Alexandri of Rosskar

This page details people, events, and organisations from the /tg/ Heresy, a fan re-working of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. See the /tg/ Heresy Timeline and Galaxy pages for more information on the Alternate Universe.

Alexandri of Rosskar
Title/Honours	King of Rosskar [Surrendered], the Unifying Dictator, Greatfather Rosskar.
Discovered (world)	Rosskar
Discovered (period)	c.855.M30
Legion	Fifteenth
Great Crusade Command	38th Expedition Fleet
Heraldry/Sigil
Distinguishing Traits	Cautious, Pragmatic, Grim
Flaws	Callous, Ruthless
Horus Heresy role	Loyal. His Legion stood in defense of Terra and Segmentum Solar
Disposition	Assassinated

A King is a man who assumes responsibility. He says "I was beaten", he does not say "My men were beaten".

(Sayings of Rosskar, Volume IV, 'Alexandri's Words')

Alexandri of Rosskar was the Primarch of the Fifteenth Legion; the Silver Cataphracts, known for their dour attitudes and utter lack of pride. The tactics of Alexandri were highly controversial, but his was the hand that allowed Terra to be saved by the Void Angels and the Steel Marshals. His potential to seize power in the shattered Imperium led to his assassination by the upper echelons of his Legion and by his own brother, Gaspard Lumey.

History

Youth

Looking back I now know history is much more the product of mayhem than of conspiracy. I never intended to become King, yet I am.

(Sayings of Rosskar IV, pg. 14)

In the ancient gene-laboratories of the Emperor, Primordial Entities cast his sons adrift across space. Only Hektor was raised alongside his Father, while the others were sent to far-flung planets. Alexandri found himself sent to a remote, insular planet of Rosskar. Ancient Rosskar was divided along its three continents into techno-tyrannical Kingdoms. Alexandri landed upon Takuat, the largest and poorest of these states. His pod came across the Northern Expanse, a truly massive stretch of forest populated by the aggressive xeno-foliage and fauna the ice-world is known for. The Frontiersmen were a mix of lumberjack and huntsman, an order of middle-class freemen keeping the Expanse from overruning all of Takuat. Due to the prompting of Lady Wisna, nicknamed Mistress of the North for her nearly undisputed control of Frontiersmen lodges, the organization set out for Alexandri's pod. The child rescued would be raised by Lady Wisna. Young Alexandri showed aptitude unlike any other pupil, growing up strong at an alarming rate. Raised alongside Wisna's daughter of similar years, Snježana, the difference couldn't be more palpable. At age twelve, he joined his first frontier patrol, distinguishing himself in combat while still mastering his studies above Snježana's curriculum. At fifteen, he had mastered every form of mathematical system available to him and could recite Rosskan history from memory.

Alexandri was a servant of Bogumil the Cautious, the King of Takuat. From the time of the first Kingdoms, each realm had fought one another for primacy over Rosskar. Thanks to Alexandri's promising capabilities, the King empowered him to advance the Kingdom against its rivals. Part of this was revolutionizing the serf-levy system, creating a standing army. Due to the restriction on technology, this force was kept at a basic level similar to inferior techno-barbarian hordes on Terra around the same time. Where Alexandri excelled was in administration and logistical ability allowing the fielding of armies more numerous than ever believed possible. Mikael Okriva rose to prominence during this time, a serf with no prospects who joined in Alexandri's landmark Officer Appointment Program. This was an adult educational project that uplifted previously completely illiterate individuals to comparable standing to the nobility. Mikael presented the first opportunity for Alexandri's aptitude for picking, uplifting, and nurturing talent in his subordinates. Many years after Mikael's death, Alexandri regarded him fondly, even remarking that he was his first trusted friend. Though the Program sent shockwaves through Rosskan society for threatening the social order, the deprived Bogumil welcomed any advantage he could gain.

Eventually through Alexandri's efforts, the Mad King Davolimin of Crazkhan and the Ice-Dame Kalina of Xivan were defeated. With armies routed at last, Alexandri moved to annex the cities and the surrounding provinces to incorporate them into Takuat, the now undisputed single state ruling Rosskar. Davolimin's declining mental health accelerated this process greatly, but Xivan stood defiant in the face of the Takuatan troops. Kalina was the first opponent that checked Alexandri's advance, forcing the fledgling Primarch to rework his tactics to think beyond battles to achieve victory. Starting a devastating new logistical-crippling war strategy, Kalina was eventually eliminated by her own Vityaz simply to save themselves. In both of the conquered territories, the Primarch set about rebuilding the area and instituting reform. He fostered those deprived underneath the rule of the previous monarchs. Uplifting and enabling capable minds where he saw them, always rewarding loyalty and ingenuity. Alexandri was named Warden of the Realm for his efforts, a title the Primarch was content with. Rosskar knew peace, entering a never before witnessed golden age. Trusting Bogumil's rule and those he had placed to see the reign prosper, Alexandri focused his efforts on expanding the living space of Rosskar by expanding the frontier.

Privately, Alexandri was never satisfied with the feudal system. Though the free-men class had grown exceedingly thanks to his efforts, millions were still held in serfdom. However, Alexandri fiercely believed in his ideals of loyalty to an ultimate authority. Bogumil was a shrewd politician who appeased his subjects and kept a complex web of alliances to regulate peace. One of these was a marriage to Snježana. Alexandri's adoptive sister immediately whispered all manner of lies into Bogumil's head. The King became convinced Alexandri was building an army in secret, sending out an army to apprehend him for a mock trial. However, the army sent itself was more loyal to the Primarch than their liege. A quick coup d'etat ended the matter before a bloody civil war undid all that Alexandri strived to build. Though Bogumil was drawn and quartered, Snježana was allowed to end the rest of her days in house arrest. Alexandri knew this fate was worse than death for the ambitious woman.

After this, Alexandri abolished the system of servitude effectively ending the slavery of the lower classes. Feudalism followed after, with the lands being overturned to the Kingship. A short civil war did ensue, with the outnumbered Vityaz only keeping a slight edge due to reliquaries of ancient weaponry. This period ended when Alexandri offered clemency to any who surrendered to him. The remaining Vityaz were increasingly marginalized, but kept certain privileges of wealth and standing. Under Alexandri, Rosskar flourished. The cities expanded all because of a centralized, standardized administration with capable minds handpicked by the Primarch. Zlasta Curimin founded the Committee for Living, or commonly referred to simply as the Committee. Zlasta's organization incorporated the the old Frontiersmen lodge system into an expanded, concentrated effort to reduce the voracious forests and the fauna therein into manageable sectors. The King of Rosskar was sensitive to the changes Zlasta instituted, but his nostalgia for his early years among the Frontiersmen faded thanks to her results. Alexandri plucked the genius Andrien Duško who used the now opened technological vaults to rediscover the art of voidcraft. For the first time, Alexandri's intellect was matched, and even succeeded by a mortal in Andrien. This inspired no small part of admiration in the Primarch. In only twenty years after King Alexandri Ibirien the First's reign, the Rosskan population had soared by five hundred percent and were beginning colonization of the stars.

The Silver Cataphract

Rosskar is Kuzgeta. Kuzgeta is Rosskan. Rosskan is Kuzgetan.

-Common Rosskan saying to explain the relationship between Rosskar and its colonies.

Great Crusade

I am asked, how could you do this? What drove you to surrender so readily, so willingly, when you had fought so hard before? These people are bold to question me like this, but heed my wisdom when I say I held no sadness over the loss of my Kingship.

A crown is only a hat that lets the snow in.

(Quote dated at 996.M30, after being questioned by his brother Primarch Inferox)

At first the Emperor's coming was met with glee and celebration. Alexandri himself was glad that there was a man he could call an equal, someone to ease the weight of ruling off his shoulders. He had no idea what the Emperor's actual position was, more akin to Alexandri's youthful days as a unifying warlord. This made Alexandri make the fateful remark that he'd be happy being nothing more than a Regent, managing the Imperium in the Emperor's Name, not his own. This brought a smile to his Father's face. A knowing smile.

This happiness did not last for long however. Upon learning of the Covens existence, the Emperor immediately acted without consulting his son in any capacity. Time was short, the decision had to be made without hesitation. The Custodes were quick to expunge every trace of the societies from Rosskar. When it turned out that some were being hidden from the Emperor by the Secret Police, more purges continued this time in the hearts of Rosskar's cities. A great many deaths were caused as the Silent Sisters joined the fray, to null the effect of the witches' sorceries.

Alexandri would never forgive his Father for this act, but he understood the necessity of accepting it. Rising up to oppose him was pointless, he was a being above him. Disappoint and failure were two things strong in Alexandri's mind. This time would be no different.

I cast my hand out, and the greatest warriors ever to cross the void leap to obey. But this is not true power. No, the leadership my father gives us all is our real strength.

Never once did the Silver Cataphracts refuse the call to arms when summoned. Due to the massive population of Rosskar the Legion's ranks swelled to the brim, and then spilled over. It was never clear if the Alexandri even once told the truth of the actual size of his Legion. To further add to this blatant growth of Astartes numbers, millions of regular human soldiers were introduced as part of the Legion as the Rosskar Strelky. The Strelky served as a valuable source of support during the Crusades, fighting as an auxiliary force to the Cataphracts main operations.

When not helping the Emperor or his fellow Primarchs however, Alexandri was eager to expand the realms of the Imperium on his own. Using envoys and trusted functionaries, a small portion of his Legion would act in the Emperor's name but obviously make sure certain worlds favored Rosskar as their destination of tithe payment. He searched for worlds either with unrealized industrial potential or low population, high resource worlds. A huge warmachine was forged form the tiny fiefdom he claimed to help fund his ever expanding Legion and auxiliary force. When rumors of a rising amount of Librarians in the Cataphracts came to light, along with reports of witches serving in the auxiliary, it became clear that Alexandri had great ambitions that might upset the balance of order in the Imperium. Still, even if Alexandri broke regulations, he was always loyal to humanity, understanding the Imperium's way was the best way. The Imperial Truth just needed, bending.

His actions created great controversy as sometimes Alexandri would made ridiculous deals to secure peaceful surrender, and others he would be mercilessly swift in destroying whole planets. At a glance his decisions might be decided upon whim, but in fact it was all carefully calculated in his mind. In his mind, all that mattered was occupying planets with the least amount of loss. That is, overall loss. If a planet needed to be taken by brute force, it would be. If a planet could be talked down and negotiated with, it would. Alexandri's liberal approach to dealing with Xenos made some question his methods even more. But a few demonstrations of his disregard for alien life made it clear to all this was not another Aubrey the Grey.

Even though the loyalty of Alexandri was at times questioned, the Emperor knew the nature of his son from the few meetings they had. He was loyal, for he understood a civil war would bring too much needless ruin. And that the Emperor was the right being to unite humanity, just as Alexandri was the right man to unite Rosskar.

The Heresy

Woe to Mankind this day. Pity those who have died on Terra, for it was all in vain. The enemy has achieved the ultimate victory. The sacrifices we made merely ensured they could not enjoy it.

(Attributed to Alexandri after the Emperor's Enthronement.)

Post-Heresy

The Silver Cataphracts would have followed Alexandri into hell, not out of admiration, but out of the logic that Alexandri would only go into hell only if it was the best option. Now? But now he was being driven by dreams and fancies, not by reality. An attempt to seize power would only bring further death. With the blessing of Gaspard Lumey, one of the last remaining Primarchs, First Captain Sergei eliminated Alexandri subtly. The assassination was made to look as if the age old Rosskan rebels had finally got him. After living through the trials of his own world's conquest, and everything in between during to the end of the Scouring, Alexandri of Rosskar died from a coward's bullet.

Unremembered, unnoticed the Primarch went. A short golden age after the Scouring came, when the Traitor Legions were too busy tearing themselves apart and the numerous threats to arrive later had not yet come. No one wanted to press for details, fearing what might come if they looked for them. Gaspard, even if he did not desire it, had brought peace through his sole rule.

Personality

Appearance

Regal is the best word to describe Alexandri. A huge, flowing brown beard that goes down the front of Alexandri's power armour even in combat. Rosskar's unique sun and the planet's own society put an immense stress on the Primarch. He has aged whereas his own brothers have not. Dark circles have burrowed in deep into his eye sockets and many lines have formed on his face. Even specks of grey and white have touched his beard. All this only adds to his appearance as the iron-fisted ruler of Rosskar. He stands slightly taller than most other Primarchs, but not by much. His Terminator plate is adorned with silver-livery and symbols of the many Vityaz Houses crushed by his hand. Stylistic images of Rosskan Hounds form on the front of his armor, the emblem of his Legion and his own personal crest.

Wargear

Alexandry was known to go into battle with weapons and armor! That's right, he didn't fight naked like Lumey.

A fan's Attempt at Rules

WHOEVER WROTE ALEXANDRI, Fill in the flavor text bits.

	PTS	WS	BS	S	T	W	I	A	Ld	Sv
Alexandri:	465	7	6	6	6	6	7	6	10	2+/3++

Unit type: Independent Character, Infantry.

Wargear: the Frost Plate!, Xilantai Breath, The kogot

Special Rules: Adamantium Will, Bulky, Combined Tactics, Eternal Warrior, Fear, Fearless, Independent Character, It Will Not Die, Master of the Legion, Sire of Cataphracts.

The Frost Plate- (Flavor text) 2+/4++. All enemies charging take 1d6 overwatch hits at AP 4 S:5, every wound generated reduces enemy charge by 2 and all charges count as disordered

Xilantai Breath The Xilantai were beasts of myth on Rosskar, massive, not quite living, not quite dead, almost mechanical, not even the mighty Alexandri could kill one. After his father took him under his wing, he asked for a weapon that could conqueror anything, as many a sleepless night were spent contemplating his past failures. S4, AP3, Flamer Template, Haywire, Poison 4+, Rending, Shred.

The Kogot - (Russian translation) Profile: S:x2 AP2 Shred, Paired (+1A), Master Crafted all to wound rolls of 6 inflict 1d6 wounds and -1d3 to invulnerable save

Combined Tactics- For each army slot, choose one of the following options. The option you choose applies to all units with Legiones Astartes: Silver Cataphracts in that slot (ergo, you don't get to mix and match within a slot).

Elites: Twin-Linked on their first round of shooting or hatred in their first combat.

Troops: Stubborn or Fleet.

Fast Attack: Furious Charge or -2 cover save against your shooting attacks.

Heavy Support: Relentless while in your own deployment zone or adding the Sunder USR to all shooting attacks for one round of shooting of your choice.

Sire of Cataphracts- (insert silver caraphract legion elites) may be taken as troop choices.

He's pretty middle of the road. Not terrible in a fight, but primarily focused on buffing his army. Being able to choose different buffs for each slot of your army gives you all kinds of tactical flexibility, and even though he's not a combat monster the same way some primarchs are, he's still going to eat 98% of things in combat.