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This article, Sons of Helios, was written by Sicarius34. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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- "We are the light that burns away the darkness. We are the torch that lights the way for humanity. We are the bulwark against the dark and the night. We are the Sons of Helios and while we stand there is no place where His light won’t reach"
- —Sun Lord Solarius Heliomar at the Ignition of Umbra
The Sons of Helios is a loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the 23rd 'Sentinel' Founding. They are said to be Salamanders' successors due to their affinity for fire but this is unknown. The Sons of Helios have fought all over the Imperium defending its citizens from the xenos, the heretic and the mutant. The Sons of Helios are unique as they believe in the Emperor’s divine authority and see the sun as his symbol. The history of the Sons of Helios Space Marine Chapter is a tale of unwavering loyalty, fierce determination, and the unyielding pursuit of the Emperor's light. From their founding to their numerous campaigns, the Chapter has left an indelible mark on the annals of the Imperium.
Coming from the homeworld of Pyros, a desert planet which is unusually close to the sun, the Sons of Helios see the sun as the symbol of the Emperor's might and strive to bring that light to the rest of the Imperium. They see themselves as the shield that defends the weak and have a high concern for civilians in war zones. This concern for lesser beings places them in the succession line of the Salamanders chapter. The Sons of Helios also have an affinity for fire as they see it as the holy weapon of the sun and therefore the Emperor.
The Sons of Helios were unremarked as a chapter of the Adeptus Astartes with their homeworld in the Ultima Segmentum being just one of many. The opening of the Great Rift however has turned the planet into a bastion of light in the absence of the Astronomican. The loss of the light from the Astronomicon and the opening of the Great Rift has caused xenos and Chaos to move with more boldness in the darkness. This has left many planets defenceless to attacks and so the Sons of Helios answer the calls to aid. Pyros has become a home of refugees and has become a place of rest and aid to the citizens of the fallen cities and planets on the dark side of the Great Rift.
Chapter History[]
Born during the 23rd ‘Sentinel’ Founding the Sons of Helios were said to be Salamanders' successors due to the theme of fire and their care for civilians' lives but this has not been confirmed. This is the only confirmed fact of origin for the Chapter and adds to the mystery of the Chapter as it once said in Imperial Records that the Chapter had been destroyed in M41 916.23 but they would then appear once again. The only way to ascertain the Chapter's full history would be to visit the homeworlds of Pyros and travel to a location called The Tomb of Fire. The Tomb of Fire would play a large part in the history of the Sons of Helios as after an assault on their homeworld of Pyros by the Tyranids the Sons of Helios would left with little more than 100 battle brothers left.
Clovak Sepai who was the sole Captain left after the assault would take command of the remaining members of the chapter. The next part of this tale has been lost to time but it has been theorised that Clovak was advised by a Librarian who received a vision from the Emperor or that something called to Clovak but whatever the case Clovak ordered the remaining brothers to dig beneath the ruins of the Fortress Monastery of the Chapter. What was found was an old chamber and in the chamber was said to be the chapter’s salvation. Clovak entered the Chamber and what transpired inside is a mystery but Clovak emerged with what was said to be “fire in his eyes and heart” and called the Chapter together and told a tale of fire and sun. This would be the beginning of the Sun as the chapters main symbol. The Chapter would then rebuild its fortress Monastery and begin anew in its fight for His Imperium
Notable Campaigns[]
The scouring of Yakrek (345-359 M39)[]
The Tyranid Invasion (364-367 M39)[]
The Ignition of Umbra (459-479 M40)[]
In a sector plagued by a rising xenos threat known as the Umbra, the Sons of Helios embarked on a campaign to liberate the system of Nova Primus from their insidious influence. The Umbra, shadow-like entities that fed on darkness and extinguished light, proved to be formidable adversaries. Called to the system by a local planetary governor who begged for aid. The Sons of Helios sent elements from the Luminary Clade, the Radiant Clade and the Solar Clade to enter the system and assess the threat. What the fleet found was an entire system plunged into darkness with there being almost no light. It was then found out that the Umbra had extinguished the sun in the system causing all light to disappear and ending all life in the system. The Sons of Helios were too late. The Umbra would remain hidden until a clearing of a Space Hulk in which a caged Umbra was found. Using the psychic prowess of the Chapters Librarius the Sons of Helios would be able to create a trace for the Umbra species to the foul Xenos’ home world. Descending with almost the full force of the Chapter, the Sons of Helios launched a full assault on the Umbra Home world with the Pyroclasm Clade or the First company heading straight for the central habitat of the Umbra. A planet wide invasion would soon occur with nearly all of the Chapters forces being deployed on the Umbra Home world. The invasion would finish with the Sun Lord Solarius Heliomar leading the First Ray or squad of the Pyroclasm Clade into the throne room of the Umbra King and slaying it therefore ending the siege.
The Luminary Crusade (593-605 M41)[]
: Answering the call of the Ecclesiarchy, the Sons of Helios joined the Luminary Crusade, a massive Imperial campaign against a widespread heretical uprising. Tasked with reclaiming a cluster of star systems, the Chapter fought alongside Imperial Guard regiments, Adepta Sororitas forces, and allied Space Marine Chapters. The Sons of Helios spearheaded several crucial assaults, attacking and destroying the heretical forces. Their unique combat doctrine and unwavering devotion to the Emperor became a symbol of hope and inspiration for the Crusade's forces. The campaign culminated in the liberation of a sacred Ecclesiarchy world, where the Chapter's Battle-Brothers fought side by side with the Sisters of Battle, purging heretics and securing a resounding victory for the Emperor's light.
The Solar March (607-621 M42)[]
In response to the encroachment of a massive Ork WAAAGH!, the Sons of Helios undertook the Solar March, a series of lightning-fast strikes against the greenskin menace. The Chapter's forces, led by Captain Orion Sunrider, launched a series of surgical assaults on key Ork installations, disrupting their supply lines and weakening their leadership. The Sons of Helios showcased their unmatched speed and ferocity, leaving a trail of burning Ork fortifications and broken WAAAGH!s in their wake. The Solar March culminated in a decisive battle, where the Chapter's Battle-Brothers annihilated the Ork Warboss and scattered the remaining greenskin forces.
The Pacification of Kelso III (643-645 M41)[]
The Planet of Kelso III was an world in the Harnard System. During a campaign by the Imperial Guard earlier in the century half of the planet was left a burnt and eradicated wasteland filled with wandering tribes and slaves while the other half of the planet was enriched with minerals and left with infrastructure from the Imperial Guard. This would lead to the Upper population becoming arrogant and they started to believe that they were above the Imperium and declared themselves independent from the Imperium. A Imperial Guard contingent was sent to the planet but were beat back by the Upper populations army. This would take their arrogance to new heights as the inhabitants of Kelso III would then start to expand their holdings in the system. The Sons of Helios were then called to the system, elements of the Solar Clade and the Radiant Clade were deployed and immediately lay siege to Kelso III. The Chapter turned the tide almost instantly causing the Upper population to retreat and eventually surrender.
Chapter Homeworld[]
The Sons of Helios reside on the planet of Pyros. Pyros is a desert planet in the Ultima Segmentum. Its vast deserts are punctuated by towering dunes, rocky mesas, and canyons carved by ancient rivers that have long since dried up. The planet's climate is extreme, with scorching days and very few nights, making survival a constant challenge.The home to many wondering tribes Pyros has the unique feature of being unusually close to the Sun. This feature leads to there being almost no night with no less than two hours of darkness each year.
Pyros Culture[]
Pyros is a world of wandering tribes and roaming people with very few cities on the planet. The tribes of Pyros are characterised by their nomadic way of life. They do not settle in one place but instead move from one location to another in search of vital resources such as water, food, and shelter. Their mobility is essential for survival in the harsh desert. In the tribes of Pyros, the honour of the tribe is everything and because of this tribal wars are not uncommon. This leads to the people of Pyros to be hardened through battle and worthy aspirants for the Chapter. Many desert tribes have their own unique belief systems and spiritual practices that are closely tied to their environment. These beliefs often involve reverence for nature and natural elements, as well as rituals related to water and survival.
Fortress-Monastery[]
The Luminarium Solis
The Luminarium Solis stands as a grand testament to the radiant glory of the Sons of Helios. Situated atop a towering mesa on tallest mountain on Pyros , it serves as the Chapter's bastion and spiritual heart. Constructed from a unique blend of adamantium and sun-infused crystal, the fortress monastery resembles a majestic fusion of ancient architecture and advanced technology. Overlooking the desert plains of Pyros the Luminarium Solis watches over the planet and its inhabitants. Seen as the home of the children of the Sun, the fortress monastery is treated with an almost reverence by the tribes of Pyros. The outer walls of the Luminarium Solis are adorned with intricate solar motifs and colossal statues depicting revered heroes of the Chapter. The walls themselves radiate a soft, warm light, giving the impression of an eternal sunrise. The fortress's architecture incorporates grand spires that stretch skyward, crowned with crystalline domes infused with captured solar energy. Brilliant rays of sunlight refract through these domes, casting colourful prisms of light across the surrounding landscape.
The interior of the Luminarium Solis is split into specialised ‘Sanctums’ for each company or ‘Clade’ of the Chapter. The Solar Clade Sanctum is the resting place of the Solar Clade. The backbone of the Chapter and the largest Clade, the Solar Clade has the largest area dedicated to them. In the Sanctum there are the cells of rest where each brother of the Clade resides. Each cell is bare and rarely touched as the Sons of Helios rarely take rest but prefer to fill their time training or out of crusades. The Sanctum also holds the armoury of the Clade, the armoury is filled with the weaponry of the Clade. Weapons of melee and range can be found in the armoury and beside the armoury are the training halls where the brothers train. The Radiant Clade Sanctum is one of the most heavily guarded sanctums as the Clade are the heavy weapons specialists and contain most of the obliterators squads in the Chapter. While similar to the Solar Clade in design a significant difference is in the armoury as the Radiant Clade holds some of the most dangerous weapons available to the Chapter so the armoury is guarded at every turn. With the armoury itself being deep in the mountain that the Luminarium Solis rests on and under layers of adamantium the Radiant Clade sanctum is heavily protected. The Chapters Librarius or the Luminary Clade have the smallest and most mysterious Sanctum. Barred to all but the Clades members and the Chapter Master himself, the interior of the Sanctum is a mystery and even the Chapter Master does not know the full extent of the Sanctum. The Helion Clade contains the Chapters vehicles and so the Sanctum holds all the Chapters bikes and mechanised vehicles. Filled with repair cradles, the Helion Clade houses enough vehicles to supply the whole Chapter. The First Company or the Pyroclasm Clade own the Hall of Pyroclasm. Here the battle honours of the whole Chapter are laid bare. The honour guard of the Chapters relics as well, the Hall of Pyroclasm hold artefacts and relics from the Chapters long past. The weapons and armour of hero’s to the remains from vaulted enemies are all on display in the Hall of Pyroclasm.
The inner sanctum of the Luminarium Solis is a sacred space where the Chapter's most revered rituals and ceremonies take place. The centerpiece of the inner sanctum is the Chamber of Helios, a vast hall bathed in golden light. At its heart stands a colossal stained glass window depicting the Emperor, arms outstretched, as if bestowing His radiance upon His chosen sons. The chamber is illuminated by an ethereal glow, creating an atmosphere of reverence and awe. Here battle preparation rituals take place and the blessing of new neophytes take place.
And unknown to all but the Chapter Master is beneath the Luminarium Solis resides the Tomb of Fire. A chamber that contains the entire history of the Chapter from the beginning to the present day. No one knows how that history is being recorded but it is. A chamber that holds mysteries and can only be opened in the Chapters greatest need.
Chapter Organisation[]
The Sons of Helios have diverged from the Codex Astartes, following their own unique organization. They adhere to a structure that emphasizes the importance of individual prowess and specialization within their ranks. The chapter is organized into several specialized units known as Clades, each with its own distinct role and battlefield function. These specialised units allow the Sons of Helios to be adept in almost any war zone or battlefield scenario. While each Clade is unique in its doctrine of war, it is not a standalone force. The Clades intermix with forces being sent out with squads from multiple Clades. This means that any force is well equipped to face any problem.
The Solar Clade forms the backbone of the chapter and consists of Tactical Marines, Devastators, and Assault Marines. They are the core infantry units and maintain a balanced force composition. As the most balanced force in the Chapter. The Solar Clade is the starting place of every marine in the Chapter. This leaves the Clade with a rich history of heroism, and is seen as almost the mentor Clade with many of its members deciding to stay rather move on to another Clade to teach the neophytes when they move from the Helion Clade.
The Radiant Clade focuses on the use of advanced technology and wields a range of specialized weaponry. This includes Sternguard Veterans, Techmarines, and specialists in artillery and heavy support. Only ever used in small numbers due to the valuable weapons that they bear into battle. The Radiant Clade are adept at destroying heavily armed and fortified targets of the Chapter.
Luminary Clade: The Luminary Clade consists of Librarians and Psykers who possess a deep understanding of the warp and its manipulation. They serve as the chapter's psychic advisors and wield potent psychic powers on the battlefield. The smallest Clade in the Chapter the Luminary Clade are a mysterious order with in the chapter with ritual beyond understanding of the regular battle brother.
Helion Clade: The Helion Clade is composed of the chapter's bikers, scouts, and reconnaissance specialists. They excel at rapid strikes, swift assaults, and gathering intelligence for the chapter. The Clade also include the Chapter neophytes, this is due to the Chapters less than frontal conflict style.
Pyroclasm Clade: The Pyroclasm Clade is the chapter's Assault Terminator force and the equivalent to a Astartes first company, specializing in close-quarter combat and boarding actions. They are equipped with modified Terminator armor and powerful melee weapons. Every battle brother in this Clade is a decorated veteran in the Emperors wars and has fought for many a normal human lifetime. The Pyroclasm Clade also act as the honour guard of the Chapter Master himself and the Chapters artefacts.
Officer Ranks[]
- The SunLord-The leader of the Chapter, the ChapterMaster of the Chapter as the SunLord and is seen as the chosen one of the Emperors light. The SunLord is responsible for the protection of Pyros and the welfare of the Chapter, the SunLord is the supreme commander of the Clades and all of the chapters forces. When the SunLord dies the position is filled by the Orbiter or Captain of the Pyroclasm Clade.
- Orbiter- The equivalent of a captain, each Orbiter leads a Clade of the Sons of Helios. Each Orbiter is selected by the SunLord and the Council of Sun. The Orbiter is the most sufficient member of the Clade he leads. The Orbiter also holds the succession of the SunLord with the Orbiter of the Pyroclasm Clade being the heir to the Chapter,
Specialist Ranks[]
- The Solar Paladins-The Solar Paladins act as the Chaplains of the Sons of Helios. Tasked with the order of maintaining the fiery zeal of the Chapter and the reverence of the Sun. The Paladins will be seen at the forefront of any battle encouraging the battle brother to greater feats and spewing fiery hatred to the enemy.
- The Sun Forgers-Acting as the Techmarines of the Chapter the Sun Forgers are responsible for the upkeep of the Chapters mechanical and heavy weaponry assets. Seen in high numbers around the Radiant and Helion Clade due to the responsibilities that each Clade hold the Sun. Forgers work endlessly to repair and outfit each Clade so that they may continue ti fight in the Emperors name.
- The Solarii- Solarii are versatile specialists within the Chapter, trained in various support roles. They excel in fields such as field medicine, logistics, technical operations, and diplomacy. Solarii provide critical support to their Battle-Brothers, ensuring the efficient functioning of the Chapter both on and off the battlefield. The Solarii are unique as off the battlefield they take care of things that most chapters would leave to serfs such as the organisation of equipment or the seeing over servitors
Specialist Units & Formations[]
- Solstice Wardens- a branch of the Luminary Clade, the Solstice Wardens act as the police and the enforcers of the Chapters discipline.Fiery like the sun, the Sons of Helios can seen as short tempered and brash which can sometimes lead to fights in between brother who feel like honour has been slighted. While not encouraged these fights are watched by the Solstice Wardens who make sure that each fight does not spill into open slaughter.
- The Sun Shadows- while most members of the Sons of Helios fight in the Suns light, some fight in the absence of it. Shadow operatives the Sun Shadows specialise in stealth missions and assassination plots. Outside the main order of battle the Sun Shadows are independent and only answer to the will of the SunLord himself. Forsaking their bright armour for armour of the darkest night, Sun Shadows are the epitome of the darkness of the Sun
- The Aurora Vanguard is a specialized unit responsible for breaching enemy fortifications and obstacles. They are equipped with highly powered siege weaponry and demolition tools, allowing them to quickly breach enemy defenses and create opportunities for the Chapter's main force to advance. A branch of the Radiant Clade, the Vanguard also act as builders of walls and fortification in case there is a need for the defense of a location.
- The Pyros Guardians-Armed with shields that can refract and redirect energy-based attacks and maces that channel searing heat, the Pyros Guardians are a bulwark against the fiercest of assaults. Handpicked from the ranks of the Pyroclasm Clade. They are often deployed to protect high-ranking officials of the Chapter or to hold vital choke points in battle.
Chapter Beliefs[]
The Sons of Helios revere the sun as a symbol of purity and the Emperor's divine radiance. They believe that the Emperor's light shines upon them, guiding their actions and granting them strength.
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
The gene-seed of a Space Marine Chapter is a critical aspect of their genetic heritage, passed down from their Primarch and designed to enhance their physical and mental attributes. In the case of the Sons of Helios, their gene-seed exhibits some different features due to the degradation over time. The Sons of Helios gene-seed grants their Battle-Brothers an enhanced resistance to extreme temperatures and radiation. This adaptation is vital for their survival on their desert homeworld, Pyros, where scorching days are common. A defining feature of the Sons of Helios is their eyes, which have a distinct golden or amber hue. This is a result of their gene-seed's influence, and it aids their vision in the glaring desert sun while also serving as a symbol of their connection to the sun. A genetic quirk of their gene-seed is a limited melanin production in their skin, resulting in fairer complexions. While their skin tone provides them with some resistance to the sun's harmful effects, their armor, robes, and clothing are designed to protect them from the desert environment
Chapter Combat Doctrine[]
The Sons of Helios emphasize rapid, aggressive assaults and the tactical application of overwhelming firepower. They believe in overwhelming the enemy with swift strikes, utilizing the mobility of their specialized Clades. Their combat doctrine combines precision and flexibility to adapt to the changing battlefield conditions.
The chapter values individual skill and specialization, allowing each Marine to hone their abilities in their chosen field. This enables them to adapt to various combat scenarios while maintaining a cohesive and disciplined fighting force. The Sons of Helios employ combined arms warfare, effectively integrating infantry, mechanized units, and aerial support to achieve victory.
Notable Space Marines[]
- Solarius Heliomar is the wise and revered Chapter Master of the Sons of Helios. His strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to the Emperor have earned him the respect and admiration of his brethren. Clad in ornate Artificer Armor adorned with the symbols of the Chapter, he wields a master-crafted power spear named "Solarum," which burns with the intensity of a dying star. Having lead the Chapter for over five hundred years, Solarius Heliomar is one of the most legendary marines in the Chapter. Holding Battle honours longer then some human lifespans Heliomar has fought all over the Imperium and faced nearly all foes that want to tear the Imperium down.
- Orion Sunrider is the stoic and disciplined Orbiter of the Pyroclasm Clade. Renowned for his expertise in close-quarters combat, he leads his Terminator-armored veterans with unwavering determination. Equipped with a mighty thunder hammer named "Aurora," Sunrider is a symbol of unyielding strength and resilience on the battlefield. Blood brothers with the SunLord Orion has served the chapter for almost as long as his leader has.
- Helian Stormcaller is a powerful psyker and the SunSpeaker or Chief Librarian of the Sons of Helios and therefore the Orbiter of the Luminary Clade. His connection to the Warp is both a gift and a burden, and he has mastered the control of solar-based psychic abilities. Wielding a force sword named "Solstice," he guides his Battle-Brothers with foresight and divination, anticipating enemy movements and exploiting their weaknesses.
- Ilios Hae'tal is a seasoned veteran of the Sons of Helios Chapter. Born and raised on the desolate desert world of Pyros, he demonstrated an early affinity for heavy weapons and a keen understanding of their tactical value. This aptitude, along with his unwavering dedication to the Emperor, led to his selection for the esteemed Radiant Clade. Raising quickly through the ranks, Illios has lead the Clade to glory and distinction.
- Orbiter Vesper Kadasus is the leader of the Helion Clade. And because of this is commander Kadasus is an expert in bike and vehicle operations. He is skilled in the use of various vehicles, including bikes, assault transports, and Land Speeders. One of the fastest members of the Chapter mentally, physically and in a vehicle Vesper is the youngest Orbiter in the Chapters history.
Chapter Fleet[]
The Sons of Helios’ fleet is said to contain these battle ships
- The "Sol Invictum" is a massive battle barge and serves as the flagship of the Chapter, armored with ceramite plates engraved with scenes of the Sons of Helios' most glorious victories. Its prow is sculpted into the form of a clenched fist, symbolizing the Chapter's unyielding strength. The command bridge is adorned with banners displaying the Chapter's heraldry. The ship's many chambers include weapon arsenals, training halls, a revered chapel, and extensive librariums that store ancient texts and combat records.The primary armament is a set of mighty turbo-laser destructors, flanked by macro-cannons. The ship also possesses multiple launch bays for Thunderhawk gunships and Drop Pods.
- Strike Cruiser "Pyros Vanguard" This cruiser is sleeker than the Battle Barge, designed for rapid deployment. Its ceramite exterior is an intimidating matte black, optimized for stealth and quick strikes. A streamlined command deck optimizes rapid decision-making. Specialized bays house the Chapter's land vehicles and bikes, allowing for fast deployment during planetary assaults Equipped with bombardment cannons and a lance weapon, it is further complemented by Whirlwind missile batteries. Exclusively used by the Helion Clade due to its modifications for vehicular and machine transport
- Strike Cruiser “ Radiant Scourge”
- Strike Cruiser “ Pyrian Dawn”
- Escort Frigate "Desert's Whisper”
- Escort Frigate “Solar Fury”
- Escort Frigate “Pride of Sun”
- Escort Frigate “FlameStrider”
- Escort Frigate “ Inferno’s Edge”
Chapter Relics[]
- Radiant Banner of Pyros- This sacred banner is said to have been unfurled during the Chapter's founding. It depicts the blazing sun of Pyros and is carried into battle by a standard bearer. The banner is believed to inspire unwavering courage and resilience in the Chapter's ranks, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The personal banner of the SunLord, the banner of Pyros holds much history in its weave. Unfurled during the Chapters founding, the banner survived the Tyranid invasion of Pyros and watched as the Chapter built itself again. It is said that while a Son of Helios stands the banner shall never fall.
- Gauntlets of Solar Fury-These power gauntlets are embedded with miniature sunstone crystals. When activated, they envelop the wearer's fists in solar flames, increasing the force and impact of their melee attacks.
- Solarum- The Solstice Lance is a masterfully crafted relic spear that serves as the symbol of the Chapter Master's authority within the Sons of Helios. It is a fusion of advanced technology and ancient craftsmanship, designed to harness the power of the sun itself. The spear is adorned with intricate solar motifs, and its shaft is made from a rare metal alloy infused with Solarite crystals harvested from the heart of the Sons of Helios' homeworld. The tip of the spear is a gleaming blade, reminiscent of a solar flare frozen in time. The Solarite crystals embedded in the shaft emit a warm, golden glow, creating an aura of brilliance around the weapon. Forged by the Chapter's Master Artificers in a sacred ritual that involved harnessing the energy of the sun, the Solstice Lance has been passed down through generations of Chapter Masters. Each wielder leaves their mark on the weapon, adding to its storied history and power.
- Aurora- The Hammer is a massive, master-crafted force hammer with a golden haft and a head resembling a stylized sunburst. The hammerhead is adorned with intricate solar motifs, and it radiates a warm, golden glow. Wielded by every Orbiter of the Pyroclasm Clade since the days of Clovak Sepai, the hammer carries thousands of years of history with it.
Chapter Appearance[]
Chapter Colours[]
Chapter Badge[]
Relations[]
Allies[]
Enemies[]
Notable Quotes[]
By the Sons of Helios[]
About the Sons of Helios[]
Gallery[]