Dark Angels
Dark Angels
The Dark Angels, the First Legion of the Adeptus Astartes, have been deployed to Velaraxis under the command of their enigmatic Primarch, Lion El'Jonson. Known for their ruthless efficiency, their mastery of warfare across all theaters, and their secretive nature, the Dark Angels are a vital part of the Loyalist defense of Velaraxis. While officially dispatched to support the Imperial Fists in holding the planet's vital Nexiumite mining operations, the Dark Angels have their own, more covert objectives. Rumors swirl among the other Loyalist forces that their true reason for being on Velaraxis has less to do with defending the Imperium's war resources and more to do with ancient, forbidden xenos technology buried deep within the planet.
The Dark Angels’ arrival on Velaraxis has added a layer of secrecy and suspicion to an already complex campaign. While they fight alongside the Loyalist forces, there is an air of distance between them and their allies. The Dark Angels, ever the watchers in the shadows, have divided their forces between open support for the defense of key mining colonies and their own clandestine operations deep in the tunnels beneath Velaraxis’ surface. Their interests, while nominally aligned with those of the Imperial Fists, appear to be more concerned with securing knowledge and relics that could potentially turn the tide of the war in ways few outside the Dark Angels could fully understand.
The Role of the Dark Angels on Velaraxis
The Dark Angels are present on Velaraxis with a dual purpose. Officially, they are there to assist the Imperial Fists in fortifying the planet and defending the mining operations from the encroaching Traitor Legions. However, beneath this mission lies a far more secretive and pressing objective: to recover and secure the xenos relics hidden within the planet’s underground ruins. These ancient artifacts, remnants of long-forgotten civilizations, are believed by the Dark Angels to contain powerful technologies or knowledge that could shift the balance of power in the galaxy-wide war.
For the Dark Angels, Velaraxis is not merely a battleground—it is a treasure trove of forgotten knowledge that must be controlled at all costs. The Inner Circle, the highest-ranking members of the Legion who are privy to its deepest secrets, have dispatched a detachment of Deathwing and Ravenwing to lead covert operations into the xenos ruins. While outwardly supporting the Loyalist cause, the Dark Angels work in the shadows to secure their true prize.
Dark Angels Combat Doctrine on Velaraxis
The Dark Angels are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to any form of warfare, whether it be siege, rapid assault, or guerrilla tactics. On Velaraxis, they have employed their full range of tactical expertise to great effect. While their primary forces support the defense of the planet’s mining colonies alongside the Imperial Fists, their elite formations—the Deathwing and Ravenwing—are tasked with their more covert missions.
Key Tactical Elements:
Deathwing Operations: The Deathwing, composed of the Dark Angels’ elite Terminator-clad veterans, are at the forefront of the Legion’s most secretive missions on Velaraxis. These warriors, equipped with the heaviest armor and weaponry, are sent into the deepest tunnels and ruins of the planet to recover xenos technology. Their presence is rarely announced, and many of their operations are carried out under cover of darkness or amidst the chaos of battle. Their heavy firepower and resilience make them the perfect force for seizing and holding key objectives against overwhelming odds.
Ravenwing Reconnaissance and Fast Strikes: The Ravenwing, the Dark Angels’ swift and deadly fast attack units, are used to conduct reconnaissance across Velaraxis’ hazardous surface and to strike at key Traitor positions with lightning speed. Mounted on jetbikes and attack speeders, the Ravenwing excel at hit-and-run tactics, using the planet’s volatile weather and rugged terrain to their advantage. Their ability to operate independently allows them to harass Traitor supply lines and scout enemy movements, providing vital intelligence for the Dark Angels’ broader strategic goals.
Secrecy and Psychological Warfare: The Dark Angels are experts in manipulating both their enemies and their allies. On Velaraxis, they employ psychological warfare to sow confusion and fear among the Traitor forces. By launching precision strikes at seemingly random locations and using their elite units to ambush isolated enemy squads, they create an atmosphere of paranoia, forcing the Traitor forces to second-guess their every move. This constant pressure weakens the enemy’s resolve, making them more vulnerable to the larger Loyalist forces.
Support for the Imperial Fists: Despite their secretive nature, the Dark Angels still play a crucial role in the broader Loyalist defense. Their tactical squads and heavy support units work in coordination with the Imperial Fists, fortifying key mining outposts and launching counter-attacks to disrupt the Traitor Legions’ advances. However, while the Dark Angels appear to be committed to the Loyalist cause, their true priorities remain hidden, even from their closest allies.
The Dark Angels’ Strategic Importance on Velaraxis
The Dark Angels are a vital yet mysterious part of the defense of Velaraxis. Their involvement in the campaign serves two key purposes. First, their military prowess bolsters the defenses of the planet’s mining colonies, helping to hold critical positions against the Alpha Legion and World Eaters. Their coordination with the Imperial Fists is efficient, if somewhat distant, as they work to maintain the security of the planet’s vital resources.
However, their true focus is the ancient xenos technology hidden beneath Velaraxis. The Inner Circle believes that these relics could hold the key to unlocking the power to end the war, and they will stop at nothing to secure them. While they fight as Loyalists, the Dark Angels operate with a level of secrecy that makes them difficult for their allies to fully trust. Their clandestine missions into the ruins beneath the planet’s surface remain hidden from all but the highest-ranking officers, and their ultimate goal remains unclear.
As the war for Velaraxis continues, the Dark Angels will play a pivotal role in both the defence of the planet and the recovery of ancient knowledge. Their success or failure could determine not only the fate of Velaraxis, but the outcome of the Horus Heresy itself. Whether their loyalty to the Emperor or their secret agenda will ultimately prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Dark Angels’ presence on Velaraxis will have far-reaching consequences for the entire Imperium.