Inquisitorial Report - Blood Dragons (Protectorate USA Elite Unit)
Name: Blood Dragons (also; Red Dragons, Blood Drakes, Scions of Abhorash)
Formation Type: Elite Mounted/Infantry
Numbers: Unknown
Introduction: The Blood Dragons are a unit of (suspected) mutants that serve as fast attack elites for the heretical forces of the Cainite Protectorate. Clad in red power armour and mounted upon jet bikes, they charge down their prey and tear them apart, drinking their blood before charging off to find new targets.
Initially encountered by Imperial forces during [REDACTED], they are believed to originate from Cassandron (see; Cassandron Report). Squads known as claws (around five to ten individuals) have been deployed alongside Protectorate forces on numerous battlefields, although singular individuals have been seen acting as bodyguards for Cainite commanders. Their deployments, according to captured documents, are chosen by the Blood Dragons themselves - they go where they wish, and fight who they want to.
Reports indicate the formation partakes in heretical blood-rites, both on and off the battlefield - although analysis indicates they are not related to the Blood God. Other hallmarks of their culture include perverse declarations of "honour" and martial prowess. Blood Dragons seek out the greatest opponents - be they human, xeno, deamonic or simple beasts - and prove their might by slaying them. This extended to vehicles such as heavy tanks or Imperial Knights. Some take trophies, such as weaponry or removed limbs.
It is suspected that the Blood Dragons are all mutants of a unidentified strain - they possess strength, reflexes and endurance beyond any normal human, even ones in power armour. The few times they have been seen out of armour show that they are unnaturally pale and thin, having "burning" red eyes and pronounced canines. No pict-images of them exist, for the mutants have some sorcerous ability to distort pict and visual systems. Originally believed to be a defensive measure of their jetbikes, but it has proven to be produced by the individual instead. The effect is know to affect auto-targeting systems.
More evidence comes from their recruitment practices. Blood Dragons have approached (unaugmented) humans of remarkable skill and bravery, asking if they wish to "become one with the Blood of Abhorash" and "accept the Blood Kiss". Although it is assumed they recruit mainly from Protectorate forces, they have approached Imperial elements - including those that have taken prisoner, during times of (short term, under duress) truce, or even upon the battlefield. All those that have accepted are known to have reappeared at a later date, bearing the arms and armour of the Blood Dragons and sharing their unnatural abilities. Former Imperials that have accepted the "Blood Kiss" are regarded as the highest of traitors, and to be killed on sight with full prejudice.
It is speculated - although there is little proof - that the Blood Dragons are a strain of warp-corrupted Genestealer cult, perhaps bound through sorcery to the Black Commissar's command.
Combat Doctrine: As stated above, the Blood Dragons are designated as fast attack units. Although they commonly assault flanks and create breakthrough points for other Protectorate forces, their preferred battlefield tactic is to attack the elites of the opposing force; for Imperial forces, this can include Tempestus Scions, Space Marine Veterans, and Celestians. The heretics also target command squads and positions, beheading the enemies' leadership.
Their preferred form of attack is lightning charges, aiming to skewer their enemies on power lances. Failing that, the Blood Dragons dismount and assault with more conventional power weapons. They are known to demand - and honour - duels. Upon defeating those they term "worthy adversaries", Blood Dragons may offer them the "Blood Kiss". If refused, they will proceed to consume the blood of their victim. The exception comes from those the Blood Dragons consider unworthy, primarily cowards or braggards, who are left impaled, suffering long, painful deaths.
The Blood Dragons are aggressive to the extreme, always preferring to attack, even when holding advantageous defensive positions. This is not to say they are reckless, for the mutants are skilled tacticians. On occasion they have been known to lead standard USA troops into combat.
Wargear: Each Blood Dragon enters battle on a jetbike of an unknown, but likely heretical, pattern. Faster than a standard assault bike, these vehicles allow for rapid movement over all terrain, allowing their riders to attack from any angle. Each is equipped with currently unknown las-weapon technology that can switch from las-cannon blasts to rapid-fire, making the Blood Dragons a menace for heavy vehicles and infantry formations both.
Blood Dragons have access to a number of power weapons. Most famously are their power lances - when at speed, they are able to tear through the armour of a Baneblade, and can skewer a Space Marine. Blood Dragons also utilize power swords and shields as melee armaments, although some prefer powered axes, fists or claws. Some are known to use chain weapons.
Although they are rarely used, Blood Dragons are also equipped with sidearms such as las- or plasma pistols.
Addendum 1: Repeated references to "Abhorash" have been made by Blood Dragons - they are believed to be some founding member of their group, or perhaps the primogenitor of their mutant strain. Their status and location are unknown.
Addendum 2: In recent naval conflicts with the Cainite Protectorate, formations of fighter elites identified as "Blood Barons" have been recorded. Their relationship to Blood Dragons are currently under investigation.
Addendum 3: Blood Dragons have a animosity with the Blood Angels & their descendants - or perhaps vice versa. When facing each other on the battlefield, the two groups engage in combat with little concern for the wider situation.