Codex knights of Charlemagnia

by Army2442

For over eight thousand years the Zendaya sector has been cut off from the Imperium and left to it's own devices to develop on its own. Over the course of many centuries it has developed a unique culture, religion, and alliances Now, in M40 the warp storms that have cut them off from the Imperium for so long have finally abated. Now they have been thrust into cold uncaring galaxy

1. The age of Myth

Codex: knights of Charlemagnia

"the great founding":

The knights of Charlemagnia inhabit what the Imperium calls the "Zendaya" sector, which is a fairly large cluster of systems containing well over a thousand worlds. Imperial history records it being integrated peacefully by the Dark Angels, though there is evidence to suggest that this pacification was less than ideal to say the least. Irregardless of what truly occurred, the worlds therein remained firmly in control of the imperium though many were still uninhabited by the time of the start of the heresy.

The Zendaya sector was caught up in the fires of the heresy, suffering the wraith of Perturabo's terrible sons. Caught unprepared many worlds swiftly fell to the inexorable might of the fourth legion and their seemingly endless numbers. Some put up more of a resistance than others, such as the fourteenth knight world of Saxony which was put to the torch and it's inhabitants forced to flee and seek refuge elsewhere.

The conquest by the fourth legion and it's many atrocities engendered a fierce hatred and fear of the Astartes as a whole. Their bitterness would only grow as the fourth would take many of their sons and materials to help the war efforts elsewhere, something that would have disastrous consequences later on for the sector as a whole.

As the war went on and the iron warriors were forced to direct their attention elsewhere, a resistance slowly picked up steam. Lead by Sir Galatis of house Charlemagnia, who was inspired by witnessing acts of bravery and defiance by his own serfs, the various knight houses slowly united as one alongside the common men and women of the sector to fight back. Many began to see strange visions of a mysterious, seemingly divine figure dub ominously the "Scarlet Queen". Accompanying many of these visions were miracles, such as knights or even regular soldiers surviving when they shouldn't have.

Many were disturbed these miracles and visions as well as the faith that accompanied them but such concerns were considered of secondary importance when compared to expelling the iron warriors. The iron warriors were eventually defeated in the battle of Thellum, where they were overwhelmed by sheer numbers. The Zendaya sector would sit out the rest of the war, wary of sending out soldiers when then enemy could return at seemingly any moment.

Horus's forces never did return, but the imperium did and the vengeful imperium was not happy to learn that they had refused to send aid to Terra. This lukewarm reconnection further instilled bitterness into the hearts of many within the sector, but such thoughts were kept to themselves. They were given the "light" penalty of providing knights and soldiers to help with the scouring, a not too popular declaration as one could imagine.

But still they remained loyal, and joined the effort to scourge Horus's evil from the stars. Trouble came again when the wars of faith occured following the scouring. They were able to keep out of much of the unfolding chaos, but eventually their beliefs in the "Scarlet Queen" which continued after the heresy came under criticism. They were declared heretics, but some were able to salvage the situation by replacing the Scarlet Queen with a more suitable saint that subsequently invented and written back into history. This compromise was unpopular but it

worked well enough and disaster was averted.

Slowly but surely anti imperial resentment was festering in the sector and perhaps rebellion would have been on the horizon but fate had a different story in mind. First, a great warp storm engulfed the sector, isolating it from the rest of the imperium. Then a short time afterwards, a great warband of Orks under the WAAGH of the beast besieged the sector. The knights and valiant defends tried to face the foul greenskins but failed to stop them. World after world fell, their people put to slavery and their land used to churn out more horrors by the hour.

All hope seemed to fade as the defenders of the capital world, then named Zendaya, prepared to fight to the last. The ruler of the house, King Arkas, was ready to die by the sword and go out with honor. He beseeched the Emperor time and time again only to be met with silence, and he almost gave into despair. That was until he finally received a vision of an ethereal beauty, a lady which radiated majesty and brilliant hues of light. This mysterious figure beckoned him to serve her and gave him instructions to descend deep in a nearby cave.

Arkas did as he was instructed and what exactly happened in the cave of "transcendence" as it would later be known is well unknown for certain. There are a myriad of legends and claims pertaining to that mysterious event, but what is commonly believed is that Arkas returned empowered by a strange source. His knight glowed with a strange green aura which emboldened and empowered those around him. Arkas rallied the defenders and slew the Ork Warboss in single combat.

News of this victory spread and soon others flocked to his banner as he inflicted defeat after defeat on the greenskins. Others would join him as chosen champions of the Scarlet Queen, each journeying down to the cave of transcendence and emerging with a power of their own though none could match his power. There were thirteen in total who received this blessing and they would be the first and the strongest of what later be known as the Star knights.

The age of Myth:

Here be the thirteen, the great heroes who saved the sector and establish the realm of the righteous:

1. Arkas, the future high king, leader of Charlemagnia. He was steadfast, noble, kind, the examplar of chivalry and knighthood. 2. Fabian, the bloody handed, king of the world of Normandy. He was a brutal warrior but a loyal friend and man of honor. 3. Chauncey, the trickster, king of the world of Frac. He was a shrewd business man and capable ruler, though his sense of humor made him many enemies. 4. Ascanius, the stout, king of Angland. He was truthful, to the point of being candid and thus soured many friendships. 5. Kadmos, the compassionate, king of Mors. He was renown for his heart and mercy, a trait which according to many legends cost him his life. 6. Achillus, the devout, king of Roma. He is remembered for his piety and for his theology, helping to pen the religious text known later as the vox divinitus. 7. Burke, the judge, king of Bavarius. Writer of the lex civitus, the first draft of the laws that would later govern the sector.

8. Orestus, the shadow, king of Carthage. Known for being Arkas' bodyguard, many legends say that in the end he grew jealous of his charge and sought glory of his own, whether this is true or not remains unknown. 9. Askanios, the duelist, king of Syrceus. Infamous for his jovial and taunting attitude despite being the best duelist of the thirteen. This overconfidence would cost him his life for his is the only one recorded to have definitely died in battle. 10. Gerald, the recalcitrant, king of Latvernious. Known for his rebellious nature and questioning of orders, he was still valued for giving an honest opinion. 11. Chanelle, the wise, queen of Mysious. Known for her tactics, cunning and general intelligence, she would become the most revered amongst the iron guilds who later form from the Machancius remnants. 12. Keyen, the reserved, king of Slavia. He is infamous for being a cruel but efficient king whose name sends shivers down the spines of many to this very day.

The thirteen would go on to lead the sector to victory after victory and expell the greenskins. They would later reform the sector and spread the message of the Scarlet Queen. Over the centuries they would expand and colonize many of the uninhabited worlds and form a miniature domain of their own. Eventually however the thirteen would fade into the distant memory, why this happened would be of much debate.

The most common theory is that the thirteen simply died, either of old age or in battle. Others postulate that they are simply in hiding, waiting for when the people would need them once more. Much darker theories how abound, tales of heroes slaying each other and falling to darkness. They say that personal rivalries consumed them or that dark gods took hold of their soul and destroyed them, if this holds any truth is unknown to all at the moment.

Rumors also abound as to who or what the Scarlet Queen is as well. The imperium declares her to be a deamon, the faithful call her a goddess. Others speculate it to be a world spirit akin to those of other worlds. Still more call it a psychic phenomenon, no one knows for sure and it is unlikely we ever get a clear understanding.

After the disappearance of the thirteen, the culture would continue to form in their absence. The title of high king or queen would be awarded to a new ruler once the previous one had died or went missing, elected from the other kings and queens. The kings and queens have their own customs to coming into power based on the world in question. Bavarius for example, has a king elected by nobles once the situation arises, but for others it is hereditary.

The cultures of the realm of Charlemagnia would be similarly diverse though there are similarities. While the plight of commoners varies somewhat, it is hardly comfortable no matter where you live. Conditions used to be far worse, but a number of rebellions have lead to more positive changes in the status quo, for pragmatic reasons if nothing else. Art and beauty are valued as are learning amongst the elite, but few of these things trickle down to the commoners who toil to keep the realm secure for their overlords.