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[[Image:SW13th.jpg|thumb|right|Space Wolves of the 13th Great Company{{Fn|6}}]]
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'''Dekk-Tra''', the '''13th Great Company''', the '''Corpse Renders''', was one of the original [[Great Companies]] of the [[Space Wolves]] [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] of the [[Adeptus Astartes]]. Known as '''Wulfenkind''', or the '''Wolf Brothers'''{{fn|3}}, they disappeared during the [[Horus Heresy]], only to re-emerge from the [[Eye of Terror]] during the [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]].{{fn|7}}{{fn|16}}
  
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The '''13th Great Company''' was one of the original Great Companies of the [[Space Wolf]] [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]] of the [[Adeptus Astartes]]. The Great Company disappeared during the [[Horus Heresy]], only to re-emerge from the [[Eye of Terror]] during the [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]].
+
==History==
 +
The 13th Great Company was formed from the followers of [[Leman Russ (primarch)|Leman Russ]] from his days on [[Fenris]] before the coming of the [[Emperor|Allfather]], despite the warnings of the [[Mechanicum]] that they were too old to undergo the transformation; many died in the process. As a result, they were known as the "Greybeards" to the rest of the Legion, while they referred to themselves as the "Wolf Brothers".{{Fn|3}} [[Jorin Bloodhowl]], one of Russ's original [[Einherjar]] honour guard, became the first [[Praetor (Rank)|jarl]] of the Dekk-Tra, the 13th, which was considered the most honourable and the closest to Russ.{{Fn|11a}}
 +
 
 +
It was among the ranks of the Wolf Brothers that the [[Wulfen|Curse of the Wulfen]] first appeared, afflicting warriors in the heat of battle without any prior warning. During the [[Dulan Campaign]], two Legionaries succumbed in quick succession, although the affliction had been seen before by Jorin and his huscarl, [[Bulveye]]. The [[Wolf Priest]] [[Ulbrandr Crowhame]] was unable to discover any physiological cause, neither was the [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]] [[Leif Hemligjaga]] able to detect any trace of ''[[Chaos|maleficarum]]''. Jorin resolved to keep it a secret, telling not even the primarch.{{Fn|11a}}
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 +
Bulveye later succeeded Jorin as jarl and led the Wolf Brothers as part of the 954th [[Expeditionary Fleet]] at the [[Battle of Kernunnos]]{{fn|3}} and the [[Battle of Prospero]], where they disappeared.{{Fn|8}} The 13th Great Company is also known to have taken part in the first [[Siege of Cthonia]] alongside the [[Imperial Fists]] 9th and 14th battalions and the 456th company, as well as some [[Adeptus Custodes]] sodalities.{{Fn|15}}
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 +
===Disappearance===
 +
[[file:ObsidianStone13thCompany.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The fixed obsidian stone on the [[Grand Annulus]] inside [[The Fang]], representing the 13th Company's absence from the Chapter.]]
 +
The 13th Great Company was lost during the Space Wolves' pursuit of the [[Thousand Sons]] following the [[Burning of Prospero]], though the exact circumstances were considered a mystery to the Space Wolves of the [[M41|41st Millennium]].{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|1c}} One legend states that the members of the 13th Company swore to hunt their foes down until every last one of the cursed marines was slain, no matter how long it took, nor where the traitors fled.{{Fn|2}} Although at the time of their disappearance, Bulveye was Jarl{{fn|8}}, in the 41st Millennium the Space Wolves believe Jorin Bloodhowl was [[Wolf Lord]] of the 13th{{Fn|1c}}. Several members have since claimed the title '''Jarl'''{{fn|10b}} or '''Wolf Lord'''.{{fn|7}}
  
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==Company Summary==
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They vanished from Imperial records, and their stone on the [[Grand Annulus]] (the record of Space Wolf Great Companies in the Great Hall of the [[Fang]]), was replaced by a black slab of obsidian.{{Fn|1b}} Since then, the subject of the 13th Company has become taboo among the Space Wolves, and it is forbidden to speak of them except in whispers.{{Fn|1c}}. The black stone on the Grand Annulus has come to represent all the Great Companies in the [[chapter]]'s history that have disappeared, been destroyed in battle, or turned renegade.{{Fn|1c}} Before their disappearance, their totem was the sign of the [[Wulfen]], but no Great Company has used that badge since the Heresy.{{Fn|1c}}
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{{Loyalist Chapters
 
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|Marine=Unknown.jpg
 
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|Name=Space Wolves 13th Great Company
 
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|Founding Chapter=[[Space Wolves]]
 
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|Founding=N/A
 
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|Chapter Master=Bulveye
 
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|Homeworld=[[Fenris]]
 
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|Fortress-Monastery=N/A
 
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|Colours=Grey
 
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|Specialty=Assault
 
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|Battle Cry=Unknown
 
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|Strength=Unknown
 
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|Symbol=Unknown.jpg
 
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|Symbol
 
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|Miniature=13thCompanyMarine.jpg
 
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|Miniature Px=110
 
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}}
 
  
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==History==
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===The Hunt===
 +
{{Spoiler|source=Ahriman: Sorcerer (Novel)}}
 +
A force of Wolves of the 13th Great Company led by '''Grimur Red Iron''' hunted after [[Ahzek Ahriman]] using the visions of '''Scyld''', a newly blooded Space Marine at the time of the Burning of Prospero who had found the wyrd in him during the hunt.{{fn|10a}} They followed him out of the Eye into realspace as he sought the [[Athenaeum of Kallimakus]], forced to kill members of the [[Ultramarines]] and [[White Consuls]] that barred their path at the [[Cadian Gate]].{{Fn|10b}} Too late, Grimur discovered that Scyld's visions had been sent by Ahriman to manipulate them into attacking the [[Grey Knights]] [[strike cruiser]] ''Sigillite's Oath'' above [[Apollonia]].{{fn|10c}}
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 +
At some time in late [[M41]], the 13th Great Company was encountered by [[Ragnar Blackmane]] on the shadow-copy of [[Charys]] conjured by the Thousand Sons. Lord [[Bulveye]] was in command, though he was not forthcoming about the 13th Great Company's origins, or how the Great Company had fared in the 10,000 years since their departure.{{Fn|2}} A small number of the 13th Company's Wolves fought alongside Ragnar and his comrades to defeat the [[Chaos Sorcerer]] [[Madox]], thwarting a plot by the Thousand Sons to destroy the Wolves.{{Fn|2}} The 13th Great Company was also suspected to have saved Imperial forces under [[Black Legion]] attack in the [[Ormantep Raid]]{{Fn|6}}
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 +
===Return===
 +
{{Main|Hunt for the Wulfen}}
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 +
At the end of the 41st Millennium, the 13th Great Company began to return to realspace across the galaxy, prompting the Space Wolves to send out numerous expeditions to find them and bring them back to [[Fenris]] before Imperial forces encountered them.{{fn|9a}} Although partially successful in rounding the [[Wulfen]] up, they were sighted by Imperial forces, who put together a [[Crusade|Crusade Fleet]] which laid [[Siege of the Fenris System|siege]] to the Fenris system.{{fn|9b}}
  
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The 13th Great Company was formed from the followers of [[Leman_Russ_(primarch)|Leman Russ]] from his days on [[Fenris]], before the coming of the [[Emperor]]. As such they were known as the "Greybeards" to the rest of the Legion, while they referred to themselves as the "Wolf Brothers"<sup>3</sup>.  Immediately preceding the Heresy, the Company was led by the [[Wolf Lord]] Bulveye.  
+
Others emerged from the [[Eye of Terror]] during the [[13th Black Crusade]].{{Fn|4}}{{Fn|1d}}
  
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Space Wolf legend states that the Thirteenth Company was sent by Leman Russ to pursue the survivors of the [[Thousand Sons]], after a failed attempt to eliminate them at their homeworld of [[Prospero]]<sup>2</sup>. The members of the 13th Company swore to hunt their foes down until every last one of the cursed marines was slain, no matter how long it took, nor where the traitors fled. [[Wolf Lord]] Bulveye himself casts small doubt over the veracity of these legends with his guarded response to [[Ragnar Blackmane]]'s historical recount of their mission during the events of [[Wolf's Honour]]<sup>2</sup> They vanished from Imperial records, and their loss is honoured by a black stone in the Grand Annulus (the record of Space Wolf Great Companies).
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===Partial Recovery===
 +
Shortly after the end of the [[Indomitus Crusade]], it was discovered that up to 200 uncorrupted Heresy-era members of the 13th Great Company under [[Bulveye]] himself were still alive, trapped in a network of Warp Portals on [[Prospero]]. [[Njal Stormcaller]] and a force of Space Wolves [[Battle of Prospero (M42)|managed to recover many of these warriors]].{{Fn|12}}
  
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Somehow, the hardy Sons of Russ survived their journey through the Eye and emerged, long after they should have perished, in pursuit of [[Abaddon]].<sup>1</sup> Given that they vanished before the [[Emperor]] was interred on the [[Golden Throne]], they have been missing for approximately 10,000 years
+
==Character==
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One thing that sets the 13th Great Company apart from the rest of the Space Wolves is the large percentage of warriors who have succumbed to the [[Curse of the Wulfen]]. Whether the increased percentage of 13th Company Marines who have succumbed to the Curse is a result of their prolonged exposure to the Eye of Terror, or whether it existed before their disappearance, is unknown.{{Fn|4}} However, Space Wolf legend describes Wulfen as the '''Thirteenth Wolf''' which stalks all of the Space Wolves.{{Fn|5}}
  
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Their reappearance at the beginning of Abaddon the Despoiler’s Thirteenth Black Crusade has brought them back into the spotlight. They appear to still be in pursuit of the goal Leman Russ set for them, and it was believed that Leman Russ himself was their leader, although this was never proven.
+
==Organisation==
 +
Due to the lack of available reinforcements, resupply, or proper facilities, the 13th Company's organisation and equipment departs heavily from Space Wolf norms. The 13th Company maintains the dark grey colour scheme of the Pre-Heresy Space Wolves, on what little remains of their original equipment. Much of their armour and weaponry has been replaced with material scavenged from their fallen [[Chaos]] foes. Not surprisingly, their Company has almost no heavy equipment such as tanks, [[Terminators]] or [[Dreadnoughts]].{{Fn|4}}{{Fn|2}} Because of the impossibility of recruiting new brethren, there are no [[Blood Claw]]s in the 13th Company. Each and every Blood Claw has long since advanced to a higher rank.{{Fn|4}}
  
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One other thing that sets the warriors of the 13th Company apart from the rest of their Space Wolves brethren is the large percentage of warriors who have succumbed to the animal nature that is part of the genetic legacy of their Primarch: the Mark of the Wulfen. This genetic mutation causes their canine nature to manifest itself more fully and, amongst other things, thick hair to grow over all the body and claws to sprout from the hands.  These warriors gather together in units and surrender themselves to their animalistic nature, rushing headlong at their foes, eager to use their sharp claws and teeth in close combat. Whether the increased percentage of 13th Company Marines who have succumbed to the Mark of the Wulfen is a result of their exposure to Eye of Terror, or whether it existed before and their increased percentage in the Company is simply due to the fact that their increased stamina and strength has allowed more of them to survive than their brethren is unknown<sup>1</sup>.
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[[Image:Greyslayers13thcompany.jpg|thumb|right|[[13th Great Company#Organisation|Grey Slayers]]]]
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[[Image:Stormclaws.jpg|thumb|right|[[13th Great Company#Organisation|Storm Claws]]]]
  
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==Organization==
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The core of a 13th Company warband is the '''Grey Slayers''', which fulfil the same role as [[Grey Hunters]]. The Company's assault specialists are the '''Storm Claws'''. They are equally experienced, but still more hot-headed and aggressive than the Grey Slayers. The key to the 13th Company's movement through the Warp are the [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]]s. Because the Eye of Terror has unlocked hidden [[psychic]] powers in many recruits, the Company has no shortage of these highly gifted individuals.{{Fn|4}}
  
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The Thirteenth Company's organization departs heavily from Space Wolf norms, due to the lack of reinforcements and 'fresh blood' supplying the Company, the inability to train members in specialist roles, the lack of heavy equipment, and the effect of having to exist within the Eye of Terror for ten thousand years. The core of a 13th Company warband are the Grey Slayers. Similar to [[Grey Hunters]], they fulfil the same role in battle.
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[[Image:WulfenMini.jpg|thumb|right|[[Wulfen]]]]
 +
Their most drastic departure from the rest of the Chapter is their willing use of the Wulfen in battle. Though normal Space Wolves sometimes use individual Wulfen in battle, the 13th Company use entire packs. Each and every member of the 13th Company carries the Curse, and it manifests itself in the Space Wolves at different times. The mutation's effects are even more pronounced because of the influence of Chaos; and yet, conversely, having to wrestle with this curse for so long has left the 13th Company exceptionally resistant to the malign influence of Chaos. It is believed that this is the only reason that the 13th Company - who have always remained loyal to Russ and the [[Emperor]] — have been able to survive for so long inside the Eye of Terror.{{Fn|4}}
  
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Because of the impossibility of recruiting new brethren, there are no [[Blood Claw]]s in the 13th Company. Each and every Blood Claw has long since advanced to a higher stage. The Company's assault specialists are the Storm Claws. They are equally experienced, but still more hot-headed and aggressive than the Grey Slayers.
+
==Notable Elements==
 +
===Fleet===
 +
*''[[Aesrumnír]]'' — [[Battleship]], flagship during the [[Great Crusade]]{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*''[[Wolf-Spirit]]'' — [[Battle Barge]] that took part in the [[Battle of Prospero]]{{Fn|13}}
 +
*''Hel's Daughter'' — Lead vessel of Grimur Red Iron's hunt{{Fn|10b}}
 +
*''Blood Howl'' — Grimur Red Iron's hunt, destroyed at the [[Cadian Gate]]{{Fn|10b}}
 +
*''Crone Hammer'' — Grimur Red Iron's hunt{{Fn|10b}}
 +
*''Death's Laughter'' — Grimur Red Iron's hunt{{Fn|10b}}
 +
*''Storm Wyrm'' — Grimur Red Iron's hunt{{Fn|10b}}
 +
*''[[Haukr]]'' — one of six sub-[[warp]] interceptors{{Fn|11a}}
  
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The key to the 13th Company's movement through the Warp are the [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]]s. Because the Eye of Terror has unlocked hidden [[psychic]] powers in many recruits, the Company has no shortage of these highly gifted individuals.
+
===Notable Members===
 +
*[[Vali Thunderbrow]] — First [[Praetor (Rank)|Jarl]].{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Jorin Bloodhowl]] — [[Praetor (Rank)|Jarl]] during the [[Great Crusade]].{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*[[Gunnar Thorolfsson]]{{Fn|14}}
 +
*[[Ulbrandr Crowhame]] — [[Wolf Priest]].{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*[[Dommar Gunnarrsson]] — Wolf Priest, fought in the [[Battle for Prospero]].{{Fn|13}}
 +
*'''Asmund''' — [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]], 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Kloja]] — [[Iron Priest]].{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*[[Geigor Fell-Hand]] — [[Company Champion]], [[Wolf Guard]].{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Othgar]] — commander of the ''Haukr''.{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*'''Bavdir''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Bjell Hook-knife]] — Succumbed to the Curse of the Wulfen in the [[Dulan Campaign#Ynniu Void Battle|Ynniu Void Battle]].{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*'''Eirik''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*'''Halvdan Bale-Eye''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Haraal]] — Succumbed to the [[Wulfen|Curse of the Wulfen]] in the [[Dulan Campaign#Ynniu Void Battle|Ynniu Void Battle]].{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*'''Hroldir''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*'''Jorllon''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*'''Jurgen''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*'''Krodus''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
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*'''Vangun''' — 'Old Guard', fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|8}}
 +
*'''Jurgen''' — Fought in the Battle of Prospero.{{Fn|13}}
 +
*'''Colbey''' — Thegn of the [[Varagyr]], fought in the first [[Siege of Cthonia]].{{Fn|15}}
  
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The Wulfen are the most drastic departure from a normal Space Wolf. The Space Marines who mutate into Wulfen bear resemblance to werewolves in the same way as [[Blood Angels]] suffering the [[Red Thirst]] resemble vampires. Any Space Wolf to suffer as a Wulfen becomes a half man, half wolf creature with a feral mind. The mutation normally manifests itself in the Neophyte stage and Space Wolves must spend time in their training in a scenario designed to out those who have become Wulfen.
+
Bulveye's Hunt
 +
*[[Bulveye]] — the Old Wolf, [[Praetor (Rank)|Jarl]] at the end of the Great Crusade,{{Fn|3}} fought alongside [[Ragnar Blackmane]]{{Fn|2a}}
 +
*'''Torvald the Reaver''' — [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]]{{Fn|2a}}
  
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Though normal Space Wolves sometimes use individual Wulfen in battle, the 13th Company use entire packs. Each and every member of the 13th Company carries the Curse, and it manifests itself in the Space Wolves at different times. Thus even the Wulfen packs do not stay the same. It has manifested itself so strongly and so late because it reacts to the influence of Chaos; because of this side of their nature acting as a kind of spiritual defence mechanism, Space Wolves are exceptionally resistant to the malign influence of Chaos. It is believed that the 13th Company have only been able to survive living as Loyalist Marines in the [[Eye of Terror]] so long precisely because of this trait.
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Grimur Red Iron's Hunt
 +
*'''Grimur Red Iron''' — '''Jarl'''{{Fn|10a}}
 +
*'''Scyld''' — '''Rune Priest''', executed by Grimur Red Iron{{Fn|10c}}
 +
*'''Lother'''{{Fn|10a}}
  
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The 13th Company is also distinguished by maintaining the dark grey Pre-Heresy colour scheme of the Space Wolves on what little remains of their original equipment.  Much of their armor and weaponry has been replaced with material scavenged from their fallen [[Chaos]] foes. Not surprisingly, their Company has almost no heavy equipment such as tanks, [[Terminators]] or [[Dreadnoughts]]. <sup>1</sup> <sup>2</sup>
+
Hjalmar's Hunt
 +
*[[Hjalmar Stormfist]] — [[Wolf Lord]] killed during the [[13th Black Crusade]],{{Fn|7}} previously [[Standard Bearer]] during the [[Dulan Campaign]]{{Fn|11a}}
 +
*[[Leif Hemligjaga]] — [[Rune Priest (Space Wolves)|Rune Priest]], fought in the Dulan Campaign{{Fn|11a}} and against the [[13th Black Crusade]].{{Fn|7}}
 +
*[[Isa]] — [[Wolf Priest]], fought alongside ''the Ulfnar'' [[wulfen]] pack during the [[13th Black Crusade]].{{Fn|7}}
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
−
*<sup>1</sup> [[Codex: Eye of Terror (3rd Edition)]]
+
{{Citation issues}}
−
*<sup>2</sup> [[Space Wolf (Novel Series)|Wolf's Honour]] by [[Lee Lightner]]
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Space Wolves (5th Edition)]]
−
*<sup>3</sup> [[Tales of Heresy (Anthology)#Wolf at the Door|Wolf at the Door]] by [[Mike Lee]] in [[Tales of Heresy (Anthology)]]
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 9
 +
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 15
 +
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 17
 +
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 21
 +
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Wolf's Honour (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|2a}}: Chapter Fifteen
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Wolf at the Door (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Eye of Terror (3rd Edition)]], {{Cite Marker End}}
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Twelve Wolves (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[White Dwarf 283 (UK)]], pgs. 24-27 – ''[[Index Astartes]]: Children of the Night : The Space 13th Company''
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[White Dwarf 301 (UK)]], pgs. 71–79 – ''[[Battle Report]]: Divine Retribution''
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[The Thirteenth Wolf (Audio Drama)]]
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[War Zone Fenris: Curse of the Wulfen]]
 +
**{{Endn|9a}}: Chapter 1
 +
**{{Endn|9b}}: Chapter 3
 +
*10: [[Ahriman: Sorcerer (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|10a}}: Chapter I: Dreams
 +
**{{Endn|10b}}: Chapter XIV: Claws
 +
**{{Endn|10b}}: Chapter XXI: Storm Break
 +
*11: [[Leman Russ: The Great Wolf (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|11a}}: Chapter II
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Ashes of Prospero (Novel)]], Chapter 17
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[The Horus Heresy: Legions]]: [https://www.horusheresylegions.com/card-list-prospero-expansion/nggallery/prospero Prospero Expansion] (Last Accessed on 31 August 2019) - "''Wolf Spirit''", "''Dommar Gunnarrsson''" and "''Jurgen''" card descriptions
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Bloodhowl (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Campaigns of the Age of Darkness: The Siege of Cthonia]], pgs. 27-30
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]], pg. 24
  
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[[Category:Space Wolves]]
+
===Uncited appearances===
 +
* [[White Dwarf 281 (UK)]], pgs. 42-43 – ''Mark of the Wulfen: [[Matt Hutson]]'s Eye of Terror diary''
 +
* [[White Dwarf 283 (UK)]]
 +
** pgs. 4-5 – ''New Releases: The Onslaught Begins''
 +
** pgs. 28-31 – ''[[Modelling Workshop]]: [[Steve Cumiskey]]'s 13th Company''
 +
** pgs. 32-35 – ''Mark of the Wulfen: [[Matt Hutson]]'s Eye of Terror diary''
 +
** pgs. 96-111 – ''[[Battle Report]]: Battle for the Basilica''
 +
* [[White Dwarf 285 (UK)]], pgs. 62-63 – ''Mark of the Wulfen: [[Matt Hutson]]'s Eye of Terror diary''
 +
 
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[[Category:Black Crusades]]
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[[Category:Formations (Space Wolves)]]
 
[[Category:Space Wolf (Novel Series)]]
 
[[Category:Space Wolf (Novel Series)]]
 +
[[Category:The Horus Heresy]]
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[[de:13. Kompanie]]
 
[[de:13. Kompanie]]

Latest revision as of 10:35, 9 March 2026

Space Wolves of the 13th Great Company[6]

Dekk-Tra, the 13th Great Company, the Corpse Renders, was one of the original Great Companies of the Space Wolves Legion of the Adeptus Astartes. Known as Wulfenkind, or the Wolf Brothers[3], they disappeared during the Horus Heresy, only to re-emerge from the Eye of Terror during the Thirteenth Black Crusade.[7][16]

History

The 13th Great Company was formed from the followers of Leman Russ from his days on Fenris before the coming of the Allfather, despite the warnings of the Mechanicum that they were too old to undergo the transformation; many died in the process. As a result, they were known as the "Greybeards" to the rest of the Legion, while they referred to themselves as the "Wolf Brothers".[3] Jorin Bloodhowl, one of Russ's original Einherjar honour guard, became the first jarl of the Dekk-Tra, the 13th, which was considered the most honourable and the closest to Russ.[11a]

It was among the ranks of the Wolf Brothers that the Curse of the Wulfen first appeared, afflicting warriors in the heat of battle without any prior warning. During the Dulan Campaign, two Legionaries succumbed in quick succession, although the affliction had been seen before by Jorin and his huscarl, Bulveye. The Wolf Priest Ulbrandr Crowhame was unable to discover any physiological cause, neither was the Rune Priest Leif Hemligjaga able to detect any trace of maleficarum. Jorin resolved to keep it a secret, telling not even the primarch.[11a]

Bulveye later succeeded Jorin as jarl and led the Wolf Brothers as part of the 954th Expeditionary Fleet at the Battle of Kernunnos[3] and the Battle of Prospero, where they disappeared.[8] The 13th Great Company is also known to have taken part in the first Siege of Cthonia alongside the Imperial Fists 9th and 14th battalions and the 456th company, as well as some Adeptus Custodes sodalities.[15]

Disappearance

The fixed obsidian stone on the Grand Annulus inside The Fang, representing the 13th Company's absence from the Chapter.

The 13th Great Company was lost during the Space Wolves' pursuit of the Thousand Sons following the Burning of Prospero, though the exact circumstances were considered a mystery to the Space Wolves of the 41st Millennium.[1a][1c] One legend states that the members of the 13th Company swore to hunt their foes down until every last one of the cursed marines was slain, no matter how long it took, nor where the traitors fled.[2] Although at the time of their disappearance, Bulveye was Jarl[8], in the 41st Millennium the Space Wolves believe Jorin Bloodhowl was Wolf Lord of the 13th[1c]. Several members have since claimed the title Jarl[10b] or Wolf Lord.[7]

They vanished from Imperial records, and their stone on the Grand Annulus (the record of Space Wolf Great Companies in the Great Hall of the Fang), was replaced by a black slab of obsidian.[1b] Since then, the subject of the 13th Company has become taboo among the Space Wolves, and it is forbidden to speak of them except in whispers.[1c]. The black stone on the Grand Annulus has come to represent all the Great Companies in the chapter's history that have disappeared, been destroyed in battle, or turned renegade.[1c] Before their disappearance, their totem was the sign of the Wulfen, but no Great Company has used that badge since the Heresy.[1c]

The Hunt

Spoiler!
The following paragraphs contain spoilers for: Ahriman: Sorcerer (Novel)

A force of Wolves of the 13th Great Company led by Grimur Red Iron hunted after Ahzek Ahriman using the visions of Scyld, a newly blooded Space Marine at the time of the Burning of Prospero who had found the wyrd in him during the hunt.[10a] They followed him out of the Eye into realspace as he sought the Athenaeum of Kallimakus, forced to kill members of the Ultramarines and White Consuls that barred their path at the Cadian Gate.[10b] Too late, Grimur discovered that Scyld's visions had been sent by Ahriman to manipulate them into attacking the Grey Knights strike cruiser Sigillite's Oath above Apollonia.[10c]

At some time in late M41, the 13th Great Company was encountered by Ragnar Blackmane on the shadow-copy of Charys conjured by the Thousand Sons. Lord Bulveye was in command, though he was not forthcoming about the 13th Great Company's origins, or how the Great Company had fared in the 10,000 years since their departure.[2] A small number of the 13th Company's Wolves fought alongside Ragnar and his comrades to defeat the Chaos Sorcerer Madox, thwarting a plot by the Thousand Sons to destroy the Wolves.[2] The 13th Great Company was also suspected to have saved Imperial forces under Black Legion attack in the Ormantep Raid[6]

Return

Main article: Hunt for the Wulfen

At the end of the 41st Millennium, the 13th Great Company began to return to realspace across the galaxy, prompting the Space Wolves to send out numerous expeditions to find them and bring them back to Fenris before Imperial forces encountered them.[9a] Although partially successful in rounding the Wulfen up, they were sighted by Imperial forces, who put together a Crusade Fleet which laid siege to the Fenris system.[9b]

Others emerged from the Eye of Terror during the 13th Black Crusade.[4][1d]

Partial Recovery

Shortly after the end of the Indomitus Crusade, it was discovered that up to 200 uncorrupted Heresy-era members of the 13th Great Company under Bulveye himself were still alive, trapped in a network of Warp Portals on Prospero. Njal Stormcaller and a force of Space Wolves managed to recover many of these warriors.[12]

Character

One thing that sets the 13th Great Company apart from the rest of the Space Wolves is the large percentage of warriors who have succumbed to the Curse of the Wulfen. Whether the increased percentage of 13th Company Marines who have succumbed to the Curse is a result of their prolonged exposure to the Eye of Terror, or whether it existed before their disappearance, is unknown.[4] However, Space Wolf legend describes Wulfen as the Thirteenth Wolf which stalks all of the Space Wolves.[5]

Organisation

Due to the lack of available reinforcements, resupply, or proper facilities, the 13th Company's organisation and equipment departs heavily from Space Wolf norms. The 13th Company maintains the dark grey colour scheme of the Pre-Heresy Space Wolves, on what little remains of their original equipment. Much of their armour and weaponry has been replaced with material scavenged from their fallen Chaos foes. Not surprisingly, their Company has almost no heavy equipment such as tanks, Terminators or Dreadnoughts.[4][2] Because of the impossibility of recruiting new brethren, there are no Blood Claws in the 13th Company. Each and every Blood Claw has long since advanced to a higher rank.[4]

Grey Slayers
Storm Claws

The core of a 13th Company warband is the Grey Slayers, which fulfil the same role as Grey Hunters. The Company's assault specialists are the Storm Claws. They are equally experienced, but still more hot-headed and aggressive than the Grey Slayers. The key to the 13th Company's movement through the Warp are the Rune Priests. Because the Eye of Terror has unlocked hidden psychic powers in many recruits, the Company has no shortage of these highly gifted individuals.[4]

Wulfen

Their most drastic departure from the rest of the Chapter is their willing use of the Wulfen in battle. Though normal Space Wolves sometimes use individual Wulfen in battle, the 13th Company use entire packs. Each and every member of the 13th Company carries the Curse, and it manifests itself in the Space Wolves at different times. The mutation's effects are even more pronounced because of the influence of Chaos; and yet, conversely, having to wrestle with this curse for so long has left the 13th Company exceptionally resistant to the malign influence of Chaos. It is believed that this is the only reason that the 13th Company - who have always remained loyal to Russ and the Emperor — have been able to survive for so long inside the Eye of Terror.[4]

Notable Elements

Fleet

Notable Members

Bulveye's Hunt

Grimur Red Iron's Hunt

  • Grimur Red Iron — Jarl[10a]
  • Scyld — Rune Priest, executed by Grimur Red Iron[10c]
  • Lother[10a]

Hjalmar's Hunt

Sources

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Uncited appearances

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