vizn3r/warhammer40k-lore huggingface dataset:
Tome Keepers - Finding a Home: Assigned to watch over the Segmentum Pacificus and the Warp routes towards Terra from the galactic west, the starships of the fledgling Chapter headed for the Sol System's Mandeville Point and made the Warp translation to the little-known Caracros Sub-sector of the Macharius Alpha Sector without incident. This region of space was sparsely populated according to Imperial records, but teemed with alien life forms, from Aeldari Corsairs and Hrud infestations to marauding warbands of Orks.Yet there was one planetary system, right at the heart of the Caracros Sub-sector, that they all seemed to avoid. It was in this system, designated GB 6-77, that the Chapter decided to make its home. Four of the system's eight planets were inhabitable. They made planetfall on the Desert World named Istrouma. The planet was wracked by constant tectonic upheaval due to its erratic orbit and bathed in the deadly radiation of the system's nearby white dwarf star.Due to their world being constantly irradiated by the light of the nearby star the Human inhabitants of this harsh, desolate world live shorter-than-average lifespans, dying early of radiation-induced illnesses. To preserve their history and culture the people of this world became obsessed with meticulously recording every facet of their short lives in great tomes for future generations, as they did not have the benefits of having elders among their population to teach their young.In this way, they were able to salvage their combined knowledge and experience and ensured the continuation of their society.
Tome Keepers - Sky Warriors and Chroniclers: What the Space Marines discovered when they landed was a world that had been forgotten by the Imperium, a mere footnote in a galaxy of a billion worlds. Yet the Istrouman people welcomed the Space Marines with open arms, for they recognised them as the sky warriors of old and as great heroes of Humanity.Chapter Master Caelus Viator and his retinue were treated as honoured guests and led to Niveneh, the world's principal city, where they were received with dignity and awe by the governing planetary council. The Space Marines were told the long history of Istrouma and how its people travelled from ancient Terra millennia ago, and they were shown many great artefacts wrought by the planet's artisans.The Astartes were told of the great tragedy that had befallen the people of Istrouma and how over thousands of Terran years, their life expectancy had fallen drastically as their technology declined, and the planet's inhabitants rarely lived past the age of thirty standard years.Children became apprentices at a young age, working with members of their family in their chosen craft. Skills were taught quickly, and everything was chronicled in personal journals so that future generations could pick up where their forebears left off. The artefacts previously shown to Viator and his officers so proudly took on new meaning -- they had not been crafted by a single person, but by scores of artisans over many short lifetimes.Yet the Istroumans did not begrudge their short lives, for they knew -- as they explained to Viator and his warriors -- that though their own books may close, their legends would live on through their words. Death, they said, was to be embraced, not feared.The Space Marines were taken beneath the city of Niveneh where they bore witness to a vast library that was almost a city in its own right. Entire streets and thoroughfares were dedicated to millions upon millions of books, dataslates and cogitator information terminals. Upon those shelves lay the history of aeons. The contents of the library would shape the Chapter's future for millennia to come.
Tome Keepers - Tome Keepers: Caelus Viator believed that Istrouma and its inhabitants had great promise. He saw that the people of Istrouma were hardy and resourceful, and their accumulated knowledge was almost beyond comprehension. To the tactically minded Viator, the collection of strategic monographs in the library were reason enough to forge Istrouma into a Chapter Planet.With the blessings of the planetary council, orbital landers descended from the clouds, and construction began on a vast Chapter fortress-monastery atop the Zaatos Mountains at the planet's inhospitable northern pole.To honour the event, the Istroumans presented Viator with one of their greatest possessions -- a stasis-sealed volume known as the White Book. Viator returned the honour in the naming of his Chapter. Chapter 281 and its warriors would henceforth be known as the "Tome Keepers."
Tome Keepers - First Recruits: Istrouma proved to be a wise choice for the Tome Keepers' homeworld. The planetary system was rich with natural resources, and its four habitable planets provided a large number of recruits. Many families put their sons forward for what became known by the Chapter as the "Trial of Pages" in the hope that they would become sky warriors, thereby bringing great honour to their family name.The young hopefuls competed in trials of strength and endurance, before being taken far into the rad deserts to test their survival skills. They fought each other in specially constructed arenas, watched closely by the Master of Recruits. Many did not survive.As the surviving aspirants became neophytes, they began the organ implantation process required to become Space Marines. Yet after the eighteenth gene-seed implant -- the Progenoid Glands -- were implanted, the Chapter's Apothecaries noticed that it had a curious psychological side effect.The previously short-lived Istroumans were now virtually immortal once they had become Space Marines, and many struggled with the dichotomy, feeling they were being denied their rightful place among their departed ancestors. This feeling was echoed by many of the Istrouman people, who began to see the Space Marines not as the glorious warriors they imagined, but as pariahs.Some of the new Tome Keepers tended towards recklessness, seeing themselves as dead men walking, having already outlived their natural lifespans. Many more became sullen and introspective. Yet within all of them was instilled a fearlessness of death and a mutual acceptance of mortality's impermanence that surpassed even that of their own people.
Tome Keepers - Chroniclers Reborn: With careful psycho-indoctrination, the new recruits learned to harness their grim resolve, yet something still rankled within them. Many used their few solar minutes of personal time each day to write journals -- a persistent hangover from their former lives that the Chaplains, later called "Orators" by the Chapter, seemed unable to quell.As the neophytes became fully fledged battle-brothers, they began to note down observations on their foes, devising new tactics and strategies for their destruction. Chapter Master Caelus Viator watched with interest. Though the Codex Astartes promoted adherence, it also encouraged innovation.Had not their Primarch Roboute Guilliman praised the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge? As the Chapter grew to full fighting strength, Viator called for his battle-brothers to embrace the traditions of Istrouma. Battle-brothers were encouraged to develop new skills and further their understanding of their myriad foes. Many books were written. And, over the following millennia, many books were closed.
Tome Keepers - Time of Ending: The dying years of the 41st Millennium were a trying time for the Tome Keepers. Two centuries of war with the Necron Thokt Dynasty had already taken their toll on the Chapter when the Great Rift sundered the galaxy.The Chapter, reduced to just over two hundred battle-brothers, was facing annihilation. During one particularly dismal year, the recruitment Trial of Pages yielded disappointing results, producing just a single, successful aspirant. This was considered a sign of ill-omen by the Chapter.
Tome Keepers - Era Indomitus: Following the Fall of Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade and the subsequent formation of the Cicatrix Maledictum, the Chapter was beset on all sides by a myriad of foes. Cast adrift in a veritable sea of enemies, the Chapter was hammered even more to the point that they were whittled down to only two hundred combat-ready Firstborn Space Marines remaining.Fortunately, the badly depleted Chapter received their salvation in the most unlikely of forms. Primarch Roboute Guilliman was reborn during the Era Indomitus, and in his wake came the Primaris Space Marines -- a new hope against the encroaching darkness.An Indomitus Crusade Torchbearers task force was eventually sent to reinforce the battered Chapter. These representatives of the newly instilled lord commander of the Imperium and Imperial Regent delivered a profound gift in the form of a company of existing Primaris Marine Greyshields as well as the technology for the Tome Keepers to start making their own Primaris Marines.The Tome Keepers, for so long vilified by the Adeptus Ministorum as impious and insufficiently dedicated to their duty following the events of the Sanctimonia Conflict (see below) and shunned by other Imperial organisations as a result, suddenly found their ranks bolstered. Too many books had been closed over the course of the last two centuries. Now, many new ones were being opened...Following the rebuilding of their Chapter with newly inducted Greyshields drawn from the Ultima Founding and newly-created Primaris Space Marines raised from their own ranks, the Tome Keepers are nearly back up to half their original strength.Ready to take the light of the Emperor to the wider galaxy rife with unimaginable horrors, the Tome Keepers pledged two full battle companies to the service of the Indomitus Crusade. The 2nd Company joined Battle Group Oberon of Fleet Tertius as it swung past Avernia and into the Segmentum Pacificus. Chaos uprisings were rife in this region of space but were easily quashed by the huge armada. The battle group headed north to relieve the beleaguered naval base at Hydraphur.The Tome Keepers' 3rd Company ("Godbreakers") joined Battle Group Kallides of Fleet Primus in the Nephilim Sector, now more commonly known to Imperial forces as the Pariah Nexus.
Tome Keepers - Pariah Crusade: Under the command of Captain Nasiem bal Tergu, the 3rd Company arrived at Argovon in the Argovon System within the Pariah Nexus to aid the Pariah Crusade. They joined forces with the Navroni 43rd and Samlech 109th Astra Militarum regiments in order to eradicate a Genestealer Cult uprising that has taken over one of the planet's primary industrial sectors.The cult's Genestealer Patriarch was slain by the Tome Keepers, ending the year-long conflict and establishing Argovon as a staging post for further Imperial military actions in the system.The majority of the 3rd Company quickly redeployed to Foronika. The planet was sparsely populated but rich in noctilith deposits, making it a valuable strategic resource for both the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Necrons. Alongside Knights from House Boros, the Tome Keepers succeeded in driving the Necrons back from one of the largest blackstone deposits. The planet was far from secure, however.Meanwhile, a second force under the command of Lieutenant Gadatas bal Nurval deployed to Hishrea -- the sixth and outermost planet in the Argovon System. The Tome Keepers, along with other Imperial forces, were tasked with the destruction of a pair of Dolmen Gates, which were being used by the Necrons to bring reinforcements into the system. Though the approach to the gates was carefully scouted, the Imperial advance was caught entirely unawares when Necron pylons erupted from the ground and began tearing through their ranks.Only the intervention of the Tome Keepers and Obsidian Jaguars prevented a wholesale massacre. The Dolmen Gates were finally destroyed after two solar months of gruelling warfare, but the victory proved a pyrrhic one. A Necron tomb fleet soon arrived in-system, forcing a full-scale Imperial retreat from Hishrea. The war in the Pariah Nexus would grind on.
Tome Keepers - Notable Campaigns: The Tome Keepers have fought in many notable conflicts, their honour rolls full of great victories. Countless worlds have been liberated and billions of lives saved by their selfless actions.Yet powerful enemies have also been made.
Tome Keepers - M32 - The Founding: War of the Beast (544-546.M32) - The War of the Beast almost saw the downfall of the Imperium. Though an Imperial victory was eventually forthcoming, the cost in lives and resources was colossal. Frustrated by the actions of the High Lords of Terra, Grand Master of Assassins Drakan Vangorich had the majority of them assassinated, leaving him virtually the sole ruler of the Imperium. With the support of Maximus Thane -- lord commander of the Imperium -- Vangorich sanctioned the creation of a new Founding of Space Marines. The decree was passed in 546.M32 and shortly afterwards the Chapters of the Fourth Founding were raised.Chapter 281 (546-567.M32) - The Adeptus Mechanicus oversaw the creation of four hundred battle-brothers using Ultramarines gene-stock. Captain Caelus Viator, formerly of the Ultramarines 2nd Company, was given command of the fledgling Chapter 281. Over the following two solar decades, Viator trained his new recruits while the Chapter's assets were mustered.New Frontiers (567.M32) - The Chapter established a homeworld on the planet of Istrouma in the Segmentum Pacificus. The Chapter was named the "Tome Keepers" by its Astartes following the presentation to them of an extremely rare stasis-protected manuscript called the White Book by the people of their new homeworld.Stellar Anomaly (Unknown Date.M32) - An alien construct was found surrounding the white dwarf star of the Istrouman System. It couldn't be destroyed, yet neither did it seem to pose any threat. The Tome Keepers used its airless corridors to practice void combat routines.
Tome Keepers - M33-M34 - The Xenowars: Valuable Lessons (Unknown Date.M33) - Following a series of raids by Craftworld Aeldari from Biel-Tan, the Tome Keepers joined an Imperial Crusade into the Segmentum Tempestus to hunt down and destroy their craftworld. They battled the elusive aliens across a dozen star systems and were dragged into conflicts with several other alien races in the process. After becoming embroiled in a three-year-long war with a nascent Ork Empire, the Imperial forces abandoned the hunt for Biel-Tan and disbanded. The Tome Keepers made detailed notes on their foes, vowing never again to be tricked by the elusive aliens.Detonation of 56-Kappa Munita (228.M34) - The munitions world of 56-Kappa Munita was the scene for the first large-scale martial engagement of the Tome Keepers Chapter in 228.M34. The planet sat just outside the predicted path of WAAAGH! Gobrok, which had already smashed through two sub-sectors. By conducting a series of fleet-based actions, the Tome Keepers were able to lure Gobrok's ramshackle starships towards 56-Kappa Munita and then engaged the Orks on the planet's surface. Though vastly outnumbered, the Tome Keepers fought only on their own terms, ambushing exposed columns, making fighting retreats and always occupying the higher ground. Growing evermore enraged at his evasive foe, the Warlord Gobrok conducted an all-out attack on the planet's city-sized munitions storage facility into which he had seen the Tome Keepers retreat. It was exactly what the Tome Keepers expected. Having already evacuated the facility's workers, they detonated the explosives they'd planted and blew Gobrok -- and the majority of his WAAAGH! -- to pieces.First Amplification (Unknown Date.M34) - On the lightning-wreathed world of Jagh, Librarian Artax discovered that he could psychically transmit the voices of others, enabling the company's Orator to be heard over the planet's violent electric storms. All future Librarians were taught this ability upon their induction into the Tome Keepers' Librarius.Massacre in Black Gulch (Unknown Date.M34) - On the dark moon of Faenor, a squad of Tome Keepers were assailed by a foe that appeared to be made of shadows. As they were picked off one by one and dragged into the darkness, the two surviving battle-brothers entered the phosphor mines of Black Gulch, drawing their enemy in with them. Trapped in the darkness, they ignited the phosphor dust, revealing a nest of Drukhari Mandrakes. Though almost blinded, the Space Marines finally overcame the aliens, who had nowhere to hide in the searing light.
Tome Keepers - M35 - An Imperium Divided: Nova Terra Interregnum (M35-M36) - The Ur-council of Nova Terra denounced the High Lords of Terra and claimed rule of the Segmentum Pacificus, plunging the Imperium into civil war. The Tome Keepers were among the Chapters sent to quell the rebellion, which lasted over nine hundred standard years. During this time, great injustices were wrought upon the civilian populations of the Imperium, both by Renegade forces and the Ecclesiarchal armies that were supposedly sworn to protect them. Though they prosecuted their wars efficiently and pragmatically, the Tome Keepers were left disillusioned by the conflict.
Tome Keepers - M41-M42 - Era Indomitus: Indomitus Crusade (ca. 999.M41 - ca. 111.M42) - Two companies of the Tome Keepers were assigned to serve in the Indomitus Crusade. The 2nd Company joined Battle Group Oberon of Fleet Tertius as it swung past Avernia and into the Segmentum Pacificus. Chaos uprisings were rife in this region of space but were easily quashed by the huge armada. The battle group headed north to relieve the beleaguered naval base at Hydraphur. The Tome Keepers' 3rd Company ("Godbreakers") joined Task Force XI of Battle Group Kallides of the Indomitus Crusade Fleet Primus. Battle Group Kallides fought against the Necrons located in the foreboding region of the galaxy designated the Pariah Nexus.Argovon Campaign (Unknown Date.M42) - This campaign of the Pariah Crusade was fought in the Argovon System within the Pariah Nexus region. The Imperial forces faced the Necron Szarekhan and Oruskh Dynasties. The campaign was spearheaded by High Field Marshal Janred Remko Hynflagger and his Task Force XI. Under the command of Captain Nasiem bal Tergu, the 3rd Company arrived at Argovon in the Argovon System within the Pariah Nexus. They joined forces with the Navroni 43rd and Samlech 109th Astra Militarum regiments in order to eradicate a Genestealer Cult uprising that had taken over one of the planet's primary industrial sectors. The cult's Genestealer Patriarch was slain by the Tome Keepers, ending the year-long conflict and establishing Argovon as a staging post for further Imperial military actions in the system. The majority of the 3rd Company quickly redeployed to Foronika. The planet was sparsely populated but rich in noctilith deposits, making it a valuable strategic resource for both the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Necrons. Alongside Knights from House Boros, the Tome Keepers succeeded in driving the Necrons back from one of the largest blackstone deposits. The planet was far from secure, however. Meanwhile, a second Tome Keepers force under the command of Lieutenant Gadatas bal Nurval deployed to Hishrea -- the sixth and outermost planet in the Argovon System. The Tome Keepers, along with other Imperial forces, were tasked with the destruction of a pair of Dolmen Gates, which were being used by the Necrons to bring reinforcements into the system. Though the approach to the gates was carefully scouted, the Imperial advance was caught entirely unawares when Necron pylons erupted from the ground and began tearing through their ranks. Only the intervention of the Tome Keepers and Obsidian Jaguars prevented a wholesale massacre. The Dolmen Gates were finally destroyed after two solar months of gruelling warfare, but the victory proved a pyrrhic one. A Necron tomb fleet soon arrived in-system, forcing a full-scale Imperial retreat from Hishrea. The war in the Pariah Nexus would grind on.
Tome Keepers - GB 6-77: GB 6-77 is the designation given to the white dwarf star that is in close proximity to the Tome Keepers' homeworld of Istrouma. It has been observed by Imperial savants that some kind of unidentified alien technology surrounds the white dwarf star.There sits around this star an anomaly of artificial design. Much like the Ring of Iron of Mars, the anomaly takes the form of a giant continuous band that surrounds the star at the celestial equator. It orbits at a distance of approximately five thousand kilometres.Based on the diameter of the star, the ring is estimated to be around eighty thousand kilometres in circumference. It rotates at the same speed as the star, though due to a lack of defining features, it appears static in long-range scans.Short-range scans reveal the ring to have apertures on its outer face and protrusions on its inner face. The protrusions take the shape of truncated square pyramids and appear to have no function. The apertures open when approached by small craft.The interior of the ring is void-sealed but lacks any kind of atmosphere, necessitating void suits be worn at all times. It is heat-shielded, suggesting some kind of power source is still operational, though there are no indications where the power source may be. There are no windows.The interior, like the exterior, is devoid of features, though there are what appear to be control panels with crystalline viewing screens at regular intervals along the section that was explored by the Tome Keepers.The panels do not activate when touched. The walls, like the entire station, are made of an unidentifiable metal alloy. Samples could not be taken as the metal appears to be impervious to both tools and weapons.Attempted destruction of the anomaly has proven impossible both from the interior and the exterior. Reprisals have not been forthcoming as a result of investigations by the Adeptus Mechanicus.The Tome Keepers have long used the construct's airless corridors to practice void combat routines.At some point in the 37th Millennium, a stellar flare from GB 6-77 lit up the night sky of Istrouma for almost a solar hour. Unseen in the glare, the alien construct surrounding the star contracted briefly, then returned to its normal size.For all intents and purposes, the anomaly appears to do nothing. It has been classified Xeno-Ignosis. The Tome Keepers monitor the anomaly in perpetuity.
Tome Keepers - Pre-Era Indomitus: Before the opening of the Great Rift, like all Successor Chapters that hail from the proud lineage of Roboute Guilliman, the Tome Keepers were also strict adherents to their primarch's greatest work -- the Codex Astartes.Upon their inception the Chapter was split into the Codex-mandated 10 companies, each 100 battle-brothers strong and led by a captain.The 1st Company consisted of battle-hardened Veterans and was, invariably, the most powerful and skilled within the Chapter. It was also the only company capable of fielding warriors clad in deadly Terminator Armour.The 2nd through 5th Companies were the Chapter's Battle Companies and these were composed of a mix of Tactical, Assault and Devastator Squads. Each Battle Company was a self-sufficient battlefield unit, capable of meeting any threat and defeating it. These companies formed the backbone of the Chapter and bore the brunt of the fighting.The 6th through 9th Companies were the Reserve Companies of the Chapter and each one comprised squads of a particular type of Firstborn Astartes.The 6th and 7th Companies were Tactical Companies, the 8th Company was the Assault Company and the 9th Company was the Devastator Company.The 10th Company was made up of Scout Marines who were the Chapter's newest recruits. These divisions were decided upon ten thousand years ago by Roboute Guilliman and served the Chapter well in the years before the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum.
Tome Keepers - Post-Era Indomitus: After the integration of the Primaris Marines into their ranks following the start of the Era Indomitus, the Chapter steadily began to rebuild their depleted numbers to nominal strength.The original Firstborn Tome Keepers consisting of the Chapter's remaining Veterans left their existing companies and merged into the 1st and 2nd Companies. Essentially, the Veteran Company and first Battle Company is now made up almost entirely of the Chapter's Firstborn battle-brothers.The 3rd Company is comprised of a few squads of original Firstborn Tome Keepers, with the rest of its ranks being made up of newly acquired Greyshields, Primaris Marines raised during the Ultima Founding. The 4th Company took the remaining Greyshields and the first of the newly created Primaris Tome Keepers.By 014.M42, the 1st through 5th Companies were back to full strength, boosted by new Primaris recruits. The 6th Company contained only thirty or so battle-brothers, who were normally seconded to other companies.The 7th Company is currently empty, as is the 8th Reserve Close Support Company, while the 9th Reserve Fire Support Company is close to being full, having taken on all the new recruits from the 10th Scout Company (after being promoted to full battle-brother status, a Space Marine normally serves in a fire support squad before joining a battleline or close support unit).The Scout Company is full to overflowing with neophytes at various stages of training in an attempt to rebuild the Chapter's strength.
Tome Keepers - Somnolent Seers: The Somnolent Seers are a sect of Istrouman prophets who use dreams as a form of psychic divination. Though their short lifespans prevent the seers from becoming formidable psykers, their aptitude for harnessing the Warp has ensured that many of the Chapter's Librarians have been drawn from their ranks over the millennia.The most notable household is House Mahru.
Tome Keepers - Triumvirate of Truth: The Librarians of the Tome Keepers are, like those of other Chapters, well-versed in psychic disciplines, from pyromancy and geokinesis to divination and technomancy. Yet the vast majority of Tome Keepers Librarians specialise in telepathy, using their minds to send vital battlefield communications, inspire their allies and confuse their foes.One telepathic discipline the Tome Keepers Librarians have developed is the ability to psychically boost and empower the voice of another, enabling them to inspire and embolden their battle-brothers across great distances and to heightened effect.It is because of this ability -- known as "Amplification" -- that a company's Ancient, Orator (Chaplain) and Librarian will often congregate together on the battlefield.As the Orator reads from the Ancient's weighty tome, the Librarian will imbue his words of wisdom and knowledge with psychic energy before sending them booming directly into the minds of the company's battle-brothers, driving them to greater acts of courage.
Tome Keepers - Unique Nomenclature: Orator - The Tome Keepers refer to their Chaplains as "Orators."Page - The Tome Keepers refer to their neophytes as "pages."
Tome Keepers - 3rd Company ("Godbreakers") Order of Battle: The 3rd Company of the Tome Keepers is known as the "Godbreakers" and has gained much fame as part of Battle Group Kallides of the Indomitus Crusade Fleet Primus.Its current strength is known to include the following order of battle.
Tome Keepers - Company Command: Captain Nasiem bal Tergu, Keeper of the KeyLieutenant Gadatas bal NurvalLieutenant Sanduq bal KudanaCompany Ancient Kae bal Zhune
Tome Keepers - Specialists: Orator SephaxEpistolary LykandosApothecary Kelam bal NureemTechmarine Rabash bal Raetut
Tome Keepers - Squads: Squad Taulza: Battleline/Tactical SquadSquad Ishlar: BattlelineSquad Harzeem: BattlelineSquad Gaudas: Battleline/Led by GreyshieldsSquad Urizu: BattlelineSquad Burias: Close SupportSquad Kadur: Close SupportSquad Agurn: Fire SupportSquad Jagurth: Fire Support/Led by GreyshieldsSquad Lornax: Vanguard Marines, led by Greyshields and seconded from 10th CompanySquad Marut: Vanguard Marines, seconded from 10th CompanySquad Darius: Firstborn Veteran Marines, seconded from 1st Company
Tome Keepers - Company Dreadnoughts: Venerable Dreadnought DhumatIronclad Dreadnought KasaadRedemptor Dreadnought NadinusurRedemptor Dreadnought Inevah
Tome Keepers - Company Armoury: 2 Predators2 Vindicators2 Repulsors1 Repulsor Executioner6 Impulsors2 Rhinos1 Land Raider3 Land Speeders2 Stormtalon Gunships2 Stormhawk Interceptors
Tome Keepers - Company Fleet: Strike Cruiser Hariwok2 Gladius-class frigates
Tome Keepers - Trial of Pages: The selection process for Tome Keepers aspirants is known as the "Trial of Pages." Held on Istrouma on the first day of every calendar month, aspirants are gathered from across the system and brought to the planetary capital of Niveneh, where they are pitted against each other in trials of strength, endurance and survival.Only the most determined have any chance of becoming sky warriors and only the very best aspirants are chosen by the Chapter's Master of Recruits and High Orator (Master of Sanctity).Successful aspirants are known as "pages" until they complete their training, whereupon they become full battle-brothers.
Tome Keepers - Chapter Combat Doctrine: Where other Chapters may rely on aggression or overwhelming firepower to secure victory, the Tome Keepers place a heavy emphasis on clinical battlefield discipline, relying on superior tactics and an understanding of the enemy's capabilities. Alongside their everyday tactical training, battle-brothers are required to conduct in-depth studies on the enemies they will face, to analyse all of the Tome Keepers' major engagements and to become proficient in the Chapter's battle cant.With this knowledge, a battle-brother will know what strategy is being employed and his role within it in just a few short words.Each battle-brother is also encouraged to keep a journal of his own battlefield observations and learnings, thereby furthering the knowledge of the Chapter as a whole and enabling the constant development and employment of new tactics and strategies.
Tome Keepers - Closing of the Book: The Tome Keepers have adopted several traditions from Istrouma, including the "Closing of the Book" ceremony. When a battle-brother is slain, their personal tome is retrieved by an Apothecary along with their Progenoid Glands.Following the engagement, one of the warrior's peers will write the final chapter in their tome, detailing their heroic death. A ceremony -- officiated by the company Orator -- is then held to celebrate the deeds of the fallen battle-brother.During this ritual, his book is ceremonially closed and wrapped in red ribbon, signifying his sacrifice. In time, the journals of the fallen are all returned to Istrouma and the library of Niveneh.
Tome Keepers - Purity Seals: Like most Loyalist Space Marines, the Tome Keepers often adorn their armour with purity seals to show they are not tainted by Chaos. In addition, each battle-brother is permitted to add a strip of parchment to a purity seal inscribed with the names of those who have died fighting alongside him.It is said that when Chapter Master Sabium finally fell in battle, his purity seals had over eight hundred names recorded on them, every one written by his hand.
Tome Keepers - Deathwatch Service: Since the Chapter's inception, ninety-six battle-brothers have been seconded to the Deathwatch, their understanding of xenos races and their meticulous records on such subjects proving a massive boon to the alien-hunting elite.Their ongoing conflict with the Thokt Dynasty Necrons has already proven invaluable in the war for the Pariah Nexus.
Tome Keepers - Chapter Fleet: Legerin Heqite (Excelsis-class Battle Barge) - The crowning glory of the Tome Keepers' fleet is the Legerin Heqite, an Excelsis-class battle barge that can trace its history back to the Great Crusade. It is rumoured that the Primarch Roboute Guilliman once walked its hallowed corridors, and it is hoped he will do so once again now that he has been reborn. The starship's Istrouman name roughly translates as "Seeker of Truth."Hariwok (Strike Cruiser) - The Hariwok is a strike cruiser that served as a base of operations for the Tome Keepers' 3rd Company during the Indomitus Crusade and took part in the Argovon Campaign of the Pariah Crusade.
Tome Keepers - Chapter Relics: White Book - The so-called White Book is considered the most sacred and important relic of the Tome Keepers. This ancient tome is securely stored in the Chapter's  collection of knowledge within their fortress-monastery. It is not guarded, but then neither is it easily accessible. In fact, it is impossible to get close to it at all, for it is contained entirely at odds with the design of the rest of the Chapter's Librarius. Where those cloistered halls are constructed out of granite and bedecked with carved wooden shelves, the stasis chamber containing the White Book is of dark metal, old and pitted. Scans reveal the temporal distortion of the stasis field containing the book to be approximately nine thousand standard years, which predates the creation of the Chapter. The White Book is visible through a small observation window akin to an armoured porthole. It floats above a suspensor lectern, held perfectly motionless by the stasis field inside the chamber. The book is roughly four hands tall by six wide (three hands per page) and the pages appear to be made of pseudo-paper as opposed to parchment or vellum. It lies open and faces towards the viewer, making it impossible to analyse the cover, which most assume is white given the name of the book. The clasp is visible, however. It is made of silver or a silver-like material, and chased with geometric patterns. The spine of the book seems to be broken by the way the pages fall open, and there are clear signs of fire damage, though nothing substantial. Bookmarks protrude from several pages, though there is no way of telling the significance of them. The book is open close to the centre on page one hundred and forty-four. It is not know if this was done deliberately to balance the book, or if there is a particular significance to those pages. The transcription is legible, written in High Gothic in a steady hand. It makes mention of discovering the truth in all things and that knowledge should be valued above all else -- nothing that a keen observer would describe as heretical. Indeed it is a maxim espoused by those who work for the Emperor's Inquisition. However, the knowledge contained on these visible pages ends on a monumental cliffhanger. One can only imagine the frustration of the Chapter's Librarians being unable to access the knowledge inside.Tome Empiricus - The Tome Empiricus is a relic of the Tome Keepers' 3rd Company and contains the records of its greatest military feats. The tome hangs from the company standard carried by the 3rd Company's Ancient and it accompanies them when they go to battle. Though copies of the Tome Empiricus exist, it is still treated with great reverence and is protected by a powerful coruscating force field.Relic Power Axe - Captain Nasiem bal Tergu of the 3rd Company carries a Power Axe that is a Chapter heirloom crafted many thousands of standard years ago by his ancestors and held in the Chapter Armoury. The Tome Keepers put great stock in the work of their forebears, and bal Tergu's ancestors were clearly weaponsmiths of great renown. Due to their short lifespans, dozens -- perhaps hundreds -- of them helped forge this axe.
Tome Keepers - Chapter Colours: The Tome Keepers wear power armour the colour of ancient vellum with black shoulder pauldron trim. The Chapter symbol is proudly displayed on their left shoulder plate, while the black tactical specialty insignia -- battleline, close support, fire support, Veteran or command -- is displayed on their right shoulder guard.Company colours are the same as those prescribed in the Codex Astartes but displayed on the Aquila or Imperialis on the chest instead of as the shoulder guard trim.A small, white Low Gothic numeral is stenciled into the centre of the tactical specialty icon which indicates a battle-brother's assigned squad. Company squads number 1 though to 10. Additional units added to the company adopt the numbers 11 to 20 consecutively, with the first additional unit being 11, the second 12, etc.The Tome Keepers' black shoulder pauldron trim and tactical specialty symbols represent the ink used to record the Tome Keepers' experiences and accomplishments in their great tomes.Rank markings are shown on helmets, with the colour of the helmet displaying the rank of the battle-brother as shown below, though there are a few deviations from the Codex Astartes. Instead of white helmets, Veterans wear black faceplates.Veteran sergeants also possess black faceplates but with a red helmet, as laid down in the Codex.The most notable deviation from the Codex is the lieutenant's helmet, which is a reverse of the Veteran sergeant's colours.A Tome Keepers' captain typically displays the traditional bone of the Tome Keepers' armour, but with the addition of a skull or laurel.Personal heraldry is also allowed.The Astartes of the 1st Company wear white or silver.
Tome Keepers - Chapter Badge: The Tome Keepers' Chapter badge takes the form of a stylised black tome with a white, four-pointed star in the centre, sitting upon a bone backdrop. Known as "The Tome Celestial," this symbol reflects two parts of the Tome Keepers' history -- their reputation as chroniclers and historians, and the special significance of the white dwarf star that their homeworld orbits.The star represents GB 6-77, the white dwarf star around which the Chapter's homeworld orbits. The book symbolises the acquisition and recording of knowledge. It sits open to show that knowledge is infinite and that understanding is more powerful than blind faith. A Tome Keepers book is never shown closed unless in memoriam.Sometimes a variation of the Chapter's main badge is worn. A bone or white skull is featured in lieu of the four-pointed star, which represents the Chapter's fixation with mortality. This symbol is usually worn by the Chapter's sergeants and Veterans.
Tome Keepers - Trivia: Both the Tome Keepers and the Astral Hounds Chapters were created by the 2020 staff of White Dwarf as potential candidates for a staff-created mascot Chapter for the magazine. Ultimately, the Tome Keepers were chosen over the Astral Hounds, although many of the concepts created for the Astral Hounds were later re-used and incorporated into the Tome Keepers' lore.Another interesting fact is that the names of the characters for the Tome Keepers were drawn from the Royal Library of Ashurbanipal, named after the last great king of the Assyrian Empire.The Royal Library is a collection of thousands of clay tablets and fragments containing texts of all kinds from the 7th Century B.C., particularly from the Post Neo-Babylonian era.
Tome Keepers - Sources: White Dwarf 453 (April 2020), "Founding of a Chapter," pp. 85-87White Dwarf 454 (May 2020), "History of a Chapter: The Mysteries of the Tome Keepers," pp. 62-66White Dwarf 455 (July-August 2020), "Organisation of a Chapter," pp. 80-81, 83-85White Dwarf 458 (November 2020), "Flashpoint: Argovon Campaign", pp. 23-25, "Assault on the Nurtheos Shore," pg. 26, "Index Astartes: Tome Keepers" by Dan Harden & James Gallagher, pp. 46-59Warhammer Community - White Dwarf Preview, Issue 453, "Founding of a Chapter"Warhammer Community - White Dwarf Preview, Issue 455, "Organisation of a Chapter" Warhammer Community - White Dwarf Preview, Issue 458, "Index Astartes: Tome Keepers" Warhammer Community - Index Astartes: The Tome Keepers!
Tome of Fire - Tome of Fire: The Tome of Fire is the name given collectively to the writings of Primarch Vulkan of the Salamanders Space Marine Legion which contain clues to finding the nine Artefacts of Vulkan he crafted for his Space Marines.The collections of texts and other objects that comprise the tome itself are considered sacred artefacts of the Promethean Cult of Nocturne.
Tome of Fire - History: The Tome of Fire is the collective named used by the Salamanders Chapter for the ancient collection of lore and prophecy left behind by their primarch Vulkan. Rumours held that the words themselves were inked partly in Vulkan's blood and shimmered like captured fire if brought up to the light. In truth, despite its name, the Tome of Fire was not one volume, but dozens, supplemented by scrolls, charts, artistic renderings, well-crafted arcana and other, even stranger, objects all arrayed in the stacks around the circular walls of the Pantheon in the Salamanders' fortress-monastery on Prometheus. And all had been wrought by the primarch's own hand.Deciphering the script of the Tome of Fire is not easy. There are secrets within, left by the primarch for his gene-sons to unlock. The volumes foretell of great events and upheavals for those with the wit to perceive them. But perhaps most pointedly, the Tome containes the history, form and location of the nine artefacts Vulkan had hidden throughout the galaxy for the Salamanders to unearth. The contents of the Tome, when properly deciphered, lead to the locations of Vulkan's hidden relics. The Chapter's legends say that only when the artefacts have all been recovered according to the clues laid down in the texts of the Tome of Fire will Vulkan return to lead his warriors in the final war against the enemies of Mankind.Of these nine relics, five have been discovered by the Salamander Space Marine charged with the search, a Chapter office given the title of "Forgefather."
Tor Garadon - Tor Garadon: Tor Garadon is a Captain of the Imperial Fists Chapter and the longest-serving commander of the Imperial Fists 3rd Company, the "Sentinels of Terra."He is an unstoppable warrior in whom the lessons of the Primarch Rogal Dorn have been distilled to their most punishing form.Tested on a thousand worlds, he is a master of the battlefield, and an unyielding bulwark against those who would oppose Mankind.
Tor Garadon - Wargear: Mark X Gravis Power ArmourSpartean (Relic Bolt Pistol) - The Spartean is a relic Bolt Pistol of the Imperial Fists. Since its forging in the 35th Millennium, it has slain enemies of Mankind in the hands of hundreds of warriors. Every wielder has said the same of the weapon; if their eye is true, the Spartean 's shot will be too, regardless of what obstacles are in the way. Tor Garadon wielded this weapon before crossing the Rubicon Primaris and becoming a Primaris Marine.Armour-mounted Grav-GunHand of Defiance (Relic Power Fist)
Torchbearers - Torchbearers: Torchbearers were the specialised task forces of the Indomitus Crusade whose mission was to give the genetic engineering technology and Adeptus Mechanicus Tech-priests required to create Primaris Space Marines -- known as the "Primarch's Gift" -- to the already extant Firstborn Space Marine Chapters.Early during the muster of the Indomitus Crusade fleets, specialised task forces were assembled and sent racing out into the galaxy. Known as "Torchbearers," they were tasked to make contact with specific Firstborn Space Marine Chapters and to furnish them with the "Primarch's Gift" -- the name given to the genetic technologies and Magi Biologis required for those Chapters to create their own Primaris Marine battle-brothers from new recruits.Torchbearer task forces typically comprised small, fast, heavily armed voidcraft and were garrisoned with a mixture of Sisters of Silence, Adeptus Custodes of the Emissaries Imperatus, and Greyshield Primaris battle-brothers of the same genetic line as the chosen Chapter to be reinforced. These escorts ensured that their precious cargo reached its destination regardless of threats and impediments and was put swiftly to use by its recipients.Some Chapters were assigned Torchbearers because they were known to be nearing -- if not already past the brink of -- extinction. Task forces despatched to these so-called "waning" Chapters had first to locate them and determine if they still fought on in the Emperor's name, then begin the replenishment of their strength if they did.If tragedy had already overtaken the waning Chapter then a new Chapter Master was selected from amongst the Greyshields and the Chapter was reestablished with only Primaris Marines, their first duty often to exact vengeance upon whatever foe had laid their forebears low.Many Torchbearer task forces were assigned to those Chapters simply too far distant, or else too mobile in nature, for the main thrust of the Indomitus Crusade fleets to reach. Many such Chapters had homeworlds that lay beyond the roiling mass of the Great Rift in the Imperium Nihilus.Others, including such illustrious names as the Ultramarines, the Black Templars, and the Raven Guard, inhabited regions far from Terra or were scattered across the void aboard crusading fleets.Torchbearers assigned to these Chapters employed every asset that might lend them speed and efficacy. Most boasted multiple cadres of Silent Sisters, their presence intended to quell the most ferocious of Warp Storms and aid their comrades in weathering an often-desperate passage through the madness of theCicatrix Maledictum.Some further augmented their ranks with Rogue Traders whose voidcraft and knowledge of hidden routes was invaluable, especially potent astropaths to aid in making contact with their quarry, and brotherhoods of Grey Knights to stave off the perils of daemonic interference with the Torchbearers' vital mission.
Torchbearers - Saving the Angels Revenant: For the Torchbearers task force sent to locate the Angels Revenant it appeared at first as though the Chapter was extinct and their duty was to reestablish it in whole. The Chapter's homeworld of Libethra had been cracked open by the Necrons of the Maynarkh Dynasty in order to engulf the original Angels Revenant in lava.No trace could be found of those scattered Battle-Brothers who had avoided the tragedy. Yet even as Torchbearer forces set down upon the riven, airless carcass of Libethra and prepared to declare the waning Chapter extinct, their auspex and vox networks picked up faint signs of ferocious battle taking place deep beneath the planet's surface.Tales are told elsewhere of the subsequent battle for dead Libethra against the Necron menace, of the alliance between the Torchbearers and the last vengeful remnants of the Angels Revenant, and of that Chapter's rebirth amidst the furnace of war -- suffice to say that the Primarch's Gift ushered in a new era for the Angels of Libethra.
Torchbearers - Sons of Medusa: Some Torchbearer task forces were assigned to Chapters who, for reasons of doctrine, genetic heritage, or historical circumstance, were expected to resist the bequest of the Primarch's Gift. It was unacceptable, but not unbelievable to Roboute Guilliman and his advisors, that the most traditionalist or headstrong Firstborn Chapters might wholly reject the Primaris Marine gene-tech or the intrusive presence of the Adeptus Mechanicus magi who accompanied it.In such cases the task force's complement of Adeptus Custodes was typically larger than average. Their presence left no doubt that this boon came by the grace of the Emperor Himself and that to resist its implementation was to deny the will of the Master of Mankind. Just such Torchbearer forces were dispatched to locate the tripartite fleet elements of the Sons of Medusa.Resistance was predicted from their three War Clans: Lachesis, Mageara, and Atropos. The gene-seed used to fashion their Primaris Marine reinforcements came from that of their parent Chapter, the Iron Hands, and the internecine savagery of the Moirae Schism had left no love lost between them and the Sons of Medusa.In the event, the task force sent to locate the Lachesis War Clan had the easiest duty; by the time they had rushed to aid the Sons of Medusa in their battle against the Orks of the Dravus Cluster and fought alongside them for a full Terran year the martial bonds they forged superseded all other barriers.Those Torchbearers assigned to the Mageara and Atropos fleets, however, faced much greater challenges that went far beyond resistance from the Sons of Medusa themselves.