Arkhan Land

Arkhan Land was one of the most famous members of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a Magos and technoarchaeologist, one who went recovering ancient texts of technology. He was responsible for the recovery of several STC fragments from the Great Librarius Omnis under Mars, and their restoration, notably leading to the recovery of the blueprints for the Land Raider battle tank, the Land Speeder fast attack vehicle, both of which are named for him. It is said he died on Mars while on his second expedition into the Librarius Omnis looking for more technology. Two centuries after his expedition was declared lost, his vox diary was found. It spoke of how his team had been picked off one by one by an unknown entity. There is some debate as to the nature of this entity. Some say it was a sentient virus, others favour a mutant or psychic entity that may have lain dormant in the ancient areas of the Librarius until his meddling awoke it.

Controversy

As Land Raiders were extensively used during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy they must have been rediscovered some time before the heresy, as to be equipped to all Space Marine Legions in such large quantities as indicated.

If the Land Raider were discovered some time before the heresy, but Land Speeders only after the heresy, then Arkhan Land must surely have lived a 'very' long life. This seems possible as a Magos of the Adeptus Mechanicus with all his mechanical alterations may very well live for extended periods of time. However it seems unlikely that even a Magos should live long enough to both discover the Land Raider, see it be accepted, the design sent to Forge Worlds, production commencing and the tank being distributed to all Space Marine Legions. Then live past the Horus Heresy and discover yet another design.

^{Land Speeders are both mentioned in False Gods and Fulgrim both by Graham McNeill}

Sources

UK White Dwarf 245, pg 21, by Gav Thorpe. False Gods, by Graham McNeill Fulgrim, by Graham McNeill