The Styanax Leverian was the 9th exhibit to be released, and was unveiled with the debut of Styanax himself.
[50]
Drusus Leverian: "Styanax, the Hoplite. The spear-carrier. The shield-bearer. The hero.
"We all know the story of Styanax and Leviathan. How wily Aria outwitted the cult leader they called the Philanthropist and called her warframe ally down into the very heart of his monstrous laboratories.
"And no wonder: because these events did not happen in some distant epoch, in the times of the Orokin Fall, the Great Unravelling, the Age of Despots, or the Smaragdine Concord.
"They happened surprisingly recently."
[The Philanthropist]
Drusus Leverian: "We have so many monsters. Every child in Orokin times heard legends of the bellygaunt, the slather, and the venomous thrax. Those were only stories, but one was real.
"Its creator was dubbed 'the Philanthropist'. A Corpus renegade, he established a cult in a formerly desolate region, in a location which I have agreed to keep secret, to deter would-be looters and amateur archaeologists.
"The site was never abandoned, you see, and one person's historical curiosity is another's beloved home.
"With science, this 'Philanthropist' ensured ever-more bountiful harvests and secured himself both gratitude and worship. Legend says he would travel the System, seeking out… parentless children to… shelter… and… educate.
"But this apparent charity concealed a darker purpose."
[Tharros]
Drusus Leverian: "The shield of Styanax, emblematic of his vow to protect those in danger.
"Young Aria was certainly in danger, and well she knew it. Along with her older brother Darro, she was one of the Philanthropist's Chosen.
"When they came of age, they would be summoned for a ceremony called 'Ascension Day', at which they would be taken to dwell with the Philanthropist in eternal paradise.
"Certainly, none of those taken were ever seen again.
"I do not know how Styanax became Aria's protector.
"But I am certain Aria knew that when the Philanthropist came for her… her ally… would be waiting in the shadows."
[Leviathan]
Drusus Leverian: "This was the fate of the Chosen.
"To be merged together into a single monstrous mass.
"Leviathan.
"What possessed the Philanthropist to create such a… a travesty… we can only speculate.
"But we know that he had been studying the Infestation and that he believed warframes to be weak and obsolete.
"Perhaps he craved domination over others; perhaps he yearned to create new life. Life over which he alone… was god.
"Regardless, he was too much of a coward to pilot the thing himself.
"That was to be Aria's role.
"But Aria called upon Styanax, who – if the ruins of the temple roof are any indication – made an explosive appearance.
"Faced with the certainty of defeat, the Philanthropist clambered into Leviathan and took command of it."
[Styanax Synmora helmet]
Drusus Leverian: "Sketches of the Synmora helmet were discovered among Aria's possessions, implying Styanax had a different earlier appearance.
"Aria must therefore have been in contact with Styanax long before her Ascension Day, but how?
"There is a story that crops were found flattened in those fertile fields, in the shape of a lotus flower.
"Not easily visible from the ground but detectable by an automated satellite.
"Styanax was there to defend Aria, and defend her he did.
"Colossal fist met unyielding shield again and again; with agility and endurance, the warframe outpaced his towering foe.
"As the warframe and the monstrosity did battle, Aria saw a familiar face among the multitude.
"Her brother, Darro, his blank eyes showing no sign of recognition."
[Afentis]
Drusus Leverian: "As Styanax stuck and struck again with the Afentis, making little headway against the relentless Leviathan, a final desperate scream from Aria achieved the impossible.
"It awoke Darro.
"From out of those thousands of fused bodies, a single mind was suddenly saying 'No'.
"Latching his remaining arm around his tormentor's throat with the very last of his life's strength, the doomed Darro distracted the Philanthropist long enough for Styanax to act.
"One last act of love and protection. For his sister.
"But the warframe hesitated. It seems he understood the importance of Darro's rebellion.
"If one mind could turn upon its master… why not all of them?
"With but a gesture, he gave the captive minds their freedom.
"Suddenly awakened and aware of their hellish plight, the damned townspeople tore at the Philanthropist's exposed face, the Leviathan's body coming apart as arms broke free from the mass, clawing for revenge.
"Together they dragged the screaming Philanthropist down, rending and tearing.
"In that moment, we can be assured the Philanthropist knew the depth of his failure.
"His defeat.
"Without worshippers, a god… is nothing.
"And Styanax delivered the final, merciful stroke."
[Styanax]
Drusus Leverian: "Imagine the horror the non-Chosen felt in the aftermath.
"Fear, uncertainty, and above all, unquestioned habit had allowed a monster to flourish.
"Aria took over the cult and made it a community instead.
"They still thrive to this day. Or so it is claimed.
"Styanax is the story's hero, but it was Aria's courage that summoned him.
"All revolutions begin when one voice dares to say: 'I will not.' Somehow, across the dark reaches, Styanax saw that courage burning bright and swore… it would not stand alone.
"I would visit Aria's temple myself, but I am indisposed at present… a… long-standing condition.
"All donations are, of course, appreciated."
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