Eclipsed Wardens

## Eclipsed Warriors

Eclipsed Wardens armorial with Chapter icon.

Eclipsed Warden Battle-Brother of the 2nd Company, 7th Battleline Squad proudly displaying his Salamanders' heritage.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fidelitas Totalis*)

### **Successor of**

Salamanders
(Vulkan (mixed) lineage.)

### **Fortress-Monastery**

*Embersong Ascendant*
(Flagship; Modified Strike Cruiser)

### **Colours**

Valor Blue armor with Sable Black

The **Eclipsed Wardens** is a unique and altruistic fleet-based, Space Marine Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Created during an unknown Founding, this Chapter was created to perform missions of rescue and salvation. The chapter diverged from their Salamanders lineage, adopting a unified colour scheme with their original chapter's heraldry and the symbolic Unity gold eagle. Their history is characterized by an unwavering dedication to recovering lost and stranded Space Marines, regardless of their origins, from the fringes of forgotten battlefields.

## Chapter History

### Origin and Foundation

The Eclipsed Wardens trace their origins to the venerable Salamanders chapter, renowned for their compassion and dedication to humanity. Upon managing to survive after being abandoned and forgotten on a long-lost battlefield, the survivors of a couple of chapters banded together and helped each other escape.

While at the beginning the group barely numbered enough to form a half a company, never mind a chapter, and the members thought of each other as a loose band of brothers than a military unit, throughout the ages, as the group gained more and more members, a common identity started to emerge. Thus the Eclipsed Wardens, called the Valkyr of the Astartes at the time, emerged as a unique entity inspired by the Valkyries of legend. Their original founding location, as well as year, has been shrouded in legend, however, as well as the identity and number of the original survivors that founded the group.

Operating outside the standard Adeptus Astartes structure, they have built their ranks through volunteers and stranded brethren they have saved, predominantly from *Codex Astartes*-compliant chapters, while others chose to return to their original chapters.

### Renegade status

The chapter has had a Renegade chapter status officially since its founding, although the current Chapter Master had officially applied to become a recognized chapter. The application is however caught in limbo, and for years on end has not been given an official article of recognition from the Council of Terra. Deciding not to wait for the whims of the nobles of Earth to change, the chapter has resumed their activity as normal, and act as if they were an official chapter. Caught in the weird middle-point between Renegades and Chapter marines, the Wardens fly on as the Valkyr of legend, bringing hope and rescue to those left behind.

### The Cassian Reform

Upon the death of the original captain and leader of the Valkyr of the Astartes, the newly-promoted captain Cassian Drakkar, an orthodox Ultramarine at heart, started implementing what came known to the group as the Cassian Reform. This set of changes brought the group some much needed structure, and effectively cemented the codex-compliant organisational structure, transforming the group into a codified Space Marine Chapter as is known today.

As part of the reforms, Cassian Drakkar also asked for official recognition as a chapter from the Council of Terra, however the recognition process has been long and complicated, especially due to their relative lack of gene-seed. While technically, via their first captain, Ignatius, they can trace a seed lineage from Primarch Vulkan, its purity has been questioned due to the abnormally diverse mix of gene seeds made available to them. This means that, in some people's eyes, the chapter will never be an 'official', recognised chapter.

In the meantime, the group however has passed most other requirements, including an inquisitorial investigation, and has started paying tithes and rendering service as normal, in league with their continuous application.

### Controversy and Blackshield allegations

Due to their unknown past as a quasi-blackshield formation, and despite the recent Cassian Reform, the chapter has had many accusations of heresy, Blackshield association, or just not being a real chapter in general. These allegations have ranged from far-fetched to plausible, a fact that wasn't helped by the fact that the chapter's origins are fairly similar to many other blackshield formations.

Furthermore, the allegations have been supported by the fact that, for a group that values history and origins so much, much of its own history has been shrouded in legends and myth, and partially redacted or unkept in the chapter's records.

The chapter however, vehemently denies any and all allegations, and to their credit, have managed to pass an inquisition investigation on multiple occasions.

The truth of the matter is nuanced. While to some, this chapter will never become a fully-fledged chapter, nor does it deserve to be called one, others take no qualms in the matter as long as the group continues to support the imperium and pay their given tithe. This may have strained relationships with other loyalist chapters, yet has not stopped them from seeking out lost members of those chapters and returning them to their host.

One thing is however undeniable: ask any of the Wardens if they broke their oath, renounced their legion or chapter, or took on the mantle of a blackshield, and they will all zealously deny it. If you asked its members if the Eclipsed Wardens were themselves a chapter, however, you'd find more hesitant answers.

### Legacy and Purpose

As a chapter without borders, the Eclipsed Wardens' legacy is defined by their commitment to unity and preservation. Through their diverse origins and shared purpose, they embody the spirit of the Valkyries while carrying the torch of salvation. With their mission to guide lost warriors from obscurity into the annals of history, the Eclipsed Wardens stand as a beacon of hope and honour in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium.

## Notable Campaigns

#### **Veiled Cluster Campaign(Unknown Years, M37-M39)**:

The veiled cluster campaign was a long series of short battles and rescue operations run in a region of space filled with warp abnormalities. This is also where the chapter found their flagship, albeit in an abandoned and precarious state. Although no singular battle or rescue operation is worth mentioning, this is where the majority of the chapter's veterans were recruited from.

#### **Siege of Zephyr Hive (Unknown Year, M40):**

The siege of Zephyr Hive ultimately led to the loss of the hive world, however many pockets of Imperial Fist Marines remained behind, still fighting the onslaught of chaos. The siege is one of the first confirmed appearances of the Eclipsed Wardens. While not managing to retake the world, the chapter did manage to rescue many marines and other imperial personnel from the former hive world.

#### **The Last Stand at Pyreath (Unknown Year, M41):**

A battle where the 4th Company of the Eclipsed Wardens valiantly defended against overwhelming chaos forces, resulting in the near-destruction of the company and its eventual merging with the 10th Company. During the battle, a mixed force comprised of abandoned Raven Guards and Eclipsed Wardens were nearly annihilated as they tried to stand up to the invaders, only turning the tide when they managed to restore and reactivate the Dreadnaught Vindicatorus.

#### **Crusade of Wrath** (888.M41):

The Black Templars, including Chaplain Solon Mordecai, took part in this campaign against the Word Bearers, reclaiming star systems and the shrine world of Benevolence from chaos forces. While the Eclipsed Wardens did not directly participate in the campaign, it is the campaign in which they recruited their lone chaplain, as he was stranded alone.

#### Greenskin Blooding (Unspecified Date. M42):

A sizeable Ork Waaagh gathers in the far reaches of the known space, around the Vilghum System. A space chapter, later identified as the Incarnadines had dispatched a strikeforce under the command of Second Captain Alessan in order to eliminate the threat. A sizeable chunk of the Chapter is sent as part of this mission, fighting the greenskin menace. The system is successfully cleared of xenos, though the remnants of the Waaagh manage to escape into the wider turmoil of Imperium Nihilus, being chased by the chapter in order to prevent another invasion. During the chaos of the campaign, the Eclipsed Wardens receive a scrambled transmission from one of the feral worlds caught in the conflict. A dispatch was sent and the Squad Samariel of the Incardine's Second Company was found on the planet. Caught in an ork-made landslide, they were assumed dead by their comrades, only to emerge from the rubble after the fleet had already left. Somehow, they had managed to fashion a makeshift transponder and make contact with the Eclipsed Wardens, who were chasing rumors of lost marines in the area. The chapter's strikeforce managed to rescue the stranded marines, and help repair and refurbish their armor. Either as a way of expressing thanks, or due to limited resources, the squad's armor was repaired partially in the livery of the Eclipsed Wardens, a trend which will continue as the squad fought with the Wardens. For several months do the warriors of Squad Samariel travel with the Eclipsed Wardens, though the turmoil of the immaterium makes warp travel unreliable and slow. Even the exact location of the fleet is often uncertain, and so reuniting with the Incarnadines becomes a complicated matter. During the travels, the lost Incarnadines learn the ways of the Wardens and contribute their talents in any way they can. Many threats are encountered and repelled, ranging from human pirates to Aeldari Corsairs and even the malignant forces of Chaos.

***Relief of Vilghum Secundus*** - On Vilghum Secundus, the Wardens find a devastated world populated by a sparse number of survivors. After sharing rations and medical supplies with the people of Vilghum Secundus, they learn that Captain Alessan left them with great haste to pursue the orks deeper into heart of the sector. Their course set, the Eclipsed Wardens and Squad Samariel make their preparations to meet either a victorious chapter, or a hellish battlefield.

**Extermination of Skeggjöld -** At journey's end, the fleet of the Eclipsed Wardens finally discover the strikeforce of Captain Alessan, who is fiercely embattled against the greenskins at the hive-world of Skeggjöld. They catch the chapter still caught in fierce combat with the ork waagh, and plan to relieve them. Without hesitation, the Wardens throw themselves into the fray, like Valkyries of ancient myth descending from Wōdan's halls. Squad Samariel is amongst the firsts from the Wardens to make planetfall, and reunite with their breatheren, although in the chaos of battlefield, instead of embraces and hugs, they were met with flying ork bullets and mud. From above and below the two Chapters entrap and annihilate the alien horde, bringing an end to a long and hard-fought campaign. The men of Squad Samariel are at last returned to their brethren in red, white and black, and swear oaths of brotherhood to those who had saved them. While they once again don the symbol of the Incarnadines Chapter on their left pauldron, the rest of their armour remains in the livery of the Eclipsed Wardens. In accordance with Chapter tradition, Samariel takes on the name and title of "Samariel Valkyren, the Returned Blade", his squad being henceforth known as Squad Valkyren.

## Chapter Homeworld

The Eclipsed Wardens do not have a homeworld. Instead, they prefer to stay mobile within a fleet.

### Fortress-Monastery

The chapter does not have any known fortress-monasteries. See Chapter Fleet.

## Chapter Organisation

The chapter is *Codex*- compliant, a fact best seen in their organisational structure. They follow the traditional company structure of most chapters, with the caveat that the Chapter has only been known to be able to field a maximum of 6 companies at any known time. This was mainly due to their limited numbers, rather than a conscious choice. The chapter is glaringly missing a 4th company, which was mostly lost at the Last Stand at Pyreah, with surviving members, along with the few survivor-recruits of the same battle, ended up forming the 10th company instead.

### Officer Ranks

At the top of the hierarchy is the Chapter Master, currently Chapter Master Cassian Drakkar. Beneath the Chapter Master are the Captains, each commanding one of the ten companies. Noteworthy that 3 out of the 6 existing companies do not have a captain, the position still waiting to be filled by an eager and capable marine from within the company, and are intermittently run by their lieutenants instead, aided by the chapter master. Each Captain is supported by Lieutenants, or the Lieutenants are supported by their Sergeants.

### Specialist Ranks

The chapter has formalized its specialist ranks after the Cassian reform, bringing it in line with most codex-compliant chapters.

With that said, there are three things of note:

* For one, is the fact that although the position of chaplain was codified since the time of the Cassian reform, the position has only been recently filled with the arrival of Chaplain Mordecai.
* Second, although the chapter does have ranks of Neophyte and Initiate codified in their rules, these positions have never been filled as they do not recruit/ascend marines in the usual way, and thus cannot create neophytes or initiates.
* Lastly, in order to overcome the lack of personnel because of the second caveat, the specialist order are known to employ mortals in the lower ranks in order to help with day to day activities. These volunteers act similar to Serfs on other chapters, however they are given a slightly better treatment and lifestyle.

Otherwise, specialist ranks are grouped along the specialist roles they entail, and are as follows:

#### Librarian ranks:

* **Chief Librarian**
* **Codicier:** Codiciers have a deeper understanding of the Warp and are entrusted with more complex psychic tasks, such as divining the future or probing enemy minds
* **Lexicanium/Librarian**
* **Librarian Neophyte: N/A**
* **Librarian Aspirant: N/A**
* **Scribe and Scribe Aspirant:** Due to lack of personnel, the Eclipsed Wardens have been known to employ mortals in the ranks of their specialist forces. in the case of the librarian ranks, these mortals are gathered from the ranks of mortals volunteers with psychic potential, and are given the rank of Scribe Aspirant, and once their training is complete, of Scribe. While not full-fledged marines, scribes are given however some life prolonging treatments and enhancements, due to the rarity of their gifts. The librarian specialists unit within the Eclipsed Wardens are some of the most vocal proponents of adopting a more standard recruitment procedure, in order to start ascending their scribes to librarian positions.

#### Techmarine ranks:

* **Master of the Forge**
* **Techmarine**
* **Techmarine Neophyte: N/A**
* **Techmarine Initiate: N/A**
* **Tech Hand and Veterna Tech Hand:** Due to lack of personnel, the Eclipsed Wardens have been known to employ mortals in the ranks of their specialist forces. They are ussually given the rank of "Hand", or "Veteran Hand", to set them apart from the immortal marines.

#### Apothecarium ranks:

* **Chief Apothecary**
* **Apothecary**
* **Apothecary Neophyte:** N/A
* **Apothecary Initiate:** N/A
* **Veteran Hand/ Medicus Hand:** Due to lack of personnel, the Eclipsed Wardens have been known to employ mortals in the ranks of their specialist forces. They are ussually given the rank of "Hand", or "Veteran Hand", to set them apart from the immortal marines.

#### Chaplain

* **Chaplain:** The Eclipsed Wardens have only one chaplain.
* **Chapel Hand:** Due to lack of personnel, the Eclipsed Wardens have been known to employ mortals in the ranks of their specialist forces. They are usually given the rank of "Hand", or "Veteran Hand", to set them apart from the immortal marines. In the case of the chaplain roles, there are no veteran hand roles assigned, instead, all mortal hands work to support the chaplain in his duties.

### Line Ranks

Line ranks are pretty orthodox, with the caveat that there are no Neophytes or Initiates, although the ranks are codified.

* **Sergeant Veteran**
* **Ancient**
* **Veteran**
* **Sergeant**
* **Battle Brother**
* **Neophyte: N/A**
* **Initiate: N/A**

### Order of Battle

#### Headquarters

The chapter uses its flagship as a gathering point and mobile headquarters. It houses both the council room, housing for the council and majority of the marines, as well as the chapel Sanctuary of Redemption, and Vault.

#### Companies

Although their numbers fluctuated over time, at the moment, the breakdown of members can be counted as such amongst the companies:

1st Company: **Embersong Valkyrs**

* Notable Leader: Captain Gavriel Stormbringer oversees the 1st Company.
* Other notable leaders: Ancient Valerius (sergeant), a venerable Ballistus Dreadnought, Marius Flamerman, sergeant of the 2nd Flamer Squad.
* Members: 60 Veterans, including Terminators, Vanguard Veterans, and Sternguards.

2nd Company: **Dawning Flamebearers**

* Notable Leader: Lieutenant Octavius commands the 2nd Company in the absence of a captain.
* Members: 80 Tactical Marines, with squads equipped for various battlefield roles.
* Vehicles: Rhino transports and Razorbacks to support Tactical Squads.

3rd Company: **Eclipsed Reckoners**

* Notable Leader: Captain Effermus leads the 3rd Company.
* Other notable Leaders: Sergeant Lucian Emberbane leads the 3rd Company's 3rd Squad with an unwavering commitment.
* Members: 70 Assault Marines and Jump Pack-equipped troops.
* Vehicles: Land Speeders and Assault Bikes for rapid assaults.

4th Company: Missing/ N/A

* The remains of the 4th Company, after the Last Stand at Pyreah, have been integrated into the 10th Company, contributing to the increase in Scout numbers.

5th Company: **Ferrum Wardens**

* Notable Leader: Lieutenant Kellan Ironheart (ancient dreadnaught) commands the 5th Company in the absence of a captain.
* Members: 80 Tactical Marines with an emphasis on defensive strategies.
* Vehicles: Predators and Whirlwinds for fire support.

6th Company: **Liberating Thunder**

* Notable Leader: Captain Titus leads the 6th Company.
* Members: 70 Assault Marines and close support squads.
* Dreadnoughts: Dreadnought Vindicatorus, assigned to support close assaults.

7th-9th Company: Missing/ N/A

10th Company: **Pathfinders of Dawn**

* Notable Leader: Chief Scout Orin leads the 10th Company.
* Members: 40 Scouts, focused on reconnaissance and stealth operations.
* Vehicles: Scout Bikes and Land Speeders for fast reconnaissance.

### Chapter Recruitment and Rescues

The Eclipsed Wardens are not a traditional chapter as most of their members elect to transfer their gene-seed to their original chapters upon death, although few choose to keep theirs within the Eclipsed Wardens. They, however, grow their numbers primarily through volunteers and recruits amongst those saved by the group.

The chapter's unique mission focuses on scouring ancient battlefields and remote worlds to save abandoned or stranded Space Marines. They have rescued warriors from battles such as the Siege of Zephyr Hive, the Veiled Cluster Campaign, the Obsidian Reclamation, the Sundered Veil incident, and the Last Stand at Pyreath. These events have become part of the Eclipsed Wardens' storied history, shaping their identity as guardians of the forgotten.

The actual recruitment process is not instant. The only member of the Eclipsed Wardens who joined near-instantly was the chapter's chaplain.

#### Rescue:

Realistically, a marine begins the so-called recruitment process right after they gets rescued. They are brought onboard one of their ships and are tended to by the apothecaries or the techmarines, as required. They are afterwards assigned a stasis pod if available, or some other accommodation if unavailable. Their rank and specialised role is translated in the codified structure of the wardens, and a new rank is assigned (usually of similar standing).

#### Interim:

Traditionally, rescued space marines are brought back to the fold of their original chapter or legion. Periodically, once the number of rescued marines reaches a high enough level, one of the strike ships will set a course to known Imperial bastions to drop off the lucky warriors. However, due to the unpredictability of the warp, this process can last decades if not centuries, while in the meantime, the saved marines live aboard one of the ships of the Eclipsed Wardens, and are expected to pull their weight, based on their assigned rank. Many choose to join up on rescue missions or combat drops for various reasons on a temporary basis, sometimes as a way to pull their weight on the ship, as a way to help their fellow chapter or legion members in peril, or as a way of thanks to the Eclipsed Wardens, while others pick up specialist jobs and roles on the ship.

#### The Second Vow:

During their time with the Eclipsed Wardens, many of the saved marines will decide to join within their interim period, taking what is known as the "Second Vow".

#### Rekindled Reunion:

Once the number of rescued marines hits a worthwhile level to be returned, a ship within the fleet is chosen to go on the "Mission of Reclamation". Those that didn't join the Eclipsed Wardens are embarked on one of the mission ships and are sent back to the Imperium of Man, to be reunited with their chapters. Sometimes, this reunion happens sooner than this, for example if the Eclipsed Wardens find another chapter during their travels or missions, or travel within close proximity to an allied fortress or stronghold.

## Chapter Culture & Beliefs

The chapter's culture and beliefs are still developing, mostly due to its variable number of members as well as the diverse backgrounds of each new recruit. However, in recent years a core belief and culture has naturally formed as its various members have started to grown accustomed to their adoptive chapter. These core beliefs centre around the chapter's mission and circumstance, with only a light influence remaining from their original founding chapter.

### Core Tenants:

1. **Unity Through Diversity**: Because of their recruitment and enlargement process, the Eclipsed Wardens have been conditioned to believe in the strength that comes from diverse origins. Unified in their single purpose to recover forgotten marines of all kinds, they see the value in the skill of Space Marines regardless of origins, fostering a brotherhood that transcends individual backgrounds or chapters. This unity is reflected in their diverse origins, remembered on their pauldrons, and the symbolic Unity Gold eagle on their armour.
2. **Salvation and Preservation**: Central to their ethos is the concept of salvation and second life. They consider it their sacred duty to rescue and preserve the legacies of stranded and forgotten Space Marines. No loyal marine deserves to be abandoned or forgotten in their eyes. Thus, their commitment to preserving their memory, gene-seed as well as honour of these warriors drives their actions and decisions. Just as the Valkyries of myth guided fallen warriors to the afterlife, the Eclipsed Wardens guide their brethren back from obscurity into the annals of history.
3. **Selflessness and sacrifice**: The chapter sees itself as a guiding light in the darkness of war and the grim future. They hope to inspire other marines to see unity with their fellow chapters, breaking apart dividing lines, both by word and by example. The Eclipsed Wardens prioritize the welfare of others over their own. Their mission revolves around saving and protecting others, often at great personal risk. This selflessness is deeply ingrained in their culture and is seen as the highest form of duty. While directed mainly to their fellow brethren, it often extends further to protecting the lives of mortals and other loyal servants of the empire, when circumstances allow.
4. **Flexibility and Adaptability:** Rather than sticking to single tactics dogmatically, or adopting one unified combat style, the Eclipsed Wardens, given their varied skills and ways of thinking, have chosen to favour adaptability instead, choosing the right engagement type for each situation. They seem to favour lighter, more mobile units with a flexible armament over specialised units, although they can change that into slow heavy hitters and armour should the need arise for it. This does come with a drawback of some disorganisation, especially amongst newer members of the chapter as they get used to the new ways of warfare.

### Culture:

#### **Honour, and the Past:**

The chapter holds great reverence for the past, both its own and that of others. They believe that every fallen Space Marine deserves to be remembered and honoured, and, if possible, have their gene-seed preserved and returned to their chapter. This can be most visible in their keeping of one pauldron belonging to their original chapter. They believe that there is honour in fighting to protect humanity, and that there's unquantifiable valour in sacrificing yourself for it. Thus, anyone who does so in deserving of salvation, or at the very least, remembrance. A marine forgotten or left behind, is an "honour lost", and unacceptable for the Eclipsed Wardens.

Recovering that honour, then, is an extension of that. Among the Eclipsed Wardens, the concept of "reclaimed honour" resonates as a deeply personal and sacred belief. For them, it's not just a matter of saving stranded Space Marines, or salvaging their gene-seed from distant battlefields—it's about restoring the dignity and valour of those who were left behind, abandoned by fate or circumstance.

#### **Rumours and knowledge**:

The Eclipsed Wardens are vigilant watchmen, always on the lookout for distress calls or rumours of stranded brethren, lost chapters, or trapped marines. Their fleet-based nature allows them to swiftly respond to emergencies, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to protecting others. They hunt for clues and rumours that can lead to the recovering of honour and saving of their brethren with a near obsessive zeal, and occupies all of their time when not on a mission.

### Harmonious Synthesis:

Being a melting pot of various chapters and different ways of thinking, the Eclipsed wardens often fall back on the most common and unifying values held by Space Marines as a whole: honour, loyalty, duty, and self-sacrifice, would become the bedrock of the Eclipsed Wardens' culture. While acknowledging past origins, in time the Eclipsed Wardens started seeing a unity not only in their purpose, but in all Space Marines as a whole. Chapters become more like birthplaces to the wardens, blurring the lines between them. Members would eagerly share their unique skills, knowledge, and experiences with one another. This had one major advantage, which is flexibility and adaptability.

### Genetic Flaws

While virtually immune to hereditary genetic flaws due to their recruitment process, the chapter does have one major flaw in that it does not have the capacity or ability to maintain its numbers. Unlike more traditional chapters, which can hold a steady supply of new recruits, as well as gene-seed, the wardens only seem to recruit on a volunteer-basis from those they save. Furthermore, due to their tendency to return gene-seeds of fallen marines to that marine's original chapter, unless specified otherwise, they don't have a stable pool of gene-seed to pull from to maintain their numbers. This trend has started to shift, however, especially amongst the most veteran members and officers of the chapter, and discussions have started about taking in mortal volunteers as neophytes. Given the limited capabilities to detect compatibility however, as well as the very diverse gene-seed, creating healthy neophytes will definitely prove more of a gamble than a real solution.

## Combat Doctrine

The Eclipsed Wardens have a rather orthodox combat doctrine, their leader Cassian being a big convert of the Codex Astartes. Beyond that, given the Eclipsed Wardens relatively limited numbers and very specialized mission profile (focusing on rescue and clearing out areas), require a very adaptable fighting style.

The wardens have been known to change between doctrines as the situation demanded, employing often Assault and Tactical doctrines, hit-and-run tactics, blitzkrieg and firewall tactics.

## Deathwatch Service

As a relatively new chapter that hasn't fully undergone official recognition by the council of Terra, the Eclipsed Wardens have not had the honor of having one of their own picked for the Deathwatch service. Chapter Master Cassian is especially annoyed at that, however there are already rumors that sergeant Marius Flamerman might be considered for service if the chapter gained official status**.**

## Notable Leaders and Figures

* **Chapter Master Cassian Drakkar**: A former Ultramarines of strategic brilliance who found new purpose leading the Eclipsed Wardens.
* **Captain Ignatius(deceased** *circa 38M***)**: A former Salamander and one of the progenitors of the chapter, the first ever member to volunteer his gene-seed to the Eclipsed Wardens instead of his original chapter.
* **Chief Librarian Aelius Thorne**: A gifted psyker from the Imperial Fists who guides the chapter's psychic endeavours.
* **Chaplain Solon Mordecai:** A chaplain, originally of the Black Templars who, in an hour of need, left alone stranded on an alien world by the machinations of chaos, perceived the Eclipsed Wardens saviour as a divine intervention and message, and joined them on their mission. He is the chapter's lone chaplain.
* **First Company Captain Gavriel Stormbringer**: A battle-hardened veteran of the Storm Wardens who commands the chapter's elite.
* **Sergeant Lucian Emberbane**: A former Dark Angels warrior who leads the 3rd Squad with an unwavering commitment.
* **Sergeant Marius Flamerman:** A former Salamander warrior, amongst the very first known members of the chapter, leading 1st Company's 2nd Squad.
* **Veteran Dreadnought Ancient Sergeant'** *Kellan Ironheart*: An Iron Hands survivor, who chose to be entombed within a Redemptor Dreadnought to serve the chapter.

## Chapter Fleet

The Eclipsed Wardens' primary fleet, known as the *Fleet of the Luminous Vanguard*, navigates the treacherous paths of the warp with a fleet of modified Strike Cruisers. Their flagship, the *Embersong Ascendant*, was reclaimed from the void—a forgotten warship of an ancient chapter. Its restoration embodies the chapter's commitment to rekindling lost honour and guiding fallen brethren back into the light.

### Fleet Elements:

* Modified Ancient Strike Cruiser (Flagship)
* Strike Cruisers for rapid deployment
* Strike Group of Nova-class Frigates
* Thunderhawk Gunships and Drop Pods for planetary assaults

## Chapter Relics

1. Embersong Ascendant (Chapter Flagship):
	* The chapter's flagship is a mystical relic in its own right. Recovered from beyond the void, this vessel's restoration embodies the chapter's mission and serves as a mobile fortress and beacon of hope. It is also the centre of their gene-seed collection efforts. It boasts towering spires, gothic architecture, and intricate refurbished stained-glass windows that depict scenes of honour, salvation, and valour. The ship also has a giant 'vault' kept at its centre that functions both as a gene-seed repository for the fallen, as well as a safe storage for the chapter's most valuable relics when not in use. The vault is also said to contain another powerful artifact, called The Eternal Flame, although no documents or evidence to that fact has ever been shown. The vault can only be accessed through the Sanctuary of Redemption, a chapel aboard the ship, through which gene-seeds of fallen marines are taken, in a ceremony officiated by the chapter's lone Chaplain, towards honouring the fallen.
2. Ironheart's Gauntlet (Artifact):
	* This gauntlet symbolizes the Iron Hands influence within the chapter and is worn by Lieutenant Kellan Ironheart. It's a testament to resilience and determination.
3. Dreadnought Vindicatorus:
	* This venerable Dreadnought, assigned to the 6th Company, is a potent relic in its own right. Found at the Siege of Zephyr Hive, its restauration was instrumental to the breaking of the siege. Its unique name and combat history make it an important part of the chapter's arsenal.
4. "Luminous Tome of Honour" (Psychic Focus):
	* This relic represents the chapter's psychic endeavours and is utilized by Chief Librarian Aelius Thorne. It embodies the chapter's pursuit of honour through both physical and psychic means. It mainly functions as a psychic 'ping' that allows Aelius to locate marines who are still alive, or on the verge of death within the nearby cluster. Despite its name, the artifact has no semblance to an actual tome or book, but it is rather a [REDACTED] artifact in spheroidal shape. Upon joining the chapter, the chief librarian had disappeared for years, only to return with the artifact. He has since refused to detail where-- or how-- he had found the psychic focus. Given its usefulness, Chapter Master Cassian Drakkar closed the subject, and redacted many details about the tome from the chapter's archives.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours and Symbolism

Adopting a distinctive colour palette, the Eclipsed Wardens don Valor Blue armour with Sable Black helmets and gauntlets. Their Unity Gold eagle emblazoned on their chest symbolizes the unity and diversity they embody, with the gold representing the origin chapter and the silver reflecting their collective purpose.

### Distinctive Features

Each Marine retains their original chapter's colours on their pauldrons, either one or both, bridging their past with the present.

### Chapter Badge

The Eclipsed Wardens' Chapter badge takes the form of a stylised winged helmet of a Valkyrie, a mythological female figure from Old Earth's Nordyc mythology. These servants of the supreme god Odin stalked the battlefields to choose the souls of fallen warriors who were deemed worthy of a place in the warrior's heaven known as Valhalla - a very apt symbol chosen by the Eclipsed Wardens in light of their sacred duty to bring salvation to those lost Astartes on forgotten battlefields across the galaxy.

## Relations

### Allies

Incarnadines getting involved in an impromptu campaign of the Incardines as they were chasing a rampaging Waagh, the Incardines managed to save a stranded squad, cut off by a landslide from their brothers. Their battered battle armor was fixed up and repainted by the Wardens, and they were brought on board until they found their chapter. Chasing rumors the Incarnadines were close by, the fleet and saved squad helped relieve at least one world devastated by orks, gathering rumors and directions towards the location of the battle lines. Finally, at the hive world of Skeggjöld, the Wardens finally caught up with the Incardines, and helped them entrap and annihilate the waagh for good. The two chapters had henceforth maintained a bond of friendship and brotherhood.

### Enemies

Although the Wardens see all enemies of mankind as their enemies, due to their beliefs around honor and sacrificing themselves for humanity, they view the very existence of traitor marines as anathema. Chaos Marines, who have embraced the ruinous powers and turned against their former brethren and oaths, represent a betrayal of the very ideals the Wardens hold dear. Their fall into Chaos marks them as lost souls, forsaken by their own choices, devoid of honor, and even a stain of the honor of all Space Marines in tow.

## Notable Quotes

### By the Eclipsed Wardens

> "In my chest, my two hearts beat in unison. One of them beats for the Ultramarines, the other, beats for the Wardens, and both of them, beat for the Imperium. Remember that if ever again you question my loyalties."
>
>

- Chapter Master Cassius Drakkar, responding to an inquisitor.

> "There's nearly 600 souls who've eaten in this mess hall of late. Ask any of them if they've forsaken their oaths and you'll be lucky if they'll just rip out your spine. To betray your oath is to lose your honour, to be forgotten, and I bet each and every one of us will die before we even suffer the notion of living without it."
>
>

- Sergent Lucian, responding to a new mortal recruit.

### About the Ecliped Wardens

[Source]

[Source]

## Gallery

Eclipsed Wardens Battle-Brother of the 5th Company, 4th Battleline Squad displays the heritage of his former Chapter, the Iron Hands.