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|Battle Cry="Hydra Dominatus!" or "For the Emperor!" (long believed to be used as mockery; may actually be an indicator of true loyalty)
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==Homeworld==
The Alpha Legion have no known Homeworld, even pre-Heresy few knew where Alpharius had been found, and none knew the world of his birth, since the end of the Heresy even such scant knowledge has faded into oblivion. Today the Alpha Legion operate from a myriad of secret bases scattered around the Imperium. Unlike their fellow Traitor Legions the Alpha Legion has not sought refuge in the [[Eye of Terror]] but rather has hidden underneath the very noses of those who sought to destroy them. Though numerous Alpha Legion bases have been found and destroyed the Legion's attacks on the Imperium continue unabated.
==History==
Since then, the Alpha Legion has rarely been seen, and in fact has been declared wiped out by the [[High Lords of Terra]] no less than three times, in [[M31]], [[M32]] and [[M39]]. These claims have always been disproved by a subsequent sighting of the mysterious Legionaries, who continue to operate against the Imperium for reasons of their own.<sup>1</sup>
==OrganisationCombat Doctrine=====Pre-Heresy===[[Image:PhAlphaLegionThe Alpha Legion was the most flexible of all the Legions and remain an adaptable force to this day. Alpharius taught his sons to always have a back up plan, a second escape route and a way to deceive and fool their enemies, traits they carry to this day.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Pre-Heresy Eschewing frontal assaults and mass attacks the Alpha Legion Space Marinespecialise in fomenting discord and division in their enemies' camps, slowly whittling away at an enemy force until the battle is won.]]Though slow their tactics are without doubt effective.
All Space Marine legions set arduous tasks and trials for potential recruits, but prior to the Horus Heresy the Alpha Legion set these initiation tests for squads, not individuals. Squads succeeded as a group or not at all - foolhardy heroics were frowned upon. The overall plan was paramount and more valuable than any one [[Space Marine]].<sup>1</sup>
Whilst known to have possessed [[Terminator]] and 'stealth' squads (who appear to have worn blackened or dulled armour), the majority of the Legion appears to have armed and equipped themselves in a similar fashion unless tactically imprudent. The Alpha Legion were known to operate behind enemy lines and even mingle with enemy civilian populations. In such situations they were apparently able to pass unnoticed with a combination of appropriate dress and [[psyker]] mind-clouding.<sup>2</sup>
Alpharius believed in planning and co-ordination, he always sought alternatives and multiple solutions to any given problem, with different elements working together for the end result. These doctrines, thoroughly embraced by the Legion as a whole, have apparently been continued by the traitors and have proved effective, especially in the disparate and secretive way they now operate.
Extensive preparations are made before actually attacking, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Often, cults and traitors will be employed as a support network to Alpha Legion actions. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local cultist activity. These cults go to considerable effort to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the Alpha Legion strikes. In this regard, they are similar to the specialist operatives once employed by the Legion, and who may still exist as the leaders of these cults.<sup>1</sup>
==Organization==
===Pre-Heresy===
[[Image:PhAlphaLegion.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Pre-Heresy Alpha Legion Space Marine.]]
Little is known about the organisation of the Alpha Legion in pre-Heresy times beyond the fact that Alpharius favoured a loose, flexible command structure and encouraged initiative and self-reliance in all his Marines.
===Post-Heresy===
Even less is known about the internal organisation of the Alpha Legion since the Heresy than was known before. Despite the death of Alpharius at the hands of Roboute Guilliman during the battle for Eskrador, an action which played a large part in the Ultramarines being too late to aid the Emperor during the Siege of Terra, the Alpha Legion has remained an elusive yet lethal foe. On occasions there have been successful assassinations of members of the Legion thought to be high-ranking officers, but their removal has had little visible effect on Alpha Legion operations.
The Legion's symbol, the hydra, is a multi-headed mythical beast which could keep fighting even if one of its heads was cut off. This legend seems to reflect the Alpha Legion's command structure, as well as echoing its doctrine of multiple attacks.
==Notable Members==
