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- "Your presumptions of our brotherhood can wait, Inquisitor, traitors await the Emperor's judgement."
- — Lord Commander Nuruodo Corvinus, an early Chapter Master of the Knight Wardens.
The Knight Wardens are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Created during the 5th Founding, supposedly from the lineage of the ancient and heroic Salamanders Chapter, the Knight Wardens have stood as stalwart guardians for the Imperium of Man, against all enemies - from without or within.
Chapter History[]
Founding[]
Official records hold that the ancient and powerful Knight Wardens Chapter were created in the 5th Founding from the Salamanders. They were founded at the direct request of the Salamander's then Chapter Master, apparently being one of the last orders given to him in M32 by Vulkan himself, before the Primarch's official "death" in the War of the Beast. Rather unusually, Astartes from multiple chapters, led by the Salamanders, were hand-picked to train the new chapter. The Salamanders influence imparted the characteristic obsession with the crafting and artifice of weapons of war. Thus it is common for the Knight Wardens to maintain, refine and customize their power armor and weapons, with Techmarines and Artificers often working to improve chapter vehicles and experiment. Additionally, unlike their genesires, who prefer to use promethium as an answer to every problem, the Knight Wardens, developed a noticeable preference for close combat warfare, stealth and naval actions over their long history.
Their favorism for close combat only became more pronounced after they claimed Tarnost as their homeworld. The rapid influx of medieval Tarnostian recruits during that time quickly developed the chapter's now trademark brutality with medieval style weapons in close combat shock assaults. Thus, these technologically advanced smiths of death are a cultural fusion of the ways of Vulkan and their feudal home. However, this fusion did gift one quality that is clearly a double-edged sword; the Knight Wardens are stubborn. Their homeworld's cultural influence of high personal expectations, coupled with the superhuman expectations of an Astartes, has made them extremely intolerant of failure due to weakness or lack of initiative. This has created issues with other Imperial forces, such as Space Marine chapters who are more forgiving of normal humans, but especially with less effective Astra Militarum regiments. The Knight Wardens are known on at least two occasions, to have come under direct Inquisitorial investigation for executing an Astra Militarum commander and his senior commissar for "dereliction of duty."
On both occasions, the Knight Warden Captain claimed the senior commissar was too weak to see that their local commander failed the Emperor. He argued the Astra Militarum commander's lack of initiative in leadership cost lives and critically threated the defense of the Imperium. Their dark reputation for brutality in close combat and unusual appearance certainly has not helped to diffuse such situations. While these investigations have never found any evidence of taint and often been mysteriously stonewalled by higher echelons of the Inquisition, the Knight Warden's bullish expectations have strained their relationship with some factions of the Inquisition and other Imperial forces, continuing to draw unwanted questions throughout their history. As a result, some Imperial forces welcome them as especially staunch scions of the Emperor's judgement, while others view their new allies with wary suspicion and even fear. Regardless, the Knight Wardens have made it quite clear that they care little how other Imperials view them, for they are the Angels of Death who answer only to the Golden Throne.
The Murder of the Stars[]
The [REDACTED] sector had been conquered early in the Great Crusade and seen sporadic naval skirmishes during the Horus Heresy. One of its forgotten worlds, an inhospitable desert planet, was once orbited by the barren moon of Thrago, later also called Midnight. Thrago was the chosen as the site of the fortress-monastery, named Midnight, for a new Astartes chapter known as the Knight Wardens to begin their watch over the Imperium. The homeworlds of Astartes, even young chapters, are robust fortresses and a grave challenge to any invaders. But few fortresses are built to expect an assault from under the ancient earth they stand upon....
In 813.M32, there was a great quake across the moon of Midnight creating chasms in the earth and great underground caverns, previously unknown and hidden from auspex, were revealed. Three days later small, strange, metallic scarab-like creatures began to be spotted near these new geologic formations, followed days later by reports of "walking skeletons." Fearing that some Chaotic corruption had befallen their world, the Knight Wardens sent out scout squads to investigate, but none returned. Within 2 weeks the security monitors placed across the moon beyond the fortress-monastery all went dead. With the half the chapter away on assignment and the homeworld under threat, the Chapter Master had had enough. Finally full Astartes were sent out on patrol to identify the obvious threat only to find ancient tombs of unknown design in the recently revealed caverns of Midnight. Soon, these patrols began to be ambushed as metallic skeletons and scarabs rose from the depths of the moon, forcing rapid retreats. The outskirts of the fortress-monastery began to be plagued by raids from these new enemies, but then came the horde, thousands of metallic horrors spawned from once quite emptiness. More legions emerged from enormous, mobile pyramids from which leapt green beams of death. The Knight Wardens were now under full assault from the unknown denizens of their own domain. As the garrison fought a fierce defense, the companies deployed across the Imperium were sent a single urgent message:
"Midnight, this world is a tomb, its prisoners have arisen, even now the hour may be too late. Return immediately! Defend the Chapter!" - Lord Commander Knight Wardens
As the rest of the chapter, spread thin across the stars, raced home, those garrisoned fought a disciplined, but desperate defense. They were overwhelmingly outnumbered and outgunned, and it seemed to make little difference how many enemies they defeated. They had destroyed thousands of the damned metal constructs, but more came, led on the second day by a massive pyramid-like structure bristling with weaponry. After two days the battered Knight Wardens were already reduced to less than 200 battle-ready Astartes pushed by the enemy to the inner security surrounding the chapter vaults containing their gene-seed, relics and armory. On the third day, at dawn, the great constructed loomed perilously close to the final defenses. Left with their last stand, the Lord Commander took the advise of Relusiarch Knight Wardens, the destruction of the largest xenos pyramid construct might be their only chance to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. As the remaining chapter armored vehicles and Devastators concentrated all their fire on the glowing center of the construct, it the aforementioned behemoth began to crack, only to be repaired by the scarab-like creatures. However, at last the chapter's dispersed companies began to return to Midnight. As they dislodged their precious reinforcements, the Lord Commander ordered an concentrated orbital bombardment of the great xenos pyramid. The sky rained with fire and the xenos' greatest construct finally shattered, scarab-like creatures falling in great numbers from its cracks. Astartes drop pods hammered into the earth near the last defenders, helping to hold the line, reclaim the wounded, and secure gene-seed.
But the Astartes knew not what they had unleashed, no longer trapped in its prison, a unidentified, multicolored, flame-like Entity emerged from the ruins of the behemoth, a spectre seemingly unaffected by any punishment hurled against it. The enemy appeared to fear this new horror, the scarab-like creatures frantically attempting to rebuild their great pyramid. Thinking quickly, the Lord Commander ordered the chapter honor guard, Relusiarch, First Captain and Master Vigilator to lead a fighting evacuation, transporting the vaults contents and as many Astartes as possible to the fleet. He would distract the enemy by personally leading a small handful of Battle-Brothers, including a few veterans, to assault the xenos Entity. The chapter officers and honor guard immediately protested, but the Lord Commander simply stated:
"You represented the heart and future of the Knight Wardens, I am not, if any of our brotherhood are to survive and rebuild, it must be you."
Concluding, the Lord Commander gave the Sword of the Drake, the symbol of his office, to First Captain Knight Wardens, asserting that he had proven a worthy successor and ordering him to find the Knight Wardens a future. His brothers solemnly accepted his cold, but sound judgement, vowing to hold and ensure the chapter survived as long as any warrior drew breath.
The Entity dispensed destruction at all around it, energy lept from its sceptre, a sword slashed, and flame pulsed from an orb, xenos or Astartes made no difference to this terrible creature. It reshaped the earth of the moon at will, used the very geography as a weapon, the terrain cracking and changing unlike anything the Astartes had seen or heard of. The Knight Wardens answered with the Lord Commander's charge, fighting to close with the Entity, the xenos skeleton-like creatures simultaneously shifting their focus to trying to prevent the Astartes from reaching the entity and attempting to contain its fury. In the ensuing chaos, most of the strike group were killed, martyrs to their brethren, but for a few, including the Lord Commander, who made it to the Entity. As the last of his brothers fell covering him, Lord Commander Knight Wardens faced down The Baneful Entity. It shaped the earth to shield itself from his blows, before lifting him up and impaling him before its cruel three eyed glare. But he had baited the creature, doubting he would survive this final charge, he held up and detonated a rare vortex grenade, before using his final breath to grant himself the Emperor's Mercy with the last round of his bolt pistol.
The Baneful Entity, the would be murderer of his chapter let loose what could only be described as an ancient, strange howl as it and several surrounding xenos were enveloped by the Warp. The small but destructive tear in reality expanded, it magnified the geological devastation wrought by the Entity. As the Astartes quickly retreated to their fleet, the moon of Midnight began to shatter, great pieces swallowed by the Warp rift, along with the xenos hordes. Within a few hours, the Warp rift created by the vortex grenade that doomed the creature, finally collapsed into itself and was no more. All that was left of Midnight, was a scarred crescent, thin by comparison to the original moon, still in its lonely orbit. The ground that remained showed some evidence of the cataclysmic battle, its surface cracked and scorched, with a handful of remaining broken metallic pieces, most of the xenos having been consumed by the Warp rift or the Entity. But perhaps most striking among the wreckage that remained, was the inner sanctum of the fortress-monastery of Midnight. Unknown to all, when the Lord Commander claimed a new weapon from the armory for his final charge, he also initiated an hidden, timed, Archeotech shielding system. It seemed that his final sacrifice had bought just enough time for the system to activate, projecting a protective gellar shield around the inner sanctum of the fortress, and had by some miracle allowed this section of the fortress to survive the moon's destruction.
The leadership and sacrifice of the Lord Commander of the Knight Wardens had managed to save their chapter, but at great cost, some 700 Battle-Brothers lost, a chapter master dead, a fortress-monastery in ruins, and their homeworld dead. Of the few neophytes to survive, each were deemed to have earned the right to their initiation, and underwent to conversion into full Astartes. The new Lord Commander, former First Captain [REDACTED[, was confirmed by his brothers and it was he who reached out to the Salamanders for aid in their chapter's hour of need. The creature they faced would become known in their histories as "The Baneful Entity," while the cataclysmic events that doomed their world would be officially referred to as "The Murder of the Stars." The Knight Wardens fallen would be honored as "The Hallowed Ones," with Lord Commander Knight Wardens remembered as "The Knight-Exemplar of Thrago," after which the chapter's Knight-Exemplar formation was later named.
Securing the Future[]
The cataclysmic events at Thrago created a chapter that was shaken by tragedy, but instilled a deep cultural loyalty within the Knight Wardens Astartes brotherhood. Even now, each battle-brother strives to live up to the example of the heroes that sacrificed their lives such another might take their place as a Knight Warden and scion of the Emperor's vision for humanity. With the loss of so many brothers, the Knight Wardens were left with little choice but to call for aid from the chapter that sired them, the Salamanders, though they also reached out to the Inquisition, seeking to determine what xenos had assailed them.
The first Imperials to make contact with the wounded chapter after The Murder of the Stars was, naturally, the Inquisition, in the form of the Ordo Xenos with representatives of the Adeptus Mechanicus as well. They recorded the events and collected evidence with exacting detail before ordering the matter sealed under their writ and swearing the chapter to secrecy regarding this new foe. The Knight Wardens were forever charged with securing Thrago as a forbidden sector. It was later determined that The Murder of the Stars was likely one of the earliest Imperial encounters with the Necron race, this unknown Tomb World likely awakening sooner than intended. It is also the earliest known Imperial encounter both with a Transcendent C'tan and, specifically, what is believed to be a shard of Yggra'nya the World Shaper.
Next were the Salamanders, who had heard the Knight Warden's call for assistance, the sons of Vulkan responded with the empathy their chapter is known for. Being the only Imperials outside the Ordo Xenos and AdMech to hear what had happened at Thrago, the Salamanders sent the Knight Wardens a unusual gift. Their emissary, a chapter Ancient [REDACTED], at the instruction of his chapter master, provided the Knight Wardens with coordinates to a sector of space and simply stated "the Salamanders have deemed that the Knight Wardens must survive. Go, seek the stars, they present a past future." It was far from Thrago, far from anything familiar to the Knight Wardens, but the Ancient's ominously hopeful statement spurred them to investigate. During this time, the now fleet-based chapter engaged in many battles in defense of the Imperium and developed a well honed talent for naval combat, especially incorporating boarding actions.
Several Terran decades after The Murder of the Stars, the Adeptus Mechanicus returned with a certain Inquisitor Lawford, unannounced to the Knight Wardens. The Adeptus Mechanicus raised the damaged core of the Knight Warden's former fortress-monastery from the dead moon, to begin rebuilding it into a mobile starfort, similar to a Ramilies class. The Inquisitor informed the chapter this unexpected aid was repayment for the research provided by the xenos matter scavenged from the battle and to ensure they could properly secure the now forbidden sector. He had one last item for the chapter, revealing a Adeptus Mechanicus case containing a broad-bladed long sword, its scabbard, grip, guard and pommel decorated with effigies of lions, horns, talons and fangs. When unsheathed, the true mastery of craftsmanship was revealed, the uniquely decorated powersword had a green-hued razor-sharp blade of perfect quality, able to cut through any material or parry attacks with ease, its energized properties making it nearly impossible to damage. Apparently, the smiths of the Mechanicum had forged this new blade, the first of its kind, from some of the physical remains of the xenos of Midnight, with the decoration done by the Salamanders. The Knight Wardens graciously accepted the blade, which became the new, and now famous, weapon of the Lord Commander, christening it "The Edge of Midnight." As as the Adepts of the Mechanicus began the redesign process, Inquisitor Lawford made one other visit before leaving, an inspection of The Chamber of Silence...
A Bond of Chivalry & Brotherhood[]
In M33, a task force of Knight Wardens encountered a strike force of the Iron Knights Chapter, that had become trapped on the planet Voldrun. The Iron Knights had besieged the traitorous governor who had fortified the capital hive city, only to be ambushed on all sides by the Alpha Legion. Analysis of the Alpha Legion's attacks showed they appeared to be operating out of three locations, a hidden bunker, the spaceport and governor's offices. The Knight Wardens had studied the reputation of all the traitor legions and knew the only way defeat this snake would be to sever all its heads at once. So they struck fast and hard at the bunker and spaceport, while a terminator assault would simultaneously hit the governor's offices, all of them with the objective of killing any and all enemy leaders. There was no warning of their brutal assault, only a brief message to their fellow Astartes cousins that "The Wardens will not see another chapter face ruin without aid." This assault created a brief disarray in the Alpha Legion ambush, one that the Iron Knights exploited to collect their wounded, extract the dead's geneseed, fall back and regroup. The presence of the deceitful Alpha Legion on the planet proved it was already lost, so the Angels of Death pulled back to their fleet and commenced an exterminatus, purging the fallen world.
The Iron Knights did not recognize their saviors, for there are hundreds of Astartes chapters and it is impossible for each to be familiar with all the others. Iron Knights Force Commander August Bordeaux invited these mysterious Knight Wardens' commander, a certain High Justicar Kadon, aboard his strike cruiser. The formal first meeting of two Astartes chapters is a momentous occasion, and this was no different. Honor guards surrounded the officers as they met in the hangar, Iron Knights Terminators and a new elite formation of the Knight Wardens, Knight-Exemplars. As a sign of respect, Force Commander Bordeaux removed his helm in the presence of the Reclusiarch, and was surprised not just by the gesture being returned, but by the face that greeted him, of deep blue-ish skin and studious red eyes. The ancient High Justicar introduced his chapter and when asked of their homeworld, his eyes filled with sorrow, stating only that it had been lost at great cost in "The Murder of the Stars," of which he was a veteran, and that he was sworn to say no more. Bordeaux offered his sympathies, stating that the Iron Knights would pray for the Knight Wardens ancient fallen with their own, and that those martyrs would be proud that their chapter lived to save another at Voldrun. He admitted that the unexpected intervention of the Knight Wardens may have robbed the Iron Knights of the honor of executing the traitor leadership, but it certainly saved the strike force, which was otherwise doomed to be slaughtered by the treachery of the Alpha Legion. The Iron Knights force commander was grateful for the aid, though he was humbled that it was needed and at the loss of so many of his brothers. As the chapters parted, Bordeaux proclaimed he would speak well of the Knight Warden's honor and skill to his chapter master, for the Iron Knights now owed their fellow chapter a debt. High Justicar Kadon simply replied "strike with fury, defend with conviction brother."
Thus the Knight Wardens returned to the stars, ever hunting and earning many battle honors in the name of the Emperor and Mankind. But the loss of their homeworld so early had left the Knight Wardens with a need to build a strong cultural core that was not anchored solely in tragedy.
A Past Future[]
In late M33, the fleet of the Knight Wardens' campaigns in defense of the Imperium finally led it to the star sector provided to them decades ago by the Salamanders. It appeared to be a relatively quite sector with little presence of any kind; only a handful of worlds had any sentient population at all, mostly isolated groups of low-tech humans, Eldar Exodites, or feral Ork tribes. A single world among them had a more stable population, though how the feudal world of Tarnost, with its late medieval Terran technology, had managed to survive into M33 without direct Imperial governance was baffling.
The Path of the Chimera: Origin of a Myth[]
Knight Wardens Iconography
Era Indomitus[]
The Last March of Midnight[]
Chapter Home World: Tarnost[]
Within the larger galaxy, the local conflicts of the late medieval population of Tarnost goes mostly unnoticed. The planet exists in a constant state of feudal tension and battle, both between noble houses and the fierce creatures of the planet.
There biological toughness and fierce warrior culture make them surprisingly good recruits as potential Astartes. When the Knight Wardens first set foot on Tarnost, their presence shocked the locals. The locals gazed up at these towers as though they were gods, true Angels of Death, but...with an eye as though they were expected...Only in time, would the Knight Wardens reflect differently on the moment they claimed the people of Tarnost as their own. Since that first encounter, the warriors of Tarnost constantly battle not only for their noble houses, but for the notice of the Angels of Death and Emperor of Mankind, for the best of their youth are chosen to join the ever watchful Knight Wardens. These neophytes, should they survive the trials and implantation process, emerge with an appearance that is striking even among Astartes, giants with blue skin and amber red eyes.
Fortress-Monastery: Fides Sanctus[]
The Chapter's fortress-monastery, Fides Sanctus, "Sacred Loyalty," was originally built deep into the rock of Thrago, being rebuilt after the moon's destruction into a heavily modified and enlarged Ramilies-class Starfort by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Fides Sanctus typically keeps vigil over Tarnost alongside a portion of the chapter fleet, but rarely it has been brought to battle to turn the tide in the most dire conflicts, when all seems lost. The chapter called upon the debt and friendship with the Iron Knights Chapter, an Imperial Fists Successor Chapter and master of fortifications, to assist with its reconstruction. The Knight Wardens would continually leverage favorable agreements and trades with material rich Imperial worlds and the Adeptus Mechanicus to provide the needed supplies. It would seem the Knight Wardens' obsession with artifice went to its greatest heights with regard to their new home. Over the millennia, they have continued to expand upon the mighty vessel, slowly transforming their already impressive fortress-monastery into a truly gargantuan citadel with firepower most admirals could only dream of. The vessel is now a labyrinth of passages, halls, libraries, armories, manufactorums and vaults, including hidden, highly secure spaces known to a select few of the chapter. In this colossal effort, the Knight Wardens have used ancient and hidden depots of the Azure Chimeras, discovered in their long journeys, as the keystones of entirely new sections of the massive starfort. The mighty starfort is capable of servicing the chapter fleet and includes several forges for all their war material, in addition to its own fearsome arsenal. It is said that every addition made after its original reconstruction was designed principally by the Knight Wardens and built by mindless servitors, keeping its designs shielded from outsiders. Indeed, even the Inquisitors inspecting the The Chamber of Silence, must now be escorted; as sojourner or invader alike would quickly become lost in Fides Sanctus' maze. Only the Knight Wardens themselves have kept an updated schematic of the vessel, kept secure in its hidden halls. Everything but its most secret spaces are studied by its Battle-Brothers, such that only they may ever master the secrets or defense of their sacred home.
The March of Angels[]
The Great Hall of the fortress-monastery; whether it be for war, celebration or tribulation, this is the primary gathering space for great events involving large numbers of Battle-Brothers. The chapter leadership is seated at a large crescent shaped table at the head of the hall, while all others, from Battle-Brother to Captain, sit together at enormous long tables just below. Apprentices are typically seated at unique table immediately at the foot of the chapter headquarters table, proximity to the chapter leaders providing silent inspiration and reminding them that while they are not yet Astartes, this is the brotherhood they aspire to be worthy of. The Great Hall is also large enough to include the chapter Dreadnoughts if desired, as well as sizeable assemblies of guests. Due to his duties, the Captain serving as Marshal of the Stellar Marches has an office and private quarters just off The Great Hall. As this is often the 3rd Captain, the barracks of the 3rd Company are adjacent.
The Abbey of Midnight[]
Home to the Reclusiam and offices of the chapter Chaplains. While the office of the High Justicar and some of most prized relics are kept here, many of the other relics of the chapter are kept in hidden vaults or secured galleries of the smaller chapels throughout the vessel.
Halls of Trial[]
A collection of the primary training halls of the chapter, located just off The March of Angels. The Apprentice barracks are adjacent to it, while the 10th Captain, Master Vigilator, has an office and private quarters at its far end.
The Asylums of Rhodes, Cyprus & Malta[]
Referencing the ancient Terran knightly order from which the chapter's apothecary order takes its name, The Asylums are in fact hidden within the fortress-monastery in order to better protect its precious gene-seed vaults. All Battle-Brothers have of course memories where these three primary apothecarions are located, but it remains a closely guarded secret with the most advanced protection on the entire vessel. Outsiders would never realize that if they happen to cross specific intersections of the starforts main hallways, they are actually walking on top of the apothecarions. Even within the already hidden apothecarions, hidden passages connect separately to several secret vaults across the vessel safely housing their gene-seed stocks. The Primus Hospitalier has an office within The Asylum of Rhodes, the principle apothecarion operating room with a separate laboratory. Secondary, backup apothecarions with smaller operating rooms for emergencies do exist across the vessel, but they are not connected to the secret passages as The Asylums are.
The Ascent of Shadow[]
The tallest tower on the central structure of the fortress-monastery is a black and blue spire detailed with silver in such a fashion as appear as though it hides its own scale within deep shadows, while casting its own over a commanding view. Within are the personal offices, armories and quarters of the Lord Commander and Seneschal, The Chimera's Sanctum and Chamber of the Exemplar respectively. These areas also include private access to many to many of the starfort's secret passage ways, although with additional secret protocols. The lower portion of the spire, The Atrium of Thrago, also called "The Crescent Hall" due to its arrangement, contains the personal quarters, armory and training halls of the chapter honor guard, The Brethren of the Crescent. The Centurion, the Captain of the Guard, also has an office on its upper level. The walls of the central "crescent hall" of the atrium are inscribed with the names of prior Brethren in black upon pearled marble. The tower also includes the primary command room for the starfort with total control over almost every part of the vessel and is regularly used to coordinate the chapters overall disposition and strategy. Given its importance, it is one of the most heavily protected sections of the fortress-monastery with numerous automated defenses and traps.
Cisterns of Faith[]
Cloisters found across the mighty vessel which serve as private spaces for Battle-Brothers to confide in matters of faith with their Chaplains. Each cistern connects to one of the many chapels spread through the starfort.
The Great Forge[]
The primary manufactorum and armory aboard the starfort, which also houses the office of the Lord Alchemancer. It includes a meeting hall for the chapter's Techmarines called "The Anvil." Adjacent to The Anvil is Hammer Hall, the home of the Chimeran Dreadknights, including their personal armory, quarters and the office of the Consul.
Keep of Pious Guardians[]
At the foot of The Ascent of Shadow are the private quarters, armory and gathering halls for the Knight-Exemplars. This keep also serves the dual purpose of providing extra protection to critical areas housed in the tower above.
The Shrines of Finality[]
This shrine is actually a collection of halls containing the remains of those Battle-Brothers who gave their lives in combat, whose bodies were able to be recovered. When constructed, the chapter Dreadnoughts of the time insisted on sharing the Chaplain's stewardship of the shrine, despite their brothers' cautions of its emotional toil on those that nearly joined those halls. Its sacred spaces are often visited by Knight Wardens returning after long campaigns and its thought of as a place of solace.
Spire of the Cosmic Sea[]
One of the many towers of the starfort, it contains chart rooms, a command room and the personal office and quarters of the Admiral of the Fleet. The command room atop the tower, The Navigem Vectorium, is protected by several defensive batteries and offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding void and starfort, including its docks. Its many chart rooms contain a wealth of knowledge related to ships, void stations, star navigation, naval weaponry, strategies and tactics. A copy of the Compendium ex Astra is kept secured within a case in its main study, called The Wardroom. Due to shared responsibilities related to naval capabilities, the Captain serving as Cartographer of the Emperor's Mercy as has an office on the lower sections of the tower.
The Citadel of Reproach[]
The prison cells of the fortress-monastery were intentionally designed as an unmarked maze with many automated defenses, making it nearly impossible to escape alive. While rarely used, they can securely house most known creatures, even Astartes or psychers. It is said that its most secure cells include walls laced with necrodermis. Due to his duties, the Captain serving as Procurator of Justice has an office and private quarters near the main entrance to the prison. As this is often the Second Captain, the barracks of the well seasoned 2nd Company are not far away.
Halls of Merlin[]
The primary library (well that isn't hidden at least) of the Knight Wardens is a truly cavernous space made of many sub-halls and multiple floors, all covered in pieces of collected and inscribed knowledge. Among its shelves can be found the chapter Librarians, including their offices and various study halls. Among these momentous halls are art pieces dedicated to great scholars of human history. Centered at its peak its an inverted, psychically attuned, rotunda whose top half is the private office the Arch-Magister, with the lower half serving as a large, tiered meeting hall for the Librarius . The rotunda is connected to a massive, ornate support column, which unknown to most, actually contains a secret stairwell connecting to various hidden passages leading throughout the fortress-monastery.
Tower of the Constable[]
The private office, armory and quarters of the First Captain, Constable of Midnight and functional regent of their homeworld. The First Company's barracks and armory are located at the foot of the tower.
The Chamber of Silence[]
Buried deep within the inner core of Fides Sanctus is one of the most secretive and secure locations of the fortress-monastery, The Chamber of Silence. It is chillingly quiet prison designed for a singular inmate, suspended in psycho-physical stasis since the most ancient days of the chapter. Guarding this prison falls to the chapter's Dreadnoughts and overseen by the company captain serving as The Midnight Watchman, On rare occasions, an Inquisitor, would visit the chapter and enter this prison, temporarily forbidding the Knight Wardens from setting foot in the chamber. The time inquisitors spent within seemed never the same and yet one would not say it was particularly long, for the subject was said to have never stirred in their ten millennia of imprisonment. The Inquisition only ever charged the chapter with securing the prisoner and ensuring their restraining equipment never faltered, but forbid them under pain of death from ever interfering with the subject themselves; if they ever stirred, the chapter must immediately contact the Inquisition and seal the chamber. What the Knight Wardens never realized is that their original homeworld of Thrago was chosen by the Inquisition, specifically as the perfect location for imprisoning this mysterious subject. Thrago had a natural tendency to interfere with psycher abilities and properties, useful qualities if one wanted to maintain a psycho-statis chamber. Of course, The Murder of the Stars would reveal this to be due to the presence of buried Necron material and technologies, not the planets natural geology, as was originally concluded. While it is clear to the Knight Wardens that the Inquisition considers this prisoner of great interest and danger, their identity is a mystery to all, even to the Lord Commander and their most ancient Dreadnoughts. Barely clothed, covered in battle scars, and showing obvious biological modification, the only clue to the identity of their charge is that he is clearly an Astartes...
Notable Campaigns[]
- The Murder of the Stars (813.M32) - The early tragedy that shaped a chapter, the Knight Wardens fought for their very survival against the denizens of their own homeworld.
- Doom of Voldrun (M33) - The battle and exterminatus that would forge the friendship and blood debt between the Iron Knights and Knight Wardens.
- Cleansing of Lington Hive - The Knight Wardens answer a call for assistance against cults of Chaos Heretics in the lower factories of the Hive city. Astra Militarum Regiments are directed to follow in the Astartes' wake, moping up resistance and burning heretic bodies...except there was no resistance left alive. Entire sub-levels of the Hive were covered in gore and broken heretic corpses, the Knight Wardens left having cleansed the Hive of Chaos through nothing but cold, methodical butchery, the rebellion was dead.
- Thirteenth Black Crusade
Chapter Organization[]
The Knight Wardens are only partly compliant with the Codex Astartes, viewing the text as a guide more than a law. The chapter is usually slightly under or over 1000 Astartes at any given time, but since rebuilding in the centuries after The Murder of the Stars, they are almost always at full strength, something no outsider has a clear answer to. Most of the chapter companies, specifically the 2nd through 9th, are battle companies while the 1st remains a veteran formation and the 10th is a reserve and training company. Each of these companies, except the 10th, is always kept at 100 Astartes, any loses are replaced as quickly as possible. Typically 6-7 companies are deployed at any given time in multi-company forces, called Marches, each strike group led by one of the Chapter senior command staff, such as the Seneschal. At least one of the battle companies and the 10th is always based out of the fortress-monastery, with reserve recon squads from the 10 reinforcing the deployed companies. The 1st Company typically operates as a roving reserve, typically deploying with either the Lord Commander or Seneschal. It is rumored the Knight Wardens also keep their warships crewed with a limited number of squads for ship command and defense, answering to the Admiral of the Fleet and entirely separate of their companies, in breach of the Codex. The chapter also has a few elite formations outside of the main Codex approved organizational structure that are part of the chapter headquarters and attached to field commands as needed. These elites have honed the Knight Warden's ruthless, calculating methodology to the extreme, showing great discipline, with a restrained brutality. Unlike many chapters, with the influx Primaris Marines from the Indomitus Crusade, the Knight Wardens simply mixed their numbers into other companies. This action was meant to begin building bonds between Firstborn and Primaris brothers, but also created a surplus of battle-ready Astartes, leading the Knight Wardens to create new companies, currently held as reserves, putting their chapter strangely above Codex-approved strength.
Realignment of Squad Designations[]
Unlike other Space Marine Chapters, the Knight Wardens have changed the designation of certain squad types to fit their combat doctrine. Notably, they do not organize Primaris Marines into squads based on their weaponry, rather, like the pre-Indomitus Era Codex, squads are designated by battlefield role and will carry an appropriate assortment of weaponry. Additionally, Bladeguard Veterans do not appear as specialist squads, rather they usually appear as Company Honor Guards or Paladins.
The Vengeance Squad is a formation unique the chapter and is their sole Battleline Squad type, combining elements of the Tactical Marines, Intercessors, Assault Intercessors, Reivers and Incursors into a single flexible squad. Vengeance Squads are equipped with the various models of Bolters and Bolt Rifles favored by their chapter, their trusted Tarnostian Messer and various grenades. They favor tactical power armor patterns, including the chapter's many Mark X variants and Mark X Phobos Pattern. The designation icon is a diamond with a inset number showing their squad assignment.
The Reaper Squads are jump pack equipped Close Support Squads, combining the Firstborn Assault Marines and Primaris Jump Pack Intercessors into a single squad. The designation icon is codex standard with an overlaid number showing their squad assignment.
The Destroyer Squads are Fire Support Squads combining elements of the Devastator Marines, Desolators, Hellblasters and Eradicators into a single squad. Due to their further specialized armor, Aggressors will typically serve in their own squads as Destroyer Retribution Squads, which also formerly designated their Centurion warsuits. Given their lack of flexibility, the Knight Wardens are recycling and replacing most of their Centurion warsuits with Mark X Gravis Aggressor Pattern armor, as it fits their methods of war far better, with near equal firepower. These squads appear to be the only Knight Wardens to utilize the Mark X Gravis Pattern armor. Both Destroyer Squads and Destroyer Retribution Squads share the same designation icon, a Minotaurs-style downward facing V, with an overlaid number showing their squad assignment.
The Reconnaissance Squad is equal to the Legion Reconnaissance Squads of old, formed from experienced Space Marines expert in operating independently in stealth and often deep behind enemy lines. They are equipped with stealth gear, including camo-cloaks, helms modified with scopes and rangefinders, bolters or sniper rifles equipped with scopes and suppressors, and their chapter's trademark power-Messer. The Astartes' exact equipment will suit the needs of the mission and they will often be accompanied by Apprentices equipped as Scouts, teaching them on their early journey to becoming a full Astarte. These squads are made up of specialist Recon Marines, Vanguard Infiltrators, Eliminators, and Scouts, while the designation icon is a knife crossed with a lightning bolt and a number showing their squad assignment.
Knight Wardens Outrider Squads are actually variants of the Codex's standard fast attack light vehicle squads, as they disdain any form of Attack Bike, utilizing the variants of Land Speeders, Stormspeeders or the new Jetbikes instead. The designation icon is an inverted Destroyer Squad symbol with an overlaid number showing their squad assignment.
Knight Wardens Veteran Squads are reminiscent of their Vengeance Squads, combining Veteran Marines of Sternguard and Veteran Intercessors, with elements of Veteran Assault Intercessors. Of course, as Veterans, they have access to the best armor and weapons, far beyond their brothers, as well as specialist grenades and bolt rounds. Unlike their Vengeance Squad brothers, Veterans will usually also carry a power weapon in addition to their Tarnostian Messer and favored Bolter, Bolt Rifle or combi-weapon, unless they are filling the role of fire support. Vanguard Veteran Squads are close support variant made up of both Vanguard Assault Marines and Veteran Jump Pack Intercessors. Both squad types share the standard Codex designation icon of the veteran's Crux.
The Quaestimori is both name for their Terminator Squads, including Assault Terminators, and an honorific name for those who have earned the use of Tactical Dreadnaught Armor. Quaestimori serviing as Company Honor Guards will usually have highly ornate relic suits of armor and even finer weaponry.
Non-Standard Formations Terminology[]
- March - Multi-company force
- Lance - Multi-vehicle formation
Headquarters Ranks[]
- Lord Commander - Chapter Master, nominated by votes of veterans, chosen by votes of officers.
- High Warden of Tarnost - Honorary title of Chapter Master as ruler of Tarnost.
- Scion of the Chimera - Honorary title of the Chapter Master who serves as the pinnacle example to his brothers and chief custodian of the chapter legacy
- Seneschal - Chapter Second-in-Command, Equerry to the Lord Commander and commander of the Knight-Exemplars, nominated and chosen by votes from the Sergeants and Battle-Brothers.
- Interrex - Translating to Regent of the Chapter, this rank only has emergency powers. As companies rotate garrisoning Fides Sanctus, the Captain in command will temporarily be assigned this title. It is meant to function as an Acting Chapter Master should the chapter once again face disaster and lose much its command staff. The Interrex will lead the chapter until new Lord Commander is chosen, however, if no suitable officer served to be elected then the Interrex will themselves fill the position and work to rebuild the chapter.
- High Justicar - Relusiarch & High Chaplain
- Luminator of Truths, Hierarch of the Vengeful Symphony - Honorific title evoking their duty to uphold the spiritual integrity and battle fury of their brothers
- Arch-Magister - Chief Librarian
- The Eyes of the Chimera - Honorific title reflecting their lesser known role as chief of intelligence
- Lord Alchemancer - Master of the Forge & Master of the Arsenal
- Father of the Fires - Honorific title speaking to their critical role in managing chapter war material
- Primus Hospitalier - Chief Apothecary
- Keeper of the Chimera's Blood - Honorific title as steward of their precious gene-seed
- Admiral of the Fleet - Commander of the Chapter Fleet - Held by a dedicated officer, unlike other chapters who assign it to a Company Captain
- Chancellor of the Astral Steeds - Honorifiic title that is a play on Tarnostian traditions of military cavalry
- Centurion - Commander of the Chapter Honor Guard
- Captain of the Guard - Honorific title granted to the Centurion
- Consul - Commander of the Chimeran Dreadknights
Company Officer Ranks[]
- Captain - commander of the company
- First Captain - commander of the veteran 1st Company
- Lord Preeminent - Honorific for the First Captain acknowledging their place as a first among equals within the Captains of the chapter
- Praetorian of the Host - Honorific for First Captain as senior among Company Captains
- Iron Captain - A specialist rank for the most skilled armored warfare commander in the chapter.
- The following are the Knight Wardens equivalent to Codex Astartes Masters of the Chapter roles assigned to Captains
- Constable of Midnight - Lord Regent of Tarnost, always held by First Captain.
- Procurator of Justice - Charged with dispensing discipline and justice within the chapter, solemn duty to keep watch over his brothers. Typically held by the Second Captain, who usually works closely with the chapter Reclusium.
- Marshal of the Stellar Marches - Master of the Marches, often held by the 3rd Company Captain.
- The Midnight Watchman - Master of the Watch, also functional castellan of former homeworld Midnight/Thrago
- Proctor of the Hunt - Charged with spearheading the hunt for heretics, especially traitor space marines. Typically assigned to an aggressive Company Captain who favors assault strategy and tactics.
- Fulminator of Vengeance - Charged with bringing justice to the foes of the Emperor and Mankind, especially the hated Necrons and heretics.
- Cartographer of the Emperor's Mercy - Charged with keeping current naval charts and assisting with strategizing deployment of fleet assets. Works closely with Admiral of the Fleet, Marshal of the Stellar Marches and Preceptor of the Stratagem Imperium.
- Master of Tithes - Responsible for ensuring manpower and recruitment needs are met.
- Preceptor of the Stratagem Imperium - Charged with keeping abreast of the greater strategic plans, developments, goals and needs of the Imperium, focusing on sectors within the chapter's current reach.
- Master Vigilator - Master of Reconnaissance & Master of Recruits responsible for all chapter training, held by the 10th Company Captain.
- Master of Signal - Assigned to the head of the Logisticiam along with the responsibilities of Chief Victualler, though that title does not explicitly exist in the chapter.
- First Captain - commander of the veteran 1st Company
- Decurion - Lieutenant equivalent
Other Specialist Ranks & Honorifics[]
- Warden - Chaplain equivalent, a Great Crusade Era term used by the chapter and the local Tarnostians. Wardens typically have ancient quotes of wisdom inscribed in High Gothic onto their armor, protecting their souls from the temptations of the enemy and inspiring their brothers.
- Procurator of the Path - a special title borne by the Chaplain of the 10th Company, who is responsible for the spiritual trails of Apprentices
- Warsage- Senior Librarian
- Battlemage - Librarian
- Acolyte - Apprentice Librarian
- Knight Hospitalier - Senior Company Apothecary
- Knight-Commander - Voted lieutenant of a Priory
- Knight-Exemplar - Veterans and members of the one of the chapter's elite formations
- Apothecary
- Techmarine
- Equerry - Ancient title-rank for the aide to officers, usually held by a Veteran Sergeant or Librarian
- Master - A honorific title, such as Master Devastator, awarded to brothers considered experts in a specific discipline/specialization and linguistically applied after their name. Other applications of the term master are unique ranks of specialist chapter officers and are distinct from the the honorific version.
- Master of Arms - A unique honorific granted to the Decurions of the 10th Company where they overseeing the critical training of Apprentices. As second officers of the 10th company, they are also masters of tactics, stealth and covert action.
- Knight-Paladin - Chapter Champion
- Wrath of the Chimera - Honorific title granted to the Chapter Champion as the single greatest warrior of all his brothers
- Paladin - Company Champion
- Ancient - Honorary title of Dreadnoughts and Banner-Bearers
- Ancient of Rites - Senior-most Dreadnought and Master of Rites equivalent
- Knight of the Banner - Chapter Banner-Bearer
- Quaestimori - a term for Terminators roughly translating to "death seeker"
- Cenobian Dreadknight - honorific born only by members of the elite Chimerian Dreadknights
- Apprentice - Neophyte equivalent.
Line Ranks[]
- Veteran Sergeant
- Knight-Sergeant - Sergeants of the Knights-Exemplar
- Strike Master - Honorific rank of Terminator Sergeants
- Sergeant
- Lance Sergeant - Commander of a heavy vehicle or squadron of several single-occupant craft
- Veteran
- Battle-Brother
Priory Orders[] | |||
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| Those Knight Wardens who have developed the pinnacle of skill in a particular discipline beyond most Astartes may be granted the honorific title of Master, signifying their role as experts to their brethren. Any rank of Astarte may be granted the title of Master and become invaluable to all ranks of their comrades, frequently offering advisement to their brothers to enhance a formations' deployment of a discipline. Sergeants, company officers and even more senior commanders will often call upon the expertise of Masters to maximize the strategic and tactical deployment of each Master's discipline, particularly if a combat situation calls for a concentrated deployment of a specific discipline. Each Master automatically becomes a member of one of four elite orders of warriors, each called a Priory, which exist outside the regular chapter formations and chain of command. Priory membership is open only to Masters and each Priory specializes in particular disciplines, where it functions as an elite forum for sharing knowledge. Each of the chapter's four battleship class vessels houses the hidden scholarium of one of the Priories, which serves as a library of knowledge, a meeting place and private lodging. Priories select a voted lieutenant, called a Knight-Commander, who is responsible for organizing Priory meetings and serving as the voice of the Priory to chapter command. Unlike the other Masters, Knight-Commanders become functional officers of the chapter, although they largely operate flexibly as specialists attached to a force command, according to the needs of the chapter. While their memberships may vary greatly, all Priories are considered equal, in fact, any sense of unjust pride or superiority is greatly frowned upon and may lead to disciplinary action or expulsion of a brother. The 1st Company and headquarters orders, such as the Librarium, while not using the terminology or a voted lieutenant, are considered their own orders and as such are not members of the four Priories. Additionally the specialists ranks of Centurion, Chapter Honor Guard (not Company Honor Guard), Paladins and Ancients must give up their membership in a Priory upon taking up these high-honor roles. Each Priory derives its name from one or two of the defining characteristics of the mythological chimera creature: the ability to breathe fire, the male lion's body, a goat's horns, a raven's wings and a serpent's scales. The disciplines of each roughly correspond with the characteristics the Priory draws its name from and are awarded as part of their member's title, such as Master Devastator. | |||
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| Priory of the Brazen Lion | Priory of the Lituus Prometheus | Priory of the Sky | Priory of the Serpent |
Referring to the fierce predatory male lion with horns the makes up most of the body of the chimera, this Priory focuses on core tactics of the battleline and melee combat.
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Translating to the Priory of the Clarion of Prometheus, alluding to mythological symbols: the chimera could breathe fire and the ancient Greek God Promtheus gave fire to humanity. Its members naturally include fire support Astartes and vehicle crewmen.
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Alluding to chimera's ability to fly with its dark wings, this Priory focuses on aerial support and jump pack assaults.
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Referring to the scales found on the spine and tail of the chimera, this Priory focuses on stealth. Its members usually consisted of those who had or are serving as recon marines and instructors in the 10th Company.
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Specialist Units & Formations[]
- Curia Vindicta - Not a battle formation, but the horrific term for the combined council of the chapters 14 senior most officers.
- Brethren of the Crescent- An elite chapter honor guard formation of their greatest warriors who protect the Lord Commander and carry the Chapter Banner into battle. As part of the closed initiation ceremony, the Knight Warden will choose new name, specifically from those ancient Battle-Brothers who fell in the Murder of the Stars. This also keeps the exact identity of the Brethren challenging to ascertain, as well their brothers know an Astarte is chosen to join the honor guard, they can only guess as to which member he has become. Brethren have full access to the chapter armory, including its finest wargear, to equip themselves as they prefer. Most will use artificer armor and favor master-crafted bolters and a power sword, Crescent Mace or power axe. Some may even dual wield power weapons and equip a wrist mounted bolter, while others stride into battle in decorated Terminator armor with power halberds. Each Brethren is adorned in totality with their chapter's trademark aesthetic, they are the very image of the chimera and the knight bound as one brotherhood of unsurpassed warriors.
- Chimeran Dreadknights - The Chimeran Dreadknights are a very new formation in the chapter composed entirely of Primaris veterans, in this case often Firstborn who have crossed the Rubicon Primaris, and are led by a Consul who is a member of the Chapter command. First marines to use the new Chimera-pattern Terminator armor an experimental pattern of terminator plate developed by the chapter's techmarines for usage by the larger and more capable Primaris physiology. Although they are an ultra elite shock troop, their main mission is to spearhead the reclamation of new Archeotech and any information regarding the lost early history of the chapter, specifically its lineage from the Azure Chimeras.
- Knight-Exemplars - Elite veteran non-terminator unit (although ever member has earned the right to its usage) under the authority of the Seneschal, organized into squads of 5, led by a Knight-Sergeant. Highly flexible, they are often used as bodyguards for chapter command staff, master trainers and as special mission units, as they are trained to operate in small squads or individually. They equip themselves quite similarly to Codex Sternguard, with a Tarnostian Power-Messer, advanced Bolters (Sternguard pattern, Hesh pattern Bolters, Combi-plasma, Comb-volkite, Combi-grav Bolters), and a favored power weapon as standard. Some Knight-Sergeants of the Knight-Exemplars use dual pistols and a two-handed power weapon, sometimes denoting themselves with a white shoulder cape. All Knight-Exemplars wear artificer Mark VIII Errant pattern armor (or Mark X modified to resemble it), with their status indicated by an all white right shoulder pauldron with a gold crux terminatus, a white helm with a gold crux on the forehead, a white right knee guard, and usually golden laurels somewhere on their armor. Since identifying with their true chapter origins, their breastplates are often adored with a horned, maned lion's head or lion's skull, that is winged or laureled, with limited use of scale motifs on parts of their armor. Interesting, a Brother is required to have completed service in the Deathwatch, expanding their knowledge of enemies and other Space Marine Chapters, before consideration for joining the Knight-Exemplars.
An elite Knight-Exemplar
- Company Honor Guard - Essentially a standard Codex Command Squad of 5-10 Astartes consisting of a Veteran Sergeant, Banner Bearer, Paladin (Company Champion), and Honor Guards, existing outside the standard 10 Company Squads. Honor Guards are typically Veteran members of their company chosen to guard their Company Banner and senior officers (Company Captain, Warden or Knight Hospitalier). They have full access to the armory, including Terminator armor, and will equip themselves to suit the combat style of the officer they are assigned to. Honor Guards can often be identified by the additional armor pad, sometimes called a mantle, usually applied to the left shoulder, very similar to the Black Templars Sword Brethren. Officially, Honor Guards are easily identified by the right to wear a Black Templars Sword Brethren style Maltese Cross upon their armor; many officers or elites who have previously served as Honor Guards still bare the cross. In these respects, the Knight Wardens Company Honor Guard combines elements of the Black Templar Sword Brethren and Primaris Bladeguard Veterans into the Codex Command Squad.
- Recon Marines - A variation of the Vanguard Marine formed from experienced Space Marines expert in operating independently, often deep behind enemy lines. They are equipped with stealth gear, including camo-cloaks, helms modified with scopes and rangefinders, bolters or sniper rifles equipped with scopes and suppressors, and their chapter's trademark power-Messer. Recon Marines will use both Mark X Phobos and Mark VI, VII, and VIII modified for stealth operations.
- Void Auxilia - Auxiliary troops made up of Chapter Serfs, those who attempted to become Aspirants of the Knight Wardens but were for whatever reason found wanting and not able to progress to become Apprentices. Nonetheless, they still wished to fight for the Imperium, and so they are put through training comparable to the Guardsmen of the Astra Militarum, Ultramar Auxilia or Genesis Chapter's Newfound Expeditionary Auxilia, in order to serve their Chapter as ship crewman and fight alongside the Astartes in naval actions. As well as being trained like Guardsmen, the Auxilia soldiers are equipped similarly; they wear carapace armor in black and blue camouflage with the chapter symbol displayed on it.
Knight Wardens Librarians[]
The chapter Librarians tend to develop a unusually strong aptitude for telekinetic and precognitive psychic abilities. On the battlefield it is common for their Librarians to be seen hurling objects or individuals across varying distances as unexpected, but dangerous projectiles. Telekinetic ability, like many psychic powers, varies greatly throughout the chapter Librarius, but is clearly a natural talent of the Knight Wardens. They also display the ability to predict the enemies' strategic decisions before they can enact them, with such counsel allowing the chapter's field commanders to outmaneuver their enemies with ease, while limiting the threat to Imperial forces. This precognitive ability in particular seems to grow more potent as the Librarians age, with groups led by senior Librarians having been able to predict entire planetary campaigns.
Order of Battle[]
Headquarters[]
| Chapter Command | |||
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14 Brethren of the Crescent 4 Knight-Commanders of the Priory Orders | |||
| Ordo Exemplar (Office of the Seneschal) | Ordo Sanctus (Reclusium) | Ordo Magus (Librarius) | Ordo Vetera (Ancients) |
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Seneschal, Equerry to the Lord Commander, Master of the Knights-Exemplar
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Luminator of Truths, Hierarch of the Vengeful Symphony
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The Eyes of the Chimera
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Ancient of Rites, Castellan of the Keys
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| Ordo Ignis (Armourium) | Ordo Navigem Vectorium (Fleet Command) | Ordo Medeor (Apothecarion) | Ordo Commeatus Auxilium (Logisticiam) |
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Companies[]
The current dispositions and commanders of the Chapter's companies:
| Veteran Company | Battle Companies | |||
| 1st Company | 2nd Company | 3rd Company | 4th Company | 5th Company |
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| Reserve Companies | Scout Company | |||
| 6th Company | 7th Company | 8th Company | 9th Company | 10th Company |
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Combat Doctrine[]
Knight Wardens combat strategy generally focuses on identifying critical targets, encircling an enemy formations and finishing them off with fierce melee-centric shock-assaults. Recon and Scout Squads will be tasked to covertly determine and weaken vital targets, allowing other mobile assets, such as Land Speeders and Reaper Squads to position in a flanking fashion. The main Battleline and Fire Support will often be used to draw out and focus the enemy's attention away from these efforts. Once the Knight Wardens have encircled the enemy, surgical strikes will be followed by a sweeping shock-assault where their Astartes descend on their foes in brutal melee. As such, a great deal of tactical flexibility is invested in Sergeants and Lieutenants in the management of their sections to meet the goals of the strategic plan. In this way the Knights Warden's methods of war present a somewhat strange combination of strategic subterfuge and cold tactics with a final viciousness more common to less strategically complex chapters of Astartes.
Additionally, given their many years as a fleet-based chapter after the lose of Midnight, the Knight Wardens developed great skill in naval combat, including boarding actions. Their eventual mastery of melee combat partners well with boarding actions in particular, further honing these skills. As the majority of their Battle-Brothers hail from the common warrior culture of Tarnost, their homeworld's martial heritage is largely responsible for their renown expertise in brutal close combat warfare. Over the course of their service to The Imperium, the Knight Wardens have developed a particularly vicious reputation in melee combat reminiscent of such savage chapters as the Executioners and Caracharodons. This dark reputation combined with their lack of tolerance for failure has cause many problems in the past, including clashes with other servants of The Imperium.
Power Armors[]
- Mark X Sub-Patterns - While the Knight Wardens now favor the technological improvements of the new armor, they largely prefer the aesthetics of older designs that pair better with their chapter culture. As they also prefer not to waste firstborn armor designs, they have taken to reforging parts of older Marks of armor to fit Mark X technology, especially with helms, chest plates, knee guards and extra hip armor. Standard Mark X helms are usually modified with Great Crusade style cheek guards or entirely new knightly style grills guards. Thus, is has become quiet rare to see Mark X armor that is visually distinct from firstborn armor patterns, as they usually combine elements of Marks VII, VIII, VI, IV and/or III into the new plate. Furthermore, Mark X Omnis pattern is nearly unheard of while Mark X Gravis appears to only used by Aggressors.
- Mark X Luna Sub-Pattern Helm - Essentially a aesthetic copy of the Great Crusade era Luna Wolves helms, resembling modified Mark II/III helms with added cheek guards.
- Mark X Warhawk Sub-Pattern Helm - Essentially a aesthetic copy of the Great Crusade era White Scar helms, resembling modified Mark II helms, intended for use by fast attack vehicle crews.
- Mark X Magus Sub-Pattern Helm - Similar to the Luna pattern but more curved in design, giving a more ethereal aesthetic and intended for use by Librarians.
- Mark X Achaen Sub-Pattern Helm - Similar to the Mark IV Achaen sub-pattern of Maximus helms used by the Thousand Sons during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy intended for use by Librarians.
- Mark X Phoenix Sub-Pattern Helm - A modern take on an ancient sub-pattern of Mark IV Maximus pattern helm found in limited usage by the Emperor's Children Legion during the Horus Heresy.
- Mark X Executioner Sub-Pattern Helm - A rather morbid design characterized by a T-shaped visor that appears to be inspired by helms often wore by the Death Guard, Minotaurs, or the command module of Imperial Knights.
- Mark X Sigismund Sub-Pattern Helm - Directly inspired by the Black Templars and the warriors of Tarnost, this helm generally a angular knightly variant.
- Mark X Phantom Sub-Pattern Helm - Believed incorporate enhanced sensors, this helm takes an unusual, ghostly appearance, with no visible grill vents.
- Mark VII Aquila Pattern - The trusted standard favor by all disciplines of the chapter for years is now being used to modify Mark X pattern to be visually similar to its predecessor
- Mark VIII Errant Pattern - The standard for veterans not wearing artificer armor, it remains favored by firstborn Knight-Exemplars, Sternguard and Company Honor Guards. Like the Mark VII Aquila pattern, it is slowly being used to upgrade Mark X armor for veterans who have crossed the Rubicon Primaris.
- Mark VI Corvus Pattern - This pattern, and Mark X suits resembling it, is used frequently, but is particularly favored by Reaper Squads, Reconnaissance Squads and fast attack vehicle crews. Helms in this style used by Recon marines, and fast attack vehicle crews often have additional scopes, rangefinders or antenna.
- Mark IV Maximus Pattern Imperial Fists or Destroyer Style - This pattern, and Mark X suits resembling it, is favored by Destroyer Squads, Reaper Squads, Reconnaissance Squads and all vehicle crews. Helms in this style used by Destroyers, Recon marines, and vehicle crews often have additional scopes, rangefinders or antenna.
- Mark IV Chimera Sub-Pattern - Developed to provide motifs of the Chimera creature, especially serpent scales and fangs, this sub-pattern is highly reminiscent of Alpha Legion exclusive Maximus helms used during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. Like other armor in their inventory, most of these helms are being converted into the new Mark X Sub-Patterns used by the chapter.
- Mark III Iron Pattern - The limited remaining pieces of this pattern in the chapter's possession are all modified to a knightly aesthetic and are mostly helms. Those full or partial suits they do possess are usually used by Techmarines or vehicle crew. Though it should be noted that many Mark VII and now Mark X helms used by Devastators are modified to resemble Mark III helms with additional scopes and rangefinders.
Chapter Special-Issue Wargear[]
Due to their cultural background and favor of close combat, all Knight Wardens carry a powerblade known as a Tarnostian Power Messer as a larger replacement for the combat knife. The original non-powered Tarnostian Messer is a weapon commonly used by warriors of their homeworld, the weapon being modelled very closely off of the Germanic Messer of ancient Terra, which was a broad bladed, single edged weapon resembling a giant knife, sometimes with a serrated back edge. Knight Wardens also favor Chainaxes, Power Swords, Power Maces, with Power Axes, Thunder Hammers and Lightning Claws being popular among Reaper Squads. Power Fists are usually only seen utilized by Aggressors and Terminators who can appropriately wield such a bulky weapon. Somewhat oddly, it is rare to find Chainswords, easily the most common Astartes melee weapon, outside of Reaper Squads, although the larger Eviscerator is sometimes used by veterans. For standard ranged applications, the chapter primarily utilizes Godwyn, Phobos, Stalker and Umbra Vengeance pattern Bolters, alongside the new Primaris Bolt Rifles, Bolt Sniper Rifles, Occulus Bolt Carbines and Instigator Bolt Carbines.
Tarnostian Power Messer
But of all weapons, there is one every battle brother favors above all others, a unique pattern of power mace found only within their chapter - the Crescent-pattern Power Mace. The Crescent-pattern has the head of the mace formed from 6 razor-sharp crescents, like that found on their chapter badge, hence the name. This creates a weapon that combines the crushing blunt force of a power weapon wielded by a super-human with traumatic blades that tear open a wound when the weapon is retrieved from an enemy, both crushing bone and causing massive internal damage. In the hands of a well trained warrior like an Astartes, a single well aimed blow from one of these weapons will mortally wound almost any enemy.
While the possess new patterns of jump packs, the chapter appears to favor the Mark IV and Mark VII Mars pattern. On the rare occasions that Company Paladins utilizing jump packs, they have been seen utilizing winged variants more commonly seen among descendants of the Blood Angels. It also appears the Knight Wardens are beginning to deploy a new pattern of jump pack, the Mark X Raptora Pattern Jump Pack, that appears to combine elements of Mark IV, Jump Pack Primaris Intercessor, and Raptor patterns, utilizing modern technologies in a less bulky platform built around a single main thruster with smaller maneuvering jets.
The Knight Wardens disdain any form of Attack Bike or the Invader ATV, as they give away one's position too easily, instead preferring to use the variants of Land Speeders, Stormspeeders or the new Jetbikes for scouting missions. The coveted Jetbike technology was recently rediscovered by Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl in the form of the Grav-Bike, allowing the Imperium to create new patterns of these extremely maneuverable craft for the first time in millennia. Like the White Scars, the Knight Wardens appear to be keen to field their own custom pattern of Jetbike, the Chevalier Pattern Jetbike, similar in style to ancient Scimitar Pattern used by the legions.
Deathwatch Service[]
A Knight Warden in service of the Deathwatch
The Knight Wardens are known to welcome service in the Deathwatch as a great honor and a chance to expand their knowledge for defending humanity from the hateful xenos and even the vile daemon.
The Secret of "The Warrior"[]
The Warrior is an Astartes of the Deathwatch, a Blackshield devoid of all chapter iconography, he usually keeps to the sparring cages, armory and librarium, offering to test the skills of his fellows and share his expertise. He is well respected for his skills and flexibility, but is always at home where the fighting is thickest, often challenging enemy champions. Only the Knight Wardens know that he was once one of their own, a secret kept for all time, that one of their brethren once strayed perilously close to Chaotic corruption. As penance, this battle brother cast aside his name and took up the Blackshield to join the Deathwatch, sparing his chapter the public shame and dishonor, now only identifying by his callsign, Warrior. Every Knight Warden learns the tale so as keep them humble and guarded against the influence of Chaos. While to others in the Deathwatch he is simply another mysterious Blackshield, each Knight Warden to serve the watch knows The Warrior's real identity and many are tested by him in the sparring cages.
Chapter Beliefs[]
Chapter Culture[]
The Knight Warden chapter is a cultural fusion of the ways of Vulkan and the medieval feudalism of Tarnost. They are famous for their stubbornness, brutality in close combat and ruthlessness strategic acumen, but are also known as proud and intensely loyal servants of the Emperor. For while their Astartes are notoriously fierce in melee combat, they noted to never lose control of their savagery, instead appearing as coldly calculating warriors. The more positive and strategically adept qualities of the chapter has helped form bonds with some servants of the Imperium, while their intolerance for failure, due to weakness or lack of initiative, has created serious issues with other Imperials.
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
While official records maintain the Knight Warden's descend directly from the Salamanders, chapter discoveries after The Murder of the Stars appear to confirm lineage from an Astartes group known only as "The Azure Chimeras." This knowledge remains exclusive to the Knight Wardens themselves and the Salamanders, who appear to have been aware of their successor's true lineage, though it is unknown if they have any further information or would share it. Extremely little is known of these mysterious "Azure Chimeras," as the Knight Wardens have the only known evidence of their existence, which dates to at least 3rd Founding. Regardless, the limited records do indicate the Azure Chimeras showed higher levels of radiological resistance, advanced cellular repair, the distinguishing deep blue skin pigmentation and "ember-like" red eyes (the entire eye), exactly like the Knight Wardens. This combination of effects, coupled with their Astartes might, often stuns onlookers at first contact, even among other Astartes. To mere mortals, their shocking appearance, dark armor and vicious efficiency in close quarters battles often creates an sensation of pure fear far more potent than an encounter with a more human-looking Astartes. The effect of their appearance and their style of warfare has raised unwelcome questions of purity and loyalty on multiple occasions.
Genetic Flaws & Idiosyncrasies[]
Despite the chapter gene-seed being particularly stable, for unknown reasons, it develops a blue tint to its initiates' skin and a deep red pigmentation to the entire eye. It has been noted that the blue skin hue and ember-like qualities of their red eyes often darkens and intensifies respectively, in particularly old Knight Wardens Astartes, such as High Justicar Kadon, or in exposure to extreme radiation. With such mutations, it is easy to see how the Knight Wardens could be passed off as members of Vulkan's geneline, but these most distinguishing pigmentation mutations are not exhibited by any other chapter of Salamanders lineage. Furthermore, while the source of many criticisms, the chapter's trademark viciousness in battle has been rigorously tested genetically and psychologically, with the findings showing this simply to be their brutal style of warfare and not derived from some sort of emotional or psychic flaw associated with gene-seed.
Theories of Alternative Gene-Seed Origins[]
Over the millennia several theories have proposed that the Knight Wardens are, in fact, descended from gene-seed other than Vulkan. While some certainly pose compelling arguments, none yet hold enough credible evidence to prove distinctly probable.
Dark Angels - Lion El'Jonson[]
Theories connecting the Knight Wardens to the legendary Dark Angels and 1st Legion Astartes center mainly around its culture, traditions and highly stable gene-seed. The descendants of the 1st Legion are well known for their stable gene-seed, intensely secretive culture, and medieval knightly traditions and appearance, much of which can be found in the Knight Wardens. Like the Dark Angels, Knight Wardens Astartes inherit the knightly culture of their feudal homeworld and highly value melee combat, even favoring similar weapons such as swords, maces and axes. Perhaps most notably, the Knight Wardens' Priories are strikingly similar to the 1st Legion's Orders of the Hekatonystika and Hexagrammaton in both function and relationship to the chapter organization. The Knight Wardens also share a secretive nature, at least with outsiders, although not to the notorious level of The Unforgiven. However, several key organizations common to all The Unforgiven, the Inner Circle, the Deathwing, and the Ravenwing, do not appear to be present in the Knight Wardens. Additionally, despite their stable gene-seed, the specific genetic flaws of the Knight Wardens, nor anything similar, are not known to be present in any chapters of The Unforgiven.
Raven Guard - Corvus Corax[]
Surprisingly, the Knight Wardens do carry notable similarities to the gene-line of Corvus Corax, specifically to the Raven Guard itself and the Death Spectres. The Raven Guard both as a legion and now as a chapter has long been known for its mastery of stealth and aerial assaults, of which the Knight Wardens have an often forgotten skill. Specifically, the KnIght Wardens 10th Company Reconnaissance Squads and Reaper Close Support Squads seem to be modelled on Raven Guard formations and tactics developed during and after the Raven's Flight at Istvaan V, stealth operations and aerial shock assaults. Knight Wardens Reaper Squads very much seem to mirror the expertise of the Raven Guard Legion's Falcons and Raptor assault units, often used for shock aerial assaults on key enemy leaders or defensive positions. Knight Wardens Reconnaissance Squads, being based on the Legions Astartes predecessor formation, are very much inspired by Raven Guard Legion Mor Deythan and heavily favor the Mark VI Corvus Pattern power armor, also preferred by the chapter whose Primarch it was named after. Additionally, many have noted that the only other chapter outside Vulkan's gene-line (the Knight Wardens official lineage) known to develop red eyes are the Raven Guard successor chapter, the Death Spectres, with some arguing that this very specific genetic flaw gives greater weight to the theory of a Raven Guard connection.
Alpha Legion - Alpharius Omegon[]
Perhaps the most dangerous theory of the Knight Wardens lineage are comparisons to the Alpha Legion. At first glance, any comparison between these two seems ridiculous due to differentiation in culture and appearance. However, a closer examination of the Knight Wardens does appear to yield more obscure similarities to the Alpha Legion, specifically what is believed to be known of the XX Legion from its origin through the years of the Horus Heresy. The Knight Wardens are in fact known to make extensive usage of stealth and deceit to collect intelligence and weaken their enemy in preparation for more a brutal, overwhelming assault, a general strategy not unlike those used by the Alpha Legion, even to this day. To that effect, Knight Wardens Reconnaissance Squads are clearly based off Raven Guard Legion elements, but are also quiet similar to Alpha Legion Headhunters or even the Effrit Stealth Squad. Since identifying with their supposed predecessors, the anonymous "Azure Chimeras", the Knight Wardens have incorporated serpent scale motifs into much of their equipment, a visual distinction found repeatedly among the XXth. The Knight Wardens also designed and utilize variant Mark IV, VI and X pattern armors modified to provide Chimera visual motifs in such a manner that it resembles Alpha Legion exclusive variants of Mark IV Maximus and Mark VI Corvus Alpha armors. Even the chapter colors, midnight blue, black and silver, is similar to an alternative color scheme known to have been used by the Alpha Legion during the Heresy, especially elements believe to be associated to the secretive Effrit Stealth Squad. It should be noted however, that the Alpha Legion's trademark visual unity in appearance and the rarity of ostentation, is not present among the Knight Wardens. While such a connection would certainly spell the chapter's doom at the hand of the Inquisition, it seems difficult to ignore these obscurities as mere coincidences.
Unknown Legions[]
Some whisper rather boldly and vaguely, given the lack of any knowledge of Unknown Legions; that the Knight Warden's unique genetic flaws and idiosyncrasies must suggest they are derived from the forbidden gene-seed of these lost legions. A baseless and heretical claim that would demand a quick and summary punishment of death if heard by the right authority or even the Knight Wardens themselves.
Notable Members[]
- Nuruodo Corvinus - an early Lord Commander (Chapter Master) of the Knight Wardens some time after the Murder of the Stars, possibly led the chapter during the discovery of Tarnost
- Erasmus Beltane - Current Lord Commander and High Warden of Tarnost
- Zul Xirophistion - Current Seneschal
- Alaric - Current High Justicar
- Kadon the Hallowed - The ancient former High Justicar was revered by all his brethren, as having served for at least 800 years, he was the last living survivor of the Murder of the Stars and had trained every brother of the chapter serving in M34. Called "the Hallowed" for his service during the Murder of the Stars, he was lost when he assaulted the bridge of a Chaos Titan alone, before it exploded, saving the 5th Company. His loss was one of the few events to gather the entire chapter to Tarnost at once, to mourn and honor his memory. None know that Kadon yet lives, now as a Black Shield Chaplain in the Deathwatch at Watch Fortress Erioch. Kadon, now going by the name Marrok, studies the mysteries of the Omega Vault, while discreetly watching over each of his chapter who serves the vigil. To most of the Deathwatch, "Marrok" or The Errant Son, is simply an alias taken on by subsequent Black Shields who chose the path of a Chaplain, never realizing it is the same individual for all these years. Only the Master of the Watch now knows that Kadon always survives because he is a rare Perpetual, a truth revealed to "Marrok" by a Living Saint after he survived his famous last stand. A difficult secret to keep even among those secret halls, but the life of a Black Shield saves his chapter from undue Inquisitorial scrutiny.
- Bragan Thule - The eloquently taciturn First Captain, he carries the Sword of the Drake into battle.
- Centurion Enoch - Current Commander of the Chapter Honor Guard, a brilliant tactician and master of dual relic power-swords. Notably, Enoch is not an individual, rather, it as name assumed by each successive Centurion with their identity remaining unknown to all but the Brethren of the Court. When the Centurion falls in battle, the Brethren gather to honor him and secretly choose his successor from their own ranks. Thus, each time he has fallen, Enoch rises again, and while each Lord Commander does not know the true identity of their chief praetorian, they trust them with their life and value their vast experience. The chapter's ominous sentinel was the first of his brothers to cross the Rubicon Primaris.
- Arch-Magister Calas Numeon the Spirit Walker - Current Chief Librarian, exceptionally powerful even by standards of his high office, he is said to be able to commune with the souls of fallen Knight Wardens and other psychic phenomena, such as the Emperor's Tarot, leading his brothers to call him "the Spirit Walker."
- Honored Brother Montfort - Knight-Paladin, Chapter Champion
- Master Augustus - Primus Hospitalier, Chief Apothecary
- Idris Yarryn - Current Second Captain, a giant even in artificer Terminator armor
- Brathan Orar - 1st Company Paladin, clad in the rare Tartaros pattern Terminator armor and a modified knightly helm
- Almarre - Current 3rd Company Captain, known for his mastery of the two-handed thunder hammer
- Antonius Hastati - Warsage, a master of battle-meditation, easily recognizable in his modified Mk Vi helm
- Raldor - Current 4th Company Captain, easily recognized by his Aquila shaped Iron Halo and golden Mark IV Corvus Helm, a master of battleline tactics
- Thracian the Ironmonger - the foremost Techmarine of the 1st Company, clad in modified relic Terminator armor
- Odisius the Falcon - Current 5th Company Captain, called "the Falcon" for leading jetpack assaults
- Navar Triarii - Master Tacticus and Veteran, clad in Mk VIII Errant armor
- Ickarus the Undaunted - 4th Company Paladin, clad in his artificer winged knightly helm
- Maximillian Casa-Antigua - Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Lituus Prometheus.
- Noiya the Fearless - Current 6th Company Captain, Yul Noiya, who earned his nickname after singlehandedly braving fierce enemy fire to rescue the company apothecary on Gerros IV, very nearly being decapitated by a lascannon in the process.
- Prathan Arrette - Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Serpent, clad in artificer Mk VI armor
- Dagoran - Current 8th Company Captain
- Uyri the Bulwark - Warsage, known for his preference for Terminator armor and a Force-axe
- Ivanhoe the Bold - Current 9th Company Captain
- Auric Milanese - Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Brazen Lion
- Hadros - 10th Company Captain, Master Vigilator
- Venerable Brother Ignis - Ancient of Rites, the oldest Dreadnought and Castellan of the Keys, he is responsible for his brethren's eternal vigil over the chapter vaults
- Balian the Humble - Current Iron Captain
- Jharo Gryhawk - Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Sky
- Rufan Tigerius - Warsage
- Kyrian the Forge-Braker - A highly skilled Techmarine known for singlehandedly destroying the daemon-forges of the Dark Mechanicum world of Gorok. One of the few techmarines to wear a hood over his Mk III helm.
- Brother Xavus - Warsage
- Gideon Nyice - Master Reaper, an expert with sword and shield, clad in Mk VI armor
- Warden Neros - The stoic and grim Chaplain of the 2nd Company
- Dagan Byzantium - Master Outrider
- Brethren Farrel, Master of the Repose - Chapter Honor Guard and renown bladesman of the Brethren of the Crescent
- Fafnir Throne's-Wind - Battlemage of the 8th Company exceptionally gifted in telekinesis, even among a chapter known for such skill among its Librarians
- Crucius - Warden, 3rd Company
- Jhar Xersease - A lance sergeant and renown tank commander, recognizable by his modified Mk III/IV armor with an aquila on his modified Mk IV Destroyer pattern helm
- Knight-Sergeant Tryyer - Knight-Exemplar Veteran Sergeant
- Sigmus Haan - Ancient of the 10th Company clad in combine Mk IV and Mk VI armor
- Krellyn, the Third Brother - A renown master of the blade, the third and last of his three biological brothers to become Astartes of the chapter, but the only one to become a Knight-Exemplar. Sadly the eldest brother, Herald, was killed two decades ago, but the middle brother, Garin serves as Honor Guard in the 7th Company Command Squad.
- Brother Boros - Knight-Exemplar
- Strike Master Cassian - Terminator Veteran Sergeant
- Helloch Lasan - Vanguard Veteran, clad in Mk VI armor known for his favoritism of one handed power-hammers
- Brother Pythagius - Recon marine and veteran
- Agapito Varran - Veteran Sergeant, clad in artificer Mk VI armor
- Ulrich the Stormblade - An indomitable Honor Guard of the 2nd Company's Command Squad, known for his mastery of dual lightning claws
- Brother Sabius - Paladin, 3rd Company Champion
- Brother Hathor - Terminator veteran known for his favoritism of the assault cannon
- Brother Khoral - Sergeant
- Brother Stent - Devastator
Chapter Fleet[]
Since becoming a Fleet-based Chapter, the Knight Wardens have accumulated both an invaluable expertise in void warfare and a sizable, diverse fleet. The chapter has acclimated to naval combat so much, that their traditions of craftsmanship, artifice and tinkering has now expanded in naval vessels. There are now several ships within their fleet which appear to be new or modified designs similar to those used across the Imperium, but unique to the chapter. Their fleet assets also include an unusually high number of Xiphon Interceptors and Caestus Assault Rams, both of great use in Astartes void engagements. They are also one of the only chapters known to still possess and utilize the ancient Primaris Lightning Strike Fighters and Kharybdis Assault Claws. This fleet, and specifically these unique vessels, have drawn the ire of the Imperial Navy, an institution that fought staunchly for the limitation of Space Marine fleets according to the Codex Astartes. However, the Knight Wardens have contributed heavily to protecting the shipping lanes, an assistance sorely need for the overstretched assets of the Imperial Navy. On multiple occasions they have even seized vessels captured by traitors and returned them to the Imperial Navy for exorcism and re-sanctification for service. These acts of aid appear to have, at least so far, stayed the hand of the navy, for none of the Imperial Navy's concerns have yet to become formal complains with the Administratum.
- Mercy's End - Modified Courageous-class Battleship redesigned and rebuild several times, flagship of the fleet.
- Eleemosynary - Battle-Barge
- Magna Carta - Battle-Barge, resembles the Erewhon Battleship and a Rogue Trader Cruiser
- Crown of Reprisal - Heavily modified Exorcist-class Grand Cruiser
- Honor's Precedence - Modified Dictatus-class Battleship
- Star of Wrath - Modified Lunar-class Cruiser
- Song of War - Modified Armageddon-class Cruiser resembling a Grand Cruiser or Chaos Battleship
- Solemn Crusader - Modified Crusade-class Cruiser
- Exactor - Modified and enlarged Dauntless-class Light Cruiser
- Reason's Orator - Modified Cruiser, visually similar to a Carrack-class Transport
- Eviserator - Modified Cruiser, unique class
- Ghost of Midnight - Modified Strike Cruiser, suspiciously similar in appearance to a Grey Knights variant, but clearly does not possess their sorcerous enchantments
- Spirit of War - Strike Cruiser
Strike Cruiser Spirit of War
- Reconciliation - Strike Cruiser
- Scion of Tarnost - Strike Cruiser
- Vengeance of Rylanor - Heavily modified Light Cruiser (resembles a Dauntless combined with a Cobra Destroyer) functioning much like a Strike Cruiser
- Coeur de Lion - Modified Sword-class Frigate
- Prosecutor - Nova-class Frigate
- Exeter - modified Firestorm-class Frigate, seized from heretic marines, exorcized and repurposed for service
- Priory of Truth - modified Falchion-class Escort
- Ventanus - Cobra-class Destroyer
- Praetorius Venator - Cobra-class Destroyer
- Grasp of Duty - Hunter-class Destroyer
- Eye of the Raven - Cobra-class Destroyer
- Sacred Angel - Cobra-class Destroyer
- Vairocanum - Modified Claymore-class Corvette
Chapter Relics[]
- The Oathcloth of the Warden/The Shroud of Ghosts - The first chapter banner of the Knight Wardens, though it no longer flies as a banner, instead remaining one their holiest relics. It flew in The Murder of the Stars and is marred by munition holes, burns, tares, and stains of Battle-Brothers' blood. The damage was never repaired out respect for the sacrifices of the fallen, instead being sealed in stasis in the Reclusiam, upon which each neophyte swears their oath to the Emperor, Mankind and the Knight Wardens. On only the most dire and rare of circumstances, and only at the order of the Lord Commander, is the sacred, armored stasis casket containing the banner taken into battle atop a relic land raider, commanded by the Chapter Ancient.
- The Price of Rebirth - The second banner of the Knight Wardens, created after The Murder of the Stars. It commemorates the sacrifices of the chapter with a Knight Warden bearing a Crescent-pattern power mace, standing over a field of Battle-Brother and Necron corpses, one of the xenos at his feet, with the broken crescent-shaped remains of Thrago/Midnight in the background with an Astartes fleet and the Imperial Aquila, its heads weeping. Recently it has also had a Chimera-like creature, stalking the Astartes, added to the field of corpses; it has the body and head of a maned lion, with horns, a scaled back with a snake-like tail, and black-blue wings.
- The Edge of Midnight - Amongst the tales told to every Tarnostian child of the coming of the Emperor's Angels, one of the greatest is the legend of The Emerald Blade of "The Great King" of the Angels of Death. When the Knight Wardens claimed Tarnost, one the world's greater nobles, a Duke, foolishly defied them. The Knight Wardens Chapter Master challenged the Duke to a duel, which the man arrogantly accepted. They met on a bridge, surrounded on each bank by spectators, but it was an inevitably short duel, if it could even be called such. The Knight Warden's Lord Commander, whom the locals called "The Great King," slowly drew his blade, a broad longsword made from a green hued metal, and with a single strike carved the Duke in half, ending this rebellion. "The Emerald Blade" is the mythical name given by the locals to The Edge of Midnight, the traditional weapon of the Lord Commander and one of his badges of office, which was forged after The Murder of the Stars. In return for the Knight Wardens turning over what limited xenos technology they had recovered from that cataclysm, the Adeptus Mechanicus forged a blade from the metallic material which formed the bodies of the xenos, later identified as necrodermis. The Edge of Midnight is one of the earliest known uses of the material in a weapon by the Imperium. The weapon is a precious relic that is very similar to the xenophase blades now used by the Deathwatch, although it takes the form of a broad longsword and strangely appears to be immune the energies of C'tan shards, unlike many other necrontyr based weapons.
- Sword of the Drake - This gift from the Salamanders was once the sword of the Chapter Master, until it was replaced by The Edge of Midnight, now traditionally wielded by either the Seneschal or First Captain.
- Wrath of Thrago - The first ever Crescent-pattern Power Mace, this massive, two-handed eveningstar-style weapon has an unusually strong powerfield projector. The badge of office of the Knight-Paladin, Chapter Champion, the powerfield generator of the Wrath of Thrago actually creates a small, brief energy burst when striking a target, similar to a power hammer. This causes the unfortunate target to stumble backward, and allows the Chapter Champion to easily retrieve his weapon from the wound to more quickly strike again.
- Cloak of the Eclipse - An unusual cloak, made of the scales of unknown creature, with black fur lining the top around the neck, it appears to have the ability to shroud the wearer in darkness when desired and provides some psychic protection, the perfect tool for the Arch-Magister.
- Mantle of Memory- One of the chapter's most ancient relics of unknown origin, the artificer helm is worn by the Lord Commander as a symbol of their office. It resembles an angular, knightly helm, possibly a heavily modified Mark III or VI pattern while it's ornate decorations include: the brow of a horned lion, a lion's jaw for cheek guards, and embossed wing-like detailing running from the top of the skull to its base.
- Helm of the Chimera - An advanced artificer Mark IV helm noted for its terrifying visage, decorated with large horns, small wings, lion fangs covering the vox-grill and the Imperial Aquila. Typically worn by the Arch-Magister as a symbol of their office, it is known to provide the wearer with excellent protection and exceptional perception of their surroundings, both psychically and in all visual spectrums. The helm is known to emit an eerie bright blue-purple glow, particularly from its incorporated psychic hood, when the wearer projects especially strong psychic powers. Its exact origin is unknown, other than that the original helm predates the chapter founding; some have noted its properties and design echo the fearful aesthetics of certain traitor legion...
- The Star of Terra - A piece of the Emperor's own Iron Halo, of their most sacred relics.
- Helm of the Templar - An artificer Mark VI helm found within the most ancient halls of the Knight Warden's original armory, it has long been worn by the Seneschal as symbol of their office. It appears to have originally belonged to Black Templars chapter, being similar to those worn by the Emperor's Champion. While it assumed to have been a gift, no one alive can confirm how it came into the Knight Warden's possession. Since identifying with their lineage from the "Azure Chimeras" further decoration has been applied to the helm. It now includes serpent scale detailing on one half of the grill guard, wing-like embossing from brow to the base of the neck, with the sides of the face framed from brow to jaw with two lion's fangs, and the decoration completed by two small wings cresting from thin horns originating at the browline.
- The Praetorian Blade - A Guardian Spear gifted to the Chapter by the Emperor's own, the Adeptus Custodes, one of the most prized weapons in their armory. It may only be wield by a champion unanimously chosen by the High Justicar, Lord Commander and Seneschal.
- Righteous March - Relic Spartan Assault Tank
- Ordinata of the Pyres - An exceptionally advanced ranging and targeting array fitted to power pack of Astartes armor and linked into the scoping systems of a modified Mark IV Destroyer pattern helm and a wrist cogitator; it is the symbol of office of the Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Lituus Promtheus.
- Visage of the Centurions- The artificer helmet of Centurion Enoch, Captain of the Guard, this symbol of his office incorporates the deathmask of an unknown hero of the Chapter and is topped with a vertical crest. In recent millennia, artificers have added lion detailing to the brow and cheek guards, as well as serpents upon its crest. The helm's vox unit also features a complex vocal scrambler, leading Enoch to always speak in the same gruff, metallic voice, further protecting his identity and creating an intimidating effect.
- Loyalty Before Death - Relic Fellblade Super-Heavy Tank
- Paedagogus Imperator - A Relic Sicaran Omega Tank Destroyer, paedagogus translates to tutor, guide, leader and warden in ancient Terran Gothic and thus refers to the Emperor's most treasured role as a shepherd guiding humanity to its enlightenment.
- Sacrifice of the Sigilite - Relic Kratos Heavy Assault Tank
- Armor of Thalassa - One of the symbols of office for the Centurion, this artificer armor visually echoes some the most ancient civilizations of early Terran Europe, which still influence some of the oldest traditions of feudal Tarnost today. This masterpiece appears to have originally been heavily modified Mark IV Maximus plate, with styling influenced by ancient Roman centurions and Greek hoplites, with medieval European notes. Since the Captain of the Guard recently crossed the Rubicon Primaris, the armor was rebuilt and modernized into a Mark X pattern.
- Vox-Mantle of Defiance - The Imperial Fists style Mark IV helm and vox girdle of the Master of Signal. The master-crafted equipment was said to have been used by the Imperial Fists in the Horus Heresy.
- Serpent's Venom - A relic Umbra Vengeance pattern combi-plasma Bolter believed to have once belonged to the Dark Angels or Raven Guard, its ancient machine spirit has never failed and is traditionally taken into battle by the Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Serpent. The Bolter barrel can be fitted with a suppressor in the field as needed and the weapon is equipped with a master-crafted scope, complete with multiple imaging settings.
- Codificium Aerugo et Maledictum - The Ledger of Avarice and Curse, a multi-volume tome maintained by the Chapter Reclusium and Librarium containing the records of every traitor and heretic faced by the Knight Wardens. Its vast volumes contain all intelligence on these most hated of adversaries, their strengths, their weaknesses, victories, defeats, history and current fate. It is a scholarly work towards a single goal, the total annihilation of these foes, including those traitors formerly called their own.
- Claws of Atonement - Relic Lightning Claws, they appear to be ancient Raven Guard style, able to be sheathed when needed
- Predator's Iris - A master-crafted augmetic eye implant
- Litany of Truth - A master-crafted relic Headhunter Bolter of unknown origin, used by the Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Brazen Lion as one of their symbols of office, perfectly suited to the role of Vengeance Squads. Typically wielded with an artificer power weapon of the Knight-Commanders personal choice, usually one of the most potent blades of the chapter.
- The Embrace of Shadows - Master-craft suit of modified Mark VI Corvus pattern armor that masks its own heat and electronic signature, making it ideal for covert operators
- Compendium ex Astra - The Compendium of Stars is a sacred volume of star charts created after The Murder of the Stars and constantly added to over the millennia. The meticulous upkeep of these charts is one of the most important duties shared between the Cartographer of the Emperor's Mercy, who is its keeper, and the Admiral of the Fleet.
- Blade of Vardarac - This master crafted single-edged sword decorated with a equine head at its pommel is said to whistle as it cuts through the air. It was designed by a veteran Outrider to be light and agile to wield while still being capable of cutting through the strongest armor. These characteristics led its maker to name it after a ancient Terran term for a strong northeasterly wind originating it was once the Vardar valley. Currently wielded by the Knight-Commander of the Priory of the Sky.
- Zephyr - a relic Imperial Jetbike named after a mythological ancient Terran god of the wind.
- Altair - Psyber-Eagle who earned its name from the Librarians, who described its psychic emanation while flying as likened to "the eagle star" Alpha Aquilae, also known as Altair.
- Nomad - A Gyrinx who has, by as yet unknown means come to inhabit the chapter fortress monastery. While initially suspicious of the xenos creature, the Astartes have come to accept the creature, as after psychic study of its mind by the Librarians, it is clear the feline has adopted the warriors as its masters and family, though how or why remains entirely a mystery. The psychic familiar tends to spend most of its time in and around the Halls of Merlin.
Chapter Appearance[]
The early Knight Wardens, in regards to their equipment, were fairly standard in Codex Astartes appearance, with their visage becoming more knightly after the discovery of Tarnost, particularly in helm and melee weapon design. Lunar talismans or other small decorations are common among their Battle-Brothers, with larger symbols adorning vehicles, to serve as constant reminders of the sacrifices of The Hallowed Ones. Knightly decorations are usually awarded to those who have distinguished themselves in battle or shown a great act of sacrifice, such as protecting another from a would-be deathblow, although they are common upon vehicles. Since the revelations of their connections with the mysterious "Azure Chimeras", symbols of horned lions, claws, fangs, manes, dark wings and serpent scales or other symbols derived from the chimera creature of Terran myth, have become far more common upon their armor and vehicles, typically added to the already extant knightly style. Claws, fangs and knightly decorations or lunar talismans are clearly the most common among the modern Knight Wardens, while it specifically appears that wings, serpent scales or heraldry are typically denotive of seniority, veterancy or merit. Masters of the Priories often have the symbol of their order etched or painted on their armor or sometimes a left shoulder tilting plate. Generally speaking, the more chimera-inspired decoration apparent on the equipment, the more senior or veteran the bearer. This cultural and design evolution has transformed the chapter from an unremarkable appearance to a singularly unique aesthetic, both memorable and instantly recognizable by friend and foe alike - brutal dark knights adorned with the symbols of one of the most terrible creatures of ancient myth, truly the Emperor's Angels of Death.
Chapter Colors[]
The Knight Wardens primarily wear black power armor with portions of their armor painted midnight blue, including; the majority of the backpack, the left armorial inset, the right armorial trim, the right coutre (elbow guard) both greaves and sabatons and the left poleyn (knee guard). The remaining portions of their armor is painted black. The Aquila or Imperialis worn on their plastron (chest guard) is also midnight blue in color with a silver skull. The eye lenses are deep red and detailing is usually silver. While Veterans from any company usually bear the Crux Terminatus upon their shoulder and helm to mark their status, those assigned to the 1st Company often paint their helms silver. The Chapter Honor Guards' power armor uses a variation of the chapter colors with silver as the primary color, midnight blue as the secondary and black as the accent.
Chapter Badge[]
Formal rendition of the Knight Wardens' Chapter iconography.
The Knight Wardens Chapter badge takes the form of a large silver skull, superimposed over a set of crossed power maces and centered above a crescent moon on a field of midnight blue.
Company assignment is indicated by right poleyn (knee guard) and denoted as follows:
- 1st Company: Crux Terminatus icon,
- 2nd Company: Vertical Midnight Blue Stripe on Black
- 3rd Company: Three Horizontal Midnight Blue Stripes on Black
- 4th Company: Midnight Blue and Black Quartering
- 5th Company: Midnight Blue V-shaped Arrow on Black
- 6th Company: Midnight Blue X on Black
- 7th Company: Midnight Blue and Black Diagonal Halving
- 8th Company: Midnight Blue and Black Checkering
- 9th Company: Horizontal Halving of Midnight Blue over Black
- 10th Company: Midnight Blue Circle within a Black Roundel
On the right armorial inset, they stencil a large silver colored squad specialist symbol, which indicates a battle-brother's squad specialty (Close Support, Fire Support, Battleline, Recon, Vehicle Support, Veteran or Command). Squad assignment is indicated on the right armorial, by a medium-sized gothic numeral stenciled with the silver colored squad specialization symbol, and on the right poleyn (knee guard) in silver or midnight blue.
A line Battle-Brother of the Knight Warden's unique Vengeance Squads.
Relations[]
Allies[]
- Iron Knights
- Judicators
- Angels Excelsior
- Phantoms of Sotha
- Shadow Hawks
- Doom Eagles
- Sons of Jaghatai
- Sons of Orar
- Silver Guard
Adversaries[]
- The Vapulus Chorus - Crucio the Vile was a Chaos Lord and traitor of their own chapter, hunted down on Vorago after 40 years, his followers are still a plague.
- Red Scorpions - Ever since an incident where grave insults were levied against each other, the chapters refuse to fight along each other. The Knight Wardens claim it started when the hyper puritanical Red Scorpions saw their faces for the first time.
- Minotaurs - The Knight Wardens view these warriors as formidable but dishonorable Astartes. In fact, they believe they do not deserve the honor of being called Astartes and are nothing more than the High Lords of Terra's attack dogs.
- Red Corsairs - A natural enemy of all Fleet-based Chapters, skirmishes with these heretical raiders are frequent.
Notable Quotes[]
By the Knight Wardens[]
About the Knight Wardens[]
| Fifth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | [There are NO Dark Angels Successors created during this Founding] (Officially) |
| White Scars Successors | Iron Flashes • |
| Space Wolves Successors | • |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Sentinels of Dorn • Steel Angels • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Death Angels • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Warmachines • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Knights of Guilliman • Warlords • |
| Salamanders Successors | Knight Wardens • |
| Raven Guard Successors | • |
| Chimeric Lineage | Crimson Bones • |
| Unknown Lineage | Titanium Bears • Twilight Lords • |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
This page is under construction and will be continuously updated by The Lord Marshal (Ragnrok1138 here) as time allows.
If you would like to read the original construction article thread, please see the original link here: Knight Wardens - Active Construction?. Development of the project began on the Bolter & Chainsword and has since largely migrated here. Please feel free to leave a message in the community discord with an @ or on the B&C.
The project was originally started in 2013 on the Bolter & Chainsword by the author The Lord Marshal/Ragnrok1138, please do not confuse this with the blatant knock-off found on warhammer40kfanon.com, created in 2016 without permission.
Special Thanks to: The B&C community, especially: Olis, Brother Tyler, Kelborn, Bjorn Firewalker, Grey Hunter Ydalir, Gamiel, Brother Lunkhead, & Ace Debonair for their feedback in development of the project. Also Thanks to User:Algrim Whitefang & User:Achilles Prime for the awesome art and for fixing my messes.
| Fifth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | [There are NO Dark Angels Successors created during this Founding] (Officially) |
| White Scars Successors | Iron Flashes • |
| Space Wolves Successors | • |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Sentinels of Dorn • Steel Angels • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Death Angels • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Warmachines • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Knights of Guilliman • Warlords • |
| Salamanders Successors | Knight Wardens • |
| Raven Guard Successors | • |
| Chimeric Lineage | Crimson Bones • |
| Unknown Lineage | Titanium Bears • Twilight Lords • |