User:SquishyGDI/Sandbox2

A House of Rogue Traders with a long and storied history, thought lost to the mists of time but now restored by a distant branch reclaiming their legacy. Unfathomably wealthy, incredibly ruthless, this House has carved its way back to the heights of power through a mix of diplomacy, piracy, bribes and hostile takeovers. They now stand as a shadow empire with spheres of influence on both sides of the Cicatrix Maledictum, poised to take advantage of the unfolding new state of the galaxy.

Founding
The origins of the House of Auximite have been lost to time with the collapse of the former bloodline. Successors have claimed that the Emperor Himself signed the Warrant of Trade but an examination of the recovered document would show this to be false. Instead it is more likely that they date back to approximately the time of the War of the Beast. Auximite merchants however predate the Imperium by many Millenia. Thought long lost by the time of the waning years of the 37th Millenium, the House was restored by a distant branch lead by Lord-Captain Ezana who unearthed the House’s History and declared himself heir. The Administratum acknowledged his claim and restored the House. They also restored the substantial debts that the House had accrued before its collapse, much to the dismay of its new Patriarch. Nevertheless, he set off aboard his lone Tempestus class Frigate, determined to restore the House to glory. It would take over a century of luck, cunning and not entirely lawful activities to clear the debts. A further century to establish the House as anything more than just a joke amongst other Rogue Trader Houses. The now Baron Ezana of Auximite, his family, and crew had worked hard those years to escape the debt collectors, pinching every penny they could. Ezana had become ruthlessly cunning, willing to cross many a line if he thought it would strengthen his House. Though he maintained an honourable nature for those he loved and respected, he would not hesitate to double-cross others if he felt it would benefit him.

Expansion
In the years prior to the Twenty-Third Founding, the House was looking to start expanding their strength. The debts had been paid but miniscule fleet of the House could not bring in the trade required to flourish. In an extremely risky move, Ezana decided to buy the debt of Rogue Trader Houses on the verge of collapse and arranged marriages to other Houses to secure alliances. These actions greatly expanded the size of the Auximite fleet and areas of influence but also plunged the House back into huge amounts of debt. Ezana had gambled that he could bring in enough profit to stave off destruction long enough to solidify these gains and start bringing in the big money.

Alliance to Ethereal Rain
In between evading the debt collectors, The Solar Winds of Auximite (as they were now known) continued to expand their assets. Finally they achieved their most significant coup, an alliance (later a merger) with the Rogue Trader House Ethereal Rain, that operated on the other side of the Maelstorm, opening up a new sphere of influence for both parties. Not long after the two Houses pooled resources and knowledge to chart safe paths through the turbulent space, giving them access to planets rich in resources. This lucrative agreement allowed the Auximite House to accrue huge amounts of wealth by tapping into these sources, paying off the debts owed and ensuring the House would never again need to worry about loans.

Alliance to Nemean Lions
This stroke of good fortune was soon followed by another which would pay good dividends over time. As the closest Rogue Traders available at the time, Ezana was approached by King Shaka of Caelus. King Shaka wished to visit the Imperial Fists aboard the Phalanx, halfway across the Imperium. He was determined to gain the honour of establishing his planet Caelus Prime as the home of an Astartes Chapter during the coming Founding and felt a personal appeal could tip the scales. Ezana agreed to ferry the young King and several hundred of his warriors in exchanged for a handsome reward in exotic pelts, animals and foodstuffs. Also included was a Nemean Leonis cub which was adopted by Ezana as his pet and mascot. Had he known the true value of the cub (especially once fully grown) he may not have treated it so casually. King Shaka was successful in his mission and Ezana oversaw the return of a substantially smaller but now superhuman group of warriors who would form the core of a fledgling new Chapter. Shaka bade a warm farewell to Ezana as he departed the ship and gave him one final gift, the friendship of a future Chapter Master.

The future of the Auximite House now became entwined with that of the Nemean Lions, with the Rogue Traders providing vital information about caches of heresy era relics lying in the vaults of Forge World Tvastar and other nearby systems, strengthening the young and under-equipped Chapter. They also provided the Nemeans with true wealth, opening up markets to allow them to trade their pelts to the Mechanicus, who were extremely interested in the unique materials in the hide of the Leonis. In return the Astartes took on a few missions on behalf of the Rogue Traders, lending them some much needed muscle for excursions into hostile systems.

The friendship was further cemented when Shaka and Ezana hatched a plan to enlarge both of their fleets, particularly important as both the strength and boldness of incoming Ork raids increased. Their combined forces would seize the newly discovered Space Hulk Dominatus Felix Titanicus which was believed to contain multiple salvageable warships of various classes. The two factions engaged in a month-long campaign to liberate the Hulk, which included the eradication of a sizeable Genestealer Cult that had taken over a human settlement in the core. The Space Hulk yielded a goldmine, several capital ships had become fused to the outside in remarkably good condition and a number of smaller warships had been left docked to the outside after previous salvaging attempts by foolhardy Rogue Traders without the might of an Astartes Chapter to call upon. The freshly liberated small fleet was swiftly divvied up before it could draw the attention of Imperial Authorities. The Nemeans would take the Courageous-class Battleship to make a new Battle Barge and several hulls suitable for refitting into Strike Cruisers. The Auximite would take the rest, under the provision that they would turn over almost all the ships to the Mechanicus on Tvastar and only keep a couple for their fleet. Ezana agreed to this freely, warships were prohibitively expensive to crew and maintain. However, when the salvage teams dove deeper into the Hulk and discovered the wreckage of an Emperor Class Battleship Ezana reneged on the contract, deciding to keep the gigantic vessel. This strained the relationship between the Nemeans and Auximite as Shaka feared that the Rogue Traders keeping such a powerful battleship would draw the ire of the Inquisition onto both. The tensions were eased somewhat when Ezana promised to remove the ship from Imperial space as soon as he could and that the weapons systems would never be restored to their full potency. He also created the Sworn, who would serve the Nemeans above their loyalty to the Auxumites.

Ezana was no fool, he knew that keeping the vessel was a risk, but he had spent many years on an Emperor-class vessel and knew what such a symbol of status could do for his House. He was also intimately aware of how to restore the vessel and more importantly, how much he could pare back the manpower requirements and upkeep costs to make it more affordable. He would not pass up such a lucrative opportunity.

Medean Crusade
In M39 a huge Ork Waaagh ravaged the Aeaen Cluster, raids penetrating the defences and even threatening Caelus Prime and Tvastar. The Auximite trading outpost on Tymar was also attacked, only being driven off when Ezana intervened personally with a cobbled together coalition of armed freighters to reinforce the beleaguered defence fleet. The Medean Crusade was mustered in response to drive back the greenskin menace in the cluster and end it once and for all. Ezana managed to secure an official contract to provide mercenary forces which allowed him to bring the freshly repaired and renamed Ark of the Emperor (complete with forged documents claiming the ship had been gifted to the Auximite back in the 35th Millenium by the Imperial Navy) and the rest of the Auximite private military back into Imperial space officially. His ships proved vital in ferrying Astra Millitarum forces, other mercenaries & most importantly supplies. His fleet participated in several battles, including at the battle of the Asteroid Belt Salamis (Where the Ork flotilla was finally annihilated by a much smaller Imperial Navy Battlefleet). His ships were vital throughout the Crusade in gathering intelligence and launching raids to mislead Ork forces.

During this time, he accumulated the shattered remnants of other Traders which had fallen victim to the war, such as the Winter's Shadow, King’s Scourge and House of Stone. All insignificant Rogue Trading Houses that added to Ezana's Empire.

At the end of the Medean Crusade Shaka ironically crowned Ezana Rex Regum, as he now commanded a Cartel of Rogue Traders across and beyond the Aegean System, aboard his mighty flagship. With the end of the conflict Shaka also opened another, secret contract with Ezana regarding the newly created Euminides. These covert operatives would need the ability to travel unhindered far and wide across the Galaxy, and Shaka wanted to hide them in plain sight aboard the myriad transports the Auximite possessed and used daily. In exchange if the Auximite required the services of Astartes but could not call upon the Nemeans in an official capacity, they had direct lines to the perfect organisation.

Ezana’s Death
Despite the extensive lengthening of his life through rejuv treatments even the man with unimaginable wealth could not live forever. With Ezana’s death the Auximite House fragmented and threatened to fall apart as the various branches vied for power. One by one though the various branches either fell in line or were mysteriously silenced until the House was once more united under a strong leader. While the Auximite “empire” has not greatly expanded its influence in the Millenia since Ezana, it has remained stable and prosperous, with the spheres of influence it controls remaining safe from outside attack and on the right side of Imperial power thanks to regular Tithes.

Auximite Culture
Ruthless to those that betray them, cutthroat to the foolish and loyal unto death to those that have served them well, they have developed an ironclad reputation amongst their long-term clients. Externally they put on a mighty display of wealth and opulence, both to intimidate and awe potential clients, once you get past the gold and marble display though the inner sanctums of the various House members have a spartan décor, possibly influenced by a sizeable contingent of Kriegers who have worked for/ married into the family. Ezana renamed the House “The Solar Winds of Auximite” to inflate the standing of the House in an attempt to give a false sense of grandeur and allude to a larger fleet than he had.

Unlike the majority of Rogue Traders, the Auximite avoid the perilous outer fringe of the galaxy and focus on the unexplored sectors that exist within the Imperium, supplying the secret empires, lost worlds, independent states that pay the Tithe but have never truly bowed to Imperial Authority. They ferry cargo, troops, people, anything that someone may want without drawing the gaze of the larger universe. More rarely they may take on tasks from the Imperium work, supressing piracy, supplying mercenaries, sometimes even escorting members of the Inquisition.

Style
Members of the House of Auximite favour naval style uniforms like those worn in the Imperium, dyed blue to match their House’s colours. Depending on whether theyre serenading a new potential client or not, this can be either full dress uniform or a plainer (and more comfortable) working dress

Dynasty Fleet
With sprawling spheres of influence on the fringes of Imperial space, the Auximite have a sizeable fleet, including both recognisable Imperial warships and also armed civilian/merchant vessels and custom made patrol craft.

Famous Ships
years of service in the Imperial Navy, and nearly 100 years’ service in the Rogue Traders. After surviving many close escapes and tough years in Ezana’s hands, the ship was destroyed during the Medean Crusade by the Orks, taking Ezana’s first born son with it.
 * Ark of the Emperor - Pride of the Auximite fleet, this mighty warship is a heavily restored Emperor class Battleship, retrofitted at Tvastar to suit the purposes of the Rogue Traders. The Ark's internal hangars have been enlarged to allow large volumes of trading traffic. A dedicated market has been built that allows trading in new regions. The exterior of the Ark is decorated in a beautiful blend of Baroque and Gothic. Gold eagles and white marble pillars, stained glass depictions of the Emperor's and Imperium's triumphs. The centrepiece is a giant dome that sits above a amphitheatre for hosting meetings and celebrations. Though the exterior and guest areas of the ship is a continuous display of opulence, the rest of the Ark is sparsely decorated, and functional in nature. The crew and command decks are barely changed from original emperor class. Despite the primary role of the ship as a floating display of the Auximite's wealth and power, it is still armed with a mighty arsenal (if somewhat depleted compared to its Imperial counterpart) and nigh-impenetrable Void shields.
 * Kataigída - The former Flagship of the Auximites and originally their only vessel, this Tempestus-class Frigate had many retrofits, customisations and repairs over its hundreds of

The Catharsis of Repression - Formerly the flagship of the Ethereal Rain, this Exorcist-class Grand Cruiser was added to the Auximite fleet after the merger of the two Houses. It is frequently used during operations against pirate strongholds thanks to its status as the most heavily armed Auximite vessel in the fleet

Famous Rogue Traders
Baron Tyranux Ezana

The mastermind behind the restoration of the House and almost single-handedly responsible for its resurrection in fortunes, Ezana presided over the most important period in the Auximite’s history, overseeing the absorbtion of a dozen houses, the alliance with Ethereal Rain, the contract with the Nemeans (and Euminides), and the Warrant for Trade.

Ezana was an orphan of war, knowing nothing of his parents or home. He was raised amongst other orphans to become a Astra Millitarum conscript, with his first memory being trained in soldiery aboard an Emperor Class Battleship on route to a warzone.

During this time, he became friendly with members of the engineering crew, who adopted him as a sort of mascot. He became familiar with the propulsion systems of the ship and fell in love with the humming, powerful machinery and the holy reverence of the work crews.

Ezana somehow survived the carnage of his first battle, though the regiment as an entity did not. As the bedraggled remnants were picked up in shuttles Ezana had a stroke of good fortune, being taken in by the crew he had befriended and added to the rolls of dead alongside his Regiment. Thus he was spared the fate of so many others resigned to remain in the meatgrinder.

For many years Ezana served aboard the Imperial Warship, steadily climbing the ladder of importance. He found a new home in the ship’s marines, volunteering to lead expedition parties, scouting, defending the ship during boarding actions.

A good example of this was the boarding of the Desolator, where Enzana led an expeditionary force to investigate the crippled transport, which displayed a lone life sign. They investigated and discovered a badly damaged Imperial Knight that housed a near comatose pilot. Despite the risks of staying aboard the rapidly failing vessel, Ezana remained to secure the mighty war machine and returned successfully.

After this and other displays of bravery and loyalty to the Imperium above all, the ship’s Admiral began to pay extra attention to him, eventually taking him under his wing. Ezana continued to display exception ability both as a leader and soldier and was assigned as Captain of Marines aboard a scout Frigate. A few years later, with the help of his former Admiral, he was given full command of the Frigate and free rein to hunt pirates. When the Admiral died not long after Ezana tried to secure his former vessel but now lacked the influence to achieve this. His mentor and guardian was dead and so to died Ezana’s Naval dreams. Faced with the prospect of slowly rising through the classes of warship to maybe one day command a Grand Cruiser if he was lucky did not appeal to a man who had risen so swiftly with the help of former patrons. Ezana decided to investigate his origins at last and discovered the planet he had been born on. His crew agreed to follow him on a detour to investigate his home and together they found that the planet had been home to a Rogue Trader House. Ezana discovered that he had links to the long-lost House and decided to petition the Administratum to accept his claim of inheritance and restore the Warrant of Trade. At the time he did not know of the crippling debt that had kept his ancestors from attempting to restore the House. Upon discovering this Ezana decided to push forward regardless. His Warrant of Trade came with a Frigate and a number of senior crew had jumped ship to join him. Together they set off to forge their legacy.

Initially Ezana continued to wear his Lord-Captain’s uniform (with custom regalia). Often worn with a greatcoat that had armour woven into the fabric to help guard against assassination in the turbulent early years (the House’s debtors had been waiting a long time). When outside of his personal quarters Ezana carried a matched pair of Hellpistols and his old Naval pattern heavy sabre. When the House’s debts had been cleared and he ascended to the level of a Baron, Ezana commissioned a new outfit, sparing no expense. This uniform was still quite similar outwardly to his old one but concealed an assassin grade undersuit and plates of carapace armour in the new, more ornate greatcoat. It also incorporated a piece of Nemean Leonis pelt which had been gifted by Shaka.

Baroness Kara Ezana

Formerly a Knight of House Ashwara, Kara’s fate merged with that of House Auximite the day she met Ezana. Her House had taken an oath of vengeance against Drukhari raiders who had killed her father and most of the family in a sneak attack. This oath had proven disastrous to the House, now almost wiped out thanks to fruitless crusades against the shadowy xenos forces. Despite this Kara continued in vain to try and fulfil the oath. Setting off in a lone vessel towards a rumoured set of cooridinates, she was ambushed and left for dead. Unknown to the raiders she had succeeded in boarding her Knight and was able to survive using the onboard environmental systems. Ezana was able to rescue her from the wreckage of her ship and over the following months managed to persuade her to put her oath on hold until fortune favoured revenge. This friendship kindled a romance and Kara eventually married Ezana. When he inherited the House of Auximite she became the first Matriarch of the restored lineage.

Vengeance would come at last when as Rogue Traders they approached the Drukhari raiders under the pretence of hiring them and ambushed the fleet, eradicating the scum once and for all. Kara has retained her Knight and remains a warrior, lending firepower to Auximite mercenary missions and leading independent raids and expeditions.

Kara often wore her black flight suit, covered by loose robes akin to an Ethereal Rain uniform over the armour. Even after the House gained immense wealth Kara retained this uniform, rejecting any offer of a more ornate outfit. During official ceremonies she wore a veil.

Leaves of Serenity

An elite team of merchants/pirates led by Captain Nathan Reynolds, this nine-man team is often tasked

Alpha Squad 

A four strong team of Eumenides operatives that have been put on a semi-permanent retainer to perform missions on behalf of the House. Given carte blanche in their methods, these Astartes are deployed as covert agents to resolve difficult situations.

Auximite Relics
Nemean Leonis Pelt

An Imperial Knight (Warden Class)

Exana’s Armour

Suit of Armour

Weapons

Fighter Craft

The Knight Suit

Allies
Nemean Lions

Ethereal Rain

An old House that had fallen on hard times after failing to satisfy their backers. Their excursions into deep space cost them dearly.

Recently the House has resurfaced into fame with an Alliance with the Solar Winds of Auximite.

They are recognisable in look fitting silk clothing that fits over their carapace, preference of warm climate. Their guards consist mostly of Tallarn, but also Tau if you are trusted.

House of Stone;

Rather than explore other systems the House of Stone has created a hub of trade around their home planet. High quality ships and troops that have accumulated from a lack of attrition. They do not like rivals to trade and will try to destroy their competition through diplomacy and manipulation, before getting their hands dirty.

Grey, platinum palette. Short coats and carapace.

Subjugates

Winter's Shadow; A race of heretical innovators that scavenge scrap, former mechanicus exiled and excommunicated. However the technology they make is quite literally priceless. Known (Though they are rarely known) for a distinct look; 8ish optical lenses helmets, long ragged cloaks, 4 arms (2 of them are servo arms), and voice modulators that give them rasping unintelligent roars. They are armed with rail guns and plasma rifles, and supported by 6 legged AI-supported tanks and hover bikes. Attract chaos and necron enemies like no one’s business (And they can’t risk the AI against those enemies). Warrior culture with deep-rooted traditions and code of honour that clash with their current predicament.

King Scourge; So called traders are little better than pirates but carry a warrant of trade none the less. Useful fighters to have in your corner.

Like Red paint and customised spikey armour and leather.

Armour of Taniks

Single Battle Cruiser and a tank regiment, absolute brawlers. Mechanicus Explorators and Imperial Guard Allegiance. Famous story of dropping a tank on an enemy champion who demanded to duel their leader.

Palmyria

Rivals
The Hands of Xol

Something is off about these Rogue Traders, probably a result of them being a genestealer cult. They take every opportunity to infect other traders, colonists and the usual pitstops. Denounced by the Ordos (Genestealer Hunters) to kill on sight, just needs the news spread about a bit more.

Aphix Collective

A mechanicus explorator cult that has taken to kidnapping and converting their victims to servitors on a grand scale. “One of Us”.

Blind Reapers

Silent Scorn

Afrókrema or Aparámillos,

Are a minor race of aliens, described as reptilian, as strong as orks, and as smart as humans. Rogue Trader John *****, a former Master Chief in the Imperial Guard discovered the aliens, and won their respect in ritual combat. He gave them texts on the Emperor and the Imperial Religion, and left them in peace (Ofcourse having gathered exotic material and technology as well). Chiefs further exploits into unknown space were mostly successful, mostly, but he would return with no crew, the sole survivor of a short war against another race of Aliens. The Chief recruited the Aparamillos and took command of a single Warship, to continue his trading exploits.

The Aparamillos are surprisingly zealous in the imperials religion, praying to the emperor, and cursing other xenos and their technologies are heretical.

Weapons and armour are powerful and entirely xenotech. The single warship encountered is an Assault Class Carrier, the size of a battlecruiser this ship is able to disgorge a large number of automated fighter drones, and boarding craft. The vessels armour is weak, but its void shields are incredibly strong. More importantly the ship has powerful lance equivalent plasma and laser batteries, as well as archaic cannons that track their targets like heat seeking bolters.

The ground infantry uniformly wear xenos power armour, though it is not vacuum sealed, and are protected by personal energy shields. Wielding zenos plasma rifles akin to the tau, miniaturised heat seeking bolters, and even plasma swords that are the envy of many.

Though exceptionally well equipped the Aparamillos are limited in number, their basic troops are unskilled and lack training, young and eager to prove themselves as warriors. Higher up in the caste as the warriors become experience they are truly dangerous foes.

Secret Locations
A “island” of planets hidden by nebulae that the Solar Winds use as a “Holiday” World, a maiden world inhabited by a hidden exodite faction that tolerate the Auximites as they don’t colonise the planet, and only exist temporarily out of sight and in small numbers. A favourite of Ezana’s for fishing.

Lethe, a R&R and Training world that suits the purpose of the Euminides, appears dead from orbit as a result of its thick atmosphere and distance from the sun, but it perfectly habitual (If arduous).