Palden

Not all losses involve veterans of countless campaigns but of new stars who's loss would be rued for not what experience disappears but for what potential is eliminated. This holds true among the Monastic Ascendants, and Brother Palden is one such example.

In a Legion who valued stealth and pragmatism, Palden was noted for a preference for assault and straightforward tactics. This difference would mark his early career since all initiates are required to cycle through the reconaissance squads before being placed elsewhere. An incident during training would paralyze half of his face and inflict occassional spasms when interfacing with machine-spirits. In spite of this hardship, or perhaps because of it, Palden developed further proficiency for hand-to-hand combat, harnessing his own rage to make him a deadlier opponent.

Alas, he would not live to 'enjoy' his skill for long. Upon being transferred to an Ascendants' 'Hammer' squad, Palden would fall in the battle's final stage. Up to that point, he had finally proven his worth after fighting in three successful assaults of that day. It was on the fourth assault when a desperate enemy unit opened fire with a howziter at close range. The enemy crew slew themselves in their panic, while Palden's body was shredded by fragmentation and concussion.

It was with regret that his superiors ordered his transfer to a dreadnought chasis in order to preserve what little life remained.

At the time, the loss of Palden for frontline duty was marked as a small yet significant loss. By the end of the Ruins, his absence took on greater significance as he had demonstrated excellent skill in duelling his brothers. Any marine who showed even a tacit strength in fighting Astartes would become a treasure during these horrid times.

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