vizn3r/warhammer40k-lore huggingface dataset:
Cadian Shock Troops - Spinward Front: Because of the sheer quantity of Cadian regiments produced, thousands of them are sent to warzones across the galaxy at any one time, with generals overseeing warzones across the Segmentum constantly requesting additional forces from the reserve, to fight alongside those mustered locally. However, the bureaucracy of the Departmento Munitorum, and the sheer quantity of warzones that exist in a region as large as the Segmentum Obscurus, mean that such requests are seldom approved.Still, the requests made by Lord Sector Marius Hax of the Calixis Sector for more Cadian regiments to prosecute the conflict in his sector's Spinward Front were agreed to. With the Calixis, Scarus, and Ixaniad Sectors already heavily taxed by supporting distant conflicts, notably the grand and costly Margin Crusade (which treasonous rumours suggest may have been diverted to another region of the galaxy altogether), the need for other forces to prosecute a war closer to home was acute.Due to this dearth of locally available forces, and some measure of distrust of locally-raised forces amongst Lord Hax's court on Scintilla, the bulk of the Spinward Front's forces are drawn from the Segmentum Obscurus reserve and other non-local sources, with a significant number of Cadian regiments amongst them, and a slow trickle of reinforcements from Cadia to replace some of those lost each Terran year.Cadian regiments of all kinds have served on most worlds in the Spinward Front, with Lord Marshal Ghanzorik employing a dozen regiments of Cadian infantry as part of the permanent defence force of Fort Drusus on Kalth. Dozens, perhaps even hundreds more serve on worlds across the Calixis Sector's Periphery Sub-sector, holding the line against Orks, Chaos raiders, Dark Eldar incursions, and rebels from the Severan Dominate.
Cadian Shock Troops - Regimental Homeworld: The entire population of Cadia is destined for a military life and the birth rate and the recruitment rate are essentially synonymous. Possessing a well-deserved reputation for being excellent shots, Cadian Shock Troopers are known for being highly disciplined and well-organised Imperial Guard soldiers. Cadian children are taught from a very young age how to field-strip, reassemble and shoot a Lasgun before they can even read or write. Cadians are also known for the manufacture of excellent military equipment for their regiments which are equipped with only the finest weapons.Cadian regiments traditionally march to war in uniforms with camouflage patterns in a manner most suited to the mixed terrain of the Cadian wilderness, though they will also don specialised gear for different environments, including frigid environment survival suits, desert environment survival suits, and even more advanced gear for combat operations in vacuum or toxic zones.The Cadian Shock Troop regiments have a special and honoured place in the history of Mankind as they long stood upon the edge of the Eye of Terror, serving as the Imperium's first line of defence against the encroachment of the forces of the Ruinous Powers. Due to its proximity to the Eye of Terror, the genome of the Cadian people deviated from the human baseline with a number of minor mutations, although the Cadians are still considered fully human by the Imperium. The most notable of these mutations is the Cadians' trademark violet irises, which provide any son or daughter of Cadia with a highly distinctive appearance.
Cadian Shock Troops - Recruitment: Upon numerous occasions the forces of Chaos have moved against Cadia, for no battlefleet of any size can rely upon other stable passages from the Eye of Terror into Imperial space, but must first pass through the Cadian Gate. Therefore, Cadia is considered one of the most strategically important planets in the galaxy. Within the depths of space, many raging battles have been fought between the warfleets of Chaos and the great starships of the Imperial Navy. But the merciless Chaos forces do not limit their intrusions to the space lanes. Raids and planetary assaults upon populated worlds within the Cadian System are commonplace. Therefore, all Cadians are expected to train in the world's Planetary Defence Forces, and a large percentage of the population is eventually drafted into the Imperial Guard, where it is considered an honour to serve. This contrasts with other worlds where the tithe of soldiers to the Guard is often greatly resented.Even before their induction, all Cadians are expected to have first served some time in the Cadian Youth Army, joining one of the Conscript Platoons, better known as the "Whiteshields," who show no regimental, company or platoon markings until they have earned the right to do so after facing their first combat test upon the battlefield. These Conscript Platoons are usually distinguished by a white stripe running from the front to back on their helmets or by some other white device. Serving in one of the Cadian Youth Army's Whiteshield platoons is considered something of a rite of passage on Cadia and the troopers are eager to show their worth and prove themselves in the crucible of war.Cadian officers are well versed in the doctrines of the Tactica Imperium and are highly lauded for their implementation of both strategy and tactics. These officers exemplify the Cadian code of discipline and self-sacrifice that all Cadians aspire to. Cadian Shock Troop regiments have a higher proportion of Veteran (Imperial Guard)|Veteran Squads]] than most Imperial Guard units due to the unequalled combat experience of the general Cadian population.Formed from the survivors of the harshest warzones, these proven warriors may receive additional training and special armaments. Only the toughest survive the punishing training regime used by Cadian Shock Troop regiments to determine which troops should receive Veteran status, but to serve in the Cadian elite is considered a great honour. Each Cadian Shock Trooper is expected to act above and beyond the call of duty, and continue the long tradition of the Cadian Shock Troops as the finest soldiers ever to serve in the Imperial Guard.
Cadian Shock Troops - Optional Wargear: Grenade Launcher - A common squad support weapon used amongst Cadian Shock Troops infantry squads is the Grenade Launcher, a weapon that launches a grenade a greater distance and with more accuracy than a Guardsman could throw it. Capable of a relatively high rate of fire, these Grenade Launchers are primarily designed for suppressive fire and to destroy light vehicles and buildings. The standard Cadian Pattern Grenade Launcher is a man-portable, drum-fed weapon that fires 40 millimetre grenades that more resemble smaller versions of the ammunition fired by Missile Launchers. A Grenade Launcher is capable of firing both Krak and Frag Grenades. The firer simply selects which he wishes to fire via a selection switch near the pistol grip handle. The Cadian Pattern Grenade Launcher can carry a load of 20 grenades and pivots forward to allow reloading. To aim the weapon, the trooper flips up a rear sight, which is notched for different ranges, and matches this up with the weapon's front quadrant sight. When preparing to pull the trigger, a trooper must first brace himself with a wide-legged stance, as the recoil from the Grenade Launcher is significant, comparable to that of a Bolter, and recoil injuries are a common occurrence amongst troopers unfamiliar with the weapon's power.Autocannons - A commonly favoured special weapon used by Cadian Shock Troop heavy support squads is the Autocannon. These automatic, self-loading cannons fire high velocity hails of solid shells a great distance. They are used to lay down a burst of suppressive fire to cover advancing troops, or strafe enemy-held positions. These weapons are considered ideally suited for attacking enemy vehicles and fortifications from long ranges. They lack the heavy punch of a Lascannon, but can fire more shots and are less prone to overheating, though the need to carry large amounts of ammunition is a distinct disadvantage. This heavy weapon is capable of eliminating heavily armoured infantry or light vehicles, and are employed by Cadian Shock Troops fire support teams due to their versatility. Though Autocannons are designed to be fired from a standard pattern bipod configuration, in extreme situations, it is not unknown for some of the stronger troopers to carry them into battle slung from suspensor harnesses -- though this "gung-ho" method of firing is unusual and is generally not encouraged.
Cadian Shock Troops - Regimental Markings: Upon enlistment, Cadian Shock Trooper squads are issued a unique three-digit squad number. Command squads are issued a two-digit number with a central skull motif. Numbers beginning with one or two zeroes are normally reserved for Kasrkin squads or special veteran squads formed from survivors of other squads.
Cadian Shock Troops - Artillery Regiments: 781st Cadian Artillery - The 781st Cadian Artillery Regiment has been seconded to the 92nd Cadian infantry regiment to provide needed fire support.
Cadian Shock Troops - Sources: Battlezone: Cityfight, "Lords of the Night" by Pete Haines, pp. 33-48Cadian Blood (Novel) by Aaron Dembski-BowdenCadia Stands (Novel) by Justin D. Hill, Part 4, Chs. 2-8Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition), pg. 32Codex: Eye of Terror (3rd Edition), pp. 5-6, 12, 37-41Codex: Astra Militarum (6th Edition) (Digital Edition), "Regiments of Distinction - Cadian Shock Troops"Codex: Astra Militarum (8th Edition), pp. 18-19, 29Codex: Astra Militarum (9th Edition), pp. 12, 19Codex: Imperial Guard (2nd Edition), pp. 11-12, 38Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd, 2nd Codex), pp. 10-16, 19-20, 22-23, 26-32, 50-51Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition), pp. 14, 22-25, 27, 38Crusade (Novella) by Andy Clark, Chs. 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, EpilogueDawn of War: Tempest (Novel) by C.S. GotoDawn of War: Winter Assault (Game)Gunheads (Novel) by Steve LyonsImperial Armour Volume One, pp. 64, 71, 94, 102, 109, 115, 168, 180, 196, 259Imperial Armour Volume Three - The Taros Campaign, pg. 265Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project, pp. 138-139Imperial Armour Volume Eleven - The Doom of Mymeara, pp. 78-81Imperial Munitorum Manual, pp. 16-18, 71, 74Iron Hands (Novel) by Jonathan GreenLet the Galaxy Burn (Anthology), "Defixio" by Ben CounterOnly War: Core Rulebook (RPG), pp. 42-43Only War: Hammer of the Emperor (RPG), pg. 62Rebirth (Novel) by Nick KymeThirteenth Black Crusade (Background Book), pg. 91Warhammer 40,000: Apocalypse, pg. 103Warhammer 40,000: Planetstrike, pg. 57Warhammer 40,000: Rulebook (5th Edition), pg. 128Words of Blood (Anthology), "Defixio" by Ben CounterWhite Dwarf 124 (DE) "The Generals Project - Part One"White Dwarf 125 (DE) "The Generals Project - Part Two"White Dwarf 126 (DE) "The Generals Project - Part Three"White Dwarf 240 (US), "Glorious Battles of the Imperial Guard, Part 2 - The Defense of Cobalt Valley" by Gav Thorpe, pg. 94Third War for Armageddon Worldwide Campaign - Forces Disposition, Imperial Forces: Cadian Shock Troops
Cadre - Types of Cadres: Below is an example of a T'au Fire Caste Hunter Contigent which is a combined arms contingent making use of many different types of cadres. It is an exceelent example of the sheer tactical flexibility granted to the T'au by the Fire Caste's cadre system.Hunter Contingent 	 	 	 		 			 		 		 		 	 The Hunter Contingent is designed to be the most versatile template by which large Fire Caste forces can be assembled. Such a formation exhibits the strategic balance to face any threat.CommandHunter Cadre 	 	 	 		 			 		 		 		 	 Large forces, such as units of contingent size or larger, will always include at least one Ethereal who acts as the overall, strategic force commander.A Hunter Cadre is a combined arms group, fielding infantry, battlesuits and gunships together under a T'au Commander.Cadre TypesA contingent -- or tio've -- is a grouping of cadres, normally three to six in number and assembled to prosecute a specific battle or achieve a particular objective. Such large forces will always include at least one Ethereal, who is there to observe proceedings and offer guidance to the T'au Commander.Optimised Stealth CadreFire Support CadreAllied AuxiliariesXV25 Stealthsuit TeamsXV95 Ghostkeel BattlesuitFire Support Cadres are used to assault vulnerable points in enemy lines.2 XV88 Broadside Battlesuits1 XV104 Riptide BattlesuitKroot mercenaries, Vespid Stingwings, Gue'vesa unitsInfiltration CadreHeavy Retribution CadreAir Caste Support WingUtilised for reconnaissance in force, this Cadre's Pathfinders, Sniper Drone Teams and Piranha engage the foe with guerrilla tactics while calling down strikes on key strategic targets.Pathfinder TeamsStealthsuit TeamsSupported by Sniper DronesPiranhas (Reconnaissance)Used to annihilate the most stalwart of enemies.2 KV128 StormsurgesXV95 Ghostkeel Battlesuit 	 	<a href="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/3f/TauAirCasteSigil.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200818075513" class="image"><img alt="TauAirCasteSigil" src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/3f/TauAirCasteSigil.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/110?cb=20200818075513" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="110" height="85" class="thumbimage" data-image-name="TauAirCasteSigil.jpg" data-image-key="TauAirCasteSigil.jpg" data-relevant="1" data-src="https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/warhammer40k/images/3/3f/TauAirCasteSigil.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/110?cb=20200818075513" /></a>Other Cadre TypesRanged Support CadrePiranha Firestream WingSkysweep Missile DefenceDrone Net VX1-0Riptide Wing
Cadre Fireblade - Cadre Fireblade: A Cadre Fireblade, also simply called a Fireblade, and a shas'nel in the T'au Lexicon, is the most grizzled and seasoned T'au Fire Warrior of a Hunter Cadre, whose extraordinary skill at the Fire Warrior's art of battle leads them to eschew T'au Battlesuit technology and remain as a leader of the T'au Empire's infantry forces.Cadre Fireblades are excellent field leaders and their long experience at war has taught them exactly where to place shots to maximise damage, and fire with pinpoint accuracy. It is on the firing line that Cadre Fireblades really come into their own. There, they radiate a steadying calm, directing their Fire Warriors to maintain accurate fire no matter the circumstances, instilling each T'au trooper with the precision and efficiency that is the hallmark of thousands of Terran years of martial training.Whether breaking the impetus of an advancing horde of Greenskins or seeking to bring down the heavily armoured Space Marines of the Imperium, no one knows a Fire Warrior's strength better than a Cadre Fireblade. A Cadre Fireblade will always extol a focus upon what they believe to be the Tau's primary military strength -- overwhelming infantry firepower! Theirs is the ability to drive and direct Fire Warriors as they pour volley after volley of merciless pulse fire onto the target.Experts in the standard Fire Caste tactical doctrine as laid down in the Code of Fire, Cadre Fireblades will also instruct all warriors nearby to fight closely together, with each member of a team doing their utmost to protect not just their comrades, but also nearby teams in their cadre. All teams then provide mutual support on the battlefield when the enemy launches a major assault, helping to annihilate the foe with mutually reinforcing fields of overlapping firepower.
Cadre Fireblade - Rank Progression: Cadre Fireblades were once Fire Warrior troopers like any other in the Hunter Cadre, and as they gained experience, they rose to become shas'ui -- Fire Caste veterans and squad leaders. Whereas most of these seasoned leaders eventually choose the great honour of donning a battlesuit, there are a few who instead prefer to remain amongst the infantry with the Fire Warriors. For some Fireblades, this is a practical realisation that the tactical versatility required by Crisis or Stealth Teams eludes them; for others, it is simply a preference to remain squarely situated with the heart of any T'au gunline.The military path that takes a T'au soldier to become a Cadre Fireblade means that they will never rise to the rank of shas'o -- they are limited to a level just beneath that of shas'el. Nor does the title carry with it the élan associated with those who pilot a battlesuit. Nonetheless, a Cadre Fireblade, or shas'nel in the T'au Lexicon, is a highly respected role -- not least because of their willingness to forgo prestige.The constant drilling and workman-like efficiency of a Cadre Fireblade is, to the T'au, a willing embrace of their most central societal philosophy, the Tau'va -- the Greater Good.
Cadre Fireblade - Wargear: Cadre Fireblades are most commonly found armed with a Pulse Rifle as their primary weapon, along with an attached Marker Light designator.Cadre Fireblades carry Photon Grenades as standard weapons to help them in repelling attacking foes, and they are armoured in elaborately designed Fire Warrior Combat Armour.Cadre Fireblades will also often be found holding a Bonding Knife, symbolising the ritual of Ta'lissera that they have undergone to bond with the Fire Warriors of their cadre. Up to two T'au Drones, which can be Gun Drones, Shield Drones, or Marker Drones, are sometimes found accompanying Cadre Fireblades into combat.
Caducades Sea - Caducades Sea: The Caducades Sea was a vast and tumultuous body of water that was located on the former Fortress World of Cadia.Its various islets were utilised by the Cadians in a ritual known as the "Month of Making," where pre-pubescent boys would be left naked to survive the harsh weather, one of the first steps in forging them into superlative soldiers.The region was also inhabited by a large seabird known as the Caducades sea eagle, the symbol of which was branded onto the necks of every Kasrkin, marking them out as members of the Cadian elite.
Caedere Squad - Caedere Squad: The Caedere or "Butchers" were specialised shock assault units within the ranks of the World Eaters Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras in the late 30th and early 31st Millennia.They were formed from the most savage and bloodthirsty warriors in the XIIth Legion, all of whom had undergone prohibited psycho-surgery and now possessed the forbidden cortical implants known as the Butcher's Nails.But the Caedere had a distinct difference that set them apart from their berzerk brethren, for they were nearly uncontrollable away from the field of battle.
Caedere Squad - Wargear: Power ArmourBolt PistolChainaxeFrag GrenadesKrak Grenades
Caedere Squad - Optional Wargear: Heavy ChainswordCaedere Weapons - Based upon the ritual weapons of the cyber-augmetic gladiators of the savage world of Nuceria on which their bloody-handed Primarch was once cast, it was Angron himself who revived the use of the Caedere among his Legion's ranks. Brutal and difficult to master, the weapons of the Caedere remain largely the preserve of the Rampagers, the World Eaters who have responded the best to the addition of the cranial berserker implants which are a hallmark of the Legion, and its champions. The Caedere Weapons include the following:Meteor HammerExcoriator ChainaxeTwin Falx BladesBarb-hook LashJump Pack
Caedere Squad - Optional Wargear (Rampager Champion Only): Artificer ArmourPlasma PistolPower Weapon (Any type)Lightning ClawPower Fist
Caedere Squad - Dedicated Transport: A Caedere Squad consisting of ten Legionaries or fewer and not equipped with Jump Packs often used a Land Raider Phobos as a dedicated transport.
Caedere Weapon - Caedere Weapon: A Caedere Weapon was one of four types of close combat weapon used by the Astartes of the World Eaters Legion during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy eras.Based upon the ritual weapons of the cyber-augmetic gladiators of the savage world of Nuceria upon which their bloody-handed primarch was cast to through the Warp, it was Angron himself who revived the use of the Caedere among his Legion's ranks.Brutal and difficult to master, the weapons of the Caedere remain largely the preserve of the Rampagers -- those World Eaters who responded best to the addition of the Butcher's Nails cranial implants which were a hallmark of the Legion and its champions.
Caedere Weapon - Meteor Hammer: This ancient weapon consists at its most basic level of one heavy, spiked weight connected by a chain. It belongs to the broader classes of flail and chain weapons.The primary advantage for using a meteor hammer is its sheer speed. Using a meteor hammer involves swinging it around the body to build up considerable speed before releasing the meteor to strike at any angle.The large weighted head can be used offensively as well as defence, allowing its wielder to parry attacks or ensnaring an opponent's weapon to disarm them. When used by a skilled fighter, its speed, accuracy and unpredictability make it a difficult weapon to defend against.While being swung, a meteor hammer may be wrapped around its user's arms, legs, torso, neck or waist, before being unwrapped by a powerful jerk of the body to deliver a devastating and swift blow. A master is fully capable of striking, ensnaring or strangling from a distance.
Caedere Weapon - Excoriator Chainaxe: Always a favoured weapon of the World Eaters, this variant chainaxe is an obscenely large double-handed chain weapon. Huge in size and weight, only the strongest warriors are able to brandish this weapon.The chassis houses a mounted chain assembly of ancient Nucerian design, making it a much more powerful pattern of chainaxe than the average pattern. In addition, the weapon draws upon the additional mechanical support provided by a Legionary's power armour to drive this massive chainaxe's bulk at greater speeds.Also, its longer haft is designed to be swung in wide swathes. Such is the power of this fearsome weapon that little can stand against it, and enemies fall apart like kindling when struck.The Excoriator Chainaxe is fully capable of bisecting even an armoured Space Marine in a single stroke of its gargantuan axe-head. It can also slice through walls and even damaged light armoured vehicles.
Caedere Weapon - Twin Falx Blades: This deadly weapon takes the form of a medium-sized sword, whose curved blade is extremely sharp on the inside edge. A one-handed weapon, these blades are always wielded in pairs. The blades are sharpened only on the inside, making it devastatingly effective in close-quarters melee combat.The length of the falx allows it to be wielded with great force, the point piercing an enemy's helmet and the blade splitting shields. Wielded by a skilled warrior, it is said these formidable weapons are capable of splitting a shield in two at a single blow.Alternatively, these weapons are able to be used as a sort of hook, pulling away shields and cutting at vulnerable limbs, or striking the edge of a strong shield.The inward curving point is still able to pierce the armour or flesh of the target behind their shield, rendering even the most reinforced shields much less effective against a falx wielder. These blades are described as leaving large gaping wounds, incapacitating the majority of victims.The falx are most efficient when targetting the head, shoulders, legs and especially the right (sword) arm, which is generally exposed.The handguards of these swords work as a "knuckle duster" and is reinforced to take the force of a full-power straight punch to an unyielding target at close-quarters, without collapsing the guard on the hand of the user. It also is usually studded or "toothed" on the outside radius to enhance the effect of the blow.
Caedere Weapon - Barb-Hook Lash: This ancient Nucerian gladiatoral weapon is very similar to the meteor hammer, falling into the broader classes of flail or chain weapons. This weapon consists of a large surmounted spear-like head with a pair of deadly barb-hooks, that curves towards the wielder, attached to a long chain.Using a barb-hook lash involves swinging it around the body to build up considerable speed before releasing the barb-hook to strike at any angle. The large spear-like head with its pair of backwards curved barb-hooks, could easily catch an opponent's armour or weapon.With a powerful jerk of the body, the wielder could dislodge portions of their enemy's armour or completely disarm them, leaving them weaponless and at their mercy. Utilised by a skilled warrior, this weapon could also be used to decapitate limbs or even impale an enemy, given sufficient speed and application of force.
Caestus Assault Ram - Caestus Assault Ram: The Caestus Assault Ram is one of several types of assault rams used by the Imperium of Man. Assault rams are used for boarding actions during void battles and are capable of quickly placing boarding parties directly aboard enemy spacecraft.The Caestus Assault Ram is the most common assault ram used by the Adeptus Astartes, due to the craft's high speed and phenomenal durability, which makes it highly prized by many Space Marine Chapters.The Caestus Assault Ram is smaller than the Thunderhawk gunship but is larger than the Shark Assault Boat, allowing more Space Marines to be safely deployed into enemy vessels.The craft can safely transport up to 10 fully armoured Space Marines into combat, wearing either Power Armour, Artificer Armour, or Terminator Armour.The Caestus was originally designed for ship-to-ship boarding actions in the void of space, yet the revolutionary anti-gravitic technology discovered by the Technoarcheologist Arkhan Land enabled the craft to be fitted with high powered anti-gravitic plating, allowing it to be used in high-velocity orbital operations, as well as operate as a heavy battle skimmer once it reaches the ground and deploys it cargo of Space Marines.The Caestus is a common sight on-board the ships of fleet-based Chapters, who spend much of their time fighting against enemy starships, boarding Space Hulks, or attacking enemy void stations or asteroid bases.
Caestus Assault Ram - History: This honoured war machine has been in service as a ship-to-ship boarding vessel since the dim and distant Great Crusade, one of many different patterns used by the fleets of the Adeptus Astartes and the Imperial Navy.As a result of the seminal discoveries made by the acclaimed machine-arcanist Arkhan Land in the lost vaults beneath the Martian wastes, the Caestus was fitted with an array of anti-gravitic projection nodes that allowed it to operate within the gravitational field of a planet or similar sized body.This adaptation turned the venerable design of the Caestus from a pure spacecraft limited to operations in the cold depths of the void in high velocity direct orbital attacks to one capable of operating as a battle skimmer in support of ground operations when called on to do so.This allowed the Caestus to assault the most formidable of fortifications on a planet's surface, making it a vital weapon in the arsenal of many Space Marine Legions. In the current late 41st Millennium the Caestus Assault Ram continues to prove its worth as a valuable component of many fleet-based Chapters.
Caestus Assault Ram - Construction: The Caestus Assault Ram, like most other assault rams used in ship-to-ship boarding actions during void combat, was designed for one purpose: to cross the void of space between two voidships at extreme speed and collide directly with the enemy vessel. The ram would completely puncture through the enemy vessel's hull and burrow into its superstructure, where it would unleash its payload of Astartes warriors to wreak havoc inside of the enemy craft.These missions are highly dangerous, as a single hit from an enemy heavy starship weapon can completely destroy most small spacecraft, an outcome that would prove grievous for Astartes, as they will be unable to retrieve the precious gene-seed of the fallen.The Caestus is one of the most well-armoured assault rams in the Imperium, yet it sacrifices little of its speed. The craft's front, which will bear most of the enemy's fire, is heavily armoured and protected with a heavy superstructure that is buttressed by inertial recoil compensation systems.These systems include a near-unique Misericordia system that is designed to interlock with Space Marine Power Armour or Terminator Armour, protecting a full squad complement aboard from any impact short of those that would destroy the craft itself.These systems, combined with the craft's high speed and extremely durable armour allow the Caestus to deliver a full squad of Space Marines right into the bowels of an enemy starship without casualty.With its anti-gravitic capability, the craft is also capable of directly deploying Astartes into the heart of a battle and then lending heavy support as if it were a heavily-armoured skimmer.
Caestus Assault Ram - Armament: The Caestus Assault Ram is equipped with a forward-firing heavy Melta Weapon known as a Magna-Melta.This weapon is used to weaken the hull armour of an enemy ship or fortification wall before the craft's armoured prow crashes through the weakened area, creating a breach through which its complement of Space Marines can immediately deploy and advance.When the Caestus is used as a heavy skimmer during ground combat this weapon is extremely effective at close-range against enemy tanks and bunkers. Many Space Marine Chapters also equip their Caestus Assault Rams with twin-linked Firefury Missile Launchers, one launcher on each of its stabiliser wings. These weapons fire all of their missiles at once, completely saturating the area with a massive amount of firepower, which allows the assault ram to touch down and deploy its cargo of Astartes before the enemy can retaliate.The Caestus Assault Ram can be upgraded with several enhancements, including Frag Assault Launchers and a Teleport Homer. When a Caestus Assault Ram is upgraded with a Teleport Homer the craft can allow additional forces to be teleported to its location, which can greatly speed up the process of taking over or destroying an enemy starship or teleporting Terminators into a breach created during a ground conflict.During the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras of the late 30th and early 31st Millennia, the Caestus Assault Ram could also be outfitted with an auxiliary drive system and a Machine Spirit, and armed with wing-mounted twin-linked Havoc Missile Launchers instead of the Firefury Missile Launchers found on the newer craft.
Caestus Assault Ram - Unit Composition: 1 Caestus Assault Ram (41st Millennium Only)1 Legion Caestus Assault Ram (31st Millennium Only)
Caestus Assault Ram - Wargear: A standard Caestus Assault Ram is armed and equipped with:Caestus Ram - The front prow of the Caestus is protected with heavy armour and augmented with field generators, allowing the vessel to purposely smash itself into vehicles, buildings and even starships and survive.Twin-linked Magna-MeltasTwo Firefury Missile BatteriesMachine Spirit (Artificial Intelligence)
Caestus Assault Ram - Horus Heresy Wargear: During the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy the Caestus Assault Rams of the Legiones Astartes featured different weapon loadout options than those still found during the 41st Millennium.A standard Legion Caestus Assault Ram is armed and equipped with:Caestus Ram - The front prow of the Caestus is protected with heavy armour and augmented with field generators, allowing the vessel to purposely smash itself into vehicles, buildings and even starships and survive.Twin-linked Magna-MeltasTwo Havoc Missile LaunchersMachine Spirit (Artificial Intelligence)Extra Armour PlatingArmoured Ceramite PlatingA Legion Caestus Assault Ram may replace its 2 wing-mounted Havoc Missile Launchers with the following weapons:2 Missile LaunchersA Legion Caestus Assault Ram that is armed wit 2 wing-mounted Missile Launchers may be outfitted with the following munitions:Frag MissilesKrak MissilesA Legion Caestus Assault Ram may be outfitted with any of the following vehicle equipment:Frag Assault LaunchersAuxiliary Drive System
Caestus Assault Ram - Dragonfire Assault Wing: First recorded in the Libris Apollon as being used during the later years of the Great Crusade, the Dragonfire attack pattern of the Caestus Assault Ram relied on the combined use of three Caestus Assault Rams armed with Magna-Melta weapons, and the skill of their crews to fly these craft in a tight formation while firing their weapons with precise timing to create large breaches in enemy hulls and fortifications. Few obstacles can stand before the fury of this attack pattern.
Caestus Assault Ram - Notable Users of the Caestus Assault Ram: Astral Claws - The Astral Claws Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Badab War against the Imperium.Exorcists - The Exorcists Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Badab War against the Secessionist Forces of the Tyrant of Badab.Minotaurs - The Minotaurs Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Badab War against the Secessionist Forces of the Tyrant of Badab.Salamanders - The Salamanders Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Badab War against the Secessionist Forces of the Tyrant of Badab, Lufgt Huron.Space Wolves - The Space Wolves Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Defence of Betalis III against the forces of Craftworld Mymeara.Star Phantoms - The Star Phantoms Chapter used several Caestus Assault Rams during the Badab War against the Secessionist Forces of the Tyrant of Badab.White Scars - The White Scars Chapter have also been known to make use of the Caestus Assault Rams, most notably in conjunction with the Silver Guard and Iron Snakes Chapters during the Battle for Salvation's Reach.
Caestus Assault Ram - Known Caestus Assault Rams: Amaranth Fang - The Amaranth Fang is a Caestus Assault Ram of the Salamanders Chapter that fought during the Battle of Shaprais.Burning Angel - The Burning Angel is a Caestus Assault Ram of the Exorcists Chapter that is attached to the Battle Barge Redeemer.Gore Dagger - The Gore Dagger was a Caestus Assault Ram of the Space Wolves Chapter that was destroyed during the Battle for the Karina Nebula during the defense of the Imperial Mining World of Betalis III from the forces of the Eldar Craftworld Mymeara.Sapphire Claw - The Sapphire Claw is a Caestus Assault Ram of the Astral Claws Chapter that is attached to the Battle Barge Seraph of Judgement.Secutor Crimson - This Caestus Assault Ram has been in service of the Red Hunters Space Marine Chapter for at least two millennia and possibly for far longer. The Secutor Crimson appears to have served in many Inquisition-led operations, for its hull is etched with countless battle honours. Yet, key honours have been deliberately removed while others are unknown to the Red Hunters Chapter archives. What glories go unrecorded having been expunged from the minds of the Chapter's brethren, as well as redacted from such rolls of honour as adorn the armoured flanks of the Secutor Crimson must remain unknown forever more, for the sake of the Imperium and those who shelter within it.Spectre of Death - The Spectre of Death was a Caestus Assault Ram of the Star Phantoms Space Marine Chapter that was destroyed during the Battle for the Palace of Thorns during the Fall of Badab Primaris.
Caestus Assault Ram - Adeptus Mechanicus Technical Specifications: Caestus Assault RamVehicle Name:Caestus Assault RamMain Armament:Dual-mounted Haephestus pattern magna-melta thermic cannonForge World of Origin:MarsSecondary Armament:2 x Rocket LaunchersKnown Patterns:I-XITraverse & Elevation:10 five second blastsCrew:Pilot & GunnerMain Ammunition:24 MissilesTransport Capacity:10 Space MarinesSecondary Ammunition:N/AWeight:85 TonnesLength:16.8 metresArmour:Wingspan:12.5 metresHeight:6.5 metresSuperstructure:60 millimetresOperational Ceiling:N/AHull:60 millimetresMax Speed:1,800 kph approxGun Mantlet:N/ARange:22,000 km in atmosphereVehicle Designation:5463-028-7108-AR 016Addendum:Anti-grav repellor requires Doctrina Primaris level propitiationFiring Ports:N/AAccess Points:N/ATurret:N/A
Caestus Assault Ram - Also See: Imperial Vehicles
Caestus Assault Ram - Sources: Imperial Armour Index: Forces of the Adeptus Astartes (8th Edition), pg. 37Imperial Armour Volume Two, Second Edition - War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes, pp. 142-142Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two, pp. 26, 27, 28, 82, 131, 137, 143-144, 191, 206Imperial Armour Volume Eleven - The Doom of Mymeara, pg. 125Imperial Armour Aeronautica, pp. 30-31Imperial Armour Apocalypse (2nd Edition), pp. 31, 35The Horus Heresy - Book One: Betrayal (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pp. 14, 28, 223The Horus Heresy - Book Two: Massacre (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pp. 29, 85The Horus Heresy - Book Three: Extermination (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pp. 51, 61, 72-73, 76, 115, 167, 188The Horus Heresy - Book Seven: Inferno (Forge World Series) by Alan Bligh, pp. 13, 96-97The Horus Heresy: Legiones Astartes - Age of Darkness Army List pg. 71Salvation's Reach (Novel) by Dan Abnett, pg. 230
Cairn-class Tomb Ship - Cairn-class Tomb Ship: A Cairn-class Tomb Ship is the largest type of Necron starship that the Imperium of Man has encountered to date.Gigantic vessels that stretch more than fifteen kilometres across at the beam, Tomb Ships are heavily-armed with potent Necron ship-based weaponry like the Sepulchre, Lightning Arcs, Star Pulse Generators, and Particle Whips as well as smaller Gauss Weapon defence turrets.Tomb Ships are more than a match for the Imperial Navy's battleships, and often leave nothing but destruction and carnage in their wake.As with all known Necron vessels, Tomb Ships possess an unknown form of drive technology that allows the ship to undertake interstellar travel without the need to enter the Warp. The Tomb Ship's drive technology eliminates the spacecraft's momentum, allowing it to travel at extreme speeds and with extreme acceleration without suffering from relativistic limits, whilst also giving the spacecraft an agility that few other void ships can match.In truth, however, Tomb Ships, like all Necron spacecraft, primarily rely upon the use of Dolmen Gates to serve as portals into the Webway, which allows them to cross the vastness of space without resorting to the use of the Warp since the undying Necrons possess no psykers.
Cairn-class Tomb Ship - History: Fortunately for the Necrons' enemies, Tomb Ships are very rare, having been encountered only seven times by Imperial forces in the late 41st Millennium since the Necrons' reemergence from hibernation on their Tomb Worlds, according to Imperial records.Each time, the Tomb Ship was part of a large Necron force that included at least three Scythe-class Harvest Ships. All of the Tomb Ships thus far encountered by the Imperium have been of the same design, which is indicative of a starship that was developed to the pinnacle of its design many millions of Terran years ago.There has as yet been no indication of the existence of a type of Tomb Ship other than the Cairn-class save for the single rumour of a Necron starship larger than the average space hulk that is alleged to have engaged an Ork fleet, though this remains unconfirmed Ork hearsay. Imperial agents are eagerly seeking more information about this possible threat.
Cairn-class Tomb Ship - Notable Encounters: 992.M41 Orphean War – During the Orphean War, two Cairn-class Tomb Ships designated Sun Killer and Dead Hand were part of the Necron invasion fleet that assaulted the planet of Amarah Prime. When Battlefleet Orpheus engaged them and their fleet, the two warships proved to be nigh-unstoppable opponents that annihilated everything in their path. The Dead Hand was under the command of Kutlakh, the Phaeron of the Maynarkh Dynasty, and served as his personal flagship. The Dead Hand was eventually severely damaged and forced to disengage from the attack on Amarah Prime under the combined assault of multiple boarding parties composed of Minotaurs Astartes commanded by their Chapter Master, Asterion Moloc.
Cairn-class Tomb Ship - Armament: Tomb Ships are composed entirely out of necrodermis, a unique living metal which comprises the undying mechanical bodies of every Necron warrior, vehicle and starship.The material's regenerative properties and hardy nature means that Tomb Ships are immune to the detrimental effects posed by celestial phenomena such as solar flares, radiation, gas clouds and nebulae, and are also able to repair their armour at a rapid pace during an engagement.However, standard Necron combat protocol dictates that a clean disengagement is preferable to a fight to the end, and Tomb Ships will do this by "fading out," where the vessel in question dematerialises into an unknown extradimensional space; taking it out of the battle.The standard armament of a Cairn-class Tomb Ship includes:Sepulchre – A Sepulchre is only utilised by the largest Necron vessel in a given fleet. When a Sepulchre is used to attack an enemy ship that has foolishly come within its range, a wave of palpable psychic force is generated and sent outwards in all directions. The enemy’s crew are then paralysed by visions of horror, and if discipline is lost, then the crazed crew are likely to do damage to their own ship as they rampage uncontrollably through its confines.Star Pulse Generator – A Star Pulse Generator sends out a massive pulse of energy when activated. Whilst other Necron ships are shielded from this attack, enemy vessels within the field of force’s radius are usually severely damaged if not destroyed outright by the immense energies released.Lightning Arc Batteries – Lightning Arcs use stored solar energy and, when activated, release it as a forest of living energy tendrils which envelop targets and probe for weaknesses. Lightning Arcs act as the main weapon batteries for Necron ships, but are different from the equivalents used by the other starfaring species of the galaxy in that the arcs they fire are able to split up and guide themselves to their own targets, providing a mass-strike ability like no other known ship-based weapon. A Lightning Arc battery is usually able to cover all angles of approach except for the rear.Particle Whip Batteries – Particle Whips are the preferred ranged weapon of Necron warships, and work by projecting a magnetic field across a short arc. This arc is sufficient to be "cracked" like a whip and the anti-matter particles within the stream detonate upon impact with normal matter. When a target is hit, the beam’s power acts in a similar way to a strike from a Lightning Arc, albeit focussed upon a smaller area like a Lance weapon. A Particle Whip battery is usually able to cover all angles of approach except for the rear.Portal – Portals are vast stone gateways located within a Necron warship that act as extradimensional conduits for boarding enemy vessels. More precise than conventional Imperial Teleporters, they are most commonly used to flood enemy starships with a relentless host of Necron Warriors and swarms of Canoptek Scarabs.
Cairn-class Tomb Ship - Sources: Battlefleet Gothic Armada, pp. 73-75Dark Creed (Novel) by Anthony Reynolds, pg. 130Battlefleet Gothic Magazine, pg. 6Imperial Armour Volume Twelve – The Fall of Orpheus, pp. 51, 56-57Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 (PC Game)
Caladius Grav-Tank - Caladius Grav-Tank: A Caladius Grav-Tank, also known simply as a Caladius, is a heavily armed and armoured anti-gravitic tank utilised exclusively by the Legio Custodes during the time of the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. This vehicle utilised anti-gravitic plate technology which enabled it to be highly manoeuvrable and to hover effortlessly over the field of battle, giving it a distinct advantage over terrain-bound conventional tanks.Armed with the formidable double-barrelled Iliastus Accelerator Cannon and twin-linked Lastrum Bolt Cannon, the customised mass-reactive heliothermic warheads of Lastrum bolt shells can lay down a withering hail of punishing fire. It is unknown if the Caladius is still in use among the forces of the Adeptus Custodes of the 41st Millennium.
Caladius Grav-Tank - History: The Caladius Grav-Tank was based upon the technology of the Coronus Grav-Carrier. The smaller Caladius Grav-Tank was designed to utilise the firepower afforded by the heaviest elements of the ancient Legio Custodes arsenal on a highly mobile, protected platform. Given the fusion of advanced systems and weapons, the Caladius is perhaps the most powerful battleline armoured unit of its size in the Imperium's forces, utilising technologies and materials derived not only from the Dark Age of Technology, but from developments made as a result of the Great Crusade's two centuries of warfare.The principal armament of the Caladius is a double-barrelled Iliastus Accelerator Cannon, an advanced weapon which was the precursor of the more commonly-produced Accelerator Autocannon used as the armament of the Legiones Astartes Sicaran Battle Tank, which fulfilled a similar role to the Caladius as a high speed armour-destroyer.
Caladius Grav-Tank - Wargear: Turret-Mounted, Twin-linked Iliastus Accelerator CannonTwin-linked Lastrum Bolt CannonFlare ShieldMachine Spirit (Artificial Intelligence)
Caladius Grav-Tank - Optional Wargear: Armoured Ceramite PlatingSearchlightExtra Armour PlatingA Caladius Grav-Tank may exchange its Iliastus Accelerator Cannon for a:Twin-linked Arachnus Blaze Cannon
Caladius Grav-Tank - Caladius Annihilator: A less common variant, the "Caladius Annihilator" features a turret-mounted, enhanced capacitor-fed Arachnus Blaze Cannon potent enough to pose a threat even to super-heavy armour.When fired, large cooling flasks dissipate the immense energies unleashed whenever this tank attacks. This vehicle is also armed with twin-linked Lastrum Bolt Cannons on the front of the hull for anti-personnel firepower.
Calamity Engine - Calamity Engine: A Calamity Engine is a type of Daemon Engine created at the Forge of Souls in the Realm of Chaos.
Caliban - Caliban: Caliban was an Imperial Death World and Feudal World located in the Segmentum Obscurus to the galactic north of the Eye of Terror that was once the homeworld of the Dark Angels Legion of Space Marines.Caliban was destroyed during the conflict between Luther, his Chaos-corrupted Fallen Angels and their Primarch Lion El'Jonson and his Loyalist Dark Angels in a great conflagration immediately following the end of the Horus Heresy. What little remained of the planet was the territory surrounding Aldurakh, the fortress-monastery of the Dark Angels.Aldurakh was transformed after Caliban's destruction into a mobile star fortress that serves as the primary fortress-monastery and base of operations of the Chapter at present and is known informally as The Rock.