The Hollow Horde

The Hollow Horde represents one of the most formidable and unsettling forces within the Messianic Legions, renowned for their mastery of chemical warfare and their utterly dispassionate approach to combat. Composed entirely of the Scodocorns, a species native to the toxic world of Neroth, the Hollow Horde earned their name from both their emotionless demeanor and their tendency to deploy in overwhelming numbers, moving across battlefields like an inexorable tide of destruction.

A formation of Hollow Horde warriors advancing through toxic fog during the Defense of the Outer Districts

Origins and Composition

The Scodocorns evolved on Neroth, a world perpetually shrouded in poisonous gases and caustic rain. Their biology adapted to process and resist virtually any form of toxin, leading to the development of internal chemical synthesis organs that could produce deadly compounds at will. When they first encountered the Omnium Theocracy, they were already a highly organized society, though one devoid of the emotional attachments common to most sentient species.

Their integration into the Theocracy came after their world faced near destruction from a particularly virulent strain of self-replicating toxins. Uzhyr's intervention saved their civilization, leading the Scodocorns to view him as the ultimate ordainer of existence. This reverence, combined with their natural affinity for chemical warfare, made them ideal candidates for transformation into one of the Messianic Legions.

Military Structure and Tactics

The Hollow Horde's approach to warfare reflects their species' evolutionary background. They deploy in massive formations, often numbering in the tens of thousands, each warrior equipped with sophisticated chemical delivery systems integrated into their war plate. Their tactics revolve around saturating entire regions with various toxic compounds, creating overlapping fields of lethal gases that can kill or incapacitate almost any form of life.

The legion maintains several specialized ranks, with Gasbringers serving as field commanders who coordinate the deployment of different chemical agents, while Venomsmiths work to develop new compounds specifically tailored to combat the various threats faced by the Theocracy. These toxic specialists have proven particularly effective against aberrations, as many of their compounds can disrupt the supernatural biology of these entities.

Cultural Aspects

Unlike other Messianic Legions who display fierce devotion or zealous enthusiasm, the Hollow Horde approaches their service to Uzhyr with cold, mechanical precision. They view combat as a purely logical exercise in achieving maximum tactical efficiency through the systematic application of lethal force. This detachment, combined with their incredible resistance to toxins, makes them particularly effective against psychological warfare tactics employed by forces like the Inkbound Leeches.

Weapons and Equipment

The Hollow Horde's arsenal consists primarily of weapons designed to deliver their toxic compounds at various ranges and concentrations. Their standard-issue equipment includes pressurized delivery systems, atmospheric processors, and chemical synthesizers built directly into their armor. This technology allows them to generate and deploy toxins on the fly, adapting their chemical warfare strategies to meet any tactical situation.

A Hollow Horde Gasmaker preparing specialized toxins during the Battle of the Blightzones

Their most devastating weapons are their Atmosphere Processors, massive machines capable of transforming entire regions into toxic wastelands reminiscent of their homeworld. These devices have proven particularly effective in defending against large-scale invasions by creating vast zones of lethal airborne compounds that can persist for months or even years.

Notable Campaigns

The Hollow Horde gained particular recognition during the War for Eternity for their ability to hold vast stretches of territory with minimal support. Their methods, while devastating, proved especially effective against the forces of the Dark Pantheon, as many of their toxins could disrupt the supernatural energies that powered various aberrations and corrupted entities.

During the defense of the Cyber Paladins' forge-temples, the Hollow Horde demonstrated their tactical flexibility by developing new compounds that could target and destroy the corruption spreading through mechanical systems. This innovation helped preserve countless pieces of vital technology and earned them the respect of the typically aloof Elysian warriors.

Relationship with Other Forces

Despite their effectiveness, the Hollow Horde's methods often create tension with other military forces. The persistent nature of their weapons requires careful coordination with allied units, and many species find their emotionless approach to warfare disturbing. However, their absolute loyalty to Uzhyr and their tactical utility have made them an indispensable part of the Theocracy's military structure.

See Also

• The Messianic Legions
• Chemical Warfare Protocols
• The Defense of the Forge-Temples

References

• Codex Militaris: Volume VII - Chemical Warfare Doctrine
• Chronicles of the Toxic Wars
• Tactical Analysis: Hollow Horde Deployment Patterns