Research Notes of Scholiast Duns Scotus - PART 1

From Research Journal of Duns Scotus - An Investigation into the Moons of Hermeaus and its Connexion with the First Legion

Lord Kokabiel's generosity knows no bounds, granting me the privilege to delve deeper into the enigma that shrouds the bygone era of the Dark Angels, foremost of those being the Great Crusade. Such investigations are conducted with utmost confidentiality, reserved exclusively for those whose loyalty and commitment to the chapter are unquestionable. I am genuinely honored that Lord Kokabiel recognizes me as a man of such unwavering dedication and duty.
Unfortunately, my months of study here have revealed little that was not already uncovered early on. Though, perhaps confirmation of what was then mere speculation as fact is of great import by itself. I can now confirm, with my laborious study of what the archives we have managed to uncover, that the Moons of Hermeaus and Herma-Mora are indeed one and the same. I can also confirm that at some point during the Great Crusade the Dark Angels did fight some Xenos foe and bring this system into the Emperor's light.
The discrepancy between the officially documented colonisation of the system in M35 and the recently uncovered records remains a mystery at present. It is conceivable that the Great Houses intentionally propagated this myth to bolster the legitimacy of their rule. Alternatively, there's a chance that a significant portion, if not all, of the original population was lost at some indeterminate point after the Great Crusade, possibly during the Heresy, rendering the foundational myth essentially accurate in its core aspects. Nevertheless, all these considerations are speculative, and until fresh evidence emerges, they shall remain as such.
As to what these "Rangdan" are or were, I have had less success in determining. It is clear they were a Xenos race of some description and a powerful foe, but there has been little mention of them thus far in the recovered records. It is possible all mention of them was expunged; if so, it would take a high ranking tech-priest to recover the data, which is something Lord Kokabiel will not countenance. The Mechanicus are a scheming lot; loyal to the Emperor and his Imperium perhaps, but not to be trusted with the secrets of the chapter. If Lord Kokabiel himself knows more of these "Rangdan", he has not shared his knowledge; perhaps he will in time. It is not for me to concern myself with such thoughts.
There is one thing of interest that may be a possible avenue for future investigation. This city, Yith, and many like it were financed by House Vegelblud, one of the aforementioned Great Houses. They became incredibly powerful and wealthy from the pharmaceutical industries set up here. Perhaps it would be prudent to question House Vegelblud on this; they may know more about the history of this place. I am given to understand that contact has already been made with them, but whether they are to be interrogated further on this matter is a decision for my Lord Kokabiel.
I hear that a way further into the undercity has been found which will reach the oldest structures of the city. This is good; perhaps the cogitators there will be less damaged and less scrubbed of information. Though I must admit some trepidation as Ork warbands have once again been encountered, and the locals have become more aggressive in their attacks. I pity these creatures; clearly, the centuries of isolation since the opening of the Great Rift has debased them. They are little more than animals now; cannibalistic gangs roving and reaving in the more habitable parts of the city. Still, the increase in their aggression is concerning. It is as if they are defending something. Ha! It is an idle thought borne out of such depressing surroundings. I must put it out of my mind, less I dwell on it and become melancholic.