The Markhost

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  • Role: The conscripted infantry of the Heimveld. Their primary purpose is to overwhelm enemy forces through sheer numbers, serving as the disposable backbone of the empire’s ground campaigns.
  • Assets:
    • Basic rifles, often outdated but brutally effective.
    • Minimal armor—flak vests and helmets with the Heimveld insignia.
    • Trench networks, bunkers, and prefabricated war camps.
  • Personnel:
    • Soldats: The cannon fodder. Drafted en masse from overpopulated industrial and agricultural worlds.
    • Burners: Flamethrower squads for clearing bunkers and trenches.
    • Gunners: Machine gun teams, named for the relentless “spitting” sound of their weapons.
    • Shadows: Infiltration and sabotage squads, trained in stealth and espionage.
    • Hounds: Scouts and forward observers, adept at navigating hostile terrain.
  • Flavor: Soldiers of the Ground Host are indoctrinated to see themselves as the literal shield and spear of The Unfallen. Dissent is rare due to brutal discipline, and the promise of salvation through duty keeps morale deceptively high. Specialists are seen as slightly apart from regular Marklings, both respected and envied.

Appearance

For the Heimveld troops, the uniforms are designed to project both military might and religious zeal. The primary imagery is the triple linked circle motif of the Heimveld, emblazoned prominently on their armor and clothing, symbolizing the unbreakable unity of the empire. Unfallen icons appear secondary, represented on banners and painted on vehicles in a style reminiscent of Orthodox/medieval Russia, emphasizing the divine backing of the Heimveld’s mission.

The soldiers’ uniforms are primarily grey, with red and gold accents for contrast. The design closely mirrors the military style of WW1 Germany, with sharp, angular lines and practical features for combat. The helmets feature faceplates offering both protection and an imposing, faceless appearance. Officers are distinguished by deep red capes, lined with gold or silver trim, adding an air of authority and grandeur befitting their elevated status.

The overall look is one of stern, disciplined order, designed to inspire both fear and reverence. The common soldier’s uniform is functional yet intimidating, while the officers’ attire conveys power, divine purpose, and their role as the enforcers of the Heimveld’s will.

Uniforms

  • Design: Grey, heavy-duty synthetic fabric with a slightly metallic sheen, reinforced with ballistic fibers. The uniform features high collars and fitted cuts for protection and mobility. Brass and crimson trim outlines the edges, adding a touch of ornamentation.
  • Style: Formal styled uniforms for all occasions, with long coats for officers and heavy tunics with wide belts for standard soldiers. Trousers are tucked into sturdy combat boots.
  • Insignia: Soldiers wear small, pressed-metal badges on the chest, shoulder straps, and caps, displaying unit and rank information and personal achievements in flowing, vine-like patterns.

Helmets

  • Design: Semi-enclosed helmets reminiscent of the Adrian helmet or Stahlhelm, updated for modern protection.
  • Style: Constructed of lightweight composite alloys, shaped to deflect projectiles and shrapnel. The front often features a sallet-style faceplate or optional visor with engraved art nouveau swirls, resembling curling vines.
  • Features: Built-in comm units and heads-up display (HUD) projectors integrated into higher-rank helmets. Standard soldier helmets have simple targeting assists and air filtration.

Armor

  • Chest and Shoulder Plate: Modular plasteel cuirass protecting the torso, reinforced with curved shoulder guards.
  • Style: The armor plates are embossed with subtle decorative filigree and edged with burnished brass, though most are worn and scratched from constant use.
  • Features:
    • Energy-dispersing layers to protect against energy weapons.
    • Mounting points for tactical pouches and equipment.
    • Chest plates include unit symbols and identifiers pressed into the surface.

Weapons

  1. Standard-Issue Rifle (Model 37 Lascarbine):

    • Design: Simple, reliable energy weapon with a stocky build.
    • Style: Vented barrel shroud features curling, flame-like etchings. The stock and grip are crafted from a synthetic material resembling aged wood.
    • Features: Built-in thermal scope and charge indicator.

  2. Sidearm (MK II Plasma Pistol):

    • Design: Compact and boxy for easy holstering.
    • Style: Embossed with simple scrollwork on the grip.
    • Features: Reliable, short-range energy output with a 10-shot charge pack.

  3. Melee Weapon (Shock Baton):

    • Design: A collapsible baton that delivers an electrical charge.
    • Style: Handle wrapped in textured rubber; the shaft is polished and engraved with faint decorative arcs.

Visual Aesthetic

  • The overall appearance of the Ground Host’s gear is distinctly utilitarian, but every surface carries subtle nods to art nouveau, like vine-like scrolls, smooth curves, and decorative brass edging. Though mass-produced, the designs exhibit a certain uniform elegance, emphasizing the Heimveld’s belief in both order and style.

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