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Carapace Armour - Karapace Armour: Orks have their own equivalent of Carapace Armour they call Karapace Armour. Some Greenskin warriors, known as 'Ardboyz, choose to literally have plates of metal or recovered Imperial ceramite bolted (semi-)permanently to their bodies by the Painboyz.Combined with an Ork's natural tolerance for pain and wounds, this "Karapace" is as crude as it is efficient, allowing the Ork warrior to walk through most forms of small arms fire unscathed. Although some Orks frown upon its use, a fair number of veteran Boyz choose to equip themselves with this crude Karapace Armour, knowing that it will give them a better chance to reach the enemy and chop them to bits. |
Carcharias - Carcharias: CarchariasImperialHive WorldIce WorldChapter planetCrimson ConsulsSpace MarineChapterAlpha Legiongene-seedAbaddon the DespoilerBlack LegionForces of Chaos13th Black Crusadeheretic AstartesThe Crimson Consuls' fortress-monastery, known locally as the Slaughterhorn, formed the largest spirepeak of Hive Niveous, the Carcharian capital city. Beneath the Slaughterhorn lay a lightless labyrinth of tunnels, cave systems and caverns that threaded their way through the pulverised rock and rust of the original hive. Thousands of stories worth of spires and edifice had been erected on top of the ancient structures, crushing them into the bottomless network of grottoes from which the Crimson Consuls procured their most savage potential recruits.Far below the indifference of the aristocratic class in the upper spires, below the habitat and industrial districts of the impoverished masses of the lower hive, lay the gang savagery of the underhive. Beneath even this level of outlaws and brutal hive-gangers lay a vast network of catacombs inhabited by primitive, barbaric tribes of pre-industrial savages. These young barbaric Carcharian brutes were ideal recruits for the Crimson Consuls Chapter.Achaphrael Hive made up a triumvirate of hive cities called the "Pale Maidens" that stood like ancient monuments to the fickle nature of Carcharias' extreme weather and fierce polar cyclones. A thousand Terran years earlier the three cities had been devastated by a freak polar cyclone colloquially referred to by the hivers as "The Big One." The ghost hives later served as an impromptu training ground for the Crimson Consuls.The region surrounding Archaphrael Hive was referred to as the "Dry-blind"; so named because of the ghostly vapour created from the rime of frozen carbon dioxide that bled into the atmosphere a white swirl of blinding mist in all directions. This vapour hid the true lethality of the surface, as a maze of bottomless crevasses, fissures and fractures riddled the ice beneath. The Dry-blind was extremely dangerous to travel over, as its crevasses were covered by a layer of soft snow that could disguise their existence. The danger of falling into the great cracks in the ice to a frigid and painful death was ever-present.Packs of predatory animals called Fang-Face Shredders roamed the Dry-blind, making the environment an even more perilous prospect for travellers. The Shredders had flat, shovel-shaped maws spilling over with needle-like fangs. They carried their bodies close to the ground and were flat but for the razored dorsal fin protruding from their knobbly spines. They used their long tails for balance and changing direction on the ice.Like their dorsals, their tails were razor-edged whiplashes that gave them their name. Their sharp bones were wrapped in an elastic skin-sheen that felt almost amphibious and gave the beasts the ability to slide downhill and toboggan right into their prey. Then they would turn their crystal-tipped talons on their unfortunate victims. These claws also served as shredding grapnels that the creatures used to climb up and along the labyrinthine crevasses that fractured the ice shelf of the Dry-blind. |
Carcharodons - Carcharodons: The Carcharodons, also known as the Carcharodons Astra in High Gothic and sometimes as the "Space Sharks" in Low Gothic, is a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of an unknown Founding, though it has been alleged to be either an ancient Chapter born as early as the Second Founding, or a relatively new Chapter raised during the 23rd Founding.The Carcharodons is an alleged Successor Chapter of the Raven Guard, though this remains unconfirmed. They participated in the latter stages of the Badab War, returning from the outer void to punish those they saw as Traitors to the Imperium of Man and the Emperor.The Carcharodons have always been a fleet-based Chapter, following the far rarer Nomad-Predation pattern rather than the more common Crusading pattern adopted by countless other mobile Space Marine Chapters.In recompense for their role in the Badab War and with the tacit agreement of the Fire Hawks -- the new masters of the Mantis Warriors Chapter's territory in the Endymion Cluster -- the Carcharodons received permission to "harvest" new recruits from this promising group of Feral and Feudal Worlds of the Maelstrom Zone.Ransacking the Mantis Warriors' hidden armouries and bases, the Carcharodons then departed from the Ultima Segmentum, embarking again on their solitary crusade.However, since the creation of the Great Rift and the start of the Era Indomitus, the Carcharodons have been granted the Mantis Warriors' former homeworld of Ootheca to do with as they please.The Carcharodons may actually be the same Chapter as the Space Sharks; the term Carcharodons might simply be a fragment of their name translated into High Gothic as "Carcharodons Astra" for that same unit of Astartes.The Founding of this Space Marine Chapter remains shrouded in the mists of long-lost antiquity, thousands of standard years in the past, though it has been stated in Imperial and Chapter records that the Carcharodons have been serving the "Void Father" (the Emperor) for ten standard millennia.This alone would not be enough to warrant special consideration, but the Carcharodons' mystery has not lessened in recent centuries. Rather it has grown with each bloody deed and unexpected strike the Carcharodons perform.Now, the very name of this Chapter is synonymous with the cold, dark depths of the void and the hungry predators that lurk within. |
Carcharodons - Chapter History: The Carcharodons is a mysterious and enigmatic Chapter of Astartes, having forged for itself a dark and bloody legend in the minds of those that survived the conflict known as the Badab War.Returning from the black void of space beyond the farthest reaches of the galaxy as strangers to both friend and foe alike, the Carcharodons sided with the Loyalists against those that would challenge the Imperium of the divine Emperor.The exact origins of this infamous Chapter are hard to pinpoint in Imperial archives as the Carcharodons have left no records of their activities in recent history. They feature nowhere within the open Imperial records, and likewise the Chapter has no officially-recorded battle honours.Furthermore, this Chapter is often misidentified with other lesser-known Chapters operating with similar nomenclatures and symbology (i.e. "Void Reapers", "Blood Sharks", etc.).However, sealed and secured records within the Inquisition may shed some light as to the true origins of this Chapter. The oldest of these ancient treatises on the wars of the Imperium of Man may be found within the pages of the Mythos Angelica Mortis written by the savant-scribes of the Secretariat Militum of Terra late in the 35th Millennium.References are made in this oft-vague and incomplete work to a Space Marine Chapter identified as the Carcharodon Astra. They were despatched into the "...outer darkness...upon an endless voyage... to ravage the foes of Mankind..." and to "...set about the Traitor, the alien, and the Renegade without mercy, and harrow them in their places of strength."This text stems from a far older work, now lost, dating back to the unknown era that surrounds the Astropath Wars of the late 32nd and the early 33rd Millennia. This is a time now shrouded in myth and allegory, and its true nature has been purged from Imperial history so thoroughly that less is known of it than of the Horus Heresy or the Great Crusade.Other records give this Chapter variations in name or title, such as the Space Sharks, but all the accounts are consistent on certain similarities of iconography and operation, and in their description of the Carcharodons' bestial but calculated savagery in combat.To this Chapter was afforded the sacred and unending duty to travel the interstellar night beyond the Imperium's borders to locate and destroy the enemies of Mankind before they could penetrate Imperial space.The only other tantalising clues to the Chapter's origins can be offered up by those few Imperial servants who have had the dubious honour of encountering the enigmatic Carcharodons in the flesh. For the most part, these individuals have been those despatched to explore the outermost bounds of the galaxy: Explorators, Rogue Traders and the like.However, beyond these rare encounters recorded in various fragmentary Imperial data-vaults, the only information forthcoming on the Carcharodons are the stories of their often bloody deeds across the galaxy. |
Carcharodons - Notable Campaigns: Solar Rebellions (ca. M32) - Across a hundred scattered systems in the western marches of the Segmentum Solar, Chaos Cult uprisings led by a core of Chaos Space Marine warbands drawn from the Iron Warriors, Night Lords and World Eaters Traitor Legions brought entire planetary governments to their knees in a year of blood and anarchy. With whole sectors on the brink of collapse, events took a dramatic turn when a combined force of the Adeptus Astartes emerged from the black depths beyond the spiral arm and launched a sudden and overwhelming attack directly upon the uprising's command. Though many Loyalist Space Marines fell in glory, the warlords of the Traitor factions were slain and the uprising fractured into a thousand localised rebellions which were soon put down by local Imperial forces. Subsequent Inquisitorial studies claim that these Space Marines were drawn from several Chapters, including the Carcharodons, Minotaurs, Death Eagles and Angels of Absolution. Other evidence, however, including their estimated Founding and projected deployment dates, contradict these assertions, consigning the entire event to conjecture.Astropath Wars (888.M32) - The details of this conflict remain unknown, but it can be assumed from the name that astropaths were involved in some manner.Pentarchy of Blood (860-940.M33) - During the dark and bloody episode of Imperial history known as the War of the False Primarch which plunged the Segmentum Pacificus into anarchy and is now largely lost to myth and purged from the Imperial record, the Pentarchy of Blood was convened by the High Lords of Terra to enact their judgement. Five Chapters, the Carcharodons, the Charnel Guard, the Death Eagles, the Flesh Eaters and the Red Talons, were used to systematically destroy eleven Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes judged Traitoris Perdita and lay waste to their homeworlds, finally drawing the eight-solar-decade-long conflict to a close.7th Black Crusade (811.M37) - The 7th Black Crusade was one of the Black Crusades led by the infamous Warmaster of Chaos, Abaddon the Despoiler, and his Black Legion, launched out of the Eye of Terror in 811.M37. When the Blood Angels Space Marine Chapter battled against the Chaotic horde at the world of Midian, Abaddon singled them out with implacable fury. He led a band of Khornate Berserkers into the teeth of the Blood Angels' Devastator positions. Even the Blood Angels' own Assault Marines could not dislodge the frenzied warband and recapture the bodies of their comrades. But there is an obscure reference to the Blood Angels being saved by an unidentified Space Marine Chapter of mysterious origin. Written within the The Canticle of Cassandria Lev - Vol. CVI is the eponymous Sainted Sisters' highly mythologised and oblique account of the wars of the 7th Black Crusade. Within them is found mention of a "grey-clad" Space Marines Chapter who came from "The outer night" to aid the Imperium, and whose "Jagged maw did swallow the stars..." and whose "... black gaze did mirror the void of oblivion". In the course of the canticle this Chapter's ships set upon Abaddon's forces following the disastrous defeat and routing of the Blood Angels at Midian and attacked the pursuing forces as Saint Lev writes: "... fell upon the servants of the skulled-one with great fury from the darkness, unseen as the beast that lurks beneath the black waters, death for death, blood for blood... thus were the Sons of Sanguinius bought respite, and did turn back upon their pursuers and so were the damned traitors of the false gods driven unto their ruin." Images of these events can be found upon the walls of the crypt-world of Hypasitis created to house the honoured dead of that war, depicted in repeated fresco and bar relief, but curiously the faces of the intervening Space Marines there depicted are obscured with featureless disks of black obsidian. Given the largely unknown history of the star-faring Carcharodons Chapter, accounts of their activities can only be constructed from recorded historical incidents and fragmentary records that are believed to have involved the Carcharodons on balance of evidence. This notable engagement is listed by Imperial savants as a "[Special] Probable Encounter/Recorded Sighting" of this notorious Chapter.Angevin Crusade (322-384.M39) - During the Angevin Crusade that conquered the Calyx Expanse and founded what would eventually become the Calixis Sector, the Rogue Trader Basil Horothis led his ship, the Stark Venger, and a considerable force of naval armsmen against the debased Drukhari pirates on the world of Loth. However, Horothis found his forces much reduced in the fighting on that world of perpetual night. Beneath the eternally roiling clouds, and illuminated only by the intermittent flashes of lightning, the Rogue Trader's armsmen suffered greatly from the savage hit-and-run raids of the Kabal of Shadowed Thorns. Even as Horothis realised his error and made plans to withdraw from Loth's accursed surface, the Kabal of Shadowed Thorns struck the Stark Venger. A sudden attack from a flight of Razorwing fighters crippled the Cruiser's main drives, slewing the starship out of low orbit. The damage left Horothis with only one choice. Testing his considerable skills as a ship handler, he attempted planetfall aboard the Venger. The ship did not reach the ground easily, and only through the considerable skills of Horothis and his master helmsman Orgef Keel did the Venger survive at all. However, their landing left them in an arguably worse predicament than mere death. Trapped within their beached vessel, Horothis and his crew found themselves surrounded by capricious foes. Quickly, the Drukhari encircled the ship and its hasty defensive fortifications, striking at random to kill and capture slaves. All Horothis could do was send out an astropathic plea for deliverance and use the ship's batteries in an attempt to keep the xenos pirates at bay. After a solar month, the Venger's guns were all but spent, and many of her crew whisked away into the darkness. The Kabal of Shadowed Thorns grew bold, and began to press a sustained attack into the downed voidship. The fighting reached the bridge, but as Horothis and his retainers struggled desperately against a press of cavorting Wych gladiators, help arrived. Suddenly two bolts of bruise-coloured lightning split the mass of Wyches, slaying some outright and scattering the rest. The strikes left behind two hulking, gray-clad figures, fuming with hoarfrost and reeking of ozone. Without a pause the two Space Marine Terminators tore into the Wyches with hissing Lightning Claws. In moments, the decks were slick with gore, and the panicked remnants were fleeing for their lives. The same happened all across the vessel. The survivors told of hundreds of Assault Terminators -- though there could not have been more than a dozen -- appearing wherever the battle was thickest to rip through the invaders with savage butchery. So fierce was the counterattack that the Drukhari quickly fled the Venger. On the shadow-shrouded plains beyond the hull, Thunderhawks disgorged three score gray-clad warriors armed with Bolter and blade. Confusion, fear, and rage overtook the Drukhari pirates and they flew towards the Space Marines. No doubt they intended bloody vengeance. However, the Space Marines awaited the assault implacably, drawn up in loose ranks outside their gunships. They did not fire a single shot, even when beams of dark energy began to crackle overhead. When the fastest Scourges were no more than a hundred metres from the Space Marines' lines, the Emperor's Chosen sprung their trap. The gloomy surface of Loth knew light for the first time in aeons as searing Lance beams split the clouds. In an incredible display of precision targeting, they scoured the ground around the Venger and the Space Marines to boiling lava, incinerating the Drukhari to ash. Only then did the Space Marines spring into action, hunting the survivors until they fled wailing back to their Webway gates. In the aftermath of the incident, Horothis spoke briefly with the commander of the Space Marines. Horothis later described this Astartes as deathly pale of continence, with blank, black eyes and sharp teeth. Speaking only in ancient High Gothic, he informed Horothis that reinforcements from the Crusade were inbound, and politely but firmly requested a tithe of war supplies from the Venger's vaults. He refused to identify himself or his men, and departed three solar days before the arrival of Imperial Navy outriders. It was only after the Crusade's Inquisitorial representatives questioned Horothis (now busy establishing his estates on Loth) that they realised these Space Marines belonged to no Chapter affiliated with the Crusade, and drew connections between ancient myths of a long forgotten Chapter.Against the Orks (211.M41) - The Carcharodons unexpectedly aided an Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator fleet against a fleet of Ork Terror Ships.Battle of Zartak (ca. 800s.M41) - On the Imperial prison world of Zartak, a warband of Night Lords and their daemonic allies descended to harvest the planet's population for sinister ends. Imperial personnel and the world's Arbitrators were swiftly cut off and butchered by the insidious Traitors. The planet however, was also a target for the Carcharodons, who intended for Zartak to be the source of their latest Red Tithe. A ferocious battle erupted in the shadows of the underground prison where the skills of both groups were put to the test. Corridors and mine shafts ran red with transhuman blood as the Night Lords were gradually cornered and rooted out. The final battle was met in the prison's primary geothermal sink shaft, where the Night Lords' leader was killed alongside his bodyguards and a daemonic ritual was narrowly halted by the Carcharodons Chief Librarian, Te Kahurangi. The remaining Night Lords swiftly retreated. The Traitors dealt with, the Carcharodons commenced the tithe of the prison and within solar days, the only soul left alive to tell the tale was a single traumatised and blood-soaked Arbitrator, surrounded by countless dead bodies.War in the Deeps (ca. 800s.M41) - As the Tyranid Hive Fleets are inextricably drawn to the light of the Astronomican, the Carcharodons saw themselves engaged in an escalating war of attrition with the endless spawn of the Great Devourer on the edges of the galaxy. The Tyranids attacked not from the Eastern Fringe as their previous brethren, but now approached from beneath the galactic plane into the soft underbelly of the Imperium. Though the Carcharodons succeeded in annihilating countless splinter fleets as they approached the galaxy's edge, even the stoic Tyberos himself saw that his Chapter's actions were merely a stopgap against the encroaching menace of Hive Fleet Leviathan.The Devourer Denied (ca. 800s.M41) - The Cult of the Star Saints was a massive Genestealer Cult infestation that had contaminated every level of the society of the Shrine World of Piety V. The cult's psychic signal was so potent that it actually began to lure in a Tyranid Hive Fleet from below the galactic plane. The Tyranid numbers were so great that Tyberos saw his Chapter faced almost certain extinction. Calling upon ancient pacts, the Carcharodons beseeched a Renegade Astartes Chapter, the Ashen Claws, to aid them. Meanwhile the 3rd Company of Carcharodons under Captain Bail Sharr was dispatched to Piety V to quash the infestation. Tyberos hoped that terminating the psychic signal of the Genestealer Patriarch would be enough to turn back the encroaching swarm. Provoking the cult into a general uprising, the Carcharodons cut through thousands of cultists until, by sheer force of numbers they were surrounded and forced into a last stand inside Piety V's primary Imperial Cathedral. However, this was all according to plan as Bail Sharr unleashed not only his Terminator Squads but also an ancient Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought that ripped through countless screeching mutants. Such bloodshed finally drew the Patriarch into the open where the foul creature was obliterated by a 3rd Company Librarian. The death of their leader threw the remaining inhuman filth into disarray, and they broke themselves upon the anvil of grey ceramite armor. The hammer blow came with the sudden arrival of Ashen Claws reinforcements and within solar hours, the Cult of the Star Saints was ground down and forced into retreat. The sudden termination of the psychic beacon caused the nearby Hive Fleet to falter in its advance and it withdrew back to the void beneath the galaxy, sparing the Carcharodons from extinction, if only temporarily. Several solar weeks later an Imperial retribution force arrived to find Piety V a ruined husk and set about culling the few surviving Genestealers. The Imperium never learned the full extent of the Carcharodons' sacrifice, or of the unspeakable horror they helped to stop.Badab War (910-913.M41) - Arriving without warning in 910.M41 the sudden appearance of the Carcharodons' Chapter fleet caused alarm for both the Loyalist and Secessionist forces operating within the Maelstrom Zone. An unidentified, fire-blackened Space Marine strike cruiser identified itself with ancient, though still valid, Imperial authorisation protocols. The unidentified Space Marine force had come to offer its aid to the Loyalist cause against the Secessionists, claiming to have come in answer to a summons from Terra itself. They identified their Chapter as the "Carcharodons Astra", using the ancient High Gothic form of their name (or the "Space Sharks" in Low Gothic), and formally requested the Loyalists' permission to enter the war zone and draw blood. Upon their arrival, the Carcharodons' Force Commander Tyberos presented the Inquisitor Legate in charge of prosecuting the Badab conflict with Notices Patent provided to the Chapter affirming the rights and titles issued to it by several High Lords of Terra and Inquisitors now long dead. Tyberos even submitted himself for psychic probing and gene-sampling. The Inquisitor Legate vouched for the Carcharodons. Lord High Commander Carab Culln of the Red Scorpions, the Magister Millitant or supreme commander of all the Loyalist forces, accepted the Carcharodons into his line of battle, although he was still wary of their loyalties and their deviations from the Codex Astartes during their long voyage beyond Imperial space. The Carcharodons were initially deployed to the Endymion Cluster after their return to Imperial space, the territory governed by the Secessionist Mantis Warriors Chapter, rather than to the Badab Sector. They systematically annihilated planets in the Cluster known to have harboured the Mantis Warriors to force that Chapter to stop using their hit-and-run tactics and mass their forces in defence of these worlds, a strategy that spared the Carcharodons from having to pursue them across the Cluster to places where their foes held the advantage of support and local knowledge. In 913.M41, during the final battle of the Badab War on Badab Primaris, the homeworld of the Renegade Astral Claws Chapter and Lufgt Huron, the Tyrant of Badab, the Carcharodons sabotaged the ancient atomic and geo-thermal reactors which powered the world's hive cities and fed its hungry planetary defence batteries with energy. This resulted in a planetary tectonic upheaval, with entire hive city sectors collapsing into yawning chasms that opened up in the ground beneath them, replaced by seas of molten lava. After the death of Badab Primaris, the remaining Secessionists from the Astral Claws, Executioners, Mantis Warriors and Lamenters Chapters were put on trial before a specially convened Consistorial Court of their peers in the Adeptus Astartes. Before departing the Maelstrom Zone for good, the Carcharodons Chapter fleet returned to the Endymion Cluster. There, with the agreement of the Fire Hawks, they struck at the Tranquility System, whose worlds were once the primary recruiting and training grounds of the Mantis Warriors. From these worlds they harvested an entire generation of recruits to renew their own losses, forcing those they selected to fight to the death to prove their worth in order to survive as Carcharodons neophytes. Thus paid in blood, the Carcharodons fleet departed, the last known sighting of them made by an Explorator augury-beacon, which marked them tacking course through the Warp, ascending above the galactic plane and into the blackness of the outer void once more. The current whereabouts and operational activities of the Carcharodons remain unknown. The Fire Hawks' own disappearance while travelling through the Warp thus left the Mantis Warriors free to return to their ancestral Chapter domains once their century-long penitent crusade was over.The Corcyran Massacre (910.M41) - The event that became known in Imperial records as the Corcyran Massacre was discovered by an Imperial Navy patrol in 910.M41. The wreckage of a smugglers' base was discovered in the dust wastes of the forlorn world of Corcyra II. Within the base was a nightmarish scene of carnage and destruction rarely witnessed before by mortals. A bloody battle had been fought between two sub-company-sized forces of Space Marines from the Executioners and the Carcharodons Chapters. These two Chapters, both infamous for their savagery and unyielding stances towards their foes, had fought each other to mutual annihilation. The base around them was ripped apart, its former inhabitants now mouldering into dust. Many of the bodies of both sides showed signs of having fought on despite suffering horrendous wounds, severed limbs and massive trauma that should have felled even an Astartes, and several were found locked in deathly, gore-splattered embraces, striking at their foes with their last ebbing strength. It is not known which Chapter's last warrior survived to the end to claim a bitter victory. Neither Chapter has acknowledged any survivors of the massacre living to tell of what happened at Corcyra II.Indomitus Crusade (Unknown Date.M42) - The world of Budor V was home to the Imperial Castellus Sanctic citadel. During the Indomitus Crusade, the citadel was captured by a force of Heretic Astartes of the Word Bearers, who repelled numerous sieges led by elements of the crusade's Fleet Secundus, Battlegroup Betaris. When the Traitors' diabolists began to summon Daemons, they were all slain in a sudden strike by Carcharodons Astartes under the command of Company Master Mannfor, whose strike cruiser Ma-tahe had allied itself with Fleet Secundus, coming and going from the void as the company master willed. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Organisation: As previously mentioned, what few Imperial records exist about the Carcharodons suggest they are entirely fleet-based, which in turn would suggest they have fundamental differences from most, more conventional, Space Marine Chapters.Their long isolation may also have an effect on the Chapter's wargear. The few starships observed to be serving the Carcharodons were wildly different in design and even the era of their construction, indicating the Chapter likely makes use of whatever vessels it can find, and performs extensive modifications and repairs in order to keep them sailing as long as possible.This carries over into the individual battle-brothers as well. Those Carcharodons who have been seen often sport arms of ancient providence.They are far more likely to carry weapons such as the ancient Phobos R/017 Pattern Bolter or the Mark V Heresy Pattern Power Armour from ten thousand standard years in the Imperium's past, alongside other weapons and gear that span the entirety of that ten-millennium history.Again, it is likely this is a by-product of the Chapter's enforced self-sufficiency.These attitudes seem to apply to the Chapter's overall organisation. Although anecdotal evidence indicates the Carcharodons roughly conform to the tactical and squad doctrines of the Codex Astartes, this does not carry over to its command structure and company arrangements.Instead, the Carcharodons seem to split their Chapter into a number of Battle Companies designed to operate independently. Each has an augmented auxiliary force of Scout Marines for reconnaissance and evaluation of the enemy, and a dedicated spearhead of Terminator Veterans who serve as the company Captain's bodyguard. It seems likely the Carcharodons eschew Reserve Companies entirely.Those accounts which purport to be of the Carcharodons indicate that they often seem to have abandoned the Codex Astartes-prescribed symbols and insignia that signify rank and assignment in a Battle Company.In their place, the battle-brothers use a wide range of personal and totemic markings, corresponding with their primitivist tendencies. This is naught but conjecture, however, as again, the Carcharodons are quite unwilling to discuss the intricacies of their Chapter's organisation.The Carcharodons have been observed to make use of Chaplains and Librarians, with little deviation from their roles in other Chapters. However, Apothecaries and Techmarines seldom appear outside the Carcharodons' nomad fleet. It's very likely that the Carcharodons recognise the vital role these Space Marines play in preserving and maintaining their Chapter's very existence, and keep them on hand whenever possible.These last two cadres may have been held in reserve in the Chapter's fleet, a not uncommon practice for fleet-based Chapters who spend large periods in isolation. This structure puts the effective strength of each company at around 100 to 120 Initiates and 20-30 Neophyte Scouts, although the exact size and disposition of the Carcharodons Chapter as a whole remains unknown.Only a few intelligible accounts of the Carcharodons exist that tell of the Chapter's very disciplined order of deployment and battle, despite the evidence from casual observers that they are a barbarous and savage Chapter in nature.Their tactical deployments and use of shock-assault tactics is highly reminiscent of the Black Templars. Although these Chapters are diametrically opposed in character and culture, they both tend to display an overriding desire to close with the enemy and shatter their foes in bloody personal combat. |
Carcharodons - Specialist Ranks: The Carcharodons' order of battle contains several officer positions not present in other Space Marine Chapters, though they largely resemble the standard Codex ranks:Shade Lord (Chapter Master) - The title of "Shade Lord" is now used instead of Chapter Master by the commander of the Carcharodons. This title was only known to have been previously used by the exiled Raven Guard commander and former Legion Master Arkhas Fal during the Great Crusade. That it is now used by the Chapter Master of the Carcharodons indicates that Arkhas Fal may have gone on to be the founder of that Chapter.Company Master (Captain) - Carcharodons captains are called "company masters" instead.Reaper Prime - A Reaper Prime is an additional title given to a company master. Beyond the captaincy of their own company, it is their job to ensure the Chapter is constantly supplied with fresh aspirants, normally achieved during the "Red Tithes," when the Chapter's Edicts of Exile permitted it to descend on an Imperial world to harvest the population for Chapter serfs and potential aspirants.Harvester Prime - A Harvester Prime is an additional title that is also given to a company master. It is their duty to seek out archeotech and lost technology on the isolated worlds that lie in the outer dark. This acquisition of technology is achieved during a so-called "Grey Tithe," and traded to the Tech-priests of Mars for Astartes arms and equipment, per the Chapter's ancient pact with the Adeptus Mechanicus.Strike Leader (Sergeant)Void Brother (Battle-Brother) |
Carcharodons - Specialist Formations: Red Brethren (Terminator Veteran Marines) - These Terminator Armoured elite are the Veteran warriors of the Chapter. All Red Brethren habitually remain armed and armoured at all times. The Terminator battle-plate they wear is heavily inscribed with red exile markings and often hung with the yellowing predator incisors that are collected by some Carcharodons. In most Chapters, members of the Veteran 1st Company were often seconded to Battle Companies to supplement their fighting power. In the Carcharodons Astra they serve an additional purpose. Utterly loyal to the incumbent Shade Master, they are deployed on the most vital missions -- usually tithings -- to ensure that the overriding objectives are met and the Chapter's needs satisfied. The Carcharodons' mode of warfare means that individual companies can spend Terran years separated from the main Nomad Predation fleet. In such circumstances the Red Brethren are responsible for seeing the orders of their Chapter Master carried out. The Red Brethren also, however, fall under the command of the Company Master they are assigned to, and are bound to follow his orders, provided they do not directly contradict the mission assigned by the Chapter.Devourers (Assault Marines) |
Carcharodons - Red Tithes: It is the duty of a Carcharodons' Reaper Prime, beyond the duties of the captaincy of their company, to ensure that the Chapter is constantly supplied with fresh aspirants. This was normally achieved during the so-called "Red Tithes," when the Chapter's Edicts of Exile permitted it to descend on an Imperial world and harvest the population.The vast majority of those taken would go on to become slaves and serf labourers in the Chapter's great fleet, providing the means by which the Carcharodons Astra could continue to function in exile.Those of the right age and temperament, however, would undertake the trials. Few would survive to become 10th Company Initiates.The degree of attrition during the induction process was higher even than that of most Space Marine Chapters, but it was the unavoidable legacy of the Carcharodons' unique nature. |
Carcharodons - Ancient Pact: The Tithes, however, are not the only means of recruitment. During times of desperation the Chapter had recourse to another brotherhood, one that, like the Carcharodons, had chosen the path of exile -- the Ashen Claws.During the darkness of the Horus Heresy not all of the Legiones Astartes had cast in their lot with either the Emperor or the Traitor Horus. The Ashen Claws, formerly the Raven Guard Legion's 18th Chapter, had despaired at the chaos engulfing the galaxy, and their own primarch's disgust at their past slaver practices.They had turned against both the Imperium and the forces of Chaos, unleashing devastation on the Night Lords and their home sector of Nostramo. Afterwards they had slipped away, disappearing from both Imperial space and those records that survived the Heresy's carnage. Few now living know they still exist, let alone where they made their home. The Carcharodons Astra are among those few.However, when dealing with these outcasts, the Carcharodons have to step lightly, for negotiations with such Renegades are tricky at best, and at worst, often result in bloodshed. The Carcharodons only deal with their Renegade brethren in the most dire of circumstances, especially when their own numbers have grown too thin to be replenished by the Red Tithes.This is a direct result of sustaining too many casualties at a rate that cannot be replaced, due to the Carcharodons' never-ending War in the Deeps. And they cannot increase their rate of recruitment without compromising the induction process or dedicating extra companies to the Tithes.War matériel is the currency the Carcharodons have to pay for their harvest of flesh. But dealing with their erstwhile brethren is a dubious undertaking, for Atargatis is a dangerous place.The Ashen Claws do not treat the Carcharodons with the respect they deserve. The Ashen Claws' Master will often try to provoke the senior officer of the Carcharodons' sent to deal with them -- taunting, setting the Carcharodons' representatives against each other, seeking to cause them to act rashly, so that their hand in the negotiations will be weakened. |
Carcharodons - Grey Tithes: It is the duty of a Carcharodons' Harvester Prime, beyond the duties of the captaincy of their company, to ensure that the Chapter is constantly supplied with arms and equipment. They are also responsible for seeking out ancient archeotech on long-lost worlds that lie within the vast void of the Outer Dark. This acquisition of technology is known as a "Grey Tithe."Through ancient pacts with the Tech-priests of Mars, the Carcharodons trade this lost technology for weapons, power armour, equipment and even vehicles.In times of desperation, the Carcharodons do not always adhere to the tenets of their ancient pact with the Priests of Mars, and will often utilise the Grey Tithes as a means of leverage when negotiating with their Renegade brethren from the Ashen Claws for the acquisition of fresh Initiates. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Equipment: During the Badab War, the Carcharodons Chapter demonstrated a number of highly distinctive traits and trappings that set them apart from their brethren fighting on both sides of that conflict. Their equipment was observed to be of ancient provenance.Much of their arms, vehicles, wargear and other technology were of designs and patterns that covered the span of the Imperium's breadth and history. Examples include such ancient weapons as the Phobos R/017 Bolter and the widespread use of Mark V Heresy Pattern Power Armour by the Chapter's battle-brothers.The Chapter also seemed to possess an unusual contingent of Terminator Armour suits, of which many appeared to be heavily modified or augmented in unorthodox ways to keep them combat-worthy. |
Carcharodons - Carcharodons Librarians: Like many of their fellow Chapters, the Carcharodons have been observed making use of Librarians within their ranks, with little deviation from their roles in other Chapters. Most Chapters train and test chosen psykers following the ancient ways laid out in the Codex Astartes.Librarians of the Carcharodons are trained in this way, and, with few minor traditional variances, have been taught to live by the word of the Codex.Carcharodons Librarians have a number of unique psychic abilities only used by the psykers of their Chapter, including the following.From the Depths - The Carcharodons Librarian clouds the minds of his adversaries with a choking mental darkness, amplifying their fear and surprise so that it paralyses them. Their minds writhe with images of watery depths of numbing cold and writhing pelagic shapes, leaving them vulnerable to assault.Rending Maw - The Librarian calls forth the avatar of a great oceanic predator whose maw erupts from the very ground beneath the enemy. The very stones and earth reform into the shape of jaws and teeth that snap shut, consuming all within in a shower of gore. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Combat Doctrine: Tactically, during the Badab War, the Carcharodons operated almost exclusively as a rapid-strike force, disdaining any kind of protracted engagement whenever possible, preferring to approach their targets either with extreme speed or by stealth, which allowed them to strike with the element of surprise on their side whenever possible.Those few who observe a Carcharodon assault and live would be forgiven for assuming that they are mindless berserkers, unconcerned with tactics or planning. In fact, the Carcharodons rely on a series of tactics that at their heart are both simple and reliable.Though the Carcharodons seem both competent and familiar with armoured vehicles, the core of their tactics rely on large detachments of mobile Space Marine heavy infantry. In this way, the Carcharodons make use of the bloody prowess of their combat brethren to carry the day in battle. The Carcharodons often endeavour to be the initiator of combat actions and prefer not to fight on the defensive.Tactical operations often begin with a Battle Company using its integrated Scout Marine forces and other reconnaissance units such as Land Speeder and Bike Squads to probe enemy positions and identify weak points and any target with strategic value. Once identified, the main Carcharodons forces hit these points with overwhelming attacks, eschewing preparatory bombardments or armoured spearheads in favour of complete and overwhelming surprise.They may use Drop Pods, Thunderhawks, or massed teleportation to make these attacks, and the assaulting forces are often a mix of Tactical and Assault Marines, as well as Terminator Veterans.Depending on the success of these assaults, the Carcharodons usually follow two responses. If the targeted positions prove well-defended, the Carcharodons withdraw. These withdrawals happen almost as quickly as the prior assault, and the Carcharodons fade from the battlefield like ghosts.They patiently re-evaluate the strength of the enemy positions, then launch another lightning assault at a different point they perceive to be weak.Eventually, one of these assaults succeeds, and then the Carcharodons press the attack to the hilt. Once they commit fully, they dig deep into the enemy's vitals, endeavouring to do as much damage as possible (especially to vulnerable rear areas), as quickly as possible.At this point, the full fury of the Carcharodons is all too apparent, and little survives this stage of the assault. The Carcharodons prefer fighting at close range, either attacking with point-blank weapons fire, or in melee when they have broken through the enemy line.There is one other interesting and somewhat disturbing detail about the Carcharodons' assaults: Their battles are conducted in complete silence. Any commands from the Chapters' leaders are transmitted over a locked and encrypted vox net, and the battle-brothers abstain from issuing any word or sound to friend or foe. To see such carnage enacted without a word or cry is chilling, to say the least.When undergoing boarding operations during ship-to-ship void battles, the Carcharodons are known to employ an ancient and crude, but unique weapon known as "Ursus Claws" -- large barbed lances that are the size of smaller Escort ships in their own right. Fashioned like massive harpoons, these massive lances puncture through an enemy vessel's hull, and once impaled, the immense spears become active, locking to their prey's ravaged insides with magnetic strength.With malicious slowness, the Carcharodon vessels can then recall their spears, as the lances ratchet back towards the vessel that fired them, dragging them home on massive chains. Once the doomed vessel is within reach of the Carcharodons, they then disgorge their Astartes into the bowels of the impaled enemy ship, and the blooding begins in earnest. This technique was first pioneered during the Great Crusade by the barbarous and bloody-handed World Eaters Legion. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Beliefs: Despite their long isolation from the Imperium, the Chapter and its battle-brothers seem deeply, almost incredibly, loyal. Most of the Carcharodons encountered have shown reverence towards the Imperial Creed and places of Imperial worship. Many also make a habit of carrying devotional items such as prayer scrolls on their wargear.To the Carcharodons Astra the Emperor was Rangu, the Void Father, sire of the "Forgotten One," their unknown primarch. Like the Carcharodons, His vigilance was eternal, a beacon in the night, the bane of the encroaching shadows.Their Chapter had left humanity for the emptiness of the Outer Dark when He had still walked among mortals, and they would not return until He did so once again. Only with the coming of the Forgotten One could the Edicts of Exile be overturned, and the Chapter's eternal crusade in the darkness be brought to an end.The Carcharodons Astra are a faithful brotherhood, even by the standards of the Adeptus Astartes. Their creed is an old one, older than the superstitions and misbeliefs of the current Imperial Cult. Theirs is not some blind faith based on hollow praise and lavish donations. Their memories of the Emperor are of a living, breathing titan, and Terra is far more to them than some distant hub of galaxy-spanning bureaucracy.Their connection to it is ancient and primal. It has sustained their loyalty and their determination for ten thousand standard years, amidst the loneliness of the Outer Dark. When they had first been banished, none had expected them to survive, let alone remain united as a Chapter. But survive they did, their disparate heritage bound by their faith in Him on Old Earth. Nothing could shake that.Many Carcharodons battle-brothers carry abstract scrimshaw talismans, or decorate their armour with intricate and abstract line-work. These talismans, etchings, and traceries often depict highly stylised images of fanged maws, death's heads, oceanic predators, and the like. This primitivism likely evolved as part of the Chapter's unique and impenetrable culture over millennia of isolation.The Carcharodons also hold great respect for the Chapter's wargear, for it is forbidden for a lower-ranked void brother or Chapter serf to lay even a finger upon the wargear of a higher-ranked Astartes. This taboo is referred to by the Chapter's battle-brothers as tapu.However, all this stands in contrast to the savagery they show to their foes. "Merciless" is perhaps the best descriptor for the Carcharodons in combat, but even that does not describe the depths of blood-soaked slaughter to which they are willing to descend.They fight with a wild abandon that could make even the most impetuous Space Wolves Blood Claw take pause, and do not ask for or grant mercy to their opponents beyond a quick (though seldom clean) death.In a way, they seem to see the universe very much in terms of black and white, enemy and ally. Anyone who stands against the Imperium, for whatever reason, can only expect a brutal demise at the hands of the Carcharodons. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Homeworld: The fragmentary records of the Carcharodons indicate that the Chapter has no set homeworld. This is not uncommon for Space Marine Chapters; the renowned Black Templars Chapter, for example, operates solely from its substantial warfleet as part of a perpetual Imperial Crusade. However, the Carcharodons do not appear to follow the Crusade Chapter pattern of operations, relying instead on a much rarer operational strategy known as the "Nomad-Predation" pattern.The Nomad-Predation pattern evolved in use by Space Marine Chapters and certain Rogue Trader fleets operating beyond the Imperium's boundaries for extended periods of time. It refers to an entirely self-contained force that can sustain itself without any Imperial support whatsoever.A Nomad-Predation fleet may contain as many support vessels as true warships, or it may contain voidships capable of both combat and maintenance repairs. This second possibility may be more likely in the case of the Carcharodons; given the bellicose Chapter's propensity for combat, it seems unlikely they would tolerate vessels in their fleet's ranks that could not hold their own on the battle line.A Nomad-Predation fleet voyages endlessly, pausing only to identify and engage its foes. It must choose its targets carefully, selecting those within its means to destroy without threatening the fleet's viability as a fighting force.Once it selects the appropriate victims, it can descend upon them quickly and savagely, engaging and destroying potential threats or launching spoiling attacks against foes too large to attack in force. The fleet obtains resources from the vanquished foe before vanishing, safe from any potential retaliation.Though one cannot be certain that this is the means by which the Carcharodons operate, the tactics do seem to perfectly fit their observed behaviour. If this is the case, the Carcharodons most likely replenish their ranks in the same manner as other Chapters that follow the Nomad-Predation pattern. Namely, they cull potential Initiates from amongst the young of the survivors of their assaults, provided those survivors are human and free of the corrupting influence of the Warp.This culling for potential aspirants is known amongst the Carcharodons as a "Red Tithe." These Initiates must be subjected to intensive hypno-conditioning and other harsh procedures designed to strip away any past loyalty, replacing it with the will and attitudes of the Carcharodons.If they successfully passed their induction trials, initial surgery and indoctrination, these Initiates become Scout Marines. When not training with their fellow Scouts in the 10th Company, often times they will be attached to one of the Chapter's nine Battle Company commands, in order to gain combat experience.After being bloodied in battle over the course of a solar decade or more, they will begin to earn their first Exile Markings, jagged tattoos that often spiral in loops up their bared forearms and across their pale, shaved scalps.When they are on the cusp of becoming full members of the Chapter, they will eventually leave behind the number designations all Scouts are known by in favour of a true "void name," swapping their grey carapace plates and black multiweave fatigues for the coveted Power Armour of a full Void Brother (Battle-Brother). |
Carcharodons - Chapter Gene-Seed: Nobody knows what primarch's gene-seed led to the creation of the Carcharodons. Opportunities to study the organs involved have been exceedingly rare, and the Carcharodons themselves are singularly unhelpful in this regard. The only clues to their origin that the Deathwatch have are from a gene-seed extraction performed on a slain battle-brother, recovered from a massacre site.The body was purportedly from the Carcharodons. The Apothecary who performed the extraction later noted that the gene-seed seemed untainted, if subject to some long-term degradation. More interestingly, the gene-seed bore several genetic markers reminiscent of the Raven Guard bloodline. These markers are uncommon, and a link to the Raven Guard would explain several other details about the Carcharodons as well.The appearance of all Carcharodons shares some singular details. They all have greyish, pale skin with an almost deathlike pallor. Some of the most venerable and ancient Carcharodons have liquid black eyes, without iris or sclera. Beyond this, however, there are no common phenotypes amongst encountered Carcharodons.This suggests that the Carcharodons do recruit from a wide variety of sources, and that their skin colour and eye mutation is a result of their gene-seed's alterations of their phenotype. These traits are similar to some of the physical traits of the Raven Guard. However, even if the Chapter does count Corvus Corax as its progenitor, many standard millennia of genetic drift will have likely created distinct differences.When traveling in the void, most Carcharodons Void Brothers sleep in individual cryo-tanks. It is how the Chapter's battle-brothers spend a great deal of time in voidspace. Existing in the lifeless dark beyond the stars is no easy thing. The Carcharodons Astra have been roaming it for ten standard millennia, cut off from all contact with the wider Imperium.The normal avenues for recuperation and replenishment utilised by other Space Marine Chapters are rarely open to them. The suspended hibernation afforded by the cryo-tanks provides the Chapter with a method of rest between combat operations and training cycles, and helps preserve its strength.Typically, it is the younger brethren and Initiates who utilise the tanks the most, overcoming deep void sickness through the meditational activities of their newly implanted Sus-an Membrane.Older Carcharodons usually find it increasingly difficult to rest, even through the longer voyages. It is said that the eldest of their kind haven't used the tanks for Terran centuries. |
Carcharodons - Primarch's Curse: Chill of the Void: The Carcharodons are an insular and taciturn bunch, and this only becomes more pronounced when they are amongst other Space Marines. They also possess a well-deserved reputation for merciless slaughter. If a Carcharodon were to lose his grip on sanity, these traits would likely amplify with unpleasant results. When the Chapter's genetic curse manifests itself in an affected battle-brother, it comes on in three stages:Stage 1 - Coldly Formal: The battle-brother withdraws even more from the company of his colleagues, taking refuge in a chill and formal demeanour. In addition, the Battle-Brother tends to speak almost entirely in High Gothic when addressing a non-Carcharodon, although they can -- grudgingly -- speak in Low Gothic if need be.Stage 2 - Merciless: The battle-brother does not tolerate any enemy, whether xenos, Heretic, or even fellow humans who may have been misled into rebellion against the Imperium's rightful rule. The Battle-Brother grimly executes any opponent he encounters, even if they have surrendered, possess valuable intelligence, or are not front-line combatants.Stage 3 - Silent as the Depths: The battle-brother withdraws almost entirely from interacting with others. He will not lead squads and will almost always carry out missions on his own. |
Carcharodons - Deathwatch Service: Though it has happened only rarely, lone Space Marines in dark grey livery and speaking ancient variants of High Gothic have, on occasions, arrived at the fortresses of the Deathwatch in the Jericho Reach (and perhaps elsewhere) in order to "fulfil the obligations of their sworn oath."When pressed, some of these Space Marines have said they hailed from a Chapter known as the Carcharodons.However, beyond these rare encounters recorded in the dusty data-vaults of Watch Fortress Erioch, the only information forthcoming on the Carcharodons are the stories of their fell deeds throughout the Imperium. |
Carcharodons - Notable Carcharodons: Shade Lord Tyberos, "The Red Wake" - Tyberos, known as the Reaper Lord of the Void, is the current shade lord of the Carcharodons Astra and commander of the fabled Battle Barge Nicor. He also serves as Company Master of the Carcharodons' elite 1st Company, known as the "Red Brethren." Tyberos was the Force Commander of the Carcharodons during their unlooked-for and savage intervention in the Badab War. Wearing an archaic suit of Terminator Armour (which made his rapid combat style all the more impressive) and wielding a pair of unique gauntlet-based power weapons dubbed "Hunger" and "Slake", he often led his so-called "Red Brethren" Terminators of the 1st Company in bloody assault after bloody assault, carving a path of mangled corpses through the rebel forces of the Badab campaign. Each of these gauntlets incorporates the howling adamantium teeth of a chainfist with the multiple talon-like blades of a Lightning Claw. If these extraordinary weapons do exist, they would go a long way to explaining the tales of butchery that surround this nigh-mythical "Lord Reaper of the Void."Forgotten One - The "Forgotten One" is the name given by the Carcharodons to the leader who sent them into exile in the outer dark, most likely their unknown primarch.Company Master Akamu - Harvester Prime and Company Master of the Carcharodon's 2nd Company.Company Master Bail Sharr - Reaper Prime and Company Master of the Carcharodon's 3rd Company. He wears an ancient relic suit of Mark III Iron Pattern Power Armour, inherited from the previous Company Master. The breastplate is embossed with the skull and lightning bolts of the Terran Unification Wars, the same ancient battle honour worn on the armour of every company captain, and even the Red Wake's mighty Terminator Armour. The helm bears a wicked ceramite crest that runs along its Vox-uplink strip, while the visor is inscribed with a white, razor-toothed maw and, over its left temple, the intertwined shark-and-scythe symbol of the 3rd Company. Bail Sharr assumed command from Company Master Akia sometime in early 800's.M41, when he was killed while fighting against vile xenos.Company Master Akia (KIA) - Former Company Master of the Carcharodon's 3rd Company and Sharr's predecessor.Company Master Mannfor - Mannfor commanded the Carcharodons strike cruiser Ma-tahe and its company of Astartes as part of the Indomitus Crusade's Fleet Secundus, Battlegroup Betaris. Not all heroes of the crusade's fleets earned the joyous gratitude of foe-scoured worlds or the hearty camaraderie of war zone brotherhoods. Company Master Mannfor of the Carcharodons Chapter was a taciturn and scarred warrior, who exuded a predatory menace. His deadly warriors were recorded fighting alongside Fleet Secundus on at least two occasions, before each time sliding back into the void, and Imperial forces that witnessed his savage way of war gave him a variety of grim epithets. To the dour companies of the Death Korps of Krieg, he was the "Grey Phantom," while the artillerymen of the Filkuun batteries whispered of the "Maw-blade." Only a few of Mannfor's actions through the Mhoran Belt were witnessed directly. But so many were the sites of his bloody slaughter that Mannfor's name became an invocation of terrible vengeance by many of Fleet Secundus. When Heretic Astartes of the Word Bearers Traitor Legion defiled the Castellus Sanctic on Budor V, the Traitors repelled siege after siege. The diabolists gathered eldritch mists around the citadel, summoning nightmarish Daemons from the Warp. Yet other shades circled in the gloom. Mannfor sent quick feints against several points around the Castellus' perimeter before he suddenly led a lightning-fast strike from the mists. With augmented strength and savagery, the Carcharodons tore through the defences where they were weakest. Where the Word Bearers put up zealous resistance, Mannfor's warriors fluidly swept back, only for more Carcharodons to attack from another angle. Mannfor's chainsword, Skinshrive, ripped open Warp-spawned flesh and ancient relic power armour in frenzied fountains of blood and ichor. Within solar hours, the Castellus Sanctic was a dead shell. Its vaulted arches dripped with gore and in its plazas were piles of bloody corpses, grisly monuments to Imperial retribution.Chief Librarian Te Kahurangi - Known as the Pale Nomad, Te Kahurangi is the Chief Librarian of the Carcharodons Chapter. With the exception of the slumbering Greats in their white Dreadnought armour, Te Kahurangi was by far the oldest member of the Chapter. It was said that he was only three generations removed from the "Wandering Ancestors," the first of the Chapter to have gone into the void, alone, at the behest of the Forgotten One.Chaplain Nikora - 3rd Company Chaplain, 1st Squad. Wounded in action during the assault on Centrum Dominus on Zartak, suffering numerous broken bones.Apothecary Tama - 3rd Company Apothecary, 1st Squad. Interestingly, he has continued to uphold a Vow of Silence for almost a century.Techmarine Uthulu - 3rd Company Techmarine.Red Tane - 3rd Company Champion, 1st Squad. In battle, he carried the Coral Shield and the Void Sword, both ancient Terran relics that had been with the Chapter since the very first Day of Exile.Signifier Niko - 3rd Company Ancient, 1st Squad.Strike Leader Kahu (KIA) - 1st Company Veteran and Commander of Terminator Squad Red Wrath. Kahu was a warrior whose reputation for savagery was well-founded. In battle his violence was implacable, ceasing only when the enemy had been utterly annihilated. He embodied the Chapter's savage relentlessness. He was one of Lord Tyberos' enforcers, assigned to the roaming Battle Companies to ensure they followed the overall directives of the Chapter and the Nomad Predation fleet. There was no doubt in many Carcharodons leaders' minds that Kahu was not with a company to supplement its fighting power or provide tactical advice, but to ensure that an important objective was carried out in full. He was the eyes and ears of Lord Tyberos, and his orders would be to allow nothing to interfere with an operation's primary objective. While temporarily assigned to the 3rd Company, he was killed in action on Zartak during the Red Tithe operation being conducted there.Strike Veteran Dorthor - 3rd Company, 1st Squad Leader.Strike Leader Nuritona - 3rd Company, 2nd Tactical Squad Leader.Strike Leader Ruak - 3rd Company, 3rd Tactical Squad Leader.Strike Leader Ekara (KIA) - 3rd Company, 4th Tactical Squad Leader. Killed in action in assault on Centrum Dominus on Zartak.Strike Leader Kartli - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad Leader.Strike Leader Waraki - 3rd Company, 10th Devastator Squad Leader.Strike Leader Ari - Known by his combat designation, Omeca-three-nine-Ari, Ari serves as Squad Leader of 3rd Company's Scout element. Even by the standards of most Carcharodons, Ari is known as a bloodied veteran.Eti (KIA) - 1st Company, killed in action on Zartak.Narcoti (KIA) - 1st Company, killed in same ambush as Kahu, Tuvo and Maro on Zartak.Tuvo (KIA) - 1st Company, killed in action on Zartak.Maro (KIA) - 1st Company, killed in action on Zartak.Soha (KIA) - 3rd Company, 1st Squad. Killed in action in the assault on Centrum Dominus on Zartak.Kordi - 3rd Company 4th Tactical Squad.Rua (KIA) - Known by his combat designation, Beta-eight-three-Rua, Void Brother Rua served in the 3rd Company, 4th squad. He was killed in same ambush that killed Pahu.Haru (KIA) - 3rd Company, 4th Tactical Squad. Killed in action in assault on Centrum Dominus on Zartak.Tonga (KIA) - 3rd Company, 4th Tactical Squad. Killed in action in assault on Centrum Dominus on Zartak.Ungu - 3rd Company, 4th Squad, Ungu, known by his combat designation Omecra-three-three-Ungu, served as his squad's anti-tank specialist.Imau (KIA) - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad. Killed in action during ambush of Chief Librarian Te Kathurangi's strike force.Loa - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad.Lorro (KIA) - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad.Marcu (KIA) - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad. Killed in same ambush that killed Pelu and Lorro.Pelu (KIA) - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad.Torrik - 3rd Company, 5th Tactical Squad.Wandering Ancestor Itako - Itako was one of three Leviathan Pattern Dreadnoughts present in the 3rd Company. No one living knew just how Wandering Ancestor Itako had first fallen. The Chaplains of the Carcharodons Astra, guardians of the Chapter's ancient, near-mythic past, told different stories depending on the occasion. Some said he had been a Reaper Prime who had held a fortress breach for two solar days and a night alone, against a horde of insectoid Krulid, filling the gap with their twitching carcasses before succumbing to their poisons. Others said he had been the champion of the 3rd Company who had fought a Chaos Lord during one of the earliest Black Crusades. While the Traitor had cut him down with his final mighty blow, Itako had struck the warrior's head from his shoulders, turning back his warband before the darkness took him. The truth would likely never be known, but whatever combat had first seen him confined to his armoured sarcophagus, the towering Leviathan Dreadnought had eclipsed it with a dozen mighty feats since. From the Outer Dark to the Under-sectors, the grey-and-black-plated war machine had decimated armies and butchered warlords in a frenzy of bloodletting. |
Carcharodons - Non-Astartes Personnel: Shipmaster Teko - Captain of the White Maw, flagship of the Carcharodon's 3rd Company. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Fleet: The Carcharodons' fleet, though extensive, is inconsistent in makeup. The vessels of the Carcharodons are a mismatch of old and heavily modified classes and capabilities. Within its line of battle are numerous examples of either very ancient, salvaged or extensively repaired vessels.Many fleet-based Space Marine Chapters use the conventional Crusade Chapter pattern (which consciously imitates the example of the Space Marine Legions of old). Instead the Carcharodons follow the rarer, so-called "Nomad-Predation" pattern. This is used exclusively by Chapters operating for long durations beyond the Imperium's borders, acting as self-contained forces which function without recourse to the Imperium for support at all.These types of fleets voyage without end, pausing only to attack targets that are within their means to destroy without threatening their own viability as an effective space-borne fighting force.The majority of the Carcharodons Nomad Predation fleet has been in service since the first Day of Exile, that dark time when the first members of the Chapter known as the "Wandering Ancestors" had been banished from their homeworld and the ranks of their brethren, and ordered out beyond the galaxy's edge.Nicor (Battle Barge) - The Nicor was the Carcharodons' notorious flagship during the Badab War and serves as the Chapter's mobile fortress-monastery. Though nothing is known about the vast majority of the Carcharodons' fleet, certain records unearthed on the Segmentum Pacificus fleet base of Hydraphur detail at least one of their warships, the Nicor. A cadre of archivist-savants in the employ of Battlefleet Pacificus, studying these ancient records in 703.M40, reported that the Nicor was a relic of ancient heritage. Deck plans identified its make as a heavily modified Charibdys-class Grand Cruiser of the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras, and if any of its sister ships still exist in the Imperium, they are exceedingly rare. The Nicor is slightly smaller than the traditional Battle Barges of more conventional Space Marine Chapters, but if the records are to be believed, the ship is both swift and lethal. Its armour is comparable to a Battle Barge but the ship sports far stronger Void Shields, rivalling those of an Imperial Navy Battleship. The ship packs a solid long-range macrobattery broadside, with a forward array of torpedo tubes able to launch conventional plasma torpedoes or the boarding torpedoes favoured by many Space Marines in naval actions. In place of the more common Bombardment Cannons, the archivist-savants found the Nicor appeared to be armed with an unorthodox weapon-system known as a "Plasma Destructor". Two Tech-priests spent three solar months in supplication and prayer amongst the Cogitator stacks of the fleet archives and determined that such a weapon, though short-ranged, could exceed the sheer destructive power of a Bombardment Cannon's magma-bombs. Finally, the Nicor's plans indicated the voidship traded traditional Thunderhawk hangar space for a vast array of mass teleporter systems. If the blueprints of these archeotech devices are accurate, these teleporters would not only be able to teleport whole Battle Companies at once, they could do so with a degree of accuracy almost unheard of. In summary, the Nicor is a perfect flagship for the Carcharodons; fast, well-armoured, and utterly lethal in close quarters. Such a starship, if it still sails the void under their command, could easily prove a match for the heaviest space fortifications the Imperium has to offer.Annihilation (Battle Barge) - Vessel of the Red Brethren and the 2nd Company.Scyla (Battle Barge) - Vessel of the Red Brethren and the 2nd Company.White Maw (Tyrant-class Cruiser) - The White Maw is an ancient Exile-era Tyrant-class Cruiser. Its original design had been both rebuilt and expanded down the centuries. Most recently, it served the Carcharodons' 3rd Company during the collecting of the Red Tithe on the Mining World of Zartak. It was also used two standard centuries later, when the Carcharodons' 3rd Company had returned to the now Penal World of Zartak, when they fought against the invading forces of a Night Lords warband led by the Chaos Lord Amon Cull.Silent Judge (Strike Cruiser, Unknown Class) - The Silent Judge is the flagship of the 5th Battle Company.Scylior (Frigate, Unknown Class) - The Scylior is a warship known, albeit infrequently, within the Jericho Reach. The ship itself is the rough size and make of a Frigate, similar in design to the Imperial Sword-class Frigate. It does contain powerful, even oversized, Plasma Drives capable of propelling it at impressive speeds, and appears to trade some of its weapon batteries for expanded hangar bays capable of holding Thunderhawk gunships. The remaining macrobatteries appear to be a medley of types, ranging from the traditional laser-based weapons found aboard a Sword-class Frigate to archaic macrobeamers and magno-carronades. Characteristically, the Scylior has never allowed non-Carcharodons aboard her, and only identifies itself by name, never by Chapter. That she belongs to the Carcharodons at all is conjecture. Nevertheless, the ship has been sighted in the Reach at least twice since the beginning of the Achilus Crusade. Long-range Imperial Navy patrols reported a voidship matching its description off the Black Reef, engaged with two Tau Defender-class Escorts. Though outnumbered, the Scylior managed to cripple one with macrobattery fire and ram and board the other (with the results one would expect from a Space Marine boarding action). Even when its task is transport, it seems the Scylior is unwilling to pass up a chance for blood. Recently, Inquisitor Adrielle Quist unearthed some information from Watch Fortress Erioch's data-vaults pertaining to a possible origin of the Scylior. A voidship matching her description named the Prowler was reported to have hunted the space lanes of the Jericho Sector many millennia ago. According to the crumbling data-tape, the Prowler vanished with a number of other pirate vessels during a decade of "mysterious disappearances" amongst reavers plaguing Imperial shipping.Ma-tahe (Strike Cruiser) - The Ma-tahe was under the command of Company Master Mannfor, who allied himself with Battlegroup Betaris of Fleet Secundus of the Indomitus Crusade. The complement of Carcharodons Astartes under Mannfor's command were known to emerge from the void to aid the forces of the crusade when and where Mannfor chose. The Astartes of the Ma-tahe were instrumental in retaking the Castellus Sanctic on Budor V from a warband of Word Bearers Chaos Space Marines and their Daemonic allies.Grey Harvest (Sword-class Frigate) - The Grey Harvest is a Sword-class Frigate that was part of the White Maw's Escort fleet during the Zartak Campaign.Void Revenant (Wrath Hammer-class Escort) - The Void Revenant is a Wrath Hammer-class Escort that was part of the White Maw's escort fleet during the Zartak Campaign.Adamantius (Forge Ship, Unknown Class) - The great forge vessel of the Carcharodons Chapter, where arms and armour are forged. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Relics: Hunger and Slake - Shade Lord Tyberos' modified Terminator Armour is equipped with a pair of unique Lightning Claws with which he has developed a murderous degree of skill. Named Hunger and Slake, each of these heavy gauntlet-like devices of uncertain origin combine barbed power blades and an inner maw fitted with underbite mechanised chainblades that make use of adamantium teeth. These gauntlet's pattern and manufacture are unknown to the Tech-priests of Mars. How Tyberos acquired these archeotech weapons is a matter of conjecture. However, it is whispered within the Chapter that this pair of ancient Lightning Claws once belonged to the Raven Guard Legion's 18th Chapter -- the very same Terran formation that was exiled to the Outer Dark by Primarch Corax himself after he assumed command of the XIXth Legion. This expeditionary fleet was tasked to bring the light of the Emperor to the Ghoul Stars, and later became a Renegade Blackshield force known as the Ashen Claws. Unknown to the wider Imperium, this group of Renegades managed to survive into the modern era, and still had dealings with the Carcharodons to trade for technology or new recruits. Sometime in the past, during one of their bartering negotiations, Tyberos was provoked into a duel with the Ashen Claws Chapter Master, Nehat Nev. Following the brutal and presumably bloody fight, the "Red Wake" emerged triumphant, and claimed Hunger and Slake as his prize. Since then, the Renegade lord still seethes at their loss, and continues to provoke the Carcharodons' ire whenever the Chapter is forced to deal with these Renegades.Reaper - This enormous, two-handed chainaxe is traditionally carried by the company master of the Carcharodons' 3rd Company. Previously wielded by the slain Company Master Akia, it is now wielded by Akia's successor, Bail Sharr. This weapon was bloodied in countless engagements and was first used by Captain Sharr during the Red Tithe of Zartak, where he wielded it to great effect against the Night Lords of Amon Cull.Scrimshaw Talismans - These bone talismans are covered with intricately detailed line-work carvings, to the point where the original shape of the bone is lost and the entire surface is a maze of ink-work. These talismans come in a variety of shapes, though they often are worked into stylised death's heads, sea-going predators similar to the Carcharodons' Chapter heraldry, teeth, gaping maws, and other disturbing iconography. It is likely these are worked into the Chapter's primitivist traditions. At least some of the battle-brothers are known to carve their own to celebrate accomplishments, frighten foes, and ward off the malefic. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Colours: The Carcharodons' Chapter colours are primarily grey.In many instances the more conventional emblems of the Imperium are found alongside idiosyncratic markings, often abstract or depictive images and tokens concerning fanged maws, death's heads, oceanic predators and bloody wounds. |
Carcharodons - Chapter Badge: The Carcharodons' Chapter badge is a great white shark motif, jaw curling towards tail fin to form a razor-toothed crescent set upon a void of black. |
Carcharodons - Carcharodon Origins: Though not officially confirmed, it is implied throughout various sources that the Carcharodons are likely a Successor Chapter of the First Founding Raven Guard Legion. Their origins might harken back to the bygone era of the Great Crusade. At the time, the so-called "Shade Lord" Arkhas Fal was the Terran-born Legion Master of the XIXth Legion before they were united with their long-lost Primarch Corvus Corax on the world of Deliverance.Once given command of his Legion, Corax began to impose the style of war he had perfected upon Lycaeus over that which had defined the XIXth Legion of old, particularly by purging the more cold-blooded ways of the Terran Xeric tribes which had once defined the Legion culture after its Founding on the Throneworld.The Legion had so often served as oppression, repression and occupation forces that Corax saw in some of the Terran members of his Legion something akin to the slavers of Lycaeus. Several of the Legion's highest-ranking officers were displaced or reassigned to non-command roles, including the "Shade Lord," Arkhas Fal, who had commanded the XIXth Legion for three solar decades before the coming of the Raven Lord.Under the primarch's guidance, distilled into a series of battle-mantras, the Raven Guard developed their skills to preternatural levels. A small number of mostly Terrans of the Legion of old had been assigned to many of these posts beyond the fringes of the Imperium, some in independent nomad fleets, others attached to various Rogue Traders Militum or other so-called "lone wolves."One of these fleets was in fact led by the Legion's former commanding officer -- Arkhas Fal -- on the direct order of the primarch when Corax took over the Raven Guard. What became of the Shade Lord, his fleet and the other elements may never be known, and the fact that Corax appeared to have made no effort to recall them suggests they were considered a body apart from the bulk of the XIXth Legion.In game terms, this story appears to be a veiled attempt by Forge World to more or less reveal that the Carcharodons are, in fact, Raven Guard in origin, through both their appearance and the brutality that the original, ancient Terran-born Astartes of that Legion displayed. |
Carcharodons - Canon Conflict: Prior to the publication of Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two, the Space Sharks, who are probably the older name for the Carcharodons, were said to have been given the homeworld of the rebellious Mantis Warriors following the conclusion of the Badab War. They thus became the new masters of the Endymion Cluster and ended their existence as a fleet-based Crusading Chapter. The Space Sharks were noted to have extensively used Drop Pod assaults against the hive cities of Badab Primaris, and had nursed a longstanding distrust of the Mantis Warriors and Lamenters Chapters. This is no longer canon, at least if the Carcharodons and Space Sharks Chapters are one and the same.In the novel Carcharodons: Outer Dark Wandering Ancestor Itako is listed as a Contemptor Dreadnought. However the description provided is actually that of a Leviathan Dreadnought. |
Carcharodons - Sources: Adeptus Astartes: Successor Chapters (Limited Release Booklet), pg. 22Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition), pg. 73Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter (RPG), pp. 89-96Imperial Armour Volume Two Second Edition - War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes, pg. 17Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two, pp. 13–14, 19, 60-61, 69, 86, 114-123, 127, 178Imperial Armour Volume Thirteen - War Machines of the Lost & the Damned, pg. 21The Horus Heresy - Book Three: Extermination (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pp. 134, 138, 140The Horus Heresy - Book Four: Conquest (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pg. 180White Dwarf 101 (UK), "Index Astartes", pg. 71White Dwarf 451 (February 2020), "Indomitus Crusade Heroes," pg. 60Legends of the Space Marines (Anthology), "The Trial of the Mantis Warriors" (Short Story) by C.S. GotoAngels of Death: The Judges, In Their Hunger (Short Story) by David AnnandaleCarcharodons: Red Tithe (Novel) by Robbie Macniven, Chs. 1, 6, 17Death Warrant (Short Story) by Robbie MacnivenCarcharodons: The Reaping Time (Short Story) by Robbie MacnivenCarcharodons: Outer Dark (Novel) by Robbie Macniven, Chs. 1, 3, 6, 9, 13Xenos Hunters, "The Infinite Tableau" (Short Story) by Anthony Reynolds |
Cardinal-class Heavy Cruiser - Cardinal-class Heavy Cruiser: The Cardinal-class Heavy Cruiser was the original template used for the ill-fated Acheron-class Heavy Cruiser design. The failure of the Acheron was ultimately attributed to the use of xenos technology in the weapons systems derived for the class from the techno-artefacts recovered by the Adeptus Mechanicus from the haunted Portis Cthulhus in Sector 51.As a result, doubt clung like a stinking shroud to the Cardinal-class and now only a handful of Imperial Navy fleets use this aging vessel type. Only two ships were in service to Battlefleet Bakka in the Segmentum Tempestus when the Tyranid Hive Fleet Behemoth invaded. Several of these vessels have been lost to the Warp, only to reemerge solar decades or even centuries later in the service of the Ruinous Powers of Chaos. |
Cardinal-class Heavy Cruiser - Notable Cardinal-class Heavy Cruisers: Sebastian Thor - One of two Cardinal-class vessels that served in Battlefleet Bakka during the defence of the Bakka Sector during the invasions of Hive Fleet Behemoth. This vessel left with the Bakka Battlefleet and its sister-ship, the Silent Fire to take part in the Maccragan War (the climactic Battle of Macragge), but the Silent Fire never arrived and was presumed lost to the Warp. The Sebastian Thor was one of the handful of survivors from the battle.Silent Fire - One of two Cardinal-class vessels that served in Battlefleet Bakka during the defence of the Bakka Sector during the invasions of Hive Fleet Behemoth. This vessel left with the Bakkan Battlefleet to take part in the Maccragan War, but never arrived and was presumed lost to the Warp. |
Cardinal - Cardinal: A cardinal is one of the highest-ranking priests and prelates within the Adeptus Ministorum, the state church of the Imperium of Man, who serves directly under the ecclesiarch himself. The cardinals, who number in the thousands, are members of the Frateris clergy and form a group known as the Holy Synod, which elects the ecclesiarch, the head of the entire Ministorum, from their own number.Most cardinals bear responsibility for the spiritual guidance of a region of Imperial space known as a "diocese," whose size can vary from a single hive city to encompass an entire star system or sub-sector of the galaxy. Although each cardinal governs the spiritual (and often temporal) affairs of their own diocese, some cardinals, such as those designated "arch-cardinals," in reality rank higher than others due to the strategic importance or size of the diocese they rule, and they are often designated as the leader of the church within an entire sector of Imperial space, officially recognised as the head of its Sector Synod which is made up of all the cardinals within the sector.This divergence in power is reflected in the fact that cardinals can actually belong to one of three separate orders, as described below. Some of the most important cardinals can also earn one of the three rotating seats on the Imperium's ruling Senatorum Imperialis from time to time. |
Cardinal - Cardinals Palatine: The five Cardinals Palatine are the highest-ranking cardinals in the Adeptus Ministorum. They do not govern dioceses, instead serving as assistants to the ecclesiarch in the Ecclesiarchal Palace on Terra. It is not uncommon for an ecclesiarch to unofficially designate one of his Cardinals Palatine as his successor at the next conclave of the Holy Synod. |
Cardinal - Cardinals Terran: The Cardinals Terran are those cardinals who govern dioceses on Terra. As Terra is the most sacred and politically important world in the Imperium, a diocese on Terra makes its cardinal among the most politically important and powerful individuals in the Adeptus Ministorum. Many an ecclesiarch has been raised from amongst the Cardinals Terran. |
Cardinal - Cardinals Astral: The Cardinals Astral maintain dioceses on other Imperial worlds besides Terra. Those in the Ophelia VII region are known as the "Astral Ministra" or "Synod Ministra," while those in other regions are known simply as "Cardinals Astral" or "Cardinals-astra." |
Cardinal World - Cardinal World: A Cardinal World is an Imperial planet ruled directly by the Ecclesiarchy that is completely dedicated to the worship of the God-Emperor according to the tenets of the Imperial Cult, with Imperial sanctuaries, cathedrals and temples potentially covering entire continents.Aside from already also being classified as a Shrine World that is a particularly important centre of the Ecclesiarchy's power and a destination for the countless pilgrims of the Imperial Cult, Cardinal Worlds also serve as a base of operations for many orders of the Adepta Sororitas.One example of an important Cardinal World is Ophelia VII, whose spiritual significance to the Imperial Cult is second only to that of Terra itself.The Planetary Governor of a Cardinal World is always a cardinal of the Adeptus Ministorum, who often leads the Ecclesiarchy's hierarchy in an entire sector of Imperial space. |
Cardinal World - Notable Cardinal Worlds: Planet NameSegmentumSectorSub-SectorSystemPopulationAvignorSegmentum ObscurusUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownBekrinSegmentum UltimaJericho ReachUnknownUnknownUnknownBenedictionSegmentum UltimaUnknownVeritus Sub-sectorTalledus System100 billionChirosSegmentum PacificusUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownDimmamarSegmentum ObscurusUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownDorvastorUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownEspandorSegmentum UltimaUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownFleur-de-FidesSegmentum SolarUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownGallilenus IIIUnknownUnknownUnknownGallilenus SystemUnknownGathalamorSegmentum SolarUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownHeletineUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownIgnatius CardinalUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownLethan TertiusUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownNedicta SecundusUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownOkassisSegmentum UltimaUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownOphelia VIISegmentum TempestusUnknownUnknownOphelia SystemUnknownOrthoda RexUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownPhaistos OsirisSegmentum UltimaOsiris SectorUnknownOsiris SystemUnknownSalem ProctorUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownSavavenSegmentum ObscurusGothic SectorQuinrox Sound Sub-sectorUnknown14 billionScound's FallSegmentum SolarUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownSt. GuiseUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknownUnknown |
Cardinals Crimson - Cardinals Crimson: The Cardinals Crimson are an ancient and warlike order of the Adeptus Ministorum, the state church of the Imperium of Man. A mysterious and highly secretive religious order of warrior-priests who view themselves as analogues of the many ancient faith-based knightly orders of Mankind's past, they are known for their unflagging devotion to the God-Emperor and a high degree of fanaticism in seeking to carry out His will. Because of this combination of zeal and combat skill, members of the Cardinals Crimson often serve as bodyguards and honour guards for high-ranking priests of the Ecclesiarchy who use such forces to assist them in the execution of their duties (and Heretics).Known as Battle Conclaves, these groups are necessarily small; anything larger would breach the prohibition of "men under arms" as laid down in the Decree Passive that prohibited the Ecclesiarchy from raising its own military forces in the wake of the abuses carried out during the Age of Apostasy in the 36th Millennium by the Renegade High Lord of Terra and Ecclesiarch Goge Vandire. Even so, the Inquisition's Ordo Hereticus covertly monitors the activities of the Ecclesiarchy's Battle Conclaves to safeguard the spirit of the Decree Passive, if not its letter. Many members of the Cardinals Crimson who join the Battle Conclaves choose to become Crusaders, potent close combat specialists who often serve the Ministorum and the lords of the Inquisition. |
Carmine Blades - Carmine Blades: Carmine BladesSpace MarineChapterBlood AngelsFoundingFeral WorldHaldrothSwords of HaldrothIndeed, the Carmine Blades is a Chapter that passed, perhaps accidentally, as descendants of the Ultramarines Legion for a considerable time, until a chance meeting with High Chaplain Astorath the Grim in the late 41st Millennium revealed the truth behind its origins.The Carmine Blades had at last an answer for the strange symptoms that they had worked so hard to conceal from those around them -- they now had a name for the Red Thirst and Black Rage that they had hitherto been unable to explain.Created as they were from the Blood Angels' gene-seed, these genetic flaws inherited from Sanguinius greatly afflicted the Carmine Blades like many of the Blood Angels' contemporary Successor Chapters founded in later centuries.Their newly formed order of Sanguinary Priests still struggles to curb the worst excesses of the Chapter's inherited warrior culture. Despite their barbaric practises, the Carmine Blades have proved resilient and resourceful. |
Carmine Blades - Chapter History: The Carmine Blades were not recognised as Successors of the Blood Angels until the late 41st Millennium. Indeed, the Chapter was originally named the Swords of Haldroth after its feral recruiting world. The Astartes of this Chapter had long suffered from what they called the "blood-curse," but had hidden their flaw from prying eyes for fear of Inquisitorial sanction.Officially they were recorded as Successors of the Ultramarines. It is unclear whether this came about as a result of an error within the Administratum, or an intentional ruse put in place by the Chapter's leaders in ages past.Whatever the truth, the Chapter's real genetic heritage was revealed during a chance meeting with High Chaplain Astorath of the Blood Angels, as he was drawn instinctively to where the "cursed brothers" were interred. On that day the fate of the Chapter was irrevocably changed, its true identity revealed to all. Renamed the Carmine Blades, these Successors have accepted the Blood Angels' traditions only grudgingly.Their newly formed order of Sanguinary Priests still struggles to curb the worst excesses of the Chapter's inherited warrior culture. Ritual scarification and the flaying of captured foes are still widespread problems. Still, the Carmine Blades have proved resilient and resourceful Successors of Sanguinius. |
Carmine Blades - Notable Campaigns: Devastation of Baal (ca. 999.M41) - During the Devastation of Baal the Carmine Blades were among the Successor Chapters that answered Lord Commander Dante's call for aid, sending 8 companies to reinforce the Blood Angels. During the defence of Baal from Hive Fleet Leviathan they were tasked with protecting the Astropathic Choir on the moon of Baal Secundus. The Carmine Blades suffered heavy losses during the siege by the Great Devourer, losing their Chapter Master Kaan, and numerous company officers. By the end of the campaign only 157 Astartes of the original 800 committed to Baal remained alive.The Golden Host (Unknown Date.M42) - Elements of the Blood Angels and the Carmine Blades joined the crusade to reclaim the Dhormet System from the grip of the Black Legion. While the Carmine Blades' Reiver Squads excelled in the vicious shadow war on Heddoth, and the charge of the Death Company and Tallarn 44th Armoured carried victory on Zhongal, a Black Legion counterattack on the Feudal World of Tydor threatened to see the Blood Angels overwhelmed. As Dante and Astorath fought back-to-back amidst the Sanguinary Guard, a golden figure plunged from the heavens to join the fight -- the Sanguinor had come. Led by this trio of angelic heroes, the Blood Angels hurled back their attackers, driving the last of the Heretic Astartes over the cliffs of Felhaven into the darkness below. |
Carmine Blades - Notable Carmine Blades: Chapter Master Firstblood Hajjin - Previously Hajjin was the fifth sergeant of the 2nd Company. Now he is the current Chapter Master of the Carmine Blades, having been chosen to succeed his predecessor Kaan after the latter's death during the Devastation of Baal.Firstblood Kaan - Kaan was the Chapter Master of the Carmine Blades prior to the Devastation of Baal and was Hajjin's immediate predecessor. Owing to the recent reunion with their parent Chapter there were many within the Carmine Blades that did not want to send aid to Baal when Dante's call for aid came. Kaan therefore called for a vote on the matter, which resulted in Kaan leading a full eight hundred of his Astartes to Baal to lend their strength to their parent Chapter. Chapter Master Kaan was among the Carmine Blades who perished during the defence of Baal Secundus.Donatael - Battle-Brother of the 3rd Tactical Squad of the 2nd Company. |
Carmine Blades - Chapter Colours: The Carmine Blades' power armour is painted carnelian red with a bone white helmet and white trim on the autoreactive shoulder guards.The Carmine Blades' company markings differ from those outlined by the Codex Astartes in utilising symbols on the right shoulder plate instead of different colored trim and numbers.Only in special cases does the Chapter badge not appear on the left shoulder plate. The following is a list of how each company represents itself.1st Company (Veteran): A white skull over red background on the right shoulder plate. On Terminator Armour, the left shoulder plate shows the First Company's specific heraldry, the right shoulder guard displays the Chapter badge in black (yellow for Sergeants).2nd Company (Battle): A single yellow blood drop.3rd Company (Battle): A single white blood drop.4th Company (Battle): A single green blood drop.5th Company (Battle): A single black blood drop.6th Company (Reserve Battleline): Twin yellow blood drops, side by side.7th Company (Reserve Battleline): Twin white blood drops, side by side.8th Company (Reserve Close Support): Twin green blood drops, side by side.9th Company (Reserve Fire Support): Twin black blood drops, side by side.10th Company (Scout Marines): The Blood Angels' Scout Company wears a black skull on the right shoulder plate, and the Chapter badge on the left.Unlike other Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Carmine Blades' squad markings comprise a single symbol worn on the right knee plate of their power armour:1st Squad: A white skull on a black background.2nd Squad: A white skull on a blue background.3rd Squad: A red blood drop on a yellow background.4th Squad: A red blood drop on a black background.5th Squad: A white X on a black background.6th Squad: A white X on a blue background.7th Squad: A yellow lightning bolt on a black background.8th Squad: A black lightning bolt on a yellow background.9th Squad: A yellow angelic wing on a black background.10th Squad: A black angelic wing on a yellow background. |
Carmine Blades - Chapter Badge: The Carmine Blades' Chapter badge is a large white skull, the top removed, which resembles a Blood Chalice. Three large drops of blood are centred above the skull.Presented to the Blood Angels long ago by its primarch, the first Blood Chalices were said to have contained the very essence of Sanguinius himself.Lost through war and catastrophe over the centuries, only a handful of Blood Chalices now remain and they are only entrusted to the most faithful and deserving members of the Chapter.The use of such a potent symbol is appropriate, and more than likely represents that the Carmine Blades also contain the very essence of their fallen primarch. |
Carmyn - Carmyn: Carmyn is a planet found within the Jericho Reach. Indeed, it was classed by the astro-cartographers of the Administratum as a Pleasure World, a classification that can have many different meanings.In the case of Carmyn, the world has gained this designation because it is utilised by the high command of the Achilus Crusade as a retreat from the horrors of war and the stresses of high-level command.It is only the most privileged of Lord Militant Solomon Tetrarchus' staff that are even aware of the world's existence, and aside from the entire corps of serviles assigned to wait on the officers' every need, no common soldier knows of the place's existence.The surface of Carmyn is as close to paradise as can be found on any world in the Jericho Reach, with unspoiled forests, pristine oceans teeming with life and glorious mountain ranges soaring kilometres into the azure skies.The Imperial presence is limited to a number of small retreat settlements, each consisting of perfectly landscaped arbours. The thousands of staff who wait upon the generals and marshals who use these facilities are quartered in vast underground barracks, so that their presence does not ruin the perfect vistas.Unbeknown to the Imperium however, a Slaaneshi Chaos Cult has taken hold in the lowest reaches of the menials' quarters, and is slowly working its way through the ranks.At some point, its vile doctrines will threaten the very highest levels of the crusade's command echelons. Should this happen, the Imperium's entire enterprise in the Jericho Reach could well be brought to its knees in a single stroke. |
Carnac Commodus - Carnac Commodus: Carnac Commodus was a Veteran Astartes of the Renegade Astral Claws Chapter with the rank of arch-centurion who served as the commander of the strike cruiser Hyrcania during the Badab War. Following the destruction of his home base on the Feral 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 starship'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 Lufgt Huron, the Tyrant of Badab, saying that the blood oath binding them had been violated. The Executioners freed the Salamanders 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 (Reclusiarch) Thulsa Kane came alone before the Salamanders' commander, Captain Pellas Mir'san, and presented a single gory object which he rolled at Mir'san's feet -- the head of Arch-Centurion Commodus. |
Carnac Commodus - History: Carnac Commodus was an arch-centurion, a specialist rank utilised within his Chapter to recognise Veteran Astral Claws chosen to command and if need be, punish the Human Auxilia of the Tyrant's Legion. These merciless individuals were selected for their might of arms and utter devotion to Lufgt 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.Arch-Centurion Commodus commanded the strike cruiser Hyrcania. Based upon the Feral World of Shaprias in the binary star system of Lamptan, Commodus would launch corsair raids against Imperial shipping within the region. But in 911.M41, while the bulk of the Astral Claws' warships were away on some mission of plunder, a joint Loyalist Space Marine strike force composed of elements from the Salamanders and Minotaurs Chapters and aided by an Imperial Navy task force raided the planet and destroyed the Secessionist bastions and Tyrant's Legion training camps in a series of blood-soaked, close-quarter battles.Fresh from their victory on Shaprias the Loyalist task force was unexpectedly struck by a powerful Warp squall and scattered en route back to Imperial-controlled space. Calamity was averted by the formidable skills of their lead Navigator, and only a single frigate was lost to the Immaterium, while the Salamanders' battle barge Pyre of Glory and the light cruiser Admiral Gregorius were turned back into the Maelstrom riding ahead of the stormfront and forced to return to realspace in the relative stability of the Calah Shoals within the Maelstrom's boundary to repair and refit. The Loyalists' arrival had not gone unnoticed, for soon news of their presence was carried to the Secessionists. The Astral Claws Strike Cruiser Hyrcania was still in the region, having found its home base on Shaprias destroyed.Arch-Centurion Commodus craved vengeance and atonement for his failings in the eyes of his lord. But Commodus knew that alone his vessel stood little chance of taking on the wounded Loyalists. He sent an encrypted astropathic message seeking aid that was received by an unexpected ally in the Phaeton's Wrath, the battle barge flagship of the Executioners Chapter, and her accompanying Gladius-class Frigate escorts, which had been taking on supplies at the uninhabited Ocean World of Deluge on the edge of the Magog Cluster.Their combined battlegroup attacked the wounded Loyalist vessels as they moved toward the Warp transfer point at Calah to embark once again. The Light Cruiser Admiral Gregorius was blasted to atoms in the opening salvo of the Secessionists' guns. The Pyre of Glory quickly proved to be far less easy prey. The Salamanders' mighty Battle Barge managed to repel the first boarding assaults against her and destroyed two of the attacking frigates. But after a three-hour-long running battle, the Phaeton's Wrath managed to entirely disable the Pyre of Glory's thrusters, leaving it dead in space.High Mortiurge (Reclusiarch) Thulsa Kane of the Executioners vox-signalled the Salamanders' vessel and offered them the chance for honourable surrender, vouchsafing passage for them from the war zone under oath not to take up arms again in the conflict. Captain Mir'san conceded to this demand, despite the misgivings of some of those under his command, knowing that to do so would risk his force being destroyed without being able to strike back at their foe. Having himself fought alongside the Executioners Chapter centuries before as a Scout Marine neophyte, he trusted to their oath of offered surety. Both the Phaeton's Wrath and the Hyrcania drew alongside the battered Pyre of Glory and docked, Thulsa Kane personally leading the Executioners boarding party and accepting Mir'san's sword in surrender as the Salamanders stood down their arms. It was elsewhere within the great ship that the unthinkable occurred.Thanks to the conditions of the surrender, Arch-Centurion Commodus led his own boarding party to seize the Pyre of Glory's armouries nearly unopposed. Heedless of the consequences, Commodus sought to breach the ship's sanctum vaults and seize not only the recovered Astral Claws gene-seed from the caverns of Shapiras, but also the Salamanders' own recovered stock from the fatalities sustained during the conflict. When the Salamanders'Apothecaries resisted this affront to their Chapter's honour, Commodus cut them down. He then unleashed his unfettered wrath upon the Salamanders, ordering the massacre of the Salamanders Astartes that they had taken prisoner. He ordered his "Corpse Takers" to strip them of their gene-seed whether alive or dead. A pitched battle quickly broke out across the decks.As reports reached the bridge of what was happening, Thulsa Kane was incensed with murderous rage. Seeing this reaction, Mir'san wisely divined that the Executioners did not possess full knowledge of the heresy and blasphemy committed by the Astral Claws, perhaps having been deliberately deceived by the Tyrant of Badab. Controlling his own outrage, Mir'san poured deliberate scorn on the Executioners' leader, both for this breach of his word and the dishonour of standing by and allowing the Tyrant's sins to go unchallenged.With the reports of his Executioners' own eyes giving the gravity of truth to Mir'san's claims, Kane's wrath was terrible to behold. He declared that the blood oath binding his Chapter to Lufgt Huron's cause had been violated, and the dark stain of infamy the Astral Claws had brought upon them could only be washed clean by a river of Astral Claws blood. Those Salamanders Battle-Brothers that survived the battle that ensued later reported that a bleak madness came upon the Executioners at Kane's pronouncement, and that they tore into the Astral Claws with a murderous vengeance. The Executioners proved heedless of the risk to their own lives, and were satisfied only that their former allies would die by their hands regardless of the cost.Captain Mir'san rallied his surviving Salamanders brethren and mounted a defence of the battle barge's inner sanctum, unleashing the power of the mighty Dreadnoughts, led by Bray'arth Ashmantle, upon the apostate Astral Claws. First the corridors and vaults of the Pyre of Glory and then the Astral Claws' Hyrcania ran red with Astartes blood. This dreadful battle became known in the legends of war as "The Red Hour," as every single Astral Claw Space Marine, Chapter serf and servitor present was relentlessly hunted down and slaughtered.The Hyrcania was left a charnel house of decapitated bodies, as the Executioners took more than 200 heads from their former allies. Thulsa Kane came alone before the Salamanders' commander, Captain Pellas Mir'san, and knelt in the light of the burning sanctum braziers. Offering him no words, Kane presented a single gory object which he rolled at Mir'san's feet -- the head of the Arch-Centurion Commodus. From this point onward, the Executioners Chapter became a rogue element in the Badab War, supporting either side as the dictates of their honour demanded. |
Carnac Commodus - Wargear: Void-Hardened Power ArmourBlood BiterBolt PistolIron HaloFrag GrenadesKrak Grenades |
Carnage-class Cruiser - Carnage-class Cruiser: The Carnage-class Cruiser was designed as a fleet support vessel that utilises its long range Phased Plasma weapons batteries to stand off and provide supporting fire for other warships. The Carnage was an ill-fated design of warship from the start, marred by the many technical difficulties encountered trying to power such long-range weaponry and the cause of much division within the Imperial Navy's Battlefleet Obscurus. It was further marred when the very first Carnage-class Cruiser, the Relentless, turned to Chaos during the Skalathrax Landing (a different world than the Daemon World Skalathrax), turning its guns on the six Imperial Guard transports it was supposed to be covering as they made a landing in hostile territory, thereby earning the new name Initiate of Skalathrax. Since that time, many more Carnage-class Cruisers have turned Traitor as well. |
Carnage-class Cruiser - History: Designed as a fleet support vessel, the Carnage-class was meant to provide supporting fire from long range for other Imperial starships. Unfortunately, the Carnage suffered from numerous problems during its construction, including many technical difficulties with the power systems for its long-ranged Phased Plasma batteries. These issues with the Carnage-class caused raging debate in the Battlefleet Obscurus, dividing scores of influential captains into opposing camps. Although these challenges were eventually overcome, numerous Carnage-class Cruisers have turned Traitor, beginning with the very first vessel of its kind. It is rumoured that there is some bizarre, maddening twist in the ship’s design that leads its crews inevitably towards discord and mutiny. Carnage Cruisers are feared opponents, able to cripple enemy ships with punishing salvos of long-range battery fire. |
Carnage-class Cruiser - Armament: The Carnage-class Cruiser was designed as a fleet support vessel that utilises its long range Phased Plasma weapons batteries to stand off and provide supporting fire for other warships. The Carnage-class is especially good at destroying Eldar spacecraft by overwhelming their deceptive Holo-Fields with a sheer volume of weapons fire, though Carnage-class vessels fare relatively poorly against the heavily-armoured prows of Ork and Imperial warships. |
Carnage-class Cruiser - Notable Carnage-class Cruisers: Initiate of Skalathrax - The first Carnage-class Cruiser ever built, the Initiate of Skalathrax was also one of the most infamous. Originally named the Relentless, when the Cruiser went into battle during the Skalathrax Landing, supporting six Imperial transports as they attempted to establish a beachhead on that contested world, as Traitor vessels from a Chaos warfleet moved in on the convoy, the Relentless turned its guns on the transports, destroying three. The remaining transports reached the surface but found that their landing site had been compromised and they were quickly overwhelmed by the Traitor forces. Renamed the Initiate of Skalathrax for its deeds, this Carnage-class Cruiser survived three millennia of blockades and convoy attacks until it was finally destroyed by Imperial agents whilst it was docked at the traitorous Darkstation space outpost in the Priam Sector during the Gothic War.Anarchic Vendetta - The Anarchic Vendetta became another Carnage-class Cruiser that turned to Chaos after a mass mutiny by its crew who left the butchered remains of their officers aboard Station 26/A, and then violently tore the ship out of dock. The Anarchic Vendetta then proceeded to deal heavy damage to the station until they were forced to disengage by the intervention of the Apocalypse-class Battleship Duke Helbrecht.Excessive - The Excessive fought and earned renown during the Gothic War.Mortis Ex Astra - Often sighted with Karrad Vall's command group in the Cineris Maleficum of theKoronus Expanse, the Mortis Ex Astra is a Carnage-class Cruiser with more than seven confirmed capital ship kills to its name, including the Sentinel, a Tyrant-class Cruiser. Calligos Winterscale's flagship battled the Mortis Ex Astra to a standstill in orbit over the planet of Hemelshot, but the Chaos vessel's uncanny accuracy eventually forced the Rogue Trader to withdraw. There is a substantial standing bounty for the destruction of the Mortis Ex Astra posted upon Footfall and Port Wander in the Koronus Expanse.Wanton Desecration - The Wanton Desecration fought and earned great fame during the Gothic War. |
Carnage-class Cruiser - Dimensions: Hull: Cruiser.Class: Carnage-class Cruiser.Dimensions: Approximately 5 kilometres long, .8 kilometres abeam.Mass: Approximately 28.5 Megatonnes.Crew: Approximately 80,000 crew.Acceleration: 2.4 Gravities maximum acceleration. |
Carnarvon - Carnarvon: Carnarvon was the High Chaplain and Master of Sanctity of the Flesh Tearers Chapter of Space Marines.He served as the warden of that Chapter's infamous Death Company, a special unit whose members are consumed by the permanent, debilitating psychosis known as the Black Rage, until his death on Baal in ca. 999.M41 defending the Blood Angels' homeworld from Hive Fleet Leviathan. |
Carnarvon - History: High Chaplain Carnarvon is called the "Watcher of the Lost," for he is the lone Flesh Tearer entrusted with the sacred duty of commemorating every member of the Chapter who dies in combat or ultimately succumbs to the debilitating psychosis known as the Black Rage.He alone bears the terrible responsibility to watch over the remaining 400 Battle-Brothers of the Flesh Tearers Chapter for the onset of the Black Rage. He occupied that position for nearly 250 standard years and it was whispered by many that the strain of watching so many of his friends and comrades descend into that dreaded affliction had begun to take its toll on his sanity.Carnarvon had the final word as to who was to be inducted into the Flesh Tearers' Death Company and who amongst those afflicted brethren were to be permanently incarcerated in the Tower of the Lost because they had fallen so far into madness that even he could no longer control them.When not in combat, Carnarvon spent most of his time within the Lost Tower, watching over his charges, ostensibly to find a path that would allow them to rejoin the Chapter. However, his constant secrecy led a great many of the Flesh Tearers to question his motives.During the Devastation of Baal, Carnarvon ultimately succumbed to the Red Thirst and was inducted into the Death Company where he perished in battle with the forces of Hive Fleet Leviathan. |
Carnifex - Carnifex: The Carnifex or Carnifex Primus (Carnifex voracio, Carnifex vorantii, Carnifex ululare, Carnifex arbylis, and the Carnifex bilius) is a monstrous creature that essentially acts as an organic main battle tank for the Tyranid hive fleets. It is armed with the most advanced Tyranid Bio-Weapons and is used primarily as a shock trooper to carry out starship boarding actions, frontal shock assaults on entrenched positions and for besieging fortified locations or enemy armour formations.As Tyranids are constantly evolving their forces, many different species of the Carnifex exist. However, all Carnifex share some common characteristics: they are very large creatures, standing significantly larger than a man; they have a thick carapace, which provides excellent protection from damage, and they frequently use some of the bio-weaponry utilized by the Tyranids.They are comparable to the Space Marine Dreadnought and Ork Killa Kan in tactical use. A Carnifex is a living engine of destruction that is impervious to small arms fire. Any Carnifex can be mutated to possess Thornback Armour, a Barbed Strangler, Spore Cysts, a Venom Cannon, or to project burning Bio-Plasma. |
Carnifex - Variants: The standard Carnifex bioform is classified by the Ordo Xenos as the Carnifex voracio. However, the forces of the Imperium have encountered four other major sub-species of Carnifex: the Carnifex vorantii, the Carnifex ululare, the Carnifex bilius, and the Carnifex arbylis. These are more commonly known, respectively, as the:Thornback (Carnifex vorantii) - The Thornback Carnifex bears genetic enhancements that resemble large spikes or thorns and are used to push through an enemy's lines.Screamer-Killer (Carnifex ululare) - The Screamer-Killer was the first type of Carnifex encountered by the military forces of the Imperium. It is known for emitting a piercing shriek before shooting Bio-Plasma.Bile-Beast (Carnifex bilius) - The Bile Beast spews acidic fluids onto its foes before attacking in close combat using its huge crab-like claws.Stone-Crusher (Carnifex arbylis) - The Stone-Crusher is a variant of the Carnifex intended for use as a siege unit against fortified targets. It is armed with huge wrecking claws, capable of tearing down the thickest of fortifications, a heavier version of a scything tail, and battering rams; used for crashing into enemy ranks, and fortresses. Other sightings of this creature have been seen with a large wrecking-ball looking symbiont. |
Carnifex - Notable Carnifex: Old One Eye - Old One Eye is a unique Tyranid Carnifex with the ability to regenerate itself from mortal wounds. Its body bears the scars of many blows that should have killed it, and rumours persist among Imperial forces of Old One Eye being killed more than a dozen times. It is armed with a pair of huge, crab-like claws capable of ripping even the hardest foe to pieces. |
Carnifex - Sources: Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)Imperial Armour Apocalypse Second Edition, pg. 74 |
Carnivore-class Titan - Carnivore-class Titan: The Carnivore-class Titan was a rare class of Battle Titan employed by both the Traitor and Loyalist Titan Legions during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras. It saw heavy action in the Battle of Beta-Garmon, also known as the "Titandeath," during the Heresy.The Carnivore-class Titan stood in size somewhere between a Reaver-class Titan and a Nightgaunt-class Titan. |
Carnodon - Carnodon: A carnodon is a large species of mammalian felinoid native to the world of Gudrun within the Helican Sub-sector that is very similar to the ancient prehistoric sabretooth tiger of Terra's Pleistocene epoch.It is between 5 and 6 metres long (approximately 20 feet) and can grow to be 800 to 900 kilograms (about 2000 pounds) in weight once it reaches adulthood. Its hide is striped like a Terran tiger and large tusks protrude from its maw. Carnodons are fierce and deadly predators, and one is easily capable of bringing down a Human. A carnodon is able to resist the cuts of blades or even more advanced weaponry due to its thick hide.Its name is composed of the Latin words carne meaning "flesh" and odon meaning "tooth". Little else is known about the species, though they are not considered to be an obscure animal species within the Human-settled galaxy, and examples can be found in zoos and nature preserves on many settled Imperial worlds. |
Carnodon - Notable Carnodons: Gershome Carnodon - This carnodon was an old and sick member of the species that had escaped from a zoo on the world of Gershome. A carnodon near the end of its life expectancy, this animal preyed upon the weakest and most infirm of the population of the city of Tycho before it was finally brought down by an officer of the planet's Magistratum. After its death, the corpse weighed only 600 kilograms and the animal was riddled with the signs of old age and infirmity, including a poor coat of fur and tooth decay.Glaw Arena Carnodons - Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn and his retinue of Acolytes faced and slew two carnodons when they were captured and forced to fight the creatures in an arena following their failed raid on the House of Glaw on the world of Gudrun. During the battle, then-Interrogator Heldane had his face forever scarred after he was brutally mauled by one of the carnodons that he later killed. The other carnodon was slain by the nobleman Urisel Glaw when it broke free of the arena and began to slaughter spectators in the midst of Eisenhorn's escape.Ice Stalker - The Ice Stalker was a carnodon that was the Primarch Sanguinius' first kill during the Blood Angels Legion's pacification of the world of Teghar Pentarus during the Great Crusade. The Ice Stalker was described as being a far larger version of ancient Terra's extinct snow leopard. The pacification of Teghar Pentarus was the first battle Sangunius fought after being reunited with the Emperor and his Legion and the pelt of the beast was fashioned into a ceremonial war cloak for the primarch, which he is often depicted sporting in various works of art from the period. |
Carrack-class Transport - Carrack-class Transport: The Carrack-class Transport is an FTL-capable freighter employed by the Merchant Fleets, Free Traders and Rogue Traders of the Imperium of Man to carry valuable cargo between the Human-settled star systems of the galaxy.The Imperium swarms with transport vessels. Millions of these civilian voidcraft plough the space lanes, ferrying pilgrims, ore, fuel, foodstuffs, weapons, materiel, machine parts and luxury goods to untold billions of eager consumers across the galaxy.There are countless classes of transport vessel, and even the mightiest Rogue Trader dynasty, replete with fleets of ancient warships, requires humble transport craft to carry the spoils of their conquests back to Imperial space.The Carrack is capable of having several small weapon systems attached to two hardpoints present on its dorsal side. These usually take the form of weapons batteries or small lances. But the vessel is ultimately not a warship, and no amount of modifications can really make it a very effective combatant. |
Carrack-class Transport - History: The Carrack-class is a recent attempt to recreate the ancient star galleon concept. The increasing impression amongst commercial shipbuilders -- in common with many citizens of the Imperium -- is that the galaxy is becoming a more dangerous place, and that the end times are fast approaching. Certain Chartist Captains place their faith in solidly built, well-armed freighters, designed from the ground up to be capable of carrying heavy loads while also tackling light raiders or other miscreants.The Carrack-class is a product of the orbital shipyards that sit on the adjoining edges of the Calixis and Ixaniad Sectors in the Segmentum Obscurus, where travellers must often stand alone against the foulest of terrors that boil up from the depths of interstellar space. Robust and vigourous, these stout voidcraft give the lie to the trite accusation that Imperial shipbuilding is a dying art.Though the design is less than 1,000 standard years old, dating to the early years of the 41st Millennium, these ships are as bold and strong as any transport of their size in the history of the Imperium, and have driven off many ill-advised pirate raids. |
Carrack-class Transport - Dimensions: Hull: TransportClass: Carrack-class TransportDimensions: 2.1 kilometres long, approximately 0.4 kilometres abeam at finsMass: 8.5 megatonnes approximatelyCrew: Approximately 19,500 crewAcceleration: 2.3 gravities maximum sustainable acceleration |
Carrion Hounds - Carrion Hounds: The Carrion Hounds is a warband or vectorium of Heretic Astartes of the Death Guard Traitor Legion. Vast hordes of Poxwalkers screen the advance of the Carrion Hounds. The warriors of this vile host hold a great affection for the shambling monsters, and often assemble morbid "collections" of infected souls, such as defeated Astra Militarum regiments or entire noble families. |
Carrion Hounds - Warband Colours: The Carrion Hounds' power armour is the same as that of the Death Guard, composed of decayed and cracked plates of ceramite in blight green with pale golden trim. The Carrion Hounds' Chaos Space Marines, like those of the Death Guard, often wear grotesquely warped suits of antique Mark III Iron Power Armour. |
Carrion Hounds - Warband Badge: The Carrion Hounds' warband badge is usually a modified version of the standard Mark of Nurgle, similar to that used by the rest of the Death Guard. |
Carrion Hounds - Sources: Codex Heretic Astartes - Death Guard (8th Edition), pp. 17Dark Imperium (Game), Death Guard Booklet, "Death Guard Vectoriums," pg. 13 |
Cartouche-class Light Cruiser - Cartouche-class Light Cruiser: A Cartouche-class Light Cruiser is a type of cruiser found in Necron fleets. |
Carus Brom - Carus Brom: Carus Brom was the Imperial Guard Colonel tasked with overseeing the 37th Tartarus Planetary Defense Force (PDF) Regiment on the Civilised World of Tartarus when the Blood Ravens Space Marines arrived to deal with the Ork WAAAGH! ravaging the planet under the Warlord Orkamungus. The 37th Tartarus also assisted Blood Ravens forces throughout their time combating the force of Chaos Space Marines who were discovered to also be secretly operating on Tartarus.Brom willingly accepted commands from Blood Ravens Captain Gabriel Angelos with little hesitation, having a deep respect for the commander; however the mere presence of the Inquisitor Mordecai Toth was enough to make the veteran Colonel break out in nervous hives. It is believed Brom escaped off-planet with his remaining troops before the Warp Storm arrived that ultimately claimed the world and absorbed it into the Immaterium following the Blood Ravens' defeat of the Forces of Chaos that had been secretly operating on the world under the cover of the Greenskins' assault.In the slightly different events on Tartarus chronicled in the novelized version of Dawn of War, Colonel Brom instead turned to Chaos and attacked Captain Gabriel Angelos during his assault on the location of the Chaotic artefact called the Maledictum. Colonel Brom was not satisfied being put down on occasion by Gabriel's orders, resulting in the corruption of Chaos finding its way into his heart. Colonel Brom was slain by the Blood Ravens along with the corrupted PDF and Imperial Guard who had turned Traitor. Only a handful of Loyalist Guardsmen survived and joined with the Space Marines and the Eldar also present on the planet in the final battle to reach the Maledictum. Brom was armed with a Power Sword and Bolt Pistol. |
Casophilians - Casophilians: The Casophilians, named after the spiritual experience of the Imperial Saint Casophili, are a Radical sub-faction of the Thorian sect of the Inquisition who dedicate their studies to the process by which the Human soul transitions from realspace to the Warp after death. The Casophilians know that Daemonic entities can pass through the barriers between the Warp and the mortal universe. This makes them profound experts in the arts of Daemonology with a special regard for ritual summoning rather than incidental or malicious possession.The Casophilians hope to find the means to bring back a deceased man or woman's soul to realspace. If these actions are successful, then it would be the first step in bringing the soul of the Emperor back into realspace in a suitable mortal form. |
Casophilians - History: The teachings of the missionary Saint Casophili involved the spread of the word of the Imperial Creed to the worlds in the southern regions of the Segmentum Pacificus. On the Feral World of Alena III, the mission encountered minions of the Chaos Gods at the heard of several of the feral tribal societies of that world. Using what few resources were available, Saint Casophili did what he could in order to counter the threat posed by the endemic Chaos corruption and laid down the groundwork for a full Ecclesiarchy task force which was to continue his work.However, as his forces moved from one settlement to another where they preached the word of the God-Emperor, their foes began to take notice. The council of Chaos priests who truly ruled the world could no longer bear a further threat to their power which they used to rule the world and thus moved against Saint Casophili by capturing and torturing him in order for him to recant his errant beliefs.According to the Chronicles of Casophili, it is said that his arduous ordeal at the hands of the twisted priests led to his death by the wounds he had sustained. Whilst it is recorded that he had died at the hands of his tormentors, a miracle happened five solar days later when the missionary's body was to be burnt on a sacrificial pyre to the Dark Gods. As the flames took hold on his body, Saint Casophili seemingly roused himself and jumped from the fires. Confronting his tormentors, he gathered a crowd and the story of the saint's resurrection spread quickly whereupon he led the people of Alena III against their dark priesthood.This occurrence would normally have attracted the attention of resurrectionist Inquisitors but this faction only dedicates themselves to one aspect of Saint Casophili's tale. According to Casophili's written works in later days, during the five solar days he was between death and resurrection, he claimed that he was a bodiless spirit that was adrift in a sea of sound and colour. He also claimed that he heard a myriad of voices whispering whilst others bellowed in the rainbow sea of souls that swirled around him. Furthermore, he spoke of a great light that suffused everything which he believed was the Emperor. The fact that the saint's soul returned to his body is not a concern for this Inquisitorial faction, as all Thorians believe that psychic energy can pass from an individual to the Warp and back again. However, it is the fact that Casophili's writings claim that there exists a place where the soul resides within the Immaterium and does not come to harm which dominates the viewpoints of the Casophilians.The Casophilians know that Daemonic entities can pass through the barriers between the Warp and the mortal dimension under the right conditions. They thus dedicate their studies to the transition of a Human soul from this plane of existence to the next. This makes them profound experts in the arts of Daemonology with a special regard for ritual summoning rather than incidental or malicious possession of a Daemonhost. These actions aim to find the means and knowledge to bring back a deceased man or woman's soul to the mortal plane. If these actions are successful, than it would be the first step in bringing back the soul of the Emperor into a suitable mortal form.Further aspects that differentiate the Casophilians from other Thorian beliefs is the fact that they openly embrace new ideas on their theories and thus work closely with Inquisitors of other factions which prevents them from adopting a general, isolated view of their studies' importance. This allows them to learn much from their interactions with other branches of the Inquisition and allows them to gain greatly from their experiences. Amongst the different philosophies that dominate the Inquisition, the Casophilians are often known to work in conjunction with members of the Anomolian Beholders as both fields of study work on the soul; one of the living and the other of the dead. |
Cassia Orsellio - Cassia Orsellio: Cassia Orsellio is a Navigator and the heiress of the Navis Nobilite's House Orsellio. She was convinced by the most recent heir to the Rogue Trader dynasty of House von Valancius to serve as the new Navigator of the von Valancius flagship after her predecessor was killed during the Warp incursion that also resulted in the death of Lord Captain Theodora von Valancius and the new Rogue Trader's unexpected inheritance of the dynasty. |
Cassia Orsellio - History: There are many assets within the possession of a Navigator family of the Navis Nobilite, no few of which are those born within its many interwoven branches of one singular and uninterrupted grand lineage. Each one serves to further the house's grand reputation, enabling their continued ascent through the political arena of the Imperium. And one such tool was Cassia Orsellio, hidden away as she was on Eurac V, a void station sequestered within the Rogue Trader Calligos Winterscale's domain, Winterscale's Realm, in the Koronus Expanse.However, she is quite unlike many of her fellow Navigators.Due to her unique position as a vital asset to House Orsellio, Cassia was kept sequestered within the void station for longer than she can remember. This was due in part because of her importance to the house as its potential heir, but another was due to the intensity of her abnormal abilities, even for a Navigator, something that deemed her both an idol and a pariah amongst even those of her own house. But this did little to sway her from her purpose, her drive to become someone worthy of the prestige of her house. Thus she spent every waking moment dedicated to her studies, learning everything she could at a voracious pace while doing her best to try and master the ever-growing power of her third eye.But there has never been a shade of colour she could not see, and the ones cloaking those she considered her closest compatriots were not all that they appeared to be. But before the final curtain closes on Eurac V, she has one more canvas to paint.Those vaunted few who might count themselves among the bloodlines that populate the Navis Nobilite have a duty to hearth and home. They must always look to expand the holdings and prestige of their family, upholding untold Terran millennia of traditions while spreading the light of the Emperor to all corners of the galaxy. Nowhere is this more true than with Cassia Orsellio, a member of a truly storied Navigator family which would one day expect her to carry on the family legacy as the leader or "novator" of the house. However, the burdens and isolation of such expectations have left her alone and separate from kith and kin -- it is a lonely existence to lead. Someone who might stand with her could find a way to open her heart to the wonders of life if a man might be bold enough to look past her outward appearance as a mutant.In a time of great need, the Navis Nobilite is who Rogue Traders turn to when they need to acquire a new method of traversing the infinitely twisting pathways of the Warp. But it is no easy thing to lay claim to a new Navigator. For in the political arena of the Imperium, the many houses of the Navis Nobilite hold great power and influence over innumerable matters. However, there are many scenarios that might bring them to the bargaining table -- the sudden uprooting of one's entire life is one such occasion.With a climactic showdown separating Cassia from her home aboard the void station Eurac V, the new Rogue Trader of the von Valancius dynasty brokered a deal with and secured Cassia, beloved scion of House Orsellio, as their new Navigator.However, slotting into the position of the dynasty's old Navigator is not easy. Nor is it easy to come from a sheltered upbringing and thrust into the wider world of dangers, politicking and lethal escapades that is life in service to a Rogue Trader house. But inexperience is no excuse for an inability to adapt. And with the von Valancius Rogue Trader's help, who knows what might become of Cassia and her house?Only time will tell what becomes of this burgeoning relationship. |
Cassia Orsellio - Personality: Among the God-Emperor's innumerable servants, few are as loyal or integral to maintaining and expanding Humanity's domain as those who populate the Navis Nobilite. They are steadfast in their duties, and they have memorised the organs of the vast political machine that is the Imperium of Man. But even more so, they are loyal to the Master of Mankind's designs to bring the torch of Human civilisation to all corners of the galaxy. This is an inclination further reinforced by the fact they are of a higher stock, members of the vast aristocracy that dominates the entirety of the Imperium.Because of this, Cassia Orsellio would be considered an adherent of the Puritan school of thought as the Inquisition defines such things. |
Cassia Orsellio - Abilities: For those counted among the Navis Nobilite, there are many psychic powers and abilities that derive from their mutant origin as a Navigator. Many of these abilities come at the ghastly cost of further mutation over the course of their lives, a genetic instability that stems from and is caused by their third eye and its ability to peer into the Immaterium.But the powers Navigators gain over the course of their life make them a truly formidable foe to face on the field, even more so when they possess the ability to channel the unfiltered essence of the Warp from their third eye. |
Cassia Orsellio - Wargear: Armoured BodygloveAutopistolFrag Grenade |
Cassian Vaughn - Cassian Vaughn: Cassian Vaughn, known also as "Cassian Dracos," the "Fallen Master," the "Twice-Dead" and "The Avatar of the Sacred Flame," was the first Lord Commander of the XVIII Legion from the time it was founded on Terra during the Unification Wars until the discovery of the Primarch Vulkan on the world of Nocturne during the Great Crusade.Cassian was mortally wounded in battle against the Orks, but such was the esteem in which Vulkan held this warrior that he undertook to fashion for him a unique Dreadnought sarcophagus known as the Dracos Revenant, or the Iron Dragon.It was forged of a nigh-impregnable and unknown alloy said to come from deep beneath Old Earth that none save Vulkan was able to master and shape to his will.During the Drop Site Massacre on Istvaan V, Cassian fought with unmatched fury, first spearheading the attack against the enemy then, as the second wave showed their true colours as supporters of the traitorous Warmaster Horus, standing fast though all around him were slaughtered.Surviving where most of his Legion had perished, Cassian Vaughn's tale becomes intermingled with that of the famed Shattered Legions Strike Cruiser Ebon Drake, alongside which he would return to the battlefields of the 31st Millenium, most notoriously during the Third Siege of Mezoa. |
Cassian Vaughn - History: In the initial explosion of Expeditionary Fleets departing Terra during the early years of the Great Crusade, the XVIII Legion was left behind to rebuild its strength, having fought in their first major battle for which they became publicly identified; the Assault of the Tempest Galleries in the dying days of the Unification Wars on Old Earth.In this, the Legion alone achieved a victory against impossible odds and survived, although barely, taking savage losses which reduced the newly invested Legion's active strength from around 20,000 to little more than 1,000 warriors, although in doing so they secured themselves a place of glory and honour in the roll of the Imperium's forces.The XVIII Legion was often deployed piecemeal as fresh Chapters of the Legion were readied and pressing demands called for Space Marine involvement. This meant that for the first few decades of the Great Crusade, Legionaries of the XVIII were assigned across a considerable number of different reinforcement battle groups and specialist units.In particular, they were used to add the might of the Astartes to emergency interdiction task forces sent in to deal with sudden threats arising "behind the lines" of the advancing Crusade, such as deadly Space Hulks appearing without warning from the Empyrean, or in response to xenos corsair raids and rising dangers unexpectedly disturbed by a fresh human colonising presence in a star system.In many of these cases, the warriors of the Legion would be the only Space Marine contingent taking part in the conflict, forcing them into close co-operation with other human forces (often in a command and spearhead role), and inevitably plunged them directly into the heaviest fighting and most hazardous theatres of battle.Seldom then did the XVIII Legion fight on a battlefield of their own choosing, and while Imperial Compliance actions for the Legion during this time were few and far between, its roll of battle honours was extensive, as was the diversity of its foes and the victories it secured. For the XVIII this created a paradoxical reputation both as saviour but also a herald of bloody deeds, forlorn hopes and last-ditch holding actions.It was during one such campaign that the newly discovered Primarch Vulkan came to his Legion in the hour of their need. The XVIII, led by their Lord Commander Cassian Vaughn, had become embroiled in the rear-guard defence of a cluster of colony worlds near the Taras Division against a wave of Ork marauders.With the bulk of the Legiones Astartes either engaged with the expedition fleets breaching space towards the Eastern Fringe or committed as reserves against the horrors of the Rangda Incursion from the Halo Stars to the galactic north, the XVIII was the only Space Marine Legion able to respond to the crisis.Fighting against vast and overwhelming odds, the Legion's primary force, numbering some 19,000 Space Marines, had marshalled the local defenders and held out for nearly a standard year in a series of running battles against well over a million Ork raiders scattered across hundreds of ramshackle voidships, "Rok" asteroid vessels and dozens of Space Hulks.The actions of the XVIII Legion had allowed the evacuations of three entire planetary populations to the nominal safety of the Taras System, but at a terrible cost. As the conflict progressed, they suffered the grievous wounding of their commander, while the remainder of the Legion became all but trapped on the Dead World of Antaem -- a lightning-rod drawing the Orks to them for battle.Taras was far from the embattled frontier of the expanding Great Crusade, and assistance from other Legions would have been difficult to obtain, but regardless such aid was not asked for by the XVIII, who had determined to succeed alone or die in the attempt, knowing that by bleeding the Ork marauder fleet of its strength, countless human lives would be saved. Their Primarch, however, learning of their plight, refused to stand by and brought his plans to join them to rapid fruition.When Vulkan arrived he did not do so alone, for he brought with him 3,000 new Initiates -- the first of the XVIII Legion to be raised from the new Legion homeworld of Nocturne -- along with a host of new warships, war machines and arms, all fabricated to the Primarch's own exacting specifications.They fell upon the Ork marauders like a thunderbolt, and shattered the largest of the Space Hulks orbiting Antaem, Vulkan leading his warriors within, purging the vast conglomeration of wreckage and rock with fire and planting Seismic Charges at its heart to destroy it.Spurred on by this unexpected aid, the rest of the XVIII hurled themselves in renewed fury at the Orks besieging them, slaughtering and scattering the greenskinned xenos before them, heedless of their depleted munitions and manpower, leaving nothing for a reserve should they fail.Caught between this hammer and anvil of savagery that over-matched their own, the Ork horde was broken and put to flight, and the survivors were relentlessly pursued and consumed by fire.In the aftermath, the two halves of the XVIII Legion met and were unified upon Antaem's dead coral plains. As their saviours removed their helms and the Terran Legionaries looked upon the faces of their brothers and he that was their gene-father, they could not help but know that they were one and their Primarch had come to claim them.The survivors of the Terran XVIII knelt immediately, it is said, before their Primarch, but Vulkan bid them rise, saying that all his sons were equals and he was no petty king needing shows of obedience. Instead, it was he who knelt in honour of the lives they had saved and the price they had paid.Then, seeking out the mortally-wounded Lord Commander Vaughn, Vulkan conferred the formal transfer of the Legion's mastery by presenting the fallen warrior with the broken Power Klaw of the Ork Warlord who had struck him down to seal the pact between the Primarch and his Legion -- they would fight for him, but he would fight for them in turn.Such was the honour and esteem in which Vulkan held this warrior, who had commanded his sons with unflinching honour and self-sacrifice, he undertook to fashion for him the Dracos Revenant, a unique Dreadnought sarcophagus of unsurpassed sophistication and resilience.One of a number of unique wonders wrought by Vulkan, it was forged of a nigh-impenetrable and unknown alloy, a relic it was said from deep beneath Old Earth that none but Vulkan was able to master and shape to his will.But as the years went on, though the Dreadnought who had been Cassian Dracos' will to fight was undimmed, his mind grew increasingly unclear and dislocated outside of the battlefield, and he was allowed to remain in slumber for longer periods, awoken only in the direst of need and to participate in the gravest of conflicts.During the Drop Site Massacre on Istvaan V, Cassian Dracos fought with unmatched fury, first spearheading the attack against the enemy, then, as the second wave showed their true colours, standing fast though all around him were slaughtered.Dracos rampaged through the Traitor lines, reliving his first death as the XVIII Legion once again faced oblivion. Eventually, even his thick Dreadnought armour was burned through and pierced in a dozen places by a blizzard of heavy weapons fire, but he fought on, crashing into the encircling foe and leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.Leaving a trail of dead behind him, Dracos was only stopped by an orbital lance strike that "glassed" an entire battlefield. Horus and his generals left Istvaan V certain that the old warlord's life had been ended along with those of his Primarch and Legion. |
Cassian Vaughn - After Istvaan: Fortunately for the Imperium, Horus' assumption of Cassian Dracos' death would prove wrong. For over a standard year, Cassian Dracos was trapped between the vitrified plains of the Urgall Depression. Scorched, blackened and fused by the unimaginable heat from the orbital strike, Cassian's dreadnought chassis had lost all limbs but for the stump of his right arm, yet the warrior within had endured.Yet, the battered shell of the Dracos Revenant, far from intact but not yet willing to surrender to his final inevitable death, would be recovered by Xiaphas Jurr and the crew of the Ebon Drake when they arrived at Istvaan V in quest of their Primarch's true fate.Lacking proper equipment, the landing party consisting of the assembled warriors of the three orphaned Legions dug the black sands with their bare hands and combat blades. With trembling hands, Xiaphas Jurr connected the sarcophagus to an exterior Vox unit.It soon spoke with the voice of a man twice dead -- "You come seeking our father, but he is not here. I searched for him on the field of battle until they struck me down with a sword of flame that scorched the very heavens, and yet I did not die. I searched for him in the endless vaults of the dead where the crushing blackness tore at my very soul, and yet I endured. I was tested once again through the crucible, and I tell you this -- Vulkan does not walk among the dead!"The recovery of Cassian Dracos and his message kindled new hope within the crew of the Ebon Drake, and even those warriors of the Iron Hands and the Raven Guard that accompanied them were heartened by the thought that their Primarchs might have survived.Few questioned or doubted Dracos' words, such was his reputation. With all haste, Cassian Dracos' Vulkan-forged shell was transferred to the Strike Cruiser, where his esoteric systems slowly began to repair themselves, a tech-miracle that only added to his growing legend. However, the former master of the XVIII Legion had not been left untouched by his prolonged and unsleeping entombment beneath the black and blood-soaked sands of Istvaan.Whereas most Dreadnoughts of his age craved a return to slumber, Cassian Dracos refused all offers to be returned to hibernation. Apart from his changed physical appearance due to the ordeal he had survived, Dracos' mental state was also affected by the isolation he suffered. Lost in prolonged periods of near-incoherent prognostications and memories drawn from his centuries of battle, Dracos exerted a palpable influence over the company of the Ebon Drake.For the few short solar days the Ebon Drake stayed in orbit around Istvaan V, Dracos was revered as "the Twice Dead." His followers, warriors drawn both from the Salamanders and their brother Shattered Legions, began to modify their personal heraldry with a myriad of devotional icons, forged with the greatest of care by the capable hands of the artisans from Nocturne.To further honour the venerable Dreadnought, many Legionaries scorched their emerald battle-plate black and applied images of fiery flames, glowing embers or artistic renditions of Vulkan upon it. Compiled by the diligent hands of Xiaphas Jurr, who took the title of "The Prophet of Fire," the Ebon Drake’s company quickly changed.Even within their own chronicle, the crew of the Ebon Drake increasingly referred to themselves as the Disciples of the Flames, their nominal leader now Cassian Dracos. Yet, Vaughn's influence and strange charisma did not only affect the living crew of the Ebon Drake, but also the ship's Servitors and automata, which became unreliable in his presence.Several of the simple automata that usually performed the more mundane maintenance tasks aboard the Ebon Drake developed anomalous sub-routines in their neuro-cortexes and had to be forcefully reprogrammed to their original task. Seemingly without orders, several high-grade Servitors from the Armorium detached themselves from their routine and formed a semblance of a court around the Dreadnought.From the command logs recovered in later years, it appears that when the Strike Cruiser left Istvaan V, it was Cassian Dracos who commanded her course. What truly motivated him to alter the Ebon Drake’s destination for the beleaguered Forge World of Mezoa instead of returning to Nocturne remains a mystery, but it would prove a fateful decision, for the situation on Mezoa was far grimmer than could readily be anticipated.The Ebon Drake translated back into reality at the very edge of the Mezoan System, only to find itself emerging in the heart of a chaotic void battle where cruisers bearing the sigils of the Iron Warriors and Alpha Legion were firing at a rag-tag fleet of defenders that bore the Eternal Flame of Mezoa, the markings of several detachments of the Armada Imperialis and even the marred icons of the Legiones Astartes.The arrival of the lone Strike Cruiser from a Legion most thought destroyed gave the Ebon Drake’s crew enough time to filter through the confused ballet of identification tags and broadcasts of both fleets before openly declaring for Mezoa and joining the Loyalist fleet.For nine long solar hours, the numerically inferior Loyalists held the Traitors at bay, the naval engagement turning into a bloody stalemate before disunity took its toll. Where the enemy followed a single commander, the Loyalists had been drawn from several Imperial factions, unused and in some cases unwilling to cooperate with each other.This fractured command structure would eventually allow the Warmaster Horus' lapdogs to claim victory. Forced to relinquish Mezoa's orbit to the enemy, the Loyalist fleet retreated.Few ships dared the enemy's guns to close one last time with the Forge World and even fewer survived, but the Ebon Drake was one of them, the revolutionary vessel successfully landing its complement of warriors on Mezoa's surface before making good its escape. |
Cassian Vaughn - Avatar of the Sacred Flame: Even as the Alpha Legion and Iron Warriors positioned their fleets in orbit above Mezoa, Cassian Dracos –- his heavy frame having been restored to the extent that he could move again -- led the Disciples of the Flame into Mezoa's central forge-fane.There, he met with Mezoa's rulers, the Norn-regents, a triad of truly venerable and ancient cybernetic magos-sisters interlinked by a complex web of neural interface technology so that they formed a single intellect of towering power.Their meeting with the former Master of the XVIII Legion is still immortalised in the data-archives of Mezoa, the fire-blackened and battered shape of the Dragon Revenant standing before the emaciated forms of the Norn-regents, each one of their frail bodies suspended spider-like in the complex web of technology that linked them to Servitors, Battle-Automata and other thralls across the entire Forge World.Like every planetary ruler, the Norn-regents benefitted from the best security the Mechanicum could offer, in this case the towering figures of an entire cohort of Domitar-class Battle-Automata.Yet, when Cassian Dracos penetrated into the Norn-regents' throne room, these emotionless war machines fell back in halting steps. To the regents of Mezoa, the ancient Terran warlord spoke of his visions and the trials he had endured on Istvaan and under the sand of the Urgall Depression.He spoke of his search for Vulkan, of his conviction that the Primarch yet lived and of the sacrifice the XVIII Legion had endured, a tale of woe that had a lot in common with the schismatic tech-creed of the Mezoan magi.Yet, it seems rather unlikely that this simple similarity of belief was reason enough for the accord that was sealed shortly afterwards. Did Cassian Dracos' supernatural influence on machines somehow also affect the Norn-regents? None can say for sure.Many scholars have wondered at the sudden acceptance Dracos met with the various groups he encountered during his voyages, some of them theorising that the entombed Dreadnought might have absorbed some sort of Warp-energy due to Istvaan V's position at the heart of one of the greatest Warp Storms ever encountered in human records.Some of them even hinted at a far darker possibility, given the catalytic effects the immense bloodshed of the Drop Site Massacre was bound to have on the denizens of the Warp. Whatever the reason might be, at the end of this conclave, Cassian Dracos was formally recognised as a living avatar of the Machine God and granted a high-ranking position within Mezoa's Taghmata.As the sky darkened with the Drop Pods of the invaders, Cassian Vaughn did not join his brethren in the defence of Mezoa, but was escorted by Mezoa's most skilled forge wrights into the world's deepest and holiest sanctum, located in the forge-fane's hidden depths.There, in an undisclosed location, the Dracos Revenant was restored to its former glory and blessed with the most powerful benedictions of the Cult of the Eternal Flame. In the meantime, rearmed with the best weapons and tools of destruction Mezoa's armouries could offer, Xiaphas Jurr led the Disciples of the Flame against the Iron Warriors and the Alpha Legion.To guard their leader in his most vulnerable hours, fifty of their number remained close to Vaughn, acting as his personal honour guard, while the rest of the Ebon Drake’s complement of warriors joined the defenders outside. Trough sheer determination and great sacrifice, Jurr and the defenders of Mezoa held the enemy at bay for nine desperate solar days, until the Third Siege of Mezoa finally reached its climax.Using the attack of the Iron Warriors' 114th Grand Battalion on the Tertial-05 bastion as a diversion, the Alpha Legion managed to penetrate inside the forge-fane itself. The enemy commander, Consul-Legatus Autilon Skorr personally led a cadre of his warriors into battle, leaving their allies to be slaughtered for the chance to strike at the Norn-queens.Clashing with a portion of Vaughn's personal guard, the Alpha Legion nevertheless succeeded in killing one of the sisters, her death shaking Mezoa to its core and causing untold havoc within Mezoa's Taghmata, but fortunately for the Imperium, the Tertial-05 bastion was held by the Disciples of the Flame and the valiant men of the 891st Lethe Cohort of the Solar Auxilia who successfully defended it. It was then -- in the Forge World's greatest hour of need -- that Cassian Dracos was returned to the battlefield.Returned to his former glory by the diligent ministrations of Mezoa's most gifted forge wrights, Cassian Dracos reemerged from the deep vaults of the forge-fane. However, instead of leading his honour guard against the rampaging Alpha Legion, he took his remaining warriors against the Iron Warriors at Tertial-05.As they advanced through the spires of the forge-fane, every robotic Battle-Automata they passed was seemingly shaken from whatever feedback-induced mania had befallen them and joined their throng, their cortexes now bound in servitude to the Iron Dragon. By the time they reached the battlefield, close to a thousand Battle-Automata had rallied around Cassian Dracos, their number sufficient to tip the battle in the defenders' favour.With grim determination, the Iron Warriors around Nârik Dreygur cowered in their makeshift fortress of iron and broken rockcrete, determined to meet the Loyalist charge guns blazing, but the assault they expected never came. Instead, Cassian Vaughn advanced alone, calling on the enemy commander to show himself.Standing atop his fortifications, Nârik Dreygur eyed the approaching Dreadnought, his own Battle-Automata refusing to engage Vaughn or bar his passage. What words the two commanders exchanged upon the battlefield remain largely unknown, but the Prophecies of the Flame records that, "Wheresoever is found the craft of the forge, the avatar of our lord Vulkan has power, even in the works of the enemy, even in the flesh of the enemy where it has felt the touch of the forge. So he turned foe to the cause of righteousness."The sacred text further notes Dreygur's response. "Brother, once more an oath to us stands broken. The Alpha Legion has abandoned us once again. Now we shall show that we do not renege on our vows. The dead of Stranivar and Mezoa both call for vengeance, and we shall grant it to them."With these words the Iron Warriors ceased all hostilities against the Forge World's defenders and joined them in their march against their former allies, the vengeful Iron Warriors requesting the honour to lead the charge against the Alpha Legion.Surrounded, the Alpha Legion was soon routed, but unfortunately, the enemy commander managed to escape. Locked in combat with Autilon Skorr's personal bodyguard, the towering form of the Contemptor-class Dreadnought known as Ancient Nehalen, Cassian Dracos laid waste to an entire sub-section of the forge-fane before slaying his opponent.This would mark the end of the Third Siege of Mezoa and the beginning of Dracos' career as acting warlord of the Disciples of the Flame, with Nârik Dreygur as his new right hand. Following this initial success, Cassian Dracos would lead several bloody raids against Traitor-held star systems, further weakening Horus' grip in this region of space. |
Cassian Vaughn - The Dracos Revenant Endures: Cassian Dracos' final fate remains unknown. The Salamanders Chapter has continued over the millennia to have fallen Battle-Brothers interred within this Ancient's sarcophagus. Only the most highly individualistic, strong-willed and warlike-souls possess the remotest chance of surviving the Dreadnought's activation process.These fallen warriors' strength of will, combined with the dark Machine Spirit of the Dreadnought in which they are entombed for all eternity, make for a very potent warrior on the battlefield.The current occupant of the Dracos Revenant, known in the late 41st Millennium as the Iron Dragon, is Sokhar Bray'arth, called by his Battle-Brothers Bray'arth Ashmantle, a former Captain of the Salamanders 4th Company. |
Cassian Vaughn - Wargear: The Salamander's Primarch Vulkan was a master of the forge without peer. He personally etched intricate detailing on the ornately carved and segmented armour plates of the Dracos Revenant Dreadnought and symbols associated with the Promethean Cult of Nocturne.The chassis is also fitted with a number of secondary flame projectors as well as its main armament, allowing the ancient Dreadnought to wreathe itself in flame, incinerating anything that strays too close.The Dracos Revenant also possesses the following weaponry.2 Dreadfire Heavy Flamers - Vulkan designed two unique arm weapons for this Dreadnought chassis that made use of Dreadfire Close Combat Arms, each of which had an in-built Dreadfire Heavy Flamer that represented the Dracos Revenant 's potent and unique armament.Extra Armour PlatingSmoke LauncherSearchlightNuncio Vox |
Castellan - Castellan: A Castellan is a specialist officer rank that is unique to the Black Templars Chapter, and is the equivalent of a Space Marine lieutenant of a Codex Astartes-compliant Chapter, ranking below a Marshal.A castellan is responsible for leading an entire "fighting company" of the Chapter on the field of battle during the numerous ongoing crusades conducted by the Black Templars.Larger Black Templars Crusades often comprise a number of the Chapter's fighting companies, each led by a Sword Brethren (Veteran) raised to the rank of Castellan. Only those Sword Brethren who have proven themselves as devotional warriors and inspirational leaders may rise to this esteemed rank.These hardened Veterans have earned their ascension to command rank through their bloody and zealous dedication to the Chapter's cause. As masters of the battlefield, Castellans are able to read its ebb and flow, and adjust their tactical formations accordingly.Leading from the front by example, a Castellan's Astartes know what it is to be a Black Templar and a dedicated warrior of Sigismund and the Emperor, and from studies of his leadership they learn the trade of battle and the craft of death. |
Castellan - Notable Castellans: Castellan Adlar - Castellan Adlar commanded Fighting Company Adlar of the Solemnus Crusade during the Third War for Armageddon. Fighting Company Adlar deployed to the surface of Armageddon to stall the Ork invaders and search for the Red Scar Ork Tribe that had destroyed the Solemnus Chapter Keep. Castellan Adlar fell during the assault on the Blood Scar Tribe's Gargant factory, pinned by a crashed Ork Trukk. Brother Adlar used his Thunder Hammer to detonate the munitions stockpile of the Kannon emplacement where he was trapped and dying, and took every Greenskin in the vicinity with him.Castellan Draco - Draco first rose to prominence as part of Marshal Ludoldus's Sword Brethren during the bitter Vinculus Crusade in which he fought a Renegade Inquisitor named Lord Vinculus. Draco was badly wounded after the battle and his body was reconstructed with bionics. He was awarded the rank of Castellan and was given a relic suit of the Chapter's finest power armour for his valour. Draco's contributions were further recognised when he was presented with the former Inquisitor's blade as a mark of gratitude from the Ordo Hereticus. Unfortunately, Draco has since been declared Excommunicate Traitoris for deeds too horrible to recount. |
Castellan - Wargear: Power Armour (Any Firstborn or Mark X pattern)Terminator Armour (Optional)BolterBolt Pistol (Optional)Crusader Seals - Crusader Seals are waxen or metallic tokens with vows of piety and Chapter blessings inscribed on hanging strips of parchment that are bestowed upon Black Templars Astartes of proven zeal and courage.Storm Bolter (Optional for Castellans in Terminator Armour)Close Combat Weapon (Choice of Power Sword, Chainsword, Lightning Claws, Thunder Hammer, Power Fist; if chosen weapon is one-handed, a Storm Shield may also be used)Frag GrenadesKrak Grenades |
Castellan Axe - Castellan Axe: A Castellan Axe is a variant of the Guardian Spear, the signature weapon of the Adeptus Custodes, that incorporates a heavier, axe-like blade rather than a speartip. These weapons lend themselves to an elegant and brutal combat style that sees the wielder use their exceptional transhuman strength in conjunction with their axe's momentum, launching thunderous sweeps that switch direction with breathtaking suddenness to cleave through their victims' guard and hack off heads and limbs.The wielder can also fire concentrated volleys of bolter fire from the hafts of their weapons, scything down those who attempt to stay out of their blades' devastating reach. These deadly weapons are typically wielded by veteran Custodian Wardens, elite Allarus Custodians or Shield-Captains. |
Castellan Axe - Notable Castellan Axes: Watcher's Axe - This master-crafted artefact weapon was fashioned in the wake of Constantin Valdor's disappearance and is traditionally passed on to each new Captain-General ever since. Watcher's Axe is a huge polearm blade that crackles with golden lightning and can bisect the sarcophagus of a Chaos Helbrute with a single swing. The axe's haft incorporates a master-crafted bolter weapon known as the Eagle's Scream, which fires adamantium-tipped penetrator bolts at a ferocious rate. |
Castellan Axe - Sources: Codex: Adeptus Custodes (8th Edition), pp. 36-39, 44 |
Castellan Launcher - Castellan Launcher: A Castellan Launcher is a long-range, anti-infantry weapon employed by the Primaris Space Marines of a Desolation Squad of the Adeptus Astartes that is of particular use against enemies in cover.Desolation Marines all pack a little something extra under the barrel of their rocket launchers. The belt-fed Castellan Launcher can saturate the sky with guided bomblets that rain down on the enemy wherever they hide, catching them in a blast radius that extends beyond the wielder's line of sight.It is the perfect weapon for flushing out cowardly targets -- and it fires separately from a Desolation Marine's main rockets, allowing them to pick and choose their targets. |
Castellan Rhino - Castellan Rhino: The Castellan Rhino was an ancient specialised siege variant of the Rhino APC and was used solely by the Iron Warriors Traitor Legion. The Castellan Rhino was designed by the Iron Warriors' Primarch, Perturabo, for use during siege warfare. The Castellan Rhino featured unfolding armour plates and impact bracing that turned them into miniature bunkers, whose modular construction allowed the Castellan Rhinos to be linked together in a chain, forming a makeshift fortified line when materials for more permanent emplacements were unavailable or a defence had to be fashioned quickly.During the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy, the Iron Warriors would deploy many, sometimes thousands of Castellan Rhinos to encircle fortifications and cities quickly. During the Iron Warriors and Emperor's Children's siege of the ancient Eldar fortress of Amon ny-shak Kaelis the Iron Warriors deployed over 400 Castallen Rhinos as their defensive line. Current Imperial records do not indicate which Pattern of Rhino APC was used for the Castellan variant, although both the Deimos Pattern and the standard Mars Pattern Rhinos were used by the Iron Warriors during this era. |
Castellans of the Rift - Castellans of the Rift: Castellans of the RiftSpace MarineChapterPrimaris Space MarinesUltramarinesUltima FoundingIt is the unenviable duty of the Castellans of the Rift, given to them by Roboute Guilliman himself, to maintain and defend the Nachmund Gauntlet, that stable channel through the roiling tides of the Great Rift that empties into the Vigilus System.They have engaged in numerous raids upon the Fallen Knight World of Dharrovar, and have fought at both the Imperium Nihilus and Imperium Sanctus ends of the gauntlet to drive back Renegades, Traitors and xenos raiders alike, at great personal cost. |
Castellans of the Rift - Notable Campaigns: War of Beasts (Unknown Date.M42) - Since Primarch Roboute Guilliman despatched the Castellans of the Rift to the Nachmund Gauntlet, they have been locked in a struggle to drive back the hordes of daemonic war machines and Renegade Knights blighting that channel of space. When war broke out on the vitally important Imperial world of Vigilus, the greater part of the Chapter was engaged in warfare against the Heretic forces that had revealed themselves on the Knight World of Dharrovar. Still, two companies joined the war on Sangua Terra and a further two travelled to Vigilus. With experience fighting against the machinations of Chaos, in the third stage of the War of Beasts they hunted the dark cults of Storvhal with commendable efficiency and resolve. |
Castellans of the Rift - Chapter Colours: The Castellans of the Rift wear pale green Mark X Power Armour. The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest guard is gold. The backpack and right knee plate are black. The shoulder trim is dark green.Chapter markings and unit designations are white. The white squad specialty symbol -- battleline, close support, fire support, Veteran or command -- is displayed on the right shoulder pauldron, while the left pauldron proudly displays the Chapter's iconography.The company number is displayed as a High Gothic numeral on the right knee plate on a field of black. These numerals reflect the Chapter's Ultramarines heritage.The black High Gothic numeral displayed in the centre of the squad specialty symbol on the right pauldron designates squad number.Battle-Brothers display pale green helms with a vertical dark green stripe down the centre. Sergeants wear red helms.Veteran Sergeants wear red helms with a white vertical stripe down the centre.Lieutenants wear pale green helms bisected by a large red stripe with a pair of smaller white stripes painted to either side.The faceplate of the helms is painted white rather than green, mirroring the skull that is part of the Chapter badge. |
Castellans of the Rift - Chapter Badge: The Castellans of the Rift's Chapter badge is a white skull placed over a pair of crossed chains.The chains represent a symbolic barrier against the evil that these Astartes fight. |
Castellans of the Rift - Sources: Codex Supplement: Ultramarines (8th Edition), pg. 25Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Defiant (8th Edition), pp. 75, 79, 86White Dwarf 5 (October 2017), "Eavy Metal - Create your own Chapter," pg. 118 |
Castellax-class Battle-Automata - Castellax-class Battle-Automata: The Castellax-class Battle-Automata is the most common pattern of the widespread Castellan-type Battle-Automata in service to the mysterious Legio Cybernetica and serves as a general robotic battle unit developed during the Great Crusade from its ancient forebear.Primarily intended for siege work and shock assaults, the Castellax Battle-Automata is a hulking humanoid machine with a notoriously aggressive and responsive Machine Spirit, and an enviable reputation on the battlefield. The Castellax, employed in units of one to five robots by the Legio Cybernetica, has a standard configuration of bolter and Mauler Bolt Cannon armament that allows it to serve in a potent infantry support role. |
Castellax-class Battle-Automata - History: The most common Castellan-type Robot in service with the Imperium is the Castellax-class. Developed from its ancient forebears, it was primarily intended for siege work and shock assaults. The Castellax Battle-Automata is a hulking humanoid machine thrice the height of a man, with a notoriously aggressive and responsive Machine Spirit and an enviable reputation on the battlefield.Its armoured endoskeleton is proof against small-arms fire and highly resistant to damage thanks to its durable design and the presence of the same Atomantic Shielding technology that features on the Legiones Astartes Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought. The Castellax, employed in large numbers by the Legio Cybernetica, has a standard weapons configuration of bolter and Mauler Bolt Cannon armament, and is able to maintain a punishing barrage of firepower as it advances.Rarer configurations, however, included Battle-Automata equipped with Flamer weapons or the arcane and powerful Darkfire Heavy Photon Thruster Cannon. During the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy, many Solar Auxilia cohorts and Legiones Astartes units went to war accompanied by attached Cybernetica maniples. Some were bonded by compacts forged in the crucibles of war, and the Battle-Automata even bore the same colours and heraldry as the auxiliaries or Space Marine Legions themselves.The Castellax-class was a mainstay both of the Legio Cybernetica and the elite defensive formations of many Forge Worlds, who relied on its formidable power for their protection. Some in the Imperial hierarchy saw the steady increase in the number of these war machines as a sleeping threat to the supremacy of the Imperium should the Mechanicum ever default on its treaty of mutual support with the Emperor.History was to take a different course, and in a few short standard years with the outbreak of the Horus Heresy, thousands of these war engines would be broken on the wheel of war, and the Castellax was never to be seen again in such numbers. |
Castellax-class Battle-Automata - Wargear: Mauler Bolt Cannon - The ancient Mechanicum utilised a variety of bolter weaponry which, while operating on similar principles to the standardised weapons of the Legiones Astartes, were often more sophisticated and difficult to maintain. Such weapons include the Mauler Pattern Bolt Cannon, a fearsomely-baroque and bulky automatic cannon using substantially larger and denser shells than a standard Heavy Bolter.2 BoltersShock Chargers - Used to augment the combat power of Legio Cybernetica Battle-Automata, these devices amplify the force of the Battle-Automata's physical blows with powerful electrostatic discharges which detonate like thunderclaps when striking their target.Atomantic Shielding - Certain Battle-Automata featured particularly powerful Atomantic Reactor cores designed to energise defensive field generators built into the Battle-Automata's exterior armour plating, as well as power its combat systems. |
Castellax-class Battle-Automata - Upgrades: SearchlightInfravisor - This simple visor allows its user a wide range of spectrums. So equipped, they can see better in low-light conditions than a normal human could see in optimal daylight.Frag GrenadesEnhanced Targeting Array - Certain Battle-Automata are fitted with additional slaved Cogitators and sub-incunabula machine-spirits devoted to relentlessly tracking and targetting any and all potential threats in range.Darkfire CannonMulti-MeltaFlamers2 Battle-Automata Power Blades - These close-combat weapons are fitted to the primary weapon-limbs of some Battle-Automata. Their sabre-like blades use molecular disruption fields super-charged with power from the Battle-Automata's Atomantic Reactor core.Siege Wrecker - This is a general term for a specialised form of massive close combat weapon intended for Legiones Astartes Dreadnoughts and Mechanicum Battle-Automata. Wreckers are designed to enable these heavy assault units to smash through fortifications and easily crush armoured barricades and defences in siege warfare. The most common form of this weapon is a hydraulic ram or massive disruption field-augmented hammer, although specialised forms of heavy claw or drill systems are also used. |
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