Hephaestus

Hephaestus after crossing the Rubicon Primaris

Forgemaster **Hephaestus** is the current Master of the Forge of the Nemean Lions Space Marine Chapter, a highly respected artisan of technology and machine spirits who’s life and health have challenged the Nemeans core beliefs but made the Chapter stronger.

## Background

"*Neural receptors hypersensitive, massive ossification of left humerus – arm no longer operative, muscle wastage in right leg, deformities in left foot, caseous necrosis throughout right thigh, inoperable cataracts in left lens, hypersensitivity in both retinas. Damage throughout the thyroid and hippocampus. Third lung, failing. Iron heart, failing. Prognosis, short lifespan – unlikely to reach second geneseed harvesting, inability to perform duties, high levels of pain, poor cognitive function. Suggestion: Corpse starch.*"
—Apothecarion’s report
A marine who was initiated alongside Alkaios, Hephaestus suffered from crippling complications which left him unable to perform his duties. Regulus Dioedas refused to terminate his life or dispatch him to the Chapter Serfs however, for he was guided by the Spiritwalkers to keep Hephaestus part of the Chapter. Hephaestus's augmentation continued and he became a full, albeit crippled Astartes. Dioedas consulted with the Tech-Priests of Tvastar who regretfully announced that they lacked the skill to repair the damage, though the peerless artisans of Mars would likely be able to. Hephaestus was therefore dispatched to Mars, to train in their arts should he prove suitable. The Mechanicus was delighted at the challenge presented them, especially once Hephaestus informed them of the beliefs of the Nemeans. With the added challenge of minimising the loss of organic tissue, the Tech-Priests embraced the task, rebuilding his body via arcane devices. Most of these were internal to accommodate Hephaestus' wishes, though his left arm proved beyond saving and was replaced with an augmetic prosthetic. Restored to 94.375% efficiency, Hephaestus was overwhelmed with gratitude and immediately pledged himself to the machine cult, eagerly absorbing the knowledge offered to him.
He returned to his Chapter as a fully fledged Techmarine and swiftly rose through the ranks in a matter of decades to become Forgemaster of the Lions.

Hephaestus has maintained a close relationship with the now Regulus Alkaios, who he believes is a worthy successor to Dioedas and helped the neophyte so much in his training. When Alkaios wants a new war weapon, only Hephaestus will do and the Forgemaster performs admirably, most recently crafting the mighty thunderhammer which Alkaios named in his honour.

Hephaestus has recently crossed the Rubicon Primaris at the request of Alkaios. This proved to be an momentous occasion for Hephaestus, for the operation had several unexpected side effects. The crossing dramatically improved his health, with a number of his inactive/malfunctioning organs flaring into life. His fellow Techmarines had to work swiftly to remove some of his augmentations, lest they interfere with these unexpected changes in his body. Hephaestus now boasts a fully working pair of legs and will likely have a regular lifespan, though he felt little joy at the occasion. After centuries in a crippled body, Hephaestus was accustomed to it and the positives and negatives that it brought him. He also needs to adjust to the change in attitude amongst his brothers. Before he was an object of pity to many of them, shunned for the assumed curse placed on him by the spirits and his mechanical augmentations. Now he is welcomed at each turn, his recovery proof of blessing and his body largely healed. Hephaestus must deal with the dual challenges of inhabiting a body that is alien to him while also dealing with his new status amongst the Chapter.

## Personality

Hephaestus is staunch and pragmatic, intolerant to the suffering of other organics. When working with machines he is as a passionate Remembrancer, ignorant of surrounding dangers as he is absorbed with his work. One second working with finesse, welding micro joints and reviving circuits, the next smacking an armoured joint with his hammer just in the nick of time to revive the dead machine.

## Appearance

Before crossing the Rubicon Hephaestus had little outward organic appearance, with implants and external augmentations covering his body. After crossing most of the visible devices were removed, leaving the only overt sign of his condition being his augmetic left arm and the skull plate on the right half of his face. Hephaestus possesses the dark skin that is typical to the people of Caelus Prime. His originally brown eyes have been replaced by red ocular implants and his black hair has long since fallen out due to augmentation issues.

## Wargear

* **Omnissian Power Axe**
* **Power Armour** - A mix of Mk III and Mk X pieces, Hephaestus’ Artificer armour is augmented with two servo arms and a power pack mounted heavy bolter. Unusually for a techmarine Hephaestus has only had a couple of panels of this armour painted the rust red of Mars. The remainder retains the standard Nemean grey.