Gold Knights

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## Gold Knights

Gold Knights armorial with Chapter iconography.

A Gold Knights Battle-Brother of the 4th Company, 6th Battleline Squad.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium Of Man
(*Fidelitas Totalis*)

### **Battle cry**

"We are the light of glory, for the Emperor!"

### Successor Chapter(s)

None.

The **Gold Knights** is a Loyalist Successor Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes created during an unknown Founding and from an uncertain genetic lineage. There is little information in official Imperial records regarding this mysterious Chapter's origins or when they were created. However, extant records indicate that they were more than likely created during one of the latter Foundings.

## Chapter History

Not much is known about the Gold Knights they are believed to be a chapter of recent founding. The chapter has been known to have three chapter masters with only two ever having been known. While most Astartes know all of Chaos, the Gold Knights know not of the forces of the Pleasure God, Slaanesh. Also of interest, while the Chapter's own culture is well remembered they know not of their history, only Eo Ad Luciem and Honner 'The Venerable' know of the chapter's past. It is currently unknown what would make Eo Ad Luciem actively avoid all thoughts or actions of Slaanesh to such an extreme extent.

## Notable Campaigns

The Gold Knights only have three notable campaigns thus far. One is ongoing, while the other two are not. The first campaign was a battle against the forces of the Word Bearers. During this long campaign, a hero was born. His name is Honner Proelium. The title he gained from this battle honor was "The Venerable". Honnor Proelium gained this status from the Battle of Funus, which was the bloodiest battle the Gold Knights had ever fought. During this conflict, the Chapter lost so many Astartes they suffered from battle-readiness due to their lack of manpower.

* **Gladius Campaign (Unknown Date)** - Gladius was the first campaign the Gold Knights have fought. The Gold Knights 5th Company were sent to learn more about an unknown planet.

## Chapter Homeworld

As the Gold Knights are fleet-based they have no official Chapter homeworld to speak of. Instead, they ply the void across the length and width of the known Galaxy, bringing the light of the Emperor to its darkest corners. The Gold Knights' Chapter fleet consists of a single battle barge, the *Beacon of Light*, which also serves as their mobile fortress-monastery.

## Chapter Organization

### Specialist Ranks

* **Custodes Venerandorum:** The most elite melee Astarte in the chapter they act as a personal bodyguard of the second in command. All wearing the relic armor *Lumen Quod nunquam Exuret*.

* **Supremi Custodia Honoris:** Many fail to rival these Astartes in ranged fire, the personal bodyguards of the chapter master, not one Supremi has ever fallen, all being relic ancients among the chapter. All of these members wear the relic armor *Aurum Clarissimum In Omnibus*.

### Specialist Units & Formations

* **Colligens Telum Ignis:** Ten Firstborn Astartes in a group they all bear the marking of the Gold Knights Second Company. Seven astartes wield heavy bolters while the other three wield grav cannons.

* **Lux Inter Lapsos:** Five elite veterans armed with the chapter's finest bolters. they are only deployed in the most dire situations only two Lux Inter Lapsos exist in the chapter.

* **Scutum:** Twenty Astartes who form a wall of shields. Five of these Astartes are armed with heavy bolters with the Sergeant being armed with a grav pistol

* **Scutum Carnis**: Ten primaris astartes all wearing Mk X Gravis Armor wielding hell storm heavy bolters

* **Imperatoriae Mortis**: three squads of non-Primaris Astartes in groups of five. One squad leads with a sergeant that bears a flag upon his armor, while the other two do not have sergeants. The leading squad wields a flamer while the other two wield heavy bolters.

* **Electio Legionis**: Elite veterans led by Baggers Carnifex. All in this rank must bear Mark VI power armor.

### Order of Battle

#### Companies:

The chapter is made up of five companies

**Company One:**

Captain: Honnor the Venerable

## Combat Doctrine

Gold Knights use Veteran bolter heavily defense formations. They additionally use elite formations and battle lines to wear down enemies; while the battles may last long in most cases when Primaris is not in play they lose very few battle-brothers. Bolters are the Gold Knights most commonly used weapons. Gold Knights at times use Company Three and Company Four as elite fodder which Pyrrhicly destroy enemies. They have a liking for grav weapons for their sheer firepower. They are known for their ability to defend against sieges and elite Veteran Astartes.

## Chapter Culture & Beliefs

The Gold Knights value honor, brotherhood and Chivalry the most. The battle-brothers fear to dishonor more than death. The color red is a very honorable color for the Gold Knights. Whenever a battle-brother achieves a battle honor, a red patch is put on one of their poleyns (kneepad), ankle or anywhere where the chapter symbol fits. The Gold Knights are allowed to alter their armor in any way they believe, however, if they are to put markings of red on their armor without earning it or gaining permission, they are to duel the Chapter Master's second-in-command. In death, they are redeemed. in victory, They are then raised to become a captain and act as a replacement. However, if they are to win they are darkened, which is similar to being silenced. Rather than chains their helmet is painted black. If they ever speak or communicate in any form they are put to death by beheading.

If there are any disputes which must be settled among the brothers they duel to the death. However, this in itself is quite a rare occurrence since the chapter has a strong sense of true brotherhood. The Gold Knights are to never take their helmets off with the only exception if they have lost the helmet in battle. However, if any take it off with their own intent they are to duel their Closest friend of the chapter. If they win, they are beheaded. If they have no friends they are simply to be marked for death. Only Chapter Master Eo Ad Luciem can take his helmet off.

When any Captain or Chapter Master dies they are entombed in a statue of solid gold. The statues of all Chapter Masters and Captains are located in The Beacon Of Light except for those which have been darkened. The bodies of all dead lieutenants are sealed into statues of Gold Knight suits of power armor made by the Dominus Auri Fabri which watch throughout the beacon of light, except for those who have been darkened.

The Gold Knights speak only in High Gothic. Once there is a new neophyte they are taught high gothic if is not known.

The chapter has a high sense of honor and chivalry which will never be broken. The Gold Knights have a sense to protect civilians if they fail they have a feeling of dishonor, battle-brothers of this chapter are sworn to protect what is of the chapter and Imperium being very loyal at times to a fault.

To be initiated into a scout they must first duel another recruit to the death, in the Test of Digna. Once any member is trained to pass a scout they must take the Test of Gloria. During this test, they are to fight another graduated scout with a non-lethal sword if they are to lose they are made into a primaris marine, if they win they are made into a firstborn. Because of this fact, the scouts of the Gold Knights are regular humans until they pass the Test of Gloria. Now Those who pass the Test of Gloria are to be trained under extreme circumstances until they become elite and above in the chapter. Those who do not are simply left with scout training. This process is very mysterious however because of the simple strength the Primaris Marines wield above the Firstborns. It is currently unknown why they put Primaris down on such a level. All Firstborns in the chapter are trained more than most marines would be. The Firstborns are given either MarK III, Mark VI or Mark VII power armor. On certain occasions, they bear armor resembling the helmets of the Grey Knights, which most chalk up to being a coincidence.

All battle brothers who are primaris wear a slightly darker shade of gold on the left of their armor.

All bolters who are not the Chapter Masters must be a white color with blue trims, if a Battle brother primaris or not gains battle honors their bolter may be engraved in gold by the Dominus Auri Fabri. Their pauldrons trims are painted orange.

The Gold Knights' high sense of chivalry Sparks a high sense of honor and brotherhood in the chapter. Many of the Astartes alike among the chapter no matter their rank will have a form of honor or loyalty to each other. The high sense of brotherhood in the chapter keeps a strong sense of understanding between the battle brothers of the Gold Knights. They are quite known for this high sense of brotherhood. Anytime a battle-brother dies they are to be remembered among the "Murus Recordationis" even those with the dishonor of Primaris.

Murus Recordationis is a wall bearing the names of all battle-brothers with have fallen among the Gold Knights located in a deep chamber within the Beacon of Light, which is looked after by the Custos Veteris.

## Chapter Recruitment

The Gold Knights recruit a batch of numbers of people in the age restriction and then fight in a great amount of duels until enough proper recruits are found.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

For the most part, the Gold Knights' gene-seed remains fully functional, with all the necessary Astartes organs and full peak efficiency. However, their gene-seed does show some genetic idiosyncrasies, including the Melanchromic organ that allows an Astartes' skin to adjust to variable levels of solar radiation has a unique mutation that causes a Gold Knights Astartes' skin to turn a vivid red color. However, this doesn't seem to affect the overall function of this particular organ other than the unusual coloration of the skin.

### Genetic Flaws

Like many Chapters, the Gold Knights also suffer from certain genetic deficiencies which are reflected by the Chapter's demeanor and affect their overall combat doctrine. During certain heightened situations of extreme duress, especially in the heat of battle, some Gold Knights have shown an unusual urge to charge at the enemy, heedless of their own personal safety, displaying suicidal urges and a blatant disregard for overall combat doctrines. Such individuals are rounded up and deployed as independent squads on the battlefield. They are employed by the Chapter command as efficient shock assault troops and tactical assassins.

## Notable Members

* **Eo Ad Luciem**: Current Chapter Master of the Gold Knights. Being the first captain during the Battle of Funus he became chapter master after Dies went traitor. He was chosen to be the chapter master for being the last remaining loyalist captain, being the former fifth. Eo Ad quickly shifted the chapter into a state of battle he himself was quickly deployed to the battle alongside Chief Liberian Gideon, the Supremi Custodia, three scutums, and two predator annihilator tanks.

* **Gloriosus Dies**: The second chapter master much information about him is kept unknown only the first captain, chapter master and chief Liberian know of him and his actions. Dies after seeing the injustice between primaris and the firstborns. While he could have changed, this caused him to go traitor, falling to the lure of the Chaos God Slaanesh. He went traitor at the beginning of the Battle of Funus.

* **Gloria Decus Mortis**: Prior First Company Captain that stayed loyal.

* **Argentum Maxilla**: Prior Second Company Captain that went traitor.

* **Pugnare Mori**: Prior Third Company captain that went traitor.

* **Iustitia Pro Damnatis**: Prior Fourth Company Captain that went traitor.

* **Honner The Venerable**: A true veteran of the chapter, a key player in the Battle of Funus. Current Captain of the First Company.

* **Chief Liberian Gideon**

* **Liberian Cato Uriel**

* **Baggers Carnifex**: An extremely profound member of the Gold Knights. While he may be darkened, **Baggers** has still earned his place within the Gold Knights.

* **Lieutenant Nova Et Mala**: All Gold Knight Primaris battle-brothers strive to be him, and all fail. Nova is one of only two Primaris Space Marines to have achieved a senior rank within the Chapter.

* **Captain Malus Dux Qui Venit De Morte**: The other Astarte Primaris to climb to high rank is known for his sub-par tactics. Perchance he is a bad Captain? Not much is known about him, he is a very mysterious member of the Gold Knights. Some think his failures are false and that Malus is not a bad tactician.

 Malus was believed to have died in the Battle of Funus. He was found so near to death that he was unrecognizable, however, there was still enough of his physical form left for the Chapter's Apothecaries to repair. Once he was brought back into proper shape Malus was sent back to Funus. Due to a lack of fellow battle-brothers, Malus was given no time to ask questions barely even given time to talk. His rank did not allow it. He was sent as desperate final reinforcements, during the final battle.

Malus was sent in alongside three groups of Scutum Carnis, being led by Lieutenant Mors Scelerum. They were ordered to fire at the Word Bearers Heretic Legionnaires, however, despite the ferocity of their attack it still wasn't enough to turn the tide. Eventually, it was not enough so Mors Scelerum decided to make a final charge.

None wavered, none felt fear, and all bid farewell to their fellow battle-brothers. All were ready to give their lives on behalf of the Emperor as they shouted in unison, "WE ARE THE LIGHT OF GLORY, FOR THE EMPEROR".

Charging at the remaining Forces of Chaos, their Mark X power armor protected them. However, slowly the remaining thirty battle-brothers were torn apart. After surviving his own near-death, Malus Dux Qui Venit De Morte refused to let the chapter fall that day. Five Heretic Astartes were killed by Malus's own hands. As his battle-brothers fell, Malus was only more inspired to fight. Only Malus, Mors and ten other battle-brothers were left fighting. Mors witnessed the valorous actions Malus performed.

Mors was able to stand firm, he fought valiantly. He was then told by the Word Bearers Chaos Champion, Ful Optimum, that he would have his life and that his fellow Word Bearers would not lose that day. Mors was not going to allow any more of his brothers to fall, as he boldly stepped forward and dueled Ful Optimum in one-on-one combat. Mor knew he would die. "FOR CHAOS!" a Word Bearer screamed as he slew another battle-brother. At this point Malus did not have a clear mind, all he thought, all he knew in that moment was victory, and how Malus knew he would achieve it.

The remaining enemy forces in their area consisted of Ful and twenty other legionnaires, regardless of their low numbers however, Mors Scelerum was eventually slain by Ful. Ful Optimun then tried to persuade Malus to join Chaos. The chapter was going to fall and his whole reinforcement group was dead. However, Malus would rather die in honor for the chapter.

Malus dueled Ful, showing a strange prowess in combat which allowed him to use his chainsword cut off the hands of Ful. He then proceeded to tear into Ful Opitmun's heretical flesh.

Ful laughed mockingly as he died, the final twenty legionnaires charged into combat, but were eventually slain as they chanted to their dark pantheon. While this was not the last remaining Word Bearers, eventually the rest were dispatched by the chapter master and others. The seemingly impossible battle was won.

All the surviving marines were taken back to the *Beacon of Light*. Malus was promoted to captain of the Fourth Company in recognition of his bravery, brotherhood and prowess. A first, in the chapter's history, a Primaris Marines held such a high rank. Malus was respected among the remaining veterans of the war. Regardless of this, however, even if Malus had gained new markings of red. When he was found they saw markings that Eo Ad Luciem did not know how Malus had obtained. With no prior history, his reputation was darkened. Some of the veterans did not understand why, however, no matter. No words will ever be spoken from Malus again.

* **Custos Veteris:** A keeper of the chapter's history, he look after the records and *Murus Recordationis*.

* **Dominus Auri Fabri**: The "master" forger of the chapter; under permission of the current chapter master any battle brother which are primaris or not, may commission a "masterly crafted" suit of armor or weapon to be forged. Auri was appointed this mighty role, simply for having great artisanal prowess. Dominus Auri Fabri as it stands is still learning the art of craft, additionally adding to the era of appointment, being done shortly after the Battle of Funus.

* **Aurum Eques:** A veteran of the chapter, this rank may choose to be a sergeant or join the Electio Legionis, however to become a Aurum Eques they most be recognized by a captain of one of five respectful companies

* **Aurum:** The ancient batlte-brother known as Aurum is a relic of the chapter, a dreadnought. He is known for his inspiring quotes, speeches and bravery. Before being encased in a dreadnought, Aurum was an extremely honorable member of the chapter, however despite this fact he was not well known, regardless of his prowess or honor. Aurum was a Firstborn who's original name was "Alastar" and his last name was "Everett". Aurum was recruited from an unknown hive world, as the Gold Knights did not have a recruiting world. After being recruited, Aurum passed the Test of Digna. Once Aurum became a Scout Marine he came to know a battle-brother named Virtus. The two were able to become friends throughout their training. They both respected what they each could accomplish. Aurum respected Virtus for his prowess in battle, while Virtus respected Aurum for his insane bravery. (Much more than this of course too)

Aurum and Virtus were sent on a scout mission to gain lost intelligence from a seemingly regular planet. Aurum and Virtus were sent with three other battle-brothers, Alta Radicata, Metallum Cor, and Aureum Cordis. This band of marines, and initiates, slogged their way through the tropical like planet. The group thought how, the planet itself was quite normal other than the fact that it was mostly uninhabited. They causally made their way to what looked to be the research, however while grabbing the research Metallum felt an eerie feeling, noticing keenly as the planet lacked any sort of wildlife. Metallum could not tell if it was simply not making a sound or was dead. Nevertheless, Metallum Cor knew something was wrong. He informed his fellow battle-brothers. Aurum saw nothing of it, while Aureum Cordius assured not much could really be at work. Virtus being concerned, noted how they should get back as soon as possible.

Suddenly, the Astartes squad heard leaves rustling; at arms Auru, and Atla was ambushed by a large group of Ork Kommandos they were dispatched quickly, however, this was a bad sign. It turned out the planet was recently captured by orks. The incompetence to spot any orkoid fungus, spores or squids is still questioned. The group of marines felt fooled at how they were unable to spot any signs of the greenskins. As they were a recon group, they were not heavily armed. The evacuation point was far and making it back was unlikely without casualties. The orks wanted battle and they were going to get it.

The group was attacked by a Deff Dread and many Ork Boyz, a hail of bolter shells from Metallum Cor and Aureum Cordis cleared out the ork boyz from the tree line, however, there was no real answer to fight against the Deff Dread. While near the extraction point, they had to stop it somehow.

Alta Radicata was handed a chainsword from Virtus carrying two chainswords Atla Radicata charged at the deff dread, while Aurum wanted to be the one to charge, the one to die, to try to save Atla, he was not allowed of that by Aureum Cordis and Virtus. Atla Radicata deep as roots in the ground did not fall until the others got to the extraction point his noble sacrifice will always be remembered as a tale of honor and bravery.

Once they arrived back on the *Beacon of Light* all the surviving members were given red marks of the chapter on their armours chest and poleyns. Aurum still wished he was able to take action. Afterwards, it was time for the Test of Gloria. While Aurum was ready for the Test of Gloria he had to face his friend Virtus. This gave him much consternation in the matter, however, the test had to be done. He did achieve victory but at the cost of his friend Virtus. Virtus understood and did not blame Aurum for anything.

During the extreme training he faced much peril, however, he did manage to succeed. Becoming an honored place found Firstborn among the chapter. He always stayed close to his good friend Virtus their sense of brotherhood could never be broken. It was so high in fact that recent chapter master Eo Ad Luciem put them in the same squad despite the fact that Virtus was a Primaris Marine. The two were put in the specialist formation of *Imperatoriae Mortis* then deployed into the Battle of Funus as major reinforcements.

Upon landing on the plaent's surface, the *Imperatoriae Mortis* formation was able to kill ten Word Bearers Legionaries, however, this was at the cost of five of the marines of the *Imperatoriae Mortis*. Sergeant Ferrus Manus stood tall with Aurum, Virtus and eight other brothers, however, they were charged by a group of Possessed and Chaos Terminator Champions. Ferrus Manus tried to duel a champion of chaos named Grim, however, after a furious battle he was beheaded by Grim.

Only Aurum, Virtus and three battle-brothers remained. Their names were Non Bene Notum, Stare Simul, and De Voluntate Fortitudinis. Aurum was able to rally the remaining and was able to inspire them to charge at the possessed and the terminator champions with bolters in hand. Making their valiant last stand, Virtus; Non Bene Notum, Stare Simul; and De Voluntate Fortitudinis all were slain. Aurum was thought to be killed, however, Aurum was found wounded by one of the Chapter's honorable Apothecaries (Amor Et Cura being his name) ,who was able to retrieve Aurum despite the battle which furiously raged all around them. Aurum was too wounded to be saved by regular means, however, because of his bravery and honorable brotherhood and battle Aurum was given the honor of being interred within the shell of a Dreadnought.

Many years after the battle Aurum was awoken. Aurum quickly accepted his new fate. After learning of Virtus's valiant death, Aurum was greatly saddened. Despite the Battle of Funus being won, Aurum still wished he was able to do more. Aurum is kept awake at times even when there is no battle, however Aurum still gets the proper rest a dreadnought preferably should have. A big goal of Aurum is to be able to enter the *Murus Recordationis* to pay respects to his fallen battle-brothers, most importantly being Virtus, however the tight door to the *Murus Recordationis* does not allow his bulk to enter. For Aurum's actions, by Eo ad Luciem himself, was made the first Chaplain of the Gold Knights. For Aurums leadership, bravery; honor, prowess; and fellowship. This day of great honor and dignity will forever be remembered within the Gold Knights chapter. Now ready undertake new initiates for the alternative four companies.

## Chapter Relics

* ***Power Of The Ancients***: This is a master-crafted relic powersword of a long-dead and forgotten Space Marine Captain. It is said he whoever wields this blade will die a glorious death in combat. It is then stored within the Chapter's armourium until it is wielded once more.

* ***Spada Ecc Eluciam***: A legendary blade wielded by Honner The Venerable, this legendary sword has slain thousands. It bears the engraving, "I Am Wrath, I Am Steel. I Am The Mercy Of Angels." The blade was once The former second chapter masters.

* ***Dignus Amicus***: *Eo Ad Luciem'*s relic bolter, this ancient master-crafted weapon has been with Luciem for most of his life. It is red in color all over its outer casing, where it should be.

* ***Lustitia Pro Iis Qui Ceciderunt***: This illustrious blade was found during the battle of Funus, it has been stored within the chapters armourium.

* ***Lumen Quod Nunquam Exuret***: Only five have been made

* ***Aurum Clarissimum In Omnibus***: Only five have been made

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

As their name suggests, the Gold Knights primarily wear halved golden power armour that is two shades of gold. The Aquila or Imperialis affixed to their plastron (chest guard) is red in colour. A black coloured squad specialty symbol stencilled to their right shoulder pauldron indicates a battle-brother's assigned specialty (Fire Support, Close Support, Battleline, Veteran or Command). A small black Roman numeral located on the right inset indicates a battle-brother's assigned squad. A much larger, black-coloured Gothic numeral stencilled on the left poleyn (knee guard) indicates company assignment. Their weapons are white with blue marble-like lines. The trim of their pauldrons is orange.

### Chapter Badge:

The Gold Knights' Chapter badge takes the form of a stylised red-colored, wavy sun centered upon a field of pale white gold.

## Relations

### Enemies:

* **Word Bearers**
* **Thousand Sons**
* **Death Guard**
* **World Eaters**

## Notable Quotes

### By the Gold Knights

"*Flete perditos et incredulos, Scito nos esse aureum lumen, Angelus mortis.*"
— Attr. to former first Captain Gloria Decus Mortis
"*We are the light for those who have fallen.*"
— Attr. to Aurum.
"*We are the light of the Emperor!*"
— Attr. to Aurum
"*We Are The Light Which Guides*"
— Attr. to Chapter Master Eo Ad Luciem.
"*Death is Glory Incarnate!*"
— Attr. to Aurum

## Trivia

Do not take any of this seriously I pretty much know nothing about the lore most of the stuff written is over-the-top stuff I made up.

[Source]