchs come to a head. Curze "secedes" from the Imperium around the time of the first Black Crusade. Taking most (but not all of his chapters with him. Less of a war, more of a raid. Still devastating as chapters spread all across the imperium, answer the Lord of Night's call Ascends to Demonhood of Malal Hates both the Imperium and Chaos Ironically saves and destroys the imperium, as his now massive legion, while looting, also destroys several Black Legion fleets.

Angron

In both Vanillahammer, and in most alternate heresies, Nurgle is usually the odd man out. He never has any genuine adherents. Only Captive Followers. I think Angron could be willingly convinced to join Nurgle, especially given how they have changed Angron in the recent lore. The Lord of Death can give Angron everything he wants: a chance to be with his comrades, peace, salvation from the butcher's nails, a father who actually cares for him (in his own disgusting way). Plus it would fit well with their name, the World Eaters.

Mortarion

You could switch Angron and Mortarion. Wouldn't be that much of a stretch for Mortarion. Loves ruthless murder and extermination of worlds, and he hates psykers. It would actually be a neat tonal shift giving the blood god a champion of calculating ruthlessness rather than outward rage.> In the case of Angron, perhaps Nurgle makes an offer to Angron to finally escape his hellish life, to be free from the pain of the Butcher's Nails. So Angron becomes a willing servant of Nurgle, with a giant disgusting bloated flesh cyst where the butchers nails used to be. He's also been reunited with his old comrades from Nuceria. Nurgle is such a good grandpa he fetched their souls out of the warp and put them into Zombied bodies. As far as Loyalists go you could do Corax, i guess, but that would just be Diet Mortarion. Dorn idea would be neat. Crazy Nurgle Dorn building massive fortresses of Flesh. Alternatively you could make Luther and the Fallen (or The Lion) outright Nurgle Worshippers, but instead of the pox theme they have a more "dark enchanted forest" look. The Lion Could succumb to the voices of the Forrest who turns out to have just been Nurgle.

Alpharius and Omegon

Lorgar only thought he was in charge. Really Alpharius was masterminding the whole thing (the whole Lorgar Letdown wasn't really an assault on the Imperium of Man, it was just Tzeentch's move in the Great Game). Alpharius utilized the elements of the Lorgar Letdown. Death of Gulliman by Mortarion and the Fall of MacCragge Warp Storms around Ultrimar Chaos on Calliban The Space Wolves' Sack of Prospero Betrayal at Calth, and attempts to frame the Ultramarines as Traitors Angron's Nurglite attack on Chemos Dorn's Battle at Olympia "Omegons" Fleet "Rebelling" The Mechanicum Civil War (which didn't take place on mars) was a Dark Mechanicum invasion and succession of Forgeworlds in the Segmentum and Pacificus To have the entire Imperium (and the other 3 Ruinous Powers) focused on the idea that the Imperium was about to Split down the Middle. Instead, Alpharius took advantage of all of the chaos to have his "Loyal" legion come to Terra. There he performed his Coup de Grace Death of Malcador Bomb that destroys half of the Imperial Palace (As well as most of Asia) destroying most of the Custodes, the Sisters of Silence, as well as dozens of Hive Citties in what was once the Continent of Asia. Terran Based Defense Guns were pointed at the moon and were used to bomb the "Bright Side of the Moon" At least half of the Population of the Moon is dead. Tzeentchian Demon incursions looting the treasures of old earth. Alpharius stealing the Right hand and Heart of The Emperor of Mankind and consecrates them to Tzeentch. Before disappearing into the Web way. Disabling the Golden throne for at least a week. Causing untold numbers of lost ships to the warp. So not really as devastating as The Horus Hersey was, it was still pretty bad. The remaining Custodes were there to save the Emperor, and Losing a heart in the 31st millennium isn't the debilitating injury it is in the 2nd. Alpharius didn't give the Emperor a "Soul-wound" or whatever. This is also the reason that Chaos has been less active for the past 10 millennia. The other Chaos gods are still smarting from Tzeentch's devastating play in The Great Game, that most are either completely unwilling to work with each other, or work with each other against Tzeentch. Giving the Imperium more breathing room.

Xenos

Eldar

The Eldar have some semblance of unity through their shared desired to keep the webway secure. The Imperium has some access to the webway but for the most part, the Emperor's Webway Project has been indefinitely postponed until the Emperor can fully recover. The project itself is fine, unlike in Vanillahammer, but one of the consequences of the Lorgar Letdown was Alpharius' destruction of part of the Imperial Palace and an influx of Tzeentchian Demons raiding terra. Perhaps even some traitor legions were able to escape into the webway gate. This spooks the Eldar, who are terrified that Human recklessness with the Webway will cause it to become breached by the Ruinous powers. Seeing the penetration of the webway as an existential threat to the Eldar, The Craftworlds and even the Dark Eldar have got together to aggressively patrol the Webway gates from Imperial and Chaotic incursions. The Imperium can still use the Webway, but it is heavily restricted. The Emperor and Magnus have been able to negotiate for limited official use of the webway. The Imperium is only permitted certain entrances to the webway (terra and perhaps 2 others per segmentum). Only Rogue Traders with joint Imperial-Craftworld Licenses are permitted travel through the webway. These highly prized licenses are incredibly rare (no more than 10 have been issued by a single craftworld through its 10 millennium existence) and are the most prized possession one could inherit. In terms of wealth, prestige, and clout, The Web Trader is to a Rogue Trader what a Rogue Trader is to a planet bound merchant. Overtime, the Eldar and Imperium have worked out agreements for individual Astartes Chapters, and even an Imperial Legion (The Thousand Sons) to be granted limited permission into the webway. Jaghatai Khan, Fulgrim, and Ferrus Manus have also been granted Permission to enter the Web way, but he is never permitted more than a force the size of a Chapter to accompany him. Vulkan is permanently banned from The Webway (which suits him just fine). The Inquisition has very limited access to the Webway, and their activities are closely monitored. The Webway Project thus still exists, and still exists to the benefit of the greater imperium. However, rather than the dream of mankind's future it was hoped to be, it is a shadow of its potential. Little more than a limited access HOV lane, for emergency logistics, limited trade and as an emergency channel. The Human Webway Project has ground to a screeching halt, crushed under the weight of treaty obligations, political opportunism, and eldar micromanagement. Perhaps once the Emperor is fully healed the project can roar back to life, but for now, the current arrangement helps keep some semblance of diplomacy between the humans and eldar, and offers enough benefits to be considered a positive improvement.

Dark Eldar

They don’t really know what to do to save their souls from Slaanesh. They are trying to figure that out. The Dark Eldar are trying all sorts of different things, soulstones, apotheosis, technologically aided immortality. So far nothing is working. The Dark Eldar are so ruthless and amoral because they will stop at nothing to find away to escape Slaanesh.

Excerpts (Writefaggotry)

Codex Astartes

Preface to Index Aurelian This Passage was part of Roboute's Collected writings called "Reflections on the Great Crusade." In which Roboute provides commentaries on the actions of himself and his brothers during The Emperor's Great Crusade as a preface to his own death and Lorgar's treachery. Gulliman remains hopeful in the Emperor's project, but he does warn that The Primarchs need to stop thinking of themselves as conquerors, and instead as rulers.

We should not be so arrogant to assume that all sins fall on Lorgar and his ilk. As if it is us not them who have nothing to atone for. All of us have committed great crimes in the name of a Higher Truth. Perhaps I can say that my legions never stooped to the brutality of Angron and his world eaters, yet the home of Nuceria was part of my kingdom. The men who tortured and mutilated the soul of my brother continued their evil with their deeds unpunished. Even if I am not a monster by my deeds I have been their husbandman through my omissions. All of us have committed our crimes and when we do, we place hope in our immortality, thinking that the memories of our nefarious deeds will die with our ephemeral brethren. They do not. Instead the stories echo and amplify in whispers and hearths and children's bedsides. Eventually all of the galaxy will know of us not as the heroes we paint ans sculpt ourselves to be, but mythical monsters who steal their children and punish the wicked. And as they grow fearful, we grow cold. And as aloofness becomes callousness, callousness becomes contempt. And after contempt? What then? Then perhaps it would be better if Lorgar and the traitors did succeed, for at least such maniacal evil has the virtue of honesty, and that's one more virtue than possessed by the hypocrite. No, if the citizens of this Imperium are to serve us, then we must serve them as well. Our Astartes should grow and bond not merely with us and their ships, but the planets they serve, attend to their needs, take on their way, right their wrongs and nurture their growth. If we take the best of their sons for our own ranks, should we not return something as well?

Religion and The Warp

Sacred Texts Excerpts

The Psalter of The Matron
The Psalter of the Matron, are a collection of hymns and songs recorded by the Pilgrim fleets of Maccragge. According to tradition, these songs were composed by Tanasha Euten and her closest companions during the "Pilgrimage of Terra" where the Refugee fleets of Maccragge were harrassed by the demonic forces of the warp. These songs are the oldest of the Religious texts of the Aurelian Cult, and as such they are considered the bedrock on which most religious doctrines must be fount. This particular passage serves as the basis for Imperium Secundus: The Afterlife in which Gulliman gathers the heroes of the Imperium to serve him and his father after death. Illyria, is seen as a metaphor for The Warp, but is also used by the faithful as a poetic expression for trials placed upon them in life. The Hymn has been appropriated into battle chants by many ecclesiarchic organizations, and is often used as a funerary hymn by the Devout in Ultramar.

For though we are lost in Illyria,

Beset by all our foes,

We trust in you The Ultramarine,

For In Illyria you are Building a Kingdom

For In Illyria you are paving the path

For in Illyria the wild beasts obey you

For in Illyria the brutes and monsters scatter

For in Illyria the Loyal will gather to you

For in Illyria a New Kingdom will be made.

The Aurelian says to Forest of Illyria

"Be Trimmed and Pruned" And The Forest will Grove itself

The Aurelian says to the Cliffs of Illyria,

"Be Sturdy and Sloped" And The Cliffs will make themselves Foundations

The Aurelian says to Oceans of Illyria

"Be Calm and be Clean" and The Oceans will harbor themselves

The Aurelian will say to the Beasts of Illyria

"Be docile and fertile" and the beasts will husband themselves.

The Aurelian will say to Illyria "Be a Kingdom fit for my Father"

And Illyria will bow and become Imperium."

Hymmn 54

Tanasha's Apotheosis

The Last Vox Broadcast of "The Maiden of Espandor"

The Maiden of Espandor was the de facto lead ship of the Refugee fleet of Maccragge, containing Tanasha Euten and several of the Senators of Maccragge. It fell out of the warp and landed on the Planet Ophelia. There were no bodies found on the ship. Instead a silver scroll called "The Manifest of The Faithful" which contains the list of those on board who "Were not found wanting." This is one of the few recordings salvaged from the Ship. The Ship is currently maintained as a site of Pilgramage by the Ecclesiarch of Ophelia

"Perhaps you are falling into despair, and you believe The Emperor has abandoned Ultramar in its darkest day. But Know This! That as my son gave his dying breath fighting these very demons he did not lose his faith in the Emperor. And because of this I know That The Lord of Ultramar stands alongside us, I see him like a great wave of sparkling clean water driving down the Floatsam and mud of the warp. He did not lose his faith, and so I swear to you on this accursed demon-ridden ship, nor will I. So if you weary to place your faith in the Emperor and too tired to carry your prayers to Terra, then fear not! Your hopes and prayers will not be lost in the hell, for as The Queen Mother of Ultramar I command you to look upon me and to place your faith in my faith and the faith of Rouboute. For we have not forgotten him -and with our last words, passing spirit, and dying gasps- My son and I will carry your names and your prayers to the Golden Throne." Courage and Honnor, my Children! The Emperor Protects!"

Lorgar Letdown

Iron Cage

Perturabo's Speech to Dorn

"Do you Remember, Rogal, when you were asked if there was any Fortress you could build that I could not siege?"

"Yes" said Dorn, "and the answer remains the same."

"As curt as ever. Now what about the inverse? Does the Great Architect of Terra believe he could crack any Fortress I built?"

"This is evident now" Dorn replied, to the muffled laughs of the Imperial Fists.

"Indeed," Perturabo nodded, while brushing away the perceived insult. "Father, never really granted me the same opportunities as my new patron does. Did you kno - I was so angered by your hubris that day, that in my more foolish mortal life, I would spend weeks at a time, agonizing over your plans and my own, your battle records. Convinced that, given the opportunity, I could outshine you with a fortress that you could never crack. But now that my patron has given me the tools to fulfill my desire, I see the truth. I was not your rival, I never existed. In your mind, I was a projection of your own sins. You once accused me of recklessly throwing legionaries at walls, and yet..." The Primarch Waved his hands around his ruined Citadel, "here we are at the site of my ruined walls. Leveled only by the Fine Skulls of your Legionaries. That ruthless obstinence is not my failure, it’s yours. Do you know what I have realized, My dear Brother Rogal? For so long, my mind was obsessed over designs for "the perfect fortress" it was my obsession, my dream, i would build the best Fortress. Then I realized my folly. There is no best fortress, whether we build them with sticks like our ancestors, or Rockcrete and Adamantium, they are all built with the same purpose. Do you know what that purpose is?"

"A Strong Fortress is one the enemy can't break" said Rogal flatly, throughout the Labyrinth, The Imperial Fists were finishing off the few remaining demons, and attempting to find where Perturabo's transmission was coming from. Dorn awaited their response

"NO" Roared Perturabo with a bellowed, triumphant laugh."I knew you would say that, I used to say that as well, after all." "All fortresses are pregnable, Rogal, with enough time and resources. Ancient Troy fell through trickery. Qunstinable Fell through treason, Jibralter fell through Technology, and Nova Yorik fell through the unruliness of its own citizens. Just as Terra falls now due to the negligence of its Defenders. It is the duty of any fortification not to be impregnable, but to make the cost of breaking it so high the enemy is either deterred or exhausted. To be so costly, that it is not worth the treasure inside. And if that is true, the ultimate fortress, my brother, is not one that can't be besieged, it is one not worth seiging at all."

"And That, my ever-obstinate brother, is your greatest failure. Perhaps you are right, maybe there is some design of yours I could never break. But I never needed to, perhaps, like Illium of Old I just my Ulysses to open the Gates. All i needed was its great defender, Rogal Dorn, away long enough for the defenses to falter. Terra has fallen, and I dont care. But I know you do, just as I know in your heart you think you could siege any fortress I built. No matter how meticulous my design, you would find a way to tear it down, whatever the cost. You have to, that's why you projected onto me, your pathetic shadow. So obsessed are you with your ability to build and siege, that, like me, you could never comprehend, never even conceive of the idea that a fortress would cost too much to crack. That it is not worth the treasure inside. Well here it is, Rogal. Here is the heart of my Fortress. An Ancient Planet-destroying Bomb from the Dark Age of Technology, much like the one that has detonated on Terra in your absence. I set it to detonate in 100 days, but that was the day before you came here, about ...99 days, 16 hours and 55 minutes ago. I do hope you remember the way out Rogal and your legion is ready for a lively sprint, as I am afraid I am not here to show you the door. Good Luck dear Brother."

Holographic Projection of Perturabo at the heart of the Labyrinthine, Continent-Spanning Fortress of Olympia. During the Events of the Great Treachery