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The Wardens of Orask, a 7th Founding Successor Chapter descended from the esteemed Ultramarines, were forged to confront an enigmatic xenos threat emanating from the Eastern Fringe region known as the Ghoul Stars, which imperilled the security of that galactic sector. Their valiant endeavours in quelling this menace garnered recognition and accolades from the High Lords of Terra, who bestowed upon them the prestigious duty of garrisoning the sentinel world of Orask, a vital battlefront and bulwark against the terrors lurking beyond.
As a fleet-based Crusading Chapter, the Wardens possess a mobile and flexible force capable of rapid deployment across the galaxy. Their unwavering courage, resilience, and remarkable achievements have earned them the respect and admiration of the High Lords of Terra and other Space Marine Chapters alike, further solidifying their esteemed reputation within the Imperium.
Chapter History
The Pale Wasting
Wardens Of Orask Chapter Banner
The Wardens of Orask were created during the Pale Wasting, a catastrophic event that occurred in the early centuries of M34. This event involved a star-spawned plague of mysterious Xenos originating from the Ghoul Stars, a region of space located in the Halo Stars, beyond the known boundaries of the Imperium. The Pale Wasting threatened the Imperium with a devastating onslaught, leading to the creation of several Space Marine Chapters, including the Wardens of Orask.
The Wardens of Orask were formed as a defensive counter-measure to combat the Xenos threat and their "nightmare engines." Alongside their fellow newly-created Chapters, the Wardens were tasked with defending the Imperium and fighting against the encroaching Xenos forces. They were granted a substantial fleet of warships, which transformed them into a highly mobile and fleet-based counter-strike force. Their primary objective was to stem the tide of the threat and play a vital role in undoing the seemingly unstoppable enemy.
The records regarding the Pale Wasting and the conflict against the Xenos threat have been heavily censored or intentionally destroyed, leaving only partial records behind. These limited records suggest that multiple Space Marine Chapters might have been destroyed during the course of the conflict, highlighting the severity and scale of the threat faced by the Imperium. The Wardens of Orask's involvement in the Pale Wasting and their crucial role in combating the Xenos threat demonstrate their bravery, resilience, and dedication to the defence of humanity.
Founding
Created during the 7th Founding, upon its inception command of the newly created Chapter was given to Decius Caecilius Maximus, who would be its first Patriarch and Polemarchos of the as-yet-unnamed Chapter. Maximus was a former captain of the Ultramarines' 3rd Company
During the 7th Founding, the command of the newly created Chapter was entrusted to Decius Caecilius Maximus, who became the first Patriarch and Polemarchos of the yet-to-be-named Chapter. Maximus was a highly esteemed former captain of the Ultramarines' 3rd Company, respected by both his fellow commanders and battle-brothers. His illustrious career and numerous honours had garnered the admiration of senior commanders across the Imperium, including the High Lords of Terra. Due to his exceptional reputation and the trust placed in him by his Chapter Master, Maximus was granted the prestigious role of leading the newly formed Chapter.
After their intervention in the Pale Wasting and the successful elimination of the xenos menace, the Wardens of Orask were rewarded for their valiant efforts. They were granted the stewardship of Orask, a sentinel world situated on the fringes of Imperial space. Positioned on the outskirts of the Ghoul Stars, the Chapter's duty became that of guarding the Imperium against the nightmarish threats that periodically emerged from the region. This responsibility as wardens of the outlying Ghoul Stars underscored the Chapter's role in protecting the realm of the God-Emperor and ensuring the safety of the Imperium.
The combination of the Wardens' heroic origins, their esteemed founding commander, and their subsequent duty as guardians of Orask and the Ghoul Stars contributes to their reputation as a stalwart and revered Chapter within the Imperium of Man.
Current Era
Banner of the 1st Company
Since their inception, the Wardens of Orask stood permanent watch over the sentinel world of Orask and the Eastern Fringe borders, maintaining a constant watch over their assigned territories. Their substantial Chapter fleet is often deployed to patrol Imperial space lanes, engaging, and eliminating xenos threats that dare to attack Imperial worlds. Their successes in battle have earned them numerous accolades and glorious battle honours, showcasing their prowess and dedication.
Due to their wide dispersal across vast areas of the galaxy, the Wardens seldom fight as a whole Chapter. However, when dire circumstances arise, they swiftly consolidate their forces and deploy a rapid strike force, leaving a token force to guard Orask. This strategic approach has allowed them to respond swiftly to the calls for assistance from their fellow Chapters in times of need. A notable example of their intervention was during the Damocles Gulf Crusade against the T'au Empire in 742-745.M41. The Wardens of Orask participated in the Imperial Crusade, which launched a powerful assault on T'au space. They played a role in destroying outlying settlements and making significant advances into the heart of the T'au Empire. However, the Crusade faced a formidable opponent in the T'au forces and their Kroot allies on the Sept World of Dal'yth Prime. Despite months of intense fighting, the Crusade reached a bloody stalemate, with neither side gaining an advantage.
Eventually, peace talks were initiated at the request of the T'au Water Caste. The negotiations proved successful, and the Imperial fleet withdrew from T'au space without encountering resistance. The peaceful resolution of the conflict was partially influenced by the impending threat of the approaching Tyranids of Hive Fleet Behemoth, marking the beginning of the ‘First Tyrannic War’—an encounter that saw the Imperium facing and defeating a major Tyranid hive fleet for the first time.
Era Indomitus
Chapter Home World
During its existence, the Wardens of Orask have never established a formal fortress-monastery and are a fleet-based Chapter, having no official home world of their own. Instead, their fortress-monastery is situated aboard the massive Battleship Sol Invictus, which serves as their primary location for command operations and the Chapter's coordination. This mobile fortress-monastery grants the Chapter a greater level of flexibility for those instances when it becomes necessary to assemble multiple companies prior to embarking upon a Crusade. The rest of the Chapter serves within a fleet of Strike Cruisers and other Battle-Barges that were assigned to the Wardens of Orask long ago during the Chapter's inception.
Orask System
Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of the sentinel world of Orask.
At the very edge of the Iquathan Deeps in the northern Segmentum Ultima, near the border of the Ghoul Stars, sits the sentinel world of Orask. Orask is garrisoned not only by its own feudal, warlike people, for many Astra Militarum regiments and even special detachments of the Adeptus Astartes and demi-Legio's of the Titan Legions rotate through deployment there on a rolling basis. Such a powerful garrison is needed to man its planet-wide network of defences, and along with forces from the Imperial Navy's Battlefleet Ultima, sally forth into the surrounding star systems should the need arise, for Orask is a world where conflict is never far away. Situated at the nexus of one of the few viable Warp-routes through the Deeps, Orask has for millennia been a battlefront and bastion that has guarded the Imperium from the terrors beyond.
Notable Campaigns
- The Pale Wasting (ca. Late M34) - Within the vast edifice of the Imperial Palace on Terra, there is an oft-forgotten stele mounted within that recognises the services of several Adeptus Astartes Chapters, including the newly created Wardens of Orask, for their actions against the Pale Wasting - a mysterious event that occurred sometime during the 34th Millennium. Extant evidence relating to this xenos threat from the Ghoul Stars has often been purposely occluded or outright erased from most official Imperial records. This lone artefact praises the Wardens of Orask and their allies, crediting their service for having "unmade that which cannot die".
Partial records that have been uncovered hint that several Space Marine Chapters were completely destroyed in the final battles of what must have been a truly apocalyptic struggle. This campaign was where the Wardens earned some of their earliest recorded battle honours fighting alongside their fellow Scions of Guilliman, the brutal and bellicose Imperius Ravagers. The Wardens of Orask were one of several Chapters created during this tumultuous time in Imperial history, to take part in the campaign to quell the threat of the Pale Wasting, and though this is one of the Chapter's earliest recorded battle honours, the Wardens' own chronicles are curiously empty of any reference to this conflict. Were it not for such prominent recognition, the incident might be completely forgotten. It is also quite possible that this ancient threat may also account for the unusually large number of formerly human-inhabited Dead Worlds in the region.
- The Nova Terra Interregnum (Unknown Date.M35) - The Imperium of Man fractures into two interstellar empires when the Ur-Council of Nova Terra dismissed the High Lords of Terra and claimed separate rule over the Imperium's worlds of the Segmentum Pacificus. The Wardens of Orask were one of several Chapters called upon by the High Lords of Terra to mobilise to this troubled region of the galaxy to help counteract the rapid erosion and contradiction of the Imperium's borders. Fighting alongside the newly created Imperial Fists' Successor Chapter - the Blades of Dorn - and their fellow Scions of Guilliman - the Imperius Ravagers - this powerful triumvirate deployed from one warzone to the next, fighting against secessionist forces as well as adding their strength to multiple ongoing campaigns. These three Chapters helped to tip the balance of several conflicts in the Imperium's favour.
- Chaemos Crusade (Unknown Date.M35) - The Chaemos Crusade was a Imperial campaign that took place within the Ork empire of the notorious Ork Overlord Krotzmar Skullspitta. Chaemos, the capital world of this empire, and the site of the final assault lay in the Persepolis System of the galaxy's Pelegron Sector. The Sable Lions' employed the use of their 1st Kárdake to destroy the Ork Empire by removing its head. The Wardens of Orask's 1st Crusade Fleet, supported by the Astra Militarum regiments of the Persepolis Janissaries and other Imperial forces, such as the Titans of the Mechanicum, attacked the outer planets of the Pelegron System. This offensive was a decoy, though it proved quite effective. Many of the Orks' starships rushed to prevent the attacks on the outer planets, leaving the central world dangerously vulnerable and exposed to the waiting main body of the Imperial forces, led by the Astartes of the Sable Lions Chapter.
The Sable Lions' Chapter fleet headed straight for this central world and more specifically for Krotzmar's fortress-palace. At the height of the campaign, Caliph Sargon Akkad, "The Great Lion", and his Terminator-armoured elite Caliph's Ashu of the Sable Lions successfully confronted the Overlord and his retinue of Nobz. With the death of its leader, the Ork forces collapsed into infighting and the battle for Chaemos soon became a massacre.
The remainder of the Pelegron Sector was subdued by the forces of the Crusade and returned to Imperial rule within the year, as the Ork empire had completely fragmented upon hearing of its master's death once the various Nobz declared themselves the new Warlords and fought each other for control. With Krotzmar's termination, the nascent Ork empire self-destructed, and the xenos that were not hounded into the mud of Persepolis' System vast battlegrounds would be hunted down across hundreds of star systems.
3rd Company Assault Squad during the Daylon Campaign.
- Daylon Campaign (428.M35) - During the Daylon Campaign the Wardens of Orask commit a strike force of the 3rd and 6th Companies. The companies are garrisoned aboard the Emperor-class Battleship Morpheus during the operation. This force is initially responsible for spearheading the invasion of Daylon and neutralising the planetary defences. During the eventual retreat of all imperial forces from K'Tos, the Wardens are tasked with forming the rear guard and ensuring remaining Imperial forces and loyalists are able to flee in relative safety.
- Purging of Roduno (567.M35) - The Purging of Roduno was an Imperial castigation campaign carried out by the whole of the Wardens of Orask Space Marine Chapter upon the vitally important hive world of Roduno, located in the Segmentum Ultima. During the campaign to put down the planet-wide insurrection, the Chapter discovered that not only was the insurrection instituted by hidden Chaos cults, but they were allied with the Chaos warband known as the Merciless - a formidable force of former Iron Warriors that were known for laying waste to whole imperial worlds.
As the Wardens make planetfall, they are met by the 1st and 3rd Companies of the Blades of Elysium Space Marine Chapter, that were already engaged in heavy battle against the Forces of Chaos. Although initially, both Chapters nearly came to blows over how to proceed, they both eventually put aside their intolerance and bias to strike back and defeat both the insurrectionists and Merciless warband. The Wardens suffered heavy losses to their 1st Company and held the Blades of Elysium responsible for the losses of their veterans, a stain on their honour that has not been forgotten.
- Smoldering of Wrath (965.M35) - In the latter centuries of M35, several systems located adjacent to the infamous tear in reality, known as the Maelstrom, were subjected to a massive invasion by the Forces of Chaos. During this tumultuous period, severe warp surges had cut off many of these systems from the rest of the Imperium, making warp travel a dangerous prospect. These volatile region of the galaxy had long been subjected to attacks by those who followed the Dark Gods as well as renegades that sought refuge within the hellish realm of the Maelstrom. For several decades, the Word Bearers and their Chaos Cultist allies lorded over these helpless systems, as they fell one at a time to the overwhelming and destructive power of the chaotic crusade of destruction.
Unwilling to let this stand, an Imperial Crusade is called for by Imperial authorities, and the call to arms is sent throughout the Segmentum. Several Astra Militarum Regiments, Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii and Orders of the Adepta Sororitas answer the call. They are quickly joined by a triumvirate of bellicose and unforgiving Space Marine Chapters, including the [Wardens of Orask]], Tempest Knights and Imperius Ravagers. The Imperial Crusade launches a multi-pronged assault into the closest system and began to break the Heretic's lines. Using rapid strike attacks, the three Space Marine Chapters spearhead the Imperial assault and win hundred of battles, but only manage to slow the Heretic's rampage as they focus the majority of their efforts on those worlds being overrun with daemonic legions.
The long and bloody conflict culminates in an epic final confrontation with the enslaved Shrine World of Pictoris, where the Forces of Chaos had covered the entire surface with blasphemous temples to the Dark Gods. The Tempest Knights and their brother Chapters broke the back of the Chaos overlords and put every single Traitor to the sword, leaving behind hundreds of mounds of piled skulls - a grotesque display to serve as a stark reminder and a dire warning to those that made truck with the Ruinous Powers.
- Hrud Rising (980.M35) - The Wardens of Orask, Silver Centurions, and Dark Angels take part in the task force cleansing the Hrud infestations that erupt across the Imperium at this time. With two of their three assigned sectors cleared, The Rock disappears as the Dark Angels leave the campaign to pursue their own objectives. The Chapter Master of the Silver Centurions files a complaint with the High Lords of Terra about the Dark Angels' behaviour, although no action is seen to be taken in response.
- 5th Black Crusade (723.M36) - Abaddon the Despoiler launched his 5th Black Crusade and began to scour the Elysia Sector, raiding hundreds of worlds and causing untold death and destruction. Several Adeptus Astartes Chapters, including the Wardens of Orask, responded in force, to help stem the so-called 'Tide of Blood'. On the world of Tarinth, the Despoiler lures two Space Marine Chapters - the Warhawks and Venerators - into a carefully laid trap. Doombreed, a notorious Daemon Prince of Khorne, declares war on the Adeptus Astartes. In a bitter last stand, both Loyalist Chapters were utterly destroyed, their skulls taken as trophies by the ancient Daemon Prince, for the Blood God. Hearing of the valorous last stand of these two fallen Chapters, the Wardens of Orask are incensed by the dire news and fight that much harder against Abaddon's forces. Though the Chapter sustains extensive casualties, the Wardens felt the cost in blood was worth the sacrifice, as they honoured their fallen cousin Chapters by slaying a large number of heretic forces, helping to drive them back into the Eye of Terror.
Crushing the Ork Waaagh! Bonesmasha
- Obliteration of Bonesmasha (842.M36) - An Imperial campaign that the 2nd and 9th companies of the Wardens of Orask laid siege to the Orks of WAAAGH! Bonesmasha which besieged the Imperial Antilus System. For three weeks, the Wardens of Orask face down wave after wave of Orks, hurling themselves at their siege lines, defeating the xenos with precision bolter fire and a dozen thunderfire cannons. In the final battle of the war, The Praetorians of the 1st Company of the Wardens retinue boarded and destroyed Bonesmasha's flagship.
- The Trianguli Execution (206.M37) - The Alpha Legion, led by the infamous Daemon Prince Rangez Nightbane, invade the jungle planet of Trianguli in order to salvage an ancient and long-forgotten Imperator-class Battle Titan left since the ancient days of the Horus Heresy. Infiltrating the few populated cities of the verdant planet, soon Alpha Legion operatives managed to stir up dissent amongst the disgruntled miners and workers, who broke out into open insurrection against Imperial authorities. Capitalising on the chaos that had erupted across the planet, the Alpha Legion secretly made their way towards the long-lost titan, before Imperial authorities become the wiser of their true intentions.
Sending an astrotelepathic request for aid, the Wardens of Orask Chapter quickly responded. Dispatching Captain Mirex, the stalwart commander led elements from the Chapter's 3rd and 8th Companies to the jungle world, to eliminate the rebellion and to drive the Traitor Legion from the world. Despite the fact the Alpha Legion was making use of the now-captured God-Engine, the Wardens opted to attack the hated Heretic Legionaries in an all-out drop assault. The Wardens' bold tactical choice, at first, seemed to drive the enemy forces back, but the monstrous war engine's void shield generators and weapon batteries proved to be operational with devastating consequences for the servants of the Emperor.
Many Wardens of Orask Astartes fall in the first assault against the Titan. The Wardens feared that the only course open to them was to end the threat outright, by enacting Exterminatus against Trianguli. Further aid arrived in the form of the bellicose Imperius Ravagers Chapter's 4th Company. As the Wardens' ferocious allies launched their own attack on the Alpha Legion's bastion from below, the Wardens used their Stormravens to initiate a series of drop assaults against the secondary plasma reactors that powered the Titan's weapons. The Wardens neutralised the Titan's defences and the Ravagers swarmed into the massive war machine's lower levels. The Daemon Prince Rangez ultimately escaped once more, leaving his followers behind to be savagely exterminated to the last heretic by both Scions of Guilliman Chapters.
- The Draxus Action (364.M37) - The planet Draxus is attacked by the Evil Blood Axes and issues a distress call. Scouts from the 10th Company are first to respond, followed by 1st company, defeating the Ork force.
- The Star-Killa Krew (380-405.M37) - An Ork Freeboota fleet of over one hundred ships ravages the northern region of the Jericho Reach, attacking and devastating Castobel, Aurum, and Alphos. The Wardens of Orasks' 3rd Crusade Fleet along with Deathwatch Codicier Kiataino mastermind a plan to destabilise the Ork forces before they can become entrenched, and succeeds in killing their Warboss and his immediate possible successors, forcing the Orks to turn on each other in a savage fight to establish dominance, neutralising the Ork threat.
- To Kill A God (433-451.M37) - The powerful Chaos Lord +++REDACTED+++, claiming to be a fifth Chaos God, rises to power within the Orcuz Sector, and soon, several worlds rise in open revolt. All across the surface of three Imperial worlds, the hidden covens of Chaos cultists, aided and abetted by this Chaos Lord and his Warband, the +++REDACTED+++, attack vital strategic locations. Within a matter of months, several other worlds fall into internecine conflict, and soon, nearly the entire sector declare their secession from the Imperium. To compound the problems for the Imperial defenders, reports soon reach Segmentum command that several more Heretic Astartes Warbands were involved in the fighting.
The High Lords dispatch Imperial retribution forces comprised of multiple Adeptus Astartes Chapters including - Wardens of Orask, Imperius Ravagers and the 6th Company of the Silver Centurions - as well as a demi-Legio of god-engines of the Legio Nox ('Lords of Night'), supporting Skitarii and Legio Cybernetica forces from a nearby forge world, as well as several Astra Militarum Regiments. The battle for control of the sector lasts for several decades, and is matched only in intensity and ferociousness by those Adeptus Astartes Chapters sent to quell the uprising, resulting in the death of millions of innocents as well as tens of thousands of heretic forces.
The conflict culminates in a final assault upon the sector capital world of Khai-Mortanus, where the Chaos Lord and the bulk of his forces have taken refuge within the planet's capital hive city. The combined forces of the Wardens of Orask and their Astartes allies strike like thunderbolts of a wrathful god, and finally kill the Chaos Lord and wipe out his heretic forces. The world is brought back under Imperial compliance within the day.
Warden Captain leading his men in the rout of the treacherous Chaos forces on Corillia
- 9th Black Crusade (537.M38) - Abaddon the Despoiler and his Black Legion, launch the 9th Black Crusade out of the Eye of Terror intending to bring about the demise of the naval fortress of Cancephalus. The whole Crusade Chapter Fleet of the Wardens or Orask and many other Crusading Chapters are recalled by the High Lords of Terra to help deal with the rising threat of incursions from the Eye of Terror. During the defence of the Hive World of Corillia from a Chaotic attack by the Lamenters Space Marine Chapter, they held out alone against the Black Legion's onslaught for six solar weeks. The Lamenters suffered horrendous losses until the Ultramarines, Wardens of Orask, Graven Skulls, and White Scars led an Imperial battle group that broke though the Chaos warfleet to relieve Corillia.
- The Battle for Bornalis (741.M38) - The Wardens of Orasks' 1st Crusade Fleet defends the planet of Bornalis from Chaos. The Task Force ends up defending the world of Bornalis from no less than the devious Blades of Elysium. Driven against each other by the foul plots of the Thousand Sons, the Blades and the Wardens' 1st Company wages war through the capital city of Glirie and in orbit over the world. The two sides only join forces when the greater threat of a Chaos fleet forces them to co-operate, and even then, they do not do so at first. Blades of Elysium and the Wardens defeat the Thousand Sons forces all the planet as well as decimating the rest of the Chaos fleet.
- Scourging of Skullrippa 328.M39 - The 3rd Crusade Fleet of the Wardens of Orask destroy the space hulk of the Ork Warboss Skullrippa.
- Fifty Planet Rebellion (578.M39) - The Wardens of Orask uncover a mad priest named Alldrec the Subverter. The Heretic visionary had led a swathe of planets on the borders of the Ghoul Stars Region to reject the rule of the Imperium. Within a decade, the Wardens of Orask suppress the Chaos Cultist uprisings and slay their leaders.
- Incursions of Unbelief (Unknown.M40) - The 1st and 3rd Crusade Fleets of the Wardens of Orask perform containment operations and engage a large incursion fleet comprised of several Chaos Warbands and Renegade Chapters led by the Red Corsairs from the Maelstrom.
- Defense of Proximo (324.M41) - The Wardens of Orasks' 2nd Crusade Fleet along with elements of the 3rd and 5th Companies defend Proximo from the vile Red Corsairs.
- Felic War (682-670.M41) - An area key to the supply lines of several war efforts, the Felic Cluster consisted of a number of important worlds. These included the home planets of the Righteous Sons and Rift Warriors Chapters, the Forge World, Felic Proctor, and the Holdfast moonbase. Much to the detriment of connected war efforts, the system declared its independence from Terra's rule and seized control of the supply lines passing through the area. After losing contact with both Space Marine Chapters in the region, external forces were notified. To crush the new opposition, the Wardens of Orask dispatched its 3rd Company, only to find their Strike Cruiser limping back with dire news. The regional Space Marine Chapters and the forge world had added their forces to this rebellion and were staged to defend against any attack. So it was, the Wardens of Orask and Murdering Sons arrived, under the command of the Wardens of Orask's very own Chapter Master - Polemarchos Lucius Sejanus. Polemarchos Sejanus prepared a plan to slowly constrict Felic Primaris in a tight noose, taking the key outer systems first and then moving forwards.
The entire campaign would last for eight bloody years involving many more Chaos warbands and Space Marine Chapters, including the Star Reapers, who were responsible for atrocities such as the bloodying of the Serenity Jungle worlds and the destruction of Felic Proctor. The Murdering Sons themselves enacted their bloody-handed form of justice against multiple recalcitrant worlds within the Felic Cluster, leaving behind a path of utter devastation in their wake. Many of these ravaged worlds are still reeling from the losses of their devastated infrastructure, even three centuries later.
- The Defence of Orask (940-997.M41) - A most terrible assault occurred in 940.M41, when a splinter Hive Fleet Pythos of the Tyranid menace appeared, disoriented and twisted by its passage through the Ghoul Stars, and fell upon the Orask System like a ravenous beast. The great battle that ensued proved brief but bloody. The stoic defenders of Orask were backed by the entirety of the Wardens of Orask as well as a full company of the Red Talons Chapter and a Titan maniple from the Legio Magna. Despite horrific casualties that reached into the tens of thousands sustained within a mere matter of solar days, the valiant defenders were able to push back their monstrous attackers.
Eventually, they contained the threat and purged the vile xenos from Orask's blasted surface. In recognition of their tenacity and heroic actions in achieving such a hard-fought victory, the Lord of Macragge himself, Marneus Calgar, honoured the Wardens with a Laurel of Defiance. However, evidence persists that some harbinger organisms escaped to the outer systems, and Orask may not have heard the last of the Great Devourer.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Wardens of Orasks' gene-seed is consistent genetically, with that of other Chapters from the lineage of Roboute Guilliman. It is free from any known contamination, reproduces stably, and produces the full range of Space Marine organ implants. Because they are extremely active within multiple war zones, the Wardens of Orask are rigorous about harvesting and securing the Progenoid Glands from its fallen Battle-Brothers in a timely fashion. Recoveries made in the field are secured upon the nearest Chapter vessel in short order, and then returned to their Chapter flagship Sol Invictus for storage at the earliest possible opportunity. Currently, records indicate that the Chapter is sufficiently well supplied with gene-seed to accommodate even their prodigious needs.
Primarch's Curse: Crusader's Call
The Wardens of Orask are devoted servants of the Emperor and never refuse the call to arms or the chance to join a crusade against the enemies of the Imperium. Over the centuries, this has become a well-known aspect of the Chapter and elements of the Wardens of Orask have participated in hundreds of crusades across the galaxy from the murky depths of the Eastern Fringe to the dark and turbulent sectors surrounding the Eye of Terror.
As a fleet-based Chapter, this means that the entire Chapter is practically never in the same place at the same time, and though they might stay in contact, each fragment becomes a collection of companies and their vessels which can operate independently for great lengths of time. Though it means the Chapter is scattered across the stars, no member of the Wardens of Orask would ever refuse such a call to duty and takes it as a mark of honour and pride that their Chapter has such a valourous history. When the Chapter's genetic curse manifests in one of its Battle-Brothers, it usually progresses in three stages:
- Stage 1 - Unending Valour: The Battle-Brother has become filled with pride in the history of his Chapter's bravery and devotion and sees his own existence as a vital part of continuing its traditions. When his squad is required to do their duty he will make sure that it is carried out, squashing any doubt his fellow Battle-Brothers might have or any weakness they might show in the face of honour.
- Stage 2 - Duty through Sacrifice: True duty can only be proven in death or an equally potent sacrifice, a fact which is known to all true servants of the God-Emperor. The Battle-Brother knows that to prove himself he must be the one to stand in the way of the blade or shield his comrades from the blast so that there can be no doubt about his devotion or his loyalty to the Emperor.
- Stage 3 - Lead the Charge: In boarding actions, the greatest honour goes to those first through the breech and first to face the foe. The Battle-Brother accepts that he must take this role as his honour demands it, and it is just another way to prove his courage and loyalty in the eyes of his peers. If there is a choice or a chance to lead a charge or be the first to face the enemy, the Battle-Brother must take it. Furthermore, he will seek out such opportunities, volunteering for dangerous duties if they mean he will get to lead others into the fray. In combat, the Battle-Brother will also seek out the most dangerous or powerful-looking foes, even at the cost of ignoring closer or more pressing enemies to his brethren's tactical disadvantage.
Chapter Organization
Though the Wardens of Orask are proud inheritors of the lineage of their ancient progenitors, they are a fleet-based Chapter. Like their genetic forebears, they follow the tenets of the Codex Astartes in its basic pattern of organisation, however, in practice the Wardens have modified its tenets to better suit their needs and patterns of its deployments. A primary example of this would be the Chapter's company captains (Lokhagos) and senior officers are also assigned flag command of a particular starship within their Chapter fleet. Acting independently from the bulk of the Chapter for long durations, they are expected to act autonomously of a higher authority for long periods if needed. As a fleet-based Chapter, the Wardens of Orask have no single Chapter homeworld. Instead, they reside in their Crusade fleets, upon many Battle Barges, Strike Cruisers, training vessels, and gigantic forgeships.
They maintain the usual ten companies as dictated by the organisational doctrine of the Codex, however, they are nominally based on their individually assigned flagship battle barges or strike cruisers. The majority of their number is dispersed as needed to individual commands which vary considerably in size and operational terms. The 1st Veteran Company and 2nd through 4th Battle companies regularly operate on independent duty dispersed throughout the galaxy. Elements of the 5th throught 7th reserve companies are dispatched with the Chapter's four main battle companies to supplement their numbers, or if the need arises when a larger strike force must be formed to take part in a major campaign or Imperial Crusade.
To enable these companies to function independently, each of these vessels maintains their own separate Armoury, Reclusium, Apothecarion, and a small cadre of Techmarines (Fabrorum). Each of the Chapter's vessels are also supplemented by members of the 8th Close Support Company, 9th Fire Support Company and the 10th Scout Company. In this way, each has access to vital reserves of the Chapter's various squad specialists for every tactical situation.
The Wardens of Orask Institute Chapter keeps on every world they reclaim for the Emperor. The Chapter keeps the main purpose is to recruit new Space Marines from the population and to act as staging posts for mustering their Crusades. These Chapter keeps are sizeable, with chambers to accommodate two to three companies of Space Marines, but are far smaller than the fortress-monasteries of other Chapters.
The bulk of the Chapter's neophytes is trained at the Chapter's primary keep on the sentinel world of Orask. However, one aspect of being a primarily fleet-based Chapter is that newly recruited members often fail to grasp the full scope and size of their Chapter until the next major gathering. To overcome this and to allow a sense of connection with different companies, many initiates are rotated from Orask and transferred to another company before their training is completed.
The reserve of the Chapter's gene-seed is spread throughout all of its primary starships, stored in the Implantation Chambers aboard each vessel's Apothecarion. These chambers are the most protected on any Warden of Orasks' starship and will be defended by them with their lives if need be, for these chambers contain the essence of the Chapter's future. The Chapter is based out of their ancient Relic Battleship Sol Invictus which serves as the mobile fortress-monastery of the Chapter.
Officer Ranks
- Polemarchos - Senior-most rank assigned to the senior most official which means warlord or war leader within the Wardens of Orask. Equivalent rank to a Chapter Master.
- Lokhagos - Equivalent rank to a Captain.
- Tetrarch - A Tetrarch is a specialty rank held by the four exalted officers of the Chapter that make up the Tetrarchy, who attends the Polemarchos as his personal advisors.
- Praetorian Prefect - First Captain and commander of the Polemarchos's Honour Guard (Praetorians). This specialty rank is only granted to the most eminent and distinguished warrior within the Chapter. He is a commander without equal and is held in the highest regard by his fellow battle-brothers.
- Tesserarius - Equivalent rank to a Master of the Watch. Assigned to one of the Chapter's Lokhagos, a Tesserarius is charged with the responsibility of the defence of his Chapter's fortress-monastery and home world in the absence of the Polemarchos. This title is given to the commander of the designated company that is currently charged with the garrisoning of the fortress-monastery, which is allotted to a different company on a rotational basis.
- Navarch - Equivalent rank to a Master of the Fleet. Assigned to one of the Chapter's Lokhagos, a Navarch possesses the most experience and greatest skill at planning and executing void-combat. His is given overall command of the Chapter fleet, and essentially serves as the Chapter's fleet admiral, commanding his flagship and all other space assets when they deploy for major engagement. Traditionally assigned to the commander of the 4th Company.
- Prefect - Equivalent rank to a Master of the Marches. Assigned to one of the Chapter's Lokhagos, a Prefect is charged with not only leading an entire company in battle, but also with additional responsibility for overseeing the total deployment of their Chapter's fighting strength. Traditionally assigned to the commander of the 5th Company.
- Praefectus Sacrorum - Equivalent to a Master of Rites, this Lokhagos is charged with recording and preserving the martial traditions of the Chapter. A bombastic, courageous warrior with unswerving loyalty to his battle-brothers. This individual exudes a sense of martial pride and fervour to those around them. A large servo-skull with an incorporated vox-caster that amplifies his war cries is anchored near his feet by a weighty pair of censers. The Praefectus Sacrorum roars inspiring rhetoric during the heat of battle, reminding his battle-brothers to remember their duty and heritage, even as they clash with the foe. The Praefectus Sacrorum is traditionally the Lokhagos of the 6th Company.
- Praefectus Escasius - Equivalent to a Chief Victualler, this Lokhagos is responsible for all of the Chapter's supply needs, particularly those pertaining to food, drink and the other personal requirements of the Chapter's Astartes and human support personnel. Traditionally, this role is assigned to the commander of the 7th Company.
- Dominus Carnifice - Equivalent rank to a Lord Executioner. A brutal and direct individual, not so much given to glittering heroics and flamboyant challenges as short, bloody and efficient close combats. Clutching his favoured master-crafted melee weapon in his hands, he strides purposely forward in battle, the expression of a stone cold killer writ on his face as he heads towards his grim duty. His artificer armour is often impressively detailed with embossed skulls, scrollwork and multiple purity seals. Of all the Wardens of Orask commanders within the Chapter, the Dominus Carnifice is the most menacing. Traditionally assigned to the Lokhagos of the Chapter's elite 8th Assault Company.
- Praefectus Castrorum - Equivalent rank to a Master of Relics. Assigned to one of the Chapter's Praetors, a Praefectus Castorum is an unmatched expert in the tactics of long-ranged warfare. He is also the custodian of the Chapter's many technological masterpieces, the most dangerous of which are brought to the battlefield only in times of exceptional strife. Traditionally, this role is assigned to the commander of the 9th Company.
- Praefectus Tirones - Equivalent to a Master of Recruits, the commander who is responsible for training all of the Chapter's Neophytes. He will be a skilled Veteran of hundreds of battles and a shrewd judge of character, easily able to determine what will bring out the best in the genetically-altered adolescents who survived their Aspirant Trials and transform them into true Astartes. As the leader of a Scout Company, the Master of Recruits will be an expert in the irregular forms of combat that define the missions of Space Marine Scouts, including sabotage, infiltration and counterinsurgency. Traditionally, this role is assigned to the commander of the 10th Company.
- Tribune - A Tribune is a rank held by a senior Astartes line officer of the Chapter who serves as an executive officer and second-in-command to a company's Praetor. Serving as a battle-commander middle-tier line officer, they also take on more specialised functions such as a Shield-Lieutenant, given charge of a boarding party in a savage void battle. Tribunes are considered Praetors-in-training, and as such, are treated with the utmost respect by their subordinates.
- Centurion Primus - A Centurion Primus is a rank held by those junior line officers who hold seniority over other Centurions. These individuals are consummate warriors who have risen through the ranks of their Chapter and have already demonstrated their worth in the bloody fires of conflict, and have been recognized for their dedication, skill and tactical acumen.
- Centurion - A Centurion is a rank held by those Astartes junior line officers who have proven themselves on the field of battle. This rank is equivalent to a junior lieutenant.
Senior Specialist Ranks
- Starategos - Equivalent rank to a Force Commander, this senior rank is granted to those who are charged with commanding a cohort comprised of at least four or more companies.
- Syntagmatarkhis - A senior rank granted to those who are charged with commanding a strike force comprised of at least three or more companies.
- Legatus - A temporary rank granted to a Praetor who is charged with commanding a strike force comprised of at least two companies.
- Prefectus Fabrorum - Equivalent rank to a Master of the Forge, the Chapter's senior-most Techmarine.
- Pontifex Primus - Equivalent rank to a Reclusiarch of the Chapter.
- Primus Medicae - Equivalent rank to a Chief Apothecary of the Chapter.
- Magus Sirius - Equivalent rank to a Chief Librarian of the Chapter.
Specialist Ranks
- Delegatus - A Delegatus is a specialty rank held by a mid-ranking Chapter officer, such as a Centurion, who is often granted this rank and tasked with specific missions by Chapter high command and formally dispatched to act in all matters with the full weight of their commander's authority. As such, they could mobilise the Chapter's resources to the full, deploy it's assets and, if performing a mission of vital strategic worth, assemble a strike force of chosen warriors.
- Pontiff - Equivalent rank to a Chaplain.
- Medicae - Equivalent rank to an Apothecary.
- Augurius - Equivalent rank to a Chapter Librarian.
- Fabrorum - Equivalent rank to a Techmarine.
- Signiferi - Equivalent rank to a Standard Bearer.
- Eques - A specialty designation given to a battle-brother who is a pilot of an aerial vehicle or a driver of an armoured vehicle.
Line Ranks
- Evocati - Equivalent rank to a Veteran Sergeant, the senior-most Sergeant within a company.
- Decurion - Equivalent rank to a Sergeant.
- Munifex - Equivalent rank to a full battle-brother.
- Velites - Equivalent rank to a Scout Marine.
- Tiro - A novice, equivalent to a Neophyte.
Specialist Formations
- Tetrarchy - The Tetrachy is composed of four exalted officers of the Wardens of Orask known as the Tetrarchs who attend the Legatus Praetore as his personal advisors. The Tetrarchy exists outside the rest of the Chapter's regular command structure. Together the Tetrarchy functions as the soul of the Wardens of Orask, supporting their Chapter Master and steering the Chapter's temperament and decisions. Only those officers who possess the necessary qualities of strength and charisma are ever allowed to serve at their Chapter Master's side.
- Speculatores - Elite Terminator-armoured Veteran Marines of the elite 1st Company who act as the Legatus Praetore's personal Honour Guard.
Squad Types
- Triarii - (Singular: Triarius) A Terminator-armoured Veteran Marine.
- Vexillarii - (Singular: Vexillarius) Equivalent to a Veteran Marine.
- Lancearii - (Singular: Lanciarius) Equivalent to an Close Support Marine. Title used interchangeably when referring to Primaris Assault Intercessors, Inceptors, Reivers and Incursors.
- Principes (Singular: Princeps) Equivalent to a Battleline Marine. Title used interchangeably when referring to Primaris Intercessors and Vanguard Infiltrators.
- Ballistarii - (Singular: Ballistarius) Equivalent to a Fire Support Marine. Title used interchangeably when referring to Primaris Hellblasters, Aggressors, Vanguard Eliminators and Suppressors.
- Hastati - (Singular: Hastatus) Equivalent to a Scout Marine. Title used interchangeably when referring to Primaris Reivers and Incursors.
- Tirones - (Singular: Tiro) A newly inducted Neophyte.
Non-Astartes Personnel
- Trierarch - Equivalent rank to an Imperial Navy Captain, this specialty rank is assigned to one of the Chapter's mortal officers who possess a long history of space combat and commanding fleet engagements, such as a former or current commanding officer of the Imperial Navy who has been seconded to the Chapter under ancient inter-service agreements.
- Beneficiarii - (Singular: Beneficiarius) Calatores who serve as orderlies and perform various services for the various senior officers of the Chapter, such as the Reclusiarch and Primus Medicae.
- Calatores (Singular: Calator) This is a term when referring to the Chapter's human serfs who are charged with carrying out the day-to-day functions within the Chapter.
Chapter Recruitment
The Wardens of Orask do not have a Chapter home world, their recruiting is done by their Chapter Keeps. The Chapter Keeps are constructed on most worlds that are subjugated by the Wardens of Orask. These worlds are used as staging ground for Crusade forces and recruitment posts for the Chapter. Only the most skilled Aspirants are allowed to join, and if they pass the initial tests, they are implanted with the gene-seed organs that will eventually transform them into full Space Marines and Neophytes of the Chapter.
Order of Battle
Chapter Command
Centuries
| Veteran Century | Battle Centuries | |||
| 1st Century (Alpha)   |
2nd Century (Beta)   |
3rd Century (Gamma)   |
4th Century (Delta)   |
5th Century (Epsilon)   |
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| Reserve Centuries | Scout Century | |||
| 6th Century (Zeta)   |
7th Century (Eta)   |
8th Century (Thêta)   |
9th Century (Iota)   |
10th Century (Kappa)   |
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Chapter Combat Doctrine
1st Company Captain
As a proud Successor to the vaunted Ultramarines Chapter, the Wardens of Orask are unconventional for a Successor Chapter of Ultramarines because they do not adhere to the rigid dictates of the Codex Astartes. The Wardens of Orask feel that to be bound by words set down an age ago is to risk failure to adapt to changing circumstances that could prove fatal to the Chapter and the broader Imperium. Their primary adaptations from its doctrines are all intended to grant the Chapter additional flexibility in keeping with their duties as constant Crusaders. With the exception of those changes, the Chapter still venerates their Primarch, just as the Ultramarines do. In fact, they look upon the Codex Astartes as the foundation for their way of life, but to follow its teachings literally without consideration for what they have learned and what they observe around them is not in their view wisdom, but blind orthodoxy. To believe in rigid dogma is a weakness of the mind and it is this very weakness that has caused so much stagnation within the wider Imperium.
The core of this adherence is represented in the Chapter's consistent use of combined arms. They maintain the necessary flexibility to address virtually any opponent. While Close Support, Fire Support, Battleline and Scout Squads are used in keeping with the prescriptions of the Codex, their proportionate numbers are carefully preserved. To the extent that they are available, vehicular assets are used as situations necessitate.
Chapter Beliefs
The Wardens of Orask place particular importance and reverence on safeguarding their Chapter's future and preserving its gene-seed. The Wardens have been devoted to embarking upon endless Crusades since the time of their Founding. Historically, the Wardens of Orask Chapter has also sent companies to assist Rogue Trader Houses and other Space Marine Chapters, and even answered planetary emergency calls throughout the galaxy. This willingness to aid the cause of humanity at any time and in any place exemplifies their devotion to service.
It is only in preparation for a major Crusade effort or upon occasions of major Chapter import that the companies gather for extended interactions. Such occasions represent the only opportunity for established veterans to reunite with Battle-Brothers from other companies, often friends that they knew during their time as an Initiate. These gatherings also represent an opportunity for promotions and transfers between companies. In this way, members promoted to the 1st Company may transfer to work with another company so that their experience as a Veteran Space Marine may be more easily differentiated. This is also when Space Marines are most commonly tithed to service for other duties, even duty with the Deathwatch.
Deathwatch Service
Wardens of Orask Sergeant seconded to the Deathwatch
The Wardens of Orask have confronted the enemies of Mankind in every guise during the long millennia of existence, however, since the time of the Pale Wasting they have perhaps had their most extensive experience in combating the alien in all its horror, and are boundless in their hatred for all non-Human intelligences. They have conducted systematic purges of a great many xeno-forms, and their expertise in this area coupled with their reputation as faithful scions of the Ultramarines has meant that the battle-brothers of the Wardens of Orask have often served within the ranks of the Deathwatch and maintain unusually close ties to the Chamber Militant of the Ordo Xenos.
As the Wardens believe it is their solemn duty to extinguish all blasphemous xenos so the Imperium will achieve its manifest destiny to rule over the entire galaxy without fear or reprisals, their intolerance of the alien means that the Chapter enthusiastically seconds some of their most experienced warriors and capable members for service in the Deathwatch. This service is considered a distinct honour and privilege by the Wardens. By performing a Long Vigil the Chapter is able to glean information about xenos that they have yet to encounter, as the Deathwatch constantly evolve new tactics to deal with newly discovered xeno-forms.
Those Wardens who serve with the Deathwatch have proven to be fonts of knowledge in how to battle xenos, especially in regards to rarely encountered xeno-forms in the wilds of the Eastern Fringe of the Ultima Segmentum and the Outer Dark of the Ghoul Stars.
Notable Wardens of Orask
- "Death is nothing to us! Since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not!"
- — Attr. Polemarchos Decius Caecilius Maximus, First Polemarchos of the Wardens of Orask.
- Polemarchos Decius Caecilius Maximus - Patriarch and first Polemarchos of the Wardens of Orask, Decius Caecilius Maximus was a former captain of the Ultramarines 3rd Company, Decius Caecilus Maximus was a highly regarded and respected commander who earned many high honours while serving with the Ultramarines. He led his company in countless successful campaigns and Imperial Crusades and was lauded by several senior commanders of various Imperial military institutions as well as the High Lords of Terra themselves. Having been granted numerous honours during his lengthy service to the Ultramarines, he was trusted implicitly by his Chapter Master. When the Imperium faced a dire xenos threat along the Eastern Fringe from the outer darkness of the foreboding region of the galaxy known as the Ghoul Stars, several newly created Chapters were founded to help quell this threat. Captain Maximus was granted the high honour by the High Lords of Terra to become a Chapter Master of his own newly incepted Space Marine Chapter. Based upon the sentinel world of Orask, he named his newly formed Chapter as the Wardens of Orask. Polemarchos Maximus would go on to lead his Chapter for over two centuries, establishing many of the Chapter's combat doctrine and traditions that are still maintained to this day.
- Polemarchos Lucius Sejanus - The current Polemarchos of the Wardens of Orask, Lucuis Sejanus is known in the Chapter's annals as one of the Wardens' greatest heroes. An inspirational leader of unimpeachable bravery, Lucius Sejanus was granted the high honour of assuming the position of Polemarchos following the death of his predecessor Claudius Pompeius Magnus in 743.M41 during the Damocles Gulf Crusade. A cunning warrior and strategically brilliant commander, Sejanus is well known for having led his Chapter to victory in the fight for Orask which was invaded by a large force of Chaos Space Marines. Sejanus is also known for securing many other noteworthy victories that the Wardens of Orask have successfully claimed. Each of these honours reflects only a fragment of an entire lifetime of diligent and extraordinary service to the Imperium and the Emperor of Mankind. A highly honoured Chapter Master, Polemarchos Sejanus is fanatically committed to ensuring that his battle-brothers deserve the respect they gain from their fellow Primogenitor Chapters and drives his warriors with relentless energy. A warrior of great courage and battle experience, Sejanus has fought the enemies of Mankind across the width and breadth of the Imperium.
- Polemarchos Claudius Pompeius Magnus - Former Chapter Master of the Wardens of Orask, Magnus was a notable commander, tactician and statesman. He played a significant role in leading his Chapter in the defence of the Eastern Fringe against various threats such as xenos raiders, Heretic Astartes warbands and the occasional daemonic incursion. Magnus' meteoric rise through the ranks saw him elevated to the command of the Chapter's elite 1st Company in just over a century, an unheard-of achievement in the annals of the Chapter. Following the death of his predecessor Vininius Andronicus in 347.M41, Captain Magnus was unanimously elected by his fellow captains to assumed the esteemed role as the Chapter's next Polemarchos. Magnus continued to lead his Chapter for several centuries until he was killed while fighting against the T'au Empire in 743.M41 during the Damocles Gulf Crusade and was seceded by Lucius Sejanus.
- Polemarchos Vininius Andonicus - Former Chapter Master of the Wardens of Orask, following his death in 347.M41, he was seceded by Claudius Pompeius Magnus.
- Griffin Mateo Current commander of the elite 1st Company and Equerry to the Polemarchos, Praetorian Prefect Griffin Mateo is a highly regarded and brilliant strategist and consummate warrior, who is presumed to be Polemarchos Sejanus' inevitable successor.
- Urion Tassos - Current commander of the 2nd Company.
- Titan Cole - Current commander of the 3rd Company and Tesserarius (Master of the Watch).
- Zeno Theotimus - Current commander of the 4th Company and Navarch (Master of the Fleet).
- Timaeus Bion - Current commander of the 5th Company and Prefect (Master of the Marches).
- Artemius Thales - Current commander of the 6th Company and Praefectus Sacrorum (Master of the Rites).
- Galenos Straton - Current commander of the 7th Company and Praefectus Escasius (Chief Victualler)
- Odysseus Lydos - Current commander of the 8th Company and Dominus Carnifice (Master of Executions.
- Hermagoras Lykos - Current commander of the 9th Company and Praefectus Castrorum (Master of Relics).
- Miltiades Sophos - Current commander of the 10th Company and Praefectus Tirones (Master of Recruits).
- Augurii Leo Xander - Current Magus Sirius (Chief Librarian) of the Chapter's Librarium.
- Obelius Kyril Haephestos - Current Prefectus Fabrorum (Master of the Forge).
- Icarus Cy - Current Pontifex Primus (Reclusiarch), Master of the Faith.
- Adonis Jace - Current Primus Medicae (Chief Apothecary).
Chapter Armoury
Wardens of Orask Hounored Ancient interred within a Venerable Dreadnought.
In spite of the numerous engagements that occurred over the duration of the Chapter's existence, the Wardens of Orask have successfully maintained a substantially well-equipped armoury, which includes a number of pieces of wargear and numerous vehicles that have been maintained since the time of the Chapter's founding. Some of this equipment was handed down from their Progenitors and have been preserved intact and functional since their forging during the time of the Great Crusade. While not all of these relics might be used on a regular basis, their supply of Terminator Armour is sufficient to equip the entirety of their 1st Company.
Similarly, the Wardens maintain a large enough supply of Dreadnoughts, Venerable Dreadnoughts and even a few examples of relic Contemptor pattern Dreadnoughts that they are able to preserve the living memories of many of their Chapter's most worthy battle-brothers. The Chapter's forge ship Dominus and their secondary forge on Orask continuously spend their time maintaining and reconstructing this reserve, so that it is never found wanting in times of dire need. In this way, the Chapter's standard wargear and equipment have been well-preserved across the millennia. The Chapter's collection of war-relics has continuously expanded.
Within the hallowed halls of the Wardens' flagship Sol Invitus, there are hundreds of examples of unique designs collected throughout its history. In times of desperation or to honour a warrior's success, these relics are selectively assigned for field use. As many of these items are beyond the specific scope of the Codex Astartes, they are seldom fielded even by those who have earned them.
Despite having only been in existence since mid-M34, the Wardens of Orask have also been observed to operate using large replenishable stockpiles of tanks and heavy armour, including several examples of rare and ancient patterns seldom found outside the hands of honoured Chapters of the First Founding, such as Land Raider Achilles and even a few examples of well-maintained relic Fellblade super-heavy battle tanks, as well as older patterns of Rhinos, Predators and even Mastadon heavy assault transports.
Chapter Relics
- Cingulum - The Cingulum is a belt formed from several studded straps of leather or a similarly strong and flexible material, which serves as a place for the hanging of victorex and other accolades of valour. Such belts are common decorations amongst the Wardens of Orasks. The appearance of a cingulum also varies with the type of small, detailed plates that have been used to stud it and the choices of what terminal decorations hang upon it.
- Heraldry Scrolls - Scrolls worked into a Battle-Brother's armour, either as metalwork or a placard are popular in many Chapters, and the Wardens of Orask are no exception. This crest may display a motto or title, but most commonly it bears the Wardens of Orask's name so that his enemies know who brings their deaths, and tales of his deeds may travel.
- Honour Blades - Presented to champions of the Chapter, Honour Blades are a matching Broadsword and Poniard Power Sword set. Wielded together, the blades are perfectly matched and provide the champion with an expert defence and attack.
Chapter Fleet
The massive relic battleship of unknown class, the Sol Invictus, flagship of the Wardens of Orask.
From their earliest surviving records, the Wardens of Orask have existed as a fleet-based Chapter. In the modern era, the basis for this decision is unclear. It might be that the decision was made early on during their inception, which has been preserved for traditional reasons rather than functional ones.
Their mighty Chapter fleet is led by the Chapter Barque flagship, Sol Invictus, a mighty Relic Battleship. This formidable vessel of ancient provenance was gifted to the Wardens by their progenitors at their inception. It is believed to be pre-Imperial in origin, constructed sometime during the Dark Age of Technology, and has a long and glorious history. Ranging over 8 km long, it holds thousands of crew, battle-brothers and hundreds of war machines as well as swarms of smaller attack craft and transports.
To fulfil their duties, they possess several Battle-Barges, but their mobile fortress-monastery Sol Invitus, is the largest vessel of their fleet and serves as their gene-seed repository. This vessel also houses the Chapter's Librarium Sanctorum, the repository of the Chapter's collective knowledge which contains countless scrolls, data-logs tombs, and computational engines which store the Chapter's records, roles of honour, as well as ancient lore.
One critical limitation of a fleet-based operation is a restriction in the availability of new candidates for initiation. The Wardens of Orask have overcome this difficulty by recruiting from their Chapter keeps located on several worlds they have conquered over long millennia of their existence, as well as having long-established relations with several primary recruitment worlds, most of which are located in the Inquathan Deeps Sector in the Ultima Segmentum. These worlds range from Feral Worlds, colonised by the remnants of ancient Imperial civilisations, to Hive Worlds, where gangs fight daily with whatever weapons they can scrounge, living off the scrapings of Imperial society.
The Chapter fleet of the Wardens of Orask is known to contain the following starships:
- Sol Invitus (Relic Battleship - Unknown Class) - The Sol Invitus is a Relic Battleship that pre-dated the founding of the Imperium -- a veteran of centuries of nightmarish war amid the dark stars and aged in scars and honours. It is the Chapter Barque and personal flagship of Legatus Praetore Sejanus and serves essentially as the Chapter's mobile Fortress-Monastery, home to the Wardens of Orask's Reclusiam and the vaults containing all of the Chapter's relics and precious artefacts.
- Sword of Retribution (Apocalypse-Class Battleship) - The Sword of Retribution is a vessel known to be present in the Wardens of Orasks' Crusade fleet.
- Morpheus (Emperor-Class Battleship) - The Morpheus was the first vessel that carried the first Wardens of Orask beyond the Orask System. It is still in service in the 41st Millennium.
- Avenging Son (Relic Battleship - Unknown Class) - The Avenging Son is a Relic Battleship that pre-dated the founding of the Imperium -- a veteran of centuries of war and aged in scars and honours of victories.
- Nox Pervigilium (Battle Barge)
- Aurelius (Battle Barge)
- Thanatos (Battle Barge)
- Typhon (Battle Barge)
- Gladius Nova (Battle Barge) - Destroyed during the 13th Black Crusade against the Red Corsairs' Chaos Fleet.
- Menace of Truth (Grand Cruiser) - Destroyed during the 13th Black Crusade against the Red Corsairs' Chaos Fleet.
- Salvation (Strike Cruiser)
- Swift Vengeance (Strike Cruiser)
- Radiant Dawn (Strike Cruiser)
- Fortitude (Strike Cruiser)
- Titus (Strike Cruiser)
- Stenophilus (Strike Cruiser)
- Merito (Strike Cruiser)
- Manus Fidei (Strike Cruiser)
- Eternal Strength (Strike Cruiser) - Strike Cruiser that carried Task Force Onslaught to the Orask System. The Halberd earned much renown for its participation in the Gothic War.
- Shield of Faith (Strike Cruiser)
- Hammer of Vengeance (Strike Cruiser)
- Halberd (Strike Cruiser)
- Blade of Unity (Strike Cruiser) - Destroyed during the 13th Black Crusade against the Red Corsairs' Chaos Fleet.
- Triumph of Truth (Strike Cruiser) - Destroyed during the 13th Black Crusade against the Red Corsairs' Chaos Fleet.
- Dominus (Forge Ship) - Serves as the primary Armouries for the whole of the Crusade Chapter Fleets.
- Inferno (Destroyer)
- The Unbowed (Destroyer)
- Defiant (Destroyer)
- 20 Escorts
- 75 Thunderhawk gunships
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
Preparing for battle
The Power Armour of a Warden of Orask is predominantly black and copper. The Black colour serves as a sign, that like the legendary Sigismund and the black-armoured Chaplains of the Adeptus Astartes, it serve as a reminder of mortality's impermanent nature, and that only in death does their duty to the Emperor end. The white-coloured squad specialty symbols (Battleline, Close Support, Fire Support, or Veteran) are indicated on the right shoulder pauldron, while the Chapter icon is proudly worn on the left shoulder pauldron. The Roman numeral stencilled in copper on the right shoulder pauldron indicates squad number, while the gothic numeral on the right poleyn (knee guard) indicates company number.
Chapter Badge
The Wardens of Orasks' Chapter badge is a large stylised white skull centred on a field of black, which indicates the past sacrifices of the Chapter's fallen battle-brothers. A small black-coloured Omega letter drawn from the ancient Greek alphabet (an inverted version of the Chapter icon of their progenitors, the Ultramarines) is centred upon the skull's forehead.
Relations
Allies
| Name | Iconography | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imperius Ravagers |  |
Almost since their inception, the Wardens of Orask have been staunch allies of their fellow Scions of Guilliman, the brutal and bellicose Imperius Ravagers. Not long after their inception in the 34th Millennium, these two Chapters found themselves fighting alongside one another, to enforce the quarantine zone around the Ghoul Stars during the mysterious event known as the Pale Wasting. The Imperius Ravagers deployed half their Chapter to help stem the tide against a mysterious xenos invasion that swept across scores of Imperial worlds as "nightmare engines" slaughtered the populations of whole sectors. Finding themselves of like-mind and similar mien, these two Chapters ruthlessly executed their duties in the persecution of these deadly xenos. Much of what occurred during this tumultuous period in Imperial history has been censored or purposely destroyed, but what is known is that eleven Space Marine Chapters were lost in the final battles of this apocalyptic struggle. These Scions of Guilliman formed strong bonds of brotherhood, forged in blood and fire, as they willingly sacrificed themselves to stem the tide of this dire xenos threat. Since that dark age, the Wardens and the Imperius Ravagers have vowed to answer one another's call should the need arise, a debt that has been repaid only on a handful of occasions down the millennia. |
| Spartiate Marines |  |
The Spartiate Marines are a bellicose and ruthless Chapter that hails from the same proud lineage of Guilliman as the Wardens. Originally, they served as one of the Astartes Praeses, one of several Chapters charged with permanent overwatch over the Eye of Terror against incursions by the Forces of Chaos. Eventually, this Chapter found itself re-assigned to Sector Occident Prime, located in the Segmentum Solar, to defend the Imperium against Chaos incursions from the dual warp rifts known as the 'Hellgates'. The Wardens of Orask first crossed paths with their cousin-Chapter during the Third Hell Crusade in 514.M39, when the largest incursion of Heretic Astartes from the Hellgates launched a massive invasion, conquering and slaughtering whole populations on a score of Imperial worlds in several surrounding sectors. To stem the flow, the High Lords of Terra ordered the immediate mobilisation of several fleet-based Chapters to come to the aid of the Hell Warders Chapters, halt the invasion and bring salvation to the imperilled planets. Upon their arrival, the Wardens of Orask coordinated their efforts with the Hell Warders Chapters. The Wardens and the Spartiate Marines found that their tactical doctrines complemented one another, and they were successful in freeing half a dozen systems from the tyranny of the Ruinous Powers. Since that time, these two Chapters have continued to enact a coordinated exchange program. This program fosters brotherhood between the two Chapters as well as helps to develop cultural understanding, regional expertise and interoperability. |
| Blades of Dorn |  |
The Blades of Dorn are a Sucessor Chapter descended from the proud lineage of the stoic Rogal Dorn. They were created during the tumultuous centuries of the Nova Terra Interregnum, sometime during the 35th Millennium, to help bring much-needed security to the Imperium, which had been split in half following the secession of the Segmentum Pacificus from the Imperium of Man. The Blades of Dorn were one such Chapter created to help counteract the many outside threats to the unstable borders of the Imperium during this dark period of unrest and civil strife. The Wardens of Orask were one of several Adeptus Astartes Chapters to be called upon by the High Lords of Terra to mobilise to this troubled region of the galaxy to help counteract the rapid erosion and contradiction of the Imperium's borders.
The Wardens soon found themselves fighting alongside the newly created Blades of Dorn, which quickly garnered a reputation for being one of the most highly active Chapters during this conflict, as well as their fellow Scions of Guilliman - the brutal and bellicose Imperius Ravagers - deploying from warzone to warzone, fighting against secessionist forces as well as responding to various emergencies and adding their strength to multiple ongoing campaigns. Fighting alongside the Blades, these three Chapters helped to tip the balance of several conflicts in the Imperium's favour. Forming unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood in the heat of battle, the Wardens were one of the few Chapters that continued to support the Blades of Dorn following the fall from grace, and eventual excommunication, of their progenitors - the Crusaders of Dorn. Despite the aspersions, suspicions and outright hostility shown to the Blades, the Wardens stood by their cousin Chapter, and vehemently argued on their behalf, that they were both honourable and devoutly loyal, despite their progenitor's sins. Whenever called upon, the Wardens have eagerly answered the Blades' call, and have fought alongside this dedicated and stalwart Chapter several times down the millennia. |
| Silver Centurions |  |
A fellow Scions of Guilliman Chapter, the Silver Centurions share a strong alliance with the Wardens of Orask. It is not known, with any certainty, when these two Chapters formed these bonds of kinship. However, Imperial scholars have determined that the Wardens of Orask and the Silver Centurions share a common hatred of the Emperor's Children Traitor Legion and have founded a friendship off of their mutual hatred for the whore-sons of Fulgrim. Down the millennia, the Silver Centurions have, on occasion, rushed to the aid of their brother Chapter when assistance was requested, without hesitation. |
Strained
| Name | Iconography | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blades of Elysium |  |
Due to several unfortunate encounters, there is much animosity and bitterness between the Blades of Elysium and the Wardens of Orask, leaving both Chapters with a rather tumultuous and sometimes violent rivalry. The Wardens are immensely proud warriors who do not take kindly to having their honour slighted and the Blades tend to have an air of arrogance and believe they are superior. This rivalry itself stems from a confrontation between the Wardens of Orask and the Blades of Elysium during the Purging of Roduno campaign in 567.M35. First, the Wardens and the Blades nearly came to blows over how to proceed, they both eventually put aside their intolerance and bias to strike back and defeat both the insurrectionists and the Chaos warband. In the end, though, the Blades pulled back their 1st and 3rd companies during a critical point of the battle when the Wardens' 1st Company was heavily engaged with the Merciless. This action taken by the Blades of Elysium led the Wardens of Orask to suffer heavy losses to their 1st Company. The Wardens held the Blades of Elysium responsible for the losses of their veterans, a stain on their honour that has not been forgotten. |
Enemies
| Name | Iconography | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corpse Kings |  |
Once fellow scions of Guilliman, these treacherous curs now raid the worlds of the Imperium - killing and enslaving its civilians. The Corpse Kings suffered the wrath of the Inquisition for not returning the relic known as the Fell-Heart and were declared Excommunicate Traitoris when they fired upon Inquisitorial vessels. These actions led to their homeworld being sentenced to Exterminatus following a Chaotic rebellion. This Chapter was once known for their stubbornness, valour and dedication to duty now raid and kill without remorse in their eyes anyone they consider weak. The Wardens of Orask and the rest of the sons of Guilliman will stop at nothing to wipe out this plight from the face of the galaxy. |
| Red Corsairs |  |
The Red Corsairs are a large Renegade warband that resides within the warp rift known as the Maelstrom. Made up of disparate Chaos Space Marines that have seceded from the Imperium, these renegades spend much of their time as space pirates, launching brutal raids on Imperial shipping and outposts. Led by their renegade master, Huron Blackheart, for the last century, the Red Corsairs have continuously been a thorn in the Imperium's side, bringing misery and death to the domains that these renegades were previously sworn to protect. The Wardens of Orask hate the Red Corsairs above all else, for it was they who laid their Chapter low, destroying four of their ships during multiple void engagements during the recent 13th Black Crusade. The Wardens of Orask long for revenge, and will go out of their way to take part in any campaign against the Forces of Chaos, especially if the Red Corsairs are involved. |
| Emperor's Children |  |
There have been many engagements throughout the millennium against this hated foe of the Wardens of Orask. For the Wardens will stop at nothing to wipe out these traitors for the grievous act that nearly took the life of their Primarch Roboute Guilliman. The Wardens' hatred for these treacherous curs has no bounds as they will continue to purge the known galaxy of these elusive traitors until they are completely eradicated. |
| Alpha Legion |  |
The vile Alpha Legion has continuously operated throughout the Ultima Segmentum since the bygone era of the Horus Heresy. They've continued their Long War against the Scions of Guilliman by stirring up dissension, rebellion and generally causing chaos and mayhem throughout the Realms of Ultramar. These treacherous betrayers of Mankind have eluded the Wardens of Orasks many times. Lured into various ambushes set to terminate the Wardens have come to no avail. This enmity between them has endured into the late 41st Millennium, with no end in sight. Despite the ongoing conflict between these two forces, the Wardens remain ever vigilant for these most treacherous of Heretic Astartes. |
Notable Quotes
By the Wardens of Orask
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About the Wardens of Orask
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| Seventh Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | Angels of the Lion • Knights Triumphant • Lorekeepers • Poison Angels • |
| White Scars Successors | Saurian Tyrants • |
| Space Wolves Successors | N/A |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Sons of Zeus • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Angels of Rebirth • Crimson Wardens • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Hellhounds • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Hochmeister • Knights of Ultramar • Ruby Consuls • Wardens of Orask • |
| Salamanders Successors | • |
| Raven Guard Successors | Emperor's Weavers • |
| Unknown Lineage | Cobalt Crusaders • Exalted Paladins • |
| Renegades | Scholari Brotherhood • |
Gallery
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Warhammer 40k Lore - The Wardens of Orask, Homebrew Chapters
Warhammer 40k Lore - The Wardens of Orask Return, Homebrew Chapters