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This article, Eternal Paladins, is currently under active construction. The author, JSMulligan, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
The Eternal Paladins are a loyalist Chapter that is mostly Codex Astartes complaint, with a few notable deviations. They are a Successor Chapter of the Imperial Fists, founded during the early 38th Millennium as part of the 23rd Founding, the so-called 'Sentinel Founding'. Their homeworld is the feudal world Oighir, which is located in the Scead 10 System.
The Eternal Paladins took up stewardship of the fortress-monastery of a chapter known as the Bronze Templars who disappeared due to unknown causes. Shortly after their arrival, they came under assault by a previously unknown xeno force, later identified as the Necrons, who were discovered to be the source of the Bronze Templars' disappearance. The chapter took heavy losses taking the world from them, and so were slow in making an impact in the rest of the Imperium.
Due to the fact that Oighir was a Necron Tombworld, the Adeptus Mechanicus has shown great interest in the world, often sending emissaries to meet with the Eternal Paladins to study what little remains of the xenos.
The chapter often joins others of Dorn's lineage in the Feast of Blades. No champion from the Eternal Paladins has made it to the final round, much to their frustration.
Chapter History[]
Birth Pangs and the Rooting out of the Evil Seed (023.M38)[]
The Eternal Paladins were created to be a standing army helping control a portion of space. However, shortly before they were set to be released, a chapter known as the Bronze Templars went dark, and the Eternal Paladins were dispatched to that sector.
Upon arriving in-system, the chapter began to attempt to establish contact, and received no response. When they reached the planet of Oighir, there was no sign of activity at the fortress-monastery known as Mainistir Mara. Several companies were sent down to investigate. The first several levels were completely empty. They eventually discovered damaged walls and other signs of battle, but it seemed to have begun inside the fortress-monastery itself.
A further search discovered what appeared to be a xenos machine. What they did not know was that this was an early encounter with the alien race known as the Necrons. The egress point of the attackers was found in the deepest levels of the keep, where tunnels from under the surface had burst through the ground and assault the chapter from beneath.
Several companies descended through the tunnels and found the killers of the Bronze Templars. A heavy battle began, with the Eternal Paladins taking on this mechanical force. Oighir was what would later become known as a Tomb World, with Necron forces buried and waiting for their time of resurrection. Through study, it was discovered that the planet was an outer colony of a minor dynasty, and much of the Necron machinery had fallen to decay prior to their awakening. Even so, it took many years, and large casualties to root out the last of the menace.
With the planet under control and the threat neutralized, the Eternal Paladins took over stewardship of the fortress-monastery and the planet, making it their new homeworld.
-Imperial Records Incomplete-
The Indomitus Crusade and the Arrival of the Primaris (999.M41)[]
Members of the Eternal Paladins joined Roboute Guilliman's call-to-arms and joined the Indomitus Crusade, where they fought with distinction. Once the Crusade had ended in 111.M42, the members of the chapter who had taken part returned home, along with Primaris Marines meant to help bolster the depleted ranks. While some Firstborn had initial misgivings, Ebal Arvid's words carried great weight, and the new brothers were accepted without conflict.
Crossing the Rubicon Primaris[]
Once it was proven possible by Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines, several Battle Brothers of the Eternal Paladins attempted to cross the Rubicon Primaris, including several high-ranking members, both for the increased capabilities and to help ease the acceptance of the new breed of Space Marines. While many did not survive the process, notable Marines who survived including the Aire Draoithe (Master of Sanctity) Kian Alured and 3rd Tuatha Rófhéinní (Company Captain) Caelan Corr.
Notable Campaigns[]
The Cry of Sorrow Incident (ca. 947.M41)[]
A massive Space Hulk, The Cry of Sorrow, emerged from the Warp near the loyalist Hive World of Kheske. Planetary orbital defenses were deployed, and the ruling body immediately sent out a call for assistance as well. That astropathic call was answered by Eternal Paladins. The Eternal Paladins sent out a force in the Strike Cruiser Focal Dúshlánach, manned by several squads from the 2nd Tuatha, or company, supported by several veteran squads, including Terminators. Captain Murchadh de Barra led the assault, accompanied by Librarian Claney Beamard and Chaplain Pirran Mannix. Upon arriving in the system, the crew of the Focal Dúshlánach approached the Space Hulk. It was determined to be a previously unknown vessel, and no life signs were detected. The Terminators boarded the vessel first via teleport and established a secure position. Once that was done, the rest of the strike force entered via boarding torpedoes.
The Eternal Paladins began to search the vessel, searching for any signs of threats. Suddenly, more vessels emerged from the Warp and began to open fire on the Focal Dúshlánach. The ships were identified as belonging to a Warband of Chaos Space Marines known as The One Truth who had seemingly used the Space Hulk as bait. Though it was outnumbered, the Strike Cruiser fought valiantly, attempting to keep the Warband at bay. Despite their efforts, The One Truth boarded the vessel in force, outnumbering the Adeptes Astartes just as their vessel was outnumbered.
Fighting on board was fierce, and the Eternal Paladins began to suffer heavy casualties. The Focal Dúshlánach began to sustain massive damage as well. Seeing the situation turning against them, the Eternal Paladins sent out a call for assistance.
Within hours of the astropathic choir sending the broadcast, a fellow Space Marine Chapter, the Star Marauders, responded. Two strike cruisers and Gladius escorts arrived. Through careful application of torpedo bombardments, the Star Marauders were able to cripple many of the heretical ships. The combined forces of the two Chapters then finished off much of the Warband’s fleet, but not before they were able to disgorge many of the renegade Marines onto the Space Hulk.
While this was going on outside, the strike force that had entered the Space Hulk fought fiercely, but were slowly being overwhelmed. When news came that another chapter of Astartes had arrived, they fought with renewed vigor, pushing back the forces of the One Truth enough to get some breathing space.
The traitor Astartes of the One Truth retreated deep into the Cry of Sorrow, preventing the Space Marine ships from being able to reach them with bombardment. The Eternal Paladins and Star Marauders dispatched troops to the Hulk to engage them.
The two chapters entered in different locations, and fought their way to each other. The Eternal Paladin’s first encounter with the Star Marauders went poorly however, when one of the Paladins noticed the Marauders were carrying pieces of copper colored armor, specifically helmets. In Oighiran society, the head is considered the house of the soul and is thus sacred, and that belief has filtered into the chapter’s beliefs as well. The other chapter having the helmets of their fallen brethren was seen as sacrilege and nearly brought the two chapters to blows.
The Chapters were able to push past the moment, engaging in an uneasy alliance. They engaged the forces of the One Truth, the two groups of Astartes fighting side-by-side through the massive ship. The fighting was brutal and fierce, lasting nearly three days, and seeing heavy losses from all involved. The Paladins saw many casualties, including Captain Murchadh de Barra. Librarian Claney Beamard was gravely injured, losing his left leg just above the knee when a renegade’s blade hacked through his armor. The Captain of the Star Marauder’s 3rd Company, Oskell, lost his right arm while engaged with the Head Sorcerer of the One Truth, but still managed to slay the traitor while working with the Company Champion of the Eternal Paladins’ 2nd, Áed Domhnaill.
With the death of the Sorcerer, the One Truth was fractured, and the rout was on. Still, it took many hours before the sounds of combat ended. Captain Oskell agreed to hand over the helmets they had taken from the dead Eternal Paladins. Even still, tensions were high, and an insult from Domhnaill resulted in the Marauders not informing the Paladins of other pieces of armor they had salvaged.
Suddenly, Librarian Beamard pushed aside the Apothecary that had been tending his leg and began shouting a warning. He could sense the Warp shifting around the Space Hulk, getting read to claim it again. The Marines had to leave now, or risk being pulled into the Warp with the ship. Astartes for both Chapters began moving as quickly as their augmented bodies would allow, while also aiding the wounded to move, exiting with little fanfare. Aboard their vessel, the Paladins watched as the Space Hulk vanished from the material plane. With a final message of thanks for their assistance sent the Marauders, the Focal Dúshlánach set course for Oighir.
Battle of Uror Micia (Unknown Date.M.42)[]
Responding to vague reports of a Warband of Chaos Space Marines operating in a nearby sector, the Eternal Paladins dispatched a scout force to investigate. The force was led by a Sternguard Veteran squad commanded by Fearghus Ó Raghallaigh. Ó Raghallaigh’s squad travelled to the Death World known as Urori Micia to look for evidence of this Warband.
They discovered an unknown Warband setting up to use the planet as a base of operations. There were numerous cargo containers strewn about a hastily constructed base. The scout force transmitted their information back to the Fortress Monastery of Mainistir Mara. Chapter Master Rúadhán Ó Maolagáin dispatched a force from the 3rd Tuatha lead by Rófhéinní (Captain) Caelan Corr. This force included Intercessor Squad O’Connor, Assault Intercessor Squad Whaleni, Hellblaster Squad Keita, Eradicator Squad Domhnaill, Inceptor Squad Duanei, Chaplain Declan Tull, Judiciar Dáithí Ó Cuillinn, Dreadnought Liam Mac Diarmaid, and a Razorback.
The Eternal Paladins landed north of the makeshift base and set off south to engage the foe. The Assault Intercessors, backed up by Judiciar Ó Cuillinn charged toward the left flank, while the Intercessors and Hellblasters, backed up by Chaplain Tull attacked the right. Captain Corr, the Eradicators, the Dreadnought, and the Razorback pushed toward the middle.
Gunner Taog Donohuei of the Razorback drew first blood, sighting a squad of Chaos Marines through some foliage. The tank unloaded its payload into them, taking out four of the foe. The Warband responded by charging a band of berserkers directly through the Paladin’s line and into the position held by Caelan, the Eradicators, and Dreadnought. One of the Chaos warriors was incinerated by the Dreadnought’s heavy flamer during their charge. The rest reached their objective. Vicious hand-to-hand combat erupted, and the chain axes of the Marauders hacked through the Dreadnought’s tough armor, bringing down the massive Marine. Captain Corr and the Eradicators were able to fight off the rest.
To the east, the Assault Intercessors came under fire by the Warlord’s Chieftain and the remains of the squad that the Razorback had fired on. A Chaos warrior who nearly fled after that assault but had been forced to stay by his Sergeant attempted to overcharge his plasma weapon, only to have it explode in his face, killing him. The Chaos Warlord was able to kill three Assault Intercessors before their combined fire brought him down.
The Razorback advanced through the center of the battlefield, opening fire on a Chaos Sorcerer, wounding him. The Sorcerer fled east, and came across the Assault Intercessor squad. Trying to bring them down, the wounded sorcerer tapped into the Warp, and found that he could not control it. He vanished from the field in a flash.
On the western flank, a Chaos Hellbrute advanced on the Eternal Paladin’s position. Combined fired by Intercessor Squad O’Connor and Hellblaster Squad Keita brought down the brute before it could do any damage. Unfortunately, this left Squad Keita exposed to an approaching squad of Chaos Marines led by a second Sorcerer. This squad gunned down Squad Keita, killing the Hellblasters and gravely wounding Sergeant Aasim Keita. After the Hellblasters fell, the Intercessors and Chaplain Tull engaged the force. Inceptor Squad Duanei plunged from orbit to assist, with Sergeant Finntan Duanei finishing off the Sergeant. The rest of his squad made short work of the Sorcerer.
The final blows of the battle saw another squad of Chas Marines engage the Razorback. Sternguard Veteran Squad Ó Raghallaigh disembarked from the tank, and their combined fire brought down the last of the Chaos Marines.
Following the battle, the Space Marines ransacked the base, destroying everything Chaos touched and leaving the location unusable for future Chaos forces.
-Imperial Records Incomplete-
Chapter Homeworld[]
- "This world was not given to us. We purchased it with our blood, and the blood of our lost brothers. It is ours, and now we belong to it. Nothing and no one will ever remove us from its surface."
- — First Chapter Master Garret Cambades after the defeat of the Evil Seed
Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of Oighir, home of the Eternal Paladins.
Oighir is part of the Scead 10 solar system, located near the boundary of the Ultima Segmentum and the region of space known as the Ghoul Stars. The planet boasts a slightly larger circumference than Terra, with slightly longer days, approximately 26 hours in a standard rotation. There are three small moons that orbit the planet.
Oighir is a planet with a small portion of the surface habitable for humans, but still supporting a native population of about 34 million, with large chunks of the world being covered in ice and snow, and the relatively slight axial tilt keeps the seasons stable so that there is little change in the ice coverage. There are a number of different species of fauna that do live and thrive in the cold, however, including a number of large, bear-like predators.
In the long years between the Dark Age of Technology and the time the planet was brought back into the Imperium, the human society had taken several steps back technologically, settling into the Steel Age. The government had reverted into a feudal society centered on strong family clan groups, with a monarch elected by the clan groups. Prior to the arrival of the Bronze Templars, there had been little to no presence by any branch of the Adeptus Terra.
The chapter does not take direct control of the planetary population unless pressed. Rather, they maintain a stewardship, letting a local governor control the day-to-day operations, at least in appearance. They do closely monitor all goings-on, ensuring that nothing threatens their home or recruiting base.
When the chapter first came to Oighir, they were in for an unpleasant surprise. Unknown to anyone, the planet was a Necron Tomb World. The first chapter of the Adeptes Astartes to land on the world, the Bronze Templars, settled on the planet after having spent most of their existence as a fleet-based chapter. They lived on the surface for years before they accidentally awoke a portion of the xenos threat, and were wiped out nearly to the man. The Eternal Paladins had a long fight to win their home from the then unknown aliens and their ancient claim.
Fortress-Monastery[]
Mainistir Mara is a large, towering structure built near the northern region of the habitable central continent.
Chapter Organisation[]
Like most Codex Astartes-compliant Space Marine Chapters, the Eternal Paladins are comprised of 10 companies, or Tuatha, of around 100 Space Marines each. Each Company is led by a Captain who is also in charge of a particular aspect of the Chapter’s logistics.
The Eternal Paladins order of battles contain some specialist formations and officer ranks not found in other chapters though they largely resemble the Codex Astartes ranks in function if not in title.
Officer Ranks[]
- Rífhéinní - Oighiran for "king hunter-warrior"; Chapter Master equivalent.
- Rófhéinní - (pl. Rófhéinnithe) Oighiran for "supreme hunter-warrior" (a leader of a Tuatha); Captain equivalent.
- Aire Éachta - Oighiran for "lord of slaughter"; Captain of the 8th Company.
- Rígfénnid - Captain of the 10th Company.
- Fearnia - Oighiran term for "man of championship (a champion); Lieutenant equivalent.
Specialist Ranks[]
- Aire Draoithe - Oighiran for "master druid"; Reclusiarch equivalent.
- Draoithe - Oighiran for "druid"; Chaplain equivalent.
- Aire Fiannaí - Oighiran for "master lore keeper"; Chief Librarian equivalent.
- Fiannaí - Oighiran for "keeper of stories or lore keepers"; Librarian equivalent.
- Aire Leigheas - Oighiran for "master healer"; Chief Apothecary equivalent.
- Leigheas - Oighiran for "healer"; Apothecary equivalent.
- Aire Gobha - Oighiran for "master blacksmith"; Master of the Forge equivalent.
- Gobha - Oighiran for "blacksmith"; Techmarine equivalent.
- Anradh - Chapter or Company Champion equivalent.
Line Ranks[]
- Deartháir - Battle-Brother equivalent.
- Scabht - Scout Marine equivalent.
- Glasfhéinní - (pl. Glasfhéinnithe) Oighiran for "green (young) hunter-warrior" (a youthful or untrained hunter-warrior); Aspirant equivalent.
Specialist Formations[]
- Slogadh - Oighiran for "hosting"; Chapter equivalent.
- Tuatha - Company equivalent.
- The Fiann - 10th Company.
- Cuire - Oighiran for "band, troop (of warriors)"; squad equivalent.
- Díbheargaigh - Oighiran for "marauders"; name given to Terminator Squads.
- Ceithearn Tí - Oighiran for "houshold war-band"; Honour Guard equivalent.
- Luch-thonn - Oighiran for "wolf-skin"; Primaris Reivers equivalent.
- Archú - Oighiran for "slaughter-hound", named after the specially trained canines bred and trained for tracking and hunting as well as taking down an enemy; Primaris Vanguard Eliminators equivalent.
- Mic Báis - Oighiran for "sons of death"; a term utilised by the Eternal Paladins when referring to the 'Angels of Death' or Space Marines.
- Fianna Oighiran - Oighiran for "hunter-warrior band of (the men) of Oighir". A term often utilised by the Battle-Brothers of the Eternal Paladins when referring to their Chapter.
Order of Battle[]
Headquarters[]
| Chapter Command | ||||
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| Armoury | Reclusium | Apothecarion | Librarius | |
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Tuatha[]
| Veteran Companies | Battle Companies | |||
| 1st Tuatha | 2nd Tuatha | 3rd Tuatha | 4th Tuatha | 5th Tuatha |
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| Reserve Tactical Companies | Reserve Assault Company | Reserve Devastator Company | Scout Company | |
| 6th Tuatha | 7th Tuatha | 8th Tuatha | 9th Tuatha | The Fiann |
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Chapter Recruitment[]
- "“For this, I leave behind what I knew. For this, the man I was is dead. I am risen anew into this life, and my bond with my brothers will not be sundered.”"
- — A portion of the Oath taken by each Aspirant
The people of Oighir live in tightly-knit kin-groups known as a kenetlom. Members of a family, as defined by the male line in the patriarchal society, live near each other. This is in part due to the inheritance structure. When a father passes, his land and all his belongings are split among his sons. When they marry, the wives move onto this land with them, and the family stays close. If the man dies with no heirs, the land is split among the next closest male relatives. Aspirants to the Eternal Paladins forswear this family, with their battle-brothers (or Deartháirs) of their squad becoming their new kin-group. Because of this, each company is known as a tuatha, the term used for a clan of several kin-groups. As such, once an Aspirant is chosen, they are considered dead to their family and their land and possessions are then divided among their relatives.
Partially due to the fact that the chapter becomes the new kin-group, Eternal Paladins retain some cultural traits from Oighir society. Most notably, the way they paint their face before going into battle, and the fact that their Chaplains are referred to as Druids. Their scout company bears the name used in Oighir society for a warrior group of landless men, known as a Fiann. Another cultural trait carried through is the importance of telling stories, often through song.
Local warriors paint their faces in their tuatha or kin-group colors. The Deartháirs carry on this tradition and will emblazon their face with the color of their company or other Imperial symbology before going to war. While the local populace will use a variety of pigments in their war paint, the Deartháirs of the Eternal Paladins use a specific material in theirs that is only available in a remote, frozen part of the planet. Acquiring this ingredient is part of the trials all Aspirants must face, as they are sent into the frozen landscape with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a knife. If they can survive the harsh environment for the several day journey and return with their prize, they are granted the right to wear the colors.
Chapter Beliefs[]
When dealing with anyone outside the Chapter, the Eternal Paladins display the cold, taciturn nature that is common among the heirs of Rogal Dorn, but in private are a close-knit lot with a much more jovial nature than would be imagined by outsiders.
The chapter holds a special hatred for the Necrons due to their dealings with them at the very inception of the chapter. Though they did not know the name of their enemy in the beginning, once the Necrons emerged into the universe at large, the Eternal Paladins focused on the complete annihilation with great fervor of the Necrons.
The Eternal Paladins have a strong oral tradition, carrying on songs and tales of those that came before, honoring the fallen and heroes of the chapter’s past. These litanies are often performed in ritual that ends with the inclusion of Rogal Dorn, as the Eternal Paladins are proud sons of Dorn, and the Emperor himself, who they revere as the gene-father of the Adeptes Astartes but not a god.
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
As genetic sons of the Imperial Fists, the Eternal Paladins share their genetic stability and flaws. As such, they lack the Betcher's Gland and the Sus-an membrane, so the battle-brothers cannot create corrosive spittle or enter life-saving hibernation.
Primarch's Curse: Death Before Dishonour[]
The Eternal Paladins share their progenitor's genetic inheritance, benefiting from its blessings as well as suffering from its shortcomings. Perhaps because of his dedication, Dorn was devastated when the Emperor fell, and shouldered far more than his fair share of the blame. He cast himself into a crusade of redemption that only ended in the terrible crucible of the Iron Cage, re-forging the Legion in the bloody furnace of war. Dorn's glorious legacy lives on through the Imperial Fists and it's successors, but so too does his curse. This usually occurs in three levels:
- Level 1 (Suffer Not Failure) - The Battle-Brother believes himself deficient in some manner, whether real or imagined, and becomes truculent and obstructive when ordered to redeploy in the face of a stronger foe. When acting as a squad leader or Deathwatch Kill-Team leader, he makes demands of his squad that others might consider unreasonable, and views any disagreement as outright disobedience.
- Level 2 (Beware Hubris) - The Battle-Brother spends his every waking moment brooding on past battles, seeking even the slightest flaw in his own deeds, and those of others. While he stops short of outright criticism of his Battle-Brothers, he condemns his own actions as falling short of the example set by his Primarch, and seeks to redeem himself in the fires of battle.
- Level 3 (None Are Flawless) - The Battle-Brother obsessively reviews every detail of every mission he takes part in, finding fault with his own actions and those of his squad. He becomes withdrawn, maudlin and confrontational, and unwilling to accept or issue any order that does not result in imminent battle.
Like their fore-bearers, the Eternal Paladins will sometimes engage in self-castigation exercises related to this trait. They do not have a device equal to the Pain Glove used by the Imperial Fists. Rather, the Battle-Brother will trudge nearly nude into the frozen wastes near the Fortress Monastery, kneel in the ice and snow, and subject himself to the bitter cold.
Chapter Combat Doctrine[]
- "I have planted my feet upon this ground, and I will not move. I am the rock, the shield upon which your line breaks. Come test this, filth, and see my resolve."
- —Deartháir Áed Domhnaill, Champion of the 2nd Tuatha
Much like the Imperial Fist from whom they draw their gene-seed, the Eternal Paladins are known as masters of defensive strategies and technologies. Members of their chapter are expert armorers, and their equipment is maintained at a very high standard.
The chapter has few fast strike options, as the geography of their homeworld makes training with bikes a challenge. The Deartháirs of the chapter do not see this as a drawback, however, as they prefer using slower, more heavily armored vehicles.
Deathwatch Service[]
One area that the chapter veers far from the path of their progenitors is in their service to the Deathwatch. The Eternal Paladins have sent battle-brothers to serve with the Deathwatch, as they are honor-bound to do, but it is often with great reluctance, due to the chapter’s strained relations with the Inquisition. Those that do go, typically only serve a single vigil.
Notable Space Marines[]
- Bearach Ó Flannail - First Master of Sanctity. Instrumental in rooting out the Evil Seed. At one point, the offensive into the Necron lair beneath the surface was stalling out, but Bearach rallied the Marines to break through the enemy defenses. He was personally responsible for the destruction of many Necrons before being brought down after striking a major blow against their Lord.
- Dreadnought Ebal Arvid - Deep inside the fortress-monastery of Mainistir Mara, the Eternal Paladins found the only survivor of the Bronze Templars. Ebal had been entombed in a Dreadnought, and his battle-brothers had not had time to awaken him during the Necrons surprise attack. How he managed to avoid being destroyed by the xenos is uncertain. Upon awakening, Ebal was distraught at the loss of his brothers and desired to seek an honorable death. After much convincing, and wreaking great vengeance upon the Necrons who had slain his chapter, Ebal was convinced to remain as part of the Eternal Paladin chapter, and has served with distinction, as well as providing great wisdom when called upon. It was this wisdom, and the reminder that the chapter had previously accepted such an outsider, that helped smooth the entry of the Primaris reinforcements into the Paladins ranks as well, avoiding the majority of conflict their arrival caused among other chapters.
- Declan Tull - Druid associated with the third Tuatha. Declan was left at the fortress-monastery as an infant and was raised within its walls.
- Áed Domhnaill - Long-time champion of the second Tuatha. Brash, he does not hesitate to speak his mind, even at times when he should be silent, such as when he insulted the First Captain of the Star Marauders when that chapter aided the Eternal Paladins in a conflict with The One Truth. Áed has competed in the Feast of Blades, getting further than any member of the Paladins before him, and vows to continue working on his skills until he can be the first of the chapter to reach the final round and win.
- Lorcan Byrne - A veteran of the First Tuatha who was the rare Eternal Paladin to spend more than one watch serving with the Death Watch. An expert in heavy weaponry, he often served the role of heavy specialist in both Death Watch and chapter kill teams.
Chapter Fleet[]
The Eternal Paladins maintain a fleet of warships. The fleet is known to contain the following:
- Sciath Oighir (Shield of Oighir) - Battle Barge -
- Túr an Fhéadfadh (Tower of Might) - Battle Barge -
- Claíomh Fada (Long Sword) - Strike Cruiser
- Focal Dúshlánach (Defiant Word) - Strike Cruiser
- Scian Géar (Sharp Knife) - Gladius Frigate
- Lámh Láidir (Strong Arm) - Destroyer
- 18 Escorts
- 40 Thunderhawk gunships
Chapter Appearance[]
Chapter Colours[]
The Eternal Paladins wear copper power armor with green shoulder badge and knee with a silver Aquila or Imperialis on the chest.
Nominally adhering to the tenets of the Codex Astartes, the Eternal Paladins indicate which company each of their Deartháirs belongs to by the color of the trim on their pauldrons, though they use some slight variations - 1st Company (black); 2nd Company (yellow); 3rd Company (red); 4th Company (green); 5th Company (black), ect.
Chapter insignia is displayed on the left pauldron. The squad’s tactical role is either displayed on the right pauldron or the right knee. A High Gothic numeral denoting squad number is worn on either the super-imposed on the right pauldron or left knee.
The rank of sergeant is denoted by a green helmet with a black skull centered on it.
Veteran status is denoted by a white helmet.
A Veteran sergeant wears a green helmet with a white stripe and a black skull centered on it.
Lieutenants wear a green helmet with two stripes, one white and the other the color of their Tuatha and a black skull centered on it.
Company Champions helmets and the upper half of their right shoulder pauldrons are the color of their Tuatha.
Chapter Badge[]
The chapter badge is a clenched silver fist encircled by silver bolts of lightning.
Chapter Relics[]
- Nóralltach - Nóralltach ("Great Fury") is a relic thunder hammer that had belonged to one of the Bronze Templars. It was found with the head lodged in the dead shell of a Necron Lychguard, the handle shattered. The hammer was fitted with a new, master-crafted handle, and now the hammer is wielded by the chapter master as a reminder of what could happen if the chapter is not eternally vigilant.
- Spiorad Olc - Spiorad Olc (Evil Spirit) is the head of the Necron Lord who led the xenos forces buried beneath Oighir. It was one of the few physical remnants of the xenos army that remained after they were defeated, most other remains disappearing. Placed within the center of the relic hall, where all can see and be reminded of their bitter foe.
- Clogad Íonachta - Clogad Íonachta (helmet of purity) is the helmet used and worn by Pirran Mannix, the first Master of Sanctity of the chapter. Pirran was instrumental in the uprooting of the Evil Seed, bringing much destruction to the mechanical foe, turning the tide of a particularly vicious encounter. Though he died in the battle, his legend lives on in the dark visage of his helmet. Each time a Druid ascends to the post, he is gifted this holy relic.
- An Éisteoir - An Éisteoir (the listener) is a heavily modified Auspex scanner specifically attuned for detecting Necron signatures.
Allies[]
Last Wall Chapters[]
The Eternal Paladins were created after the only implementation of the Last Wall Protocol, but are ready to stand by their brothers should the fate of the Empire ever grow dire enough for the sons of Dorn to be called together once again.
Theratera[]
When the world of Theratera came under heavy attack by an Ork Waaagh!, the Eternal Paladins came to their aid. As thanks for their assistance, a bond was forged between the world and the chapter. Because of this, the noble houses of Theratera will often send sons with little prospect, either due to low ranking or some other reason, to become initiates in the Eternal Paladins.
Celestial Lions[]
The Eternal Paladins have friendly relations with most of the other successors of the Imperial Fists, but forged a strong bond with the Celestial Lions. Seeing this chapter driven to the near brink of extinction, particularly after the way they had earned their home, had a profound affect on the Paladins.
Harlequins[]
The Eternal Paladins have, at times, found themselves reluctant allies of Harlequins wearing the Masque of the Dreaming Sorrow given their shared hatred of the Necrons. These have only been momentary truces of convenience, and the two groups have come to blows at other times, sometimes even immediately before or after these temporary alliances.
The Star Marauders[]
Another Chapter of the Adeptes Astartes, the Star Marauders are a fleet based Chapter that has fought alongside the Eternal Paladins. Initially, there was a class of cultures, but the Chapters have worked out their differences and come to each other's aid in times of distress.
Enemies[]
Necrons[]
Icon of the Necrons.
While they battle any and all enemies of the Imperium, the Eternal Paladins hold a special hatred for the Necrons due to their early encounters. This hatred is driven to even greater heights whenever Dreadnought Ebal Arvid is activated for battle, since he is the last surviving member of the Bronze Templars.
There is a special hatred for the Necrons known as The Flayed Ones, who they refer to as the Sluagh, spirits of the restless dead who were unwelcome in either Heaven or Hell and were said to steal the souls of the dying.
Inquisition[]
Icon of the Inquisition.
The Eternal Paladins considered the Celestial Lions to be strong allies. They did not find out the truth of what happened to the Lions during the Third War for Armageddon until later on. Since then, they have harbored an immense dislike and distrust of the Inquisition. They learned the lesson of the Lions and do not stand in open opposition of the organization, but they are always mysteriously slow to respond if called upon, or orders from the Inquisition never reach their intended destination for unknown reasons.
The One Truth[]
The One Truth is a Warband of Chaos Space Marines devoted to Tzeentch. The Eternal Paladins have clashed with the Warband on a number of occasions. The One Truth maintains that the only truth in the universe is change, and seem to find the name of the Eternal Paladins to be a point of contention.
Notable Quotes[]
By the Eternal Paladins[]
- "The Harlequins are hitting the Necrons on the left flank."
- "Sir, do you really trust those xenos?"
"Not as far as I can throw them, but they have their uses."
- "That's actually a respectable distance. They look like featherweights and I’ve seen you throw things."
"Not helpful, Lieutenant."- — A conversation overheard between 3rd Company Captain Caelan Corr and Lieutenant Niall Ó Ruairc
- "I understand you meant no disrespect. That you even considered it to be honoring the slain. But if you ever remove the helm of one of my brother’s again, I swear it will be the last thing you touch with those hands."
- — Áed Domhnaill, Champion of the 2nd Tuatha, to the Captain of the Star Marauders 3rd Company
About the Eternal Paladins[]
- "“Eternal Paladins?" The very name reeks of hubris. Nothing in the universe is eternal, least of all you. Space Marines come and go. Chapters are born, and chapters die. Your corpse Emperor will eventually rot to nothing and be gone. There is one truth, one thing that stands forever, and that is change. See, I can change your Chapter right now."
- —Chaos Space Marine of The One Truth to an Eternal Paladins battle-brother before killing him
- "Your threats, while unnecessary, are no doubt understandable. My men will not touch your helmets. But be warned, cousin, some of my brothers are not as restrained as I. Do not be surprised if one demands satisfaction in the dueling arena."
- —3rd Captain Orskell of the Star Marauders, in response to Áed Domhnaill
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