Harstein "Iron-Arm"

Harstein "Iron-Arm" is the First Captain of the Crimson Lions Legion.

Background
Harstein is one of the oldest of the Crimson Lions still alive that is not encased in a dreadnought. Recruited from Albyon 18 years after the end of the Unification Wars, Harstein soon made a name for himself, earning the nickname "Longstride '' for his extraordinary height. Harstein rose quickly, becoming a captain within just a few years and from there rising to become one of the Thinger (an assembly of captains who acted where other legions had a legion master). Then, when the primarch was found, Harstein impressed him and Hectarion elevated him Myrvallen of the newly formed Clan Mycenor. Hectarion even entrusted Harstein with selecting the first astartes to join the Myramodons, his personal guard. In recognition of his new status, Hectarion then gave Harstein his trademark weapon, Soul Cleaver, a large two handed broadsword inscribed with Mycenaean runes and curses which are said to shatter the soul of any slain by it.

However, Harstein' promotion did not prevent him from taking to the field, as proven when he led a lightning campaign that subdued the Blood Stars in just 9 months. In recognition of this prowess, Harstein was appointed Tiarnos of the Blood Stars by his primarch, the first Lion to be afforded the title, although many more would follow. This would prove a wise choice, for in the years of Harstein' guardianship, the Blood Stars have become an important and wealthy part of the empire of Mycenae, producing weapons and warships of a quality unrivalled by any forge world other than Mars and producing regiments of disciplined, brave and skilled Arpine Auxilia, often seen at the frontlines of the Great Crusade.

However, over the years, Harstein has paid a heavy price for his loyal service to the Emperor and to his primarch. On Ivrax Secundus, he had his right arm destroyed by an Ivraxian plasma cannon(as well as suffering extensive damage to his lungs, although this was subsequently repaired), with what remained of his arm being amputated and replaced with a bionic limb, earning him the nickname "Iron-arm", name he bears to this day. On Phanton, Harstein had his secondary heart ripped out by a daemon and this too needed to be replaced with a bionic replacement.

The most recent injuries Harstein incurred were fighting against the Orks of Ullanor when an Ork Meganobz’s claws left Harstein blind in his right eye and with an enormous scar bisecting the right side of his face, with his left being saved by his face mask.

Wargear

 * Artificer Armour
 * Soul Cleaver - A large two-handed broadsword.