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This article, Emperor's Liberators, was written by YaBoiMikeHawaii. It may be linked to any page without asking for the author's permission.
"The lore of mankind is written by resistance against tyranny. The most famous battles and wars were against despotic regimes. Innumerable civilizations, including some of the most powerful, were born out of revolution. Many of the most inspirational pieces of writing preach human liberty. Countless martyrs spend their dying breath spiting their oppressors, only to become immortalized for generations. Despite what the Inquisition and our detractors might say, we are not heretics. We don’t fight for freedom because of a gene-flaw, heretical text, or manipulation by unholy forces. Resisting tyranny is in human nature, a tradition that the God Emperor empowered us to uphold."
—A Librarian of the Emperor's Liberators
The Emperor's Liberators, known formally as the 'Imperatoris Liberatae', are a formerly loyalist Space Marine Chapter created from gene-seed of unknown origins during an Unknown Founding. During their creation Adeptus Mechanicus fleshcrafters made mistakes in the handling of the future chapter's gene-seed. Records of this chapter's founding were destroyed by said officials in order to save careers and the lives of those responsible for said mistakes. The chapter's history is one that tells of heroic beginnings, dutiful service, and the time of strife it endures to this day. A stinging irony that hangs over every battle-brother of the chapter is that despite their name and circumstances on paper, they are now more enslaved than ever. As the chapter continues to fight a never-ending war for its ideals and a war against fate itself, one question remains:
In 950.M41, 1,000 Astartes were discreetly sent away to the Eastern Fringes by Mechanicus fleshcrafters after it was discovered they made career-threatening mistakes. In a lone battle barge, these Astartes drifted through space until they found a planet with unknown xenos ships blockading it. It proved to be none other than the Tau Empire, who had subjugated the planet for years. Tau Protector and Merchant fleet ships attempted to board the battle barge, but after this attempt failed they opted to destroy it from a distance on orders from Kor’ro Skyreaper. The battle barge crash-landed on Battlement, killing 150 marines. Fortunately, 400 of them escaped via drop pod while the rest survived the crash-landing. This was remembered as the Enmity of the Tau. The surviving 400 marines spent the next few months through 951.M41 traversing the continent of Mericae. Only 280 of them survive continuous ambushes by Tau patrols and various Battlesuits like Ghostkeels and Broadsides, but become hardened veterans adept at stealth, guerrilla warfare, and counter-ambush techniques. They discover that the continent of Mericae is the only free region of land, made up of disillusioned citizens and loyal Imperial warriors known as the Agents of Liberty. The Astartes and Agents link up and make their way to the battle barge crash site. Witnesses describe it as the Settling of Mericae. On the 500th day of 951.M41, the battle barge crash site was investigated by a sizable Tau strike force including Broadsides, XV8s, and a Riptide. Outnumbering the marines 4:1, they inflicted heavy casualties. Only through surviving crew-served weapons and the defiant entrenched soldiers were the Tau forced to retreat. Many on the ground described it as a Fight for Survival. The surviving battle barge crew, tech priests, and 100 Astartes work to preserve vital systems while converting the area into a base of operations that can sustain the war effort. Implantation of aspirants also begins, who are composed of young Agents of Liberty.
By 952.M41 the Astartes fully learn the details of the Battlement Insurgency from the Agents of Liberty, who also introduce themselves to the marines. Apprised of the situation, the marines coordinated with the Agents of Liberty to retake Battlement. The plan entails the full defeat of Tau Commander Shas’O Yoon and corrupt planetary governess Angelium Marcellus. The Tau fleet must also be dealt with, which requires seizing the planet’s 4 laser defense silos and starship-grade Tau Ion Cannon and Railgun batteries. The overall strategy to achieve victory is to gain the popular support and strength necessary for a victorious planetary uprising. Particularly inspirational Agents of Liberty like Alexis Jonesson and other Astartes chaplains work to whip up Battlement’s population into a revolutionary fervor via secret, illegal gatherings and vox-casts. The 300th day of 952.M41 is particularly violent. In an operation simply nicknamed The Raid, Davidius Clarkeson and a few Ranger detachment volunteers led daring strikes against critical Tau installations and gue’la concentration camps. Valuable assets were also seized, including all manner of Tau weaponry. Sadly, half of these raids are a failure and cost both the Agents and Astartes dearly. The raids led by Clarkeson however are the most successful and achieve vital objectives for the rebel forces. Tau Fire Caste commanders demand investigations on the uptick in violence, leading to heavy crackdowns on population centers. 50 days later, the rebellion decides it needs more friends. Seeking valuable allies, the rebellion tasks Tedium Nugentus with securing the allegiance of an enigmatic cult of psykers named the Harbingers of Intrigue. Their powers could be a gamechanger if utilized, and replace the long-dead astropathic choirs so that help can be summoned from the wider Imperium. Fighting their way through ravenous Kroot and Vespid in the now bombed-out sewers and abandoned ghettos, the Agents of Liberty led by Nugentus and Space Marine scouts manage to find the Harbingers of Intrigue and strike up an alliance with them.
The war drags on into 953.M41. With a powerful array of allies and enough supplies to sustain a planet-wide rebellion, the Agents of Liberty and their astartes allies begin Operation Regaining Freedom, with the overall objective to kick the Tau off of Battlement. The heavy urban combat initially swung in the favor of the Imperials, but Puretide AI helps to assist the Tau in counter-insurgency operations. This culminates in the raid on Bostium, which kills the head commander of the Agents of Liberty, Omega Ben Lucious. He was being interviewed by Alexis Jonesson. A wounded Jonesson is barely able to escape, but his image is shattered. Heavy collateral damage leads to costly civilian casualties, which sharply reduces popular support for the rebellion. Tau stealthsuits and Hammerhead gunships reap a heavy toll in the cities, with Fire Warriors and their gue’vesa allies slowly clearing resistance in enclosed areas. The Tau Counter-Insurgency was devastating for the rebellion. Halfway through the year, the rebellion launches numerous failed attacks it deems as The Slaughter. The Imperials attempt to seize the laser silos and Ion cannons, but are stopped dead in their tracks by fierce Tau resistance in the surrounding forests. Broadsides, Crisis suits, and stealthsuits devastate the massed formations of the Imperials. The assaults are called off after 2 weeks of heavy casualties with little results. In one failed raid, Ranger Davidius Clarkeson loses his eye and his entire team is killed except for him. 250 days later, The Siege of the Alamum begins. Tau forces mount devastating counter-attacks against major Imperial-loyalist strongholds. The Alamum, the largest of these strongholds, breaks under the weight of Riptide-led assaults after a month of relentless combat. Famous Agent of Liberty Davius Crocker is killed in the last stand. Nearly the entire garrison dies during the defense. Tedium Nugentus, frantic to save his personal arsenal and avenge the fort he worked so hard to build, tries to lead a small team behind enemy lines to recover any weapons they can, but the assault fails and half of his team is killed or captured. It would be a huge stain on Nugentus’ honor and a resounding propaganda victory for the Tau water and fire caste.
954.M41 sees the start of the Battle of the Barge. The first uprising against the Tau fails after a year of bloody setbacks and stalemates. De-spirited and dwindled, the Imperial loyalists retreat to the crashed battle barge to lick their wounds, with the Tau hot on their heels. In what would become known as the Battle of the Barge, the Imperial loyalists pay a bloody price to hold the crash site. The Tau actually manage to breach the perimeter multiple times and heavily damage the defenders with well placed Broadside strikes, but are ultimately forced out of the tight confines of the ship and instead blockade the crash site. It’s here that the rebellion truly realized The Price of Freedom, and why its cost was so high. The Agents of Liberty and their astartes allies fight for over 100 days to keep their perimeter intact, but also realize their errors during the first rebellion. Their willingness to disregard civilian casualties as the ‘price of freedom’ and ‘necessary for the greater good’ cost the rebellion dearly in public support, morale, and volunteers. They made themselves look at least as uncaring and ruthless as the Tau. The rebels also couldn’t come up with effective ways to take down the various Tau Battlesuits. Moving in open formations would not be an option for the limited resources of the rebellion. Finally, the Harbingers of Intrigue wasted their time and manpower on strategically irrelevant objectives, rushing in only to secure areas sacred to the cult instead of areas important to the rebellion. The leadership will develop better tactics and place a heavier priority on protecting the lives of both their allies and civilians, if not out of morality then simple practicality. Starting in 955.M41, the Engines of War are once again prepared for use. Key assets like thunderhawks, land-speeders, Rhinos, and 4 Land Raiders are finally rebuilt at the Battle Barge crash site. These vehicles are used to break the blockade around the crash site, and the soldiers and astartes manage to gain footholds in most of the cities on Battlement. The crash site becomes a base of operations for the overall rebellion, and Tau attempts to destroy the HQ would meet consistent failure. It takes another year before the siege is permanently broken.
956.M41 is the year Alexis Jonesson embarks on what he calls The Redemption Raid. Alexis Jonesson redeems himself and his image in the eyes of the public by participating in a raid alongside Davidius Clarkeson to kill a notable Fire Caste commander name Shas’O Reen. Jonesson uncovers the truth that the commander had not only authorized numerous Tau operations that put toxic chemicals in the waters near stubborn Gue’la enclaves to sterilize and/or outright kill the populations, but that Shas'O Reen participated in the Ben Lucius raid himself. After personally killing the Tau commander he interrogated, Jonesson used his expertise in vox-related technology to spread these revelations far and wide, re-igniting mass public support. 200 days later, Tedium Nugentus, using a salvaged assault cannon, repulses a massed Kroot and Gue’vesa assault on a key stronghold. This stronghold contained many Imperial and Tau heavy weapons that would later prove instrumental to the war effort. Reinforcements manage to chase the attacking Tau back to their base of operations before melting away into the landscape. Nugentus has kept this assault cannon to this day, as a reminder of the aptly named Kroot Repulsion. Another 200 days later, Davidius Clarkeson develops A New Strategy to distract Tau battlesuits and ultimately destroy a major Tau advantage. Astartes terminators and heavy vehicles will absorb Tau battlesuit fire while Astartes and Agents of Liberty with jump-packs quickly pounce on the distracted battlesuits and destroy them with las-cannons and other heavy weapons. Clarkeson uses his meltagun to destroy dozens of battlesuits alone in the forests surrounding the laser silos.
957.M41 sees the fateful Battle of The Redwoods. The Tau attempt to regain the initiative via deadly ambushes with ghostkeels and stealthsuits in the forests in a bid to cut off the rebellion. The rebellion utilizes new tactics and despite heavy casualties manages to stave off the tide of the Battlesuits and Hammerhead gunships, in addition to precision airstrikes by Thunderhawks or decisive vehicular counterattacks. The relentless battle in the Mericaen forests give these forests a grim nickname: The Redwoods. However, the Imperium isn’t able to push out of these forests for another month. A year later in 958.M41, The Harbingers Attack. Though the Tau have more advanced soldiers, they have completely lost their popular support thanks to damning revelations of Tau brutality and steady advances into the cities. The Harbingers of Intrigue also begin using their full psychic potential to devastate the Tau and their auxiliaries. Only drones are able to resist their psychic powers and prevent a full-scale rout. An overwhelming majority of the cities are now under the control of the loyalist Imperials. Any remaining gue’vesa either leave the cities back to the Tau capital building called Installation T4U-2019 or are killed. Commander Shas'O Yoon requests orbital bombardment to destroy all of the rebellion-held cities. Kor’Ro Sky-Reaper announces that her ships will be in position to launch said bombardments in 5 days. Alexis Jonesson and other Agents of Liberty managed to hack or seize Tau communications from dead Fire Warriors and inform the rebellion of their greatest challenge yet. The Wrath of the Tau is about to be unleashed in 959.M41.
The next 5 days see an assault spearheaded by the marines, in what’s later referred to as the Assault of the Liberators. The Astartes send their armored units and assault marines to the front lines to seize the first two laser silos, with the Agents of Liberty and Astartes Terminators breaching the interiors. Moderate casualties are reported as the attackers encounter Tau drones and Kroot defenders. Now realizing the objectives of the Imperials, the Tau bring multiple battlesuits to defend the next 2 laser silos and Hammerhead gunships to bolster the infantry defenders. The astartes armored units aren’t enough to break the defensive line, requiring stealthy attacks from hidden heavy weapons units to destroy the Battlesuits and Hammerheads. Despite a heavy cost, the Imperials manage to break the defenses and secure all the laser silos. These laser silos are used to start attacking the Tau fleet, but isn’t enough to deter them. Their next objective, the Railgun batteries, faced heavier resistance. Battlesuits, Kroot, and Hammerheads were present. Even Terminators sent to absorb enemy fire couldn’t force a breach, and would’ve been wiped out if not for well-timed stealth attacks from the flanks. They’re still not enough to destroy the Tau fleet and the Ion cannons will have to be taken, but Shas'O Yoon is fully aware of what’s at stake and sends all of his remaining Battlesuits to defend the Ion Cannons. The Imperials threw everything into the assault. The infantry faced massed drone swarms and the full wrath of the Fire Warriors and their allies. Battlesuits devastated enemy vehicles and Terminators. Libertatum Primus faced Shas’O Yoon in a titanic duel, but Primus managed to slay the Shas’O. The battle reaped an unimaginable toll for both sides, but Terminators and Commando teams broke through and seized the Ion Cannons. Shocked by the death of their commander, the Tau line finally collapsed and the Agents of Liberty and Astartes seized the Ion Cannons in a bloody CQC battle. The laser silos and Ion Cannons either destroy or completely repel the Tau fleet, though some plasma barrages deal damage to the cities below.
A full year later, Victory at Installation T4U-2019 was finally achieved. All remaining Tau and gue’vesa, along with the corrupt governess, are hunted down and killed. Up until 999.M41, the sector where Battlement resides is finally free of warp storms. Battlement rebuilds as they recover from the war. The Agents of Liberty send more of their best recruits to become astartes, while other aspirants finally finish the implantation process. The Astartes chapter, unaware of most of their origins, call themselves the Emperor’s Liberators (a nickname by both the population and the newest astartes recruits). The crashed battle barge is formed into a fortress-monastery titled the Albus Domus, and The Hexagon (nicknamed the 'Hex) is built as a command center for the Agents of Liberty. The Emperor's Liberators swell to 2500 marines, disregarding the codex restrictions. Davidius Clarkeson, Alexis Jonesson, and Tedium Nugentus are elected to the rank of Executives of the Emperor’s Liberators despite only recently finishing implantation due to a lack of chapter leadership. Battlement is ultimately turned into a prosperous and well defended planet, but would be sorely tested in the years to come. The 13th Black Crusade would begin in 999.M41, leading to the Second Siege of Battlement which lasted until an unknown date in M.42. Word Bearer and Iron Warrior splinter fleets are taken off course and sent to Battlement thanks to the warp. The Harbingers of Intrigue aid in the invasion of these traitor legions and reveal themselves as a Tzeenchian cult, betraying the Emperor’s Liberators and Agents of Liberty and crippling Battlement’s defenses and killing many. The traitor legions make lots of headway and push all the way to the Albus Domus and The Hexagon, leaving a grisly path in their wake. Slaves are taken and some citizens are converted to chaos. The Albus Domus and The Hexagon are under siege. Much of Battlement’s population is forced underground. The slaves taken by the traitor legions are either liberated by various raids or killed by their vile masters. At great cost, the Emperor’s Liberators and Agents of Liberty create a defensive line called the Liberty Wall. Breaches into the Albus Domus and The Hexagon occur regularly, and are closed after heavy fighting by the defenders. The Arrival of the Avenging Son is just in time, delivering precious reinforcements.
Notable Campaigns[]
Assault of Ceres (Date Unknown.M42) - Executive Davidius Clarkeson leads a daring drop pod assault to stop a Dark Eldar raid on the planet of Ceres. The small force of astartes buy time for civilian evacuations and inflict heavy losses, but are ultimately killed or captured. Clarkeson and a few others reappear from the same webway portal used by the Dark Eldar months later, frantically sprinting past an Eldar Farseer running in the opposite direction.
The Oregnon Excoriation (Date Unknown.M42) - Tedium Nugentus and 100 astartes assist Primaris Lamenters and Celestial Lions in stopping an Ork WAAAGH! on the planet Oregnon. Nugentus’ team storm a series of ork Faktorees to stop Gargant production, but discover the Faktorees are staffed by human slaves. While the 3 Astartes chapters are busy liberating the planet, the orks besiege the Faktorees in an attempt to restart production. Nugentus, his vanguards, and 8 veterans are forced into a large warehouse with 2,000 civilians as they fight this green tsunami for days. Eventually, the dead orks are used to form a wall. Only Nugentus and 4 wounded men remain with the civilians, but their allies finally arrive to relieve them just as all seems lost. Oregnon is purged of the orks a week later, and the 3 astartes chapters form a lasting bond.
Salvation of Texaum (Date Unknown.M42) - Alexis Jonesson leads a 200-man strike force to Texaum to retake the planet from the Red Corsairs. Their Battle Barge ‘Old Glory’ is attacked on all sides in a coordinated effort to seize their ship and strengthen the fleet. Clawing his way through the trap, Jonesson forces the damaged ship and its now depleted crew into the atmosphere and leads an all-or-nothing assault to retake the planet with an Astraeus tank as the vanguard. Timely hit and run attacks by thunderhawks and bikes whittle down the Corsairs. Jonesson and 89 marines live to see the star-striped fist raised over the compound.
The Fifth Sphere Expansion (Date Unknown.M42) - The Emperor’s Liberators are dispatched to repel or at least slow down the Tau 5th Sphere Expansion. One force of them conducts crippling raids against the Tau and derails their entire campaign, retaking the planet. Another force prosecutes a failed siege against a recently seized Tau planet, and is ultimately besieged in turn by the vengeful Tau to this day. The brutal stalemate has yet to be broken, and is the only precarious foothold the Imperium has on that planet.
The Bostius Excoriation (Date Unknown.M42) - Tedium Nugentus and 400 marines are caught off guard by the increased brutality of the Tau in the 5th Sphere Expansion. The Tau throw their auxiliaries into mass-wave tactics and slam the beleaguered marines when they managed to dig their way out of the piles of xenos and gue’vesa corpses. However, discovery of gue’la mass graves drive Nugentus’ men into a murderous frenzy and disregard a 60% casualty rate to brutally slaughter every last Tau on Bostius, the previously besieged planet.
Castigation of Genudine (Date Unknown.M42) - Davidius Clarkeson leads 100 marines to retake the planet Genudine from the control of a Slaneeshi cult. What seemed like a routine purge went terribly wrong when the Eldar Corsairs and Dark Eldar launched a vicious ambush in the confined hive cities. Despite heavy losses, the mauled force of 68 marines spread out and waged a relentless campaign of ambushes and raids on their assailants. Davidius Clarkeson eventually rallies his forces in a final, desperate melee against the Eldar pirates, Dark Eldar Cabals and Wytch Cults. Clarkeson and his Vanguards took on Cabal Leader Elizabeth Tarka and her cabal Hell Unrelenting and allied Wytches. Although impaled by a staff from Tarka, his rage at the vile Dark Eldar gave Clarkeson the energy to yank the staff forward and demolish Tarka’s skull from a well-aimed powerfist. After an hour-long bloodbath, Clarkeson and 18 grizzled marines would exchange numerous curses with their depleted and retreating Eldar foes.
Assault of the Undying Legions (Date Unknown.M42) - The Black Templars, Alexis Jonesson and 80 marines answer an Ecclesiarchy call for aid in defending a Shrine World against a Necron assault. The Sisters of Battle, Templars, and Emperor’s Liberators only defend the temple through a bloody last stand with 75% casualties. Unfortunately, the zealous Templars and Sisters are still suspicious of their allies’ methods of worship...
Liberation of Calcius (Date Unknown.M42) - All of Fireteam Bravo begin a campaign to liberate Calcius from the forces of Chaos. The initial lightning raids against Chaos strongholds eventually stop working as chaos cults and heretic astartes begin ferocious counter attacks. After a 2-year grisly defense against countless millions of cultists and 1,500 Emperor’s Children, DevGru reinforcements finally arrive and annihilate the maddened but exhausted heretics. A few million inhabitants are liberated from slavery and chaotic sacrifices, and are eternally grateful.
Disaster aboard the Lady Liberty (Date Unknown.M42) - The Emperor’s Liberators manage to sway 2 renegade companies of Astartes back to the Emperor’s light and let them onto one of their ships. Unknown to the chapter leadership however, the renegades only feigned loyalty and was aligning itself with Nurgle. They manage to release Ebolanthrax in the Battle Barge Lady Liberty, killing 90% of the un-augmented crew and over 50 marines. Furious at the deception, the Emperor’s Liberators spend the next 3 months exterminating the traitors on the Battle Barge in a vicious campaign to retake the ship.
Defence of the Stygius Sector (Date Unknown.M42) - In the Stygius Sector, the Emperor’s Liberators were deployed to defend the planet of Alpha Phi-06 from the might of the Thousand Sons and their Tzeenchian allies. However, the archenemy was too powerful, and made critical progress in conquering the planet. The Emperor’s Liberators then prioritized evacuating civilians, but a quarter way into the evacuation their Strike Cruiser ‘Justice’ was heavily damaged by the enemy and picked clean of its crew from a Despoiler-Battleship. Stranded on the planet with 3 million civilians to protect, the remaining 300 Emperor’s Liberators went to ground and formed a global resistance movement. While they inflicted casualties in vicious guerrilla warfare against their Thousand Sons occupiers, the grim calculus of attrition spited their every move. A few psykers managed to hone their astral communication, and send a psychic distress call to the Liberators’ Battle Barge Independence. After a 10-day gruesome last stand, only 76 Emperor’s Liberators and 500,000 partisans would survive to see a task force from the Independence relieve them. Timely air and ground support aided the evacuation of the remaining forces, and reclaimed the Justice from its orbital shackles. With a massive chaos fleet on their heels, the 2 ships finally made a warp jump to Mars for repairs, mauled and exhausted.
Thunderhawk Down (Date Unknown.M42) - Michael 'Handyman' Roweson and the Emperor's Liberators move quickly to free the planet of Tsomal from chaotic cults before it can be turned into a Demon World for Khorne. The Thunderhawk gunship carrying Roweson and 4 other Astartes is shot down by massed AA fire. The strike cruiser 'Emancipation' has forces on standby to rescue the downed squad, but relief will take an hour to arrive. Roweson jerry-rigs the Thunderhawk's weaponry for use and gets improvised traps laid across the perimeter with the help of his squad, and braces them for the onslaught to come. The first wave is easily repulsed, consisting of lightly armed cultists. The second wave involves more cultists and a few technicals, but is also repulsed with minimal difficulty. The third wave involves demon possessed cultists who manage to wound one of the astartes, but is repulsed with some difficulty. The fourth wave involves a full scale assault by demons, demon possessed cultists, and even World Eaters astartes. Halfway into the 4th assault, a fifth wave full of World Eater astartes, lesser demons, a few Brass Scorpions, and countless thousands of cultists begin to swamp the downed craft. Ammunition runs low as the traps are expended and most of the marines save for Roweson are incapacitated. Roweson manages to slay a World Eaters chaos lord despite grievous injuries, but is completely exhausted in a pool of blood and fire. Just as the darkness and swarms of heretics overtake him, Repulsors and Overlords stream in from out of nowhere and drench the heretics in munitions. Roweson's battered body is recovered and will ultimately heal, but all save one of his Astartes compatriots that fought with him are given posthumous 3-rank promotions. Franklin Johnson is interred in a Redemptor Dreadnought. The planet Tsomal is eventually liberated from the forces of Khorne.
The Last Laugh (Date Unknown.M42) - Harrison 'The Magician' Houdinium is on the Strike Cruiser 'Justice' when it gets stuck in the warp. His psychic skills are put to the ultimate test as demons flood the bowels of the ship and threaten to claim it and its crew forever. The only hope is supercharging the Gellar Field temporarily to ward the demon infestation off. Harrison handpicks a squad of the finest Techmarines and Terminators to reach the Gellar Field device and overcharge it. Houdinium would have to fend off waves of demons including a particularly powerful one named 'Fiend of Graydor'. Before it could possess Ronald, he used a lance of pure energy that obliterated the demon and banished it. With the Gellar Field supercharged, the infestation was repelled and Raegus managed to guide the ship out of the warp. Only a fifth of the crew survived.
The Outbreak (Date Unknown.M42) - Benjamin 'Doc' Carsonius and 25 Emperor's Liberators are on the planet of Centurius when a plague specially crafted by Nurgulite followers begins turning the population into zombies. The Holy Hospitallers are dispatched to the planet to assist in combatting the zombie plague. The objective is to contain the plague while creating a cure for it. Carsonius and a squad of Hospitallers and Liberators deduce that a blood sample of every variation of undead is required to synthesize a cure. Knowing this, they arm themselves to the teeth and move into the Hive City of Alyash, the first one to fall to the zombie plague. Surrounded on all sides, they fight their way through countless Nurgulite monstrosities until they find the Alpha Beast, the strongest of the undead hordes that utilizes the strengths of all the various undead monsters. After hours of desperate fighting, it is Carsonius who manages to land multiple well-placed bolter rounds into the monster's skull in close quarters, and hacks it to pieces with his power sword. Samples in hand, 8 members of the squad including Carsonius return to base and a cure is synthesized for the surviving population. Reinforcements finally quell the remaining zombie menace after 2 months of bitter fighting.
A Rebellion Too Far (Date Unknown.M42) - The planet of Submission is lead by Planetary Governor Joshua Johnson Wardius, a powerful and ruthless slaver. Life on Submission is one where slavery is rampant and misery amongst such slaves is high. A few zealous members of the Emperor's Liberators were horrified, disgusted, and infuriated at the conditions these slaves were in. Making matters worse is that the slaves were not there for crimes they committed, which meant the governor was a petty tyrant. The 15 Emperor's Liberators present decided that Wardius was an evil man unfit to rule, and overthrew him and his followers in a quick yet violent coup. The planet's slave population was freed. However, it turned out the governor was entrusted by the Inquisition itself to form a defensive line in the sector. The slaves were a necessary evil, whose labor helped form the industry of the planet that helped supply the system. With the slave industry permanently disrupted, the planets in the system suffered catastrophic supply failures that resulted in the eventual fall of half the system to Chaotic incursions. The Emperor's Liberators, and the ones formerly on Battlement, would not be aware of this reality until it was far too late...
Day and Knight (Date Unknown.M42) - Tzeentch sends a demonic invasion force to Battlement in order to provoke the arrival of the Grey Knights, who will surely purge the world’s population to prevent the spread of chaos. The source of the invasion comes from the Word Bearers in Death Alley, who summon these demons through mass rituals. Combined raids by the Emperor’s Liberators and Agents of Liberty arrive too late, and an entire demonic army is summoned. These demons are stopped 100 miles short of The Hexagon and Albus Domus at great cost, but the real damage has yet to be done. The advance was only stopped with the timely arrival of 150 Grey Knights. The forces of Chaos were annihilated from Battlement. The Grey Knights, in their usual fashion, begin purges of the cities and general population of Battlement. Executive Davidius Clarkeson, who was completely unaware of the Grey Knights and their M.O. until now, fires on the Grey Knights and orders his Fireteam to eliminate the presence of the Grey Knights. The two chapters are locked in brutal warfare for months, with the outnumbered Knights inflicting brutal casualties before being forced to withdraw. 240 Liberators were killed at a cost of 90 Knights.
The Reckoning (Date Unknown,M42) - The Emperor's Liberators and Agents of Liberty face the Inquisition's wrath.
Battle of Trachmund (Date Unknown,M42)- Executive Alexis Jonesson leads Fireteam Bravo and a detachment of Agents of Liberty to free the Trachmund system from its tyrannical governors, in their first assault action since recovering from The Reckoning. This campaign is derailed by the sudden arrival from the Tysaerian Storm Dragoon regiment, fanatical Red Crusaders, fell-handed Destroyers of Worlds, and even the ravenous Tyranids.
Operation Arclight (Date Unknown,M42)- Chief Librarian Harrison Houdinium leads a task force of Emperor's Liberators and Agents of Liberty to rescue an old ally, the Champions of Mortis, from a Demon World in the Eye of Terror itself. The Agents of Liberty are deployed alongside the chapter to provide support, and meet another guard regiment that hails themselves as the Icsavian Korps. Although the risk is great and there are initial tensions between the renegade forces and the Imperial troops, the grateful Champions become an ally for the Liberators. Out of gratitude, they call in favors with nearby Mechanicus Forge Worlds, resulting in replenishment of badly needed wargear and manufacturing capabilities for Battlement.
The Siege of the Unliving (Date Unknown, M42): Executive Tedium Nugentus and Chief Apothecary Benjamin Carsonius must work with old allies and foes alike to stop Nurgle's horrific siege of Crassin's Meadow.
The Vanishing- At some point in M42, a massive invasion by an unknown foe was launched against Battlement that required every single Liberator and Agent to fight for their home. It was during this time that a massive warp rift appeared and sucked Battlement into it, along with its entire armed forces and population. All contact with the planet was lost shortly thereafter. The current location of Battlement, and its status is unknown.
Chapter Organization[]
"You call those 'Fireteams', I call them an undisciplined mob stuck in the days of your revolution. This type of organization might've worked in your fight for 'freedom' back home, but you're now fighting a galaxy-spanning conflict and that demands discipline and organization."
An Emancipator of the Emperor's Liberators. This is one example of the armament they may use; their options are plenty.
The Emperor's Liberators are a heavily codex divergent chapter, as befitting of their disdain for needless rules. Anything inside the codex not deemed useful is disregarded, including one of its most sacred laws; the 1000 marine limit. The chapter, as a homage to an important ancient Terran date, hovers at 1776 Astartes. These astartes, their fleet, and wargear are split into 3 semi-autonomous groups: Fireteam Alpha (nicknamed The Deltas), Fireteam Bravo (nicknamed Liberty Lads), and Fireteam Charlie (nicknamed Devastation Group or DevGru for short).
Each Fireteam is led by an Executive, the equivalent of a Chapter Master in influence. These Executives can meet for all manner of reasons, and unite as necessary to combat a serious threat. Each Executive is accompanied by 4 members of the Emancipators, 12 of the most elite and well-equipped men in the chapter. These men serve as honor guard, advisors, friends, and confidants. They're also next in line for the position of Executive, should an Executive make the ultimate sacrifice. Which one of them gets the role is up to a chapter vote. Elite Terminator-armored Revolutionaries form an elite corps as well. The chapter and its assets are entirely maintained by well-treated, volunteer serfs who also guard vital items or areas.
Primaris marines and their wargear were easily integrated into the chapter and welcomed; all that was necessary was acculturation. It's required for each marine to be adept in at least 2 roles; 3 or more is encouraged. The chapter heavily employs swift vehicles, as they form an integral aspect of their strategy. Heavier vehicles are used, but saved for much larger engagements where subtlety won't succeed. As of The Reckoning, the Agents of Liberty serve directly alongside the chapter, although they use a separate command structure. While usually not required to follow the chapter's orders, they do out of mutual trust and respect.
Benjamin Carsonius as a scout Marine, and future head apothecary.
Alexis Jonesson as a scout Marine, and future Reclusiarch.
Command Ranks[]
Executive - Chapter Master equivalent.
Emancipator - Honor Guard equivalent. Seniority is based on time as an Emancipator.
Revolutionary - Veteran Equivalent. Seniority is based on time as a veteran.
Specialist Ranks[]
Medic - Apothecary equivalent.
Engineer - Techmarine equivalent.
Librarian
Chaplain- Aside from their normal duties, they're crucial in swaying worlds to the cause of freedom.
Flagbearer - Standard Bearer (Ancient) equivalent.
Shieldman- A non-codex unit, from the days of Battlement's revolution. They were responsible for creating makeshift fortifications from whatever they could find, and that tradition has carried on into the chapter as the Shieldmen. They carry the InstaWall, a special deployable shield as durable as Terminator armor that can enhance the defensibility of any location. The shield can be mounted on walls, be raised to the height of an Astartes, and has a width allowing 6 guardsmen to hide behind it.
Line Ranks[]
Liberator - Battle-Brother equivalent. Most senior line rank.
Maverick - Battle-Brother equivalent. Second in seniority.
Vigilante - Battle Brother equivalent. Rank given to full-fledged astartes.
Ensign - Scout Marine equivalent.
Private - Neophyte equivalent.
Combat Doctrine[]
"With us by your side, we gon' make sure your revolution don't become a cautionary tale or another case of mass-martyrdom. You will be free as the God Emperor intended!"
— Executive Alexis Jonesson during his vox-cast.
As a fledgling chapter with no prior battle experience, the Blue Dawn brought forth a punishing crucible. Aside from Battlement's rebels, their only ally was the element of surprise. Every attack needed to be swift and efficient, as second chances were nonexistent. Ingenuity was required just to survive against a seemingly all-knowing, flexible enemy. The Tau's extensive surveillance unearthed so many rebel hideouts that the Liberators needed to make each of them impregnable. Technique had to beat technology. After 20 years of waging this kind of war, these tactics stopped being necessary and started being natural. Up close the Liberators are lethal, especially when ambushing foes. If allowed the element of surprise or even a moment to hunker down, the Liberators will be virtually unstoppable. This affinity for unconventional and defensive warfare comes at a cost however. They are uncomfortable attacking without the element of surprise, and have far less heavy armor or siege equipment compared to the average codex-compliant chapter. Despite this, they will still prove dangerous even on the enemy's terms.
The benevolent tendencies of the chapter also make them adept at evacuating civilian populations. Their intense desire to protect civilians however is a double-edged sword. When around civilians the chapter is inspired to fight that much harder to ensure their safety, but this also makes them predictable to enemies far more cunning and ruthless.
"I don't know how lucky 'I' am? You don't know how lucky YOU GUYS are. I had a place to escape to, as perilous as the journey was. If you lose your freedom here, you don't have a place to escape to. In that regard, your world is the last stand in this galaxy."
—Unknown citizen in a vox interview recently archived by the Inquisition.
The planet of Battlement, and the chapter's Homeworld.
Battlement is an Imperial civilized world, homeworld of the now renegade Emperor's Liberators chapter and Agents of Liberty regiment. A temperate world with various biomes, Battlement has a relatively low population which in turn lives in relative prosperity. Shortly after its settlement, Battlement's warriors have developed a penchant for facing overwhelming odds. It currently remains an embattled planet as one of the strongest bastions of democracy in the Eastern Fringes. In the coming years it will attract lots of attention from various entities, worst among them the Ruinous Powers. In the eyes of its inhabitants, Battlement is humanity's best hope in the fight for freedom.
Fortress-Monastery: Albus Domus, The Hexagon[]
"If 'ya ask me, this here building is the mightiest in the Eastern Fringes! Just don't ask me how we did it. That's classified! Hehe..."
—Unknown worker after the Albus Domus' construction.
What started as the remains of their crashed battle-barge during the Blue Dawn would become the Albus Domus, the fortress monastery of the Emperor's Liberators and most luxurious and fortified building on Battlement. It is fashioned after ancient Merica's presidential residence, as a massive upscaled replica in resplendent and durable materials. The chapter, and Battlement's armed forces stand ready to protect this potent symbol of military and political power. Crew-served weapons, snipers, and AA emplacements are strategically located around and on top of the Albus Domus. Its hardy construction and void shields make it virtually immune to chemical, biological, and nuclear attack. Strong psychic wards and other counter-surveillance measures will frustrate more cunning foes. Its sensors, communications, shielding, and other defenses are all made of cutting-edge tech, whose origins are shrouded in rumor. All the amenities a building that houses an Astartes chapter and Battlement's president exist, as do massive underground facilities for tens of millions of people in emergencies. The Albus Domus holds the chapter's most sacred relics, as well as other rooms crucial to the chapter's function and leadership.
Next is the building's points of interest. These are the most important and well-protected areas in the Albus Domus itself, effectively becoming a fortress within a fortress. Points of interest include the 'Library of Liberty', which contains digital and physical copies of the chapter's sum total of acquired knowledge and relics. Its most prized possessions are a perfect replica of M2. 984 and Independence: M2. 776, kept in stasis and a secured encasement for all to see. Anyone may enter, but certain sections contain knowledge or artifacts restricted to the chapter. Another area is the Condition Room. It can hold the entire chapter, the President of Battlement, advisors, and other important staff. The chapter and planet's most pressing affairs are coordinated here. Further inside is the chapter armory, maintained by Executive Tedium Nugentus and Michael 'Handyman' Roweson. It doubles as a forge, and any piece of wargear the chapter possesses or acquires was either built, modified, or examined here. Then there's the Power Area, which holds various plasma generators to power the building. An open secret is the existence of Site 51, an underground structure which hold's the chapter's many secrets. Only its Executives truly know what's down there; knowledge of its contents is limited and more extensive based on rank or deed for non-members of the chapter. Floor Zero is close by, and serves as the bunker for Battlement's leadership.
The Hexagon is a similarly upscaled replica of a strategic building in ancient Merica. While the Emperor's Liberators can coordinate there, it's the official command building for the Agents of Liberty regiment. Built with similar materials, technologies, and protections to the Albus Domus, The Hexagon is where the Agents of Liberty coordinate their operations. Thousands of civilian employees, and Battlement's military leadership work here each day.
Chapter Beliefs & Traditions[]
"At best these texts are problematic, and at worst they're blatantly heretical! The best I can do is offer you a more sanctified version rewritten by our venerable scribes, but otherwise this will not stand, Jonesson! "
The Emperor's Liberators worship the Emperor as a divine freedom fighter who warred against the tyrannical xenos and human empires during the Great Crusade. Chaos is given a special hatred, known to the chapter as The Great Tyrant for its continual efforts to kill, subvert, or enslave humanity. Based on their history with the Tau, they're referred to as the Blue Menace. The Liberators take it upon themselves to continue the Emperor's interrupted work to free humanity from tyranny, rejecting the notion that groups like the Inquisition represent the Emperor's will. They see civilians as the Emperor's people, to be protected and liberated as He strove to do. Prior to their excommunication, the chapter's service for the Imperium was a stinging irony that plagued its members. After being excommunicated, they were free from the burden of cognitive dissonance and free to secure human liberty as they see fit. So far, their benevolence and extreme anti-authoritarianism has allowed them to reject the temptations of Chaos.
Volunteers must undergo an extensive selection process before being treated to a great party attended by friends and family (which is usually a good-bye party). Recruits are required to memorize the chapter's teachings (codified by its relics), and be knowledgable of the Horus Heresy. They are also subject to brutal special forces and chapter-unique training, which must be applied in battle if the recruits are to survive. Aside from overseeing their training and deployments into battle, the Scout Sergeant ensures they display conduct appropriate of the Star Spangled Fist. This continues until gene-seed implantation is complete, where recruits are thrown a massive party again attended by friends and family. They then swear the following oath:
"I, an Emperor’s Liberator, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Divinity of the Emperor of Mankind against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the God Emperor of Mankind and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of The Imperial Creed. So help me God."
Upon giving this oath, they are now fully fledged Astartes of the Emperor’s Liberators. When they are not on mission, they have a set but flexible schedule. Every morning, they have a 1 hour sermon by a chaplain. After that, they recite one of their chapter oaths:
“I pledge allegiance to the Aquila of the Imperium of Mankind, and to the Imperium for which it stands, one Empire under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Their training doesn't stop upon full entry into the chapter, as it's a constant process. The date M2. 776 is considered highly sacred, thus the last 2 digits ‘76 are engraved on their knee pads. They also celebrate this date annually. The chapter, particularly its chaplains, are well-versed in anti-authoritarian lore. This is important for swaying the hearts of billions from the lies of the Greater Good or Primordial Truth to the righteousness of human liberty and the Imperial Creed.
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
"Though we neutralized this fortification, it put us behind schedule. Now I'm curious..."
"You would engage in stealth operations with colors like that? I don't know if that speaks more about you or your enemies..."
— Raven Guard Astartes during an infiltration mission against a Tau Command node.
"Let me guess? Son of Vulkan? It's the only reason you'd risk everything to protect these prisoners. (gasp) I HAVE AN IDEA! How about I torture all of THEM instead! Delicious!"
— Drukhari prison guard to Executive Davidius Clarkeson.
"Your hit-and-run tactics need work. Do not use speed for the sake of it, combine it with precision and discipline."
— White Scars Captain to an Emperor's Liberators Veteran.
"I revered your 'Emperor' as a God. You worship him as a divine 'freedom fighter'. Both assessments were wrong. I found out the painful truth, and you will too..."
— Word Bearers Chaos Lord to Executive Alexis Jonesson.
"Brother Kharyon, with all due respect, the pragmatism of the Emperor's Liberators is a front. The only two Astartes forces that covertly overthrow governments and sway the populace via oratory and 'education' are not Imperial..."
—Two Ultramarines debate the true nature of the Emperor's Liberators.
Their gene-seed origins are unknown.
Primarch's Curse: N/A[]
Deathwatch Service[]
"I wish I had myself one of these during my time fighting for the Emperor on Battlement..."
— Michael 'Handyman' Roweson being gifted a Barrage Plasma Gun by his fellow Techmarines.
Michael Roweson as a scout marine stole Tau railguns. He would later become the head techmarine.
The chapter has a healthy disdain for aliens as all Astartes chapters do, but have a frothing-at-the-mouth hatred for the Tau and Dark Eldar. The Deathwatch takes care to use such eagerness to kill these particular xenos to their advantage, and thus the Emperor's Liberators are unusually present on assignments involving these xenos species. Michael "Handyman" Roweson is the most famous Emperor's Liberator to enlist in the Deathwatch, and has slew innumerable Tau and Dark Eldar in his service. Roweson's most famous act was jerry-rigging Tau heavy rail rifles and turning them against other enemy Battlesuits during the revolution on Battlement. As such, he was the perfect man for the job when he was eyed by Deathwatch. Roweson slings a modified railgun on his back in addition to his Barrage Plasma Gun and plasma pistol. These weapons undoubtedly proved useful during his kill-team's deployment against Tau incursions and probes, especially by their vaunted Battlesuits.
Chapter Fleet[]
"Concentrate all void shields to the front, and grab onto something!"
— Executive Alexis Jonesson during a naval battle against the Red Corsairs.
Independence (Battle Barge)- Gifted by the Indomitus Crusade.
Old Glory (Battle Barge)- Gifted by the Indomitus Crusade.
Lady Liberty (Battle Barge)- Gifted by the Indomitus Crusade.
6 Unknown Strike Cruisers and 9 Gladius Frigates. Gifted by the Indomitus Crusade.
Freedom One (Ironclad)- A recently recovered Ironclad from a Space Hulk, which is being refitted for use as a massive armed space station above Battlement.
Chapter Relics[]
"Our freedom is granted by our God Emperor, codified by these ancient texts, and protected by whatever we can shoot. "
—Executive Tedium Nugentus
Avenger: While the defense of the Alamum was doomed to failure, Scout Marine Tedium Nugentus made the besieging Tau pay in blood for this fort thanks to a scavenged Rotary Cannon. It kept him alive against hordes of Vespid, Kroot, and Gue'vesa throughout the war. He later named it 'Avenger', both after a famous ancient Terran minigun and as reminder of the vengeance he took on the Alamum's captors. His expertise in firearm design allowed him to augment this weapon by bolstering its fire rate and capacity, while reducing weapon jams, weight, and complexity of maintenance. Mysteriously, this weapon's rate of fire and magazine capacity dramatically improves against Orks, who have named Nugentus "MoarDakka". It fires unique armor-piercing rounds to ensure viability against all manner of foes.
Fire and Fury: Alexis Jonesson spread the legend of Tedium Nugentus' firearm collection across Battlement thanks to his vox-shows, and thus Nugentus felt compelled to repay Jonesson's oratory with a master-crafted combi-flamer. Jonesson was all too happy to fit his custom-flamer onto the gun, allowing his fiery speeches to be complemented by his new weapon. A befriended Salamander made additional upgrades that improved the flamer's capacity and range, while gifting Inferno rounds that lacked the downside of reduced target penetration. Enemies that die by this weapon will meet Hell itself. As of now, the flamer can be exchanged for a mysteriously obtained volkite gun.
Barbecue: Davidius Clarkeson enjoyed a nearly unmatched level of potency against Tau armor thanks to his melta gun, but struggled to fight afar until he found an ancient Bolter on a long-forgotten battlefield. Refurbished and customized by Tedium Nugentus to fit Clarkeson's meltagun while firing Kraken Penetrator rounds, tyrants and their armies will find no refuge from the wrath of Davidius Clarkeson.
Dirty Job: This ancient barrage plasma gun boasts a much higher rate of fire and plasma intensity than many in its class, but only the most skilled Deathwatch Techmarines can even survive using it, much less control it. Michael Roweson proved to be just such a warrior, after his quick thinking helped his squad survive a Stealthsuit ambush by the Tau. This gun is the first thing Roweson uses in the most precarious situations, hence its name.
'The Neurosurgeon': Executive Tedium Nugentus made this master-crafted boltgun in honor of Benjamin Carsonius' exploits following the Blue Dawn, and they named it after Benjamin's preternatural ability to land headshots. Carsonius worked with Nugentus to modify this gun even further, resulting in cutting-edge optical systems, a muzzle-brake, and an extended, highly robust barrel. The greater range and controllability ensured that this bolter was aptly named.
Vanishing Acts (Hesh Bolt Pistol): Specially modified version of these pistosl that also carries Ensorcelled Rounds. It was crafted by a tech priest during the days of the Horus Heresy, and has endured since. With a larger magazine and higher rate of fire, Harrison will always have the staying power of his more well armed squad-mates.
984. M2: The original copy of this famous ancient Terran novel is kept in an armored stasis capsule in the Albus Domus, as it helped form the basis of the chapter's values. All members of the chapter must have this book and its teachings memorized. To the chagrin of the Inquisition and the chapter's enemies, the book has been extensively reproduced.
Independence: 776. M2: The citizens of Battlement and the chapter itself are unsure if this is the original version or a bastardized copy of the famous historical document of a former ancient Terran nation. It's nevertheless the basis for Battlement's laws and the chapter's values, and is the holiest of their relics. Replicas were extensively made and its lines are etched in the chapter's fortress monastery and fleet. Every Emperor's Liberator must memorize this entire document and be ready to die on its behalf. The Inquisition is chief among this document's detractors.
Celsius 232.778: The original copy of the famous ancient Terran novel. Like 984. M2., it forms the core of the chapter's values and is kept in armored stasis under tight guard in the Albus Domus. Many copies were produced, to the scorn of the Inquisition.
Chapter Appearance[]
"You are now a member of the Emperor's Liberators! These colors mean something. REMEMBER THEM!"
— Executive Alexis Jonesson to a new batch of recruits.
Chapter Colours[]
The Emperor's Liberators primarily wear red, white and blue coloured battle-plate - with red symbolising hardiness, valor and the blood shed by the Chapter's battle-brothers to defend and liberate Mankind; white symbolises purity and innocence; blue represents vigilance, perseverance, freedom, and justice. The helmet, shoulder pauldron trim, coutres (elbow guards), vambraces (forearms), gauntlet, poleyns (knee guards) greaves and sabatons (boots) are all coloured blue. The backpack, gorget (neck guard), plastron (chest guard) and cuisses (thigh armour) are coloured red. The shoulder pauldron insets are coloured white. A vertical white stripe adorns the helmet, while a silver skull on the forehead indicates a battle-brother of rank. A red coloured squad specialty symbol (Tactical, Devastator, Assault and Veteran) stenciled on the right shoulder pauldron inset, indicates a battle-brother's assigned combat specialty. Sometimes a white colour gothic numeral stenciled on the left poleyn indicates company assignment, while a blue coloured gothic numeral stenciled on the right shoulder pauldron inset indicates squad assignment. As the Imperial date, 776.M2 is a date in history that is considered highly sacred to the Chapter, the last two digits '76 are often engraved on each poleyn.
Emperor's Liberators Chapter emblem. Libertatum is the High-Gothic world for 'Liberty'.
Chapter Badge[]
The Emperor's Liberators Chapter badge is a stylised blue coloured clenched fist - a symbol of solidarity and support to express unity, strength, defiance or resistance. On the top of the icon, the High-Gothic word 'Libertatum' is centrally placed, which means 'Liberty'. Below this word are a variety of rows of triple-red coloured stars and alternating rows of red and white bars with three small blue coloured stars placed on these bars.
Notable Members[]
"These men seem to be the glue holding these 'Agents of Liberty' together. If we can kill one of them, or even all of them, we can end this war before it begins."
— Tau Commander Shas'O Yoon, days before the rebellion on Battlement breaks out.
Executive Davidius Clarkeson. Credit to Ilyanus (Tactical Keeper)
Davidius Clarkeson in combat as a scout marine.
Executive Davidius Clarkeson: Davidius Clarkeson was born and raised in Wiscon, Battlement. His desire to resist the local gang activity earned him a strong moral code and martial prowess. Clarkeson's bid to join the PDF was interruped by the Tau's invasion, one of many things contributing to his disaffection with the xenos regime and joining the Agents of Liberty resistance group. In combination with his youth and expertise in the Agents' Ranger Detachment, he volunteered for implantation after the Astartes crash-landed on Battlement. A cool and collected man anchored by his unshakeable faith in his convictions, Clarkeson possesses a controlled fury against the galaxy's many tyrants. His troubled soul is tormented by constant war, his imprisonment and escape from Commoragh, as well as the horrors of The Reckoning. He is the swift and deadly leader of Fireteam Alpha thanks to his combi-melta, powerfist, artificer armor, and jump-pack.
Executive Alexis 'Preacher' Jonesson. Credit to Perozes Sassanius on discord.
Executive Alexis 'Preacher' Jonesson: Prior to becoming the fiery Reclusiarch with masterful oration, Jonesson ran a popular vox-cast known for controversial and outlandish conspiracy theories. Upon the Tau's invasion, Jonesson dedicated his time to inspiring dissent against the Greater Good's lies. Braving censorship and suppression, he became an outspoken Tau critic and chief communications expert for the Agents of Liberty. He started devoutly practicing the Imperial Creed as well, making him a prime candidate for Astartes chaplain. By the war's end he swayed all of Battlement to the cause of human liberty, and went on to both become the Reclusiarch and sway billions more to his ideology. He quickly became a lightning rod for criticism of the chapter's values, but he backs his words and convictions with a combi-flamer and modified crozius as Fireteam Bravo's leader. Via unknown means, Jonesson's combi-flamer was recently upgraded to a combi-volkite.
Scout marine Tedium Nugentus does battle with a rotary cannon.
Executive Tedium Nugentus: Even before he commanded DevGru, Nugentus was a swashbuckling, gung-ho man with crude humor. Save for Alexis Jonesson, no man exceeded his advocacy for human liberty. The Tau occupation drove him to action, hoarding all manner of weaponry in defiance of the Tau's erosion of civil liberties and weapon ownership rights. As the Agents of Liberty's primary armorer, he was an indispensable asset whose skills carried over into the Emperor's Liberators later on. He's also a crack-shot thanks to his extensive use of 'Colt', 'Armalite', and 'Bushmaster' autoguns as a child. Initial concept by Algrim Whitefang.
Executive Tedium Nugentus. Credit to Perozes Sassanius on Discord.
Michael "Handyman" Roweson: A working man with a popular show depicting his exploits in hard labor, the Tau occupation drove him on a more technological path. He built or maintained the Agents of Liberty's wargear alongside Tedium Nugentus, while reverse-engineering Tau gear. His expertise was a prized asset the fledgling chapter could use, prompting him to volunteer for implantation and techmarine training on Mars. His free-spirited nature and inclination towards ingenuity remained, although repurposed and augmented by volunteer service in the Deathwatch. He rose to Master of the Forge after the first man to hold the position was killed, and his indispensable skillset has only grown in value ever since.
Carsonius as a Scout Marine.
Benjamin 'Doc' Carsonius
Benjamin 'Doc' Carsonius: The previously hot-blooded Carsonius would be transformed into a mild-mannered man of compassion and little words after he nearly killed his best friend. His desire to do right by his mother drove him towards a medical profession, put to great use when the Tau occupation began in his rough hometown of Michigus as well as the Agents of Liberty. His combat prowess and medical expertise were not only undiminished but somewhat bolstered by his seemingly timid character, to the surprise of his comrades and the Scout Sergeants who trained him. He'd quickly rise to Master of the Apothecarium by the end of the war, thanks to his great skills in medicine. He didn't just develop a close rapport with Davidius Clarkeson, but with other benevolent chapters as well like the Salamanders. The deaths of civilians or allies affect him more than most Astartes, which shaped him and his chapter's views towards mortals and allies alike.
Harrison 'The Magician' Houdinium: Houdinium was a famous magician who used it as a front for his psychic abilities. When the revolution began in earnest, he revealed himself to be a psyker to his comrades after utilizing his powers in battle. While at first earning scorn and suspicion, his dutiful service to the cause made him a trusted ally. His implantation process included additional psychic training for his future role as Librarian. He was also crucial in enlisting the aid of the Harbingers of Intrigue, a psychic cult whose magics could be a counter to superior Tau technology. Decades of war have honed his psychic gifts, allowing him to become Chief Librarian. Houdinium's continued expertise in the occult has been vital in protecting the souls of both the chapter, his allies, and his homeworld. He works closely with Alexis Jonesson in that regard.
Relations[]
"We ain't winnin' this war without allies. The trouble is knowin' what's in it for them..."
— Davidius Clarkeson as a Scout Marine during a meeting.
Allies[]
You are welcome to add your homebrew chapter or guard regiment as an ally below:
Celestial Lions - Allies after the campaign on Oregnon, and empathize with their feud against the Inquisition.
Space Wolves - Their mutual anti-authoritarianism and willingness to fight for civilians has ensured that both chapters fit in like a glove. The Liberators admire how the Wolves stood against Inquisitorial brutality, particularly on Armageddon. After a highly successful campaign, the Liberators became welcome guests to Fenris even after their excommunication.
Salamanders - This historically benevolent chapter became fast friends with the Liberators, thanks in no small part to efforts by those in the Liberators to reach out. After a stunning counter-terror operation against the Dark Eldar to rescue hostages, the Salamanders have welcomed the Liberators to visit Nocturne and collaborate on future missions despite their renegade status.
'Lamenters- Allies after the campaign on Oregnon, and empathize with their continual bad luck while admiring their benevolence despite their curse.'
Gulf Hawks- Both chapters have a particular appreciation for the culture of Old Merica, ensuring a unique kinship.
Holy Hospitallers- The Liberators highly appreciate this humanitarian chapter's continual efforts.
Harrison as a scout marine.
Void Paladins- Despite their disagreement on the Imperial Creed, both of these renegade chapters see authoritarianism as a scourge, value civilian lives, and appreciate ancient Terran literature. Battlement's close proximity with Pueblo is an added bonus. A chance encounter against a stray Tau feet galvanized the Void Paladins to covertly intervene in Battlement's revolution (while monitoring for Chaotic taint). Both chapters are now close friends, and Opifex Alek Fuglsong was inspired by his discussions with the chapter to gift 'Sense of the Common' by Thom Pane to the chapter.
Teutonicus Korps of Steel- A regiment previously thought to be lost in the warp was rediscovered after a period of time. They were allies with the Agents of Liberty, and so the Liberators trusted this regiment.
Ember Sharks- Michael Roweson served with Xero Iceheart during his Deathwatch service, but there's no telling if such a bond will survive now that the Liberators have gone renegade.
You are welcome to add your homebrew xeno faction or chaos warband below:
Such a controversial (and currently renegade) chapter will have many enemies. A notable fact is that most of them belong in the Imperium. As a side-effect that disturbs both outside observers and the chapter itself, they've become unusually adept at fighting other Astartes.
Tau- Stemming from their uprising against the Tau, these xenos are nicknamed the 'Blue Menace'. No quarter will be given or expected against this subversive and insidious foe.
Drukhari- Any interaction short of violence is impossible with such a malevolent race.
Chaos- The chapter sees Chaos as 'The Great Tyrant', single-handedly responsible for the horrific state of the Imperium today. To the chapter, Chaos and tyranny are closely related.
Marines Malevolent - The Emperor's Liberators have an abiding hatred for the Marines Malevolent and any other chapter known for extreme disregard of civilian lives.
The Inquisition- The chapter hated the Inquisition's ruthless authoritarianism. The Inquisition was the loudest critic against the chapters' beliefs. Naturally, the two would become hated foes.
Destroyers of Worlds- Even before their invasion of Battlement, the Liberators hated their butchery against civilians. Only the death of this chapter will properly avenge the millions of civilians they butchered, in the eyes of the Liberators.
Graven Souls- A chapter known for terror raids against rebellious civilians was bound to become a foe of the Liberators. Relations were further soured when it was revealed the Graven Souls led a brutal suppression against rogue Agents of Liberty. The Graven Souls see Battlement's warriors as wayward rebels who must be punished, and Battlement is now on high alert for this shadowy, fearsome chapter.
Relations With the Wider Imperium[]
"Y'all's approval ain't worth a damn. Let's just get this done before you run off again."
— Executive Tedium Nugentus to a Dark Angels 3rd Company Captain.
The chapter's staunch anti-authoritarianism made them run afoul of Imperial bureaucracy. Organizations like the Inquisition remind them of their former Tau overlords. Similarly, the Liberators have a secret disdain for the Mechanicus which was never made public until after The Reckoning, due to the organization's importance. Cooperation with these entities was virtually non-existent at the best of times. The Ecclesiarchy has debated whether they appreciate the chapter's view of the Emperor as a God, or hate the chapter due to their borderline heretical interpretation of the Imperial Creed. Chapters with a benevolent nature are close friends with the Liberators, like the Space Wolves, Salamanders, Celestial Lions, and Lamenters to name a few. A begrudging respect was earned by the Raven Guard, who were fond of the Emperor’s Liberator’s tactics but felt they had more to learn in the finer points of guerrilla warfare and stealth. Both chapters were also united in their hatred for the Tau, and that their origins had a few crucial elements in common (an uprising against a tyrant). The Black Templars are appreciative of the Emperor’s Liberators’ religious zeal, but are quite baffled and suspicious of the motivations for such faith. More callous chapters or those close to Imperial bureaucracy are kept at an arm's length at best. The Dark Angels and their successors who value human life a lot less have a more frosty relationship with the Emperor’s Liberators. The Dark Angels (and their successors’) willingness to abandon the field to pursue the Fallen has also left a bad taste. They also have very poor relations with the Iron Hands for their general demeanor and attitudes. The Marines Malevolent are hated foes to be killed on sight.
After The Reckoning, anyone not a friend of the chapter or at least on working terms is effectively an enemy. Only a mutual understanding reached on the battlefield has been able to stop skirmishes by the Liberators and other non-allied chapters. On the other hand, those who the chapter always held in low regard are now bitter enemies.
Notable Quotes[]
By the Emperor's Liberators[]
Please feel free to add your own
"DON'T Y'ALL LECTURE ME ABOUT FREEDOM NOW! You speak of the Emperor as if he's some sorta tyrant, so y'all figure fightin' for the CHAOS GODS is the right choice?! Good for nothin' crazies..."
— Tedium Nugentus to Blood Gorgons Marines.
"The Emperor's Liberators don't negotiate with terrorists or tyrants! We bring two things: freedom for the Emperor's people, and death to those who oppressed them."
— Davidius Clarkeson to Inquisitor Markius Zucken.
"I DON'T LIKE 'EM PUTTING CHEMICALS IN THE WATER THAT TURN THE FRIGGIN' FROGS HERETICAL!"
— Alexis Jonesson as a Scout Marine, inspiring Battlement's population.
"There's only 2 places that the Greater Good has been implemented: The Emperor's side, where it's not needed, and hell, where they already have it."
— Chaplain Ronald Raegus, during a resistance broadcast on Battlement
About the Emperor's Liberators[]
Feel free to add your own.
"Never have I seen such... chaos! They fight like a rabble! But... there is no denying they get results. And who are we to judge when we believed that our methods were perfect before? They fight with furore and dedication to their cause. What that cause is, for now, I cannot say. What I can say with certainty is that I admire their honour and courage in defending the children of the Imperium, and I admire their pride. Their bright livery, so proud. I am honoured one of my Brothers got to duel sons from this unique chapter, and our brief time serving together is something I will remember for a long time."
— Garrul "Stormwalker" Salathiel, Chapter Master of the Steel Scions
"Have you ever seen the inside of the Albus Domus? I haven't personally, but an old friend of mine from my Deathwatch days assures me that whatever the Emperor's Liberators are keeping there is certainly worth defending. What a tease."
"These gue'ron'sha in red white and blue have been especially hostile to the Greater Good and a threat to our efforts. They instigated a successful rebellion on our former colony world known as Battlement, and continue to do so on a worrying number of planets otherwise aligned in the Tau'va. They have also been among the gue'ron'sha who have been disproportionately active in efforts to stop our rightful Fifth Sphere Expansion through sheer brute force, defying the will of the Greater Good with uncharacteristic fury. We must begin taking... other measures to safeguard our Empire and the Tau'va."
— Tau Ethereal Council during a meeting.
"These red white and blue inferiors fight so hard for the ideals that would see lesser men branded as heretics and burned at the stake. FASCINATING!"
"IDIOT! Your corpse god was a tyrant beyond human comprehension, and did the exact things you claim to fight against! Your precious Imperium exceeds your emperor's tyranny even now! Why do you fight for the Emperor and his Imperium so passionately in spite of this?!"
— Centauri of the Blood Gorgons to Tedium Nugentus and his men.
"Great power and prestige awaits whoever brings Davidius Clarkeson alive to Commoragh! He will PAY for his defiance, and bear witness to the price of rebellion! Well? GET TO IT!"
— Asdrubael Vect in a galaxy-wide distributed transmission from Commorragh onwards.
"Of the Emperor's Liberators all I shall say is they fight for a better future as we do. We are honoured to count them as kin."
"They may revere the Emperor as a god like so much of the Imperium, but they fight hard for their human allies and civilians as well. Brothers, lets show these spindly xenos what happens to those caught within a vice of Astartes. Ave Imperator!"
—Centurion Marcus Aurelian of the Void Paladins to his phalanx prior to intervening on behalf of an ambushed Emperor's Liberators squad on Battlement during the planets Revolution.
"Heretics! You dare disregard the true creed of the God Emperor? Prepare yourselves, for our thrice blessed flames shall bring repentance!"
—Redeemer Malakus of the Wolves of Retribution encountering the Emperor's Liberators.
"These Marines have turned from the light of the God-Emperor so we of that are his dark side, the Soul of those that already have one foot in the Grave shall show them what true horror is, unlike the one's they espouse about Tyranny."
—Graven Souls Marine about the Emperor's Liberators.
"A true hunter can stray from his usual path, but it remains a hunter. So you might have streyed from the laws of the Imperium but you are still a warrior of the Allfather and thus a brother of mine"
— Jarl Haelstan Windrider of the Wild Hunt to Davidius Clarkeson
"Remain vigilant honoured warrior of humanity, for the noble path that you tread will be paved with lies and deceit by those who seek your destruction. One wrong step, and you will descend into a hell where only death will become the truest form of liberation and freedom."
—Lightning Wraiths Astartes during a conversation with a veteran of the Emperor's Liberators
"The Liberators were once an honorable chapter. Truly, my respect for them still burns, even though we were told to destroy them. I mourn their loss, and any death I am forced to carry out on them."
—Captain Mihas, Second Captain of the Crimson Impalers
