Difference between revisions of "Emperor's Spears"

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|Marine Px=200
 
|Marine Px=200
 
|Name=Emperor's Spears
 
|Name=Emperor's Spears
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|Founding Chapter=[[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|3c}}{{Fn|4b}}
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|Founding Chapter=[[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|3d}}{{Fn|4c}}
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|Founding=[[25th Founding]] (The Bastion Founding){{Fn|3a}}
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|Founding=[[25th Founding]] (The Bastion Founding){{Fn|3b}}
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|Chapter Master='''[[Arucatas]], the Swordbearer''', High King{{Fn|3d}}
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|Chapter Master='''[[Arucatas]], the Swordbearer''', High King{{Fn|3e}}
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|Homeworld=[[Nemeton]]{{Fn|3b}}
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|Homeworld=[[Nemeton]]{{Fn|3c}}
 
|Fortress-Monastery=
 
|Fortress-Monastery=
 
|Colours=Light blue armour, white helmet and aquila
 
|Colours=Light blue armour, white helmet and aquila
 
|Specialty=Air-to-Ground Warfare, Drop Pod Assaults.{{Fn|2}}
 
|Specialty=Air-to-Ground Warfare, Drop Pod Assaults.{{Fn|2}}
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|Battle Cry=Skovakarah uhl zarûn. (Gothic translation: 'Redden the earth').{{Fn|3d}}
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|Battle Cry=Skovakarah uhl zarûn. (Gothic translation: 'Redden the earth').{{Fn|3e}}
 
|Strength=
 
|Strength=
 
|Symbol=Emperor's Spears Livery.jpg
 
|Symbol=Emperor's Spears Livery.jpg
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Early History===
 
===Early History===
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The Emperor's Spears are believed to have come from the [[25th Founding]], also known as the Bastion Founding, in the latter half of [[M40]]. Even before the opening of the [[Great Rift]], at this time Elara’s Veil was beset by conflict that stretched the ability of the [[Celestial Lions]] to defend it. A petition was made to the [[Senatorum Imperialis]] for reinforcements, and the next [[Space Marine]] [[Founding]] saw the Lions joined by two new Chapters: the Emperor’s Spears and [[Star Scorpions]]. Together these three Chapters formed the Adeptus Vaelarii - the Sentinels of the Veil - and were bound by a sacred oath to protect the region.{{Fn|6}}
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The Emperor's Spears are believed to have come from the [[25th Founding]], also known as the Bastion Founding, in the latter half of [[M40]]. Even before the opening of the [[Great Rift]], Elara’s Veil was beset by conflicts that stretched the ability of the [[Celestial Lions]] to defend it. This region of space shifted in that millennium, like many Imperial sectors, in loyalty and prosperity. The Lions were sent into combat across the known [[galaxy]] while simultaneously protecting the borders of the [[Elysium System|Elysium IX]], and held no oath to defend the entirety of Elara's Veil nor the resources to do so.{{Fn|3a}} A petition was made to the [[Senatorum Imperialis]] for reinforcements, and the next [[Space Marine]] [[Founding]] saw the Lions joined by two new Chapters: the Emperor’s Spears and [[Star Scorpions]]. Together these three Chapters formed the Adeptus Vaelarii - the Sentinels of the Veil - and were bound by a sacred oath to protect the region.{{Fn|6}}
  
 
The first known appearance of the Chapter was in 594.M40, making them relatively young by the standards of Space Marine Chapters.{{Fn|5}} In the Spears' first sighting they answered the call of a deep-void [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] hydroponics installation. Here they were noted by witnesses to have been needlessly aggressive, heedless of collateral damage, and lingered after the battle to harvest the heads of their dead xenos foes. In their first millennia of existence they focused heavily on expanding their [[Chapter Fleet]].{{Fn|6}} Even in their relatively short history, the Emperor’s Spears have clashed with their fellow Space Marines, notably the [[Aurora Chapter]] during the [[Eukari Insurrection]]. So vicious was the conflict that the [[Ultramarines]] sent representatives to quell it, ruling that the Emperor’s Spears had acted rashly and were to blame for the violence. It is only in recent years that [[Chapter Master|High King]] [[Arucatas|Arucatas the Swordbearer]] has eased the tensions that exist between the Emperor's Spears and Ultramarines.{{Fn|5}}
 
The first known appearance of the Chapter was in 594.M40, making them relatively young by the standards of Space Marine Chapters.{{Fn|5}} In the Spears' first sighting they answered the call of a deep-void [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] hydroponics installation. Here they were noted by witnesses to have been needlessly aggressive, heedless of collateral damage, and lingered after the battle to harvest the heads of their dead xenos foes. In their first millennia of existence they focused heavily on expanding their [[Chapter Fleet]].{{Fn|6}} Even in their relatively short history, the Emperor’s Spears have clashed with their fellow Space Marines, notably the [[Aurora Chapter]] during the [[Eukari Insurrection]]. So vicious was the conflict that the [[Ultramarines]] sent representatives to quell it, ruling that the Emperor’s Spears had acted rashly and were to blame for the violence. It is only in recent years that [[Chapter Master|High King]] [[Arucatas|Arucatas the Swordbearer]] has eased the tensions that exist between the Emperor's Spears and Ultramarines.{{Fn|5}}
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*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/334362-emperors-spears-wip-army-log/page-3#entry4902507 Statements by Aaaron Dembski-Bowden]
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/334362-emperors-spears-wip-army-log/page-3#entry4902507 Statements by Aaaron Dembski-Bowden]
 
*3: [[Index Astartes - Emperor's Spears (Limited Edition)]]:
 
*3: [[Index Astartes - Emperor's Spears (Limited Edition)]]:
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**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 4
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**{{Endn|3a}}: pg. 3
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**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 7
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**{{Endn|3b}}: pg. 4
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**{{Endn|3c}}: pg. 13
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**{{Endn|3c}}: pg. 7
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**{{Endn|3d}}: pg. 14
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**{{Endn|3d}}: pg. 13
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**{{Endn|3e}}: pg. 14
 
*4: [[Spear of the Emperor (Novel)]]:
 
*4: [[Spear of the Emperor (Novel)]]:
 
**{{Endn|4a}}: Chapter I
 
**{{Endn|4a}}: Chapter I

Revision as of 05:12, 11 December 2025


Emperor's Spears
 Emperor's Spears Livery.jpg
EmpSpears9th.jpg Spears Miniature.png
Founding Chapter: Ultramarines[3d][4c]
Founding: 25th Founding (The Bastion Founding)[3b]
Chapter Master: Arucatas, the Swordbearer, High King[3e]
Homeworld: Nemeton[3c]
Colours: Light blue armour, white helmet and aquila
Specialty: Air-to-Ground Warfare, Drop Pod Assaults.[2]
Battle Cry Skovakarah uhl zarûn. (Gothic translation: 'Redden the earth').[3e]

The Emperor's Spears are a Space Marine Chapter whose primary purpose is to protect the region known as Elara's Veil as part of an alliance known as the Adeptus Vaelarii.[1][2] The Chapter's homeworld is Nemeton, an aquatic planet with small landmasses. They rely on a large fleet that surpasses those of most Chapters due to their alliance with the Forge World of Bellona and many of their warships carry support legions of Skitarii.[2][6]

History

Early History

The Emperor's Spears are believed to have come from the 25th Founding, also known as the Bastion Founding, in the latter half of M40. Even before the opening of the Great Rift, Elara’s Veil was beset by conflicts that stretched the ability of the Celestial Lions to defend it. This region of space shifted in that millennium, like many Imperial sectors, in loyalty and prosperity. The Lions were sent into combat across the known galaxy while simultaneously protecting the borders of the Elysium IX, and held no oath to defend the entirety of Elara's Veil nor the resources to do so.[3a] A petition was made to the Senatorum Imperialis for reinforcements, and the next Space Marine Founding saw the Lions joined by two new Chapters: the Emperor’s Spears and Star Scorpions. Together these three Chapters formed the Adeptus Vaelarii - the Sentinels of the Veil - and were bound by a sacred oath to protect the region.[6]

The first known appearance of the Chapter was in 594.M40, making them relatively young by the standards of Space Marine Chapters.[5] In the Spears' first sighting they answered the call of a deep-void Adeptus Mechanicus hydroponics installation. Here they were noted by witnesses to have been needlessly aggressive, heedless of collateral damage, and lingered after the battle to harvest the heads of their dead xenos foes. In their first millennia of existence they focused heavily on expanding their Chapter Fleet.[6] Even in their relatively short history, the Emperor’s Spears have clashed with their fellow Space Marines, notably the Aurora Chapter during the Eukari Insurrection. So vicious was the conflict that the Ultramarines sent representatives to quell it, ruling that the Emperor’s Spears had acted rashly and were to blame for the violence. It is only in recent years that High King Arucatas the Swordbearer has eased the tensions that exist between the Emperor's Spears and Ultramarines.[5]

At one point the combined three Chapters of the Adeptus Vaelarii had temporarily cleansed the region of threats, however this was not to last. Eventually the Star Scorpions were lost to the Warp and the Celestial Lions haemorrhaged resources due to Inquisition interference, severely weakening the Adeptus Vaelarii. A region that once struggled under the combined strength of three Space Marine Chapters was now largely defended by one.[6]

Great Rift

Spoiler!
The following paragraphs contain spoilers for: Spear of the Emperor (Novel)

Since the opening of the Great Rift, the Emperor’s Spears have been beset by new dangers. The Rift is visible from Nemeton, and its influence has been felt across the Elara’s Veil region. The previously lost Star Scorpions emerged from the depths of the Warp as the Pure, a Chaos warband leading an army of humans and mutants known as the Exilarchy.[6]

Hoping for reinforcements, decades ago the Spears once sent ships through the Straits of Epona to cross the Great Rift every five years. Without any results and no responses from Terra, all attempts at reconnecting with the Imperium Sanctus have been halted to conserve resources.[4f] The only Imperium contact received in ages was with the arrival of the In Devout Abjuration as part of an expedition headed by Lieutenant Commander Amadeus Kaias Incarius of the Mentors Chapter, ostensibly to confirm the status of the Adeptus Vaelarii. Following the assassination of Celestial Lions Chapter Master Ekene Dubaku at the hands of an Inquisition agent disguised as one of Amadeus' serfs, it was later believed by the Adeptus Vaelarii and Amadeus himself that the entire expedition had been an Inquisition operation with cooperation from Nisk Ran-Thawll as part of the former’s feud with the Celestial Lions.[4g]

For a time the Adeptus Vaelarii and Exilarchy remained at a stalemate. This lasted until the Exilarchy amassed a fleet that became known as the Storm Tide, larger than any encountered by the Sentinels of the Veil, and laid siege to the Celestial Lions homeworld of Elysium IX. The Adeptus Vaelarii’s own Exodus Armada launched an attack on the Exilarchy blockade to aid the Lions’ evacuation.[2][6]

Hard pressed by constant war and isolation following the loss of the Star Scorpions and near-annihilation of the Celestial Lions, it remains to be seen how the Chapter's future will unfold.[5] What remains of the Armada has dispersed into defensive blockades in the Ophion System to hold the Adeptus Vaelarii’s remaining territory.[4h][6]

Notable Engagements

Organization

Emperor's Spears Primaris Battleguard[5]

The Emperor’s Spears are a loosely Codex-compliant Chapter, with some notable exceptions. Rather than fighting as typical companies, the Chapter tends to operate as autonomous warhosts, often ranging far from Nemeton in defense of Elara’s Veil. Warhosts often only return to Nemeton for gathering new recruits and repairs at the orbital dockyards of Bellona. The exact number and composition of Spears warhosts are unknown to Imperial scholars, however it is suggested that they are similar in number and offensive capacity to typical Battle Companies.[6]

Some officer ranks of the Emperor's Spears use naming conventions that differ from typical Space Marine chapters. While Sergeants and Veteran Sergeants are not known to use alternative names, Lieutenants are known as Battleguards, Captains are Warleaders or Warhost Lords,[5] and the Chapter Master is known as the High King.[6]

The Chapter's First Company, the Paragons, are an elite warrior caste within the Spears. Their battlefield objectives do not always align with those of their non-Paragon brethren and they are fierce hunters who are usually focused on eliminating enemy commanders and champions. They are not permitted to serve as officers and are outside of the standard chain of command; Paragons have forgone the ability to lead their brethren into combat. Unconfirmed reports claim that that Paragon supplicants must be recommended by at least three current veterans, then perform several feats of prowess in combat as well as blood rites and other secretive rituals.[5][6]

The clear delineation of the Librarian, Chaplain, Techmarine and Apothecary of normal Chapters are not present in the Emperor's Spears. The Chapter does utilize psychically-gifted Space Marine soldiers, machine-versed warriors who train on Bellona, and warrior-priests who stand watchful over the souls of their men, however they are all collectively known as Druids. These members of the Druidic Council are broken into three orders, perform duties based on their esoteric abilities and specialist skills, are all trained to use the tools of an Apothecary, and can harvest the gene-seed of their fallen brothers. It is unknown if this change was present before the Spears' isolation or not.[5][6] Unable to reach the Sol System, druidic Techmarines are known to train on Bellona rather that sacred Mars.[6]

Culture

Nemeton, the Storm World[6]

While the Chapter makes efforts to minimise collateral damage, its forces have been known to plunge into battle and put glory above prudence. These tendencies can be seen in conflicts like the Eukari Insurrection, and the Spears have been accused in the past of being unreliable by Imperial commanders. Despite this, recent difficulties have forced the Emperor's Spears into being more cooperative with other forces of the Imperium; survival in Elara's Veil must come before pride.[4][6]

Hailing from the primitive world of Nemeton, the Spears continue to embrace the tribal nature of their homeworld. Several tribes inhabit the world - the Twelve Tribes of Nemeton - such as the Arakanii, Kavalei, Novontei, and Vargantes.[2] These tribes share a loose culture and veneration of the world's rain, and even upon entrance into the Chapter the Spears continue to cling to their tribal identity; Spears often call each other simply by their tribe.[4d]

The most esoteric belief and practice of the people of Nemeton is the geas, a concept that exists in other Imperial cultures under different spellings and pronunciations.[4f] Children of the clans, and by extensions future Spears, are brought before a tribal shaman who reads the flow of fate in their blood. The nature of geases vary drastically, but all are supernatural 'promises' of a specific moment or choice in a child's future and often take the form of warnings against dishonour or even death should the bearer ever act in a particular way. Spears believes that geases are read through echoes of the Warp and that armed with its foreknowledge a brother can avoid a wrong choice when its time comes.[6]

Contrary to the reverence most Space Marine homeworld populations have for Astartes, the Spears are viewed by the people of Nemeton as cursed ghosts rather than heroes to be celebrated. Service in the armies of the God-Emperor is a death sentence, not an honour to be fought for. Those children of Nemeton who "ascend" to become Emperor's Spears abandon their natural lives to become inhuman angels. Spears who return to Nemeton do not honour their bloodlines, they are seen as the spirits of children lost to fate, reshaped past their former humanity.[6] Mothers shield their sons from passing Spears, and women will often spit or chant counter-hexes in their presence. The Spears in turn continue to maintain a degree of mysticism, interacting in rituals with witches and prophets of Nemeton.[4e]

Heraldry

Spears Rank Markings.jpeg

The Chapter's warhosts do not mark their azure armour with markings that denote companies.[2] Squads are marked with Roman numerals or Runes of Ogham - the written language of Nemeton that is indecipherable to most outsiders - that are believed to comprise a mix of unit markings, honour sigils and other more esoteric icons.[2][5] The specific runes worn on Spear's armour are not used elsewhere in the Nemetese language, and they are not believed to represent numbers.[2] These runes may be black, silver, or white, and can also be carved into talismans worn by the Chapter.[2]

Most warriors bear personal heraldry on one knee pad, which is painted in a deeper blue. This heraldry usually reflects a specific campaign the battle-brother fought in, or the Manticora Bestia Fidelitas, a sigil representing the unity of the Adeptus Vaelarii that can be worn by any warrior who has shed blood in combat. The Skitarii of Bellona and allied Imperial Guard regiments often also bear this sigil, and the Star Scorpions and Celestial Lions used to wear it elsewhere on their armour as well.[2][6] Other common symbols worn on the knee include the red and black stellar cartographic symbol representing Elara's Veil, or a personalised symbol of the nebula itself.[2] The Ardent Gauntlet can be worn by warriors of any rank and is extremely common alongside the Manticora; it is a symbol of a silver fist worn by Spears and Lions that represents the Exodus Armada.[2] Those who have who fought alongside the lost Star Scorpions or the dying Celestial Lions may bear icons of those Chapters in honour of fallen comrades-in-arms, however no Primaris Marines have fought alongside the Scorpions and therefore their symbol is only worn by Firstborn.[2][6]

Some Emperor’s Spears wear cloaks made from the fur pelts or serpent scale of beasts they have hunted and slain on Nemeton to mark successful hunts on their homeworld, although most were gifted to the Chapter by the Twelve Tribes of Nemeton.[2][5][6] Bone trinkets and talismans are sometimes gifted as well.[2]

As all members of the Chapter wear white helmets, their officers are marked by the helmet crests they wear. Sergeants and Veteran Sergeants bear transverse crests in red, or red and black respectively. Longitudinal crests distinguish higher ranks. The vaunted Battleguard have black and red stripes and Warhost Lords black and white, while pure white is reserved for the High King, the Chapter Master. The Chapter’s First Company, the Paragons, bear no crests – an inverted red trident is painted onto their helmets instead.[5] Many Paragons have a trident tattooed on their faces in red or white ink and always wear white shoulder pads, with the rims the same blue as their armour. Officers may choose to have one or both shoulder pads painted white as well.[2]

Their druidic Librarians, Apothecaries,[2] and Techmarines[6] wear black.[2][6] Librarians and Apothecaries appear druidic and priestly, however Techmarines forgo this and appear "wholly tech'd-up." Rather than wearing many symbols of Mars, Techmarines wear the symbol of Bellona - a half cog-like halo over a skull weeping blood, a symbol also worn by Cult Mechanicus and Skitarii Legions of Bellona.[2] Chaplains wear black but their helmets are painted bone-coloured and red tear-trails run down the cheeks of their skull-like helmets. All other skulls on their armour share these blood-tears and represent something from a Nemetese legend.[2]

Spears have a code of conduct that forbid them from being too dirty; even in the middle of a campaign they're forces to clean their armour and maintain it as well as they are able to, both to honour its machine spirit and to intimidate the enemy rather than look weak and battered.[2]

Chapter Elements

Fleet

Relics

Notable Members

Images

Miniatures

See also

Source

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