Modular Weapon System

Initially broached as part of Tenzin's reforms of the Thunder Knights into the Monastic Ascendants, a one of the first tasks given to the newly organised Sect of Structure was a complete inventory of material assets. Alongside this came the call for several higher-ranking techmarines -now newly dubbed 'Gauss Scholars'- to put together initiatives for the research of more efficient methods of war It was from among these projects, that the Modular Weapon System was created.

History
Starting early in the Legion's new life under their Primarch, of the multitude of projects created, the MWS (Modular Weapon System) was the quietest and most rocky.

From what little records and accounts remain available to outsiders there were difficulties with the project from the offset, causing it to be mothballed and re-started several times over. After a final period of long silence reaching into the 900's of M30, it suddenly reappeared, alongside the newly christened 'Legacy' Pattern of Dreadnought. Though the Great Crusade had given it new life, it also meant attracting the baleful eyes of Mars, which the Legion seemed to have mysteriously slipped through by the end of the Submission War.

While there are several variants listed, it is by no mean the full list as the modular nature of both Legion and technology will prove it is not just a singular system. It will eventually prove to be a host of chassis' upon which the Pacificus Segmentum would used to banish the Old Night and defend itself in equal measure.

Description
Roughly described as a system of grips, locking mechanisms, support rails and ammunition feeds, the general premise behind the early MWS platforms was the ability to host a number of weapon systems effectively, while making it as easy as possible to wield for Legionnaires and Dreadnoughts alike. Of the many features it would allow for customizations and even upgrades to weaponry, through the use of things like energy dissipater fins or recoil suppression buffers. These would carry over from one weapon to another, the commonality of both weapon mount and weapon meaning that the individual effectiveness of each could readily be increased, and swapped out. This also meant a boon in terms of logistics as individual mounting systems, upgrades and weapons could easily be replaced should they become damaged or lost.

Through the immense efforts of the VIIth Legion's more secretive elements, the project would flourish, with the Mk25 and Mk14's adaptability proving a great asset on the battlefield. With dreadnoughts able to switch their weapon loadout in hours instead of days they could readily respond to appropriate threats and wipe out xenos resistance.

Mk25 Modular Rifle System
As the main weapon system for the Legacy Pattern Dreadnought, the simple set of grips, feeds and targeting systems allowed such heavy weaponry to be wielded relatively easily. Consisting of a heavy rail frame, several mechanical and magnetic locks and a front and rear grip, the Mk25 could very easily be handled by it's gargantuan user. Over the rifle itself are several hardpoints upon which upgrades and other mechanical elements can be added. With the foregrip and ammunition/ power feed system both able to pivot from the underside of the gun, to horizontal positions on either side, it could be customised to any configuration necessary to the interred marine's liking.

The weapon variants for this modular system are as follows:


 * Mavor Accelerator Autocannon Array
 * Spearhead Megabolter
 * Scorpius Launcher
 * Magna-Melta
 * Flamestorm Cannon
 * Volkite Falconet
 * Plasma Destroyer
 * Graviton Cannon

Mk14 Modular Pistol System
The smaller alternative to the Mk25, the Mk14 is more in line with the Contemptor Pattern of Dreadnought in it's weapon arrangement. With a suite of heavy weapons each individual 'pistol' can be armed in much the same way, with it's magnetic and mechanical clamps able to hold a variety of ordnance. With several hardpoints upon which to add other elements it can help bring an extra punch, while lacking some of the customization in terms of grip placement and ammunition feed placement the Mk25 has.

The weapon variants for this modular system are as follows:


 * Scourger Firebrand
 * Twin-linked Lascannons
 * Twin-linked Heavy Bolters
 * Heavy Plasma Cannon
 * Twin-linked Multi-Meltas
 * Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon
 * Heavy Conversion Beamer
 * Twin-linked Autocannons