Black Mastodons

Black Mastodons livery shield with Chapter iconography.

Black Mastodons Decaus (Sergeant) of the 4th Centuria (Company), 6th Hastati (Battleline Squad).

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fedelitas Constantus*)

### **Successor of**

Imperial Fists
(Rogal Dorn lineage)

### **Homeworld**

Keres (Moon; Orbits the Chapter's recruitment world of Achlys.)

### **Specialty**

Siege Warfare, Stronghold Assaults, Line-Breaker Attacks ('Forlorn Hope' Objective Assaults), Co-ordinated Mass-Theatre Warfare, Armoured Assault, Heavy Infantry Assault, Attritional Warfare, Planetary Interdiction, 'Zone Mortalis' Engagements.

### **Battle cry**

"Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat!"
(Translated from High Gothic: "Fortune favours the bold!"

### Successor Chapter(s)

None known.

The **Black Mastodons** are an ancient and proud Loyalist Successor Chapter of the stoic and valiant Imperial Fists, created during the 3rd Founding at the dawn of the 32nd Millennium. This Chapter quickly developed a reputation as grim, cold-hearted masters of siege warfare, exemplars of strength and discipline turned exclusively to the systematic destruction of an enemy. More so than in other Chapters, the life of each warrior is considered secondary to his duty, as much a resource to be expended in the relentless calculus of war as a bolt shell or lascannon charge.

Throughout their long history of service, the Black Mastodons have earned a fearsome reputation for their ability to dismantle impregnable fortresses and unassailable citadels. Their mastery of siege tactics and their relentless dedication to their duty make them highly effective in breaking enemy defences and securing victory for the Imperium. They have often been called upon to retake worlds that have fallen under siege by xenos or Chaos forces.

After successfully eliminating their adversaries, the Black Mastodons take great care to fortify the reclaimed worlds, ensuring their lasting defence against future threats. This post-siege fortification is crucial in preventing further incursions from both external enemies and potential internal uprisings. The Chapter's commitment to securing and stabilizing these worlds demonstrates their understanding of the strategic importance of maintaining control over territories and protecting the Imperium's interests.

Though their tactics might be considered antiquated by some of their cousin Chapters in a galaxy where void-borne warfare and planetary assaults dominate the modern spheres of warfare, the Black Mastodons have never wavered in their dedication to the art of the siege. Due to the constant state of heresy and rebellion being ever-present, there will always be a place for their unyielding nature and bone-crushing savagery on the battlefield. The Black Mastodons' unwavering commitment to their duty and their strategic expertise have made them formidable defenders of the Imperium, allowing them to reclaim lost territories and safeguard them against future assaults. This Chapter will continue to hold the line against any who dare oppose the will of the God-Emperor.

## Chapter History

The heritage of the Black Mastodons Chapter is deeply rooted in their affiliation with their progenitors, the Imperial Fists, the paragons of siege warfare within the Adeptus Astartes. The Chapter's devotion to the art of breaking enemy fortifications and their mastery of strategic planning and brutal assaults embodies the core principles of their Primarch Rogal Dorn, the Praetorian of Terra. Garnering a reputation as consummate siege-masters and master strategists, the Black Mastodons have continued to fulfil their duty in service to the Emperor, tearing down the edifices of their foes and reconquering worlds in His name. Through their resilience, unyielding determination and sheer stubbornness, the Black Mastodons have continued to embody the spirit of their gene-sire and the legacy and traditions of their progenitors.

The origins of the Black Mastadons harken back to the bygone age of conquest and exploration known as the Great Crusade. They are descended from the ancient VIIth Legion - the indomitable Imperial Fists - who were the masters of every aspect of warfare, but in particular excelling at siege craft, whether on the attack or the defence. Like their Primarch Rogal Dorn, the warriors of this Legion were stoic, steadfast and indefatigable. Loyal to a fault, they were often chosen to act as the Emperor's personal praetorians, and took part in some of the most glorious campaigns of the Great Crusade, with the Master of Mankind at their head.

One notable formation of VIIth Legion was the CXXVII (127th) Siege Company, a veteran assault and counter-assault formation, that specialised in the taking of enemy fortifications and in the active defence of fortresses. Configured as a siege assault formation, they were adept at laying siege and breaking supposedly unassailable fortresses or citadels of the enemy. This company was commanded by Seneschal Gareth Marcellus, whom his warriors referred to affectionately as the '*The Black Mastodon*', due to both his massive physical size and propensity for bone-crunching savagery in melee combat. A Terran by birth, Marcellus hailed from the ancient and warlike clans of Old Albia, situated in southeastern Europe, from what had been the ancient nation-state of Britannia. Gareth hailed from one of the oldest warlord clans of Albia - proud inheritors of the martial traditions of his nation - which had for centuries held much of Terra under their sway. An ideal candidate, Gareth proved to be a formidable warrior without peer. However, his true skills lay in siegecraft and strategic planning.

Proving himself on dozens of battlefields, it was often through Gareth's meticulous planning and keen insight that helped carry the day during several different campaigns that had stalled and ground to a halt. Following their reunification with their long-lost Primarch on the newly discovered ice world of Inwit. After much review of his Legion's past exploits, Gareth was singled out and recognised for his past actions by Rogal Dorn and quickly saw a meteoric rise within the ranks of the VIIth Legion. He was eventually granted the senior rank of Seneschal and command of his own company - the 127th Siege Company.

With their commander's superb tactical genius, the 127th Company, seemingly without effort, were able to determine the most efficient route to circumvent enemy defences and bring a foe's bastions crashing down. Also possessing a host of ordnance and heavy artillery specialists, the 127th Company commanded firepower like no other. They also possessed a formidable cadre of Phalanx Warder Squads - elite veterans hand-selected from the VIIth Legion's Breacher Siege Squads - that presented a veritable wall of ceramite to any aggressor that defied their assaults, and counter-attacked with grim determination once the attack was blunted.

Throughout the Great Crusade, the 127th Company epitomised brutal efficiency and stalwart dedication to their chosen realm of warfare. This company was wont to overcome any obstacles or difficulties placed before them with relentless and meticulously applied force of arms, combined with cunning strategem and bloody-handed heroics. Unlike many of their brother companies, the 127th Company evolved into the epitome of a siege-breaker assault force. It was during this time that the company earned the moniker, '*The Mastodons*', due to their unyielding nature and propensity for bringing enemy fortifications crashing down. This was also done in part to honour their commander - recognising both his prodigious size and stubborn demeanour - the latter trait which was inherited by the warriors under his command.

## Chapter Homeworld

Keres is a barren moon with a grim history. Orbiting the feudal world of Achyls it also serves as the foreboding home base of operations for the Black Mastrodons Space Marine Chapter. Indeed, '*Keres*' is a fitting and evocative name, as it is associated with the ancient female death-spirits of Grecian mythology, adding an ominous and symbolic layer to the moon's significance for the Chapter. The desolate and lifeless nature of Keres, with its harsh atomic fallout and the remnants of a catastrophic war from the Age of Strife, mirrors the aftermath of the destructive battles that the Keres of mythology were drawn to. The moon's scarred landscape serves as a constant reminder of the violence and turmoil that once engulfed it.

### Fortress-Monastery

As inheritors of Dorn, the Black Mastodons are supreme engineers and builders of mighty citadels. They are master castellans at heart, emulating their gene-sire's engineering feats and architectural prowess as the master of fortifications. The Black Mastodons take immense pride in their engineering and construction skills, and their expertise in building mighty citadels is unparalleled. As descendants of the ancient VIIth Legion, the Black Mastodons have inherited their progenitors' meticulous attention to detail and their unwavering commitment to mastering the arts of fortification. They excel in the art of fortress-building, employing advanced techniques and incorporating the latest technological advancements to create impregnable bastions of defence.

Within the inhospitable environment of Keres, the Black Mastodons have established their formidable fortress-monastery, the '*Castrum Invicta*', meaning the 'Unconquered Fortress'. This name reflects the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of the Chapter, as well as their commitment to defending humanity against the threats of the galaxy. Partially built into the side of one of the moon's tallest peaks, the choice to build their fotress-monastery on Keres highlights the Black Mastodons' resilience and adaptability. Just as the ancient Grecian myths portrayed the Keres as beings drawn to scenes of violent death, the Black Mastodons have chosen to establish their stronghold amidst the aftermath of a cataclysmic conflict. It is a testament to their unwavering resolve and their ability to thrive in even the most inhospitable environments.

The *Castrum Invicta* bears massive void shields, anti-air defence lasers, and a small garrison for defence. On occasions when a Centuria must rebuild its strength due to an extended crusade or substantial losses, it is usually added to the garrison on Keres, so that it can add another layer to the world's defences. Massive subterranean chambers hold the Chapter's vehicles and wargear, where they are preserved for future battles. Their ancient forges hold large mechanical furnaces found in the citadel's lower halls that run deep beneath the moon's surface, materials are provided here making it possible to create fresh weapons and vehicles, which is overseen by the Black Mastodons' Prefectus Fabrorum (Master of the Forge). Beneath these halls is the Chapter's most fortified area of their fortress-monastery - the Chapter's Apothecarion. Located within is the Chapter's gene-seed repository, the legacy and the Black Mastodons.

#### Chapter Keeps

The Black Mastodons' mastery as castellans extends beyond mere defensive structures. They are also skilled in the design and construction of mighty citadels and Chapter keeps. These citadels serve as both strongholds and centers of training, embodying the ideals of discipline, endurance, and unyielding resolve that define this Chapter. Establishing these fortifications wherever they go, they act as forward operating bases whenever the Chapter is out on crusade. Once their objectives are completed, these bastions of the Chapter might be abandoned for several years or even decades. However, when needed, these keeps can quickly be brought back online and act as staging posts for the Black Mastodons' campaigns, able to house several '*Centuria*' (Companies) or even a '*Cohort*' (Demi-Chapter)-sized formation.

Their engineering expertise goes hand in hand with their combat doctrine, as the Black Mastodons are known for their disciplined defence and their ability to hold and fortify key positions. Their castles and fortresses are not just architectural marvels but also tactical masterpieces, carefully designed to maximize defensive capabilities and provide strategic advantages.

The Black Mastodons' devotion to the art of fortification extends beyond their own citadels. The Chapter's mastery as castellans, coupled with their combat prowess, allows them to create formidable defensive structures and provide invaluable support to the Imperium's defensive efforts. As loyal servants of the Imperium, they often lend their engineering expertise to other Imperial forces, assisting in the construction and fortification of crucial defences, planetary strongholds, and strategic positions. Their guidance and knowledge ensure that these fortifications are built to withstand even the most relentless assaults.

### Achyls

Achyls is the vassal world of the Black Mastodons Chapter and its primary source of potential future Astartes. This feudal world is steep in a rich cultural heritage reminiscent of ancient Athenian/Hellenistic civilisations of the ancient empire of Grecia of Old Earth classical antiquity. Achlys is characterised by a fragmented political landscape, being comprised of a collection of city-states and other territories forming a loose federation. These regions are culturally and linguistically related, mirroring the diverse city-states that comprised the ancient Grecia empire. Each city-state on Achlys retains its own unique identity, with distinct customs, traditions, and governing systems.

The Achylsians are known for their artistic and architectural brilliance. Their skill in construction and design is renowned throughout the Imperium of Man, and their structures have become iconic symbols of architectural excellence. The temples, theatres, and stadia built by the Achylysians showcase their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, often featuring elaborate sculptures, ornate facades, towering columns, and grand interiors.

The influence of Achylsian architecture extends beyond their homeworld, with many of their architectural designs have left an indelible impact on Imperial architecture, inspiring and shaping the construction of notable and magnificent structures upon thousands of shrine worlds of the Ecclesiarchy. Many notable temples are brilliant examples of Doric and Ionian architecture. These octostyle, peripteral temples are dedicated to God-Emperor, the protector of Mankind, housing a giant chryselephantine statue dedicated to His omnipotent glory. The elegant and harmonious lines, intricate carvings, and thoughtful proportions that characterise Achlysian architecture have become highly sought after by architects and builders across the Imperium.

In addition to their architectural achievements, Achylsians also excel in other areas of culture, such as philosophy, literature, and the arts. Their society cherishes knowledge, intellectual pursuits, and the pursuit of excellence in all forms of creative expression. Achlysian philosophers and scholars are known for their insightful thinking, and their literature often explores profound themes and ideas.

As well as its advancements in art, philosophy and politics, the Achylsians are known for their military prowess. All male citizens are required to undergo formal rigorous training from an early age. This training includes physical conditioning, weapons training, and drills in tactics and strategy. The training of an Achylsian youth is so rigorous it is said that only one in three boys who begin the training program will graduate to become full-fledged soldiers. A small percentage of these adolescents who exceed far and above their peers are granted the unique honour of undergoing the Rites of Selection at the appointed time. The rest will either be eliminated for failing to meet the high standards or will become non-combatant members of their city-state's army.

The Achylsians promulgate a warrior culture and soldiers are an important part of their society. From the earliest days of ancient Achyls civilisation, soldiers were needed for wars, both to defend against external threats and to expand and protect the territory of the city-states. Soldiers are often drawn from the citizenry, as all male citizens are required to take part in compulsory service, an obligatory period of military service that is performed at some point in their lives. Mercenaries are often recruited from other parts of the world and are used to augment the ranks of the regular armies in times of need.

As the primary recruitment world of the Black Mastodons Chapter, Achlys serves as an ideal recruitment and training ground for future aspirants of the Chapter. The rigorous selection process and intense training regimen reflect the disciplined and physically demanding warrior ethos of the planet's ingrained warrior culture. The Achylsians, proud of their heritage, take great pride in supplying the finest warriors to serve the Imperium.

Overall, Achlys stands as a shining example of an Imperial world that has preserved and evolved the cultural legacy of their ancient Grecian forebears and their zealous faith in the God-Emperor. Its architectural marvels, intellectual contributions and excellence in the arts of war have left an indelible mark, standing as a preeminent example of what an Imperial world should aspire to be. It has become a world of great importance and reverence within the realms of the wider Imperium.

#### Chapter Recruitment

The Rites of Ascension is the name given to the recruitment rite of the Black Mastodons. Tradition and obligation demand that the Chapter undertake five selections every ten standard years. During this time, a cadre of the Chapter's officers led by a senior Chaplain, descend from their fortress-monastery located on Achlys' moon of Keres, and make planetfall. Every adolescent male that is of age, is forced to undergo the trials of selection. The prospective aspirant must make a pilgrimage to the Black Mastodon's Chapter keep, located upon the cliffs of the planet's tallest peak. This pilgrimage is an ordeal unto itself, as the pilgrim must endure the planet's harsh elements, predatory animals, and even highwaymen - a metaphorical journey of an aspirant to the rank of full battle-brother that all candidates must undertake.

If they manage to survive their pilgrimage (a feat in itself), they arrive at the Chapter keep, weary and fatigued, seeking refuge. They come dressed in the pilgrim's habit which is of brown material. Brown is the colour of humility and of the earth. The pilgrims are admitted and they are given protection from the elements and from the enemy and is provided with refreshment in the form of bread and water. After their modest meal, they are brought to their own private cells, to sleep their weariness away before the start of the trials. After a period of seven days, those that have arrived in the allotted time will undergo the rites of selection. Those who have failed to do so, are assumed to have died in the attempt.

At dawn, the weary candidates are awoken from their cells and taken to a large chamber. They are silently observed by the power-armoured giants who take the measure of the adolescents' worth. A skull-helmed Chaplain then steps forward and scrutinises the potential candidates brought before him. Each candidate announces their intent to be admitted into the Chapter. Proof of his faith and of his sincerity is then demanded, and the aspirant must prove their sincerity and devotion to the God-Emperor.

Following the questioning, the aspirants must then undergo various trials of selection. The trial takes the form of a series of challenges that test an aspirant's strength, stamina, speed, and skill. These challenges are designed to test an aspirant's courage and constancy and represent the constant warfare the Chapter undertakes against the lying vanities and deceits of the universe. These challenges can often prove deadly. In both cases, however, an aspirant that has failed a challenge, yet performed to the Chapter's satisfaction, is rescued from the jaws of death by the Chapter's '*Medicae*' (Apothecaries) and judged worthy of progressing to the ranks of '*Tiro*' (Neophyte), where they will undergo the first in a series of several painful implantations of Astartes organs to become a transhuman Space Marines.

In keeping with the tenants of their warrior culture, Aspirants are expected to be in excellent physical condition and skilled in the use of weapons and tactics. In order to prepare them for the life of a transhuman Astartes, aspirants engage in rigorous training and constant drills, both individually and as part of a unit. Those who flourish under this brutal regimen go on to receive additional Astartes implants, slowly completing their transformation into a transhuman warrior. Those who fail in to meet the Chapter's high standards, usually die in training. Those who manage to survive but fail their final test or have an adverse reaction to one of their Astartes implants are instead relegated to the ranks of the Chapter's '*Cacula*' (Chapter Serfs).

## Chapter Organisation

The Black Mastodons are a nominally *Codex*-adherent Chapter, however, they do not strictly adhere to the tenets of this most valuable of tomes, opting instead to utilise their own unique Chapter organisation, units and even rank designations, taken from the warrior culture of the primary recruitment world of Achyls. Like their progenitors, they are still broken up into ten separate companies, each of which numbers one hundred battle-brothers when operating at full strength. This force is led by the various veteran warriors and heroes of the Chapter, drawn from the Chapter's command headquarters of the Legatus (Chapter Master), as well as the various departments of the Chapter, including the Reclusium, Librarium, and the Apothecarion. It is further supported by the various heavy vehicles, artillery, gunships and aerial support of the Armoury, and the void-sailing vessels of the Chapter fleet.

### Unit Formations

* **Millennial** - Chapter equivalent.
* **Cohort** - Demi-Chapter equivalent.
* **Centuria** - Company equivalent.
* **Maniple** - Squad equivalent.

### Squad Formations

* **Triarii (Singular: Triarius)** - Veteran Squad.
* **Hastati (Singular: Hastatus)** - Battleline Squad.
* **Sagitarii (Singular: Sagittarius)** - Fire Support Squad.
* **Ballistarii (Singular: Ballistarius)** - Artillery Squad.
* **Principes (Singular: Princeps)** - Breacher Squad.
* **Accensi (Singular: Accensus)** - Siege Squad.
* **Alares (Singular: Ala)** - Aerial Squad.
* **Cataphractarii (Singular: Cataphract)** - Armoured Squad.

### Officer Ranks

* **Legatus** - Chapter Master equivalent.
* **Primus Pilus** - First Captain equivalent.
* **Tribune** - Captain equivalent.
* **Centurion** - Lieutenant equivalent.

### Immunues (Specialist Ranks)

* **Pontifex Primus** - Equivalent rank to a Reclusiarch of the Chapter.
* **Pontiff** - Equivalent rank to a Chaplain.
* **Medicus Primus** - Chief Apothecary equivalent.
* **Medicus** - Apothecary equivalent.
* **Augur Primus** - Chief Librarian equivalent.
* **Augur**
* **Prefectus Fabrorum** - Equivalent rank to a Master of the Forge, the Chapter's senior-most Techmarine.
* **Fabrorum** - Equivalent rank to a Techmarine.
* **Signiferi** - Standard bearer equivalent.
* **Bustuarius** - Chapter Champion.
* **Dimachaerus** - Company Champion.
* **Essedarius** - Honoured ancient; Chapter dreadnought.

### Line Ranks

* **Optio** - Veteran Sergeant equivalent, senior Sergeant of a Centuria.
* **Tessarius** - Senior Sergeant appointed by a Tesserarius to act as his second-in-command.
* **Decanus** - Sergeant equivalent, commands a Maniple of 10 Miles.
	+ **Decurion** - Sergeant that commands the Chapter's armour units (*Turma*) comprised of 10 to 30 tanks and various armoured support vehicles.
	+ **Aquilifier** - Chapter Standard Bearer equivalent.
	+ **Signifier** - Company Standard Bearer equivalent.
	+ **Hastiliarius** - Decanus appointed as a weapons instructor for the Chapter's Tiro (Neophytes).
* **Miles (Plural: Milites)** - Battle-Brother equivalent.
	+ **Discens** - Battle-Brother in training for an immunis (Specialist) position.
* **Veles (Plural: Velites)** - Scout Marine/Primaris Incursor equivalent.
* **Venator (Plural: Venatio)** - Primaris Reiver & Vanguard Eliminator equivalent.
* **Tiro (Plural: Tirones)** - Neophyte equivalent.

### Specialist Units & Formations

* **Praetorians** - Honour Guard equivalent, charged with the protection of the Legatus.

### Non-Astartes Personnel

* **Adituor** - An adjutant or assistant.
* **Capsarior** - Medical orderly.
* **Actuarius** - Responsible for the distribution of provisions.
* **Cacula** - Chapter-Serf equivalent.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

As inheritors of the genetic lineage of Rogal Dorn, the Black Mastodons share their genetic legacy with their progenitors and have inherited many of the characteristics of their gene-sire. The Chapter's gene-seed is highly stable, though, like their genetic forebears, the Black Mastodons' genome always lacks the Betcher's Gland that allows a Space Marine to spit a corrosive acid, and the Sus-an Membrane that allows him to enter a life-sustaining state of deep hibernation.

The lack of these two organs is a holdover from the desperate times of the Horus Heresy, when the Imperial Fists Legion was forced to undertake drastic measures to swell their ranks in preparation for the defence of the Throneworld against the final assault by the Traitor Legions. By delaying the implantation of both the Betcher's Gland and Sus-an Membrance, until after the fateful events at Terra, the Imperial Fists were able to achieve a 32% decrease in implantation time.

Extant records show Dorn viewed the two as vestigial given the threats faced, for when the Warmaster reached Terra, no prisoners would be taken and few would be granted the reprieve of extended recovery. However, the misordered implanation of both organs resulted in unforeseen circumstances, resulting in the permanent degradation of the genetic code necessary to utilise them. These alterations resulted in the loss of one or both organs amongst the Chapters descended from the lineage of Dorn.

Despite the loss of these organs, the Black Mastodons do not lament their loss, for the gene-seed is remarkably stable and healthy, free of all other major mutations and Chaos-contamination.

### Primarch's Curse: Death Before Dishonour

Like their progenitors, the Black Mastodons are more than willing to fight to the last, holding their ground with a siege-like mentality which will them triumph or die in the attempt. This expression of duty can become exaggerated in members of the Chapter during long periods of combat, especially against numerous and unrelenting foes. In these instances the battle-brther sees only death; the death of their comrades, the death of a world, and the death of their foes.

These affected battle-brothers consider that the only righteous path lies in the expenditure of their lives for these purposes and will face them with a stoic heart and a single-mindedness that can only lead to the complete annihilation of everything and everyone he faces, often eventually including himself and those that fight beside him. When the Chapter's genetic curse manifests itself in an affected battle-brother, it comes on in three stages:

* **Stage 1 - No Retreat** - As the odds mount so does the battle-brother's stubborn refusal to retreat, seeing only the glory and honour in defeating such overwhelming foes if even the barest glimmer of victory remains. Even if the doctrine and teaching of the *Codex Astartes* dictate retreat or flexible defence, the Battle-Brother will be loath to disengage until there is absolutely no choice, though often this can come too late.
* **Stage 2 - Suffer not Defeat** - Defeat is a bitter pill to swallow for the battle-brother and he would rather die fighting than accept that he has failed. This can lead to reckless behaviour as he throws himself into the fray or takes on excessive odds to win when prudence and tactical reason would dictate he withdraw.
* **Stage 3 - Unto Death** - The battle-brother has come to accept that perhaps only the cost of his own life will be enough to secure victory and is gladly willing to give it up. This can have dire consequences should the circumstances present him with a chance to martyr himself for the Emperor and bring ruin to the enemies of the Imperium. Should a battle-brother suffer mortal wounds, he gains a fatalistic desire to sell his life for the cause and will choose to expend his own life for a chance at victory or the safety of his brothers. This means he will fight on regardless of his wounds and continue to attack or place himself in the path of attacks even though the next blow could mean his end. He will also gladly accept suicidal or near-suicidal tasks (such as disarming unstable warheads, leading a forlorn hope or holding a breach to buy time for his companions) without complaint.

## Combat Doctrine

The Black Mastodons are the masters of siege warfare and attrition assault tactics, favouring the use of murderous firepower as their principal agency of war, and are renowned for their use of heavy armour, artillery and fortifications, spurning vainglorious ideals of personal combat and valour for their brutal determination to achieve victory at any cost and by any means necessary. This penchant for such tactics culminated in various tactical formations such as that which has become known as the '*Hammer of Achlys*'. This formation is designed to carry out an unyielding close range attack and shatter the most formidable enemy defence line under the weight of armoured warriors of the Black Mastodons' heavy infantry formations supported by a hurricane of deadly fire from the Chapter's armour formations.

To casual observers and the unitiated outsider, the Black Mastodons appear to have a predilection for deploying overwhelming firepower to pound their foes into submission before assaulting what's left of an enemy's formations. However, nothing could be further from the truth, for the Chapter's overall approach to warfare is far more analytical, subtle and above all, effective. As students of the art of siege warfare and preeminent Scions of Dorn, they display their Primarch's keen intellect and see the defeat of an enemy as an enigma to be cracked. In defence, the Black Mastodons make great use of fixed positions, bunkers and heavy gun emplacements, such as Thunderfire Cannons, automated mobile Tarantula Sentry Guns or Firestrike Servo-Turrents, so that even a small number of Battle-Brothers can effectively defend a large area from attack. Every aspect is optimised to give clear lines of sight and interlocking fields of fire, making it a deadly prospect for those foolhardy enough to assault one of their positions.

Utlising a planet's terrain, obstacles such as concertina wire and barricades, as well as minfields, the enemy is funneled into optimal killing zones, and the through the extensive use of high-functioning weapon servitors free, this frees the Astartes themselves to act as a reserve force able to respond to the unexpected, and for their inevitable counter-strike. They are also able to rapidly assess a situation and react accordingly. When faced with a numerically superior foe, the utilisation of such deadly tactics has enabled a smaller Black Mastodons strike force to stall an enemy's advance long enough for their orbiting vessels to deploy the full might of their arsenal down from orbit and defeat an enemy force in a deadly planetary bombardment.

When on the offensive, the Black Mastodons favour taking the same clinical approach to warfare. Utilising powerful scans, rolling artillery bombardments and infiltrating feints to probe the enemy's strength and weaknesses and inform their overall strategy. Each company utilises a differnet approach, based upon the guiding philosophy of their Praetors (Captains) and the equipment in their armoury. Most display a preference for deploying massed armoured blitzkriegs of Vindicators, Bombards, Whirlwinds and Fellblades, backed up with mechanized infantry in Land Raiders. However, the 1st Veteran Company prefers to circumvent the enemy's defences entirely through the utilisation of extensive teleporter arrays to enable their Terminator Armoured veterans to strike at the very heart of an enemy's position. Meanwhile, the 8th Assault Company makes extensive use of jump packs to fly over the walls of an enemy stronghold and drop down to rain death from above. They also make use of Terrax Pattern Termite Assault Drills (a tunneling vehicle) to catch the enemy unawares and to emerge deep behind enemy lines or in the heart of enemy fortifications, to disgorge its deadly cargo of Close Support Astartes to bring death and ruin.

### Testudo

The Black Mastodons are famous for their utilisation of the ancient Romanii tactic of the *testudo* (or 'tortoise formation'), these Astartes will align their shields to form a packed formation covered with shields on the front and top, presenting an impenetrable shield wall to all sides. Through the use of this tried and tested tactic, the testudo offers consistent defensive strength against opposing infantry and excellent protection against small arms fire. Trained extensively to fight from behind their shield wall to deadly effect; its armoured protection and the immense firepower at their command provides a deadly match for any foes who dare to assail them.

This tactic is also utilised by this formation to protect the company's sappers as they advance towards an enemy fortification's walls, where they will undermine and collapse a tower, creating a breach for the rest of the company's forces to enter an enemy citadel. It seems as though nothing can stand before these Astartes' implacable advance during an assault. Staunch and immovable, this Chapter is the last line of defence when attack threatens and the first into the fray when called upon to assault an enemy fortification.

## Deathwatch Service

Since the formation of this specialist xenos-hunting Chapter, the Black Mastodons have continuously sent battle-brothers to serve the Long Vigil within the ranks of the Deathwatch - the Ordo Militant of the Inquisition's Ordo Xenos. It is not known how battle-brothers down the long millennia have served within the vaunted ranks of the Deathwatch, but those brothers that are called upon are known to have served with distinction. Following the end of their vigil and returning to their Chapter these Deathwatch veterans help provide expertise and valuable insight regarding the myriad xenos threats that continuously threaten the Emperor's realm.

As such, many of these battle-brothers go on to assume leadership positions within the Chapter's hierarchy, bringing with them the valuable experiences of hunting various xenos and the techniques on how to properly fight against them. They have an innate understanding of the various weaknesses to exploit and how to properly combat the every-changing threats of highly dangerous xenoforms.

## Notable Members

* **Legatus Gareth Marcellus, 'The Black Mastodon'** - Patriarch and founder of the Black Mastodons Chapter, Gareth was a veteran of both the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy. A Terran-born member of the nascent VII Legion before their reunification with their Primarch Rogal Dorn, his talents for siege assault and natural leadership abilities saw his meteoric rise through the ranks, earning the rank of Seneschal and the command of the 127th Siege Company. He would go on to lead countless successful siege assaults during the Great Crusade and served as one of the VII Legion's champions during the vicious fighting against their hated rivals from the Iron Warriors Traitor Legion during several engagements throughout the Age of Darkness. He was also present during the Solar Wars to protect the inner ring of defence against the encroaching armada of the Arch-Traitor Horus and his Traitor Legion armada, slowing their journey in order to give their Primarch the necessary time he needed to prepare Terra's defences against the inevitable onslaught to come. This culminated in his participation during the Siege of Terra and the defence of the Imperial Palace against the vicious onslaught of the Warmaster's neverending hordes of traitors and daemonic allies. He would also help play in instrumental role in leading an Imperial Fists counter-strike force during the wars of reciprocity known as the Great Scouring against the fleeing Traitor forces. In recognition of his long, dedicated and stalwart service to the Imperium, Rogal Dorn selected Gareth Marcellus to lead a newly founded Successor Chapter during the 3rd Founding which occurred at the dawn of M32.
* **Legatus Arminius Varus** - Arminius is the current Legatus of the Black Mastodons.

## Notable Quotes

### About the Black Mastodons

*Feel free to add your own*

[Source]

 White Scars Successors
 Space Wolves Successors
 Imperial Fists Successors
 Blood Angels Successors
 Iron Hands Successors
 Ultramarines Successors
 Salamanders Successors
 Raven Guard Successors
 Unknown Lineage

[Source]

## Gallery

A Black Mastodons Triarius (Veteran Marine) of the Chapter's elite 1st Centuria (Company), arrayed in relic Cataphractii Terminator Armour.A Black Mastodons Miles of the 8th Centuria (Company), 6th Principes (Breacher Assault Squad).A Black Mastodons Tarantual Sentry Gun.