The Elysian Drop Troops are the Astra Militarum’s airborne specialists: regiments of volunteers who drop from high altitude by grav-chute or Valkyrie, hit a target hard, and vanish before the enemy can regroup. They’re the Imperium’s answer to fortifications that would stop a normal Guard assault dead.
Who they are
They come from Elysia, a green world about thirty light years from Armageddon, toward the galactic hub. The system sits on a busy trade route, and its gas clouds and asteroid fields make perfect ambush spots for Ork warbands and pirates.
Fighting those raiders for generations shaped the Elysians into natural ship-to-ship boarding troops. They’re comfortable operating with orbital support and hitting isolated pirate bases far from help.
How they fight
Drop regiments deploy from Valkyrie airborne assault carriers, often rappelling or jumping at high altitude. An entire regiment can drop en masse onto an objective, sowing confusion before the first boots hit the ground.
Once down, they ambush, seize key objectives, and keep going without resupply for extended periods. Their motto is simple: “From the skies!”
- Aerial assault and deep strikes behind enemy lines
- Boarding actions against ships and orbital stations
- Demolitions work, including the Cyclops remote demolition vehicle
- Long-range patrols with minimal logistical support
Recruitment and training
Most drop troopers are volunteers who’ve already served a full tour in the standard Elysian Planetary Defence Force. Training focuses hard on grav-chute deployment, combat drills, and survival skills.
When things get desperate, though, they’ve pressed conscripts into service. That happened during the Chaos Marine invasion of Elysia and the attack on Veyland Sinestre.
Gear and vehicles
Elysians favour lightweight kit built for dropping. Their signature transport is the Valkyrie, and they lean on grav-chutes for high-altitude insertions.
Demolitions gear is standard issue because boarding actions and anti-vehicle work are core parts of the job. The Cyclops demolition vehicle shows up often in those roles.
Notable regiments and campaigns
The 13th Elysian “Helldivers” are probably the best-known drop regiment, led by Colonel Johanna van Meer. The 23rd Elysian carry the regimental motto “From the skies!”
Elysian drop troops have seen action on Betalis III and against pirate and Ork threats across their home sector. Their willingness to drop into fortified positions makes them a go-to asset when a conventional assault would cost too much.
Key facts
- The Elysian Drop Troops are an elite airborne branch of the Astra Militarum, based on the world of Elysia.
- They deploy by grav-chute or from Valkyrie airborne assault carriers, often at high altitude.
- Their specialties include aerial assault, deep strikes, and ship-to-ship boarding actions.
- Recruits are typically volunteers with at least one full tour in the Elysian PDF.
- The 13th Elysian “Helldivers” and 23rd Elysian are among the best-known regiments.
- They’re trained heavily in demolitions, including use of the Cyclops demolition vehicle.
FAQ
What makes the Elysian Drop Troops different from other Imperial Guard regiments?
They specialize in airborne assault and deep strikes rather than massed infantry or armoured warfare. They drop from Valkyries or by grav-chute, hit objectives fast, and operate behind enemy lines without resupply for extended periods.
Where do the Elysian Drop Troops come from?
Elysia, a verdant world about thirty light years from Armageddon. Constant pirate and Ork raids in the surrounding space turned its people into skilled boarding and anti-raider fighters.
Do the Elysian Drop Troops only take volunteers?
Usually, yes. Most troopers have already served a tour in the Elysian PDF. But desperate situations, like the Chaos Marine invasion of Elysia, have forced them to deploy conscripts.