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This article, Cernachian Wardens, was written by Aesir_Ventura. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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This article, Cernachian Wardens, is currently under active construction. The author, Aesir_Ventura, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
The Cernachian Wardens are a non-Codex-compliant Successor Chapter of the Space Wolves. Founded during the Ultima founding and comprised entirely of Primaris marines. The chapter was initially created to guard their homeworld of Cernachia - a biologically unique and ecologically rich planet, of particular interest to the Imperium due to its seemingly unexplained resistance to warp energies.
The Chapter has since proven its ability not only at defending their homeworld but also in eliminating hostile forces off-world, commonly being deployed in conflicts occurring on harsh feral and death worlds. Where the Warden's skill at navigating difficult terrain comes in great use. The chapter has shown particular prowess in conflicts with Chaos and the Tyranids, enemies for which they harbour personal resentment for.
The Discovery of Cernachia[]
Cernachia is a feral world sitting to the galactic north of Terra and until the late 30th Millennium was seemingly unremarkable. Comprising of several large land masses dotted with small clusters of islands, the environment is that of vast moorlands punctuated by treacherous bogs and dense forests, all of which surrounded by harsh, rocky coastlines and rough seas.
The Imperium’s interest in Cernachia originally only stretched as far as its vast mining potential; the planet possessing rich quantities of valuable ore. But due to the difficult terrain, Imperial mining endeavours were relatively infrequent across the planet’s surface. This in part was due to the hostile environment. At a glance, Cernachia’s surface is not inherently inhospitable; harsh terrain yes, but not to the level of a death world like Fenris or Catachan. The real dangers of Cernachia manifest themselves through its wildlife. Everything from the smallest plant to its largest beast appears to have an instinctive hostility toward any foreign being. Off-worlders will find the grass of the moors clinging to their feet, roots of trees entwining themselves around machinery and the planet’s creatures launching feral attacks on any and all non-indigenous life.
The planet does possess a population of native humans organised into scattered clans, but it is unknown how the native Cernachians ever managed to settle this inherently hostile world. The indigenous peoples also carry a deep mistrust for foreign entities, be they xenos or fellow humans. Thus a long and painstaking process of negotiation and acclimatisation began. Of the few mining facilities that were able to be established, they are manned almost exclusively by native Cernachians and under strict agreement to be as unintrusive as possible, both for the sake of the planet and themselves.
After the emergence of the Eye of Terror, Cernachia found itself sitting on the edge of the anomaly’s influence and as such was expected to fall to chaos. Shockingly, upon routine inspection of its mining industry the planet and its denizens were found to be suffering no ill-effects due to their proximity to the Eye. Initially this was believed to be a result of the planet’s particularly savage fauna but upon further testing by imperial scientists it was found that both indigenous flora and fauna possessed an inexplicable resistance to warp energies and in fact seemed even more hostile towards warp-afflicted organisms than they were to non-indigenous entities.
The Founding of the Wardens[]
Cernachia was first discovered by the Space Wolves prior to the emergence of the Eye of Terror. It is thought that this initial contact had a profound effect on the indigenous people, as much of Cernachian culture and beliefs can be likened to that of the native Fenrisians. Although this is pure conjecture and could simply be a case of convergent cultural evolution. Initially it was intended for the Space Wolves to be assigned as wardens of Cernachia, and while it is true that the local Cernachians tolerate the Sons of Fenris most out of all outsiders to their world, winning the hearts of the people is one thing. The planet’s more feral denizens were not so easily swayed.
While the Space Wolves could maintain a presence on Cernachia for a time, rampant animal attacks and fortifications split apart by iron-hard tree roots made it clear this position was untenable. It is for this reason that the Space Wolves were instead chosen for their genetic lineage when it was finally decided that a new chapter needed to be created from the ground up, incorporating the local Cernachian people in order to have a standing force defending the planet and it’s unique ecology that wouldn't end up fighting the very world they were assigned to protect. If there was any chapter that had to convince the Cernachians to give up their sons to foreign genetic tinkering, the Space Wolves had to be the ones to do it.
It was expected that the cultural similarities between Fenrisians and Cernachians would allow the Sons of Russ to assist in acclimatising the infamously suspicious Cernachians into the Imperium, and for the most part this was a success. The Wardens and the Space Wolves often fight together in campaigns across the Imperium, the Warden’s expertise in un-intrusively using difficult terrain to their advantage make them fierce guerrilla fighters and can often lend an element of stealth and subterfuge that the Space Wolves tend to neglect.
When prospective wardens are initiated they retain their fierce loyalty to their mother clan and typically are trained and conscripted together into one of three 'Brederedh' (Brotherhoods): Mebyon (Sons of) 'Gonyow', Mebyon 'Keynvor' and Mebyon 'Gwedhen'. The number '3' is a sacred number in Cernachian culture so each of the 3 Brederedh is composed of approximately 333 warriors. Gonyow providing the bulk of the chapter’s infantry and cavalry, Keynvor taking command of the chapter’s fleet and armoury, and Gwedhen being responsible for the training of Druids (the chapter's librarians) and those marines favouring the tactics of Phobos armour; as well as maintenance of the Warden’s fortifications.
The Wardens are a deeply superstitious chapter and so only replenish their ranks every 3 Cernachian years. This event coincides with the rutting season of the great stags, which play a key role in the initiation of new marines.
Notable Campaigns[]
Chapter Homeworld[]
Cernachia is not a unified world, the relatively low level of technology among the native people and the harsh and fractured composition of the planet means the indigenous population is divided into many clans, loosely congregating into one of the three main tribes who make their home within a particular biome of the planet: coastal, forest and moorland. These tribes regularly fight for territory and access to each other’s resources, mainly metal ore, wood and livestock.
The Gonyow clans of the moors have historically been dominant due to the great size of their territory and also their proximity and connection to the great stags they share the moorland with. While they are far too large and strong to be ridden by a regular human, they have shown a willingness to bond with and accept these humans, being fiercely territorial and protective of any clansmen they regard as part of their herd. The Gonyow are a nomadic people, moving across the bleak moorland in tandem with the vast herds of stags, making them a difficult enemy to track and equally as hard to engage in open conflict; with no cover and the harsh terrain halting enemy attacks before the stags are even needed to defend their adopted kin.
The sea-faring Keynvor have had much of the planet’s coasts and seas under their control for generations, with their territory comes easy access to food in the form of fish, but also access to rich deposits of ore exposed along Cernachia’s rough coasts. The Keynvor spend much of their time sailing the rough seas in search of food or raiding targets, but upon return to their coastal forts they are among the finest metalworkers on the planet. Crafting ornate masterpieces of knotted bronze as well as fiercely strong and deadly iron weapons that are often traded with the other clans.
The Gwedhen are a much more secretive people, rarely leaving their dense forests except to trade with other clans. Having immediate access to the planet’s native Bloodoaks (An extremely dense hardwood) their forts are nigh impregnable, if they are even able to be found. The Gwedhen are an intensely spiritual people, even by the standards of Cernachia.
Fortress-Monastery: The Hearth[]
The Fortress-Monastery of the Cernachian Wardens is not your traditional looming bastion favoured by other chapters. Instead, the Wardens' stronghold is built into a huge hill and is almost entirely subterranean. From the outside, the fortress is only betrayed by three towering chimney stacks, adorned in intricate bronze and stone knotwork. Each stack sitting at the centre of one of three vast spirals that form the shape of a giant Triskele when viewed from above, created by the careful arrangement of carved standing stones placed by the chapter's druids.
Flora & Fauna[]
Cernachian Stags[]
By far the most revered beast among the tribes of Cernachia, the creatures known as the Karow Bryntin (Great Stag) or Garow Deer in the native dialect are huge beasts not dissimilar to the ancient Terran creature from which they get their name. Standing at between 9 and 11 feet tall at the shoulder, they possess densely muscled frames and cloven hooves to better traverse the rocky moorland they make their home. The males of the species also sport thick and viciously pointed antlers used to battle other males for mating rights. Their fur is commonly found in various shades of brown, with the males often being brighter in colour than females. Males also display a thick, darker coloured mane that gets longer as they age. Rarer colourations are not unheard of; all-black melanistic individuals are not uncommon while leucistic pure white specimens (from which the chapter derives its iconography) are exceedingly rare and are seen as omens of destiny by the Cernachian tribes.
Perhaps the most striking feature of this species is their long fangs, which often protrude down from their mouths. While these are effective weaponry, it is not their primary use. The Garow Deer have been observed using their fangs to gouge large cuts into the native Blood-Oaks, thus exposing the dark-red, nutrient rich sap for which the trees get their name. While these creatures are technically omnivorous, their diet is primarily herbivorous, surviving off of the thick moorland vegetation and the nutrients from the tree sap which gives them distinctive red fur on their throats and chest from where the sap has dripped down and stained. However, the creatures are also opportunistic carnivores, often eating the remains of any creature foolish enough to threaten their herds, also resulting in red-stained fur. It is from this duality that an ancient Cernachian folk-saying derives its origin; "Red from blood or red from Oak?" often shortened to simply "Blood or Oak?". Taken to mean not to trust your first impressions as something can appear menacing but in fact be benevolent in origin.
By far the most interesting feature of this species is their rutting behaviour. Occurring once every 3 Cernachian years, males from many different herds will congregate and participate in fierce and deadly duels. This is the only time this species can be observed actively hunting, the stronger males will chase down and consume the weakest males and duel to the death the strongest remaining stags, seemingly to weed out the weakness from the herds. This rutting ritual is a bloody affair, often leaving the ground of the moors churned up and stained for miles with the blood of fallen males. By the end, each herd will have a single Bull male each presiding over them, and 3 younger males beneath him. 1 being his own offspring and 2 unrelated males born from different herds in order to keep the breeding pool diverse. The Bull's primary role is defending the herd from rival bulls seeking to takeover and expand their herds, while the younger males breed and produce young with the females.
However, there will always come a moment in the Bull's life where it is time for new blood to take over. The Bull, fur faded, mane long and fangs chipped or missing will shake off his now gnarled and battle-worn antlers and leave the herd to roam the moors alone until eventually finding a quiet grove of trees to spend his final days. This event, known as a De-crowning is a solemn occasion to Cernachians who witness it. While his antlers will grow back somewhat, they will never reach the grand size he displayed in his prime; remaining as short defensive stubs, shadows of the former crown he once grew. These males are very rarely hostile and often find the company of the Cernachian druid-librarians when searching for a grove to spend their twilight years in. The Druids welcome them and often adorn them in the same intricate bronze they mark their amour with, Seeing these fallen stags as kindred spirits, having left their former lives and finding brotherhood within the forests.
Chapter Organization[]
Officer Ranks[]
Mygthtern- Loosely translated to "King" is the Chapter Master of the Cernachian Wardens. Title currently held by Cervus Hornell.
Chyften- "Chieftain". The captains of the 3 companies of the Cernachian Wardens. Usually only used in passing as each Chyften usually has his own personal title he is referred to as. e.g. Sea Lord Morvran Trelawney, Chyften of the Mebyon Keynvor.
Gwithya- "Guard". Equivalent rank to Lieutenant. Serve as the personal bodyguard and advisors to the Chyften.
Specialist Ranks[]
Arch Druid- For the Wardens, matters of the spirit, history and the body are often intertwined. It is for this reason an Arch Druid is chosen to take on the role as Master apothecary, Librarian and Chaplain simultaneously. Almost always being the most proficient psyker within the chapter and exclusively chosen from the ranks of the Mebyon Gwedhen, the Arch Druid is arguably the second most important member of the chapter and works closely with the Mygthtern on all matters concerning the chapter. Cynyr Pendragon is the current Arch Druid.
Druids- Druid is an umbrella term for the members of the chapter who practice the skills of Librarians, Apothecaries and Chaplains. For the Wardens, they see the three disciplines as being three parts to one whole; mind, body and spirit. Exclusively being drafted and trained within the Mebyon Gwedhen company due to their higher than average rates of psykers and deep connection to the natural world. Druids can be separated into three divisions:
- Druid Medhek (Apothecaries)
- Druid Spyrys (Chaplains)
- Druid Istorior (Librarians)
Ferror Aelodh- Master of the Forge. The greatest of the Ferror Kasor.
Ferror Kasor- Equivalent to a techmarine. Trained within the Mebyon Keynvor company as masters of weaponry and machinery.
Specialist Units & Formations[]
Thunderhoof Cavalry- As with their Space Wolf forebears, the Warden's utilise the great beasts of their homeworld as terrifyingly effective mounts. Utilising their incredible ability to traverse difficult terrain, and their terrible strength and ferocity to inflict grievous wounds upon their enemies. Due to the Garow Deer's great size and strength it is no small feat for a Warden to break and saddle one of these primal forces of nature, but if they manage it they have a fierce steed indeed. Not simply beasts of burden, the stags are treated as honorary members of the chapter in their own right. Often having their antlers wrapped in bronze and their manes braided in the style of Cernachian warriors. Taran Carne, Chyften of the Mebyon Gonyow himself often rides into battle atop a great silvery-grey stag named Kornnos (Night Horn).
The Rutted-
Order of Battle[]
Companies[]
The Cernachian Wardens are split into 3 Brederedh (Brotherhoods) based upon the mother tribes of the Wardens' homeworld. These Brederedh are known as the Mebyon (Sons of) Gonyow, Keynvor and Gwedhen. While not every marine is originally from the mother tribe the company is named after, this is usually the case as the particular aptitudes and skills each tribe instills in their children often makes them a good fit for the company upon their initiation into the chapter. Or in the case of the Gwedhen because they are more likely to be psychically gifted.
- Mebyon Gonyow- Primarily taken from the moorland tribes of Cernachia, they make the strongest fighters in open conflict out of the 3 companies. Having grown up constantly on the move and navigating harsh terrain they are the perfect choice for providing the majority of the Wardens' infantry. As the Gonyow are the most numerous of the people of Cernachia, they also provide the most aspirants for the chapter.
- Mebyon Keynvor- Drafted from the sea-faring folk found along Cernachia's coasts.
- Mebyon Gwedhen-
Culture & Beliefs[]
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
As space wolves successors they have a modified version of the Canis Helix, in an attempt to stabilise it the High Lords of Terra authorised Belisarius Cawl to splice the DNA of the planet's apex predator- the giant sabre-tooth stags into the new gene-seed, this was done as the stags displayed terrifying ferocity but only during their rutting season (Every three Cernachian years, approximately 30 terran years), it was thought that this almost ritualistic control over their terrifying outbursts of savagery might help abate the flaws of the Canis Helix.
While this reduced the frequency of mutation, it made the rare occurrences more volatile, however always occurring in pairs. The afflicted marines transform into great beasts of sinew, antler and fury, fighting tooth and claw until only one remains. The victor's bloodlust then subsides and he is able to be corralled and contained by the chapter, ready to defend their homeland or dropped behind enemy lines to cause chaos at a moment’s notice. The first and greatest of these is Cadan - 'The First Blooded'.
While this mutation (known as 'The Blood Rut') is exceedingly rare, All wardens possess uncanny glowing amber eyes (whites, pupil and iris) and sharp canines as a result of their gene-seed, and those advancing into their later years begin to sprout antlers of their own; most cut them down so as not to interfere with their armour (Or arouse the suspicion of the Inquisition.) but the honoured of the chapter have their helmets adjusted so as to proudly display the sign of their veteran status.
Combat Doctrine[]
Notable Members[]
Leadership[]
Chapter Master: Cervus Hornell, the Iron Stag[]
Cervus Hornell, chapter master of the Cernachian Wardens, stands as a stalwart guardian of his chapter and the ancient traditions of Cernachia. With a long grey beard that speaks of countless battles and antlers that crown his brow like a crown of kingship, Cervus embodies the spirit of his homeworld and the unyielding resolve of his warriors.
A master of both martial prowess and strategic cunning, Cervus leads his chapter with wisdom earned through battle after battle in service of the Imperium. His runic spear, a relic of ancient power, serves as a symbol of his authority and a tool of righteous retribution against the enemies of mankind.
Under his command, the Cernachian Wardens have weathered countless storms and emerged victorious against the darkest threats that assail the Imperium. Whether leading his warriors into battle against the forces of Chaos off-world or defending his homeworld from Xenos invasion, Cervus Hornell stands as a beacon of hope and defiance in the face of the chapter's darkest foes.
As the guardian of Cernachia and the steward of his chapter's legacy, Cervus Hornell remains ever vigilant, his gaze fixed upon the horizon as he stands ready to defend his homeworld and the Imperium against all who would seek to bring it to ruin.
Arch Druid Cynr Pendragon[]
Cynr Pendragon is the revered Arch Druid of the Cernachian Wardens, entrusted with the task of harnessing both sacred technology and his own psychic powers to serve the Cernachian Wardens. Hailing from the deep forests of Cernachia, Cynr's connection to the natural world runs deep, intertwined with the ancient traditions of his people.
As a master of both the psychic and the mechanical, Cynr embodies the synthesis of technology and nature that defines the ethos of the Cernachian Wardens. His wisdom, honed through years of study and communion with the spirits of the land, guides the chapter through the trials of the 41st millennium. He is often found wandering the forests around the Hearth, communing with ancient trees or calming the great beasts that roam the lands surrounding the chapter's fortress monastery.
Cynr’s leadership and mastery over both technology and mysticism have earned him the unwavering respect of his brethren, as well as the mantle of Arch-Druid. With his guidance, the Cernachian Wardens continue to stand as guardians of the ancient traditions of their homeworld.
Morvran Trelawney, The Sea Lord[]
Morvran Trelawney, known as the Sea Lord, stands as a formidable leader within the Mebyon Keynvor , commanding the chapter's fleet and armoured divisions with unmatched skill and determination. Born from the coastal tribes of Cernachia, Morvran's life has been intertwined with the tumultuous seas that surround his homeworld. His bald head bears the marks of countless battles, adorned with intricate tattoos that tell tales of bravery and sacrifice.
With a long black beard that speaks of years spent weathering the storms of war, Morvran is a towering figure on both land and sea. His voice, as deep and commanding as the ocean's roar, rallies his brethren to battle with unwavering resolve.
One of Morvran's most impressive feats occurred during the darkest hours of a Tyranid incursion, when a colossal Hive Ship emerged from the waves and threatened to overwhelm Cernachia's coastal defenses. Leading from the front lines, Morvran orchestrated a daring naval assault, his distinctive harpoon and cutlass (the traditional weapons of his mother tribe) striking true against the monstrous bioforms that threatened to engulf his homeworld. In a display of unmatched courage, he boarded the Hive Ship, leading his warriors in a brutal close-quarters battle that culminated in the destruction of the alien menace.
Morvran's leadership during this pivotal conflict solidified his reputation as a true guardian of Cernachia's shores. As Sea Lord, Morvran Trelawney continues to stand as a bulwark against the encroaching darkness, his harpoon poised to strike down any who dare threaten the sanctity of his ancestral home.
Kynan Oren: The Grove Keeper.[]
Kynan Oren, known as the Grove Keeper, leads the Mebyon Gwedhen company of the Cernachian Wardens. Born and raised in the dense forests of Cernachia, Kynan is as much a master of guerilla warfare as he is in spiritual matters, utilizing the natural terrain to his advantage. His deep knowledge of the forests and their secrets allows him to outmaneuver and outwit his enemies with ease.
Kynan's leadership is marked by his cunning and tactical brilliance. He trains his warriors to move silently through the underbrush, setting traps and launching ambushes that leave their enemies disoriented and defeated before they even realize they are under attack. The Mebyon Gwedhen are renowned for their ability to strike from the shadows, their presence felt only in the aftermath of their deadly assaults.
A testament to his tactical prowess was during the defense of the Wystwood Grove. When a Chaos warband threatened to overrun this sacred site, Kynan and his company used the forest itself as a weapon. Leading their enemy through a maze of traps and ambush points, whittling down their numbers and sowing their own brand of chaos within their ranks. By the time the warband reached the Grove, they were too few and too demoralised to pose any serious threat, and were subsequently eliminated by Kynan's Phobos marines, leaving their remains for the forest.
Kynan Oren's blend of guerilla tactics and combat expertise has earned him great respect among the Cernachian Wardens. His title, Grove Keeper, reflects his role as the protector of the forest, guiding his company with a keen strategic mind and the ruthless efficiency of a seasoned warrior.
Taran Carne: The White Hart[]
Taran Carne is the newly appointed Chyften of the Mebyon Gonyow and a growing legend within the ranks of the Cernachian Wardens. Hailed as the protege and heir-apparent to Chapter Master Cervus Hornell, Taran was born under the auspicious sign of a triple lunar eclipse, Taran possesses an aura of destiny that sets him apart from his battle brothers.
Despite his relatively young age, Taran swiftly ascended through the ranks of the chapter, displaying exceptional leadership skills and martial prowess on the battlefield. His long white hair, a striking contrast to his battle-worn armour, has earned him the moniker of the White Hart, symbolising both his unique birthright and his status as a beacon of hope for the future of the chapter.
Taran’s journey to prominence began during a pivotal conflict against a Chaos incursion headed by the Death Guard, where his tactical acumen and fearless bravery turned the tide of battle in favour of the Cernachian Wardens. Leading a daring assault against a daemon-infested stronghold, Taran emerged victorious, his fearlessness inspiring his fellow Wardens to new heights of heroism.
Taran is viewed by many among his brothers as the destined successor to lead the chapter into the future. His unwavering dedication to the chapter's cause, combined with his innate fighting prowess and the mystical significance of his birth, mark him as a symbol of hope and renewal in the face of the Wardens' darkest challenges.
Cadan: The First Blooded[]
Chapter Fleet[]
Chapter Relics[]
The Spear of Cern- A gift from their forebears the Space Wolves and enhanced by Cernachian craftsmanship, this mighty runic spear is as much a badge of office for the Wardens' chapter master as it is a terrifying weapon in it's own right.
Chapter Appearance[]
Chapter Colours[]
Chapter Badge[]
Relations[]
Allies[]
Enemies[]
Notable Quotes[]
By the Cernachian Wardens[]
About the Cenachian Wardens[]
 Sons of Russ Chapters
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| Member Chapters | Beasts Undaunted • Blades of Morkai • Bloodied Hunters • Cernachian Wardens • Crimson Prowlers • Dawn's Wolves • Dusk Howlers • Dusk Stalkers • Fangs of Fenrir • Grey Wolves • Hartlords • Iron Beasts • Kraken Reavers • Kraken Sons • Moonlight Stalkers • Sea Kings • Sky Wolves • Stone Bears • Tempest Wolves • Void Selkies • Waveborn • Wild Hunt • Wild Wolves • Wolves of Blood and Bone • |
 Space Wolves Successor Chapters 
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|---|---|
| Ultima Founding | Abyss Stalkers • Ascetics of Korit • Astral Bears • Beasts Undaunted • Blades of Morkai • Blood Predators • Blood Seekers • Bloodied Hunters • Cernachian Wardens • Crimson Prowlers • Dawn's Wolves • Dusk Howlers • Dusk Stalkers • Fangs of Fenrir • Fangs of Vidar • Ghost Wolves • Golden Boars • Gore Wolves • Grey Wolves • Greymanes • Hartlords • Iron Beasts • Kraken Reavers • Kraken Sons • The Mastodons • Maws of Fenris • Moonlight Stalkers • Night Wolves • Painted Hounds • Phantom Wolves • Red Wolves • Sea Kings • Sky Wolves • Stone Bears • Tempest Fangs • Tempest Wolves • Void Selkies • Waveborn • West Khan Wolves • Wild Hunt • Wild Wolves • Wolf Knights • Wolfborn • Wolves of Blood and Bone • Wolves of Redemption • Wolves of Yggdrasil • |
| Extinct | Corpse Wolves • |
| Renegades | Bloodborn Wolves • † Skyrar's Dark Wolves • |