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[[File:Cassius-detail.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Ortan Cassius{{Fn|54}}]]

At almost four hundred years old, Cassius is the oldest ([[Dreadnought|non-interred]]) member of the Ultramarines [[Chapter]]. He has perfected his oratory skills to allow the Ultramarines to be carried across hundreds of worlds by his command alone.{{Fn|32}}

During the [[Battle for Macragge]], Cassius fought by the side of [[Chapter Master]] [[Marneus Calgar]], to repel [[Hive Fleet Behemoth]]. During the last stages of the Battle, he accompanied the relief force that rushed to the polar fortresses to relieve the embattled [[First Company]], though it was already too late for these veterans. Few members of Cassius's unit survived the brutal close-quarters combat that followed, and Cassius himself was incapacitated by a rampaging [[Carnifex]]. He survived by only the slimmest of margins, clinging to life until the [[Apothecaries]] could tend to his ruined body, which was extensively rebuilt with [[bionic]] parts.{{Fn|32}}

Scarcely a centimetre of his remaining organic flesh is free of scars, and while his voice has lost none of its fervour, his bionic components can never fully compensate for the rents torn in his throat.{{Fn|65}}

Cassius also petitioned Calgar for permission to form a new unit of [[Tyrannic War Veterans]], from the most seasoned Ultramarines to have fought at the Battle for Macragge and subsequent conflicts, which was granted. That Cassius, a Chaplain, decided to deviate from the [[Codex Astartes]], which does not authorize such a unit, speaks volumes about his belief in the seriousness of the Tyranid threat{{Fn|32}}.

His oratory skills are such that he can inspire Ultramarines to greater feats of heroism than many others can, though he is also wise enough to know when his men would benefit more from regrouping. Despite his increasing age, he remains a ferocious warrior and is in particular a master of combat against Tyranids, due to his extensive combat experience of fighting against them.{{Fn|32}}

Cassius is now heavily scarred, with leathery, weathered skin and white hair.{{Fn|1}} Cassius is also the only warrior of the Ultramarines permitted to call Marneus Calgar "young Calgar"{{Fn|32}}.

Cassius carries the standard equipment of all Space Marine [[Chaplain]]s, including the [[Crozius Arcanum]] (cast in the shape of a Tyranid skull) and [[Rosarius]]. Instead of the traditional [[Bolt pistol]], Cassius is armed with the [[Infernus]], a [[master-crafted]] [[Combi-Flamer]] which he forged and assembled himself{{Fn|3a2}}. He may also be equipped with [[Frag Grenades]], and carries [[Terminator Honours]], permitting him to wear [[Tactical Dreadnought Armour]] as needed.

File:Cassius.jpg|Chaplain Cassius{{Fn|32}}File:Cassius.gif|Miniature{{Fn|43}}File:Cassius.png|Chaplain Cassius in combat with the [[Great Devourer]] on [[Styxia Prime]].{{Fn|54}}

*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)]]*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]]: , pg. 87*{{Endn|43}}: [http://uk.games-workshop.com/spacemarines/ultramarines-gallery/4/ Space Marines miniatures gallery] ''(accessed 2007.06.11)''*{{Endn|54}}: [[Catechism of Hate (Novella)]], Cover illustration by [[Jon Sullivan]].*{{Endn|65}}: ''[[Eye of Vengeance (Short Story)]]'' by [[Graham McNeill]]===Uncited==={{Uncited}}*[[Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}