Diamond Knights

Diamond Knights armorial with Chapter iconography

Brother Phineas, a Diamond Knights Primaris Intercessor of the 2nd Company, 4th Tactical Squad (Battleline)

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fedelitas Totalis*)

### **Homeworld**

N/A; Fleet-Based, but its primary recruitment and staging grounds lie in the Aetius Sector

### **Allies**

Aetius Conclave
Tempest Wolves
Ultramarines
Imperial Guard
Imperial Navy
Adeptus Mechanicus

### **Number of Marines**

Unknown; Presumably standard 1,000(Note: Based on some extant accounts, some Imperial servants estimates the Chapter possesses numbers as high as 1,500 Astartes. However, these reports have yet to be substantiated.)
*Under Review*

### **Specialty**

Codex Astartes Warfare, Close-Quarters Actions (Assault, Space Hulk Purgation, Boarding Operations, Line-Breaker Attacks), Deep Striking and Void Combat

### **Battle cry**

"We stand together!",
followed by "We shall never falter!"

### **Colours**

Black, Red and Yellow

The **Diamond Knights** are an Ultima Founding Successor Chapter of the Ultramarines comprised entirely of newly revealed Primaris Space Marines. This chapter, unlike their predecessors and fellow successors, is only semi-adherent to the *Codex Astartes*. Despite being a young chapter they have fought many battles on behalf of the Imperium and are on constant crusade to defend Mankind from all who would do them harm.

## History

The Diamond Knights were founded in the opening years of the Indomitus Crusade. Marcus Lucullus was a Captain in the Unnumbered Sons and displayed natural leadership and great combat skills. As such when the Aetius sector was liberated during the Indomitus Crusade he was commanded by Lord Guilliman to establish the Chapter. Marcus was not the only founder of the Chapter however, upon being given the mandate to build the Chapter Marcus was joined by several others, the Astartes in question formed an oath of brotherhood intended to be closer than the average Battle-brothers; they currently form the leadership of the first ten companies of the Diamond Knights. Immediately after the Chapter was built Marcus chose to lead under the title of Lord Commander to honour his Primarch and proclaimed a never-ending crusade to defend the worlds along the edge of the Cicatrix Maledictum until such time as the Rift can be closed.

Upon their founding, the Chapter established their recruiting grounds on several worlds within the Aetius sector; at the same time they received the great Star Fortress that they christened "Diamond Keep". However, the Knights found no rest upon their founding, as daemonic and heretical forces of the Word Bearers emerged from warp rifts throughout the sector. The Knights fought for seven years to defend the Aetius sector from invaders, after a several bloody battles the Chapter achieved a great victory; although they were unsuccessful in killing the Chaos Lord who led the invasion. Two years later, the Diamond Knights lent two hundred and fifty battle-brothers under Commander Rhesus to aid their Primarch in his efforts to defend the Realm of Ultramar from the Death Guard. The Knights focused their efforts on the industrial world Ravishol. During the conflict, the Knights saw first-hand the threat posed by the servants of Nurgle and upon their return to the Diamond Keep; the entire Chapter swore an oath to destroy the servants of Nurgle.

In recent years the Diamond Knights have committed perhaps their biggest sin against the Codex Astartes by increasing their numbers beyond what is the accepted limitation in chapter numbers; adding an extra five companies to their chapter and promoting veterans (mainly from the 1st company) to lead them. Though this has sparked criticism from many of their fellow Sons of Guilliman, with some going as far as to question the true source of their gene-seed; Lord Commander Lucullus sited the vagaries of the Warp as justification for this severe divergence from the Codex.

Now the saying "no rest for the loyal" is rearing its head. As a Nurgulite Chaos warband, the members of which declare themselves as "The Immortal Brethren", have launched an invasion of the Aetius Sector. Among the invasion force is contingent of the Blood Pact and other yet unidentified traitorous Imperial Guard regiments, as well as Traitor Astartes from other legions and warbands. Concluding that they are outnumbered, even with the aid of other local forces, the Knights have sent a general call for aid to neighboring sectors.

## Notable Campaigns

* **The Indomitus Crusade (ca. 999.M41 - ca. 12.M42):** The Diamond Knights much like many Primaris Chapters served with distinction in the Indomitus Crusade.
* **The First War for Aetius (ca. 3.M42 - ca. 10.M42):** A traitor invasion threatened the Diamond Knights' recruiting ground, after several bloody battles in which truly rose the Chapter's veterans, they were victorious; despite being unable to slay the Chaos Lord who led the invasion.
* **The Plague Wars (12.M42):** Just like the other Successor Chapters of the Ultramarines, the Diamond Knights answered their Primarch's call to defend the Realm of Ultramar. It was during this conflict that the Knights truly gained a claim to fame, when they helped drive the Death Guard from the industrial world of Ravishol.
* **The Second War for Aetius (ca. 12.M42 - Ongoing):** The Diamond Knights were afforded but a short respite from the Plague Wars, as not long after the return of their brothers from Ultramar; a vast Chaos force led by the warband identified as "The Immortal Brethren" launched a sector wide invasion of the Aetius sector with help from the thrice cursed "Blood pact". Sensing that they were outnumbered, the Knights send out a distress signal to the Imperium and prepare a defense while they wait for aid.
* Bastion Crusade **(ca. 12.M42 - Ongoing):** The Diamond Knights lend roughly four hundred battle-brothers, elements of four companies and veterans of the first company, under the Commander Marius of the third company to the crusade declared by the Tempest Wolves. Many more have since joined this crusade to defend the Imperium in the absence of Primarch Guilliman and the Indomitus Crusade.

## Chapter Homeworld

As a fleet-based Chapter, the Diamond Knights have no official homeworld. Instead, their fortress-monastery is situated onboard the star fort "Diamond Keep". The rest of the Chapter serves aboard the fleet of Strike Cruisers and Battle Barges that were assigned to the Diamond Knights when the Chapter was founded.

## Fortress-Monastery

The Fortress-monastery of the Diamond Knights is a Starfort constructed in the likeness of a Ramilies-class known as the "Diamond Keep". The Keep is warp capable, roughly the size of a Blackstone Fortress and carries enough firepower to level a hive city. Not much is known about the Keep's history other than it once belonged to a renegade Chapter, before it was gifted to the Diamond Knights. The Keep is permanently in orbit above the First Hive (plantery capital) of Aetius Primus.

## Chapter Organisation

### Command Ranks

* **Lord Commander (Chapter Master and First Captain)**

* **Commander (Captain)**

* **Sub-Commander (Lieutenant)**

### Specialist Ranks

* **Loremaster (Chief Librarian)**

* **Keeper (Epistolary)**

* **Bishop (Master of Sanctity)**

### Specialist Formations

* **Diamond Paladins**: The Diamond Paladins are the elite warriors of the Chapter. These venerable warriors are veterans of the bloodiest battles of the the First War for Aetius; as such they are equipped with the some of the finest crafted weapons the Chapter has to offer. All paladins are granted the coveted Crux Terminatus upon elevation to the status, even if they are not among those who are granted use of terminator armour.

* **Paladin Dreadnoughts**: The Paladin Dreadnoughts are the Chapter's equivalent of Venerable Dreadnoughts, although they are typically Diamond Paladins who have been entombed in ornate Redemptor Dreadnoughts chassis.

### Order of Battle

#### Headquarters

**Marcus Lucullus**
**Lord Commander of the Diamond Knights**
**Chapter Champion**
**Chapter Standard Bearer**
**Honour Guard**
**Chiron**
***Master of the Forge***
**15 Techmarines**
**95 Tech-Servitors**
**30 Repulsors**
**25 Repulsor Executioners**
**30 Impulsors**
**15 Gladiator Battle Tanks**
**25 Invictor Warsuits**
**3 Astraeus Super-Heavy Tanks**
**Outrider Bikes**
**Storm Speeders**
**Invader ATVs**
**Firestrike Servo-Turrets**
**Hammerfall Bunkers**
**Scout Bikes**
**Land Speeder Storms**

**Cotys**
***Bishop***

**Reclusiarch**
**15 Company Chaplains**
**15 Judiciars**

**Krios**
***Chief Apothecary***

**Dorian**
***Loremaster***

**5 Keepers**
**9 Codiciers**
**10 Lexicani**
**6 Acolytes (Neophytes)**

***Master of the Fleet***

**6 Battle Barges**
**16 Strike Cruisers**
**48 Escorts**
**Overlord Transports**

## Combat Doctrine

While the Chapter does adhere to the Codex Astartes for the most part, they have been known to try and think outside the book; for example, deep striking is a key part of the Chapter's combat doctrine, and it mainly consists of deploying melee squads with ranged support from Fire Support squads, Aggressors and Intercessors. This is seen extensively in the second and third companies, both companies often deploy in formations that have the Close Support squads go in first with heavy support from the Hellblasters, followed by the Intercessors then the Aggressors and Eradicators.

The Diamond Knights make heavy use of Close Quarters Actions ranging from using the high amount of Close Support squads to unleash fury from the sky and break the enemy line and negating cover; to boarding and purge a Space Hulk from the stars should they encounter one and boarding an enemy vessel during void combat in order to kill their foes face to face. The addition of the Vanguard Space Marines has provided the Knights with new ways to bring the Emperor's Wrath down upon His foes. Due to the fact that the Diamond Knights are larger than most Ultramarine Successor Chapters, they have been known to simply use their large numbers to overwhelm the foe, this involves their armoured support such as Gladiator tanks moving into establish a perimeter; followed closely by the company Dreadnoughts and then the rest of the company acting in lieu of a Deep Strike formation.

## Chapter Culture

The Diamonds Knights culture is centered around a code of honour that was put into play at the Chapter's founding. This code dictates that a Battle-brother is to refrain from acts that are deemed as dishonourable, for example abandoning civilians to die when such a disaster can be avoided. The code also forbids the Chapter from refusing calls for aid from fellow Imperial assets, the only exceptions to this is if members of the Chapter are either pre-occupied with an engagement or are not close enough to respond in time.

One of the few exceptions to this code is the Vanguard Space Marines use of stealth and guerrilla tactics. It is also not unheard of for members of the Chapter to bear wargear that has the Iconography of the Ultramarines upon it, these items were either gifts from the Ultramarines or were forged that way so the Knights can honour their progenitor Chapter while in battle.

## Chapter Recruitment

The Diamond Knights primarily recruit from worlds within the Aetius Sector of the Ultima Segmentum which lies roughly in between Fenris and The Maelstrom. Their trials are almost identical to those of the Ultramarines. The main source of recruitment for the Chapter is the sector capital, Hive world Aetius Primus, with aspirants journeying from all over the world; to the principal voidport to await selection by the 15th company's chaplain and apothecary. When the Neophyte is recruited into the Chapter, he is taught the Chapter's code of honour and that honour is a quintessential trait of a Space Marine; and that if a Space Marine dies in service to the Imperium and with his honour intact then his life has had true meaning.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

Being both Primaris Marines and descendants of the Ultramarines, the Diamond Knights gene-seed is very stable and shows little signs of mutations.

## Notable Diamond Knights

### Awoken

* **Lord Commander Marcus Lucullus**: Founder and Chapter Master of the Diamond Knights. Despite the chapter's recent founding, Marcus has seen more than his fair share of combat; he sets a fine example of leadership in these dark times. Marcus is more hands on then the average Chapter Master, at times choosing to lead from the front. Marcus was born on Macragge itself and always dreamed of being a Space Marine as a child, he had been hoping that he would one day be counted among the ranks of the Ultramarines. However, to his own surprise he was selected to be part of Archmagos Cawl's Primaris project. Like all awoken Primaris he was placed in cold storage for ten thousand years only to be awakened by order of Roboute Guilliman. During the Indomitus Crusade Marcus rose quickly through the ranks of the Unnumbered Sons and eventually (much to his own surprise) was granted the rank of Chapter Master. While he was disappointed that he would not be part of the Ultramarines he was honoured to be chosen to create a new Chapter of his fellow Primaris of his Primarch's gene-line.
* **Commander Atreus**: Commander of the second company and second-in-command of the chapter. Although young for his role, Atreus has already garnered a reputation as a feared and fearless warrior. Atreus has also known to display a vicious streak of arrogance, often reveling in the belief that he is the obvious choice to succeed Marcus as Lord Commander. He also finds the Vanguard Space Marines of the Chapter dishonourable and cowardly, as such he is reluctant to condone their actions (with the exception of Suppressors). Despite his arrogance, Atreus still abides by the Chapter's code of honour and is fiercely loyal to his Chapter and Battle-brothers.
* **Commander Marius**: Commander of the third company. He gained notoriety as a Lieutenant in the Unnumbered Sons during the Indomitus Crusade, having been recruited into the Primaris Marines from Mars; as result of being from Mars, Marius has the tendency of referring to the Emperor as the Omnissiah. He would later be among the first to join Lord Commander Lucullus in building the Diamond Knights and has since gone on to lead the third company to many victories.
* **Commander Rhesus**: Commander of the fourth company and Master of the Fleet. Rhesus is one of the many Terran born members of the Chapter, he is a stern yet compassionate leader never willing to needlessly sacrifice the lives of civilians or his battle-brothers.
* **Bishop Cotys**: Master of Sanctity and chief adviser to Lord Commander Lucullus. Known for his piety towards the Emperor and his hatred to any and all enemies of Mankind, even former enemies. He is also the Chapter's foremost expert on Xenos artefacts.
* **Loremaster Dorian**: Chief Librarian and arguably the oldest of the Diamond Knights in terms of physical age. Dorian takes the name of his title very seriously and has gone out of his way to seek any lore possible; from painstakingly recording every moment possible in the Chapter's history to acquiring knowledge of enemies of the Imperium to gathering knowledge of other Astartes Chapters.
* **Chaplain Lukos**: Chaplain of the third company and a Champion of the Chapter in his own right. Began his service to the Imperium as a Judiciar in the Unnumbered Sons, he was elevated to full Chaplain when the Chapter was founded at Bishop Cotys' recommendation. Many of the Chapter's indoctrinated battle-brothers have come to idolise Lukos and consider him to be the Chapter's greatest warrior. Lukos is also known for having a dry sense of humour and for having stubbornness to rival that of a Son of Dorn. He also is known for being somewhat dead pan only really showing emotion, either when in combat or when he's boosting morale. Ironically while there are those that believe a Chaplain should at least have some reverence to the Emperor as a God, Lukos does not. He believes that the role of a Chaplain is purely to raise the morale Astartes and mortals alike and inspire them to achieve victory. In fact, Lukos is a borderline atheist in every sense of the word, he acknowledges the Emperor as the Master of Mankind and creator of the Adeptus Astartes; and believes that the so-called 'Gods of Chaos' are merely the most powerful creatures of the Warp nothing more.
* **Chiron**: Master of the Forge and arguably one of the greatest Primaris Techmarines to ever be trained by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Chiron was born on Mars, he initially joined the Mechanicus as an acolyte with the intention of becoming a tech-priest, before he caught the attention of Archmagos Cawl. As a Mars born Primaris, Chiron still has the tendency to practice Mars custom and traditions, such as showing immense reverence to the Emperor in his aspect as the Omnissiah and showing great interest in ancient technology. Chiron also has the tendency to unnerve almost all non-Astartes he encounters, due to his habit of standing and starring like a statue.
* **Krios**: Chief Apothecary and arguably the second oldest of the Diamond Knights in terms of physical age. He is the Chapter's foremost expert in biology, which ranges from Astartes, Human and Xenos, a trait that he has passed onto the other Apothecaries of the Chapter. He has on a few occasions sought the chance to study Daemon biology but the opportunity to do so has never arisen.

## Chapter Fleet

As a fleet-based chapter, the Diamond Knights naturally boast a fleet larger than most Chapters who call a world "home".

### Battle Barges

* ***Pure Diamond***: The Chapter "flagship" is a battle barge of no standard design and often mistaken by outsiders as the Knights' fortress-monastery, though is more than capable to assume that role should the occasion call for it. The ship is currently commanded by Commander Rhesus and was used to ferry him and his strike force to Ultramar to aid in the defense.

* ***Flawless Gem***

* ***Precious Stone***

* ***Black Diamond***: Venerable Battle-barge, currently attached to the 3rd Company.

* ***Diamond Crusader***

* ***Primarch's Wrath***

### Strike Cruisers

* ***Daedalus***

* ***Broadsword***

* ***Claymore***

* ***Invictus***

* ***Chimera***

* ***Judicator***

* ***Pious Seeker***

* ***Apostle of Truth***

* ***Pilgrim***

* ***Excalibur***

* ***Vigilant Knight***

* ***Javelin***

* ***Cuirass***

## Chapter Relics

***The Red Diamond***: A red-bladed Master-Crafted Power Sword, said to be forged in the volcanic foundries of Mars itself. This great weapon was gifted by Chapter Master Calgar upon the Diamond Knights founding. The sword is currently wielded by Lord Commander Lucullus and is the Lord Commander's badge of office.

***Unbreakable:*** A suit of Artificer crafted Tactical Dreadnought Armour currently worn by Lord Commander Lucullus.

***Severance**:* The Master-Crafted Power Sword of Commander Marius, said to possess a phenomenally sharp blade that is capable of severing a Bloodthirster's head, whether this is true or not Marius cannot say as he has never had the chance to try.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Diamond Knights primarily wear black coloured power armour with yellow on the shoulder pauldron trim. The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest guard is also yellow in colour. The Chapter's Librarians, Apothecaries and Techmarines also wear black armour; although they wear helmets and/or bear shoulder trims in the colours of the department, (e.g., Techmarines have red, and Librarians have blue). Company assignments are displayed as high gothic numerals either on the left knee or within the squad specialty symbol.

### Chapter Badge

The Diamond Knights Chapter badge is a stylized red coloured lozenge (diamond) centered upon a field of black.

## Chapter Relations

### Allies

#### Aetius Conclave

A recently formed Inquisitorial Conclave based in the Aetius Sector, as the Diamond Knights use the Sector as their primary recruiting grounds; they have been known to work closely with the Conclave and at times have temporarily loaned a number of marines to an Inquisitor's retinue.

#### Battlefleet Aetius

A colossal fleet of the Imperial Navy charged with defending the Aetius sector.

#### Aetius Armoured Infantry

The Imperial Guard Regiments risen from the Aetius Sector, they work closely with the Diamond Knights as both have a mandate to defend the Aetius Sector from attack, and some of their numbers have found pride that their sons and brothers are counted among the Knights.

#### Ultramarines and Successor Chapters

The Diamonds Knights maintain a strong alliance with both the Ultramarines and their fellow successor chapters, believing that the sons of the restored Primarch need be united now more than ever.

#### Epsilon Tempests

Of all the Chapters that are descended from the gene-stock of Guilliman, the Diamond Knights share a particularly strong bond with the Epsilon Tempests. Many of the Knights have often spoken highly of the skill and honour that the sons of the Epsilon Holds have displayed. Commander Alexios of the 5th company in particular has spoken quite highly of Chapter Master Vingoce, having fought at his side many times during the Indomitus Crusade. Both Chapters also share the honouring of the progenitor chapters in common, both also believe in the unity of the sons of Guilliman, especially during a divided Imperium.

### Enemies

#### Emperor's Children

The Diamond Knights consider the Emperor's Children to be a major enemy among the forces of Chaos. In part because they defile the Emperor's name and in part because of what Fulgrim did to Guilliman during the Battle of Thessala.

#### Death Guard and Nurgle Warbands

The Diamond Knights have an undying hatred for the Death Guard and all Chaos Warbands that follow the teachings of Nurgle. Having witnessed what said traitors are capable of, the Knights have been known to actively hunt the servants of Nurgle; and have sworn to see the Daemon Primarch Mortarian dead for his actions over the millennia.

#### Word Bearers

The Word Bearers are a natural enemy of the Diamond Knights, given the history between the Sons of Lorgar and the Ultramarines.

#### The Immortal Brethren

A large Chaos Warband that has recently invaded the Aetius Sector. Not much is known about these traitors other than their obvious servitude to Nurgle.

## By the Diamond Knights

"*We are the bastions of Aetius. We are Sons of the Primarch. Our bond is stronger than Diamond. Yet Diamond shall our symbol be. We are Knights of the Imperium. Defenders of those loyal to the Golden Throne, bane of those who serve the Daemons who call themselves 'Gods'. We shall not fail in our task, to guard our fellow Imperials. For thousands of years, we laid dormant, for hundreds more shall we serve. Let our enemies come, be they traitor or xenos it matters not. On this day let us make our proclamation, let us tell the Imperium of Man; the greatest empire there ever is, ever was and ever shall be, that we shall never tire in this duty. WE ARE THE DIAMOND KNIGHTS; WE STAND TOGETHER AND WE SHALL NEVER FALTER!*"

— Lord Commander Marcus Lucullus, declaring the creation of the Diamond Knights

## Trivia

Full credit for the art used on this page and appreciation for proofreading this page goes to Algrim Whitefang

[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]