The "Kremlin" of Kislevgrad. In the Kislevite tongue, "Kremlin" simply means "citadel"—a functional military fortress.
During the era of Kislev's Great Fragmentation before Perturabo's rise, the Church that ruled the ancient city of Kislevgrad had constructed a wooden stronghold atop a hill within the city. This provided a refuge for the clergy and commoners during times of war. This was the origin of the Kremlin: a fortress of defense.
Over centuries, as the Church's rule stabilized, this wooden citadel underwent several renovations to keep pace with changing eras. Finally, to bolster its defenses and proclaim the Church's might, the wooden structures were razed and rebuilt as a formidable fortress of brick and stone.
After Perturabo unified Kislev, this ancient citadel became his official residence. For the Iron Tsar, who detested extravagance, the unpretentious name "Kremlin" suited him perfectly.
Now, with Kislev's integration into the Imperium and the arrival of the Fourth Legion Astartes, the "Iron Warriors," this once-ordinary castle became one of the most powerful seats of authority in the Imperium.
"My Lord, this is the proposal for constructing the Legion's fortress-monastery in the mountains outside Kislevgrad. We intend for this stronghold to serve as the Legion's primary foothold on Kislev."
"All administration, recruitment, and other Legion affairs will be conducted there. In essence, this fortress will be our home on Kislev," Forrix reported. Having returned from Norsca, he presented several rolls of blueprints and documents to his genetic father, who sat behind a desk piled high with paperwork.
"It seems the design is appropriately functional. Beyond its duties of guarding Kislev and processing new recruits, it has no superfluous roles. Like Occam's Razor: entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity," Perturabo noted. He remained thoroughly satisfied with his First Captain.
"However," Perturabo continued, flipping through the blueprints, "while the exterior is austere, I believe the interior decorations should be more grand. The artistic skill of Kislev's craftsmen is no less than that of Terra's. I do not wish for their traditional artistry to be lost to time."
"You mean we should decorate the interior of the fortress? Like the murals in the monastery where you grew up?" Forrix asked, catching his father's meaning. He had seen the monastery of Perturabo's youth and had been struck by the ancient, haunting beauty of its murals.
"Exactly, Forrix. I have always been fond of those murals—or I would be, if they did not depict such hypocritical religious deities."
"Therefore, I want you to command the craftsmen to paint the Great Deeds of the Emperor in his unification of Terra. I want the new recruits and the citizens who work for the Legion to witness the greatness of the Master of Mankind through these overwhelming visuals."
"This shall be a long-term project. The painters must faithfully record the Fourth Legion's victories and achievements throughout the Great Crusade. Whenever the Fourth Legion conquers a significant world or exterminates a sinful xenos race, it must be added to the walls."
"In this way, the monumental legacy of the Great Crusade will be known to future generations. They will understand the price we paid and the efforts we made for the survival of humanity." Perturabo's voice carried a rare note of pride.
"I understand. I will record these requirements and relay them to the craftsmen for implementation," Forrix replied after a moment of reflection.
"Forrix, I once heard a story from Mr. Mikhail," Perturabo said slowly, as if wishing to share a personal insight with his son.
"I am listening, My Lord," Forrix replied immediately.
"According to Mr. Mikhail, Kislev's adoption of its faith was purely accidental," Perturabo said, his expression suggesting he found a certain intellectual enjoyment in the tale.
"Legend says that after the first Tsar of Kislev unified the land, he sought a religion for his people—a faith that could integrate a scattered and demoralized nation. He sent envoys to the most advanced nations of that time to observe their religions. When the envoys returned, their reports disappointed the Tsar."
"The religions of these other nations were either housed in dilapidated buildings or governed by such strict taboos that Kislevites would be forbidden from drinking wine or eating meat. Not one of them was acceptable to the Kislevite spirit."
"Just as the Tsar was falling into despair, the final envoy returned from the most powerful and advanced nation of all. According to them, the cathedrals of that land were magnificent and grand, and the murals were so exquisite that one felt as if they were already in heaven."
"Overjoyed, the Tsar ordered the entire nation to convert. He led by example, destroying the pagan idols of his ancestors and replacing them with icons and glorious murals."
Perturabo told the story with an air of gravity and age. Though the tale seemed strange, coming from the Iron Tsar, it took on a serious, historical weight.
"So, My Lord? You mean that... things as grand as murals are useful for spreading 'faith'?" Forrix asked with a hint of amusement.
"Precisely. That is exactly what Mr. Mikhail told me when he shared the story. He said that only magnificent murals and decorations can make illiterate peasants perceive the greatness of the Divine, allowing them to believe from the depths of their hearts."
"And now, I shall use the same method to ensure the people of Kislev understand the greatness of the Emperor and the grandeur of the Great Crusade." Perturabo nodded in affirmation.