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Description

Legion III: The Phoenix Blades

Primarch: Iskandar Basileus, The Emperor's Champion

Symbol: A Phoenix with blades for feathers

Colors: Tyrian Purple and Gold

Capital World: Maromenos

Specialty: Strike Force Operations, Diplomatic Ventures, and High-Profile Bodyguards

Battlecry: “From the Ashes of War, We Rise!” or “We Rise!”

The III Primarch

Diplomacy, politics, and culture have long been the building blocks of civilization. It is as potent as might and fury. According to this, the Third Primarch was more than just a commander or warrior. Despite his skills, Iskandar acted as the velvet glove to some of his brother’s iron fists. Iskandar Basileus is a unique blend of elegant refinement and vicious political skill. He is the iconic Prince-Politician of myth. Noble, charming, stalwart to his allies, and brutal to his enemies. To the galaxy at large, Iskandar represents what the Imperium can be, a magnificent culture born of the unification of humanity and the rightful ruler of the galaxy.

Tall and lean by Primarch's standards, Iskandar is notoriously handsome, possessing a muscular runner's frame with silver-white hair and vivid purple eyes. He speaks with a refined Terran accent cultivated to sound exotic while still familiar to most Gothic speakers. Iskandar is often dressed in clothes and ornaments plucked from ancient and modern cultures. All these factors work in concert to project the idea of a man who embodies 50,000 years of human civilization and culture. While some of his sterner brothers look down upon Iskandar for this ostentatious display, giving him the nickname Peacock Blades. Iskandar pays this no heed and instructs his sons to do the same. The Primarch understands that where battles are fought with bolt and blade, he armors himself in adamantium and ceramite. When a battle is fought with words and appearance, Iskandar armors himself with silk and finery. Iskandar prefers to let his impeccable record of peaceful and military compliance defend his reputation.

While he acts as a cultural and diplomatic champion for the Imperium with artistry and skill, Iskandar’s title of Champion of the Imperium refers to more than his political acumen. Of all his brothers, very few can match the III in single combat. Only a few of them have any real chance of winning against him. Iskandar is an absolute master of the blade, wielding his Uru-Blade with demigod-like skill. In honor duels, Iskandar acts as the Emperor’s weapon of choice. The sight of Iskandar reaching for his blade has cowed many a rebellious or borderline treasonous Lord or Xeno Leader. On the battlefield, the Primarch acts as a moving agent of death. Leaving his commanders with his strategic insights and thoughts before sallying out to hunt down enemy champions. Countless artistic depictions of these heroic feats dot the Imperium.

Iskandar’s talent for biomancy and offensive telepathy play well with the two gifts the Emperor gave him. The III Primarch is one of the two Perpetuals in the Brotherhood, possessing near-perfect resurrective immortality. A safety mechanism ensures that an immortal champion will walk the stars no matter what happens. Protecting and spreading the finest of human culture. This leads to his second gift. The Singers Talisman. A psychically embedded golden disc, holding an ever-expanding record of humanity’s artistic and cultural expression. Aside from this monumental purpose, preservation allows the sum of human psychic energy expressed in art to be tapped into. The Primarch hopes that the Chaos gods will one day be a myth. He can awaken the talisman fully and let the song of humanity echo through the Warp till the end of time. The events upon Proxima changed the talismans from a golden disc to a shining scar upon the Primarchs’ chest, which eternally regenerates with him.

Iskandar Basilieus is the Emperor's and the Imperium's champion. Performing as a refined figure of diplomacy and culture to impress its members. While also cutting down humanity’s foes with polished ease. All the Primarchs have aspects of both war and peace within them. Ways they can serve humanity at its finest and worse. Most of Iskandar’s brothers are dominated by the part of them meant for war. Iskandar is balanced near perfectly. Willing to make friends just as easily as he can destroy enemies.

Legion History

The early recruits of the immortal Third Legion were drawn from long-pacified European hives on Terra during the closing days of the Unification Wars. As part of their supplication to the Emperor, the nobility of Europa, whose bloodlines are impossibly ancient, offered their youth for service in the armies of Unity. Having been humbled by the Thunder Warriors frequently, the nobility of the continent desired no such return to conflict and groomed their offspring for Imperial service from birth. This was not done voluntarily, at least initially. However, as the years wore on, cooperation with the Imperium was increasingly accepted, and some noble houses became zealous converts to the cause. The Third Legion’s recruitment grounds soon expanded beyond Europa. This was because other noble families planet-wide, fearful of being left behind in Terren history, provided their sons for Astartes’ ascension.

Unlike other Legions, the 3rd had limited public use during the tail end of Unification. During this time, the Third Legion acted as more adroit agents of the Imperium. The Legio Custodes had deputized Iskandar Basilieus and his Legion, bolstering the fledgling organization’s numbers and learning under them. During this time, the duties of guarding the Emperor’s most trusted servants and eliminating internal threats were shared between the Third Legion and the Custodes. Not that they did not see combat during these early years, but the Purple-clad Astartes of the Legion put many early rebellions down.

During the Solar Reclamation, the Third and Fourth Legions served alongside each other during the Venus campaign. The sons of Perturabo and Iskandar worked well together; often, the Third Legion acted as the scalpel to the Fourth’s hammer. The deft political skill of Iskandar in ensuring victories against the warp-corrupted War Witches and their Litho-Golems are well known. This campaign marks the start of a working relationship between the two Legions. Even now, a matching pair of paintings of Perturabo breaking the gates of the Forge Monastery and Iskandar decapitating the Coven-Dame decorate the Flagships of both Legions. As the Chaos assault on the Solar system began marking the Second Pacification of Luna, the Third Legion worked alongside the Fourth to eliminate enemy commanders. This crippled the rebellion’s already fragile command structure.

The Third Legion earned many honors during the Great Crusade through rapid and peaceful compliances. The Third Legion, despite its Geneseed requirements and duties as Guard-Aides to Imperial aristocrats, persuaded hundreds of worlds to join the Imperium through its oratory and charisma. Many of these worlds remain renowned centers of art and culture. When recalcitrance was encountered, the small size of the Third Legion forced them to rely on Solar Auxilia forces to bolster their combat effectiveness. This has led to a successful relationship between the two organizations.

It was the Proximan Betrayal that the name of the Third Legion began to be uttered with respect and admiration. Proxima, a world astrologically close to Terra, had survived the Age of Strife with its civilization intact. Although, it proved no match for the first expeditionary fleets of the Great Crusade. With the Emperor and Iskandar in attendance, a ceremony had been planned to mark Proxima’s compliance with the Imperium. It was revealed that the ceremony was a trap set by anti-Imperial rebels and their Aeldari allies to kill the Lord of the Imperium and one of His sons.

This plan nearly succeeded and left a metaphorical scar on the Legion’s collective psyche and a literal one on their Primarch. Despite the bravery and sacrifice shown during the event that would earn the Phoenix Blades its cognomen, a sense of failure was felt across the Legion. The near-death of the Emperor while in their care brought them shame. While the death and rebirth of their Primarch wounded the Legion’s pride. Iskandar exploited this spiritual injury to himself and his sons, driving them to new heights. The Phoenix Blades soon rivaled the Imperial Heralds for peaceful compliance. These new worlds introduced into the Imperium would prove a valuable boon during the simultaneous Beast Wars and Rangdan Xenocides.

During those days of bloodshed and gigadeath, the Phoenix Blades fought as one of the seven Legions in the Beast Wars. The Third Legion was divided into three parts, each with specific duties in the conflict. The first segment acted as a strike force meant to decapitate enemy command structures. Under Iskandar’s direct command, it formed one of the spear-tip armies that became crucial in the war effort. Second, a sizeable chunk of the Legion was spread across Solar Auxilia forces, Acting as a force multiplier within the Imperial Army. During these deployments, the Legionaries of the Third led the Solar Auxilia in a leadership capacity. While other Astartes were deployed en mass as dedicated shock troops, the Third led their unaugmented soldiers either as individuals or squads. The Legion displayed a talent for understanding and using the strengths and weaknesses of the bizarre array of regimens that comprise the Imperial Army. Lastly, there was the segment acting as guard-aides across the Imperium, Whose duties were unchanged. Because of the demands placed upon them by both their charges and the Imperial government.

The Phoenix Blades served with distinction in all three roles. In terms of Beasts slain, they were neck-and-neck with the Lunar Templars and Lighting Riders. Many mighty deeds of Iskandar and his sons were immortalized in stunning works of art. The painting Triage depicts the Apothecary Fabius frantically operating on a half-dozen Astartes of Iskandar’s honor guard, all wounded during the daring breakout of the Garuga Encirclement. Or the Blade-Aria of the Phoenix, now a popular operatic piece. The statue Burning Storm, depicting Iskandar Basilieus and Jagatai Khagan fighting against Beast-Boss Urlakk Grond, stands in the Imperial Palaces Great Crusade museum. While Iskandar and his elites were not present during the Battle of Ullanor, they played a significant role in delaying Orkish reinforcements. Later, leading the extermination campaigns to wipe out remnants of the Orkish Empire.

After the Great Crusade, the Third Legion took to noncombat roles with gusto, with periods of ¾ of the Legion serving as Guard-Aides across the Imperium. They Acted as a powerful reminder of the Emperor’s will and valuable allies of His servants. Iskandar led the active combat members of the Legion in its duties of defending and expanding the Imperium. This state of affairs lasted until the disastrous campaign against the Laer, a Chaos-tainted Xenos, which resulted in severe casualties among the Phoenix Blades. So horrible were they that Iskandar and his inner circle withdrew from public life for two centuries. Only during the first Doom Tide did Iskandar resurface to defend the Imperium.

Organization

Battlefield Deployments- In battle, the Phoenix Blades operate with two distinct formations that reinforce each other, the Wings and the Talons. As much as ⅔ of a deployed Third Legion force will fight alongside mortal forces, either integrated with Auxilia regiments or in squads to chapter-sized detachments. The Astartes serve as force multipliers, allowing mortals to compensate for the Legion’s smaller numbers. Every Auxilia regiment under the Third Legionis equipped with a squad or company of Astartes who serve with them. These mixed forces of Astartes and other Imperial armed forces act as the main body of the Phoenix blades offensive, sweeping across battlefields with practiced skill; these are the Wings of the Legion. They are a contrast to the second formation, the elite forces known as the Talons. Modeled after the Primarchs’ honor guard, the Talons are company-sized forces that combine speed, mobility, and destructive power. Working to disrupt enemy lines, eliminate crucial targets, and assist beleaguered allies. Unlike other Legions’ strike force elements, the Talons have no use for stealth or subtlety. Relying instead on their speed and skill to weave through the battlefield. Different Talon Companies will work to make themselves visible and distracting to the enemy, leveraging their fearsome reputation and transhuman skill to keep the pressure on their foes. This allows the Wings to exploit any weakness uncovered by the Talons and push forward with surprising mobility. The Wings act as a steady wave of martial power pressuring the enemy, and the Talons exploit weak points, opening cracks in the foe.

Homeworld: - Maromenos – The number of Golden Age paradise worlds that survived relatively intact can be counted on both hands. They are the culmination of terraforming knowledge gathered over the millennia that was put into these Worlds, along with a few secrets taken from the Aeldari maiden worlds. Towards the end of the Great Crusade, Iskandar and his Legion encountered one of these Paradise Worlds. On viewing the Cerulean seas bordered by white-sand beaches, the third Legion and their Primarch became enamored with the world. By some miracle, the world of Maromenos had survived unscathed and would become home to the Third Legion. Idyllic cities and settlements dot the world, hosting the greatest artists in the Imperium. Several clans under the patronage of the Legion live and work upon Maromenos. Often serving as a garrison for surrounding cities, along with the estates of Legion commanders. Where Astartes spend their limited free time among the people and artistry of Maromenos. The capital of this homeworld is a vast Acrology known as the Chalkydri Roost, where the Primarch lives and works. Here, noble sons of countless houses become Astartes. It is also where both humans and transhumans hone their skills in the name of mankind. Maromenos is orbited by two moons, Palaiologos, an artificial Death Moon used to train the Legions, and Jiwara, an Armor Moon that acts as a Fleet Dock.

Recruitment- Unlike most other Legions, the Phoenix Blades do not source most of their recruits from their homeworld or the surrounding sector. Instead, the countless noble houses and aristocratic institutions of the Imperium supply its neophytes. Guard-Aides of the Phoenix Blades keep an eye out for families that might foster traits valuable to the Legion. Houses selected by the Guard-Aides are approached by the Legion proper and given the option of tithing sons. Who will be taken to Maromenos, where they will be tested and trained. Those deemed unworthy of apotheosis because of genetic or mental flaws are apprenticed to the mortal workers upon the Legion homeworld, be they artists, bureaucrats, or auxiliaries. Those who pass all the requirements face one of the most grueling transformations into Astartes. Followed by strict regimens of mental and physical training. Resulting in skilled warrior-artists in the Emperor’s service. Families who tithe their sons to the Legion are given a silver feather for their sacrifice. Which becomes a symbol of pride and social status for the family. When a son becomes an Astarte, an ornamental sword is given instead. Some of the most prominent families to tithe into the Third Legion possess entire armories of these blades. Families who produce multiple failed neophytes are sent a broken ornamental blade and removed from the pool of potential tithe clans.

Unique Ranks and Roles
Guard-Aides : Making up nearly a third of the Legions number are Astartes retainers called Guard-Aides, who are assigned to members of the Imperium at the discretion of its various governmental bodies. The honor of being accompanied by an Astartes Guard-Aide is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the charge gains a bodyguard and assistant of superhuman skill, capable of protecting and serving in political and martial ways. On the other, there is the ever-present threat of a gene-forged killing machine, vigilant for signs of treachery or corruption. Many officials have mistakenly believed the Phoenix Blades serve them, only to learn at their peril that the Angels of Death are not tools for petty power plays. In most cases, the Guard-Aides form effective working relationships with their charge, acting as skilled agents of the Emperor and Imperium.

Battle Strategy and Equipment
Tactical Doctrine-While emphasizing tactical flexibility and methodical preparation for any outcome, the Phoenix Blades has grown to become an expert in certain types of strike force operations. These rely on tight-knit and highly trained squads of Astartes to rapidly push between objectives, taking the traditional Astartes role of shock troops and polishing it to perfection. They blitz through enemy lines with incredible speed and skill, creating openings for the main Imperial echelon to exploit. Phoenix Blades, in command or attached to Auxillia units will methodically study the role and aptitude of the mortal armed force that they are with. They put their transhuman intellect to work refining a normal force into elites capable of feats not previously thought possible by such formations. Together, the Wings and Talons of the Legion poke holes in the enemy’s strategy and exploit them to the fullest, punishing every mistake made with near-perfect coordination and skill.

Weapons and Armor- The small size and political connections of the Phoenix Blades ensure the Legion is never lacking in quality equipment. The Third Legion are some of the best weapons and armament available to the Legiones Astartes. Power and Volkite weapons are standard issues among the Legion. Paragon Blades is a sought-after item by the Legions’ scores of duelists. Commissioning such a weapon is often one of the first things a newly commissioned officer does. The Phoenix Blades rely on higher-quality equipment available to Space Marines. Preferring not to use unpredictable or messy weapons like phosphex or grav-guns. Depending on simple yet refined equipment to do its duty.

Fleet and Transport-The 3rd Crusader Fleet is renowned as one of the most diverse of its kind, with vessels of every sort welcome. At the center of this fleet is the Primarchs Gloriana Class Flagship. A beautiful work of Martian shipwrights known as the Justinian. The twenty-kilometer battleship possesses a fleet worth of armaments while also holding some of the grandest galleries and diplomatic centers in the galaxy. It is also where countless treaties have been signed. The tactics of the Phoenix Blades lead to a preference for mobile yet sturdy vehicles both for void and ground combat. With the legions' Talons making effective use of the Land Raider tank to blitz through enemy lines. Additionally, the Phoenix Blades transports are kept in pristine condition. Due to their service as not only weapons of war but tools of diplomatic persuasion.

Legion culture

Personality- The Phoenix Blades possess some of the best interpersonal skills among the Astartes gene lines. With a natural aptitude for social manipulation woven into the Legion’s blood and culture, being able to understand and handle many disparate personalities is required of the Legion’s role. With the natural talent possessed by each Astartes, cultivated by a complex web of internal politics. The noble charm and grace of the Third Legion hide a truth: pride and arrogance are widespread amongst the Phoenix Blades, with many clashing egos. Where all Astartes experience a muting of some emotions and enhancement of others, the Phoenix Blades alone deal with this curse of pride. This is a natural side effect of their skill and emotional intensity. With Phoenix Blades, Astartes experiences emotions that are not found within other Astartes. This side of the Phoenix Blades is seldom seen by mortals, apart from the ones in their charge. The Legionaries of the Third Legion always present themselves as calm and rational when working with baseline humans. Only showing this more unbecoming side of their personalities in the presence of an equal. Iskandar and his inner circle of officers work to curb the excesses of this flaw but not eliminate it. They considered the motivational factor it provides and the lessons of politics it teaches worth it. Acting upon these feelings in any way that damages the Imperium is taboo, with the castigation of the most extreme variety meted out in these situations. The older Astartes of the Third Legion mature past the arrogance of their youth and take pride in pursuing perfection, following the path of Iskandar in searching to improve themselves and mankind.

Customs- Internal disputes are resolved through honor duels or debates in the Third Legion known as the Trials of Steel and Silk. When Astartes of the Legion feel slighted, they invoke the trials. An officer in command of both the accuser and the defendant will act as an officiate. These contests are not decided by the participants but by a jury of their peers. The outcome of these trials depends not only on the warrior's skills but also on his preparation and determination. The practice of debate and dueling has a purpose outside of ending disputes. Astartes of the Third Legion work to refine their skills and use each other as whetstones, seeking to better themselves for the good of humanity. All of these challenges, whether practiced or official, will be recorded and used by the Phoenix Blades commanders to assign duties and promote members.

Unique Features-The Phoenix Blades follow in their father’s footsteps in acting as Champions of the Imperium, answering challenges to the Master of Mankind and His servants wherever they appear. These Astartes are indoctrinated to view themselves as representatives of the Imperium’s culture and might. Their pride and devotion to the Imperium are interwoven. Like the warrior-retainers of old, the Phoenix Blades constantly work to save face for themselves and their liege. The Astartes of the Third Legion are called upon to settle disputes with blade or word. Guard-Aides act as champions for their charges, cutting down those who stand in the Imperium’s way. While they are also as shrewd negotiators and debaters, capable of accepting any challenge, no matter the form. Fighting for the Imperium’s honor and their own.

Description

Legion III: The Phoenix Blades

Primarch: Iskandar Basileus, The Emperor's Champion

Symbol: A Phoenix with blades for feathers

Colors: Tyrian Purple and Gold

Capital World: Maromenos

Specialty: Strike Force Operations, Diplomatic Ventures, and High-Profile Bodyguards

Battlecry: “From the Ashes of War, We Rise!” or “We Rise!”

The III Primarch

Diplomacy, politics, and culture have long been the building blocks of civilization. It is as potent as might and fury. According to this, the Third Primarch was more than just a commander or warrior. Despite his skills, Iskandar acted as the velvet glove to some of his brother’s iron fists. Iskandar Basileus is a unique blend of elegant refinement and vicious political skill. He is the iconic Prince-Politician of myth. Noble, charming, stalwart to his allies, and brutal to his enemies. To the galaxy at large, Iskandar represents what the Imperium can be, a magnificent culture born of the unification of humanity and the rightful ruler of the galaxy.

Tall and lean by Primarch's standards, Iskandar is notoriously handsome, possessing a muscular runner's frame with silver-white hair and vivid purple eyes. He speaks with a refined Terran accent cultivated to sound exotic while still familiar to most Gothic speakers. Iskandar is often dressed in clothes and ornaments plucked from ancient and modern cultures. All these factors work in concert to project the idea of a man who embodies 50,000 years of human civilization and culture. While some of his sterner brothers look down upon Iskandar for this ostentatious display, giving him the nickname Peacock Blades. Iskandar pays this no heed and instructs his sons to do the same. The Primarch understands that where battles are fought with bolt and blade, he armors himself in adamantium and ceramite. When a battle is fought with words and appearance, Iskandar armors himself with silk and finery. Iskandar prefers to let his impeccable record of peaceful and military compliance defend his reputation.

While he acts as a cultural and diplomatic champion for the Imperium with artistry and skill, Iskandar’s title of Champion of the Imperium refers to more than his political acumen. Of all his brothers, very few can match the III in single combat. Only a few of them have any real chance of winning against him. Iskandar is an absolute master of the blade, wielding his Uru-Blade with demigod-like skill. In honor duels, Iskandar acts as the Emperor’s weapon of choice. The sight of Iskandar reaching for his blade has cowed many a rebellious or borderline treasonous Lord or Xeno Leader. On the battlefield, the Primarch acts as a moving agent of death. Leaving his commanders with his strategic insights and thoughts before sallying out to hunt down enemy champions. Countless artistic depictions of these heroic feats dot the Imperium.

Iskandar’s talent for biomancy and offensive telepathy play well with the two gifts the Emperor gave him. The III Primarch is one of the two Perpetuals in the Brotherhood, possessing near-perfect resurrective immortality. A safety mechanism ensures that an immortal champion will walk the stars no matter what happens. Protecting and spreading the finest of human culture. This leads to his second gift. The Singers Talisman. A psychically embedded golden disc, holding an ever-expanding record of humanity’s artistic and cultural expression. Aside from this monumental purpose, preservation allows the sum of human psychic energy expressed in art to be tapped into. The Primarch hopes that the Chaos gods will one day be a myth. He can awaken the talisman fully and let the song of humanity echo through the Warp till the end of time. The events upon Proxima changed the talismans from a golden disc to a shining scar upon the Primarchs’ chest, which eternally regenerates with him.

Iskandar Basilieus is the Emperor's and the Imperium's champion. Performing as a refined figure of diplomacy and culture to impress its members. While also cutting down humanity’s foes with polished ease. All the Primarchs have aspects of both war and peace within them. Ways they can serve humanity at its finest and worse. Most of Iskandar’s brothers are dominated by the part of them meant for war. Iskandar is balanced near perfectly. Willing to make friends just as easily as he can destroy enemies.

Legion History

The early recruits of the immortal Third Legion were drawn from long-pacified European hives on Terra during the closing days of the Unification Wars. As part of their supplication to the Emperor, the nobility of Europa, whose bloodlines are impossibly ancient, offered their youth for service in the armies of Unity. Having been humbled by the Thunder Warriors frequently, the nobility of the continent desired no such return to conflict and groomed their offspring for Imperial service from birth. This was not done voluntarily, at least initially. However, as the years wore on, cooperation with the Imperium was increasingly accepted, and some noble houses became zealous converts to the cause. The Third Legion’s recruitment grounds soon expanded beyond Europa. This was because other noble families planet-wide, fearful of being left behind in Terren history, provided their sons for Astartes’ ascension.

Unlike other Legions, the 3rd had limited public use during the tail end of Unification. During this time, the Third Legion acted as more adroit agents of the Imperium. The Legio Custodes had deputized Iskandar Basilieus and his Legion, bolstering the fledgling organization’s numbers and learning under them. During this time, the duties of guarding the Emperor’s most trusted servants and eliminating internal threats were shared between the Third Legion and the Custodes. Not that they did not see combat during these early years, but the Purple-clad Astartes of the Legion put many early rebellions down.

During the Solar Reclamation, the Third and Fourth Legions served alongside each other during the Venus campaign. The sons of Perturabo and Iskandar worked well together; often, the Third Legion acted as the scalpel to the Fourth’s hammer. The deft political skill of Iskandar in ensuring victories against the warp-corrupted War Witches and their Litho-Golems are well known. This campaign marks the start of a working relationship between the two Legions. Even now, a matching pair of paintings of Perturabo breaking the gates of the Forge Monastery and Iskandar decapitating the Coven-Dame decorate the Flagships of both Legions. As the Chaos assault on the Solar system began marking the Second Pacification of Luna, the Third Legion worked alongside the Fourth to eliminate enemy commanders. This crippled the rebellion’s already fragile command structure.

The Third Legion earned many honors during the Great Crusade through rapid and peaceful compliances. The Third Legion, despite its Geneseed requirements and duties as Guard-Aides to Imperial aristocrats, persuaded hundreds of worlds to join the Imperium through its oratory and charisma. Many of these worlds remain renowned centers of art and culture. When recalcitrance was encountered, the small size of the Third Legion forced them to rely on Solar Auxilia forces to bolster their combat effectiveness. This has led to a successful relationship between the two organizations.

It was the Proximan Betrayal that the name of the Third Legion began to be uttered with respect and admiration. Proxima, a world astrologically close to Terra, had survived the Age of Strife with its civilization intact. Although, it proved no match for the first expeditionary fleets of the Great Crusade. With the Emperor and Iskandar in attendance, a ceremony had been planned to mark Proxima’s compliance with the Imperium. It was revealed that the ceremony was a trap set by anti-Imperial rebels and their Aeldari allies to kill the Lord of the Imperium and one of His sons.

This plan nearly succeeded and left a metaphorical scar on the Legion’s collective psyche and a literal one on their Primarch. Despite the bravery and sacrifice shown during the event that would earn the Phoenix Blades its cognomen, a sense of failure was felt across the Legion. The near-death of the Emperor while in their care brought them shame. While the death and rebirth of their Primarch wounded the Legion’s pride. Iskandar exploited this spiritual injury to himself and his sons, driving them to new heights. The Phoenix Blades soon rivaled the Imperial Heralds for peaceful compliance. These new worlds introduced into the Imperium would prove a valuable boon during the simultaneous Beast Wars and Rangdan Xenocides.

During those days of bloodshed and gigadeath, the Phoenix Blades fought as one of the seven Legions in the Beast Wars. The Third Legion was divided into three parts, each with specific duties in the conflict. The first segment acted as a strike force meant to decapitate enemy command structures. Under Iskandar’s direct command, it formed one of the spear-tip armies that became crucial in the war effort. Second, a sizeable chunk of the Legion was spread across Solar Auxilia forces, Acting as a force multiplier within the Imperial Army. During these deployments, the Legionaries of the Third led the Solar Auxilia in a leadership capacity. While other Astartes were deployed en mass as dedicated shock troops, the Third led their unaugmented soldiers either as individuals or squads. The Legion displayed a talent for understanding and using the strengths and weaknesses of the bizarre array of regimens that comprise the Imperial Army. Lastly, there was the segment acting as guard-aides across the Imperium, Whose duties were unchanged. Because of the demands placed upon them by both their charges and the Imperial government.

The Phoenix Blades served with distinction in all three roles. In terms of Beasts slain, they were neck-and-neck with the Lunar Templars and Lighting Riders. Many mighty deeds of Iskandar and his sons were immortalized in stunning works of art. The painting Triage depicts the Apothecary Fabius frantically operating on a half-dozen Astartes of Iskandar’s honor guard, all wounded during the daring breakout of the Garuga Encirclement. Or the Blade-Aria of the Phoenix, now a popular operatic piece. The statue Burning Storm, depicting Iskandar Basilieus and Jagatai Khagan fighting against Beast-Boss Urlakk Grond, stands in the Imperial Palaces Great Crusade museum. While Iskandar and his elites were not present during the Battle of Ullanor, they played a significant role in delaying Orkish reinforcements. Later, leading the extermination campaigns to wipe out remnants of the Orkish Empire.

After the Great Crusade, the Third Legion took to noncombat roles with gusto, with periods of ¾ of the Legion serving as Guard-Aides across the Imperium. They Acted as a powerful reminder of the Emperor’s will and valuable allies of His servants. Iskandar led the active combat members of the Legion in its duties of defending and expanding the Imperium. This state of affairs lasted until the disastrous campaign against the Laer, a Chaos-tainted Xenos, which resulted in severe casualties among the Phoenix Blades. So horrible were they that Iskandar and his inner circle withdrew from public life for two centuries. Only during the first Doom Tide did Iskandar resurface to defend the Imperium.

Organization

Battlefield Deployments- In battle, the Phoenix Blades operate with two distinct formations that reinforce each other, the Wings and the Talons. As much as ⅔ of a deployed Third Legion force will fight alongside mortal forces, either integrated with Auxilia regiments or in squads to chapter-sized detachments. The Astartes serve as force multipliers, allowing mortals to compensate for the Legion’s smaller numbers. Every Auxilia regiment under the Third Legionis equipped with a squad or company of Astartes who serve with them. These mixed forces of Astartes and other Imperial armed forces act as the main body of the Phoenix blades offensive, sweeping across battlefields with practiced skill; these are the Wings of the Legion. They are a contrast to the second formation, the elite forces known as the Talons. Modeled after the Primarchs’ honor guard, the Talons are company-sized forces that combine speed, mobility, and destructive power. Working to disrupt enemy lines, eliminate crucial targets, and assist beleaguered allies. Unlike other Legions’ strike force elements, the Talons have no use for stealth or subtlety. Relying instead on their speed and skill to weave through the battlefield. Different Talon Companies will work to make themselves visible and distracting to the enemy, leveraging their fearsome reputation and transhuman skill to keep the pressure on their foes. This allows the Wings to exploit any weakness uncovered by the Talons and push forward with surprising mobility. The Wings act as a steady wave of martial power pressuring the enemy, and the Talons exploit weak points, opening cracks in the foe.

Homeworld: - Maromenos – The number of Golden Age paradise worlds that survived relatively intact can be counted on both hands. They are the culmination of terraforming knowledge gathered over the millennia that was put into these Worlds, along with a few secrets taken from the Aeldari maiden worlds. Towards the end of the Great Crusade, Iskandar and his Legion encountered one of these Paradise Worlds. On viewing the Cerulean seas bordered by white-sand beaches, the third Legion and their Primarch became enamored with the world. By some miracle, the world of Maromenos had survived unscathed and would become home to the Third Legion. Idyllic cities and settlements dot the world, hosting the greatest artists in the Imperium. Several clans under the patronage of the Legion live and work upon Maromenos. Often serving as a garrison for surrounding cities, along with the estates of Legion commanders. Where Astartes spend their limited free time among the people and artistry of Maromenos. The capital of this homeworld is a vast Acrology known as the Chalkydri Roost, where the Primarch lives and works. Here, noble sons of countless houses become Astartes. It is also where both humans and transhumans hone their skills in the name of mankind. Maromenos is orbited by two moons, Palaiologos, an artificial Death Moon used to train the Legions, and Jiwara, an Armor Moon that acts as a Fleet Dock.

Recruitment- Unlike most other Legions, the Phoenix Blades do not source most of their recruits from their homeworld or the surrounding sector. Instead, the countless noble houses and aristocratic institutions of the Imperium supply its neophytes. Guard-Aides of the Phoenix Blades keep an eye out for families that might foster traits valuable to the Legion. Houses selected by the Guard-Aides are approached by the Legion proper and given the option of tithing sons. Who will be taken to Maromenos, where they will be tested and trained. Those deemed unworthy of apotheosis because of genetic or mental flaws are apprenticed to the mortal workers upon the Legion homeworld, be they artists, bureaucrats, or auxiliaries. Those who pass all the requirements face one of the most grueling transformations into Astartes. Followed by strict regimens of mental and physical training. Resulting in skilled warrior-artists in the Emperor’s service. Families who tithe their sons to the Legion are given a silver feather for their sacrifice. Which becomes a symbol of pride and social status for the family. When a son becomes an Astarte, an ornamental sword is given instead. Some of the most prominent families to tithe into the Third Legion possess entire armories of these blades. Families who produce multiple failed neophytes are sent a broken ornamental blade and removed from the pool of potential tithe clans.

Unique Ranks and Roles
Guard-Aides : Making up nearly a third of the Legions number are Astartes retainers called Guard-Aides, who are assigned to members of the Imperium at the discretion of its various governmental bodies. The honor of being accompanied by an Astartes Guard-Aide is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the charge gains a bodyguard and assistant of superhuman skill, capable of protecting and serving in political and martial ways. On the other, there is the ever-present threat of a gene-forged killing machine, vigilant for signs of treachery or corruption. Many officials have mistakenly believed the Phoenix Blades serve them, only to learn at their peril that the Angels of Death are not tools for petty power plays. In most cases, the Guard-Aides form effective working relationships with their charge, acting as skilled agents of the Emperor and Imperium.

Battle Strategy and Equipment
Tactical Doctrine-While emphasizing tactical flexibility and methodical preparation for any outcome, the Phoenix Blades has grown to become an expert in certain types of strike force operations. These rely on tight-knit and highly trained squads of Astartes to rapidly push between objectives, taking the traditional Astartes role of shock troops and polishing it to perfection. They blitz through enemy lines with incredible speed and skill, creating openings for the main Imperial echelon to exploit. Phoenix Blades, in command or attached to Auxillia units will methodically study the role and aptitude of the mortal armed force that they are with. They put their transhuman intellect to work refining a normal force into elites capable of feats not previously thought possible by such formations. Together, the Wings and Talons of the Legion poke holes in the enemy’s strategy and exploit them to the fullest, punishing every mistake made with near-perfect coordination and skill.

Weapons and Armor- The small size and political connections of the Phoenix Blades ensure the Legion is never lacking in quality equipment. The Third Legion are some of the best weapons and armament available to the Legiones Astartes. Power and Volkite weapons are standard issues among the Legion. Paragon Blades is a sought-after item by the Legions’ scores of duelists. Commissioning such a weapon is often one of the first things a newly commissioned officer does. The Phoenix Blades rely on higher-quality equipment available to Space Marines. Preferring not to use unpredictable or messy weapons like phosphex or grav-guns. Depending on simple yet refined equipment to do its duty.

Fleet and Transport-The 3rd Crusader Fleet is renowned as one of the most diverse of its kind, with vessels of every sort welcome. At the center of this fleet is the Primarchs Gloriana Class Flagship. A beautiful work of Martian shipwrights known as the Justinian. The twenty-kilometer battleship possesses a fleet worth of armaments while also holding some of the grandest galleries and diplomatic centers in the galaxy. It is also where countless treaties have been signed. The tactics of the Phoenix Blades lead to a preference for mobile yet sturdy vehicles both for void and ground combat. With the legions' Talons making effective use of the Land Raider tank to blitz through enemy lines. Additionally, the Phoenix Blades transports are kept in pristine condition. Due to their service as not only weapons of war but tools of diplomatic persuasion.

Legion culture

Personality- The Phoenix Blades possess some of the best interpersonal skills among the Astartes gene lines. With a natural aptitude for social manipulation woven into the Legion’s blood and culture, being able to understand and handle many disparate personalities is required of the Legion’s role. With the natural talent possessed by each Astartes, cultivated by a complex web of internal politics. The noble charm and grace of the Third Legion hide a truth: pride and arrogance are widespread amongst the Phoenix Blades, with many clashing egos. Where all Astartes experience a muting of some emotions and enhancement of others, the Phoenix Blades alone deal with this curse of pride. This is a natural side effect of their skill and emotional intensity. With Phoenix Blades, Astartes experiences emotions that are not found within other Astartes. This side of the Phoenix Blades is seldom seen by mortals, apart from the ones in their charge. The Legionaries of the Third Legion always present themselves as calm and rational when working with baseline humans. Only showing this more unbecoming side of their personalities in the presence of an equal. Iskandar and his inner circle of officers work to curb the excesses of this flaw but not eliminate it. They considered the motivational factor it provides and the lessons of politics it teaches worth it. Acting upon these feelings in any way that damages the Imperium is taboo, with the castigation of the most extreme variety meted out in these situations. The older Astartes of the Third Legion mature past the arrogance of their youth and take pride in pursuing perfection, following the path of Iskandar in searching to improve themselves and mankind.

Customs- Internal disputes are resolved through honor duels or debates in the Third Legion known as the Trials of Steel and Silk. When Astartes of the Legion feel slighted, they invoke the trials. An officer in command of both the accuser and the defendant will act as an officiate. These contests are not decided by the participants but by a jury of their peers. The outcome of these trials depends not only on the warrior's skills but also on his preparation and determination. The practice of debate and dueling has a purpose outside of ending disputes. Astartes of the Third Legion work to refine their skills and use each other as whetstones, seeking to better themselves for the good of humanity. All of these challenges, whether practiced or official, will be recorded and used by the Phoenix Blades commanders to assign duties and promote members.

Unique Features-The Phoenix Blades follow in their father’s footsteps in acting as Champions of the Imperium, answering challenges to the Master of Mankind and His servants wherever they appear. These Astartes are indoctrinated to view themselves as representatives of the Imperium’s culture and might. Their pride and devotion to the Imperium are interwoven. Like the warrior-retainers of old, the Phoenix Blades constantly work to save face for themselves and their liege. The Astartes of the Third Legion are called upon to settle disputes with blade or word. Guard-Aides act as champions for their charges, cutting down those who stand in the Imperium’s way. While they are also as shrewd negotiators and debaters, capable of accepting any challenge, no matter the form. Fighting for the Imperium’s honor and their own.