Astral Carbines

Astral Carbines armorial with Chapter iconography.

Astral Carbines of the 4th Company, 5th Battleline Squad.

"*We shall not forsake Amados and its people, for that would be forsaking our duty as Astartes! We shall stand, we shall fight, and we shall not waver, lest we see this planet slaughtered!*"
— Darian Skyborne, Chapter Master of the Astral Carbines, at the battle of Amados II.
The **Astral Carbines** are an Ultramarines Successor chapter founded during 27th 'Ultima' Founding, composed primarily of Primaris Space Marines (with the exception of 2nd Company, who recruit from Firstborn Veterans with depleted chapter numbers). The Astral Carbines had been initially created to govern Casimus, a trade centre in the Realm of Ultramar, until a crushing defeat by Tau forces in 024.M42 which reduced their forces to only 92 Space Marines. The First Company Captain, Darian Skyborne, took over the chapter, leading the Astral Carbines into the Imperium Nihilus to defend the people of the Imperium from foul xenos and vile heresy.

The Astral Carbines were hailed for numerous victories, overcoming hardships which would've broken most people. However, their strength and virtue did not last forever; the Astral Carbines were fractured, as the Warband Arcane Reavers was borne from the Astral Carbines' traumatizing experience in the Warp, and the new chapter master, Arius Diven, wishing to save the Astral Carbines. The loyalist Astral Carbines gave their all to defeat their fallen brothers, with the final battle being on the planet of Casimus. Arius Diven defied Tzeentch and sacrificed himself to stop the daemonic incursion razing the planet.

## Chapter History

### Reclamation of Casimus

Casimus was one of the worlds within the Realm of Ultramar which had gained autonomy. It had then became a lawless hive world until Salamanca Diven conquered it from the corrupt pirate lords who made their home there, although to a certain extent the lawlessness still remained, albeit reduced. Roboute Guilliman sent 1,000 Unnumbered Sons, led by Rylo Marduk, whose reports had shown him to be originating from Casimus, allowing stronger cohesion. Some of the Rogue Trader Dynasties accepted the new rule, especially the Diven Dynasty, but others, the Pecunian, Aurian and Crassian Dynasties, resisted and rebelled, wanting to keep their grip on the planet, and they hired numerous mercenaries and gangs to strike down the invaders. But the Unnumbered Sons and their own auxiliaries, including criminal gangs who wanted to get good with the new order of things, wiped them away, and the rebel dynasties were sanctioned with suspensions of their Rogue Trader permits. And so, Casimus became the homeworld of the Astral Carbines.

### Umanos Campaign (20.M42)

The Umanos Campaign was a conflict between the Astral Carbines and T'au Empire in the Umanos system. Umanos IV was a volcanic planet and was within Tau space, however was rich in resources, and the geothermic activity would've been prime for a Forge World. The Astral Carbines secured the planet, wiping out the T'au presence. However, this was noticed by the Tau Empire, who mobilized a force to take down the invasion. The Astral Carbines underestimated the T'au, and suffered greatly, with their flagship being sabotaged by a strike force, and one of the geothermic plants being destroyed to devastate the Astral Carbines' ground force below. Rylo was killed when he, upon the planet surface, faced down a Tau war-suit. The Astral Carbines were reduced to 92 Space Marines, a dangerously low number, and much of the major leadership was killed. It was a crushing defeat.

### Rebuilding and Reforming (20.M42-28.M42)

The Astral Carbines were crushed, and the first company captain, Darian Skybrone, was chosen to lead the Astral Carbines. However, Darian was not Casimian, and did not want his chapter to embrace its homeworld's unruly nature. He had developed his own philosophy on what the chapter should be. A light in the darkness, a beacon of hope, delivering salvation to those under threat from foul xenos and Chaos, and he worried the Casimian culture would not respect this idealistic goal. In the wave of recruits, he tried to hire from the echelons of the planet. When he had restored the chapter to full and fighting strength, as well as stocking up on provisional supplies, the Astral Carbines set off through the Great Rift into the Dark Imperium.

### Nihilus (028.M42- 062.M42)

The Astral Carbines came to numerous planets caught in the Imperium Nihilus, providing support and relief. Within this time, Menelaus and his Brazen Shields, and Karstian the Head Librarian of the Searing Shroud were both allowed to join the chapter. This was considered the golden age of the chapter, with Amados II and Scila being considered glorious campaigns. The chapter soon returned on 039.M42 to replenished their forces on Casimus, and recruited new aspirants. Among the aspirants were Arius Diven and Kal Iranius, two significant Astartes who played major roles in the Astral Carbines. However, Darian was disappointed by the lack of more noble blood in the Astral Carbines, as he found the new batch of aspirants much more rowdy and irreverent. This age of glory was ended with the Catracor Incident, where most of the Librarium of the Astral Carbines were corrupted and possessed by daemons.

### Sanctus (063.M42- 078.M42)

After Catracor, the Astral Carbines replenished their forces and hosted a service for those who fell during their long venture into Imperium Nihilus. Darian wished that, as soon as the Astral Carbines were replenished, the fleet will return to Imperium Nihilus, but the others in high command decided otherwise, fatigued from battle.

However, the Astral Carbines were then called to assist in numerous deployments, with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 10th company being the most available, within Segmentum Ultima and Segmentum Tempestus. During this time, the Librarium was limited to Karstian and Kal alone, due to concern about Librarians. The Astral Carbines' first campaign in Imperium Sanctus was focused on aiding three companies of Soaring Gryphons against an Ork Waagh rallied at Morgon, the campaign lasting 6 months from late 063.M42 to 064.M42, with the two chapters as victors, and the Soaring Gryphons vowing that they too will aid the Astral Carbines in their time of need. The Astral Carbines also assisted the Tidebenders on Osidas the next year. The Astral Carbines even had to fend off a Genestealer Cult from Casimus' underworld, and much to Darian's chagrin, and the reputation among Casimus, the two sectors were demolished to quell the infestation. Imperium Sanctus had less dramatic victories and defeats than within Imperium Nihilus. However, during this time, Arius Diven had caught much attention in the eyes of his seniors, being promoted to 1st company sergeant from his position as 3rd company sergeant, and was taken under the tutelage of Darian Skyborne. During the latter years, the Librarium was restored.

### Dracos Campaign (078.M42-083.M42)

The Astral Carbines were heavily involved in the Dracos Campaign, making up one of the bulk Astartes forces assisting the system, alongside the Golden Panthers, the Vigilant Blades, who presided over Dracos as consuls, and the Marines Malevolent later on. Dracos was a significant system in Segmentum Tempestus, a major hub of industry and ship-building. The Astral Carbines' flexibility and practicality, as well as their concern for human life, made them inspirational on the battlefield. Moreover, it saw the rise of the 1st Dracos Bastion regiment, led by the distinguished Cawdan Rossmore, which had formed from the PDF. The Astral Carbines were instrumental in the re-taking of the Capitol of Dracos, as well as the Forge World Modron. Moreover, they strengthened relationship with the Golden Panthers, whom they had help defend Pyrathas with. The Astral Carbines also were the main fighting force at the satellite shipyard, in void combat, although they took many losses during this battle.

However, this is also where doubt of Darian Skyborne were raised. When Heretic Astartes started to torch minor settlements during the siege on the Capitol, Darian wished to divert resources away from the siege to save the ones afflicted. A noble ideal, but some criticized his lack of pragmatism, especially Julo Neronius. Moreover, he was partially blamed for when Kal Iranius, by now a Lexicanum Librarian, tried to slash a Marines Malevolent captain out of rage of a bombing which, although it had killed heretics, had also bought a death toll on civilian, PDF and Astartes lives. Kal, as punishment, was to be held in a cell for the remainder of the campaign, unless absolutely necessary, and had to study 12 hours a day- until he can be assigned to the Deathwatch. The Astral Carbines and Marines Malevolent were opposed in ideology and practice, leading to suffering cohesion.

The Astral Carbines also assisted in the reclamation of Chromis Dardani from the hand of Emperor's Children, who had joined Skarax in seizing Dracos, with Arius Diven covering as 1st company lieutenant, after one of them died during the void combat at the satellite shipyard. Karstian Orlus faced the warband's leader alone to cover the escape of Chromis. When Sarphus Hecton disobeyed orders to leave with his chapter and decided to assist Karstian, Darian vouched for Sarphus to be assigned to the Deathwatch, alongside Kal.

### Niktari Campaign (098.M42-100.M42)

The Niktari Campaign was another major engagement which the Astral Carbines were involved with, facing off against the Niktari Necron Dynasty. The Niktari had risen on the world E-109-C, awoken by an Adeptus Mechanicus research team. One of the members of the research team was found to be a blank and then converted into a Necron Pariah. The Astral Carbines, Golden Panthers and the 1st Dracos Bastion Regiment worked with the Scorching Steel chapter, specialists when it came to taken down Necrons, to defend E-109-C and stop a new dynasty rising on the Imperium's backdoor. The Niktari had immense firepower, with Necron Immortals wielding heavy Gauss blasters not being uncommon to see.

The Niktari Campaign was a war of attrition for the majority of the four years. However, that all changed when the Necron Overlord found the means to create a destructive field around the planet, riding the planet of all organic life. It was entombed separately from the underground tombs of the Necrons. The Astral Carbines' 1st, 2nd and 10th company headed to halt whatever the Niktari had in store. However, heavy losses were suffered. 10th company captain Vipus Octavio received crippling wounds and was interred in a Dreadnought, and Kal had to step up as 10th company captain. However, although the Necrons had seized the weapon, it turned out that going underground in the Necron tombs could shelter the Imperium forces from the death field.

And so, the Astral Carbines, Golden Panthers, Scorching Steel and Dracos Bastion Regiment entered the tombs, facing off against an escalation of Necron patrols and ravenous Flayed Ones. Supplies were rationed severely, meals were only allowed once a day, and ammunition was reserved unless absolutely necessary. The Astral Carbines started to unravel, with Julo Neronius accusing Darian of lacking leadership, blaming him for his lack of aggressive tactics and giving the Necrons time to get the doomsday device, and a brawl eventually broke out between some of the Astral Carbines, broken up by Menelaus and Karstian. Despite the direness of the situation, they persevered through the tombs. Eventually, the Imperium's forces reached the heart of the Niktari's tomb, an almost impregnable citadel. The siege was immense, and the costs even greater. The Necrons outnumbered and outgunned the Imperium forces, but they pushed back with grit and resolve. Then, they finally penetrated the fortress, blasting through the waves of Necrons. The Pariah was killed by Vipus Octavio, blasted by an ordnance of las-cannons, allowing Kal and Karstian to unleash their powers without fear.

However, even as the citadel fell, the death field was still active. As battle raged around them, and the Imperial forces came into the citadel proper, Darian Skyborne, Karstian Orlus, Chromis Dardani and the Scorching Steel's Master of the Forge, Granix Rorcan, faced down the Phaeron himself, wielding a Blackstone Spear. Karstian Orlus was immediately decapacitated by the Blackstone Spear, and the other three were overwhelmed by the Phaeron's power and skill. Darian and Chromis fought in melee to fend the Phaeron off as Granix tried to figure out how to defeat the Necron Phaeon. Granix Rorcan rigged a gauss rifle to detonate, but the Phaeron knew his trick, and his Praetorians blasted him away from the battle. However, Darian followed up on Granix's plan, grabbing the Phaeon and dragged him away from everyone else as the Gauss Blaster detonate in his hand, taking them both in the explosion.

Darian Skyborne died.

### Arius' Rise (100.M42-112.M42)

A mass service was put on for the deaths of all those who had fallen during the Niktari campaign. Darian Skyborne's body was incinerated in the blast, but he was posthumously rewarded the Imperialis award for his noble sacrifice. In his will, which he had recorded, he transferred the leadership of the Astral Carbines to Arius Diven, whom he had been mentoring and grown close to. This will did raise voices, and eventually led to Julo Neronius leaving the Astral Carbines to establish the Draconian Wardens. Others felt that Arius was too young to take up such a high position. Nevertheless, Arius was given his new rank as Chapter Master, heir to Darian.

When the Astral Carbines returned to Casimus, a week was given to the funeral of Darian Skyborne, and a further week for celebrating the succession of Arius. However, in the aftermath of the demolition of two industrial sectors of Casimus to stop genestealer cults, a chaos cult of Tzeentch had been planted, using the deed of the Astral Carbines to incite the wrath of those dispossessed. An assassination attempt was made on Torrost Diven, the head of the House of Diven and Arius' cousin. The assassination was unsuccessful but fear started to rise. Inquisitor Donna, who had come from Casimus and had worked with members of the Astral Carbines, led an investigation, with the aide of the Astral Carbines, especially from Kal Iranius, whom she had worked with before.

The investigation turned out to last a month, with the cult hiding its tracks very well. At first, they didn't even know that it was driven by a Chaos cult. It was only when a psykic child, Jank, who escaped being sacrificed by the cult, was found that the true nature of the situation came. Although Arius wished to be transparent with the people about the cult, Donna advised that the nature of Chaos should be hidden, not exposed. Jank was a strong asset in the investigation, not only because he could sneak where others couldn't, but he knew the slums which had been set up in the aftermath. Having lost his parents, he stayed close to Donna and Kal. The cult was eventually discovered, with the nine main leaders (although one of them was most prominent among them) being powerful psykers. Arius put his skills to the test in managing both the necessity to conquer the cult, prevent civilian casualties and keeping the fighting outside of the public eye. Raids, assassinations and urban warfare was conducted on both sides, with the Tzeentch cult even deploying mutated mindless humans who could counter an Astartes' strength, although not their skills and intelligence. The Astral Carbines came through victorious through striking at the psykic leaders themselves. Most of them were killed, although one managed to escape off-world.

Arius' career was further marked by tremendous success. He carried himself well and respected those he commanded. He had more confidence as a commander compared to Darian, and during the twelve years, he had distinguished himself. Kal, after the Niktari campaign, temporarily left his Long Vigil and returned to the Librarium, becoming an important advisor to Arius and training Jank, now named Janus. However, on 110.M42, he had to leave his chapter to continue working in the Deathwatch. Arius seemed to be a prodigy of excellence, even after Kal had left him, until, when returning from a triumph at Cessan VI, the Gellar Field malfunctioned.

### Months of the Warp (112.M42- 122.M42)

The Astral Carbines, after their Gellar Field malfunctioned, were trapped inside the Immaterium. Very few serfs survived the first month, either going insane or killing themselves to avoid the horror. Work was put in to fix the warp engines, but no matter what the Techmarines did, nothing would work the way it should've. Astartes faced against hordes of daemons, their numbers dwindling as they lost more and more control of the ship. The Blackstone Spear was essential in driving back the daemons, but it could only for so long. Hope was fading, and many Astartes resolved to die for the sake of the Imperium.

As the young chapter master Arius, now faced with certain death, tired himself from stress in his chambers, he was visited by a voice. This voice cackled, laughing at him and mocked him. Against Arius' despair was a nonchalant yet otherworldly voice. This voice came from Tzeentch, and he offered Arius an accord, that, in return for the Astral Carbines surviving, they will ultimately serve Tzeentch. Tzeentch taunted him, claiming he had orchestrated everything, from the Astral Carbines arriving on Casimus, Arius being favoured by Darian and his quick career, and then the trap in the warp. Arius was defiant at first, but the guilt and dread creeped up on him. He, alone, was to decide the very fate of the Astral Carbines. Ultimately, broken by the deaths on numerous of his battle-brothers, Arius foolishly accepted Tzeentch's proposal. The beached battle barges finally dislodged from debris and the Astral Carbines left the Immaterium, forever changed.

### Tzeentch's Scheme Unravels (123.M42- 138.M42)

What had felt like months in the Warp had been 10 years outside. Kal, who had not been in the Warp with his chapter, had assumed his chapter had all fallen after painful scrying, in which he had been driving catatonic and needed a psykic inhibitor to ensure he did not go insane. He met with his broken chapter, and stayed to aid Arius and their chapter in rebuilding. However, Arius was changed. He tried at first to ignore Tzeentch, but Tzeentch kept mocking him. A younger librarian, Ajatho Scikar, was also offered a pact, but his one was a pact of power, and he helped Arius sow the seeds of heresy. Kal wanted to help Arius, but Arius became more irritable and argumentative, leaving the two falling out with each other. The companies were re-organized, so those who would resist Tzeentch would be piled in together, and those vulnerable to corruption cultivated in their companies. Arius also breached codex standard immensely, increasing the chapter size to 1,400. The chapter focused less on defending Imperial worlds and its civilians and became more engrossed in targeting Chaos artefacts, going radio-silent with Casimus' homeworld. Moreover, Menelaus, his 2nd company, 10th company and their captain Cruxo, who had been mentored by Kal, were replaced and left on a backwater planet called Rogill to fend off Orks. Karstian was demoted to Epistolary, with Ajatho becoming Chief Librarian. 4th Company Captain Zale Verrak was also allured by Chaos, especially after the Techmarines had accused him of tampering and innovating his cybernetics. The corruption of the chapter had been diligently covered up, even with a red herring, when Ajatho summoned a horde of blue and pink horrors for the Astral Carbines to hunt, pinning the blame on the horrors. Moreover, the Astral Carbines sent operatives to sow the seeds of heresy in other chapters, tipping fortune against them, so the gods of Chaos can make their move.

### The Astral and the Arcane (138.M42-151.M42)

The Astral Carbines soon returned to Helvight, which had been converted into an Imperial mining world after the Astral Carbines and Order of Fierce Devotion struck down the Chaos-worshipping inhabitants there. The Astral Carbines were sent in squads to take down the heretics, with Kal and 5th company captain Sylus Pontus leading the first charge, with 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th company in tow. They were outnumbered, essentially sent to die. As battle raged on and the Astral Carbines were driven back, Karstian finally discovered the Tzeentchian corruption which had been perpetuating the Astral Carbines, and Arius' orders to kill the loyalists. He sent a telepathic message to Kal, warning him about the betrayal, but was discovered. He was entombed in the Gellar Field, acting as a battery. Kal, however, managed to receive the message, just before reinforcements arrived, now primed to kill their battle brothers.

From both sides the Astral Carbines were attacked, by friend and foe. The Astral Carbines resorted to guerilla warfare on the desolate planet. Arius soon came to the planet himself, to be consecrated as the leader of the Arcane Reavers. A fierce battle broke out within a Chaos shrine, Astral Carbines facing against their heretical brethren and their long-time nemeses. However, the Astral Carbines were beginning to be overwhelmed, so they retreated, losing over a hundred of their warriors. The ship they had was bombarded and destroyed, and they had no means of long-term communication, so they gathered whatever they could from the ruins of the hive cities, all while waging guerrilla warfare and their foes. They were eventually rescued by Kal's Deathwatch Shield.

The Astral Carbines recuperated back at the Watch Fortress, with Kal retelling everything to his kill-team mates and his sister, Donna Iranius. Sarphus Hecton, his Golden Panther battle brother, vowed to help Kal get revenge, alongside his kill-team. However, the Watch Fortress was then attacked by the Arcane Reavers, aided by the Unbroken Warlords, the Draconian Flayers and the Rusting Maw, heretics from the Golden Panthers, Vigilants Blades and Scorching Steel. The Astral Carbines fought alongside the Deathwatch to fend them off. In the battle, Kal fought with Zale Verrak, both unable to get the upper hand on each other. Moreover, Sarphus Hecton ended up debilitated by Dorn's Darkness, upon realizing that the Unbroken Warlords were led by Lycon Ascani, his old mentor and a Golden Panther. Aid arrived from the Soaring Gryphons, who followed through on their vow to assist the Astral Carbines when needed.

Sarphus Hecton laid in stasis as Kal lamented the betrayal. However, he realized he had to do something. He opted to go out and find reinforcements against the Arcane Reavers, going off with a small company to muster anyone willing to aid them, and Sylus Pontus would act as Chapter Master. He reached out to Chaplain Parion Thesile of the Golden Panthers, Vallius Septus of the Vigilant Blades and Granix Rorcan of the Scorching Steel, who had their own accounts of how their chapters fell. He then reached to Menelaus, Cruxo and Vipus to return to the Astral Carbines. Menelaus vowed eternal vengeance. Moreover, he encountered the Draconian Wardens, fresh from reclaiming Dracos alongside the 1st Dracos Bastion regiment. Although Julo was reluctant to join his former brothers, Cawdan Rossmore, now a general of the Dracos regiments, was willing to bring aid. The two then convinced the stubborn Chapter Master to join them. The Order Militant of Fierce Devotion also assisted, especially when they were attacked by Draconian Flayers. Kal and Menelaus then became advisors to Sylus Pontus, with Kal running numerous operations to take down the Arcane Reavers and their brethren, and Menelaus typically staying in a more defensive position to settle disputes, train Astartes and quell subterfuge.

When Sarphus Hecton woke up in 136.M42 , he recounted his period of Dorn's Darkness. Parion Thesile saw potential in Sarphus Hecton, as he now understood the pain of Dorn, which Parion thought made him closer to Dorn himself within his chapter. Sarphus Hecton became the de facto Chapter Master, and the Golden Panthers, Astral Carbines, Vigilant Blades and Scorching sealed the Vindicator Pact. From then on, they'll strive forever to take down their heretical brothers. However, on the heretical side, the Arcane Reavers were preparing to use the Arxath, the Daemon Box, an artefact which could summon a portal to the Immaterium from any place, to lay waste to Ultramar, and the Imperium as a whole. The Arcane Reavers had the artefact itself but not the means to use it. When the Astral Carbines and their allies realized their intentions, they fought tooth and nail to stop them by any means necessary. They were able to save Karstian, but at the cost of Cruxo, whom Arius killed in his rage. However, the Arcane Reavers managed to secure the ritual which would open the Daemon Box, enslaving the remnants of psykic Rakurian oracle.

Numerous planets were wrapped up in the war against the Arcane Reavers, with raids taking place on mining-worlds and agri-world like Moros and Vuun, stalwart defences against massacres upon Rille IV and Actae II, and even the Exterminatus of the Forge-world Arkimede after the Rusting Maw unleashed a rust plague which tore the planet asunder.

### Battle of Casimus (152.M42)

The Arcane Reavers and the other warbands made their way to Casimus, their former homeworld, ready to turn Casimus into a daemon world. Arius did not want to do it, but Tzeentch still held a grip on his mind. The loyalists rallied at Casimus first before the heretics could arrive. Casimus became a battle-ground, the House of Diven besieged by Arius himself. Arius, at this point, hated what he became, but he couldn't stop. He was the architect of his own downfall. He had transformed the Astral Carbines into heretics, ruining Darian's legacy. He wanted to kill himself, but he felt that, if he did, Tzeentch would claim his soul. So, he sat in the great hall of his estate, mourning. The loyalists then broke through the Arcane Reavers' defences and tried to reclaim the Diven estate. Kal came into the great hall, and met Arius. Arius knew what he was, and Kal wished it could end any other way than this. The two fought, duelling with ferocity. Kal didn't using the full weight of his psykic power, he wanted to face Arius on even ground. As battle raged throughout Casimus, the different chapters, companies and forces spread throughout the planet, the two fought, uninterrupted.

During the duel, Arius used the Blackstone Spear on Kal, debilitating him and ready to deliver the final blow. However, when activated the spear, he sudden had clarity, as the spear blocked his mind from Tzeenth. So, he deactivated it, and carried on fighting Kal. Eventually, Kal overcame his brother, and was about to slay him once and for all, but couldn't. He just couldn't. Arius wept, begging for forgiveness, and Kal, despite everything Arius had done, did not kill him. Kal took Arius to the headquarters, and despite the multitude of protests against keeping Arius as a prisoner, Kal stuck with his decision. However, the Daemon Box was soon activated, and Arius volunteered to help the loyalists. Kal accepted his brother's offer, seeing it as genuine, and they took up arms, together, against the heretics. The Daemon Box's portal grew as more and more daemons crept out of it. The Astartes, the Sororitas and the Guardsmen all stood against the tide of Chaos. Karstian and Donna banished daemons together, the Scorching Steel's ordnance blasted heavily armoured daemons, Soaring Gryphons and Golden Panthers created a wall of blades and shields. Kal and Arius fought as one unit. However, the portal kept growing. Kal tried to perform the ritual to close the Daemon Box, but he was interrupted by Ajatho, who hounded him, not giving him an inch to work. Arius realized that he alone, wielding the Blackstone Spear, could stop the Daemon box. He fought through the tide of daemons, alone, and entered through the portal, slaying daemons as he went. He should've died against such odds, but he kept going, slashing and piercing his way into the Arxath. There, he used the Blackstone Spear to destroy the warp artefact, trapping himself inside the Warp, at the mercy of daemons, and saving Casimus.

## Notable Campaigns

### Amados II (036.M42)

Amados II was an agricultural world which was being ravaged by a daemonic incursion, when the governor, Indrok Fograg, turned to the god of Chaos to put down revolts against his unpopular rule. He established a Chaos cult, and summoned daemons to conquer the planet. Those who did succumb to Chaos either died or were pushed to an abandoned city of Limok, with barely enough food or water. An Adeptus Astartes Chapter, the Brazen Shields, came to defend the planet from this incursion, but they were ill-equipped for dealing with the invasion, as their flagship crashed into planet due to a warp storm, and over three years, their forces were whittled down. The Astral Carbines were alerted by the distress call, and came down to the surface. By the time they reached Amados, only the 2nd Company, led by Captain Menelaus, survived. Menelaus was a traditionalist, and was wary of the actual effectiveness of the Astral Carbines, who were very much a Primaris chapter. However, he still gave support to Darian. The campaign on Amados was primarily defending Limok, though contingents were sent out to sabotage the Chaos cultists' supply lines. Despite Menelaus' eagerness to engage in a full assault, Darian had to calm his temper.

After a month of attrition, the heretical forces had suffered much more casualties than the loyalists, but supplies were running low, and the daemonic attacks only seemed to grow more numerous. Therefore, the Astral Carbines and Brazen Shields would make a joint attack on the capital of Amados, laying siege to the city. However, the tide of daemons was still strong. His plan was to send a small squad of Reivers into the cultists' headquarters, which was once the luxurious manor of Governor Fograg, to assassinate Fograg and stop the summoning rituals of the heretics. Menelaus objected, as there were many ways it could go wrong.

Vipus Octavio, then a lieutenant, volunteered to do this operation, being fiercely loyal to Darian. And so, whilst the combined forces of the loyalists held a line before the city's fortifications, Vipus led a strike team into the headquarters, gunning down whatever they found. They disrupted the continuous summoning ritual with a plethora of explosives, and Vipus personally dragged Fograg from a cabal of daemonettes, and threw him off a balcony. With the daemons no longer being summoned, the siege lasted only 5 days before the loyalists broke through.

After Amados was reclaimed, it took an extensive six months for the planet to be returned to normality, the populace screened and heretic remnants hunted down. Menelaus and Darian had formed a bond of brotherhood, despite their different attitudes. Darian offered to take Menelaus and what remained of the Brazen Shields back to Imperium Sanctus, or absorb them into the chapter to make up for the numbers they've lost. Menelaus, reasoning that the Astral Carbines needed older blood to ground the chapter, chose to be absorbed and became 2nd Captain of the Astral Carbines. However, he would only accept Firstborn Adeptus Astartes, which Darian allowed. Due to this, Menelaus had to deal much with the cultural differences of different veteran Astartes.

### Scila (040.M42)

The Scila Campaign was an Astral Carbines and Searing Shroud campaign on the planet Scila- once a defence against Orkz turned into a battle against heretical forces. This campaign led to Karstian Orlus, once a Searing Shroud, becoming the Chief Librarian of the Astral Carbines.

### Telari VI (051.M42)

The Telari VI campaign was an Astral Carbines campaign on the planet Telari, a hive world beset by the Drukhari Cabal 'The Poisonous Fang'. This proved to be a trying period, as the Drukhari had developed a toxin which could kill an Astartes, let alone a normal human.

### Pyrathas (054.M42)

The Pyrathas campaign was an Astral Carbines and Golden Panthers campaign against Skarax's warband, who had taken to enslaving the inhabitants, and were using a Heldrake to annihilate resistance. Pyrathas was a culturally rich planet with a thriving aristocracy, despite an agri-world, and was the home planet of the Golden Panther. However, the planet was left open when the Golden Panthers joined the Indomitus Crusade, and at 038.M42, the Golden Panthers returned to see their planet under siege by roving pirates. The Golden Panthers devastated the pirates, but decided to help rebuild the planet as it had been before. Their success, however, was brought down by Skarax's warband deciding to raid the planet.

### Jundo (061.M42)

The Jundo Campaign was the precursor to the Catracor Incident, with the Astral Carbines and the Craftworld Asuryani of Elnathan, both hoping to secure a heretical tome to seal. The heretical tome resided in a temple on the desolate, over-grown world Jundo, once built by humans who, during the Age of Strife, gave themselves up to Chaos, in vain- the influence of the ruinous power had turned much of the fauna into savage monsters. The Elnathan Craftworld outnumbered the Astral Carbines, but the Astral Carbines' fortifications and resolve meant that they were both at a stalemate. Moreover, the temple's specific location was not known. Karstian and his Librarium were tasked to lead to search for the tome, with the aid of the 10th Company.

The campaign lasted two months without much progress, as much hinged on the finding of the elusive tome, and the monsters made it difficult to properly establish a base of operations. However, both found the location of the tome at the same time following an anonymous source. When looking back, they used encryption used during the Horus Heresy- although the source itself was yet untraceable. The tome was within a sanctum of a temple complex, which the corrupted humans had built. The Astral Carbines argued over the course of action to take, as Julo Neronius and Menelaus argued that a full assault on the Craftworld would cripple the Elnathan, and Karstian and Octavio arguing that the tome must be secured first. Darian decided a three-pronged surprise attack would fit, with the Librarium, 1st company, 2nd Veteran Company and 10th Company with Darian, Menelaus and Karstian, the encampments by the Eldar disrupted by 4th company, and a decoy boarding party of many of the other companies. spearheaded by third company and led by Julo Neronius, would divert the Eldar's attention.

The diversion on the Craftworld, run by Julo, went in two waves, first being a drop-pod strike onto different corners of the Craftworld. The Battle Barge Aedus brought on cover-fire for the gunships and carriers to penetrate defences and deep-strike. The goal was maximum destruction, and a vast array of explosive weapon was utilized. Then, the second wave was focused on a single area, the primary Wayport, which hosted much of the fleet, and consisted of tanks and bikes. The tanks focused on crippling the Eldar of their reinforcements, as multiple un-manned ships were blown up to prevent access. The bikes cut down any defences. The third wave consisted of carrier ships and gunship, with the main bulk of the strike force waging bitter war with the Eldar. However, it was not as easy as they had thought it, as although they were successful in their attack, the different companies suffered losses from the numbers and power of the Eldar. Julo was even scarred by one of the Warlocks. Moreover, they were fighting on foreign ground, and the Eldar used the verticality to their advantage. After hours of brutal combat, the boarding party made a tactical retreat out of the Craftworld,

At the centre of the temple, corruption could be felt, and neither side wished to linger long. The 1st company and 2nd Veteran Company stood alongside Darian, Menelaus and Karstian, as 10th company girded the floor above the sanctum, the roof of the sanctum caved in by age, and the Librarium retinue primed themselves. The Elnathan leader, Sylu'sii, beseeched the Astral Carbines to step aside, and that the Craftworld would keep the tome secure. The Astral Carbines, however, were unwilling to relent, believing the Eldar to be untrustworthy. As the boarding party landed, the conflict began, as on both sides, the Elnathan and Astral Carbines fought. Menelaus and Darian took on Sylu'sii, as Karstian and his favoured student, Demos took on the Elnathan's head warlock- killing him, but not without scarring from a psykic blast. However, the Elna'shai did have the upper hand, as the Dire Avengers on the upper floor were difficult to hit and their gunfire suppressed the 10th company. The fighting and presence of psykic power, however, awakened an ancient, corrupted beast, covered in scales, with a hungering maw, standing on two legs, and four clawed arms.

The Eldar drew their attention to the beast, but the Astral Carbines took the opportunity to withdraw, with the order sent to the boarding party. Karstian and his Librarian retinue, however, stayed behind to defeat this monster, leading to the Astral Carbines reluctantly getting involved. Octavio was ordered, alongside his company, to plant charges for the withdrawal. Though, one of the company stuck behind, bravely but foolishly, being Kal Iranius. When it was discovered the beast was near impervious to gun-fire, Karstian and his retinue cast a ritual to banish the monster- realizing that this was a daemon bound to the temple. The aura of this daemon called for blood, and both human and Eldar had to resist the urge to go into a frenzy. However, when the remaining 10th company Kal swiped the tome, causing the daemon to fixate on the Astartes. Darian ordered him to keep at arm's length from the daemon, as Karstian and the retinue were casting the ritual. And, with the final word muttered, made difficult by the taint of Chaos, the Librarium cast the spell, sending the daemon into the warp.

However, no agreements nor amnesty was made, as Menelaus Reidor reached slashed at Slyu'sii immediately after. However, Darian called for immediate withdrawal, despite the rage, and a rain of flash grenades fell upon the Eldar, allowing a retreat. The explosive charges left by Octavio was the pointed letter of thank you to the Elnathan.

## Chapter Home World

The Astral Carbines established the trade world of Casimus as their home world. Casimus is part of the Realm of Ultramar and maintains itself as an industrial trade port with a rich culture, and even more vibrant criminal underworld. Casimus was held by the House of Diven, a noble family descended from Salamanca Diven, a Rogue Trader who conquered Casimus after it seceded from Ultramar and was taken over by pirates. The Astral Carbines became greatly involved in maintaining low and order over the planet, as well as recruiting aspirants from the planet, especially young gangers.

Casimus is home to multiple Rogue Trader dynasties, due to how industrious Casimus is and the relatively low tax rates within the Imperium. These include-

**Diven**- Diven is the foremost recognized Rogue Trader dynasty, and is a powerhouse of trade with other planets, working through numerous trade deals extensively and simultaneously. The House of Diven are shrewd and industrious, their charisma and skills being well-recognized. They are willing to do what they are commanded to do to fulfill their warrant for the good of the Imperium, but they find the greatest way to serve is to keep the economy flowing, and to profit off it if able. They are known for bringing in and exporting many luxury goods to numerous Imperial nobles from different planets, and their palace is claimed to be 'second to only the Imperial Palace on Holy Terra' by sycophants. However, among their goods may be illicit goods, something which raises their opulence into question.

**Navera**- Navera is a Rogue Trader dynasty known for their shipbuilding and exploration. The House of Navera's Rogue Traders prefer to conduct their business alongside the Imperial Navy, commanding many different voidships, and are considered expert, albeit radical, admirals. However, the House of Navera's difficulties come from their home enterprise, being relatively limited in what ships they can sell. After civil conflict against Invekis, Navera lost half of their shipyards, and the ability to build their own cruisers and above, having to stick with escort ships, and the weaponry they can equip is equally limited.

**Pecunian**- The Pecunian Rogue Trader Family were known for their manufacturing and trade of weapons. They maintained their own standing army, and even for Rogue Trader dynasties, they were considered fiercely independent. Many of their Rogue Traders were considered ruthless, brutal and psychopathic, building a feared reputation, only untouched by other dynasties because of their militaristic power. However, due to their non-compliance with Roboute's reclamation of the realm of Ultramar, their rights were revoked and they were exterminated. However, as soon as they fell, criminals and worse started to seep into the blasted ruins.

**Invenkis**- Ivenkis is a Rogue Trader dynasty which has heavy ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus. Believing in the tenets of the Omnissiah, they are intensely devout in their beliefs, and incredibly suspicious of the other Rogue Trader houses. Ivenkis manages many of the munitions within the planet under the approval of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but also has a network of spies to inform them of any illicit dealings the other houses could be doing. They are also very involved in the creation and trade of servitors. They are not popular amongst the common people, but they are considered a necessary evil.

## Chapter Organisation

### Symposium

The Symposium was the internal advisory council of Darian Skyborne, consisting of the different captains of the Astral Carbines, the Reclusiam, the Armoury and Librarius. However, the most vocal members were Menelaus, Julo, Octavio, Zale Verrak and Karstian.

### Order of Battle

**Darian Skyborne,**
**Chapter Master of the Astral Carbines**
**Honour Guard: Chapter Champion, Chapter Ancient, 2 Honour Guards**
**Scouts, Bike Scouts**
**Chapter Serfs, Equerries and Servitors**
**Navigators**
**Astropaths**
**Master of the Forge**
**Techmarines**
**Servitors**
**Master of Sanctity**
**Chief Apothecary**
**Chief Librarian**
Karstian Orlus

**Librarians**
Caelus Iranius
Ajatho Scikar

## Combat Doctrine

The Astral Carbines followed the dictates of the *Codex* Astartes, sometimes. Intercessors were most common though. In the execution of battle plans, the flexibility of the Codex allowed for Darian, and all chapter masters after him, to do what is most efficient and effective. Some companies favoured certain tactics. The all-firstborn second company, led by Menelaus, were front-line marines. 10th company's Shadow squad, led by Captain Vipus, and later Salen Tors, ran crucial operations in the background to eliminate targets and blow up munitions. They also commonly used the Rhino and Gladiator tanks in combat, with most companies having at least 3 Rhinos.

## Chapter Culture & Beliefs

The Astral Carbines have some tension between the culture of Casimus and the ideals Darian wanted to build the Astral Carbines around. Casimians are known to be raucous, sarcastic and self-driven, liking to rely on themselves and their allies instead of bowing to superiors, They do not bow to people they don't like- and when they do, they only do it because they have to. Casimians have a rich, albeit irritating lingo. Casimus has a lot of legally grey areas, where law and crime are not so distinct. Some areas may have gangs which care more about maintaining civility than the authorities do. This all feeds into the mindset of a Casimian. They're loyal to the Imperium, but they don't see the point in bowing to an Imperial magistrate every time they walk past. Astral Carbines from Casimus share a similar mindset. They like to prank, make jokes, speak out of turn and dare each other. They like to personalize their armour with trophies and paints. They like to sit around and talk about random, worldly stuff. They like to play rough sports where, even if it's non-contact, they will make very blunt contact. But they aren't without pragmatism. When they don't think they'll get shot, they will speak out. This makes Casimian Astral Carbines contemptuous among them higher ups who do not understand Casimus, and it means Casimians aren't as likely to be promoted as they ought to be from merit alone.

Darian Skyborne has his own vision of the Astral Carbines being virtuous, humane angels of hope among the stars, involving themselves in deep thought, understanding the truth, discussing philosophy and working to make the Imperium a better place. Things which he does not trust Casimians, unless they're highborn, to do. Julo Neronius believes in strict discipline, and the 3rd Company always spends much of their downtime training.

## Chapter Recruitment

The Astral Carbines were mainly recruited from Casimus, and although Darian had hoped to recruit exclusively from the upper class, many of the aspirants came from the lower hives. Their trials were mainly competitive, with athletic and intelligence tests being used to ensure the best of the Aspirants would be accepted, including a marathon, weight-lifting and a trial of combat to first blood. Moreover, the Chief Librarian implanted images of the galaxy's worst into the minds of Aspirants, to see whether they were willing to face against it, regardless.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The stable gene-seed of the Ultramarines was shared by the Astral Carbines.

However, the Betcher's Gland typically atrophies, due to its limited use generally. Moreover, during their crushing and humiliating defeat at Umanos IV, the storage of the Astral Carbines' organs used to create Space Marines were sabotaged. Until Arius' rise as Chapter Master, the Magnificat of all Primaris Space Marines in the Astral Carbines were vat-grown, and imperfect. By no means are they ineffective, but the Astral Carbines found that some of the secondary non-vital organs implanted during the creation of an Astral Carbine tend to function either to a lesser extent are be near-useless. There have been rare cases where an Astral Carbine may have had a major gene seed organ fail, either leaving them in a coma or killing them.

## Notable Members

* **Darian Skyborne**- Darian Skyborne was the Astral Carbines' Chapter Master from 024.M42 until his death. Darian Skyborne had high ideals, inspiring, and soon dividing, his chapter greatly. He was firm believer in the Imperial Truth, seeing the Imperial Cult as a hindrance rather than a boon to humanity. Though he was one of the many Primaris who came from Mars, he maintained both his personality and empathy. He was also a scholar, writing a book both about his experiences, and what he took from them. Darian was seen as the hero of the chapter, to the point where some saw him as a saint, no matter what. However, some saw his leadership as insufficient. Darian was disliked by some of the Casimian Astral Carbines for his attempts to quell their culture.
* **Menelaus Reidor**- Menelaus Reidor is the 2nd Company's Captain and traditionalist, once being 2nd Company captain of the Brazen Shields. He's not fanatical, but he believes order, discipline and rules take precedent over 'silly theatrics'. Despite the chapter being mostly Primaris, he prefers his company to be Firstborn, meaning his company is never truly at full capacity, but their experience and tactical prowess more than compensates. He also is scrutinizing towards younger Astartes and has little patience towards the rowdy Casimians, typically being the first to break up brawls and disputes with a voice like thunder. However, he does have a strong sense of duty and loyalty to the Astral Carbines, as brazen he may be. Though agreeing with Julo's criticisms of Darian, he was not willing to make a stance against his friend.
* **Julo Neronius-** Julo was the 3rd company commander of the Astral Carbines. During Umanos, he led the ground forces against the Tau as the ground commander, and would've died if the order of retreat had not been signalled. He's stern, heavy on discipline, calculating and efficient- ultimately, he's a pragmatist. He was heavily critical of Darian's leadership, seeing his ideals as an impediment to actual victory- not without reason- but he was seen as a rival of Darian. Those of high idealism saw him as callous and arrogant, uncaring for civilian populations. When Arius became chapter master, Julo abandoned the chapter, establishing the Draconian Wardens.
* **Karstian Orlus**- Karstian Orlus was the Chief Librarian of the Astral Carbines' Librarium. He originally came from the Searing Shroud, a Dark Angels Successor chapter. On Scila, when he failed to apprehend a Fallen, he joined the Astral Carbines to repent his failures. However, he soon accommodated to his new chapter. He was one of Darian's trusted advisors, and tried to stay away from the in-fighting amidst the chapter. Karstian himself holds a serious demeanor, and will be the first to criticize, if Menelaus is not there. He's a master duelist, as well as a potent psyker, never seen holding a bolter. He also mentored Kal when it was revealed he was a psyker, and the two were the only librarians at the time.
* **Vipus Octavio**- Vipus Octavio was the 10th Company Vanguard Captain of the Astral Carbines before becoming a dreadnought. He's a master at stealth and operative tactics, and has proven himself on many occasions. He's a lenient and good-humoured Astartes, joking in casual conversation (and serious discussion), and was born on Casimus, making him well-liked by newer recruits. He is also fiercely loyal to Darian, seeing him as a hero more than anyone else. He also became a mentor to Kal, and they got on well, though Vipus' training was sometimes absurd. During the battle of Heliox Ridge in the Niktari Campaign, he was critically injured and placed into a dreadnought, which he commented, despite his lungs being exposed, 'If you're gonna put me in a dreadnought, don't let it be a Redemptor. Even one with no legs would make me happy.'. He was placed in a regular dreadnought, though he could only operate it sub-optimally.
* **Caelus 'Kal' Iranius**- Caelus Iranius, known by his battle-brothers as 'Kal', is the current Chief Librarian of the Astral Carbines, and the first Astartes from the Astral Carbines Space Marine Chapter to take the Long Vigil with Deathwatch, the specialist xenos-hunting Chamber Militant of the Inquisition.
* **Arius Diven**- Arius Diven was born from minor nobility on Casimus and became Kal Iranius' battle brother. He was an exemplary Astartes, with natural leadership and skill, favoured by Darian Skyborne himself. He had a strong brotherhood with Kal, saving each other multiple times, with Arius also defending Kal's less orderly actions. He eventually became Chapter Master, after Darian's death. He led the Astral Carbines into a golden age of heroism until Tzeentch trapped the Astral Carbines in the Immaterium. Tzeentch revealed, or bluffed, that he had planned all of it from the beginning, and that only by selling his soul to him, could Arius save the Astral Carbines. He did so, which eventually to the fracture of the chapter.
* **Tibon Trachen**- Tibon Trachen was a Techmarine for the Astral Carbines. Since he was young, he wanted to be an engineer, coming from an underground family of mechanics, and grew up next to Kal and Arius. He became a tech-marine after his training and years as a scout in the Astral Carbines. His main concern is vehicles, and loved both to drive and repair them. When he was learning as a scion of Mars, he had much difficulty, for Casimian mechanics aren't typically sanctioned by the Adeptus Mechanicus, and their methods were very different.
* **Demos Hylan**- Demos Hylan was an Epistolary and the favoured student of Karstian Orlus. Despite Demos having been with the Astral Carbines longer than Karstian, he was willing to learn from the Chief Librarian with much eagerness. This was until the Catracor Incident, when Demos would be affected most by the tome which had been taken from Jundo. He was possessed by a daemon and thoroughly corrupted, and had to be banished into the warp entirely.
* **Zale Verrak**-Zale Verrak was the 4th company captain of the Astral Carbines, a fierce commander and duelist, as well as a keen cybernetic enthusiast. He was known for his aggression in combat tactics and deep-strike tactics. He was cybernetically augmented numerous times, both for when he lost limbs or his own preference for cybernetics. However, he was one of the most ruthless captains, and his own chapter developed their own identity of being warlike, much to the chagrin of Darian's image of the Astral Carbines. Now, as an Arcane Reaver, Zale Verrak is even more ferocious and ruthless, not bound by the loyalty to the Imperium, but neither bound by Tzeentch like many of his battle brothers were, seeing the gods of Chaos as merely a means to an end, that end being humanity's dominance.
* **Syl Palen**- Although not a space marine but a 'mere' chapter serf, Syl Palen was the Ordinator of the House of the Astral Carbines. She was born on Amados II to a noble family and, throughout her life, was the scribe of Darian Skyborne and would transcribe the Symposium, record battles, and even discuss Darian's philosophies with him. Syl Palen, by then an old woman, retired after Darian Skyborne's death.
* **Vallus Wess**- Vallus Wess is the current 4th Company Captain who was one of the few 4th Company Astral Carbines to not fall to Chaos. Aggression and foolhardiness sunk into his mind at a young age, having once been a Casimian ganger youth, joining the Astral Carbines giving him a chance to escape being sentenced to a penal legion. He became part of the aggressive 4th Company, but ended up becoming the butt of many insults, some light-hearted, some mean-spirited, leading him to overcompensate. He aspired towards a gold standard of the Astral Carbines, and trained heavily, even to the point he would be found passed out on the training facility's floor. He managed to become sergeant under Arius Diven (before he turned to Chaos) and was well-liked by his squad-mates who got to know him. After the Months of the Warp, he was the only living member of his squad, and vowed to forever resist Chaos. When the Arcane Reavers revealed themselves, Vallus joined the loyalists and attempted to slay his former captain Zale to prove his worth, but ended up getting heavily injured, losing one of his arms. He later on became the acting lieutenant of the Astral Carbines, and during the Penitent Crusade.

## Chapter Fleet

Battle Barge Sarpedon

Battle Barge Helion (Destroyed)

Battle Barge Scamander (Destroyed)

Battle Barge Ramanis (Destroyed)

Strike Cruiser

Strike Cruiser

Strike Cruiser

Strike Cruiser

Strike Cruiser

Strike Cruiser

Transports/Escorts

## Chapter Relics

**Blade of Salamanca**- The Blade of Salamanca is a specially crafted power sword created by the House of Diven to commemorate the Astral Carbines' victory on Casimus.

**Darian's Sword**- Darian Skyborne's sword was a specially crafted power sword, given by the Golden Panthers as gratitude for their aid on Pyrathas. After Darian's death, it was kept on display by his successor, Arius, to honour his sacrifice. That was until Arius, now under the thrall of Tzeentch, took up the blade. The powers of Tzeentch's magics corrupted and enhanced it.

**Blackstone Spear**- The Blackstone Spear was an artefact forged by the Niktari Necron dynasty. In its own right, it is a powerful and durable weapon, able to pierce through even ceramite. It can also harm daemons much more effective than typical arms. However, it can also be activated, which creates an aura of nullification around it, debilitating psykers and protecting against warp-entities. The Blackstone Spear allowed Arius Diven to pierce through waves of daemons and destroy the Arxath.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Astral Carbines' colour scheme consists of primarily grey, with blue being their main secondary colour. In keeping with the strictures of the *Codex*, the Chapter icon is prominently displayed on the left shoulder inset. The squad specialty icon was white in colour and was displayed on the right shoulder inset. This designated a battle-brother's assigned combat specialty (Fire Support, Close Support, Battleline, Veteran and Command). A small black coloured Roman numeral was displayed over the squad specialty symbol, indicating a battle-brother's assigned squad. A larger white coloured Roman numeral is displayed on the left poleyn (knee guard), indicating a battle-brother's assigned company.

### Chapter Badge

The Astral Carbines Chapter badge took the form of two swords crossing over diagonally upwards from either side, with a shield behind it.

## Relations

### Enemies

 Arcane Reavers |  | The remnants of the Astral Carbines hated the Arcane Reavers for what they did to the legacy of the chapter and Darian Skyborne. They were the most fierce in their desire to see the Arcane Reavers defeated.

## Notable Quotes

### By the Astral Carbines

"*If you can shoot an ugly head from 5 miles away with an bolter pistol without sights, you won't have any trouble with a sniper rifle.*"
— Vipus Octavio, 10th Company Captain.

"*I'd rather an Astartes die for a whole planet, than a whole planet die for an Astartes.*"
—Kal Iranius, during his time as a Deathwatch member.

### About the Astral Carbines

> "Astral Carbines? More like... Ass Troll Carbines!"- random cultist (Deceased)
>
>

*Feel free to add your own*

[Source]

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

[Source]

## Gallery

Chief Librarian Caelus 'Kal' Iranius, arrayed in his full panoply of war (including his optional Reiver helmet) and armed with both his Force Falchion and Heavy Bolt Pistol.