The ALPHA LEGION in the HORUS HERESY | Legion XX: Origins | Warhammer Lore

[@mashzapotato]

Alpha Legion are my favorite legion because they take the 40k lore ethos of "everything is canon" to its logical extreme. They're the good/bad/neutral guys who either are the only ones who know what's REALLY going on or are chaos personified and just doing shit for no reason beyond what they want to do in the moment. Or both.

[@SirZeu]

i am alpharius or am i? (vsauce music)

[@ecyor0]

@@SirZeu the vsauce music contains a memetic virus that infects mechanicus systems on one specific agriworld, ruining the harvest and ensuring a specific legion does not receive the food it needs to complete a 15 year siege of a traitor world.

[@SirZeu]

@@ecyor0 hydra dominatus!

[@TheSebastianSykes]

You are entirely… correct?

[@SirZeu]

@@TheSebastianSykes that is a lie

[@richiek1155]

Don’t forget the best line in the setting and the best way to retcon anything comes from the Head of the Hydra. “This is my record and all records lie”

[@warsmithgalvinc4151]

This video being unlisted I see what you did there

[@sey3500]

Is it?

[@MyNamesFredrick]

this video has always been unlisted, this is a lie

[@ironbomb6753]

You guys are hilarious!

[@crimcrusader8459]

The roman markings of the 20th/XX Legion is definitely a not-so-suble allusion to the Double-Cross system used by the United Kingdom's MI5 during World War 2.

[@GustavWestberg]

As a casual fan of Warhammer lore (both fantasy and 40k) for the past 20 years, this series has been great. You have my most sincere gratitude Ian.

[@RuntyMcTall]

The bit in Dan Abnett's Alpha Legion Horus Heresy book where he reveals that the Emperor is dooming humanity and all of the galaxy to extinction, that the greater good is served by Horus winning and that this is possibly why the Alpha Legion turned traitor is probably the ballsiest / most shocking lore moment in their whole canon, I think. Pretty much turns everything on its head. I was pretty surprised that they let him do it.

[@Bluecho4]

What makes it better is that we don't actually know what Alpharius and Omegon really think about it. They fight for Horus, of course, but to what end? Do they even really buy the Cabal's vision? Are they really playing the long game?

[@haroldsandahl6408]

I always assumed that the Alpha Legion always worked towards their own ends. While people claim they are traitors, they're not. They are attempting to use the tactics and methods they've perfected on a galactic scale. It is why there are reports saying they hurt the traitors while at the same time helping the traitors. They have their own goal, and my guess would be to see humanity's survival over all else.

[@edwardharman1153]

The Serpent Beneath is also pretty mind-bending - one of the few Heresy books I have gone back and re-read a couple of times trying to make sense of it.

[@zalvion7344]

@@Bluecho4 the cabal is probably biased though. Yes Chaos is a problem because humanity is a good energy source for them but you have to realize the cabal was made up of xenos who were under threat of extinction by humanity so getting humanity to fight itself/destroy itself no matter the outcome was always in their best interest

[@cameronyoung8838]

I always thought alpharius was traitor and omegon loyalist, or vice versa

[@ButchersNailsEnjoyer]

“Eternal war demands eternal discipline” is a quote that keeps me going in the gym even after a 12 hour shift

[@Bluecho4]

The first 40K novel I ever read was _Legion,_ so I have a certain affection for the sons of Alpharius. Indeed, alongside the Night Lords and Thousand Sons, the Alpha Legion are among my favorite of the traitor legions. What I like about the Alpha Legion is their narrative flexibility. They can be anywhere, do anything, and fighting anyone. They might be traitors pretending to be loyalists, loyalists pretending to be traitors, or independent agents playing both sides for their own inscrutable goals. They themselves might not even know whose side they're on, only following through ancient and dubious directives. And on the battlefield, anyone can be the Alpha Legion in disguise. A chapter's colors are just a coat of paint, after all, and their agents and spies are embedded in many organizations. Sleepers waiting, perhaps unknowingly, for the signal to act. Hydra Dominatus.

[@RATZGobbler]

It seems a little strange to me that the most enigmatic, conniving and impersonating Legion ISN’T the Tzeentch aligned Traitor Legion.

[@jonbaxter2254]

It is the most Tzeentch thing though, them not being aligned with him.

[@88porpoise]

But if there was a clear alignment, they would be less enigmatic, conniving, and impersonating. In fact, if they were aligned with Tzeench it would make sense for them to cover it up and pretend they were not aligned with any of the chaos gods.

[@penguinhenrymd]

He’s only gone and done it!!! Congratulations on getting all legions covered! The emperor surely rejoices this momentous occasion:)

[@joenewkirk6136]

What an AMAZING series, I'm so glad to have watched as they came out one by one!

[@ironbomb6753]

Very cool man.

[@ExaltedLordNano]

The Alpha Legion represent the volatile nature of 40k where everyone believes themselves to be the Hero and at the same could be seen as the Villains of the story. They are both the most traitorous and loyal members of the imperium. I love it.

[@trajanfidelis]

Love the Alpha Legion for their meticulous attention to detail, their use of human agents, their multi layered attacks, and their disregard for strategic and tactical dogma. Hydra Dominatus!

[@jasonnewell7036]

Every single point about the Alpha Legion can be followed by, "But, did they?"

[@Lord_Inquisitor7]

I actually choose to fully believe the story of the Alpharius primarch book, everything about the legion is so shrouded in mystery and deceit that most anything can be true or false, so I choose to believe the story that I like the most.

[@ShadowGhost0117]

I personally agree and choose to believe that story as their true backstory.

[@Anni3sgotagun]

People that say they don’t trust his version need to keep that energy with the rest of the primarchs. Can you really say you trust anything any of them say?

[@KillerOrca]

"This, too, is a lie"

[@DivebombMovies]

I absolutely choose to believe everything in that book as well. it's so good, it ties everything so well together. especially with how alpharius (who goes by the name omegon in books like Legion) was always the completely anonymous one, and omegon was the one that acted as the primarch outward and had slightly more ornate armor and used the spear. omegon was the one that came forward as the primarch to horus, and died at the hands of rogal dorn. after which alpharius met horus before the siege began, giving them plans of the solar system, but withdrawing his legion from aiding horus in the siege.

[@SirWilliamKidney]

I hope you continue to bring us lore after this, it's been such a good series!

[@Yacovo]

Thanks for the video. Loyalist Legions: "Alpha Legion, I hate those guys." Traitor Legions: "Alpha Legion, I hate those guys." Alpha Legion: "Just as planned."

[@SWProductions100]

Alpha Legion: All according to Keikaku. (sorry, old anime meme)

[@apothyon2000]

Finally my sons get their day! Thank you so much for such a great series. As someone getting into Heresy and with only a passing knowledge of each of the legions, this series has been really fun and interesting to watch.

[@IAmTheDawn]

your videos are criminally underrated. Cant believe you dont have more subs. Thanks for all the work you do in getting these out to the masses

[@adrians2190]

I do little wees of joy when I see your Horus heresy legion videos pop up in my feed.

[@nicorepetto5781]

This series is how I got into Warhammer lore. I used to collect the miniatures when I was younger but never actually looked into the incredible lore much. Thank you Ian for being the perfect introduction to Warhammer 40k

[@brianpj5860]

I think there might of been some kinda of internal Schism within the Alpha Legion, Similar to what happened with the Dark Angels. Imo, Alpharius gestation pod landed on terra while Omegon’s gestation pod landed across the galaxy. So it was Alpharius at the side of Malcador and the Emperor for all those years, remaining undercover as their secret weapon. Later when the brothers eventually found eachother, they decided to switch identities and it was actually Omegon who came out to Horus as Alpharius and figurehead of the Alpha legion. I like to believe that one twin stayed loyalist while the other turned traitor, and it was actually Omegon(publicly under the guise of Alpharius) who died on Pluto, after siding with Horus. While Alpharius(who remained hidden under the guise of Omegon) remained aligned with the Emperor and the Imperial creed.

[@alphariusomegon4432]

Stay where you are

[@00784865]

Yes, thats what happened in Head of the Hydra, Omegon met Horus and Alpharius stayed hidden.

[@meepy546]

Amogus

[@jdlr369]

Alpharius gave leadership of the 20th Omegon. Omegon became Alpharius and was killed by Dorn. Alpharius was heavily schooled by Malcador and sacrificed his brother for some grand scheme? I believe Alparius is still loyal to the Emperor.

[@ScytheNoire]

I'll never figure out how GW came up with such creative names like Alpharius and Omegon. Love this series, hoping you do more lore videos.

[@009_Ghostly_Systematic]

The beginning and the end?

[@MorboTheLeprechaun]

I'm honestly so sad that this series has now come to an end. I've never been so engaged with a series of videos on KZbin before, getting so excited when a new episode dropped. Absolutely hats off to you, the quality of this content has been utterly fantastic. Perhaps a series discussing the lore of each xenos faction?

[@Jason-35D]

Ideally appreciate how your shirt matches the legion’s coloring through all the videos.

[@Booyaka9000]

Her Majesty passes, the world reacts, and in the midst of that chaos Arb-Ian releases his Alpha Legion video in the most Alpha Legion way possible.

[@marjoe32]

Good lord how have a binge all 20. At this rate ill be caught up soon.

[@Ithikialau]

Thanks for this great series. Not flashy or annoying, just a pleasure to watch and let the narrative drive the interest. :) Next series idea... the initial years after the Siege of Terra. Keep up the great work.

[@THCthehempcloud]

Thank you so much, this has been an awesome series. We need another one. Maybe address all the crazy theories about 40k. Idk but you are my favorite 40k lore creator so please, keep cranking out those videos!!!

[@HEADLESSKROGAN]

He survived by the miraculous healing powers of the balsamic vinaigrette bath

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Really like that they still keep the legion a full on mystery. Reunification war for any legion is my favourite. Will you cover any of the other factions during this period? Nice video. Keep up the good work..

[@Many_Sparrows]

Thanks a lot!! I watched all 20 videos and now the Heresy story is spoiled for me!! You should put some kind a warning at the start!!!

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

Great capstone to this series. Any chance you’ll touch on other groups during the Heresy, such as the Custodes, Sisters of Silence, Mechanicum, Officio Assassinorum, et al?

[@davydatwood3158]

The stories of Alpheron you relate here really remind me of stories about Loki - in the Norse oral tradition there's a huge variety in the stories; sometimes Loki is a good guy, sometimes a bad guy, sometimes just totally focused on himself without ill intent. And it's basically impossible to resolve all the stories into a coherent timeline. All of the Heresy 101 videos have an element of myth, rather than history, to them, but in this one it really shines through that these "histories" are really *legends* being written down after millennia of oral transmission and evolution.

[@gregoryvigneault1824]

Hopefully they are waiting for the right moment to turn on the chaos or revive the emperor with some of that secret technology

[@benwilliams7902]

I think its also implied that alpharius and omegon maybe were differently convinced as to the cabal's vision or warning, and I think its in the scene when omegon hears of alpharius' death at pluto he seems pretty disinclined to continue supporting horus. There are also plenty of indications (although of course no facts ;) ) that there may have been various alpha legion factions during the heresy who were actively working against each other, or maybe they weren't, who knows?!

[@geordiepaul3099]

Alpharius novel is great. Especially introducing the twins.

[@philallen9632]

Excellent end to an excellent series. I've enjoyed every one of them, and hope that you carry on doing these for other factions.

[@baronbreakfast4681]

Thank you for making this series. Each video has been incredible, from the lore to the production quality. The series is a real resource for anyone wanting to take a deep dive into the history of Warhammer 40,000. Watching them has reinvigorated my interest in 40k, a game that hasn’t been on my radar in ten years. I’ve picked up a codex and some models to paint, although ironically I haven’t opted for Marines! I look forward to your next lore videos. Thanks once again.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

"I am Alpharius" - Alpharius, probrably.

[@a.gjosaether]

I have been such a fan of this video series. Thank you for the service you provide in making Horus Heresy approachable!

[@HBon111]

YES! I have been waiting so long for these guys! It's a tie between them and the IW's for my favourite.

[@aarovanhatalo8575]

Will you be doing a blackshields/shattered legions video? I think it would be a interesting to talk about the non-legion elements of the heresy

[@jameswhite8238]

Congrats on reaching the 20th!!! I've been following along from the beginning. These videos are outstanding, thank you so much!! I keep re-watching them while painting ... learning through osmosis, lol.

[@sub39h]

This was a fabulous series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a ton. Thank you

[@Commandobadger]

Now unto the non astartes human factions! I need this lore series to continue!

[@ebriblet449]

We must have read a different book because Omegon is the one that died Alpharius was the one that felt it far off and then goes my "Alpharius Omegon" as tribute. At least how I read it. (over and over) "Alpharius is my fav."

[@ivorbrae]

Most effective legion, by far. can achieve the same level of disruption of a company of Space Wolves with a half-dozen embedded operatives that might not even be Astartes.

[@AW-wf2dx]

Congrats! Loved the series, and the format -- clearly a lot of work went into these. Would love to see more of this.

[@mahmodwattar8169]

this was a great series if you are up to make more "mini" series like it then I would love to see one were you go through the IRL history of concepts like the Primarchs, empower or space marines

[@Instar_nine]

Head of the hydra is Omegon talking about Alpharius experiences Omegons opinions come out contradicting Alpharius thoughts and history Nice video There is unfortunately way to much to talk about with Spoilers It is unclear who died Alpharius or Omegon to Dorn John French and Mike Brooks comments are contradicting on the matter

[@disposable157]

A project I've always wanted to write is a novel where it's imperial fists fighting alpha legion in the modern timeline. The alphas are using loads of cultists and have clearly lost sight of their purpose - they keep planning out fiendish plans which take them around in circles, their brains addled by Chaos. We see the fists on the other side also through human eyes - the mortal troops are key to the fortress they're building in preparation for the coming alpha attack. The fists aren't like the emperor's angels they've heard of in stories. The fists are tired - needing to take a two hour period of rest each day where they slip into a state which is half meditation and half deep grief. Anyway it turns out the imperial fists are also alpha legion in disguise, still trying to fulfil the mission they began during the heresy of saving the galaxy from chaos and on this particular day that means ensnaring and culling some of their brethren who had lost their way

[@alexsmith7313]

I've always loved the idea that Alpharius disguised himself as a Custodes alongside the Emperor, that way he wouldn't need to deal with questions of why he was in any given place, and he could operate with Custodes credentials but not dressed as one for more covert operations.

[@justinmaitland7335]

when reading "the praetorian of dorn" i feel it is pretty clear Alpharius was commanding the attacking fleet, not on pluto fighting dorn (who only triumphs due to assistance).

[@eggsmcneil]

Can we get a 2nd Founding Series now? ;) Great stuff as always.

[@dr_wilko]

Finally getting to my Legion because I am Alpharius

[@megaduck7965]

I’m Alpharius , and so’s my wife

[@VicodinElmo]

Something about the end of your intro with the credits rolling, music playing and you voicing over just reminds me of 90s TV. “Coming up after the break.”

[@VicodinElmo]

That isn’t a criticism! It’s kinda nostalgic!

[@gingerone11]

Hope you're going to carry on with the Sisters of Silence, Solar Auxlia, The Custards and so on.

[@tomroberts6934]

Thanks very much for doing this series, I’ve really enjoyed it

[@bmbtdk]

A lovely ride, thank you Ian.

[@alpharius4434]

Please Ian ! Do the others chapters of the foundings ! I loved your work on this series !

[@TamDNB]

Thanks for this series Ian, it's been epic

[@wobblytide]

Thank you so much for this amazing series. I have to admit I half expected you to not release this video, which would have been the most Alpha Legion move.

[@matthewthomas5657]

Thank you for this terrific series Ian!

[@danknatank6623]

The absolute best series regarding the original 20 legions, hopefully there'll be a series similar to this regarding the Badab war chapters or other subfactions!

[@Mugdorna]

Wonderful series. Sad to have it end (even though it always had to)

[@flaviomonteiro1414]

As Alpharius myself, I'd like to thanks Ian for this amazing video.

[@SovietOnion1220]

I think its good to note the roman numeral for the 20th legion is XX which could also be said as double cross which was a British counter intelligence operation in the 1940s

[@McGillus]

They had knowledge from the Cabal so they knew what would happen. If they stayed loyal they'd lose their greatest strength, secrecy. The imperium was becoming stagnant and rigid while chaos gave room to move freely. To the Alpha legion it wasn't about loyalty or betrayal but survival. They knew that whatever the outcome, it was bad. A slow death of a fast one. They chose to live. They stole the secret on how to create astartes and after ten thousand years their legion appears to be still intact and not raving lunatics like most of the chaos legions or fighting to preserve the imperium where life isn't much better than the warp where they'd be excommunicated eventually anyhow.

[@Mad_Oph]

This is why I favor the AL over all the other legions: dedication to the mission, obsessive tactical creativity and innovation, a disregard for "distastefulness" in legitimate strategems, and unwillingness to divulge intelligence, even to allies, where it's unnecessary. Say what you will, but historically, those are hallmarks of success in real-world warfare, and I appreciate that the Alpha Legion is ready to get down throw some sucker punches and pocket sand if it means preserving the lives of their personnel and subordinates in addition to shoring up a mission's chances of success. Others can say they lack honor or that they're less than because of their sideways tactics, but that's what makes the legion special.

[@sturm9087]

One could argue they took it too far though since by the time of 40k there is no real unified alpha legion and the disparate forces at times come into conflict with one another. Their unwillingness to divulge information or have a set command structure meant that when they broke apart they broke apart hard, if there was any kind of plan post heresy its obvious most astartes dont know it and at this point probably never will.

[@gilledgar2243]

My reaction after every (almost) videos in this series, "oh, a X legion, maby I should do that instead..."

[@TheMrDewil]

I think that if we take that vision presented by the Cabal as a basis for Alpha Legion actions, then their loyalty might lie not with Emperor or the Imperium, but rather with humanity itself, so that they can ensure its survival by any means necessary.

[@antonioruizfernandez8281]

What an amazing series Ian, I love your channel and no doubt that I will stay subscribe after this ride had ended.

[@Zdarkete]

Halfway through, i was shocked to learn that this video contains spoilers. Anyway, thank you so much for this series Ian. Amazing job.

[@Thedagda801]

Head of the Hydra, is by far the best Primarch book. Planted so deep, that they went rogue. Great series

[@amoryburgess]

In that Pluto assault, the alpha legion also showed Dorn some flaws in his defenses and taught him to be less rigid. In the end, the defenders of Terra were more prepared than they would have been. So yeah, still iffy😅

[@unknownexo]

Great videos, I'm new to 40k lore and your videos have helped alot

[@johnkevill470]

Thanks for the lore, I really enjoyed the series. Keep bringing us tales of the great and terrible Imperium of Man and the warriors who fight for and against it.

[@aarondunn6759]

I think that there are three primarchs that make up the Alpha Legion, which is why they use the three headed hydra as their herald, and thus all three primarch revelation stories are true. One chose to support the Emperor, one chose to support Chaos, and the third did not choose either and if fact undermined his other brothers. The theory falls apart when you ask, "Well, which primarch did Rogal Dawn kill?".

[@redacted8092]

Funny, I checked earlier today to see if you'd made one of these for the Alpha Legion. Was disappointed to not see it, only to come home to this new video! Woo

[@danielhenderson8000]

A wild legion to end this series on! The Alpha Legion do what I honestly never really pictured a Space Marine doing, but they are really interesting and delightfully bizarre. This has been an AWESOME way to dig into the lore of the Horus Heresy and I am eager to see more of these kinds of videos. Perhaps the other factions next? Or the major characters? Or perhaps some shocking twist from a secretive angle that no one saw coming! (How thematic!)

[@philhitchings]

Brilliant series. Thank you very much :)

[@OldManRogers]

The II Legion video was the best one! ;-)

[@tiredoldfraggle12]

Congrats on getting through all the legions. You've done an absolutely fantastic job on these. That being said, my loyalty to the First Legion has not wavered though these all of these holograms. I'm looking forward to whatever lore series you come up with next.

[@elvenstranger]

Thanks for this series, it is been a great source of knowledge and entertainment. Not sure what's next but I look forward to it. Maybe a similar guide about the other factions, guard, mechanicus, sisters, inquisition etc?

[@richardstanton5329]

Nearly couldn't wait for this to come out while at the same time sad that is here. I have really enjoyed this series. Thanks for doing it.

[@hagalathekido]

the symbolism is also fantastic, after the name change alpharius from alpha meaning first, was the first primarch to unite with the emperor, omegon from omega meaning last was the last primarch to unite. They are the 20th legion depicted as XX in roman numerals, in ww2 the British mi5 had the double cross system for using captured german spies to relay false reports back to Germany, called the double cross system or XX from the 20 committee that oversaw them.

[@Dan_Wintermoon]

This was one of the best lore series I've ever enjoyed, regardless of the franchise. I loved every video. Can't wait to see what you do next. Great work

[@Red2Productions]

Great series Ian. I was waiting for this one, got a bit worried for you when we had no content for a couple of week.

[@childrenofthesun471]

I'm pretty sure that Dorn killed Omegon who was disguised himself as Alpharius?

[@anamnesisdavid2918]

Out of curiosity, do you have any plans to do the same kind of video for talons, 30k mechanicum and solar auxilia ? That was a wonderful serie to follow !

[@michaelhowell2326]

I think the Kabal was trying to eliminate humanity not out of the greater good of the galaxy, but bc they were afraid of the ascendancy of humans. They knew how powerful we could be.

[@Zoulstorm]

These are great! I hope you do videos on the different mechanicum ordos and imperial militia etc as well!

[@Necrontyr121]

Here's one for the 40k hive mind... why does the Alpha Legion symbol, the Hydra, have 3 heads instead of just two? Wouldn't be fun if there was a third brother?

[@matthewberryman6609]

Dude! This series was really cool. I'd absolutely watch more lore videos from you. Cracking job.

[@pendantblade6361]

Congrats for all twenty episodes, Ian! Truly you are one of the Emperor's Finest.

[@shawnflynn5391]

I clicked on this accidentally, after 5 minutes you got me bud. Now my work listening. Cheers from murica

[@ryanadams0922]

Im going to miss this series I really liked it a lot Maybe do one with all the other factions? I know you are playing legions card game so you got imperial knights titans sisters, custodies, imperial guard, mechanism and chaos you can do a 101

[@iandoddsblah]

I'd love a video on the 'facts' and theories of the Primarchs being spread across the galaxy