|
This article, Faithful Shields, was written by MAJACKS91. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
|
This article, Faithful Shields, is currently under active construction. The author, MAJACKS91, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
- "We are the shields of the Imperium and guardians of the faithful. No loyal citizen shall be left to the night."
- — Faithful Shields unofficial motto.
The Faithful Shields, referred to formally as the Holy Order of the Faithful Shields by its members, are a renowned Codex-divergent Chapter of Space Marines descended from the Imperial Fists. A highly pious chapter, the Faithful Shields see the Emperor as a god, and themselves as literal angels created to do his bidding in protecting mankind and crushing the enemies of it. The Faithful Shields have devoted themselves to becoming masters of shock assaults, maintaining a larger vehicle pool than many chapters would to supplement this style of war. Each marine has become a skilled warrior in close-quarters combat, whether it be melee or bolter combat in close conditions. They are known to take great pride in being a shield for the common citizen, understanding that they should protect the common man who cannot protect themselves.
Chapter History
Beginnings
The early history of the Faithful Shields is one rooted in betrayal. Formed initially to protect a sub-sector of Segmentum Obscurus, they would take the feudal planet Caries I as their base of recruitment and operations. A Marshal of the Black Templars Jenial Cruze was elected as the first High Knight. He would instil faith in the God-Emperor into his brothers. The chapter was much alike the Black Templars in these formative years, and the chapter gained some fame across the Segmentum for their tenacity in battle that often bordered the line of bravery and foolishness. All was not well though. On the world of Caries I, a dark corruption was spreading among the population. A vile sorcerer of the Alpha Legion set on destroying the chapter had been meticulously spreading a sort of mind plague among the populace. This plague would burrow itself into the deepest pits of the human subconscious, undetectable and able to convert even the most loyal minds into Chaos worshipers. It was the Sorcerer's magnum opus, and after decades of work, the Sorcerer set the final stages of his plan into action.
Called to campaign against an approaching Waagh! of Orks, the Faithful Shields deployed six whole companies to the war effort to thoroughly stomp out the Waagh! The remaining four were to remain as a home guard, but at the last moment, an incursion of Chaos Space Marines into a nearby system drew a further two companies from the planet. It was then the population of Caries I sprang into open rebellion. The Sorcerer cast a ritual to the Dark Gods, activating the mental switch of nearly every citizen on the planet. The mind switches activation was not just restrained to the planet. The companies who had left to engage the Chaos Space Marine incursion found themselves in a fierce civil war at the drop of a hat. While a majority of the chapter was unaffected by the mind-switch, many new recruits turned their guns on those whom they only moments before called brothers. Though these now traitors were no match for the older members of the chapter, the loyalists were now forced to fight a war on two fronts. Jenial Cruze, filled with righteous rage and fresh from slaying the dreaded Warboss of the Waagh! in single combat, ordered for his forces to turn from the orks and deal with all those whom he saw as traitors. The order came at the expense of his allied guard, who had relied on the Astartes's support to hold back the tide of Orks.
Jenial, determining that the traitorous astartes were a much larger threat to the Imperials, surged into the brutal melee that had erupted. He butchered his once-brothers with a cold fury, sparing none even a moment's mercy. A Space Marine would emerge, sword raised and leveled in a clear challenge, and shout Cruze's name. This warrior, whose name has been scorched from all records to be simply known as the "Prodigy" (for his supposed prodigal skill in combat and personal tutorship by the Chapter Master), was to be the next High Knight. Was. The battle between him and Cruze is a legend within the chapter. It is said that no combatants dared to get in between the two swordsmen. It was clear though, that Cruze would not win the clash. In a last-ditch effort, Cruze let himself be run through by his opponent's blade but in the process drove his own power sword through the Prodigy's face. Both fell dead to the blood-soaked ground of the battlefield, their stories ending in tragedy.
The day would eventually be won but at no small cost. The Astartes who survived were maimed and beaten and made a hasty withdrawal back to their homeworld with all the bodies they could recover. They returned to anarchy. The two companies who remained on the planet were in a desperate battle. The fleet had been blown from the sky by planetary defenses, and the PDF and other newly formed militias were slowly picking off what few loyalists survived. In a desperate act of heroism, the 9th Order would stage a massive counter-offensive to allow their battle brother's evacuation into the void. While they surprisingly good progress, they could not account for what happened next. As a final blow, the cultists set off a smuggled virus bomb on the planet, instantly wiping it clean of life and leveling many of the villages that were once on it. Furthermore, many Relics of the chapter along with most of the gene-seed banks were destroyed in an instant. The Faithful Shields fell into the hands of the highest-ranking marine left in the chapter, Knight Luis Dios.
Dios acted quickly to cover up what had happened to his chapter, accounting to a host of problems from ship failures to attacks by traitor forces. His efforts were mostly unsuccessful, and the Imperium at large soon knew of the horror that had transpired. The Chapter was brought under heavy scrutiny for allowing such an event to transpire. Talks of disbanding the chapter and exterminating the chapter began circulating among the higher-ups of Imperial command. Dios took to spending most of his time playing politician. Appealing to many fellow chapters and attending countless hearings to plead his Chapter's case. Eventually, perhaps honoring the dream of their former Marshal, the High Marshal of the Black Templars would see that the chapter is not exterminated but instead placed into a penitent crusade, and if successful, rebuilt under their watch and guidance. The future of Dios' chapter was secured for now, but their trials and tribulations had only just begun.
The 13th Black Crusade and the Aftermath
At the closing years of the 41st Millennium, the Faithful shields were stretched thin. A recent surge of cult activity around the dreaded Eye of Terror forced the still-recovering orders of the Faithful Shields to send out strike forces to aid overwhelmed planets. Each order left for besieged worlds, some even splitting their forces to cover multiple systems. But as the 1st Order, accompanied by Kaito Marne himself, raced for Cadia, disaster struck. A small ambush force of the Black Legion ambushed them in the warp, dragging both fleets into an intense battle in real space. The champion of the heretics, a Terminator lord named Asgoth the Bloody commenced a boarding action onto His Holiest Will, attempting a decapitation strike on the command. Kaito Marne engaged the heretic in a fierce duel as veterans of both sides battled around them. Thunder Hammer met lightning claws as Kaito was forced to dodge the strikes of Asgoth while Asgoth had to parry each blow. The duel ended finally when Marne used his bolt pistol to knock the lord off balance for just a moment, allowing him to strike the chaos lord with his Thunder Hammer square in the head. The heretic was pulverized, and his forces tried to escape back to their own vessel only to be cut down by the reinforcements finally reaching the bridge.
Bloodied, but still alive, the Order was about to continue for Cadia, only for the void to open wide. Like a bloody gash through reality, the Eye of Terror expanded outwards. All the Astropaths and Navigators began to scream over the fleet's intercoms. Quickly, the afflicted were silenced, leaving the fleet of the 1st Order marooned in some random system as they attempted to figure out what was going on. Sire of the Thaumaturge Ja'ltaer spent many days attempting to contact Imperial Forces with only the Thaumaturges still alive after the opening of the Great Rift as they came to call it. Eventually, a disarrayed fleet of a Rogue Trader crawled into the very same system. They had been caught exiting the warp when the rift opened and were nearly destroyed because of it. Their own Navigators had also been affected by the opening of the Great Rift, and so they were shot. The arrival of the Rogue Trader did bring good tidings, however. The Rogue Trader possessed a map of the sector and was able to finally figure out their location. With this information, the fleet could act. All available Thaumaturges were gathered to take the place of the Navigators so that His Holiest Will could make at least a semi-guided jump to the closest bastion world. Despite losing many to a burnt-out soul, they made it, and with the help of the astropaths of the world, the 1st Order could learn more about what had happened to their brothers.
The 2nd Order was the first to make contact with the 1st after a catastrophic battle with unexpected Ork Waagh! rampaging through the sector, they were forced to retreat to lick their wounds. The 6th and 10th Orders engaged in a chaotic incursion on a Shrine-World, the 6th Order suffering greatly in a desperate stand. The 3rd Order would remain missing for decades before finally being discovered to be in Imperium Nihilus. The 4th Order would never be found and declared dead. The remaining orders filed back over the coming years, bloodied from battle but alive. United once more, the chapter decided to crusade as a unified force along the Great Rift's edge, hoping to stall any traitor forces who could now enter into the Imperium at will.
Era Indomitus
Initial word of the return of the Ultramarines Primarch Roboute Guilliman was met with initial scepticism by the Chapter. It seemed too good to be true in these dark times, and so they never made an effort to seek out the supposed returned son of the Emperor. Eventually, though they crossed paths with a Torchbearer fleet sent to find them. They would receive the key to making Primaris Marines alongside new reinforcements as well. The Chapter was left reeling from this sudden surge of marines and the ramifications for their chapter's culture. These new marines did not know the cultural norms of their chapter, and though displaying an eagerness to learn all, most of the Firstborn were hesitant to accept them. It would be Kaito Marne who would be the first to push their integration into the chapter. He argued if they could prove themselves in battle, they would be worth bearing the chapter badge and chapter colors.
In the first decade, Primaris were often made to fight in highly testing battles. This decision made quick veterans out of those who survived, and soon the surface-level biases of the Firstborn were left behind as they understood the true determination of the Primaris Marines to be accepted into their chapter. Primaris was incorporated relatively quickly, with only a small minority of marines objecting. Those who did were simply placed amongst squads of like-minded individuals, or simply told to eat their pride and do their duty.
The following decades consisted of near-constant warfare. The galaxy was broken, and even with the return of a primarch and primaris reinforcements, the Imperial Forces were spread thin. The Faithful Shields battled across countless worlds facing the most despicable of heretics and xenos. Several crusade forces managed to enter into Imperium Nihilus, and have since been on a never-ending quest to save as many worlds as possible. This has come at a cost, and many have been lost, replacement Astartes are barely able to keep up with the pace of the attrition. The chapter fights on though, keeping their oaths to protect the Imperium no matter the cost.
Notable Campaigns
- Marrek's War (182-194.M36):
- Defense of Fueri XXI (348-351.M38): In response to increasing activity of Drukhari raiders in the Furik system, the Faithful Shields were called upon for aid by the local Ecclesiarchial masters. The 3rd Order was deployed to spread across the system and maintain much stricter security until the raiders could be dealt with. As luck would have it, after 2 weeks of waiting, the Drukhari raiders would again appear on Fueri XXI. A swift and brutal battle ensued, ending when the raiders retreated back into the night, but leaving the surprised Astartes squads maimed. Only a month later, the Drukhari returned in even greater numbers to once again strike at the Astartes forces. Quickly adapting the Drukhari's hit-and-run tactics, the Space Marines drove off the Drukhari once more, taking far less casualties than before due only to the quick action of Knight Keith. Over the next few years, the cycle of Drukhari ambushes being fought off continued, the Space Marines' numbers being slowly whittled down with each battle. Seeing the plight they were in, Knight Keith ordered that his surviving forces prepare to pursue the raiders across the world's plains. Just as planned, the Space Marines chased down the raiders as they rebelled, being led to a formerly unknown webway gate. A final battle commenced, and the remaining forces of the 3rd managed to destroy the gate in a barrage of close-range predator fire. The Drukhari who remained were slaughtered, and finally, the war was won. brought to under half strength by the conflict, the order took 300 of the suitable male children of the world as they left, a tribute for the bloodshed in the population's defense.
- Oratora Campaign (783.M38):
- Execution in The Maw (691.M39): When Administratum eyes fell upon the records of the bustling mining world of Gero I, a descrepency was found. The world had ceased all tithe payment, an annoyance that prompted an inspection team to be deployed to the planet. When the team never returned and a distress call detailing what sounded like the forces of Chaos, calls for an astartes strike team were made (in part due to the fragility of the infrastructure of the world and need for it's swift recapture). The 4th Order of the Faithful Shields was closest, and so immediately sent a Demi-Order strike force to eliminate the threat in a lightning Assault. Then-Knight Mortemus would deploy his forces to the underground capital of the world to reclaim it in a display of brutal force. For 7 hours, the astartes fought through waves of cultists until they reached the great citadel which the ruling family once inhabited. In an assault led by Mortemus himself, the astartes would break into the building and slay many of the cultist leaders. Their slaughter led them to a chamber at the heart of the fortress where they would discover a terrible Daemon-Host. They would slay the creature at great cost and withdraw from the world, leaving the clean up to other Imperial forces arriving to the world.
- Defense of Divastus I (125.M42): In the eastern fringes of the galaxy, the Hive World Divatus I laid as an unremarkable inhabited planet so far relatively unblemished by the warp tides of Imperium Nihilus. Despite the dangers of the Imperium Nihilus, it would not be creatures of the warp that would threaten this world, but instead the ravenous hordes of the Tyranids. Hive Fleet Dagon, so long in battle with the Space Marine warriors of Ordo Xenos: the Deathwatch, finally managed to send a splinter fleet away from Jericho's Reach to gain biomass and flank the Imperials, a maneuver the Deathwatch had predicted but had no assets available to negate. Divatus I was unlucky enough to be in the path of this hive fleet, and with no timely help possible from the Deathwatch, sent distress calls into the void. In an unlikely bout of fortune, a crusade force of the Faithful Shields chapter led by Knight Torrent of the Third Order was passing close by the system. The plight of the world and the necessity of containing the Tyranid threat was enough that he diverted a large portion of his force, roughly a company of marines, towards the system to stop the Tyranids before they gained too much momentum. When they arrived though, they were surprised to find another chapter had answered the call as well. The chapter known as Steel Paragons answered the call to shield Divatus I from alien menace, its chapter master Lorr Enzariion deployed the forces of the 10th Company led by Drasthin Lydriik together with a substantial amount of marines that were part of The Company of Tormented Souls, made up entirely of savage astartes that fell victim to this chapter's grim gene-curse, with the Cemiterium warden known as Norrvus Grymn leading this accursed special force, a dark swordsman of unmatched prowess. These fell angels deployed to eradicate the Tyranid menace from the crowded spires of Divatus with their noxious arsenal of Ghosgene and radium weaponry.Both forces landed in the greatest city of the world, which had been turned into a mighty fortress capital. The Faithful Shields would devote their ships to ferrying civilians off world as the Steel Paragons prepared their arms. Much discomfort came from the command of the Faithful Shields at these damned Astartes, but with the assurance of their effectiveness by both Enzariion and Grymn, they would withhold any open condemnations. When the splinter fleet finally arrived, it met fierce resistance in the void, but the Imperial fleet was soon forced to retreat, leaving the planet open to invasion. As the innumerable spores and tyrannocites crashed into the barren wasteland just outside the planetary capital, the first gun batteries together with many armored units belonging to the Steel Paragons began firing right into the ravenous swarm, thousands of lesser hive beings slaughtered by the unrelenting bombardment, but as effective as this tactic was at repelling the onslaught of xenos, their malicious overlords adapted to better counter the grand fortifications. In just a few solar hours the tide of monsters seemingly disappeared from outside of the city walls, only for far larger beings to appear within the spires from both the sky and tunnels under the ground, turning the battle from a siege into a bloody close quarters engagement across the streets and districts of the city. With the sky cut off civilians were forced into the cramped spires as refuge. These “refugees” became the opposite, and the Faithful Shields found themselves having to wade through crowds to fight tyranid bioforms. To the horror of the Faithful Shields, the Steel Paragons' cursed marines completely ignored the lives of the Imperial civilians and even the PDF. Wherever the Tyranids appeared, the area would become a spot of intense carnage as the berserk warriors ripped apart and burned xenos and terrified citizens alike. The acidic weaponry of the rampaging astartes and dreadnought spared none, and soon entire blocks of the hives were so hazardous to life even the Tyranids avoided them. The pinnacle of this was during a particularly brutal engagement in the eastern sector of the hive. So over-run was it that the Cemiterium warden decided to level it entirely, and so 3 micro-nucleic warheads were launched at the spire, wiping everything from the area in a flash of blinding light and scorching heat. The Faithful Shields were outraged at the extreme measures taken without consulting them, but there was little they could do now. Though the Imperials held their ground, it was clear a decisive move had to be made if they were to win. The Hive Tyrant, the foul leader of the swarm, was finally located and a hit on the creature was planned. Captain Lydriik volunteered to lead a charge into the Tyranids to punch a hole straight into the Hive Tyrant. With heavy fire support from the Faithful Shields forces, Lydriik led a convoy of grav-tanks aboard his trophy speeder and managed to engage the Hive Tyrant. Using the gravtank barrage and melta shots to wear down the Tyrant, Lydriik would score the killing blow with his thunder hammer, a blow so powerful it left a permanent mark on the head of the hammer. With the Tyrant dead, the Tyranids' coordinated push faltered at the sudden lack of large-scale coordination. Knight Torrent would lead a counterattack to take advantage of their confusion, and the Tyranid ground forces were butchered by the Astartes and surviving PDF forces. In the void, the fleets managed much the same, and the Tyranid splinter fleet was brought low by barrages of cannon fire. So, the battle was won and the attempted advance by the tyranids was stalled for the time being.
- Kelo Incident (ca. M42): The 3rd Order passes through the Groudius Sector on their way to join with an Indomitus Crusade fleet. During their passage, they receive a distress call from the Civilized World Kelo II. Planetary Guard forces had suffered a raid from the forces of chaos, though numbers were not given, it was determined by Knight Torent to send a Demi-Order, led by Paladin Matheo, would give support to drive off what was believed to be a sizeable but manageable raiding force. Upon arrival, the astartes would find local vox-traffic silent, and a lack of any detectable fleet in the system. Determined to investigate, the Demi-Order would make planet fall on the capital, led by Paladin Matheo, only to discover an abject scene of horror. The guard had been slaughtered, the capital reduced to a slaughterhouse. Before they could investigate further, the Demi-Order was beset upon by an entire warband of the Emperor's Children traitor legion. Woefully outnumbered, the Demi-Order would commit to a doomed defense as they attempted to evacuate their most valuable assets. After only three hours, thirty-eight of the around fifty deployed marines would be slain, including Paladin Matheo, and the Strike-Cruiser deployed would commit to a hasty retreat as the warband fleet attempted to annihilate it. Survivors of the battle reported many of their brothers being dragged away, alive or dead, by the traitors for purposes as yet unknown by the chapter.
- 4th Tyrannic Wars (Circa.M42-Present):
- The Iron Affront (Siege of Fieri IV) (011.M42-Present): After answering the call to assist in the retaking of a rebelling mining world, the Faithful Shields were pulled into a protracted war of attrition as it was revealed that it was no mere armed militia rebelling, but several Heretic astartes warbands who were aiding the rebels for as of now unknown reasons. Such matters were deemed of little importance by the acting commander of the deployed forces, Knight Lemaire. Now the entirety of the 6th Order and parts of the 1st and 3rd Orders are deployed to the planet, assisting Astra Militarum and Adeptus Mechanicus forces in battling the heretic armies.
Fortress-Monastery
Ever since the destruction of Caries I, the Chapter has used the heavily modified battle barge His Holiest Will as their fortress-monastery. The vessel has been through countless battles and as such bears the scars of these wars. Damages have called for repairs, and often extra modifications are ordered. Its size has grown larger and larger, its weapons more numerous. Chapels have been stitched across it so that every part of the ship can be blessed by the God-Emperor's presence. The vessel has been painted pure white so that it stands stark against the void of space. At some point lost to chapter records, hundreds of thousands of Lumen bulbs were strung across its surface so that if desired, it could glow with all the luster of a star.
Chapter Organisation
| Officer Ranks | |
| Chapter Rank | Codex Astartes Rank |
|---|---|
| Specialist Ranks | |
| Line Ranks | |
Non-Standard Ranks
- Sires: The Sires are the masters of each of the chapter's branches (Ex: Fleet, Armoured Elements, Apothecarium, etc). They have earned their rank through many years of work and toil, being veterans all, and having been chosen by the prior Sire for the role. Though on the battlefield they have no true authority on the battlefield, the respect they command surpasses the traditional organization of the Codex Astartes.
- Blade-Champion
Specialist Units & Formations
- Mouth of the Divine: The Mouth of the Divine serves as a direct advisor to the High Knight. The Astartes who take this position hold sway second only to the High Knight himself. They are believed by the chapter to be a direct link to the God-Emperor, and it is not uncommon for a Mouth of the Divine to decide what warzones the Chapter should devote themselves to.
- Night-Blades: Even a chapter as bellicose in war as the Faithful Shields requires a silent scalpel when brute force will not suffice. Night-Blades are not fixed units, only forming at the behest of the High-Knight and made up of the most skilled Veterans of the chapter. With painted black armor, they are deployed to destroy targets far behind enemy lines.
Order of Battle
Companies
| 1st Order | 2nd Order | 3rd Order | 4th Order | 5th Order |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 6th Order | 7th Order | 8th Order | 9th Order | 10th Order |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combat Doctrine
The Faithful Shields have adopted a highly mechanized method of warfare. Each company holds a large depot of tanks, armoured transports, and aircraft to keep this fighting style viable. The chapter's astartes are known to hold a special preference for flame weaponry, a weapon type that supplements the often close-range engagements the marines get into as they exit their transports. This is not to say they lack ranged weaponry, for besides the flamer, the use of a bolter is not lacking. Intercessor squads are, as most often seen in the Adeptus Astartes, the most common force on the battlefield.
Chapter Culture & Beliefs
Beliefs
The Faithful Shields follow the tenets of the Imperial Creed, believing the Emperor is a true god. This belief has bred tension with other chapters under the surface, but the effect of their pious devotion is undeniable. Feats of heroism and valor have been spurned on by their faith, and marines have been said to last just a few minutes past when they should've perished to the foe to exact as much blood as they can for the God-Emperor.
Culture
The Faithful Shields have a cultural mix of a knightly order and that of the Ecclesiarchy. Many hours of the day are spent devoting themselves to the God-Emperor in body, mind, and soul. When they are not worshipping, they are training. Many of their vessels have been fitted with vehicle training arenas, simulated environments that allow the Astartes to keep at their peak performance. The chapter has placed a large emphasis on its Clergy to the point all higher-ranking members of the chapter have been members of the order previously in their service. The Clergymen are the souls of the chapter, and as such each Neophyte is taught to respect their words well.
Feast of Blades: Like most of the lineage of Dorn, the Faithful Shields attend the centennial event known as the Feast of Blades. Designed by Dorn himself to keep the many chapters of the Imperial Fist linked. Since their founding, the Faithful Shields have been constant in their attendance, even when amid wars they are sure to send one of their champions to attempt to earn the sacred Dornsblade. In this goal, they have succeeded only once, the marine who won it being memorialized as a hero of the chapter.
Dreadnoughts: The role of the dreadnought is a complex one in the Faithful Shields. These Astartes all prefer to die in battle over living a half-life, yet becoming a dreadnought is seen as a great honor. Becoming a dreadnought, therefore, is a process that begins before a battle. Those chosen for it are asked if they wish to become interred if they become grievously wounded during battle by a clergyman, and if yes, he is monitored for the rest of the battle to ensure they become one if he does fall. If one does become a dreadnought, they take on the role of spurring on their brothers amid battle. They also are charged with assisting the Thaumaturges in the chronicling of chapter history and recounting past battles when called upon. It is not uncommon for a Clergyman to become a Dreadnought, their zealous nature amplified by the internment.
Serfs: Serfs hold a much more prominent, but dangerous place in the ranks of the chapter. An astartes of the Faithful Shields is expected to always look his best on the battlefield despite the often hazardous and dirty conditions they find themselves in. Therefore, every Space Marine in has an assigned serf follow them (at a safe distance so they may avoid death) into battle, and one that remains within either the camp or the shift. Serfs are often combat trained in both melee and distance fighting and are equipped with a lighter variant of a lasgun when deployed to protect themselves if combat does reach them. At every opportunity they are expected to clean their master's armor and weapons whether it be a brief pause in the fighting, or the time between deployments. Their willingness to perform this often arduous task sees that Serfs as a highly respected, and sometimes even honored, part of the chapter.
Chapter Recruitment
Recruits to the Chapter, named Squires, are pulled from the best and brightest of any world the Chapter happens to visit. Strong moral compasses and fervor for the God Emperor in particular are sought after by the Chaplains who find recruits. Upon being selected, a Squire is put through the standard procedures of making an Astartes. A trial of particular importance is the recitation of the Lectitio Divinitatus while under live fire from Servitors. Failing this final trial is highly dishonorable and results often in the recruits' implants being forcibly recycled where possible and making what remains of the Squire into a chapter Servitor. Once the implantation and initial training of the Squire is done, the Squire is attached to an Order chosen by the Librarius. There, the Squire is attached as an auxiliary to either an Infiltrator, Reiver, or Eliminator squad so that they may learn with typically less danger to themselves. They will then be moved to a squad based on what they have so far shown they are proficient in. Those better with a bolter are sent to the standard intercessor squads, while those better in close combat find themselves in the Assualt Intercessor squads.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Faithful Shields are of the genetic lineage of Rogal Dorn, and as such bear his gene-seed. With this comes the stalwart and stubborn nature of the lineage of Dorn. These marines will not back down from a fight they believe they can win, and honor often compels them to face odds other chapters would see as suicidal. This is, predictably, not good for the size of their chapter. Over the millennium the Faithful Shields had to take breaks from their crusades to replenish their numbers and restock their supplies.
Genetic Flaws
Like the Imperial Fists chapter, the Faithful Shields lack both the Sus-an Membrane and the Belchers Gland. Some Apothecaries within the chapter have attempted to undo this degradation, but working within the limits highly pious chapter is an uphill battle none have yet conquered.
Deathwatch Service
Deathwatch server is seen as a form of soft censure within the chapter, a common way to remove members who have done some dishonorable deed or, on rare occasions, have judged themselves lacking and wish to find penance. Because of this, their Deathwatch members have been noted to be in generally dour spirits and are unpleasant to work with. If a member of the chapter survives their service, they can return to the good graces of the chapter. Their penance is seen as completed, and they are honored for it, usually meaning joining the Clergy or becoming one of the honored Blade Champions.
Notable Members
- High Knight Kaito Marne: It takes a remarkable man to become a Chapter-Master. One must be a paragon of their chapter's ideals, a hero of countless battles. Since his induction as a squire, Marne has stood as a paragon of the chapter, a representation of all of its tenants. It is unwritten what world he was found on, but it is said that he was selected when he dragged the former High-Knight his sword after he had lost it in a mighty battle. The boy would grow into a proud battle brother, one that distinguished himself in battle time and time again. Marne would be, as customary, inducted into the Clergy at a much younger age than most. He would go down the path of becoming a Knight, tutored and trained for the role, until he would take the spot of the 1st Knight. Such an action was unprecedented, but he was judged worthy by the High-Knight himself. For a century he served, fighting all manor of xenos, continuing to distinguish himself. Eventually, when the last High Knight perished, he was selected for the role. With pride he accepted the ultimate promotion for an astartes, and hence-forth has led the Chapter through perhaps it's most tumultuous years.
- Knight Joel Lemair: Knight of the Sixth Order, Joel Lemair is a veteran of many wars of the Chapter. In that time, he has gained a myriad of acclamation from every campaign he has attended. Born on an unremembered world, he was chosen as all other initiates are and placed into the 6th in 987.M41. He would serve as an exceptional, yet arrogant, battle-brother until the accursed 13th Black Crusade. At the height of the Warmaster's attack, the 6th of the Faithful Shields was deployed to the world of Bermese II. Whilst there, the standard bearer of the Order was slain by Heretic Astartes, and their flag, a prized relic of the Order, was in danger of being taken by the enemy. Determined to prevent this, Lemair would take back the flag in a suicidal charge and hold off the enemy in the ruins of a church until reinforcements could arrive. From that point, he has been taken under the tutor of the chapter master himself, rising through the ranks of the chapter through an ever-expanding list of heroic deeds.
- Dominic Leviticus, Mouth of the Divine: A boy taken from a lost shrine world, he was at first without name. The Clergyman who took him had a moment of inspiration, and drawing upon the holy texts, named the boy Dominic Leviticus. Dominic was, from even an early age, an extremely pious and enlightened person. As a battle brother, it is noted he wore a copy of the Lectitio Devinitatus across his hand so that he made always be shielded by his faith. Indeed, it seemed to work, as the increasingly devout astartes rose through the ranks. As a Clergyman, he lead with a religious fervor not seen in decades. In the midst of a particulary dire battle against the hosts of chaos. Dominic would challenge a vile sorcerer to combat. The dishonorable caster would instead attempt to strike down Dominic with a tendril of energy, but to no avail. For as the blow should have landed, a copy of the Lectitio Divinitatus would absorb affixed to his chest would absorb the pyskic blow, and redirected it as a golden inferno into the sorcerer, turning the heretic to ash. A holy power filled the Clergyman for the rest of the battle, each strike a blast of holy light, each verse bellowed empowering his brothers like never before. The miracle left Dominic with a new clarity, and henceforth became known as the Mouth of the Divine.
- Elowyn Barissa: Elowyn Barissa is currently the oldest and most decorated Serf in the chapter, being one of High-Knight Marne's servants. On countless deployments she has been on the frontlines, being confronted many times by the horrors of the galaxy and always managing, though not without injury. Most notably of these was near fatal injury to her face that has left her permanently disfigured, a mark she wears with great honor. Her long service has gained her a high level of respect among all the astartes and legend status among her fellow serfs.
Chapter Fleet
- His Holiest Will (Battlebarge - Flagship): The de facto mobile fortress-monastery of the Faithful Shields ever since the destruction of Caries I, His Holiest Will has seen combat against enemies of every kind, and always prevailed in the face of total destruction.
- Mightiest Prayer (Battlebarge)
- Mors in Salutem (Retribution Class Battlecruiser)
- The Zenith of Faith (Strike Cruiser)
- His Mighty Splendor (Strike Cruiser)
- Glory to the Faithful (Strike Cruiser)
- By His Wrath (Strike Cruiser)
- The Pious Crusader (Strike Cruiser)
- Cruze's Wrath (Strike Cruiser)
- Death of the Traitor (Strike Cruiser)
- The Shining Light (Strike Cruiser)
- Butcher the Xeno (Strike Cruiser)
- The Shield of Dorn (Strike Cruiser)
- (Various Escort Craft)
Chapter Relics
- Ork-Bane: The Master-Crafted bolt pistol of Kaito Marne passed down through every chapter master, this pistol is engraved with the names of all who have wielded it. It is said that the Machine Spirit of the pistol burns brightest when in combat with Greenskins, making the pistol more akin to a bolt rifle in strength when fired.
- Armor of Cruze: The suit of armor worn by Jenial Cruze, it is kept on display in His Holiest Will for those of the chapter to look upon. The blade has not been repaired since his final battle but is kept perfectly preserved so that all may see the condition their founder was in as he fought to the last. It is said that one day when the Chapter sits on the brink of destruction, a High-Knight will dawn the armor to become Kruze reborn and lead his chapter to salvation or glorious death and martyrdom.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
The white armor of the Faithful Shields represents their perceived purity in purpose and holiness. The yellow calls back to their roots as Imperial Fists, traditionally viewed as the defenders of the Imperium.
Chapter Badge
The chapter badge of the Faithful Shields takes inspiration from their spiritual forefathers, the Black Templars. A templar cross framed by a shield represents their devotion to shielding the Holy Imperium from all threats.
Color Correspondence
The colors present on the Astartes of the chapter also serve to designate their status in the rank structure. All officers of the chapter, from Sergeant to Knight, bear a yellow stripe on their helmets. Veterans bear yellow knee trim on Mk 10 armor or on earlier marks a yellow stripe on their knee. Knights have both a yellow stripe on their helmet and fully yellow knee pads. Champions of the chapter would have fully yellow helmets.
Relations
Allies
| Adeptus Ministorum |   Symbol of the Ministorum |
The closest ties to the greater Imperium the chapter has is to the Adeptus Ministorum, otherwise known as the Ecclesiarchy. Since the Faithful Shields are, as their name suggests, Faithful to the God-Emperor and follow the Imperial Creed much more than most Astartes chapters. |
Enemies
| Alpha Legion | The Faithful Shields have carried a hatred of the vile agents of the Alpha Legion since the catastrophe that befell the chapter early in it's life. They will hunt Alpha Legion warbands whenever the opportunity arises, even having an Order which specializes in the task of seeking them out and eradicating them. |
Notable Quotes
By: Faithful Shields
- "I swear here, under the gaze of the glorious God-Emperor of Mankind, we shall stand unto death to defend this Imperium from the Mutant, Heretic, and Xenos."
- — Jenial Cruze before the High-Marshall of the Black Templars and representatives of the High-lords after his selection to become High-Knight of the Faithful Shields (Crica.M35)
- "You shall burn now Heretic and, perhaps, in the flames you will find absolution in His eyes. I doubt, though, you'll find anything but pain."
- — Dominic Leviticus before setting a Heretic priest alight (Circa.M42)
- "You speak of your gods favor heretic, yet I notice it is not my spine that has been shattered."
- — Joel Lemair taunting a fallen Chaos Lord after besting them in single-combat (Circa.M42)
About: Faithful Shields
(Feel Free to add your own)
| Eighteenth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | Invokers • Kharonean Martyrs • |
| White Scars Successors | • |
| Space Wolves Successors | N/A |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Faithful Shields • |
| Blood Angels Successors | • |
| Iron Hands Successors | • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Scions of Cassan • |
| Salamanders Successors | • |
| Raven Guard Successors | • |
| Unknown Lineage | Astral Wardens • |