The Leonis Cluster: Forces of the Imperium

[Petay1985]

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"All my life I've lived by a code; honour your battle brothers, protect the weak and defend the Imperium. The Emperor watches over us this day, Fight for Him!"

- Captain Nathaniel Tavington, Commander of the Lions Argent 2nd Company
The defence of Arcadius Hive

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Welcome to my humble project log, this log is an intentional re-imagining of a previous iteration, the reason for this is a revival of interest in 40k within my gaming group to coincide with 6th edition. This log aims to give a shared narrative to potentially any number of forces that I choose to create, all based around the Leonis Cluster.

In an effort to give this project log some direction and to aid those looking for particular units I will endeavour to keep the following contents page update:

Legio Astartes Lions Argent:
- Veteran Sergeant Webb, 3rd Tactical Squad, 2nd Battle Company - [Post #17, Page 01]

Leonis Legion Imperial Guard:
- Command Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company, 33rd Light Infantry Regiment - [Post #10, Page 01]
- 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company, 33rd Light Infantry Regiment - [Post #05, Page 01]
- 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company, 33rd Light Infantry Regiment - [Post #07, Page 01]

As well as units and model I aim to build a comprehensive background and narrative for the Leonis Cluster and all its associated factions, for ease of reference the location of these entries will be listed below:
- The Leonis Cluster - [Post #02, Page 01]
- The Legio Astartes Lions Argent - [Post #03, Page 01]
- The Leonis Legion Imperial Guard - [Post #04, Page 01]

[Petay1985]

The Leonis Cluster
The Leonis Sub-System | Armageddon System | Segmentum Solar

Located in the eastern fringes of the Segmentum Solar, on the periphery of the Armageddon System the Leonis sub-System, colloquially known as the Lions Cluster, is equilaterally distanced some 30 light years from both Elysia and Armageddon, the Leonis Cluster is intersected by a plethora of major shipping lanes and freight routes that culminate at Terra, making it a location of considerable strategic value. The Leonis Cluster is characterised by its expanding red star, Leonis Alpha and the myriad of dense gas clouds surrounding its planetoids. The Leonis Cluster is comprised of the following planets:

Felidus Ignum: Small deformed planetary body in close orbit to the parent star. The planets thin atmosphere is a lethal combination of gases and elements of a volatile nature, during the planets daily rotation the day side is subject to extremes of temperature resulting in the literal conflagration of the surface, the dark side is cold and barren.

Leonis Majoris: The largest planetary body in the Leonis Cluster the planet is a dessert world with little to no vegetation and a very sparse covering of life. Characterised by moisture farms, localised subterranean settlements and mining operations the planet is for the most part devoid of colonisation, the total Imperial presence on the world being approximately 1.2% of the planet’s surface.

Leonis Minoris: The capital planet of the Leonis Cluster, Once a verdant and mineral rich paradise brought into compliance by the Seventy First Expedition Fleet during the latter years of the Great Crusade, is now a near lifeless rock, its mineral deposits long since depleted and the climate suffering from the effects of the system’s expanding star. The increasing hostility of the planet’s climate has seen an evolution in its colonisation, specifically the focusing of populations in fortified hive cities and metropolises across the northern and southern hemispheres, leaving the barren equatorial zones uninhabited. Plagued by dust storms and nearly no precipitation the craterous quarried surface and canyon rich land masses of Leonis Minoris are classified as a hostile environment, especially to the ill prepared traveller or off-worlders.
The planet’s capital city, Linnaeus, is located in the northern hemisphere and is a sprawling metropolis doted with hive spires and space ports. Despite being one of the most prosperous cities in the Imperium, Linnaeus is a shadow of its former self having declined from the utopia established by Guilliman during the great crusade. Within the curtilage of Linnaeus lies the fortress monastery and seat of power of the Lions Argent Chapter, a military edifice etched into the mountainous topography of the city’s perimeter

Agora: The fourth planet in the Leonis System, known colloquially as Agora is a cold world of vast grey rock plateauxs. Home to the Hive Arcadius, a vast hive city believed to be a contender for the largest hive in the Imperium and the only settlement of note on the planet’s surface. Deep below the gargantuan city are the subterranean libraries of Hypatia, home to an archaic Imperial archive rumoured to be the largest known collection of knowledge outside of the Administratum on Terra. It is rumoured by some that the deepest levels are home to Adeptus Biologis laboratories, examination cells and a vast cryogenic museum that dates back to the Great Crusade, although this could be exaggerated myth and legend encouraged by the populous.

Felidus Hibernus: The most distant planetary body from Leonis Alpha, Felidus Hibernus is a frozen gas planetoid equal in size to the world of Agora. The ever expanding star of Leonis Alpha puts the future of Felidus Hibernus in jeopardy; exerting increasing gravitational pull and radiating increasing amounts of solar energy a time will come to pass when the ice world of Felidus Hibernus is melted from the galactic map.

The Leonis Minoris Cluster has seen more than its fare share of war over the millennia, most notably at the hands of several Ork warlords and a direct assault instigated by traitor forces shortly before the thirteenth black crusade. This assault was particularly brutal and focused around the system’s fourth planet, Agora, home to the knowledge rich Libraries of Hypatia.

[Petay1985]

Legio Astartes Lions Argent

Implacable to their enemies and beneficent to their allies the Legion Astartes Lions Argent have thrust their name into greatness seeing their deeds recorded in the halls of Holy Terra and their name repeated with praise and adoration. Noble warrior-knights, more akin to a time long forgotten the Lions Argent Chapter are the very epitome of trans-human heroes.

For all intents and purposes the Lions Argent Chapter can be considered a Codex Chapter, following the tenants and scriptures of Guiliman’s holy tomb as a guiding principle, albeit not with the absolutism of some of their more fanatical cousins. Believers in the divinity of the God-Emperor the Lions Argent Chapter is one of quiet tradition and privacy, they do not advertise their faith nor do they consider those without faith to be heretical, simply miss-guided. None the less within their hallowed halls the Chapter’s practices are interwoven with religious ceremony and they make no efforts to hide their ties with the Adeptus Ministorum.

Through the identification of genetic markers in the Chapter’s Progenoid organs their lineage has be traced back to the venerated First Legion, the Dark Angels, although such ties of blood are far from advertised amongst either Chapter. Aside from the biological indicators the Chapter’s exact link to the Dark Angels has never been proven although many theories exist, perhaps the most credible being that of Inquisitor Malek-Loth of the Ordo Hereticus. Extrapolating facts from a plethora of sources Malek-Loth postulated that the Lions Argent Chapter was created as long ago as M37 as the Lions Warriors Chapter. There is evidence to suggest the Lion Warriors Chapter was in fact a Dark Angels Successor Chapter, created at the beseech of Grand Master Anaziel alongside the better known Disciples of Caliban. The Lion Warriors mysteriously disappear from Imperial Records in the closing years of the same millennia, with the Lions Argent Chapter appearing on Imperial records no more than decade later. This theory is given even more credence in that the Lion Warriors Chapter Master was affectionately known as the Silver Lion or Leonis Argentus in high gothic. If the Lions Argent Chapter are in fact the descendants of the Lion Warriors the reasons for their change in name and heraldry is unknown, lost to the shroud of time.

The Lions Argent are based in the Leonis Cluster, their fortress monastery amongst the primary city of the system’s capital world, Leonis Minoris, a once verdant paradise long since withered at the hands of the system’s expanding star. Whether it is due to their geographical location or perhaps more manipulative ambitions the Lions Argent Chapter are active in the politics of Leonis Minoris and the wider Leonis Cluster, this is most evident in the system’s governing council upon which the Chapter Master has a permanent seat. This latter fact has not gone unnoticed by the servants of the Ordo Hereticus, who take a great deal of interest in the Lions Argent Chapter Master.

Although attached to a home world the Lions Argent Chapter maintain a healthy fleet, comparable to that of more established crusading Chapters, a benefit that can be attributed to the Leonis Cluster’s close ties to the Voss Forge World. It is fact the Chapter’s close ties with the Voss Forge World that has resulted in their somewhat unique predilection towards certain wargear. The Voss Forge is one of the few Forge Worlds that were commissioned to produce MkIV ‘Maximus Pattern’ Power Armour during the latter years of the Great Crusade and throughout the Horus Heresy. This standing permission has never been revoked, thus it has come to pass that Voss Forge World has outfitted the Lions Agent Chapter for the last two millennia, resulting in almost the entire chapter being resplendent in variants of the advanced Mk IV battle plate.

[Petay1985]

The Leonis Legion Imperial Guard

Formed in the last quarter of the 41st Millennium the Leonis Legion is a direct product of the Lions Argent Chapter taking governance over the Leonis System and the wider Sub-Sector, itself an edict from Holy-Terra in an effort to preserve stability in an increasingly hostile galaxy.

Under the guidance of the Lions Argent Chapter Master no less than one hundred and nine Imperial Guard Regiments were re-organised into the Leonis Legion, which at it’s founding was recorded as possessing a little under half a millions souls. In addition to this a number of Legio Astartes personnel have been assigned to the Leonis Legion, taking command of the Imperial Guard at both a company and regimental level.

The Leonis Legion boasts near unparalleled flexibility in comparison to other Imperial Guard organisations, with a mix of Mechanised, Heavy Infantry, Light Infantry and Drop Troop regiments it is combat effective in almost any theatre of war. The Leonis Legion benefits from being exceedingly well equipped, drawing much of its armour and wargear from the same sources as the famous Elysian regiments. And like it’s visually similar cousins the Leonis Legion has proven itself to excel in ship to ship boarding actions.

Despite the governance of the Leonis System and the formation of the Leonis Legion being entirely sanctioned by Holy-Terra, the question of Legio Astartes numbers has become a focus for the agents of the Ordo Hereticus. The Lions Argent Chapter remains at almost full strength despite the deployment of a little under one hundred warriors to the ranks of the Leonis Legion, this has resulted in parallels being drawn with the infamous Astral Claws.

[Petay1985]

1st Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company | 33rd Light Infantry Regiment | Leonis Legion Imperial Guard

The 33rd Light Infantry Regiment is equipped with state of the art flak armour, weighing almost half the weight of regularly manufactured patterns. Like the famous Elysian Drop Troops from the neighbouring system they are also equipped with Accatran MkIV lasguns, notoriously reliable and easy to maintain. Each squad member carries their own spare powercells, frag grenades, combat knife and canteen. In addion to this the Sergeant's lasgun boasts an auxillary grenade launcher and one squad member is carrying a demolition charge.







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Thank you for looking

[Student]

They look great. I like how you've painted the armour plates and the visors really stand out.

[Petay1985]

thanks for the kind words fella, very much appreciated.

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2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company | 33rd Light Infantry Regiment | Leonis Legion Imperial Guard

The 33rd Light Infantry Regiment is equipped with state of the art flak armour, weighing almost half the weight of regularly manufactured patterns. Like the famous Elysian Drop Troops from the neighbouring system they are also equipped with Accatran MkIV lasguns, notoriously reliable and easy to maintain. Each squad member carries their own spare powercells, frag grenades, combat knife and canteen. In addion to this the Sergeant's lasgun boasts an auxillary grenade launcher. It is common practise for all squads in platoon to be equipped with similar if not identical loadouts to better fulfill a dedicated battlefield role with singular purpose. To this end, second squad, like 1st squad has no special or heavy weapon and would be deployed in tandom with its sister-squad.









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Thanks for looking

[Yenluiar]

Hi! Good models I like this urban pattern.

i think that the bases are a little empty: do you think to add something?

[ChrisMurray]

Hi, nice to see a new log by you. As always your painting is very good and your fluff is an interesting read. I guess by the quote at the start of the thread you had just finished watching Troy, great film. Look forward to seeing this progress.

[Petay1985]

@ 'Yenluiar' - thanks for the kind words fella, with regard to bases they are themed for a barren planet, we have a gaming board set up for it too.

@ 'ChrisMurray' - Thank you for the comment fella, appreciated. Actually not watched Troy for a while, but it was the inspiration none the less.

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Command Squad, 1st Platoon, F Company | 33rd Light Infantry Regiment | Leonis Legion Imperial Guard

Lieutenant Miller has commanded 1st Platoon for two campaigns, although F Company only saw front line combat in one of these, taking up garrison duties in the other. A strong leader Lt Miller is a credit to the uniform, showing keen initiative and a prowess for command.

The 33rd Light Infantry Regiment is equipped with state of the art flak armour, weighing almost half the weight of regularly manufactured patterns. Like the famous Elysian Drop Troops from the neighbouring system they are also equipped with Accatran MkIV lasguns, notoriously reliable and easy to maintain. Each squad member carries their own spare powercells, frag grenades, combat knife and canteen. In addion to this the Sergeant's lasgun boasts an auxillary grenade launcher. It is common practise for all squads in platoon to be equipped with similar if not identical loadouts to better fulfill a dedicated battlefield role with singular purpose. This extends to the Platoon Command Squad whitch operates directly with the Platoon's infantry squads, resulting a strong mobile force.







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Thanks for looking.

[Gorman]

Hey Petay, great Elysian models! I really like your use of grey as a main colour and the modest weathering is a nice touch too.

I'm also doing Elysians as a commission project, and so I can share my pain with you - do you find them really Nnoying to assemble? I'll bet removing the respirators was a hassle as well. I've done about five squads and gone through so much green stuff with patching with miscast bits, or covering joins between arms etc... They are great models though, and yours look fantastic.

[agurus1]

love the background and the look of your IG! can't wait to see them with some allied Space Marines!

[Deakor]

Very excited to see this log...I loved your Space Wolves work and this looks like it could eclipse that. Love what you've done with the Elysians (some of my favorite models). Anxiously awaiting updates!

[Petay1985]

@ Gorman' - Nice to see a familiar face, so to speak, thanks for the kind words fella. The Elysians are indeed a bit of pain to assemble, although these are not my first so i like to think i'm a dab-hand at dealing with them now. Removing the resperators and piping, including the grav chute attachement bit was a bit tricky, yes. Worth it though, also liquid green stuff has done nothing short of revolutionising the repair and making-good process.

@ 'agurus1' - Thank you for the comment fella, appreciated. I have promised myself no marines until i finish my first Guard Troops slot, although this is getting closer... keep checking back fella and i'll endeavour not to dissapoint.

@ 'Deakor' - Interesting that you should mention the old Wolves of Fenris, or the Valka Fenrika as they are more popularly referred to these days, their colour scheme and weatherig style was identical to these guard. They have inadvertantly become the test bed for my Guard. Thanks for the encouraging comment.

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Scout Sentinel Delta-Zero-Two, F Company | 33rd Light Infantry Regiment | Leonis Legion Imperial Guard

The scout sentinels attached to the various companies of the leonis legion are almost exclusively scout sentinels, their mobility, light armour and speed complimenting the light infantry regiments and providing a much needed recon element to the more ponderous heavy and armoured regiments. There are currently 21 Scout Sentinels attached to Fox Company, operating in threes they provide mobile heavy weapons support for the otherwise vulnerable lightin infanty squads, who in common practise carry no special or heavy weapons. The sentinel pilots are somewhat more excentric that infantry, often having reputations for more gung-ho and recklace behaviour.

The sentinels used by the Leonis Legion are very similar in design to those employed by the Elysian Drop Troop Regiments. The design is refined from that of the 'standard' pattern with much of the auxillery systems removed, weight reduced and more attention given to rugged design. It would not be an exageration to say that the light-sentinels employed by the Leonis Legion are simply the same as those employed by the Elysians with the omission of the grav-chutes.









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Thanks for looking.

[ChrisMurray]

The sentinel looks good, fits in with your troops well. I also like that you haven't gone over the top with the weathering.

[tancrede]

Very nice start on your Elysian/Leonis light troops. Simple, but effective paintjob, with discrete conversions.
The only thing is the basing, too simple for me, but it's just a matter of personnal taste.

But I hope to see more of your work soon, man !

[Petay1985]

Thanks for the kind words folks, appreciated.

@ Tancred - a pleasure to see you posting fella, with regard to the bases i am quite the fan of their simplicity although i do concede it is potentially a missed opportunity.

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Veteran Sergeant Webb
Commander of the 3rd Tactical Squad | 2nd Battle Company

A survivor by trade, or so it is said, Sergeant Webb is renown for his ability to walk away from even the most dire of battlefield situations, although not always unscathed. It was during one such legendarily brutal confrontation that Webb lost his left arm; ripped from his body by an Ork of particularly savage countenance on the world of Koros-Delta. The very same Ork later found its miserable existence stamped out through the forced ingestion of a Krak grenade formally belonging to Veteran Sergeant Webb.

Webb holds great stock in simplicity of approach, believing over complication to often be the undoing of those favouring such methodologies. Like the Battle Brothers of his squad Webb is armed with a Tigrus Pattern Boltgun, modified by his own hand and upgraded to sport a ‘long eye’ multi-light-level scope with enhanced neural interface.

Amongst his wargear, including a Tigrus Pattern Boltgun with two spare ‘straight’ magazines, a Tigrus Pattern Bolt Pistol with one spare ‘straight’ magazine and selection of grenades, Webb carries a small canister and a pair of claws. The canister contains an honour scroll listing the names of all the Battle Brothers who have died under his command, a sentimentality considering that Webb can remember every single one of them. The claws are a more exotic ornamentation taken from a scaled reptilian creature native to the world of Leonis, the skull and hide of which adorn the wall of the Squad’s chambers in the Lions Argent fortress monastery.











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Those of you who saw my last project log will have noted that the Lions Argent are featured there also, this is a refinement of that log, removing those themes and aesthetics that i now feel are removed from how i imagine the Lions Argent and other factions of the Leonis Cluster to be. I hope you all agree that the refinements are for the better. There will be more updates to follow in the not too distant future. Thanks for looking.

[Fle]

That space marine is awesome! I love the pose, the shade of red and the mud on the feet. Also your background is very inspiring!

[JackDaw]

Godsdammit Petay. Just when I thought you couldn't improve your Astartes any more, you go and pull this out of the bag. Have to say though, as much as I loved your clean crisp Lions, this guy - this guy is perfect. The posing, the bits, the conversion work, the battle-damage and general weathering that doesn't overwhelm that crispness. Lovely.

Out of interest though - are you doing brand new Astartes from scratch, or retouching your existing army?

[ChrisMurray]

Looking good. Your last ones (from the previous log) were good. These ones are better.