As a Brother Battle, Emerson Long battled the worst that the Symbiots could throw at Stigmata, and always came out on top. This changed, however, when a regent appointed Baroness Carmetha Decados head of the planet's garrison. Carmetha immediately took most of the troops off planet to help her house in the Emperor Wars. The Brother Battle contingent and a number of Eskatonic priests were all that was left to defend the planet.

For several years this made no difference, but then, as if they knew the planet's defenders were gone, the Symbiots launched a massive assault. The remaining troops lost years of progress in a month as Symbiot abominations roamed freely over the planet, attacking where and when they chose. Giant living dirigibles sprayed the world with virulent puss which seemed to spread upon touching the ground. Brother Battle fortresses fell to Symbiots who looked almost human, but whose differences revolted anyone who looked upon them. The Symbiots attacked relentlessly, rolling back humanity's defenders onto the plains of Durem and besieging the military headquarters at Sylan.

Long was among the Brother Battle warriors holding off the initial attack, and his bold leadership is one of the main reasons the legion has held out as long as it has. He now leads the remaining regiments in the defense of Sylan against the ongoing siege.

A tall, solid warrior, Long commands respect. He cares little for small talk and conducts his missions with grim resolve and dedication. He is rarely seen out of his ceramsteel battle armor, and carries his sword with him at all times.