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This article, Lords of Metal, was written by GrandMasterProletius. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
- "Let there be Metal."
- — Karsten Brill, Master of Symphony
The Lords of Metal are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes created during the ill-fated 21st 'Cursed' Founding. The Chapter claims the bloodline of the indomitable Primarch Rogal Dorn, and specifically, the 2nd Founding Black Templars Chapter.
At first glance, the Lords of Metal seem to make up an exception to the curse of the 21st Founding; demonstrating no extreme gene-seed mutations, nor curses upon their bloodline, which they themselves attribute to their exceptional faith in the God-Emperor. While this may be the case, they still have not averted the ever-vigilant gaze of the Inquisition, and fellow chapters of the Adeptus Astartes for their unique culture and battle doctrine that call into question both their heritage and their loyalty to the Imperium.
Chapter History
Risen from the Shrine World of Cecillia III and blessed by Saint Cecillia herself as one of her last acts, the music of the world would weave itself into every facet of the Chapter's culture, just as it had their homeworld a century before their creation. There was never to be a moment of silence in their fortress-monastery as Chapter Serfs hymned both the praises of the Emperor and ballads of war to call forth the fighting spirit of the Lords of Metal to fight in the name of His Holy Emperor.
It was with these foundations of song and slaughter the Lords of Metal entered the galaxy alongside their cousins of the 21st Founding. Powerful bonds were forged with the Order of the Striking Chord, the followers of Saint Cecillia, and the two allied factions often fought side-by-side, reinforcing one another in both blade and spirit. However, it would be the battle against the corrupted Noise Marines of the Emperor's Children legion that the true power of their union would be realized.
Caught in a trap upon the world of Orpheus VII, the Marines of the Lords of Metal and Order of the Striking Chord would become entrenched against the Noise Marines of the Shrieking Souls Warband. Fighting back-to-back, the serfs of the Chapter were the first to fall to the thrums of Chaos, the songs of the chapter eliminated before the battle had even begun. Yet, the sisters would sing on, their music bolstering the courage of the marines whilst drowning out the brain-worming songs of the Prince of Pleasure.
While this would only make them a target, they took such duty graciously and engaged the traitor marines on their terms, sonic weapons against sonic weapons. The fury of their foes was instant, as what little tactics they had broke down, each Noise Marine taking the sisters as a personal challenge, their transhuman might set towards the sole task of out-performing their faith-driven counterparts. It would be the might of the Lords of Metal that would tip the scales, adding the might and fury of transhuman skill to the new sonic war. Led by the Master of Sanctity Karsten Brill, each remaining member of the fellowship would dedicate their collective might to the new battlefront, drawing in their foes with a direct challenge to their honour and their skill.
It would be here, however, that the difference between the brain-addled Noise Marines and the Emperor's Angels of Death would come to bear, as while the traitors became obsessed with out-performing the loyalists, their thralls upon the world would be sacrificed for more volume, more skill, more noise, and with each sacrifice the numbers of the Warband's cultists began to dwindle. Meanwhile, the wounded and dispersed members of both the Chapter and the Order would coordinate, and plan their final push.
Still fueled by the power of their holy war hymns, the survivors surged forward, chanting battle cries and ancient songs to the Emperor as they cut down what was left of the traitor's forces, empowered and encouraged by the might of the faithful display by the Chaplaincy. In the center, a single battle would dominate the field as Karsten Brill would battle the Chaos Lord of the Shrieking Souls, Valnir Thrash-Scream. Sonic weapons blared in the hearts and minds of every Astartes upon the battlefield, so much so that the pounding where the two met would tear a rift into the ground below, from which an array of piercing colours emerged. Whirling flesh and roiling fire intermixed, their battle reflected in the warp and ending with a mighty chorus from every remaining Sister, the cleansing fire erupting from the portal and enveloping Valnir, dragging him back to the Warp and depriving his men of his vital role in their defense.
Shrouded with holy fury, the Marines and the Sisters would drive the traitors all to route, slaying or offering the Emperor's Mercy to each civilian they encountered, enthralled by the music of Thrash. Upon their rescue, the survivors would retain their sonic weapons as a gift from the Sisters of Battle and disperse what they had learned amongst the Chapter, cementing the War-Skalds as a permanent unit of the chapter. Each unit would be led by a Maestro into battle, who would also teach the most prominent musicians within the chapter the intricacies of such a unique and potent weapon. The Master of Sanctity himself would don a new title after this incident; The Master of Symphony, and he would continue to guide the chapter's cultural practices while standing at the forefront of their combined war ballad.
However, despite their dedication to the God-Emperor and how these weapons were acquired, those looking in would see this shift in culture as an obsession with their chosen art, and when out of earshot, would draw comparisons with the traitorous marines with which they did battle with in the first place. They would be spared due to their religious zeal in the Emperor of Mankind as a God, and their close relationship with their parent chapter of the Black Templars, who would not brook such questions to their personal lineage's loyalty. This would not, however, stop the suspicions nor the rumours from spreading from chapter to chapter, and eventually making its way to the God Emperor's Holy Inquisition.
While outwardly denying any sort of obsession, the chapter begins to look deeper into the matter itself. While they retained their faith, as always, they recognized that their zealous draw towards music, and their impulsive practice of it held equally alongside even their arts of war. It was unnatural, and if left unchecked and they remained ignorant, it could easily devolve into that which other chapters accused them of. Perhaps more prominently, the fates of the Blood Gorgons, Flame Falcons, and several other chapters of their Founding did not escape their notice. And so, their Apothecaries and Maestros alike dove into their gene-seed, searching for flaws that may have developed, modifications to their gene-seed, or even something as simple as the signs of corruption - from their extended conflicts with the powers of the Prince of Pleasure.
Gifted with the scrutinizing gene-craft their progenitors put to use in screening candidates, the Lords of Metal would rigorously test their gene-seed, its origins, and the Master of the Apothecarian would bring forth his results to the Lord Marshall, the Master of Symphony, and the Master of the Forge behind a sealed and soundproof gate.
When they emerged, the chapter was declared free of mutation, taint, and corruption, satisfying their casual detractors, and drawing the eye of the more scrutinizing to demand access to the results themselves. Inquisitors looked, pried, and questioned the results of the Chapter, certain that there must be something hidden, something worth knowing, and they would work to uncover this secret for centuries thereafter until finally, they found it.
Chimeric Gene-Seed. The Black Templars supplied one half, but the other was supplied by another chapter altogether. The genetic marks of the Blood Angels had been woven into their base of genetic codes, and like that the Inquisitorial investigation came to understand both the secrecy and the tendencies of the Chapter. The Blood Angels, famous for their pursuit of the arts, their love of music, and their intense fervor, had come together with the obsessive tendencies of Dorn's bloodline to create a chapter predisposed for an artistic obsession. This information would be kept a secret, the Inquisitor in question filing it away wherever they kept that which could be pulled upon later for favors and extortion.
And yet, the Lords of Metal would sit comfortably with this knowledge, and all those who went searching would find the same secret. A touch of the angel in their DNA, right there for them to find and then be on their merry way. It would be so convenient a truth as to garner even further suspicions, but should there be anything deeper, it exists only in the minds of those in the highest positions of the Chapter. Regardless of the truth, the Lords of Metal know themselves to be one thing; Loyal servants to the Imperium. Regardless of their heritage, or what sins their origins may contain, they shall fight on with metal in their hearts, and blades in their hands. For that is the duty of the Emperor's sons.
Imperium Nihilus
Upon the formation of the Great Rift, much changed for the Lords of Metal. Sandwiched between the Calixis Sector and the forces of Abbadon the Despoiler, the Lords of Metal recognize their dire plight. Missed by the reinforcements of the Primaris, the numbers of the Chapter are ever-depleting and unless they punch through the roving bands of Chaos Marauders and come to one of the few safe harbors in the northern half of the galaxy. While the possibilities are grim, what is worse is the dedication the Lords of Metal possess to their home world. So pious in their beliefs, that to suggest abandoning the world while hope still persists is a blasphemous idea that has already brought brothers to blows.
Yet, reality and unreality are swiftly coming to a head for the Chapter, as their enemies smell blood in the water. Rumors of a great winged serpent lurking through Imperium Nihilus while accompanied by the most mind-addling of songs, devastating worlds strike fear into even the most devout of the Imperium's citizens, and the truth of the matter has not been lost on the Sword-Lord, nor the Master of Symphony. Whatever comes forth from the Eye of Terror shall sweep them away, their glories and their songs for naught if they do not act swiftly, and brave the harsh unrealities of the Warp.
Notable Campaigns
- Battle of Thunderous Fury (ca. 599.M37) - The re-christening of the Lords of Metal into the Chapter they exist as today, this prolonged and brutal campaign against the Shrieking Souls gifted the Chapter with holy insight
- Battles alongside the Star Dragons against the Shrieking Souls (ca. 605.M37) - Pursuing the remnants of the Shrieking Souls Warband loose in Imperial space, the Lords of Metal were joined by the Star Dragons Chapter in a brutal hunt through the stars.
- Clash with the Shrieking Souls (ca. 245.M38) - One seemingly final face-off against the Shrieking souls after nearly a Millennia of conflict. The first Master of Symphony would sacrifice himself on this day to strike the most holy of chords against his foes, and upon his final note, he would decimate the patron Keeper-of-Secrets, Kelasha, back to the Warp.
- Battles alongside the Beast Hunters against the Archons (ca. 102.M39) - ?Allying themselves with the Beast Hunters Chapter, the Chapter became embroiled in a brief, but violent conflict with the Drukhari in a brutal raid, forming a millennia-long bond with the Sons of the Khan.
- Angevin Crusade (ca. 345.M39) - Fighting alongside their parent chapter of the Black Templars as reinforcements for the Angevin Crusade, the Lords of Metal functioned as a nearby source of reinforcements for the crusade, and a trustworthy companion to the Black Templars. While contributing little to the crusade in comparison to the venerable Black Templars, they served as bastions of support and reinforcements for several crucial engagements.
- Return of the Shrieking Souls (ca. 139.M41) - As Abbadon the Despoiler brought forth devastation to the Gothic Sector, the opportunity arose for an ancient foe of the Lords of Metal to return once more, spurred forth by the Daemon Kelasha. While altogether brief, this conflict would spark a millennia-long series of battles and skirmishes between the two rivals, often openly declaring their intent to invite the other for a chance at their ultimate destruction.
- The Battles against the Goff Rokkers (ca. 997.M41-008.M42) - As the Octarian War came to a close, Orks poured out of the Octarius sector, eager to do battle with new, and strange ways of war. In the case of the Goff Clan, one Ork had picked up the habit of leading his boyz in with a riotous pounding of crude instruments. In their arrogance, they sought battle with their equivalent in the Imperium, and across the sub-sector a mighty warcry could be heard across frequencies and even within the dreams of Astropaths. Guided by divine judgement, the Lords of Metal took to the field to fend off the oncoming wave of Orks, finally engaging with the famed Goff Rokker. With the opening of the Great Rift splitting the galaxy in two, the Lords of Metal were torn from the light of the Astronomicon and their battle against the Goff Rokkers became even more desperate, with the fall of the Master of Symphony, and their reinforcements likely lost forever to the warp. It would be the intervention of a single Maestro, hardly a name to his fellows, taking up the Sonic Crozius of his fallen mentor and beginning to play with such speed, such ferocity, that the Orks were left with no opportunities to interrupt his display. Even their bullets were disintegrated in the air around him, much less the Orks themselves who were disintegrated upon their charge. Even as the enemy Weirdboy himself attempted to play in turn and disrupt the perfect tune, the barricade of sound was reinforced with very real power that kicked up into a great whirlwind, lightning striking from the Maestro's fingertips. It would be at this moment the remaining Fellowships rallied to his side, pushing forward, driving the Orks to route and delivering breathing room for the Chapter's wounded. Though the Warboss still lived, and the war would continue for several more years, the remaining forces eventually limped back to Cecillia III, only to find the devastation the galaxy was truly in, and how hopeless their situation had become.
Chapter Homeworld
Cecillia III began its existence as the Paradise World in the Segmentum Obscura, ruled by the Rogue Trader Dynasty of York and dedicated to the arts as a veritable bastion of culture for the Imperium until the emergence of Saint Cecillia in 901.M35. Scourging the planet of a daemonic cult dedicated to the Prince of Pleasure, this would serve as an omen of enemies to come for the Chapter. However over the next ninety years the population of the world exploded with pilgrims and later the Ecclesiarchy, all seeking the legendary artist who rooted out and rallied the people with the power of her voice, with which she sung the miraculous hymns of the God-Emperor.
Fortress-Monastery
The Fortress Amphitheatre is one of the two tallest towers upon the planet, built of solid ceramite stone in a perfect cylindrical shape, constantly catching and reflecting the noises within. The sounds can be heard across the Hive City upon which it is stationed, a constant, reverberating series of chants, choirs, orchestras, and performances by the Lords of Metal that make such a location a beacon for all pilgrims visiting the world, seeking visions from one of the Twin Theatres of War.
Chapter Organization
Officer Ranks
War-Marshall
The equivalent of a Captain, heralded as the head of any given fellowship based on skill, with challenges inevitably erupting in the form of a singular duel.
Blade-Warden
The equivalent of a Lieutenant and Sergeant in one role, with the larger a Fellowship groups, the more blade-Wardens rise up, forming small bands around themselves as they push further than any other, each one following the leading rhythm of the War-Marshall.
Specialist Ranks
Maestros
The line-ranking Chaplains of the Lords of Metal, the Chapter possesses a large number of holy men in its ranks in order to both partake in the battles needed upon the front lines, as well as to perform the duties needed in the highly religious Chapter. Each Maestro is in possession of a Sonic Crozius, capable of expelling powerful sonic blasts upon the input of various commands of the Marine, or linking directly with his Vox Emitter in order to directly deliver the words of the Emperor upon the enemies of Man.
With the holy abilities of such Marines, miracles follow in the wake of the most pious and skilled as they allow the God-Emperor to speak through them in their reverie of song. These Miracles take many forms that some would accuse of sorcery, and while they are not a constant, the power channeled down from the heavens is directed most often in the form of further increasing the superhuman might of the Astartes around them.
Master of Symphony
-Just like the Maestros of the Chapter, the Master of Symphony is said to perform miracles upon their Sonic Crozius, however as the most pious and learned of his brothers, the Master is said to perform proportionately greater miracles. The command of storms overhead to strike against his foes, or the summoning of fire upon the ground to consume those who might threaten the great performance have all been claimed, even the power to simply protect him from oncoming attacks, even as he stands out in the open, exposing himself to the enemy as to properly deliver to them the message of the God-Emperor.
Line Ranks
The Lords of Metal lack line officers amongst their forces, with the instinctive, almost euphoric battle style of the Lords of Metal not requiring their orders to be given, and their role taken up by Blade-Wardens if the need arises.
Sword-Brother
The equivalent of a Battle-Brother, and functioning the same. Sword-Brothers emphasize melee combat above all else, typically only supplemented by the implementation of pistol weapons, or in certain cases, heavy ordinance when required.
Neophyte
The equivalent of Scout Marines, the Neophytes of the Chapter will serve alongside Fellowships, relegated to the duties of corralling Sycophants on the battlefield, often working as rear-line defenders or lightly armored skirmishers, typically lead by a Chaplain directly.
Aspirants
The young serfs of the chapter, who operate within the Fortress Monastery and spend their days practicing their music and skill at arms.
Specialist Units & Formations
War Skalds
Those Sword-Brothers who fight alongside their Maestros directly, chosen for a mixture of their skill and style, coming together with a variety of different skills, and each one capable of picking up any other fallen brother's weapon.
Fellowships
Functioning as the ad-hoc organization of the Chapter, each Fellowship forms around the music of a chosen Maestro, amassing followers who are spoken to by the music produced by the holy figure. Each Fellowship can range from five Marines, all the way to a company's worth. Each Fellowship can grow or retract as needed, with Marines joining up and harmonizing with one another, allowing for perfectly coordinated and integrated assaults alongside one another before splitting up again, each group taking the number of Marines needed without debate or argument to be had.
Sycophants
Drawn from a variety of origins, the Sycophants of the Lords of Metal are humans driven to action by the music of the Chapter. Some are civilians saved by the Chapter, others are pilgrims dedicated to Saint Cecillia, many are failed Aspirants, and others still come from all walks of life. Yet all have given themselves over to the music, and dedicate their lives to the Chapter's needs. Many simply function as serfs or at most, operate logistics for the chapter, yet there are those unsatisfied with such menial roles and choose to sell their lives to the fervent fire of the front lines, operating weapon emplacements and running into battle alongside their Marine masters, filling out the chapter's numbers and allowing more Marines to serve on the frontlines where they truly wish to be.
Chapter Recruitment
Recruitment into the Lords of Metal is carried out almost exclusively on their homeworld of Cecillia III, although it draws forth candidates from systems away who wish to partake in the reverie. While the skill in arts and war is an exceptionally rare combination, it is often most readily found in the nobility, whom are the most primary candidates to undergo the trials. While any can in theory apply, in practice it is those of high station who possess the years of practice and training needed to pass.
Every year a great festival is put together by the Chapter Serfs wherein the people are welcomed to eat, drink, and partake in the glory of the Emperor in the shadow of the Ampitheatre. Music is played constantly, and over the course of the day young men are encouraged to take up the challenge of the Bolter Monks, and at the height of the festival day, a great series of duels takes place. First singular duels, with each contestant having three bouts to demonstrate their skill. Then, a test of faith, where those same contestants will, still covered in blood and sweat, be pounded with sonic emiters, throwing off their sight and senses. Logic is thrown out the window as higher brain functions are shut off, and those left standing after the powerful visions and intense music shall receive one last test. They will be given an instrument of their choice, and be told to play what they heard in their throes of ecstasy.
Should they play to the satisfaction of the Bolter Monks and present Chaplains, they will officially be inducted for training.
Chapter Beliefs
Strictly following the words of the Lectitio Divinitatus, the Lords of Metal live up to their predecessor as adherents to the Imperial Creed. There is little divergence in overall beliefs, however the practices diverge significantly. In line with their Adepta Sororitas allies upon their homeworld, the Lords of Metal promote music as the most holy of expressions, as one is drawn into religious ecstasy by the mere presence of a skilled musician, even moreso than even the most potent orator.
Led by the example of Karsten Brill, the Master of Symphony, the Chaplaincy and by extension the Chapter, underwent a fundamental change in how they conduct warfare. Led directly by the power of the Sonic Crozius, the men and women of the Chapter recognize the God-Emperor in each and every stroke, so long as it is wielded by one truly holy in their thoughts and beliefs.
Prior to each battle, a Maestro will sit in contemplation, aided by the powerful emitters of their Resonance Chambers to build a picture of the battle ahead, planted in their mind by seeds of the Emperor's Divinity itself, placed in each Marine as they are raised to an Astartes. They will take this picture and script a rhythm for it, not a full song, for that can only be written in the moment. This rhythm will then by placed upon the armor of the Maestro using wax seals, and remain a permanent feature upon their armor. The exception to this being in defeat, at which moment the warrior in question will remove the seal, igniting it upon a steel surface, and allowing the ashes to coat their armor and be forever forgotten. Should a Maestro run out of room upon their armor, the rhythm will instead be inscribed upon a read cloak in black ink, which shall be worn and proudly displayed at all times.
During battle, the Chapter Serfs known as Bolter Monks follow the Maestro and while some assist in the creation of music directly by carrying of equipment or in rare cases, use of esoteric instrumentation, others shall inscribe what is played to be remembered for all time and hung upon the halls of the Fortress Monastery, utilizing audio augments to perfectly transcribe the exact beat and rhythm or every note. Once more, in victory the song shall remain forever within the Fortress Amphitheatre.
Chapter Gene-Seed
On their face, the Lords of Metal present themselves as proud sons of Dorn. They have never wavered from this conviction, nor diverged from this position when confronted by other chapters or the God Emperor's Holy Inquisition. However, secrets lay within the hidden vaults of the Amphitheatre that bring such notions into question. Genetic data stored on archived cartridges lay out quite clearly the true supposed lineage of the chapter as a Chimeric blending of the Primarch Sanguinius of the Blood Angels, and the Primarch Rogal Dorn. Several Inquisitors who questioned the chapter managed to acquire such information, stowing it away for future leverage or favors that could be pulled from their ranks.
However, there are those who question even this. They are unsatisfied with such a revelation, and more importantly the ease by which it was acquired, and suspect an even deeper secret lingering within the Lords of Metal Lineage. Should this be the case, only four men in the whole of the Imperium would know the truth, and no chance to pry into their minds has yet arisen for the Ordos assigned to such unsavory practices.
Genetic Flaws
The Lords of Metal suffer from a mental flaw much like their claimed progenitors of obsession and zealotry. Fully dedicating themselves to any warzone or project they may be assigned to, the Chapter Culture has created an army of zealous warriors driven by the power of music, through which they believe the Emperor issues his most sacred of commands, drawing forth waves of battlefield ecstasy in all who hear them. The obsession manifests to such a degree that prolonged periods of silence can be unbearable for a member of the chapter, which leads to Vox Nets constantly flooding with streams of music, information, or even simple conversation. However, this flaw has the subsequent benefit of allowing the Marines enter a state of zen in the middle of a roaring battlefield. Distractions merely serve to add to their focus, and individual noises can be picked out from the anarchy as easily as one of us could do so with our eyes, making stealth a difficult tactic to employ.
This musical obsession was the first indicator to many members of the Inquisition that the Chapter was far more flawed than it let on, but the Chapter itself keeps such knowledge well-hidden from its enemies, and few realize just how vital the music is for the stability of individual Marines.
Combat Doctrine
The Chaplaincy (referred to as Maestros) of the Lords of Metal each carry with them a sonic crozius, which when played skillfully will emit powerful sonic waves across the battlefield; inspiring their allies and planting fear into the hearts of their enemies with mighty hymns to the God-Emperor and thunderous chords of his manifested wrath. Engaging along side them are their War-Skalds, whom out of all of the Sword-Brothers of a Fellowship have demonstrated exceptional musical talent on and off the battlefield, each typically mastering a chosen instrument as well as vocals. They lead the whole of the battlefield in chants and war cries, led by their Maestro in an unforgettable war cry to announce their arrival to all who stands against the God-Emperor
Taking after their progenitors, the Lords of Metal focus on close quarters combat with blade and bolter in hand, driven forward and ever-more zealous by the chorus of preaching from their Maestros, urging them to perform ever-greater feats in the name of the Emperor. However the incorporation of sonic weapons has restructured their traditional melee tactics and created a unique system of bands of warriors surrounding a Maestro, each unit moving like a fluid organism, openly communicating battle tactics and strategy with beat and rhythm, ensuring a constant push against the enemy.
Melee fighters are supported by War Skalds who suppress the enemies with the constant reverberations of their sonic weapons, causing foes to recoil from either the physical impact, or the sheer disorientation of volume. This constant and fluid formation allows for the battle to remain in constant motion, with momentum never allowing the enemy to regain their footing.
Prior to a fight, each Maestro will examine the coming battle, the tactics involved, and script the rhythm that the fight should take. As opposed to a fully scripted song, there is instead a general rhythm and tone inscribed onto paper and wax-sealed onto the Maestro's armor, guiding their path forward, and evolving as the battle evolves. Sonic Rhythm will take the hearts of the warriors present, presenting orders that are simply known, rather than thought out and communicated. This sort of communication even applies to other Maestros, who will harmonize when advancing in tandem, with each harmonizing War Skald creating a more intense and concentrated application of sonic force upon the enemy.
One final quirk of their chosen methods of war allow for the eschewing of many heavy weapons, as each bearer of a sonic cannon or crozius can simply tune their equipment's frequency to begin tearing into armor, fortifications, or even warp-based shielding. Typically aided by the Tech-Marines of a Brotherhood, the Marines in question will deliver intense sonic pulses either sustained, or fluctuating to punch through that which is presented, further fueling the never-ending forward push towards the enemy, and allowing for the brutal close-quarters combat in which they relish.
Notable Members
- Sword Lord Joakim - Current Sword Lord of the Lords of Metal, Joakim stands as an enigmatic figure over the Chapter, holding far less charismatic sway than the master of symphony, but whispers abound of his actions and his deeds through the Millennium. He follows the ancient creed of the Chapter, dedicating his skill to bladework over music, allowing himself to enter a state of trance. Guided by the Emperor's light in combat, he walks in silence, never attempting to override or interrupt the music, gravitating towards the greatest challenge that could present itself, and never shying away from the possibility of death. While he may not strike the same as the Maestros, when the cloak of the Sword Lord catches the eye of the Chapter's Sword-Brothers, it captures the same inspiring figure, and manifests as a physical embodiment of the music that pushes them to their limits.
- Master of Symphony Karsten Brill - The original, and believed greatest of the Masters of Symphony. Karsten Brill was the driving force behind the modern incarnation of the Lords of Metal, and drove its direction into the coming millennium. While falling in battle against Kelasha, his memory persists in the countless songs written in his name, positioning him as a near-saintly figure for the Chapter, for whom they march in the name of.
- Master of Symphony Heman - Given little time for pomp and circumstance in his ascension to Master of Symphony, Hema rose to the position on account of what can only be called Divine Mandate. For when his precursor fell to the tides of oncoming Orks, he rose to the challenge, surging forward for the Sonic Crozius and making his stand against the oncoming Waaagh. Playing with such speed and fervor that there was not an Ork that could approach him before being shredded by the sheer speed of the Crozius played on its own. Such was his push that despite the route, a single position was held. Inspired by the intensity of Heman, more warriors flocked to his still-flapping banner. He played, and played, until his fingers caught ablaze with celestial blame. Unbeknownst to anyone, it was at this moment the Great Rift tore itself across the galaxy and the power of the divine flooded into the realm of the mundane. Glowing with holy fire and sparking lightning, the Maestro would play until the flesh of his fingers would need to be replaced by augmetics. In a unanimous decision, position of Master of Symphony would be granted to Heman. While experienced, he holds nowhere near as much wisdom as the others of his order, but still he brings forth what he claims is a divinely inspired wit to his position. Though exceptional in his fast-paced weaponization of the Sonic Crozius, he is a leader in a time of great turmoil and strife, who has many opportunities for both failure and glory ahead of him.
Chapter Fleet
As the situation in Imperium Nihilus grows ever-more desperate, the forces of the Lords of Metal have fully disregarded the tenants of the Codex Astartes in terms of their battle fleet, amassing as many ships as possible, of whatever class they can acquire, in order to protect such a vulnerable and isolated system in the distant north of the galaxy. While they lose ever-more ships, those they collect are being reappropriated to house the population of Cecillia III should the worst come to pass, and make their way towards the whispered bastion of the Blood Angels upon Baal.
The Crescendo (Battle Barge)
The flagship of the Chapter, the Crescendo is all, but a flying Fortress Monastery for the chapter in the dark days of Imperium Nihilus. While the Chapter maintains control over Cecillia III, the reality is that no matter how much faith one holds in the Emperor, the dark forces of Chaos still devastate his rightful domain every passing day. As such, the Crescendo has been designated in hushed tones, the final bastion for the chapter in the case of absolute destruction.
Chapter Relics
- Sonic Crozius - A collection of potent and specialized sonic weaponry, first deployed by the Order of the Piercing Chord and refitted for Astartes use, the Sonic Crozius is wielded by the Chaplains to both command the Chapter from the front lines and deliver a variety of sonic attacks.
- The Audiator - Much like the Sonic Crozius, save for possessing far less power for the trade-off of being able to link up and harmonize with other sonic weapons in the vicinity, often working in concert with a Sonic Crozius to produce a louder, and more potent blast.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Armour & Colors
Once inducted as full Sword-Brothers to the Chapter, each man is encouraged to modify his armor to his heart's content. Not merely technologically (although with the aid of the Tech Marines, it is more than possible), but more often than not aesthetically. Texturing is often added to armor, markings that can mean various things, and while red is often the encouraged and prescribed color to make such modifications with, it often stands out as only the primary color amongst an assortment of a rainbow of colors made to paint a portrait upon any particular marine. Final say over a design lays to a Maestro, and Sword-Brothers will typically adorn themselves to match their Fellowship, but divergences can and do transpire, often amongst those whom have earned some degree of distinguishing themselves amongst their brothers. Suffice to say, the Lords of Metal believe their appearance is part of any performance, and will not degrade the Emperor's name with anything less than perfection.
Lords of Metal Chapter icon.
Chapter Badge
Fire upon the anvil of war, crossed by the weapons it has crafted. While the original meaning of such a symbol has been lost, the meaning to the modern chapter is clear. An ever-burning fire, lit by the spirit of their hearts, that shall burn against the horrors of all darkness and decay.
Relations
Allies
| Black Templars | 
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Parent chapter, and guiding mentor in the ways of war, the Lords of Metal have inherited much from their elder brother. They have fought alongside them on numerous occasions, enough to be recognized as a stalwart friend, and eternal ally. |
| Order of the Piercing Chord | 
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The longest-standing ally of the Lords of Metal, the Order of the Piercing Chord share in the glorious faith of the Chapter, embracing the Emperor's voice as he speaks through the tools with which he provided mankind. Forever bound in this friendship, it is in these darkest days that they rely on one another the most, seeking out strength, and camaraderie as the threat of annihilation that threatens both. |
| Star Dragons | 
|
A firm ally that shares an appreciation for the perfection of their craft has allowed the Star Dragons and Lords of Metal to fight alongside one another on several occasions. Though the ways of both Chapters may seem strange to their peers, both have seen something worth preserving and embracing in the other's ways. In perhaps their strongest bond, their truest hatred of the daemons of Slaanesh shall remain their silent acknowledgement of one another, forever grudging against the Daemons that corrupt the ideals they hold dear. |
| Beast Hunters | Allies against the ever-encroaching hordes of Xenos within the galaxy, the Beast Hunters share a deep love of the most ancient of humanity's traditions; music. While it was their first bond, it would not be the only one as the two fought side-by-side against the raiding Archons of Drukhari, and on many occasions since. Such was the bond forged in the fires of war that gifts were exchanged between the chapters; from the Beast Hunters a pelt of the beasts slain during their hunt of the Archons, and from the Lords of Metal, a hand-painted recording of the songs they played on the battlefield together. Before the formation of the Great Rift, both Chapters would join each other in festivals and celebrations, truly embracing each other as brothers both on, and off the battlefield. |
Rivals
| Inquisitor Faustus Fyrestone | 
|
The latest in a long line of Inquisitors suspicious of the practices of the Lords of Metal. While not openly decrying them as heretics, his retinue spent years infiltrating their fortress-monastery, diving for secrets, and looking to uncover any proof of dedication to the ruinous powers they claim to detest. Part of a larger circle of Inquisitorial infighting, Faustus' life has been dedicated to uncovering a greater conspiracy within the Imperium, to utilize blasphemous techniques to form a heretical legion, loyal to the ruinous powers. While his focus on the Lords of Metal may seem narrow-minded for such a massive conspiracy, Faustus believes that all such Chapters maintain contact with one another and that by uncovering the secrets of a Chapter he already possesses such information on, he would come to know each and every conspirator and co-conspirator. However, it would be the formation of the Great Rift that would change the planes of Inquisitor Fyrestone. For isolated from his larger organization and threatened by the encroaching Chaos warbands threatening to overtake the sector, the Inquisitor must decide to either trust the possibly heretical chapter or make the impossible task of attempting to venture to safety on his own, an easy target for would-be incursions. |
Enemies
| Shrieking Souls | 
|
The Lords of Metal first battled the Shrieking Souls during the Black Crusade of Jihar the Lacerator (599.M37). Diverting from the main force, the Emperor's Children Warband launched their own little crusade northward towards the Calixis Sector. Since that day, the Shrieking Souls have been a constant foe of the Lords of Metal, partaking in crusades and assaults solely to pit themselves against the loyalist Marines who beat them, even once, in order to both establish supremacy in the realm of music, and to please Slaanesh with the heights the Warband must go to in order to out-perform their rivals. |
| The Goff Rokkers | 
|
Originally encountered as a nuissance, the Goff Rokker has become a enemy of some repute to the Lords of Metal. An unusual Ork, barking in its vile Xenos tongue to some kind of barbaric rhythm the Lords of Metal faced off against him recently in their history, clashing with the Ork after a suicidal drop pod assault on his amassing Waaagh led by the Dark Angels and Blood Ravens. Surviving the nuclear detonation that wiped out his original force, the Ork gathered his legend, assembling a new, even greater force of Orks, each one chanting its vile song. The Lords of Metal would join the contingent force hastily assembled in order to slay the Ork Warboss.
Though the Imperium would find victory, overwhelming the emerging Waaagh, that would not be the last seen of the Goff Rokker, for he would deftly avoid any and all attempts to truly slay him, and remain a persistent menace to the Chapter in its darkest hour. |
| Kelasha | 
|
A lesser-known Keeper of Secrets worshipped by select Noise Marines of the Emperor's Children, Kelasha is the patron Daemon of the Shrieking Souls, acting as both adviser and leader to the warband, guiding them on their dark crusades through the stars. She whispers dark promises to the Lords of Metal, promising them untold possibilities of their skill, true challenge, unwavering music so that they never sit in silence again, but it is through faith in the Emperor that the Daemon is denied, banished time and again through holy power. |
Notable Quotes
By the Lords of Metal
About the Lords of Metal
Gallery
