Harrow of the Shadowed Noose

Warband Overview
The Harrow of the Shadowed Noose is an Alpha Legion warband active within Ultima Segmentum as of early M42. Heretic Astartes of the Shadowed Noose have been sighted operating in both Imperium Sanctus and Imperium Nihilus, although whether these are isolated groups or a unified force with a means of crossing the Cicatrix Maledictum is currently unknown.

Heretic Astartes of the Shadowed Noose show very little outward mutation of person or equipment but seem to possess reaction times and a situational awareness near impossible for even their gene-engineered origins. Expert analyses by a cross-Ordo conclave of Hereticus and Malleus researchers have concluded that these abilities of extreme foresight and prediction suggest the Shadowed Noose is pledged to the Chaos deity Tzeentch. However, the research of this conclave has been thrown into question following the mysterious disappearance of several members and the revelation that several more were Alpha Legion operatives.

The current Harrowmaster of the Shadowed Noose is Montaine Addus, an Alpha Legionnaire who appears in battle rolls as early as the latter Great Crusade. However, given the Alpha Legion's use of misdirection and subterfuge, it is unknown if this is the same individual or another example of the Legion's recurring codeword usage for its member's identities. Addus has been potentially sighted on both sides of the Cicatrix Maledictum, lending credence to the idea that Shadowed Noose is a unified force with a means by which to cross the rift. However, the purposefully homogeneous appearance of Alpha Legionnaires prevents a definitive identification being made.

Warband Composition
The Shadowed Noose operates a semi-autonomous cell structure controlled at the strategic level by a headquarters cell led by the Harrowmaster. Cells are referred to as Echelons and are given a designation code, although the use of both numbers and phrases in those designations render it difficult to determine how many Echelons are in active operation.

A typical Echelon comprises a core group of Alpha Legionnaires under the command of an Aspiring Champion. These Heretic Astartes form the Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) structure of the Echelon, as well as undertaking missions which require the gene-engineered advantages of an Astartes to complete. Under the command of this group are often a wide range of non-Astartes assets ranging from cultist mobs to specialist human operatives. However, some Echelons appear only to use Heretic Astartes and are specifically tasked to carry out specialised operations over a roaming area. The size of an Echelon may vary widely depending on the nature of its mission, and it is common practice for different Echelons to merge, dissolve, relocate, or exchange designation codes as required by the operational security needs of the warband. As such, tracking these Echelons is notoriously difficult.

The Harrowmaster's Echelon comprises the largest permanent grouping of warband forces, including the warband's stocks of "Terminator" Tactical Dreadnought Armour and Mark 7 Jump Packs. Additionally, the warband's small but stealthy fleet of starships are controlled directly by the Harrowmaster's Echelon. It is widely believed that the Harrowmaster and his forces are constantly on the move aboard this fleet to provide strategic direction and tactical support to other Echelons where required.

Known Echelons of the Shadowed Noose
Echelon Six Alpha - Operatives under this Echelon have been encountered across the Ultima Segmentum on both sides of the Great Rift. Echelon Six Alpha appears to specialise in direct actions using small groups of Heretic Astartes to support larger formations of Cultists. Reportedly commanded by an Aspiring Champion using the identity Jaego Phors.

Echelon Grey Spear - An Echelon tasked and equipped for counter-Astartes operations. Post-encounter reports suggest that Grey Spear's membership is derived from those Heretic Astartes who most embrace the patronage of Tzeentch. Grey Spear Astartes appear able to shrug off impacts that would kill a normal Astartes whilst laying down fire that punches through Ceramite with alarming ease. The reported leader of Grey Spear is an Aspiring Sorcerer using the identity Julianis Nul.