Iron Rain
The Golds' ritual mass planetary invasion by warriors shot from orbit, called by Darrow upon Mars.
Story so far
An Iron Rain is the Society's ritual of mass planetary conquest—legions of Golds, Grays, and Obsidians shot from warships in starShells to fall upon a world in a torrent of metal. Darrow calls the first in twenty years upon Mars itself, its onset marked by a solemn ceremony: virgin Whites in snow-white cloaks touch each warrior's brow with gold laurel and cut their left palms with iron, whispering that their cowardice bleeds away and only victory remains, after which each smears a blood handprint across face and demon-faced helm. Ten million warriors, each Gold representing ten legions, prepare to storm the Thousand Cities of Mars.
Its stakes are total: if Darrow loses, the Sovereign rules on; if he wins, the whole Society falls into civil war.
Appearance
A blood-rite of laurel and iron preceding a storm of armored warriors falling from orbit in starShells upon a planet.
Role
The doctrine and ritual of planetary conquest; Darrow's chosen means of taking Mars.
Relationships
Sources — 1 recorded facts, by chapter
- The Golds' ritual mass planetary invasion by warriors shot from orbit, called by Darrow upon Mars.