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- "Come our deaths, our glory will be measured in skulls."
- — Seraph Lucien, Huntfather of the Argent Executioners
The Argent Executioners are an Ultima Founding Successor Chapter, questionably of Salamanders descent. They have appeared occasionally throughout recent history at seemingly random points, striking swiftly from the dark to claim the heads of their enemies as trophies in the Emperor's name. They are most known for their brutal focus which leads them to inglorious, practical victories against even the most dire of foes and their extreme devotion to the hunt. While they are particularly young for an Astartes Chapter, they have swiftly made themselves known in the myths and hushed words of the Imperium's foes whilst simultaneously remaining near completely mysterious in their origins and rites. Their many victories stand in shadow and no one truly knows how many battles they have been involved in.
The Argent Executioners do follow the codex but alter it in a number of ways. Their Nomad-Falconer pattern fleet organization is seemingly unique to them, allowing them near complete autonomy from the Imperium at large. Argent Executioner Astartes are very distant from their allies, often remaining silent unless absolutely necessary but they are quick to defend those who work alongside them like family. They are extremely brutal, leaving a wake of xenos and heretic blood behind them wherever they go, utilizing specialized equipment to eviscerate the forces of the enemy. They often sport bones of fallen enemies adorning their armor as trophies and use a variety of patchwork armor throughout their forces.
As of the 42nd millenium, the Argent Executioners' whereabouts are currently unknown as rumors and tales of when they have appeared from the shadows increase.
Chapter History
Founding (999.41M)
The Argent Executioners origins are mysterious; however, some believe they were created from a special batch of gene-seed that had suffered much alteration throughout the years.These rumors say that Cawl was unsure it would even be viable for implantation but decided to go through with the implantation of several subjects from a feral death world with many dangerous species and a culture built around hunting. At first, the subjects were so ravenous and violent that Cawl declared them a failed experiment, however, as time progressed, they regained their senses and excelled at every test they were given. With proper precautions, the future Argent Executioners' gene-seed was implanted into hundreds more and eventually, after the indomitus crusade, they were organized into the Argent Executioners.
The Euphorion War (003.42M)
Early in the 42nd millenium, the Euphorion sector found itself under assault by a Tyranid hive fleet. The local guardsman were overwhelmed. They put out a distress call for assistance. The nearest space marine detachments said they would be there soon but their response would take time to arrive and form a resistance against the genestealer threat. However, an, at the time, unidentified chapter arrived nearly immediately and struck at the Tyranids, giving time for local forces to extract the civilians. However, even with the assistance of the marines, the defending forces were driven back to the planet of Armagon to form a final defense against the Tyranids. Finally, when the battle was at its most dire, several companies of the Argent Eagles, First Scions, Abators Golden, and Crystal Lions arrived, accompanied by 3 regiments of the Keltan Mechanized Guard and 4 of the Solar Warlocks, turning the tide of the battle in favor of the defense. They drove back the assaulting Tyranids, delivering them heavy losses with ferocious fury, the now identified Argent Executioners among those leading the charge. The final battle of the conflict took place on mount Welck, with the Tyranids still on the planet forming a makeshift hive and maintaining defenses against the offense. By the end, the rivers that flowed from the mountain ran red with blood.
The 2nd War for Takaviir-27 (017.42M)
A chaos warband aligned with Tzeentch invaded the planet of Takaviir-27. The first to arrive were regiments of the Astra Militarum, which found that they could not subdue the forces of Tzeentch alone. Forces of Tzeentch overran the Imperial lines, only to be driven back by a counterattack of the 1st Adamas Armoured regiment, however, the stalemate continued. The local forces called upon assistance. The Argent Executioners arrived in the middle of a battle, utilizing a specialized clawed drop pod assault to swiftly reinforce the Adamas Armored Regiment. The battle stretched on for several days, the two other factions struggling in the urban environment while the Argent Executioners excelled. Eventually the chaos warband was driven from the city and the battle continued over the grassy plains surrounding it. It was at this point Sonia Allemand arrived on the battlefield piloting the Astral Judgement, turning the tide solidly in the Imperium's favor; however, a more experienced yet unidentified Chaos Knight attacked the Imperial forces at this moment. Sonia managed to defeat the Chaos Knight but sustained enough damage to remove her from the battle. The fight continued with the Argent Executioners and Imperial Guard pushing back chaos forces until they had retreated to a fortress bunker beneath the surface of the planet. Artillery sieges guarantied they couldn't leave the bunker. The siege lasted for several days until the Astral Judgement was finally ready to be deployed again. With its firepower, they created a new entrance that resulted in the end of all the chaos warriors after a strike maneuver was deployed inside the facility.
The Annihilation of Vigichtian's Paradise
The planet of Vigichtian's Paradise was a much coveted paradise world home to a small million people. The local populace spoke of a mighty serpent that swam under the waters of the planet. The Argent Executioners sent a hunting party to kill and prepare the beast. The hunting party was lead by Lieutenant Halligan and was made up of 2 groups of Sternguard Veterans. The creature evaded them for 10 days and 9 nights since their arrival on the planet. It was around this time the Imperial world became the target of a Tau sept seeking to expand the borders of the Empire. They had previously negotiated with the planetary governor to join the world with the Tau Empire in exchange for his retained position. The governess had also made her own deal with a Khornate daemon prince. The planet was a slaughterhouse. Of course, this resulted in a 3 way conflict between Khornate daemons, Tau forces, and the Imperial Guardsman alongside the small hunting party on the ocean. The conflict was worsened by the appearance of the much rumored beast directly in the middle of the battle, eviscerating all forces. By the time the conflict was over, Lieutenant Halligan, Apothecary Vechna, and 7 of the Sternguard Veterans walked away as the only survivors. The planet was still irrevocably damaged though and a quick evacuation was initiated amongst the bloodshed that continued on land with Halligan's forces only barely escaping the doomed world. Upon his return to the fleet, Halligan was given great honors and offered the unique opportunity to become the captain of the Veteran company despite his failing in the hunt. Halligan chose to eschew the honor.
The Alliance with the Keil-Xin (154.42M)
The Argent Executioners like to take the opportunity to let their ships drift and relax from time to time, meditating on the hunt or feasting on their prey. Unbeknownst to them, the Keil-Xin were fighting a losing battle with the soon to emerge tendrils of Hive Fleet Leviathan and the bulk of Hive Fleet Jormungandr. The Argent executioners recieved a desperate psychic distress signal from the Keil-Xin, who partially expected no reply. Seraph Lucien decided they would come to the aid of the Keil-Xin. Former Forgemaster Joseph disagreed with what he saw as ignorant xenophilia and challenged Seraph to a duel to see who was most fit to lead their hunt. Seraph reminded Joseph that the galaxy was a very large, very dark place and an ally in the darkness could be useful. Joseph did not relent. Seraph cleaved him in two with his wristblade and gave the word. The Argent Executioners crashed into the rear of the Tyranid forces, decimating all the ships they could. Seraph's battle barge personally crashed through the largest Tyranid Bioship, splitting it in two. As the Argent Executioners moved to follow the remnants of Hive Fleet Jormungandr, Seraph paused their pursuit as he was made aware of an offer of alliance from the Keil-Xin. The Argent Executioners gave the Keil-Xin a Tyranid skull polished to perfection and the Keil-Xin gave them a Web Stone. This relic was special in the way it functioned. They came in pairs, with the other being held by the Craftworld. If a psyker from both factions connected to it, and thus each other, a Webway path would be formed temporarily between the two places, creating a way for them to travel directly to each other no matter where the other was in the galaxy. The Argent Executioners bade the Keil-Xin farewell and disappeared into the warp.
Urgent Deployment to Royalis (156.42M)
The Argent Executioners rapidly responded to an emergency call from Royalis, attempting to come to the aid of the knight house against the Tyranid incursion. Unfortunately, after they arrived, the only one remaining was Sonia Allemand the Argent Executioners extracted her alongside her serfs. She agreed to travel with the chapter and later swore allegiance to the chapter during the Bastion Crusade. She was given a Strike Cruiser to command and a supporting force of Astartes to accompany her.
The Grounds
The chapter's fortress monastery is known as the Grounds. It is a massive stellar complex that is exclusively used to hold the chapter's neophytes due to the Executioners Curse making them rabid and unwieldy in combat. The Grounds is entirely populated by Neophytes as well as specially selected Apothecaries and Techmarines, known as Curse Tenants and Tech Tenants respectively, who tend to the mechanical, medicinal, and dietary needs of the Grounds and its rabid inhabitants. The Grounds is in a constant state of disrepair, only kept online to the degree it does not become reclassified as a minor space hulk. The Neophytes often competed for food in the early days before Vayland Umberseeker implemented a process of rationing food individually rather than all at once. This decision was prompted by a noticeable phenomena where lack of food seemed to mysteriously encourage the alleviation of the Executioner's Curse as Neophytes who could not keep up with their more beastly brothers and were forced to subsist off of scraps had been observed to become sane at a much faster rate than those they lose to. Now, the Neophytes are herded into specially made chambers with individual feeding bays that give them all equally meager rations, less than even a Guardsman's daily feed, on a weekly basis. Occasionally, feats of strength are required to remind the wilding Neophytes who is in charge and a group of specially trained Astartes focused on unarmed melee combat are kept on site to fill this requirement.
Chapter Organization
The chapter is organized into 3 battleline companies, a Veteran company, and a Vanguard Company. It is unknown how many marines are in a single company. The chapter is unique in that it lacks a Librarium. It only has a Reclusium that also takes the tasks of the Librarium.
| Chapter Command | |||||
 Huntfather Seraph Lucien Sternguard Veterans Lieutenants Serfs | |||||
| Armoury | Reclusium | Apothecarion | Praefectus Navis | ||
Tech Tenants Battle Tanks Land Raiders Gunships Servitors |
Keeper Chaplains Lieutenant Chaplains |
Veteran Apothecaries Curse Tenants |
Strike Cruisers Rapid Strike Vessels Attack Craft | ||
| Houses
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| 1st (Veteran) Company | 2nd Company | 3rd Company | 4th Company | 5th (Vanguard) Company |
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Huntfather Seraph Lucien
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Lord Valar of Sudketh
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Lord Alinoth Harper of Dundee
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Lord Avonaco of Twarash
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Lord Karybos of Strelk
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Nomad-Falconer
One of the reasons the chapter remains so mysterious is their fleet pattern, that being Nomad-Falconer. Similar to the Nomad-Predation pattern used by the Carcharodons, the Nomad-Falconer is specifically designed to remain near-completely autonomous and self sufficient as opposed to the Nomad-Predation pattern which focuses on complete autonomy. The chapter only returns to a forgeworld for resupply once every five decades and claims their food manually through hunting megafauna on planets they pass by. They have often exchanged large supplies of Xenos bodies, armor, and weapons for old pattern armors, often confusing the Mechanicus they meet, but they are never seen using these xenos items in battle.
Current First Company Composition
There are 108 Astartes in the First Company as of 156.42M. These Astartes are organized as detailed below. Each squad in the first company has its own honors and mythic status. The Veteran Company is not automatically replenished by other companies when one squad is lost. Only by achieving great feats and proving themselves will they be considered by the Huntfather, Company Lords, and all the Veteran Lieutenants as potential members of the First Company, with the Huntfather having final say in their promotion. There are no dedicated Terminator Squads in the First Company as Veterans will be equipped with Terminator armor when deemed suitable for the current combat situation.
- The Masters of the Hunt. A group of Terminators led by Huntfather Seraph Lucien himself.
- Huntfather Seraph Lucien.
- Terminator Sergeant Melisande of Kopervåg.
- 9 Terminators
- 1 with Assault Cannon.
- 8 with Storm Bolters.
- Halligan's Boys. Lieutenant Halligan made himself known as a Chaplain before being demoted to an Intercessor after an incident where it became clear that his inspirational abilities were lacking (as was his loyalty to the Emperor himself). However, he survived regardless and his squad became known for incredible feats for lowly Intercessors. When the former Huntfather was killed while defeating a Norn Queen and the much more liberal Seraph Lucien took their place, Halligan was promoted to a Lieutenant and his Intercessors were promoted to Sternguard Veterans. They have since gone on to survive what should have been suicide missions by all calculations multiple times earning Halligan and his warriors a position among the first company and a menagerie of honors.
- Lieutenant Halligan of Innsrau - Impossible Survivor.
- Arika of Ceslsi.
- 5 Sternguard Veterans.
- 4 with Sternguard Bolt Rifles.
- 1 with a Sternguard Heavy Bolter.
- Cathach's Scourge. A squad of Sternguard Veterans led by Cathach of Dragsbæk. They are renown for their ability to take and hold ground from enemy forces. Cathach has become something of a legend in the ranks of the chapter due to their desire to suck the marrow from enemy bones. As such, they have a lesser amount of trophies compared to other Lieutenants in the first company but there is no question they have earned equal renown.
- Lieutenant Cathach of Dragsbæk - Loyal Swordmaster.
- Getika of Nkolima.
- 10 Sternguard Veterans.
- 7 with Sternguard Bolt Rifles.
- 2 with Sternguard Heavy Bolters.
- 1 with a Storm Bolter.
- Brothers Under the Wolf. A squad of Vanguard Veterans led by twin brothers Ingham and Gleaves. The two are extremely proficient hunters and are mostly deployed behind enemy lines to disrupt communication and eliminate command figures within enemy ranks. They are known for their personal habit of eating the flesh of their enemies after a battle and they are said to have a particular fondness for the taste of Tau Ethereals.
- Lieutenant Ingham of Kipigori - The First on the Front.
- Apothecary Gleaves of Kipigori - The First on the Front.
- 10 Vanguard Veterans.
- Azmi's Deathdancers. A squad of Sternguard Veterans led by Lieutenant Azmi who are known for their survival of a near-complete massacre during the 2nd War for Takaviir. They have become extremely protective of each other and their brotherhood has become as strong as ceramite with the group refusing replacements for those they lose. It appears that they are willfully going to their deaths with bravery in their hearts and a memory of the fallen in their minds.
- Lieutenant Azmi of Fladsted - The First Who Stands Last.
- 10 Sternguard Veterans.
- Salaah's Forsaken. A peculiarity amongst the chapter, Salaah's Forsaken are a squad of Sternguard Veterans led by Lieutenant Salaah who have rebuked the idea of taking trophies like the rest of the chapter. This has caused an immense amount of scrutiny but they remain steadfast in their belief that their actions define them more than their glory. Their prominence has led to several other Battle Brothers and entire squads following in their footsteps. These other instances are much more harshly reprimanded due to their relative lack of seniority and honors but Salaah's Forsaken have earned enough honor even without trophies that Huntfather Seraph Lucien has deemed them more useful as a living peculiarity than as a dead example.
- Lieutenant Salaah of Ititake - Breaker of Bones.
- Apothecary Eutharic of Lebydon.
- 10 Sternguard Veterans.
- The Paladins 7. Bladeguard Veterans led by Lieutenant Attala of Granrary. They are known for their heroic appearance and dedication to their peculiar organizational structure. Each of them train and arm a small number of humans that they take from Guardsman groups wherever they find them or even Chapter serfs. They also hold secret meetings of strategy which no other but the Huntfather is allowed to witness. Huntfather Seraph Lucien has allowed this for reasons that can only be guessed but Sonia Allemand says it is because he finds it amusing but past breaches of their secrecy have led to a number of duels amongst the chapter and Seraph Lucien is rapidly changing his mind on what he does and doesn't tolerate from them.
- Lieutnenant Attala of Granrary - Paladin of Leadership.
- 6 Bladeguard Veterans.
- Roduulf of Kauvala - Paladin of Wrath.
- Glismoda of Javiis - Paladin of Inspiration.
- Vandalarius of Lisamaa - Paladin of Might.
- Areagne of Waternon - Paladin of Health.
- Eraric of Aarstel - Paladin of Courage.
- Arimir of Kromědá - Paladin of Protection.
- The Hateful of Kalru. A group of Bladeguard Veterans led by Chaplain Viliaris of Kalru. They have gained renown for their resistance to the Warp's temptations. They are a recent addition to the first company, only being promoted in 123.42M.
- Chaplain Viliaris of Kalru - Forever Loyal.
- 6 Bladeguard Veterans.
- Other Forces
- 3 Primaris Dreadnoughts, 1 Dreadnought, 3 Rhino Tanks, 2 Land Raiders, and 1 Stormhawk Gunship.
Current Second Company Composition
There are 336 Astartes in the Second Company when it is at full strength. These Astartes are organized as detailed below.
- Lord Valar of Sudketh.
- 14 Tactical Squads.
- 9 Devastator Squads.
- 3 Desolation Squads.
- 5 Lieutenants.
- 5 Chaplains.
- 5 Apothecaries.
- 10 Rhinos.
- 10 Land Raiders.
- 10 Storm Speeders.
Current Third Company Composition
There are 336 Astartes in the Third Company when it is at full strength. These Astartes are organized as detailed below.
- Lord Alinoth Harper of Dundee.
- 14 Tactical Squads.
- 9 Devastator Squads.
- 3 Desolation Squads.
- 5 Lieutenants.
- 5 Chaplains.
- 5 Apothecaries.
- 10 Rhinos.
- 10 Land Raiders.
- 10 Storm Speeders.
Current Fourth Company Composition
There are 336 Astartes in the Fourth Company when it is at full strength. These Astartes are organized as detailed below.
- Lord Avonaco of Twarash.
- 14 Tactical Squads.
- 9 Devastator Squads.
- 3 Desolation Squads.
- 5 Lieutenants.
- 5 Chaplains.
- 5 Apothecaries.
- 10 Rhinos.
- 10 Land Raiders.
- 10 Storm Speeders.
Current Vanguard Company Composition
There are 524 Astartes in the Vanguard Company as of 156.42M. These Astartes are organized as detailed below. Due to the fact the chapter cannot maintain Scouts because of the Executioner's Curse, the Vanguard Company takes on the latest recruits who have passed their wilding and, as such, the Vanguard Company contains the most untested, unproven, and untrained members of the Chapter. Once a position opens up in the Second, Third, or Fourth Company, the most proven among them are allowed to move on to that Company. This means the Vanguard Company is often understrength compared to other companies. This is made up for by the truly abnormally large number of Vanguard marines the Vanguard Company expects itself to maintain when at full strength.
- Lord Karybos of Strelk.
- 17 Infiltrator Squads.
- 17 Incursor Squads.
- 7 Riever Squads.
- 7 Eliminator Squads.
- 7 Suppressor Squads.
- 10 Invictor Tactical Warsuits.
- 10 Impulsors.
Chapter Equipment
- Boarding Torpedoes - The Argent Executioners make heavy use of boarding torpedoes in their combat doctrine.
- Custom Altered Armor - The Argent Executioners do not return to resupply stations often and their chapter as a whole uses a majority of retrofitted armors redesigned to fit and interface with Primaris Marines. The Sternguard Veterans of the chapter in particular use heavily customized armor sets that mix and match the best parts of multiple armor sets.
- Flechette Bolts - Argent Executioners Veterans make use of a specially designed bolt round that cuts enemies to shreds from the inside rather than turning them into a fine paste. Enemies fall apart rather than explode, potentially making it easier to retrieve trophies from them.
Relics
- The Blades of Armagon - Mastercrafted Power Claws wielded by former Chapter Master Kharahiel Teridax. Now wielded by Nathaniel Furox, Forgemaster.
- The Thunder of Takaviir - A mastercrafted Bolt Rifle wielded by the Huntfather Seraph Lucien.
- The Hellfire Exterminator - An ancient Heavy Bolter wielded by various Sternguard Veterans throughout the brief era the Argent Executioners have been active.
- The Slaves of Penance - Dual Powerfists that have the unique trait of driving their user slowly insane with intense constant pain via a series of daggers that are driven into the arms and palm to lock the user's arm into the gaunlets. Currently held in stasis until such a time as their existence is justified.
Combat Doctrine
The Argent Executioners do not follow the tenants of the codex closely, choosing to use it only when their own tactics fall short. They have fought many battles due to their constantly travelling and with each battle the Argent Executioners further perfect their own sect of tactics which Seraph Lucien personally compiles into a book he calls the Tome of the Hunt. The Argent Executioners focus on marksmanship and ranged perfection in all things, finding the more flamboyant charges and melee warfare of other chapters to be highly inefficient and costly. They spend all their time not spent sleeping, hunting, feasting, and tending to their trophies training with their weaponry. As a result, the chapter has a large number of Veterans which make up the entirety of the Charybdis company. The Argent Executioners also use a large number of aircraft, bikes, and skimmers. They do maintain a small number of tanks and transports exclusively for the rare scenario they are required. The Argent Executioners also maintain a large number of Killteams made up of veteran warriors for precise incision strikes on key strategic points. Sometimes, Killteams will be accompanied by a retinue when their own expertise is not enough. The Argent Executioners also maintain a large number of drop pods and teleport homers for rapid deployment.
An Argent Executioners assault will begin with a drop pod deployment at wherever the fighting is lesser, striking the weakest points in the enemy line and slowly working inwards to finish off more concentrated forces. After the battle is finished and if the conflict continues, they will take command of any Imperial Guard forces, incorporating them into their strikes and planning alongside guardsman generals. Veteran warriors will lead forces on the frontlines while killteams and further veteran led forces operate self autonomously behind enemy lines, striking out at enemy forces in swift guerilla warfare. The Argent Executioners will proceed thusly until enemy forces are crushed, falling back on the codex when their own tactics do not find success.
A multipurpose Argent Executioners tank without any specialized modifications.
When put on the defensive, the Argent Executioners will assign guardman regiments to retreat, taking civilians and refugees with them and granting the Guardsman generals complete autonomy on how to defend their lines. The Argent Executioners will hide in the shadows, lying in wait where they cannot be seen and wait until the perfect moment to strike and decimate enemy forces alongside planned orbital strikes and guardsman bombardments accompanied by additional Executioner firepower piloted by marines.
Chapter Beliefs and Culture
The Argent Executioners venerate the hunt in all things. Their entire lives are based around taking trophies to prove themselves. They will travel incredible distances just to find dangerous prey on distant death worlds and make trophies of them. Trophies include skulls, teeth, and ribs that they will proudly adorn their armor with, wrapping their chests in bones and mounting skulls on pikes attached to their power packs or carving them to mount on other parts of their armor.
The logic behind their hunts eludes most in the Imperium due to their relative secrecy about their rites and beliefs; however, their hunting is tied in with their belief in what the afterlife is like. They believe that an incredible hunting ground lies beyond the pale and that only the greatest huntsman may gain purchase. Whenever a marine of the chapter dies and his body is recovered, it is cleansed of all flesh, cleaned, and placed on display in the chapter's Fortress Monastery. All of his trophies are also destroyed in a ritualistic mass burning. This is done so that the trophies may follow the Astartes into the afterlife and their hunting prowess may be judged so they might be granted purchase in the hunting ground.
The chapter's brutality is matched only by their efficiency. Their swift precise attacks have won them easy victories many times and they remain one of the few chapters to consistently excel at defeating the dreaded Tyranids. Chapter members will often mark lesser kills on their weapon, counting their executions. They love to inflict as much pain on those they attack, ripping body parts off and tearing their enemies apart when they rarely find themselves in melee range while aiming to disable or maim their enemies, performing sweeps after battles to collect trophies and execute those not yet fully dead in painful fashion.
The chapter's recruitment may leave something to be desired when it comes to the indoctrination level. Perhaps it is due to their altered state of mind but even the oldest and wisest among them may still not truly be in the state of mind most Inquisitors would prefer them to inhabit. Rumors of alien alliances have hounded the chapter since their hunt first began, especially due to their secrecy and rumored habit of travelling beyond the edge of the Imperium. Regardless, they still remain intensely loyal.
The trophy taking of the Argent Executioners has one major exception. The heretic is so reviled amongst the ranks of the chapter that they refuse to take trophies of them. They are undeserving. To consider them as prey is to demean yourself. They are not prey. They are not trophies. They are to be culled like diseased cattle. The same cannot be said of daemons as they are innately evil. The heretics chose their path, they walked the path of the gilded Imperial truth and chose to refuse it. The daemons are innately evil and destruction of them is a high honor that all but guarantees a place in the endless hunt.
The Hunting Quests
Occasionally, when the chapter learns of mighty legendary creatures on distant worlds, they will send a veteran group to take the trophy and return to their fleet with it. These are called Hunting Quests and happen relatively infrequently.
Chapter Gene-seed
Whether or not there is any truth to the story of their origins, their questionable origins have led to a myriad of differences from typical Astartes abilities and virtually no resemblance to their original Salamanders progenitor geneseed.
- Enhanced Smell - The Argent Executioners have enhanced smell that can rival certain moderately dangerous animals on Catachan.
- Internal Compass - The Lyman's Ear of an Argent Executioner has evolved an enhanced internal compass. They can tell exactly where they are on a planet at all times and triangulate the position of a noise amongst a cacophony.
- Heat Vision - The only remnant of their Salamanders origins in their genes, the heat vision of the Argent Executioners allows them to see their targets much better than otherwise and better triangulate pincer maneuvers against enemy threats.
- Increased Free Thought - Due to the fact wilding recruits do not take to Space Marine conditioning as much as other marines, independence and individualism is rife throughout the chapter, though nowhere near regular, and the Marines are simultaneously much more dedicated to the protection of humanity but also much more disloyal to the Imperium at large. Their dedication to their version of the creed is thusly mysterious and none are fully certain why they maintain it so fervently. The only conclusion that can be drawn is that it has something to do with the Executioner's Curse reinforcing prior values held by marines but that leads to the question why their loyalty to the other Imperial organizations is so frail or why their beliefs follow a near identical path. In any regard, they will protect all who call themselves sons of the Emperor or have entered a mutual alliance with them.
The Curse of the Executioner
The "curse" of the executioner is a phenomenon that affects all Argent Executioners. Their gene-seed is unstable and causes those who are implanted with it to enter a rabid state the chapter's apothecaries refer to as wilding where neophytes will lose their sense of self completely and revert to a primal animalistic state where they will attack all who do not share their gene-seed, with the exception of certain higher members of the Adeptus Mechanicus who they are unusually placated around. As such, they are unable to field scout marines and their Fortress Monastery is entirely dedicated to holding and containing all Neophytes until such a time as their curse has become undone, which takes a completely random amount of time ranging from mere days to centuries. However, they seem to gain more tactical intelligence once they have regained their senses. It has also been observed that they also show decreased levels of emotion, instinctually becoming more robotic and mechanical and driving themselves further and further into the mask of the hunter, becoming fixated on the task of making prey of their enemies. The chapter is entirely fixated upon the hunt and survival. The survival of all allies and the death of all enemies and their single-minded focus leads them down a pathway that treads what some may consider heretical. Regardless, they are extremely skilled in their goal and they hold the fallen in such low regard that one could scarcely imagine a fall to chaos being in their future.
Gene Seed Progeny
The origin of the Argent Executioners geneseed has always been in question, even during the period where they were a part of the unnumbered sons. Certainly they are one of the more mysterious chapters from the Ultima founding, rarely even encountering Imperial forces and performing their services mostly in the shadows. Beyond their cultural penchant for humanitarianism, they share very little with their supposed genefather, the Salamanders. It has often been suspected that their geneseed comes from a founding chapter other than the Salamanders, even possibly sporting heretical origins. Supposed origins have primarily focused on the Raven Guard or Raptors due to their stealthy and practical nature, the Carcharodons due to their methodology, brutality, and single-minded focus, and the Iron Hands due to their fixation on victory and practicality over glory. Nevertheless, none truly know where their seed originates. If you were to ask the Argent Executioners themselves, they would claim that speculation on such a thing is simply a distraction. They perform their duty to humanity and they do so well. Anything that says they are somehow unfit for reasons beyond their deeds are likely aligned with the enemies of mankind, seeking to introduce infighting in the ranks of humanity. Seraph himself was once asked where their genes originate by a rogue trader they assisted. He did not respond.
Chapter Recruitment
The trials of the chapter are relatively simple for Astartes chapters. They recruit primarily from death worlds, finding the hardiest hunters of the planet. If they have hunted suitably dangerous prey for the chapter's tastes and can prove it with trophies, they will be accepted as a recruit and undergo the neophyte process. After their tenure as a wilding Neophyte, they are stripped of all but their body and placed on the surface of a death world with a tracking device. They must survive there for 72 hours and have their first trophy by the end of it. Failures are executed. Occasionally, members will be selected from refugees the Argent Executioners assist. In rare cases, even prisoners who seek repentance have been selected for the process.
Notable Members
- Seraph Lucien - Huntfather of the chapter, he is extremely mysterious. His history is unknown, having been lost or unrecorded.
- Nathaniel Furox - Forgemaster. Originally a Techmarine, he was promoted to the position of Forgemaster after he led a collection of Fourth Company remnants separated from the rest of the company to victory against unusually high odds during the battle of Armagon.
- Vayland Umberseer - The Chief Apothecary of the chapter. The only leader of a part of the Argent Executioner's organizations that was a Veteran before their promotion (a sternguard). The most humanitarian of the chapter's leadership, Vayland has regularly attended to guardsman in the middle of combat, leaving the more tactically important brothers to wait for his healing instruments.
- Carileph - The Reclusiarch of the chapter. Promoted after Seraph vacated the position. Spawned from the world of Cadia, a former guardsman and supposed to be the most xenophilic of the chapter, it is rumored he has personally allied with the leader of a Necron Dynasty and has called upon their vast stores of knowledge in pursuit of his goals, whatever they may be.
Non-Astartes Members
- Lydia Litaay - A member of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the chapter's Fleet-Mistress. No one truly knows why she chose to travel with the Argent Executioners but she has a fondness for Carileph, supposedly studying under him. It is unusual not only for her to be so closely allied with the usually distant Astartes of the Argent Executioners but also peculiar in that she shows no Psychic talents. She seems to study the warp simply to understand its workings. Seraph has, of course, placed her under extreme supervision.
- Sonia Allemand - A freeblade who has chosen to travel alongside the chapter. She pilots the Knight Crusader known as the "Astral Judgement." She has rapidly established herself as Seraph's prized confidant, supposedly knowing him before he became the Huntfather. She is a constant at all meetings of the chapter's leadership, often never saying anything but her presence seems to calm Seraph, allowing him to shackle his higher than average instinct to protect the citizens of the Imperium and plan tactically efficient yet humane combat movements.
Chapter Fleet
The Argent Executioners currently maintain a fleet of 1 Retributor class battleship outfitted as a battle barge, 2 Battle Barges, 7 Strike Cruisers, and 17 Rapid Strike Vessels.
The Serpent's Bane
The Serpent's Bane is a Retributor class battleship outfitted as the chief of the 3 Battle Barges maintained by the Argent Executioners fleet. None are sure where they acquired it but they defend it with extreme fervor. All rituals take place on the Serpent's bane with its main hall being made up of a number of 3 open burning fire pits that Argent Executioners use to cook food from their hunts.
The Fjord-Seeker
The Fjord-Seeker is the 2nd of the 3 Battle Barges the Argent Executioners make use of.
Vigichtian's Demise
Formerly named the Huntsman's Bowry, Vigichtian's Demise is the 3rd and final Battle Barge the Argent Executioners make use of.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colors
The chapter's warriors wear dark green metal armor with silver trim and deep black joints. Their glowing eyes can be seen through their mask. Sergeants and Lieutenants wear red helmets alongside their ordinary regalia. The number on the right knee guard indicates their company and the number next to their role indicates their squad number. Veterans wear black helmets with silver trim. Veteran Lieutenants wear red and black helmets.
Chapter Symbol
The chapter badge is a Heavy Bolt Rifle being held at a 45-degree angle by a fist.
Allies
| Crystal Lions |   |
A brother chapter of the Argent Executioners. Their alliance was forged in the fires of the Euphorion War, through fire and bone. |
| Abators Golden |   |
A chapter the Argent Executioners allied with in the Euphorion War. |
| Keil-Xin |   |
A craftworld the Argent Executioners allied with. The Argent Executioners view them as slightly inferior spiritually, mostly due to their indifference to the hunt, however they still recognize them as a powerful ally and will come to their aid whenever asked, as long as they aren't levied against any Imperial forces |
| Adeptus Mechanicus |   |
The Argent Executioners maintain very friendly relations with the wider Mechanicus, allowing them free access to plunders and supplies they have acquired during their hunt. |
Troubled Relations
| Inquisition |   |
Presumably the Inquisition and Argent Executioners would not be close allies. Their extreme deviation from Astartes norms would make them highly suspicious and chapters have been destroyed for less. Strangely, the Argent Executioners have never been involved in an Inquisition operation and it looks to remain that way. The few Inquisitors the Argent Executioners have encountered often receive no reply on communications and when they meet face to face, the Argent Executioners are quick to grant their requests before immediately leaving before the Inquisitor can request anything more of them. They seem to at least be aware of the existential threat the Inquisition poses to them and do all they can to maintain a tenuous alliance. |
Enemies
| Orks |   |
The chapter has a wholly unfavorable view not only of the orks but of their worldview. The Orks do not battle for a cause, they hunt for fun. Trivial enjoyment is their way. They are like unkept children running wild and causing wanton destruction for their own pleasure, not caring who is hurt in the process. They must suffer greatly and their existence must be purged from the stars for the good of all peoples. |
| Chaos |   |
The chapter reviles Chaos in all its forms. Chaos denies the Emperor's holy truth in all its forms. They laugh at the Emperor, barely clinging to life because of their own former warmaster. The agents of Chaos work through trickery and deceit. They will not be welcome in the Emperor's hunting ground. They have often found themselves in great battles with Chaos forces and have lost many brothers and struck many blows in pursuit of the traitor's destruction. |
| Tyranids |   |
The Tyranids are the most reviled of all the chapter's enemies and yet strangely respected. The chapter is one of the few in the universe uniquely specialized to take on Tyranids and they view doing so as a sort of divine ritual. If they are to be the ultimate hunters, what better way to show that than to slay and dethrone the current title holders? The Tyranid kills of the chapter number in the trillions and the chapter seeks out this specific breed of Xenos whenever it can. |
| Necrons |   |
The Necrons were viewed as nothing more than a slightly tragic nuisance at the chapter's dawn. Ancient xenos from a time before the Emperor's holy hunt began. The chapter viewed them in a slightly somber light for a time, having never had the chance to even see the truth of the Emperor's ways. This somber tragedy has slowly turned to vile hatred as the casualties mounted and they began to pose a greater and greater threat to mankind at large. Now they are simply seen as just another enemy to destroy. |
Notable Trophies
The Skull of the Charybdis
Kharahiel Teridax wished for his final trophy to remain unburned, stating he had gathered enough trophies to grant him passage into the endless hunt and he wanted to be remembered by his brothers so he would still be able to be with them even after death. Now, the skull hangs above the greatest fire pit in the main hall of the Serpent's Bane and its cleaning is handled by the current Huntfather rather than a Serf.
Charybdis Honor Crystal
When the Crystal Lions fight alongside outsiders, they might grant a large crystal statue of a warrior of the allies who they consider to have distinguished themselves. The statue will be set at the moment of heroism and will have a maximum size of 10 meters by 10 meters by 5 meters. The Argent Executioners were gifted one Honor Crystal of the chapter master Kharahiel Teridax in full Terminator armor stabbing the Charybdis hive tyrant through its neck, striking the killing blow against his final foe despite his grievous fatal wounds.
Quotes Of the Argent Executioners
- "Those standing in the light make easy targets for those in shadow."
- — Seraph Lucien
- "You would make Excellent Prey."
"Who knows, perhaps the old saying about hunters and hunting may come true at last, but I doubt it."- — Chapter Master Kharahiel of the Argent Executioners and 2nd Company Captain of the Crystal Lions complementing each other.
- "Knowledge is dead; we keep the ashes."
- —Carileph, Reclusiarch of the Argent Executioners.
- "Why would the Emperor give us power if not to protect those without it?"
- — Vayland Umberseeker{{Quote|Plunder, but not rescue. Fight but not to bring peace. What kind of chapter is this?|Knight-Captain Falion Desmond of the Blades of Resurgence
Gallery
