Epsilon Battalion
The Last Wall Protocol
ELWP: In Real Life
The Epsilon Last Wall Protocol (A.K.A 'Epsilon Battalion', 'ELWP') were a Warhammer 40K gaming community centered around the theme of the last wall protocol activation in the 40K universe. Players who identified with all of Dorn's descendant chapters were welcome to join and play in games such as Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine and Arma 3 (modded).History
Founding - 994.M41
In the year 994.M41, war raged across the Segmentum Obscurus as countless worlds endured increasingly violent warpstorms, chaos incursions and xenos raids. One such world was Arkhona - a planet that would later prove to have immence strategic value following the discovery of Eldar webway gates that connected to regions nearby the Sol system. Fearing for the safety of Terra itself, scattered bands of surviving Dorn-descendant chapters in the Scyllan Sector enacted the last wall protocol - with Azrael Mordred as its commander. Together alongside the few senior space marine officers that remained, Mordred organized the Imperial Fists and successor chapters into a battalion-sized legionary force, divided into companies first, second and third.The Arkhona Campaign - 995-999.M41
The fifth planet of the Kharon System, located within the Scyllan Sector of the Segmentum Obscurus, Arkhona became the bloody battleground of a near decade-long campaign.
In Real Life
The Arkhona Campaign was the first and perhaps greatest test for the fledgling legion, becoming the bloody battleground of a near decade-long conflict. The Epsilon Battalion saw countless deployments to several key locations across the embattled world of Arkhona, engaging traitor marines, Orks and eldar forces in equal measure - Notable skirmishes included combat against the Brethren traitor marine warband and the Myriad Shrines Aeldari.
Though the Epsilon Battalion fought hard to maintain control of the planet, their work was ultimately undone by the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum at the heart of the Milkyway galaxy; daemonic assaults were renewed following this cataclysmic event, spilling over and beyond the capabilities of the imperial forces on the planet to contain. Falling back to their last bastion known as Firebase Epsilon, the legionaries made a final stand against chaos forces that were now pouring out of chaos gates unchecked.
During these final days, several key engagements were reported, including the recovery of fallen Black Templar gene-seed and war gear, as well as the storming of a chaos gate which was eventually sealed by Librarian Marcos Vaerl. The skirmishes surrounding Firebase Epsilon culminated with a final siege upon the firebase itself as the Epsilon battalion withdrew further into its fortifications, all while Arkhona was rocked by warp storms and further daemonic incursions.
The battalion had taken critical vehicle losses during this period, and would have been unable to evacuate were it not for the timely intervention of an Ultramarine transport detachment who air-lifted the battalion to safety in orbit aboard the Retribution. Shortly thereafter, the Epsilon fleet withdrew as the warp entirely consumed the world, marking an end to the conflict.
Arkhona Campaign: In Real Life
ELWP routinely conducted guild events and known as 'deployments' in the game Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade for a number of years (aproximately starting in 2015). The campaign concluded in a shift to Arma 3 deployments following Eternal Crusade's shutdown.The Graia Campaign - 999.M41
Graia was recently liberated by the Epsilon Battalion during the Graia Campaign, where the legionaries fought back the Worldsplodaz and a subsequent daemonic incursion lead by harrowmaster Arkon Kel.
In Real Life
The battalion was first alerted to a potential threat to Graia when they received a cryptic astropathic distress call during the conflict on Arkhona, later to be confirmed as Graian in origin by Garlos Keralix - an inquisitor assigned to the Scyllan Sector. As soon as the true meaning of the message was deciphered, the inquisitor ordered the battalion to dispatch a strike force to Graia immediately.
Though few in number, the Epsilon strike force conducted many key operations that helped to stem the tide of ork forces at critical locations, often deploying in squads of 4 to hold manufactorum chokepoints or to retrieve valuable material deep within enemy-occupied territory.
The forces of the Adeptus Mechanicus were not idle during this time, but had been stretched desperately thin by previous invasions in years prior and had resorted to purely defensive actions.
Despite their successes, the Epsilon strike force was hard-pressed to contain the ork threat and the campaign appeared to be stalling. To make matters worse, a surprise daemonic incursion occurred, originating from Laochan Gate which sent both Ork and Imperial forces into dissaray. Increasingly desperate defenses and withdrawals followed as skitarii legions focused on defending primary forges and bastions.
Seeking a rapid end to the conflict before it spiraled out of control, the Epsilon strike force focused its efforts entirely on storming Laochan Gate, managing to interrupt the ritual at its centre which had been sustaining the breach into real space.
At the conclusion of this climactic battle, Arkon Kel, who was ultimately responsible for orchestrating the chaos incursion, vanished - along with the majority of the daemonic forces scattered over the planet. Surviving skitarii legions swiftly regained control of the world shortly thereafter and the campaign had reached its end.
Graia Campaign: In Real Life
As Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade's development faltered, ELWP sought alternative 40K games to play as a gaming community. The Graia Campaign saw a heavy focus on Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, whereby the community took part in weekly challenges consisting of cooperative tasks - all of which contributed towards an overall campaign progression bar. The community's successes and failures would be weaved into the ongoing narrative and determine whether the campaign would conclude in victory or defeat.
Loss of Arkhona - 000.M42
At the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum, the Kharon System was rapidly abandoned by Imperial Forces and the Epsilon Battalion as warp storms ravaged the local sector. The Epsilon Battalion's fleet retreated in a scattered fashion to nearby systems - many ships were lost during warp translation, while a few re-emerged into real space in unexpected places. Sigismund's Retribution, the flagship of the Epsilon Battalion and home to the majority of Astartes within the fleet, arrived within the Baal system.The Daedalus Campaign - 001-002.M42
The Daedalus Campaign was a conflict fought between the Epsilon Battalion and the Worldsplodaz who fought for control over Daedalus IV, an agri-world of the Sanctus sub-sector.
In Real Life
Opportunistic factions were quick to take advantage of the chaos that followed in the Cicatrix Maledictum’s wake. The Epsilon battalion was tasked with meeting such threats head-on, deploying to the Northern reaches of the segmentum Ultima at the request of Lord Commander Dante, to combat Ork advances and protect the region’s infastructure.
One such world under threat of xenos invasion was Daedalus IV, an agriworld of the Sanctus sub-sector. The planet was vital for the sub-sector's food supply, with multiple worlds depending entirely upon imported resources to survive.
Dakkamog Worldsploda had lead his Worldsplodaz to the planet in search of these food supplies, hoping to re-stock his warband's reserves following the events of the Graia Campaign.
The Epsilon Battalion deployed its full strength to the world and began a campaign of systematic re-conquest across Daedalus IV's occupied territories, culminating in Dakkmog's defeat during the battle for the planet's Northern Dockyards.
Daedalus Campaign: In Real Life
The Daedalus Campaign was ELWP's 2nd foray into a fully-fledged Arma 3 narrative campaign, that spanned over many weeks of deployment events. The campaign was structured around the complete conquest of a planetary battle map, which aimed to convey the idea of a persistent planetary campaign that changed over time as ELWP conquered more territories from the Orks.4th Tyrannic War - Early M42
Real Date: 2024
!BATTALION COMMANDER ACCESS REQUIRED!
Organisation
Battalion Organisation - Battle Companies
Utilizing the doctrinal structure of a battalion-sized formation at its height, ELWP was lead by a single battalion commander who deferred roles and responsibilities to consulars and company command staff, which in turn led two fully capable battle companies along with a reserve company. Roles within these companies proved to be fluid as per the demands of ever-changing conflicts and campaigns, but largely the forces within would be lead by a singular captain and multiple sergeants who managed smaller space marine squads. Each company would contain its own support staff, such as chaplains, standard bearers, librarians and techmarines. The formation of the companies was a delicate process - owing to their temperament, the third company was composed largely of Black Templars, while the second company housed a larger proportion of Imperial Fists and Crimson Fists who were more closely aligned. Wargear and material was distributed as evenly as possible among these companies irrespective of origin so that battlefield performance was not compromised and as expected, friction between the chapters was ever-present during this process, through from doctrinal arguments to the near-zealous safeguarding of precious vehicles and weapons. The companies persisted as per the command of Mordred.Heritage Identification
The legionaries of the last wall protocol were comprised of many different chapters, but all wore the symbol of Dorn upon their left shoulder pad, which would be painted yellow. The rest of an individual's armour could be coloured in whichever manner they desired or as dictated by the rules of their chapter of origin.
Originating from the Excoriators chapter, Drakan joined the last wall protocol, later becoming the captain of the Epsilon Battalion's 3rd battle company. His origin chapter is displayed throughout the majority of his battle plate, retaining the bone white colour of the Excoriators, including their ritualised preservation of armour damage. His place in the battalion is still clearly displayed however by the visual of the Imperial fist's shoulder pad replete with the crimson red trim of the 3rd company.
Brother Niriel hailed from the Black Templars chapter, and upon joining the last wall protocol he found kinship amongst his fellow battle brothers of the 2nd company. He retained much of the black war plate of his origins, clearly displaying his heraldry upon his right shoulder pad while also adhereing to the visual organisational requirements of the Epsilon Battalion, donning the imperial fists shoulder pad along with its 2nd company yellow trim on his left.
Battle Companies
First Company - Aeterna Pretoria
Battle Doctrine
Much like other codex-abiding space marine chapters, the venerated 1st company were considered the most elite and experienced band of Astartes the Epsilon Protocol had within its ranks. Though few in number, they would often place themselves at the head of an assault, or as command support - instructing the other battle companies during field operations. In times of great need, they donned tactical dreadnought armour. In Real Life1st Battle Company: In Real Life
ELWP's first company was comprised of its most experienced Eternal Crusade players, considered as veteran to both the game's mechanics and through lengthy service to the guild itself. Members of this company were expected to maintain a high skill level, alongside exemplar team-cooperation skills when on deployments with fellow guild members.Notable Acomplishments
Records lost.
Second Company - Shield of Arkhona
Battle Doctrine
Lead by Nalcius Octavius, the 2nd company fielded a large number of coordinated tactical marines; it was their preference to engage the foe at long range, using their versatility to quickly adjust and adapt to a changing battlefield. The 2nd company maintained a tradition of producing what they claimed to be the 'finest ranged combatants of the protocol', with some among them earning the title of ‘Vigilator’ – an esteemed rank that denoted them as highly skilled in the art of ranged combat, above even what is expected of an Astartes. In Real Life2nd Battle Company: In Real Life
ELWP's 2nd company were comprised largely of more ranged-focused players with a significant number of them considered as 'veteran' among their fellow guild members. By chance, a large proportion of the company identified with the Crimson Fists space marine chapter as their place of origin.Notable History
Assault on Agnathio Nalcius Octavius led the the second company during a spearhead assault deep into the rear lines of fortress Agnathio's ork occupants during the Arkhona Campaign allowing for the rest of the battalion to breach into the main hall of the fortress and attempt its capture. In Real LifeAssault on Agnathio: In Real Life
During a fortress match in Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade, a small team of second company members held a crucial balcony overlooking the central capture point, hoping to buy time for their teammates to capture the objective and win the match.
Third Company - Litany of Wrath
Battle Doctrine
Consisting of a greater proportion of Black Templars than their counterpart second company, the third company employed an assault-focused doctrine, utilising their experience in close-quaters combat to break entrenched enemy positions. The third battle company were considered as melee specialists among their peers of the battalion, often winning internal tournaments that would later position the victor as a contestant in the Feast of Blades. In Real Life3rd Battle Company: In Real Life
The large proportion of Black Templar-identifying players of the 3rd company reflected through their preffered methods of combat, and although the company's leadership endured some periods of rapid change, the company eventually settled and maintained proud service in the closing days of the Arkhona Campaign.Notable History
Breaking of the Company Survived only by their two apothecaries, Lysander and Bugz, the 3rd company endured near-annihilation at the hands of a massive Ork incursion that sent Greenskins spewing out of a Wierdboy’s teleportation sphere and into the rear line of defending imperial forces at Fort Harkus. Without pause, the late captain Korealis charged down from the walls with his company to meet the foe and delay them long enough for imperial forces to adjust and contain the threat. The sacrifice for this action was great, with the captain himself being slain in the counter-charge - despite the losses however, it was thanks to this charge that the space marines secured victory for imperial forces. Astartes from the 1st and 10th were immediately drafted in to re-bolster the company’s ranks, with the company later being led by Eliphas. Redemption at Zedek In the closing weeks of the Arkhona Campaign, Claudius Drakan led the third company in the defence of forge district Zedek, rallying the company in a successful defence against repeated chaos space marine assaults. In Real LifeRedemption at Zedek: In Real Life
Claudius Drakan demonstrated highly effective command skills during a pitched guild-vs-guild match against Chaos Space Marines in Eternal Crusade, winning the day in what was one of the final competetive matches ELWP played before the game's servers were shut down.Culture
Sons of Dorn
Though the last wall protocol is comprised of a variety of diverse chapters who each hold their own ideals and methods of service to the Emperor, all of them can trace their origins back to the founding legion of the Imperial Fists, whos deeply engrained doctrines and methods of war have persisted in one form or another across the Astartes generations. Most if not all of the chapters within the protocol place a heavy focus on siege warfare, some preferring to destroy bastions with powerful weapons or crushing assaults, while others prefer to grind the enemy down with brutal attritional warfare owed to impregnable defences of their design.Cultural Aversion
Despite sharing the same gene sire, the cultural shock of the protocol's activation (and the logistical pressures it brings) highlighted difficulties between the varied mentalities of the chapters; for instance, some among the Black Templars would prefer a more direct approach to battle engagements, while those among the Crimson Fists are highly adverse to actions that would risk high casualties. As ever in such disputes, both sides would present merits and both would initially be loath to capitulate to the other's strategies. Internal disputes were rife during the Epsilon Battalion's early formation, requiring intense mediation and monitoring by command staff.Assets
Fleet
- Sigismund's Retribution - MK.I Battlebarge
- Stonekraal - MK.II Strike Cruiser
- Rynn's Bulwark - MK.II Vanguard Class
- Terror of Drennox - MK.II Vanguard Class
- Whisper of Doom - MK.II Vanguard Class
- Torchbearer - Nova Class
- Hand of Prometheus - Firesword Class
- Levorna's Legacy - Firesword Class
- Righteous Storm - Dauntless Class
- Feland's Folly - Gladius Class
The galaxy is overrun. If we do not act now and unite to push back against the forces of chaos, we neglect our ancient oath to Terra.
"One last wall!"
"One last wall!"
Table of Contents |
For Dorn! For Terra! One Last Wall!
Founding Date
994.M41
Type
Military, Army Battalion
Alternative Names
ELWP
Predecessor Organizations
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Founders
Parent Organization
Related Items
Notable Members
Related Species