Eburos Grond

+++ Subject identity confirmed +++

+++ Comments opened +++

Subject of this pict-cap is identified as Eburos Grond, Tyrant of Meggido, Warsmith and Captain of the 191st Grand Battalion of the IV Legio Astartes, Iron Warriors. Due to the vagaries of warp-travel, Grond is one of the oldest Astartes alive, being Terran-born before the Great Crusade. Records show that he was a veteran of the battle of Incaladion, and therefore he would have served before the legion was united with their Primarch. He seems to have been quick to adopt the culture and tactics of his gene-sire, and was raised to the rank of Captain during the long campaign against the Black Judges. It appears he was well-regarded in his Legion, as by the victory at the Drop Site Massacre on Isstvan V, he was a Warsmith in his own right and led the Grand Battalion he had served in since the beginning. There, he was instrumental in commanding the infantry forces that clashed with loyalist troops of the Salamanders legion. In this campaign, he was injured in combat and as a result lost both his natural legs, as well as extensive portions of his torso and face. The man as he exists now is extensively cybernetic, bearing bionics crafted by his own hands. For this reason, he rarely takes off his helmet and is never seen out of his ancient suit of cataphractii warplate.

After Isstvan, Grond and his entire Grand Battalion disappear from the historical records, only to appear as suddenly as they disappeared in M40. It would appear they intended to continue to prosecute Horus’ war, but were lost in the warp. That said, the appearance of Grond’s troops is remarkably untainted, and the warriors show little, if any, interest in daemon weapons. To all intents and purposes, Grond is a warrior of the Horusian era, and continues to fight like one. This has led to clashes with other warbands, particularly those who serve the dark powers, though Grond is no loyalist. Since arriving back into the materium, Grond seems to have been keen to consolidate his power and territory over any particular grand plan of his legion. Indeed, it may be that the ten millennia that seperate him from his former brothers and their descendants represents an insurmountable void.

Wether he would be amenable to joining the Despoiler's latest campaigns of the Long War remains to be seen. He may come of his own accord, or may need the promise of worlds to rule to buy his loyalty.