Azuri Astra

*Some thematic music to accompany your reading. Lowering volume is suggested.*

Historitos Astra armorial with Chapter iconography.

Azuri Astra Sergeant of the Fleet Adrius 3rd Company, 5th Battleline Squad.

"*How can we fight for the future if our own past is lost to us? How are we meant to strive for better times, when we are ignorant to the glories of old? And so we seek, we preserve, we study, all for the sake of uncovering the truth. Our blades are raised to defend the echos of forgotten ages, for only by learning from history may we know how to repeat it.*"
— Captain Wilhelm Dorou of the Fleet Adrius 3rd Company
The **Azuri Astra** are a loyalist Chapter created during the 16th Founding from the gene-seed of the Ultramarines, and are thus descended from the esteemed line of Roboute Guilliman. As their name implies, the Azuri Astra have dedicated themselves to the recovery, preservation and study of historical relics, artifacts and documents. They seek the history and the knowledge of the milky way galaxy, striving to understand bygone human civilizations in order to piece together an accurate account of humanity's shrouded past.

Conducive to this goal are the Chapter's specialties of infiltration, information gathering and the rapid extraction of valuable artifacts or individuals. In addition, the balanced doctrines of the *Codex Astartes* have ensured that they can accomplish their missions through either swift covert operations or heavy assaults. For once the Azuri Astra have set their sights on something, they will not rest until it is in their posession. Should their initial covert approach fail they will, without hesitation, start employing more brutal and direct methods to get what they want.

Their expertise in these fields have led to many Imperial factions regularly enlisting their aid to recover vital millitary intel, high ranking members of the Adeptus Terra or a plethora of other things that may need to be urgently extracted from war zones.

In order to avoid conflict with certain branches of the Inquisition and the Ecclesiarchy, the Chapter has always maintained that their purpose is merely to research the history of their own order as well as that of Ultramar. In reality, they have ever sought the truth behind the history of all mankind, including what some would consider to be "forbidden" knowledge. They have even taken an interest in the tales and chronicles of various Xenos races on occasion. Much secrecy and discretion has been neccessary to safeguard the cause of the Azuri Astra through the ages, often leading to the deaths of unfortunate bystanders who needed to be silenced. They think little of such collateral damage, and consider the ancient artifacts that they seek to be far more precious than the lives of ordinary citizens. With the return of the Primarch Guilliman however, many things have changed for the Chapter.

There yet remains a sense of knightly honour and chivalry in the hearts of all brothers of the Azuri Astra, a reflection of their homeworld Azuriz and its semi-feudal society. However more often than not these ancient values are superceded by cold pragmatism.

## Chapter History

The Chapter traces its origins back to the days of the 16th founding. The exact date of this founding has been lost to time but it is assumed that it took place sometime in M36. The Astartes erected their Fortress-Monastery upon Azuriz, a fertile moon orbiting the Hive-World of Medrawd. At first, the Marines of this new order set out to combat threats to Ultramar and the regions that once belonged to its 500 worlds, all the while gathering powerful weapons and armor to aid them in their struggle against the enemies of mankind.

As time went on, the Azuri Astra found more and more relic weapons, and the more they found the more their curiosity began to grow. There were ancient blades whose origins were completely unknown, suits of power armor that could be matched to certain Chapters but about which nothing else could be determined. Slowly but surely, the desire to understand the history of their famed collection emerged, something that would eventually escalate to change the Space Marine Chapter entirely.

Any and all information that was recovered regarding a specific object was documented and stored on the homeworld. Things like a thousand year old bolter were suddenly revealed to have belonged to a destroyed Chapter, which in turn took part in a conflict lost to history. This conflict was the result of a hundred years of complicated politics buried under thousands of years of bureaucracy and so on and so on. Soon the Chapter realized that every single one of their relics had its own story to tell, its own tale from which knowledge could be gleaned. Curiosity turned to passion, and eventually to obsession.

The thing that ultimately sealed the transformation of the Azuri was the discovery of that most sacred and ancient relic: *Rhongomyniad*, the Holy Lance. It was unearthed by pure chance during the bombardment of the planet Marghekyon in Segmentum Solar, and was, after extensive study and research, discovered to be an artifact hailing from the elder days of Holy Terra. Tales found in relation to the lance spoke of a noble High King who ruled a great realm with the help of his legendary and mystical arms. They further tell of how this ancient king and his knights slew a vile dragon with the fabled lance and restored peace to their land. The sheer age and holy prominence of this weapon struck the souls of the Space Marines and opened their eyes as to just how ignorant to its own past humanity had become. Unwilling to let any more knowledge be erased or lost, the Battle-Brothers of Azuriz set out in the name of their new mission. Henceforth they would dedicate themselves to restoring the lost history of mankind by claiming as much knowledge as possible and studying the traces of forgotten ages.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Uprising of Maxin Thos (Unknown Date. M36) -** After a series of violent worker riots, the agri-world of Maxin Thos, the main supplier of food to the planet of Medrawd, is swallowed by rebellion and revolution. In order to maintain the supply of foodstuffs to their system the Azuri Astra heed the request of sector command to intervene in the conflict. Within a week the political leaders and millitary commanders of the revolutionary factions are slain by the Space Marines, and all industrial capabilities held by the rebels are promptly reduced to rubble with extreme prejudice.

* **Razing of Bavyl (Unknown Date. M36) -** Sometime in the 36th Millenium the world of Bavyl suddenly refuses the paying of its tithe. A small group of the Azuri are sent in order to investigate and, if needed, convince the planetary government to resume the paying of their tribute. When the entire delegation is ambushed and killed by the residents of Bavyl, The Chapter Fleet arrives in force to demand answers. The only reply the world of Bavyl gives to the Chapter is the firing of orbital defence lasers. Unwilling to tolerate any more insolence from such a small planet, Chapter Master Gwenryn orders the complete and utter annihilation of the planetary capital and its 200 million inhabitants. In the rubble, the Astartes uncover several truly remarkable vaults containing ancient and powerful weapons. Fleet Adrius takes posession of the newly discovered arsenal and departs, giving only minimal details to the rest of the Imperium as to what transpired.

* **Great Greenskin Purge (Unknown Date. M37) -** After many years of utilising their spoils from the Razing of Bavyl in battle, a gathering of ork tribes and warfleets takes note of the Chapter and its uniquely powerful arsenal. Twenty years of repeated raids and unceasing agression culminate in a great purge of the greenskin territories in the regions near Azuriz, led by the Azuri Astra. With the aid of the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Navy, entire subsectors are cleansed from the alien threat. Many more artifacts and long lost weapons are recovered from the mountains of loot and treasure amassed by the orks.

* **Holy War of Marghekyon (663.M37) -** Following a religious schism upon the Shrine-World of Marghekyon, a full-scale civil war of faith erupts between local Ministorum authorities, plunging an entire subsector into chaos. One of the Cardinals involved in this conflict offers a treasure trove of holy relics to the Chapter in exchange for their aid. After more than three months of campaigning the capital of Marghekyon is bombarded into sumbmission and the conflict put to rest. Yet in the aftermath the warriors of the Astartes uncover a greater treasure than any promised by the Cardinal. Hidden deep below the catacombs of the city, inside a long forgotten shrine, there lay buried a weapon more ancient than any the order had ever encountered. A lance, surrounded by barely decipherable texts and cryptic tomes. It would come to be known as *Rhongomyniad, the Ancient High King's Holy Lance,* and would be the catalyst to transform the Azuri Astra into an order of scholars and historitors.

* **Ultramar Expeditions (800.M37) -** A series of expeditions across all the worlds believed to have once been part of the 500 worlds of Ultramar. Many skirmishes and individual campaigns lead to the acquisition of numerous precious documents and antiques, thereby further increasing the Azuri's knowledge of Ultramar's past. Relics like the Tablet of Ultramar and parts of the Armour of Ages are found during these expeditions.

* **Ultima Ratio Regis Disaster (999.M38) -** The Azuri Astra stumble upon documents regarding a long lost empire crushed during the days of the Great Crusade known as the Benestiv Royal Stellar Dominion. Shortly thereafter, a massive space hulk known as the Ultima Ratio Regis appears near the southern sectors of Ultramar Space. Fleet Adrius begins to investigate the enormous hulk and realizes that some of its deepest areas may have originated from the Stellar Dominion. Unnerved by this strange coincidence, the Astartes of Fleet Adrius begin a grueling exploration through the Regis, facing aliens, heretics and even occasional daemon manifestations within the unstable walls of the space hulk. Some artifacts of value are recovered, though no deeper understanding of the Benestiv Royal Stellar Dominion is gained. Just as the task force begins preparation for departure, they find clues which indicate that there may be an ancient ship belonging to a forgotten Rogue Trader sitting at a most perilous location in the depths of the titanic vessel. Indeed, the Chapter realizes that there may be an intact Warrant of Trade located somewhere inside the ship in question, an object bearing the signature and blood of the Emperor Himself. Yet right as the Space Marines begin their efforts to retrieve it, immense warp annomalies shake the entire space hulk, forcing the brothers of Fleet Adrius to retreat whilst under assault from the hordes of the neverborn. As the space hulk disappears into the everchanging tides of the warp, Chapter Master Gottbern swears that one day the men of Fleet Adrius would return to the Ultima Ratio Regis to recover that most desired of documents.

* **Eastern Fringe Wars (999.M39) -** Far on the eastern edges of imperial Space the Chapter encounters an alliance of alien races calling themselves the Vehkverahn. They had previously fled to the milky way from the void beyond and sought refuge on the first inhabitable worlds in their path. The Azuri Astra, being the first humans to be contacted by these creatures, are greeted with delight by the aliens. The Vehkverahn offer friendship and cooperation, making vague remarks about a coming doom against which all sentient life must unite. Many warriors of the Chapter call for the immediate extermination of the xenos, but some officers of Chapter Command propose to let them live in servitude to the Throne. The Chapter demands their total and unconditional subservience to the Emperor and His Imperium, a generous offer that the aliens decide to refuse. The Azuri, supported by several other Chapters of Space Marines, launch an all-out war of extermination against the Vehkverahn, who are revealed to posess formidable weaponry utilising strange science. Although the initiative remains with the Astartes, the aliens are numerous and spread over many systems. This far away from Terra the light of the Astronomican shines dimly, thereby complicating warp travel and slowing the attackers. Following many campaigns and battles, the servants of the Imperium emerge victorious, having slaughtered estimated billions of the foul xenos. Yet throughout the entire conflict, the Vehkverahn bombarded the Space Marines with pleading messages, desperately warning of a great hunger approaching from the dark.

* **Unmaking of Nebukene Zada (034.M40) -** On the shrine-world of Nebukene Zada a strange offshoot of the Imperial Cult emerges, one centered around the worship of an ancient object recovered from the planet's orbit. A small contingent of Azuri Astra arrives while on patrol through the system, lured by curiosity. The Marines are allowed to inspect the fabled relic, quickly realizing that it might be one of the most significant finds in the Chapter's history. While initially appearing as but a simple piece of decrepit space debris, further study revealed it to be some sort of primitive probe, containing a golden disc of uncertain function. Even with many details remaining vague, the Azuri are convinced that this object is some kind device from mankind's distant past, and attempt to take posession of the artifact. After immense protest and resistance from the planetary authorities and the locals, the warriors of the Chapter instead opt to aquire it via more covert means. Before the Space Marines are able to make a swift escape, the orbital defenses of Nebukene Zada open fire upon their vessel, forcing the Azuri to send out a distress beacon to their brothers. The Chapter Fleet arrives to find their brethren dead, their ship rent asunder at the hands of Nebukene Zada's zealots. The object, though it survived the incident intact, was reclaimed by the citizens of the planet. Enraged, High-Captain Urdrin swears retribution against the shrine-world. Orbital plattforms, defenses and ships are obliterated, astropathic relays and planetary communication hubs laid to waste in sudden surgical strikes. Once the Chapter is certain that the inhabitants of Nebukene Zada had no way of informing the rest of the Imperium or calling for help, they assault the grand cathedral where the sacred artifact is held. With unmatched efficiency the Astartes butcher their way through the hordes of religious conscripts and Ministorum militia, as well as a small garrison of Adepta Sororitas Battle Sisters. The ancient probe is successfully recovered, and the shrine-world of Nebukene Zada is subjected to Exterminatus by the Space Marine Fleet, thus erasing all evidence of what occured there.

* **Tyranid Campaign of Pakwaza (750.M41) -** A tendril of the Tyranid Hive Fleet Behemoth sets its eyes on the Hive-World of Pakwaza Prime, a planet situated within the Azuriz subsector. Fearing that the aliens may advance towards Azuriz itself, the Chapter rallies all three Historitor Fleets to face the Great Devourer. After weeks of fierce fighting, the Knights of the Lion Chapter arrives in force to aid against the alien threat. While the Azuri Astra wage a more flexible war involving surgical strikes against priority bioforms and sudden shock assaults, the Knights of the Lion resolve to hold the line with blade and boltgun, sheperding the fleeing populace of Pakwaza Prime to the besieged spaceports. Eventually, the warriors of Azuriz find themselves reduced to a mere third of their original fighting strength, though the Hive Fleet tendril is dealt grievous blows through the joint effort of the two Chapters. At a turning point of the war the orbital defenses and the Chapter Fleets, which had held the enemy void creatures away from the planet's main spaceport, are about to be overwhelmed, and so the Space Marines of the Azuri Astra attempt to recover as many historical artifacts and documents as they can before retreating. This leads to a confrontation between them and their allies, for the Knights of the Lion believe that further sacrifice by the Astartes may save both the world and its people. Given the choice between saving human life and saving the precious relics collected, the Azuri Astra choose the latter, leaving the Knights of the Lion without support and forcing them to withdraw as well. Once the tyranids cover the entire world in a feeding frenzy, the Historitor Fleets enact Exterminatus on Pakwaza Prime, burning away most of the remaining aliens of the Hive Fleet and effectively saving the subsector from destruction at the hands of the Xenos. Though tens of thousands of civilians were given refuge on the ships of the Knights of the Lion, the millions left behind on the planet were committed to unfeeling fire. Cold stares and accusing gazes are exchanged before the two Chapters part ways, each believing the other to be harboring secrets.

* **Glorious Recovery of the Cavalora Warrant of Trade (999.M41) -** 3,000 years after the disaster of the Ultima Ratio Regis, the mysterious Space Hulk reappears in the Chapter's very own home system. Eager to fulfill the oath sworn by his distant predecessor, Chapter Master Godwyn summons Historitor Fleets Adrius and Wirtus and sets out to recover the Warrant of Trade thought to lie somewhere in the depths of the titanic vessel. Much like before, the terrain is perilous, unpredictable and filled with Xenos and warp beasts which take a great toll on the intruders. This time however, the overwhelming firepower and determination of over 500 Astartes prevail, until the Space Marines hold in their hands that sacred document: a Warrant of Trade belonging to the long-dead Rogue Trader house of Cavalora, and signed by the Emperor himself with ink and blood. In spite of the many lives lost, the Chapter escapes the Space Hulk and makes haste to their homeworld of Azuriz in glorious celebration.

* **Days of the Rift (ca. 999.M41) -** Shortly after Fleet Adrius and Fleet Wirtus return to Azuriz with the Warrant of Trade, the Cicatrix Maledictum tears itself open across the galaxy. The victory celebrations are cut short, and those of the Chapter present on the homeworld deliberate on what to do next, eventually deciding to remain in-system and defend the archives until the situation in the wider Imperium can be ascertained. Meanwhile, Fleet Ghisleynus finds itself on the other side of the Great Rift, trapped in the darkness of Imperium Nihilus and beset by enemies. With no way of safely traveling large distances in the warp, the warriors of Fleet Ghisleynus begin a bloody crusade in the subsector they had found themselves in, enacting a heavy toll on the foes of mankind. After hearing word that Roboute Guilliman has returned to lead the Imperium, Fleets Adrius and Wirtus rush towards Macragge to offer their allegiance to the Primarch Reborn.

* **Plague Wars (ca. 012.M42) -** Following the incursions of the Daemon Primarch Mortarion and his Deathguard into Ultramar, the Azuri Astra commit a large part of their forces to aid in the defense of the Primarch's realm, having been newly reinforced with Primaris. Though their Battle-Brothers are held in reserve for much of the conflict, a select few of the Fleet Adrius 1st Company are honoured to march in sight of the Primarch himself during the battle for Parmenio.

## Chapter Home World

Azuriz is a semi-feudal Chapter World located in the southern fringes of the restored 500 worlds of Ultramar and orbits the Hive-World of Medrawd as its moon. Unlike its industrialized and poluted neighbor, Azuriz has remained fairly untouched by humankind. Most of it is covered by a brilliant sapphire sea of gleaming blue, though a single green isle can be seen from orbit. This island bears the name Camlann and it is there where the small population of Azuriz lives in a semi-feudal society ruled by the Azuri Astra. Roughly 200,000 citizens inhabit Caer Lleon, the only city on the planet, which surrounds the Chapter's Fortress-Monastery, the Castra Kronus. It is estimated that around 50,000 Azurians live out in the grasslands of Camlann to cultivate rather primitive agricultural farms in small communities.

Caer Lleon is situated at the southern coast of Camlann, and was built on a small peninsula protruding out from the mainland into a bay of clear, colourful water. To its west, north and east rise steep mountains, upon which countless Defence Laser Batteries, Sensors Arrays and Void Shield Generators were erected to ensure the safety of the city. The city's outer wall forms a perfect circle of white stone, with eight large gates allowing access from the ground. Many humble abodes fashioned from stone walls, wooden beams and tiled roofs are tightly packed together in the confines of Caer Lleon, leaving barely enough space for the occasional patch of greenery to shine through. Temples, medical facilities and other basic places of social import are evenly scattered throughout the city and look up towards the massive hill sitting in the city centre. Atop this hill lies the Castra Kronus, the massive Fortress-Monastery of the Azuri Astra.

Most of the people who call Caer Lleon their home serve the Chapter in some way or another. Thousands of them are conscripted as Chapter Serfs to work in the truly vast archives, libraries, armories and reliquary vaults that make up most of the Castra's lower levels and which continue deep below the planet's surface. Most of the Azurians simply maintain the halls of the Monastery through basic menial work, yet those considered more competent and trustworthy are allowed to perform labours in the deeper parts of the archives, helping to transcribe, sort and categorize the mountains of documents and parchments amassed inside. Then there are the 1,000 Chapter Serfs who serve directly under the high offices of the Azuri Astra. Half of their number serve the Chaplains of the Archivarum Sanctus Reclusiam, playing a crucial role in the study and preservation of the Archivarum's artifacts, while the other half is deeply involved with the research of the Historis Librarius.

Since the return of the Primarch Roboute Guilliman, several of the Chapter's baseline human historitors have joined the ranks of the newly established Logos Historica Verita to assist the Imperial Regent in his endeavor.

The Flora and Fauna of Azuriz does not lack variety, even if the world seems unassuming at first glance. Its lush green fields consist of long blades of grass that share a remarkable resemblance to bolts of lighting. Strong winds regularly batter these fields, causing the grass to make shivering sounds reminiscent of whispering voices. At night, the grasslands of Azuriz turn blue and become rigid and sharp like literal blades of grass. In this state, winds move the grass to create an unnerving sound of scraping and clattering. Because of this, any grass in and around the city of Caer Lleon is regulated by law to be kept trimmed low, for otherwise the noises made by it would be quite bothersome indeed.

Small insects and reptiles slide through and fly over the vast fields of the mainland, ranging from triple headed wasp-things capable of camouflage to strange bird-lizards that evolved to fly backwards. The ocean of Azuriz, aptly named the Azure Deep, holds thousands of exotic and unique species of marine life that make up a large portion of the human population's diet. Many more creatures suspected of lurking in the depths remain undocumented and unbothered, since it has been determined that any expedition into the Azure Deep would be a waste of time and resources.

As peaceful as Azuriz may at first appear, it is a world with a tempestuous temper. The strong winds that so often blow through the skies are usually portents of the violent thunderstorms that frequently ravage the planet's surface, bringing lighting crashing down across the blue waves and green hinterlands. Caer Lleon is more than adequately protected against the storms, making them more of a spectacle than a threat to the people of Azuriz. Many traditions and cultural quirks have developed as a result of the Azurian Stormwinds, which have influenced the identity of the Azuri Astra since the Chapter's founding.

### Fortress-Monastery

The Castra Kronus is located atop the great hill of Caer Lleon, appearing as a massive palace of white marble walls and red-tiled roofs. Enormous windows of pale-blue glass dominate its facade, and a single slim spire reaches into the sky from its centre. Gathering halls, communal areas for Astartes and Serfs, training areas, places of ceremony and large hangars are all situated there, along with several other facilities a Chapter requires to function. However, most of the above-ground structure is, in many ways, for show. Even the many relics and trophies of the Chapter that are proudly displayed in these polished halls are mostly replicas or objects of little value. All meant to keep up the appearance of the proud and heroic sons of Guilliman.

Impressive as it may appear from outside, most of the Castra's vital areas and systems are actually buried below ground, hollowing out large parts of the great hill and continuing deep into the underground of Azuriz. The further one descends, the more protected the contents of the subterranean halls become. From armouries, power-grid controls and void-generatoriums, to the sacred vaults and libraries where the true treasures of the Azuri Astra lie locked away from all but their own brothers and Serfs.

So vast are the archives of Azuriz that even the thousands of Serfs and Servitors employed by the Space Marines can only ever manage tiny sectors at a time, relying on gradual maintenance over many decades. Making sure that everything is in its proper place is a challenge, even for some of the Astartes, but advanced systems of organization and classification have aided in lessening the burden of such tasks. Laboratories meant to determine an object's exact age and origin, sealed tunnels leading to artifacts of alien races or daemonic power, entire areas dedicated to nothing but the translation and subsequent replication of old scriptures. For any outsider, it would be akin to an endless maze of antiques and dusty books, always alive with the sounds of scholars rushing from shelf to shelf, and Space Marines pacing between the vaults containing ageless relics.

There are chambers buried so deep and shielded so extensively that they would perhaps survive even the destruction of the planet itself, though that is a belief that the warriors of Azuriz would rather not put to the test. What is kept in such places is no business of anyone but the highest offices of the Chapter, for the order has amassed many things that are best kept unshown, lest they reveal things best kept unknown.

## Chapter Recruitment

Aspirants to the Chapter are almost always selected from among the children of the order's most trusted serfs. Whenever the Azuri Astra are in need of new recruits, they will choose a hundred youths from high-ranking servant families and, once a thunderstorm of adequate size has erupted over the isle, take them to a location known the the Lucentus Temple. This structure was built by the Chapter and serves as a massive lighting rod bearing the guise of a holy site. It is where the selected aspirants will prove themselves in tests of strength, bravery and dedication. They are trained in the basics of warfare and hand-to-hand combat and forced to solve problems under pressure, with little sleep or food all whilst having to withstand the constant lighting strikes shaking the temple from top to bottom. Intellectual abilities are not considered during these trials, a solid understanding of historical and archeological topics is considered one of the bare minimum requirements for being selected in the first place.

The Space Marines do not go out of their way to put the aspirants in mortal danger, nor do they try to whittle down the number of youths that remain in the end, yet the strains and exhaustions caused by the trials often claim the lives of the weaker candidates, so that each selection ceremony tends to suffer at least a handful of casualties. At the very least the families of those unlucky few are sure to be compensated for the loss of their children.

After a number of further excercises and spiritual screenings, the Master of the Watch will make his final choice of aspirants to be elevated and officially inducted into the Watch Company. A special ceremony is held for this occasion, one that involves a final test of courage described by the Space Marines as having to "brave the lightning's glow". From thereon they will be organised into Neophyte Protector Squads, and serve as stewards of the Castra Kronus, honing their skills in all forms of combat and all fields of study until they are deemed ready to join one of the Historitor Fleets.

## Chapter Organisation

### Chapter Command

The overall rule of the Azuri Astra Chapter as a whole lies with the Chapter Master and his Command Council. This council may vary greatly in terms of the number of seats and the officers who are granted a place there. Generally, the council consists of whichever highest ranking brothers are gathered together at any given time. The High-Captains of the Historitor Fleets and the Chief officers of the sub-orders such as the Historis Librarius or the Apothecarion are often represented there, though certain veterans and even senior members of the mortal Serfs may be called to serve at the high table of Azuriz.

The Chapter Master holds absolute authority over all things in the order and can only be overruled by a unanimous vote from all other council members. Though even then, it is technically not his obligation to heed their objection.

High-Captains each lead one of the three Historitor fleets into which the Chapter is divided. All of them act as a sort of Chapter Master in their own right, as they have almost free reign concerning their appointed fleets, which are each three companies strong. Should the current Chapter Master die, the rule of the Chapter is immediately passed on to the High-Captain of Fleet Adrius. If he so wishes, the Chapter Master can personally lead one of the fleets as a High-Captain. In this case, the High-Captain of Fleet Ghisleynus would be next in line to the mantle of Chapter Master.

Given the order's self-appointed cause, the leaders of the Archivarum Sanctus Reclusiam and the Historis Librarius hold much influence and power, even over the High-Captains. Both the Grand Archivist and the Lord Historicus are free to decide if they wish to either pursue their studies and duties in the Fortress-Monastery or join one of the fleets in the field.

The Master of the Forge, Master of the Arsenal and Master of the Watch are all confined to the homeworld to fulfill their tasks of administration and maintenance of the Castra Kronus and its vast archives. The Chief-Apothecary is regularly transfered between the fleets, depending on which of them most urgently requires his services.

### Historitor Fleets

These fleets represent the main division within the Chapter. Every one of the fleets acts as its own sort of quasi-crusade and it is not uncommon for them to go years or even decades without returning to the home system. Each one

They are thus named as Historitor Fleet **Adrius**, Historitor Fleet **Ghisleynus** and Historitor Fleet **Wirtus.**

Over time, they have all amassed their own self-contained glories and histories, their own heroes and values that set them apart. Of course the Chaplains of the Reclusiam are trained as both archeologists as well as cultural and spiritual guides, ensuring that none of the Historitor Fleets drift too far from the Chapter's shared purpose and identity.

Each fleet consists of the Fleet Command, made up of the High-Captain and his entourage, and three companies. The First Company is specialised as a Battleline Company, the second as a Close Support Company and the third as a Fire Support Company. These Companies are organised per the Codex Astartes, being lead by a Captain and two Lieutenants. Since there are no Veteran Companies, each company fields one squad of Company Veterans, bringing the total number of Veteran Squads in the fleets to nine. One final Veteran Squad is drawn from all the Historitor Fleets to be permanently stationed in the Castra Kronus as guardians and instructors.

**- Fleet Adrius** is known as the "Flotilla Victrix" - the Victorious Fleet. They have earned this moniker by virtue of being the most successful of the three, claiming more treasures than their brothers of Ghisleynus and Wirtus. Among the Chapter they are the jack of all trades, adept at cordial negotiations, subtle manipulations, and ruthless destruction. Whatever the situation and whoever the foe, the warriors of Adrius have rarely known failure and set an example to the other fleets. They are often described as the most honourable of the Azuri, partly because they have tried their best to retain the virtues of chivalry that were once an important part of the Chapter's identity. However, there are also those who would accuse the Adrius Astartes of arrogance. To outsiders, this may not be apparent at first sight, as they are humble and polite when dealing with those not of their order. Yet when standing next to their brothers from the other fleets, the Battle-Brothers of Fleet Adrius certainly carry themselves in a more prideful fashion.

**- Fleet Ghisleynus** is known as the "Flotilla Taurus" - the Fleet of the Bull. Their favored approach to warfare is one of straightforward assault and direct confrontation. Warriors of Ghisleynus are truly fearsome in battle, giving no quarter to their enemies and ensuring the destruction of anything even remotely related to the ruinous powers. A deep hatred for religion and deity worship festers in their hearts, and much of their time is spent eradicating the servants of Chaos. While no strangers to the other methods of the Chapter, the men of Ghisleynus are notorious for their bullheadedness, since they can be quite stubborn and antagonistic, especially towards the Inquisition and the Ecclesiarchy, whom they see as constant nuisances in their affairs. More than anything, they are extremely loyal to their fellow Astartes in the fleet, and maintain a strong bond of brotherhood with each other. Some of them would not hesitate to put the lives of their brothers above the duty of their mission, though such sentiments are strongly discouraged by the Chaplains of the Reclusiam. Battle-Brothers of the Flotilla Taurus are also fond of carrying axes into combat, a tradition derived from the name of their Flagship.

**- Fleet Wirtus** is known as the "Flotilla Astutia" - the Fleet of Cunning. True to its title, the brothers of Wirtus are skilled at fooling the enemy and placing their infiltrators in their midst. When treating with allied forces they excel at making detailed agreements to cooperate their efforts, and it is not unheard of for their officers to be invited to social gatherings organised by the ruling class of the worlds they aid. Mingling with fellow Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes or befriending Generals of the Guard, the silver tongues of Wirtus can open many doors that might otherwise only be accesible through less than friendly means. Should the charade of goodwill not be enough however, their assasins and stealth operatives will be called upon to offer a somewhat bloody solution. To the other fleets, Wirtus is sometimes regarded as the least accomplished among the Flotillas, and perhaps in some ways that is indeed the case. Yet much of their supposed lack of success can be attributed to the fact that they are not as bothered with proclaiming their victories or displaying their Battle Honours as their fellow Historitor Fleets. And even more of their operations are of the sort that they would rather not have recorded on banners and purity seals. If the whispers of the veterans are to be believed, Fleet Wirtus is home to a rather well-kept secret: a fourth company, shrouded from most within the fleet and tasked with missions that can only be called heretical. The Chaplains have been thorough in quashing these kinds of rumours, but one must wonder if there is perhaps a kernel of truth to them.

### Officer Ranks

* **High-Captain** - High-Captains command the three Historitor Fleets of the Chapter. There are generally three High-Captains appointed by the Chapter Master, though some Chapter Masters may choose to lead one of the fleets personally as a High-Captain.

* **Grand Archivist** - The head of the Archivarum Sanctus Reclusiam and the equivalent of a High Chaplain.

* **Lord Historicus** - Head of the Historis Librarius and equivalent to a Chief Librarian.

* **Master of the Watch** - A captain of the Chapter who is permanently assigned to guard the Chapter homeworld of Azuriz and the Fortress-Monastery. He turns fresh neopyhtes into vigilant protectors and performs the duties normally associated with a Master of Recruits.

* **Lord Gallant** - Commander of the Holy Paladyns.

### Specialist Ranks

* **Historicus Librarian** - Tasked with the study of both the material and supernatural, the Librarians work tirelessly to ward the Chapter and the facilities within the Castra Kronus from the influence of the Warp. Those artifacts that can only be contained by psychic means or require a sixth sense to fully understand are given to the Historicus Librarians to study and safeguard. They are also the ones performing the bulk of the research that goes into uncovering the histories that the Chapter so fervently seeks. Recovered documents and reports from campaigns of the Azuri Astra are closely analyzed and evaluated to determine their accuracy and truthfullnes. Based upon this they formulate theories and attempt to slowly piece together the closest thing to a true historic account of past events. With the help of their scholastically educated Serfs these accounts are then put to paper, transcribed extensively, and placed in the vast libraries of the Castra Kronus.

* **Archivist** - Three Archivists serve directly under the Grand Archivist, but are usually dispatched to the Historitor Fleets to advise the High-Captains.

* **Archivarum Chaplain** - The Chaplains of the Archivarum Sanctus Reclusiam are the foremost authority regarding the physical objects found by the Chapter Fleets and oversee the efforts to correctly categorize, store and analyze the artifacts kept in the Reliquaries of the Archivarum Sanctus. In many ways their skills qualify them to operate as archeologists. In addition to this, the Chaplains see to the spiritual purity of the Chapter's soul. An important task, seeing how often the Azuri Astra make use of exceedingly violent and extreme measures to attain the knowledge they seek.

* **Scholarian** - A Battle-Brother versed in the histories of the Chapter and the galaxy at large. At least one Battle-Brother per squad must be specialised as a Scholarian. Scholarians are educated and trained by the Librarius, though their knowledge is not quite as extensive as that of the Historicus Librarians.

* **Relictor** - A Battle-Brother specialising in relics and artifacts of all kinds. They know all there is to know concerning the methods of safely recovering, storing and ultimately analysing the many priceless objects aqcuired by the Chapter. At least one Battle-Brother per squad must be specialised as a Relictor. Relictors are educated and trained by the Chaplains of the Archivarum Sanctus Reclusiam.

### Specialist Units & Formations

"*It is no sin to stray from the path, if you stay true to who you are. Trust that the Emperor will see to it.*"
— Captain XXXIV. of the Spectre Company
* **Spectre Company** - This mysterious fighting force is a secret company of the Azuri Astra Chapter tasked with missions considered to be controversial and sometimes outright heretical. The recovery and study of Xenos artifacts, the compiling of histories relating to the traitor legions of old, the silencing of Imperial officials who have grown suspicious of the Chapter's activities. Whenever sealed libraries must be plundered or Inquisitorial Agents must meet unfortunate accidents, the brothers in black and grey are called to go about their dark work. The Spectres have, at times, even conducted negotiations and trade deals with major and minor alien races, all for the sake of aquiring knowledge. As they bear almost no markings and carry out their duties with the utmost discretion, none of their operations have ever been linked to the Chapter. They are a well kept secret, one whose very existence is not known to the regular Battle-Brothers of the Azuri Astra. Even those who are privy to the details of the Spectres and their missions rarely know the full extent of their actions. How one is chosen to become part of the Spectre Company is unknown, and its members forsake their old names upon joining, replacing them with simple numbers. In this way, the third battle brother of the sixth squad would be known as "Brother III-VI". The Spectre Company has its own facilities within the Castra Kronus on Azuriz, but largely operates from its own ship, a small Cobra Class Destroyer known as *Iscariot*.

* **Holy Paladyns** - *The Paladyn Order of the Ancient High King's Holy Lance Rhongomyniad*, usually referred to by its shortened form; *The* *Holy Paladyn Order*, is a knightly sub-order of Honour Guards within the Azuri Astra whose sole purpose is the protection and preservation of the Holy Lance, one of the most ancient and most sacred relics of the Chapter. They accompany the Chapter Master wherever he goes and serve as his personal Honour Guard, but only because the Chapter Master alone reserves the privilige of having the Reliquary of Rhongomyniad carried into battle as his personal standard. As a result, the Holy Paladyns are always at his side, protecting both him and the Lance from danger. They work closely with the Reclusiam to maintain the integrity of the Chapter's archives and reliquary vaults, and are a high authority regarding the oldest artifacts kept by the Azuri Astra. Though they number only 16 strong, they have many Chapter Serfs at their command and outshine even the greatest Champions of the order in experience and combat ability.

* **Watch Company** - The Watch Company is similiar to the Scout Company as described in the Codex Astartes. It is comprised of the newly inducted neophytes of Azuriz, though their duty whilst serving in the Watch Company is one of stewardship and watch keeping rather than of reconnaissance. They do not accompany their brothers out into the stars to learn from them in the field but instead are trained as Neophyte Protectors. This role is one that familiarizes the initiates with the study of history and archeology, all while guarding the Castra Kronus and training in the art of war until the day that they are deemed ready to join one of the Historitor Fleets. Even though they are granted their Black Carapice at this point, it usually takes a few more years of service in the fleet for a Battle-Brother to be considered a true warrior of the Azuri Astra.

### Order of Battle, Era Indomitus

#### Headquarters

**-Chapter Master-**
**Godwyn, "The Presager of Truth"**
***Lord Preserver of the Azuriz Archives High-Captain of Fleet Adrius Master of the Holy Lance***

**Holy Paladyn Order**

**-Lord Gallant of the Holy Paladyns-**
**Brother Arturus**

**15 Holy Paladyns**

**Chapter Equerries**
**Chapter Serfs & Servitors**
***-Master of the Forge-***
**Brother Albenon**

**30 Techmarines**

***-Grand Archivist-***
**Brother Adrichus Voltun**

**3 Archivists**
**30 Archivarum Chaplains**

***-Lord Historicus-***
**Brother Erwin Veriotros**

**7 Epistolaries**
**12 Codiciers**
**15 Lexicaniums**
**25 Acolytum**

**500 Serfs**

***-Chief Apothecary-***
**Brother Archim**

***-Master of the Arsenal-***
**Brother Daeylus**

**6,000 Serfs**
***-Master of the Watch-***
**Captain Martin Thelshere**

**2 Lieutenants**

**1 Veteran Squad**
**10 Neophyte Protector Squads**

#### Fleets

**-Chapter Master and High-Captain Godwyn-**

**Holy Paladyns**
**Apothecaries**
**Techmarines**
**Archivarum Chaplains**
**Historicus Librarians**

**Battleline Company**

**-Captain Aethelwolf-**
**"Gloriatum Maxis"**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Battleline Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**
**Close Support Company**

**-Captain Iskandar-**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Close Support Squads**
 **2 Fire Support Squads**
**Fire Support Company**

**-Captain Wilhelm Dorou-**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Fire Support Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**

**High-Captain Asterion**

**Ghisleynus Honour Guard**
**Apothecaries**
**Techmarines**
**Archivarum Chaplains**
**Historicus Librarians**

**Battleline Company**

**-Captain Gil Gavadon-**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Battleline Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**
**Close Support Company**

**-Captain Inannr-**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Close Support Squads**
 **2 Fire Support Squads**
**Fire Support Company**

**-Captain Ishtonr-**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Fire Support Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**

**High-Captain Uthred Judor**

**Wirtus Honour Guard**
**Apothecaries**
**Techmarines**
**Archivarum Chaplains**
**Historicus Librarians**

**Battleline Company**

**-Captain Pioronus-**
**"Of the Thunder"**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Battleline Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**
**Close Support Company**

**-Captain Ferdiad-**
**"Of the Third Spear"**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Close Support Squads**
 **2 Fire Support Squads**
**Fire Support Company**

**-Captain Dehxus Adelbert-**
**"Of Medrawd"**

**2 Lieutenants**
**Company Ancient**
**Company Champion**

 **1 Veteran Squad**
 **6 Fire Support Squads**
 **2 Close Support Squads**
**Secret Operations Company**

**-Captain XXXIV-**

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The Gene-Seed of the Azuri Astra is as stable as that of its parent Chapter, the Ultramarines, showing no sign of mutation or deviancy and with all implanted organs working as intended.

## Chapter Culture & Beliefs

"*The events I study occured ages ago, seeming less like history and more like tales from the pages of storybooks. I flip through the endless reports and documents, transcribe them, rewrite them, day and night. I do this for days, weeks, months. It is an endless monotony. And there is nothing in this galaxy that I would rather do.*"
— Lord Historicus Erwin Veriotros
One the surface, the Azuri Astra are proud sons of Guilliman, upholding his legacy through courage and honour, albeit with an odd mix of human cultures being represented. The culture of Azuriz itself is greatly influenced by its stormy wheather and feudal heritage. Codes of chivalry, rituals of lighting and thunder, and martial honour have survived into the darkness of the present day, though they now serve as a facade more than anything. In truth, the philosophy of the Chapter is one of zealous dedication to their mission of amassing knowledge of the past at all costs.

To them, mankind's history is its legacy, the key to understanding the long journey of their species through the cosmos. Ultimately, it is a personal obsession, a burning need to know, the unbridled curiosity for what came before. Whether they realize it or not, the Chapter has strayed far from the original duty of the Space Marines, and has become cold and pragmatic, for they value their libraries and artifacts more than the lives of the imperial citizenry. They would burn a hundred worlds to cinders if it meant saving the knowledge stored on their homeworld.

Even so, they still fight diligently for the Emperor and their Primarch, as they have for thousands of years. Regardless of their secret obsessions, their hatred for the enemies of humanity burns just as brightly as in any other servant of the Throne. They eradicate threats to their sector, fight campaigns to support allies and send their fleets across the galaxy in the defense of mankind. How much of that is done just to keep up appearances is anyone's guess, yet none can deny that the Azuri Astra remain loyal warriors of the Imperium.

"*Who built the Imperial Palace in all its splendour?
In the scriptures you will read of Dorn and the Emperor.
Did they raise up the walls on their own?

Holy Terra, our ancient cradle.
Who constructed all its marvels?
In what houses of glittering gold did its builders live?

Where, the evening that the radiant Astronomican was finished, did the masons go?

Great Macragge is full of triumphal arches.
Who erected them?

Which Empire did the Lord Guilliman fight for?
Has Ultramar, much praised in song, only palaces for its inhabitants?

The legendary Macharius conquered a thousand worlds.
He alone?

The Primarchs triumphed at Ullanor.
Did they not even have a cook with them?

All know the story of how noble Sanguinius gave his life.
Was his the only sacrifice?

The sons of the angel wept when their sire was slain.
Was he the only fallen hero?

The Emperor united old Earth.
Who else united it?

Lighting bolts on every banner.
What of the thunder?

Every page a triumph.
Who paved the roads for the victory parades?

Every 100 years a great man.
Who paid the tithes?

So many histories.
So many questions.*"
—*Questions of a scholar*, a highly controversial poem written by a now-nameless Historicus Librarian
### Baseline Humans

In regards to their views on baseline humans, they care little for anyone not born on their homeworld of Azuriz. The people of Camlann are treated with much respect by the Space Marines, and those who serve them directly in their Fortress Monastery and on their ships are given greater respect still. It is a relationship of trust and mutual benefit, rather than the opressive feudal system that outsiders believe to still be part of the world's culture. As for the rest of humanity beyond the skies of Azuriz, the Astartes can spare only little pity. Not counting some exceptions, most normal humans are seen as expendable at best and as hinderances at worst. More than once have the Azuri Astra condemned an entire world to death to achieve their goals, all while giving little thought to those who dwell upon it.

### Fleet Culture

The Historitor Fleets themselves have developed certain characteristics over the years, and they have also been influenced by the many cultures that their expeditions have researched.

Fleet Adrius has mostly retained the myths and legends of Azuriz, striding forward as great knights, proud and noble souls at the tip of the Chapter's spear.

Fleet Ghisleynus adopted several cultural quirks from Terra's earliest days, taking on the obscure names and symbols of long-forgotten gods and heroes, seeing themselves as the inheritors of an age where humans lived as a simpler, more passionate race.

Whilst Fleet Wirtus has also taken in some influences from the shrouded and primitive past of mankind's cradle, some of them have attempted to stay true to the memory of their parent Legion, styling themselves after the heroes of the XIII Legiones Astartes from the heroic days of the Great Crusade.

### Psykers

The Librarians of the Chapter are more specialised to act as historians and scholars, more so than in some Space Marine Chapters, and they thus fill an essential role for the function of the Chapter. Though all warpcraft is eyed with caution and a level of mistrust, the Azuri Astra employ quite a large number of sanctioned psykers across all Fleets. Due to the high demand of Historicus Librarians, aspirants with psychic abilities are often waved through the ascension trials and swiftly inducted, regardless of how strong their powers are. Some of them barely ever use their warp-born skills, preferring to commit themselves to the study of history instead of the mysteries of the immaterium.

Those that do commit themselves to warpcraft deal closely with esoteric techniques and abilities. Some artifacts hold potential to guide the Librarians towards other treasures, if the correct scrying rituals are applied. Then there are secrets that only a sixth sense can uncover, facts and truths buried under thousands of years of history, accesible only through arcane methods.

The Battle Psykers of the Chapter focus more on abilites of illusion, manipulation and interrogation, preferring to confuse and disorientate their foes rather than outright kill them. Although there are members of the Historis Librarius who are quite adept at breaking weak minds with horrific efficiency. Truly, there are few ways of gathering information as effective as the touch of a psyker's mind. The Azuri are acutely aware of this, and do not hesitate to make use of whatever mystics are required to attain the knowledge they seek.

## Combat Doctrine

"*Lighting can take many forms. A sudden flash in the distance, its impact only heard long after it has already struck. A deadly light that brings thunderous destruction raining down without warning. The searing bolts split and divide, taking many paths, but always follow the swiftest route to their goal, the path of least resistance. We act just the same. We are what we must be at any given time. We are the violence of the storm's approach. We are the shadow of the lighting's glow.*"
— Chapter Master Godwyn
The method of waging war adopted by the Azuri Astra is one of efficiency and flexibility. They are extremely commited to their self-appointed mission and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. They will always choose the path of least resistance, be that diplomacy, subterfuge, or brute force.

More often than not, the warriors of the Historitor Fleets will only commit a part of their forces to openly engaging the enemy, thereby enabling the rest of their men to take up tasks related to the aquisition of historical knowledge. Sometimes single squads will venture far into the most obscure and distant reaches of a planet, or deep into hostile territory, all for the sake of seeking artifacts, documents, ruins or even individuals of interest. It is because of this that the Chapter almost never enacts orbital bombardment on worlds where they are campaigning, as that would lead to the likely destruction of their true targets.

Their Battleline Squads are therefore incredibly varied and given much tactical flexibility in terms of equipment. While the different Historitor Fleets each have their own preferred methods of fighting, the overall standard way of deploying in large numbers is to follow the Codex Astartes, using a balanced force drawn from multiple companies with the support of tanks, artillery and aerial units.

If a foe should prove to be truly formidable, the Azuri Astra may unleash all their warriors in a concentrated assault. This entails sudden Shock Assaults using overwhelming force accompanied by Lighting Strikes against strategically critical locations such as command centers, ammunition storages and anti-air defenses, as well as the infiltration of the enemy ranks. Once inside, the Astartes will sabotage vehicles and vital systems, sow chaos and confusion and dismantle the foe's command structure through large-scale assasinations. Naturally, this works best against human opposition, or against mortals lead by Heretic Astartes. Some races, like the Orks and Tyranids, require far more brutal approaches.

There have been rumours concerning the activities of the Chapter, claiming that they sometimes rob or threaten allied Imperial worlds to take posession of things that they have taken an interest in. The wildest of these rumours even accuse the Azuri of blatantly breaching sacred temples, archives and libraries or murdering planetary officials who had the gall to refuse the demands of the Space Marines. But such baseless accusations are, of course, ridiculous. As proud sons of Roboute Guilliman, the men of Azuriz would never stoop to such underhanded tactics.

The Azuri Astra deploy Heavy Intercessors, Infiltrators and Reivers in large quantities to compliment their strategems.

## Deathwatch Service

When the warriors of the Chapter are called upon to serve as brothers of the Deathwatch, they answer the summons of the Watch Fortresses faithfully, and do their duty to the best of their abilities for as long as needed. The Azuri Astra have been found to be reliable, if mostly unremarkable, in their service to the Deathwatch and its mission of defending mankind against alien threats.

Their vows of silence to not share anything about their time spent in the Deathwatch are, as far as the Watch Commanders know, upheld dutifully. But who knows what information they might be sharing with their Battle-Brothers behind the closed doors of the Castra Kronus.

## Chapter Fleet

"*We wander these worlds.
 We wander these stars.
 We shall know their tales.*"
— Motto of the Historitor Fleets
The Fleets of the Azuri Astra are a crucial asset for the operations of the Chapter, built upon small numbers and sturdy vessels. The Chapter is almost constantly divided into three distinct Historitor Fleets who often operate independently from one another for years on end, therefore each fleet is given its own capital ship and a pair of escorts. These are:

**Fleet Adrius**

* ***Vago Mundo* (Adrian Class Battle Barge)** - Chapter Flagship

* ***Vago Astra* (Nova Class Frigate)**

* ***Carnwennan* (Gladius Class Frigate)** - Personal craft of the Holy Paladyns

**Fleet Ghisleynus**

* ***The Axe By His Side* (Ghislain Class Battle Barge)**

* ***The Sword In His Belt* (Nova Class Frigate)**

* ***Ereshkigal* (Hunter Class Destroyer)**

**Fleet Wirtus:**

* ***Carta Caratācos* (Wiart Class Battle Barge)**

* ***Catuvellauni* (Gladius Class Frigate)**

* ***Iscariot* (Cobra Class Destroyer)** - Personal craft of the Spectre Company

While three Battle Barges are nothing to scoff at, the Azuri Astra posess no cruisers of any kind, for they would have otherwise lacked the resources and manpower to aquire and crew these mighty ships. As all three Historitor Fleets are almost never gathered together, the Chapter's capabilities in Void Warfare are immensely reduced.

Indeed, the capital ships of the Chapter are not meant to engage in open combat with other ships, if at all possible. They are, first and foremost, mobile Fortress-Monasteries, similiar to those of fleet based Space Marines Chapters, intended to store enormous quantities of artifacts, relics and manuscripts destined to be enshrined in the archives of Azuriz. In addition, each Battle Barge is a custom class of ship constructed with extreme resilience in mind, so that they may withstand far more damage than other capital ships, all while still being able to make a swift escape. Both the hulls and the Void Shield systems of these vessels are engineered and reinforced to such an extend that they truly define the idea of a mobile fortess. There are more backup generators, failsafes and additional warp drives built into their structures than any sane Tech Priest would ever think neccessary or even understand. Because of these factors, it is nigh impossible to destroy any of the Chapter's Battle Barges before they are able to make their escape into the warp, thus ensuring that the priceless cargo they carry is never lost.

Since the inception of the order, none of their capital ships have ever been destroyed, though there have been incidents where disaster was avoided by but a hair's breadth. The Fleet Captains are thoroughly trained to immediately detect, identify and avoid threats in the coldness of space, seeking to not engage in Naval Combat unless absolutely unavoidable.

## Chapter Relics

"*The secrets of history shine through in the relics that survive, and this one now has the story of another age to tell.* "
—Lord Archivist Adrichus Voltun describing a comb recovered from the world of Badab II.
* ***Heart of Azuriz*** - At the time of the Chapter's creation, each founding member added a drop of his blood into a phial of scarlet crystal fashioned in the shape of a diamond. This phial was sealed shut, and became known as the Heart of Azuriz, a graceful reminder of brotherhood. It was adopted as the Chapter's sigil and is counted as the most valued of all the relics in the posession of the Azuri Astra. It is embedded in the chestplate of the Chapter Master's armour.

* ***Rhongomyniad*** - Rhongomyniad, the Ancient High King's Holy Lance, the Sacred Spear, the Archpike Numinous. This weapon goes by many names in the ranks of the Azuri Astra, for it is the most beloved and most treasured relic in their posession. It is an old and whithered war lance, similiar to those carried by the soldiers of Terra's shrouded past. Unimpressive as it may look, It was this artifact that set the Chapter on its course of discovery and study, courtesy of its origins. For many years the Chapter studied the Holy Lance, and learned many things about it. It once belonged to a High King of old Earth, and was the weapon with which a vile dragon was slain. Aside from the object's great age, there are those among the Historicus Librarians who believe that the High King spoken of in the ancient texts may have been the Emperor of Mankind himself, though some hold skepticism towards this theory. Even so, the mere idea is enough to elevate its worth even higher in the minds of the Azuri Astra. Furthermore, the lance, though useless as an actual weapon, has been found to be steeped in the energies of the warp. While some may advise against it, the psykers of the Historis Librarius make use of this in strange rituals that guide them to antique treasures and artifacts, often as ancient as Rhongomyniad itself. Every Chapter Master holds the right to have the Reliquary of the Holy Lance held aloft as a personal standard. The Holy Paladyn Order acts as protectors to both the Chapter Master and Rhongomyniad.

* ***Caledfwlch*** - This massive greatsword is the personal personal weapon and symbol of office of the Lord Gallant, the commander of the Holy Paladyns. It derives its name from an old weapon of old Terra, a mystical sword carried by the ancient High King, much like Rhongomyniad. While the original could never be found, its legacy remains in the hands of the Lord Gallant.

* ***Armor of Ages*** - A suit of power armour pieced together using wargear from many different eras. It is comprised of components ranging from the reunification wars to the fall of Cadia, born by Space Marines from several genelines. It has seen countless wars and battles, and is now a symbol of Astartes history within the Chapter. In spite of its age, it remains a highly potent suit of power armour, imbued with lost technology and the spirits of unsung heroes.

* ***Taurus Blade*** - The Taurus blade is a mighty power sword, fashioned in the likeness of an ancient weapon with the same name that was recovered by the Chapter many centuries ago. The original object, a broken and whithered sword made from bronze, was carefully recreated as a weapon worthy of a Space Marine. The weapon's hilt depicts two great heroes slaying a vile demon. It is being wielded by Captain Ishtonr of the Fleet Ghisleynus 3rd Company.

* ***Tablet of Ultramar*** - A stone tablet pre-dating the Horus Heresy which depicts a map of the original 500 worlds of Ultramar. It has assisted the Chapter in its quest for knowledge and its endeavor to protect the former worlds of Ultramar. It also contains information regarding forgotten warp lanes, thus being a great help to the Navigators of the Fleets. When Roboute Guilliman returned from his long slumber and proclaimed the 500 worlds restored, the Azuri Astra sent the tablet to Macragge in hopes that it may aid the Primarch in his restoration of his realm. It was somewhat embarassing for the Chapter when they were informed that the Imperial Regent had already drawn up an exact map of the 500 worlds from memory.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The standard livery worn by the Chapter is predominantly Navy Blue, mixed with several small areas painted in Burgundy Red. Trims and accents are a vivid, gold-like Bronze.

Members of the Holy Paladyn Order are clad almost entirely in white, grey and gold, save for the Chapter Badge on their left shoulder. Each of their helmets are marked with a rune-number to denote rank.

The colour of a Battle-Brother's helmet denotes rank:

* **Battle Brother** - Red, golden chin and eye lenses
* **Veteran** - White, red chin and eye lenses
* **Sergeant** - Red, with a white bolt of lighting crossing over the right eye. White chin, white left eye, golden right eye
* **Lieutenant** - Blue and Red, golden eye lenses
* **Captain** - Gold, white eye lenses

### Chapter Badge

The Badge of the Chapter depicts the Heart of Azuriz, a red crystal phial shaped in the form of a diamond and girt by gold. Eight rivets of white iron are set into the golden frame, and six golden bolts of lighting extend outwards across the blue background.

### Markings

Since the Chapter is divided into three fleets, each Battle-Brother bears the sigil of their Historitor Fleet on their amour's left leg.

Combat Role is displayed on a Space Marine's right pauldron.

Scholarian and Relictor specialisations are displayed in the right pauldron's corner, a chalice symbol in the case of Relictors and a scroll for Scholarians.

Company number is indicated by the high gothic number on the right knee.

Squad Number is shown by dots and bars on the right leg.

## Notable Members

* **Chapter Master Godwyn**
* **Lord Gallant Arturus**
* **Lord Historicus Erwin Veriotros**
* **Captain Aethelwolf**
* **High-Captain Asterion**

## Relations

### Allies

* **Ultramarines**
* **Logos Historica Verita**
* **Ordo Originatus**

### Enemies

* **Death Guard**
* **Ordo Redactus**
* **Historical Revision Unit of the Administratum**
* **Tyranids**

## Notable Quotes

### By the Azuri Astra

"*The planetary governor has contacted us. According to him, we can either hold the port and save a million lives, or we can depart and secure the artifacts we have recovered. He must think this is a hard choice for us.*"
— Force Commander Aethelwolf during the fall of Pakwaza Prime
"*When left unchecked, the unassuming sprout of faith will grow into a vine that will choke out the tree of truth.*"
— Godryk Montoir, first Chapter Master of the Azuri Astra.
"*Abstinence from evil is not a virtue. Your are not worthy of praise just because you are not a murderer. You are not worthy of respect just because you are not a heretic. You have done the bare minimum, are you expecting a damn medal?*"
— Veteran Sergeant Lukas Albin, adressing a civillian of Azuriz
### About the Azuri Astra

"*Fighting alongside their like was a surprise to me. Their entire chapter seems dedicated to avoiding combat as much as possible, without being labelled as cowards. Infiltration, espionage, their blatant secrecy and lies. If I'm sharing a battlefield with them, I will be sure to seek oversight on their true goals.*"
—First Master Sidriel of the Knights of the Lion Chapter's Deathwing recalling his first encounter with the Azuri Astra
"*We share common origins, the men of Azuri Astra and my chapter. Even with their shortcomings, their knightly dispositions are obvious to us. Yet, they seem to smother it under layers of ruthless efficiency and determination. If only they would simply embrace their nobility on the field of battle and place pride in their reputation, we would make staunch and easy allies.*"
—Grandmaster Astorean of the Knights of the Lion, pondering their relationship with the Azuri Astra Chapter

[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]