Cobalt Crusaders

Cobalt Crusaders armorial with Chapter iconography.

Cobalt Crusaders Brother Grandul, 3rd Company, 8th Battleline Squad.

"*Our lineage is of cobalt, and our resolve is of iron*"
—Section 2A of the Azure Lexicon, authored by Chapter Master Erikan Itri
The **Cobalt Crusaders** are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes created during the 7th Founding somewhere between M33 and M34. Created as a means of assembling a chapter with the ability to eradicate the impending Xenos threat growing in the Ultima Segmentum, the Cobalt Crusader's have proved time and time again their worth as stalwart guardians and merciless executioners.

## Chapter History

#### Founding

As the 33rd Millennium unfolded, the Imperium's vast expanse brought forth a new xenos race into the spotlight – the Tau. These enigmatic beings, initially cataloged during an exploratory mission by the Ultramarines, were dismissed as primitive and inconsequential at first glance. The Ultramarines, leading the 13th Legion, deemed them too unsophisticated to warrant Imperial concern and withdrew from their territories.

However, the wheel of time turns relentlessly, and the Tau were destined to reenter the Imperium's narrative. In an astonishingly short span, the Tau underwent a metamorphosis from a primitive state to a sophisticated society of masterful scientists and astute politicians. The Ultramarines, returning to Tau territories, were caught off guard by the Tau's rapid evolution, facing formidable adversaries in the shape of advanced exosuits and tactically adept commanders. The 13th Legion was compelled to execute a strategic withdrawal, leaving behind a trail of heavy casualties.

This unexpected resurgence of the Tau as a formidable adversary prompted the High Lords of Terra to take decisive action. Recognizing the need for a specialized Space Marine chapter capable of effectively countering this organized xenos threat, the High Lords officially sanctioned the 7th Founding. This significant event unfolded a few decades before the dawn of the 34th Millennium (M34). The gene-seed from the 7th Legion and the psycho-indoctrination methods derived from the 1st were harnessed in the creation of a new chapter – the Cobalt Crusaders.

Strategically positioned on a planet situated at the fringe of the Segmentum Tempestus, the Cobalt Crusaders were tasked with the formidable mission of countering the Tau menace. For millennia, they have stood as a stalwart bulwark against the advancing xenos threat, employing a combination of covert infiltration and direct confrontation. The Cobalt Crusaders infiltrate Tau strongholds with surgical precision, orchestrating high-stakes assassinations of Caste officials and strategically dismantling the Tau's rapid advancements at every pivotal turn.

#### The Azure Lexicon

The *Codex Astartes* is, in itself, regarded as a remarkable work of Imperial literature and is deemed as a high-ranking aspect of many chapters of the Space Marines. Many frown upon its uniform tactics and its scent of Imperial authoritarianism. The Cobalt Crusaders believe such to an extent. Inspired by Guilliman's masterful mind to craft such an ornate piece of scripture but not by his tactics, Chapter Master Erikan Itri felt the need for such a tome if he were to ever fall. In an attempt to prevent his great chapter from what had be happening to the marines of the mechanically-infatuated Xth Legion, Erikan begun work upon a compendium that would guide the legendary chapter for millenia to come: the Azure Lexicon.

With the wisdom of his skilled mind and his knowledge of the purpose of his dedicated chapter, he poured carefully crafted word after carefully crafted word, eventually creating a piece of literature that has directed the tactics and plans of the Cobalt Crusaders for generations. A collection of papyrus so crucial to the chapter that not even the highest amongst the ranks of the 1st Company are granted access to such pristine knowledge. Of the few who have bore witness to the Lexicon, they state that its plethora of knowledge is unlike anything they could have imagined, some even stating its prowess to be greater than even that of the Codex Astartes itself. Used primarily for guiding the chapter through its countless wars and crusades that have passed or are to come, the Azure Lexicon truly embodies what a Cobalt Crusader is meant to be. A beacon of light in a field of darkness, a warrior against the inhuman, and a god among the weak.

As stated in its first section, the words of the legendary tome may only be taught by either the current Chapter Master or the current Lord of the Librarium to the ranks of battle-brothers who bear the name Cobalt Crusader. Once a neophyte has passed through the rigourous and demanding tests as well as horrific surgeries a space marine must endure, he is assembled with the few other neophytes to have survived and taught Section 1A through 1D by the Lord of the Librarium. These sections, written with the purpose to inform but also allow freedom, help to direct the now Scout of the chapter towards the purpose and vigor that a Cobalt Crusader is meant to display, but it also allows freedom. Chapter Master Erikan Itri once stated, "To bear the mantle of a Cobalt Crusader is no mere acknowledgment of chapter doctrines; nay, it is the forging of oneself in the crucible of brotherhood, shaping one's own destiny alongside kin". Only when one discovers what he fights for can he truly be called a Crusader of Cobalt.

When the Scouts prove their worth, their tampered bodies are adorned in the traditional cerulean and ivory patterned Power Armor that the Crusaders bear with pride. From here, in quarterly assemblies, are they taught the following sections of the Azure Lexicon, melding their determination derived from their personal discovery with the drive that characterizes the entirety of the chapter. It is this tradition and it is this book that truly molds a neophyte into a Cobalt Crusader.

#### The Obliviatus Crusade

In the early M36, after the First and Second Wars for Kendos, Chapter Master Erikan Itri could see the threat that the Tau could present to the Ultima Segmentum and its neighboring territories. Troubled by this possible onslaught, he realized that in order for the Segmentum to survive the incoming attacks, he had to strike forst. In an organized chain of wars and battles was the Obliviatus Crusade born. Beginning in the T'au Empire First Sphere, the Cobalt Crusaders descended upon the T'au septs with a thirst for blood. Notable battles during this crusade include the Battle of Reydi, War of the Gallum Line, Battle of Fire & Stone, and many more. Each clash was laced with determination to eradicate the species before it advanced too far for even the Imperium to compensate for. However, during the War of the Gallum Line, Erikan was struck square by the heavy projectile of a T'au Stormsurge. Being in hand-to-hand combat with Commander Shadowsun of the T'au Fire Caste, his guard open. The shot, heavily overcharged and accurate, tore a wound in his exceptional armor. A wound large enough for Shadowsun to plunge her wrist-mounted cannons into and fire.

Heavily wounded and in great dismay, the Chapter fled from the Gallum Line. Apothecaries Tayvek and Le'adin, accompanied by Tech-Magos Kintov, spent countless hours attempting to revive the legendary warrior, but to no avail. As the news was delivered, the marines of the Cobalt Crusaders felt grief but only for a spare moment. Company Veteran Aurelias Deros rose from group and demanded avenging the great founding father of their chapter. Redeploying only a few hours later, Aurelias led his battle-brothers of the 1st and 3rd companies into the fray of battle. Already tarnished from the previous dispute, Shadowsun led her forces once against to protect the Gallum Line. Avoiding the same mistake his fore-father took of isolating himself, Aurelias staying with his veteran-brothers, each strike strengthened by the loss of Erikan.

When the Crusaders finally managed to eradicate the surrounding forces, Aurelias came in contact with the Commander that stole the soul of the man who forged everything the Crusaders had and would become. Aurelias commanded his Intercessor-brethren to hold off the impending forces, their bolters screaming with grief and rage as Aurelias pushed with his Veterans onto the commander. Timing their shots and strikes, they managed to overpower the T'au commander. Shortly after, the Cobalt Crusaders captured the Gallum Line. It was from this victory that a new legend in the pages of history was written, a new father for the chapter to depend on. It was here, at the Gallum Line during the Obliviatus Crusade the Company Vetern Aurelias Deros became Chapter Master Aurelias Deros of the Cobalt Crusaders.

Aurelias would then continue the crusade in the name of Erikan. Traveling from Sphere to Sphere, Sept to Sept, and massacring all without mercy. As much as the rage inside of him wished to be set free, Aurelias kept himself together, attempting to forge himself into the warrior the chapter needed.

## Notable Campaigns

- **The Keldros Liberation (804.M36):** The Cobalt Crusaders spearheaded a liberation campaign on the industrial world of Keldros, battling against a heretical uprising that threatened vital manufactorums; Imperial Guard forces provided ground support.

- **The Nebula Incursion (812.M36):** In a strategic alliance with the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Cobalt Crusaders defended against a Dark Eldar raid on the forge world Nebula Secundus, ensuring the stability of critical technology production.

- **The Shattered Veil Campaign (837.M36):** In a joint operation with the Astra Militarum and Sisters of Battle, the Cobalt Crusaders pushed back a Chaos incursion on the shrine world of Valoris V, reclaiming sacred sites and purging heretical forces.

- **The Lament of Starhaven (435.M37):** Participating in the Lamentation Crusade alongside allied Space Marine chapters, the Cobalt Crusaders waged war against a rising Ork WAAAGH! threatening to engulf the system of Starhaven.

- **[REDACTED]**

- **The Bastion Standoff (889.M41):** In a protracted defensive campaign, the Cobalt Crusaders held the Bastion Gate against a massive Chaos warband, withstood relentless assaults, and ultimately repelled the heretical forces alongside allies from the Black Templars.

- **The Martyr's March (901.M41):** Leading a penitent crusade alongside the Ecclesiarchy, the Cobalt Crusaders sought redemption through bloody conflict against a rising cult on the feral world of Penitentia, cleansing the populace of heresy.

- **The Shroud Unveiled (917.M41):** In a covert operation, the Cobalt Crusaders infiltrated a shadowy region known as the Shroud, combating a secretive xenos threat while navigating treacherous terrain and uncovering hidden mysteries.

## Chapter Homeworld

Nestled within the formidable Segmentum Tempestus, Audiria stands as an indomitable bastion, a sentinel of Imperial strength poised against the relentless tide of xenos incursion. The home planet of the Cobalt Crusaders, Audiria, embodies the pinnacle of martial prowess and strategic fortitude in the face of the ceaseless advance of alien forces. A world adorned in the regal hues of imperial blue, a stark contrast to the void that surrounds it. Audiria's surface, marked by towering spires and colossal citadels, echoes the resilience of the Cobalt Crusaders who call it home. Vast fortress complexes rise from the landscape, seamlessly integrated with the planet's natural features, forming an impregnable defense against the ever-looming threat of xenos aggression. The atmosphere of this planet consistentely crackles with an air of discipline and determination as the Cobalt Crusaders, clad in their iconic power armor of cobalt blue and adorned with intricate heraldry, stand vigilant at their posts. Audiria is not merely a planet; it is a training ground, a forge for the indomitable spirit that defines the Cobalt Crusaders. As the first line of defense within the Segmentum Tempestus, Audiria's significance extends beyond its celestial borders. Its strategic location and unwavering commitment to the Imperium make it a linchpin in the ongoing struggle against the forces that seek to encroach upon Imperial territory. Audiria, bathed in the ethereal glow of distant stars, symbolizes the steadfast resolve of the Cobalt Crusaders and their unwavering dedication to the Imperium's cause in the tumultuous expanse of the Segmentum Tempestus.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Cobalt Crusaders primarily wear light blue power armour as its primary colour which includes; greaves, thigh armour, gauntlets, vambraces, upper arms, plastron, top of the helmet and middle of the backpack. The Chapter utilises white as a secondary colour which includes; sabatons, left poleyn (knee guard), groin, belt and mid-riff, neckguard, faceplate of helmet, top of the backpack and both backpack vents.

The shoulder pauldron trim is gold in colour. The Imperialis or Aquila affixed to the plastron is also gold in colour.

A black-coloured squad specialty symbol stenciled upon the right shoulder pauldron inset indicates a battle-brother's assigned squad specialty (Fire Support, Close Support, Battleline, Veteran or Command). A small white Gothic numeral stenciled on the center of the squad specialty symbol indicates squad assignment.

The colour of the right poleyn indicates company assignment in accordance to the dictates of the *Codex Astartes* (ie 1st Company - White; 2nd Company - Yellow; 3rd Company - Red; 4th Company - Green etc.)

### Chapter Badge

The Cobalt Crusaders' Chapter badge takes the form of a stylised shard of cobalt displayed with a longsword behind it, possibly referencing the blade held by Erikan Itri, the Cobalt Crusader's first Chapter Master.

## Notable Quotes

### About: Cobalt Crusaders

"*They descended from the skies in a storm of azure fury, proclaiming the Emperor's judgment onto the xenos in a manner even a Minotaur would call barbaric.*"
— Brother Calin of the Minotaurs Chapters, recollecting the events of the Battle of Reydi during the Obliviatus Crusade

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

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