Auric Subjugators

Auric Subjugators armorial.

Auric Subjugators Firstborn Battle-Brother of the 4th Commandery, 7th Close Support Squad.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fidelitas Tenax*)

### **Successor of**

Executioners (Suspected)
(Rogal Dorn lineage.)

### **Homeworld**

Vostriyo, Tancrandras V (Primary Recruiting World)Exclusive Tithe Rights to the Worlds of Heterar VI, Orthivrax and Xandraelius.)

### **Specialty**

Close-Quarters Actions, Shock Assault, Line-Breaker Assaults (Bezerkers), Exterminatio, Punitive and Excoriation Campaigns

### Successor Chapter(s)

N/A

"*Know this, the choices you have made and the actions you have taken have led to this. You may cleave to your courage but that will fail you, look to your weapons but they will not be enough. Run, fight, hide, pray, cry out in fear or cower behind your walls -- it does not matter, for we are come."*"
—Last transmission received by Lathendyra Beta
The **Auric Subjugators**, sometimes called the '***Subjugatii Aureum***' in High Gothic, are a loyalist Astartes Chapter and scions of Rogal Dorn, it was once unknown as to which of the VII Legions successors they hailed from, some named the Black Templars, others the Excoriators due to similarity in Insignia, it is now believed that they are instead successors of the Executioners with many citing the obvious similarities between the two Chapters. Founded during the 23rd Founding, the so-called "Sentinel Founding", they are a savage, bloody-handed and barbarous Chapter, indeed many of their fellow Space Marines view them as little more than ill-disciplined primitives and gore-splattered headhunters, little better than Renegades. This opinion is well founded for the Auric Subjugators truly are bloody-handed monsters - vicious and violent beyond what is expected even of Astartes and when they are unleashed into battle, the Chapter's Astartes fight with gleeful savagery, tearing apart whatever enemy they are given to fight without mercy or falter, heedless of the risk and uncaring of the Chapters own losses. They fight as mad butchers, ripping apart their foes in a vain effort to quiet the fury in their blood. So divorced have they become from the rest of Mankind that most Imperial Commanders accept the Chapter's help only in the direst of circumstances.

There is good reason for this caution. On more than one occasion, the enemy body count has not been enough to sate their bloodlust, and many are the Imperial Commanders who have thought themselves saved only to watch in horror as the warrior angels sent to liberate them succumb to their curse.

Lost in the throes of slaughter, the Auric Subjugators often fail to recognise a battle's end, turning their weapons on their allies and even the Humans who thought them angelic saviours. They kill until nothing remains but bloodied ground, churned viscera, and the fading thrum of their double hearts.

Though fanatically loyal to the Emperor of Mankind and obsessed with the eradication of all of the Imperium's enemies, this disturbing and callous disregard for the lives of the civilians of the Imperium and even those of their allies, has brought them into conflict with the Red Scorpions Chapter of Space Marines and many other Imperial organisations, including the Inquisition and the Adepta Soritas. Indeed these conflicts have led to their investigation on charges of heresy by the Inquisition especially due to their widely-reported custom of cannibalistically consuming their defeated foes.

Somewhat unusual amongst the Astartes, the Auric Subjugators are not a Codex Astartes-compliant Chapter and maintain a different Chapter structure and culture than is the norm amongst many of the Adeptus Astartes.

## Chapter History

The Auric Subjugators are a Space Marine Chapter whose name has long been a byword for carnage and devastation. Founded during the 23rd Founding, the so-called "Sentinel Founding", to help replace the considerable losses suffered by the Adeptus Astartes in the preceding millennia. For many centuries, it was unknown which of the Chapters of Dorn they hailed from, however an account of the 38th Millenium, long thought lost, definitively lists them as one of the successors of the Executioners. The Auric Subjugators' victories, though many, have largely remained unsung and unremembered. For most of their existence, they have been left to operate alone at the edge of the Imperium, this has ingrained into them a tendency towards isolation and secrecy and led to them clashing with Imperial authorities and fellow Astartes on numerous occasions, and gaining them a shadowed reputation with other Imperial commanders.

Their well-deserved reputation for aggressiveness and general disregard for innocent life has further ostracised them from other Imperial forces as well as calls for Inquisitorial censure and investigation. Such is their belligerent temperament, as well as their hostility towards many of their erstwhile allies that many outright refuse to serve alongside them, this preference is reinforced by the fact that Auric Subjugators have on several occasions slaughtered those they consider to have failed to live up their own standards. Though none would gainsay their effectiveness in battle, several other Space Marine Chapters consider the Auric Subjugators to be belligerent, antagonistic and lacking in brotherhood with their fellow Adeptus Astartes.

### Noctis Aeterna

As the 41st Millenium drew to a close, a series of events heralded the return of the Primarch of the XIII Legion. Roboute Guilliman returned to a galaxy in turmoil, Cadia, long a bulwark against the forces of Chaos fell before the horror of the 13th Black Crusade and unleashed the cataclysmic event known as the Noctis Aeterna. The Immaterium burst forth and split the galaxy in two, creating the Great Rift and cutting off half of the Imperium from the light of the Astronomican. Into this maelstrom came the Primaris Astartes, the next generation of Space Marines. Fleets were dispatched to every Chapter carrying the technology and knowledge to create their own Primaris Space Marines as well as the equipment and war-gear to arm these formidable warriors. Along with the fleets came the Adeptus Custodes, the Emperor's own warriors, letting any sceptical Chapters know that these warriors came with the Emperor's word. The Auric Subjugators for their part, were at first distrustful of these newcomers but soon embraced them as they have proven themselves to be true Sons of Dorn.

Within the century following the Noctis Aeterna, many horrors have assailed the Galaxy, the Tyranids have begun to arrive in even greater number than before and its seems that now, no part of the Imperium is safe from their claws while Chaos and the Xenos who infest the galaxy have increased their attacks a hundred-fold.

Most recently the Auric Subjugators have embarked upon a series of extermination actions within the Segmentum Tempestus, battling the forces of Craftworld Kae’nh, the Orks of WAAAGH! Vorgrog and the Tyranids of Hive Fleet Hecatoncheires which is on a direct collision course with the Auric Subjugators homeworld of Vostriyo.

### Notable Campaigns

* **Battle of Voltealega (251.M38)** – One of the earliest recorded engagements of the Auric Subjugators, the Battle of Voltealega saw them engage and destroy a renegade Chapter of Astartes whose name was not recorded.
* **Battle of Khurern (103.M40)** – The first battle fought between the Auric Subjugators and the Eldar of Craftworld Kae’nh and the beginning of 2 millennia of conflict. Defending the world of Khurern, the Auric Subjugators proved the victor though at great cost as Taurach, Warlord of the 3rd Commandery was killed during the fighting, the loss made all the worse in that the Auric Subjugators were unable to recover his body, the Warlord having been utterly obliterated. In their anger the Auric Subjugators judged the population as having not fought hard enough in their own defence and subsequently purged them, leaving over 10,000 dead by the time they departed.
* **Fall of Ghedach (907.M40)** – Fought against the Eldar of Craftworld Kae’nh, the battle remains a source of shame for the Auric Subjugators as they suffered a stinging defeat to the Xenos. Attacking with overwhelming numbers, the Eldar first goaded a part of the Auric Subjugators 4th Commandery’s with hit-and-run attacks before drawing the now-crazed Astartes into pre-prepared defensive positions where they ambushed and surrounded them. The Auric Subjugators force was destroyed, with more than 70 Axe-Brothers lying dead in the field. Reinforced by the 2nd Commandery, the Auric Subjugators returned only to find the Xenos had abandoned the world. Furious at their losses, the Auric Subjugators destroyed the world, leaving it a lifeless husk.
* **Cleansing of the Hand of Damnation (383.M41)** – In 383.M41, the Space Hulk, *Hand of Damnation* appeared within the Bekrae Rift, a region of space on the border between the Segmentums Tempestus and Ultima. Its appearance threatened a number of worlds within the area and though their assistance was neither requested nor welcomed, the Auric Subjugators dispatched the entirety of the 3rd Commandery, along with Veterans from the 1st to purge the Hulk. Utilising both Assault Rams and Boarding torpedoes, the Astartes easily gained entrance whereupon they came under intense assault from an unidentified hyper-aggressive Xenos species that infested the Space Hulk. Examination of pict-logs from the battle revealed these creatures to somewhat resemble tailless scorpions with their front pair of legs replaced by razor-sharp talons capable of cutting through Power Armour. It took the Auric Subjugator more than a month to clear the Hand of Damnation as they were under constant attack from the Xenos. Upon finishing their purge, they thoroughly searched the dozens of vessels embedded within the Hulk and upon determining that it contained nothing of value, Techmarines rigged the Hulk's engines to send it into the nearest star, obliterating it utterly. With the arrival of the Tyranids centuries later, it was claimed that the creatures encountered may have belonged to that race though as nothing remains of the Xenos to examine it is unlikely that they will ever be positively identified.
* **Defence of Mortrran V (801.M41)** – The Auric Subjugators intervened during the Defence of Mortrran V after the world came under attack from the renegade Astartes of the Risen Disciples. Victory is achieved through claims of indiscriminate killing of civilians and even cannibalistic acts performed by the Auric Subjugators were reported to the Inquisition.
* **Battle of Vorgaal (034.M42)** – The Auric Subjugators defend the Traek System from an Ork WAAGH! of prodigious size, ultimately culminating in the Battle of Vorgaal. Though the Astartes were victorious with the Orks utterly annihilated, the Battle would have significant repercussions over the following year.
* **Purge of Lathendyra Beta (035.M42)** – The action known as the Purge of Lathendyra Beta occurred following the destruction of an Ork WAAGH! in the Traek System. Located within a neighbouring system, the world of Lathendyra Beta took part in the fighting, indeed fully half of their PDF regiments were deployed at strategic points in their system as it was expected that the Orks would soon invade Lathendyra as well. However, the Orks were ultimately destroyed by the Auric Subjugators who had appeared and joined the war, subsequently, the Lathendyra PDF faced little more than stragglers. Though they were no longer in danger, the Planetary Governor of Lathendyra who had long chafed under the control of the Imperium, declared that both the Great Rift and the rampaging Orks were proof positive the Imperium was either unwilling or unable to defend its worlds, subsequently the Governor proclaimed that Lathendyra Beta and all of its holdings were now no longer beholden to the Imperium. Upon this announcement the world erupted into civil war and anarchy as pro and anti-Imperium forces battled for control and into this maelstrom, came the Auric Subjugators. Within hours of their arrival, they had crippled the systems defence fleet and destroyed the world's orbital defence stations before they directly assaulted the planet, plunging headlong into the fray. The war that followed was mercifully brief as the Auric Subjugators, accepting no surrender and showing no mercy, systematically engaged and destroyed each traitor force in turn. Even the loyalist forces were not spared the Auric Subjugators' wrath with many units destroyed outright while civilians of both sides who had the misfortune to be caught within the Astartes path were butchered without falter. As the war reached its conclusion, within the ruins of the capital city, the High Executioner himself hurled the members of its ruling nobility one by one from the spire of its oratory-cathedral, this he did after impaling the Planetary Governor to the front of his personal Land Raider transport. With this the Auric Subjugators departed, leaving behind a ruined world, an example to any and all traitors of the fate that awaited them should they ever turn from the Emperor's light.
* **Ruination of the Iron Tyrants (057.M42)** – Within the area of space known as the Veiled Region, the Auric Subjugators would battle the heretic Astartes of the Iron Warriors. Fighting against a warband of the IV Legion known as the Iron Tyrants, the Chapter and their eternal foes would fight savagely for control of the Morudyra system. Lasting a little under a year, the campaign would see the Auric Subjugators break the traitors at every turn, ultimately culminating in the Battle of the Void, leaving the Iron Tyrants utterly destroyed
* **Traekandraal Campaign (076 - 087.M42)** – The near-decade-long Traekandraal Campaign was a poorly understood Imperial Crusade that formed part of the larger Indomitus Crusade. Little of certainty is known of the Crusade as those involved have not revealed any details and as such it is not known where it was fought or even who it was fought against. All that is known is that the Auric Subjugators were one of 3 Chapters that persecuted the Crusade and that at some point they discovered something within the ruins of the so-called Lost City of Skorgega. In the years that have followed, the Auric Subjugators have refused to reveal exactly what they had found and even with the threats of reprisal from the Inquisition, that situation is unlikely to change.
* **Battle for Hethgrost XIII (111.M42)** - After centuries of intermittent fighting between the Auric Subjugators and the forces of the Aeldari Craftworld Kae’nh, the two would battle savagely for control of the world of Hethgrost. For an entire solar month, neither side could seize the upper hand. The stalemate would eventually be broken when a tendril of Hive Fleet Hecatoncheires suddenly appeared and launched themselves headlong into the system. Discarding their enmity, the two armies broke off hostilities in the face of a common foe. The impromptu alliance would result in the utter annihilation of the Tyranids and following the final destruction of the last Hive Ship in orbit of Hethgrost XIII, the two sides parted ways, both considering the idea of turning on those they had so recently fought alongside rather distasteful. Though the tendril was defeated, the battle has inadvertently drawn the attention of the Hive Mind and Hive Fleet Hecatoncheires has shifted its main avenue of advance and is now on a direct collision course with both the Auric Subjugators Homeworld of Vostriyo and Craftworld Kae,nh. Since the battle, the two sides have entered into a truce of sorts and no further hostilities have occurred between them.

## Homeworld

The Auric Subjugators hail from the harsh and inhospitable world of Vostriyo. Located within the Segmentum Tempestus, Vostriyo is covered in vast and deep oceans which hide all manner of creatures fully capable of killing a human. Although the oceans cover the vast majority of the world's surface, there are areas of dry land centred on small islands and archipelagos, though these areas account for less than 2% of the surface area. The world itself is exceptionally harsh and subject to frequent and severe storms as well as powerful earthquakes while the few areas of dry land contain sweltering jungles, deserts and viciously cold polar regions.

The population is split between the nomadic people who travel the seas in massive ships and the majority who live in cities that have built up around the islands. These cities are huge edifices, biodomes that spread out from the islands and descend kilometres into the depths, within these cities live all manner of people, from the high-born who inhabit the upper portions of the city to the many gangs and criminals who inhabit the lowest levels.

In contrast, the nomadic peoples who sail the oceans have reverted to a feral state and have become feared pirates and reavers who regularly raid the city's trade and mining fleets and even attack the cities themselves. The nomadic peoples make for excellent recruits as do the vicious gangs of the lower sectors of the cities though it is unknown how many, if any recruits hail from Vostriyo.

Although they have chosen Vostriyo as their homeworld, the Auric Subjugators' primary recruiting world is, in fact, the nearby Tancrandras V, a death world covered in dense jungle and inhabited by feral headhunting tribes shaped by the harsh environment of their savage world. The barbaric warrior tribes of Tancrandras who form the primary recruitment stock for the Auric Subjugators know only war and live a life of constant intertribal bloodshed marked by cannibalistic rituals.

Often a Tancrandian youth will have taken hundreds of skulls before being chosen to become a Space Marine neophyte and earning the opportunity to slay the enemies of the Emperor.

Deep within its jungles and desert wastes lives of all manner of creatures, from the world's top predator, the 30-meter-long Vultecta to the insect-like Turuveoxu. All of these creatures are fully capable of killing a full-grown man and the Vultecta and Turuveoxu are a threat even to Astartes.

The Chapter has also been granted primary tithe rights to the worlds of Heterar VI, Orthivrax and Xandraelius.

### Fortress-Monastery

The Auric Subjugators' fortress-monastery, named by them as the Basilica Irae (Fortress of Wrath) is housed on Vostriyo and lies within the harsh northern polar wastes, within the hollowed-out interior of the world's largest mountain. This huge edifice is a mighty bastion with sloped turrets lined with Earthshaker Cannons, massive curtain walls, and hardpoint blisters of Hydra batteries. Rising some 20km into the sky, like all Astartes fortresses, it contains everything the Chapter needs to wage war, from great armouries, forges and training halls to the chapel, librarius and apothecarion. Though they of course cannot match a full-fledged Forge World, the Basilica Irae’s forges are capable of manufacturing some less common STC patterns, including the pattern necessary for Mk IV ‘Maximus’ Power Armour as well as the Land Raider.

Such a highly functional forge and unrestricted access to its output has played a crucial role in the Chapter's ability to remain deployed at all times. This vital asset permits the Chapter to continuously resupply its fleets and to have sufficient reserves so that its Initiates can undergo thorough training prior to entering the field.

The Chapter also maintains a keep upon Tancrandras deep within the northern jungles.

### Chapter Recruitment

Though the Auric Subjugators hail from Vostriyo, that desolate planet is by no means the only source of Aspirants for the Chapter, for over the millennia since their founding, they have established the practice of recruiting on many worlds within the area of space surrounding Vostriyo. While a few have significant technological bases, the Chapter has generally recruited preferentially from Feral Worlds, most notably Tancrandras.

Regardless of which world the Aspirants are recruited from, the process of turning them into Astartes is the same for all and like all Chapters, Aspirants are recruited in early adolescence. Once every few generations, young warriors from the tribes will attempt the Athoi, first is to reach the "Place of Challenge" by any means necessary. The contestants must make their way though the hostile jungles and canyons, leaping from high cliffs with only a crude hang-glider to cross the gap with. They must avoid massive Vultecta and other predator species that inhabit this area, then climb the mountain to the Place of Challenge. Here they will compete in a series of tests that will weed out those who are not worthy before fighting each other in a great tournament, form which only the very strongest will emerge.

To even be selected to begin the Athoi, the Aspirants must have already shown the necessary skills required through careful observation by specially trained Chapter serfs who have been seeded within the various tribes that the Subjugators recruit from.

Once the Aspirants have been chosen, they are taken to the Chapter Keep on Tancrandras, once there they undergo the ‘Trials’, a year long ceremony designed to remove those who are not worthy. Through the course of this ceremony, Aspirants are subjected to a battery of gruelling trials including brutal gladiatorial combat that are used to evaluate their martial, mental, and spiritual prowess. For those who pass these trials the process of becoming an Asartes begins, first they are implanted with the Gene-Seed of Rogol Dorn and over the years that follow they receive the remainder of the Astartes organs and undergo yet more training as their bodies adjust to the tremendous changes wrought upon it. Once complete they will have become so much more than they could have dreamed.

Few of those who are selected make it to this point. For those who do, the final challenge awaits them, the ‘Blooding’. This ritual requires a worthy Aspirant to travel deep into the planet's jungles and hunt one of the deadly predators that haunt its depths and kill it with their bare hands. Each year, few manage to complete this brutally challenging test. However, those who successfully survive are far more likely to complete their initiation into the Auric Subjugators than are Initiates with some other Chapters.

Once complete the Aspirants will become Initiates and join one of the commandery’s scout units which they will remain a part of for an indeterminate amount of time and it is up to the Warlords as when this period ends, some will spend years before they are accepted as full brothers while for others it will be mere months or weeks. Once they are chosen, they are gifted with the Ancient Armour of a fallen Battle-Brother and welcomed into the ranks of a Battle Company as a full Battle-Brother.

## Chapter Organisation

As a non-*Codex* Chapter, the organisation of the Auric Subjugators differs from that of many other Chapters and though they maintain the standard Chapter strength of 1,000 Astartes, they do not organise themselves into 10 separate companies as proscribed in the *Codex*. Rather the Chapter deploys just six companies, or commanderies, as they are named by the Subjugators, five of which have a nominal strength of 180 Astartes while the 1st commandery has a strength of 100. As with a *Codex* Chapter, the 1st commandery is comprised entirely of veterans and except for the commandery Warlords, are the only Brothers of the Chapter permitted to wear Terminator armour. The five battle commanderies are organised along broadly similar lines with each commandery built around the standard 10-man squad with a mixture of Crusader, Knight Warder and Iron Vigil squads. The exact composition of each commandery is dictated by the personal preference of the company Warlord.

As the Chapter does not maintain a dedicated scout company, each commandery also contains its scout units which are drawn from the Chapter's pool of unassigned initiates. Each commandery also maintains its own complement of assault and reconnaissance vehicles such as Centurion warsuits and Land Speeders, Dreadnoughts too are maintained at the company level. Likewise, battle tanks and transports are also allocated at the company level while the Chapter maintains a significant reserve independent of each commandery, in contrast, gunships and other air assets are spread across the fleet.

As is common within the Astartes, the Auric Subjugators disdain command of void ships and therefore all fleet commanders are universally drawn from the Chapter's mortal serfs who receive advanced training to command these powerful warships. Likewise, Techmarines are absent from all but the largest vessels and on the fleet escorts this job is delegated to trained serfs though all mortal servants, from the Ship-Captain down are subordinate to the ranking Astartes aboard. Unusual for a Chapter in the 42nd Millenium the Auric Subjugators continue to primarily recruit Astartes of the old type over the new Primaris.

### Equipment

Unlike many other Chapters, the Auric Subjugators tend to wear the older variants of Astartes power armour, this includes suits of the Mk III ‘Iron’, Mk IV ‘Maximus’, Mk V ‘Heresy’ and Mk VI ‘Corvus’ armours, the Chapter even possesses a single suit of ancient Mk II ‘Crusade’ pattern armour. As the Chapter maintains the ability to manufacture the Mk IV armour, this pattern is unsurprisingly the most commonly used pattern along with the Mk VII ‘Aquila’. Weaponry is also of the older type with the most common pattern of Bolter used seeming to be of the Umbra pattern, though they also maintain other patterns as well. Volkite weapons seem to be used extensively. The Auric Subjugators have also been seen to carry Chainaxes, something of a rarity in the 42nd Millennium while power axes, swords and power fists seem to be the preferred weaponry of senior officers, along with the common chainblades.

Even the majority of the Chapters war machines are of the older type with these ancient relics far outnumbering vehicles of a newer pattern.

### Chapter Serfs

Like other Chapters, the Auric Subjugators possess an extensive support personnel comprised of thousands of Chapter Serfs. These serfs are made up of mortal men and women, some are rescued humans who have sworn themselves to the Chapter whilst others are serfs who were born into their status as a child of Chapter Serfs. These serfs are fanatically loyal to their transhuman masters and indoctrinated into many of the lesser orders of the Chapter's Cult while serving the Chapter by commanding and crewing one of the Chapter's vessels in the Chapter Fleet. Although human, they still benefit from remarkable training and access to superior weaponry, and this makes them a formidable foe in defence of their chapter's ships and ship-to-ship boarding actions, even without the support of their genetically modified lords. These support personnel make up the majority of the Chapter's ship crews as well oversee other menial tasks that are beneath the notice of their superhuman masters. Though some Chapters are known to treat their serfs fairly, others do not. The Auric Subjugators, for their part, threaten their serfs as little more than mortal slaves who are barely worthy of being in their masters' august presence or barely even acknowledging them at all. Even when they are acknowledged, they are treated with a cold indifference and barely concealed contempt and it is not unknown for an Axe-Brother to kill an unwary serf who had displeased their master in some way.

Each Battle-Brother is assigned 3 serfs who act to assist their master in his daily tasks although it is very rare for the number of serfs to actually reach the numbers required, much prestige is attached to those chapter serfs who are assigned to high-ranking Battle-Brothers and the de facto leader of the Chapter serfs is assigned to serve the High Executioner himself and is known as the Ordinator of the House, the current Ordinator is Sabathana Agathyan who also commands the Chapter's mighty flagship *The Cruenta Crucesignati*. Naturally, those unfortunates who have been inducted into the Crimson Brethren no longer have these serfs assigned as it would be simply too dangerous for them to get within arms reach of these near-crazed marines but even those assigned to other battle brothers have to make sure they are constantly alert lest they become just another victim of the Auric Subjugators' uncontrollable fury.

As with other Chapters, failed Aspirants, primarily those whose bodies proved metabolically and/or immunologically unable to accept the Chapter's gene-seed and Astartes implants are given a second chance to serve the Chapter by becoming Chapter Serfs.

### Officer Ranks

* **High Executioner (Chapter Master)**

* **Warlord (Captain)**

* **Centurion (Lieutenant)**

### Specialist Ranks

* **High Santiarch (Reclusiach)**

* **Santiarch (Chaplain)**

* **Primus Medicae (Chief Apothecary)**

* **Corpus Medicae (Apothecary)**

* **Forge-Wright (Master of the Forge)**

* **Tech-Wright (Techmarine)**

* **Conjectator (Chief Librarian)**

* **Magus (Librarian)**

* **The Headsman (Chapter Champion)**

* **Headtakers (Company Champion)**

### Line Ranks

* **High-Chieftain (Veteran Sergeant)**

* **Axe-Brethren (Veteran)**

* **Chieftain (Sergeant)**

* **Axe-Brother (Battle-Brother)**

### Non-Line Ranks

* **Initiate**

* **Aspirant**

### Specialist Units & Formations

* **Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**

* **Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**

* **Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**

* **Huscarls (Honour Guard)** – The elite guard of the High Executioner, there are just two of these warrior-knights at any one time. Clad in ancient Tartaros pattern plate and armed with a storm shield and an ancient relic blade known as a Spatha they are superlative warriors who accompany the High Executioner wherever he may go. Access to its ranks is only attained by defeating a Huscarl in single combat to the death or, should one of its number fall in battle against an enemy, a successor is selected by a contest open to all Astartes in the Auric Subjugators, only one of whom will survive. In the 42nd Millenium, by the High Executioner's decree, the two positions are now split between Firstborn and Primaris brothers.

* **Templar Brethren** – Elite assault units named for the formation of the ancient VII Legion, the Templar Brethren are among the most highly accomplished warriors in the entire Chapter. Warriors of unequalled zeal, the Templar Brethren possess relentless determination and matchless skill, whose punishing recruitment protocol ensures that only the finest Auric Subjugators bear their proud heraldry.
* **Hospitaller Brethren** - Psychotic berserker assault units composed of the most savage and bloodthirsty Auric Subjugator Astartes that are considered too unstable to serve in regular line units. The Hospitaller Brethren are in many ways the mirror of the Templar Brethren but whereas the Templars are the elite of the Chapter, those of the Hospitaller Brethren are those Astartes who have reached the final step before they lose themselves entirely.

* **Crimson Brethren** – Psychopathic, Berserker Assault Units, those of the Crimson Brethren are the Chapter's lost, the curse of Dorn’s Darkness has finally taken them and though they are occasionally still capable of reasoned thought, those moments are fleeting. Too dangerous to be left within their commandery, these unfortunates are taken deep into the depths of the Basilica Irae where they are chained to the walls within the fortress, screaming in incoherent rage and clamouring for the blood of their enemies. When the threat is deemed serious enough they are herded into battle by the Chaplains where they fight with unrestrained savagery, their uncontrollable bloodlust spurring them into insane acts of violence. Unleashed only upon the order of the High Executioner himself, they will fight until their deaths and nothing can stop their charge.

* **Headtakers** – The order within the Chapter known as the Headtakers comprise the Champions of the Chapter, each member is clad in the midnight black *Armour of the Carnifex* and carries with them the Sable Blade. Though each of these members is assigned to an individual Commandery and acts as the Company Champion, they remain apart from the usual hierarchy. The order itself is led by The Headsman, who stands as one of the most feared members of his Chapter, answerable solely to the High Executioner. A tradition that dates back to the Chapter's founding is that the Headsman's identity is deliberately obscured and known only to the High Executioner, even in death.

### Non-Astartes Ranks

* **Ordinator of the House** – The most senior Chapter Serf, directly serves the High Executioner, traditionally the Ordinator is also the Fleet Master

* **Fleet Master** – The Chapter Serf in command of the Chapters Fleet, traditionally captains the Cruenta Crucesignati.

* **Seneschal (Senior Chapter Serf)**

* **Captain** – Commands a vessel of the Chapter Fleet

* **Thrall (Chapter Serf)**

* **Armed Thrall (Chapter Serf)** – Armed serfs charged with the defence of the Chapter's vessels and holdings in the absence of their Astartes masters.

* **Tech Thrall** – Tech Thralls are those Chapter Serfs who have received training from the Chapters Tech-Wrights and are directly responsible for maintaining and repairing the Chapters vessels in the absence of the Tech-Wrights.

### Order of Battle during the Era Indomitus

#### Headquarters

**Astador Skartek,**
'***The Skullclaimer and Lord of Wrath*,**'
**High Executioner of the Auric Subjugators**
**Huscarls (Honour Guard)**
**Chapter Equerries**
**Fleet Master** ***of the Auric Subjugators***
**Fleet Captains**
**Thralls (Chapter Serfs)**
**Armed Thralls (Chapter Serfs)**
**Servitors**
**Forge-Wright (Master of the Forge)**
**14 Tech-Wrights (Techmarines)**
**59 Tech-Servitors**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Gunships**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**

**High Santiarch of the Auric Subjugators**
**11 Santiarchs**
**Acolytum Serfs** | **Axe-Brother Acas, Master of the Apothecarion**
**& Primus Medicae of the Auric Subjugators**
**17 Corpus Medicae’s (Apothecaries)**
**Medicae Serfs & Medical Servitors**
**& Conjectator of the Auric Subjugators**
**14 Magus**

#### Commanderies (Companies)

**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Veteren Squads (Including Terminators)**
**Templar Brethren**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Transport Vehicles**
**Land Raiders** | **Warlord Alaric Eadwine**
**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Veterans**
**Templar Brethren**
**Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**
**Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**
**Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**
**Scout Squads**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**
**Transport Vehicles** | **Warlord Harrelus Kestelhal**
**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Veterans**
**Templar Brethren**
**Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**
**Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**
**Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**
**Scout Squads**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**

**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Veterans**
**Templar Brethren**
**Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**
**Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**
**Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**
**Scout Squads**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**
**Transport Vehicles** | **Warlord Gunthath Moraelus**
**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Veterans**
**Templar Brethren**
**Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**
**Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**
**Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**
**Scout Squads**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**
**Transport Vehicles** | **Warlord Tyrros Cortaelar**
**2 Centurions**
**Company Santiarch**
**Company Corpus Medicae**
**Company Tech-Wright**
**Company Magus**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Veterans**
**Templar Brethren**
**Crusader Squad (Close Support Squad)**
**Knight Warder Squad (Battleline Squad)**
**Iron Vigil Squad (Fire Support Squad)**
**Scout Squads**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Battle Tanks (multiple types)**
**Centurion Warsuits**
**Land Speeders**
**Assault Bikes**
**Attack Bikes**

**Crimson Brethren Squads**
**All Auric Subjugator Space Marines who have succumbed to the madness of Dorn's Darkness serve in the Crimson Brethren, including Dreadnoughts.**

## Chapter Beliefs

The Auric Subjugators are very much a product of their primogenitors, the Executioners and the world they now call home. Like their primogenitors, the Auric Subjugators believe that their Chapter was created for the sole task of seeking out and slaughtering Mankind's foes rather than undertaking any more defensive or strategic purpose.

They are bellicose and almost barbarous in nature, disdaining martial trappings and the ordered obedience of Codex-compliant Chapters such as the Ultramarines and even their own forebears the Imperial Fists.

The Auric Subjugators have made up for this "flaw" by gaining a fearsome reputation for sheer undaunted endurance and destructive wrath. Their primary goal and purpose as a Chapter is a simple one: to extinguish the lives of those who would have the audacity to contest the Imperium's manifest destiny or threaten humanity. Subsequently, the Chapter has embraced the traditions of both Tancrandras and of the ancient VII Legion, the fusion of these traditions dictates the way the Chapter continues to exist.

Most vital to these traditions is the way that they attempt to honour the memory of ages past by fulfilling their Primarch's and the Emperor's wish for a galaxy under complete Imperial Compliance. In many instances, the only way the Chapter had a reasonable chance to achieve victory was by taking the most extreme of actions against its opponents. There are no known instances where Auric Subjugators commanders ever hesitated to unleash weapons of cataclysmic proportions.

With each battle won, Battle-Brothers of the Auric Subjugators Chapter feel confident that their Primarch's legend has been preserved. This serves as the most effective method of preserving his glory as well as that of the VII Legion he once led. In many cases, the worlds targeted by the Chapter have strayed in some significant way from the Imperium. It is these conflicts that offer the greatest temptation for Auric Subjugators to fully engage their thirst for savagery. Those who show any taint of heresy, or who even choose to ally themselves, however briefly, with Heretics, are targeted for purging. In some instances, purges have continued well beyond a reasonable level, as Battle-Brothers of the Chapter continued their acts of savage brutality long after any justifiable conflict had been completed.

As such the Auric Subjugators take a flippant view in regards to collateral damage and the use of excessive force. If innocent civilians or other Imperial forces happen to die due to their brutal tactics, then so much the better and they are not above laying waste to an entire system and its defenders in order to achieve their objectives, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Command within the Chapter is gained through a mixture of martial prowess on the battlefield and displays of leadership on the front line. No rank or role within the Chapter is exempt from the expectation that they will fight as hard as the rest be the Space Marine in question an Apothecary or Librarian rather than a frontline Space Marine. Compared to many of the other Astartes Chapters, order and discipline do not come as naturally to the Auric Subjugators as it does to other Chapters. Tempers often seethe, slights perceived or real are met with insane anger and violence often results should an Auric Subjugators' sense of honour be questioned. Any officer of the Chapter knows they are expected to back up their authority by force if needed, and the punishment of infractors by an officer's own hand is the Chapter's way. To disobey an officer's order in battle is a death sentence to be carried out without delay. Trial by combat is the Chapter's preferred route for settling disagreements within its ranks, and bloodletting by warriors in open discord is an honourable thing in the Chapter's eyes.

### Chapter Traditions

* **Head Taking** - One of the most inhuman traditions of the Auric Subjugators is the practice of removing the head of fallen foes although for what reason imperial scholars are at a loss.
* **Cannibalism –** Another inhuman trait of the Auric Subjugators has become well known, that being that in the aftermath of a battle, the Chapters Astartes engage in a ritual that involves the drinking of the blood and the eating of the flesh of the enemy, culminating in the severing of their head and the flensing of their skull. To many outside of the Chapter, this practice verges on the heretical but to the Auric Subjugators, they are simply honouring their Primarch and the Emperor and will accept no interference in their beliefs.
* **Gladiatorial Combat** – Although little known to outsiders, a few imperial forces have had the dubious honour of being allowed to witness another of the Auric Subjugators' traditions, that of Gladiatorial Combat which takes place in specially designed pits in the depths of the Basilica Irae. When the Auric Subjugators Battle-Brothers have a disagreement many choose to settle their problems in these pits. Two combatants will enter naked, save for a loincloth, and be chained together where they fight until first blood is drawn, or in some cases, results in death. Unlike the traditions of most Space Marine Chapters, leadership contests for the command within the Auric Subjugators can be bloody affairs; with each of the Company Captains having the right to challenge for the title of High Executioner in trial by combat should they so wish, this also extends to all positions of command and many of the Chapters greatest Warlords have acquired their position by defeating their predecessor.
* **Binding Weapons** - The Auric Subjugators have also been known to bind their weapons to themselves by using large dense black chains, much in the same way as the Astartes of the Black Templars and the ancient World Eaters Legion, however the Auric Subjugators do not remove these chains at battles end, rather they are a permanent part of the Axe-Brothers honour marks.
* **Honour Marks –** As with many of the Scions of Dorn, the Auric Subjugators practice the ritual mortification of the flesh. Whether the wound is earned upon the battlefield or within the duelling pits is immaterial, as the Subjugators take great pride in their scars, a practice eerily similar to the World Eaters Traitor Legion's practice of the "Triumph Rope". The practice of honour marks also extends to their armour and many, if not all Axe-Brothers display these marks, most common is the twin axes of their primogenitors and the Templar cross, another type of honour mark is that of extensive tattoos, a habit likely inherited from the tribes of Tancrandras. The highest honour to be bestowed upon a Brother of the Chapter is that of the Raptor Imperialis, in ancient times, this mark was gifted to those that had fought alongside the Emperor himself, now, to the Auric Subjugators, there stands no higher honour. Undoubtedly there is meaning behind each mark but as to exactly what each of these marks represent is unknown outside of the Chapter.
* **Feast of Blades** – Like all of the Successors of the ancient VII Legion, the Auric Subjugators regularly compete in the Feast of Blades, a centennial competition of honour held between the Imperial Fists Space Marine Chapter and its Successor Chapters. Each Chapter is chosen to compete in a test of arms, sending a champion to the Feast who is usually selected from among its Company Champions. Many of the greatest heroes of the Chapter have competed in the competition, including the current Chapter Master who emerged victorious during a contest held sometime in the 41st Millenium.

## Combat Doctrine

Since their founding, the Auric Subjugators have become infamous across the Imperium and are feared for their berserk fury and uncompromising savagery. "Merciless" is perhaps the best description for the Auric Subjugators in combat, but even that does not describe the depths of blood-soaked slaughter to which they descend. Those few who have witnessed their bloodthirstiness report that the Chapter displays savagery and cruelty on an unparalleled scale. An Auric Subjugator force in combat seeks nothing more than to come to grips with an enemy in close combat so they can rend them apart in a hail of blood with chain-axes and Power Fists and, if need be, their bare hands and teeth.

Those few who observe an Auric Subjugators' assault and live would be forgiven for assuming that they are mindless berserkers, unconcerned with tactics or planning. In fact, the Auric Subjugators rely on a series of tactics that at their heart are both simple and reliable. As the Auric Subjugators prepare for combat and see the enemy, they often choose to directly engage their foes in melee combat. This proclivity extends throughout the Chapter from the leadership elements to the newest recruits. As such, when preparing for an engagement, the Auric Subjugators' commanders generally plan their tactics in a way that takes advantage of this tendency, instead of attempting to fight against it.

Tactical operations often begin with a Battle Company using its reconnaissance units such as Land Speeder and Bike Squads to probe enemy positions and identify weak points and any target with strategic value. Scout squads and Phobos-armoured Infiltrator units also excel in this role, infiltrating behind enemy lines to probe defences and quickly silence threats that would slow the main assault. With the enemy wrong-footed and bleeding, the main Auric Subjugators force hit these points with overwhelming force. Uncontrolled, unbound, unrestrained, the Auric Subjugators crash against the enemy in rabid packs, butchering their way forward and showing why Imperial forces have feared to fight alongside them for solar decades. Once the assaults succeed, the Auric Subjugators press the attack to the hilt. Once they commit fully, they dig deep into the enemy's vitals, endeavouring to do as much damage as possible as quickly as possible. At this point, the full fury of the Auric Subjugators is all too apparent, and little survives this stage of the assault as strongpoint after strongpoint is overrun in a storm of roaring axes and blasting pistols.

They are unafraid of battles of attrition or mutual destruction, relying on the abilities of their Battle-Brothers to overcome and endure anything the enemy can throw at them.

At times this has proven to be a flaw, as the Chapter has a predilection to fight on once engaged where its better strategic judgment might have otherwise prevailed before its bloodlust was roused.

Imperial commanders are especially loathe to accept their assistance, due to the Auric Subjugators' reputation for carnage and the inherent dangers of fighting alongside these near-crazed Astartes. Though the Auric Subjugators seem both competent and familiar with armoured vehicles, the core of their tactics rely on large detachments of mobile Space Marine heavy infantry. In this way, the Auric Subjugators make use of the bloody prowess of their combat brethren to carry the day in battle. The Auric Subjugators often endeavour to be the initiator of combat actions and prefer not to fight on the defensive, a rare trait for the Sons of Dorn. This is borne out when studying their actions during the Traekandraal campaign, where they operated almost exclusively as a rapid-strike force, disdaining any kind of protracted engagement whenever possible, preferring to approach their targets either with extreme speed or by stealth, which allowed them to strike with the element of surprise on their side whenever possible.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The Auric Subjugators are descended from the savage Executioners Chapter and through them, the ancient VII Legion and their Primarch, Rogal Dorn. The genetic legacy of Dorn and his Imperial Fists has shaped the Auric Subjugators throughout their existence and their Gene-Seed bears all of the hallmarks of Dorn and is very stable and has never exhibited signs of mutation. However, like other Imperial Fists successors, over time they have lost the use of two of the special organs produced by the basic Astartes genetic template: the Betcher's Gland, which allows a Space Marine to produce poisonous/acidic spittle, and the Sus-an Membrane, which allows an Astartes to enter a state of suspended animation. The Auric Subjugators also exhibit another trait of Dorn’s, that of his utterly uncompromising nature and so like their brothers, they continue to strive when others would yield or withdraw. Such unquestioning steadfastness has rescued many a victory from the ashes of defeat, but only at a steep cost in lives.

As with their brother Chapters of the Black Templars, Executioners and Baleful Spectres, the Crusader Fury that drives the Auric Subjugators is especially prevalent, nevertheless, all those who bear Dorn’s legacy feel it’s touch, however, unbeknownst to any outside of their Chapters is that the sons of Dorn are afflicted by a genetic curse known as "Dorn's Darkness."

When Dorn's Darkness takes one of the ‘Auric Subjugators' number it might appear to the untrained eye as merely a wretched palsy: a slackness of the jaw, a tremor of the limb, a blankness of the eye and an uncontrollable rage that cannot be tamed. It is a living nightmare, a sleeping wakefulness in which they constantly relive the bottomless woe of Dorn's most trying time -- the grievous loss of the Emperor during the Siege of Terra.

This is both their Primarch's genetic blessing and a curse to his sons. It is to know the possibility -- for even a second -- of an Imperium without the Emperor. To feel what Dorn felt. The profound misery of a Primarch, the rage and the fury over his own perceived failure. The paralysing fear that even a man as great as Dorn experienced, for himself and for humanity, over the Emperor's broken body after the end of His battle with Horus. This curse has imprinted itself at the very heart of all of Dorn’s sons and once the curse has taken hold it can never be broken and the afflicted will feel its terrible effects until his dying day.

### Primarchs Curse: Dorn's Darkness

When the Chapter's genetic curse manifests itself in an affected Battle-Brother, it comes on in three stages:

* **Stage 1 - Extreme Frenzy**: The Battle-Brother completely loses control when he frenzies and finds it almost impossible to claw his way back to reason as long as there are foes to fight and blades drawn. Even when foes are not near, the madness of Frenzy grips him and he rages endlessly for battle and blood, howling out his anger and striking the ground with his blade. The Battle-Brother must take care, lest he lose control at any moment. Any time the Battle-Brother takes damage, is confronted with a clear threat, or is put in position of great stress, he must summon all his willpower in order to contain his fury for the duration of an encounter with an enemy.
* **Stage 2 - Blood Madness**: The Auric Subjugators thirst for the blood of their foes when in the grips of the Darkness and long to see it spilled across the ground in great arcs and gouts. They also crave the feeling of hot blood on their skin and splattering across their armour, staining the dark red battle-plate a darker shade still. The Battle-Brother must engage foes in close combat if possible, either making melee attacks against them or shooting point black with pistols so that their blood spills at his feet. When he downs a foe, he must resist the urge to hack or blast the foe's corpse apart. If the Battle-Brother is attacked by a new foe while he is in this state while hacking at another foe, he will turn his attention to his new attacker instead.
* **Stage 3 - Animal Within**: Near the end, the Battle-Brother is little more than an animal filled with fury and madness striking out at all those around him. While he may still have lucid moments where he remembers the warrior he once was, these are fleeting and quickly gone to be replaced with only the thought of killing and the thirst for blood. However, unlike their cousins of Sanguinius get, those of the Auric Subjugators are still capable of recognising their Brothers, although this is scant comfort for those that face them on the battlefield.  At this point, the Battle-Brother is completely within the grip of the Darkness and must be transferred to the Crimson Brethren.

## Notable Auric Subjugators

* **High Executioner Maxorn Luxaden** – First Chapter Master of the Auric Subjugators, he was reportedly a former Captain of the Executioners.
* **Warlord Taurach** – Former Warlord of the 3rd commandery, Taurach fell during the Battle of Khurern in 103.M40, killed by the Eldar of Craftworld Kae’nh. His death precipitated the near two millennia war between his Chapter the Xenos, a war that has only just entered a period of peace.
* **Ancient Sevian Detur** – Chapter Ancient during the early 40th Millenium.
* **Warlord Gunthos Arnfried** – Former Warlord of the 5th Commandery and one of the Chapters greatest heroes, killed fighting the Orks on Macror IV, his broken body was returned to Vostriyo and entombed within the Basilica Irae
* **High Executioner Archix Hernaelmund** – Chapter Master during the 41st Millenium.
* **High Executioner Astador Skartek** – Astador Skartek, known to his Brothers as the ‘’Skullclaimer, or the Lord of Wrath’’, is the current High Executioner (Chapter Master) of the Auric Subjugators. When and how Astador obtained his position is unknown as is his true age. A long-lost record of the so-called Cleansing of the Hand of Damnation named him a Sergeant in the 3rd Commandery. That was over 600 years before the dawn of the 42nd Millenium, as such Astador must be at least 700 years old. Whatever his age, Astador is a warrior born -- a killer of unparalleled lethality and ability whose skill with Bolter and Blade have always stood out, even amongst his superhuman brethren. It is said that as a swordsman he has no equal, a point he proved well during the Feast of Blades where he emerged victorious without taking so much as a scratch. Those who face him in the circle of blades, or stand beside him in battle, speak of a fury and rage shackled by an iron will and an inherent genius for dealing death that borders on the supernatural. To those outside the Chapter, Astador is an unsettling character who seems to pulse with barely controlled rage while at the same time seeming to draw unnatural sustenance from the fear he elicits from his foes. During battle the scent of panic stokes cold fires in the High Executioner's eyes and intensifies his battle lust, spurring him on as he rampages across the battlefield in his overwhelming urge to destroy his foes. Despite this he has an unbreakable code of honour and a noble visage. At some point during the early part of the 42nd Millenium, Astador chose to undergo the agonising surgery required to cross the Rubicon Primaris and become a Primaris Space Marine. His armour and wargear were then modified as required to fit his increased stature, muscle mass and physical strength. In battle, Astador wears a suit of ancient artificer MkII Crusade Armour, known as the ‘’Executioner Plate’’ its every surface is covered in honour marks and symbols of his Chapter, but it is the weapon he carries that marks him as Chapter Master, for Astador carries the single most revered relic in his Chapters armoury, the Blade of the Executioner, a relic blade of unparalleled craftsmanship and power and in the hands of Astador it has been the doom of countless foes. He also possesses a pair of artificer Volkite Serpenta pistols known as Lament and Wrath
* **Warlord Agmund Gunthadiel** – Warlord of the vaunted 1st Commandery, known as the ‘Breaker’, Gunthadiel is one of his Chapters greatest heroes and a warrior of exceptional skill.
* **Warlord Gunthath Moraelus** – Warlord of the 5th Commandery and a hulking Primaris Astartes, Gunthath Moraelus, known to his Brothers as the ‘’Voidclaimer’’, holds the distinction of being one of the first Primaris to be recruited, as well as the first to achieve the rank of Warlord. Clad in a suit of baroque master-crafted Mk X Tacitus armour and wielding Mortiferus Irae, a mighty Eviscerator said to date back to before the Heresy, he is a superlative warrior whose skill at arms is said to be almost second to none .
* **Warlord Harrelus Kestelhal** – Warlord of the 3rd Commandery, Kestelhal has recently elected to cross the Rubicon Primaris.
* **Warlord Alaric Eadwine** – Warlord of the 2nd Commandery and a tactical genius with a talent for void warfare, a physical giant even among his brothers of the Chapters, and of a character as if cast in stone, emotionless and unyielding, whose reputation rests as much on his strength in the bloody melee of close quarters combat as in command.
* **Warlord Tyrros Cortaelar** – Warlord of the 6th Commandery, Cortaeler is renowned both for his savage nature and the tally of foes he has taken with his twin power axes.
* **Warlord Hadraker Achillun** – Warlord of the 4th Commandery, Achillun is regarded as one of his Chapters finest swordsmen, whose skill with a blade is considered second only to the High Executioner.
* **Magus Courlanth Dessemnorn** – Magus of the 2nd Commandery
* **Centurion Corwin Koorlund** – Centurion of the 5th Commandery, ever since his recruitment, it has always been seen that Koorlund would one day ascend to command of his own company, indeed such is the respect he is held in, that the High Executioner even contemplated raising a 7th Commandery for him to command. Koorlund, for his part has so far refused that offer as he believes he has yet to earn such a promotion, nevertheless, when the rank of Centurion was introduced following the Noctis Aeterna, Koorlund was the first to receive that rank. Like his Chapter Master, he too has elected to cross the Rubicon Primaris.
* **The Headsman** – The secretive Chapter Champion of the Auric Subjugators, The Headsman is a warrior of phenomenal skill who has claimed the heads more foes than can be counted. In keeping with his position, his exact identity is unknown to any save the High Executioner.
* **Corpus-Medicae Taelos Kord** – Apothecary of the 5th Commandery
* **Centurion Kater Sevaelix** – Centurion of the 2nd Commandery.
* **Centurion Hadraniel Sydtia** – Centurion of the 5th Commandery
* **Ancient Agrata Katafalque** – Ancient of the 3rd Commandery
* **Santiarch Efmund Xetias** – Santiarch of the 5th Commandery

### Notable Non-Astartes Members

* **Fleet Master Sabathana Agathyan** – Though the Chapter is notoriously disdainful of their mortal serfs to the point of barely even acknowledging them, Sabathana Agathyan, the current and some say greatest of the Chapters Fleet Masters, is a rare occurrence as she has earned the respect of her transhuman masters. A native Tancradian of the northern jungle tribes, her youthful and lithe appearance belies a ruthless and uncompromising demeaner allied to a exceptional talent for void warfare. Fleet Master for more than half a century, Sabathana’s true age is almost 100 years, yet she maintains the appearance of a women in early adulthood, a result of extensive rejuvanent treatment and augmetics. Having begun her service as a low ranking armed thrall aboard one of the Chapters Rapid Strike Vessels, she soon rose to prominence thanks to her actions during an incident following the Purge of Lathendyra Beta where the ship was boarded by Eldar pirates during a routine patrol in the systems surrounding Lathendyra. With no Astartes present, it fell to the Chapters Thralls to defend the vessel, this they did, albeit with heavy casualties, including the ships captain. The young Sabathana, having already shown exemplary courage in fighting the boarders and despite her lowly status, now took command of the vessel. Though she succeeded in damaging the Eldar vessel, her ship was soon left a drifting hulk and was only saved thanks to the arrival of a mighty Strike Cruiser of the Chapter, namely the Revanant which quickly drove off the Eldar reavers. In the aftermath, a hastily convened tribunal set about determining what actions to take for the near loss of the Rapid Strike Vessel. Attended by the High Executioner himself, much criticism was labelled towards Sabathana from the captain of the Revanant who accused her of overstepping her authority and that, despite saving her ship, such a lowly thrall had no right to command a vessel and recommending she be executed. In response he was brutally killed by the High Executioner who not only granted her the command of the Revanant, but also the honour of bearing the Chapters highest honour mark upon her tunic. Over the following years, she proved time and again the wisdom of this decision and when the time came to appoint a new Fleet Master, it was inevitable that she would be chosen. Promotion to this honoured position also came with the title of Ordinator of the House, officially naming her as the most senior Thrall within the Chapter. Since then she has only enhanced her reputation, having fought in dozens of battles and campaigns. In appearance she has been described as a tall and lithe woman of astounding beauty with long dark hair and in keeping with Tancradian tradition, extensive tattoos covering much of her face and body. Dressed in simple white robes, only the mark of honour across her breast and the deference of her crew marks her out as the Master of the Fleet, yet none would dismiss the aura of command that surrounds her.

## Chapter Fleet

The Auric Subjugators maintain a large and powerful fleet of Warships with 4 Capital Ships, 11 Cruisers and more than 30 Rapid Strike Vessels. Though many of it’s warships were gifted to the Chapter upon their founding, others have been captured and repurposed over the millennia. The Chapter also possesses an Orbital Star Fort over Vostriyo known as the Bastion which acts as the fleet's primary anchorage and repair port and can dock the majority of the fleet. Locked in geostationary orbit directly over the Basilica Irae the Bastion also doubles as the worlds primary orbital defence station.

### Known Vessels Ca.111.M42

* ***Cruenta Crucesignati* (Battle Barge, Unknown Class)** – Flagship of the Auric Subjugators, the *Cruenta Crucesignati* (*Bloody Crusader*) is a relic of an age long past. Constructed millennia before the dawn of the 42nd Millenium and dwarfing even other Battle Barges, the *Cruenta Crucesignati* boasts formidable weaponry, multiple overlapping void shields, hugely thick armour plates and cavernous launch bays. How and when the Chapter acquired the ship is unknown though it was in service by the time of the Battle of Khurern.
* ***Lachrymae* (Battle Barge)** – A relic Legatus Class Battle Barge, like the *Cruenta Crucesignati*, the *Lachrymae* is said to date back to the Great Crusade and was once a part of the Imperial Fists' fleet. Over the millennia of service, the vessel has undergone numerous refits in order to enhance its capabilities to such an extent that it barely resembles its Battle-Barge origins.
* ***Lacedaemon* (Battle Barge, Unknown Class)**
* ***Misericorde* (Capital Ship, Unknown Class)** – Thought to have once been a Vengeance Class Grand Cruiser constructed in the docks of Mars over 10,000 years ago, it has reportedly undergone significant refits to increase its weaponry and systems. Notably, it has received dorsal heavy macro-cannon turrets, prow-mounted super-heavy lance turrets and torpedoes along with modest launch capabilities whilst its armour, void shields and engines have also received major improvements. As with the Flagship, how and when the Chapter acquired the ship is unknown though it too was in service by the time of the Battle of Khurern.
* ***Sanctum Imperator* (Strike Cruiser)**
* ***Abhorrence (Cruiser, Unknown Class)***
* ***Fury of the Seventh Son (Strike Cruiser)***
* ***Night's Vigil (Vanguard Cruiser)***
* ***Tempestas (Vanguard Cruiser)***
* ***Crusader (Cruiser, Unknown Class)***
* ***Justitia Fides (Strike Cruiser)***
* ***Revenant (Cruiser, Unknown Class)***
* ***Vigilant (Rapid Strike Vessel)***
* ***Capulus (Rapid Strike Vessel)***
* ***Intractable (Rapid Strike Vessel)***
* ***Oathbound (Frigate, Unknown Class)***

## Chapter Relics

* ***Quaestionarius Machaera*** – An ancient two-handed paragon blade of unknown provenance and unparalleled perfection. The relic *Quaestionarius Machaera* (*Blade of the Executioner*) is able to cut through stone and metal without effort or mar while the unknown properties of the blade itself are an anathema to the denizens of the warp, destroying them with its merest touch. Carried into battle by the High Executioner and in the hands of a warrior such as he, the Blade is deadly beyond belief, and alien warlords and mighty warriors without number have fallen before it.
* ***Armorum Machaera* (Executioner Plate)** – A relic suit of Artificer MkII ‘Crusade’ Power Armour, its every surface is covered in honour marks and symbols of the Chapter. Currently worn by the High Executioner, its master-work plates can shrug off attacks that would pierce Terminator Plate.
* ***Lament and Wrath*** – A pair of ancient artificer Volkite Serpenta pistols, Lament and Wrath are relics of a time long past. Interestingly they bear the symbols of the ancient IX Legion.
* ***Malevolentia*** – A massive relic two-handed Power Axe, said to date back to the Heresy.
* ***Iron Oath*** – A relic Fellblade super-heavy tank
* ***Blade of the Seventh Son*** – An ancient Falchion super-heavy tank destroyer
* ***Mortiferus Irae*** – A relic of an ancient time, Mortiferus Irae (Murderous Wrath) is one of the Chapter's most deadly relic weapons, a massive two-handed Eviscerator that is almost twice the size of the standard variant used by many other Astartes. Carried into battle by Gunthath Moraelus, never was a weapon so aptly named as Gunthath’s massive Chainsword. Armed with this ruinous blade, Gunthath can carve even the most heavily armoured opponents into welters of gore. Forged with teeth ripped from the skull of a Mica Dragon, Mortiferus Irae is every bit as unsubtle and savage as its owner and serves as both armament and banner, its guttural roar a rallying cry to the enduring nature of the Auric Subjugators and the violence they will inflict on those before them.
* ***Sword of Dorn***

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Auric Subjugators wear primarily sunburst yellow power armour. The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest guard is silver. The power pack, chest guard, torso and groin are black.

The black squad specialty symbol -- battleline, close support, fire support, Veteran or command -- is located on the right shoulder plate.

A white High Gothic numeral is stencilled in the centre of the squad specialty symbol, indicating commandery number, the Auric Subjugators do not display squad numbers.

### Chapter Badge

The Auric Subjugators Chapter badge is a sable gauntlet closed in a fist of similar style to the symbol of the Imperial Fists, holding two iron lightning bolts that protrude from both ends of the grip. This is centred on a field of yellow.

## Relations

### Allies

 **Last Wall Chapters** |      | In the aftermath of the sundering of the Legions, the Primarch of the VII Legion, Rogal Dorn put into place the Last Wall protocol. In the event that Terra could fall or if the Imperium faces its doom, the successors of the Imperial Fists will once more reunite, reforming the Legion, even with the possibility of being declared traitors. Only once has this been enacted, during the War of the Beast, but even now the Last Wall Chapters still abide by their Primarch’s wishes and though the Auric Subjugators were founded many millennia after the War of the Beast, they stand ever ready to join with their Brothers to defend the Imperium once more.

## Notable Quotes

### About the Auric Subjugators

[Source]

 White Scars Successors
 Space Wolves Successors
 Imperial Fists Successors
 Blood Angels Successors
 Salamanders Successors
 Raven Guard Successors
 Chimeric Lineage
 Unknown Lineage
 Renegades

[Source]

## Gallery

An Auric Subjugators Huscarl (Honour Guard), personnel bodyguards and champions of the High Executioner, arrayed in relic Tartaros Terminator Armour and wielding a deadly relic Spatha.