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A.L. got a wee bit of photo time in the PK 'dex. I already had tried to paint 'em 2 years ago and just went with "violators" from the 4e codex. I've better brushes and sharper painting skills, so I might give those green scales a second try. First, I'd like to know more about AL's background. Yeah, they were first and such, but what isn't in the codex's fluff?

First?

The Alpha Legion was the XX Legion, the last to be created and their primarch the last to be found.

They specialise in unconventional warfare; inciting rebellions, infiltration and sleeper agents, sabotage etc. They the asymmetric warfare legion.

They believe in operation flexibility and fluidity, with a lot of independence in command.

The best sources for Alpha Legion fluff is their Index Astartes article and the book Legion.

 rems01 wrote:
First?

The Alpha Legion was the XX Legion, the last to be created and their primarch the last to be found.

Oh, right. DAs were the first, huh?

 rems01 wrote:
They specialise in unconventional warfare; inciting rebellions, infiltration and sleeper agents, sabotage etc. They the asymmetric warfare legion.

They believe in operation flexibility and fluidity, with a lot of independence in command.

The best sources for Alpha Legion fluff is their Index Astartes article and the book Legion.

Very sharp and succinct summary. Thanks.

Any info on their iconography? What's the reason behind blue with scales? As opposed to BA pretty-boys and their blood cups, DAs' plains native american 'Thunderbird' rip-off iconography, etc.

Brothererekose wrote:

Any info on their iconography? What's the reason behind blue with scales? As opposed to BA pretty-boys and their blood cups, DAs' plains native american 'Thunderbird' rip-off iconography, etc.

The scales are a reference to the Hydra, the mythical beast who would regrow two heads for each one that was cut off. The Alpha Legion had a very decentralized command structure, as Alpharius trained his marines to think for themselves, discuss and off suggestions on all aspects of a military campaign, and to have multiple back-up plans in place.

Therefore, if one plan failed or an important leader was slain, the plan changed or someone else stepped up into command without missing a step.

Basically, the Alpha Legion are the Black Ops chapter, and have a penchant for complicated schemes, intrigue, and subterfuge, including impersonation of other chapters, using non-marine agents, and thinking outside the box. When they finally engage in combat, they like to have the deck stacked so much in their favor that victory is almost guaranteed.

Lexicanum can help here.

http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Alpha_Legion#Pre-Heresy

The battle for tessetra Prime and Eskrador is an ideal example of how the AL operate.