Ashen Circle

The Ashen Circle was a unique formation of the Word Bearers Legion utilised during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras during the 30th and early 31st Millennia. Descending from the sky on Jump Packs, they were the the destroyers of false gods, ashen angels sent to reduce libraries and shrines to cinders with Flamer and, where a truly lasting destruction was required, phosphex. Attached to Chapters but standing as a circle apart, only the most dedicated could enter their ranks. Many passed through their ranks before ascending to the role of Chaplain.

History
The Ashen Circle was a unique formation created within the ranks of the Word Bearers Legion, created for a singular and unique purpose; the destruction of a world's original culture, learning and faith. Serving alongside the Word Bearers' Legion Destroyer Squads, the Legionaries of the Ashen Circle were members of the Legion's original Iconoclast faction, charged beyond the battlefield with hunting down works of false doctrine and those who purveyed it, consigning both to destruction and eradicating flame. On the battlefield, their task was deemed no less important by their Legion; seeking out those things which gave the foe the heart and courage to fight: charismatic leaders, priests, battle flags and champions. These they singled out, dragged down with the hook-blades of their axe-rakes and destroyed with brutal fervour, often making plunging attacks far in advance of their own lines in order to do so, with no thought as to their own survival. On world after world the Ashen Circle tore down libraries and churches, parliaments and sepulchres, first so that the Imperial Truth might be set up in their place, but later so that far darker creeds could take root and fester.

Unit Composition

 * 4-5 Incendiaries
 * 1 Iconoclast

Wargear

 * Hardened Armour
 * Hand Flamer
 * Axe-Rake - A heavily reinforced axe-weapon with a grappling barb, this vicious blade was used to drag down victims, and topple graven idols and false icons for the Word Bearers' pyres.
 * Jump Pack
 * Frag & Krak Grenades

Optional Wargear

 * Power Axe
 * Inferno Pistol
 * Plasma Pistol

Optional Wargear (Iconoclast Only)

 * Artificer Armour
 * Melta Bombs
 * '''3 Phosphex Bombs