HOUSE MALCHEDIEL Motto: "Faith and Willpower"
Anthem: "Hymn of Korhal"
Full Name: The Worlds and Systems Represented in the Ducal Council of Korhal and the Planetary Lordships Subservient to the Galactic Emperor Almighty and the Duke of House Malchediel Common Name: The Duchy of Malchediel Capital World Name: Korhal Demonym: Malchedite (noun, adjective), Malchedites (plural) Sectors: 45 Imperial Rank: Dukedom Ruling House: House Malchediel Leader: Duke Argelus Cahren XXIII
Aged 46 by the coronation of Emperor Arnu in 2021 of the Third Solar Age, Duke Argelus Cahren XXIII is a devout yet ruthless man. A great lover of the Church and the Gods, he is determined to ensure the religious enlightenment of his subjects so that they may all find salvation - at least in his eyes. Ever since he succeeded his father - Duke Saren Forrn XVI - at the age of 22, he has aggressively pushed Church doctrine upon those living within Malchedite space and has surrounded himself with Church officials.
But people resent being forced. Many under his rule have flocked to the secret Cult of Vytu - a blasphemous new faith that believes an alien race known as the Vytu created the human race long, long ago. For the past five years, Argelus has worked tirelessly to stamp out the Cult by force. And yet, the Cult remains, never seeming to die out no matter how many Cultists he has executed. As the Cult grows in power across Malchedite space, Argelus struggles to meet the challenge.
The Cult of Vytu, often simply referred to as the Cult, is an illegal cabal of religious heretics active within the space of House Malchediel. They are heathens and faithless curs, worshipping false alien gods - known to their accursed followers as the Vytu - whom they believe gave birth to Man many eons ago. For decades they have spread their lies on the orders of their wretched leader, Archpriest Thanik Meigos, corrupting the purity of Malchedite space. The previous Duke, Saren Forrn XVI, tolerated them in the name of peace, but now there is a new man on the throne. If Duke Argelus Cahren XXIII shall have his way, the Cultists and all who sympathize with them shall be put before the mercy of the Holy Church.
Ever since Argelus became Duke of Malchediel, the Cult has been forced to retreat underground lest they be annihilated. But the Cult has not withered. It has only grown in strength. With each Cultist burned before the masses for heresy, ten more Malchedites enlist with the Cult of Vytu. Intoxicated by alien lies? Or perhaps in desire of freedom from a despotic tyrant who has no issue with slaughtering his own people? Regardless, the day may soon come when Argelus and his Church servants, and not the Cultists, shall be the ones begging for mercy...
The Ducal Guard of House Malchediel, also known as the Malchedite Army or the Ducal Guard, is the terrestrial military force of House Malchediel responsible for planet-based military operations. It is made up of millions of soldiers, hundreds of thousands of vehicles ranging from swift recon bikes to heavily armored tanks to titanic walkers, tens of thousands of artillery pieces, and tens of thousands of aircraft such as bombers, fighters, and transports.
When on the offensive, the Ducal Guard prefers aggressive shock strategies designed to smash through enemy lines with brute force and unrelenting fury. On the defensive, attrition warfare is preferred. The Ducal Guard will hunker down in vast series of heavy fortifications and let the enemy waste themselves upon the might of Malchedite arms. The Ducal Guard prides itself in its discipline, proud history of mighty victories, and general might of arms. A Malchedite Ducal Guardsman would proudly proclaim before any witness that the Malchedite Army is second in greatness and strength only to the Imperial Legion itself, despite the boos of naysayers.
Soldiers of the Malchedite 212th Shock Infantry Regiment engaged in battle against an insurrectionist force on the planet Rhea, 1944 TSA
But something is... off. Rumor has it that the Cult of Vytu has infiltrated the ranks of the Ducal Guard over the last few decades. Many worry that the integrity and loyalty of the Guard may be compromised. It is not known how high up the chain of command the Cult has managed the climb, or if such rumors are true at all. If they are though, and should the Cult of Vytu choose to openly rebel against Duke Argelus and the religious zealotry of Korhal, the consequences for House Malchediel could be disastrous. Duke Argelus must play his cards very carefully should he choose to address these rumors, lest his reign be cut short...
The Knights of Korhal, also known as the Knights of Malchediel, are the elite and noble ground forces of the House of Malchediel. Clad in crimson power armor and armed with powerful weapons, they are the best soldiers that Malchediel has to offer its allies and enemies. Recruits are subjected to rigorous and brutal training, extensive augmentation, genetic modification, and implanting, and are taught to be devout and loyal. They are sworn to protect the Duke, the House of Malchediel, and its people at any cost.
Only 2,000 currently serve House Malchediel, though what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. The Knights receive extensive training in every style of fighting and every weapon available to make them into some of the most elite forces in the galaxy. They are taught to be aggressive, to get creative in strategy and tactics, and to take the initiative.
Should they be encountered on the battlefield, caution shall serve Malchediel's foes well...
