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[[image:Crux_Terminatus.png|right|200px|thumb|The Crux Terminatus is said to contain a fragment of the Emperors armour]]
The '''Crux Terminatus''' (the Terminator cross) is a stone medallion awarded to highly skilled and experienced veterans. All members of Chapter trained in the use of [[Terminator Armour|Terminator armour]] will have been first awarded the Crux Terminatus. These badges, set into the left shoulder plate of Terminator armour, are highly distinctive and usually fashioned from stone. They vary from chapter to chapter, but tend to incorporate the Greek cross that is the standard Astartes Terminator recognition icon. Other variations include the replacement of the skull by a wolf's skull among members of the Space Wolves chapter, or the addition of a sword in Deathwing units.
Sergeants, captains and [[Librarian]]s have different versions to identify their status. Those awarded with the Crux Terminatus often wear smaller versions when they fight in [[power Armour|power armour]], often hanging them from banners, weapons and belts. It is also usual for them to paint this symbol onto the knee or shin plates of their standard power armour.
A Terminator captain is among the most highly skilled and experienced warriors humanity has ever produced. In recognition of their achievements, these Marines are allowed the honour of wearing a distinctive badge that incorporates fragments of the [[Emperor]]'s armour. During his struggle against [[Horus ]] aboard the Warmaster's battle barge at the climax of the Heresy, the Emperor was aided by a squad of Terminators from the [[Imperial Fists]] chapter. In recognition of their act of valour, the mortally wounded Emperor ordered that his own suit of armour be taken off and melted down, and its shards incorporated into badges that all Terminator captains should wear. Therefore all efforts are made to recover the suits of captains killed in action as the loss of such a relic brings great dishonour to squad and Chapter.
==Sources==
*[[Codex: Ultramarines (2nd Edition)]]
*[[Warhammer 40,000: Compendium]]
*[[http://www.tearsofenvy.com ''TERMI-NATION The definitive on-line guide to terminator armour'', by John Blanche]]
[[Category:Space Marines]]
