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This article, Sun Warriors, was written by Dmo88. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
- "I fear not the darkness for the God-Emperor walks with me today, tomorrow, and evermore."
- — A quote commonly attributed to Sugo Rano
The Sun Warriors are a Loyalist non-Codex compliant Space Marine chapter created during the 12th Founding. Formerly a fleet-based chapter, the Sun Warriors are known for their intense worship of God-Emperor, whom they call the Haring-Maykapal. Proficient users of melta-guns, orbital bombardments, and drop pod assaults, the chapter brings the might of the God-Emperor’s Light to His foes in glorius fashion.
The chapter's faith in the Imperial Creed has given them a close relationship with the Ecclesiarchy, specifically with the Adepta Sororitas. The Sun Warriors have forged a strong bond with the Order of the Valorous Heart after fighting a campaign together against the Golden Plague. Another Imperial faction that the chapter is close allies with are the men and women of the Dumakulem Revolutionaries, who hail from the same star system as the chapter's home world.
During the closing days of the 41st millenium, their home system was lost to Mek-Boss Mekmonga and his WAAAGH!. Their defeat forced the chapter to leave the system with anyone and anything they can save, while their strength was reduced to less than two hundred fully-fledged battle-brothers. Taking refuge at a nearby system, they are slowly rebuilding their forces with Primaris after the arrival of a Torchbearer fleet.
Chapter History
Founding
The chapter traces its origin to the 12th Founding, during the waning decades of the Nova Terra Interregnum. Created in a time of great turmoil, the chapter immediately set themselves to the task of bringing back order to the Imperium. The chapter settled into their function as a fleet-based chapter very well, bloodying themselves in the crucible of war as they took part in several bloody conflicts.
Forging of the Faith
It was in the early 36th Millennium that the chapter would face its greatest challenge yet. Due to the warp storms that sprung up throughout the Imperium, the Sun Warriors found themselves rushing to the aid of several sectors as numerous incursions of Traitor Astartes, Orks, and Drukhari took place. However, it wasn’t these foes that would spark the change the chapter will experience for centuries to come.
The Sugo, the chapter’s librarian-chaplains, can't retell much of what happened during this period of the chapter’s history. Only known to them as the 'The Verge', the details they can recount speak of a chapter whose name has been struck from all Imperial records. The Sun Warriors had allied with this chapter, joining in their mission to a planet that has since been long forgotten. It is known that during this time, the chapter faced the daemon Ske'ghor, which led to the deaths of several Sun Warriors. Only through the sacrifice of the chapter's veterans and the warp mastery of Chief Librarian Rano was the demon finally banished into the warp. The Sugo claims that Rano saw the Emperor in his fight against the daemon, and the chapter has been worshipping the God-Emperor as a divine being ever since.
Deathgold Trails
For the next thousand years, the Sun Warriors carried the fires of the Imperial Creed throughout the galaxy. In the middle of the 37th Millennium, the chapter answered the call of the Order of the Valorous Heart. This led them to a series of planets located near the Maelstrom that bore the obvious signs of a Nurglite warband; rotting landscapes, rampant illnesses, and disgusting abominations. With the holy weapons of the bolter, flamer, and melta, the Sun Warriors and the Valorous Heart put these planets to the torch. As grim and efficient the battle-brothers and battle-sisters were, the campaign took years because with each planet purified, signs of another contagion-ridden world would be discovered along the trail. While all Nurglite creatures suffered the God-Emperor's judgement, His servants were forced to exterminate innocent civilians afflicted with Nurgle's sick creations as well. For these poor souls, prayers of mourning were held after giving them the Emperor's Peace.
At the tenth planet of what will be known as the "Deathgold Trails", the Imperials finally met the culprit of these atrocities; the Heretic Astartes of the Golden Plague. With increased fervor, the Sun Warriors launched themselves at the traitors while being supported by the Sisters of the Valorous Heart. While the Sun Warriors fell from the heavens onto enemy lines, the Sisters cut off their escape and held position to rain down firepower on retreating forces with Exorcists and Retributor squads. Such was their fury that their push along the trail was barely slowed by the interventions of the Golden Plague.
It was at the fourteenth planet that the Imperial forces reached the bulk of the Golden Plague in the midst of a virus bombardment of the world. Rushing to the aid of the Imperial world, the Sun Warrior and Sisters’ fleets bought time for the world by drawing the warband’s attention and attacking. In the final hours of the ensuing engagement, Sun Warrior Terminators boarded the flagship of the Golden Plague and killed the Chaos Lord Hesmon Gargura. The death of their leader forced the surviving remnants of the warband to flee, ending the campaign in favor of the Imperials.
Upon reporting their victory to Imperial authorities, the Sun Warriors were offered the feral world of Apolake as a reward. The chapter graciously accepted, thus ending their millennium of crusading.
A New Home
Arriving on the world of Apolake, the chapter was pleased to discover that the natives shared in their intense devotion to the Imperial Creed. Their visits to the many people scattered across the islands of the world caused mass veneration by the locals, which the Space Marines quickly corrected so they would focus their worship on the God-Emperor, known to the Apolaki as the Haring-Maykapal.
Surveying the planet from orbit revealed the best site for their fortress-monastery; the mountain of Mount Balo-na, located on an island in the middle of the continent of Dana. Construction soon began as they started settling into their new home. Many of the locals were chosen as the first chapter serfs from the planet, and they marveled at the technology used as they helped in the construction. The Apothecaries and Librarian-chaplains of the chapter continued visiting the various settlements on the planet, learning more about their culture and gathering data on the health and gene-purity of the natives.
During these visits, the Librarian-chaplains noticed that many settlements avoided certain areas of their respective islands. Furthermore, there were many amongst the populace that were capable of harnessing the powers of the warp, though it was through their faith in the Haring-Maykapal that the incidence of daemon infestations was very low. Through these observations, as well as the legends and myths told to them by the locals, the Librarian-chaplains concluded that the fabric between realspace and the warp was weaker here than on most worlds. Together with Apolaki shamans, known as the katalonan, the chapter reinforced the Imperial Creed amongst the rest of the natives. They also exchanged information on how to look out for signs of possession and corruption, strengthening the bonds between the people and the Astartes even further.
As centuries went by and Apolaki recruits started filling the chapter’s ranks, the Sun Warriors soon found themselves adopting Apolaki culture and traditions, slowly but surely deviating from the standards set in the Codex Astartes until little of its influence remained. While mainly recruiting from Apolake, the Sun Warriors also recruited from other planets in the Bathala System, which consisted of the hive world of Dumakulem and the agri-worlds of Dumangan and Idianale. Along with recruitment, the chapter regularly patrolled their domain, even sending their neophytes, the Bunso, to aid the PDF as a form of training and immersion. The chapter is a fond presence amongst these worlds, many of the locals awestruck that the Emperor’s own angels called their system home.
WAAAGH! Mekmonga
Tragedy would strike the chapter in the late 41st millenium, however, when the system was assaulted by an Ork WAAAGH! led by a Deathskull Mek-Boss known as Mekmonga. Before this occured, the chapter had sent an expedition to answer the call for reinforcement from the Order of the Valorous Heart in the Hala System years prior, and more recently, another expedition was sent to aid the Forge World of Haephestia III from an incursion from the Ork Empire of Charadon. It is expected to not receive word from these expeditions for years, and the divinations of the chapter’s Sugo showed nothing dire would befall Apolake in their absence.
In the closing months of the 41st millennium, the alarms in the Muog ng Maluwalhati, the chapter’s fortress-monastery, were triggered as a huge fleet of Ork warships translated from the warp close to Apolake. Quickly rallying the three kapatiran, equivalent to three battle companies, currently in the system, the Datu present elected Datu Muhala, captain of the Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag, as the Lakan. Muhala realized that the chapter’s homeworld was the first target due to the presence of the Astartes, so he ordered all patrolling Space Marine ships to return to Apolake at once. Imperial warships stationed at Dumakulem also made themselves available to the Lakan. Muhala calculated that the forces currently in the system would not have been enough to stop the Orks, and reinforcements may arrive too late to save the world or the system. With a heavy heart, he ordered all available ships to hold off the WAAAGH! for as long as possible while troop carriers evacuated the Apolaki.
The Imperials, for their part, delayed the bulk of the Ork fleet as casualties mounted on both sides. However, the Ork’s flagship pushed through the blockade with a few other ships. The captain of one of the battle barges holding back the Orks offered to chase after them, but Muhala refused, thinking that the rest of the Ork fleet must be held back. Thus, he ordered all of the Muog ng Maluwalhati’s ground-to-orbit defenses to focus their fire on the approaching Ork ship. Chunks of the massive ship were torn off by each salvo, but it kept on coming until it breached the upper atmosphere of the world. Seeing that it was headed right for them, the Lakan triggered the fortress-monastery’s last resort, the Palaso ng Araw. Drawing all power from non-essential systems, the giant defence laser at the highest point of the Muog ng Maluwalhati fired an intense las-beam at the flagship and all of its escorts, ripping all of the voidcraft apart while shutting down many of the chambers and systems in the fortress-monastery.
Landfall
Momentarily victorious, the chapter began to restart many of the chamber systems. When augur systems and communications were reestablished, the Sun Warriors learned that prior to the destruction of incoming Ork vessels, many of the Orks escaped, teleporting to islands with major population centers. While some villages had begun to send people to the Muog ng Maluwalhati, many had been caught off guard by the sudden arrival of Orks. Muhala quickly deployed several ground forces to hold back the Orks as he sent the chapter’s reserve forces, the Bata, to several villages to help with the evacuation. He also ordered the Bunso to escort the villagers that made it to the Dana.
Meanwhile, the Imperial defence in space was beginning to crumble as more and more Ork ships slipped past the blockade. On the ground, many of the Ork groups targeted the missile silos found in several islands. While the battle-brothers he sent to hold back the Orks were barely doing so, what concerned Muhala, however, were the reports of 3 massive Mega-Gargants and several more Gargants gathering in the eastern jungles of Dana. Taking into account all the vehicles and marines he still had in the fortress-monastery, he kept around half a kapatiran’s worth of squads in the fortress-monastery and sent the rest of his forces to delay the Ork walkers. He then had the chapter’s venerable dreadnoughts awakened, bringing them up to speed and readying them for the fight to come.
The Green Tide
Six weeks after the Orks made landfall, the Sun Warriors were forced back into the island where Mount Balo-na resides. The Imperial blockade had broken in the first week as more Orks translated into space, following the psychic field generated by the WAAAGH!. Focusing on the Sun Warrior’s homeworld, the incoming Orks also came out of the same translation point as the first Ork wave. Whether it was because of a tactical prioritization by Mek-Boss Mekmonga or because of the potential of a great fight can only be surmised by future generations.
Evacuation efforts during these weeks of slaughter were barely successful. Ork warbands overwhelmed the thinly spread Sun Warriors, otherwise they were slowed down by the native beasts of the planet. Only precious few from every village were taken to the Muog ng Maluwalhati. To their credit, the Apolaki that remained faced the Orks as if they were just another native beast, though this did not slow the Orks in the slightest.
When the Imperial blockade broke, Lakan Muhala ordered the surviving ships of their fleet to join the other Imperial warships at Dumakulem to prepare for their last attempt at evacuation. Consisting of the chapter’s three battle barges and surviving cruisers and escorts, they quickly repaired as much as they could as they awaited Muhala’s orders. They received the order after a week of waiting, and all Imperial ships set off on what could probably be their last battle.
The Exodus
Around Apolake, several Ork warships turned to face the oncoming evacuation fleet. Their plan was to punch through the Ork ships to give the three Space Marine battle barges room to approach the planet. Several warships on both sides were taken out, but the battle barges were able to punch through. Reminiscent of moving fortresses, the battle barges took hit after hit as they attracted more Ork ships to them.
On the ground, the Orks had breached the Muog ng Maluwalhati's gates. The last Mega-Gargant was the one to break through, getting itself destroyed in the process. However a handful of Gargants and an endless horde of Orks ran rampant inside the fortress. True to their nature, Mekmonga and his Deathskulls had also looted the vehicles Muhala sent before, and bastardized versions of their tanks and troop transports assaulted the fortress-monastery. It was all that the chapter’s defenders could do to slow them down.
The hangars, meanwhile, were full of the refugees that made it to the chapter. Chapter relics, their precious gene-seed, and the chapter’s neophytes were also prepared for transport. Huddled together as the battle inched closer and closer, the Apolaki quaked in fear but were ready to get on gunships that would fly them to the battle barges.
Seeing that the three battle barges were close but under heavy fire, Lakan Muhala ordered one battle barge to enter low orbit while the other two distracted the incoming Ork warships. All three complied, and it was decided among them that the Puso ng Kagitingan would be entering Apolake’s airspace to receive refugees. Muhala then ordered his brothers in the hangars to start filling up the gunships and send them out to the incoming battle barge.
Slowly, the hangars were emptied as flights of Thunderhawks flew back and forth. With the mighty battle barge watching over the gunships, the refugees were ferried relatively safely. The weapon systems on the battle barge also took aim at the hordes of greenskins fighting their way into the chapter’s home, though it did little to stem the tide already in the fortress-monastery.
Inside the Muog ng Maluwalhati, the defensive positions of the Sun Warriors fell one after another to the Ork onslaught. Having destroyed the elevators in the keep, the Space Marines forced the Orks to get bottlenecked at the stairs. As they ascended, the greenskins spread into every chamber and destroyed or looted everything inside. Despite their unending numbers, the Orks still fell to the chapter’s warriors, serfs, automated turrets and battle-servitors. Still, it was enough to make the keep’s defenders give more and more ground as they fell back.
The last defensive position left was in the Pasanayan ng Bata, located right below the hangars. The remaining the defenders joined the Lakan, the librarian-chaplains of the Samahang Sugo, and the venerable dreadnoughts of the Lupon ng Matatanda. They held firm as waves and waves of Orks fell on them, refusing to let any of the foul xenos loose on the evacuees. Blasts and beams of Warpfire bursted from the chapter’s librarian-chaplains, while dozens of Orks were mauled by the still-living legends of the Sun Warriors.
It was then that the warlord of the WAAAGH! made its presence known. Teleporting with its own cadre of mechanically augmented Nobs, Mekmonga appeared before Lakan Muhala and his forces. Together with his Ginoo Terminators and his command squad, the brave Astartes charged the beast, hoping to at least take the head of the architect of this invasion.
It was a battle worthy of legend; Mekmonga using its brute strength and mechanical appendages to strike Muhala, while the Lakan used his superhuman speed to dodge and weave, striking at key parts of Mekmonga’s Mega Armor. Even as the line of defenders slowly fell back, the two leaders battled it out as they focused on slaying their opponent. Such was their persistence that it took a nearby explosion from a destroyed dreadnought to end their duel. The explosion knocked Muhala sideways onto the floor, but Mekmonga picked him up with two hands before he could recover. Without a word, the Mek-Boss decapitated him with its last mechanical limb and with a roar of triumph, lifted his headless body to taunt the last Sun Warriors.
Despite the loss of their Lakan, the defenders fought on. Backing themselves into the hangar just as the last Thunderhawk left, the remaining Sun Warriors fought to the last until they were eventually overrun. The Puso ng Kagitingan, after receiving the last Thunderhawk just before the destruction of her last sister battle barge, left Apolake airspace and began to fight its way towards the waiting Imperial Fleet. Seeing the mighty ship leave the planet, almost all Ork warships turned to face it, many ignoring the battered Imperial ships they were fighting to focus instead on the battleship.
Arrival of Hope
When the Bathalan fleet left the ports of Dumakulem, the expedition to the Hala System returned, translating from the warp at the system’s Mandeville point. Battered from their battles against the Heretic Astartes of the Hands of Ske’ghor, Lakan Gamoho of the expedition learned of the attack on Apolake. Furious, he ordered his fleet to make for their homeworld at full speed.
Joining the Imperial Fleet just as the Puso ng Kagitingan sent word of their success in getting the survivors, Lakan Gamoho ordered his fleet to form the speartip of the attack. With the surviving Imperial Fleet ships flanking the Orks, the Sun Warrior ships pushed into the fight to reach their last battle barge. The fighting was fiercest around the Strike Cruiser Ilaw ng Tadhana, Lakan Gamoho’s flagship, as it took on a dozen warships just to get their attention. Gamoho also ordered his Terminators as well as those from the Kapatiran ng Matayog na Apoy to board the bridges of key Ork warships in an attempt to disable them. Due to the Orks’ focus on the battle barge, the Imperial forces managed to destroy more ships than they lost.
Finally, the Puso ng Kagitingan reached its fellow Imperial ships. As one, the ships turned back to go to Dumakulem, where their own evacuation efforts were on the way. Some Ork warships gave chase, but these were taken care of easily. The majority stayed around Apolake, however, which concerned Lakan Gamoho as it was unlike the Orks to show such restraint.
Duty Over Honor
When they arrived at Dumakulem, their attempt at rest and resupplying was interrupted by the sudden arrival of several fleets of Orks at different points of the system. Torn between standing their ground or leaving the system with all the people they can carry, Lakan Gamoho made the heavy decision of leaving the system with as many as possible. Filling as many ships with people and supplies as possible, the fleet set off on their escape while the Orks were only days away from the world.
Reaching the system’s Mandeville point as a fleet of Ork warships followed behind them, the evacuation fleet translated into the warp, hoping to reach the nearby Kaptan System for resupply and reinforcement. Unfortunately for them, their journey into the warp occurred just before Cadia fell. Thus, the fleet’s navigators suddenly lost the light of the Astronomican mid-transit, forcing the ships to return to realspace. Emerging from the Warp, the survivors of WAAAGH! Mekmonga bore witness to the Cicatrix Maledictum as the Days of Blinding began.
Noctis Aeterna
Forced to perform short ventures into the warp, the fleet endured months of constant calibration of position and lack of communication with the rest of the Imperium. For the first time, the chapter was vulnerable, and not even faith and duty held them together. Bitter at their defeat and the loss of their homeworld, the chapter morale was low. The need to do penance grew in different members of the chapter; those of the Hala XII expedition felt that they were too slow and forgiving in their battles against the Hands of Ske’ghor, while those fighting on Apolake thought of themselves as weak and their faith lacking, causing the God-Emperor to abandon them. Sun Warriors distanced themselves from each other, finding dark corners in their ships and locking themselves in a never-ending cycle of self-blame and prayer. It was a dark time for the chapter, as dark as the Imperium without the Astronomican.
The fleet finally arrived at the Kaptan System, where they learned of what had befallen the Emperor’s domain; all communication within the Imperium was lost, warp storms raged all over the sectors, and the armies of Chaos marched forth and assaulted human and xenos worlds alike. Many Imperial ships found their way to this system for refuge, and the local Imperial authorities feared that it was only a matter of time before they were attacked by the forces of the Dark Gods.
It was here that the Sun Warriors met the Astartes of the Oblivion Guard, a fleet-based chapter that also braved the darkness of the Noctis Aeterna to reestablish communications at the Kaptan System. Anticipating an attack on the system, the two chapters fortified the worlds in preparation for a system-wide assault from anywhere. Committing their hearts and souls to the task; so intense was the chapter’s dedication that they refused to speak to anyone unless it was of important matters.
The Sun Warriors also began to rebuild their strength, drawing suitable aspirants from the available children that escaped with them as well as the worlds in the system, with the permission of the planetary governors. While the odds of quickly rebuilding their strength were slim, the chapter was determined anyway as the desire for penance filled their hearts.
Fires of Retribution
Eight years after arriving at the Kaptan System, Torchbearers sent by Lord Commander of the Imperium Roboute Guilliman arrived. Voyaging across the stars to reach hundreds of Adeptus Astartes chapters, these task forces were given the duty of bringing the Primarch's Gift to the every known Space Marine Chapter. Because they were previously known as a chapter at full-strength before the Noctis Aeterna, the Torchbearers assigned to the chapter did not bring any Primaris forces with them. They did bring the technology needed to make their own, Adeptus Mechanicus magi to assist them, numerous suits of Mark X Power Armor, and Primaris armaments and vehicles. The Sun Warriors graciously accepted all of these, the chance to become stronger too good to deny. Also, the news that a son of the God-Emperor walked with humanity once again rekindled the fires of their faith, and the chapter began to see some semblance of hope.
With these recent developments, the Warriors of Apolake have become firm in the belief that they will rise again from the darkness. Just like how the sun rises from the night, and like how the God-Emperor showed himself to Rano, they know that they will carry the light to the Imperium's foes once more. While they don't know when that time will be, they are certain of one thing; they will stand on home soil again, even if they have to burn through millions of greenskins to do so.
Notable Campaigns
- Cataclysm of Souls (Late-M35) - The young chapter found itself taking part in the War of Faith launched by the Ecclesiarchy during the event now known as the Cataclysm of Souls. A conflict that could have matched the Horus Heresy in scale, it was here that the Sun Warriors proved their mettle. Battling the human forces of Ur-Council demonstrated their dedication to the Imperium, and have earned them the respect of the forces they fought beside.
- The Verge (Early-M36) - The only known details of this event include the involvement of another chapter that has long since been forgotten, the banishing of Ske’ghor, and the beginning of the Sun Warriors’ devotion to the Imperial Creed.
- The Purging of the False (Early-M36) - During the Age of Apostasy, Sugo Rano led the chapter in a campaign to wipe out a series of false prophets leading worlds against the Imperium, culminating in an assault on the forge world of Mentyr. Many of these worlds were purged with fire, the chapter refining its use of orbital bombardments and drop assaults. Since then, the zealotry shown by the chapter during this period has never been matched by future Sun Warriors.
- Deathgold Trails (479-492.M37) - Encountering a chain of planets that have been assaulted by the Nurglite warband known as the Golden Plague, the Sun Warriors joined the forces of the Order of the Valorous Heart on a crusade to cleanse the planets of chaos. Their penitent nature was valued by the Sun Warriors and their method of battle complemented the way the chapter fought. Seeing a kindred spirit in them, the Sun Warriors held the order in high regard. Wherever Golden Plague armies were stationed, they would often be on the receiving end of a series of orbital bombardments before witnessing the hail of Sun Warriors’ drop pods and the relentless discharge of bolter, flamer, and melta fire from Valorous Heart battle-sisters. The campaign ended with the death of Chaos Lord Hesmon Gargura, though the Golden Plague still remains a threat in the present day.
- Cleansing of the Dumakulem Hives (967.M40-267.M41) - The Space Hulk known as the Dread Unspeakable emerged from the warp close to the Bathalan System. While the Space Hulk was cleansed by the collective Ginoo of the Sun Warriors, a single xenos creature was able to attach itself to one of the Imperial ships surrounding the space hulk. After the official classification of the genestealer organism, it is now known that said creature was also a genestealer. The ship returned to Dumakulem, unleashing the genestealer on the unwitting populace. Decades later, it was during the Sun Warriors regular monitoring of the people of Dumakulem did they notice a change amongst the populace. While it was a Hive World, the number of people they monitored for gene purity didn’t match the numbers they estimated. They began to face resistance from some parts of the government, and the immersion exercises between the PDF and the Bunso were slowly being restricted. It was a discrepancy in the world’s administrative records that affirmed the chapter’s suspicions, thus the Kapatiran ng Gintong Katotohanan was sent to occupy the planet. Originally looking for signs of chaos taint, it was soon discovered that the world was infested with genestealers. A brutal cleansing occurred, each hive scoured from top to bottom, resulting in the death of the genestealer patriarch. While the cleansing didn’t take as long as most due to the genestealer cult not growing to massive proportions, the kapatiran remained on the planet for three centuries to strictly monitor the Dumakulem population.
- Slaughter of Hala (991-999.M41) - Answering the call of the Order of Valorous Heart, the battle brothers of the Sun Warriors joined their allies against an incursion by the Hands of Ske’ghor. Led by the Sorcerer Lord Kilec Ayco, the warband launched an assault against the Shrine World of Hala XII under the cover of an orchestrated uprising in the system. Kilec and a majority of his cult escaped while the uprisings were pacified, seemingly without accomplishing anything.
- Fall of Bathala System (999.M41) - While more than half of the chapter’s battle companies were away, Apolake was attacked by Mek-Boss Mekmonga and his WAAAGH!. Severely outnumbered and outgunned, the chapter fought for its very existence against the overwhelming attack. Even with the aid of the nearby Dumakulem Imperial Fleet, the planet was eventually lost to the Orks. The survivors managed to escape thanks to the arrival of the expedition force led by Lakan Gamoho, but the Sun Warriors were in shambles. Without the chapter’s strength, the rest of the worlds were forced to evacuate as many as they could as more Ork ships entered the system. The remaining Sun Warriors and the Bathalan survivors then left their home, searching for any kind of refuge in another system. Unfortunately for them, it was then that the Cicatrix Maledictum opened, sending them into utter pandemonium as the Noctis Aeterna began.
Chapter Home World
Apolake
A planet in the Bathala System, which is located to the galactic east of the Charadon Sector. Classified as a Ferald World by the Adeptus Administratum, it is composed of thousands of islands scattered across a vast ocean. Apolaki legend speaks of a battle between two gods that broke apart a supercontinent until the pieces settled into their current locations, becoming the islands that the natives now inhabit. Most of the islands are inhospitable to the Apolaki, either because they are too small or the local animals are too vicious.
Many of the islands are home to lush rainforests filled with all forms of hostile wildlife. Notable species of fauna include carnivorous multi-limbed monkeys known as the tiyanak, giant land serpentine called the sawa, and Land Raider-sized birds of prey known as the haribon. Carnivorous and poisonous plants also litter the jungles, meaning a slow death to anyone that even rustles the leaves of many local flora.
The veil between the warp and the material realm is also weaker on the planet, especially in several islands. Areas of strong warp-taint are often avoided by the Apolaki as blood-curdling screams, pained cries, and hushed whispers of an alien language can be heard. For the psychically gifted, nightmares and visions can be experienced, often showing a great battle under multi-hued lights. While no daemon sightings have ever been recorded, the chapter remains vigilant, constantly monitoring the planet and its people for signs of corruption.
Notable Locations
Karagatan ng Walang-Hanggan - Apolaki for "Eternal Ocean", it is the giant ocean separating the eastern and western islands of the planet. Its significance is due to its sheer size, covering almost half of the planet’s surface area. Other than that, nothing of import can be found here aside from the aquatic wildlife that call it home.
Dana - Said to have been the center of the apocalyptic battle between gods according to the legends, this is the only landmass of considerable size. Located just above the equator, it is home to most of the various wildlife commonly found on the planet. At the center of the continent lies Mount Balo-na, a mountain that is located on an island at the center of a massive lake. It is here that the Sun Warriors’ fortress-monastery can be found. The strongest concentrations of warp-taint can be found scattered across the landmass. Several ground-to-orbit missile silos also dot the continent.
People of Apolake
The Apolaki, natives of the planet, live along the coasts of several islands, with only few daring to live inside the hostile jungles commonly found on the world. These humans, while seeming barbaric at first glance, live in surprisingly rich and structured communities called barangay. While there are slight cultural differences across all the inhabited islands, key similarities are shared. One important detail is that a barangay is structured around a caste system divided between the nobles, the warriors, the free, and the slaves. Another is the respect for individual autonomy between communities; while chieftains, known as datu, will ally with one another, none of them will claim superiority or authority. Even if one of the chieftains truly is more powerful than the others, protection and guaranteed trade are the limits of these alliances. Because of this, there has never been an established monarchy in the history of the world.
A Deadly Home
Battles between barangay and alliances do occur, usually in the name of loot and slavery, sometimes even a blood feud between the datu. These conflicts are truly bloody affairs, and a barangay that survives a war with numerous losses finds it difficult to recover. However, what truly threatens the lives of the Apolaki is the wildlife that thrive on their island. Villages are often located inside the territories of several predators, so they are more than willing to take the opportunity to feed on the barangay’s livestock or people. Meanwhile, valuable herbs, spices, poisons, wood, and mining opportunities are also found deep inside the rainforests, forcing gatherers to be wary of plants so dangerous, it either takes a whole group to cut them down or are so unsuspecting and poisonous that merely making contact with one’s skin is fatal.
Because of the dangers lurking inland, the Apolaki are trained fighters and hunters from birth. Warriors arm themselves with weapons made out of the claws, teeth, and sharpened bones of the beasts that they hunt. They also armor themselves in the scales of the various species of sawa, which are tough enough to protect them from the teeth and claws of other beasts. Metal arms and armor are valuable commodities as miners have to venture into their respective islands, hide or fight their way to the mines, and take the long journey back. This is always slower, thus more dangerous, thanks to the cargo of ore they carry. It is for this reason that metal armor is saved for the best warriors of the barangay, who are often the datu or the nobility of the community.
The waters of Apolake are no different from the jungles. While they are teeming with all kinds of fish, hostile sea creatures also lurk the depths. Fishing and trading ventures are never done alone, often requiring an entire fleet of boats. The most dangerous aquatic predators make their home in the Karagatan ng Walang-Hanggan, though adventurous ones can find themselves in the waters between islands. The most common one is the bakunawa, a serpentine dragon-like creature that is often the bane of Apolaki seafarers.
Storms often batter the homes of the Apolaki, especially during the rainy seasons. During particularly horrible ones, homes and trees are uprooted from the ground, not to mention many food, clothing, and other valuables being blown away. It is the aftermath of these storms that warriors have to prepare for, because not only will they help in rebuilding their villages, but they will also have to fend off the opportunistic predators from deep in the jungle.
The High Seas
Most islands are home to only one barangay, with only a few having two or three; only a handful have up to five barangay. Because of this, trade often has to cross the seas and straits between islands, making the Apolaki adept sailors. Armies would often need to cross the waters in order to attack another barangay, so it is always the sea battles that decide the fate of the target. It is important for a barangay to have a strong fleet, as it is their means of trade as well as their first line of defence.
While the waters of the world also contain hostile aquatic creatures, the terrifying ones mostly live in the Karagatan ng Walang-Hanggan. Only the truly brave, or suicidal, sail across this vast ocean. Those that succeed only come once in a few generations, and such an event is even celebrated by Sun Warriors, who send a delegation to honor the brave soul.
The God-Emperor's Blessing
Another important aspect to Apolaki society is their simple veneration of the God-Emperor, known in their language as the Haring-Maykapal. This worship was said to have begun during the Great Crusade. According to Apolaki shamans, locally known as katalonan, great “sky ships” brought down “angels” onto the planet. These angels brought word of the Imperium and “ascended” some of their male youth to their ranks, doing so every now and then until the angels rarely came at all. Still, word of a being of great power stuck to the minds and hearts of the natives until a simplistic faith in the God-Emperor was born. This has only been amplified since by a brief encounter with Ecclesiarchy missionaries, who quickly left the planet after being satisfied that the Imperial Creed was quickly accepted by the populace.
Because of this faith, the katalonan are integral to Apolaki society. Exclusively composed of women and men , they often serve as advisors for the datu, healers for the community, keepers of oral histories, as well as ministers of the Apolaki Imperial Creed. What truly makes the katalonan valuable, however, is their ability to see things no normal human can. It is speculated that the thin veil between realms have caused a higher psyker birth rate than the average world. Thus, the planet is a frequent destination for the Imperium’s mysterious Black Ships. Katalonan, and male psykers that have not been taken by the Sun Warriors, that have been taken by these Black Ships are always venerated by the Apolaki, for they view it as their people being taken to serve a higher purpose for the God-Emperor. During the intervening years between visits, these women serve as wards to the effects of the planet’s warp-taint, thanks to their strong belief in the God-Emperor in addition to their psyker abilities.
Fortress-Monastery
The Muog ng Maluwalhati is the chapter’s headquarters on Apolake. Roughly translated to “Fortress of High Glory”, it is located at the top of Mount Balo-na, which is located on an island in the middle of a giant lake at the center Dana. Boasting formidable defenses consisting of Icarus Pattern lascannons, macro-cannon turrets, and missile batteries for long range encounters, and melta cannon turrets, multi-melta, flamer, and heavy bolter bunkers for short range fights. Constructed with heavy adamantium and incorporating immensely powerful void shields, any army trying to besiege the Muog ng Maluwalhati should prepare for the heaviest of casualties.
Abot ng Langit
The keep of the fortress-monastery. The architecture is reminiscent of Imperial Cathedrals found on the many Shrine Worlds across the galaxy. It is divided into several levels, each accessed by one of the many elevators at the center of the keep. If one had the time, or during a siege in which the attackers have breached the gates, stairs line the inner walls of the keep, spiralling upwards to the top most level.
Assimilarum
The bottom-most level, this is the first level and chamber visitors to the keep will see. With enough room to fit the entire chapter and their vehicles, the Assimilarum could pass for the hangar located four levels above it. The walls are lined with giant statues of legendary figures in the chapter’s history. Catechisms and litanies are broadcasted throughout the chamber from several loudspeakers placed on the walls at regular intervals. It is here that the true scale and majesty of the chapter can be witnessed.
Pasanayan
A word that roughly means “institute” in Apolaki, this is where the chapter’s neophytes and reserve forces live and train. There are two of these, one for the reserves and one for the neophytes, and they are located right below the hangar. These levels have their own small Apothecarions, forges, and armories.
Bulwagan ng Karunungan at Pananalig
Roughly translated to “Hall of Knowledge and Faith”, this is the second top-most level of the keep. Located right below the world’s astropathic chamber, the hall combines the Reclusiam and Librarius. It is here where the chapter’s librarian-chaplains, the Sugo, and the venerable dreadnoughts of the Lupon ng Matatanda reside.
Walong Tuktok
The Apolaki words for “Eight Peaks”, these are what the chapter named the eight large towers that house each of the eight kapatiran of the chapter. Surrounding the keep, these towers are built with their own Apothecarions, forges, armories, chapels, dormitories, crypts, and holding areas for their vehicles. Battle-brothers of the chapter spend most of their time here when not off-world. Each tower is connected to the keep by a great hall known as Bulwagan ng Kapatiran, or “Hall of the Brotherhood” in Low Gothic, where the chapter displays the thousands of trophies, souvenirs, and creative works they have collected or made throughout the millennia. It is here that the kapatiran gathers before an expedition as well as to celebrate a great victory. When more than one kapatiran is involved in the expedition, the celebrations are held at the great hall of the Lakan.
Palaso ng Araw
Meaning “Sun’s Arrow” in Apolaki, this is the immense Defence Laser at the very peak of the fortress-monastery. Because it draws an incredible amount of power from the generatorum, many of the fortress-monastery’s systems, especially the defences are forced to shut down during firing. These systems will need to be completely rebooted afterwards, and only life-support and other essential systems are spared. It is for this reason that it is only used as a last resort. The benefit of this colossal power consumption is that it is capable of sweeping a long-range laser beam across a wide area, even capable of still causing maximum damage to ships in orbit.
Chapter Organisation
The Chapter’s organization varies greatly from Codex-compliant chapters. A key difference is the lack of a Chapter Master. Chapter command is composed of the Datu, or company captains, the Samahang Sugo, and the Lupon ng Matatanda.
Samahang Sugo
The Sun Warriors have blended the Librarius and the Reclusium into one office called the Samahang Sugo, which is roughly translated to “Guild of Ministers”. Consisting of the chapter’s librarian-chaplains, known as the Sugo, they are responsible for the spiritual health of the chapter as well as maintaining its history. The Sugo are also diviners, capable of seeing glimpses of the future and using the Emperor’s Tarot. With these abilities, the Sugo often assign specific kapatiran to expeditions when they are available. This also means that they have taken on the responsibilities of receiving calls for aid with the Astropath Choir as well as determining possible threats to the sector.
Like the Chaplains of other chapters, the sugo are responsible for the selection and screening of recruits from the Apolaki. Sugo are also assigned to every kapatiran, where they learn the traditions of their respective kapatiran and maintain it, as well as remembering the deeds performed by the kapatiran on their expeditions. When any kapatiran returns to Apolake, their Sugo go to the Bulwagan ng Karunungan at Pananalig to write down the events that took place with the aid of the chapter serfs, known in Apolaki as alipin.
Sugo are also warriors, using their abilities to aid their comrades in battle. Using the Divination and Pyromancy psyker disciplines, they stride the battlefields with their brothers, chanting litanies from the Ecclesiarchal texts and burning their foes with their psychic might.
The Sugo, while still performing the same way as Codex-compliant librarians, also have a number of unique psychic abilities only used by the chapter’s psykers;
- Pangitain ni Rano - Apolaki for “Rano’s Vision”, the Sugo tries to emulate the Rano’s vision of the God-Emperor. Singing a hymn in Apolaki, the librarian-chaplain channels the light of the Emperor for the duration of the song. Any creature of the warp is slowed immensely, while any other foe is blinded for a brief period. However, the Sugo is unable to move during the hymn.
- Panunumpa ng Bayanihan - Meaning “Oath of Bayanihan” in Apolaki, bayanihan being the Apolaki term for the communal spirit of selfless unity, the Sugo swears an oath to the Haring-Maykapal that he and his allies, Astartes or no, will stand and fight together until the end. His resolve is psychically shared to those around him, filling them with more willpower and fervor in the heat of battle.
- Ilaw ng Paningin - Apolaki for “Light of Foresight”, the Sugo is able to glimpse into the Warp to see the future. Entering a state of utter concentration, the Sugo cannot move for the duration. The longer they stay in this state, the farther into the future they see and the more exhausted they will be afterwards.
- Sinag ng Kabanalan - Translated to “Ray of Holiness” in Low Gothic, the Sugo sends forth a continuous beam of light from one or both of his hands. Any heretic or daemon hit by the beam will suffer massive damage.
After the fall of the Bathala System, only one Sugo not attached to the surviving kapatiran remained. He was then joined by the surviving Sugo of the Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan and Matayog na Apoy.
Lupon ng Matatanda
The chapter also keeps a council of venerable dreadnoughts called the Lupon ng Matatanda, which translates to “Council of the Elders” in Low Gothic. The dreadnoughts that form the council are given the title Tandang, Apolaki for the word "elder". When the Sun Warriors are unable to make a desicion in any matter involving the chapter, these ancient warriors are awakened to deliberate and advise. If an expedition is put together for a major campaign, these legendary figures may be asked to join the kapatiran, especially if the dreadnought has fought in numerous engagements similar to what they wll be facing. With their collected knowledge and wisdom, the venerable dreadnoughts act as advisors to Sun Warrior officers, and even mentors to the battle-brothers if time can be found. During battle, they are deployed in the thick of the fighting, using millennia of experience and skill to tear apart their foes as they bolster the morale of any ally near them. After the fall of the Bathala System, only six venerable dreadnoughts remained, all but two of them returning from the Hala Expedition.
Mga Kapatiran
The chapter itself is divided into eight kapatiran, which is the Apolaki word for “brotherhood”, the equivalent of the battle companies found in Codex-compliant chapters. These companies of around a hundred marines each are led by a Datu. When a kapatiran is sent on a mission, it is called an expedition. When there are more than one kapatiran in an expedition, the Datu of each kapatiran will choose who amongst them will have overall command of all kapatiran involved, as well as any Imperial force attached to them. The chosen Datu, usually the most senior or most respected Datu, will then be given the title of Lakan.
Each kapatiran is unique, their unit composition and way of battle differing from the other kapatiran. These traditions are maintained by the Sugo assigned to the kapatiran. This also means that the kapatiran are independent of one another, looking to their own maintenance and leadership. Each kapatiran also has their own Arbularyo and Panday, who are the Apothecaries and the Techmarines of the chapter.
During the fall of the Bathala System, many of these kapatiran have been destroyed, their traditions carried on by the last surviving Sugo. They were then revived after the chapter received arms, armor, vehicles, and tech from the Torchbearers.
Dakilang Mata
Matayog na Apoy
Pulang Talim
Dangal na Bakal
Haribong Pilak
Banal na Ulan
Gintong Katotohanan
Dugong Matatag
- Kapatiran ng Dakilang Mata - Apolaki for “Brotherhood of the Exalted Eye”. Known for their skill at ranged combat, the brothers of this kapatiran used to make the most use of Devastator and Tactical Marines, their favored weapon being the sniper rifle. With the chapter rebuilding with Primaris Marines, they now make use of Heavy Intercessors and Eradicators. Bata assigned to them act as Eliminators.
- Kapatiran ng Matayog na Apoy - Meaning “Brotherhood of the High Fire” in Apolaki, their love of fire is unmatched in the chapter, therefore their armories have the most flamer and melta weapons. At present, the kapatiran is composed of squads of Eradicators and Aggressors equipped with Flamestorm Gauntlets. Bata assigned to them act as Infiltrators.
- Kapatiran ng Pulang Talim - Translates to “Brotherhood of the Red Blade”. The greatest swordsmen in the chapter, they forgo fighting from a distance. Before the arrival of the Torchbearers, Assault Marines formed a greater part of their ranks, the rest being filled by Tactical Marines. Now, Assault Intercessors and Intercessors make up the kapatiran. Bata assigned to them are tasked with acting as Reivers.
- Kapatiran ng Dangal na Bakal - Apolaki for “Brotherhood of the Iron Honor”. The vehicle enthusiasts of the chapter, they used to make the most use of the chapter's heavy vehicles. Unit composition before the Great Rift consisted of mostly Tactical Marines and some Devastators. At present, they consist of Heavy Intercessors and Eradicators. Bata assigned to this kapatiran act as Incursors. The kapatiran was also given the honor of deploying with the chapter’s singular Astraeus and all Gladiators brought by the Torchbearers.
- Kapatiran ng Haribong Pilak - Translated to “Brotherhood of the Silver King Eagle”, the brothers of this kapatiran love the art of the swift assault, thus they used to be composed of Assault Marines. They also make use of Land Speeders. At present, the kapatiran makes use of Inceptors and Assault Intercessors. Bata assigned to them act as Suppressors.
- Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan - Means “Brotherhood of the Holy Rain” in Apolaki. Considered the best at the drop assault, these brothers bring themselves to the fight exclusively using drop pods or Thunderhawks. They also make use of the chapter’s Whirlwinds. Formerly composed of entirely Tactical Marines, the kapatiran now consists of Intercessors and Inceptors. Bata attached to them act as Incursors.
- Kapatiran ng Gintong Katotohanan - Translates to “Brotherhood of the Golden Truth”. The most devout, this kapatiran are known for their intense chanting in battle, and are often quick to spot signs of corruption and heresy. They are also experts at fighting Chaos, and the kapatiran are frequent visitors to the Bulwagan ng Karunungan at Pananalig. Second in the list of avid users of flame and heat weapons, the kapatiran always equips its brothers with them, be it Tactical or Assault. They are now composed of Aggressors equipped with Flamestorm Gauntlets and Assault Intercessors. Bata assigned to them are given the task of acting as Infiltrators.
- Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag - Apolaki for “Brotherhood of the Unyielding Blood”. The best at holding the line, these brothers are famous for beating back hordes of enemies without taking a step back. Tactical and Devastator Marines used to find a place in this kapatiran, but now their ranks are filled with Aggressors and Heavy Intercessors. Bata assigned to this kapatiran act as Suppressors.
Mga Pasanayan
Roughly translated to “institute”, these are somewhat similar to the Scout and Reserve Companies found in Codex-compliant chapters. One of these Pasanayan are for the Bunso, where neophytes receive Scout training and are called upon to act as such during expeditions until their final trial, during which they are assigned to a kapatiran. The other Pasanayan is for the Bata, where they learn their kapatiran’s history and train and serve as either Assault, Devastator, and/or Tactical Marines depending on the ways of their kapatiran. After receiving Primaris technology, Bunso received Vanguard training while Bata received training in whatever role the kapatiran uses in its way of war. In combat, Bata acted as the chapter’s Vanguard Marines.
Officer Ranks
- Datu - the title used by Apolaki chieftains, it is equivalent to Company Captain.
Specialist Ranks
- Lakan - the title used to a senior datu amongst the Apolaki chieftains, it is the equivalent to a Force Commander. Chosen when more than one kapatiran are on an expedition together.
- Sugo - meaning “minister” and “messenger” in the Apolaki language, it is the roles of the Librarian and Chaplain rolled into one.
- Arbularyo - meaning “medicine man” in the Apolaki language, it is the equivalent to an Apothecary.
- Panday - meaning “smith” in the Apolaki language, it is the equivalent to the Techmarines.
- Uliran - meaning “worthy” or “paragon”, this is the title for a kapatiran’s Standard Bearer.
- Bayani - meaning “hero”, this is equivalent to a Codex-compliant Company Champion. After rebuilding themselves with Primaris Marines, the Bayani also serves as the sole lieutenant of his kapatiran. He and his Datu, should it prove necessary, will divide the kapatiran between the two of them.
- Ginoo - a title used by Apolaki nobility, it is a rank given to members of a kapatiran’s veterans. Instead of forming the chapter's 1st company, a squad of Ginoo is found in every kapatiran. They are armed and armored depending on the kapatiran's preferences.
- Guro - Apolaki for “teacher”, this refers to the instructors of the Bata and Bunso. They also act as their Sergeants, equipping themselves with whatever their pupils will use for an incoming battle. They are often veteran battle-brothers who have forgone the promotion to Ginoo.
Line Ranks
- Kuya - meaning “older brother” in the Apolaki language, it is the equivalent to Sergeant.
- Kapatid - meaning “sibling” in the Apolaki language, it is the equivalent to battle-brother.
- Bata - meaning “youth” in the Apolaki language, it is what the chapter calls those who have completed their service as scouts. Assigned to a kapatiran, they aren’t considered full Kapatid until they have finished training in the ways and traditions of their brotherhood.
- Bunso - meaning “youngest” in the Apolaki language, they are neophytes that are still undergoing gene-seed implantations. They serve as scouts during expeditions.
Specialist Formations
- Maginoo - The 1st Company of Codex-compliant chapters does not exist amongst the ranks of the Sun Warriors. Instead, the chapter’s Veterans serve as the elite forces in each kapatiran. Squads of Ginoo are composed of 10 Veterans. After the fall of the Bathala System, only a handful of Veterans remain. They now serve as guardians of the surviving Sugo.
- Hinirang ng Datu - Translated to “Chosen of the Datu”, these battle-brothers are the equal to a Codex-compliant Command Squad. The Hinirang are composed of one of the kapatiran’s Sugo, Arbularyo, Panday, as well as the kapatiran’s Uliran and Bayani.
- Tagapagbando - The word for “herald” in the Apolaki language, this formation is composed of a number of Bata squads led by a Sugo. The final trial before the Bata is deemed worthy of becoming a Kapatid, these squads are deployed to disrupt enemy forces before the Sun Warriors’ main assault. They can be tasked with creating a diversion, taking out key defenses, or capturing tactical positions. Depending on the traditions of the kapatiran, the squad will be armed and armored as either Assault, Devastator, or Tactical Marines. The Bata perform this role for the entire expedition, and are inducted as full-fledged Kapatid afterwards. After gaining Primaris technology, the Tagapagbando still perform the same way, only accounting for the new specializations brought on by the Primarch’s Gift. The Bunso have also been included in this formation as part of their own final trial after training as Vanguard Marines. Like the Bata, they will be armed and armored according to the kapatiran they have been assigned to.
Order of Battle (Era Indomitus)
Due to them not being at full-strength, the chapter is currently severely under-manned, and vehicles are scarce.
Headquarters
| Chapter Command | ||
| Samahang Sugo (Guild of Ministers) |
Lupon ng Matatanda (Council of Elders) |
Mga Alipin (Chapter Serfs) |
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Companies
| Mga Kapatiran (Brotherhoods) | ||||
| Kapatiran ng Dakilang Mata (Brotherhood of the Exalted Eye) |
Kapatiran ng Matayog na Apoy (Brotherhood of the High Fire) |
Kapatiran ng Pulang Talim (Brotherhood of the Red Blade) |
Kapatiran ng Dangal na Bakal (Brotherhood of the Iron Honor) |
Kapatiran ng Haribong Pilak (Brotherhood of the Silver King Eagle) |
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| Mga Kapatiran (Brotherhoods) |
Mga Pasanayan (Institutes) | |||
| Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan (Brotherhood of the Holy Rain) |
Kapatiran ng Gintong Katotohanan (Brotherhood of the Golden Truth) |
Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag (Brotherhood of the Unyielding Blood) |
Hukbong Bata (Army of the Youth) |
Hukbong Bunso (Army of the Youngest) |
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Combat Doctrine
While each kapatiran has their own way of fighting, the entire chapter is skilled at using drop pods to deliver their battle-brothers to the fight. In this way, the chapter breaks their opponent’s morale by striking at important military targets, whether it is a command center, supply lines, or artillery pieces.
The chapter also has a propensity for melee combat, oftentimes willing to throw themselves into clashes of blades, mauls, and even fists when the opportunity arises. Some are more enthusiastic, such as the brothers of the Kapatiran ng Pulang Talim, while others are more reserved, such as the Kapatiran ng Dangal na Bakal.
For ranged combat, the chapter prefers using flamer and melta weapons in an attempt to emulate the light that Sugo Rano saw during his vision of the God-Emperor. The light produced from these weapons as well as the burning of their foes is their way of bringing the God-Emperor’s holy glory to His enemies. It is not enough for their bodies to be blown apart by bolter or plasma; to the Sun Warriors, the heretic, the daemon, and the xeno must know what it means to defy their most holy lord.
In this endeavor, the Sun Warriors are eager to bombard enemy positions with orbital strikes. As the heralds of the God-Emperor’s wrath, they strike from the heavens before delivering His judgement on their foes, if there are any left standing. The chapter, however, refrain from using this recklessly as they are aware that such destructive means will not do in certain situations. As dutiful guardians of the Imperium, they prioritize its interests over its own; but they do prefer total war over any other kind of warfare.
Chapter Culture & Beliefs
With a devotion that burns brighter than their system’s sun, the chapter holds the Emperor of Mankind as a living god, the one true divine being of the human race. Ever since Sugo Rano witnessed the power of His divinity, the chapter has fought across the Imperium with fervor that can only come with the knowledge that their god watched over them.
It is this reassurance that causes the Sun Warriors to often dedicate their actions to the God-Emperor, known as the Haring-Maykapal in Apolaki. Knowing that He has His eyes on them despite being thousands of light years away gives them the conviction to call on Him as a witness. Every strike, every shot, and every kill is offered to the God-Emperor as a way of showing their dedication to their duty as His “Angels of Death.”
As defenders of humanity, the Sun Warriors are quick to answer summons of other Imperial forces, especially those of the Ecclesiarchy. The chapter also doesn’t spare any of their forces; rarely do they ever send just one kapatiran to the fight. The kapatid of the chapter are also very eager to deliver the God-Emperor’s judgement on His foes, so much so that it has been said that they can barely keep still as battle draws near. This eagerness is often mistaken as glory-seeking for their own sake, but it is simply their zeal to act as what they were created to be.
During Rano’s battle with Ske’ghor, the librarian saw a vision of the God-Emperor’s holy light. For thousands of years since, the librarian-chaplains of the Sun Warriors have sought to emulate this light to give others the strength and will to prevail. When fighting with other Imperials, be they devout Battle-Sisters, humble Guardsmen, or fellow Astartes, Sugo would often channel the God-Emperor’s light as they stand beside their comrades.
The chapter is also known to award Rosarii to their Company Ancients, known as Uliran, who then stand in the midst of the fight as they are hit with gunfire or melee strikes. While the light caused by hits on the conversion field is but a poor imitation of Rano’s vision, the sight of the company banner being raised in the thick of battle often provides a rallying point for Imperial forces; similar to how Rano was revitalized during his fight with the daemon.
The Great Enemy
The chapter has fought all kinds of foes; the mighty Orks, the slippery Eldar, even rebellious Guardsmen. Indeed, the Sun Warriors will do battle with any force that endangers the Imperium, fighting every single one with the relentless devotion they are known for. If, however, the foe were to be one of the servants of the Archenemy, then the chapter’s ferocity increases tenfold. The antithesis of their Haring-Maykapal, Chaos is their greatest enemy; the only foe that truly matters.
Where Chaos has made its malevolent presence known, the Sun Warriors are driven to not leave a single trace after the battle is won. Bodies will be burnt, heretical structures will be destroyed, and worlds will be scoured until all Chaos influence is annihilated from realspace. Campaigns against heretics and daemons will last years or decades if need be; such is their loathing of all that is Chaos.
The chapter’s combat doctrine has been adapted for this express purpose. Their penchant for orbital bombardment is often enough to destroy the works of heretics, and it is one of the only occasions where the Sun Warriors will favor wanton destruction. Their use of drop pod assaults allow battle-brothers to strike deep in the enemy formations, often close to where the toughest Chaos servants are positioned. With the holy trinity of weaponry, all that remains of their vile enemies are the ashes of their bodies.
Hearts of Passion
In their more personal moments, the Sun Warriors turn to art and literature as a form of expression and worship. Besides incorporating Apolaki culture into their orders of battle, the chapter has also adopted the practice of writing literature as well as creating works of art.
The kapatid of the chapter often write poems, epics, and even songs about their thoughts, frustrations, and triumphs, which they then offer to their most holy god. Recitals of poetry and songs can often be heard whenever the participating kapatiran of an expedition gather to celebrate. These pieces of literature will also be inscribed in ceiling-high stones displayed in every Bulwagan ng Kapatiran.
When a kapatid dies, his kapatiran and others who were close to him will write about his deeds, as well as their own thoughts and feelings about him. These written works will then be interred alongside the fallen battle-brother so that their words may stay with him as he joins the Haring-Maykapal.
As for art, the warriors of the chapter have taken a liking to carving. With stone, wood, and even adamantium, every kapatid can and will create reliefs and sculptures related to the chapter and the God-Emperor. Subjects of these art pieces can range from the Imperial Aquila to a representation of the Haring-Maykapal Himself. Other carvings can depict a battle or event that the kapatid took part in, and these will always feature the God-Emperor in some way; be it a shining sun or the Imperialis. If the whole kapatiran desires it, a battle-brother’s work can be displayed in their Bulwagan ng Kapatiran. In fact, the statues that line the chapter’s Assimilarum were carved by the Sun Warriors themselves.
Sometimes, the warriors would carve charms and talismans from stones, wood, metal, or even bone. Known as agimat in Apolake, the natives of the world believe that these objects are capable of being vessels for the Haring-Maykapal, thus warding off the evil denizens of the warp. To many of the Sun Warriors, it is just another form of expression and worship as they carve the material used into different shapes. Others truly believe that it is through the agimat that the God-Emperor witnesses their deeds. Almost all battle-brothers inscribe words on to their agimat, usually oaths to the God-Emperor.
Living Canvases
Tattoos are also another integral part of Sun Warrior culture. Almost all brothers would have tattoos of intricate patterns and designs that were often related to their homeworld. While some Imperial symbols are thrown into the mix, common designs include the sun, scales of the various serpentine beasts of Apolake, and representations of the haribon. The sun represents the God-Emperor and his divine glory. The scales, which have different styles, are usually the prominent designs put on the torso as it represents strength and durability. The wings of the haribon, or any representation of said bird, symbolizes honor and skill. Thus, this tattoo is often given to the Datu and can come in many forms; a wing on each cheek, the bird on the Datu’s forehead, or the visage of the haribon covering the entire face.
The chapter also has tattoo designs for the Imperium’s foes. These range from representations of an Ork head or teeth to symbols denoting the different kinds of Tyranid bio-forms. The only enemy they do not have tattoos for are the armies of Chaos, especially Heretic Astartes. Any symbol that could represent them is considered wretched and vile, which is the reason enough for the Sun Warriors to refuse such tattoos on their own skin.
A Sun Warrior’s first tattoo is usually given when the Black Carapace has been implanted into their bodies. As soon as the material hardens, the neophyte’s sergeant, known as a Guro, tattoos the sun onto the middle of the Bunso’s chest. Every Sun Warrior has this tattoo, and all of his future tattoos branch out from it. Future tattoos will be given by their fellow Kapatid, usually in the kapatiran’s tower when they return from an expedition. Their battle-brother’s squadmates determine how the tattoo will look, and their decision is based on the actions performed by the recipient during the expedition. When a Kapatid ascends to the rank of Datu, further tattoos are usually designed and drawn by the Sugo of his command squad.
As for the Sugo, instead of tattooing themselves like the rest of their Kapatid, they tattoo their entire bodies with scripture from Ecclesiarchal texts written in the Apolaki writing system. Tattoos also cover their entire heads, and it is often with words written by Rano millennia ago. To tattoo as much of these ancient writings, Sugo always shave their heads and choose the words that they feel a strong connection to.
Mga Alipin
The alipin are the chapter's serfs, which roughly translates to "servant" in Low Gothic. Just like serfs from other chapters, they assist the Sun Warriors in maintaining and even defending the chapter and its holdings. Two kinds of alipin serve the chapter; the alipin-napili and alipin-minana. The alipin-napili are former aspirants who made it halfway through their trials before failing and being saved by the Arbularyo of the chapter, which is a tradition dating back to when the Sun Warriors still crusaded throughout the stars. The alipin-minana, on the other hand, are serfs who are descendants of previous serfs, and many can trace their lineage to the very first chapter serfs that aided the Sun Warriors when they were still a fleet-based chapter.
No matter what kind of alipin one is, they all receive the same respect and training. They are all assigned to serve in one of the chapter's offices, which the alipin-minana often inherit from their parents. In the event that both parents serve in different offices, the alipin is allowed to choose which one to serve in. All alipin are trained for combat, and those assigned to serve in the chapter's ships receive void combat training as well. The alipin are also taught to speak and write High Gothic which allows them to communicate with other Imperials, assuming their duties takes them away from Apolake.
The Sun Warriors value their alipin, as not only do they assist the chapter in menial tasks, but they are also links to their homeworld, especially when expeditions take them so far away. Much of Apolaki culture and tradition stayed with the alipin even in their isolation in the Muog ng Maluwalhati, which is one of the reasons why the chapter so quickly changed its ways when they arrived at Apolake. Alipin also take part in the feasts and celebrations held by the chapter as well as assist individual battle-brothers in creating works of art or tattooing their fellow Astartes. Rarely, if an alipin were to perform an extraordinary feat during battle, such as saving the life of a Sun Warrior, one of the Sugo will personally give the alipin a tattoo worthy of their deed. Alipin who are killed by the chapter's foes are often buried in the crypts alongside the kapatiran's fallen battle-brothers, receiving the same funeral rites as any warrior of the chapter. If they die of natural causes, they are given the honor of continuing their service by having their skull be repurposed to create Servo-skulls.
Chapter Recruitment
Salu-Salo ng Pagpili
Every 10 years, the chapter’s Sugo and Arbularyo go to every barangay in Apolake to select aspirants to fill the ranks of their neophytes. Known as the “Feast of Choosing” in Low Gothic, it is considered as the day their children are chosen to serve as the God-Emperor’s angels, so the Apolaki hold feasts to welcome the Sun Warriors and celebrate their ascension. The Sugo and Arbularyo take part in the festivities, eating and singing along with the Apolaki.
Afterwards, the Sugo leads a prayer where they thank the Haring-Maykapal for his eternal vigil over Apolake and His Imperium. He then asks for guidance in choosing which of the youth will serve as a Space Marine. Hymns follow the prayers, and then the boys line up before the Sugo and Arbularyo. The Arbularyo checks for mutations and gene-purity, as the veil between reality and the warp is weaker in Apolake than most worlds.
When everything is in order, the Sugo then judges each individual closely, asking the youth to look into his eyes. Manifesting an intimidating aura, the Sugo lightly reads the mind of the potential aspirant as he stares into the boy’s very soul. To the youth, the ordeal feels like the Haring-Maykapal Himself is judging his worth. If the boy falters and looks away or his fearful thoughts betray him, he is rejected and is permitted to return to his family. If the boy remains resolute under the intense gaze of the Sugo, he is considered eligible for the second trial.
When all aspirants have been judged, the Sugo leads another prayer, thanking the Haring-Maykapal before asking Him to give the aspirants strength and endurance for the next trial. The Arbularyo then gives each aspirant a data-slate that will only be activated when it is within range of a specific signal. The Sugo tells them to set sail for Dana the next morning with only the arms and armor of their choice. The aspirants are to do so with no adult supervision, but they are free to team up if they wish. The Sun Warriors then leave, and a farewell feast is held in honor of the aspirants.
Ang Paglalakbay
The morning after the feast, the aspirants set sail for the continent of Dana to begin “The Journey”. When they arrive, their data-slate will activate and reveal a map of the continent and an audio recording instructing them to go to the Muog ng Maluwalhati, located at the center of the continent. No matter where they land, or whether or not they formed groups, the challenge before the aspirants remains the same; a long, grueling, and dangerous journey through thick rainforests, treacherous rivers, and impenetrable swamps full of every known (to the aspirant, likely unknown) species of carnivorous beast and plant in the world.
During this trial, the chapter watches over the aspirants in secret using servo-skulls. Through the surveillance, the Sugo take note of the decisions made by the aspirants in order to use them in the next trial, assuming that the aspirant makes it to the fortress-monastery alive.
Once aspirants are halfway through their journey, the chapter’s Arbularyo and Guro are permitted to fly down from a ship in low orbit in the event that an aspirant is gravely wounded. If the aspirant is part of a group, those still capable of continuing the journey are told to move on. Stabilizing the injured aspirant, they then take the young boy back to the ship, where they ask the aspirant if he is still willing to serve the God-Emperor. More often than not, the answer is yes, and the aspirant is taken care of and goes on to serve as an alipin-napili. During the exceedingly rare moments when an aspirant says no, the Arbularyo woefully gives the gravely wounded boy the Emperor’s Peace.
Even when the aspirants arrive at the center of the continent, they won’t just find the Muog ng Maluwalhati. The chapter’s fortress-monastery is located on top of a mountain called Mount Balo-Na, which is located on a small island in the middle of a large lake. This final leg of the trial will prove to be the most difficult as they will have to traverse the lake and face water creatures of the like they've never encountered. Should they arrive on the island, they still have a literal uphill battle against the beasts and plants that live on the mountain. No matter how long it takes, the trial is complete as long as the aspirant makes it to the gates of the fortress-monastery.
Pagsubok ng Isang Daang Panaginip
Apolaki for “Trial of a Hundred Dreams”, it is the last trial before an aspirant is inducted into the chapter as a Bunso. Regaining their strength after the Paglalakbay, the aspirants are assigned a Sugo and are then taken to the Bulwagan ng Karunungan at Pananalig. There, they are then strapped onto a bed and are administered strong hallucinogenic drugs made from the sap of a certain tree only native to Apolake.
When the drugs take effect, the Sugo connects his mind to the aspirant’s and begins feeding them thoughts and images based on his observations of the boy’s journey. Under the influence of such drugs as well as the psychic power of the librarian-chaplain, the aspirant experiences exaggerated visions of his trials; the decisions he made during his journey, and the life he had before being chosen. The Sugo judges these visions, looking deep into the boy’s very soul; guilt over leaving a fellow aspirant for dead, missing the family he was born into, the terror of facing down a sawa, all these insights into the aspirant are observed by chapter’s ministers.
Overtime, the Sugo intensifies the visions as they dig deeper and deeper into the aspirant’s mind, testing his mental fortitude. Guilt becomes intense shame, nostalgia becomes terrible loss, terror becomes abject horror. The librarian-chaplain even inserts thoughts of the foes he himself faced, showing the aspirant first hand what he will be facing should he pass the trial. Under the drug's effects, xenos such as Orks and Tyranids deform into more horrifying beasts, and the armies of Chaos become dreadful abominations beyond human understanding. These nightmarish dreams always place the heart under profound distress, and are always fatal should the boy’s mental state fail.
Assuming the boy hasn’t faltered yet, the Sugo gives him one final test. As the visions get darker and more unspeakable, the minister feeds the aspirant a sample of his own faith in the God-Emperor. If the boy takes notice and searches for it in the horror of his nightmares, these samples slowly grow stronger and stronger until the aspirant learns to fill his own heart with devotion and overcomes his nightmares. If successful, the Sugo calms the young boy’s mind and waits for the drugs to wear off.
When the aspirant awakens, the Sugo takes him to one of the many small solitoriums in the hall and together, they say a prayer of thanks to the God-Emperor. The boy is then sent to the Pasanayan ng Bunso and awaits the other successful aspirants, after which they are officially inducted into the Sun Warriors.
Chapter Gene-Seed
Despite the warp-taint in several areas of their homeworld, the gene-seed of the Sun Warriors remains very stable and is yet to show any sign of mutations. However, the chapter has lost the use of the Sus-An Membrane, rendering the chapter’s battle-brothers unable to enter a state of suspended animation when needed.
Deathwatch Service
Service in the Deathwatch is seen as an incredible honor by the Sun Warriors. Normally, it is the chapter’s Bayani that are chosen to serve in the Long Vigil as their excellent combat skills and long experience make them suitable candidates. Members of the Ginoo or even Guro may be seconded as well. Sun Warriors who return bring back new knowledge on how to handle xenos threats, which is highly valued by the chapter, though they will remain forever silent about the secrets they have sworn to keep.
Notable Members
- Sugo Rano - A hero of the chapter from the Plague of Unbelief. This legendary librarian took part in The Verge and saw a vision of the Emperor during his fight with the daemon Ske’ghor. Since then, Rano devoted himself to the Imperial Cult, losing himself to the sermons and prayers of the creed. Such was his devotion to the God-Emperor that it was said he burned those who stood against him with just a touch. His new found faith quickly spread across the chapter, adding a new fire to their never-ending battle against the Imperium’s foes. When the Samahang Sugo was created, the Sugo decided to give him the same title they held in honor of his pioneering of their current faith. He is currently buried in a tomb deep inside Mount Balo-Na.
- Tandang Zaros - Venerable Dreadnought and one of two surviving members of the original Lupon ng Matatanda. Known to have been a company captain and close friend of Sugo Rano. During his company’s assault on a rebelling planet, his men found a Dark Apostle leading a dark ritual to open a warp gate. He then prioritized the ritual and attacked the site with his entire company. Zaros personally slayed the Dark Apostle before the ritual could be completed, but he was so close to death that he had to be interred in a Dreadnought to save his life. Most of what the chapter knows of Sugo Rano came from his recounting of their battles together.
- Tandang Argus - Historically the Chapter Master of Sun Warriors during the chapter’s last days of being a fleet-based chapter, it was his leadership and courage during the Deathgold Trails that led to the Sun Warriors receiving Apolake as a chapter homeworld. Under his leadership, the chapter slowly changed its traditions to match those of the Apolaki. Fell during an attack on a Golden Plague stronghold, he has been interred in a Dreadnought ever since. Was destroyed while holding back Mekmonga’s Orks as refugees escaped via Thunderhawks.
- Tandang Pagaw - Venerable Dreadnought and one of two surviving members of the original Lupon ng Matatanda. Known to have been the Lakan during the subjugation of a rebelling Imperial world. During the expedition, his Thunderhawk was shot down, killing many of the marines accompanying him. They crashed in the middle of some city ruins, with those who weren’t dead being in critical condition. The Lakan himself had lost an arm. Calling for immediate extraction, he saw that three platoons of rebel guard and two Leman Russ Tanks were approaching. Armed with only a power fist, Pagaw engaged them, running from cover to cover in an attempt to close in on the tanks. Killing any guardsmen between him and his targets, he and the tanks played a deadly game of cat and mouse in the streets and alleys of the destroyed city. Single-handedly ending the lives of half of the guardsmen, he finally closed in on one of the Leman Russ’s and destroyed it. However the second Leman Russ tank catches him off guard and fires its Battle Cannon. Though not a direct hit, Pagaw is still hit by the explosion and is severely injured. Fortunately, his delaying action gave Sun Warrior reinforcements time to arrive, and they recovered his broken body and interred him in a Dreadnought chassis.
- Datu Mukaba - lead the Kapatiran ng Gintong Katotohanan in the Cleansing of Dumakulem Hives. Recently promoted to Datu, the brash Mukaba marched headfirst into the campaign, burning the genestealer cults from the top of the spires all the way to underhives. Organizing the Imperial government’s counterattack, he ordered that all the city’s vox systems broadcast sermons and chants of the Imperial Cult to bolster morale. He also had citizens gather in cathedrals for worship. Using this tactic, he was also able to quickly isolate areas outside cathedrals where huge concentrations of people were found. The experiences he gained from this campaign, especially when it came to identifying Brood Brothers from normal citizens, has given the Sun Warriors valuable knowledge about Genestealer Cults. Personally slayed the Genestealer Patriarch, and goes on to serve the chapter until his death in a battle against the Tau.
- Lakan Muhala - Datu of the Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag and the Lakan during the Defense of Apolake. Coordinated the evacuation efforts with Dumakulem Revolutionaries while he led his kapatiran as well as the kapatiran of the Haribong Pilak and Dakilang Mata on the surface. He prioritized the escape of the Apolaki before allowing the rest of the chapter to leave. Slain by Mekmonga during the Sun Warriors’ last stand.
- Kapatid Goyo - A battle-brother of the Kapatiran ng Haribong Pilak. As a Bunso, he and his squad escorted Apolaki refugees to the Muog ng Maluwalhati. Was separated during an Ork ambush alongside two Apolaki families. Successfully brought them to the fortress-monastery and took part in the defense until he was evacuated to the Puso ng Kagitingan. An optimistic individual, he often tries to lift the spirits of his brothers-in-arms, and is one of the few Sun Warriors at present to be considered amicable by other Imperial forces.
- Kuya Bono - Kuya under the Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan and the captain of the Kampilan ni Lapu Nova-class frigate. He ignored the commands of Lakan Gamoho and sped towards the ongoing evacuation during the Defense of Apolake. Gifted with a talent for ship-to-ship combat, the smaller frigate was able to take out the bigger Ork ships that were targeting retreating Puso ng Kagitingan. Despite refusing to follow orders, Bono was commended for his valor and skill and was awarded an Iron Halo by Sugo Damuha. At present, he has passed the Rubicon to become a Primaris Marine and is still in command of the Kampilan ni Lapu.
Bayani Nara wielding the Kagat ni Daghas
- Bayani Nara - The chosen Bayani of Lakan Muhala. Closest to the explosion that led to Muhala's death, he was heavily injured but was rescued by Uliran Sungo. Despite his protests, the kapatiran's standard bearer carried him with one arm to a waiting Thunderhawk. He resents Sungo to this day for not leaving him to fight and die, considering him a coward and unworthy of the honor of being the Uliran. He has also sworn an oath of vengeance against Mekmonga, vowing to slay the Mek-Boss in single combat. He has refused to cross the Rubicon and the position of Datu as he plans on fighting Mekmonga as a Firstborn. Instead, he spends his days training for what he claims to be his final battle. Wields the Kagat ni Daghas.
- Uliran Sungo - The chosen Uliran of Lakan Muhala. Stood beside the rest of Muhala's Hinirang before the explosion that threw everyone back. When Mekmonga killed Muhala, Sungo dragged Nara's injured body towards a waiting Thunderhawk, believing that the champion would be needed if the kapatiran, as well as the entire chapter, survived to rebuild their strength. Their surviving kapatid let them pass, standing their ground against the Ork tide to give their greatest warrior the chance to survive. He has also refused to cross the Rubicon, refusing to take the risk lest he fails to come back to watch over Nara. Still serves as the Uliran to the current Datu of the Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag.
- Sugo Damuha - Last surviving member of the Samahang Sugo. Has crossed the Rubicon to become a Primaris Librarian. He is also considered as the de facto leader of the current Samahang Sugo despite there never being one previously. Thanks to him, the traditions of the previously extinguished kapatiran survived and was then revived. Despite his wisdom and faith, the terrible losses of the chapter and their system weigh heavily on his conscience.
Lakan Gamoho wielding with the Sibat ng Banal na Apoy
- Lakan Gamoho - Lakan of the Hala Expedition and Datu of the Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan. In the closing weeks of the conflict at the Hala System, Gamoho personally fought Kilec Ayco, the Exalted Auteur of the Hands of Ske'ghor. Before the Exalted Auteur escaped, Kilec Ayco advised him to return home quickly, for the Saga was about to end. Returning to the Bathala System after cleansing Hala XII of Heretics, he and the other Datu raced to Apolake a few days before the planet fell to WAAAGH! Mekmonga. They arrived in time to aid the Dumakulem Revolutionaries as they protected the evacuating ships from pursuing Ork ships. At present, he has crossed the Rubicon to become a Primaris Marine and still remains the Lakan, this time leading the entire chapter as they gather their strength. Usually level-headed and slow to anger, he is willing to wait for the perfect opportunity to strike at the enemy. Wields the Sibat ng Banal na Apoy.
Chapter Fleet
Because of their former status as a fleet-based chapter, the Sun Warriors had 4 Battle Barges, 16 strike cruisers, and several escort craft prior to the fall of the Bathala System. At present, they are down to 1 battle barge, 3 strike cruisers, and 4 Gladius-class Frigates and 5 Nova-class Frigates.
Notable void vessels in active service:
- Puso ng Kagitingan - Apolaki for “ Heart of Courage”, it is the sole surviving battle barge of the Sun Warriors and the flagship of the Kapatiran ng Dugong Matatag. The Puso ng Kagitingan has carried the companies of the chapter to hundreds of planets, taking part in many void battles and coming out victorious. Stationed at Apolake during Mekmonga’s attack on the planet, it was tasked with receiving refugees from the Muog ng Maluwalhati as its two remaining sister battle barges averted the Ork’s attention away from it.
- Apoy ng Kalayaan - Translated to Low Gothic as “Fire of Freedom”, it is one of the strike cruisers of the Kapatiran ng Matayog na Apoy.
- Ilaw ng Tadhana - Meaning “Light of Destiny”, it is a strike cruiser and the flagship of the Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan.
- Kampilan ni Lapu - Meaning “Sword of Lapu” in Apolaki, it is a Nova-class Frigate of the Kapatiran ng Banal na Ulan. The captain, Kuya Bono, ordered the ship into the heat of void battle, taking out several Ork ships that were targeting evacuation vessels.
Chapter Relics
The Sibat ng Banal na Apoy
- Sibat ng Banal na Apoy - Apolaki for "Spear of Holy Fire", it is a power spear that incorporates a compact flamer weapon and a power blade. Currently wielded by Lakan Gamoho.
The Kagat ni Daghas
- Kagat ni Daghas - Apolaki for "Daghas’ Bite", it is an eviscerator with the teeth of Daghas, the infamous sawa that terrorized one of the southern islands of Apolake a millenia ago. Currently wielded by Bayani Nara.
Chapter Appearance
Sun Warrior iconography of the Kapatiran ng Matayog na Apoy
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Apolaki letters
Apolaki numbers
Chapter Colours
The chapter’s helmet, belt, as well as armor platings that cover the chest, abdomen, thighs, arms, hands, groin are painted a golden yellow. Pauldron's insets, power pack, and armor covering the feet, and lower legs are painted a fiery orange. The Sun Warriors also paint their aquila and shoulder trim white. The chapter's Kapatid wear a white loincloth, and the Bata and Bunso are not permitted to wear one until they have been inducted into their kapatiran as a full battle-brother.
The Kuya and Guro wear fiery orange helmets. The Ginoo wear white helmets and color their right shoulder pauldron inset white, and the Kuya that lead them wear fiery orange helmets with a white stripe that stretches from their brow to the back of their head. The Datu, his Bayani, and the rest of his Hinirang color their right shoulder pauldron inset and right knee pad white. Bayani wear white helmets with an orange stripe stretching from their brow to the back of their head. The Datu wear a fiery orange helmet with a white faceplate.
Sun Warriors display their kapatiran's symbol on their right pauldron and their battlefield role on their right knee pad. The Sun Warriors also display their squad number at the lower end of their loin cloth in fiery orange, and they use the Apolaki numeral system instead of the Imperium's. For the Datu and his Hinirang, they write their titles on their loin cloth using Apolaki's writing system.
Chapter Badge
The chapter’s badge is a hollow sun with the color of golden yellow. Eight rays radiate from the center, which represents the eight kapatiran that form the battle companies of the chapter. The sun rays also represent the cardinal and ordinal directions on a compass, signifying the Sun Warriors' mission to bring the Haring-Maykapal's light to every corner of the Imperium. Inside the sun is a white skull, which symbolizes the God-Emperor’s sacrifice.
Relations
Allies
- Order of the Valorous Heart - The Sun Warriors greatly admire the Sisters of this order for their constant strive for atonement as well as their resilience in battle. The chapter has come to find its battle-sisters reliable in war and have remained close allies since the Deathgold Trails. As most of the Order’s sanctuaries lie in the Ultima Segmentum, the two forces have often come to each other's aid and will continue to do so until the end of days.
- Regiments of the Dumakulem Revolutionaries - Relationships between Sun Warriors and the guardsmen of these regiments always begin during the neophyte days of a battle-brother. Patrolling the hives as well as learning of Imperial Guard tactics, formations, and armories give the future battle-brother an understanding of the average guardsman’s experience. Ties between the chapter and the regiments grew stronger during the genestealer infestation, and are the strongest it has ever been after surviving WAAAGH! Mekmonga.
Enemies
- Mek-Boss Mekmonga - While the chapter hates the xenos as much as any other Imperial servant, the Sun Warriors have an intense hatred for the Mek-Boss. Losing their entire star system to the greenskin’s horde, many of the original battle-brothers have been yearning for vengeance for decades as they rebuild.
- Hands of Ske’ghor - After the events on Hala XII, the Sun Warrior expedition tasked with handling them have since held them responsible for delaying their return to Apolake. Lakan Gamoho has sworn to personally slay Sorcerer Lord Kilec Ayco on the day the two do battle once more.
Notable Quotes
By the Sun Warriors
- "You go no further, monster."
- — Lakan Muhala to Mekmonga during the climactic battle for the Muog ng Maluwalhati
- "We are alone in this fight. If it was just us, I would gladly throw ourselves at the greenskins until the last brother falls. But we have a duty to the God-Emperor and his subjects. We leave, and we take as many of His citizens as we can."
- — Lakan Gamoho to Bayani Nara at Dumakulem
About the Sun Warriors
- "Dem 'umies sure luv fire. Melted a bunch ov me mekz, dey did."
- — Mek-Boss Mekmonga to his Mekboyz at the wake of his victory at Apolake
- "Let them ramble on about their "Corpse-Emperor's" 'holy light'. When they see that the road they walk on was paved millennia ago, they will fall into despair, and we will be there to welcome them with open arms."
- —Kilec Ayco, Exalted Auteur of the Hands of Ske'ghor, to Dark Apostle Asaigo Isam
| Twelfth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | Obsidian Spears • |
| White Scars Successors | • |
| Space Wolves Successors | N/A |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Blades of Dorn • Lyran Guard • Terra's Hammers • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Blood Serpents • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Iron Wardens • Shadow Claws • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Thunder Lords • Tidebreakers • |
| Salamanders Successors | Dragons Amaranthine • |
| Raven Guard Successors | • |
| Unknown Lineage | Sun Warriors • Winged Axes • |
| Renegades | Nameless Stalkers • |
Gallery
.png "Sun Warriors Sugo (Librarian-chaplain).png (960 KB)")
Videos
Homebrew Of The Week - Episode 268 - The Sun Warriors