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Astra Militarum - Deathstrike Missile Launcher: The Deathstrike Missile Launcher is a massive one-shot missile launcher. Another variant of the Chimera chassis, it sports a colossal long-range missile that delivers the largest payload of explosives on a target of any weapon commonly used by the Imperial Guard. Used only in situations where total destruction of an enemy and the surrounding environment is warranted, a Deathstrike Missile Launcher can carry multiple warheads including every type of missile ordnance from thermonuclear Titan-killing warheads to warheads outfitted with bio-weapons. Its most destructive weapon is the Vortex Warhead that can only be used if approved by Segmentum Command. Traditionally the Deathstrike Missile Launcher carries a large plasma-enhanced thermonuclear charge that can incinerate entire armies in a single blast, along with most of the surrounding environment. |
Astra Militarum - Griffon: The Griffon is a self-propelled heavy mortar. Based on a Chimera chassis, this cheap artillery option is very effective. The Griffon is a close relative of the Basilisk, replacing the Earthshaker cannon with a heavy mortar. Used as a close support for infantry attacks and during sieges to throw shells over enemy walls. The mortar shells fired by the Griffon are extremely heavy and their trajectory means they can bury themselves in the ground before exploding, if the fuse is set correctly. This reduces the blast radius, making this type of explosion less dangerous to infantry but devastating against buildings and bunkers, whose foundations can collapse, bringing the building down with it. |
Astra Militarum - Manticore Missile System and Manticore Missile Tank: The Manticore is one of the most feared units in the Imperial Guard. It is an anti-personnel weapon which is highly effective against Orks and some Tyranid bioforms. The Machine Spirit (i.e. technological reliability) of the Manticore is so unpredictable that its rockets may not fire, even when given the proper blessing, or sometimes all four rockets will launch at once unexpectedly. The Manticore has only 4 shots and reloading is a time-consuming process. This unpredictability makes the Manticore a danger to all those around it, including friendly units. Once during a siege of a major fortress the defenders surrendered at just the sight of a single Manticore. Moments later the fortress was destroyed by the rockets of the Manticore all going off at the same time. Clearly this vehicle is dangerous to everyone except the crew inside it. The Manticore Missile Tank has its main rocket weapons mounted on a Chimera chassis so that it can be mobile. |
Astra Militarum - Medusa: The Medusa is a siege cannon designed to crack open enemy bunkers or blast a breach into an enemy fortress. It is a very high-powered for of explosive artillery and excellent for piercing armour, but the cannon possesses only a very short range. A Medusa is usually fielded with heavy infantry support to protect its vulnerability to infantry and armour assaults. Unlike the Griffon which can fling its shells over a curtain wall, the Medusa fires heavy shells directly into the walls, turning them into rubble and dust and opening a breach for assaulting infantry to attack through. The Medusa is often regarded as an aging warhorse whose time has passed. It is no longer regarded as an important or necessary part of an armoured force. It lacks the range of a Bombard, Manticore or Basilisk, or the thick armoured protection of a Demolisher of Thunderer. Because of this, Medusa's are no longer a common vehicle amongst the Imperial Guard. They are generally only used when Demolishers are in short supply. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Regiments (Militarum Regimentos): The Imperial Guard is as infinite in its variety as the Imperium itself, and the war zones across which it fights are quite literally as numerous as the stars in the sky. Ten thousand standard years of war on such a scale has seen enough valiant heroes pass into darkness that no memorial could successfully commemorate their loss. Individual names are as meaningless in this eternal battle as the oceans of paperwork responsible for sending these soldiers totheir unsung deaths, but the archives of Terra overflow with regiments whose contribution to the Imperial Guard has been considered worthy of permanent record.In the turbulent years following the mass rebellions of the Horus Heresy, the newly raised regiments of the Astra Militarum were eager to prove their loyalty. Such zealous dedication was coupled with a burning desire for revenge against those who had turned Traitor, leading many Loyalist regiments to perform great and glorious deeds. The thunderous charge of the Ritterghast 18th against the Cult of the Emperor Dethroned, the capture of Petrov's Fastnessby three companies of Janiverden Tunnelrats, and the final destruction of Lord Morloth's Chaos Terminator retinue under the guns of eleven thousand Vespertine Guard, all are deeds commemorated upon dust-smothered scrolls of honour.Yet the regiments of past millennia do not hold a monopoly on deeds of legend. During every age of the Imperium, countless worlds have produced companies of men and women who have earned reputations for excellence and heroism. Even today, in the Imperium's darkest hour, there are those regiments who stand above all others in the selfless valour of their deeds. However such regiments earn their name, they are vital assets for any Imperial commander. Their mere presence provides inspiration for their more parochial comrades, and can mean the difference between victory and defeat.With few exceptions, badly mauled Imperial Guard forces are merged to form composite regiments. Where possible, the formations in question are from the same world, as was the case when the Cadian 12th and 78th were merged after the fall of Ice Hive Magnox, forming the 12th/78th Cadian Shock Troops. Sometimes, two very different regiments are combined with unexpected benefits, as happened with the 182nd Catachan and 90th Elysian Drop Troops, the combined regiment named as the 314th Prosan. Despite an initial clash of cultures, the new regiment became expert in airmobile jungle warfare after being issued Valkyries during the Saikong Justification Wars. However, the unthinking sublimation of regimental remnants can prove disastrous. During the liberation of Seraph's Fall, tensions between elements of the Necromundan 86th and Savlar 14th saw their entire regiment dissolve into barbarous internecine warfare after their Commissars were lynched. The rebellion was eventually brutally suppressed by several Cadian regiments, but not before the feuding regiment's running gun-battle blew an entire supply depot sky high.Almost every Militarum Regimentum also has its own armoured, artillery and mechanised infantry regiments, with markings similar to those worn by their foot soldiers.The following section represents a small selection of the more notable forces to have served in the Astra Militarum. For a complete list of all known regiments of the Imperial Guard and its predecessor, the Imperial Army, please see List of Imperial Guard Regiments. |
Astra Militarum - Armageddon Steel Legion: Armageddon is a Hive World of the Segmentum Solar, an Imperial planet covered in vast polluted industrial wastelands broken up by hive cities, huge Human arcologies stretching kilometres into the sky. True to its name, Armageddon has been the site of three apocalyptic battles between the Imperium and its enemies, most recently a pair of invasions by the Ork Warboss Ghazghkull Thraka.As a result, the Imperial Guard regiments raised from Armageddon, known as the Armageddon Steel Legion, are highly skilled in combat against Greenskins. The Steel Legion's soldiers are siege experts and masters of attrition, driving their wounded enemies back across the ash wastelands of the planet after they have suffered severe casualties.Armageddon produces many armoured fighting vehicles for the Imperium, such as Chimera APCs. As such, the Armageddon Steel Legions are primarily mechanised infantry, employing Chimera armoured personnel carriers, Hellhounds and several variants of the Leman Russ main battle tank.Commissar Yarrick is the best known hero of the Steel Legion, and he is greatly feared by the Orks for having ripped off an Ork Warboss' Power Klaw with his bare hands -- hence the fact that Yarrick is the only Human Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka respects.In appearance, the Armageddon Steel Legion's regiments resemble the real world German Fallschirmjäger (paratroops) deployed by Nazi Germany during World War II. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Armageddon Steel Legion Regiments: Armageddon Ash Wastes Militia - Fought in the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 16th Steel Legion - In 776.M36 the 16th Armageddon Steel Legion Regiment put down a rebellion by a Chaos Cult on the world of Cassell called the Way of the Emperor's Flesh in less than 6 hours.Armageddon 47th Steel Legion - Served with distinction in the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 69th Steel LegionArmageddon 87th Steel LegionArmageddon 91st Steel Legion - The 91st served at Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 93rd Steel Legion- The Armageddon 93rd Legion fought with distinction in the Third War for Armageddon at the Mannheim Gap.Armageddon 101st Steel Legion - The 101st acted as the command regiment at the Battle of Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 121st Steel Legion - The 121st served at Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 116th Steel LegionArmageddon 141st Steel Legion - The 141st Steel Legion fought in the defence of the hive city of Palonious during the Third War for Armageddon, where they suffered heavy casualties. They were eventually reinforced by the Salamanders Chapter of Space Marines. During the battle around the Eumenides Bridge, the regiment was nearly destroyed by a large force of Orks of the Blackskulls Tribe as they migrated out of the Diablo Mountains. With the assistance of the Salamanders, the bridge was saved and the Greenskins were pushed back towards the mountains. The remnants of the regiment were then used to reinforce the 252nd Armageddon Steel Legion Regiment.Armageddon 273rd Steel Legion- The 273rd Steel Legion Regiment fought at the Battle of Helsreach during the Third War for Armageddon.Armageddon 276th Steel Legion - The 276th Steel Legion Regiment fought in the ash wastes of Armageddon where, in 963.M41, the 3rd Company discovered the remains of a shattered Ork Gargant left over from the Second War for Armageddon and secured it with the help of the regiment's 4th Company. They did so in the face of heavy Ork counterattacks from the Ork tribes that had remained on Armageddon after the conclusion of the Second War.Armageddon 8th Super Heavy Tank Company - The Armageddon 8th Super Heavy Tank Company was an amoured company of the Imperial Guard raised on Armageddon that was equipped with Stormsword super heavy main battle tanks and then employed them against the Orks during the Third War for Armageddon. |
Astra Militarum - Cadian Shock Troops: The regiments of the Cadian Shock Troops of the Imperial Guard are famous throughout the galaxy for constantly proving themselves in the arena of battle. Their leader was the Lord Castellan, the position held by Ursarkar E. Creed, the currently missing hero of the battle for Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade.Cadia had always been an Imperial Fortress World, charged with guarding the great Warp rift of the Eye of Terror.The population of Cadia before its destruction during the 13th Black Crusade were all destined for a military life; the birth rate and Imperial Guard or Planetary Defence Forces' recruitment rate on the world were practically synonymous. Many Cadians survived the destruction of their world by the forces of Abaddon the Despoiler to settle elsewhere in the Cadian Gate region. In the Era Indomitus they still fight for the Emperor and now teach their tactics and standards to many other Astra Militarum regiments which carry on the Cadian way of war.Cadian regiments are highly disciplined, make excellent shots and use elite troops called Kasrkin to lead their attacks. Such is the reputation of the Cadian Shock Troops that many other regiments mimic their appearance and equipment, although their doctrines may differ.In game terms, the model for Cadians is the standard model used for all Imperial Guard troopers, consequently making them the Imperial Guard's equivalent of the Ultramarines, who serve as the model for all standard Space Marine Chapters. |
Astra Militarum - History of Cadia: Cadia had a special and honoured place in the history of Mankind. Cadia stood upon the very edge of the Eye of Terror within a narrow corridor of stable space called the Cadian Gate.This formed the one and only predictable passage between the Chaos-infested Daemon Worlds of the Eye of Terror and Imperial space. No enemy battle fleet of any size can rely upon other unstable passages through the Eye of Terror and must pass through the Cadian Gate. Cadia was therefore one of the most strategically important planets of the galaxy.On several occasions the forces of Chaos moved against Cadia and raging battles were fought in the depths of space. Such huge battles were rare, but the constant intrusion of Chaos raiding craft was commonplace for over ten thousand standard years. Now that Cadia has been lost, its broken surface belongs to the forces of Chaos, but its survivors fight on.Chaos Space Marines made frequent forays onto the surface of Cadia and had to be hunted down. The bulk of the Cadian army was made up of the Shock Troops, with the remainder made up of the Whiteshields (conscript soldiers recruited at the age of 14 and trained to take place in Shock Troop regiments) and the elite Kasrkin soldiers. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Cadian Shock Troops Regiments: 7th Cadian, "The Lucky Sevens"8th Cadian, "The Lord Castellan's Own" - Led personally by the Cadian Lord Castellan Ursarkar E. Creed during the 13th Black Crusade39th Cadian, "Xenobane"89th Armoured Cadian - Possess the famous Baneblade "Steel Lord"110th Cadian, "Shadow Corps"122nd Cadian - Distinguished themselves in the Vogen Campaign412th Cadian - Featured in the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War expansion Winter Assault417th Cadian, "Hellbringers" |
Astra Militarum - Catachan Jungle Fighters: Catachan is an Imperial Death World almost completely covered in dense jungle where it seems the entire ecosystem is hostile to Human life. Catachan's only export is its people, who through natural selection are bred tough and strong from living on such a dangerous world.Catachan Jungle Fighters are among some of the deadliest experts on jungle warfare in the entire galaxy and their reputation precedes them. They make use of many close combat weapons, including the "Catachan Fang", a knife measuring up to 20 inches of gleaming steel, which is the most common melee weapon. It is also used for settling disputes between Catachans.Another knife is the Night Reaper, which is smaller and blackened, effective for use in night infiltration and assassinations. They are sometimes poisoned to improve their kill strength, the poisons coming directly from Catachan's deadly flora and fauna.The Devil's Claw, named after the Catachan Devil, is the longest Catachan weapon, up to four feet long. It is closer to a sword than a knife and has achieved status among the Orks who call it "Da Cutta" with respect. The blade is hollow and half filled with mercury in order to improve swing strength and control, and the design of this weapon has been copied by Catachan regimental officers for use as a power weapon.The Catachans also make extensive use of traps, mines and other unpleasant surprises. They use traps, spring mines, shredder mines and plasma charges, each specialising in killing certain types of troops. The most skilled Catachan Jungle Fighters are capable of launching deadly ambushes, remaining unseen in the foliage and appearing only when they want to attack.Due to their tactics and the terrain which they specialise in, the Catachan Jungle Fighters do not use any armoured vehicles save for the Sentinel walker which is modified for jungle warfare. They also use fewer heavy weapon teams than a standard Astra Militarum force, and those that they do have favor mortars and Heavy Bolters.This tendency leaves them undergunned compared to other Imperial Guard regiments, but their weaponry is optimal for their preferred style of combat.Catachan Jungle Fighters, as a whole, bear similarities to the real world Rambo movie series of the 1980's, complete with red headbands, and to a lesser extent, Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movies Commando and Predator.Catachan Jungle Fighters closely resemble members of the United States Army and Marine Corps during the Vietnam War of the 1960's and 1970's, which involved a great deal of jungle combat in Southeast Asia. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Catachan Regiments: Catachan 24th Jungle Fighters, "Waiting Death" - Use of extensive traps, using "baiter" squads to lure the enemy onto the traps.Catachan 18th Jungle Fighters, "Swamprats" - Attacked a Tyranid horde, masked themselves in Tyranid ichor and successfully wiped out the Tyranids. They then had to spend two years on a decontamination ship.Catachan 17th Jungle Fighters "Screaming Devils" - Led by Captain Thorn, including famous sniper, Sniper Dell, who won the Silver Bullet seven years in a row.Catachan Jungle Fighters 22nd Airborne Assault Group - Led by Colonel Paseski, combined with the 1139th Orbital Attack Group, known for their extensive use of Valkyries. |
Astra Militarum - Death Korps of Krieg: The Death Korps of Krieg is the name given to all of the Astra Militarum regiments that originate from the devastated, post-nuclear Death World of Krieg in the Segmentum Tempestus.Krieg was the site of a rebellion against the Imperium of Man over 1,500 standard years ago in the 40th Millennium and was bombarded with nuclear weapons followed by 500 standard years of grinding warfare to purge the heretical rebels.After all those years of nuclear destruction and bitter trench warfare, Krieg was reduced to a scorched, radioactive husk of a world composed of dust and mud whose surviving people were forced to retreat into underground hive cities to survive the toxic planetary environment.The Death Korps of Krieg are siege specialists and those regiments raised on Krieg seek to repent for their former treachery against the Imperium by displaying a disturbing disregard for their own lives in combat. Death Korps troops excel at wars of attrition and defensive combat in particular.They bear a strong resemblance to the real world Imperial German Army in World War I, in tactics (trench warfare) as well as appearance. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Death Korps Regiments: 83rd Death Korps Infantry Regiment - The "inspirational founder" of the modern Death Korps, Krieg's 83rd Imperial Guard regiment was commanded by the legendary Colonel Jurten at the onset of the planet's civil war when he initiated the "Purging," the nuclear armageddon unleashed upon his homeworld that turned Krieg into a ravaged Death World, which later served to shape the character of its people forever.127th Death Korps Infantry Regiment - The Death Korps 127th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the reconquest of the world of Baran in 224.M41. The Exodites of this former Eldar Maiden World had been overrun 300 standard years earlier by the Orks of WAAAGH! Arbuttz. The 127th was granted the right of conquest of this world as they were the sole regiment assigned there.127th Death Korps 993rd Infantry Regiment - Commanded by Colonel Trymon Stagler, the 993rd Death Korps Infantry Regiment was deployed to Tarsis Ultra in 998.M41 to take part in the defence of this Imperial world from the encroachment of a tendril of Hive Fleet Leviathan.3rd Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 3rd, 5th and 15th Siege Regiments were assigned to the 1st Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, which was assembled to take part in the notorious campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. Eventually, the 3rd Siege Regiment was withdrawn with the rest of the remaining units of the 1st Line Korps in 828.M41.5th Death Korps Siege Regiment15th Death Korps Siege Regiment19th Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 19th Siege Regiment was also assigned to the 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, which was assembled to take part in the notorious campaign known as the Siege of Vraks, but was subsequently destroyed during the intense fighting.101st Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps' 101st Siege Regiment was assigned to the 11th Assault Korps of the 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, taking part in the notorious campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 101st Siege Regiment remained with the 11th Assault Korps throughout the campaign on Vraks Prime and was eventually withdrawn when the planet was neutralised in 830.M41.143rd Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 143rd, along with the 149th and 150th Siege Regiments, were assigned to the 12th Line Korps of the 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, taking part in the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 143rd Siege Regiment was the first Death Korps of Krieg regiment to land on Vraks. The 149th and 150th Siege Regiments were finally withdrawn when the Chaotic forces on the planet were neutralised in 830.M41.149th Death Korps Siege Regiment150th Death Korps Siege Regiment158th Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 158th Siege Regiment was assigned to the 12th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, taking part in the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 158th Siege Regiment was eventually disbanded during the fighting on Vraks, due to sustaining a high number of casualties, which rendered it incapable of being a cohesive and effective unit.179th Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 179th Siege Regiment was assigned to the 12th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, taking part in the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 179th Siege Regiment withdrew from the fighting on Vraks in 828.M41, along with the rest of the remaining units of the 8th Assault Korps.261st Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 261st Siege Regiment was assigned to the 30th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, taking part in the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. In 830.M41, under the command of Colonel Tyborc, the 261st Siege Regiment was assigned the suicidal mission of taking the main gates of the citadel of Vraks of the Apostate Cardinal Xaphen in the first assault. Attacking at three points along the walls after a massive artillery barrage, the 261st sent wave after wave of infantry companies. At the lower gates, remnants of five companies from the first attack wave succeeded in reaching the walls, only to be broken by a counter-attack of Chaos Space Marines and a number of Daemon Engines. Ultimately, the 261st Siege Regiment was destroyed in the fighting and the survivors were folded into three other Death Korps regiments of the 30th Line Korps (the 262nd, 263rd and 269th Siege Regiments). Colonel Tyborc was promoted to an esteemed position on the 88th Siege Army Staff and the assault was continued, carried out by the 269th Siege Regiment.262nd Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 262nd, 263rd and 269th Siege Regiments were assigned to the 30th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The regiments served with the 30th Line Korps throughout the intense fighting on Vraks and were finally withdrawn from the planet when the Forces of Chaos occupying it were neutralised in 830.M41.263th Death Korps Siege Regiment269th Death Korps Siege Regiment268th Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 268th Siege Regiment was assigned to the 30th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. In 830.M41, the 269th Siege Regiment took over the final assault on the Citadel of Vraks after the first wave was decimated in two days of intense fighting. The 268th Siege Regiment was assigned to attack the Undercroft, hoping to gain access to the gates through the catacombs beneath the citadel. Over eight days of fighting saw the regiment utterly destroyed, with only negligible gains.291st Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 291st, 308th, 309th and 310th Siege Regiments were assigned to the 34th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The regiments with the 34th Line Korps throughout the intense fighting on Vraks and were finally withdrawn from the planet when the enemy was neutralised in 830.M41.308th Death Korps Siege Regiment309th Death Korps Siege Regiment310th Death Korps Siege Regiment468th Death Korps Siege Regiment - The Death Korps 468th, 469th and 470th Siege Regiments were assigned to the 46th Line Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 46th Line Korps was rotated into the fighting and attached to the 88th Siege Army late in the campaign.469th Death KorpsSiege Regiment470th Death Korps Siege Regiment3rd Siege Artillery Regiment - The Death Korps 3rd, 4th and 8th Siege Artillery Regiments were assigned to the 19th Bombardment Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. They were withdrawn from Vraks along with the rest of the remaining units of the 19th Bombardment Korps in 828.M41.4th Siege Artillery Regiment8th Siege Artillery Regiment19th Siege Artillery Regiment - The Death Korps 19th, 22nd and 23rd Siege Artillery Regiments were assigned to the 21st Bombardment Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The regiments remained with the 21st Bombardment Korps throughout the fighting on Vraks Prime and were finally withdrawn when the enemy forces occupying the planet were neutralised in 830.M41.22nd Siege Artillery Regiment23rd Siege Artillery Regiment231st Siege Artillery Regiment - The Death Korps 231st Siege Artillery Regiment was assigned to the 8th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 231st remained with the 8th Assault Korps throughout the intense fighting on Vraks until it was finally withdrawn when the enemy forces occupying the planet were neutralised in 830.M41.497th Siege Artillery Regiment - The Death Korps 497th Siege Artillery Regiment was assigned to the 11th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 497th remained with the 11th Assault Korps throughout the fighting on Vraks and was finally withdrawn when the enemy forces occupying the planet were neutralised in 830.M41.23rd Mechanised Regiment - The Death Korps 23rd Mechanised Regiment took part in the Cleansing of Radnar Hive.1st Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 1st Armoured Regiment took part in the Atria Wilderness Campaign.2nd Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 2nd Armoured Regiment took part in the notable Third War for Armageddon Imperial campaign against the massive Ork WAAAGH! of Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka.18th Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 18th Armoured Regiment took part in the Barbarius Campaign. This regiment in known to contain Mars Pattern Chimeras armed with Multi-Lasers.19th Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 19th Armoured Regiment took part in the Taros Campaign on the Imperial desert Mining World of Taros from the Tau Empire and its Kroot and human (Gue'vesa) allies of the Taros Planetary Defence Force in 998.M41. The 19th was assigned to the 4621st Imperial Army, XI Corps. The XI Corps was ordered to assemble after the X Corps had departed and to act as the second wave for the invasion, in the event the campaign on Taros had collapsed before the 19th Armoured Regiment arrived.21st Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 21st Armoured Regiment took part in the Vorenz III Campaign with a Thunderer Siege Tank in the command squadron of the 3rd Company.22nd Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 22nd Armoured Regiment contains several companies comprised primarily of Leman Russ Battle Tanks.28th Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 28th Armoured Regiment was a part of the Galan V Expedition Force.76th Armoured Regiment - The Death Korps 76th Armoured Regiment was a notable Armoured Regiment that contains a Leman Russ Vanquisher called Loyalty utilised by Commissar Konstantin Garrick.7th Tank Regiment - The Death Korps 7th Tank Regiment was assigned to the 8th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 7th Tank Regiment was withdrawn from Vraks along with the rest of the remaining units of the 8th Assault Korps in 828.M41.11th Tank Regiment - The Death Korps 11th Tank Regiment was assigned to the 8th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 11th Tank Regiment was transferred to the 11th Assault Korps when the rest of the 8th Assault Korps was transferred from the Vraks warzone in 828.M41.14th Tank Regiment - The Death Korps 14th Tank Regiment was assigned to the 8th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. The 7th Tank Regiment was withdrawn from Vraks along with the rest of the remaining units of the 8th Assault Korps in 828.M41.61st Tank Regiment - The Death Korps 61st and 66th Tank Regiments were assigned to the 11th Assault Korps, 88th Siege Army in 812.M41, during the infamous campaign known as the Siege of Vraks. These two regiments remained with the 11th Assault Korps throughout the fighting on Vraks Prime, until they were eventually withdrawn from the planet when it was neutrlised in 830.M41.66th Tank Regiment1st Heavy Tank Company - The Death Korps 1st Heavy Tank Company, known as the "Emperor's Loyal Shield," fought in the Cleansing of Radnar.13th Heavy Tank Company - The Death Korps 13th Heavy Tank Company took part in the Galan V Expedition when it was attached to the Death Korps 28th Armoured Regiment. |
Astra Militarum - Elysian Drop Troopers: Elysian Drop Troops are the premier airborne assault infantry regiments of the Astra Militarum who are recruited from the verdant world of Elysia in the Segmentum Solar, 30 light years from the world of Armageddon.The Elysian Drop Troop regiments make extensive use of aircraft and elite soldiers plunging from the skies directly into battle. These regiments' true advantage lies in their speed, unpredictability and the unrivalled ability to attack anywhere on the battlefield, at any time.The Elysian Drop Troops are known for their rapid deployment capabilities using Airborne Troop Carriers called Valkyries, and they deploy from these aircraft by rappelling or making use of Grav-Chutes at high altitudes. Elysian Drop Troopers are able to strike deep into enemy territory, and so are unable to field any heavy ground vehicles during missions.While this may be the case, the Elysians do make use of a number of light vehicles including the Tauros rapid assault vehicle, the modified Drop Sentinel, Cyclops Demolition Vehicle, and Sentry Gun batteries.The Elysians make use of Valkyries, Vulture gunships, and the air support of the Imperial Navy's Aeronautica Imperialis to make up for their lack of heavy armour. Using their Valkyries and Grav-Chutes, the Elysians can capture objectives rapidly by dint of overwhelming force and their close-range firepower.Elysian Drop Troop regiments often rely on demo-charges and special weapons for tank-busting. Vultures, Valkyries and Imperial Navy aircraft pack fearsome amounts of firepower, and swooping over the battlefield they can target just about anything.Tactical flexibility is the Elysians' true advantage over most other forces, and there are few tactical situations, other than a drawn-out planetary siege, that the Elysians cannot counter quickly and effectively.The Elysian Drop Troops are a very specialised force. Being drop troops, Elysians lack many of the heavy weapons needed to defeat the enemy's heaviest equipment and vehicles. As their primary armaments are simple Lasguns, Elysian Drop Troops cannot afford to sit back and engage in prolonged firefights with an enemy either.Elysian Drop Troops do not engage the enemy in a conventional stand-up fight. Instead, they seek to take objectives by rapid, hard-hitting attacks and then hold them with grim determination and the selective targetting of enemy threats. Casualties will often be high for Elysian regiments as a result of this strategy, but that is the price drop troop regiments pay for their extreme mobility. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Elysian Drop Troops Regiments: 1st Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - This Elysian Regiment is a part of Ultima Segmentum's strategic reserve of Imperial Guard Regiments waiting for rapid deployment against any emerging threat to the Imperium. The vaunted 1st Elysian Regiment has a long and glorious tradition, having fought in the Emperor's cause across the galaxy; including having fought against heretic rebellions around the Eye of Terror, the Orks of WAAAGH! Urgok and Eldar pirates in the Barbarius Sector.9th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Participated in the Veridian Prime Campaign, against the Tyranids of Hive Fleet Kraken.12th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Fought in the Third War for Armageddon.13th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment, "Helldivers" - The Elysian 13th Drop Troops have gained something of a heroic reputation amongst the regiments of the Spinward Front, having emerged from seemingly impossible odds on multiple occasions. Dubbed the "Helldivers" for their tendency to descend upon the enemy from above and leave destruction in their wake, the Elysian 13th are the subject of overblown tales and flights of fancy amongst the masses. The Departmento Munitorum has only encouraged this tendency, reporting whenever possible the victories of the 13th publicly, along with those of the other Imperial Guard regiments whose exploits will bolster morale.15th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Participated in the Yarant II Campaign.16th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Participated in the defence of Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade.22nd Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Participated in the Yarant III Campaign, the Skopios Incident and the Cathalin Crusade.23rd Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - The 23rd Regiment formed part of the Imperial Taros Expeditionary Force to combat Tau aggression which had seen those duplicitous aliens seize that mineral-rich mining world. The regiment's part of the campaign was codenamed "Operation Comet" aimed at capturing and holding the planet's largest water processing plant. The 23rd Regiment also took part in the assault on Fort Moros and were awarded a regimental citation for their actions. During the desert battles of the Taros Campaign the 23rd Elysian Regiment was wiped out in the battle for Hydro-Processing Plant 23-20 by Tau forces during Operation Comet when they were surrounded and cut off three days after initially capturing the plant.41st Elysian Drop Troops Regiment, the "Angel Guard" - Participated in the 13th Black Crusade.158th, 101st, and 16th Elysian Drop Troops Regiments - All of these Elysian Regiments participated jointly in the 13th Black Crusade.64th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - The 64th Elysian Regiment was wiped out during the Ill-fated Fifth Ymgarl Insertion.72nd Elysian Storm Troopers - Destroyed in combat against the Word Bearers Traitor Legion on Tanakreg.89th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Fought an Ork WAAAGH! on Elysia itself during an Ork assault.99th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment/Detachment D-99 - Fought against the Tyranids of Hive Fleet Kraken; the 99th Regiment made repeated combat drops in the defence of the Imperial planets of Moloch, Hamman's World and Moran. The survivors, a single, over-strength company, were amalgamated into the small Imperial Guard unit designated Detachment D-99 and seconded to the forces of the Inquisition by Lord Inquisitor Varius. Subsequently, Detachment D-99 served during the Inquisition's mission to Beta Anphelion IV to investigate a Tyranid outbreak at a secret Adeptus Mechanicus xenological research facility.101st Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Participated in the 13th Black Crusade.110th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Defeated the Ocanan XV Traitor Guard Regiment.133rd Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - Destroyed in combat against the Word Bearers Traitor Legion on Tanakreg.158th Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - During the massive Chaos invasion of the 13th Black Crusade, the 158th Elysian Regiment was sent to reinforce the defenders if St. Josmane's Hope in the Cadia System. The regiment's arrival proved insufficient to stem the tide of the Chaos force's advance. The 158th was almost destroyed in heavy fighting before St. Josmane's Hope itself was destroyed to prevent it from falling into the enemy's hands.181st Elysian Drop Troops Regiment - This regiment was diverted from the defence of the Forsarr Sector against the encroachment of the Ork WAAAGH! Garaghak to assist the Raven Guard Space Marines in a raid against the Orks' manufacturing base on the world of Kastorel-Novem. The regiment was all but annihilated in the attack. |
Astra Militarum - Harakoni Warhawks: The Harakoni Warhawks are elite airborne Astra Militarum regiments raised up from the Imperial world of Harakon, a low-gravity planet with tall hive cities. The Harakoni use grav-gliders to hunt vapourwyrms in the valleys below their hives. This makes them fearless of altitudes and great at judging air currents.Their specialised abilities have found a home in the Imperial Guard where regiments drawn from Harakon act as elite drop troops. Their generations-old adaptation to adverse gravity levels leaves the Harakoni Warhawks predisposed to excel at Grav-Chute drops into planetary combat zones from orbit.This style of combat also increases the Warhawks' tendency to partner with elite Storm Trooper squads and make greater use of small-unit tactics over those preferred by standard line troopers of the Astra Militarum.The Harakoni wear Carapace Armour, use rebreathers during a planetary drop to breathe in the ultra-thin atmosphere at high altitudes, and use folding stock Las-Carbines or kinetic Autoguns.Many an Imperial general or Warmaster owes their decorations to the bravery and experience of the regiments drawn from the Harakoni Warhawks. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Harakoni Warhawks Regiments: 31st Harakoni Regiment, the "Helldivers"- The 31st Harakoni Regiment, the "Helldivers," fought in the multi-military campaign against the various enemies of mankind during the Fall of Medusa V in 999.M41. They fought against T'au forces throughout the campaign on the Mining World of Medusa V.32nd Harakoni Regiment - Two battalions of the 32nd Harakoni deployed in support of the Imperial campaign on the world of Shardenus during the Purge of Contqual Sub-Sector. They were granted the honour of leading the Imperial Guard assault on the primary Hive City of Shardenus Prime as described above. During the subsequent fighting, the 32nd Harakoni died to a man. |
Astra Militarum - Moebian Regiments: The Moebian Regiments are the regiments of the Astra Militarum raised from the worlds of the Moebian Domain in the Segmentum Solar, though the majority call the domain's capital Hive World of Atoma Prime home. |
Astra Militarum - Mordian Iron Guard: The Mordian Iron Guard are the superbly-drilled and accoutred regiments of the Imperial Guard that hail from the Hive World of Mordian. This bleak world is tidally-locked with its sun, which causes one side of it to always be bathed in perpetual darkness while the other is continuously bathed in its star's radiation, leaving it a scorched and lifeless wasteland.As such, all Human settlements on Mordian are located on the world's dark side, and the planet has well-earned its moniker as the "World of Eternal Night." The people of Mordian are grim and dour by nature, respecting only discipline and duty. Their regiments are fiercely loyal to their cause: the prosecution of the Emperor's enemies.In battle, these highly-disciplined soldiers present perfectly formed ranks of troops to the enemy, unleashing precisely timed volleys of las-fire from behind a hedge of bayonet points.Some enemies of the Emperor have been misled by the Mordians' elaborate and ornate uniforms to believe they were facing amateurs, only to find the bright uniforms contain tough, steely-eyed and implacable warriors of the Imperium.The Mordian Iron Guard bear a slight resemblance to the real world Prussian Army under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in the late 19th Century. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Mordian Iron Guard Regiments: 2nd Mordian Regiment - The Mordian 2nd took part in the famous Macharian Crusade fought between 392.M41 and 399.M41. They achieved a monumental victory during the Invasion of Jucha.3rd Mordian Regiment - The 3rd Mordian is the most decorated regiment in their homeworld's proud history of service to the Imperium. One of their more notable campaigns occurred during the defence of Hive Barbarossa against WAAAGH! Dregruk, when the 3rd Mordian faced a horde of barbaric Orks at the Battle of the Marble Garden.10th Mordian Regiment- The Mordian 10th fought in the 13th Black Crusade in 999.M41.11th Mordian Regiment - The Mordian 11th fought in the Sabbat Worlds Crusade.26th Mordian Regiment - The Mordian 26th took part in the Fall of Medusa V campaign, serving under Lord Marshal Graf Harazahn of the Vostroyan Firstborn, supreme commander of the Imperial forces engaged on that doomed world.56th Mordian Regiment - The Mordian 56th proved instrumental in defeating the rebels during the Komarl Revolt in 999.M41. This Iron Guard regiment executed ten percent of the remaining population of Komarl for failing in their duty to the Emperor. The fear of further reprisals from the Mordian garrison left on Komarl ensured no additional further recidivism.12th Mordian Armoured Regiment - The Mordian 12th Armoured are a fine example of the customary discipline and rigourous drills of the Mordian Iron Guard. They are a regiment comprised of 15 companies, each consisting of 13 Leman Russ Battle Tanks, with the command tank in each company a rare variant of the mighty vehicle, such as a Leman Russ Vanquisher or Leman Russ Executioner. The crews of the 12th are trained to an exacting standard, and understand their roles and duties well enough to require only the most cursory supervision by their tank's commander. This, at least, is the theory. The Mordian 12th are untried and untested except in the mock battles of their training, fought through the cavernous holds of the troop transport Deliverance during the regiment's transit to the Calixis Sector. Recently moved from the reserves muster on Kalf to the eternally-dark battlegrounds of Nox on the Spinward Front, the 12th have yet to face more than a brief skirmish, against enemies wise enough to withdraw in the face of the brutal might of an Imperial armoured regiment. While each is a veteran of the constant conflicts on their homeworld, their skills as vehicle crew are still fresh from training, and have not yet been tempered by the realities of battle.16th Mordian Armoured Regiment - The Mordian 16th Armoured Regiment is a notable armoured regiment of Mordian Iron Guard who have earned multipel battle honours in the Emperor's service.278th Mordian Armoured Regiment - The Mordian 278th Armoured took part in the Battle for Baric Six when it lost two entire armoured companies due to a Deathstrike Missile Launcher stolen by Ork Lootas.3rd Mordian Heavy Tank Company - The 3rd Mordian Heavy Tank Company is known to include a Mars Pattern Shadowsword (possibly known as Alpha Three) as the third tank of the company, although the rest of the company is a mix of Baneblades, Shadowswords and Stormblades. It is possible that Alpha Three has had two confirmed Titan kills. |
Astra Militarum - Praetorian Guard: Praetoria is a heavily populated Hive World that lies in a star system close to the Imperial naval base at Bakka. The overpopulated hive cities of Praetoria are renowned for their rigid class divide and severe squalor and degradation in the lower classes, and produce some of the toughest gangsters on any of the hive worlds in the Imperium.Imperial Guard regiments raised on Praetoria, known as the Praetorian Guard, are renowned for their iron discipline, by-the-book drilling and unshakeable bravery, even in the face of the most overwhelming odds.In real world game terms, the Mordians originally used Praetorian bodies with different sculpted heads and a few have changed poses. The Praetorians were introduced following the Games Workshop Games Day display "Massacre at Big Toof River," where a substantial Imperial Guard force was annihilated by an enormous Ork horde in a similar style to the British defeat at the Battle of Isandhlwana by the Zulus in 1879.Despite this crippling loss, the Praetorians fought back at the "Last Stand at Glazer's Creek," where they, supported by local militia and allied Ratlings, fought off a rampaging Ork horde in a battle similar to the British-Zulu conflict at the Battle of Rourke's Drift.It is fitting, then, that the Praetorians are based on British colonial soldiers typical of those found in Africa during the late 19th Century. This is further reflected by the fact that their most common enemies are Feral Ork tribes -- who function as a grotesque parody of the Zulu warriors. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Praetorian Guard Regiments: V Praetorian Guard - In 999.M41, the Praetorian V fought in the valiant defence of Cadia and its surrounding star systems during the 13th Black Crusade from the Forces of Chaos commanded by Abaddon the Despoiler.XXXV Praetorian Guard - The Praetorian XXXV alongside its sister regiment, also took part in the massive Imperial defence of the Cadian Gate during the 13th Black Crusade.XXIV Praetorian Guard - The Praetorian XXIV was commanded by Captain Caine and fought at the infamous battle known as the Massacre at Big Toof River, where they were wiped out to a man by a massive Ork WAAAGH! |
Astra Militarum - Tanith First-and-Only (Gaunt's Ghosts): The Imperial Guard regiment known as the Tanith First and Only, officially called the Tanith 1st Regiment but better known as "Gaunt's Ghosts", is a regiment that was raised from the world of Tanith in the Sabbat Worlds Sector.The regiment has been heavily engaged in the combat to retake the Sabbat Worlds from the forces of Chaos during the Sabbat Worlds Crusade. The regiment's nickname originally came about as a result of the name of their commanding officer, Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt, and the disenfranchised status of the original Tanith soldiers after their homeworld was destroyed.Only about 3,000 troops were rescued from the planet by Colonel-Commissar Gaunt before it was destroyed. It has proved to be a nickname with great descriptive power for the regiment, as the Verghastite personnel who joined the regiment to provide replacements and reinforcements also considered themselves "ghosts" due to the destruction of their former home, the hive city known as Vervunhive on the world of Verghast during the crusade.The regiment as a whole is also noted for its uncanny skill at stealth and reconnaissance missions. A second commissar, Commissar Hark, eventually joined the unit under Gaunt's command.The soldiers of the Tanith 1st are excellent light infantry and scouts, and as such are known to dress in cloaks made out of cameoline for camouflage. |
Astra Militarum - Tallarn Desert Raiders: The Tallarn Desert Raiders are exceptional at guerrilla-style warfare, having adapted to the harsh conditions of their home planet. They are highly skilled at desert and mobile armoured warfare.The Desert Raiders are mobile guerrilla fighters, evasive and opportunistic. They are especially known for their lightning-quick Sentinel and hard-hitting tank squadrons and are masters of hit-and-run mobile warfare. They love to strike a killing blow at the heart of an enemy formation before returning to their own lines, prepared to pounce once more.The people of Tallarn are extremely resourceful and pragmatic. They are patient, determined and utterly ferocious in pursuit of their enemies. The Tallarn are all accomplished riders, and often will use riding mounts to move from battle to battle, dismounting only when they are close to the enemy and wish to employ stealth.Once the enemy is sighted, the Tallarn will stalk them closely, relying on their practiced marksmanship and lightning-quick curved combat knives to achieve victory.Tallarn Desert Raiders have a slightly Arab-like appearance, but influences have also been taken from other real world sources, such as the North African campaigns of World War II. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Tallarn Desert Raiders Regiments: Tallarn Desert Raiders 3rd Regiment, the "Desert Tigers" - Fought throughout the Macharian Crusade (392-399.M41) alongside the 4th and 5th Tallarn Regiments. Subsequently it was all but destroyed fighting under the command of the Imperial Warmaster Solon. On the planet of Kallastin the regiment took part in a hard but successful war against mutant human rebels, receiving a commendation from the Inquisition.Tallarn Desert Raiders 4th Regiment - Fought throughout the Macharian Crusade alongside the Tallarn 3rd and 5th Regiments.Tallarn Desert Raiders 5th Regiment - Fought throughout the Macharian Crusade alongside the Tallarn 3rd and 4th Regiments.Tallarn Desert Raiders 12th Regiment - Fought in the Cursus War on Tallarn in the 40th Millennium. When the Tallarn uncovered a mysterious Chaotic artefact during the construction of an arterial tunnel on their homeworld, they unearthed the Cursus of Alganar, a legendary mythical Gateway of the Gods that actually served as a potent Warp Gate into the Immaterium and the Realm of Chaos. This discovery forced the Craftworld Aeldari to act, and they attacked the Tallarn in full force. Before the Cursus could be sealed, the gateway opened and the Cursus poured the indescribable minions of Chaos from its Warp portal. The human commander called a truce and worked in concert with the Eldar forces to turn back and defeat the gibbering horde of Daemons. The Aeldari departed in peace, and the people of both races exchanged promises of friendship, a true rarity in normal interactions between Mankind and other races.Tallarn Desert Raiders 16th Regiment - Fought the Eldar on the Desert World of Holon Prime (762-765.M35). Having great difficulty dealing with the speed and flexibility of the Eldar forces, a Tallarn commander devised an ingenious idea to overcome this disadvantage. He ordered his regiment's Chimeras to have their armour stripped down, giving his Desert Raiders a highly mobile transport to carry them across the vast dunes of Holon Prime. The advent of this newly-designed vehicle was instrumental in the defeat of the Eldar forces. Since this engagement the Tallarn 16th Regiment's First Patrol Company has been known as the "Gravediggers."Tallarn Desert Raiders 17th Regiment - Fought during the Taros Campaign (998.M41). The Tallarn 17th Regiment had the honour of being the first Imperial troops on the ground, following the destruction of the planet's orbital defence facilities by the Raptors Space Marine Chapter. The regiment was completely destroyed during their retreat from the Tarosian capital city of Tarokeen. Many of the survivors from the regiment had been scattered by the defending Tau forces and were captured. They were condemned to forced labour by working the mines of Taros. The few survivors of the regiment that managed to escape aboard the evacuation ships were eventually reassigned to the Tallarn 331st Regiment. The Taros Campaign ultimately ended in failure for the Imperium and a great victory for the T'au Empire.Tallarn Desert Raiders 54th Regiment - The Tallarn 54th fought alongside the Steel Confessors Space Marine Chapter. This Chapter is known for being utterly intolerant of physical or mental weaknesses in others. An incident occurred when the Chapter actually destroyed the Tallarn 54th, for its "failure to achieve objectives."Tallarn Desert Raiders 82nd Regiment - The Tallarn 82nd Regiment lost about half their number when they engaged a force of Orks. The remaining survivors were rolled into the Tallarn 892nd Regiment.Tallarn Desert Raiders 89th Regiment - Fought in the Annukani Campaign in the 39th Millennium. Also, one of its infantry companies took part in the Taros Campaign (998.M41). The campaign ended in failure, as the regiment was destroyed by Tau forces during its retreat from Tarokeen alongside other Imperial forces. Those few scattered survivors were captured by the Tau and forced to work the mines they had taken over on Taros. The few survivors that managed to escape aboard the evacuation ships were reassigned to the Tallarn 331st Regiment, a relatively new regiment which also participated in the Taros Campaign, emerging relatively unscathed.Tallarn Desert Raiders 331st Regiment - Fought in the Taros Campaign in 998.M41. This newly formed regiment managed to emerge relatively unscathed from the failed campaign against the T'au. After the conflict the 331st received survivors from both the Tallarn 17th and 89th Tallarn Regiments as replacements for their losses.Tallarn Desert Raiders 441st Regiment - Fought in the Fall of Medusa V Campaign in 999.M41. The 441st Regiment was stationed along the heavily fortified trenchline known as the Mortise Line. Along with the Tallarn 442nd Regiment, the 441st was sent into the desert beyond their line to investigate strange reports of unidentified creatures who turned out to be a WAAAGH! of Orks.Tallarn Desert Raiders 442nd Regiment - Fought in the Medusa V Campaign in 999.M41. The 442st Regiment was station along the heavily fortified trenchline known as the Mortise Line. Along with the Tallarn 441st Regiment, the 442nd was sent into the desert beyond their line to investigate strange reports of unidentified creatures that were falling from the sky in ever increasing numbers, who turned out to be an invading WAAAGH! of Orks.Tallarn Desert Raiders 892nd Regiment - The Tallarn 892nd was created from the remnants of two decimated Tallarn units (the 82nd "Shantani of the Dust," and the 351st "Derv'sh Blades of the Imperium").Tallarn Desert Raiders 3rd Armoured Regiment - The 3rd Armoured fought during the Taros Campaign (998.M41). The 3rd Regiment was effectively destroyed during that action, having lost all of their combat vehicles and much of their equipment during the retreat from the Tarosian capital of Tarokeen. The Tallarn 3rd Armoured Regiment would be reconstituted in the aftermath with the survivors of their regiment and the 12th Tallarn Armoured Regiment. The Taros Campaign ultimately ended in failure for the Imperium.Tallarn Desert Raiders 9th Heavy Tank Regiment, the "Blue Devils" - The 9th Heavy Tank Regiment is known for using primarily Baneblade super heavy tanks. They paint their vehicles in desert yellow with a sky-blue camouflage. The commanders of this regiment are known for riding in the turret, exposing themselves to obtain a panoramic view of the battlefield, waving their curved chainswords to inspire their men to greater acts of courage.Tallarn Desert Raiders 12th Armoured Regiment - The 12th Armoured fought during the Taros Campaign (998.M41). The 12th Armoured was effectively destroyed during that action, having lost all of their combat vehicles and much of their equipment during the retreat from the Tarosian capital of Tarokeen. The survivors of the 12th Tallarn Armoured Regiment would be reconstituted into the Tallarn 3rd Armoured Regiment. The Taros Campaign ultimately ended in failure for the Imperium. |
Astra Militarum - Terrax Guard: The Terrax Guard are the elite regiments of the Imperial Guard raised on the world of Terrax, the site of a major Schola Progenium facility, the Schola Excubitos.The Schola Progenium train many Imperial agents for war, most notably the elite Storm Troopers and commissars, and their methods are rigorous and effective.The tithed regiments raised on Terrax have been trained under the auspices of the Schola Excubitos and are truly moulded in its image almost as an entire regiment of commissars. |
Astra Militarum - Valhallan Ice Warriors: Valhalla was originally a verdant paradise world. No records survive of its colonisation by Humans, but legends recall a world ripe for conquest. Unfortunately, Valhalla was destined for catastrophe.A rogue comet entered into a collision course with the world. The planet's defence lasers fired at the comet, but only succeeded in breaking it up. Later, it was found that the comet was made of almost pure iron, rather than the more typical conglomeration of ice and rock, which explained why the lasers were so ineffective.The comet impacted in the world's vast ocean, but a kilometre-wide fragment impacted the northern continent, creating vast plumes of dust which proceeded to cover the planet in a blanket of dirt.To make matters worse, the planet's orbit was changed, moving it farther away from its sun. This change in the amount of warmth and light altered Valhalla's ecosystem permanently, changing the planet to an icy wasteland, the most well-known of the Imperium's Ice Worlds.The people struggled to make a living, fearing famine due to a lack of viable farmland. Unfortunately, this was not the end of Valhalla's troubles. A damaged Ork warfleet descended on the planet and proceeded to fight the Valhallans for the precious food they had stored. The Valhallans held out bravely for a long time in their vast hive cities beneath the ice but were pushed right back to the food vats.Eventually they destroyed the Orks by using ice-boring machines to strategically strike at the heart of the Greenskin mob, burning and melting most of the Orks and scattering the rest. Regiments of Valhallan Ice Warriors have been assigned to planets infested with Orks due to their intimate knowledge of Ork tactics and their dogged determination in the face of defeat, where other armies might run.Valhallan Ice Warriors resemble the real world Soviet Red Army during World War II in both their capabilities fighting in extreme low-temperature conditions and their sheer durability and tenacity. Famously, the Commissar Ciaphas Cain served with the Valhallan 597th Regiment. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Valhallan Ice Warriors Regiments: 18th Valhallan Regiment, "Tundra Wolves" - At its founding strength, the 18th Valhallan "Tundra Wolves" Regiment consisted of over 120,000 Guardsmen.23rd Valhallan Regiment - The 23rd Valhallan are known to wear steppe fatigues and are often deployed to service on worlds characterised by large swathes of grasslands and other steppe terrain.54th Valhallan Regiment - The 54th Valhallan Regiment is known to have fought against the Forces of Chaos during the 13th Black Crusade in 999.M41.93rd Valhallan Regiment - The 93rd Valhallan Regiment fought in the Soldane Campaign in the 38th Millennium.222nd Valhallan Regiment - The 222nd Valhallan Regiment was first formed during the Ork invasion of Valhalla and proved instrumental in the valiant defence of their homeworld.It has remained in continuous service for almost 10,000 standard years, providing it one of the deepest regimental cultures and histories in the entire Imperial Guard.296th/301st Valhallan Regiment - The Valhallan 296th and 301st Regiments both fought with the Reclaimers and the Swords of the Emperor Chapters against the Tyranids at Corania and later merged to form the 597th Valhallan Regiment.319th Valhallan Regiment - The 319th Valhallan Regiment was part of the Imperial force that responded to the invasion of the Imperial world of Cressida by the Forces of Chaos. They formed the rearguard when the planet was evacuated prior to being virus-bombed.597th Valhallan Regiment - The Valhallan 597th Regiment was formed from the merger of the 296th and 301st Valhallan Regiments in 931.M41, and was famous for being the home regiment of the notable Commissar Ciaphas Cain for many years.1212th Valhallan Regiment, "Cold Bloods" - The "Cold Bloods" were raised for service during the Eastlight Nebula Wars, but their first battle was among their last. With their supply and logistics lines overstretched, only one in every three Guardsmen in the 1212th were issued a Lasgun. Their first mission saw a forced-march across the frozen and toxic wastelands of Triox against a larger force of Traitors. Despite their survival skills, only half the Ice Warriors made it across the plains to assault the Traitors' flank. Once again displaying the sheer tenacity of the Ice Warriors, many of the Valhallan Guardsmen recovered weapons on the fallen and in the end decisively defeated the enemy forces.8th Valhallan Armoured Regiment - The 8th Valhallan Armoured Regiment is known to include Leman Russ Demolishers and fought on Sallan's World. The regiment also possessed a Leman Russ Executioner which fought in the advance on Sallan's Point. This armoured regiment also includes a Destroyer Tank Hunter which was put on sentry duty defending a fuel or ammunition dump during the Sallan's World campaign.14th Valhallan Armoured Regiment - The 14th Valhallan Armoured Regiment took part in the Gravalax Incident under the command of Lord General Zyvan.28th Valhallan Armoured Regiment - The 28th Valahallan Armoured Regiment is a highly honoured unit amongst Imperial Guard armoured regiments, and is allowed to display a red Aquila symbol. It includes at least one Leman Russ Vanquisher which is the second vehicle of the first squadron of the 1st Company. The 28th Armoured also includes a Leman Russ Exterminator as the third tank, fourth squadron, 4th Company. Also, the regiment possesses a Leman Russ Conqueror which has subtle camouflaging unlike the other tanks in its company or squadron. The 28th Armoured is known to have taken part in the Retreat to the Auriga Parallel on the Ice World of Adhara. The Valhallan 1st Heavy Tank Company is attached to the 28th Armoured.58th Valhallan Armoured Regiment - There is little recorded information on this armoured regiment in current Imperial records.193rd Valhallan Armoured Regiment - The Valhallan 193rd Armoured Regiment includes a Stygies VIII Pattern Leman Russ Vanquisher and took part in the Defence of Canaan's World.1st Valhallan Heavy Tank Company - The 1st Valhallan Heavy Tank Company includes a Mars Pattern Shadowsword super-heavy battle tank, which is the third vehicle of the company. The company is normally attached to the 28th Valhallan Armoured Regimen |
Astra Militarum - Vostroyan Firstborn: The Vostroyan Firstborn is the name given to the regiments of the Imperial Guard that originate from the industrial Hive World of Vostroya located near the Halo Stars beyond the galactic rim in the Segmentum Obscurus. The Vostroyan regiments have served the Emperor for countless centuries, though in truth they fight to absolve themselves of a terrible shame incurred by their ancestors over ten millennia ago when, during the dark days of the Horus Heresy, Vostroya failed in its duty to the Emperor of Mankind.When the galaxy was consumed in war and anarchy, the Emperor commanded that worlds still loyal to the Imperium send forth troops to help defend it against the Warmaster Horus and his Traitor Legions. Vostroya refused, arguing that it could better serve the Imperium by continuing to devote all its efforts to the manufacture of weapons for the Emperor's armies, and that to give up so much of its populace to become warriors for the Imperial Army would render it incapable of producing those weapons in sufficient quantities.The Vostroyans' refusal to provide soldiers was met with uncommon mercy by the Imperium once the Heresy had ended, and the people of Vostroya have forever after sought to atone for their mistake, promising to provide the first-born son of every Vostroyan family to the service of the Imperial Guard.Despite the black mark on their people's history, the Vostroyans now consider it an honour to fight for the Emperor, and view other more reluctant regiments with disgust.The Vostroyans first came to prominence during the Fall of Medusa V in 999.M41. The Vostroyans' Carapace Armour is mildly based on the armour worn by the Russian Cossacks, and the Vostroyan culture itself is inspired by that of the 19th Century Russian Empire. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Vostroyan Firstborn Regiments: 5th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 5th Vostroyan Regiment was commanded by none other than Lord Marshal Graf Harazahn, the supreme commander of the Imperial forces on Medusa V during the Fall of Medusa V campaign. The regiment defended Hive Euryales against the Forces of Chaos' assault tactics before the Warp Storm known as Van Grothe's Rapidity overwhelmed the planet.7th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 7th Vostroyan Regiment defended Hive Euryales on Medusa V alongside Lord Marshal Graf Harazahn and the 5th Vostroyan Regiment during the Fall of Medusa V campaign.9th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment, "The Old Irascibles" - Earning their name the "Old Irascibles" through hundreds of battles, the vaunted 9th Vostroyan Regiment served for three and a half centuries during the late 41st Millennium. The 9th Vostroyan became one of the most veteran formations in the Segmentum Obscurus, before finally meeting their match on the world of Nimbosa. Around 790.M41, the 9th Vostroyan defended the Imperial world of Nimbosa against the T'au's effort to expand their burgeoning alien empire and annex the world. The Vostroyan regiment heroically sacrificed themselves to a man defending the factory city of Polia. Inspired by the Vostroyans' sacrifice, the populace refuse to submit to the Tau Empire. Reformed after their destruction on Nimbosa, the 9th Vostroyan once again met their ultimate fate during the Fall of Karak Prime in 998.M41. They held the hive city for 18 months against the brutal onslaught of a splinter fleet of Hive Fleet Moloch, valiantly facing a Tyranid swarm that stretched from the base of the city's walls to the distant horizon. With the onset of midwinter, and with the rapid depletion of ammunition and supplies, the 9th Vostroyan knew that they were doomed and vowed to sell their lives dearly. Only when the bulk of the Tyranid swarm had passed into the city did the regiment detonate its nucleonic stack, incinerating the hive, its defenders and an estimated 85% of the Tyranid swarm. With the coming of midwinter, the few surviving Tyranid organisms eventually starved to death and the splinter fleet was entirely defeated.11th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 11th Vostroyan Regiment served under Lord Marshal Graf Harazahn, supreme commander of the Imperial forces on Medusa V during the Fall of Medusa V campaign.16th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 16th Vostroyan Regiment helped defend the world of Nimbosa from another attempt by the Tau to conquer it before the Imperial Nimbosa Crusade liberated the world in 992.M41.22nd Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 22nd Vostroyan Regiment was instrumental in the liberation of the world of Kurkaris. They are notable for being one of the very few Vostroyan Regiments to make use of Rough Riders mounted cavalry squadrons (called Hussars by the Vostroyans) in order to better engage the Orks in Kurkaris' thick forests.55th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 55th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment can trace its history back to the reconstruction of the Imperium after the Horus Heresy. Generations of Vostroyan men have served in the 55th and fought, bled, and died on countless worlds across the galaxy. It is an old saying amongst their number that Vostroyan blood has been shed on every world in the Imperium, and given the illustrious history of even this one Firstborn regiment, this may not be too far from the truth.68th Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - The 68th Vostroyan Regiment defended Danik's World from a massive Ork invasion and a planet-wide rebellion. Last known Imperial records of the regiment indicated that it had dropped to a strength of around 30 effective soldiers, all from the 5th Company. The bulk of the regiment was destroyed by the rebellious forces, both through sedition and ambush tactics. The 5th Company, which had previously been attached as a rearguard, suffered severely in their valiant attempt to make it back to Imperial lines. The commander of the 5th Company, Captain Gregorious Sebastev, was officially placed in command of the hardened survivors, shortly before the whole group was seconded to the Inquisition. The eventual fate of these survivors, and therefore the regiment itself, is currently unknown.241st Vostroyan Firstborn Regiment - Nicknamed the "Legia Zaimprowizowany" or "Improvised Regiment," the 241st Vostroyan Regiment is famous for its troops' ad hoc organisation. They are well-known for adopting the fighting style of other regiments as the circumstances dictate. The commander of the regiment when it participated in the Fall of Medusa V campaign was Colonel Illyich Szradislav.24th Vostroyan Heavy Armoured Regiment, "Iron Bloods" - The 24th Vostroyan Heavy Armoured Regiment consisted of less than 1,500 Guardsmen at its founding-strength. |
Astra Militarum - Other Regiments: The Astra Militarum is the most diverse collection of military units in the entire Imperium of Man, drawing tens of thousands of different regiments from all across the galaxy, from worlds strikingly different in culture, technological levels and history.The regiments describe above represent only a tiny selection of the sheer variety of units that serve within the force collectively labelled the Imperial Guard.Because of this, perhaps more than any other Warhammer 40,000 army, in real world terms the Astra Militarum allows painters and modellers a great deal of scope for creating a personalised force.With regiments of the Astra Militarum present on almost every world in the Imperium, many players like to invent their own regiment, writing their own background and creating a unique-looking force. |
Astra Militarum - Medals and Honours: The awarding of medals and honours is given for acts of heroism and bravery in the Astra Militarum.There are three broad types: Imperial Honours, which are granted to troops throughout the Astra Militarum; Campaign Honours, which are awarded for meritorious action in a given Imperial Crusade or planetary action; and Regimental Awards, which are unique to each regiment and are awarded for specific achievements and meritorious action in regimental engagements. |
Astra Militarum - Imperial Honours: Imperial Honours are commendations that are recognised, in one form or another, throughout the Imperium. There are many different commendation systems that vary by segmentum, sector, crusade, campaign, regiment, and company, some with traditions dating back thousands of years, however, the honours presented in this section are some of the most commonly used and widely recognized throughout the Imperium:Medallion Crimson - The Medallion Crimson is awarded to Imperial Guardsmen who continue fighting even after sustaining grievous injury.Ribbon Intrinsic - The Ribbon Intrinsic is awarded to a unit as a whole for being the lynchpin in a large battle, for having held the line and turned defeat into victory by determination alone.Triple Skull - The Triple Skull is awarded to the units who have taken massive casualties in a single action. Its sister honour, the Golden Skull, is awarded posthumously to those who have fallen in battle.Winged Skull- The Winged Skull is an ancient commendation awarded to officers who have shown extraordinary and inspirational leadership.Macharian Cross - The Macharian Cross is rewarded for successful and intelligent application of the Tactica Imperialis. Bearers of this medal are often recruited into the general staff of future crusades or campaigns, and their tactical advice is given a great deal of merit by field commanders purely by virtue of having been awarded it.Honorifica Imperialis - The Honorifica Imperialis is a broad class of gallantry medals. The medal is titled according to the sector it was awarded, so a Guardsman awarded this honour on the Eastern Fringe would receive an Ultima Honorifica. Such awards are sometimes further subdivided into specialities, such as the Honorifica Imperialis Armourum, so a Tank Commander who was receiving this medal for valour in the field within the Calixis Sector would receive the Obscurus Honorifica Armourum. |
Astra Militarum - Regimental Awards: There are countless medals pinned to the uniforms of Imperial Guardsmen across the galaxy, and the examples here do not even begin to scratch the surface. Many honours are created for specific Crusades and engagements. These unique awards created based on the engagements in which the individual trooper fought. Below is an example of an award created for a specific engagement:The Shield of Sacrous - The Shield of Sacrous is a regimental award for the 19th Brontian Longknives for having seen service on the planet Sacrous. The award looks like a shield with a planet etched in its centre. It was awarded for victory in a major engagement on the planet Sacrous. |
Astra Militarum - Campaign Honours: The Astra Militarum is unimaginably vast, and many awards and citations are unique to a given region of space or a given crusade or campaign.The following are just a sampling of Campaign Honours used in the campaigns and crusades of the Spinward Front in the Calixis Sector:Trenchman's Long Service Medal - The Trenchman's Long Service Medal was a commendation first given to veterans of the Third Burgs' War, a conflict that saw vicious trench fighting and lasted for over 150 years. Only the hardiest and most tenacious Guardsmen survived that conflict for any length of time. As many Burgs' War veterans became commanders in their own right, these medals eventually saw widespread usage throughout the sub-sector. These award appeared as two crossed spades, hanging from a triangular grey ribbon. It was awarded for participating in a single trench deployment lasting two months or more.The Order of St. Kark - This is a Commissariat Commendation, awarded for maintaining discipline above and beyond the call of duty. This medal honours St. Kark, a particularly brutal and effective Commissar of the Angevin Crusade, venerated throughout the Calixis Sector. This award appears as a brass medal in the shape of a bolter shell hanging from a crimson ribbon, and was awarded for unhesitating dedication to the maintenance of discipline. This commendation is awarded to Commissars for field executing two or more members of the unit to prevent a rout while engaged with the enemy.Drusian Laurels - Drusian Laurels are awarded for defending high-ranking members of the Ecclesiarchy of the Calixis Sector, or participating in actions to protect particularly valuable or venerated shrines or artefacts. This award appears as a gold-etched Aquila flanked by laurels. Awarded for defending the personnel and property of the Adeptus Ministorum.Cog of Het - The Cog of Het is an example of one of the very rare Calixis Sector Adeptus Mechanicus commendations, given by representatives of the masters of the Lathe Worlds for properly venerating the machine spirits of vehicles and equipment being used on the field of battle. This award appears as a Mechanicus Cog, with three circles worked into the design above the skull. Awarded for the effective supplication under fire. This commendation is awarded for successfully for repairing a vehicle or equipment that was vital to the success of the unit later in the conflict. |
Astra Militarum - Astra Militarum Relics: Blade of Conquest - The greatest Imperial Guard commander ever to bestride the stars, Warmaster Solar Macharius reclaimed a thousand worlds for the Emperor. Upon his death he was enshrined as a saint; the six ornate blades of his subordinate generals laid upon the altar to his glory. Only one of these weapons has been reclaimed to active service. The Blade of Conquest is a beautiful example of bladesmithing, but its true worth lies in the authority it symbolises. Any man who wields this sword can light a righteous fire in the hearts of his men, for they fight in the shadow of Saint Solar himself.Deathmask of Ollanius - Ollanius the Pious is the epitome of Imperial sainthood, believed martyred at the hands of Horus himself. In the millennia since his passing, Ollanius' deathmask has been revered as a holy relic; whosoever wears this ancient artefact is granted the determination and endurance of the famous martyr himself. The mask is a terrifying piece of craftsmanship, depicting in obsidian and void-fired bronze the agonised visage of a tortured angel. It is said that, in the presence of traitors, the Deathmask will weep tears of blood.Emperor’s'Benediction - Wielded by a succession of brutal, uncompromising Commissars, the Emperor's Benediction is a masterwork Bolt Pistol is feared by all. Its elementary but bloodthirsty machine spirit has been blamed for a series of unfortunate 'accidents' on the field of battle. In spite of this, the Officio Prefectus view the Emperor’s Benediction as an artefact of some distinction -- some say that it can taste cowardice even before the reprehensible act has been committed.Kurov’s Aquila - General Kurov was one of the most gifted officers in Imperial history. Upon retirement, he recorded dozens of tactical treatises that were translated into vox-ghosts by the Adeptus Mechanicus and uploaded into a two-headed avian servitor referred to as ‘Kurov’s Aquila’. A senior officer who possesses this prestigious tool can turn to it for tactical guidance, addressing his questions to the hunched machine-bird. In response, the servitor's blindfolded head will vocalise the most relevant vox-ghost in Kurov’s stentorian tones. The other head’s eyes glow above its sound-shut beak as they project a hololithic display of Kurov himself, arms folded and dress uniform immaculate, his imago flickering as it reveals the secrets of the foe.Laurels of Command - The Laurels of Command are a callous and controversial means to ensure obedience. Concealed within their peerless artistry is a band of empathic-impulsion circuitry which allows the wearer limited control over the minds of indoctrinated individuals via subliminal suggestion. Under their effects, orders are executed in perfect synchronisation and even cowards fight to the last. However, if the officer wearing the Laurels of Command is slain during battle, the echoes of his death can leave his subordinates reeling in confusion.Tactical Auto-Reliquary of Tyberius - Built into the gold-chased skull of Lord Commander Lucellin Tyberius himself, this device contains a web of psycho-circuitry containing Tyberius’ memory engrams and tactical acumen -- and with it, his curmudgeonly and overbearing personality. Borne aloft by its own gravitic motors, the device can observe and evaluate an officer's decisions. The moment it considers an order poorly chosen, the skull cuts into the vox and loudly overrides its exasperated owner. In imperious, static-laden tones, the auto-reliquary will countermand the officer’s orders and issue a barrage of its own from Tyberius’ store of tactical insights. |
Astra Militarum - Notable Imperial Guardsmen: Lord Commander Solar MachariusCaptain Al'rahem of the Tallarn Desert RaidersSergeant Lukas BastonneCommissar Ciaphas CainCommander Kubrik Chenkov of the Valhallan Ice WarriorsLord Castellan Ursarkar E. CreedMogul Kamir of the Rough Riders of AttilaNork DeddogColonel-Commissar Ibram GauntCommissar HarkGunnery Sergeant "Stonetooth" Harker of the Catachan Jungle FightersMajor Pious Korren of the Armageddon Steel LegionSergeant Poul MarlinKnight Commander PaskColonel Schaeffer (and his Last Chancers)Colonel "Iron Hand" Straken of the Catachan Jungle FightersCommissar Yarrick |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Astra Militarum Awards and Honours: Astra Militarum Awards and Honours are awarded for all manner of heroic deeds or worthy actions by the Astra Militarum. These awards are given for acts of heroism and bravery, and there are three broad types. There are Imperial Honours, which are found throughout the Imperial Guard; Campaign Honours, which are given out for meritorious action in a given Imperial Crusade or planetary action; and Regimental Awards, which are unique to each regiment and are often awarded for specific engagements. As might be imagined, there are a great many honours and medals of merit available to the Imperial Guardsman throughout the galaxy. Many are specific to particular worlds or campaigns, while others are Imperium-wide.Given that the galaxy of the late 41st Millennium is riven with war, and that the Astra Militarum is embroiled in a constant state of conflict, ribbons, medals and other honours are often awarded to recognise the conduct which might raise an individual trooper above his fellows so that he comes to be recognised, by his comrades and by his superiors, as a leader of soldiers. Having been hailed as an archetype for others to follow, the individual might be rewarded for his deeds with all manner of medals, citations, and awards, but in truth many, often the most worthy care the least for such things.Most true leaders act in the way they do out of duty to their comrades and faith in the Emperor, often uncaring or even resentful of the multitudinous layers in between. While the exemplar might know his regiment's commanding officer by name he is unlikely to have spoken to him before, until the mantle of leadership is conferred, formally or otherwise. Then the unwilling hero might find himself required to attend parades where he must carry the regimental banner at the head of rank upon rank of his fellow troopers. He might be expected to attend the officer's mess as a guest of honour, to dine upon delicacies the likes of which he has never tasted and to sip wines so rare he could never hope to purchase a single bottle.They are decorated with glittering medals and flowing ribbons, most of which they were unaware of before earning them and have no wish to wear in front of their comrades. In short, most such heroes are unwilling ones, their status often used to the advantage of the commanding officers as just another tool to manipulate the troops' morale. Only in those regiments drawn from cultures where matters of class and status are entirely irrelevant are these leaders allowed to continue their existence as before, and such regiments are often few and far between. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Notable Astra Militarum Imperial Honours: Imperial Honours are commendations that are recognised, in one form or another, throughout the Imperium of Man. There are many different commendation systems that vary by segmentum, sector, Crusade, campaign, regiment, and company, some with traditions dating back thousands of standard years. However, the honours presented below are some of the most commonly used and widely recognized throughout the Imperium:Name of AwardDetailsDesignStar of TerraThe Star of Terra is the highest possible award that an Imperial soldier can obtain in his or her own lifetime. It is awarded by the High Lords of Terra to a select few individuals for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty. Notable recipients of the Star of Terra are Sergeant Lukas Bastonne of Cadia and Sly Marbo of the Catachan Jungle Fighters, who is a multiple recipient.Pict-file not found.Order of Ollanius PiusThe Order of Ollanius Pius represents the very highest honour a mortal man can earn in the service of the Imperium. This most esteemed of honours is only awarded by the High Lords of Terra themselves, for an individual's display of epic leadership as well as personal courage, above and beyond the call of duty. This award takes the form of a winged medal that bears the golden face of an angelic youth, laurel leaves arrayed across his noble brow. The youth depicted is none other than Ollanius Pius, an Imperial Saint and mythological figure within the Imperial Creed. Ollanius Pius is said to have sacrificed his life to save the Emperor Himself, during the Siege of Terra. Intricate scrollwork beneath the beatific visage bears the inscription, "Amid the weeping and the woe, accursed daemon remain and rot, I know thee filthy as thou art, I know." These ominous words speak of things few men are allowed to know, except by those of very esteemed rank -- the knowledge that denizens of the Empyrean exist, and that only through prayer and eternal vigilance of the God-Emperor are they kept at bay.Pict-file not found.Honourifica ImperialisThe Honourifica Imperialis covers a broad class of gallantry medals. These are bestowed within each segmentum so this example would be more properly called the Obscuras Honourifica. The bearer of an Honourifica is a genuine hero of the Imperium and will enjoy the highest regard of his comrades and superiors. The Macharian CrossThe Macharian Cross here is much prized by rising officers as it is issued in recognition of intelligent application of the tenets of the Tactica Imperialis. Courage alone will not win this medal and the bearer of one is likely to be recruited into the general staff during future campaigns or Crusades when his talents can be developed. Medallion CrimsonLess prestigious than an Honourifica but more common amongst veterans of the Imperial Guard is the Medallion Crimson. This is issued to soldiers who have continued to do their duty despite the most terrible injuries. Often the bearers will also have bionic replacements to show for their courage as well as the Medallion. Most, however, are awarded posthumously. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223011148" class="image"><img alt="4" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011148" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="292" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="4. Medallion Crimson.png" data-image-key="4._Medallion_Crimson.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/c/c6/4._Medallion_Crimson.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011148" /></a> The Eagle OrdinaryIssued to Imperial Guardsmen and other associated military personnel (Imperial Navy ranks, Officio Medicae, etc.) for acts of valour beyond what is required (but not considered extraordinary). A common jest amongst the bearers of the medal is that they are the "boring heroes" of a regiment due to the fact that they are not dead. However, those who do not possess the Eagle Ordinary respect it as a symbol of courage. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223013235" class="image"><img alt="10" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013235" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="151" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="10. Eagle Ordinary.png" data-image-key="10._Eagle_Ordinary.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/65/10._Eagle_Ordinary.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013235" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/eagleord1204/remi The Order of the Scarlet WingA lesser medal from the same group as the Order of the Eagle's Claw, the Scarlet Wing signifies that the bearer has been injured in (but survived) a battle where he has participated in some manner of airborne assault. Injuries in such actions are commonplace, however, and hardened drop troops refer to receiving this medal as "getting his wings." <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223011641" class="image"><img alt="Order of the Scarlet Wing" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011641" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="154" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="Order of the Scarlet Wing.png" data-image-key="Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/f/fc/Order_of_the_Scarlet_Wing.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223011641" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/scarletwing1304/remi The Winged SkullThe Winged Skull is a traditional badge of ancient origin. Classical convention is to represent the skull with an iron device (which has been adopted by the Adeptus Astartes as the insignia for a Sergeant). It is usually displayed on the shoulder guards of armour and is most commonly awarded for inspirational leadership leading to righteous victory. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223013503" class="image"><img alt="8" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013503" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="143" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="8. Winged Skull.png" data-image-key="8._Winged_Skull.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/82/8._Winged_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223013503" /></a> Order no: Dmreqor/c91/wingedskull1404/remi The Triple SkullThis medal is awarded to the survivors of actions in which their units have suffered at least 66% casualties. Regrettably, several units of the Cadian 91st received such an honour for their valorous sacrifices during the campaign on Medusa V. It is considered in every way inferior to the Golden Skull, which is issued posthumously to those who fall in such engagements, although doubtless the recipients view it a little more favourably. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223012945" class="image"><img alt="7" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012945" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="78" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="7. Triple Skull.png" data-image-key="7._Triple_Skull.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/1/11/7._Triple_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012945" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/tripskull1104/remi ImperialisThe Imperialis symbol, a winged skull, dates back to the Horus Heresy when it was used by the Loyalist Space Marine Legions and the Imperial Army troopers in recognition of bravery and loss. Later, it became a badge of honour borne by Loyalist units during the Heresy. The wings of the skull represent the wings of the Aquila, the double-headed eagle that is the official symbol of the Imperium, while the skull is a common motif in Imperial iconography which represents the sacrifice of the Emperor of Mankind for humanity's salvation. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest?cb=20150526214845" class="image"><img alt="Imperialis HH Era" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20150526214845" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="47" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="Imperialis HH Era.png" data-image-key="Imperialis_HH_Era.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/99/Imperialis_HH_Era.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20150526214845" /></a> An ancient pict-capture of an Imperialis utilised by Loyalist forces during the Horus Heresy The Ribbon IntrinsicTaking the form of an etched brass strip with a tripartite ribbon hanging beneath, the Ribbon Intrinsic is awarded to units rather than individuals. It is given only to squads that have proven to be the linchpin for a victorious battlefront, where it held the line fast and turned what could have easily been a defeat into a victory by determination alone. Despite its low material value, the Ribbon Intrinsic is said to forge a great bond between members of a platoon and ensure they go from strength to strength. In practice, the Ribbon is usually awarded to a handful of individuals at a time, the tattered and desperate survivors of battles they would rather forget. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223012425" class="image"><img alt="6" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012425" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="130" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="6. Ribbon Intrinsic.png" data-image-key="6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4e/6._Ribbon_Intrinsic.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223012425" /></a> Order no:Dmreqord/c91/ribintris9004/remi The Merit of TerraThe Merit of Terra is awarded to Cadian soldiers who have voluntarily postponed their own demobilisation. A bittersweet award, the Merit of Terra signifies that the bearer will be required to serve much longer than expected. However, it is a well-known sign of steadfast loyalty toward the Golden Throne. All Imperial military personnel respect those bearing the Merit, and it is reported that even the Adeptus Astartes acknowledge the diligence and self-sacrifice that the award represents. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223022841" class="image"><img alt="14" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022841" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="190" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="14. Merit of Terra.png" data-image-key="14._Merit_of_Terra.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/8/89/14._Merit_of_Terra.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022841" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/meritterra1704/remi |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Regimental Awards and Honours: There are countless medals pinned to the uniforms of Imperial Guardsmen across the galaxy, and the examples presented here do not even begin to scratch the surface. Many unique awards are created to recognise the engagements in which a specific regiment has fought. In the Cadian Shock Trooper regiments, individuals granted heroic status are notable by the medals they wear, for Cadia is a supremely militaristic culture and maintains decorations for countless deeds. By way of contrast, the Catachan Jungle Fighters both value and reward those who exhibit archetypical heroic qualities, but at the same time they rarely accept any official honours that might be bestowed upon them. Thus, a mighty and charismatic leader who has won many victories, slaughtered many foes, or rescued many of his comrades might decline every promotion offered to him, remaining with his unit where he himself believes he can best serve.The amount of commendations, accolades, and medals garnered by the Scintillan Fusiliers regiment is, while certainly impressive, not commensurate with the amount of actual combat the regiment has seen. Though the soldiers of the regiment are quite competent, their training extends only to what is laid down in the Uplifting Primer. Further, their training consists mostly of deep-underhive hunts targetting the wretched creatures in the depths of Scintilla's forgotten pits, and their experience has largely been in low-intensity conflicts where the regiment could bathe themselves in the greatest amount of glory for the least amount of risk. This has led many in the Spinward Front to look askance at the so-called achievements of the Scintillian Fusiliers 17th, Commander-General Pailus' pet regiment.The warriors of the Death Korps of Krieg are notorious for their lack of individual identity, and this carries forward the regard they show to those that in any other regiment would be regarded as born leaders of their fellow soldiers. It is left to the ranks to recognise and reward their own. Even if the officers refuse to recognise their deeds, the troopers themselves certainly do, honouring with stoic dignity those in their midst who have performed great service to the regiment and to the Emperor. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Notable Cadian Medusa V Campaign Honours: Below are examples of Regimental Awards that are awarded to the Cadian Shock Troops Regiments:Name of AwardDetailsDesignWard of CadiaOne of the highest honours awarded to a member of Cadia's military forces, this esteemed award is given in recognition of extraordinary courage, valour and intrepidity in the face of overwhelming odds and extreme danger. When granted this award the bearer is thereafter referred to by the official title of "Warden" or "Bearer of the Ward." A notable recipient of this award is Warden-Colonel Parmenion Thade of the Cadian 88th Regiment, for his actions during the opening days of the 13th Black Crusade, when he led a company of Imperial Guard troopers into the tunnels of Cadia and killed several Chaos Space Marines, as well as for his notable actions in the destruction of a Chaos Titan.Pict-file not found.Merit of the High LordsTo be awarded a Merit of the High Lords is a rare honour indeed, bestowed upon the greatest of Cadian commanders whose valour is such that his name has been mentioned in the Chamber of the High Lords. It is nicknamed the "double-edged sword," as it inevitably means the individual who receives it will be under particular scrutiny from his superiors from that point onwards. He can expect to be assigned to the most horrific battlefronts by jealous superiors in order to pass on his wisdom and courage first hand. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/e/e5/13._Merit_of_the_High_Lords.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223020504" class="image"><img alt="13" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/e/e5/13._Merit_of_the_High_Lords.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223020504" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="13. Merit of the High Lords.png" data-image-key="13._Merit_of_the_High_Lords.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/e/e5/13._Merit_of_the_High_Lords.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223020504" /></a> Order no:Dmreqord/c91/meritHL3004/remi The Steel AquilaA golden half-circle bearing a simple steel Imperial Eagle is one of the most prestigious medals awarded to combat personnel. Often referred to as the "lunatic's eagle," the Steel Aquila is awarded to soldiers who, in the face of great personal danger, have triumphed over the enemy and returned in a condition fit for further active duty. This award is never issued without good cause, and only the most spectacularly violent and impressive feats of personal valour will earn it. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4a/15._Aquila_Ferrum.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223021928" class="image"><img alt="15" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4a/15._Aquila_Ferrum.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021928" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="147" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="15. Aquila Ferrum.png" data-image-key="15._Aquila_Ferrum.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/4a/15._Aquila_Ferrum.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021928" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/steelaquila6004/remi The Order of the Eagle's ClawAwarded to Cadian soldiers who have made planetfall in the most perilous of landing zones and triumphed. Only those who have proven victorious against overwhelming odds in a fashion that has been witnessed by their superiors or Imperial Navy observers can earn this award. Bearers of the Order of the Eagle's Claw will receive increased respect from Imperial Navy personnel, regardless of the soldier's service arm. It is rare for soldiers outside of Drop Troop regiments to receive this award, but it has occasionally been issued to Imperial units that have participated in mass orbital deployments (under fire). The Cadian 91st was one such regiment that earned this esteemed award during the campaign on Medusa V. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/37/Order_of_the_Eagle%27s_Claw.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223040951" class="image"><img alt="Order of the Eagle's Claw" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/37/Order_of_the_Eagle%27s_Claw.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223040951" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="Order of the Eagle's Claw.png" data-image-key="Order_of_the_Eagle%27s_Claw.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/37/Order_of_the_Eagle%27s_Claw.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223040951" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/eagleclaw5004/remi Knight of MedusaA medal and honorific title awarded to Cadian officers of the rank of Colonel and above who have led their regiments in thirty or more consecutive days of active combat during the campaign on Medusa V. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/97/11._Knight_of_Medusa.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223020638" class="image"><img alt="11" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/97/11._Knight_of_Medusa.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/150?cb=20160223020638" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="150" height="311" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="11. Knight of Medusa.png" data-image-key="11._Knight_of_Medusa.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/9/97/11._Knight_of_Medusa.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/150?cb=20160223020638" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/medknight7004/remi The Medusan LaureateAn award born out of the Medusan Schism, the Laureate indicates a Cadian soldier who has effectively "won his laurels." Acts of valour leading to great victory are recognised with the Medusan Laureate. Only soldiers who have won a laurel may bear the unit/regimental colours. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/61/12._Medusan_Laureate.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223021242" class="image"><img alt="12" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/61/12._Medusan_Laureate.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021242" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="12. Medusan Laureate.png" data-image-key="12._Medusan_Laureate.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/6/61/12._Medusan_Laureate.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021242" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/medlaur4004/remi The Order of the StormA campaign badge awarded to Cadian soldiers who have been wounded in battle during the Medusan campaign and have returned to their units. The Order of the Storm depicts a pair of crossed lighting bolts over an Imperial Eagle. Earning a "double storm" or "triple storm" denotes a soldier who has been wounded several times and these soldiers are seen as particularly lucky (in that they are still alive). <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/d/d8/16._Order_of_the_Storm.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223022238" class="image"><img alt="16" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/d/d8/16._Order_of_the_Storm.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022238" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="172" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="16. Order of the Storm.png" data-image-key="16._Order_of_the_Storm.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/d/d8/16._Order_of_the_Storm.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022238" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/ordstorm8004/remi The Crimson SkullMost commonly seen worn by Officio Cadian Medicae personnel, this medal bears a single crimson ruby. The Crimson Skull is given to soldiers who, whilst directly involved in a combat situation, have successfully administered medical aid to wounded personnel. Veteran field medics are never seen without this medal, however it is not uncommon for particularly valorous soldiers to earn one by saving the lives of injured comrades. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/a/ad/3._Crimson_Skull.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223022547" class="image"><img alt="3" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/a/ad/3._Crimson_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022547" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="3. Crimson Skull.png" data-image-key="3._Crimson_Skull.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/a/ad/3._Crimson_Skull.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223022547" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/crimsonskull1604/remi The Valoris ImperatorTaking the form of a soaring two-headed eagle, the Valoris Imperator is awarded only to soldiers who have served in a Cadian Shock Troops regiment for twenty years or more. It is technically awarded in recognition of long service, but is in fact it is only awarded posthumously to veterans who have been in particularly unpleasant circumstances. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/2/27/17._Valoris_Imperator.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223023238" class="image"><img alt="17" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/2/27/17._Valoris_Imperator.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223023238" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="157" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="17. Valoris Imperator.png" data-image-key="17._Valoris_Imperator.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/2/27/17._Valoris_Imperator.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223023238" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/valimp2004/remi The Administratum MedalDepicting a scroll entwined around a single skull, the Administratum awards this medal to those Cadian soldiers who have fought to protect personnel or property belonging to that august body. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/44/9._Administratum_Medal.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223023441" class="image"><img alt="9" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/44/9._Administratum_Medal.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223023441" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="9. Administratum Medal.png" data-image-key="9._Administratum_Medal.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/4/44/9._Administratum_Medal.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223023441" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/adminmedal1504/remi Medusa StarThe Medusa Star was the Imperial Guard's general service medal, which denoted active military service during the Medusa V Campaign. It was awarded to all Cadian ranks, though officers received a gold version. This is the most basic honour a Guardsman could be awarded in this campaign and has little intrinsic value except to those soldiers newly transferred to the regiment. <a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/0/02/5._Medusa_Star.png/revision/latest?cb=20160223021030" class="image"><img alt="5" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/0/02/5._Medusa_Star.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021030" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="100" height="189" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="5. Medusa Star.png" data-image-key="5._Medusa_Star.png" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/0/02/5._Medusa_Star.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/100?cb=20160223021030" /></a> Order no: Dmreqord/c91/medstar1004/remi |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Notable Spinward Front Regimental Honours: Each front of the Imperial war effort has its own, unique command structure, its own battlefield conditions and foes to fight. To reflect this, each Strategic High Command has been authorized to award campaign and sector-specific awards for Imperial Guard troopers of particular skill, heroism, or stubborn tenacity. These medals and honours are a tradition of the Periphery Sub-sector of the Calixis Sector, and represent meritorious service against the main foes of the Spinward Front: the arrayed forces of the Severan Dominate, the Ork horde of WAAAGH! Grimtoof, the Dark Eldar Cabals operating in the area, those Chaos warbands that call the Spinward Front their home, and the Kroot mercenary Kindred active in the area. Additionally, there are informal awards, marks of reputation rather than formal commendation, given by regimental command. These honours are recognised by a given regimental commander to acknowledge a squad's skill and history fighting one of Mankind's many foes.Included below are those Regimental Honours unique to the Spinward Front:Name of AwardDetailsDesignKill Markers (Informal Regimental Awards)For many Guardsmen, each victory is accompanied by a simple ritual: a notch on a weapon or a chalk tally on the side of a tank, a mark for every enemy killed in service to the Imperium of Mankind. These simple marks add up over time, to eventually become a full-fledged part of the soldier's identity, fully incorporated in a squad's heraldry or regimental markings. As the squad moves through the ranks, their reputations as favoured fighters of a given enemy grows, eventually adding to the fearsome reputation of the regiment as a whole. These markings are collectively known as Kill Markers. These are informal honours, which means that most regiments will not award the squad a medal or perform a ceremony when they reach a new threshold. Kill Markers are a part of the reputation of a squad, and are more a measure of the squad's respect and status, both within the Imperium and among its enemies, than an adornment for a Guardsman's uniform. Each regiment records their Kill Markers differently. Markers may be stencilled onto tanks, painted onto a helmet, notched into weapons, represented with elaborate body scars or tattoos, or displayed as a myriad of trophies hanging from banners, vehicles, or armour.Pict-file not found.The Shield of SacrousThe Shield of Sacrous is a regimental award for the 19th Brontonian Longknives for having seen service on the planet Sacrous. It was awarded to all Brontonian ranks, though officers received a gold version. This is the most basic award a Guardsman could be awarded and has little intrinsic value.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Campaign Honours: The Imperial Guard is unimaginably vast, and many awards and citations are unique to a given region of space or a given Imperial Crusade or campaign. Distinguished Service Medals are gallantry medals awarded by Campaign Command for service to the Imperial Guard "above and beyond the call of duty." Considering how much Strategic Command often expects out of the average Guardsman, receipt of one of these commendations is a rare honour, indeed. These medals are considered very important, and their titles are long-winded. For example, the full title of the Cannonade Breachman's Medal would be, "For Distinguished Service, Against the Severan Rebellion, Cannonade Breachman's Medal." Distinguished Service Medals are usually very large and ostentatious, though there is considerable variance in this regard. Receipt of these medals does not go unnoticed by the common soldiery. Distinguished Service Medals are always awarded for specific feats of bravery and skill; each one is accompanied by a scar and a story. Their fellow Guardsmen will often ask the bearers to recount their tales of bygone battles, partly out of curiosity and a sense of camaraderie, but also in the hopes that they might pick up a few helpful pointers along the way. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Notable Spinward Front Campaign Honours: The following are a sampling of Imperial Guard Honours used in the campaigns and Crusades of the Spinward Front:Name of AwardDetailsDesignTrenchman's Long Service MedalDescribed as two crossed spades, hanging from a triangular grey ribbon, the Trenchman's Long Service Medal was a commendation first given to veterans of the Third Burgs' War, a conflict that saw vicious trench fighting and lasted for over 150 standard years. Only the hardiest and most tenacious Guardsmen survived that conflict for any length of time. As many Burgs' War veterans became commanders in their own right, these medals eventually saw widespread usage throughout the sub-sector.Pict-file not found.The Order of St. KarkA brass medal in the shape of a Bolter shell hanging from a crimson ribbon, this is a Commissariat Commendation, awarded for maintaining discipline above and beyond the call of duty. This medal honours St. Kark, a particularly brutal and effective Commissar of the Angevin Crusade, venerated throughout the Calixis Sector.Pict-file not found.Drusian LaurelsDescribed as a gold-etched Aquila flanked by laurels, Drusian Laurels are awarded for defending high-ranking members of the Ecclesiarchy of the Calixis Sector, or participating in actions to protect particularly valuable or venerated shrines or artefacts.Pict-file not found.Cog of HetThis award appears in the form of a Cog Mechanicum, with three circles worked into the design above the skull. The Cog of Het is an example of one of the very rare Calixis Sector Adeptus Mechanicus commendations, given by representatives of the masters of the Lathe Worlds for properly venerating the Machine Spirits of vehicles and equipment being used on the field of battle.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Against the Severan Rebellion: These commendations are newly minted, appearing only after the conflict with the Severan Dominate began in force. Campaign commanders award these honours to Guardsmen who have proved themselves lynchpins in the battle against the Severan Dominate. There are those within the Periphery Sub-sector High Command who believe that the fight against the Severan Dominate is the most crucial in the Sub-sector; that without the resources gained by bringing the Dominate back into Compliance with Imperial mandate, the rest of the battlefronts of the Periphery Sub-sector are doomed to failure. These commanders hold honourees of these medals in the highest esteem. These awards include the following:Name of AwardDetailsDesignCannonade Breachman's MedalA silver medallion with a bronze circle stamped in its centre, the Cannonade Breachman's Medal is an honour given to those heroes of the Imperium who have made their way past enemy lines and into the true heart of Dominate formations to take out one of their most fearsome and devastating weapons—lined artillery formations. A Guardsman showing this medal can expect respect and appreciation from the ground infantry in a campaign, as they are usually the most affected by massed artillery barrages.Pict-file not found.Commandant's CommendationA bronze star, inlaid with a teardrop-shaped ruby, this Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for spearheading an operation to capture or kill one of the heads of the Dominate's armies. Dominate Generals are heavily relied upon by the Dominate rank-and-file, and their loss is a devastating blow to the enemy.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Against the Ork Menace: These commendations are awarded for exemplary service against the green tide that threatens to engulf the Spinward Front. Awards given for service in fighting against WAAAGH! Grimtoof are seen as some of the Periphery Sub-sector's most prestigious, as many in Strategic Command consider the Ork menace the truest threat in the Spinward Front. These awards include the following:Name of AwardDetailsDesignFrontsman's HonoursA gold medallion, inlaid with iron, the Frontsman's Honour badge is a great credit to the will of those Guardsmen who have earned it. This particular Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to those who have held a pass, fortification, or entrenchment against an Ork horde of at least 100 for 24 solar hours or longer. The vast majority of fortifications in the way of WAAAGH! Grimtoof have been definitively overrun. This honour shows that these soldiers defend their battle line no matter the costs, as they held their ground in the face of the great Ork horde and lived to tell the tale.Pict-file not found.Champion's CommendationA silver star with gold inlay, held by a green ribbon, the Champion's Commendation is awarded for eliminating one of the leaders of the WAAAGH! The Warbosses of Grimtoof are the fuel that keeps the fires of the Ork horde moving. Without a Warboss driving them forward, the Ork menace becomes disorganised and loses its momentum.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Against Xenos Designate Eldar: Officially, there is no distinction in the commendations awarded for fighting any type of Eldar. Veterans might notice some differences between Dark Eldar and their Craftworld cousins if they have the misfortune of fighting both, but in the eyes of the Imperial Guard as a body, all Eldar are the same. These awards include the following:Name of AwardDetailsDesignLiberator's HonouriumA platinum medallion encrusted with gemstones, this Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for saving an important Imperial official, cleric, or noble from the clutches of the Dark Eldar. The Dark Eldar are endlessly cruel, and falling into their clutches is a terrible fate indeed. This medal came about after the rescue of a particularly influential sector noble, who personally funded the creation of the honour to thank his rescuers.Pict-file not found.Warden's CommendationA platinum cross with gold inlay, this award is given for vanquishing one of the Dark Eldar's most elite warriors such as an Archon, Succubus, Haemonculus, or Incubus Klaivex in melee combat. Those who receive this medal have beaten the odds and survived such a deathmatch, acquiring their victory through tenacity, stubbornness, or self-sacrifice.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Awards and Honours - Against Xenos Designate Kroot: These commendations are slightly rarer than the other types of Distinguished Service Medals common in the Spinward Front, as the Kroot are usually not considered as pressing a threat as the other enemies of the Imperium active in the Periphery Sub-sector. There are a few campaign commanders, however, who have, for whatever reason, taken a particular dislike to the Kroot. These commanders have created service medals for victory over Kroot forces, and a few other campaign commanders have followed suit. These awards include the following:Name of AwardDetailsDesignStar of VigilanceA bronze star with silver filigree, this Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for destroying a group of Kroot infiltrating into Imperial territory. Kroot are known to operate under the Imperial radar, and many times a commander will not be aware of their presence until they have already taken out a valuable Imperial target. This medal was created in the hopes that Guardsmen in service even in theatres where Kroot were not known to be operating would keep an eye out for their threat.Pict-file not found.Vanguard's CommendationA square silver medal, embossed with bronze, the Vanguard's Commendation is awarded for killing a Kroot Shaper. Many Imperial rumours surround the Kroot Shaper. It is believed by numerous frontline soldiers and officers alike that Kroot Shapers wield dark magics, and many Adeptus Ministorum priests and Imperial Commissars alike have found it difficult to suppress such superstitions, even if they border on heresy. This medal is meant to remind all who see it that these creatures are mortal, and can be slain with discipline, righteousness, and copious gunfire.Pict-file not found. |
Astra Militarum Weapon Specialist - Astra Militarum Weapon Specialist: A Weapon Specialist is a trooper of the Astra Militarum who focuses solely on perfecting his combat abilities, and represents the standard Imperial Guard infantryman in most regiments. Not simply limited to the ubiquitous Lasgun, a Weapon Specialist could be a Catachan Jungle Fighter using his Shotgun and knife to stalk his prey, a Vostroyan Firstborn cracking enemy vehicles with a Meltagun, or a Cadian daring enough to carry a Plasma Gun onto the battlefield.Whatever their weapon of choice, these Guardsmen make up the backbone of the "Hammer of the Emperor," and are a force to be reckoned with. In the Imperial Guard, all specialists play an important role, whether it be to lead, to heal, to pilot various vehicles and war machines, or to lay down suppressive fire with massive weapons, all are vital to the success of the Imperial Guard. But despite their important role, all specialists only exist to support and supplement the true power of the Imperial Guard -- the endless ranks of the Lasgun-toting Guardsmen.The men and women who make up these ranks of Guardsmen are not distracted by the burdens of leadership, or the difficulties of dealing with strange technology. Instead, they are able to focus all their attention on being the best soldiers they can be, and fighting their righteous war in the name of the God-Emperor. This singular focus allows these individuals to quickly become masters of the Lasgun, focusing all their attention on the task of bringing death to the enemies of the Imperium. |
Astra Militarum Weapon Specialist - Wargear: Standard Imperial Guard Regimental KitLasgun - Lasguns are the most numerous weapons found in the Imperium. Based on reliable technology, they are cheap to manufacture and easy to maintain. Las Weapons work by emitting short, sharp pulses of laser energy from high-storage fast-discharge capacitors with a flash of light and a distinctive snap like the cracking of a whip.Flamer (Optional) - Flamer weapons project fire upon their foes and generally use a fuel referred to as Promethium, though it can also be a homemade concoction or other chemical brew depending on the local level of technology.Shotgun (Optional) - Shotguns are low-technology basic ballistic weapons produced in great quantities, and their ability to hit several targets with a single shot make shotguns appealing to those with little actual skill in shooting. Their relatively short range and low shot velocity makes them appealing for shipboard use as well.Regimental Favoured Basic Weapon4 Frag Grenades - Frag Grenades use a combustible charge and special fillers of shrapnel fragments to fill a given circumference with deadly shards that prove to be a potent anti-personnel weapon. Imperial Frag Grenades are roughly the size of a clenched fist and covered with a heavily notched shell, both to increase the shrapnel produced and provide a more secure grip for throwing.4 Krak Grenades (Optional) - Krak Grenades contain powerful concentrated explosives that have been shaped to punch holes in armoured targets such as vehicles or bunkers. While stronger than Frag Grenades, Krak detonations do not produce a blast effect and their more focused explosion makes them less practical for use as an anti-personnel weapon. |
Astraeos - Astraeos: Astraeos was a Librarian of an unknown Space Marine Chapter that in the late 32nd or early 33rd Millennium was targeted for elimination by the Grey Knights under the orders of the Inquisitor Lord Castus Izdubar, following the loss of the Athenaeum of Kallimakus at Apollonia. Astraeos would eventually go on to become a Chaos Space Marine and a potent Chaos Sorcerer as a pupil of the Thousand Sons Exalted Sorcerer Ahzek Ahriman -- and eventually one of Ahriman's greatest foes. |
Astraeos - History: After the Grey Knights assaulted and destroyed his Chapter for unknown reasons, Astraeos and three other members of his Chapter were the only survivors -- its former Chapter Master, Thidias, its Chapter Ancient, Kadin, and another Astartes of the line, Cadar. They secured transport on a rogue Adeptus Mechanicus ship, the Titan's Child, under the captaincy of a rogue Tech-priest, Carmenta, and fled for the Eye of Terror.After entering the Eye, the ailing vessel was captured by the Harrowing, a band of Heretic Astartes Renegades. Cadar was killed in the assault and turned into a Daemonhost by one of the Harrowing's sorcerers, Maroth, who removed one eye from each of the other three exiles. However, among the members of the Harrowing was the exiled Thousand Sons' former first captain, Ahzek Ahriman. When an envoy arrived from the sorcerer Amon seeking Ahriman, Ahriman revealed himself and sought to enlist Astraeos and his fellows as well as Carmenta to be his allies.Astraeos, not knowing Ahriman's true identity, put his trust in the revealed sorcerer and became his most devoted pupil, seeking to learn the arts of the Chaos Sorcerer himself. He took his revenge on Maroth by taking both of the eyes of the sorcerer. Astraeos would be troubled by the Daemonhost of Cadar, but chose to not reveal this at first to Thidias and Kadin. Ultimately he bound the Daemon to himself. Eventually Thidias was lost and Kadin learned of Cadar's host, but the remaining two exiles continued to support Ahriman.Lacking a Navigator the Renegades travelled to the border of the Eye of Terror and captured an individual named Silvanus from an Inquisition voidship upon which the Inquisitor Iobel was also a passenger. Though Ahriman was severely wounded in the ensuing battle by the Inquisitor, his plan ultimately succeeded, and Astraeos, Kadin and the Daemonhost Cadar helped Ahriman take control of Amon's warband. Despite their initial tensions, the homeless Astraeos and Kadin became Ahriman's most loyal warriors in the years that followed.Ultimately Astraeos was sent by Ahriman as bait to be captured by the Inquisition so that the Sorcerer Lord might capture Inquisitor Iobel, who he believed knew the location of the Athenaeum of Kallimakus. Astraeos' memories were psychically removed and hidden away before he was allowed to be captured, so that his interrogation would consume the time and energies of the Inquisition.Once in the Inquisition's clutches, Astraeos was tortured, including by a Grey Knights brother-captain, Cendrion, but managed to escape his imprisonment during his trial before the arrayed members of the Ordo Malleus. Ahriman had planned for this as well, and struck at the assembled ordos so as to kidnap Inquisitor Iobel. Whilst the capture of Iobel was carried out successfully, Astraeos was struck down and thought dead by the members of Ahriman's coterie, including Kadin. Kadin subsequently thought himself the last of his Chapter, in the process becoming even more dedicated to Ahriman.Astraeos, still in captivity, was subsequently blinded, mind-wiped and linked to a servo-skull so that he could be further interrogated by the Inquisition under Lord Izdabar. Astraeos revealed Ahriman's hunt for the Athenaeum when put to the question and the Inquisition's forces then raced Ahriman to Apollonia, where the Athenaeum was located. This was because the Inquisition presumed that just as they had broken Astraeos during interrogation, Ahriman would have broken his captive, Iobel.At Apollonia, however, a psychic shard of Ahriman's mind that he had implanted within Astraeos' mind provided him with the energy to escape his imprisonment and revealed that it was the Inquisition, and its Chamber Militant the Grey Knights, who had purged his original Chapter. Offered revenge by the fragment of Ahriman within his mind, Astraeos took it and went on a blind and psychically-empowered rampage throughout the Inquisition flagship.When confronted by four Grey Knights, Astraeos was mortally wounded in the subsequent fighting. As he lay dying, he was called upon by the Daemon within Cadar's body who he had long ago bound to himself, and was empowered by it. However, Astraeos also realised that his fate, and that of his Chapter, had really been caused by Ahriman.In aiding Ahriman and in encountering the Grey Knights, Astraeos had set in motion the demise of his own Chapter, which actually occurred AFTER Ahriman's successful theft of the Athenaeum. In entering the Eye of Terror, Astraeos, Carmenta and his comrades had actually travelled into their own past. With this new knowledge, Astraeos began planning revenge against Ahriman, and stepped into the Warp to escape the flaming ruins of the Inquisition ship.Eight Terran years after the Battle of Appollonia, Izdubar finally returned to Titan with his surviving contingent of Grey Knights. Izdubar informed Cendrion, now finally conscious after the battle but entombed within the sarcophagus of a Dreadnought, that Ahriman had escaped. Despite this, the Grey Knights had identified Astraeos' Chapter, and Cendrion was now tasked with its destruction. This was an apparent time loop that would lead to the events in Cendrion's future becoming the event in Astraeos' past that caused he and his companions to first turn to Chaos.Some time later at a temple on an unknown planet, two Thousand Sons sorcerers led by a third named Calitiedies and their warriors met with another sorcerer in bronze who "...bore the marks of ancient lore on [his] armour, and knew the words of passing from ancient Prospero." The strange, crypto-Prosperine sorcerer soon revealed himself:"I am Astraeos, and your oaths will be mine." |
Astraeus - Astraeus: The Astraeus, formally the Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank, is a massive, super-heavy grav-tank utilised exclusively by the Primaris Space Marines. Just as these new transhuman warriors represent the pinnacle of the Adeptus Astartes' capabilities, the Astraeus super-heavy tank embodies the apex of Imperial engineering, a devastating war machine that serves as the perfect accompaniment for any Primaris Astartes force.The Astraeus uses similar anti-grav plate technology as the Repulsor transport also used by the Primaris Space Marines, but on a far grander scale. The enhanced repulsor plates of the Astraeus provide a stable firing platform for the tank's temperamental weapons, which also allow the vehicle to advance inexorably over hostile terrain.The vehicles' thick armour and additional protection from its on-board layered Void Shields allow it to shrug off even the most devastating of weapon strikes. The Astraeus is a symbol of the Imperium's might, unbowed by the dawning of a bloody new millennium and unbroken by the onslaught of its foes. |
Astraeus - History: For millennia Mankind had lost the secrets to constructing anti-gravity devices, which only a few relics from the Dark Age of Technology remaining. It was the discovery of an ancient STC by the famed Arkhan Land that led to a breakthrough in rediscovering and restoring this potent technology to the Imperium during the Great Crusade.The ancient Mechanicum and its Adeptus Mechanicus successor was able to once more produce anti-gravitic generators and impeller units that -- while nowhere near as elegant or refined as those heretical technologies used by certain xenos species like the Aeldari -- were robust, reliable and could be adapted for use on a variety of hulls, from light reconnaissance craft like the Land Speeder right up to the Astraeus super-heavy grav tank.After the opening of the Great Rift, with the direct sanction of both Roboute Guilliman as Lord Commander of the Imperium and the Fabricator-General of Mars, a select handful of chosen Tech-priests like Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl continued research and development into new gravitic battle tanks with which to bolster the battle lines of the Adeptus Astartes.The Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank was developed for use by the Primaris Space Marines, however, the vehicle's design does not originate directly from the work of Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl's Repulsor transport, but instead blends his innovations with Standard Template Construct (STC) technology already in possession by the Imperium.The STC technology in question was allegedly recovered by the Minotaurs Chapter during the so-called Perun Cross Incident, a battle whose records are sealed to all but the highest echelons of the Inquisition. As such, the production of the Astraeus is focused among the more distant Forge Worlds, primarily the fortress-forge of Mezoa, where the gaze of Mars cannot so easily pry. |
Astraeus - Armament: The Astraeus possesses an enormous hull which mounts a devastating range of defensive and offensive systems. The main weapons of the Astraeus super-heavy tank are a set of turret-mounted twin-linked Macro-Accelerator Cannons, coupled with sponson-mounted Las-Rippers or Plasma Eradicators. The Macro-Accelerator Cannons are particularly powerful, but the tank also possesses a co-axial, turret-mounted Ironhail Heavy Stubber and a set of hull-mounted, twin-linked Heavy Bolters or Lascannons positioned on the front of the vehicle.The Astraeus is protected by layered Void Shields and is held aloft by powerful anti-gravitic generators, which are powerful deterrents to enemy assault units. Unlike its smaller counterpart, the Repulsor, the Astraeus does not have any Astartes transport capacity -- instead, this colossal machine is dedicated to destruction alone.While there are few targets that can stand up to one of the Astraeus super-heavy tank's furious fusillades, it particularly excels at shooting down aircraft. This war machine can fire on the move, or even when locked in close combat, making it a surprisingly flexible and mobile unit despite its great size. The Astraeus is also outfitted with a pintle-mounted Storm Bolter, which can be replaced with an additional Ironhail Heavy Stubber atop the vehicle's turret. |
Astraeus - Unit Composition: 1 Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank |
Astraeus - Wargear: A standard Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank is armed and equipped with:Twin-linked Macro-Accelerator Cannons (Main turret)Twin-linked Heavy Bolters (Hull-mounted)Ironhail Heavy Stubber (Co-axial turret-mounted)2 Las-Rippers (Sponson-mounted)Storm Bolter (Pintle-mounted)2 Void Shield GeneratorsMachine Spirit (Artifical Intelligence)Enhanced Repulsor Field - The Enhanced Repulsor Field of the Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank not only keeps the vehicle aloft, but provides a nigh-impassable barrier to enemy infantry trying to assault the vehicle.An Astraeus may replace its hull-mounted twin-linked Heavy Bolters with:Twin-linked LascannonsAn Astraeus may replace its 2 sponson-mounted Las-Rippers with:2 Plasma EradicatorsAn Astraeus may replace its Pintle-mounted Storm Bolter with:Ironhail Heavy Stubber |
Astraeus - Formations: Astraeus Super-Heavy Detachment - The Astraeus Super-Heavy Detachment is a Primaris Space Marine battle formation consisting of three Astraeus Super-Heavy Tanks. |
Astraeus - Adeptus Mechanicus Technical Specifications: The technical specifications of the Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank have not yet been made available by the Adeptus Mechanicus. |
Astraeus - Sources: Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition) (Revised Codex), pg. 87Forge World Webstore - Astraeus Super-Heavy TankForge World Webstore - Astraeus Super-Heavy DetachmentForge World Webstore - Astraeus Super-Heavy Tank Experimental Rules (PDF)Warhammer 40,000 Community (12 Oct 2017) - Forge World Preview: The First Ever Primaris Super-HeavyPrimaris Space Marine ForcesCommandPrimaris Captain • Primaris Lieutenant • Vanguard Lieutenant • Primaris AncientSpecialistsPrimaris Apothecary (Helix Adept • Apothecary Biologis) • Primaris Librarian • Vanguard Librarian • Primaris Chaplain (Judiciar) • Primaris TechmarineVeteransBladeguard Veteran • Veteran • Veteran Intercessor • Veteran Assault Intercessor • Sternguard Veteran • Terminator (Assault Terminator)BattlelineIntercessor (Heavy Intercessor) • Vanguard InfiltratorClose SupportInceptor • Reiver • Incursor • Assault Intercessor • Jump Pack Intercessor • OutriderFire SupportAggressor • Desolation Squad • Eradicator • Hellblaster • Vanguard Eliminator • Vanguard Suppressor • Infernus Squad • Firestrike Servo-turret • Hammerfall BunkerCombat Walkers and VehiclesAstraeus • Redemptor Dreadnought (Brutalis Dreadnought • Ballistus Dreadnought) • Repulsor • Repulsor Executioner • Impulsor • Gladiator (Gladiator Reaper • Gladiator Valiant • Gladiator Lancer) • Raider Pattern Combat Bike • Invader ATV • Invictor Tactical Warsuit • Storm Speeder (Storm Speeder Hailstrike • Storm Speeder Hammerstrike • Storm Speeder Thunderstrike)AircraftOverlord • Drop Pod |
Astral Bears - Astral Bears: The Astral Bears are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the Ultima Founding composed entirely of Primaris Space Marines.Despite being a relatively new Chapter they have already won many honours in their Primarch Jaghatai Khan's memory. |
Astral Bears - Chapter Colours: The Astral Bears' Chapter colours are not currently listed in Imperial records. |
Astral Bears - Chapter Badge: The Astral Bears' Chapter badge is not currently listed in Imperial records. |
Astral Blades - Astral Blades: The Astral Blades were a formerly Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of unknown Founding and genetic origin. In 121.M37, they were led down the path to Chaos by their prideful Chapter Master, who had been possessed by the Daemon Etherak the Unrepentant. The Daemon's servants used sorcery to possess almost every battle-brother within the Chapter's subterranean fortress-monastery one by one, slaughtering those strong enough to resist.As the blood of the last of the fallen was still cooling, the possessed Space Marines plundered the Chapter's gene-seed stores and set off for the Eye of Terror. However, when their battle barge, Sword of Stars, reached high orbit, the Grey Knights were waiting for them. In the furious battle that ensued, Grey Knights Terminators teleported onto the bridge of the battle barge and banished Etherak back into the Warp in the midst of a furious melee.Broken in body and spirit, the Chapter Master of the Astral Blades accepted the Emperor's Mercy delivered at the hands of his "saviours". |
Astral Blades - Warband Colours: The Astral Blades' Chapter colours are not listed in current Imperial records. |
Astral Blades - Warband Badge: The Astral Blades' Chapter badge is not listed in current Imperial records. |
Astral Claws - Astral Claws: The Astral Claws were a Space Marine Chapter created during the mid-35th Millennium's 10th Founding from an unknown genetic origin.The Astral Claws were founded specifically to defend the Eastern Fringes of the Imperium of Man from any Chaos threats spawned by the massive Warp rift called the Maelstrom in the region of the Ultima Segmentum appropriately called the Maelstrom Zone by Imperial astrocartographers.For centuries the Astral Claws served as members of the alliance of Space Marine Chapters known as the Maelstrom Warders who protected the people of the Maelstrom Zone.The Astral Claws eventually turned Renegade against the Imperium and initiated the major rebellion and attempt at secession from the Imperium by the Badab Sector appropriately called the Badab War in the late 41st Millennium.Upon losing this conflict to Loyalist Imperial forces, including several other Space Marine Chapters, the surviving Astral Claws were corrupted by Chaos and fled into the Maelstrom.They are currently the leaders of a powerful band of mortal Chaos pirates and Renegade Space Marines called the Red Corsairs who present a major threat to Imperial commerce and Imperial worlds in the region.For much of the Chapter's history, the Astral Claws operated as a fleet-based, crusading force, though still older records suggested that they may have occupied one or more Chapter worlds in the earliest years of service.In the 5th century of the 41st Millennium, the Chapter was assigned along with several others to the force known as the Maelstrom Warders, a group of Chapters charged with defending the sectors surrounding the massive Warp anomaly called the Maelstrom from the numerous outcasts, pirates and xenos raiders that lurked within.The Astral Claws received the signal honour of appointment as the masters of the Maelstrom Warders, the Chapter's commander having ultimate power over the entire formation.Though the Astral Claws continued to maintain a powerful fleet capacity, they spent the next several centuries fortifying their new home system of Badab, creating in the process a bastion considered by all that have witnessed it to be unbreakable.In most regards, the Astral Claws were always considered adherents of Roboute Guilliman's Codex Astartes. However, in the solar decades before the outbreak of the Badab War, the Chapter underwent a secret shift in its outlook and organisation, a change that accelerated once Lufgt Huron was appointed as Chapter Master.Over those decades, the Astral Claws elevated themselves from the foremost defenders of the Maelstrom Zone, to its absolute masters in all but name. The Chapter established itself at the apex of a potent military force comprising not just its own assets, but those of the other Chapters of the Maelstrom Warders.The Astral Claws had direct control over a vast body of locally raised mortal troops, numbering, it is estimated, in the many millions of warriors. Far more serious, however, was that the Astral Claws secretly transgressed one of the core proscriptions of the Codex Astartes, namely that which restricts the size of a Chapter to around a thousand Battle-Brothers.The true extent of the Astral Claws' heresy would only become clear once the terrible internecine conflict known as the Badab War was unleashed, a conflict that ultimately led Space Marine to fight Space Marine once more, and the Astral Claws to final damnation. |
Astral Claws - Chapter History: The Astral Claws is a name that is vilified within the Imperium, synonymous now with infamy and treachery, and in time perhaps a name that will eventually be wiped from history altogether, but it was not always so.For more than five thousand Terran years, the Astral Claws Space Marine Chapter stood shoulder to shoulder with the finest of the Imperium's warriors, their deeds were legendary and their honour unquestioned.It was their glorious record of exemplary service that won them the singular honor of the overall command of the Maelstrom Warder force when they were assigned to the Badab Sector in 587.M41. Lufgt Huron rose to prominence and the leadership of his Chapter in 697.M41.It is remarkable to Imperial scholars today that one man, even one as extraordinary as Lufgt Huron, could bring so mighty and loyal a force over to the brink of heresy and rebellion, yet he managed to do so.Some argue that Huron was no more than the result of the Chapter's overweening arrogance and self-importance, and that a man like Lufgt Huron would never have been allowed to rise to command in another Chapter, nor would any other Chapter so carelessly and knowingly have followed him into damnation.The Astral Claws is believed to have been part of the 10th Founding although some sources differ on this. Created amid the dark times of the Nova Terra Interregnum, few records remain surrounding this Founding, which was believed to have been initiated to counteract the rapid erosion and contraction of the Imperium's borders during this period.The few such records that survive relating to the Astral Claws in this era paint them as a Crusading Chapter, despatched from warzone to warzone in order to battle Mankind's enemies.Evidence of their presence can be found in Departmento Munitorum records relating to the Perfidian Wars and anti-Ork purges of Lord Solar Jurastis Macro, while further traces of their exploits can also be found on battle shrines relating to the later battles against Nova Terran forces during the Cataclysm of Souls that brought the Interregnum to its end.One of their most acclaimed victories occurred during the defence of Cadia from the 5th Black Crusade, for which their Chapter's standard was taken for display in the halls of the Eternity Gate in the Imperial Palace of Holy Terra itself.For much of the 37th and the early 38th Millennia, the Astral Claws appear to have confined their range of operations to the Segmentum Obscurus. Their deeds are mentioned repeatedly in the Apocrypha Kaali, a valuable historical resource compiled by, and still held in the great Scholastica Corpus on Cypra Mundi, which details the turbulent events of the Occlusiad War and its aftermath.The Apocrypha further mentions the Astral Claws as having "three sons" which most likely implies that three Successor Chapters had been drawn from their ranks, which would be a remarkable number if true, given their relative youth as a Chapter at the time, and if so, a testament to the high regard in which they were held.Matters seem to have taken a darker turn for the Chapter in the early 38th Millennium however, as the Astral Claws are recorded as being destroyed in action during the Altid Crusade while fighting alongside the Dark Angels in 288.M38.It is not until the fall of the Gorgon Pentarchy nearly eighteen standard centuries later that the Astral Claws are reported again fighting at full strength, with some mention of them undertaking a penitent crusade in-between.Their war record for the 39th and 40th Millennia records that the Astral Claws were a fleet-based crusading Chapter, ranging within the Segmentum Solar and the Segmentum Tempestus, responding to emergencies and adding their strength to ongoing conflicts, often tipping them in the Imperium's favour.Some commentators at the time accused the Chapter of a greater lust for glory than the rewards of duty. One action by the Astral Claws which was to have unforeseen repercussions later was the relief of the besieged Executioners Chapter at Stygia-Aquilon.The battle engendered a blood-debt between the two Space Marine forces that Lufgt Huron would later call on to gain the Executioners' aid during the Badab War. |
Astral Claws - The Maelstrom Warders: It was in recognition of their service that the High Lords of Terra named the Astral Claws to the Maelstrom Warders and entrusted them with the overall leadership of the force.During this time at Badab Primaris, the Chapter thrived, taking to the overlordship of the Badab Sector with skill and diligence.They used their new homeworld's production capacity and connection to the isolated Forge World of Angstrom to further augment their abilities and increase their capacity to wage war. |
Astral Claws - The Tiger Claws: In 680.M41, far distant from the Maelstrom Zone, a sequence of events was later to prove to have dreadful ramifications for the Astral Claws Chapter. The Bakasurra, a Strike Cruiser belonging to the Tiger Claws, reappeared on the edge of the Segmentum Pacificus, containing over a hundred Battle-Brothers of a Chapter declared destroyed over fourteen Terran centuries before.The ship appeared to have been subject to severe time distortion in the Warp, and for those on board no more than a few solar months had elapsed. After making contact with the Storm Wings Space Marine strike force and aiding them in battle against Aeldari slavers, the Tiger Claws were resupplied and made their way back to the location of their fortress-monastery on Krodha.There they found that in their long absence their ancient sun had expanded and rendered their world a lifeless, irradiated husk, and that their Chapter was nothing more than an all-but-forgotten legend.Captain Vetala of the Tiger Claws, now the de facto master of what was effectively a dead Chapter, travelled to Terra to petition for the release of the Chapter's gene-seed and the right and title to rebuild the Tiger Claws.Captain Vetala disappeared without a trace while awaiting his petition's hearing and as a result his suit was summarily dismissed.Rumours in Inquisitorial circles darkly hinted that the lost Chapter was considered tainted by some, and was part of the so-called "Cursed Founding" better left dead. The Bakasurra, last seen conducting operations in the region of their Chapter's dead homeworld, could not be located by ships sent to the area to track them down.Centuries later, the Astral Claws' hubris resulted in their Chapter secretly absorbing the remnants of their long-lost Successor Chapter, the Tiger Claws, into their ranks and ultimately led to Lufgt Huron's dreams of expanding his Chapter into a force with the strength of one of the Space Marine Legions of antiquity, in order to pacify the Maelstrom permanently and crush Mankind's enemies.Some Imperial scholars contend that when the last remaining Tiger Claws survivors were taken into the Astral Claws midst, these once-loyal brothers grasped a poisonous viper to their hearts, thus causing them to eventually fall from grace. |
Astral Claws - Notable Campaigns: 5th Black Crusade (723.M36) - When Abaddon the Despoiler led a large Chaos incursion into Imperial space as the 5th Black Crusade, the Astral Claws were there to help defend Cadia. For their valiant efforts, the Chapter was awarded one of the greatest accolades a Space Marine Chapter could receive by having their Chapter standard taken for display in the Hallway of Heroes before the Eternity Gate of the Imperial Palace on Terra.Taninim Crusade (678.M37-714.M37) - Following the aftermath of the Occlusiad War, the Taninim Crusade was a Crusade undertaken by the Imperium of Man to regain control of several regions lost along the northwestern fringe of the Segmentum Obscurus. No fewer than 11 Crusading Space Marine Chapters were sent into the forbidding region known as the Taninim Expanse that extends past the outer edge of known space. They were sent into the vast, alien-haunted realm of the Taninim Expanse in order to identify, target and destroy any emerging threats that might be found there. Some of the Chapters sent into the Expanse never returned, while one, the Storm Callers, infamously became corrupted by Chaos and fell into civil war within its own ranks. Over time, some of the Chapters that were sent to fight in the Taninim Crusade never returned. The Astral Claws, however, was one of the few Chapters able to Crusade throughout the Expanse for more than four solar decades and return relatively unscathed by the experience. Upon returning to the Imperium, the Astral Claws were awarded a Sceptre of Victory at the Segmentum capital world of Cypra Mundi in recognition of their deeds and a temple to the Emperor in their honour (now deconsecrated following the Chapter's corruption by Chaos during the Badab War) was raised on the Shrine World of Pycentos to commemorate their actions.Siege of Darkenvault (Unknown Date.M39) - In what is now a largely forgotten episode of the Imperium's history, the southern fringe of the Segmentum Tempestus was assailed by wave after wave of Ork nomad fleets, xenoform migrations and strange psychic phenomenon which themselves caused a near epidemic of Witch Cults, alien infestations and daemonic incursions. Seen now by some sources within the Ordo Xenos as a precursor to the coming of the Tyranids, these events were largely unrecognised at the time as forming a pattern, as the eyes of the Imperium were focused on threats elsewhere. Suffering severe attrition in a series of campaigns defending the Imperium's borders against invading Orks, Enslaver outbreaks and worse, the Executioners Chapter had been reduced to less than 300 Battle-Brothers when their own twin Chapter worlds of Stygia-Aquilon came under siege. The attackers were a nightmarish xenos species of worm-ridden, writhing charnel-feasters never before encountered by Mankind. Again and again they struck without warning, their strange disk-like ships all but undetectable to the defences of the Executioners' fortress-monastery, Darkenvault, until the last moment of their attack when their ghostly energy rays seared through tens of metres of ferrous asteroid mass in an instant to spill a tide of horror into the fortress' lower levels. The resulting battles in the catacombs at the heart of the Executioners' fortress-monastery were unceasing and terrible, and in a short span of time few Space Marines remained to defend the inner sanctum and the Chapter stood on the brink of extinction. It was the Astral Claws, supported by the Cruisers of Battlefleet Tempestus, that broke the siege of Darkenvault; their arrival came just as the last of the Executioners were gathering for a final stand. Many Astral Claws died in breaking the siege, and among their losses they counted their Chapter Master, Acas Seneca. The handful of Executioners that endured owed a blood debt to the Astral Claws for the salvation of their Chapter, and swore that should the Astral Claws ever be so threatened they would respond in kind. It would be almost a century and a half before the Executioners returned again to full strength as a Chapter, and they would never forget their oath. When the time came over two thousand standard years later, they would heed Lufgt Huron's call, siding with the Tyrant of Badab and the Secessionists during the infamous Badab War.Scourge Campaign (640.M41-651.M41) - The Scourge Campaign was the greatest operation of its time conducted within the Maelstrom Zone. The Astral Claws and their Astartes allies from the Maelstrom Warders conducted a series of major combat operations, striking deep into the heart of the Maelstrom itself to take the battle to the foe, the first Imperial forces in centuries to do so. The Warders' strike force managed to pinpoint and destroy dozens of enemy strongholds and root out the hiding places of many infamous Renegades during the campaign. Despite the Warders' successes, their efforts were curtailed when the Charnel Guard Chapter was abruptly withdrawn from the Maelstrom Zone entirely and their ties severed with the Warders in order to campaign elsewhere. This sudden loss, which cut the Warders' forces by a quarter, effectively ended the campaign.Lycanthos Drift Campaign (780.M41) - In the aftermath of the long-running and infamous Fourth Quadrant Rebellion, the Astral Claws answered a general call to arms among the Astartes of the region and despatched a powerful force under the direct personal command of Lufgt Huron in 780.M41, undertaking the Lycanthos Drift Campaign against one of the last major stronghold systems of the revolt located to the galactic south of the Maelstrom Zone. Lufgt Huron was elected battle leader of a number of Astartes contingents by common consent, comprising companies from the Astral Claws, Fire Hawks, White Scars and Celestian Guard Chapters, backed by Krieg and Cal-Sec Astra Militarum regiments and the Titans of Legio Venator. The Fire Hawks' Chapter Master Stibor Lazaerek was bitter that he was not given command of the campaign, and is known to have born a grudge against the Astral Claws from this time forward. Under Huron's inspired command the taskforce ruthlessly purged the heavily fortified system of Traitor and Chaos forces in under a standard year. This conflict confirmed Lufgt Huron's reputation as a masterful strategist among Space Marine commanders.Crusade of Wrath (869.M41) - At the instigation of Chapter Master Lufgt Huron, the Black Templars Chapter declared a Crusade of Wrath into the Maelstrom, assaulting it from its eastward marches. Meanwhile the Astral Claws, Lamenters and Mantis Warriors launched their own assaults into the pathways of the great storm from its southern and northeastern approaches. Due to Huron's strategic planning as well as the mettle of the Chapters involved, no fewer than 23 alien or Heretic stronghold worlds were purged, including several on the Maelstrom's fringes that had fallen into the hands of the Word Bearers Traitor Legion and their apostate followers. At the height of the campaign, having made inroads deeper yet than any recorded Imperial fleet had attempted, the Astral Claws and Mantis Warriors directed their massed assault to smash the subhuman flesh-haunters of the Howling Gyre. At the culmination of the battle against the flesh-haunters, the Astral Claws' 1st Company led by Lufgt Huron fought their way deep within the foul creatures' carcass vaults before unleashing the Life-eater virus upon the abominations in a rain of Virus Bombs. By this single act, they had ended a threat that had plagued the Imperium since before the Age of Apostasy, affording a great and lauded victory. But once again, wider events intervened, putting a premature end to the Astral Claws plans, as the Black Templars were suddenly called away to aid the beleaguered realm of Ultramar in the wake of the Tyrannic War. Having sustained substantial losses, and with readings from the Emperor's Tarot portending oncoming doom, the Warder Chapters were forced to withdraw from the Maelstrom unable to complete their objectives much to Huron's fury.Badab War (901.M41 - 912.M41) - The Astral Claws were, ironically, founded during the 35th Millennium to guard against the numerous daemonic and alien threats emerging from the Maelstrom. Under the leadership of their Chapter Master, Lufgt Huron, the "Tyrant of Badab," in the late 41st Millennium, the Astral Claws sought to have the Badab Sector secede from the Imperium of Man in protest against the Imperium's continued attempts to use the resources of the Badab Sector outside the region rather than dedicating them fully to the defeat of the Chaos and xenos threats that emerged constantly from the Maelstrom Zone. The Astral Claws and the Tyrant of Badab were able to convince several other Astartes Chapters also dedicated to the protection of the Maelstrom Zone, including the Executioners, Lamenters, and the Mantis Warriors to stand with them against the Imperium in what they believed to be a just cause and an attempt to maintain the traditional autonomy of the Adeptus Astartes in the face of unwarranted interference from the Imperial nobility, economic interests and the often hated Inquisition. Unfortunately, Lufgt Huron had slowly been corrupted by his desire for power into the service of Chaos, and eventually the Imperium was forced to respond to the Secessionists in the Maelstrom Zone by unleashing the full might of the Imperium in the terrible civil conflict that became known in the Imperial record as the Badab War. This conflict was fought between 901.M41 and 913.M41 and ended in the complete destruction of the Astral Claws' defences and the devastation of their Chapter homeworld of Badab Primaris. Only 200 Astral Claws survived the final Imperial assault, and these Astartes, all corrupted by Chaos, fled with the maimed body of their leader into the Maelstrom, where they founded a new Chaos empire. In the aftermath of the death of Badab Primaris, the remaining Secessionists from the Astral Claws, Executioners, Mantis Warriors and Lamenters were put on trial before a specially convened Consistorial Court of their peers with their very existence at stake. The Consistorial Court found all of those Chapters who had taken part in the Badab Secession guilty in breaking with both the Codex Astartes and the ancient covenant it represented. In punishment, all the Astral Claws in custody were blindfolded and shackled in dishonour and then put to the sword. The other Astartes Chapters who had served the Secessionist cause were eventually forgiven by the Imperium since they had only been misguided and not corrupted, in return for launching themselves upon a series of penitent Imperial Crusades. But Lufgt Huron swore his soul and the souls of his remaining Astral Claws to the eternal service of the Ruinous Powers in return for the restoration of his health and the power needed to make war upon the Imperium that he believed had betrayed him and his fellow Astral Claws. Replacing the ravaged portions of his body with bionic augmetics, Lufgt Huron, now calling himself Huron Blackheart, ironically led his corrupt Astartes, now calling themselves the Red Corsairs, back into the Maelstrom Zone to become the piratical raiders that he had so long fought against. In time, the Red Corsairs became the leaders of a vast Chaos pirate force of Renegades and Traitors that represents a major continuing threat to the Imperium in the Ultima Segmentum. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Organisation: While still a crusading Chapter, and during the opening centuries of their Chapter's deployment to the Maelstrom Zone, the Astral Claws maintained an organisational structure very close to that of the Codex Astartes with its standard division of ten companies, Chapter command, Apothecarion and forge armouries.Lufgt Huron, as newly appointed Chapter Master, started a significant re-organisation and shift of focus for the Chapter that would eventually lead to outright heresy.First, he fully exploited the economic power of the Badab Sector to his Chapter's advantage, massively increasing the Astral Claws' stockpiles of arms and equipment far beyond the possible operational needs of a single Space Marine Chapter.Badab's advanced manufacturing capacity enabled the Astral Claws to easily fabricate less exotic materials such as Rhino STC pattern vehicles and bolt weapons. As a result, such things became almost disposable to the Chapter, and were distributed to the other Warder Chapters, further binding them to Huron's debt.Though thankfully, they were unable to readily produce some items of wargear such as Terminator Armour or Land Raiders because of the meticulous requirements of certain rare resources and lost techno-arcane arts.As the Badab Schism worsened in the lead-up to the war, and later as the secession gathered pace, the Astral Claws Chapter changed, expanding dramatically beyond the limits set down within the Codex Astartes.Slowly but with gathering speed they became something more akin in structure to an ancient Space Marine Legion. As part of this transformation an entire additional Chapter-sized force of battle companies was raised, with a heavy emphasis on the use of concentrated firepower and fighting close boarding action inherent in their makeup, and seeded throughout the Chapter fleet. |
Astral Claws - The Tyrant's Legion: Further to this, another force, totaling well over a thousand additional Battle-Brothers, was dispersed widely throughout what was known as the Tyrant's Legion.This force was a series of mixed armies comprising human Defence Auxilia troops (along the lines of the Astra Militarum) formed around a specialised core of Astral Claws Space Marines, whose task it was to secure the Badab Sector from any who would dare to invade.It was the creation of the Tyrant's Legion that was the most egregious offence against the Emperor committed by Lufgt Huron, let alone his massive expansion in the ranks of the Space Marines he commanded in violation of the Codex Astartes.The Tyrant's Legion specialised in using their mortal "inferiors" as disposable cannon fodder and as living shields to maximise their own effectiveness in battle.The Tyrant's Legion was also created to be a force that Huron could trust to be loyal above all else, and while it relied on the military nobility of the Badab Sector for its field officers, it was always the Astral Claws themselves who had absolute final authority, and any Tyrant's Legion detachment of any real size in the war was assigned its own "Centurion."Each Centurion was an Astral Claws Veteran who could be entrusted with both tactical command and to make bloody examples to shirkers, cowards and those that failed their masters. To the human ranks below them, these armoured giants were literally seen as Angels of Death, and were figures both of holy awe and terror. |
Astral Claws - Specialised Units: Found only within the ranks of the Astral Claws were a number of non-Codex Astartes specialist positions of Lufgt Huron's own design:Corpse-Takers - Appearing only in the final days of the Badab War, the Corpse Takers were specially-tasked Apothecaries who specialised in harvesting gene-seed from fallen Space Marines -- from both friend and enemy alike. When this final betrayal of their fellow Adeptus Astartes by the Astral Claws was revealed, it proved to be one blasphemy too much and guaranteed the bitter hatred and enmity of any Loyalist Astartes the Astral Claws fought in open battle. It also ensured that no prisoners were taken on either side.Legion Centurions - The Centurions were Veteran Astral Claws chosen to both command and if need be punish the human Auxilia of the Tyrant's Legion. They were selected for their might of arms and utter devotion to Huron's cause. They were objects of religious awe and genuine terror by those they commanded, and also served as the eyes and ears of the Tyrant of Badab across his fledgling pocket empire.Legion Iron Hunter Squads - Having a long tradition of maintaining highly adept Biker units in its Battle Companies stretching back for millennia, Huron employed rapidly moving Astartes Bike Squads known as "Iron Hunters." They were utilised principally in harrowing and running down a broken or scattered foe, and to counter-assault against flanking attacks or breakthroughs by numerically superior enemies in the field. As the secret expansion of the Chapter got underway, Huron increased the number of Iron Hunter Squads at his disposal, deploying them to the Tyrant's Legion in sizable numbers and providing the Legion's often unwieldy ranks with a hard-hitting and rapid-moving strike force.Legion Retaliator Squads - Retaliator Squads were special units of Astartes created to exert the Astral Claws' control directly where needed, and they were drawn initially from the Astral Claws Reserve Assault Company which had long specialised in close-quarters assaults and space-borne boarding actions. Retaliator Squads were given leave to sow terror and enforce loyalty amongst the Chapter's mortal Auxilia by bloody example. With the advent of the Tyrant's Legion, these Retaliator Squads were expanded, forming a feared spearhead strike force, freeing the Chapter's assault reserve to fulfill its tactical duties in the wider conflict.Legion Space Marine Cohort - These specialty units were drawn from the expanding Chapter who hid its illegally increasing numbers amongst the sector's human defence corps in the guise of training and field command. Huron deployed and organised these cohorts along the lines of the Space Marine Legions of old, with reconquering the Maelstrom in the name of the Emperor as his long-term goal. Even after that dream was to wither and he was to set himself and his Chapter against the Imperium, the cohort deployments persisted as the brutal and irresistible killing hand of the Tyrant's Legion forces.Retaliators - The Retaliators were hand-picked Space Marine assault troops, selected for their brutality and unquestioning obedience to Lufgt Huron who served as line breakers in battle and as the bloody hand of the Tyrant of Badab's will inside his own realm, conducting punitive extermination missions against political "dissidents" when needed. |
Astral Claws - Irregular Forces: The Tyrant of Badab kept his use of outside and irregular forces a secret even from his closest allies right up until the end of the war.Displaying a highly unusual grasp and even enjoyment of intrigue and espionage for a Space Marine Chapter Master, Huron had long cultivated contacts and agents amongst those Imperial recidivists, outsiders and Renegades in the Maelstrom Zone that it was both his sworn duty and passion to hunt and kill.It was intelligence gathered from these channels that contributed to many of the Maelstrom Warders' successes before the Badab War, and as the conflict worsened for the Secessionists, Huron turned to many of his erstwhile agents and through a mixture of fear, blackmail and bribery brought them to fight directly in aid of his cause, although they seldom did so willingly. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Combat Doctrines: When the Astral Claws were still a Crusading Chapter, they maintained a strong fleet and favored rapid strike missions and boarding actions, and as such fielded strong additional auxiliary contingents of assault bikers and Dreadnoughts in its armouries.Rapid speed and relentless attack were the cornerstones of the Astral Claws' combat tactics, although their pride in their prowess occasionally led them into overconfidence, and to assaulting superior forces or failing to retreat when a more rationally governed Space Marine Chapter might have otherwise regrouped or withdrawn.The Astral Claws themselves saw no folly in this - there was no foe they would not challenge, and they were proud to fight and proud to die if needs be in the Imperium's great cause, and the graver the odds the greater the chance for glory. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Beliefs: When Lufgt Huron took over mastery of the Chapter, the Astral Claws' grip on the Badab Sector grew measurably and rapidly tighter.As the sector's direct rulers and defenders, this very much fed into the existing psychology of the Chapter, who had always been proud and imperious, much enamoured of martial glory and the veneration of the heroes of the past.They saw themselves as the inheritors of the Emperor's will and sworn to His task of reuniting all of Humanity under the Space Marines' protection. While it cannot be doubted that in the past they saw themselves as the first and foremost of Mankind's defenders, they also believed transhuman Space Marines to be set above those they ruled and defended and worthy of subservience, even reverence by the common citizenry.Under Lufgt Huron's command, the fervour and degree in which this belief was held strengthened greatly, as did their Chapter's conviction in their own superiority over other agencies of power within the Imperium, along with a growing resentment of what they saw as outside interference in the Chapter's holy mission.To Huron and the Astral Claws, Humanity was to be preserved at all costs, believing that individual human lives mattered little. As far as the daily lives of those that toiled in the Maelstrom Zone was concerned, the authority of sacrificing millions, even billions of lives was not invested in the Tyrant of Badab's hands but in the hands of the High Lords of Terra -- a fact he soon came to resent.It was such presumptions as these, embraced by the Astral Claws Chapter as they were, that lay at the heart of the secession and the Badab War. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Gene-seed: The source of the Astral Claws' gene-seed remains suppressed, and speculation has it that its provenance ranges from basic Ultramarines stock, to that of the Dark Angels, pointing to the supposed un-degraded quality of their gene-seed as well as certain factors of temperament and style of warfare that were common between the two Chapters.Some have made far more outlandish claims, from the use of forbidden sources at their inception, to xenos or Warp contamination as the cause for the Astral Claws' eventual turn to Chaos.But due to the Edict of Obliteration passed by the High Lords of Terra during the Badab War which called for the eradication of all records related to the Chapter and the Astral Claws' own systematic destruction of their archives by their own hands during the final bitter battles of the siege of Badab Primaris, no records or personnel now survive who know the full story of their arrogance and sin.The truth of whom their genetic forebears were will more than likely never be known. |
Astral Claws - Deathwatch Service: While in service to the Deathwatch before the outbreak of the Badab War, the Battle-Brothers of the Astral Claws always possessed about them an air of superiority bordering on the disdainful, an attitude that often extended even to members of other Adeptus Astartes Chapters.This demeanour might be the main reason the Chapter only rarely submitted brethren to stand the Long Vigil.Perhaps another reason lay in the fact that service in the Deathwatch was likely to bring a battle-brother into close contact with senior members of the Inquisition, perhaps precipitating the asking of questions the Chapter had no desire to see answered. |
Astral Claws - Notable Astral Claws: Chapter Master Lufgt Huron, Master of the Astral Claws, Scourge of the Maelstrom, The Tyrant of Badab (known as Huron Blackheart following the Badab War) - Huron was the brilliant, ambitious and power-hungry Chapter Master of the Astral Claws, whose hubris led to the bloody internecine conflict known as the Badab War and his Chapter's eventual fall from grace. It was originally assumed that he had died during the final assault on Badab Primaris during the closing days of the Badab War after taking a Melta-gun blast to the whole right side of his body. But Imperial authorities were unable to confirm this as his body was never found, and he later reemerged as the powerful Chaos Lord of the Red Corsairs Heretic Astartes.Chapter Master Acas Seneca (KIA) - Acas Seneca was the former Chapter Master of the Astral Claws who met his end at the close of the 39th Millennium when the Executioners' twin Chapter worlds of Stygia and Aquilon came under siege from a nightmarish xenos species never before encountered. Having already been reduced to 300 battle-brothers from the constant attacks by invading Orks and Enslaver outbreaks, the resulting battle in the catacombs of the Executioners' fortress-monastery of Darkenvault reduced the number of Space Marines within the Chapter, until they stood on the brink of extinction. Only through the timely intervention of the Astral Claws, supported by the cruisers of Battlefleet Tempestus, were they able to break the siege, just in time as the last of the Executioners prepared to sell their lives dearly in a final stand. Many Astral Claws died breaking the siege, including Chapter Master Acas Seneca. The handful of Executioners that endured owed a blood debt to the Astral Claws for the salvation of their Chapter, and would pay this debt a thousand years or more later, when they heeded Lufgt Huron's call.Ancient Kleitor, Venerable Dreadnought of the Tabernacle of the Old Ones (KIA) - A Venerable Dreadnought, Kleitor was a former captain of the Astral Claws' 5th Battle Company prior to internment in a Dreadnought sarcophagus. He was destroyed in combat by Silas Alberec, the captain of the 3rd Company of the Exorcists Chapter, during the invasion of Piraeus in the Badab War.Captain Corien Sumatris, The Tyrant's Champion, Warden of Piraeus - Corien Sumatris was the Captain of the Astral Claws 2nd Company. A mysterious figure, even within his own Chapter, amber-eyed and grey of countenance, Sumatris rose swiftly to prominence first as one of Huron's Honour Guard. His fierce savagery paved his way up the ranks, and by the outbreak of the Badab War, he had not only been made Captain of the 2nd Battle Company but had also gained the wardenship of the world of Piraeus within the Tyrant's demesne. He also won the coveted title of "Tyrant's Champion," slaying the Chapter's 1st Company Captain in order to attain the honour in ritual combat. He came to be one of Huron's most trusted officers. This favoritism was distrusted by some within the Chapter who believed him a "lost son," which is to say a scion of the Tiger Claws Chapter given a new identity and concealed in the Astral Claws' ranks prior to the war. Sumatris was believed to have been killed in action leading the defence of the fortress station of Sentinel-Sigma on the edge of the Badab System just before the final siege of Badab Primaris, although his body was never conclusively identified afterward by the Inquisitorial forensic conclave.Armenneus Valthex, The Alchemancer, Honoured Patriarch of the Forges of the Astral Claws - Valthex was the Astral Claws' Master of the Forge, the chief Techmarine, and so an individual of great importance to the Chapter during the Badab War as Lufgt Huron's chief Armourer and most loyal servant. Valthex's skills as a crafter of poisons and chemical weaponry were as infamous as his abilities as a forge-wright and tech-smith were famed. During the Badab War, Valthex fought as a field commander and as the Astral Claws' chief siege engineer, and it was believed that it was he that carried away his fallen lord's body into the Maelstrom after the apocalyptic final battle for the Palace of Thorns during the Loyalists' final assault on Badab Primaris.Chief Apothecary Garreon, "The Corpsemaster" – Garreon was one of the Veteran battle-brothers of the former Astral Claws Chapter that survived the final assault on Badab Primaris during the closing days of the Badab War. The Red Corsairs now call Chief Apothecary Garreon "The Corpsemaster," not because he harboured any desire to see the dead walk, but because he took a pathological interest in the biology of the dying and the dead among the Astartes, both of whom provided him with a harvest of precious gene-seed. He believed, as had many Apothecaries throughout the history of the Adeptus Astartes, that the future of their brotherhood lay in a better understanding of human genetics and xenobiology. He performed regular dissections on enemy Space Marines and his fellow Red Corsairs both—in some cases whilst his subjects were still living. He could keep his victims alive for a phenomenal length of time, reducing them to skeletal, still-living things that begged for a release that was an eternity in coming.Glaucus (KIA) - Formerly a sergeant of the Astral Claws 9th Company and a veteran of the Ionian Interventions, Brother Glaucus is remembered more for the manner of his death than the specifics of his service to the Deathwatch. He died as any Devastator battle-brother would wish, lending fire support to his brethren and allowing them to fight on towards their ultimate objective. However, accounts of the events leading up to the defeat of the Lord of Lightning rarely fail to mention that Brother Glaucus was observed to remain firing his Heavy Bolter for some time after he had been overwhelmed by the power of multiple lightning strikes. This assertion is reportedly confirmed by data retrieved from the sensorium cores of several of the Devastator’s brethren as well as the testimony of Watch Captain Aesalon himself.Arch-centurion Carnac Commodus (KIA) - Carnac Commodus was a Veteran warrior of the Astral Claws and commander of the strike cruiser Hyrcania. Following the destruction of his home base on the world of Shaprias by a Loyalist strike force, he craved vengeance and a chance to make up for his failings in the eyes of his lord. Seeking assistance from his Secessionist allies, he found an unexpected ally in the Phaeton's Wrath, the flagship battle barge of the Executioners Chapter, and her accompanying Gladius class frigate escorts. The combined battlegroup attacked the Loyalist vessels, disabling the Salamanders battle barge Pyre of Glory after a surprise attack at the warp-transfer point near Calah. They forced the mighty Space Marine ship's surrender. The Astral Claws set about attempting to massacre their prisoners and harvest their gene-seed, but the Executioners would not countenance this vile action. They renounced their alliance with the Tyrant of Badab, saying that the blood oath binding them had been violated. The Executioners freed the captives and turned on the Astral Claws, taking more than 200 heads from their former allies in a single hour of furious conflict known as 'The Red Hour.' From this point onward, the Executioners Chapter became a rogue element in the conflict. High Mortiurge (High Chaplain) Thulsa Kane came alone before the Salamanders' commander, Captain Pellas Mir'san and presented a single gory object which rolled at Mir'san's feet -- the head of the Arch-centurion Commodus.Watch Captain Andar Scarion - Andar Scarion arrived at Watch Fortress Erioch in 782.M41, which was met with much controversy due to the Astral Claws' actions in recent solar decades. Nevertheless, Scarion was allowed to commence his Vigil with the Deathwatch and served for over five solar decades with honour, achieving the rank of Watch Captain. Like his Chapter Master, Scarion was a proud and ruthless warrior with a keen grasp of strategy and military politics, and had proven himself to be a valuable asset in liaising with the Achilus Crusade's officers. He expected the Kill-teams under his command to perform to the most exacting of standards and did not tolerate laxity, weakness or failure. As was common to many of his Chapter, Scarion regarded non-Astartes with a mixture of scorn and pity, holding that the transhuman Astartes ideal is fundamentally superior to the frailty of humanity. He masked this well in times of politics, but discarded the façade when amongst other Space Marines, seeing little issue with collateral damage amongst human allies and regarding them as expendable. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Relics: Chimeric Talons - This set of Lightning Claws is as old as the Astral Claws Chapter itself, a work of forgotten forgecraft beyond the reach of more recent artisans. The power fields incorporate a unique phase disruption envelope designed to tear apart protective fields, making a mockery of even the most advanced defences. It is told how neither psychic fields, relics of technology, or even the unnatural flesh of daemons can resist the Chimeric Talons.Ghost Razors - Ghost Razors is the name given to a heavily armoured gauntlet that housed a number of articulated blades. Fragmentary evidence suggests the relic was gifted to Chapter Master Lufgt Huron by the remnants of the Tiger Claws Chapter in gratitude to their saviour. In close combat, the Ghost Razors were an all but unmatched weapon, the unidentified phase-frequency disruption fields imparted to their cutting edges proved able to slice though solid matter at a sub-molecular level, parting ceramite and adamantine plate effortlessly and sundering any energy fields or force barriers they encountered. The Ghost Razors were destroyed during the Fall of Badab when they were struck by a melta-blast. The device exploded catastrophically, incinerating Lugft Huron's right arm and most of his right side. The remains of the Ghost Razors became the core of a new bionic arm and power fist crafted by Armenneus Valthex for Huron Blackheart in his capacity as the Tyrant of Badab's personal armourer and weaponsmith. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Fleet: The fleet assets of the Astral Claws were considerable, and included two powerful battle barges, and an ancient Cardinal-class heavy cruiser, recaptured as a wreck in the Maelstrom and brought back into service, as well as seven strike cruisers and over thirty escort vessels of various classes.The exact number of escorts the Chapter maintained is a matter for some debate as it was known to possess a number of captured vessels taken from within the Maelstrom, as well as armed transports of its own.The known, named vessels within the Astral Claws Chapter fleet included the following starships:Seraph of Judgement (Battle Barge)Hyrcania (Strike Cruiser)Piercing Nova (Strike Cruiser)Thoth's Hound (Cardinal-class Heavy Cruiser)Dreadchild (Gothic-class Cruiser) |
Astral Claws - Chapter Colours: In their original incarnation during the 1st Edition, the Astral Claws were referred to as the "Tiger Claws," and their armour was portrayed with a tiger stripe pattern.In the updated canon they now wear metallic silver power armour with blue pauldrons, trimmed in gold.As the Heretic Astartes survivors of the Badab War now known as the Red Corsairs, they wear corrupted, predominantly red and black Power Armour with gold trim. |
Astral Claws - Chapter Badge: The original Chapter iconography for the Astral/Tiger Claws was an orange, black and white, tiger-striped colour scheme with a tiger's head centred on the shoulder plate inside a yellow roundlet.The Chapter's new iconography is a contemporary tiger's head in gold and black on a dark blue background. |
Astral Claws - Canon Conflict: In the original iteration of the Badab War which appeared in the Warhammer 40,000 Compendium in "The Badab War" article by Rick Priestly, the Tiger Claws were the primary Chapter that was responsible for the civil conflict. This version also indicated that Lufgt Huron was possibly a shapeshifter or had been subjected to alien domination to cause him to turn Traitor, gaining psychic abilities in the process.In its newest iteration, re-released in Forge World's Imperial Armour Volumes Nine & Ten - The Badab War, Parts One & Two, the name of the Chapter responsible for the outbreak of the Badab War has been changed to the "Astral Claws".In this retconned lore, the Tiger Claws Chapter has instead become a Successor Chapter of the Astral Claws whose survivors were mysteriously absorbed by their parent Chapter. |
Astral Claws - Sources: Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter (RPG), pp. 114, 126Deathwatch: The Jericho Reach (RPG), pp. 76–77Deathwatch: The Emperor's Chosen (RPG), pg. 39Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One, pp. 12, 14-17, 19-21, 24, 26-27, 34, 40, 42-43, 47, 53-65, 77, 93, 101, 111, 160-163, 173-176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 187-188, 193Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two, pp. 9, 20-21, 24-25, 28, 30, 36-39, 42, 46-49, 52-61, 69, 78, 88-89, 127, 136, 175, 180Warhammer 40,000: Compendium (1st Edition), "The Badab War" by Rick Priestley, pp. 33–35White Dwarf 303 (UK) "Index Astartes: Rogue Sons" by Andy HoareWhite Dwarf 101(UK) "Index Astartes: The Badab Uprising" by Rick PriestleyHeroes of the Space Marines (Anthology), "The Skull Harvest" by Graham McNeillLegends of the Space Marines (Anthology), "The Trial of the Mantis Warriors" by C.S. Goto |
Astral Drakes - Astral Drakes: Astral DrakesSpace MarineChapterFoundingImperialOrkWarlordGhazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka |
Astral Drakes - Chapter Colours: The Astral Drakes' Chapter colours are not listed in current Imperial records. |
Astral Drakes - Chapter Badge: The Astral Drakes' Chapter badge is not listed in current Imperial records. |
Astral Fists - Astral Fists: The Astral Fists is a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of unknown Founding and origin that operates within the Ultima Segmentum. The Astral Fists have yet to leave their mark in Imperial history, so very little is currently known about this Chapter.Both the Astral Fists and the Angels Eradicant sent small contingents to investigate the last distress call of the now-extinct Marines Mordant Chapter on their homeworld of Vitrea Mundi in the Maelstrom Zone after that Chapter came under assault by the insidious forces of the Alpha Legion.The Chapter's only notable engagement was when it was ordered to engage the Tyranids Echidna Splinter Fleet sometime during the 41st Millennium. |
Astral Fists - Chapter Colours: The Astral Fists' Chapter colours are not listed in current Imperial records. |
Astral Fists - Chapter Badge: The Astral Fists' Chapter badge is a clenched silver fist. |
Astral Hawks - Astral Hawks: The Astral Hawks is a Codex Astartes-compliant Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of unknown Founding and genetic origin. |
Astral Hawks - Chapter Colours: The Astral Hawks primarily wear ebon power armour. The power pack's ports, faceplate, arms, knee plates and shoulder plate trim are dark greyish-blue. The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest is also dark greyish-blue.The white squad tactical specialty symbol -- battleline, close support, fire support, Veteran or command -- is indicated on the right shoulder plate.A black Low Gothic numeral centred in the middle of the squad specialty symbol indicates squad number. The white Low Gothic numeral on the right knee plate designates company number. |
Astral Hawks - Chapter Badge: The Astral Hawks' Chapter badge is the profile of a white stylised hawk's head, centred inside a red roundlet, edged in white. This roundlet is centred on a field of black. |
Astral Hound - Astral Hound: An Astral Hound is a non-daemonic denizen of the Warp that resembles a large, dark, shadowy dog. Astral Hounds are carnivorous and extremely predatory, but are not intelligent. Brute instinct allows them to track the psychic aura of their prey through Warpspace. Although Hounds can track the psychic aura of any creature with psychic abilities, the strongest and most attractive scent is that of the unprotected human psyker. So strong is their compulsion to seek out the source of this aura that the Astral Hound is the single most dangerous foe of the emergent psyker.Astral Hounds hunt alone or in packs of up to 6 creatures. They use the psyker's own powers to take form within the material universe. Astral Hounds attack with a numbing bite, paralysing their victim. Once helpless, infortunate victims are taken back into Warpspace, where the Hounds feed upon their psychic energy. The poor psyker simply disappears, confounding friends and neighbours. Astral Hounds are ferocious combat opponents, and are capable of making short Warp jumps of several metres, suddenly appearing behind or beside their enemy. |
Astral Knights - Astral Knights: The Astral Knights was a Loyalist, Codex Astartes-compliant Space Marine Chapter from an unknown Founding that was a genetic successor of the Imperial Fists.The Astral Knights sacrificed nearly their entire Chapter in 926.M41 to destroy the hideous threat to the Imperium called the World Engine in the Vidar Sector. This Necron weapon was a planet-sized spacecraft, armed with Gauss Projectors capable of scorching entire planets of all life on their surface.Shortly after the battle, the Astral Knights were struck from the roster of active Space Marine Chapters and the Sable Swords Chapter was created to fill the void left by their absence. The Sable Swords took up stewardship of the now all-but-abandoned Astral Knights fortress-monastery on the world of Obsidia.The remaining Astral Knights battle-brothers who had not been present with the majority of the Chapter were too few in number to carry the burden of reconstruction of their Chapter. Instead, they were absorbed into the newly-founded Sable Swords as a Veteran training cadre. |
Astral Knights - Notable Campaigns: Castigation of Acralem (799.M41) - The Flesh Tearers, working in conjunction with the Astral Knights, the Grey Knights of the 3rd Brotherhood (which included Kaldor Draigo) and nine regiments of the Astra Militarum, descended upon the Imperial world of Acralem to halt the Daemonic incursion of the infamous Daemon Prince M'kar the Reborn and his Daemon army. What followed was one of the most terrible battles of that century, though ultimately the Imperial forces proved victorious and M'kar was banished back to the Warp for a time.Battle of Safehold - Assault on the Necron World Engine (926.M41) - The massive mobile artificial Necron Tomb World of Borsis, known to the Imperium as the World Engine, was attacked in the Vidar Sector in 926.M41 by an Imperial task force comprised of 15 Space Marine Chapters, plus elements from the Imperial Navy, and even the mightiest weapons the Imperial forces could bring to bear could not harm it. Drop Pods and torpedoes could not penetrate its Void Shields and it was impossible to lock on to with teleport beams. The Imperial task force tried twelve times to overwhelm it through sheer valour and firepower and was rewarded with a string of destroyed and crippled starships and millions of casualties. The World Engine destroyed a third of an entire Imperial Navy battlefleet before the Chapter Master of the Astral Knights decided to ram the hideous vessel with his Battle Barge, the Tempestus. It was only when the enormous Space Marine starship collided with the Necron construct's shields that they finally failed, allowing the Imperial forces to approach their target. A force of over 700 Astral Knights deployed from Drop Pods onto the Necron vessel's surface. For over 100 solar hours the Astral Knights fought against tens of thousands of Necron warriors and destroyed every flux generator, weapon forge and command node they came upon. Only after the Chapter had been reduced in size to the Chapter Master, Artor Amhrad, and five battle-brothers did they succeed in their quest. Amhrad detonated Melta Bombs that destroyed a vast Necron tomb complex that housed many of the World Engine's command arrays. This brought down the vessel's impenetrable Void Shields and also silenced the machine's weaponry. This assault allowed the Imperial Navy's starships to destroy the World Engine with Cyclonic Torpedoes. After the battle, as the Adeptus Mechanicus picked over the remains of the destroyed World Engine, the Ultramarines retrieved the twisted wreckage of the Tempestus and placed it amid the ruins of Safehold, the planet that had been the last victim of the World Engine. The 2nd and 4th Companies of the Blood Angels had been amongst the Astartes task forces despatched to the Vidar Sector to assist their fellow Space Marines against the threat posed by the World Engine. After the sacrifice of the Astral Knights led to the final destruction of the World Engine, Captain Donatos Aphael of the 2nd Company proposed that an Imperial shrine be erected upon the world of Safehold in eternal memory of the Astral Knights Chapter. The shrine consists of seven hundred and seventy-two arbalstone statues, one for every Astral Knights battle-brother that died stopping the World Engine, which stands a silent vigil within the dead heart of the Tempestus. From that day forth, two Blood Angels of the 2nd Company, and battle-brothers from nearly a dozen other Chapters, are always assigned to stand guard over the memorial, which is considered a singular honour for the Astartes that fought beside them for the last time. |
Astral Knights - Chapter's Fate: Sometime shortly after the destruction of the Necron World Engine and the loss of nearly the entire Astral Knights Chapter, an envoy of the newly-formed Sable Swords Chapter, led by 1st Company Captain Daegan, visited the world of Obsidia to inform the remaining Astral Knights that they were to claim stewardship of their fortress-monastery.The remaining Astral Knights, numbering only thirty battle-brothers, were led by the Chapter's last surviving Dreadnought, Brother Thade. Thade, angry at the thought of his proud and noble Chapter being so easily cast aside and replaced with a Chapter so young and inexperienced, nearly came to blows with Daegan, instead demanding what deeds could the Sable Swords offer the remaining Astral Knights.Daegan simply stepped aside, clearing a path from the chamber deep within the fortress and said: "Take a ship from here and ply the stars as the Astral Knights once did, before they set down roots in stone and iron. Fight on in the Emperor's name until you can fight no more, and when that day comes, know that in death your duty has ended." There are no known Imperial records of what befell the Astral Knights in their final days. |
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