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{{Cabal Legion infobox
{{Cabal Legion infobox
|nameBG=#59B1BA
|BG=#59B1BA
|sectionBG=#59B1BA
|lineBG=#59B1BA
|image= [[File:SkyburnersBannerHeader.png|300px]]
|image= [[File:SkyburnersBannerHeader.png|300px]]
|name= Skyburners
|name= Skyburners
|objectives= Celestial Demolitions <br> Reserve Shock Fleet
|objectives= Celestial Demolitions <br> Reserve Shock Fleet
|Commander(s)= [[Primus Ta'aun]] <br> [[Valus Tlu'urn]] <br> [[Valus Mau'ual]] <br> [[Valus Tau'ugh]]
|commander(s)= [[Primus Ta'aun]] <br> [[Valus Tlu'urn]] <br> [[Valus Mau'ual]]
|Keep(s)= [[Fleetbase Korus]] <br> [[Dantalion Exodus VI]]
|keep(s)= [[Fleetbase Korus]] <br> [[Dantalion Exodus VI]]
|deployed= [[Vertigo]], [[Mercury]] <br> [[Phobos]], [[Mars]] <br> [[Dreadnaught]], [[Saturn]]
|deployed= [[Mercury]] <br> [[Phobos]] <br> [[Dreadnaught]]
|war= [[Vanguard]] <br> [[Virgo Prohibition]] <br> [[Blood of Oryx]] <br> [[Taken]]
|ally= [[Dust Giants]] <br> [[Siege Dancers]] <br> [[Ice Reapers]]
}}
}}
{{Quote|The second fleet will wait no longer. Commencement will begin on their arrival.|[[Cryptarch]] translation of Skyburner chatter}}
{{Quote|The second fleet will wait no longer. Commencement will begin on their arrival.|[[Cryptarch]] translation of Skyburner chatter}}
The '''Skyburners''' are the "celestial demolitions" fleet of the [[Cabal]] legions on Mars.
The '''Skyburners''' are the "celestial demolitions" fleet of the [[Cabal]] legions on [[Mars]]. They are mainly based around [[Phobos]], with limited deployment on [[Mars]].  


==Overview==
In the base game, they are only encountered during the final phase of the [[Cerberus Vae III (strike)|Cerberus Vae III]] and [[Dust Palace (strike)|Dust Palace]] [[Strike]]s. The Skyburners play a larger role in ''[[The Taken King]]'' expansion.
They are mainly based around [[Phobos]], seeing limited deployment on [[Mars]]. In the base game, they are only encountered during the final phase of the [[Cerberus Vae III]] and [[Dust Palace]] strikes.


==History==
==History==
===Early Campaigns===
===Early campaigns===
Initially the Skyburners are fought sparingly in the base game, only found guarding high value Cabal Commanders. When [[Valus Ta'aurc]]Ta'aurc dispatches the elite [[Ice Reapers]] to hunt down [[Rasputin]], the Skyburners accompany them as well. The Valus himself even used Skyburner soldiers as his personal guard until his assassination. In both cases however the Skyburners suffer total casualties. The Skyburners play a larger role in ''[[The Taken King]]'' as they are first encountered on [[Phobos]].  
{{Quote|The fate of the Cabal is as mysterious as Vertigo itself– the Guardians detected no catastrophic malfunction, no disease, and no bodies aboard any of the fully-supplied ships.|[[Vertigo]]}}
 
Initially, the Skyburners were fought sparingly, only found guarding high-value Cabal Commanders, such as the elite [[Ice Reapers]] dispatched to the [[Dust Palace]] to hunt down [[Rasputin]].{{citation needed}} [[Valus Ta'aurc]] himself even used Skyburner soldiers as his personal guard until his assassination in the attack to the [[Cerberus Vae III]].<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]] - [[Cerberus Vae III (strike)|Cerberus Vae III]]''</ref> In both cases, however, the deployed Skyburners suffered total casualties.
 
As a Scout Legion, the Skyburners once sent an expedition to [[Mercury]] on the site of [[Vertigo]], but later went missing due to unknown mysterious circumstances, with only their ships, weaponry, and supplies left intact at the location.<ref name="Vertigo">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] -  [[Grimoire:Activities/Crucible Arenas|Crucible Arenas]]: [[Grimoire:Activities/Crucible Arenas#Vertigo|Vertigo]]''</ref> Skyburner forces could also be found on the [[Shining Sands]] [[Sparrow Racing League|SRL]] track, although it is unclear if they were survivors of the Vertigo expedition team or a separate force.


===Attack on Phobos===
===Attack on Phobos===
[[File:CabalTaken.gif|thumb|300px|right|A Skyburner getting Taken]]
[[File:CabalTaken.gif|thumb|300px|A Skyburner getting Taken]]
When Oryx began blighting the system, the Skyburners were the first Cabal units to encounter the [[Taken]] after noticing strange activity. Shortly after, huge numbers of Skyburners were taken and made to fight their comrades forcing Legion commander, [[Primus Ta'aun]] to order a mass evacuation.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Ghost Scans]]: DNT-DE6-1</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[The Coming War]]''</ref>
{{quote|Whatever it was, it turned Cabal against Cabal, wiped out their base in minutes. How long would we last?|[[Commander Zavala]]}}


Ta'aun then sent a report written by his intelligence officers on the ineffectiveness of conventional Cabal forces against the [[Guardian]]s, and suggested that the technology aboard Oryx's [[Dreadnaught]] might be co-opted by the Cabal to nullify Guardian [[Ghost]] regeneration.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_4|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4]]''</ref> He also delivered reports of the massive casualties suffered [[Dust Giants]], [[Blind Legion]], and [[Sand Eaters]] Legions on [[Mars]]. This prompted the Cabal [[Dominus Ghaul|Emperor]] himself to order Primus Ta'aun and his [[Shield Brothers|bond brothers]] to board the Dreadnaught and kill [[Oryx, the Taken King]], by any means necessary.<ref name="GFC3">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_3|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 3]]''</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YClPCoRGeL8 '''Youtube''': Destiny The Taken King Reveal Livestream Tower Tour]</ref>  
When [[Oryx, the Taken King|Oryx]] began blighting the system, the Skyburners were the first Cabal units to encounter the [[Taken]] after noticing strange activity. Shortly after, huge numbers of Skyburners were Taken and made to fight their comrades, forcing Legion commander [[Primus Ta'aun]] to order a mass evacuation.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Ghost Scans]]: [[Ghost scan#Phobos|PHO-FBK-6]]''</ref><ref name="TCW">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[The Coming War]]''</ref>
 
Ta'aun then sent a report written by his intelligence officers on the ineffectiveness of conventional Cabal forces against the [[Guardian]]s and suggested that the technology aboard Oryx's [[Dreadnaught]] might be co-opted by the Cabal to nullify Guardian [[Ghost]] regeneration.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal|Cabal]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_4|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4]]''</ref> He also delivered reports of the massive casualties suffered [[Dust Giants]], [[Blind Legion]], and [[Sand Eaters]] Legions on [[Mars]]. This prompted the Cabal [[Dominus Ghaul|Emperor]] himself to order Primus Ta'aun and his [[Valus Mau'ual|bond]] [[Valus Tlu'urn|brothers]] to board the Dreadnaught and kill the Taken King, by any means necessary.<ref name="GFC3">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal|Cabal]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Ghost_Fragment:_Cabal_3|Ghost Fragment: Cabal 3]]''</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YClPCoRGeL8 '''Youtube''': Destiny The Taken King Reveal Livestream Tower Tour]</ref>


===Battle of Mars===
===Battle of Mars===
Shortly after receiving those orders, Ta'aun commanded the defense of one of the Cabal frontlines on [[Mars]] alongside one of his bond brothers, [[Valus Tlu'urn]]. Together they went from bunker to bunker to motivate their soldiers and call artillery fire upon the advancing [[Vex]]. As they took cover behind a destroyed [[Interceptor]] and fired upon their foes, Tlu'urn questioned if Ta'aun intended to follow through on his orders, arguing it was madness and suicide. As he pulled his bond brother out of the line of fire of several [[Hobgoblin]]s and back into cover, Ta'aun revealed to him that Ghaul himself had approved the order, shocking Tlu'urn. As a [[Minotaur]] breached their lines, Ta'aun unloaded his [[Heavy Slug Thrower|weapon]] onto it, screaming a war cry as he poured out his fears and concerns over the upcoming mission. As his legionnaires cheered the machine's destruction, Tlu'urn noted that they were only scouting legions and did not have the numbers for such a mission before suggesting that they mutiny. Although the prospect of doing so appealed to Ta'aun, he felt that refusing his duty would be worse than death and refused.<ref name="GFC3"/>
{{quote|"Mutiny," Tlu'urn whispers. "You should mutiny."<br>"No," Ta'aun says. Duty is victory. Mutiny is worse than death. Even if death seems certain.|Primus Ta'aun and Valus Tlu'urn}}
 
Shortly after receiving those orders, Ta'aun commanded the defense of one of the Cabal frontlines on Mars alongside one of his bond brothers, [[Valus Tlu'urn]]. Together they went from bunker to bunker to motivate their soldiers and call artillery fire upon the advancing [[Vex]]. As they took cover behind a destroyed [[Interceptor (Aircraft)|Interceptor]] and fired upon their foes, Tlu'urn questioned if Ta'aun intended to follow through on his orders, arguing it was madness and suicide. As he pulled his bond brother out of the line of fire of several [[Hobgoblin]]s and back into cover, Ta'aun revealed to him that Ghaul himself had approved the order, shocking Tlu'urn. As a [[Minotaur]] breached their lines, Ta'aun unloaded his [[Heavy Slug Thrower|weapon]] onto it, screaming a war cry as he poured out his fears and concerns over the upcoming mission. As his legionnaires cheered the machine's destruction, Tlu'urn noted that they were only scouting legions and did not have the numbers for such a mission before suggesting that they mutiny. Although the prospect of doing so appealed to Ta'aun, he felt that ignoring his duty would be worse than death and refused.<ref name="GFC3"/>
 
===Battle of the Dreadnaught===
[[File:Grimoire V5.3 1.jpg|thumb|300px|The Skyburners crashing the Dantalion Exodus VI into the Dreadnaught.]]
{{quote|It came from the Emperor Himself. I'm ordered to board and capture the Hive flagship. At any cost.|Primus Ta'aun}}
 
After the calamity of the [[Battle of Saturn]], the Skyburners crashed their warship, [[Dantalion Exodus VI]], into the Dreadnaught's hull and engaged in a protracted war of attrition deep behind enemy lines against the [[Hive]]. By establishing a beachhead, the Cabal were able to move deeper into the Dreadnaught and soon learned that Oryx could only be reached through a portal they called a "Rupture". Primus Ta'aun decided to lead a team to the coordinates. As the Primus pushed near the portal entrance, his team was assaulted by Oryx's forces, as well as flanked by a [[The Guardian|Guardian]], and the Primus himself was Taken.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Enemy of My Enemy]]''</ref>


===Battle of Dreadnaught===
The [[Darkness]] spoke to Ta'aun during the Taking process, declaring that he was free now of his duties and noting that his code and valor had not been enough. It offered him a "knife" to cut away his bonds of duty and love to stand on his own.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken|The Taken]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/The Taken#Primus Ta'aun|Primus Ta'aun]]''</ref> Now transformed into a Hand of Oryx, Ta'aun was paired with another Hand, the [[Taken Ogre]] [[Baxx, Hand of Oryx|Baxx]], and placed by Oryx to guard the Rupture that led to him. Later, Ta'aun was slain by the Guardian, freeing him of the Taken King's control.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Regicide]]''</ref>
After the calamity of the [[Battle of Saturn]], they crashed their warship, [[Dantalion Exodus VI]], into the Dreadnaught's hull, and protracted a war of attrition deep behind enemy line against the [[Hive]]. By establishing a beachhead the Skyburners were able to move deeper into the Dreadnaught and soon learned that Oryx could only be reached through a portal called a Rupture. Led by Primus Ta'aun, he sent a team to the coordinates. As the Primus pushed near the portal entrance only to be assaulted by the Taken and be Taken himself.<ref>'''Bungie (2015-9-15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Enemy of My Enemy]]''</ref>


The [[Darkness]] spoke to Ta'aun during the Taking process, declaring that he was free now of his duties and noting that his code and valor had not been enough. It offered him a "knife" to cut away his bonds of duty and love to stand on his own.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/The_Taken#Primus_Ta.27aun|Primus Ta'aun]]''</ref> Now transformed into a Hand of Oryx, Ta'aun was paired with another Hand, the [[Taken Ogre]] [[Baxx, Hand of Oryx|Baxx]], and placed by Oryx to guard the Rupture that led to him. Later Ta'aun was slain by the Guardians, freeing him of the Taken King's control.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Regicide]]''</ref>
===The Shield Brothers===
[[File:Shield Brothers.jpg|300px|thumb|The Shield Brothers enter the core of the Dreadnaught.]]
{{quote|So the Centurion's bond brothers are pretty angry they lost their commander. They're leading a team to blow up the Dreadnaught's core. Core goes... most of the system goes with it. You're going to make sure that doesn't happen.|[[Cayde-6]]}}


===Shield Brothers===
The Skyburners Legion continued to fight a hopeless war of survival aboard the Dreadnaught, all in the name of the mission that their Emperor placed upon them. Growing desperate, Ta'aun's chief lieutenants and Bond Brothers, [[Valus Mau'ual]] and [[Valus Tlu'urn]], launched an extreme plan to destroy the Hive and Taken by placing explosives on the Dreadnaught's power core. Whether to force the Hive into submission or to retrieve their lost Primus, whose final fate was unknown to them, the Brothers' plan of destruction would be powerful enough to create a blast capable of wiping out half the Solar System. Wishing to avoid this, the Guardians formed a strike team to disable the explosives before they could detonate. Reaching the core, the Guardians faced off against both brothers, who were determined to finish their mission and avenge their Primus. Despite their firepower and formidable tag teamwork, the Guardians prevailed against the Valuses and saved the System.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Shield Brothers]]''</ref>
The Skyburners Legion continued to fight a hopeless war of survival aboard the Dreadnaught, all in the name of their mission that their Emperor placed upon them. The fate of Ta'aun was unknown to his Bond Brothers. Growing desperate, Ta'aun's chief lieutenants and Bond Brothers, [[Valus Mau'ual]] and [[Valus Tlu'urn]], launched an extreme plan to destroy the Hive and Taken by placing explosives on the Dreadnaught's power core. Whether to force the Hive into submission or to retrieve their lost Primus, the Brothers plan of destruction would be strong enough to create a blast capable of wiping out half the Solar System. Wishing to avoid this, the Guardians formed a strike team to disable to explosives before they could detonate. Reaching into the core, the Guardians face off against both of the brothers who were determined to finish their mission and avenge their Primus. Despite their fire power and formidable tag teamwork, the Guardians prevailed against the Valus's and saved the System.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Shield Brothers]]''</ref>


The Guardians also disposed of their champion [[Valus Tau'ugh]]. The remaining Skyburners in desperation sent a distress call directed to the head of the Cabal Empire, [[Dominus Ghaul]], to inform him of their casualties and findings. Although the Guardians intercepted the signal, the message was received by the Cabal Empire.
===Legacy===
The Guardians also disposed of their champion [[Valus Tau'ugh]], who coordinated the defenses of the legion's wreckage. In desperation, the remaining Skyburners sent a distress call directed to the head of the Cabal Empire, Dominus Ghaul, to inform him of their casualties and findings. Although the Guardians intercepted the signal, the message had already been received by the Cabal Empire.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] - [[Outbound Signal]]''</ref>


Years later, the Cabal would ultimately answer the signal, leading to the beginning of the [[Red War]]. While severely diminished, the Skyburners survived long enough to see [[Ghaul]] arrive in the system. What became of them is unknown, but they considered their survival "victory enough."<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard,[[Skyburner's Oath]] lore description</ref>
Thanks to the information in this signal, the Cabal would develop a [[Traveler Cage|weapon]] that could suppress the [[The Traveler|Traveler]]'s [[Light]]. The Dominus himself would lead his [[Red Legion]] into the system, starting the [[Red War]] with an advantage thanks to the Skyburner's efforts. While severely diminished, the legion survived long enough to see Ghaul and his troops arrive in the system. What became of them is unknown, but they considered their survival "victory enough."<ref>'''Bungie (2017/9/6)''', ''[[Destiny 2]] - Item Description: [[Skyburner's Oath#Lore|Skyburner's Oath]]''</ref>


==Appearance==
==Appearance==
They can be identified by their teal and red armor. Their most unique feature is the crest on their helmets. They also possess the unique Psion Burner units which feature red armor and a curved spike on their helmets.
Skyburners can be identified by their teal and red armor. The legion's most unique feature is the crest on their helmets. They also possess the unique Psion Burner units, which feature red armor and a curved spike on their helmets.
 
==Notable members==
[[File:SkyBurnersGrimoire.jpg|thumb|200px|The Skyburners]]


==Notable Members==
[[File:SkyBurnersGrimoire.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Skyburners]]
'''Leadership'''
'''Leadership'''
*'''[[Primus Ta'aun]]''' <small>(formerly)</small>
*'''[[Ta'aun, Hand of Oryx|Primus Ta'aun]]''' <small>(formerly)</small>


'''Valus'''
'''Valus'''
Line 53: Line 74:


'''Bracus'''
'''Bracus'''
*[[Bracus Dra'usk]]
*[[Bracus Thra'aurg]]
*[[Bracus Thra'aurg]]
*[[Bracus Ma'aulh]]
*[[Bracus Ma'aulh]]
Line 63: Line 85:
*[[Bracus Horu'usk]]
*[[Bracus Horu'usk]]


==Unique Forces==
==Unique forces==
*[[Psion]] variants  
*[[Psion]] variants  
**[[Psion Burner]]
**[[Psion Burner]]


==Trivia==
==Gallery==
*The Skyburners were Cabal Legion that abandoned the [[Vertigo]] crucible map as their logo's can be seen around the map.
*Before Oryx's arrival, it was rumored the Skyburners were to be part of a "second fleet" meant to attack [[Earth]]. However with the [[Taken War]], this campaign was put on hold as they were redeployed to attack the Dreadnaught.
*The killcams spell the Legion's name as "Sky Burners" while the Grimoire cards and dialogue state the proper name as Skyburners. This could be a developer oversight.
*The Skyburners symbol is used for the first tier of [[The Inverted Spire]] [[Nightfall]] emblem in ''[[Destiny 2]]''.
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery perrow=3>
<gallery perrow=3>
TakenTaaun.jpg|Primus Ta'aun, Lost to Oryx
TakenTaaun.jpg|Primus Ta'aun, Lost to Oryx
Line 86: Line 102:
SkyburnersLogo2.jpg|Another Skyburner logo
SkyburnersLogo2.jpg|Another Skyburner logo
OutboundSignal.jpg|Skyburner signal sent to the Red Legion and Cabal Emperor.
OutboundSignal.jpg|Skyburner signal sent to the Red Legion and Cabal Emperor.
File:Ta'aun.jpg|Primus Ta'aun, Commander of the Skyburners
File:Colossus (Sb).jpg| A Skyburners Colossus.
File:Centurion (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners Centurion.
File:Legionary (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners Legionary.
File:Phalanx (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners Phalanx.
File:Psion (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners Psion.


Phobos Cabal transport ship by Dorje Bellbrook.jpg|Concept art of the Skyburner base
Phobos Cabal transport ship by Dorje Bellbrook.jpg|Concept art of the Skyburner base
SinkentoFleetbase.gif|Skyburner Fleetbase under Taken attack
Fleetbase.gif|Skyburner Fleetbase under Taken attack
D1Vertigo.jpg|Vertigo abandoned by the Skyburners
D1Vertigo.jpg|Vertigo abandoned by the Skyburners
</gallery>


File:Primus Ta'aun.jpg|[[Primus Ta'aun]], Commander of the Skyburners
==Trivia==
File:Colossus (Sb).jpg| A Skyburners [[Colossus]].
*The Skyburners were the Cabal Legion that abandoned the Vertigo [[Crucible]] map, as their logos can be seen around the area.
File:Centurion (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners [[Centurion]].
*The killcams spell the Legion's name as "Sky Burners" while the Grimoire cards and dialogue state the proper name as Skyburners. This could be a developer oversight.
 
*The Skyburners symbol is used for the first tier of [[The Inverted Spire]] [[Nightfall]] emblem in ''[[Destiny 2]]''.
File:Legionary (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners [[Legionary]].
*Before Oryx's arrival, it was rumored the Skyburners were to be part of a "second fleet" meant to attack [[Earth]].<ref name="Skyburners">'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] -  [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal|Cabal]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Cabal#Skyburners|Skyburners]]''</ref> However, with the [[Taken War]], this campaign was put on hold as they were redeployed to attack the Dreadnaught.
File:Phalanx (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners [[Phalanx]].
File:Psion (Sb).jpg|A Skyburners [[Psion]].
 
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 106: Line 127:
**''[[Rise of Iron]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Rise of Iron]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Forsaken]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Season of the Chosen]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
==References==
Line 111: Line 134:


{{Cabal}}
{{Cabal}}
{{Enemy Factions}}
{{Enemy factions}}


[[Category:Cabal]]
[[Category:Cabal]]
[[Category:Cabal Detachments]]
[[Category:Cabal legions]]

Latest revision as of 07:19, November 15, 2024

Skyburners
SkyburnersBannerHeader.png
Overview

Objectives:

Celestial Demolitions
Reserve Shock Fleet

Commander(s):

Primus Ta'aun
Valus Tlu'urn
Valus Mau'ual

Keep(s):

Fleetbase Korus
Dantalion Exodus VI

Deployed:

Mercury
Phobos
Dreadnaught

At war with:

Vanguard
Virgo Prohibition
Blood of Oryx
Taken

Allied with:

Dust Giants
Siege Dancers
Ice Reapers

 

"The second fleet will wait no longer. Commencement will begin on their arrival."
— Cryptarch translation of Skyburner chatter

The Skyburners are the "celestial demolitions" fleet of the Cabal legions on Mars. They are mainly based around Phobos, with limited deployment on Mars.

In the base game, they are only encountered during the final phase of the Cerberus Vae III and Dust Palace Strikes. The Skyburners play a larger role in The Taken King expansion.

History[edit]

Early campaigns[edit]

"The fate of the Cabal is as mysterious as Vertigo itself– the Guardians detected no catastrophic malfunction, no disease, and no bodies aboard any of the fully-supplied ships."
— Vertigo

Initially, the Skyburners were fought sparingly, only found guarding high-value Cabal Commanders, such as the elite Ice Reapers dispatched to the Dust Palace to hunt down Rasputin.[citation needed] Valus Ta'aurc himself even used Skyburner soldiers as his personal guard until his assassination in the attack to the Cerberus Vae III.[1] In both cases, however, the deployed Skyburners suffered total casualties.

As a Scout Legion, the Skyburners once sent an expedition to Mercury on the site of Vertigo, but later went missing due to unknown mysterious circumstances, with only their ships, weaponry, and supplies left intact at the location.[2] Skyburner forces could also be found on the Shining Sands SRL track, although it is unclear if they were survivors of the Vertigo expedition team or a separate force.

Attack on Phobos[edit]

A Skyburner getting Taken

"Whatever it was, it turned Cabal against Cabal, wiped out their base in minutes. How long would we last?"
— Commander Zavala

When Oryx began blighting the system, the Skyburners were the first Cabal units to encounter the Taken after noticing strange activity. Shortly after, huge numbers of Skyburners were Taken and made to fight their comrades, forcing Legion commander Primus Ta'aun to order a mass evacuation.[3][4]

Ta'aun then sent a report written by his intelligence officers on the ineffectiveness of conventional Cabal forces against the Guardians and suggested that the technology aboard Oryx's Dreadnaught might be co-opted by the Cabal to nullify Guardian Ghost regeneration.[5] He also delivered reports of the massive casualties suffered Dust Giants, Blind Legion, and Sand Eaters Legions on Mars. This prompted the Cabal Emperor himself to order Primus Ta'aun and his bond brothers to board the Dreadnaught and kill the Taken King, by any means necessary.[6][7]

Battle of Mars[edit]

""Mutiny," Tlu'urn whispers. "You should mutiny."
"No," Ta'aun says. Duty is victory. Mutiny is worse than death. Even if death seems certain."
— Primus Ta'aun and Valus Tlu'urn

Shortly after receiving those orders, Ta'aun commanded the defense of one of the Cabal frontlines on Mars alongside one of his bond brothers, Valus Tlu'urn. Together they went from bunker to bunker to motivate their soldiers and call artillery fire upon the advancing Vex. As they took cover behind a destroyed Interceptor and fired upon their foes, Tlu'urn questioned if Ta'aun intended to follow through on his orders, arguing it was madness and suicide. As he pulled his bond brother out of the line of fire of several Hobgoblins and back into cover, Ta'aun revealed to him that Ghaul himself had approved the order, shocking Tlu'urn. As a Minotaur breached their lines, Ta'aun unloaded his weapon onto it, screaming a war cry as he poured out his fears and concerns over the upcoming mission. As his legionnaires cheered the machine's destruction, Tlu'urn noted that they were only scouting legions and did not have the numbers for such a mission before suggesting that they mutiny. Although the prospect of doing so appealed to Ta'aun, he felt that ignoring his duty would be worse than death and refused.[6]

Battle of the Dreadnaught[edit]

The Skyburners crashing the Dantalion Exodus VI into the Dreadnaught.

"It came from the Emperor Himself. I'm ordered to board and capture the Hive flagship. At any cost."
— Primus Ta'aun

After the calamity of the Battle of Saturn, the Skyburners crashed their warship, Dantalion Exodus VI, into the Dreadnaught's hull and engaged in a protracted war of attrition deep behind enemy lines against the Hive. By establishing a beachhead, the Cabal were able to move deeper into the Dreadnaught and soon learned that Oryx could only be reached through a portal they called a "Rupture". Primus Ta'aun decided to lead a team to the coordinates. As the Primus pushed near the portal entrance, his team was assaulted by Oryx's forces, as well as flanked by a Guardian, and the Primus himself was Taken.[8]

The Darkness spoke to Ta'aun during the Taking process, declaring that he was free now of his duties and noting that his code and valor had not been enough. It offered him a "knife" to cut away his bonds of duty and love to stand on his own.[9] Now transformed into a Hand of Oryx, Ta'aun was paired with another Hand, the Taken Ogre Baxx, and placed by Oryx to guard the Rupture that led to him. Later, Ta'aun was slain by the Guardian, freeing him of the Taken King's control.[10]

The Shield Brothers[edit]

The Shield Brothers enter the core of the Dreadnaught.

"So the Centurion's bond brothers are pretty angry they lost their commander. They're leading a team to blow up the Dreadnaught's core. Core goes... most of the system goes with it. You're going to make sure that doesn't happen."
— Cayde-6

The Skyburners Legion continued to fight a hopeless war of survival aboard the Dreadnaught, all in the name of the mission that their Emperor placed upon them. Growing desperate, Ta'aun's chief lieutenants and Bond Brothers, Valus Mau'ual and Valus Tlu'urn, launched an extreme plan to destroy the Hive and Taken by placing explosives on the Dreadnaught's power core. Whether to force the Hive into submission or to retrieve their lost Primus, whose final fate was unknown to them, the Brothers' plan of destruction would be powerful enough to create a blast capable of wiping out half the Solar System. Wishing to avoid this, the Guardians formed a strike team to disable the explosives before they could detonate. Reaching the core, the Guardians faced off against both brothers, who were determined to finish their mission and avenge their Primus. Despite their firepower and formidable tag teamwork, the Guardians prevailed against the Valuses and saved the System.[11]

Legacy[edit]

The Guardians also disposed of their champion Valus Tau'ugh, who coordinated the defenses of the legion's wreckage. In desperation, the remaining Skyburners sent a distress call directed to the head of the Cabal Empire, Dominus Ghaul, to inform him of their casualties and findings. Although the Guardians intercepted the signal, the message had already been received by the Cabal Empire.[12]

Thanks to the information in this signal, the Cabal would develop a weapon that could suppress the Traveler's Light. The Dominus himself would lead his Red Legion into the system, starting the Red War with an advantage thanks to the Skyburner's efforts. While severely diminished, the legion survived long enough to see Ghaul and his troops arrive in the system. What became of them is unknown, but they considered their survival "victory enough."[13]

Appearance[edit]

Skyburners can be identified by their teal and red armor. The legion's most unique feature is the crest on their helmets. They also possess the unique Psion Burner units, which feature red armor and a curved spike on their helmets.

Notable members[edit]

The Skyburners

Leadership

Valus

Bracus

Centurion

Lost to Taken

Unique forces[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • Primus Ta'aun, Lost to Oryx

    Primus Ta'aun, Lost to Oryx

  • Valus Mau'ual, one of the Shield Brothers

    Valus Mau'ual, one of the Shield Brothers

  • Valus Tlu'urn, the other Shield Brother

    Valus Tlu'urn, the other Shield Brother

  • Valus Tau'ugh, the Skyburner Champion

    Valus Tau'ugh, the Skyburner Champion

  • Valus Tau'ugh blasting off to space

    Valus Tau'ugh blasting off to space

  • A Skyburner Harvester

    A Skyburner Harvester

  • A Skyburner flag

    A Skyburner flag

  • Another Skyburner logo

    Another Skyburner logo

  • Skyburner signal sent to the Red Legion and Cabal Emperor.

    Skyburner signal sent to the Red Legion and Cabal Emperor.

  • Primus Ta'aun, Commander of the Skyburners

    Primus Ta'aun, Commander of the Skyburners

  • A Skyburners Colossus.

    A Skyburners Colossus.

  • A Skyburners Centurion.

    A Skyburners Centurion.

  • A Skyburners Legionary.

    A Skyburners Legionary.

  • A Skyburners Phalanx.

    A Skyburners Phalanx.

  • A Skyburners Psion.

    A Skyburners Psion.

  • Concept art of the Skyburner base

    Concept art of the Skyburner base

  • Skyburner Fleetbase under Taken attack

    Skyburner Fleetbase under Taken attack

  • Vertigo abandoned by the Skyburners

    Vertigo abandoned by the Skyburners

Trivia[edit]

  • The Skyburners were the Cabal Legion that abandoned the Vertigo Crucible map, as their logos can be seen around the area.
  • The killcams spell the Legion's name as "Sky Burners" while the Grimoire cards and dialogue state the proper name as Skyburners. This could be a developer oversight.
  • The Skyburners symbol is used for the first tier of The Inverted Spire Nightfall emblem in Destiny 2.
  • Before Oryx's arrival, it was rumored the Skyburners were to be part of a "second fleet" meant to attack Earth.[14] However, with the Taken War, this campaign was put on hold as they were redeployed to attack the Dreadnaught.

List of appearances[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Bungie (2014/9/9), Destiny - Cerberus Vae III
  2. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Crucible Arenas: Vertigo
  3. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Ghost Scans: PHO-FBK-6
  4. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - The Coming War
  5. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Cabal: Ghost Fragment: Cabal 4
  6. ^ a b Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Cabal: Ghost Fragment: Cabal 3
  7. ^ Youtube: Destiny The Taken King Reveal Livestream Tower Tour
  8. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Enemy of My Enemy
  9. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - The Taken: Primus Ta'aun
  10. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Regicide
  11. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Shield Brothers
  12. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Outbound Signal
  13. ^ Bungie (2017/9/6), Destiny 2 - Item Description: Skyburner's Oath
  14. ^ Bungie (2015/9/15), Destiny: The Taken King - Cabal: Skyburners

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