Pyroclast Wardens

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Pyroclast Wardens
Pyroclast Warden armorial with Chapter iconography.
Pyroclast Wardesn Battle-Brother of the 3rd Company, 7th Battleline Squad.
Space Marine Chapter
Allegiance	Imperium of Man (Fidelitas Totalis)
Founding	Ultima Founding (ca. 999.M41)
Successor of	Salamanders (Vulkan lineage.)
Chapter Master	Hae'dan Zeon
Homeworld	Caldera
Fortress-Monastery	The Anvil
Allies	Ashguard, Salamanders
Number of Marines	Approximately 850 Astartes
Specialty	Siege warfare, shock tactics and fighting Chaos
Battle Cry	"Iron to shape us. Fire to test us."
Colours	Dark red, black and gold
Successor Chapter(s)	unknown

The Pyroclast Wardens are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and successor of the Salamanders, born from a force of Legionaries lost in the Warp during the late Horus Heresy. Trapped for nearly a century in the Immaterium, they emerged in realspace during the 13^th Black Crusade and aided in the defense of Cadia. Later, after being recognized by Roboute Guilliman, they were granted the right to form a new Chapter. Now fully Primaris-based, the Pyroclast Wardens are relentless hunters of Chaos, wielding flame and fury from their volcanic stronghold on Caldera.

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Chapter History

Origins

The Pyroclast Wardens trace their lineage directly to the XVIII^th Legion, the Salamanders. When the treachery of Isstvan V unfolded, Captain Malek Vorran remained unwavering in his loyalty. He fought during the counter-operations that followed the massacre, and when the campaign turned to catastrophe, Vorran was among those chosen to lead fleet remnants from the system. Later, during the Shadow Crusade, he assumed command of the Vigil of Flame, a strike cruiser retrofitted as a mobile siege barque. The vessel carried over 150 Salamanders, along with Legionary war machines, Techmarines, and Mechanicum support personnel.

Attempting to evade the tightening noose of Word Bearers warfleets, Vorran ordered a desperate Warp jump. During transit, the Vigil of Flame was caught in a violent Warp fold - a catastrophic tidal collapse of Immaterium and reality. Dozens died as the ship’s hull twisted, bulkheads buckled, and daemonic howls echoed through the failing Gellar fields.

On the eighth day of containment, a daemonic entity breached the bridge through a collapsed Gellar coil. Captain Vorran, already grievously wounded, hurled himself into the beast’s path, shielding the ship’s primary vox-array with his own body. His spine shattered and armor split, Vorran's sacrifice allowed for partial system recovery. Ferron Malvak, a Techmarine of the Iron Hands seconded to the Salamanders during Imperium Secundus, acted without hesitation. Though critically wounded himself, Malvak interred Vorran into the last operational Contemptor Dreadnought sarcophagus, activating its ancient stasis-seal.

In a final act of survival, Malvak stabilized the ship’s core systems and sealed the severely injured in stasis, while the rest maintained minimal operation and defense of the ship. The Vigil of Flame - now silent and wounded - was left adrift in the Warp for approximately 87 years according to internal chronometers, though nearly ten millennia passed in realspace.

It was during the 13^th Black Crusade, amidst the apocalyptic battles for Cadia, that the Vigil of Flame was violently ejected from the Warp into the heart of the system. The surviving Legionaries, their numbers diminished and strained from their ordeal, rallied under First Lieutenant Hae'dan Zeon, a Terran-born veteran of the Great Crusade. In the battles that followed, Sergeant Usuban Dracer - one of the last surviving squad leaders from the Heresy - was mortally wounded while fighting a Daemon Prince.

Despite their shattered condition and ancient wargear, the Salamanders fought with righteous fury, aiding the defenders of Cadia against Abaddon’s horde. Their sudden arrival drew the attention of the Inquisition, and an investigation for Warp taint ensued. No corruption was found, and after limited repairs, the Vigil of Flame and her crew were escorted to Nocturne for full evaluation.

Some time after his resurrection, Roboute Guilliman, now leading the Indomitus Crusade, was informed of their survival. Recognizing their valor, sacrifice, and burden as relics of another age, Guilliman offered them rebirth. He decreed the founding of a new Chapter - the Pyroclast Wardens - built upon the backbone of surviving Legionaries and strengthened with the might of Primaris reinforcements.

From their new volcanic homeworld of Caldera, the Pyroclast Wardens now strike at the heart of Chaos wherever it festers. They are fire and vengeance, shield and hammer- a flame kept alive through millennia of darkness, now burning brighter than ever.

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Notable Campaigns

Battles Pre-Founding

• The Drop Site Massacre of Isstvan V (005.M31) - During the catastrophic betrayal at Isstvan V, a scattered force of Salamanders, along with elements of other Loyalist units, fought a brutal retreat under heavy fire. Captain Malek Vorran was among those who rallied survivors, organizing extraction points and securing a path through traitor lines. Though reduced to barely over a hundred Legionaries, these veterans escaped aboard the Vigil of Flame, beginning their long odyssey through the shattered Imperium.

• The Shadow Crusade - Ultramar Segmentum (007-008.M31) - Serving alongside the Ultramarines during the events of Imperium Secundus, the survivors of Isstvan continued to fight in defense of the eastern Imperium. During a major battle against Word Bearers and World Eaters forces, Captain Vorran ordered an emergency Warp jump to avoid encirclement. The Vigil of Flame was caught in a catastrophic Warp fold, spiraling into the Immaterium. It would remain lost for over 87 subjective years —and over ten thousand years in realspace.

• The Fall of Cadia – Segmentum Obscurus (999.M41) - During the apocalyptic 13th Black Crusade, the Vigil of Flame was violently expelled from the Warp into the Cadia System. Disoriented but resolute, the survivors joined Imperial defenders in the final hours of Cadia’s defense. Sergeant Usuban Dracer was gravely wounded and almost killed during a confrontation with a Daemon Prince, but was rescued by an Imperial Fists rescue team. Following the destruction of Cadia, the survivors were interrogated by elements of the Ordo Malleus, who found no evidence of corruption. After a lengthy debrief and temporary quarantine, the ancient Legionaries were allowed to travel to Nocturne, where they presented themselves to the Salamanders. Word of their survival eventually reached Roboute Guilliman, setting the stage for the Chapter’s rebirth.

Battles Post-Founding

• The Battle for Nocturne (009.M42) - Shortly after their formal founding, the Pyroclast Wardens were called upon by their progenitors, the Salamanders, to defend Nocturne against an unexpected Drukhari incursion. Much of the Salamanders Chapter was deployed across the galaxy at the time, leaving the homeworld vulnerable to the rapid strike of an Aeldari slaver fleet. Three companies of the Pyroclast Wardens answered the distress call, including the 1st Company, the "Infernus Drakes," who were coincidentally already aboard the Infernus Praesidium, in orbit above Nocturne undergoing classified retrofits, outside of Mechanicus observation. When the Drukhari launched their assault from webway gate breaches across the Obsidian Reaches, the Wardens deployed en masse, launching precision counter-attacks across the ash dunes and magma wastes. The Infernus Drakes, in full Terminator plate, led a boarding counteroffensive on the voidcraft above the planet, purging multiple xenos vessels that had docked with local defense satellites. Their presence turned the tide, sealing the webway breaches and aiding the local defense forces and limited Salamanders reserves in driving the enemy back into the void. This campaign marked the first major appearance of the Pyroclast Wardens as a recognized Chapter, and forged a deeper kinship with the sons of Vulkan.

• The Reach at Dathalon (011.M42) - The Battle of Dathalon Reach was the first sanctioned deployment of the Promethean Devastator, the Pyroclast Wardens’ most sacred and destructive weapon. Housed within the spine of the Infernus Praesidium, the weapon’s infernal core is powered by Xarxesium, a volatile element found only on Caldera. The weapon’s activation began with a searing, superheated laser lance, fired from the dorsal firing spine, which pierced the void and destabilized the shielding of the Black Legion fleet massed in orbit. Moments later, a projectile—encased in ceramite but burning like a miniature sun—was launched in the wake of the beam. Upon impact, the Xarxesium warhead triggered a detonation akin to a stellar flare, vaporizing a third of the Chaos fleet in a single conflagration. With the fleet in disarray, the Pyroclast fleet’s outrider vessels swept in to eliminate the remnants. On the surface, Pyroclast ground forces liberated two of the Imperial bastion-cities besieged by Black Legion shock troops and daemonkin. The Promethean Devastator’s debut sent a clear message to the enemies of the Imperium: Caldera’s flame would not be dimmed.

• Operation: Ash-Reclaim (014.M42) - When the warp storms surrounding Vardax-Theta dissipated, the Mechanicus issued an immediate reclamation directive. Once a critical manufactorum during the Great Crusade, Vardax-Theta's Legion-era war infrastructure had gone untouched for millennia. Due to their familiarity with such installations from their time in the Heresy, the Pyroclast Wardens were asked to provide tactical oversight and support for the recovery effort. The Infernus Drakes accompanied the 3rd and 5th Companies, bringing their deep knowledge of siege warzones and defensive layouts from similar Forge Worlds. During the expedition, the Wardens uncovered a near-intact Mastodon assault transport, buried under collapsed hangar strata. Despite protests from the Tech-Adepts—who claimed it belonged to the Mechanicus—the Wardens argued for their right of reclamation, citing Legionary battle honours found carved into the hull. The vehicle was renamed Ashborn, returned to Caldera, and painstakingly cleansed and rebuilt by the Chapter’s Forgewardens. It now serves as a revered relic, deployed only on sacred or dire occasions. However, the expedition did not go uncontested. A warband of the Thousand Sons, led by the vile sorcerer Andhrakar Sorathis, emerged from the ruins, drawn by the psychic residue of the still-living machine spirits. The Pyroclast Wardens fought a brutal, multi-day running battle through the skeletal halls of the forge-complexes. Sorathis unleashed warp storms and phantasmal horrors to stall the advance, and although the Wardens pushed him back and denied him his prize, he escaped, vowing vengeance with cryptic promises of fire and blood. This marked the beginning of an ongoing enmity between Sorathis and the Chapter.

• The Siege of Caldera (016.M42) - The Ork horde of WAAAGH! Lugdakka the Boombringer descended on Caldera with characteristic noise and fury. Known for his obsession with explosives, artillery, and overwhelming firepower, Lugdakka’s forces battered the planet’s outer colonies and lavaport stations with high-caliber bombardment, followed by crude-but-massive siege towers. Caldera's orbital defenses, still mostly under construction, were breached early in the assault. The Pyroclast Wardens responded in full, deploying the 2nd, 6th, and 7th Companies, reinforced by Ballistus Dreadnoughts and a small cadre of local Militas. The battle became a war of attrition lasting nearly a month. Volcano forges were turned into redoubts. The Wardens launched counter-offensives through lava tunnels, using seismic charges to collapse Ork trenches and melt their supply lines. In a daring assault, Repulsor Executioners spearheaded a breach into the Ork artillery staging grounds, destroying Lugdakka’s largest ammunition silos and crippling his heavy support. Despite this, the Warlord survived, escaping aboard a ramshackle gunship while laughing and hurling more bombs from the bay doors. His departure marked the disintegration of Waaagh morale and a hard-won Warden victory—but Lugdakka’s continued existence remains a looming threat the Chapter vows to extinguish.

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Chapter Homeworld

Name: Caldera
Status: Populated
Type: Volcanic Deathworld/Mining World/Adeptus Astartes Chapter Homeworld
Relation: Governed jointly by a planetary governor and Mechanicus overseers, but de facto ruled and protected by the Pyroclast Wardens. The Chapter maintains authority in all matters of planetary defense and sector stability.
Population: Estimated low billions, concentrated in 5 hive cities and numerous mining outposts.
Location: Thramas Sector, Ultima Segmentum, near the eastern frontier of the Imperium
History: Originally known as One-Five-Four Four, Caldera was liberated during the Great Crusade by the Salamanders, Iron Hands, and Death Guard. Aeldari Exodites and human tribes resisted Imperial Compliance, leading to a brutal purge ordered by Vulkan. The world was later renamed Caldera and pledged Imperial protection by the Salamanders’ primarch. Over the millennia, Caldera developed into amajor mining and industrial world, with hive cities and refineries supplying surrounding sectors. It survived multiple xenos threats, including an Ork invasion during the War of the Beast, in which Vulkan himself reappeared to defend the planet. Today, Caldera is the homeworld of the Pyroclast Wardens, who maintain strict vigilance over it and the surrounding region. The world is a key strategic and symbolic bastion of the Imperium, forged in fire and bound by oath.
Description:
Caldera is a deadly volcanic world rich in minerals, promethium, and rare elements. It hosts a massive orbital naval spaceport, serving as a hub for Imperial Navy operations, trade freighters, and Pyroclast Wardens fleet logistics. Several ship maintenance yards exist in orbit, while heavy shipyards are maintained on nearby orbital platforms. A colossal space elevator connects the port to the surface, anchored in a fortified bastion complex that doubles as the main headquarters of the Ashguard—an elite Astra Militarum regiment allied with the Wardens. The planet features shared and separate training facilities for both Wardens and Ashguard, ensuring interoperability. The Chapter’s fortress-monastery, known as The Anvil, is carved into the flank of one of Caldera’s largest semi-dormant volcanoes and serves as the heart of Pyroclast operations on the surface.

Fortress-Monastery

Name: The Anvil
Type: Fortress-Monastery / Command Bastion / Sacred Forge
Location: Carved into the flank of a massive semi-dormant volcano on Caldera’s southern continent
Description: The Anvil is the heart of the Pyroclast Wardens Chapter—an ancient-looking, monolithic fortress built into the living rock of Caldera’s volcanic crust. While its outward appearance evokes the brutal architecture of the Great Crusade, its interior is a blend of tradition and advanced fortification. The monastery is heavily reinforced against orbital assault and ground incursion, with overlapping defensive batteries, magma-flood purge systems, and sealed kill-zones. Within its core lies the Relic Vault, a sealed sanctum capable of full lockdown under siege conditions. Beneath the monastery run the Forge Caverns, vast manufactoria that draw upon the volcano's natural heat to craft and maintain the Chapter’s wargear. A restricted lower chamber, known only to a few, houses Project Emberwake—a classified facility buried deep within the rock, completely cut off from general access.

The Anvil also includes:

• Training halls and combat arenas for both physical and spiritual discipline
• Ceremonial spaces dedicated to the Promethean Cult, including eternal flame shrines and hammer-anvil rites
• The personal quarters of Lord Protector Hae’dan Zeon
• Dedicated barracks and armories for the 1st Company, the Infernus Drakes
  

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Chapter Organization

The Pyroclast Wardens maintain a codex-compliant structure, adapted to their unique identity as survivors of the Heresy and guardians of Caldera. Their leadership combines martial command with deep spiritual and technical stewardship, rooted in the Promethean Cult and their history as Legion-born warriors.

Chapter Consuls

The Chapter Consuls are senior leaders who form a war council under Lord Protector Hae’dan Zeon. Each Consul is both a battlefield commander and a custodian of a vital aspect of the Chapter’s operations. Rather than separate offices, these roles are held by those already entrusted with core responsibilities:

• Consul Igniax – High Igniax Hal’tyr Gral

  Spiritual guide and voice of the Promethean flame. Oversees all Chaplains and ensures the purity of belief and purpose.

• Consul Ferrum – Forge-Warden Va’torr Kronan

  Keeper of the Anvil’s forges and custodian of Project Emberwake. Commands all Tech-Marines and maintains the Chapter’s sacred wargear.

• Consul Sanitas – High Apothecary T’vakor Narek

  Oversees the gene-seed vaults, medical doctrine, and the Ember Trials. Ensures the Chapter's legacy endures through its sons.

• Consul Praetoria – Captain Kadorok Daka’bak, 1st Company

  Master of the Infernus Drakes and chief strategist during wartime. Acts as the Lord Protector’s right hand and war leader in his absence.

• Consul Custodia – Master-Sergeant Ve’kar Agurr, Ashdrakes

  Commands the Chapter Master's personal guard. Oversees elite deployment logistics and internal security.

• Consul Honoris – Chapter Ancient Vorkad Drakos

  A living symbol of the Chapter's past. Participates in high deliberations, representing the voice of enduring duty.

Officer Ranks

Lord Protector: Hae'dan Zeon

Terran-born veteran of the Great Crusade; leads with fire-forged wisdom and relentless discipline. Wields The Anvil of Caldera and Cinderfist.

Captain:

• 1^st Company – Infernus Drakes
  Captain: Kadorok Daka'bak – The Drake of Iron

  A veteran of Isstvan V and master of breaching warfare. Leads the elite Elderdrakes, wielding both wisdom and fury.

• 2^nd Company – The Hammerline
  Captain: Leotrane Oros – The Ember Hammer

  Stoic and disciplined, Oros embodies the Chapter’s balance between fire and steel. His strategies shape the core of most deployments.

• 3^rd Company – Emberguard
  Captain: Dak’tar Agalon – Shield of Ash

  Brutally effective in trench warfare and siege defense. Known for his refusal to retreat and deep loyalty to the Ashguard formations he often fights beside.

• 4^th Company – Ashwings
  Captain: Ikarus Praeta – Wings of Cinder

  Commander of rapid strike forces. His jetpack assaults are likened to firestorms. Earned his title during the Nocturne defense against the Drukhari.

• 5^th Company – Furnaceclad
  Captain: Va’koran Dravak – Breaker of Bastions

  Siege expert, known for methodical destruction of hardened targets. Commands the largest concentration of melta and grav weaponry.

• 6^th Company – Hellwatch
  Captain: Tor’vak Sen’dran – The Long Flame

  Master of artillery, long-range entrenchments, and firebase control. Serves as strategic counter-battery officer during major engagements.

• 7^th Company – The Embers
  Captain: Ka’reth Saedron – The Flamecaller

  Oversees the initiation and field-testing of all aspirants. Though his forces are often overlooked, they have saved entire warzones when deployed correctly.

Lieutenant:

• 1^st Company – Infernus Drakes
  Lieutenant: T'karan Vohl – The Iron Flame

  Veteran of the Horus Heresy; specializes in breaching operations and close-quarters combat.

• 2^nd Company – The Hammerline
  Lieutenant: D'korr Malvak – The Silent Flame

  Known for his tactical acumen and unyielding defense strategies.

• 3^rd Company – Emberguard
  Lieutenant: V'kar Solhen – Shieldbearer

  Renowned for his steadfastness and ability to hold the line against overwhelming odds.

• 4^th Company – Ashwings
  Lieutenant: R'lyor Thane – Skyfire

  Expert in aerial assaults and rapid deployment tactics.

• 5^th Company – Furnaceclad
  Lieutenant: Z'karn Dravak – The Molten Edge

  Specializes in siege warfare and demolition operations.

• 6^th Company – Hellwatch
  Lieutenant: M'khan Thorne – Breaker of Bastions

  Master of long-range engagements and artillery coordination.

• 7^th Company – The Embers
  Lieutenant: Kaelus Drav – The Emberbrand

  Oversees the training and integration of new recruits into the Chapter.

Specialist Ranks

• High Igniax: Hal'tyr Gral

  Master of the Promethean Cult and spiritual guide of the Chapter. His sermons ignite the hearts of warriors before battle.

• Igniax:
  • Mol'kar Venn

    Overseer of the Chapter's rituals and keeper of sacred relics. Leads battlefield litanies with fervent zeal.

  • Thal'kor Dren

    Known for his fiery oratory and unwavering faith, he inspires battle-brothers during the most dire conflicts.

  • Va'shan Korr

    Guardian of the Flame Sanctum, he ensures the purity of the Chapter's spiritual practices.

• Chief Librarian: Shen'val Sepatar

  Guardian of the Chapter's psychic sanctity and master of the Librarius. His foresight has averted countless disasters.

• High Apothecary: T'vakor Narek

  Custodian of the gene-seed vaults and leader of the Apothecarion. His knowledge ensures the Chapter's legacy endures.

• Apothecaries:
  • Ka'mar Solen

    Dedicated battlefield medic, renowned for retrieving gene-seed under fire and saving countless lives.

  • Dren'vak Sol

    Specializes in rapid-response medical interventions during boarding actions and close-quarters engagements.

  • Var'tan Morn

    Oversees the training of new Apothecarion initiates, ensuring the continuation of medical excellence.

• Forge-Warden: Va'torr Kronan

  Master of the Chapter's forges, responsible for crafting and maintaining wargear of unparalleled quality.

• Tech-Marines:
  • Ferron Malvak

    Veteran of the Iron Hands, seconded during the Heresy. Preserver of ancient technologies and revered for his technical acumen.

  • Karnak Vull

    Expert in siege engine maintenance and deployment, ensuring the Chapter's heavy support remains operational.

  • Tor'vak Drenn

    Oversees the integration of recovered archeotech into the Chapter's arsenal, bridging ancient and modern technologies.

• Chapter Champion: Ka’zan Thor’ak

  The Chapter's foremost duelist, embodying martial excellence and leading charges into the fiercest battles.

• Ancient: Vorkad Drakos

  Bearer of the Chapter's sacred banner, inspiring warriors with tales of valor and unwavering presence on the battlefield.

Line Ranks

• Master-Sergeant:
  • Ve'kar Agurr

    Terminator veteran of Isstvan V and personal guard to Lord Protector Hae’dan. Leads the elite Ashdrakes with resolute honor.

  • Dravak Kul’nar

    A siege tactician and melta specialist, known for holding breach points long after reinforcements were lost.

• Veteran:
  • Tor’nak Veshan

    Pyroclast unit veteran, known for leading counter-incineration sweeps through tunnel networks on Vardax-Theta.

  • Kel’zan Marr

    One of the first reawakened from the Vigil of Flame, bearer of three oaths of vengeance sworn during the Heresy.

  • Tharek Sol’an

    Jetpack assault specialist and sharpshooter with a las fusil, notorious for striking enemy command nodes.

  • Mekhar Dren’ak

    Serves as mission archivist and field instructor for new sergeants; known for calm under fire.

  • Rha’tok Venar

    Artillery coordinator and fire-lane specialist; responsible for maintaining firebase integrity under enemy siege.

• Sergeant:
  • Callan Vu’shan

    Former Neophyte now promoted to command a Heavy Intercessor support squad. Recognized for valor during the first Drukhari incursion.

  • Jarnak Tullor

    Leads a Jump Pack Intercessor team; carries a relic thunder hammer passed down from the Heresy era.

  • Mal'drek Saren

    Oversees aspirant transition into Neophytes, often found monitoring combat trials and live drills.

• Legionary:
  • Torvek Grahn

    Plasma incinerator specialist within the 4th Company. Known for marksmanship under suppressive fire.

  • Vael'kor Tussan

    Flamer specialist from the 2nd Company; respected for saving a squad pinned inside a manufactorum during Operation Ash-Reclaim.

• Scout Marine:

Scout Marines of the Pyroclast Wardens are Neophytes who have received their gene-seed and begun operational deployment. Assigned to reconnaissance and infiltration squads, they operate as Phobos-armored units and learn stealth tactics, sabotage methods, and precision warfare. Their final test of worth comes not in simulation, but in legend—each must either slay a great drake in single combat or accomplish an exceptional battle honor as a Scout. Only then are they permitted to forge their own drake-mask helm, a rite of passage symbolizing their rebirth through fire. With the mask complete, they are welcomed into the ranks of the full Legionaries.

• Neophyte

Neophytes are newly accepted recruits from Caldera, inducted after surviving the Trial of Flame and Stone—a multi-day hunt in the ashlands. After surviving the ashlands and beginning genetic modification, they enter an intense phase of indoctrination, physical reconditioning, and faith training under the Promethean Cult. Neophytes learn the art of survival in the volcanic wilds of Caldera, train with flamer-based weaponry, and study the tenets of duty, sacrifice, and honor in the flame-lit halls of The Anvil. Upon successful implantation and mental conditioning, they are equipped as Scout Marines and begin their path toward full battle-brotherhood—tested not only in combat, but in spirit.

• Aspirant

Aspirants are selected from the strongest, most resilient youth of Caldera’s hive cities and mining colonies. Selection occurs during annual Ash Trials, where candidates must navigate treacherous volcanic ravines, endure chemical burns, and survive ashstorms—while being hunted by native predators like ash drakes. Those who complete the journey unaided are evaluated for purity of mind and spirit. Only a handful are chosen, marked with burning brands, and delivered to The Anvil to begin the path toward becoming a Space Marine.

Chapter Librarians

The Librarium of the Pyroclast Wardens is a cloistered sanctum deep within The Anvil, carved into the volcanic substrata and inscribed with thousands of Promethean wards. Here, the Chapter’s Flamebound Psykers, trained in both psychic warfare and spiritual fortitude, hone their abilities in secrecy and silence. All Pyroclast psykers undergo extensive trials—not only of mind and warp sensitivity, but of ritual endurance, Promethean indoctrination, and contemplative meditation under volcanic duress. Only those with the iron will to hold fire in one hand and knowledge in the other are named Ignis Arcanum—Flame-Minds of the Chapter. The Librarium also guards certain classified psychic records, including a corrupted Black Templar battle barge recovered adrift in the warp near the Ghoul Stars. Known as the Shard of Silence, its presence revealed whispers of a Warp-born entity known only to the Wardens as The Burning Wound—a parasitic presence said to consume not bodies, but conviction. Only the Librarians know of this record.

• Epistolary:
  • Va'korr Thauren – Warden of the Flame Vault

    Keeper of the Chapter’s most dangerous psychic relics. Leads the Librarius into battle during major crusades and is known for manifesting molten warp fire from his bare hands.

• Codicier:
  • Vauron Dak’thar – Ash-Eater

    Steeped in daemonology and anti-illusion rites. Marked by psychic burns and ritual scarring from his battle with a Thousand Sons sorcerer.

• Lexicanium:
  • Tal’kyr Vauth – The Cindersworn

    Master of flame projection and psychic overwatch. Commands battlefield prescience and is often embedded with flamer assault teams.

  • Sev'kar Marran – The Silence That Burns

    Blinded by a battle injury he refused to get agmentated ones but he is psychically gifted an uses his psychic sight to see instead. Sev'kar speaks only in fire-tongue litanies, his words are said to burn in the minds of traitors.

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Honored Sarcophagi

"They are not dead. They are not living. They are flame sealed in iron—echoes of wrath who will never be silent."

— High Igniax Hal’tyr Gral

The Dreadnoughts of the Pyroclast Wardens are revered as living relics—ancient warriors entombed in sacred sarcophagi, still waging war through flame and fury. Each is a symbol of enduring loyalty, preserved legacy, and in some cases, unresolved vengeance. Their presence on the battlefield is both a tactical hammer and a spiritual beacon.

Active Dreadnoughts (M42)

• I. Venerable Dreadnought Usuban Dracer
  The Ember That Would Not Die
  • Pattern: Modified Ironclad
  • Entombed: Post-Fall of Cadia
  • Veteran Of: Istvaan V, Siege of Caldera Prime, Cadia
  • Loadout: Dreadnought hand, Prometheum Flamer, Double Lascannon
  • Notes: Oldest surviving battle-brother. Treated with near-relic reverence.

• II. Ancient Dreadnought Varkon Sae'dran
  The Black Flame
  • Pattern: Legion-era Contemptor
  • Entombed: The Scouring
  • Veteran Of: Shadow Crusade, Purging of Narthex
  • Loadout: Twin Multi-Meltas, Chainfist
  • Notes: Communicates through binary and rites. Symbol of vengeance incarnate.

• III. Dreadnought Brother Vael'kin Tor
  Voice of the Pyre
  • Pattern: Redemptor
  • Veteran Of: First Drukhari Incursion
  • Loadout: Macro Plasma Incinerator, Flamer, Storm Bolter
  • Notes: Often quotes Vulkan. Speaks in measured, liturgical tone mid-battle.

• IV. Dreadnought Brother Harr'ak Durn
  Ashhowler
  • Pattern: Redemptor
  • Veteran Of: Defense of Hive Ravak’s Reach
  • Loadout: Heavy Flamer, Onslaught Gatling Cannon
  • Notes: Known for laughing during battle. Mentors Neophytes before deployments.

• V. Ballistus Dreadnought Brother Kell'ion Drav
  The Ember Eye
  • Pattern: Ballistus
  • Loadout: Twin Lascannon, Missile Pod
  • Notes: Long-range armor specialist. Silent but precise.

• VI. Ballistus Dreadnought Brother Cae'dus Varn
  Linebreaker of the Second Flame
  • Pattern: Ballistus
  • Loadout: Lascannon, Missile Pod
  • Notes: Cold tactician. Known for providing overwatch for advancing formations.

• VII. Ballistus Dreadnought Brother Sarnis Orvek
  Ash-Sight
  • Pattern: Ballistus
  • Loadout: Twin Lascannon, Missile Pod
  • Notes: Augmented with volcanic heat-vision. Former marksman sergeant.

• VIII. Dreadnought Brother Jo'rran Velgar
  The Wall of Iron
  • Pattern: Redemptor
  • Veteran Of: Battle of the Nine-Fold Divide
  • Loadout: Heavy Flamer, Onslaught Gatling Cannon
  • Notes: Known for standing unbroken against waves of foes. Once extracted personally by Hae’dan.

• IX. Dreadnought Brother Kha'ros Vale
  Silent Flame
  • Pattern: Redemptor
  • Veteran Of: Siege of Vandruk’s Gate
  • Loadout: Plasma Incinerator, Fragstorm Launcher
  • Notes: Often in deep stasis. Interred after shielding his squad from an artillery barrage.

[ACCESS DENIED – FORGEHOLD XIII]

🔒 Encrypt-Level: CATHEDRAL-OBSIDIAN // ARC-L-VOID.7A

User Query Detected: Unauthorized attempt by external Mechanicus asset

Trace Log: MAGOS [REDACTED] // Denial Protocol Active

---

// ✴︎ LOG EXCERPT: PRJCT-██EMBERWAKE██

...segment corrupted...

...echoes of flame persist within the tomb... ...neural flux at 71.2%... containment holding... barely... Designation fragment: 𐌗𐌄𐌕𐌈𐌔𐌐𐌁𐌄 – "████████ ████████" Chassis Classification: HYBRID // DRK-CT//RN-T // status: STATIC-DORMANT Recovered: ██-██ // STRIKE VESSEL CODED [PROM-███]

Location of Seizure: Vault Θ-9

---

VOX FILE FRAGMENT 00A/Σ

“They left me… burned in the dark… The hammer must hold… The flame—no, not yet…” [signal degrades into binaric screeching and reverse-pitched warbling]

---

EXTERNAL NOTE: Forge-Warden [REDACTED]

It breathes in silence. The sarcophagus still pulses. The name… it should not be said.

This is not preservation. This is defiance.

Do not wake the fire that forgot its purpose.

---

// ARMORIAL PATTERN UNRECOGNIZED

Core: ██CLASSIFIED██

Frame: Ash-blackened composite plates with sigil patterns matching no known forge-records

Inscription found beneath arm mount:

“I AM NOT DEAD. I BURN.” Glyphs etched in pre-Crusade hexscript. Cannot be translated.

---

⚠︎ WARNING: Repeated attempts to interface with sarcophagus result in system-wide memory corrosion and echoing audio phantoms. Machine-spirits in Forgehold XIII have begun refusing approach to Deep Cell 13 without ritual sanctification.

---

PROJECT ████ – STATUS:

OBSIDIAN LOCK PROTOCOL ACTIVE

No further access permitted under decree of the Lord Protector.

Presence observed. Unknown. Unnamed.

<<RECORD ENDS>> Purge log fragment? Y/N

---

Notable Members

Name: Hae’dan Zeon
Age: ~327 (realspace)
Height (Unarmored): ~9’9” (2.98 meters)
Height (Armored): ~10’6” (3.2 meters)
Appearance: Hae’dan is a towering colossus, even by Astartes standards. Standing well above most Primaris, his unarmored form is heavily muscled, statuesque, and weathered like volcanic rock—his skin a deep obsidian tone, marked with molten-scar-like burn patterns around his forearms, throat, and upper chest, gifted by the Trial of the Flame when he re-forged himself in the furnaces beneath The Anvil. His eyes burn a deep ember red, seemingly lit from within, and are often described as difficult to look into—intense not with rage, but with judgment. His scalp is shaved bare, marked with ritual scarring and fire-etched oaths, while his features are sharp, deeply creased, and almost grimly regal—like something carved from basalt. He has a jawline like a chiseled war-mask, with a subtle frown that rarely breaks except in solemn approval or solemn fury. His Terminator armor, forged beneath The Anvil, is a masterwork of fire-blackened ceramite and etched adamantium, adorned with gold scripture, stylized drake heads, and vents that exhale soft jets of heat. His helm—when worn—features a stylized flame-drake visage, said to have been shaped in memory of his first kill as an aspirant. He carries The Anvil of Caldera, a thunder hammer of ancient design, and Cinderfist, a custom weapon gauntlet integrated into his left arm—its flamer mouth shaped like a drake’s jaw. Even out of battle, his sheer presence is suffocating. Primarchs have mistaken him for Vulkan from afar.
Description: Hae’dan Zeon is not merely the leader of the Pyroclast Wardens—he is their embodiment. Forged during the Legion years, betrayed at Istvaan V, and entombed in the warp for nearly a millennium, he emerged not broken, but reforged. His voice is deep, slow, and deliberate—like the grinding of stone. He speaks rarely, and only with purpose. He is both a commander and philosopher, shaped by the Promethean Creed and his own brutal legacy. He believes strength must be earned through hardship, and survival is not enough—it must serve a purpose. To him, every Warden is a flame, and it is his duty to make sure none burn out needlessly. In battle, he is terrifying—relentless, methodical, unstoppable. He will wade into enemy fire to protect a wounded Guardsman or stand alone before a tide of cultists to buy time for an evac. He rarely issues commands with rage. Instead, his presence radiates pressure—like a forge at full bellows, drawing all toward him with heat and gravity. He does not seek glory, nor does he care for praise. He acts, he burns, and he protects. And in the hearts of his Chapter, he is the flame that will not die.

Name: Shen’val Sepatar
Age: ~286
Appearance: Gaunt, ash-gray skin with etched runes carved along his scalp. His eyes emit a faint heat shimmer when focused. His psychic hood resembles a cracked, iron censer.
Description: Chief Librarian and Ember-Seer. Shen’val rarely speaks plainly—his words arrive in burning fragments of foresight. Though reclusive, he is revered for his psychic strength and calm when confronting the horrors of the Warp. His visions have been instrumental in avoiding several catastrophes.

Name: Hal’tyr Gral
Age: 152
Appearance: Broad and imposing, with ceremonial flamer scars across his forearms and jawline. His black armor bears gold scripture bands, and his censer-staff never ceases to burn.
Description: High Igniax of the Chapter. He leads the spiritual rites of the Pyroclast Wardens and guards the legacy of the Promethean Creed. His voice during battle litanies can silence fear itself. Despite his firebrand image, he is a calm and deeply compassionate presence among the battle-brothers.

Name: Callan Vu’shan
Age: 47
Appearance: Ash-dark skin with ember-red eyes, still showing traces of youth. His armor is thick-plated and unornamented, save for a forged personal flame-mark across his chestplate.
Description: A rising Heavy Intercessor Sergeant, Callan represents the next generation of the Pyroclast Wardens. Born on Caldera and hardened by its trials, he embodies discipline and fierce loyalty. He is known for holding a flank alone during the first Drukhari incursion and is quietly forging a legacy of quiet leadership.

---

Chapter Recruitment

Locations of recruitment

The Pyroclast Wardens recruit solely from the volcanic death world of Caldera. Most Aspirants come from the deep-mining clans, ash-fortresses, or frontier forge-circles scattered around the tectonic ring zones. Children raised in Caldera’s harsh conditions are already accustomed to ash-choked skies, toxic winds, and earth that trembles with fire—ideal stock for the Chapter’s doctrine of endurance and discipline.

Aspirant Selection and Trials

Aspirants are selected during the Ash Trials, where candidates must navigate treacherous volcanic ravines, endure chemical burns, and survive ashstorms—while being hunted by native predators like ash drakes. Those who complete the journey unaided are evaluated for purity of mind and spirit. Only a handful are chosen, marked with burning brands, and delivered to The Anvil to begin the path toward becoming a Space Marine. Success requires coordination, resourcefulness, and mental resilience. Those who exhibit traits reflective of future roles—precision, bravery, strategic foresight, or unyielding resolve—are marked and categorized for further training, often under specific Company oversight.

Failed Aspirant Treatment

Those who fail to return from the Trial are presumed dead. However, if they survive but fail to meet the standard or in later phases—whether physical, mental, or tactical, they are not executed or discarded. Instead, they are offered a place among the Ashguard auxiliary regiments or serve in planetary defense. The Wardens believe every ember can still kindle purpose—and many of these “failures” go on to serve heroically alongside their Astartes brethren in supporting roles.

Gene-Seed Implementation rituals

Those who survive the physical trials and are chosen for implantation undergo a sacred Promethean Rite. After gene-seed integration, the Neophytes are led into the deepest forge chamber of The Anvil, where they forge a personal blade under guidance from Techmarines and spiritual supervision by the Igniax. The blade is named, anointed in volcanic oil and kept with them throughout their Neophyte training. Prayers are etched into the weapon’s core, and each is considered a symbol of transformation, just as their body has been reforged by Vulkan’s gift.

Further trials

Following successful implantation, Neophytes are organized into field units clad in Phobos-armor and sent on live-fire deployments alongside veterans from the 7th Company – The Embers. These missions often involve cleansing xenos nests, burning out Chaos cult enclaves, or holding crumbling outposts against superior numbers. Before elevation to full brotherhood, each Neophyte must undergo the Drake Oath—a personal rite requiring them to either slay a drake-creature alone or earn a battle honor of significance while still wearing the marks of their Neophyte status.

Role of Neophytes

Neophytes serve as scout-strikers, operating as Phobos-armored Warden teams deep in enemy territory. While they are expected to follow orders and stay disciplined, they are also observed constantly. Every kill, every decision, adds to the judgment of whether they are truly ready to carry the Chapter’s flame. Each Neophyte is responsible for crafting their own drake-mask once their final trial is complete. This mask is both symbolic and functional—worn in battle and ritual alike, representing their ascension into a lineage of fire.

Becoming a Legionnaire

Once all trials are complete, and their mask is forged, the Neophyte is led into The Hall of Ancients, where his name is spoken for the first time as a full fletched Warden. There, his new battle plate is ritually sealed, and he is anointed with ash drawn from the volcano that first tried to kill him. From that moment on, he is a Pyroclast Legionnaire in flame, born of stone, heir to wrath.

---

Chapter Appearance

Chapter Colours

The Pyroclast Wardens primarily wear dark red power armour, symbolizing blood, fire, and the enduring strength of volcanic stone. Secondary elements—such as the pauldron insets, elbow couters, kneeguards, greaves, and backpack—are painted matte black, representing the ash of Caldera and the eternal vigilance of the Chapter. Gold ornamentation increases with rank, with Captains, Consuls, and high officers displaying drake-scaled capes, engraved vambraces, or gilded symbols carved into their armor. Lower-ranking battle-brothers bear simpler livery, often with soot-scarred or heat-treated finishes from Caldera’s forge rituals.

Organizational Markings

The Pyroclast Wardens display their Company number on the right kneepad, etched or scorched into the armor’s black surface. Rank insignias—where present—are marked via standard codex symbols on the right pauldron. Their chapter symbol is attached on their left pauldron and they show their heritage by etching the legion numerals XVIII on their left knee. Officers of the 1st Company often bear additional drake-sigil brooches or badge insets to signify their seniority. Scout Marines and Neophytes wear grey vambraces and helmets, only earning full coloration once they’ve passed the Rite of the Drake Mask.

Chapter Decorations and Honour Markings

Veterans of the Pyroclast Wardens are distinguished by green helmets, a solemn nod to their origins in the XVIII Legion, the Salamanders. Veteran Sergeants bear a black vertical stripe across their helmet’s crown to mark leadership in the fires of battle. Librarians wear the blue armor of the Librarius, but in honor of their Chapter, their shoulder trim and vambraces are painted red, symbolizing the flame that shapes their psychic discipline. Chaplains wear inverted colors—primarily black armor with deep red accents along their chestplate, greaves, and weapon casings, reflecting their role as the moral flame and hammer of judgment. Techmarines display bright red pauldrons emblazoned with the Cog Mechanicum, with dark red armor matching the Chapter palette. Apothecaries wear white shoulder cauldrons bearing the Apothecarion sigil, their armor often stained by battle but kept ritually clean before each rite of gene-seed recovery. Veterans and notable warriors often have their drake masks, gauntlets, or chestplates engraved with flame-script or Promethean glyphs, detailing great deeds, oaths, or victories. Those who perform exceptional acts of valor, sacrifice, or command are granted Honor Titles by the Chapter Council—names that are spoken in rites, engraved in basalt near The Anvil, and sometimes painted directly on the pauldron scrolls. After every major battle, warriors who survive may undergo ritual branding, burned into their flesh using sacred Promethean branding irons—each mark telling the story of that campaign in symbolic script. These brandings are considered sacred and are never hidden, even during ceremonies. Neophytes who ascend to full brotherhood forge personal drake-mask helms, which may incorporate familial markings, clan symbols from Caldera, or stylized flames unique to their trials.

Symbolics Meaning

The flame-drake sigil of the Pyroclast Wardens embodies their eternal philosophy: "Only through fire are we reborn."The drake represents their Nocturnean lineage, while the flame-drop signifies both the purification of Chaos and the unquenchable spirit of their Chapter. Their rites, armor, and even architecture reflect the cyclical Promethean belief—ashes to flame, flame to ash—which guides their actions in battle and brotherhood alike.

Chapter Badge

The Chapter badge is a stylized drake head enclosed within a flame-drop, displayed in white over the black field of the left pauldron. The design represents both destruction and rebirth, symbolizing the Chapter’s role as fire-bringers and purifiers of Chaos.

---

Chapter Doctrine

The Pyroclast Wardens fight as disciplined siegemasters and wrathful purifiers, combining overwhelming firepower with precise tactical judgment. They favor combined-arms assaults, where flamers, plasma, and melta weaponry soften the enemy line before a hammerblow of armored transports, Redemptor Dreadnoughts, and heavy infantry. They deploy in concentric waves, ensuring that breaches are exploited with totality and that no Chaos corruption survives. Their use of flame-based weaponry is more than tradition—it is execution, ritual, and liturgy. To burn the enemy is to cleanse the battlefield and leave no trace for corruption to cling to. The Wardens seldom fight in small detachments. Half a Chapter may deploy to a single warzone, often accompanied by Ashguard regiments and fleet elements. Even so, they are methodical, not reckless: targets are scouted, weak points are catalogued, and flame is applied with surgical brutality. Doctrine also emphasizes fortification, whether holding the walls of Caldera or building forward bastions. Dreadnoughts often act as anchors of these formations, and their presence shapes Warden battlelines as much as any terrain feature.

Chapter Philosophy

"To endure the flame is to master it. To bear the flame is to become it."

— Chief Librarian Shen’val Sepatar

The Pyroclast Wardens believe that strength comes not from rage, but from purpose honed in fire. Descended from Legionaries of the XVIII who survived betrayal, Warp exile, and millennia of silence, the Wardens embody a philosophy of measured fury—rage tempered into judgment, vengeance controlled like molten iron in a crucible. Emotion is not rejected—it is refined. In battle, Wardens do not scream or boast. They burn. In silence, with focus. To their enemies, they are as inevitable as a volcanic eruption: slow to build, impossible to stop, and utterly annihilating in their arrival. Warden training focuses on mental discipline, faith in the Promethean Creed, and the shaping of character through hardship. Every warrior is expected to carry the fire—not merely as weaponry, but as a symbol of vigilance, duty, and incorruptible purpose. They view Chaos not just as a threat, but an insult—an abomination that must be scoured with fire and buried in ash. To show mercy to Chaos is to dishonor the flame. And thus, they burn not only with weapons—but with belief.

---

Chapter Beliefs

The Pyroclast Wardens value above all discipline, duty, and the protection of the innocent. Their creed teaches that the flame is not only a weapon, but a symbol of endurance and vigilance. They will lay down their lives without hesitationto shield Imperial citizens, and honor the legacy of those who fall with ritual flame rites and sacred remembrance. To fail to protect the weak is to shame the fire within.

Perception of the Emperor

The Wardens hold the Emperor of Mankind as the greatest of leaders, the forge-lord of Humanity’s purpose. They do not revere Him as a god, for their beliefs descend from Vulkan’s teachings, which emphasize deeds over divinity. However, they do not challenge those who choose faith, understanding that belief can kindle strength in times of darkness. The Emperor's sacrifice is respected, His light seen as a beacon—not divinity, but enduring flame.

Views on Death

The Wardens believe that death is the final offering to the flame. A warrior's soul, returned to the ash and earth, becomes part of the greater cycle—the Circle of Fire. When a brother falls, his armor is scorched clean, his name etched into the basalt walls of The Anvil, and his remains are committed to the magma furnaces with Promethean liturgy. They do not fear death. They embrace it—as both ending and forgefire for those who remain.

Adherence to Codex Astartes

The Pyroclast Wardens are semi-Codex compliant, respecting the structural intent of the Codex Astartes while integrating traditions from their Legion-era legacy. Each Company is commanded by a Captain and functions with tactical autonomy, following the doctrines of combined-arms warfare, fortified lines, and calculated siege advancement. However, the Ashguard (Astra Militarum) and Imperial Navy assets assigned to Caldera do not operate as integrated Chapter forces. While the Codex strictly forbids permanent auxiliary units within a Chapter’s command hierarchy, the Pyroclast Wardens maintain close strategic alignment with both factions. As Caldera is under joint military governance, and the Wardens exert considerable influence across their sector, reinforcements from Ashguard battalions and Navy detachments can be requested, approved, and deployed swiftly when needed. This allows for a level of coordination that respects the Codex’s boundaries while ensuring efficient joint operations during large-scale conflicts. The Chapter also employs customized fire-based squad configurations, favoring melta, flamer, and plasma weaponry, and frequently deploys Dreadnought-heavy firebases and siege lines instead of traditional Codex company battlelines. Additional roles such as Igniax, Forge-Warden, and Chapter Consuls reflect their internal doctrine and the needs of a Chapter born in fire and war.

Traditions

When gathered for rites or in the presence of a Chaplain, Pyroclast Wardens kneel in volcanic ash, placing their right fist across their chest in a symbol of binding faith. After major campaigns, warriors participate in the Rekindling Rite, where they offer a fragment of their wargear to the forge in return for purification and rebirth. A defining ritual of the Chapter is the Forging of the Drake Mask. Upon successful ascension from Scout Marine to full Legionary, each brother is tasked with crafting his own individual drake-faced helm. The mask is forged in silence over a fire within the Anvils forges, shaped by hand and hammer under the watchful eyes of a Master Artificer and the Chaplaincy. It is both a symbol of identity and a mark of brotherhood—no two masks are alike. Even the most junior Neophytes are taught that the fire is not inherited—it is made. To forge the drake’s face is to forge one self. Veterans of the Elderdrakes or Pyroclast fireteams of the Embers may modify their masks further with additional Promethean iconography, flame-shaped crests, or ceremonial inlays symbolizing oaths fulfilled.

Character and Behavior

The Wardens are brothers first, warriors second. Bonds between squadmates are absolute, and Neophytes are treated with both severity and compassion, seen as kindling that must catch fire, not be consumed. The Chapter holds respect for all loyalist Astartes—especially the Salamanders, Iron Hands, and Raven Guard, with whom they share ancient battle honors. They are calm, unshakable in combat—quiet flames that burn hot. While they rarely speak in battle, when they do, their words carry the weight of Promethean judgment.

---

Chapter Culture

The Pyroclast Wardens are a Chapter steeped in tradition, shaped by the dual legacies of Legion-era discipline and the Promethean Cult of Vulkan. Unlike more isolated Chapters, the Wardens maintain deep ties to the population of Caldera, regularly visiting hive cities and mining colonies not only to recruit, but to remain visible symbols of Imperial strength and protection. Much like their Salamander ancestors, they value kinship and community, and aspirants are often permitted to return to their families between key stages of their transformation. Even as transhuman warriors, many Wardens know the names of their kin, the districts they were born in, and the ashstorms that shaped their youth.

When major campaigns conclude, it is tradition to hold a Rite of Ashfire—a ritual that begins in silence with mourning for the fallen and ends in celebration for those who remain. Within the Chapter, each Company brews its own volcanic liquor, distilled with minerals and fire-cured herbs native to Caldera’s ash fields. These get shared at a fest along with shared war stories and Promethean hymns. The 4th Company, known for their rapid assault doctrine, are famed for a particularly volatile variant nicknamed “Dragon's Pulse,” while the 3rd Company favors heavier, slower-burning brews for trench-siege rituals. Astartes-only batches are deadly to humans, but diluted versions are gifted to the people of Caldera during commemorative feasts.

Like their Salamanders forebears, the Wardens spend much of their non-combat time in The Anvil’s sacred forges. Every brother is expected to forge his own sidearm, and the Drake Masks—personal faceplates worn upon ascension—are engraved with symbols of trials overcome and oaths sworn. Weapons, armor trim, and relics are carved with flame-runes, often in the Nocturnean dialect or ancient Terran Promethean glyphs. Some runes are believed to help resist corruption, not by sorcery, but by reminding the bearer of his unbreakable purpose.

---

Chapter Gene-Seed

The Pyroclast Wardens bear the gene-seed of Primarch Vulkan, inherited from their origins as a detachment of the XVIII Legion. As with their progenitors, their gene-seed is considered remarkably stable, showing few physical mutations aside from the expected enhanced dermal pigmentation and infra-red ocular adaptation typical of Salamander lineage. Due to their centuries adrift in the warp, some Apothecarion records show minor deviations in metabolic regulation, resulting in increased internal heat tolerance, elevated adrenal surge during extended engagements, and a distinct emotional suppression reflex under duress. These are considered adaptive traits rather than flaws, though they are under watch.

Genetic Flaws

The Chapter shares the Salamanders' primary flaw: a low implantation success rate in Aspirants. Many fail to adapt to the organ transplants, particularly the Betcher’s gland and multi-lung system, often due to Caldera’s intense environmental factors weakening potential candidates. While not a mutation, Pyroclast Wardens display an increased psychological rigidity—a byproduct of warp entombment, indoctrination, and Promethean mental conditioning. Some among the Inquisition have mistaken this for spiritual dullness or trauma-induced suppression, but among the Wardens, it is considered a sign of discipline and flame-tempered clarity.

"Fire does not flicker in fear. It burns with purpose, or not at all."

— High Apothecary T’vakor Narek

---

Relations

Relations with Humans

• General Population:
  The Pyroclast Wardens treat civilians with a rare degree of respect for Astartes. Like their Salamander forebears, they see it as their sacred duty to protect the lives of the Imperium's people. They walk among the populace of Caldera regularly, aiding in reconstruction efforts, mine stabilization, or emergency drills-earning great and deep reverence from those they defend.

• Psykers:
  The Chapter maintains a Librarius, but its primary role is warding against the Warp, not battlefield dominance. Librarians are seen as shield-bearers of the mind, serving to harden their brethren against corruption rather than as frontline weapons. This doesn't mean they are weak in offensive capabilities, quite the contrary is the truth.
  Psykers among the civilian population are viewed with caution, though tolerated if proven pure. This doesn't mean they are weak in offensive capabilities, quite the contrary is the truth.

• Abhumans: 
  Any abhuman strain sanctioned by the Imperium—such as Ogryns or Ratlings—is accepted without issue. However, any unsanctioned mutation, especially those resembling Chaos taint or genestealer cultic heritage, is immediately executed and incinerated. The line between humanity and monstrosity is never blurred.

• Serfs: 
  Serfs are treated with dignity and respect, viewed as vital companions in the Warden’s eternal campaign. Among them, Branding Priests—those who anoint weapons and armor before battle—hold ceremonial reverence. Their presence during arming rituals is said to sanctify a warrior's purpose. Their other role is to also apply the ritual branding of their lord and act as advisors to their assigned Warden.

• Serf Culture:
  Serfs participate in pre-battle rituals, tending armor, maintaining sacred inscriptions, and preparing forge-meals. They train, pray, and labor in the shadows of their masters. Many forge ceremonial candles, inscribe purification glyphs, and maintain the flame-temples under The Anvil. They do not fight, but they endure, and that earns them the Wardens' esteem. Many view their service to the Wardens as a calling, and are buried with full rites if slain in duty.

• Equerries:
  Most Equerries are failed aspirants who survived the Trials but did not meet the final standard. They are trained to assist Captains and specialists, handling tactical planning, armor rituals, and deployment records with quiet efficiency. Many are fiercely loyal, seeing themselves as still serving the flame.

Relations with Imperial Organizations

• Adeptus Mechanicus:
  The Wardens maintain cordial but cautious ties with the Mechanicus. They respect the Machine God's servants but keep their own innovations and forge-secrets tightly guarded, especially those developed by Forge-Warden Va'torr Kronan. This secrecy sometimes tempts Tech-Priests to probe where they are not welcome—never without consequence.

• Adeptus Astartes Chapters:
  Generally held in good standing with most loyalist Chapters. They share a strong bond with the Salamanders, Iron Hands, and Raven Guard, forged on the blood-soaked soil of Isstvan V. Ties with the Ultramarines also run deep, strengthened during their alliance in the Shadow Crusade and later solidified by Guilliman’s decree founding the Chapter.

• Astra Militarum:
  The Pyroclast Wardens deeply respect the mortal warriors of the Astra Militarum, especially the Ashguard, who serve beside them on Caldera and throughout the sector. Shared trenches, sieges, and victories have forged ironclad trust between them.

• Adeptus Astra Telepathica:
  As in the Legion days, sanctioned psykers are respected for their role, especially if used defensively. However, the Wardens keep a careful watch on their presence and limit their access to sacred sites or relic archives.

• Ecclesiarchy:
  The Wardens follow the Promethean Creed, not the Imperial Cult. They reject the worship of the Emperor as a god, and thus view the Ecclesiarchy with thinly veiled disdain. Still, they recognize the Cult's value in maintaining morale and order across the Imperium—and so, they tolerate its presence, albeit reluctantly and never on Caldera itself.

• Inquisition:
  The Inquisition is viewed with disdain, seen as a necessary evil rather than an ally. The Wardens have clashed with Inquisitors in the past—some fatally, when accusations were made without cause or authority overstepped. While open conflict is rare, trust is almost nonexistent.

• Deathwatch:
  The Wardens respect the Deathwatch as heirs to the traditions of elite task forces and as descendants of the Shattered Legions. However, their association with the Inquisition casts a long shadow. Respect is given—but never trust.

• Rogue Traders:
  Though not common, the Wardens engage in trade with select Rogue Traders, especially when seeking rare components or ancient technologies. These deals are always closely monitored and never reliant—the Wardens trust only what they can forge themselves.

• Other:
  • Adeptus Sororitas: Often viewed as zealots with little patience for nuance, the Wardens avoid direct cooperation when possible. Their disregard for Promethean philosophy has led to strained diplomacy.
  • Adeptus Custodes: Custodes, however, are welcomed with reverence. When present, high-ranking Wardens will often spar, observe, or seek counsel, using such opportunities to refine their martial edge and study the art of battle in its highest form.

Allies

• Salamanders

• Ashguard

• Ultramarines

• Iron Hands

• Raven Guard

Strained

• Black Templars

• Inquisition

Enemies

• Chaos:  All but feuds with the Black Legion and the Thousand sons

• Xenos: Orks, Drukhari

---

Notable Quotes

By: The Pyroclast Wardens

"I was not born to lead. I was not forged for glory. I was made to endure—made to survive what should have broken us. We are not children of a new age, brothers—we are the embers of one long forgotten. But embers still burn. We are the fire that lingers after betrayal, after silence, after ten thousand years of ash. Do not seek peace. Peace will not come. Only duty. Only the flame. Hold it. Carry it. Be it. Let them fear the return of the fire they failed to extinguish."

— Lord Protector Hae’dan Zeon

"There is no purity in screaming sermons, only in silence and in fire. Let the heretic burn. Let the innocent stand behind our shields. That is faith."

— High Igniax Hal’tyr Gral

"I was a boy in the ashmines once. All I wanted was to survive the week. Now I carry the fire of Vulkan into the stars. And I will never let it die."

— Sergeant Callan Vu’shan

"Chaos is not an enemy to fear—it is an insult to correct."

— Chief Librarian Shen’val Sepatar

"You will burn, yes. You will bleed. You will break. But when you rise again—blackened, forged—you will never fall."

— Master-Sergeant Ve’kar Agurr, to new Neophytes

About: The Pyroclast Wardens

"They do not chant. They do not preach. They arrive, they burn, and they leave nothing behind but ash. Efficient. Terrifying. Loyal."

— Admiral Tiberius, Imperial Navy

"Their silence unnerves me more than any daemon. I watched one of them walk through a firestorm to reach a sorcerer. Never once did he speak. Only raised his hammer. That was enough."

— Commissar Voss, Caldera Defense Campaign

"Astartes? No. They are not men. They are the Emperor’s vengeance, encased in flame and silence."

— Astropath Morwyn

"They carry themselves like the old ones. Not like Primaris. Like... like some weight presses them onwards. Something deep and angry."

— Astartes Captain Varo Kael, Raven Guard 5th Company

"They do not speak often. They do not boast. But when the Wardens arrive, the enemy dies screaming in fire—and our worlds sleep safer because of it."

— Colonel Mira Kastellan, Ashguard Command

"You can always tell when they arrive. The sky glows red, the air tastes like copper, and everyone gets real quiet. One of them stood by our trench all night, didn’t speak a word. Next morning, we found the cultists burned to cinders three klicks past our lines. No bolter casings. Just ash. Whatever they are... I’m glad they’re on our side."

— Corporal Lysa Venar, 19th Deltan Siege Engineers

"I thought they were a myth. All we heard was the thunder from orbit and the sky splitting open. When they hit the trench line, they didn’t shout or chant. They just walked through the fire, cloaks glowing, guns screaming. I've never seen orks run before. I still dream about the sound their flamers make."

— Guardsman Karn Vess, 121st Merovian Ice Rifles

"The sky was red. We thought it was the end. But then—then the fire came from above, and it wasn’t the enemy. It was them. I saw one carry my son through the smoke, wrapped in his own cloak. He was a monster… but he was gentle. He saved my son."

— Lirae Vann, Hive District 7, Dorrin Warfront

"I tried to order a Warden to stand down once. He looked through me like I was smoke. I never made that mistake again."

— Inquisitor Eydren Vale (Missing in Action)

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