Lernaean
Lernaeans were elite Terminator infantry of the Alpha Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.[1]
Overview
Unknown by the greater Imperium, Lernaean Terminators rarely left behind any evidence or witnesses of their deeds and few knew of their existence. In battle, they advanced relentlessly upon the foe, descending with controlled fury and slaying any enemy they encountered. Having secured their objective, they stubbornly held against any counterattacks. The Lernaeans were known as the jaws of the Hydra, the bestial symbol of the Alpha Legion itself.[1]
Clad in Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armour, Lernaeans were armed with Volkite Chargers, Conversion Beamers[5], and power axes which made them fierce opponents in close combat. Each squad was led by a Harrower. A squad was usually deployed via a Land Raider (either a Proteus- or Phobos-pattern) but could also be deployed in a Spartan Assault Tank or via a Dreadclaw.[1]
Noted Deployments
- During the Battle of the Alaxxes Nebula, Alpharius disguised himself as one of his own Lernaean bodyguards to confound the Space Wolves.[3]
- The slain Consortium member Scaripedes was referred to as "a Lernaean agent".[4]
- The Tenebrae Mission[2]
Notable members of the Lernaens
- Sheed Ranko — Captain, KIA during the Tenebrae Mission.[2]
Trivia
 |
- The term Lernaean derives from the mythical Greek Lernaean Hydra
Sources
- 1: The Horus Heresy Book Three - Extermination, pg. 261
- 2: The Serpent Beneath (Novella) — The Primarchs (Anthology) pg. 434
- 3: Wolf King (Novella),[Needs Citation]
- 4: Fabius Bile: Primogenitor (Novel), Chapter 3
- 5: Games Workshop Lernaean Squad saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer.com/en-US/shop/Alpha-Legion-Lernaean-Terminator-Squad-2018?srsltid=AfmBOoolbU2RDxjg-ciddxLFbuL7OSJkpnb2h20kmYkN7GncIkSrQ2C6 (last accessed 3/2/2025)
