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{{AlphaLegionPortal}}
 
 
The '''Alpha Legion''' was the '''XX Legion''' of the original twenty [[Space Marine Legion]]s.  They turned against the [[Emperor]] during the [[Horus Heresy]], becoming [[Chaos Space Marines]].  Even before they turned to [[Chaos]], the Alpha Legion were renowned as the most secretive of all the Legions.  The Alpha Legion's most closely guarded secret, unbeknownst to all but a few outside the legion, is that they had two [[primarchs]]; [[Alpharius]] and his twin [[Omegon]] (sometimes referred to collectively as just 'Alpharius Omegon').{{cite this}}
 
 
The Alpha Legion's veterans are experts in infiltration, covert operations, and manipulating events in their favor without revealing themselves or engaging in open warfare. Alpha Legionaries have been known to disguise themselves as loyalist [[Space Marines]].{{Fn|13}} Their armies also contain numerous [[Chaos Cultists]] and covert [[Human]] [[Operative]]s{{Fn|2}} in addition to regular [[Chaos Space Marines]].{{Fn|1a}} 
 
 
 
{{Traitor Founding Legions
 
{{Traitor Founding Legions
|Marine= Al m2 postheresy.jpg
+
|Pre-Heresy Banner=ALSymbolPreHeresy.jpg
|Marine Px=250
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|Current Banner=Alphalegion.png
|Name=Alpha Legion
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|Marine Image=Al m2 postheresy.jpg|
|Legion Number=XX
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|Miniature=Alphalegionnaire2019.jpg
|Current Banner=ALSymbolNew.jpg
+
|Name=Alpha Legion{{Fn|1a}}
|Current Banner Px=150
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|Legion Number=XX{{Fn|1a}}
|Primarch=[[Alpharius]] and [[Omegon]] (twins)
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|Primarch=[[Alpharius]] and [[Omegon]] (twins){{Fn|2h}}
|Homeworld Pre-Heresy=No record
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|Homeworld Pre-Heresy=No record{{Fn|1a}}
|Homeworld Current=They have no known central base of operations, but are known<br> to have set up secret positions within Imperial space
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|Homeworld Current=They have no known central base of operations, but are known to have set up secret positions within Imperial space{{Fn|1e}}
|Chaos God=[[Chaos Undivided]]
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|Chaos God=Diverse, ranging from secretly loyalist{{Fn|33b}} to none{{Fn|61c}} to [[Chaos Undivided]];{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|61c}} most make use of [[Daemon]]s{{Fn|1f}} and [[Chaos Sorcerer]]s{{Fn|61c}}
|Colours=Silver, blue and green
+
|Colours=Silver, blue and green{{Fn|1c}}
|Pre-Heresy Banner=ALSymbolHeresy.jpg
+
|Specialty=Infiltration & Covert Operations, [[Chaos Cult|Cultists]]{{Fn|1f}} and [[Operative]]s{{Fn|2c}}
|Specialty=Infiltration & Covert Operations, [[Chaos Cult|Cultists]]
+
|Battle Cry=''Hydra Dominatus''{{Fn|1c}}
|Battle Cry=''Hydra Dominatus''{{Fn|12}}, ''For the Emperor!'' (and similar imperial battle cries){{Fn|1a}}
+
|Warbands=
 +
*[[20th Alpharians]]{{Fn|60a}}
 +
*[[Armoured Serpents]],{{Fn|60a}}
 +
*[[Daggerfangs]],{{Fn|57a}} [[Darganti Revenants]]{{Fn|40a}}
 +
*[[Eight Stolen Truths]]{{Fn|40a}}
 +
*[[Faceless (Warband)|The Faceless]],{{Fn|76}} [[The Faithless]],{{Fn|5b}} [[First Strike (Warband)|First Strike]]{{Fn|76}}
 +
*[[Guns of Freedom]]{{Fn|76}}
 +
*[[Honourless]]{{Fn|63}}
 +
*[[Ironhydras]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*[[Penitent Sons]]{{Fn|76}}
 +
*[[The Redacted]],{{Fn|33a}} The [[Rustbloods]]{{Fn|76}}
 +
*[[Scaled Fang]],{{Fn|71}} [[Serpentine Scourge]],{{Fn|40a}} The [[Serpent's Teeth]],{{Fn|76}} [[The Shadowed Ones]],{{Fn|27}} [[Shrouded Hand]],{{Fn|40b}} [[Sons of Deception]],{{Fn|60a}} [[Sons of the Hydra]],{{Fn|33b}} [[Sons of Venom]],{{Fn|76}} [[Soulfangs]], [[Splintered Sentients]],{{Fn|40a}} [[Subtle Blades]]{{Fn|65}}
 +
*[[Third Harrow]]{{Fn|40a}}
 +
*[[Voldorius' Warband]]{{Fn|39}}
 +
*The [[Unsung]]{{Fn|61b}}
 +
*[[Whispering Forge]]{{Fn|40a}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
The '''Alpha Legion''', also known as the '''Ghost Legion''' during the early [[Great Crusade]],{{Fn|35}} is the the '''XX Legion''' of the original twenty [[Space Marine Legion]]s. They turned against the [[Emperor]] during the [[Horus Heresy]], becoming [[Chaos Space Marines]].{{Fn|1d}} Even before they turned to [[Chaos]], the Alpha Legion were renowned as the most secretive of all the Legions.{{Fn|1a}} The Alpha Legion's most closely guarded secret, unbeknownst to all but a few outside the legion, is that they had two [[primarchs]]; [[Alpharius]] and his twin [[Omegon]] (sometimes referred to collectively as just 'Alpharius Omegon').{{Fn|2h}}
 +
 +
The Alpha Legion's veterans are experts in infiltration, covert operations, and manipulating events in their favor without revealing themselves or engaging in open warfare. Alpha Legionaries have been known to disguise themselves as loyalist [[Space Marines]].{{Fn|12}} Their armies also contain regular [[Human]]s known as [[Operative]]s.{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Pre-Heresy===
 
===Pre-Heresy===
[[Image:Alpha LegionPH.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Pre-Heresy [[Alpha Legion]] Unnamed Veteran Legionary, Unknown Legion Sub-unit, [[Cryptosi Purgation]]{{Fn|25}}]]
+
[[Image:ALSymbolPreHeresy.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Heresy-era Alpha Legion shoulderpad symbol]]
 
+
The last [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] created during the [[First Founding]], work on the XXth Legion was begun only some few decades before the discovery of their Primarch, [[Alpharius]]. However, other reports exist that the Legion existed in a prototype form long before that.{{Fn|17}} Indeed, [[Remembrancers]] seem to give contradictory reports on when exactly the ''Alpha Legion'' was formed.{{Fn|17}} Regardless, it seems the Legion was created in total secrecy on the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]]'s order. Information on the Legion's own [[Gene-seed]] was made top secret. Like the [[Salamanders]] and [[Space Wolves]], the XXth Legion was formed and established largely in separation from the rest of the [[Legiones Astartes]], likely for a very specific purpose. These three specific legions were obliquely called "[[Trefoil]]" by some sources .{{Fn|23a}} The earliest known activities of the Legion saw it conduct abductions, targeted strikes, and assassinations of the [[Imperium]]'s enemies on [[Terra]] and beyond. The designation for this mysterious special operations units, taking orders from none of the [[Primarch]]s who had been discovered at the time, was simply 'Alpha'. For reasons unknown approval to rapidly expand the Alpha Units gene-seed group was denied by the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]], limiting the force to only around 1,000-2,000 Legionaries. There is some suspicion that this was done because there was a potential problem or flaw within the Legion's gene-seed that the Emperor was not able to rectify. Others speculate that the Legion was deliberately preserved separately as an isolated unit by the Emperor for special gene-seed augmentation in the future that no other Space Marine Legion would ever undergo.{{Fn|23a}}
The last Legion created during the [[First Founding]], work on the XXth Legion was begun only some few decades before the discovery of their Primarch, [[Alpharius]]. However other reports exist that the Legion existed in a prototype form long before that.{{Fn|19}} Indeed, [[Remembrancers]] seem to give contradictory reports on when exactly the Alpha Legion was formed.{{Fn|19}} Regardless, it seems the Legion was created in total secrecy on the [[Emperor]]'s order. Information on the Legions own [[Gene-seed]] Legion was made top secret. Like the [[Salamanders]] and [[Space Wolves]], the XXth Legion was formed and established largely in separation from the rest of the [[Legiones Astartes]], likely for a very specific purpose. This three specific legions were obliquely called by some sources as "[[Trefoil]]".{{Fn|19}} The earliest known activities of the legion saw it conduct abductions, targeted strikes, and assassinations to the [[Imperium]]'s enemies on [[Terra]] and beyond. The designation for this mysterious special operations units, taking orders to none of the discovered [[Primarch]] at the time, was simply 'Alpha'. For reasons unknown approval to rapidly expand the Alpha Units gene-seed group was denied by the [[Emperor]], limiting the force to only around 1,000-2,000 Legionaries. There is some suspicion that this was done because there was a potential problem or flaw within the Legion's gene-seed that the Emperor was not able to rectify. Others speculate that the Legion was deliberately preserved separately as an isolated unit by the Emperor for special gene-seed augmentation in the future that no other Space Marine Legion would ever undergo.{{Fn|19}}
 
 
 
The Legion all but disappeared from Imperial records in the [[Great Crusade]], but some reports of small Alpha units operating far from the front lines of the Crusade in special missions do exist. These warriors were clearly Astartes, but carried no heraldry and sometimes even operated under the 'False Flag' of another Legion. The operations they undertook were near uniformly assassinations, subterfuge, espionage, sabotage, and recovery of unknown artifacts. They also abducted important individuals from anti-Imperial groups. They made it a policy to never leave any witnesses to their activities. However, rumor still spread across the galaxy of a ''Ghost Legion''. This force became known to bleed enemy forces through black operations and subterfuge before striking from a hundred directions in a mass lightning attack known as ''The Harrowing''.{{Fn|19}}
 
  
When [[Alpharius]] took command of the Legion, it was young, zealous and completely committed to embracing the primarch's directions. [[Alpharius]] believed that secrecy and fluidity brought success, and taught his Legion to apply all such military techniques to both their training and their operations.  The Legion's victories in the [[Great Crusade]] all feature some form of subterfuge, misdirection or rapid, unexpected movement. Such victories required great skill and dedication to achieve, and the Alpha Legion quickly became an insular and proud formation.{{Fn|1a}} It was this martial pride that led to a number of clashes and fights with members of the other legions, particularly against the [[Imperial Fists]], [[Ultramarines]], and [[Death Guard]] in several instances.{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|19}} Also, [[Konrad Curze]] of the [[Night Lords]] openly criticized the Alpha Legion tactics by calling them "sinners in a shroud of lies".{{Fn|19}} [[Thousand Sons]] legion discreetly shunned and tried to avoid any contact with the Alpha Legion, although the true cause for this is unknown.{{Fn|19}} However, besides Horus' [[Luna Wolves]] Alpha Legion successfully companied without an incident together with the [[Dark Angels]] and the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|19}}
+
The [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] all but disappeared from [[Imperium of Mankind|Imperial]] records in the [[Great Crusade]], but some reports of small Alpha units operating far from the front lines of the [[Great Crusade]] in special missions do exist. These warriors were clearly [[Space Marines|Astartes]], but carried no heraldry and sometimes even operated under the 'false flag' of another Legion. The operations they undertook were assassinations, subterfuge, espionage, sabotage, and the recovery of unknown artifacts. They also abducted important individuals from anti-Imperial groups. They made it a policy to never leave any witnesses to their activities. However, rumors still spread across the galaxy of a ''Ghost Legion''. This force became known to bleed enemy forces through black operations and subterfuge before striking from a hundred directions in a mass lightning attack known as ''The Harrowing''.{{Fn|23a}} A dubious account given by [[Alpharius]] himself states that he was in fact recovered by the Emperor on [[Terra]] himself shortly after the scattering of the Primarchs, and was put in command of his Ghost Legion from its onset. During this time, his existence was kept a total secret from all save the Emperor, [[Malcador]], and later [[Constantin Valdor]].{{Fn|66a}}
 +
[[Image:Alpha LegionPH.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Pre-Heresy [[Alpha Legion]] Unnamed Veteran Legionary, Unknown Legion Sub-unit, [[Cryptosi Purgation]]{{Fn|23b}}]]
 +
During the [[Rangdan Xenocides]], a representative of the XXth Legion appeared before [[Lion El'Jonson]]. Though identifying himself as [[Alpharius]], the representative acknowledged that their [[Primarch]] had not yet been found but that he would be in time. This ''Alpharius'' (who in a contradictory account, may have in fact been the actual Alpharius{{Fn|66c}}) offered aid to Lion El'Jonson against the [[Rangdan]] in the hope that one day The Lion could be made [[Warmaster]]. Another account states that Alpharius used this objective as cover as a way to make his way into the Rangdan warzone to recover his longlost brother [[Omegon]].{{Fn|66b}} Whatever the truth, this Alpharius revealed that the XXth Legion preferred El'Jonson as Warmaster over someone like [[Roboute Guilliman]] as they shared similar views on war and secrecy. Though a Primarch, not even El 'Jonson had been explicitly aware of the XXth's existence, though he had been privy to rumors of a "Ghost Legion".{{Fn|35}}
  
After Alpharius' disagreements with [[Roboute Guilliman]], the Alpha Legion threw themselves even further into their preferred method of operations, largely cutting themselves off from standard [[Imperial]] practices and orchestrating greater and greater victorious examples of their approach to the Crusade, even when more conventional attacks would have been more efficient. The most notorious example of this took place on the world of Tesstra Prime, where the Alpha Legion, instead of taking the opportunity to capture the planetary capital and force the world's surrender, allowed the enemy to dig in and defend it so that they could then expertly take the defending forces apart in a number of different ways.  After a week of suffering seemingly random mishaps as well as brutal ambushes, the defenders were forced to capitulate, having taken 90% casualties. When asked why the Legion had not taken the simpler strategy, [[Alpharius]] is reported to have replied that they avoided it as "it would have been too easy."  This campaign brought him censure from almost all of his brother Primarchs; only [[Horus]], always impressed by Alpharius and his work, praised the Alpha Legion's skill.{{Fn|1a}} In the later stages of the Great Crusade, the Alpha Legion withdrew into the empty space on the Imperium's frontiers.{{Fn|19}}
+
Later when Alpharius-Omegon took open command of the [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]], it was young, zealous and completely committed to embracing the [[Primarch]]'s directions. [[Alpharius]] believed that secrecy and fluidity brought success, and taught his Legion to apply all such military techniques to both their training and their operations. The Legion's victories in the [[Great Crusade]] all feature some form of subterfuge, misdirection or rapid, unexpected movement. Such victories required great skill and dedication to achieve, and the ''Alpha Legion'' quickly became an insular and proud formation.{{Fn|1a}} It was this martial pride that led to a number of clashes and fights with members of the other Legions, particularly the [[Imperial Fists]], [[Ultramarines]], and [[Death Guard]].{{Fn|7b}}{{Fn|17}} Also, [[Konrad Curze]] of the [[Night Lords]] openly criticized the ''Alpha Legion'''s tactics by calling them "sinners in a shroud of lies".{{Fn|17}} The [[Thousand Sons]] Legion discreetly shunned and tried to avoid any contact with the ''Alpha Legion'', although the true cause for this is unknown.{{Fn|17}} However, at the side of [[Horus]]' [[Luna Wolves]] the ''Alpha Legion'' successfully campaigned without incident together with the [[Dark Angels]] and the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|17}}
  
With such examples existing in the Imperial records, it is perhaps easy to see why the Alpha Legion sided with Horus when the [[Warmaster]] made his pact with [[Chaos]]; their martial pride and Alpharius' avoidance of all his brothers apart from Horus seemingly led to their downfall. However, another given reason is that, a scant two years before the [[Horus Heresy]] began, Alpharius Omegon was contacted by a [[Xenos]] organisation known as the [[Cabal]], which presented the primarch with visions of the Heresy to come and other predictions of the future as well as knowledge about the nature of Chaos. They were shown that the only outcomes of the Heresy were that, if the Emperor won, humanity's existence would be ensured for ten or twenty thousand years of decay before they and the galaxy were consumed by Chaos and that, if Horus won, humanity would perish inside two generations, taking the Chaos powers into oblivion with them, thus saving the rest of the galaxy. The Alpha Legion was asked to take on their greatest challenge; to defect to the side of Horus and ensure the final destruction of Chaos. Alpharius Omegon appeared to accede to this request.{{Fn|2}}
+
After Alpharius' disagreements with [[Roboute Guilliman]], the ''Alpha Legion'' threw themselves even further into their preferred method of operations, largely cutting themselves off from standard [[Imperium|Imperial]] practices and orchestrating greater and greater victorious examples of their approach to the [[Great Crusade]], even when more conventional attacks would have been more efficient. The most notorious example of this took place on the world of [[Tesstra Prime]], where the ''Alpha Legion'', instead of taking the opportunity to capture the planetary capital to force the world's surrender, allowed the enemy to dig in and defend it so that they could then expertly take the defending forces apart in a number of different ways. After a week of suffering seemingly random mishaps as well as brutal ambushes, the defenders were forced to capitulate, having taken 90% casualties. When asked why the [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] had not taken the simpler strategy, [[Alpharius]] is reported to have replied that they avoided it as "it would have been too easy". This campaign brought him censure from almost all of his brother [[Primarch]]s; only [[Horus]], always impressed by Alpharius and his work, praised the ''Alpha Legion'''s skill.{{Fn|1a}} In the later stages of the Great Crusade, the ''Alpha Legion'' withdrew into the empty space on the Imperium's frontiers.{{Fn|17}}
 +
[[Image:ALWhiteScar.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Alpha Legion'' member dressed in the colors of the [[White Scars]] during the [[Horus Heresy]]{{Fn|41b}}]]
 +
With such examples existing in the [[Imperium|Imperial]] records, it is perhaps easy to see why the ''Alpha Legion'' sided with [[Horus]] when the [[Warmaster]] made his pact with [[Chaos]]; their martial pride and [[Alpharius]]' avoidance of all his brothers apart from Horus seemingly led to their downfall. However, another given reason is that, a scant two years before the [[Horus Heresy]] began, [[Alpharius Omegon]] was contacted by a [[Xenos]] organisation known as the [[Cabal]], which presented the [[Primarch]] with visions of the Heresy to come and other predictions of the future as well as knowledge about the nature of Chaos. They were shown that the only outcomes of the Heresy were that, if the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] won, humanity's existence would be ensured for ten or twenty thousand years of decay before they and the galaxy were consumed by Chaos and that, if Horus won, humanity would perish inside two generations, taking the Chaos powers into oblivion with them, thus saving the rest of the galaxy. The ''Alpha Legion'' was asked to take on their greatest challenge; to defect to the side of Horus and ensure the final destruction of Chaos. Alpharius Omegon appeared to accede to this request.{{Fn|2}}
  
 
===The Horus Heresy===
 
===The Horus Heresy===
[[Image:Heresy Era Alpha Legion by James Brady.JPG|thumb|right|180px|Legionnaires during the Heresy]]After the virus-bombing of [[Isstvan III]], the presumed loyal Alpha Legion was one of the legions sent by the Emperor to destroy Horus at his base on [[Isstvan V]]. Assigned to the second wave, the Legion instead turned on the loyalist first wave. It is thought by many that much of the traitors' Isstvan V strategy was planned by Alpharius and the Alpha Legion.{{cite this}}
+
After the virus-bombing of [[Isstvan III]], the presumed loyal ''Alpha Legion'' was one of the [[Space Marine Legion|Legions]] sent by the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] to destroy [[Horus]] at his base on [[Isstvan V]]. Assigned to the second wave, the Legion instead turned on the loyalist first wave.{{Fn|1d}}
 
 
When [[Raven Guard]] Commander Branne arrived at [[Istvaan V]] to retrieve several of what remained of the Loyalist forces including his Primarch - Corax - the Alpha Legion tried to help  Corax escape, going as far as killing the commander of a [[World Eaters]] battle barge which could have delayed the superior [[Raven Guard]] fleet.{{Fn|11}} The Alpha Legion had Apothecarii that were master of face transplantation. The took the faces of fallen [[Raven Guard]] to transplant them on their own Astartes. Together with the knowledge gained by digesting the brains of the dead [[Raven Guard]], three Alpha Legion Astartes were able to infiltrate the [[Raven Guard]] Legion{{Fn|21a}}. Later about 50 Alpha Legion Astartes in the colours of the [[Raven Guard]] were sent as reinforcments for this agents{{Fn|21b}}. While [[Omegon]] could retrieve the data this infiltrators could optaion, all of them were killed by the [[Raven Guard]]{{Fn|21b}}. Learning of the Infiltration of the [[Raven Guard]], [[Horus]] ordered [[Ezekyle Abaddon]] to find Alpha Legion agents in his legion at all costs{{Fn|21a}}.
 
  
During the Heresy, the Alpha Legion split off from the main body of Horus's forces early and did not attack [[Terra]], instead embarking upon a series of delaying actions in an attempt to hold Imperial reinforcements in place. A notable earlier example was [[Chondax Campaign|attempting to block]] the [[White Scars]] at the [[Chondax System]], but [[Jaghatai Khan]] was able to maneuver out of their trap.{{Fn|30}} Alpharius or Omegon's dubious agenda came to light at Chondax, where they were under orders from [[Horus]] to recruit the White Scars. Instead, the Alpha Legion fleet there engaged in hostile actions to seemingly provoke the Scars into a fight after blockading them long enough for them to get word from [[Rogal Dorn]] of Horus' treachery. Indeed this message was only delivered because Omegon had dispatched forces to destroy an Alpha Legion-occupied [[Pylon]] array blocking the White Scars' communications. Subtlety, the Alpha Legion or at least elements of it made sure that Jaghatai Khan would join the Emperor.{{Fn|30}}{{Fn|12}} Not even the Alpha Legion itself was spared from their own schemes. Alpharius was able to manipulate a strikeforce of [[Shattered Legions|Shattered Legionaires]] under [[Shadrak Meduson]] into eliminating a cell of seemingly loyalist Alpha Legion.{{Fn|34}}
+
When [[Raven Guard]] Commander [[Branne Nev]] arrived at [[Istvaan V]] to retrieve several of what remained of the Loyalist forces including his [[Primarch]] [[Corax]] the ''Alpha Legion'' tried to help Corax escape, going as far as killing the commander of a [[World Eaters]] [[Battle Barge]] which could have delayed the superior [[Raven Guard]] fleet.{{Fn|10}} The ''Alpha Legion'' had [[Apothecary|Apothecarii]] that were masters of face transplantation. They took the faces of fallen [[Raven Guard]] Marines to transplant them onto their own [[Space Marines|Astartes]]. Together with the knowledge gained by digesting the brains of the dead [[Raven Guard]], three ''Alpha Legion'' Astartes were able to infiltrate the [[Raven Guard]] Legion.{{Fn|19a}} Later about 50 ''Alpha Legion'' Astartes in the colours of the [[Raven Guard]] were sent as reinforcments for this agents.{{Fn|19b}} While [[Omegon]] could retrieve the data these infiltrators obtained, all of them were killed by the [[Raven Guard]].{{Fn|19b}} Learning of the infiltration of the [[Raven Guard]], [[Horus]] ordered [[Ezekyle Abaddon]] to find ''Alpha Legion'' agents inside his own Legion at all costs.{{Fn|19a}}
  
During the Heresy the Alpha Legion also engaged in smaller actions, defeating a [[White Scars]] force on [[Tallarn]]. During the [[Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula]], the Alpha legion nearly succeeded in destroying the Space Wolves until the loyalists were saved by the [[Dark Angels]].{{Fn|31}} In addition, a squad of Alpha Legionaries disguised as [[Ultramarines]] under [[Aeonid Thiel]] nearly succeeded in assassinating [[Roboute Guilliman]] on [[Macragge]].{{Fn|32}}
+
During the [[Horus Heresy]], the ''Alpha Legion'' split off from the main body of [[Horus]]' forces early and did not attack [[Terra]], instead embarking upon a series of delaying actions in an attempt to hold [[Imperium|Imperial]] reinforcements in place. A notable earlier example was [[Chondax Campaign|attempting to block]] the [[White Scars]] at the [[Chondax System]], but [[Jaghatai Khan]] was able to maneuver out of their trap.{{Fn|28}} [[Alpharius]]' or [[Omegon]]'s dubious agenda came to light at Chondax, where they were under orders from [[Horus]] to recruit the White Scars. Instead, the ''Alpha Legion'' fleet there engaged in hostile actions to seemingly provoke the Scars into a fight after blockading them long enough for them to get word from [[Rogal Dorn]] of Horus' treachery. Indeed this message was only delivered because Omegon had dispatched forces to destroy an ''Alpha Legion''-occupied [[Pylon]] array blocking the White Scars' communications. Subtly, the ''Alpha Legion'' or at least elements of it made sure that Jaghatai Khan would join the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]].{{Fn|28}}{{Fn|11}} Not even the ''Alpha Legion'' itself was spared from their own schemes. Alpharius was able to manipulate a strikeforce of members of the [[Shattered Legions]] under [[Shadrak Meduson]] into eliminating a cell of seemingly loyalist ''Alpha Legion''.{{Fn|32}}
 +
[[File:CorvusAlpha.jpg|thumb|right|220px|An Alpha Legionnaire in [[MKVI]] armour]]
 +
During the [[Horus Heresy]] the ''Alpha Legion'' also engaged in smaller actions, defeating a [[White Scars]] force on [[Tallarn]]. During the [[Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula]], the ''Alpha Legion'' nearly succeeded in destroying the [[Space Wolves]] until the loyalists were saved by the [[Dark Angels]].{{Fn|29}} In addition, a squad of Alpha Legionaries disguised as [[Ultramarines]] under [[Aeonid Thiel]] nearly succeeded in assassinating [[Roboute Guilliman]] on [[Macragge]].{{Fn|32}}
  
Alpharius was eventually charged with Horus himself of spearheading the traitor advance into the [[Sol System]]. Alpharius himself [[Battle of Pluto|led a large fleet against Pluto]] in the opening shots of the [[Solar War]]. During the battle, Alpharius was seemingly killed by [[Rogal Dorn]] but [[Omegon]] effectively took over his responsibilities.{{Fn|33}}
+
[[Alpharius]] was eventually charged by and with [[Horus]] himself to spearhead the traitor advance into the [[Sol System]]. Alpharius himself [[Battle of Pluto|led a large fleet against Pluto]] in the opening shots of the [[Solar War]]. During the battle, Alpharius was seemingly killed by [[Rogal Dorn]] but [[Omegon]] effectively took over his responsibilities.{{Fn|31c}}
  
Alpharius later reappeared during the muster of traitor forces on [[Ullanor]] in the prelude to the [[Siege of Terra]], giving Horus a detailed map of the [[Sol System]]'s defenses before quitting the war effort.{{Fn|36}} Despite their contributions, however, Horus was ultimately defeated.{{Fn|1a}}
+
[[Alpharius]] later reappeared during the muster of traitor forces on [[Ullanor]] in the prelude to the [[Siege of Terra]], giving [[Horus]] a detailed map of the [[Sol System]]'s defenses before quitting the war effort.{{Fn|34}} After the setback at Pluto, the Alpha Legion defied Horus' orders to muster for the [[Siege of Terra]] and instead delayed [[Roboute Guilliman]]'s advance as he attempted to reach the Throneworld.{{Fn|73}} Despite Alpharius's absent from the [[Siege of Terra]], scattered Alpha Legion elements are known to have taken part in the traitor effort.{{Fn|75}} In addition, an [[Ingo Pech|Alpha Legionaire identifying himself as Alpharius]] was seen alongside [[Actaea]] in her attempts to aid [[Ollanius Persson]] and [[John Grammaticus]] in their quest.{{Fn|67}} This Alpha Legionnaire informed the group that his other brothers on the planet that were now activated would aid them in fulfilling their objective.{{Fn|69}}
  
 
===Post-Heresy===
 
===Post-Heresy===
In the aftermath of the Heresy, the Alpha Legion did not retreat to the [[Eye of Terror]] like the other [[Traitor Legions]]; instead they moved on into the Galactic East, following new objectives of their own devising. Whether or not being brought to battle with the [[Ultramarines]] was one of these objectives is unknown, but it occurred all the same.{{Fn|1a}}
+
In the aftermath of the [[Horus Heresy]], the ''Alpha Legion'' did not retreat to the [[Eye of Terror]] like the other [[Traitor Legions]]; instead they moved on into the Galactic East, following new objectives of their own. Whether or not being brought into battle with the [[Ultramarines]] was one of these objectives is unknown, but it occurred all the same.{{Fn|1a}}
 
+
[[Image:ALSymbolChaos.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Alpha Legion shoulderpad symbol post-Heresy]]
[[Image:Alpha_Legion_Terminator.jpg‎|thumb|right|220px|Alpha Legion unknown Terminator Strike Leader which led the initial orbital raid on the Panopticon Complex of the Paramar Terminus facility. KIA{{Fn|25}}]]
+
On the world of [[Eskrador]], the ''Alpha Legion'' was assaulted by [[Ultramarines|Ultramarine]] forces. [[Alpharius]] (or [[Omegon]], who had since assumed his mantle since the [[Battle of Pluto]]{{Fn|31}}) was reportedly happy with such a development, as it allowed him to demonstrate the superiority of his flexible, multitudinous and unexpected military strategies on the notoriously precise, methodical and perhaps even moribund [[Ultramarines]]. However, the ''Alpha Legion'' [[Primarch]] was apparently taken by surprise when [[Roboute Guilliman]] departed from his own strictures and led a surprise assault by his elite units on the ''Alpha Legion'' headquarters. In the resulting personal combat between [[Alpharius|Alpharius-Omegon]] and Guilliman, it is believed that Alpharius-Omegon was killed. The ''Alpha Legion'' responded, not by breaking and fleeing as Guilliman expected, but by turning on the Ultramarine detachment and harrying them so mercilessly that by the time they had returned to the main body of the Ultramarine force their casualties were almost total. The Ultramarines were driven from the planet in the subsequent battle.{{Fn|1a}}
 
 
On the world of [[Eskrador]], the Alpha Legion was assaulted by Ultramarine forces. Alpharius (or Omegon, who had since assumed his mantle since the [[Battle of Pluto]]){{Fn|33}} was reportedly happy with such a development, as it allowed him to demonstrate the superiority of his flexible, multitudinous and unexpected military strategies on the notoriously precise, methodical and perhaps even moribund [[Ultramarines]]. However, the Alpha Legion primarch was apparently taken by surprise when Guilliman departed from his own strictures and led a surprise assault by his elite units on the Alpha Legion headquarters. In the resultant personal combat between Alpharius-Omegon and Guilliman, it is believed that Alpharius-Omegon was killed. The Alpha Legion responded, not by breaking and fleeing as Guilliman expected, but by turning on the Ultramarine detachment and harrying them so mercilessly that by the time they had returned to the main body of the Ultramarine force their casualties were almost total. The [[Ultramarines]] were driven from the planet in the subsequent battle.{{Fn|1a}}
 
  
Following the battle on [[Eskrador]], the Alpha Legion fractured in order to hide from the Imperium.{{Fn|1a}} Small, autonomous warbands were left in imperial space where they set up secret bases in asteroid fields, [[space hulk]]s and barren worlds.{{Fn|10}} These units launched frequent attacks against military targets that were weakened by the Heresy{{Fn|1a}} and still pose a threat to ships, settlements and garrisons. They further spread and coordinate Chaos Cults throughout the galaxy in order to instigate massive revolts against imperial rule. These insurrections are often used to lure imperial forces away from worlds they want to attack, paving the way for large scale assault from the [[Eye of Terror]].{{Fn|10}}
+
Following the battle on [[Eskrador]], the ''Alpha Legion'' fractured in order to hide from the [[Imperium]].{{Fn|1a}} Small, autonomous warbands were left in Imperial space where they set up secret bases in asteroid fields, [[Space hulk]]s and on barren worlds.{{Fn|9}} These units launched frequent attacks against military targets that were weakened by the [[Horus Heresy]]{{Fn|1a}} and still pose a threat to ships, settlements and garrisons. They further spread and coordinate [[Chaos Cult]]s throughout the galaxy in order to instigate massive revolts against Imperial rule. These insurrections are often used to lure Imperial forces away from worlds the ''Alpha Legion'' wants to attack, paving the way for large scale assault from inside the [[Eye of Terror]].{{Fn|9}}
 +
[[Image:AlphaLegionAttack.jpg|thumb|right|400px|[[Horus Heresy|Heresy]] ''Alpha Legion'' attacks en masse{{Fn|25}}]]
 +
The ''Alpha Legion'''s role in spreading [[Heresy|heretical]] cults has earned them the loathing of the [[Inquisition]],{{Fn|9}} which has devoted considerable resources to finding and destroying their secret bases.{{Fn|1a}} So far, the ''Alpha Legion'' has been declared wiped out by the [[High Lords of Terra]] no less than three times, in [[M31]], [[M32]] and [[M39]]. These claims have always been disproved by the continued assaults of the [[Traitor Legion|Legion]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
Their role in spreading heretical cults has earned them the loathing of the [[Inquisition]]{{Fn|10}}, which has devoted considerable resources in finding and destroying their secret bases.{{Fn|1a}} So far, the Alpha Legion has been declared wiped out by the [[High Lords of Terra]] no less than three times, in [[M31]], [[M32]] and [[M39]].  These claims have always been disproved by the continued assaults of the Legion.{{Fn|1a}}
+
Despite their many heinous acts, at least some elements within the ''Alpha Legion'' still view themselves as loyal sons of the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]]. These Alpha Legionaries, such as [[Occam]], see themselves as the most loyal sons for it is they that damn themselves to work from within traitor cells to purge both weak elements of the [[Imperium]] while dealing with serious [[Heresy|heretical]] threats. They see themselves as the "Emperor's test", challenging his servants to see if they are worthy to serve him.{{Fn|33b}}
 
 
Despite their many heinous acts, at least some elements within the Alpha Legion still view themselves as loyal sons of the Emperor. These Alpha Legionaries, such as [[Occam]], see themselves as the most loyal sons for it is they that damn themselves to work from within traitor cells to purge both weak elements of the Imperium while dealing with serious heretical threats. They see themselves as the "Emperor's test", challenging his servants to see if they are worthy to serve him.{{Fn|35}}
 
  
 
===Notable Engagements===
 
===Notable Engagements===
[[Image:AlphaLegionAttack.jpg‎|thumb|right|400px|Pre-Heresy Alpha Legion attacks in mass.{{Fn|27}}]]
 
 
 
====Pre-Heresy====
 
====Pre-Heresy====
*'''???.[[M30]]''' - The [[Hunting of the Ak'Haireth]]{{Fn|25f}}
+
*'''???.[[M30]]''' The [[Hunting of the Ak'Haireth]]{{Fn|23c}}
*'''???.[[M30]]''' - The [[Tesstra Compliance]]{{Fn|25g}}
+
*'''???.[[M30]]''' The [[Tesstra Compliance]]{{Fn|23c}}
*'''???.[[M30]]''' - The [[Castigation of Terentius]]
+
*'''???.[[M31]]''' The [[Cryptosi Purgation]]{{Fn|23b}}
*'''890.[[M30]]''' - The [[Third Rangdan Xenocide]]
+
*'''???.[[M30]]''' The [[Castigation of Terentius]]{{Fn|21a}}
*'''999.[[M30]]''' - The [[World Prince Campaign]]
+
*'''890.[[M30]]''' The [[Third Rangdan Xenocide]]{{Fn|35}}
*'''???.[[M31]]''' - The [[Cryptosi Purgation]]{{Fn|25a}}
+
*'''999.[[M30]]''' The [[World Prince Campaign]]{{Fn|31a}}
*'''???.[[M31]]''' - The [[Kayvas Initiative]]
+
*'''???.[[M31]]''' The [[Kayvas Initiative]]{{Fn|42}}
 
 
 
====Heresy-Era====
 
====Heresy-Era====
*'''006.[[M31]]''' - The [[Drop Site Massacre]]
+
[[Image:Alpha_Legion_Terminator.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''Alpha Legion'' unknown [[Terminator]] Strike Leader who led the initial orbital raid on the Panopticon Complex of the Paramar Terminus facility{{Fn|23b}}]]
*'''???.[[M31]]''' - The [[Isessos System|Isessos Genocide]]
+
*'''006.[[M31]]''' The [[Drop Site Massacre]]{{Fn|1d}}
*'''006.[[M31]]''' - [[Invasion of Paramar V]]
+
*'''???.[[M31]]''' The [[Isessos System|Isessos Genocide]]{{Fn|43a}}
*'''~007.[[M31]]''' - The [[Battle of Ravendelve]]
+
*'''006.[[M31]]''' [[Invasion of Paramar V]]{{Fn|44}}
*'''~007.[[M31]]''' - The Battle of [[Yarant]]
+
*'''~007.[[M31]]''' The [[Battle of Ravendelve]]{{Fn|19b}}
*'''007.[[M31]]''' - The [[Tenebrae Mission]]
+
*'''007.[[M31]]''' The [[Tenebrae Mission]]{{Fn|11a}}
*'''007.[[M31]]''' - [[Chondax Campaign]]
+
*'''007.[[M31]]''' [[Chondax Campaign]]{{Fn|41b}}
*'''007.[[M31]]''' - [[Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula]]
+
*'''007.[[M31]]''' - The [[Pale Stars Campaign (Horus Heresy)|Pale Stars Campaign]]
*'''008.[[M31]]''' - [[Mezoan Campaign]]
+
*'''007.[[M31]]''' [[Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula]]{{Fn|29g}}
*'''010-015.[[M31]]''' - [[Solar War]]
+
*'''008.[[M31]]''' [[Mezoan Campaign]]{{Fn|43b}}
**[[Battle of Pluto]]
+
*'''010-015.[[M31]]''' [[Solar War]]{{Fn|31b}}
*'''~011.[[M31]]''' - [[Battle of Trisolian]]
+
**[[Battle of Pluto]]{{Fn|31b}}
*'''~011.[[M31]]''' - [[Battle of Yarant]]
+
*'''~011.[[M31]]''' [[Battle of Trisolian]]{{Fn|45}}
 
+
*'''~011.[[M31]]''' — [[Battle of Yarant]]{{Fn|46}}
 +
*'''013.[[M31]]''' - [[Wolf King's Fury|Battle of Vezdell Secundus]]{{Fn|74}}
 +
*'''13-14.[[M31]]''' - Despite the apparent death of Alpharius, the Alpha Legion defies Horus' orders to attack [[Terra]] and instead seek to delay [[Roboute Guilliman]]'s army as it attempts to reach the Throneworld.{{Fn|73}}
 +
*'''014.[[M31]]''' - Disparate elements of the Alpha Legion take part in the [[Siege of Terra]].{{Fn|75}}
 
====Post-Heresy====
 
====Post-Heresy====
*'''???.[[M31]]''' - The battle on [[Eskrador]]
+
*'''???.[[M31]]''' The battle on [[Eskrador]]{{Fn|1e}}
*'''883.[[M37]]''' - The [[Zambeque Rebellion]]
+
*'''883.[[M37]]''' The [[Zambeque Rebellion]]{{Fn|47}}
*'''814.[[M39]]''' - [[Relief of Rael's World]]
+
*'''814.[[M39]]''' [[Relief of Rael's World]]{{Fn|48}}
*'''400-470.[[M41]]''' - The [[Macharian Heresy]] ([[Cultist]] activity){{Fn|}}
+
*'''198-485.[[M40]]''' The subversion and destruction of the [[Emperor's Swords (Ghorstangrad)|Emperor's Swords]]{{Fn|30}}
*'''742.[[M41]]''' - The destruction of the [[Crimson Consuls]]
+
*'''400-470.[[M41]]''' The [[Macharian Heresy]] ([[Cultist]] activity){{Fn|47}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The destruction of the [[Emperor's Swords (Ghorstangrad)|Emperor's Swords]]
+
*'''742.[[M41]]''' The destruction of the [[Crimson Consuls]]{{Fn|49}}
*'''777.[[M41]]''' - The [[Achilus Crusade]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Assault on Zoran]]{{Fn|50}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Assault on Zoran]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Crusade of Fire (War)|Crusade of Fire]]{{Fn|51}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Crusade of Fire (War)|Crusade of Fire]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Scouring of Makenna VII]]{{Fn|52}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Scouring of Makenna VII]]
+
*'''812.[[M41]]''' The [[Luxor Uprising]]{{Fn|53}}
*'''812.[[M41]]''' - The [[Luxor Uprising]]
+
*'''813-830.[[M41]]''' The [[Siege of Vraks]]{{Fn|5a}}
*'''813-830.[[M41]]''' - The [[Siege of Vraks]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Siege of Kaenis V]]{{Fn|54}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Siege of Kaenis V]]
+
*'''861-922.[[M41]]''' The [[Orpheus Revolt]]{{Fn|27a}}
*'''861-922.[[M41]]''' - The [[Orpheus Revolt]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Ghorvenfal Raid]]{{Fn|55}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Ghorvenfal Raid]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Hunt for Voldorius]]{{Fn|39}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Hunt for Voldorius]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Tartarus|Tartarus Campaign]]{{Fn|56}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Tartarus|Tartarus Campaign]]
+
*'''999.[[M41]]''' - The [[Sons of the Hydra]] and their allies lead a vicious attack on [[Ultramarine]] successor chapters around the [[Maelstrom Zone]].{{Fn|33b}}
*'''999.[[M41]]''' - The [[Siege of the Fenris System]]
+
*'''999.[[M41]]''' — The [[Siege of the Fenris System]]{{Fn|57a}}
*'''999.[[M41]]''' - The [[13th Black Crusade]]
+
*'''999.[[M41]]''' The [[13th Black Crusade]]{{Fn|58}}
*'''???.[[M41]]''' - The [[Khovan Incident]]
+
**'''999.[[M41]]''' — [[Caligari Sector]] campaign in support of the 13th Black Crusade{{Fn|72}}
*'''???''' - The destruction of [[Seer's Rest]]
+
*'''???.[[M41]]''' The [[Khovan Incident]]{{Fn|59}}
*'''???''' - The ravaging of [[Avernia]]
+
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[War of Beasts]] on [[Vigilus]]{{Fn|60b}}
*'''???''' - The invasion of [[Scintil-Novax]]
+
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Battle of San Leor]]{{Fn|38}}
*'''???''' - The Battle of [[Safehaven]]
+
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Battle of the Ophelia System]]{{Fn|38}}
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Invasion of Tsadrekha]]
+
*'''???''' - The [[Battle of Brax]]{{Fn|36}}
 +
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - War on [[Nolth Prime]]{{Fn|37}}
 +
*'''???.[[M42]]''' — The [[Invasion of Tsadrekha]]{{Fn|61b}}
 +
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Charadon Campaign]]{{Fn|65}}
 +
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Nachmund Rift War]]{{Fn|71}}
 +
*'''???.[[M42]]''' - The [[Arks of Omen Campaign]]{{Fn|72}}
 +
*'''???''' — The destruction of [[Seer's Rest]]{{Fn|40b}}
 +
*'''???''' — The ravaging of [[Avernia]]{{Fn|40b}}
 +
*'''???''' — The invasion of [[Scintil-Novax]]{{Fn|33b}}
 +
*'''???''' — The Battle of [[Safehaven]]{{Fn|62}}
 +
[[File:Alpha Legion Marines.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Alpha Legionnaires{{Fn|7a}}]]
  
 
==Tactics==
 
==Tactics==
[[Image:ALArt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Post-Heresy Alpha Legionnaire{{Fn|18}}]]
+
Extensive preparations are made before actually attacking an [[Imperium|Imperial]] target, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local [[Cultist]] activity. These cults go to considerable efforts to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the ''Alpha Legion'' strikes.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|8}} Furthermore, the [[Traitor Legion|Legion]] has been known to ally themselves with anti-Imperial forces including other Traitor Legions and [[Xenos]].{{Fn|1a}} On worlds far away from the [[Eye of Terror]], [[Daemon]]s are less relied upon since they cannot remain stable for long enough to be useful. If the ''Alpha Legion'' succeeds in securing the belief of a local Chaos cult they are summoned to add to the variety of their attacks.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|8}}
Extensive preparations are made before actually attacking an imperial target, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local [[cultist]] activity. These cults go to considerable effort to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the Alpha Legion strikes.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|9}} Furthermore, the Legion has been known to ally themselves with anti-imperial forces including other Traitor Legions and [[xenos]].{{Fn|1a}} On worlds far away from the Eye of Terror, [[Daemon]]s are less relied upon since they cannot remain stable for long enough to be useful. If the Alpha Legion succeeds in securing the belief of a local Chaos cult they are summoned to add to the variety of their attacks.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|9}}
 
  
The Alpha Legion does not fight like any other Chaos Space Marine Legion or warband. They prefer to avoid direct combat, using subterfuge, infiltration, sabotage, brainwashing, and meticulous multi-year plans to destroy their enemies as opposed to a simple attack. The very identities of Alpha Legion Marines is the subject of mystery. Their supposed identities are frequently aliases which are shared by cell members, meaning the name and identity of one Alpha Legion marine could refer to many. Genetic face-changing technology is utilized to change the appearance of Legionaries to confound Imperial authorities as to their real identity. Due to this habit of shared aliases, members of the Alpha Legion often refer to themselves as part of a greater collective identity. When they do show themselves, Alpha Legion Marines prefer to let their cultists and underlings absorb most of the combat while they wait for the decisive moment to strike or make their escape.{{Fn|17}} The final overwhelming push by the massed forces of the Legion at the precise moment the enemy is at its weakest from subterfuge is known as ''The Harrowing''{{Fn|19}}.
+
The ''Alpha Legion'' does not fight like any other [[Traitor Legion|Chaos Space Marine Legion]] or warband. They prefer to avoid direct combat, using subterfuge, infiltration, sabotage, brainwashing, and meticulous multi-year plans to destroy their enemies as opposed to a simple attack. The very identities of ''Alpha Legion'' Marines is the subject of mystery. Their supposed identities are frequently aliases which are shared by cell members, meaning the name and identity of one ''Alpha Legion'' Marine could actually refer to many. Genetic face-changing technology is utilized to change the appearance of Legionaries to confound [[Imperium|Imperial]] authorities as to their real identity. Due to this habit of shared aliases, members of the ''Alpha Legion'' often refer to themselves as part of a greater collective identity. When they do show themselves, ''Alpha Legion'' Marines prefer to let their [[Chaos Cult|cultists]] and underlings do most of the combat while they themselves wait for the decisive moment to strike or make their escape.{{Fn|15}} The final overwhelming push by the massed forces of the Legion at the precise moment when the enemy is at its weakest from subterfuge is known as ''The Harrowing''.{{Fn|17}}
 
 
Unlike most of the other [[Chaos Space Marine]] Legions, the Alpha Legion rarely operates within the [[Eye of Terror]]. As a result, they have not been subjected to the time distortion that the [[Warp]] has given to other Traitor Marines, leading many in the [[Inquisition]] to debate how the Legion, now ten thousand years since the Heresy, is still active. According to [[Inquisitor]] [[Kravin]], the Alpha Legion acquires new recruits, genetically modifies them, then trains them for missions all within [[Imperial]] territory itself.{{Fn|15}}
 
  
 +
Unlike most of the other [[Chaos Space Marine]] [[Traitor Legion|Legions]], the ''Alpha Legion'' rarely operates within the [[Eye of Terror]] itself. As a result, they have not been subjected to the time distortion that the [[Warp]] has affected other [[Chaos Space Marines|Traitor Marines]] with, leading many in the [[Inquisition]] to debate how the Legion, now, ten thousand years after the [[Horus Heresy]], can still be active. According to [[Inquisitor]] [[Kravin]], the ''Alpha Legion'' acquires new recruits, genetically modifies them and then trains them for missions all within [[Imperial]] territory itself.{{Fn|14}}
 +
[[Image:ALArt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Post-[[Horus Heresy]] Alpha Legionnaire{{Fn|16}}]]
 
Known special units:
 
Known special units:
 +
* [[Seeker Squad]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
* [[Lernaen Terminator Squad]]{{Fn|17}}
 +
* [[Effrit Stealth Squad]] - led by [[Omegon]]{{Fn|11d}}
  
* [[Effrit Stealth Squad]]{{Fn|2}} led by [[Omegon]].
+
Even before the [[Horus Heresy]], the ''Alpha Legion'' was known to develop special weapons and technologies in secret without [[Imperium|Imperial]] approval or knowledge. ''Alpha Legion'' forces were known to operate secret arms factories and caches both inside and outside Imperial space. The ''Alpha Legion'' was the first [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] to produce [[Bolter]] shells specifically designed to penetrate [[Ceramite]] [[Power Armour]], which gave them an early advantage during the [[Drop Site Massacre]]. The Legion was also able to acquire small numbers of [[Power Armour_#Mark 6 "Corvus Armour"|Mark 6 ''Corvus Pattern'' Power Armour]] and reverse engineer it as the "Corvus-Alpha" pattern.{{Fn|23b}}
* [[Seeker Squad]]{{Fn|25h}}{{Fn|23}}
 
* [[Headhunter Kill Team]]{{Fn|25h}}
 
* [[Lernaen Terminator Squad]]{{Fn|19}}
 
 
 
Even before the [[Horus Heresy]], the Alpha Legion was known to develop special weapons and technologies in secret without Imperial approval or knowledge. Alpha Legion forces were known to operate secret arms factories and caches both inside and outside Imperial space. The Alpha Legion was the first Legion to produce [[Bolter]] shells specifically designed to penetrate [[Ceramite]] [[Power Armour]], which gave them an early advantage during the [[Drop Site Massacre]]. The Legion was also able to acquire small numbers of [[Power Armour_#Mark 6 "Corvus Armour"|Corvus Pattern Power Armour]] and reverse engineered it as the "Corvus-Alpha" pattern.{{Fn|25j}}
 
  
The Alpha Legion is known to possess chameleon technologies that allow them to outwardly change their appearances and mimic not only other legionnaires but also unaugmented [[human]]s.{{Fn|35}}
+
The ''Alpha Legion'' is known to possess chameleon technologies that allow them to outwardly change their appearances and mimic not only other legionnaires but also unaugmented [[human]]s.{{Fn|33b}}
  
 
==Organisation==
 
==Organisation==
 
===Pre-Heresy===
 
===Pre-Heresy===
All Space Marine legions set arduous tasks and trials for potential recruits, but prior to the Horus Heresy the Alpha Legion set these initiation tests for squads, not individuals. Squads succeeded as a group or not at all - foolhardy heroics were frowned upon. The overall plan was paramount and more valuable than any one [[Space Marine]].{{Fn|1a}}
+
[[Image:ALMarine.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Post-Heresy Alpha Legion Space Marine]]
 
+
All [[Space Marine Legion]]s set arduous tasks and trials for potential recruits, but prior to the [[Horus Heresy]] the ''Alpha Legion'' set these initiation tests for squads, not individuals. Squads succeeded as a group or not at all - foolhardy heroics were frowned upon. The overall plan was paramount and more valuable than any one [[Space Marine]].{{Fn|1a}} This was an extension of the Legion's philosophy that they were a body of one that could strike in many places at once. This complete solidarity with each other expressed itself in other ways. Decisions within the Legion were made in a fairly open and reasonably democratic way, with all ranks - including the Alpha Legions' non-Astartes Operatives - allowed to interject and comment freely during planning sessions. This freedom was allowed not just on military matters - the Alpha Legion internally discussed matters of philosophy and galactic policy that would have been forbidden or frowned upon in other Imperial institutions. Later recruits for the Legion were selected by the Primarch primarily based on high intelligence and personal initiative.{{Fn|2c}}{{Fn|2e}}
The first batch of Alpha Legionaries were notably tall and strong even for members of the [[Astartes]], physical attributes which suited Alpharius' focus on misdirection. For the Primarch put into place a directive that, as far as possible, all Alpha Legion marines had to attempt to look alike; and the visage they patterned themselves on was that of Alpharius and Omegon.  As a result, all Alpha Legionaries were at the very least shaven headed, with many going so far as to have cosmetic surgical alteration. Their height also made it easier for them to be confused with the Primarch, although the twins were still the tallest in the Legion.  When asked by non-Legion members, all Legionaries gave their names as "Alpharius", even when more than one was present.{{cite this}}
 
  
This was an extension of the Legion's philosophy that they were a body of one that could strike in many places at once.  This complete solidarity with each other expressed itself in other ways. Decisions within the Legion were made in a fairly open and reasonably democratic way, with all ranks - including the Alpha Legions' non-Astartes [[Operative]]s - allowed to interject and comment freely during planning sessions. This freedom was allowed not just on military matters - the Alpha Legion internally discussed matters of philosophy and galactic policy that would have been forbidden or frowned upon in other Imperial institutions.  Later recruits for the Legion were selected by the Primarch primarily based on high intelligence and personal initiative.{{cite this}}
+
''Alpha Legion'' equivalents of companies, battalions and chapters were known as "Harrows", "Cohorts", "Hosts" and "Instruments". However, those structures have never stayed permanent and were formulated and broken down on an as-needed basis.{{Fn|17}}
  
The Legion also made a habit of recruiting non-Astartes specialists in every theatre and campaign they entered, commonly members of the Imperial armed forces, though almost any human could be approached by the Legion for his knowledge or skills.  These operatives often remained in their original position, ready to respond to Alpha Legion commands.  Compromised operatives were not discarded if it could be avoided, and Alpha Legionaries would go to great lengths to retain them or hide their existence, lengths that included the fatal silencing of other Imperials.  Operatives were tattooed with a small hydra symbol.{{cite this}}
+
During the [[Great Crusade]]-era some Alpha Legionaries were notably tall even for members of the [[Space Marines|Astartes]], physical attributes which suited [[Alpharius]]' focus on misdirection.} For the [[Primarch]] put into place a directive that, as far as possible, all ''Alpha Legion'' Marines had to attempt to look alike; and the face they patterned themselves on was that of Alpharius and [[Omegon]].{{Fn|2d}} When asked by non-Legion members, all Legionaries gave their names as "Alpharius", even when more than one was present.{{Fn|2b}}
  
Whilst known to have possessed [[Terminator]] and 'stealth' squads (who appear to have worn blackened or dulled armour), the majority of the Legion appears to have armed and equipped themselves in a similar fashion unless tactically imprudent.  The Alpha Legion were known to operate behind enemy lines and even mingle with enemy civilian populations.  In such situations they were apparently able to pass unnoticed with a combination of appropriate dress and [[psyker]] mind-clouding.{{Fn|2}}
+
The [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] also made a habit of recruiting non-[[Space Marines|Astartes]] specialists in every theatre and campaign they entered, commonly members of the [[Imperium|Imperial]] armed forces.{{Fn|2c}} These operatives often remained in their original position, ready to respond to ''Alpha Legion'' commands.{{Fn|2f}} Compromised operatives were not discarded if it could be avoided, and Alpha Legionaries would go to great lengths to retain them or hide their existence, lengths that included the fatal silencing of other Imperials. Operatives were tattooed with a small hydra symbol.{{Fn|2c}}
 
 
Alpha Legion equivalents of companies, battalions and chapters were known as "Harrows", "Cohorts", "Hosts" and "Instruments". However, those structures have never stayed permanent and were formulated and broken down on an as-needed basis.{{Fn|19}}
 
  
 
===Post-Heresy===
 
===Post-Heresy===
[[File:Alpha Legion Marines.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Alpha Legionnaires]]
+
Even less is known about the internal organisation of the ''Alpha Legion'' since the [[Horus Heresy]] than was known before. On occasions there have been successful assassinations of members of the [[Traitor Legion|Legion]] thought to be high-ranking officers, but their removal has had little visible effect on ''Alpha Legion'' operations.{{Fn|1a}} It is believed that since the Heresy the ''Alpha Legion'' operates as independent cells hidden throughout the [[Imperium]], coordinating various [[Chaos Cult]]ist activities to subvert Imperial rule. While these cells operate independently of one another and destroying one will not affect the effort of their overall mission, the Legion still loosely coordinates its actions across the Galaxy. Who is coordinating these efforts and how they are doing so is largely a mystery to the Imperium, but many believe they achieve this through "Operatives". These figures are apparently human, but have undergone limited psycho-hypnotic therapy to make them absolutely loyal to the Legion. These operatives, fully infiltrated into Imperial society, act as the link between ''Alpha Legion'' cells and cultists and are their primary method of galaxy-wide communication.{{Fn|1b}}
Even less is known about the internal organisation of the Alpha Legion since the Heresy than was known before. On occasions there have been successful assassinations of members of the Legion thought to be high-ranking officers, but their removal has had little visible effect on Alpha Legion operations.{{Fn|1a}} It is believed that since the Heresy the Alpha Legion operates as independent cells hidden throughout the Imperium, coordinating various Cultist activity to subvert Imperial rule. While these cells operate independently of one another and destroying one will not effect the effort of their overall mission, the Legion still loosely coordinates its actions across the Galaxy. Who is coordinating these efforts and how they are doing so is largely a mystery to the Imperium, but many believe they achieve this through "Operatives". These figures are apparently human, but have undergone limited psycho-hypnotic therapy to make them absolutely loyal to the Legion. These operatives, fully infiltrated into Imperial society, act as the link between Alpha Legion cells and Cultists, and are their primary method of galaxy-wide communication.{{Fn|1b}}
 
  
The Legion's symbol, the hydra, is a multi-headed mythical beast which could keep fighting even if one of its heads was cut off. This legend seems to reflect the Alpha Legion's command structure, as well as echoing its doctrine of multiple attacks.{{Fn|1a}}
+
The [[Traitor Legion|Legion]]'s symbol, the hydra, is a multi-headed mythical beast which could keep fighting even if one of its heads was cut off. This legend seems to reflect the ''Alpha Legion'''s command structure, as well as echoing its doctrine of multiple attacks.{{Fn|1a}}
  
Alpharius believed in planning and co-ordination, he always sought alternatives and multiple solutions to any given problem, with different elements working together for the end result. These doctrines, thoroughly embraced by the Legion as a whole, have apparently been continued by the traitors and have proved effective, especially in the disparate and secretive way they now operate.{{Fn|1a}}
+
[[Alpharius]] believed in planning and coordination; he always sought alternatives and multiple solutions to any given problem, with different elements working together for the end result. These doctrines, thoroughly embraced by the [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] as a whole, have apparently been continued by the traitors and have proved effective, especially in the disparate and secretive way they now operate.{{Fn|1a}}
  
===Known Sub-Factions===
+
===Known Chaos Cults===
[[Image:Unsung.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Post-Heresy Alpha Legion Space Marines of the [[Unsung]] ]]
+
*[[Brotherhood of the Serpent's Eye]]{{Fn|57a}}
*[[The Faithless]]
 
*[[Redacted]]
 
*[[Unsung]]
 
*[[The Shadowed Ones]]
 
*[[Daggerfangs]]
 
*[[Honourless]]
 
*[[Splintered Sentients]]
 
*[[Serpentine Scourge]]
 
*[[Darganti Revenants]]
 
*[[Shrouded Hand]]
 
*The [[Unsung]]
 
*[[Brotherhood of the Serpent's Eye]] ([[Chaos Cult]])
 
  
 
==Noted Elements of the Alpha Legion==
 
==Noted Elements of the Alpha Legion==
====Vessels====
+
[[Image:Unsung.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Alpha Legion Space Marines of the [[Unsung]]{{Fn|61a}}]]
*''[[Alpha]]'' - [[Battle Barge]]{{Fn|2}}
+
====Alpha Legion Armoury====
*''[[Beta]]'' - [[Battle Barge]]{{Fn|2}}
+
{{main|Alpha Legion Armoury}}
*''[[Delta]]''- [[Battleship]]{{Fn|31e}}
+
 
*''[[Anarchy's Heart]]'' - [[Despoiler Class Battleship]]{{Fn|6}}
+
====Fleet====
*''[[Upsilon]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|12a}}
+
*''[[Delta]]''- [[Battleship]]{{Fn|29f}}
*''[[Lambda]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|12b}}
+
*''[[Anarchy's Heart]]'' [[Despoiler Class Battleship]]{{Fn|5a}}
*''[[Zeta]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|12b}}
+
*''[[Gamma Mu]]'' - [[Dominus Class Grand Cruiser]] ([[Horus Heresy]]-era){{Fn|29b}}
*''[[Theta]]'' - [[Cruiser]] {{Fn|20}}{{Fn|31c}}
+
*''[[Zeta Telios]]'' — Capital ship{{Fn|29e}}
*''[[Iota Malaphelos]]'' - [[Frigate]]{{Fn|22}}{{Fn|31a}}
+
*''[[Omega-Echidnax]]'' - Flagship of the [[Sons of the Hydra]]{{Fn|33b}}
*''[[Kheta Ro]]'' - [[Frigate]]{{Fn|31d}}
+
*''[[Gamma Lycurgus]]'' Capital ship{{Fn|29e}}
*''[[Gamma Mu]]'' - Dominatus Class {{Fn|31b}}
 
*''[[Zeta Telios]]'' - Capital ship{{Fn|31f}}
 
*''[[Gamma Lycurgus]]'' - Capital ship{{Fn|31f}}
 
  
 
====Notable Members of the Alpha Legion====
 
====Notable Members of the Alpha Legion====
 
{{main|Known Members of the Alpha Legion}}
 
{{main|Known Members of the Alpha Legion}}
 
=====Heresy Era=====
 
=====Heresy Era=====
* [[Alpharius]] - [[Primarch]].{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|25e}}
+
*[[Alpharius]] [[Primarch]]{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|23d}}
* [[Omegon]] - Leader of the [[Effrit Stealth Squad]] / [[Primarch]].{{Fn|2}}
+
*[[Omegon]] Leader of the [[Effrit Stealth Squad]] / [[Primarch]]{{Fn|2}}
* [[Armillus Dynat]] - [[Harrowmaster]]{{Fn|25c}}
+
*[[Ingo Pech]] — [[First Captain]]{{Fn|2a}}
* [[Kel Silonius]] - [[Harrowmaster]]
+
*[[Mathias Herzog]] — [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] of the [[2nd Company (Alpha Legion)|2nd Company]]{{Fn|2a}}
* [[Exodus]] - Assassin{{Fn|25d}}
+
*[[Armillus Dynat]] [[Harrowmaster]]{{Fn|23d}}
* [[Ingo Pech]] - First Captain.{{Fn|2}}
+
*[[Exodus]] Assassin{{Fn|23d}}
* [[Mathias Herzog]] - Captain of the 2nd Company.{{Fn|2}}
+
*[[Phocron]] — [[Headhunter|Headhunter Prime]]{{Fn|15}}
* [[Sheed Ranko]] - Captain of the [[Lernaen Terminator Squad]].{{Fn|2}} Killed during the [[Tenebrae Mission]].{{Fn|12c}}
+
*[[Siridor Vhen]] - [[Praetor (Rank)|Praetor]]{{Fn|41a}}
* [[Autilon Skorr]] - The Hydra's Headman - [[Consul Delegatus]] of the Alpha Legion.{{Fn|26}}
+
*[[Sheed Ranko]] — [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] of the [[Lernaen Terminator Squad]].{{Fn|2a}} Killed during the [[Tenebrae Mission]].{{Fn|11c}}
* [[Ursinus Echion]] - [[Librarian]]
+
*[[Autilon Skorr]] — ‘’’The Hydra's Headman’’’ — [[Consul Delegatus]] of the ''Alpha Legion''{{Fn|24}}
* [[Phocron]] - [[Headhunter]] Prime
 
* [[Archontas Origo]] - Multiple [[Dreadnoughts]]{{Fn|25b}}
 
  
 
=====Post-Heresy=====
 
=====Post-Heresy=====
* [[Arkos]] - Lord {{Fn|6}}
+
*[[Arkos]] Lord {{Fn|5}}
* [[Arkturion]] - [[Warpsmith]]{{Fn|24}}
+
*[[Arkturion]] [[Warpsmith]]{{Fn|22}}
* [[Bale (Chaos Lord)|Bale]] - Lord (dec.) {{Fn|4}}
+
*[[Quetzel Carthach]] - Arch-Lord and [[Harrowmaster]]{{Fn|33b}}
* [[Dynat Mal]] - Lord (dec.){{Fn|29}}
+
*[[Sindri Myr]] — [[Sorcerer]], [[Daemon Prince]]{{Fn|3}}
* [[Firaeveus Carron]] - Lord (pres. dec.) {{Fn|5}}
+
*[[Occam]] — The Untrue, warband leader of [[The Redacted]]{{Fn|33a}}
* [[Jaghathra Vrax]] - Lord (dec.){{Fn|28}}
+
*[[Vykus Skayle]] Lord{{Fn|57a}}
* [[Kernax Voldorius]] - Daemon Prince (dec.) {{Fn|7}}
+
*[[Kassar]] — Warband leader of the [[Unsung]]{{Fn|61b}}
* [[Phocron]] - Lord {{Fn|17}}
+
*[[Solomon Akurra]] — Harrowmaster of the Ghost Legion{{Fn|76}}
* [[Vykus Skayle]] - Lord
+
*[[Kernax Voldorius]] [[Daemon Prince]]{{Fn|6}}
* [[Roek Ghulclaw]] - Cell leader{{Fn|14}}
+
*[[Bale (Chaos Lord)|Bale]] — Lord{{Fn|3}}
* [[Sindri Myr]] - [[Sorcerer]], [[Daemon Prince]]{{Fn|4}}
+
*[[Firaeveus Carron]] — Lord{{Fn|4}}
* [[Hekastis Nul]] - [[Dark Apostle]]
+
*[[Cacadius Siron]] - Intelligence chief of the [[Black Legion]]{{Fn|18}}
* [[Occam]] - The Untrue, warband leader of the [[Redacted]]
+
*[[Deathrow the warblind]] - member of the [[Eisenhorn]]'s team.{{Fn|77}}
* [[Kassar]] - Warband leader of the [[Unsung]]
 
*[[Stentyrius]] - [[Chaos Lord]]
 
  
 
=====Unique Troops=====
 
=====Unique Troops=====
*[[Lernaean]] (Heresy-era)
+
* [[Lernaean]] ([[Horus Heresy]]-era){{Fn|2a}}
*[[Headhunter]] (Heresy-era)
+
* [[Headhunter]] ([[Horus Heresy]]-era){{Fn|23f}}
*[[Saboteur]]
+
* [[Saboteur]]{{Fn|23e}}
*[[Operative]]
+
* [[Operative]]{{Fn|2f}}
 
 
==In film==
 
The Alpha Legion will feature alongside a [[demon]] ally in the upcoming short film [http://thelordinquisitor.com/ The Lord Inquisitor]. This chaos force will serve as a direct adversary to a small group of [[Grey Knights]] led by Inquisitor [[Torquemada Coteaz]] {{cite this}}
 
 
 
This marks the first fan project to receive full endorsement by Games Workshop.
 
In contrast to other fan projects such as [[Inquisitor (film)]], [http://thelordinquisitor.com/ The Lord Inquisitor] is a fully animated CGI film comparable, but already seemingly greater in quality than the professionally produced [[Ultramarines - A Warhammer 40,000 Movie]].
 
The project is managed by Erasmus Brosdau - a digital artist employed at [http://www.crytek.com/ Crytek] - and the script is currently being written by famed Black Library author [[Aaron Dembski-Bowden]]. Little is known about the plot, however, a [http://youtu.be/N7glPda2Lcc trailer] and a [http://youtu.be/f3G7FH5sqhA teaser] has been released. {{cite this}}
 
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
 
*[[Chaos Space Marine Legions and Warbands (List)]]
 
*[[Chaos Space Marine Legions and Warbands (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
{{SMLegions}}
 
  
{{Cite}}
 
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*1: [[Index Astartes IV]]  
+
*1: [[Index Astartes IV]]: ''The Enemy Within, the Alpha Legion Space Marine Legion''
**{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 30-37
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 54
 
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 60
 
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 60
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Legion (Novel)|Legion]] by [[Dan Abnett]],{{Cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 55
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Inquisitor (game)]]
+
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg.56-57
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War]]
+
**{{Endn|1e}}: pg.59
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm]]
+
**{{Endn|1f}}: pg.61
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One]], pg. 178
+
*2: [[Legion (Novel)|Legion]]:
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], pgs. 42-43
+
**{{Endn|2a}}: ''Dramatis personae''
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)]], pg. 32
+
**{{Endn|2b}}: Part 1, Chapter 1
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 40
+
**{{Endn|2c}}: Part 1, Chapter 4
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]], pgs. 20-21
+
**{{Endn|2d}}: Part 1, Chapter 7
*{{Endn|11}}: [[The Face of Treachery (Short Story)]] by [[Gav Thorpe]]
+
**{{Endn|2e}}: Part 1, Chapter 8
*{{Endn|12}}: [[The Serpent Beneath (Novella)]] by [[Rob Sanders]] - [[The Primarchs (Anthology)]]{{Cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|2f}}: Part 1, Chapter 12
**{{Endn|12a}}: Chapter One, pg. 334
+
**{{Endn|2g}}: Part 2, Chapter 3
**{{Endn|12b}}: Chapter Five, pg. 436
+
**{{Endn|2h}}: Part 2, Chapter 8
**{{Endn|12c}}: Chapter Four, pg. 434
+
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War]]
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Deathwatch: First Founding]], pg. 78
+
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm]]
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Apocalypse]], pg. 171
+
*5: [[Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One]]
*{{Endn|15}}: [[White Dwarf 277 (UK)]], pg. 61
+
**{{Endn|5a}}: pg. 178
*{{Endn|17}}: [[We Are One (Short Story)]] by [[John French]]
+
**{{Endn|5b}}: pg.47
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Black Crusade: The Tome of Fate]] pg.32
+
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], pgs. 42–43
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Hunter's Moon (Audio Drama)]] by [[Guy Haley]]
+
*7: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)]]:
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Veritas Ferrum (Audio Drama)]] by [[David Annandale]], pgs. 155-159
+
**{{Endn|7a}}: pg. 19
*21: [[Deliverance Lost (Novel)]]
+
**{{Endn|7b}}: pg. 32
**{{Endn|21a}}: Chapter 1-6
+
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 40
**{{Endn|21b}}: Chapter 13-18
+
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]], pgs. 20–21
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Wolf's Claw (Audio Drama)]] by [[Chris Wraight]]
+
*{{Endn|10}}: [[The Face of Treachery (Short Story)]]
*{{Endn|23}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]] pg.210
+
*{{Endn|11}}: [[The Serpent Beneath (Novella)]] [[The Primarchs (Anthology)]]:
*{{Endn|24}}: [[Only War: Enemies of the Imperium]], pg. 111
+
**{{Endn|11a}}: Chapter One, pg. 334
*25: [[The Horus Heresy Book Three - Extermination]]:
+
**{{Endn|11b}}: Chapter Five, pg. 436
**{{Endn|25a}}: pg. 94
+
**{{Endn|11c}}: Chapter Four, pg. 434
**{{Endn|25b}}: pg. 93
+
**{{Endn|11d}}: Chapter Two
**{{Endn|25c}}: pg. 262
+
**{{Endn|11e}}: Dramatis personae
**{{Endn|25d}}: pg. 263
+
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Deathwatch: First Founding]], pg. 78
**{{Endn|25e}}: pgs. 264-265
+
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Apocalypse]], pg. 171
**{{Endn|25f}}: pgs. 102-103
+
*{{Endn|14}}: [[White Dwarf 277 (UK)]], pg. 61
**{{Endn|25g}}: pg. 103
+
*{{Endn|15}}: [[We Are One (Short Story)]]
**{{Endn|25h}}: pgs. 79-85 and 258-265
+
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Black Crusade: The Tome of Fate]], pg. 32
**{{Endn|25j}}: pg.90
+
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Hunter's Moon (Audio Drama)]]
*{{Endn|26}}: [https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/resources/fw_site/fw_pdfs/Horus_Heresy/Autilon.pdf Forge World 2015 Event-only model.]
+
*{{Endn|18}}: [[The Fall of Cadia (Novel)]], Chapter 1
*{{Endn|27}}: [http://www.blacklibrary.com/horus-heresy/seditions-gate-art-print.html Black Library - Seditions Gate art print]
+
*19: [[Deliverance Lost (Novel)]]:
*{{Endn|28}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (7th Edition)]],{{Cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|19a}}: Chapters 1–6
*{{Endn|29}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve]], pg. 16
+
**{{Endn|19b}}: Chapters 13–18
*{{Endn|30}}: [[Scars (Novel)]],{{Cite this}}
+
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Wolf's Claw (Audio Drama)]]
*{{Endn|31}}: [[Wolf King (Novella)]]
+
*{{Endn|21}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book One - Betrayal]], pg. 210
**{{Endn|31a}}: pg. 8
+
**{{Endn|21a}}: pg.82
**{{Endn|31b}}: pg. 20
+
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Only War: Enemies of the Imperium]], pg. 111
**{{Endn|31c}}: pg. 30
+
*23: [[The Horus Heresy Book Three - Extermination]]:
**{{Endn|31d}}: pg. 31
+
**{{Endn|23a}}: pg. 79-85
**{{Endn|31e}}: pg. 100
+
**{{Endn|23b}}: pg. 90-94
**{{Endn|31f}}: pg. 99
+
**{{Endn|23c}}: pgs. 102–103
*{{Endn|32}}: [[The Unremembered Empire (Novel)]],{{Cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|23d}}: pgs. 258-265
*{{Endn|33}}: [[Praetorian of Dorn (Novel)]] - Epilogue
+
**{{Endn|23e}}: pg.258
*{{Endn|34}}: [[The Seventh Serpent (Novella)]],{{Cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|23f}}: pg.260
*{{Endn|35}}: [[Sons of the Hydra (Novel)]] - ''The Viper's Nest''
+
*{{Endn|24}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20201126035959/https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/resources/fw_site/fw_pdfs/Horus_Heresy/Autilon.pdf Forge World: Autilon Skorr] ''(saved archive page, dated 26 November 2020, last accessed 08 March 2021)''
*{{Endn|36}}: [[Slaves to Darkness (Novel)]] - Chapter 19
+
*{{Endn|25}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20150327193343/https://www.blacklibrary.com/horus-heresy/seditions-gate-art-print.html Black Library: Sedition' Gate - Art print] ''(saved archive page, dated 27 March 2015, last accessed 08 March 2021)''
 +
*{{Endn|26}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (7th Edition)]] — The Cult of Strife
 +
*{{Endn|27}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Twelve]], pg. 16
 +
**{{Endn|27a}}: pgs.20-22
 +
*{{Endn|28}}: [[Scars (Novel)]]
 +
*{{Endn|29}}: [[Wolf King (Novella)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|29a}}: pg. 8
 +
**{{Endn|29b}}: pg. 20
 +
**{{Endn|29c}}: pg. 30
 +
**{{Endn|29d}}: pg. 31
 +
**{{Endn|29e}}: pg. 99
 +
**{{Endn|29f}}: pg. 100
 +
**{{Endn|29g}}: Part V
 +
*{{Endn|30}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (6th Edition)]], pg. 24
 +
*31: [[Praetorian of Dorn (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|31a}}:  Part 3, ‘’Brothers of War’’
 +
**{{Endn|31b}}: Part 4, Chapter 4
 +
**{{Endn|31c}}: ‘’Epilogue’’
 +
**{{Endn|31d}}: Part 3, Chapters 4-5
 +
*{{Endn|32}}: [[The Seventh Serpent (Novella)]]
 +
*33: [[Sons of the Hydra (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|33a}}: Part I, Chapter α: ''The Serpent's Egg''
 +
**{{Endn|33b}}: Part I, Chapter δ: ''The Viper's Nest''
 +
*{{Endn|34}}: [[Slaves to Darkness (Novel)]], Chapter 19
 +
*{{Endn|35}}: [[First Legion (Short Story)]] — [[Scions of the Emperor (Anthology)]]
 +
*{{Endn|36}}: [[Codex Supplement: Imperial Fists (8th Edition)]], pg. 15
 +
*{{Endn|37}}: [[Codex: Adepta Sororitas (8th Edition)]], pgs. 72-73
 +
*{{Endn|38}}: [[Our Martyred Lady (Audio Drama)]]
 +
*{{Endn|39}}: [[Hunt for Voldorius (Novel)]], Chapter 3
 +
*40: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (8th Edition)]] (revised edition):
 +
**{{Endn|40a}}: pg. 29
 +
**{{Endn|40b}}: pg. 28
 +
*41: [[The Horus Heresy Book Eight – Malevolence]]:
 +
**{{Endn|41a}}: pg. 96
 +
**{{Endn|41b}}: pg. 189
 +
*{{Endn|42}}: [[Fear to Tread (Novel)]], Chapters 1-2
 +
*43: [[The Horus Heresy Book Six – Retribution]]:
 +
**{{Endn|43a}}: pg. 30
 +
**{{Endn|43b}}: pg. 38
 +
**{{Endn|43c}}: pg. 49
 +
*{{Endn|44}}: [[Adeptus Titanicus (2018)]] Rulebook, pgs. 14–15
 +
*{{Endn|45}}: [[Wolfsbane (Novel)]], Chapter 15
 +
*{{Endn|46}}: [[The Weregeld (Novella)]], Chapter 2
 +
*{{Endn|47}}: [[Codex: Dark Angels (6th Edition)]], pgs. 36-37
 +
*{{Endn|48}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two (Second Edition)]], pg. 19
 +
*{{Endn|49}}: [[The Long Games at Carcharias (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|50}}: [[Codex: Blood Angels (5th Edition)]], pg. 15
 +
*{{Endn|51}}: [[Crusade of Fire (Campaign Book)]], pg. 40
 +
*{{Endn|52}}: [[Apocalypse]] Rulebook, pgs. 171–172
 +
*{{Endn|53}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One]], pg. 119
 +
*{{Endn|54}}: [[Index Astartes: Stalkers and Hunters]] — ''Renowned Stalkers''
 +
*{{Endn|55}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (7th Edition)]] - ''The Cult of Strife''
 +
*{{Endn|56}}: [[Dawn of War (Novel)]], Chapter 3
 +
*57: [[War Zone Fenris: Curse of the Wulfen]]:
 +
**{{Endn|57a}}: Chapter 3
 +
**{{Endn|57b}}: Talons of Tzeentch
 +
*{{Endn|58}}: [[Codex: Eye of Terror (3rd Edition)]], pg. 16
 +
*{{Endn|59}}: [[Codex: Blood Angels (8th Edition)]], pg. 22
 +
*60: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Ablaze]]:
 +
**{{Endn|60a}}: pg. 73
 +
**{{Endn|60b}}: pg. 80
 +
*61: [[Shroud of Night (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|61a}}: Cover
 +
**{{Endn|61b}}: ''Prologue''
 +
**{{Endn|61c}}: Chapter 3
 +
*{{Endn|62}}: [[Codex: Harlequins (8th Edition)]], pg. 29 — ''The Dance of Ages: A Dangerous Debt''
 +
*{{Endn|63}}: [[Unearthed (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|64}}: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (8th Edition)]], pg. 46 — ''House Krast''
 +
*{{Endn|65}}: [[War Zone Charadon - Act I: The Book of Rust]], pg. 14
 +
*{{Endn|66}}: [[Alpharius: Head of the Hydra (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|66a}}: ''Discovery''
 +
**{{Endn|66b}}: ''Hydra Dominatus''
 +
**{{Endn|66c}}: ''Lord of the First''
 +
**{{Endn|66d}}: ''In the Shadows''
 +
*{{Endn|67}}: [[Mortis (Novel)]] - Chapters 20-22
 +
*{{Endn|68}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/09/06/play-out-famous-battles-from-the-horus-heresy-with-these-epic-free-campaign-packs/ Warhammer Community: Play Out Famous Battles From the Horus Heresy With These Epic Free Campaign Packs (Posted on 06/09/2021)] - [https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Xwccsydzg8YpDsho.pdf The Battle of Pluto: Hydra's Devastation PDF], pg. 4 (Last accessed on 6 September 2021)
 +
*{{Endn|69}}: [[Warhawk (Novel)]] - Chapter 9
 +
*{{Endn|70}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Vigilus Alone]], pg. 35
 +
*{{Endn|71}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Rift War]] pg. 32
 +
*{{Endn|72}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr]]
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*{{Endn|73}}: [https://thehorusheresy.com/explore-the-galaxy Horus Heresy Timeline] (last accessed 13/7/2022)
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*{{Endn|74}}: [[White Dwarf 478]], pg. 107
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*{{Endn|75}}: [[Echoes of Eternity (Novel)]] - Chapter 3
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*{{Endn|76}}: [[Renegades: Harrowmaster (Novel)]] - Dramatis Personae
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*{{Endn|77}}: [[Pariah (Novel)]] Chapters 37-40
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{{SMLegions}}
  
[[Category:Alpha Legion | ]]
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[[Category:Alpha Legion| ]]
[[Category:Space Marine Legions]]
 
 
[[Category:Chaos Space Marines]]
 
[[Category:Chaos Space Marines]]
 
[[Category:Chaos Undivided]]
 
[[Category:Chaos Undivided]]
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[[Category:Space Marine Legions]]
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[[de:Alpha Legion]]
 
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[[fr:Alpha Legion]]

Latest revision as of 14:05, 2 March 2024

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Alpha Legion[1a]
Alphalegion.png

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Legion Number XX[1a]
Primarch Alpharius and Omegon (twins)[2h]
Homeworld No record[1a]
Current Base They have no known central base of operations, but are known to have set up secret positions within Imperial space[1e]
Chaos Affiliation Diverse, ranging from secretly loyalist[33b] to none[61c] to Chaos Undivided;[3][61c] most make use of Daemons[1f] and Chaos Sorcerers[61c]
Colours Silver, blue and green[1c]
Specialty Infiltration & Covert Operations, Cultists[1f] and Operatives[2c]
Battle Cry Hydra Dominatus[1c]

The Alpha Legion, also known as the Ghost Legion during the early Great Crusade,[35] is the the XX Legion of the original twenty Space Marine Legions. They turned against the Emperor during the Horus Heresy, becoming Chaos Space Marines.[1d] Even before they turned to Chaos, the Alpha Legion were renowned as the most secretive of all the Legions.[1a] The Alpha Legion's most closely guarded secret, unbeknownst to all but a few outside the legion, is that they had two primarchs; Alpharius and his twin Omegon (sometimes referred to collectively as just 'Alpharius Omegon').[2h]

The Alpha Legion's veterans are experts in infiltration, covert operations, and manipulating events in their favor without revealing themselves or engaging in open warfare. Alpha Legionaries have been known to disguise themselves as loyalist Space Marines.[12] Their armies also contain regular Humans known as Operatives.[1a]

History

Pre-Heresy

Heresy-era Alpha Legion shoulderpad symbol

The last Legion created during the First Founding, work on the XXth Legion was begun only some few decades before the discovery of their Primarch, Alpharius. However, other reports exist that the Legion existed in a prototype form long before that.[17] Indeed, Remembrancers seem to give contradictory reports on when exactly the Alpha Legion was formed.[17] Regardless, it seems the Legion was created in total secrecy on the Emperor's order. Information on the Legion's own Gene-seed was made top secret. Like the Salamanders and Space Wolves, the XXth Legion was formed and established largely in separation from the rest of the Legiones Astartes, likely for a very specific purpose. These three specific legions were obliquely called "Trefoil" by some sources .[23a] The earliest known activities of the Legion saw it conduct abductions, targeted strikes, and assassinations of the Imperium's enemies on Terra and beyond. The designation for this mysterious special operations units, taking orders from none of the Primarchs who had been discovered at the time, was simply 'Alpha'. For reasons unknown approval to rapidly expand the Alpha Units gene-seed group was denied by the Emperor, limiting the force to only around 1,000-2,000 Legionaries. There is some suspicion that this was done because there was a potential problem or flaw within the Legion's gene-seed that the Emperor was not able to rectify. Others speculate that the Legion was deliberately preserved separately as an isolated unit by the Emperor for special gene-seed augmentation in the future that no other Space Marine Legion would ever undergo.[23a]

The Legion all but disappeared from Imperial records in the Great Crusade, but some reports of small Alpha units operating far from the front lines of the Great Crusade in special missions do exist. These warriors were clearly Astartes, but carried no heraldry and sometimes even operated under the 'false flag' of another Legion. The operations they undertook were assassinations, subterfuge, espionage, sabotage, and the recovery of unknown artifacts. They also abducted important individuals from anti-Imperial groups. They made it a policy to never leave any witnesses to their activities. However, rumors still spread across the galaxy of a Ghost Legion. This force became known to bleed enemy forces through black operations and subterfuge before striking from a hundred directions in a mass lightning attack known as The Harrowing.[23a] A dubious account given by Alpharius himself states that he was in fact recovered by the Emperor on Terra himself shortly after the scattering of the Primarchs, and was put in command of his Ghost Legion from its onset. During this time, his existence was kept a total secret from all save the Emperor, Malcador, and later Constantin Valdor.[66a]

Pre-Heresy Alpha Legion Unnamed Veteran Legionary, Unknown Legion Sub-unit, Cryptosi Purgation[23b]

During the Rangdan Xenocides, a representative of the XXth Legion appeared before Lion El'Jonson. Though identifying himself as Alpharius, the representative acknowledged that their Primarch had not yet been found but that he would be in time. This Alpharius (who in a contradictory account, may have in fact been the actual Alpharius[66c]) offered aid to Lion El'Jonson against the Rangdan in the hope that one day The Lion could be made Warmaster. Another account states that Alpharius used this objective as cover as a way to make his way into the Rangdan warzone to recover his longlost brother Omegon.[66b] Whatever the truth, this Alpharius revealed that the XXth Legion preferred El'Jonson as Warmaster over someone like Roboute Guilliman as they shared similar views on war and secrecy. Though a Primarch, not even El 'Jonson had been explicitly aware of the XXth's existence, though he had been privy to rumors of a "Ghost Legion".[35]

Later when Alpharius-Omegon took open command of the Legion, it was young, zealous and completely committed to embracing the Primarch's directions. Alpharius believed that secrecy and fluidity brought success, and taught his Legion to apply all such military techniques to both their training and their operations. The Legion's victories in the Great Crusade all feature some form of subterfuge, misdirection or rapid, unexpected movement. Such victories required great skill and dedication to achieve, and the Alpha Legion quickly became an insular and proud formation.[1a] It was this martial pride that led to a number of clashes and fights with members of the other Legions, particularly the Imperial Fists, Ultramarines, and Death Guard.[7b][17] Also, Konrad Curze of the Night Lords openly criticized the Alpha Legion's tactics by calling them "sinners in a shroud of lies".[17] The Thousand Sons Legion discreetly shunned and tried to avoid any contact with the Alpha Legion, although the true cause for this is unknown.[17] However, at the side of Horus' Luna Wolves the Alpha Legion successfully campaigned without incident together with the Dark Angels and the Iron Hands.[17]

After Alpharius' disagreements with Roboute Guilliman, the Alpha Legion threw themselves even further into their preferred method of operations, largely cutting themselves off from standard Imperial practices and orchestrating greater and greater victorious examples of their approach to the Great Crusade, even when more conventional attacks would have been more efficient. The most notorious example of this took place on the world of Tesstra Prime, where the Alpha Legion, instead of taking the opportunity to capture the planetary capital to force the world's surrender, allowed the enemy to dig in and defend it so that they could then expertly take the defending forces apart in a number of different ways. After a week of suffering seemingly random mishaps as well as brutal ambushes, the defenders were forced to capitulate, having taken 90% casualties. When asked why the Legion had not taken the simpler strategy, Alpharius is reported to have replied that they avoided it as "it would have been too easy". This campaign brought him censure from almost all of his brother Primarchs; only Horus, always impressed by Alpharius and his work, praised the Alpha Legion's skill.[1a] In the later stages of the Great Crusade, the Alpha Legion withdrew into the empty space on the Imperium's frontiers.[17]

Alpha Legion member dressed in the colors of the White Scars during the Horus Heresy[41b]

With such examples existing in the Imperial records, it is perhaps easy to see why the Alpha Legion sided with Horus when the Warmaster made his pact with Chaos; their martial pride and Alpharius' avoidance of all his brothers apart from Horus seemingly led to their downfall. However, another given reason is that, a scant two years before the Horus Heresy began, Alpharius Omegon was contacted by a Xenos organisation known as the Cabal, which presented the Primarch with visions of the Heresy to come and other predictions of the future as well as knowledge about the nature of Chaos. They were shown that the only outcomes of the Heresy were that, if the Emperor won, humanity's existence would be ensured for ten or twenty thousand years of decay before they and the galaxy were consumed by Chaos and that, if Horus won, humanity would perish inside two generations, taking the Chaos powers into oblivion with them, thus saving the rest of the galaxy. The Alpha Legion was asked to take on their greatest challenge; to defect to the side of Horus and ensure the final destruction of Chaos. Alpharius Omegon appeared to accede to this request.[2]

The Horus Heresy

After the virus-bombing of Isstvan III, the presumed loyal Alpha Legion was one of the Legions sent by the Emperor to destroy Horus at his base on Isstvan V. Assigned to the second wave, the Legion instead turned on the loyalist first wave.[1d]

When Raven Guard Commander Branne Nev arrived at Istvaan V to retrieve several of what remained of the Loyalist forces including his Primarch Corax the Alpha Legion tried to help Corax escape, going as far as killing the commander of a World Eaters Battle Barge which could have delayed the superior Raven Guard fleet.[10] The Alpha Legion had Apothecarii that were masters of face transplantation. They took the faces of fallen Raven Guard Marines to transplant them onto their own Astartes. Together with the knowledge gained by digesting the brains of the dead Raven Guard, three Alpha Legion Astartes were able to infiltrate the Raven Guard Legion.[19a] Later about 50 Alpha Legion Astartes in the colours of the Raven Guard were sent as reinforcments for this agents.[19b] While Omegon could retrieve the data these infiltrators obtained, all of them were killed by the Raven Guard.[19b] Learning of the infiltration of the Raven Guard, Horus ordered Ezekyle Abaddon to find Alpha Legion agents inside his own Legion at all costs.[19a]

During the Horus Heresy, the Alpha Legion split off from the main body of Horus' forces early and did not attack Terra, instead embarking upon a series of delaying actions in an attempt to hold Imperial reinforcements in place. A notable earlier example was attempting to block the White Scars at the Chondax System, but Jaghatai Khan was able to maneuver out of their trap.[28] Alpharius' or Omegon's dubious agenda came to light at Chondax, where they were under orders from Horus to recruit the White Scars. Instead, the Alpha Legion fleet there engaged in hostile actions to seemingly provoke the Scars into a fight after blockading them long enough for them to get word from Rogal Dorn of Horus' treachery. Indeed this message was only delivered because Omegon had dispatched forces to destroy an Alpha Legion-occupied Pylon array blocking the White Scars' communications. Subtly, the Alpha Legion or at least elements of it made sure that Jaghatai Khan would join the Emperor.[28][11] Not even the Alpha Legion itself was spared from their own schemes. Alpharius was able to manipulate a strikeforce of members of the Shattered Legions under Shadrak Meduson into eliminating a cell of seemingly loyalist Alpha Legion.[32]

An Alpha Legionnaire in MKVI armour

During the Horus Heresy the Alpha Legion also engaged in smaller actions, defeating a White Scars force on Tallarn. During the Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula, the Alpha Legion nearly succeeded in destroying the Space Wolves until the loyalists were saved by the Dark Angels.[29] In addition, a squad of Alpha Legionaries disguised as Ultramarines under Aeonid Thiel nearly succeeded in assassinating Roboute Guilliman on Macragge.[32]

Alpharius was eventually charged by and with Horus himself to spearhead the traitor advance into the Sol System. Alpharius himself led a large fleet against Pluto in the opening shots of the Solar War. During the battle, Alpharius was seemingly killed by Rogal Dorn but Omegon effectively took over his responsibilities.[31c]

Alpharius later reappeared during the muster of traitor forces on Ullanor in the prelude to the Siege of Terra, giving Horus a detailed map of the Sol System's defenses before quitting the war effort.[34] After the setback at Pluto, the Alpha Legion defied Horus' orders to muster for the Siege of Terra and instead delayed Roboute Guilliman's advance as he attempted to reach the Throneworld.[73] Despite Alpharius's absent from the Siege of Terra, scattered Alpha Legion elements are known to have taken part in the traitor effort.[75] In addition, an Alpha Legionaire identifying himself as Alpharius was seen alongside Actaea in her attempts to aid Ollanius Persson and John Grammaticus in their quest.[67] This Alpha Legionnaire informed the group that his other brothers on the planet that were now activated would aid them in fulfilling their objective.[69]

Post-Heresy

In the aftermath of the Horus Heresy, the Alpha Legion did not retreat to the Eye of Terror like the other Traitor Legions; instead they moved on into the Galactic East, following new objectives of their own. Whether or not being brought into battle with the Ultramarines was one of these objectives is unknown, but it occurred all the same.[1a]

Alpha Legion shoulderpad symbol post-Heresy

On the world of Eskrador, the Alpha Legion was assaulted by Ultramarine forces. Alpharius (or Omegon, who had since assumed his mantle since the Battle of Pluto[31]) was reportedly happy with such a development, as it allowed him to demonstrate the superiority of his flexible, multitudinous and unexpected military strategies on the notoriously precise, methodical and perhaps even moribund Ultramarines. However, the Alpha Legion Primarch was apparently taken by surprise when Roboute Guilliman departed from his own strictures and led a surprise assault by his elite units on the Alpha Legion headquarters. In the resulting personal combat between Alpharius-Omegon and Guilliman, it is believed that Alpharius-Omegon was killed. The Alpha Legion responded, not by breaking and fleeing as Guilliman expected, but by turning on the Ultramarine detachment and harrying them so mercilessly that by the time they had returned to the main body of the Ultramarine force their casualties were almost total. The Ultramarines were driven from the planet in the subsequent battle.[1a]

Following the battle on Eskrador, the Alpha Legion fractured in order to hide from the Imperium.[1a] Small, autonomous warbands were left in Imperial space where they set up secret bases in asteroid fields, Space hulks and on barren worlds.[9] These units launched frequent attacks against military targets that were weakened by the Horus Heresy[1a] and still pose a threat to ships, settlements and garrisons. They further spread and coordinate Chaos Cults throughout the galaxy in order to instigate massive revolts against Imperial rule. These insurrections are often used to lure Imperial forces away from worlds the Alpha Legion wants to attack, paving the way for large scale assault from inside the Eye of Terror.[9]

Heresy Alpha Legion attacks en masse[25]

The Alpha Legion's role in spreading heretical cults has earned them the loathing of the Inquisition,[9] which has devoted considerable resources to finding and destroying their secret bases.[1a] So far, the Alpha Legion has been declared wiped out by the High Lords of Terra no less than three times, in M31, M32 and M39. These claims have always been disproved by the continued assaults of the Legion.[1a]

Despite their many heinous acts, at least some elements within the Alpha Legion still view themselves as loyal sons of the Emperor. These Alpha Legionaries, such as Occam, see themselves as the most loyal sons for it is they that damn themselves to work from within traitor cells to purge both weak elements of the Imperium while dealing with serious heretical threats. They see themselves as the "Emperor's test", challenging his servants to see if they are worthy to serve him.[33b]

Notable Engagements

Pre-Heresy

Heresy-Era

Alpha Legion unknown Terminator Strike Leader who led the initial orbital raid on the Panopticon Complex of the Paramar Terminus facility[23b]

Post-Heresy

Alpha Legionnaires[7a]

Tactics

Extensive preparations are made before actually attacking an Imperial target, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local Cultist activity. These cults go to considerable efforts to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the Alpha Legion strikes.[1a][8] Furthermore, the Legion has been known to ally themselves with anti-Imperial forces including other Traitor Legions and Xenos.[1a] On worlds far away from the Eye of Terror, Daemons are less relied upon since they cannot remain stable for long enough to be useful. If the Alpha Legion succeeds in securing the belief of a local Chaos cult they are summoned to add to the variety of their attacks.[1a][8]

The Alpha Legion does not fight like any other Chaos Space Marine Legion or warband. They prefer to avoid direct combat, using subterfuge, infiltration, sabotage, brainwashing, and meticulous multi-year plans to destroy their enemies as opposed to a simple attack. The very identities of Alpha Legion Marines is the subject of mystery. Their supposed identities are frequently aliases which are shared by cell members, meaning the name and identity of one Alpha Legion Marine could actually refer to many. Genetic face-changing technology is utilized to change the appearance of Legionaries to confound Imperial authorities as to their real identity. Due to this habit of shared aliases, members of the Alpha Legion often refer to themselves as part of a greater collective identity. When they do show themselves, Alpha Legion Marines prefer to let their cultists and underlings do most of the combat while they themselves wait for the decisive moment to strike or make their escape.[15] The final overwhelming push by the massed forces of the Legion at the precise moment when the enemy is at its weakest from subterfuge is known as The Harrowing.[17]

Unlike most of the other Chaos Space Marine Legions, the Alpha Legion rarely operates within the Eye of Terror itself. As a result, they have not been subjected to the time distortion that the Warp has affected other Traitor Marines with, leading many in the Inquisition to debate how the Legion, now, ten thousand years after the Horus Heresy, can still be active. According to Inquisitor Kravin, the Alpha Legion acquires new recruits, genetically modifies them and then trains them for missions all within Imperial territory itself.[14]

Post-Horus Heresy Alpha Legionnaire[16]

Known special units:

Even before the Horus Heresy, the Alpha Legion was known to develop special weapons and technologies in secret without Imperial approval or knowledge. Alpha Legion forces were known to operate secret arms factories and caches both inside and outside Imperial space. The Alpha Legion was the first Legion to produce Bolter shells specifically designed to penetrate Ceramite Power Armour, which gave them an early advantage during the Drop Site Massacre. The Legion was also able to acquire small numbers of Mark 6 Corvus Pattern Power Armour and reverse engineer it as the "Corvus-Alpha" pattern.[23b]

The Alpha Legion is known to possess chameleon technologies that allow them to outwardly change their appearances and mimic not only other legionnaires but also unaugmented humans.[33b]

Organisation

Pre-Heresy

Post-Heresy Alpha Legion Space Marine

All Space Marine Legions set arduous tasks and trials for potential recruits, but prior to the Horus Heresy the Alpha Legion set these initiation tests for squads, not individuals. Squads succeeded as a group or not at all - foolhardy heroics were frowned upon. The overall plan was paramount and more valuable than any one Space Marine.[1a] This was an extension of the Legion's philosophy that they were a body of one that could strike in many places at once. This complete solidarity with each other expressed itself in other ways. Decisions within the Legion were made in a fairly open and reasonably democratic way, with all ranks - including the Alpha Legions' non-Astartes Operatives - allowed to interject and comment freely during planning sessions. This freedom was allowed not just on military matters - the Alpha Legion internally discussed matters of philosophy and galactic policy that would have been forbidden or frowned upon in other Imperial institutions. Later recruits for the Legion were selected by the Primarch primarily based on high intelligence and personal initiative.[2c][2e]

Alpha Legion equivalents of companies, battalions and chapters were known as "Harrows", "Cohorts", "Hosts" and "Instruments". However, those structures have never stayed permanent and were formulated and broken down on an as-needed basis.[17]

During the Great Crusade-era some Alpha Legionaries were notably tall even for members of the Astartes, physical attributes which suited Alpharius' focus on misdirection.} For the Primarch put into place a directive that, as far as possible, all Alpha Legion Marines had to attempt to look alike; and the face they patterned themselves on was that of Alpharius and Omegon.[2d] When asked by non-Legion members, all Legionaries gave their names as "Alpharius", even when more than one was present.[2b]

The Legion also made a habit of recruiting non-Astartes specialists in every theatre and campaign they entered, commonly members of the Imperial armed forces.[2c] These operatives often remained in their original position, ready to respond to Alpha Legion commands.[2f] Compromised operatives were not discarded if it could be avoided, and Alpha Legionaries would go to great lengths to retain them or hide their existence, lengths that included the fatal silencing of other Imperials. Operatives were tattooed with a small hydra symbol.[2c]

Post-Heresy

Even less is known about the internal organisation of the Alpha Legion since the Horus Heresy than was known before. On occasions there have been successful assassinations of members of the Legion thought to be high-ranking officers, but their removal has had little visible effect on Alpha Legion operations.[1a] It is believed that since the Heresy the Alpha Legion operates as independent cells hidden throughout the Imperium, coordinating various Chaos Cultist activities to subvert Imperial rule. While these cells operate independently of one another and destroying one will not affect the effort of their overall mission, the Legion still loosely coordinates its actions across the Galaxy. Who is coordinating these efforts and how they are doing so is largely a mystery to the Imperium, but many believe they achieve this through "Operatives". These figures are apparently human, but have undergone limited psycho-hypnotic therapy to make them absolutely loyal to the Legion. These operatives, fully infiltrated into Imperial society, act as the link between Alpha Legion cells and cultists and are their primary method of galaxy-wide communication.[1b]

The Legion's symbol, the hydra, is a multi-headed mythical beast which could keep fighting even if one of its heads was cut off. This legend seems to reflect the Alpha Legion's command structure, as well as echoing its doctrine of multiple attacks.[1a]

Alpharius believed in planning and coordination; he always sought alternatives and multiple solutions to any given problem, with different elements working together for the end result. These doctrines, thoroughly embraced by the Legion as a whole, have apparently been continued by the traitors and have proved effective, especially in the disparate and secretive way they now operate.[1a]

Known Chaos Cults

Noted Elements of the Alpha Legion

Alpha Legion Space Marines of the Unsung[61a]

Alpha Legion Armoury

Main article: Alpha Legion Armoury

Fleet

Notable Members of the Alpha Legion

Heresy Era
Post-Heresy
Unique Troops

Related Articles

Sources