18,817
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
clean up, replaced: Armor → Armour
It was at this near-breaking point that their [[Primarch]] [[Jaghatai Khan]] was discovered on [[Chogoris]] after fifty long years of searching. Upon meeting the Emperor, Jaghatai recognised him as a man who embodied his ultimate ideal, someone who could unite all the stars of the sky. At his palace at [[Quan Zhou]] he swore allegiance to the Emperor and was given command of the Vth Legion. The Astartes adopted the facial ritual scars of the Talskar tribesmen while many of Khan's loyal tribesmen were allowed to join the Legion.{{Fn|2a}} Jaghatai's palace, located in the rugged, lonely mountain passes of the Khum Karta mountains, would become the Legion's [[Fortress-monastery]].{{Fn|1}} However, the Khan was unfamiliar with the advanced technologies and tactics of the Imperium, and took a longer and more difficult period to adjust from his life on primitive Chogoris than most Primarchs. The Khan found himself as lord of a Legion of vagabonds spread out across the Galaxy, but nonetheless effectively rebuilt the Star Hunters into a new force similar to the armies he had employed on Chogoris. In 875.[[M30]], a full ten years after his discovery, the Khan finally mustered all the remaining Pioneer companies on Chogoris and declared that they would be unified in a shared tradition and ritual. In an event known as the Blooding, 50,000 warriors took up knives and marked themselves with a scar and new Chogorian name. Among these new traditions was the study of "noble pursuits" such as calligraphy, hunting and the reciting of oral tales. However, this blend of primitive and enlightened put him at odds with some aspects of the [[Imperial Truth]] and brought him into conflict with Primarchs such as [[Guilliman]] and [[Lorgar]].{{Fn|28a}}
[[Image:Ws_m1_preheresyWs m1 preheresy.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Pre-Heresy Codex colour scheme]]
The Legion fought many bloody battles during the [[Great Crusade]] and under Jaghatai Khan they became infamous for their fast attacks and hit-and-run assaults.{{Fn|2a}} Of the 80,000 warriors under the Khan's command, one in ten would perish over the next five years fighting in a region of space known as the [[Kolarne Circle]]. These campaigns were waged against foes such as the [[Orks]] of [[Sengr Mar]] and the [[Vorgheist]]. The Khan reshaped the Legion into utilising the same hit-and-run and fast manoeuvre tactics he had mastered on Chogoris, outmatching every foe they came across. The Khan always fought at the forefront of every attack, earning the respect of his Legion. In the final battle of the Kolarne Circle on desolate [[Kolarne]] itself, the Khan emerged victorious and the entire region fell into his hands. The battle was more than an impressive victory, it served to bind the Legion together and blend the recruits from Terra with those from Chogoris.{{Fn|28a}} Later during the war against the [[Nephilim]] on [[Hoadh]] in 884.[[M30]] the Legion became known as the '''White Scars''', a term derived from a fused corruption of a Chogorian tribe name and a reference to their new ivory livery.{{Fn|26b}} Other sources state that they took on the title of White Scars during their assembly by the Khan on Chogoris.{{Fn|28a}}
====The Battle of Terra====
During the [[siege of the Emperor's Palace]] the White Scars fought alongside the [[Blood Angels]] and [[Imperial Fists]] against the traitors. They launched several hit-and-run assaults during the siege. When the inner palace was breached, the White Scars led an attack to retake the Lions Gate spaceport. Jaghatai order the assembly of the Legion, the [[Sky Fortress|Skye Plate]] and pulled together elements of a hundred tank regiments, forming the [[1st Terran Armored Division|1st Terran Armoured Division]].{{Fn|35b}} The White Scars attacked from the [[Colossi Gate]] with the Sky Plate providing orbital protection to the tankers and Marines on [[Imperial Jetbike|Jetbikes]]. Jaghatai then engaged in personal combat with [[Mortarion]] and banished him to the [[Warp]], though the Khan was near death following the battle. The White Scars under [[Shiban Khan]], [[Jangsai Khan]], and [[Ganzorig Noyan-Khan]] then proceeded to fortify the port with the intention of attacking the traitor armada in orbit and provide access to reinforcements from the [[Ultramarines]], [[Dark Angels]] and [[Space Wolves]] to easily get to Terra.{{Fn|35c}}
===Post-Heresy===
The Chapter is highly mobile even for Space Marines, specialising in lightning warfare and making use of [[Space Marine Bike|attack bikes]], [[Land Speeder]]s, [[Storm Talon]]s and other fast vehicles. Those mounted on bikes often make use of a special type of [[power weapon]] called a [[Power Lance]], providing the same destructive potential at a much greater range.{{Fn|2h}} Heavily-armoured forces are often left chasing after shadows while the White Scars easily outmanoeuvre to attack them at their weakest point. Constantly retreating and turning to attack again, White Scars forces prefer to attack their enemy at range, using their speed and firepower to destroy them, but are more than capable of committing their [[Assault Squad]]s in ferocious hand-to-hand fighting.{{Fn|2c}} Despite the ferocity of their assaults, the White Scars in fact employ nuanced and complex combat manoeuvres and their warriors are expected to be calm, in total control of themselves during battle.{{Fn|40c}}
[[Image:WhiteScarsVSDrukhari.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A battle between White Scars and Drukhari ]]
Before making any assault, the White Scars carefully examine enemy strength, deployment and tactics as well as the terrain, weather and angles of attack. They treat such engagements as a hunt, and are known for their patience and emphasis on pre-battle reconnaissance. Once an enemy weakness is identified, a seamless plan of attack is forged and an attack can begin. Despite this over-arching strategy, at a squad level White Scars enjoy much tactical freedom and independence. Operational autonomy is encouraged to ensure quick reaction to threats and to prevent their foes from predicting their actions. This also leads to a great level of skill amongst warriors, who can make their own field repairs to their vehicles or carry out medical treatments.