1st Adamas Armoured Regiment

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## 1st Adamas Armoured Regiment

Armorial of the Adamant Maidens

An Adamant Maiden wielding a bolt pistol.

## Commanders

### **Acting**

Regina Vergilia

"*Via Armati contains lessons about life, if only we can see. In perfecting the way in which we operating tanks, we can perfect ourselves and find the best way to serve the greater galaxy.*"
—Regina Vergilia, *Princeps* of the Admant Maidens
The **1st Adamas Armoured Regiment**, nicknamed the **Adamant Maidens**, is an armoured regiment of the Astra Militarum. Recruited from the civilised world of Adamas in the Sector Occidens of the Segmentum Pacificus, it is an all-female unit of the Imperial Guard which focuses on superiority in armoured warfare, especially in combat against enemy armour. The world of Adamas has a unique culture where "*Via Armati*", or the operation of tanks, is considered a feminine martial art. This culture produces many fine members to serve as the Armour divisions of the Imperial Guard, destroying the Empire's enemies with skillful grace, exquisite precision and with overwhelming firepower.

Although Adamas has raised other armoured regiments, the First is considered the most elite and the regiment *par excellence* of all of the regiments raised from Adamas. Due to its prestigious history, it is one of the few Guard regiments to have the distinction of receiving reinforcements rather than simply ceasing to be due to attrition, and is more or less a permanent unit of the Imperial Guard. This in part reflects its large size and firepower, as well as the skills expected of its crews, who are some of the best skilled in the Galaxy.

## History

The planet of Adamas was in an isolated sector of space during the Imperium of Man, the Sector Occidens. Much of its history has been lost, but records of it exist following the Occidens Crusade in the 34th millenium, during the time of the Abators Golden's Crusade against the forces of the Ur-Council of Nova Terra during the Nova Terra Interregnum. The Abators arrived at the world of Adamas and brought it back into the fold of the Imperium peacefully, without needing to resort to violence. They found there a unique culture, which had the women of the culture engage in a martial art known as *Via Armati*, where they would compete to prove feminine virtue through engaging in tank-to-tank combat. Realising the need for supporting troops as necessary for their Crusade (but being wholly cut off in contact from Holy Terra and the Adeptus Administratum), the Abators raised an unofficial group of armoured units from the planet to support the Crusading effort.

These armoured units collectively were known as the "Adamant Maidens", both after their planet and the firm resoluteness they had in their duty. Their training led them to be superb tankers on the battlefield, and they were able to assist the Abators in providing heavy armour support while pacifying worlds throughout the Sector Occidens. However, following the battle of Omicron V, when two companies of the Abators were nearly wiped out, the expansive part of the Crusade ended. The Maidens assisted the Abators in the centuries long defense of the sector, known as the *Vigilia Longa*, combating Ur-Council offensives into the Sector.

### New Regiment

Following the collapse of the Ur-Council's regime, the Abators immediately relinquished their ad-hoc control of the Sector to the Adeptus Administratum, and with them went all control of the Adamant Maidens. Now under control of the Administratum, the Maidens were organsied into a new units of the Imperial Guard, the first and most elite of which known as the 1st Adamas Armoured Regiment. They kept their nickname of "Adamant Maidens", although the name would also later come to apply to the other all-female armoured regiments raised from the planet of Adamas. The organisation changed slightly, and now they needed to be at the call of many battlefields.

Their early deployments saw them thrown against some remnants of loyalists to the Ur-Council on the World of Esem. Deployed alongside the 2nd and 3rd Armoured Regiments and other regiments taken from the men of the planet, they fell down on the planet and took the fighting to the enemy. The Adamant Maidens punched through the enemy, although the enemy infantry began to bog down the progress of the Infantry. The fighting lasted months, and over time the guard units began to take attrition. In the last bitter resistance on the planet, it was the 1st that made the breakthrough to punch through the enemies' defenses. Having survived, the regiment received the honour of having survived their first campaign.

For the next few decades, the Maidens would continue to prove themselves on other battlefronts throughout the Empire, and began to make a name for themselves. Surviving, in part due to the eventual merging with the remnants of the 2nd and 3rd regiments. After almost half a century of surviving campaigns, the Regiment was deemed successful enough to warrant reinforcement and as such continued to serve the Imperium with honour. The regiment has many recorded battle honours, cherished by the people of Adamas, and to those who successfully return following a career of service, they are awarded honour and great praise.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Vigilia Longa** (c.200-975.M35): Prior to being established as a guard regiment, the first action of the Adamant Maidens was to assist the Abators Golden in defending the Sector Occidens against the Ur-Council forces during the Nova Terra Interregnum. This long period saw long periods of inaction, but several concentrated campaigns in which the Adamant Maidens fought against the traitors of the Ur-Council. Out of these ad-hoc battle-hardened units would come the first regiments of the Imperial Guard following the end of the Ur-Council.
* **War of Fire and Water** (215.M39): The Adamant Maidens fought against an Ork invasion on the world of Luzon alongside the 7th Crew of the Tidebenders, the Pyre Guard, and the Guard regiments of the Elysian 277th and the Cadian 327th. *Capitanea* Debora Silvias and her *Cohors Tertia* were especially notable for cutting through the forces with great boldness and firmness.
* **Cleansing of Pellicula** (891.M39): The Imperial Hive World of Pellicula in the Segmentum Tempestus was targeted by an Alpha Legion warband devoted to Slaneesh, known as the Flames of Lust. They covertly poisoned the water supply of the main hive city with tainted water, slowly driving the populace of a hive city towards acts of excess and pleasure, which finally culminated in a grand sacrifice to summon a daemon of Slaneesh. The local governor, unaware of the sacrifice but finding an uprising from a new cult on the planet, requested for aide, to which the Adamant Maidens were dispatched posthaste. There they met up with forces from the 8th and 9th companies of the Abators Golden, as well as the 7th Crew of the Tidebenders. Fighting alongside PDF forces against the chaos cultists and driving them back, members of the Adamant Maidens soon were surprised to encounter a figure of great horror- Keeper of Secrets- of which few of their weapons could destroy. The Hellhounds of the *Cohors Septima*, led by Lucia Flammifera, pushed forward and used the heavy flame- so hated by the daemons- to incinerate their way through the ranks and destroy the incursion. The daemon was consumed in the raging fires and was banished, and eventually the Imperial Forces were able to wipe out the force of both the Warband and the cult.
* **Bastion Crusade** (M42):

## Homeworld

The world of Adamas is a Civilised world located in Sector Occidens of the Segmentum Pacificus. The sector is located near the very fringes of Imperial Space, and is largely spread out. The first time that the planet appears on Imperial records is during the time of the Nova Terra Interregnum, although human settlement had occurred earlier in its history. The Abators found the planet as an advanced world which was fairly prosperous, with its own culture and traditions. The name "Adamas" comes from the word High Gothic *Adamas, Adamantis*, signifying a hard unbreaking substance, or something which is firm and resistant, in part because of the characteristics of its people, as well as the location of several deposits need to make the Imperial substance of Adamantium). Since the coming of the Abators, the world has been fiercely loyal to the Imperium.

Culturally, the world has a deep set of traditions which value excellence and virtue. With schools and structures built by the Abators and sharing in their strong educational system, and a deep sense of devotion to the Imperial Cult, they also speak a variant of the High Gothic which is common for the Abators Golden. Despite sharing a lot in common with the Abators, however, they generally tend to focus more on martial excellence rather than intellectual excellence, although philosophy is important for some of the upper classes. Moral virtue and habitual excellence are seen as key to the lives of the people, and particular expression of their loyalty and devotion. The way they prefer to show this is through their storied martial arts tradition, which are seen as the world's unique contribution to culture and way of living out a life of service to the God-Emperor.

### Martial Arts

As a developed world, Adamas itself has known peace and prosperity for many generations. However, it is said that memories of ancient wars still have left is mark on the populace, who have once turned in the instruments of war into non-lethal activities called *Viae Armae* ("the ways of war") or *Artes Martiales* ("martial/military arts") to train and prepare the populace in case war were ever to break out. These arts are extremely prestigious, and are highly valued in the culture, where excellence in the arts are seen as sources of excellence in character. For men, rifle marksmanship, hand to hand combat and physical prowess have several distinct different martial arts, which are considered manly and proper to do. Some of these include *Via Sclopeti* ("way of the rifle") and *Via Gladii* ("way of the sword"), although their are several others. These will go on to form elite units in the Imperial Guard, especially in infantry.

For women on Adamas, there is really only one major *Via* practiced, which is the *Via Armati* ("way of armour", "way of the tank" or simply "tankery"). *Via Armati* focuses on the operation and sparring of tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles and artillery, especially against other armoured vehicles. Using non-lethal ammunition and advanced computers to calculate penetration, they are able to simulate mock tank battles to test and to hone the craft of operating tanks- some as commanders, others as gunners, others as drivers, others as radio operators, others as loaders. The practice makes for exceptionally talented tank operators and crews, with the best being quite adept at operating tanks with great skill. Once trained in the art of *Via Armati*, applying it to the battlefield makes for a deadly result for the foes which they face. From the best practitioners, new members of the Imperial Guard are recruited, especially to the 1st Armoured Regiment.

*Via Armati* is a very strong cultural force on the planet, as it is seen as an art which promotes traditionally feminine virtue, which is very important for the culture. Unlike the other masculine martial arts, which focus on the strength or prowess of individual men in fierce competition with each other (often physical or face to face), *Via Armati* focuses a more cooperative and holistic competition, relying on the crews and tankery teams to work together to achieve victory. Skillful and well performed *Via Armati* is seen as elegant and graceful, showing strong female character at the same time as not being crude or barbaric. Prudence, precision, and cooperation are all necessary to ensure success. Women who are successful at *Via Armati* are said to make better wives and mothers of the future generation, who will keep the population and culture strong.

## Regimental Organisation

As an dedicated armoured regiment (called a *Regimentum*), there are no infantry companies, with all parts of the regiment being mobile or mechanised. However, in order to support the regiment's operations, there exist both combat and support troops to ensure top combat effectiveness. The regiment is divided up into *Cohortes* (companies), each of which focuses on a different aspect of armoured warfare. Each company is in turn divided into *Copiae* (platoons), usually 3-5 in number. Each platoon is in turn divided into 3-5 *Turmae* (squadrons), with each *Turma* usually containing 3 vehicles. The regiment also has 3 special subunits known as *Corpora* (singular *Corpus*), which support the fighting capabilities of the regiment by providing key support roles, while retaining mobile capabilities to follow the progression of the regiment.

### Regimental Ranks

The regiment largely follows Imperial structural standards when it comes to organisational tactics, although it uses different names to signify the ranks.

* *Princeps*- the equivalent of Colonel. Head of the *Regimentum*.
* *Praefectissa*- equivalent of Major. Second-in-command of the *Regimentum*.
* *Capitanea*- equivalent of a Captain. In command of a *Cohors*.
* *Ductrix*- equivalent of a Lieutenant. In command of a *Copia*.
* *Praeposita*- roughly the equivalent of a Sergeant, functions as the principal commander of a *Turma*.
* *Domina*- the a commander of a single tank, roughly equivalent to a sergeant or corporal.

Specialist ranks:

* *Medica*- doctor/medic in the *Cohors Decima* and its subunit the *Corpus Medicarum*. Some are assigned to the Samaritan vehicles to treat wounded soldiers in transit with immediate attention, while others run a mobile field hospital for the caring of wounded troops.
* *Mechanica*-engineer/mechanic which specialises in repairing armour, placed in the *Cohors Nona* and its subunit the *Corpus Mechanicarum*. These have ties to members of the Adeptus Mechanicus and usually operate under their direction.
* *Provisa*- quartermasters and supply assistants for the regiment, comprising the *Cohors Undecima* and the *Corpus Provisarum*. Keeps track of the supplies and equipment used in every battle, while strategically delivering more supplies to the most critical areas with the use of the Trojan supply tanks.

### Order of Battle

The numbers are flexible as the unit engages in battle; these numbers reflect the unit at full strength.

## Combat Doctrine

"*The enemies of the Imperium can be extinguished in a myriad of ways, but very few can be said to do so with both grace and elegance.*"
—Saying of the Adamant Maidens
The 1st Adamas Armoured Regiment is an all mechanized and armoured regiment, meaning that it does not utilize in its own ranks infantry or aircraft. However, the regiment nevertheless has a wide variety of different means to wage war within that context. The regiment has units for most possible situations- artillery for fire support, close-range vehicles, anti-armour and anti-infantry weapons, dedicated scouts, heavy and tough as well as light and fast vehicles, for use in any necessary combat situation the regiment finds itself in. Although all of these are seen as important by the regiment, the pride of place is given to the anti-tank vehicles, precisely because the *Via Armati* is most perfectly realised in the sparring of tanks against tanks.

The particular fighting style of the regiment varies on the circumstances of each campaign, as well as the whims and desires of the greater Imperial command structure. However, the Maidens excel in cohesive efforts, where each part of the regiments can supply the lacks in the others and provide the necessary support for the waging of a campaign. Whenever possible, they desire to achieve victory while also preserving as many lives as possible, putting value on every tank and vehicle for the operation of the whole regiment- and if a tanker dies, it slows down the operation of the tank in question and leaves it vulnerable to destruction. For this reason recklessness and waste are seen as foolish, although they realise that sacrifice can be necessary in order to accomplish their objectives. The intricate support network of the *Cohortes* *Nona* (vehicle recovery and repair), *Decima* (medical) and *Undecima* (supply) are meant to ensure that the regiment is always operating at peak efficiency and can continue to inflict the most amount of damage on the enemy while suffering as little permanent damage as possible. However, due to the whims of Imperial commanders, the regiment has to be aware that it may find itself split apart to meet certain needs in certain areas of any given campaign.

Within the fighting spirit of the Adamant Maidens, there are several values and virtues which are important to the way in which they fight, which directly follow from the way in which they practice the *Via Armati*. The primary of these is *Elegantia*, or "elegance", which values the accomplishing of the mission in the most skillful and proper way possible, not relying on base emotions, but instead showing mastery and control of the situation. The Maidens seek always to be steps ahead of their enemy, or to never panic in the face of obstacles, but instead to quickly and gracefully deal with any situation in the way that will result with the objective accomplished with the fewest casualties possible. This value requires cooperation of the various units of the regiment and of the tank crews themselves, and forgoes personal glory for the accomplishments of the crew and the regiment as a whole.

## Equipment

As an armoured regiment, the chapter relies heavily on the use of equipment available to the Astra Militarum. Most of these are standard issue, but the chapter also has a subset of relic equipment which is carefully guarded and preserved.

* **Baneblade**: Equipped with 3 of these mighty behemoths (not including the relic Stormhammer), the Baneblades are used in the regimental command and one to command the heavy armour of the powerful *Cohors Quinta*.
* **Macharius Heavy Tank**: Cheaper to make than the Baneblade, the Regiment has acquired these to supplement its efforts with more super-heavy tanks while being significantly easier to acquire.
* **Rogal Dorn Battle Tank**: The newest additions to the armoury, the Rogal Dorn was previously limited to regiments in the Segmentum Solar, but has recently been brought to supplement the reigment's *Cohors Quinta*.
* **Leman Russ Vanquisher**: Although amoung the rarer variants of the Leman Russ, the Vanquisher is an important keystone in the *Cohors Prima* for its tank destroying abilities, and thus are some of the most highly valued tanks in the entire regiment. The regiment possesses thirty of these machines.
* **Leman Russ Annihilator**: Although not quite as potent as the Vanquishers, a twin-linked lascannon is a mighty weapon, especially strapped to the heavy armour of a Leman Russ. These play an important function in the *Cohors Prima* in support roles, providing support to punch through enemy armour or completely destroy troops. Almost always equipped with lascannon sponsons and frontal cannon, meaning they are laying down five lascannon shots every few seconds.
* **Leman Russ Battle Tank**: The old reliable of many Imperial Guard regiments, the Leman Russ' main variant makes up the entirety of the *Cohors Secunda*, having the honour of being the only tank to comprise an entire *Cohors*. Decent against both armour and infantry, the Russ fulfills many roles for the Regiment depending on its need and combat situation.
* **Leman Russ Punisher**: The Punisher is the primary tank of the *Cohors Tertia*, which specialises in anti-personnel warfare and is used to great effect against the scores of enemy troops, and is an important feature of the battle-line against large forces.
* **Leman Russ Exterminator**: Although not quite as dedicate as the Punisher, the Exterminator is also an effective anti-infantry unit, while providing the flexibility of possible anti-aircraft if needed.
* **Leman Russ Eradicator**: Comprising a significant portion the *Cohors Quarta*, the longer range and powerful strength of the Eradicator makes it an ideal choice for the effective siege company of the Unit. However, while more well-rounded, the heavier punch of the Demolisher is often needed to take out the toughest targets which the Nova Cannon simply cannot help.
* **Leman Russ Demolisher**: The extremely powerful gun of the Demolisher is very useful in siege situations, but is usually reserved for close quarters enemy threats due to the limit of its range. Few can withstand its mighty blast however, once the longer range cannons have cut a path for the *Cohors Quarta* to get in close.
* **Leman Russ Conquerer**: The Conqueror is the primary light tank of the whole regiment, being used well for breakthroughs. However, its main gun can also have problems where it us able to pierce as much armour.
* **Chimedon**: The Chimedon is a light tank formed by taking the turret of a Conqueror and placing it on a Chimera chassis. These assist the Conquerors where lighter but faster tanks are needed on the battlefield.
* **Storm Chimera**: With heavier armour than regular Chimeras but still quicker than Leman Russes, the Storm Chimeras are used also as lighter tanks, with the design taken from regiments of the Death Korps of Krieg. The vehicle's autocannon also works against both infantry as well as aircraft.
* **Chimera**: The Chimera is primary used by the maidens as an armoured command vehicle for the *Cohortes* VII-XII, as it is a well-rounded vehicle that is more mobile than a Leman Russ. This flexibility comes in use with its role as a command vehicle.
* **Devil Dog**: The Devil Dog, used by the *Cohors Septima*, is the primary anti-armour vehicle of the assault company. While the Hellhound and Bane Wolf focus against infantry targets, the melta on the Devil Dogs is an effective stopgap to help the assault company against heavier targets.
* **Hellhound**: The effectiveness of the Hellhound against enemy infantry is terrifying, and for the up-close and personal assault company, it is the key vehicle of the *Cohors Septima*, able to burn hordes of enemies, even those in cover.
* **Bane Wolf**: The final key vehicle of the *Cohors Septima*, the Bane Wolf uses its chemical weapon to devastating effect against the enemy.
* **Basilisk**: The long-ranged heavy firepower of the regiment, the Basilisk is support artillery to ensure that the tanks have covering fire. The Basilisks also can take care of long range threats or neutralise targets which will make it far easier for the rest of the regiment to advance.
* **Hydra**: The Hydra comprises part of the mobile artillery of the regiment, and is useful due to both its anti-aircraft and anti-infantry uses. It is a key support vehicle, and is usually closer to the frontline than the Basilisk part of the company.
* **Atlas**: The Atlas is a key vehicle for the entire regiment, for it can recovered damaged or wrecked tanks back to the reserves in order to repair them. It plays a crucial role in insuring that the vehicles used by the regiment are salvaged and repaired, as tanks are not the easiest vehicles to replace. In many ways, this vehicle is the logistical lifeblood of the regiment.
* **Samaritan**: Not a combat vehicle, the Samaritan is nonetheless extremely important for the functioning of the regiment. A medical vehicle, it ferries wounded tank crew members back to the medical doctors at the mobile field hospital, which saves many (but not all lives). The rapid and efficient working of its crews ensures that those on the front line are in best condition for the fighting and lowers attrition rates.
* **Trojan**: Like the Samaritan, the Trojan is necessary for the working of the regiment, keeping the tanks constantly moving, firing and in top shape for combat. Helps the working of the *Cohors Undecima*.
* **Salamander**: The primary scout vehicle of the regiment, the Salamander is used to scout forward positions and report them to the command. The autocannon it fields can also be useful.
* **Tauros Venator**: A much different vehicle than the Salamander, it is less armoured but is faster and a little bit more versitle, used primarily when the situation demands a rougher vehicle. The highly mobile lascannons are also extremely valuable to the *Cohors Duodeceim*.

### Relic Equipment

* *Elegantia*, a **Stormhammer**- the regiment's primary relic, the *Elegantia* has functioned as the principal command tank of the regiment for centuries. Even larger than a regular Baneblade and armed with a mighty Stormhammer Cannon, twin-linked battle-cannons and nine lascannons, the *Elegantia* is a mobile fortress and tank destroyer that gracefully destroys any enemy that it comes across.
* *Felīcitas*, a **Leman Russ Incinerator**: The regiment also possesses a rarely seen tank in the Astra Militarum forces with the Leman Russ Incinerator. The most rare of the Leman Russ tanks, few regiments outside of Segmentum Solar see its use. Its special Volkite Demi-Culverin requires special attention, but can tear through enemy infantry with deadly efficiency. It is entrusted to the the *Capitanea* of the *Cohors Tertia*, who works to maintain its use with special care.
* *Pulchra*, *Bella*, *Formosa*, three **Destroyer Tank Hunters**- In its capacity in specialising in anti-tank warfare, the regiment has acquired not just one but three rare Destroyer Tank Hunters, which have special Heavy Laser Destroyers to tear apart most enemy armour with ease. These relics are entrusted to the most elite crew of the elite *Cohors Prima*, and are operated with some of the best skill as any vehicle in the Imperium, bringing down countless enemy tanks with its powerful weaponry.

## Notable Adamant Maidens

* **Debora Silveria** (195.M39-278.M39): Former *Capitanea* of the *Cohors Tertia*, the anti-personnel company which focuses on enemy infantry, and commander of the *Felīcitas*, a relic Leman Russ Incinerator. Debora has a controversial history in the regiment, and was known for being extremely unorthodox and ditching the regiment's traditions, making her own uniform and adopting a loud and fiery attitude. Known for being extremely brave and reckless, her combat record soon became notable for feats of daring and ability which defied expectations, leading to her getting a reputation for succeeding in impossible situations and for cheating death. After working alongside the Tidebenders, they gave her the nickname "Little Fury" to reference her personality. To the shock of many who expected her reckless behaviour to lead to her death, she completed her tour of service, settling down and having a family. Legends tell that her husband was the only one able to cause of a change from a raging fire to a much cooler temperament, but the truth of this is unknown.
* **Lucia Flammifera** (871.M39-962.M39): One of the Regiment's most famed heroines, Lucia was born into a noble family on Adamas. A gifted tanker from a young age, she combined a passion for *Via Armati* as well as cheerful and outgoing personality. Upon joining the regiment at the age of 16, she was assigned as a commander of a Hellhound in the *Cohors Septima* because of her willingness to serve in a dangerous vehicle, and by age 20 had become a Ductrix in charge of its *Copia Secunda*. During the Cleansing of Pellicula, she led the Hellhounds in her *Copia* to destroy a Keeper of Secrets. She continued her service with an excellent record, becoming *Capitanea* of her *Cohors* before eventually becoming *Princeps* of the entire regiment at the young age of 24. She completed her tour of service and retired with honours, returning to Adamans to raise a family, many of whom would go on to follow their progenitrix's legacy and serve in the regiment.