Seraphine Afana

Zephala

Zephala Xenos

Veilborn Divisions

Basilisks

Other Zephala Divisions

*Some music for you to enjoy while you read, by Gaston Larrouy aka La Rouille*

 Allegiance
 Founding
 Basilisk
 Home World
 Specialty

The Seraphine Afana is a Legion of Veilborn Marines. They possess a deep affinity for fire, harnessing its destructive power to keep Chaos from reinfecting the planets cleansed by the Zephala Syndicate. The Seraphine Afana specialize in fortification tactics, transforming a simple building into a fortress capable of resisting siege. If the walls are ever broken, they withdraw into a vast underground tunnel system riddled with traps. In this location, they are unafraid of engaging in close-quarters combat, employing blazing weapons to engulf their enemies in purifying flames. Their fiery zeal makes them a formidable force in the fight against the corrupting influence of Chaos. They keep the taint of Chaos at bay and ensure the flames of hope burn bright in a sector devoid of Imperial presence.

The secondary job of the division is to accompany the Orishas Rogue Traders in their hunt for archeotech and xenotech. The Seraphine Afana apply their knowledge of the profound workings of technology to all the traders' finds, assessing their functions and hoarding the greatest of their discoveries. Without the Seraphine Afana, The Orishas could overlook or undervalue items that would lead to groundbreaking developments in understanding the Zephala Syndicate.

## History

### Founding

The founding of the Seraphine Afana Division was a strategic, preemptive response to the crusade of the Zephala Syndicate. Recognizing the need to maintain the stability and morale of the planets soon to be purged, the Syndicate created the Seraphine Afana as a dedicated force for this goal.

Unlike some other Veilborn Marines, the Seraphine Afana was created with minimal genetic modifications from the base Raptor project. This deliberate approach ensured their gene-seed remained stable, reducing the likelihood of defects or abnormalities. This was paramount as the Seraphine Afana often interacted closely with the baseline human populations of the worlds they visited. Any sign of genetic deviation could undermine the trust and confidence the Legion seeks to instil among the people they helped.

The Seraphine Afana's founding principles revolved around the preservation of order, the eradication of Chaos, and the dissemination of knowledge and technology. They were tasked with educating and uplifting the worlds they visited, providing them with advanced technology and sharing the wisdom of the Zaphala. Through their presence, the Seraphine Afana sought to inspire hope, instil loyalty, and ensure the continued devotion of these planets to the Emperor and the Imperium.

### Amowia Departs

Before the Zephala Rogue Trader experiment began, The Amowia oversaw the modification of the exploratory fleet brought to Zephala by the techpriests now entrenched on Xa-Skriark. The ships were heavily altered and enhanced by Zephala xenotech before being divided between the Veiborn Legions. An Ark battleship and one lance escort were inherited by the Seraphine Afana. To complete a small flotilla, three xenos voidships were created. One cruiser-class ship and one gunboat and one transport. When a warrant of trade was acquired, the plan was set in motion. The Orishas Rogue Trader House departed in their new ships and the Seraphine Afana moved to safeguard the items that would inevitably be uncovered by their exploration. The Amowia of the Seraphine Afana took control of the refurbished battleship, now known as the Ignis Wyrm, and journeyed into the galaxy along with the flotilla to help uncover and protect as many artefacts as possible. The division's efforts in overseeing the Rogue Trader experiment have been a boon, helping the Syndicate secure and study technology from across the Halo Stars. When the Orishas make a discovery, the Afana are there to identify it and classify its importance. All items too mundane to attract the attention of the Seraphine Afana are given back to the Rogue Traders for sale or barter. In this way, the Basilisk of the Seraphine Afana roams the stars, in search of anything that could tip the long war in the favor of the species untainted by Chaos.

## Notable Campaigns

Unlike many other Space Marines that engage in large-scale campaigns across the galaxy, the Seraphine Afana's efforts are dedicated to maintaining peace and stability within the planets they oversee, especially within Zephala itself. Their mission is to uphold the hard-won order and protect those worlds from the influence of Chaos. While their endeavours may not always be marked by grand campaigns or sweeping battles, the Seraphine Afana's impact is no less significant. Their role as guardians and peacekeepers allows the planets they oversee to thrive and prosper, free from the relentless threat of Chaos. They maintain the peace through their presence.

The Seraphine Afana attachment of the Orishas Rogue Trader flotilla are division members who see the most combat. Still, even they spend most of their time studying various xenos baubles found during their travels. The life of an Afana is not steeped in the glory of battle, but their duty is important nonetheless.

## Legion Home World - Skriark

The Seraphine Afana, originate from Xa-Skriark, and have established a deep bond with the Forge World. The Legion's alliance with the tech-priests of Skriark is one of mutual benefit and knowledge exchange. The Seraphine Afana draws upon the technological expertise of Skriark to enhance its capabilities and fulfil its mission of enlightening the worlds they visit.

Through their close collaboration, the Seraphine Afana gained access to new and old technologies manufactured by the tech-priests of Skriark and its partners. They learn the intricacies of this weaponry, armour, and equipment. This knowledge empowers them to provide valuable technological aid to the worlds they encounter, reintroducing advancements that have long been lost or overlooked in those realms.

The Seraphine Afana uses Skriark as its base of operations to protect the Zephala. They develop defences and fortifications which will, if necessary, be used to destroy any threat that enters the system.

### Fortress-Monastery

The Seraphine Afana's Fortress-Monastery, known as the Burning Court, stands on the Forge World of Skriark. It is a giant forge stronghold that embodies the fiery spirit of the Legion. Its architecture is adorned with intricate carvings depicting flames, sigils of the Legion, and sacred scriptures. The Burning Court serves as a beacon of the Legion's devotion to the holy power of fire and the pursuit of purity in the face of Chaos. Within its halls, the Seraphine Afana train their neophytes and drive forward the Zephala Syndicate's understanding of both ancient and new technology.

## Legion Organization

The Seraphine Afana follows a unique organizational structure. Much of the Legion is divided into groups known as "Quintets," each composed of five marines. These Quintets serve as self-contained units deployed to different planets within the sector. When the Seraphine Afana arrives on a planet, they are seen as holy beings and are given their own space to live. They then transform this space into a fortress fitting their Legion. An armed palace to withstand any possible siege from a remnant faction of cultists or any other rebellious uprising. Each Quintet is led by a Seraph, who assumes the role of spiritual and tactical leader. The Seraph holds the responsibility of overseeing the Quintet's operations, ensuring the successful dissemination of knowledge and serving as a beacon of hope for that populace.

## Legion Equipment

The Seraphine Afana, harness the destructive power of flame and melta weapons as their primary arsenal. They wield pyroblasters and flamestorm gauntlets, unleashing torrents of searing flames upon their foes, engulfing them in purifying fire. The Legion is also equipped with melta rifles, which melt through armour and vehicles.

In addition to these weapons, the Seraphine Afana possess a supply of weapons the wider Imperium has gradually lost access to. The tech priests of Skriark do not share the unwillingness to reverse engineer these artifacts shown by the Adeptus Mechanicus.

These weapons include Seraphine Inferno pistols and immolation rifles.

#### Vaccum Sheath

The Vacuum Sheath is an airtight sheet containing the Seraphine Afana's oxidizing liquid. It keeps their swords ready for combat by replenishing the burning coating. When unsheathed, the sparks created by friction ignite the liquid, even in oxygen-deprived environments. When sheathed, a vacuum is created around the blade, extinguishing its flames.

### Other Equipment

#### Encrypted Astropathic Relay

The Seraphine Afana Quintets have access to sophisticated Astropathic Relays, which are able to send encrypted messages to Yemaya and the Forge World Skriark. With these devices, the Quintets are able to call for backup if necessary, though their main function is sending updates on the condition of the plants they are on.

## Seraphine Afana Librarians

The Seraphine Afana librarians, also known as the Theriidae, are pyromancers who possess a deep attunement to the fiery energies of the Warp. These psykers use their psychic abilities to control flames and unleash deadly pyrokinetic powers upon their enemies. With a single thought, they can summon bolts of fire that can pierce through armour and engulf their foes in flames. The Theriidae embody the sacred flame's wrath, using their pyrokinetic abilities to purify and destroy the Imperium's foes.

## Legion Gene-Seed

### Physical Mutations

The gene-seed of the Seraphine Afana is incredibly stable. Derived directly from the genetic material of a Primarch, it has proven to be exceptionally pure and robust. The Seraphine Afana's gene-seed has undergone rigorous testing and scrutiny by the tech-priests of Skriark to ensure it is free from the taint that plagues the Black Fangs.

The Seraphine Afana lack the additional gene organs found in Primaris Marines. Instead, they possess a modified version of Betcher's Gland, which allows them to produce an oxidizing substance that ignites immediately upon secretion. This enables them to spit fire at their enemies instead of acid. The burning liquid can also be applied to their bladed weapons, and it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited. It can only be put out in a vacuum or when the fuel is completely consumed. The fire can even persist inside the marine's mouth if they do not eject it all. They also have the Veilborn Echo Sinews, which allow for a wide range of vocal mimicry, even allowing them to talk in some xenos languages.

A modified organ implanted into all Afana, is the Echo Sinews, also used by the Black Fangs. The Echo Sinews enable these marines to mimic sounds they hear with their voices. They can impersonate people they have heard, or make new voices to mask their transhuman tones. They can also speak in various xenos tounges, creating sounds normally only produced by xenos physiology. This is especially useful when interacting with the Zephala xenos, but also makes diplomacy with other xenos much simpler. As long as the marines can learn the language in the first place.

## Legion Beliefs

The Seraphine Afana view knowledge, enlightenment, and technological advancement as sacred gifts for humanity. The Seraphine Afana believe that through the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of wisdom, they can elevate the worlds they visit and protect them from the corrupting influence of Chaos.

Their core belief is that knowledge is the key to salvation and progress. They see themselves as the distributors of knowledge, entrusted with the task of guiding civilizations toward a brighter future. The Seraphine Afana advocate for the study and preservation of ancient technologies, recognizing their value in unlocking the potential of humanity.

While the Seraphine Afana and the Zephala Legions share the goal of eliminating Chaos, their approaches and focus areas differ. The Seraphine Afana prioritize the collection and dissemination of knowledge and the distribution of technological aid to uplift humanity. They embrace a role as mentors and guides, seeking to empower others through intellectual and scientific progress.

Though the Afana are less combat-focused, they are still Space Marines, capable of frightening violence when the occasion calls for it.

## Legion Culture

The Legion's culture is deeply intertwined with their role as educators and mentors.

Education and intellectual pursuits hold a paramount position within the Seraphine Afana. A strong emphasis is placed on acquiring and sharing knowledge, with Astartes dedicating themselves to lifelong learning. They engage in rigorous study, exploring various fields of science, history and philosophy, studying records given to them by the Headless and the Veiled Serpents. Their pursuit of knowledge extends not only to the vast libraries of Yemaya and Skriark but also to the worlds they visit, as they seek to understand the unique cultures of each civilization. They relay most of their information back to Zephala to add to the knowledge collected there.

The Seraphine Afana foster an environment of scholarly collaboration and discourse. They encourage intellectual debates and the exchange of ideas among their ranks, valuing diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Their library in the Burning Court are meticulously maintained, housing ancient texts and technical schematics received from other worlds.

### Rituals

Ceremonies and rituals play an integral role in Seraphine Afana culture. They conduct solemn rites to commemorate the fallen, to seek guidance from the Emperor, and to mark significant milestones in their Legion's history. These ceremonies often incorporate elements of fire, symbolizing the transformative power of knowledge and the purifying light of the Emperor's wisdom. Often, a human audience is present, making the ritual a tactic used to connect with the humans present in the planet which a Quintet is stationed.

#### Flame Dance

This ritualistic dance is performed during gatherings and celebrations, most often with human audiences. Astartes adorned in their armour and bearing their burning swords move in synchronized patterns, swinging their blades with dazzling speed. The dance is accompanied by rhythmic prayer dedicated to the God Emperor and instrumental music played by other Afana. This creates a mesmerizing spectacle that uplifts the spirits of the human populace that bears witness and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among the Seraphine Afana.

#### Remembrance Vigil

This ritual is a solemn tribute to the fallen warriors of the Legion. A sacred chamber within the Burning Court is adorned with memorial plaques and symbolic relics and serves as a gathering place for the Afana to pay their respects. They offer prayers and reflect on the sacrifices made by their brethren, reaffirming their commitment to honor their memory and carry their legacy forward. The Seraphine Afana conduct a miniature version of this ritual if a member of a Quintet dies. Seeing the death of one of the God Emperor's angels is a powerful tool used to foster hatred of the Dark Powers, further pushing the populace away from the evils of Chaos.

### Art

The Seraphine Afana also celebrate artistic expression, mainly through visual arts, music, and storytelling. As sons of Yemaya, they recognize the importance of creativity and aesthetics in inspiring humanity. Their artwork often showcases intricate depictions of flames and celestial phenomena.

#### Self Branding

The process of self-branding involves using hand crafted, iron wrought tools and to burn symbols directly onto their flesh. This is typically done on exposed areas of their bodies, such as the forearms, chest, or even the face, but it's not limited to these areas. The branding is performed with intense heat, even enough to scar a space marine, creating distinctive scars that mark their dedication permanently.

## Non-Astartes Personnel

The Seraphine Afana has a distinctive approach to interacting with the various worlds they inhabit. They rely on a network of humans who have been indoctrinated to serve as serfs for the battle-brothers and spies operating within local populations. The selection and training of these individuals are conducted with great care.

As spies, these individuals infiltrate the societies and organizations of their worlds. They gather intelligence, monitor potential threats, and provide valuable information to the Quintet stationed on the planet. Their knowledge of local cultures, politics, and hidden dangers allows the Legion to navigate complex situations and make better-informed decisions.

These indoctrinated humans also serve as serfs, supporting the Legion's operations. They perform various tasks, such as supply management. Their presence enables the Seraphine Afana to operate more effectively, ensuring their needs are met and resources are secured.

## Legion Recruitment

The people of Yemaya lead lives that prepare them for the harsh conditions of their planet. Children are trained in the art of survival from a young age to ensure that they are not complacent in the safety of their cities. Yemayan children are exposed to the dangers of the jungle and the ocean, irrespective of their family status or wealth.

Before coming of age, there are ways to catch the attention of the Zephala scouts. Several factors determine one's eligibility to become an aspirant, including:

* Proficiency in tracking and hunting animals
* Physical strength and endurance
* Mental toughness and resilience
* Leadership skills and ability to work well in a team
* Aptitude for combat and weapons training
Becoming a Seraphine Afana aspirant is a highly esteemed achievement for the people of Yemaya. Families of aspirants are highly regarded for producing someone fit to join the ranks of the Emperor's warriors. Those not selected to become aspirants are still highly respected and contribute to the Legion's cause in various ways, such as producing Legion weapons or raising the next generation of potential aspirants.

To become a Seraphine Afana, aspirants must overcome two gruelling trials: the Trial of the Jungle and the Trial of the Forge. The first trial tests the aspirants' survival skills and the second tests the aspirants' knowledge and ability to learn. The Trial of the Jungle forces aspirants to survive in the dense jungles of Yemaya, facing fierce predators and dangerous terrain. The Trial of the Forge requires aspirants to witness and replicate the assembly and disassembly of a sacred, ancient version of a flamer.

Only those aspirants who successfully pass both trials can become full-fledged Afana, earning the right to bear the Legion's heraldry and fight in the God Emperor's name.

### Trial of the Jungle

The first task sees the aspirants of the Seraphine Afana prove their worth as hearty survivalists by venturing into the treacherous jungle alone to track and kill a dangerous creature known as a weaver. These human-sized spiders are never too far from the jungle's edge, and catching them off guard requires exceptional hunting skills. The aspirants must return to the starting position with a fang soaked in the spider's blood to prove their victory. They can take any gear or weapons they need to accomplish this task, but the aspirant must collect any waste material they produce. Overconfidence is a common pitfall for aspirants, as the Trial of the Jungle requires more than brute force to succeed. The aspirant must out-hunt a weaver in its natural habitat while avoiding the other dangerous jungle creatures. Damaging the fangs in any way results in failure. This trial typically takes less than an hour and is often concluded with a single shot. After the spider is killed, it is collected and processed into the weapon coatings used in the subsequent trial.

### Trial of the Forge

The Trial of the Forge is a sacred rite conducted by the Seraphine Afana to test the mettle of their aspirants. It is a gruelling process that pushes the recruits to their physical and mental limits, preparing them for the challenges they will face as Legion members. Before the beginning of the Trial, each aspirant must memorize the disassembly and assembly process of one of the sacred weapons used by the Legion. The actual trial takes place within the expansive forges of Skriark. Once the trial commences, they must disassemble their chosen weapon and pack each component into a backpack. The recruits must then navigate treacherous claustrophobic environments carrying this backpack, enduring extreme heat and hazardous conditions. After this long, arduous journey, if the aspirant survives, they must reassemble their carried weapon. The trial evaluates their resilience and ability to retain and use knowledge.

### Veiled Oath

Vashtorr's indelible influence is etched deep within the souls of all Veilborn Marines. Though the Arkifane may have departed, the weight of his contract remains. After the final gene organ implantation, as part of their initiation, each Veilborn stamps their handprint in blood upon a sacred document. It is a binding covenant that epitomizes their devotion to service. Such is the nature of their gene-seed, which imbues them with a proclivity for innovation and creation, that accepting this reality of unwavering service comes naturally.

Even without this ceremonial act, every member of the Seraphine Afana is inherently connected to the contract through their foundational ties to Vashtorr. The Veiled's Oath serves as a symbolic affirmation, reinforcing the unbreakable bond between the Legion and their progenitor.

Every member of the Seraphine Afana carries a personal copy of the contract throughout their entire life. The contract becomes an inseparable companion, a constant reminder of their unbreakable commitment. Only in death does one find release from the contract's grip. At the precise moment of a marine's passing, the contract ignites into searing warpflame, consumed completely without leaving even the faintest trace.

## Combat Doctrine

The Seraphine Afana are specialists in brutal close-quarters combat, leveraging their flame and melta arsenal to devastating effect. They excel in urban warfare, utilizing their expertise in tight spaces to outmaneuver and overwhelm their foes. In addition to their aggressive combat style, the Seraphine Afana maintain a strong focus on defence and fortification. Each Quintet takes over a building on the planet on which they are stationed, fortifying it. They use automated weapons to man this fortification while taking up residence somewhere nearby, connected by a tunnel carved deep underground. This tunnel system is used to confuse any intruder that makes it past the initial defences. This location is where the Seraphine Afana strike from the shadows, revealing themselves by igniting their blades right before attacking.

Many Seraphine Afana live on Skriark, working within the fleet stationed in the Yemayan system. Like their Quintet counterparts, these defenders are proficient in tunnel fighting, which translates well to the confines of the depths of void craft. If necessary, these Veilborn Marines will board and conquer ships long before they make it within range of the Yemayan orbital defence system.

The Seraphine Afana are tightly allied with the Sub-Skriarka xenos, who are attached to each Quintet. These creatures appear to be mindless attack dogs, but are in reality intelligent creatures on par with humans of above average intelligence. The deceptive nature of these xenos make them excellent scouts, both stirring fear and awe in the citizens of the cities in which the Afana are stationed. These xenos will show themselves if it is beneficial to do so, staying hidden if the local populace would have a negative reaction.

The Sub-Skriarka power of photomancy allows them to cover the movements of themselves and their squads, making covert operations easier to execute. They cannot dampen the sounds created by camouflaged individuals, so this technique is best used while stationary or far enough away not to give away their position with noise. When on the defensive, these creatures can obscure traps and gun emplacements, giving their allies the element of surprise, even against wary enemies.

## Legion Appearance

### Legion Colours

The Seraphine Afana don black and bronze armour. The colours of the tech-priests of Skriark.

Every battle brother adorns their power armor with mesmerizing Celestial patterns, creating a striking visual display that reflects their connection to the heavens. These patterns are carefully crafted using a combination of pigments and luminescent materials, resulting in armour that seems to shimmer and radiate with celestial beauty.

## About

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