Kabal of the Immortal Eclipse

Throughout the universe, death is all but certain for all of it's creatures. So many try to avoid this certainty, yet so few have come to accept it. To accept death, is to accept that one day death will come, however accepting it also means that fear is absent, pain is only temporary, and death is bound to happen. This frees the mind and the body, so few creatures will take this, one of the few would be the Kabal of the Immortal Eclipse. To say they were fearless would be an understatement, they understand costs of lives as a normality. To them death is but another occurrence, even the men who will go to their death do so with a blind passion. Not to mistake this with a death wish, they do not seek out death, but they do not fear it's grasp. The cult-like kabal holds it's leaders dear, and do not look at birth or origin strongly. Their power comes from there focus and lack of fear, to say they are frightening is an understatement, from sieges to lasting years to body counts rivaling that of the Militarum.

Origin:
The origin of the Kabal of the Immortal Eclipse is a tough one to decipher, they would be best classified as a splinter kabal from the Kabal of the Burning Sun, a highly industrious kabal well known for their innovation and production in warfare technologies. They were characterized by their large fleets that sat as traveling cities of industry and warfare, often they would hit large population planets to sustain travel. Often if they saw a succulent planet they would offer open raids, forming an immensely powerful fleet to assault it head on. They found a highly plentiful planet near the Ghoul Stars, a place that would be of relative low risk and high profit, however things turned sour when the raid was underway.

For all of it's intents and purposes it was a textbook raid, taking in underdeveloped nations by the millions, however a fate that almost all Eldar would fear. The sky turned to a dark pinkish hue and screams were heard. No known warp signatures were around here, but based on the size of the forces you'd think you were right beside the Eye of Terror. Slaneesh demons rained down onto the soil tearing any forces that were caught in their wave, all seemed lost. However one warrior stood tall, one of the Dracons, Zorev Norterus, when all hope seemed lost he took command, he held the line as droves of daemons came forward, eventually he managed to evacuate about 2,000 men to an orbiting cruiser that was mostly untouched on the inside, they began running till they managed to escape the sights of the daemons, and landed on a planet that was near death. In the sky sat still with a permanent eclipse, they were a dying kabal, what used to number in the millions, they now could barley scrape 2,000. They were low on slaves, low on bodies, and spirits were low.

On the cruiser back two other groups came back, three haemonculi from Coven of the Shadow Flesh, Nortes Virtoa, Kor'tel Cortium, and Jirev Nalusk; four bloodbrides from the Cult of the Black Rage also came along there was Ilvas Vorkile, Sirelth Nodra, and Riev Yorelith. They were ready to cut losses and bail, but Zorev managed to refocus them on rebuilding. The coven specialized in diverse torture methods and innovation into the creation of unique toxins. The cult was known for it's large scale gladiatorial games and specialized fighters, their events were quite lavish and their fighters infamous.

In a hope to rebuild, they needed bodies, technology and materials. Using what scanners they had, they discovered that nearby sat an imperial forge world, poorly maintained and mostly forgotten, but the resources they had could be retrofitted into better materials, the haemonculi and kabal could rework the technologies to perform at acceptable levels. It would be an immense undertaking to siege the forge world even in it's current state. Preparations would occur immediately, no time could be wasted for their number of slaves were beginning to dwindle.

The Haemonculi and the Kabal's technicians began to disassemble the cruiser and reassemble it into transports, all three groups agreed, it was the forge world or death, the lack of escape would help the warriors understand that. With numbers so low, all  forces trained together half-borne and true-borne, wych and kabal. No matter what they knew before they would learn to  use all of it's weaponry, no one could be unarmed in this conflict. The days were spent training and constructing under the dying land, it was fearsome presence, but the tone of it all was much more terrifying.

The invasion would require one group to go in and open the shield, when asked to volunteer for this mission, no soldier stood down when asked, in the end it was the same Dracon and the 9 best warriors he had. When they touched down they rained death upon the unsuspecting forces,bodies would line the corridors, when the gate opened the remaining forces touched down and began the siege. Taking over the main production area, they developed a strong base and fortification. They began to assault the remaining forces, securing the entire world.

By the end of it the commissar was tied, kneeling on a large pedestal, built from the broken armor and weapons of the fallen warriors, it was directly in front of the eclipse, the Dracon stood up their, his presence a silhouette in the purple glow of the sun, what he said that day, is said to all members of the kabal on their ascension into their forces.
  "Brothers and Sisters hear my words on this day. Back on Nostraum V we died, we were forsaken by the world, by our brethren. But... We stood tall, we took command of our fates, we have stared the greatest enemy in the eye, the one who thirsts came for our soul, our life, but then we took a stand, stepped forward, we took on numerous  daemons. Death means nothing to us now, look at this commissar, he has befallen the same fate as us, but couldn't rise to the challenge, he accepted the fact that fate left him to die. We took the challenge, we took the reins of our death, we took this world, we took their people, and now...now we take their lives!"

It's said that the screams of the warriors shook the very spirits that were lost on the world, bodies were left to hang, any forces that came were promptly killed. Quarters of the world were given to the wyches for grand games of combat, named 'The Shadow Labyrinth'. The Coven and Kabal took over the industrial section of the world and the dying planet, called by them 'The Shade'. What was a semi-powerful kabal, to one that would be assumed dead, became a strong player in combat, not attempt to return to Commoragh was made. A lucky break occurred when they discovered a functioning webway portal lost from the millennia of disrepair.

Now they are known for their powerful fleet and industry, and they know no fear. They grow and give birth to their own warriors, but any who seek to embrace their values and step up, they welcome with open arms. On the Shade people can see the strict training regime that they undergo, no note of sex, birth, service, or specialization is made during this. All they care about is your skill and ability. Also they are known for their lavish games in the Shadow Labyrinth their space has become a hot spot for the denizens of Commoragh.

Homeworlds:
Three worlds make up the Immortal Eclipse's territory, there is The Shade, a planet on it's last breath home of the training grounds and staging, as well as homes and their own form of the Dark City. There is the Shadow Labyrinth, the refitted Forge World used for the large scale productions of the Kabal, as well as their infamous gladiatorial game arena. Lastly there is the moon that is in a locked position caused by the sun and the Shade, creating the immortal eclipse the Kabal is named from. On this moon stands the Webway that has seen increased use from the popularity of both the arena and the constant training of the soldiers.

On the Shade the grass is a pale yellow-green, clearly dying if not already dead. The soil is dark and rich from the nutrients, yet no plant matter can grow. Three main spires stand, connected by intricate archways and platforms, these bastions stand near 1,000 meters and are the home of millions. One of the open fields is kept open and maintained, everyday people can view the latest batch of recruits undergoing the rigorous  induction training. They spend seven days straight training, any background is welcomed from Reaver to Hellion, Trueborn to Halfborn. There they oversee the core training all raiders under the dark sun must know.

The Shadow Labyrinth is a whole new seen compared to the Shade, at all hours something is being produced or reinvented in hopes to secure the might of the Kabal. The cacophony of noises, from the screams to the sound of metal being cold welded. Although the Haemonculi don't specialize in their 'recreation' of species, but more about the new evolution and poisons the Kabal can use. The gladiatorial ring is even more spectacular and terrifying than the workshop, some areas have been exposed, creating a maze of murder, when the Shadow Labyrinth is aligned with the eclipse the 'Dark Day' is under way. This is when the best warriors are showcased, their terrifying feats of mayhem are shown, it is a spectacular sight to see, one of the most notable days was when they took a captured imperial knight and pitted their soldiers against it. One of the best known events, the anguish and screams in the air sate even some of the most ancient Archons.

Although the moon of the Shade is mostly under developed, it is a common place of meeting among Archons who are seeking deals to be brokered mostly unheard. The webway allows for the entry of smaller space crafts, which in turn limits the threat the Kabal faces from it's enemies. The landscape is full of purple grass, thriving in the sun's energy, at night it sits even aglow, still creating energy from the sunlight absorbed.

Physical Characteristics:
When a gaze meet's one of the Immortal Eclipse it's near witness to the eclipse back in the Shade. their black, sleek armor is silhouetted by a glowing violet, matching their eyes, staring back into the enemy. Their vehicles are sleek to a fine point, they have perfected cold welding, making each joint and connection solid metal with no break. Further using information from the forge world to reinforce the internal structures, forming stronger vehicles and accelerating their speeds. The Haemonculi resemble sleek, lithe creatures, standing tall.

Each warrior is given the same training at the beginning of their career in the Kabal or Cult. During their first seven day training, each skill is measured, they most operate in unison, without armor. Each movement, each strike is done to perfection, anyone not able to fulfill the entire training is kicked out, if they are not already dead. After the first week, they are given their equipment, they then take on what is meant  by the banner that stands high above them. They are then sent to the Shadow Labyrinth, there they compete withing the games, this also serves as a testing ground for the Haemonculi's experiments. This is shown on the field as there uniform movements, unwavering assaults, and their deadly aim. Their mere actions are intimidating.

With the mass production of parts and equipment, customization is easily obtained with the production of interchangeable parts. Not to mention each warrior is trained to use the equipment from the splinter pistol to the disintegrater cannons on the vehicles. Each weapon is different, from the toxin to the barrel length.

Tactics:
Within the training of the warriors they are told to move in cohesion, each movement and assault should be done along side the warriors beside them. From the sight of the mon-keigh it's almost as if they were watching a play, or grandiose performance. The combats are ruthless, death is just a sight, and no thought given, even if their friends die beside them, it would be a death that would be honored at the night. Often the form of raids involve a small scout party alerting the planetary forces, then the brunt of their force descends from the sky on their 'screaming' jets. Upon descent they send splinter shots raining down on a unit, if a person stood unharmed by the shots, the psychological wounds of seeing 100 men die in one second will set in much faster. By the end of the battle any survivors and slaves are gathered, and stood before their leader, there the archon stands, using basic translator technology, he then recites the same speech he said back on the Shadow Labyrinth, then he recites the names of all who have fallen, and at the end the leader is crucified on the spot in front of the masses. It is assured by the Haemonculi that the body will survive for many days to come. With that the warriors return to the fleet, moving onto their next target.

Technology:
Although the Kabal isn't as advance in technology compared to others, however they are industrious. Finding the different schematics and plans of the Imperium and their mon-keigh creations, and then incorporating some aspects into there's. They've perfected the use of cold welding forming completely solid vehicles and armoring. Along with the reinforced hulls they use they are durable shells while not sacrificing the speed that is known. As well as they form unique cruisers, designed for long term travel, using the area they call 'The Pit' in which all manner of creatures are allowed to run rampant.

The Haemonculi coven's creations focus on poisons and toxins, and their creations reflect the introduction of it. It's not uncommon for the poisons to be sought after, let alone the antidotes to them. Their creations are either small creatures designed to overwhelm the forces or be used as assistants. While their larger creatures are given enhanced muscles and augments to encourage their reaction speed. They also pride themselves on their extraction of information from their subjects. Many creatures have fallen under the deadly blades of the haemonculi.

Organization:
The soldiers all respect their Archon, betraying him is seen with scrutiny, a rarity among the forces of the Dark Eldar. Their exists 8 Dracons, each in charge of an invasion force. To achieve rank within the kabal is to show skill and dedication. No matter the birth of a soldier or their origin, they can achieve high rank. If a trueborn warrior has issues taking orders from a halfborn who has killed more, stolen more, and overall is better, then they will be let go. It's a different environment for many raiders and warriors as the brotherhood is important, each acts as a cog in the machine, a single one out of place will cause a halt in the machine of the invasion.

Between the Kabal, Cult, and Coven they form a council that meets on the Shade regularly, each of them is an equal. It's not uncommon for lavish parties to be held at this time, this allows for other kabals to seek the aid or knowledge of the Coven. During this the large scale raids and goals for each group will be discussed. They may even decide new leaders or directions the Kabal may take, as they are raiders, but also large scale manufacturers for numerous Kabals.

Threat Index and Imperial Policy:
Although it is hard to find any witnesses who stand after a raid performed by the Immortal Eclipse, we know a fair amount knowledge about their actions and composition. However this information may be inaccurate as any source is either badly damaged or their mind is broken. It's noted their leadership consists of eight core people, presumably they answer to one Archon, yet they seem to maintain a sense of independence. After witnessing their siege of Monicur V, a forge world, we must be ever vigilant when they strike.

If any of their flagships are seen in or near imperial space you must contact the nearest outpost, as the threat of a raid is dangerous to any station. If a raid is under way, remain vigilant, fight back always, then you'll witness death, rather than the slave pits. Regard them with a high threat at all times, even if under peace talks or trades.

Origin:
The coven of the Shadowed Flesh spawned from the concepts created by three Haemonculi, The concepts included imbuing subjects with new toxins and drugs, extending and augmenting brain function. Even more so to test on Psykers and analyze what makes them tick. With the fall of one of the Dying Sun's fleet the surviving Haemonculi decided to push their testing even further to manipulate the psykers and develop highly attuned poisons and devices. After the Kabal of the Immortal Eclipse cemented it's holdings the test grew larger, with more things in mind than pain. However new recruits and minds were needed to help develop thus the now three Ancient Haemonculi began to do 'open testing' allowing the curious haemonculi come and do tests there that would otherwise be forbidden within the confines of the Dark City. Using what they learned they then enhanced their creations to include these developments, even keeping some of leftover psykers who were driven to madness to release onto the unsuspecting enemies. Using these new playthings they have an edge compared to other covens, and some alluring pull to the newbies.
Special Forces:
Immunized Wracks: These wracks have had extensive work done on their minds, so much so they have become immune to the threats of Psychic attacks.

Stalkers: Using advance mental enhancements combined with permanent drugs they have advanced senses allowing them to stalk through the enemy's lines unnoticed, with an incorporated flickerfields they are the greatest assassins.

Rangers: Featuring Dark Lances built into their arms, these cloaked figures stand tall behind the lines, watching until the enemy moves into their sights.
Notable Tactics:
Frenzy: Using an experimental drug on psykers force them to hallucinate and be driven mad, they're locked into a resistant chamber, it's then jettisoned into the midst of enemy forces, there they terrorize and rip apart their once so called allies.

Watchful Eyes: Stalkers may be placed months possibly even years in advance to watch the forces, possibly they may even sew seeds of weakness into the ranks, assassinate higher ups without making it seem like foul play. This makes the strikes even more deadly when they activate the 'kill mode' implanted in their minds, causing a blood bath distracting the sighting of their fleet.
Origin:
The Kabal of the Black Rage was born from deep within the bowels of Commoragh. The beginnings of the cult was centered around an underground fighting ring, anything was allowed, even some captured prisoners were allowed to fight in it. This combat ring was centered around a special drug called 'Shade' it caused the user to enter a fierce rage closing out reality and sending the fighter into a rabid flurry. There in the pits fighters would be pitted against these users who wouldn't stop fighting till their head laid on the ground. Blood was spilled on the regular up until the rise of a rare conteder. Ilvas Vorkile, an ex-reaver gang lord entered the arena with only a wych knife, he then worked his way through each opponent killing with delicate moves. The two wyches who over saw his assault took an interest in him. Sirelth Nodra and Riev Yorelith used his fame in the underworld to push the ring further, eventually they even got noticed by some kabals, primarily a Dracon who saw their deadly training and dedication to combat. They began to gain a following into a full cult, the Dracon would sponsor them on small raids he was placed in charge of, in return they would train some of his trueborne using the same techniques. Eventually Ilvas, Riev, and Sirelth were heads of a strong formed Cult. However with the wake of the Ghoul Star raid, an interesting powerplay happened. The poster-boy Ilvas began to change his focus. The cult was weakened and while the leaders were in violent arguments he took charge. He put himself with the Dracon in the training for the assault. He personally accompanied him on the initial assault. After the siege of the Forgeworld was complete he was given reign of the Arena and the Cult. Although the other Succubi remain sour on the whole thing and refuse to grant him title they follow his word in fear of his and the Dracon's actions.
Special Forces:

Notable Tactics:

Subcults:

Zorev was born approximately one-thousand years ago, his parents were a Klaivex and Trueborn, father and mother respectively. They both met during one of the Cult of the Black Rage's lavish tournaments often sponsored by the Kabal of the Dying Sun. When they had a child, little did they know the legacy he would give rise to. In his first few years of life he was fascinated by the blood-filled games of the Cult's and the lavish displays of blood-shed. He began training the minute he could lay his hand on a blade, he's spend days straight practicing against wild-life, creatures, and maybe even smaller ranked warriors or hellions who strayed into his path. When he became more skilled and agile he eventually joined a hellion gang, there he rose his way to the top, showing his skill as a pilot and fighter, yet he sought more as the conflicts of the gangs gave him no true thrill. So he began training to gain a position in his mother's kabal, he knew he could easily outmatch many of those who fought, but he wanted to be the best candidate for leadership. After another 10 years strictly training, lending skills on small raids or as an assassin for some archon's plan. He began leading conquests across space and slowly fought his way to the position of Dracon. His leaderships skills as well as his combat skills made him stand out above all the rest, even his loyalty seemed to be unwavering. However that was until the Dawn of the Eclipse, when the first steps toward the Kabal of the Immortal Sun were taken. By taking control of the situation and the people who were left he secured his power as Archon. Leading the kabal to a new prosperity from the ashes's of the old, he is to be feared for even his men don't question his order or thoughts. He thirsts for blood, and much like the eclipse, it will never end.

I'm going to be rewriting my Kabal's fluff, as well as it's allies. I'm open to suggestions, I'm going to be sticking to some of the original ideas I've had. Here's what I have as a base line;
The Kabal of the Dying Sun was on a large raid near the Eye of Terror, however it was far out enough to be deemed possible, during the raid a warp storm emerged, enveloping the planet. In the midst of the Storm daemons began to run rampant, taking all they could, they were under the lead a Keeper of Secrets, the head Dracon took control during the ensuing chaos and helped organize a strong defense, he managed to have the men hold of the daemons until they could get aboard one of the Cruisers in space, they managed to escape to a nearby planet, wrought with death from the permanent eclipse from debris. The Dracon then continued to lead the men of the Kabal, and was able to keep the Cult and Coven in check, nearby a nearly abandoned Forge World sat ripe for the taking, with the combined resources they were able to create a single webway, the Dracon and the other high-ranking Trueborne lead a small strike into the Forge world, securing a viable power source unleashed the their forces, tearing the mon-keighs asunder. They then took over the Forge World, making it a production facility and training ground for it's forces.
That's what I have so far, I don't have a full idea of the aftermath, I know I want them working with Vect, and using the Forge World and dead planet as their base, they do utilize the deep space for cold welding, forming stronger bonds on all of their metal works, and they have a large independent arena for it's Wyches. Give me your ideas, and tell me if it's to grandiose or mary sue. As a side note the Dracon ends up becoming the Archon.

Webways can't just be built can they?

Also, I don't know how much I'd want them working with Vect or even being in the Dark City in general. Maybe they could get the Forge World up and running again and start creating newer vehicles and such. Although; it is mon-keigh equipment so that may pose a fluff problem.

I like the idea but I think the biggest gap is you can't just build a Webway portal.

Ah, my miss understanding of the lore, I like the idea of them rebuilding the Forge World to their use. Trying to think of ways to fix the capture of it though, perhaps they built from salvage drop pods, and needed the gates open for a close drop?

If they were to build up their machines and such with the Mon-keigh machines as their base buildings and machinery that could work. All the repairing could be done from DE scrap vehicles.

Just posted the origin, will continue to work on more of the about later. Please leave any feed back, I feel this is much stronger than what the original had, and feel that I have room to grow with it.

I like this. Although I'd wait for somebody with more fluff experience than me to reply

Alright, just finished the main article, based it on Amornar's layout. Not sure if I want to start the cult and coven yet, or go towards the eight leaders themselves.

Everybody should base off Amornar's layout.

"The soldiers all respect their Archon, betraying him is seen with scrutiny, a rarity among the forces of the Dark Eldar"

I like this, it's different.

Thanks, I felt that in this group where rank is based on skill and not on birth or origin that murdering your way to the top was seen as messy or sloppy, if you can be better than your leader show it to the rest, and they will rally.

Also, what's with your profile picture? It's different from your kabal symbol.

Just was a picture I had sitting on my computer that I played around with in gimp, liked the way it turned out. Might incorporate it in some way.

Posted the Coven, the cult will follow shortly after I finish my work.