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This article, Squallguard, was written by Cold and Fast. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
The Squallguard are a loyalist Space Marine Chapter created during the Ultima Founding, from the gene-seed of the White Scars. They are perhaps unique as a chapter in that every full battle-brother is clad in Mk X Gravis Armor or Tactical Dreadnought Armor, and possess a large amount of Redemptor pattern Dreadnought suits (including Ballistus and Brutalis variants). Thusly, the Squallguard specialize in heavy support, grinding attritional warfare, and mechanized assault. This was not always so, and the chapter's identity as it is now was forged in the fires of harsh conflict and necessity. The astartes of the Squallguard are also avid historians, each and every one possessed of a tight grasp on the intricacies of literature, historical precedent, and tactical theory. As an extension of this emphasis on learning and applied knowledge, the Squallguard are masterful diplomats and orators.
Chapter History
The Squallguard were instituted during the Ultima Founding, with the purpose of acting as guardians of the area surrounding their side of the Maelstrom rift to the galactic south. Chosen to lead such a chapter was Hakah Khemron, a decorated veteran sergeant hailing from the White Scars chapter. Khemron was firstborn, and was chosen, in part, for this very reason. Khemron held a deep-seated mistrust for Guilliman's new primaris marines, and was trusted to maintain a watchful eye over their development when separated from their progenitors. In the end, it may have been Khemron's distrust that caused him to not only lose command over the chapter, but his life as well.
As the Squallguard began to develop, Khemron maintained a near identical ethos to the White Scars' core modus operandi: lighting hit-and-run attacks, mounted primarily from outrider bike squadrons. In the early years, this was met with great success. Around these parts of the Maelstrom zone, many of their enemies included fractious bands of chaos fanatics, and disparate pockets of xenos resistance. Such a tried and tested method of war ground these annoyances to dust, as had been proven time and time again. It was when the Squallguard were confronted with a much more nefarious threat, however, that all of this changed. With increasing frequency, the Squallguard were finding themselves the victims of lightning raids conducted by the vile Red Corsairs.
Within the labyrinthine halls of their ships, and amongst the crowded confines of their planetary holdfasts, Khemron's preferred doctrine proved to be woefully ineffective. With each engagement, more marines were lost. After a particularly savage raid which saw the battle-barge Tempestia completely annihilated, along with at least 150 of the chapter's battle-brothers, Khemron declared that the Squallguard would go on the offensive. It was during this ill-fated offensive that Hakah Khemron, was laid low by a horrifically mutated Red Corsairs champion. The casualties from this action were eye-watering, numbering nearly 300 dead.
It was as a direct result of this harrowing action that the first Concilium, as it would later be referred to, was held. Karanos Laskaris, one of the survivors of Caelestia Secundus, and Thalamarian native, called a council of the remaining captains, of which there were now only three besides himself. Also in attendance were the highest ranking members of each specialist body within the chapter. It was during this council that Laskaris took the reigns, extolling the virtues of the Thalamarian way of making war. He argued that they should not blindly follow the ways of their progenitors, but that they should expand upon them and learn from them. Through melding the ethos of both Chogoris and Thalamare would come the chapter's salvation. After days of deliberation, the Concilium finally emerged from the audience chamber, Karanos Laskaris reborn as the Squallguard's new Chiliarch.
The chapter's first priority upon its rebirth was to immediately secure aid from the mechanicus. The chapter dispatched as many techmarines as it could, now called Technicae, to the closest mechanicus forge world: Ryza, about a week's warp travel away. It was from this profound gesture of good faith that the Squallguard was able to secure a lasting, fruitful relationship with the Ryzan mechanicus. Following these actions, the chapter's main focus has been to replenish its numbers, and to locate as many pieces of lost technology, artifacts, and lore as possible.
Notable Campaigns
- The Counter-Attack on Caelestia Secundus: After a particularly savage raid which saw the battle-barge Tempestia completely annihilated, along with at least 150 of the chapter's battle-brothers, then chapter master Hakah Khemron declared that the Squallguard would go on the offensive. In a daring counter-attack, the chapter master gathered a force numbering nearly 400 astartes to assault the Red Corsairs' resupply port upon the moon of Caelestia Secundus. Mounted upon their warbikes, the massive retribution force raced across the leaden sands of the benighted moon, and were met with catastrophe. Having realized the attack was imminent, the commander of the outpost organized a killzone of frightful brutality: lascannons were situated at regular intervals all throughout the rooftops and upon the walls of the facility, and beneath were lined rows of chaos space marines bearing multi-meltas and plasma cannons. Additionally, as the attacking Squallguard made their final approach having lost nearly half of their number before even reaching the gate, scores of howling heretics, held aloft upon wings of fire, descended upon them, clutching melta bombs and inferno pistols as they made contact. By the time the retribution force made it within the walls of the outpost, barely 100 marines remained. Not one to cede victory, let alone at such a cost, Khemron led his veterans to the very heart of the outpost, where he confronted its commander. He was met with a hulking brute, barely able to be called a space marine. Grotesque claws of bone and sinew jutted forth from where his arms should be, and his blood-red eyes shone with predatory glee. Khemron made his charge, a savage war cry on his lips, and a titanic struggle ensued. He was good, but he realized all too soon that this abomination was better. Sapped of all strength, Khemron failed to escape the beast's claw as it wrenched up into his chest, bursting out the other side in a gout of crimson. As the abomination tossed their chapter master's lifeless body aside, the Squallguard made good their retreat.
Chapter Homeworld
Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of Thalamare
Thalamare is a massive, oceanic planet situated within the Ultima Segmentum. Roughly 87% of the planet is covered in one massive, abyssal ocean, while the remaining scattered islands serve as population centers for the world's hardy inhabitants. These seas are populated by a number of horrific creatures which regularly attack the landbound populace. Such necessity for the constant defence of their settlements has bred a stoic culture, embroiled in rationality, science, and a deep appreciation for past glories. The prevailing stylistic and linguistic elements common to Thalamarian society are highly reminiscent of the ancient Hellenistic period of Terra.
Fortress-Monastery
- "Beneath the waves we make our home, for Thalamare grants our portion. With blade, and bolt, and dusty tome, we fight to overcome distortion."
- —Excerpt from the Tome Inductio, attributed to Chronicler Secundus Amias
The Avyssos Firmamentum is a vast, submarine stronghold, located on the seabed near Thalamare's equator. Constructed entirely beneath the planet's vast ocean, the firmamentum is as much a massive conservatory as it is a military installment. Sweeping libraries and museums dominate the eastern wings of the fortress, even including several lecture halls and auditoriums. In stark juxtaposition to this, the western reaches are dedicated entirely to a more militant function, including Barracks, armories, and sizable training facilities. Access to the Avyssos Firmamentum is granted through a single receiving port, located directly in the middle of the facility. This port extends upwards in a grand spire, and contains a number of pressurized airlocks. The Squallguard utilize specially modified versions of standard imperial Arvus Lighters, and, more rarely, Thunderhawk transports, to access their abyssal stronghold.
Chapter Organization
The chapter is organized into three massive company-equivalents, known amongst the Squallguard as the Legios. The first legio is comprised entirely of Tactical Dreadnought Armor-clad veterans and the vast majority of the chapter's Dreadnoughts, and is overseen by the Lochos Primus. The second, and largest, legio, overseen by the Lochos Secundus is made up of the bulk of the chapter's Heavy Intercessors, Aggressors, Inceptors, Eradicators, grav-tanks, and roughly half of the chapter's Impulsor transports. Exceptions to this include the personal command transports of each legio's lochos. The third legio, overseen by the Lochos Tertius, is comprised entirely of Tyro squads, formations of tyros and their archons, and the remaining Impulsors.
The Concilium is a concept utilized by the Lochi, and the Chiliarch himself. In these gatherings, the Chiliarch, or pertinent Lochos, will call his cadre of specialist officers to council in order to lend their perspectives in matters of war, diplomacy, or any number of internal issues. In the case of the Chiliarch, this will include his Champion, the Provost, High Technicae, Domus Medicae, Grand Signifier, Luminarch, and High Anticuus. In the case of the lochi, upon their ascension to that rank, they will choose one representative from each body to serve as their advisors, as well as their Legati. Each of these advisors is granted a corresponding suffix: "Primus" for the first legio, "Secundus" for the second, and "Tertius" for the third. It is extremely rare that the Chiliarch makes a decision without first consulting the concilium. If he should do so, the gravity of such a situation is not lost on the chapter.
Officer Ranks
The Squallguard almost entirely eschew the force organization model of the Codex Astartes, instead opting to draw from the culture of their homeworld, Thalamare:
- Chiliarch- This is the chapter's term for the Chapter Master.
- Lochos - This is the term used to denote Captains. The Squallguard have but 3, one for each of their "Legios," which are company equivalents.
- Legatus - This is a rank identical to Lieutenants of other chapters. Each Lochos maintains 2 subordinate Legati, for a total of 6 across the chapter. The Chiliarch utilizes a Champion in lieu of any Legati.
Specialist Ranks
There are several roles within the chapter which are clearly more divergent from standard Adeptus Astartes force organization:
- Chronicler - Chronicler is the chapter's rough equivalent to a Chaplain. Due to the nature of the Squallguard's staunch belief in the Imperial Truth, and their extensive knowledge of history, the chapter eschews the traditional role of the Chaplaincy, instead electing to maintain a body of learned orators, collectively referred to as the "Tutelarium." These marines are the foremost historians in a chapter full of them, and they bring that knowledge to bear in several ways. Chroniclers will accompany most detachments of Squallguard during combat operations, reciting great epics based on the deeds of chapter heroes, as well as recalling ancient historical texts appropriate to the current engagement. Outside of the theater of battle, however, the Chroniclers meticulously work to catalogue the exploits of the chapter in great detail, down to the actions of each and every battle brother if possible. They are meant to be masters in many disciplines, and as part of their initiation into the Tutelarium each Chronicler will forge his own unique power axe to serve as a badge of office. It is also the sworn mission of every chronicler to gather and preserve as much knowledge as possible, and this will serve as a secondary objective to every single action the chapter engages in. Furthermore, the Chroniclers act as liaisons and diplomats, assembling Delegatus Cohorts to bring swift, peaceful ends to appropriate conflicts before they even begin.
- Provost - A Provost is the highest-ranking Chronicler, and overseer of the Tutelarium.
- Magus - Magus is how The Squallguard refer to their Librarians, who share a close relationship with the Chroniclers. Their order is "The Magisterium."
- Luminarch - The Luminarch is the chapter's equivalent of a Chief Librarian.
- Apothecary - Apothecaries are practically identical to their counterparts in other chapters.
- Domus Medicae - Domus Medicae is the equivalent of a Chief Apothecary.
- Technicae - Technicae is an almost identical role to that of a Techmarine. Their order is the "Technikum."
- High Technicae - The High Technicae is the chapter's equivalent of a Master of the Forge, who leads the Technikum.
- Signifier - A Signifier is the chapter's term for an Ancient. One Signifier is present within each of the legios, as well as a Chapter Signifier to accompany the Chiliarch, and to act within his Concilium.
- Champion - A Champion is a station present within other chapters, though there is but one who bears such a title within the Squallguard. Acting as the equivalent of a lieutenant in other chapters, but one who answers only the Chiliarch himself. This Champion operates outside the strictures of command, and holds sway over the chapter as a whole. Often acting as an emissary for his leige, the Champion also acts to settle matters of honor through both duels and diplomacy. The Champion of the Squallguard is selected for his embodiment of the chapter's ideals as much as for his staggering prowess in combat, and may be chosen from any of the marines within the chapter, regardless of rank or status.
- Anticuus - A unique rank within the chapter, held by the most highly regarded Dreadnoughts within the chapter. These ancient warriors lend their wisdom and expertise to to the chapter's leadership through their participation in the Conciliums.
- High Anticuus - The first among the chapter's dreadnoughts, serving directly on the Chiliarch's Concilium, and the de facto figurehead of the Anticuii at large.
Line Ranks
- Tyro - Tyro is the term for new initiates to the chapter. Clad in light scout armor, these tyros will be selected by a full battle-brother to become his equerry. Henceforth, that battle brother will be referred to as his tyro's Archon. The tyro will accompany his archon everywhere, both on and off the battlefield, where he will be schooled in the arts of battle and literature alike. A tyro may advance to full battle-brother status only when his archon feels he is ready, at which point a detailed account of the entirety of their time together will be submitted to the lochos of the third legio. This lochos will then grant the tyro a spot in one of the second legio's squads, as he deems appropriate to the character of the now fully fledged space marine.
- Aiton - Aiton is a rank roughly equivalent to that of a Veteran Sergeant. The difference in the Squallguard is that for every single type of specialist officer, the Aiton is the jumping-off point. Should a brother wish to dedicate himself to the Technikum, Tutelarium, Magisterium, or simply wish to become a Legatus, they must first attain the rank of Aiton. It is at this rank that a battle-brother earns his helmet crest, a badge of office that will hence follow him until his death, unless he rises to the rank of Lochos, or to the command of one of the specialist bodies. Upon attainment of such a rank, the crest will exchanged for a transverse one.
Specialist Units and Formations
- Abyssal Wardens - Abyssal Wardens are the reliquary guardians of the chapter. These honored warriors are storied heroes all, and an aspiring marine may only enter the ranks of the Wardens by catching the eye of the Chiliarch through extraordinary feats of strength, cunning, and will. These warriors forego all aspirations of rank, save for that of Champion. The moment a marine is sworn in, he is granted his ceremonial rounded storm shield and an Aestus Power Spear, a pattern unique to the chapter. These arms pay homage to the ancient protectors of Thalamare, who fought against immeasurable odds to vouchsafe humanity's future upon the planet. Abyssal Wardens henceforth act as the protectors of the chapter's most valuable reliquaries and strongholds, the bulk of their number stationed in the Avyssos Firmamentum, though smaller detachments are stationed throughout the chapter's holdings within the star system. It is the dual privilege of the Chroniclers and Magi to call upon a retinue of Wardens to act as bodyguards on the battlefield; not even the Lochi hold sway over the order.
- Procellan Fusiliers - Procellan Fusiliers are an elite order of marksmen who are entrusted to utilize highly volatile plasma fusils as their primary weapon of war. Their name is taken from a formation of the Thalamarian planetary defense force which has roots dating back to the arrival of man upon the planet. Likewise armed with earlier, arguably more dangerous forms of plasma weaponry carried with them from Terra in antiquity, it was these eagle-eyed men and women who would generally deal the killing blow to the megafauna which so often besiege the planet's cities. The fusiliers are a tight-knit group of likeminded individuals, generally comprised of the more volatile and headstrong elements of the chapter. They are generally deployed where the fighting is thickest, to reinforce the line and to maintain its strength. Entry into the Fusiliers is a voluntary process in which an application must be submitted. This will be reviewed by the eldest members of the order, and following this review, the prospective fusilier will be asked to accompany the greater order upon three deployments. If the marine survives these deployments, he will be accepted into the order.
- Satellite Praetorians - Satellite Praetorians act as a retinue of neural-linked bodyguards for the technicae upon the battlefield, and as helpful servants when at work in the forges of Thalamare. The Satellite Praetorians, based on partial Thallax-pattern battle automata schematics acquired from Ryza, are roughly the size of a typical marine and may be armed with a wide variety of wargear. They may be equipped for close or long-ranged combat, as well as including options for jump packs.
Non-Combatant Formations
- Delegatus Cohorts - Delegatus Cohorts are diplomatic formations, always led by a Chronicler, and sometimes accompanied by a Magus. Any marine may willingly submit himself for service within a delegatus cohort, as may any of the chapter's baseline human subjects. Generally, the Chronicler will choose his cohort based on careful consideration and knowledge gleaned from the culture they wish to interact with. These formations will depart for the entities in question, with generally no more than ten individuals, to engage in diplomatic exchange in order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Generally these cohorts consist of men and marines who are exceptionally skilled in history, oratory, sociology, and negotiation.
Chapter Recruitment
The Squallguard draw new recruits exclusively from their homeworld of Thalamare. Aspirants are required to undertake a great hunt, usually in groups of no less than ten men, to slay one of the legendary sea-beasts of Thalamare. Those who return in victory will earn the title of "Tyro." These new recruits to the chapter are given light suits of armor, and will be chosen by a battle-brother to become his equerry. Henceforth known as the tyro's "Archon," this battle brother will become his tyro's constant companion and mentor. The tyro will accompany his archon at all times, both on and off the battlefield, and will be schooled in history, tactics, philosophy, and literature. He will also be tasked with the diligent study of the "Tome Inductio." This tome is an ever-evolving, collaborative primer which is provided, in its most current form, to all new Tyros. Penned in concert by the Chroniclers, the Tome Inductio contains everything from the histories of ancient Terra and Thalamare alike to the best practices when dispatching a multitude of foes, and even sections of evocative prose, limerick, and poetry which pay homage to the Chapter's spirit.
A tyro may only ascend to the rank of a fully-fledged battle brother when his archon deems him worthy. At this point, the archon, having kept detailed records of his time with his tyro, will submit these records to the Lochos of the third legio for review. Based on the nature and character of the tyro, informed by his archon's writings, the Lochos will then assign the newly ascended marine to one of the squads in the second legio.
Chapter Beliefs
The Squallguard are firm believers in the classical, Great Crusade era Imperial Truth. They generally eschew concepts of religion, finding them to be fantastical misgivings at best, and insidious devices of control at worst. This belief is so ingrained in the chapter that they do not even maintain a chaplaincy, instead preferring their Chroniclers. Such an attitude has not gone unnoticed by the Ecclesiarchy, and several formal, unsuccessful, investigations into the chapter's purity have been carried out. In order to simultaneously maintain a level of administrative legitimacy, and to expand the chapter's knowledge, the Squallguard maintain a close relationship with the Deathwatch.
On the topic of dreadnought interment, the Squallguard are diametrically opposed to their parent chapter, the White Scars. Whereas their progenitors see the massive war machines as little more than horrific, walking prisons, the Squallguard actively revere their dreadnoughts. They see them as a valuable asset to the chapter, both for the knowledge they hold, and for their sheer combat effectiveness. Redemptor Dreadnoughts play an extremely important role in the Squallguard's standard operating procedure, acting as the driving force behind their crushing advances. As the line of gravis-armored marines act to hold each foot of hard-won ground, the Redemptors press forward, simultaneously breaking the enemy line alongside support from Aggressor squads, and drawing enemy fire from the scores of flanking Inceptors. Indeed, such is their dedication to the Dreadnoughts of their chapter that fully half of the Technikum dedicates its time to developing a workable method to reduce the strain the Redemptor-pattern sarcophagus places upon its pilot.
In continuing with their reverence for arcane technology, the Technicae have taken full advantage of the chapter's close bond with forge world Ryza. Throughout the years, senior members of the Technikum have been able to successfully reconstruct Thallax-pattern battle automata, albeit based upon incomplete schematics. The technicae have labored tirelessly to integrate more sophistocated types of modern servitor intelligence with the ancient designs, developing their own subclass of battle-automata: the Satellite Praetorians. These advanced servitor automata act as personal bodyguard retinues to the technicae. They are controlled by members of the Technikum via neural link, who must remain within close proximity of the war machines. Should one stray too far, or if the technicae is killed, the machines will revert to their automation protocols, moving towards and attacking the closest thing not flagged as a friendly by its IFF coding.
Chapter Gene-Seed
Genetic Flaws
"The Quest" as it is referred to by the battle-brothers of the Squallguard is a mysterious genetic flaw which affects an extremely small number of the chapter's marines. Early signs include talking to oneself when he believes none to be within earshot, increased periods of time spent in the massive libraries and museums of the Avyssos Firmamentum, and a reluctancy to depart the fortress-monastery when called to duty. When fully lost to The Quest, a battle-brother will develop a glazed look in his eyes, and will be unable to decipher any outside attempt to communicate with him, his sole purpose now to pore the endless texts held within the libraries for some unknown secret. To date, only ten Squallguard battle-brothers are held within the specially-constructed isolation facility below the Avyssos Firmamentum, new shelves of books and carts of artifacts rotated out by trusted chapter serfs, sworn to secrecy, as the forsaken brothers finish scrutinizing those within. Though a tragic condition, brothers who embark upon "The Quest" will occasionally uncover important pieces of information, which will then communicated to the chapter hierarchy by the overseeing Magus (traditionally the Magus Secundus). Such discoveries tend to lead to the acquisition of important archeotech relics, of both human and unknown origin, though on several occasions the expeditionary forces sent to investigate these leads have not returned to the chapter.
Combat Doctrine
The Squallguard place a strong emphasis on appearing in the blink of an eye, forming ranks, and holding the line. Upon entering an engagement, they will deploy their gravis-armored marines by Drop Pod, Airborne Transport, or Impulsor depending on the battlefield. They will order themselves in vast ranks, three lines deep, in order to hold their position at all costs. Once a foothold has been firmly established, an armored advance will soon follow, as grav-tanks, dreadnoughts, and baroque battle-automata, controlled by the Technicae, grind forward. The line will move as one, advancing in a massive phalanx of ceramite, pressing their advantage as Inceptor units dance about the flanks to wreak havoc from above on the outer elements of enemy forces.
Perhaps unusually for an Astartes chapter, the Squallguard also prioritize coordination with any existing imperial elements, be they PDF, Guard, Sisters of Battle, or other Astartes. It is common for the chapter to send Delegatus cohorts to each body of command, where they will plan their attacks alongside the existing defender, simultaneously lending the long-reaching wisdom of the chapter to their allies.
Commanding Officers will additionally lead the battle lines in great, Thalamarian war-cants; battle-songs originating from the fearless settlers of the chapter's oceanic homeworld. Such outward shows of defiance and resolve often have beneficial effects on the morale of both the Squallguard, and any allied Imperial forces alike.
Deathwatch Service
The Squallguard maintain a close relationship with the Deathwatch, seconding a higher-than-average number of astartes to the clandestine organization. The reason for this kinship is twofold: firstly, the Squallguard see service in the Deathwatch as an extremely valuable opportunity to gather information. The tactics, wargear, and nature of the Deathwatch provide a veritable cornucopia of opportunity for such astute scholars, not to mention the opportunity to work side-by-side with other chapters. It is not at all uncommon to witness a meteoric rise in rank amongst the battle-brothers who successfully return to the chapter after their tours of duty. On the other hand, the chapter finds that such a close relationship with the chamber-militant of the Ordo Xenos protects them from much of the Ecclesiarchical scrutiny they face for their beliefs.
Notable Members
- "Throughout the annals of history, it has been somewhat of a common occurrence for the harsh realities of fate to force the designs of man into a state of conformity for better, or for worse. Know this, my brothers: that which we accomplish here today shall be the most vital turning point our chapter should ever see. It falls to each and every one of us to ensure it is for the better."
- —Karanos Laskaris, Chiliarch of the Squallguard
- Hakah Khemron, first Chapter Master of the Squallguard: A Firstborn veteran sergeant taken from the ranks of the White Scars to lead a new chapter, Hakah's strict adherence to his parent chapter's war doctrine resulted in an eye-watering number of sustained casualties over the course of his tenure as Chapter Master. He eventually met his end at the hands of a horrifically mutated Red Corsairs champion, during the ill-fated counterattack on the traitors' holdfast upon the moon of Caelestia Secundus.
- Karanos Laskaris, Chiliarch: A native of Thalamare, Karanos was chosen as the successor to Khemron by a joint council of the remaining company captains. By this time, there were only two left alive, the captains of the second and tenth companies. After the tragic loss of Chapter Master Khemron, Karanos' first action as Chapter Master was to convene a council, including the remaining captains, and highest-ranking Apothecary, Librarian, Chaplain, and Techmarine in the chapter. The council debated for days, and when he finally emerged, Karanos was Chapter Master no longer. Reborn as "Chiliarch," Karanos Laskaris and his "Concilium," as they now styled themselves, had decided upon sweeping changes to the structure of the chapter. Based heavily upon both the culture and doctrine of the Thalamarian people, and upon historical precedent, the Squallguard would be reborn in its current form.
- Kyrios, Slayer of Leviathans: The current Champion of the Squallguard, Kyrios' prowess was recognized even during his time as a Tyro in the third legio.
Chapter Fleet
The Squallguard boasts a moderately sized fleet consisting of the following:
- The Reliquia (Battle Barge) - The Reliquia serves as the chapter's flagship, and is reserved for use by the First Legio and Chiliarch himself. It is often escorted by Illuminatio and Historia.
- The Promissum (Battle Barge) - The Promissum serves the Second Legio, alongside Victoris.
- Illuminatio (Strike Cruiser) - Illuminatio generally serves the First Legio as an escort ship to The Reliquia.
- Historia (Strike Cruiser) - Historia generally serves the First Legio as an escort ship to The Reliquia. On several occasions, however, Historia has been known to break formation to pursue nearby leads on items of historical significance.
- Victoris (Strike Cruiser) - Victoris serves the Second Legio, alongside The Promissum.
- Lectio (Strike Cruiser)- Lectio, along with its sister-ship Exemplum, serve as the main vessels of the Third Legio, carrying the Chapter's "tyro" initiates into battle.
- Exemplum (Strike Cruiser) - Exemplum is one of two vessels that carry the Chapter's initiates into battle.
Wargear
The Second and Third legios of the Squallguard, as well as the auxiliary bodies that serve the chapter as a whole, such as the Abyssal Wardens, are outfitted entirely in Gravis pattern Mk X Power Armor, save for the Tyros, who are clad in Scout armor until attaining full membership. The first legio is wholly equipped with Indomitus Terminator armor, and makes extensive use of the chapter's relic armory.
- Chainglaives: Chainglaives replace the chainsword in its entirety amongst the ranks of the Squallguard, prized for their increased defensive flexibility. The reach afforded by these weapons helps to compensate for the loss of agility represented by Gravis armor.
- Power Spears: The Squallguard make almost exclusive use of power spears in place of power swords, due to their increased reach and defensive capability.
- Power Cutlasses: Thalamarian-wrought power swords are each rare masterworks in their own right, and take the form of elegant cutlasses. These fine weapons are, as a result, only wielded by veteran warriors who have earned the privilege in battle.
- Thalamarian Greataxes: Massive, two-handed power axes are preferred to the thunder hammer. These weapons echo traditional Thalamarian designs, and tie the Squallguard to their homeworld's past.
- Storm Shields: The Squallguard make liberal use of large, rounded storm shields in their battle lines, similar to those used by the Space Wolves and Minotaurs chapters. The Abyssal Wardens are the most iconic bearers of such shields, each one bedecked in individual heraldry.
- Leviathan Hides: Officers, champions, and high-ranking specialists in the chapter are also known to wear cloaks fashioned from the pelts of Thalamarian sea monsters, adding a considerable amount of protection and swagger.
- Greatcloaks: Members of the senior command cadres in each legio may also don greatcloaks, colored to match their legio's heraldry and festooned in baroque lightning bolt iconography. This is both a nod to their parent chapter, the White Scars, and a way to track the number of successful campaigns they have prosecuted.
Chapter Relics
- Apervathys - Apervathys is a relic version of the chapter's signature weapon: the Thalamarian Axe. These two-handed greataxes are used in place of thunder hammers, and are distributed accordingly. Apervathys, meaning "Strike from the Deep" in the Thalamarian language, is Chiliarch Laskaris' favored weapon. Forged in conjunction by the High Technicae and the tech-adepts of Ryza, the surface of its blade is a brilliant pale cerulean, the power field creating an effect akin to light shining down through water.
- Theodácht Spears - or simply Theodácht, are a collection of three master-crafted spears, of dubious origin, currently in possession of the Squallguard. To receive one is a tremendous, but temporary, honor. Unearthed in an archaeological dig on Thalamare, the Ceremonial Theodácht are spread between the three legios, and may only be granted to the commanding officer of an Abyssal Warden cohort by the legio's chief Chronicler should he deem the marine worthy. The Warden in question will wield the spear only for his next deployment, returning it to the Chronicler upon his return. If the Warden is killed while wielding the Theodácht, all efforts will be made by remaining Squallguard ground forces to recover the weapon.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Livery
The Squallguard's main colors are a deep, abyssal blue, dusky violet, storm grey. The blue, the main color of the chapter, pays homage to their oceanic homeworld of Thalamare. Violet shows the certainty of future success, and is used in the markings of officers in the Third legio, representative of the Tyros that will carry the torch of the legion in days to come. Grey represents the wisdom of the past, and is used in the markings of the First legio, as it is populated by veterans and the revered dreadnoughts of the chapter. The second legio utilizes both colors, showing their "midpoint" status between past success and future glories. This color scheme also extends to all markings of rank and station, including sergeant tassels, both types of helmet crest, squad numerals, and legio markings. Additionally, all chest aquilas and shoulder trim are picked out in lustrous steel, to signify the strength and constancy of the chapter as a whole.
Sergeants and Aitons paint the right gauntlet of their armor in the colors of their corresponding legio. Legati paint the gauntlet as well, though in a pattern which extends up the vambrace, and a stripe down the middle of the helmet. Lochi paint the entire helm, and both gauntlets in patterns similar to those of the Legati. As the more specialized officers of the Squallguard operate outside of the legio structure, instead serving the chapter as a whole, only members of each Lochos' Concilium are bound to adhere to the standard marking patterns. As a small exception to this rule, Chroniclers and Magi alike will generally work some grey into their markings, denoting their roles as preservers of history.
Squad markings are an eclectic mix of both Chogorian and Thalamarian icons, chosen originally by the members of the first Concilium. Displayed in white upon the right shoulder pad, the symbolism inherent to these markings is deeply rooted in the chapter's history and would appear rather impenetrable to the uninitiated.
Legio Markings are displayed on the left kneepad. Solid violet for the Third Legio, half violet and half grey for the Second, and solid grey for the First. Squad numerical markings use Thalamarian numerals, and are displayed in the legio colors on the right kneepad.
In addition to the company markings, veterans and officers alike often choose to bedeck themselves in the scaly hides of Thalamarian sea monsters, marking their martial achievements. The twin-headed imperial aquila is also used extensively, the meaning of the symbol tied closely to the Chapter's own beliefs.
Chapter Badge
The Squallguard utilize an infamous Thalamarian sea monster as their badge: "The Kavouras," rendered in white on a field of deep blue. This massive, predatory crustacean may grow to the size of a two-story building. Kavouri are possessed of a striking, iconic adaptation: their shells grow in a manner that bears a strong resemblance to a massive, grimacing face.
Tattoos
The Squallguard maintain the Thalamarian tradition of military tattoos. The number of military campaigns in which a battle-brother has participated will be denoted in black, Thalamarian numerals on the right temple. In addition, when a battle-brother reaches the rank of Aiton, a stylized depiction of the Thalamarian beast he slew during his Aspirant's trial will be tattooed on the left temple, neck, and face, accounting for his preference in size and placement. It is also not uncommon for the battle-brothers of the Squallguard to tattoo one another as a gesture of brotherhood and remembrance, and many of the chapter's veterans are covered in veritable tapestries of ink from neck to toe.
Relations
Allies
The stamp of Forge World Ryza.
The chapter enjoys a close relationship with the tech-priests of forge world Ryza. Upon the chapter's inception, a massive delegation of Technicae were sent to parley with Ryza directly, and were resultantly able to secure the chapter's signature suits of Mk X Gravis Armor. This continued relationship bears fruit in the form of an abundance of Redemptor Dreadnought chassis, Impulsor-Platform grav vehicles and, notably, partial schematics for ancient Thallax pattern battle automata. So strong is the bond between Ryza and Thalamare that the Technicae paint their right pauldron Orange and Black, rather than the traditional Martian Red.
The Squallguard also maintain close ties to the Deathwatch, leveraging their favor with the Ordo Xenos to deflect a great deal of the criticism levied upon them by the Ecclesiarchy.
Enemies
Due to their views on the Imperial Truth and religion at large, the Squallguard have made powerful enemies in the Ecclesiarchy.
Sworn enemies of the chapter include the infamous chaos space marines of the Red Corsairs, who took the life of their former chapter master and remain a thorn in the side of the Squallguard, perpetrating frequent lightning raids on the chapter's fleet elements.
Notable Quotes and Works
By the Squallguard
The Tempest Chorus
"Through tempests roar and waters deep,
We forge our path, our vigil keep.
Beneath the waves, our fortress lies,
Squallguard’s might, beneath lavender skies.
From the sunless depths, we rise to fight,
Steel-clad wrath, in the Emperor’s light.
Enduring warriors, relentless tide,
With bolter and blade, we will not hide.
On iron steeds, through storms we ride,
In attrition’s grip, foes’ hopes we’ll bide.
For every soul that meets its end,
Another one stands, our ranks defend.
Sons of Thalamare, brave and true,
In salt-soaked battle, we pursue.
To enemies’ cries, our hymns reply,
Victory or death, beneath the sky.
Oceans’ wrath, our spirits soar,
Squallguard’s legacy, forevermore.
In war’s embrace, we find our fate,
For Thalamare, we stand steadfast, great."
The Galewind Anthem
Hoist the banners, hear our call,
Squallguard’s might shall never fall.
Beneath the waves, our citadels rise,
Ocean’s embrace, under stormy skies.
In armor clad, we march as one,
Brothers bound by duty done.
From wind-blown shores, to depths below,
We bring the Emperor’s wrath to foe.
Mechanized thunder, engines roar,
Through tides of battle, we endure.
With bolter’s song and chainsword’s bite,
We carve our path through blackest night.
Swift as gale, relentless as sea,
In harrying hold, foes bend the knee.
For every soul lost, another stands,
Squallguard’s shield, across the lands.
Oceans’ fury, our strength untold,
In victory’s grasp, our tale unfold.
From skies above, to depths below
Squallguard’s valor, headwinds blow.
The Ascension of Kyrios, Slayer of Leviathans
Sing, O Muse, of Kyrios bold and true, Whose valorous deeds the stars once knew. From Thalamare's depths, where waters reign, He rose to glory, in battle's domain.
In days of yore, on Thalamare's shore, Kyrios stood, a warrior pure. To join the Squallguard, Chapter of might, He faced a quest, in Ocean's sight.
Unarmored and brave, he sailed the deep, Where Leviathans lurked, in shadows steep. With spear in hand and heart aglow, He sought the beasts, to strike a blow.
Through tempests wild and waters dark, Kyrios sailed, on his valiant mark. Chanting hymns to the Emperor's grace, He challenged fate, in daring chase.
Beneath the waves, a monster stirred, With jaws of death, and scales that gird. Kyrios fought, with strength untamed, In mortal combat, his destiny framed.
With cunning skill and warrior's might, He battled on, through endless night. Till Leviathan, vanquished and slain, Lay silent in Ocean's domain.
Returned victorious, from waters deep, Kyrios ascended, where heroes sleep. To the chapter's embrace, he earned his place, A warrior sworn, with steadfast grace.
In sacred armor's weighty embrace, He fought for honor, in endless race. From Thalamare's oceans, to galaxies afar, Kyrios stood, beneath war's star.
O Muse, now sing of his glorious tale, In the Emperor's realm, where legends prevail. Of Kyrios, Slayer of Leviathans bold, Whose deeds in battle, forever told.
About the Squallguard
