Atlas

Leader Atlas

Leader **Atlas** is the current commander of the Anthropos, the veteran Astartes of the Nemean Lions chosen for the honour of wearing the ancient suits of Indomitus pattern Terminator armour. Due to a strange quirk of tradition and myth the members of the Anthropos and their leader Atlas are not recorded by their own names, but rather by the names of the original wearer. As such the Captain of the Anthropos has and always will be Atlas, regardless of who the current wearer is.

## Background

The first Atlas was a son of one of the original retinue of Kajama and beloved by the entire Chapter. Deeply traditional, he weaved the mythology of Caelus with the deeds of the new Chapter, combining myths of ancient warriors with the battles of the Astartes. Despite his own, nearly unmatched prowess, Atlas cheered on the others and made each warrior a hero in his tales.

It was no surprise that Shaka entrusted Atlas with the Dreadnought armoured Terminators, which Atlas made his own. Calling them the Anthropos and drafting their tactica, the name derived from a mythological military force who supposedly first united the tribes of Caelus.

Though the modern Anthropos had fought battles before, their first true challenge would be cleansing Space Hulk Dominatus Felix Titanicus. Ambulls and warp monsters dominated the irradiated and warp tainted vessel, as well as far more dangerous Tyranid monstrosities. It was while battling these that the Indomitable Atlas was mortally wounded. His squad was cut off, the battle desperate and all hope seemed lost. Atlas recounted a myth in his death throes of a great king killed before a climatic battle, who’s brother had taken up his battle mask and led the king's army to victory. The squad understood and when the survivors regrouped with the rest of the Anthropos, Atlas was amongst them, reborn.
Ever since the battle of the space hulk all Anthropos have respected the legacy of Atlas by taking the name of the suit's first wearer, and as such each is immortal.
The latest Atlas lives up to the name, having earned distinction in the defence of the Cadian system and fighting in the Indomitus Crusade which saw the Aeaean Cluster liberated.

## Personality

Like each bearer of the name before him, Atlas is a story teller and myth spinner, even mundane battles are woven into glorious tales of heroic duels and sacrifice. The current Atlas is quiet and circumspect outside of battle and song, seemingly coming to life when called upon for these duties. In battle Atlas roars defiance at foes and sings the death prayer of Caelus as he sends his enemies to join the spirits.

## Appearance

Atlas possesses the dark skin, black hair, and brown eyes that are typical to the people of Caelus Prime. Like all of the warriors of Caelus, he bears ritual tattoos on his face and body that display his status and history. Atlas wears a suit of battle scarred Indomitus pattern Terminator armour in battle, draped with the pelts of both his and former owners hunts. When not in his armour he wears a lion mask which obscures his face at all times in the company of his brothers, as is traditional of those who have joined the Anthropos.

## Wargear

* **Sword of Atlas** - Likely as old as the suit it accompanies, this power sword is an extremely large blade. Only the mighty strength of a Terminator could wield such a heavy sword, making it brutally effective in the close quarter brawls that Atlas favours.
* **Tactical Dreadnought Armour** - This ancient suit of Indomitus pattern armour bears the scars of a thousand battles, a testament to the bravery of the wearers. The current Atlas has added several of his pelts to the suit, across the chest, right pauldron and left greave.