The Allfather's Children
The Allfather's Children are one of the Messianic Legions within the Omnium Theocracy, composed entirely of the Uraskan species - massive anthropomorphic warriors covered in thick brown fur. Known for their fierce devotion to Uzhyr whom they reverently call "The Allfather," they represent one of the most formidable fighting forces in the theocracy's armies.
An Uraskan warrior of the Allfather's Children adorned in their distinctive cobalt blue and white battle plate
Origins and Culture
The Uraskans hail from the ice world of Frodheim, a harsh planet of perpetual winter where survival depends on strength, cunning, and community. Their martial culture developed over millennia of battling the world's fearsome megafauna and harsh elements. When they first encountered the theocracy's emissaries, they saw in Uzhyr an embodiment of their own mythological figures - a divine father figure who brought order to chaos.
The legion's inception came during the early days of the War for Eternity, when Qhor'Zhail and Vitinvesto sought to expand the Messianic Legions' capabilities. The Uraskans' natural physical prowess, combined with their deeply spiritual warrior culture, made them ideal candidates. Their transformation into a full legion was overseen by Aurum Excubae himself, who recognized their potential for both devastating assault operations and stalwart defensive actions.
Organization and Combat Doctrine
Unlike many other Messianic Legions that focus on a single aspect of warfare, the Allfather's Children maintain a diverse array of specialized warrior castes, each drawing inspiration from ancient Uraskan mythology. Their combat doctrine emphasizes overwhelming force combined with tactical flexibility, allowing them to adapt to various battlefield roles while maintaining their devastating effectiveness.
The legion's size of 250,000 warriors is organized into nine distinct warrior castes, each fulfilling specific battlefield roles while maintaining their own unique traditions and combat styles. This organizational structure mirrors ancient Uraskan tribal divisions, though now united under the banner of Uzhyr's divine authority.
Leadership and Command Structure
At the apex of the legion stands Thorlund Frostclaw, a legendary figure even among the naturally imposing Uraskans. Standing five meters tall, Thorlund commands from atop his personal mount Nidhoggr, a massive Glacial Thaldrun drake. His tactical acumen and personal combat prowess have earned him recognition as one of Uzhyr's greatest champions. His signature weapon, the seismic warhammer Fjorgnir, was fashioned from the skull of a Thaldrun he personally slew during his rise to command.
The legion's senior command includes the Archlord Guardian Vördrskarn, who serves as both spiritual leader and strategic advisor. Under their leadership, the Allfather's Children have developed a fearsome reputation for both their battlefield effectiveness and their absolute loyalty to the Pantocrator's vision.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
The Allfather's Children maintain a unique spiritual tradition that merges their ancestral Uraskan beliefs with devotion to Uzhyr. Their faith centers around the concept of the divine patriarch, seeing Uzhyr as both the ultimate warrior-king and the father of all creation. This theological framework is maintained and developed by the legion's Runeseers, who serve as both spiritual guides and combat mystics.
Notable Campaigns
During the Razing of the Athenaeum, the Allfather's Children proved instrumental in evacuating countless irreplaceable texts and artifacts before the Bibliocast Scribes could destroy them. Their ability to operate effectively in harsh conditions made them especially valuable during this campaign, as they could endure the mystical cold generated by certain types of aberrations without losing combat effectiveness.
The legion played a crucial role in defending the Silken Sanctuary during a massive assault by the Wrath Bearers. Their diverse combat capabilities allowed them to counter various forms of attack, while their Battle Chanters proved particularly effective at neutralizing the psychological warfare tactics employed by Gardor's forces.
Wargear and Equipment
The Allfather's Children utilize a distinctive mix of traditional and advanced weaponry. Their armor, while incorporating all the protective capabilities of standard Messianic Legion war plate, bears intricate runic inscriptions and talismans that reflect their spiritual beliefs. Many of their weapons are seismic weapons modified to incorporate elements of traditional Uraskan design, creating unique hybrid weapons that channel both ancient tradition and modern military science.
Cultural Impact
The presence of the Allfather's Children has significantly influenced military doctrine throughout the theocracy. Their successful integration of ancient warrior traditions with modern combat techniques has inspired other legions to explore similar approaches. Their distinctive appearance and battle rituals have become legendary among the theocracy's civilian population, with many seeing them as living embodiments of Uzhyr's martial aspect.
Legacy
The Allfather's Children represent one of the most successful examples of cultural integration within the theocracy's military structure. Their ability to maintain their distinct cultural identity while serving as an effective fighting force has made them a model for other species seeking to contribute to the theocracy's defense. Their continued service stands as testament to both the adaptability of the theocracy's military organization and the enduring strength of traditional warrior cultures in an era of cosmic warfare.
See also: - The Messianic Legions - Uraskan Warfare Traditions - Battle Liturgies of the Allfather