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Wolfspear

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Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Space Marine Chapter; for the weapon, see Spear of Russ.
Wolfspear
WolfspearSymbol.jpg
WolfspearMarine.jpg WolfspearMini.jpg
Founding Chapter: Space Wolves[1]
Founding: Ultima Founding[1]
Chapter Master: Irik Stianolf
Homeworld: 108/Beta-Kalapus-9.2[1] or Fleet-Based[Conflicting sources]
Fortress-Monastery: None; each Company operates from their own Strike Cruiser[4]
Colours: White grey armor, red shoulder pads and knee pads[2]
Specialty: Hunting, Stealth, Precision Strikes[4]
Strength: 7 Great Companies[4]

The Wolfspear are a Space Wolves Successor Chapter.[1]


History

The Wolfspear were created from Space Wolves members of the Unnumbered Sons, who survived the Battle of Raukos. That battle concluded the Indomitus Crusade and the Chapter was then charged by Lord Commander Guilliman, with guarding the Pit of Raukos from any future Chaos incursions. This was to the dismay of some members of the Wolfspear, who had hoped to continue fighting on the front-lines against the Imperium's enemies. Further clouding the minds of the Chapter, was that although the Space Wolves had allowed Primaris Space Marines into their ranks, it was not known if they would accept the Wolfspear as true Sons of Russ[1].

A member of the Wolfspear[4]

Guilliman personally arrived at Fenris at the head of an Indomitus Crusade Fleet to bring the Grey Shields before the Wolves. He proposed that while some would join the Space Wolves proper, others would form their own independent chapter. This brought fierce debate throughout The Fang, for many distrusted these warriors they had never met or fought beside and had never been exposed to the cultures and dangers of Fenris. Gunnar Red Moon was among the most noted opponents of the new arrivals, stating he would rather fight alongside a dozen true Space Wolves than a hundred others who he had never feasted aside. Ultimately Great Wolf Logan Grimnar ended the debate by issuing the Kin-pack Declaration. This was a formal recognition of the Space Wolves successors that stated whether they were forged in the Fang or otherwise all of the lineage of Leman Russ were to be considered his sons. However, he also stated that the new Greyshields must prove themselves in battle or face the scorn of their brothers and that all of the newcomers joining the Space Wolves must uphold the ancient traditions of the Chapter. Thus each Primaris squad became a pack and they took up roles as Blood Claws, Grey Hunters, and so on depending upon their strength and experience.[2]

The Wolfspear was created shortly after this declaration. Initially an under-strength fleet-based force which combined both Indomitus Crusade Primaris and new Initiates of the Space Wolves upon Fenris, these first warriors showed clear signs of their ancestry such as the pointed fangs typical of the Canis Helix. Erik Morkai was struck by the focus and killer instinct the Wolfspear displayed during their earliest campaigns, and also gained the favor of Logan Grimnar himself. The Great Wolf even provided a number of veterans from his own Great Company to the Wolfspear of which some would go on to form the first Veterans of the Chapter, while others would become Initiates. This helped forge a closer bond between the Space Wolves and Wolfspear.[4]

The earliest campaigns of the Wolfspear saw them acting as vanguards ranging ahead of Indomitus Crusade offensives. However when they felt they were needed most in Imperium Nihilus, all 7 Jarldoms gathered under their very first elected High Jarl Irik Stianolf at the Nachmund Gauntlet. Carving momentous oaths upon their blades and armour and howling the Wolf King's name, they embarked into the abyss. What has since become of them can only be gleaned from fragments and echoes. What is certain is that their fleets have since become separated and that they now stalk the Emperor's foes in numerous sectors away from the light of the Astronomican.[4]

Known Campaigns

Organization and Tactics

The markings of the 7 Jarldoms of the Wolfspear[4]

The Wolfspear are divided into 7 Great Companies known as Jarldoms, each commanded by an elected Jarl. These trace their origin to the earliest engagements fought by the Greyshields who were later sworn to the Wolfspear. Battle by battle, they gradually gathered into seven hunting packs, each small and agile enough to pursue elusive targets and fight on the move. Never recognized officially while attached to the Indomitus Crusade, these seven packs grew tighter as they hunted and bled together and were later formally recognized by Logan Grimnar upon their formation. Each Jarldom is at least equal to the fighting strength of a Codex Astartes company. Each of these Companies operates out of a small flotilla headed by a commanding Strike Cruiser and is fully autonomous, though they often work together for greater goals. This system has lead to subtle variations of culture and fighting style amongst the various roaming fleets.[4]

Due to their wide-ranging nature and fighting style, the Chapter is highly decentralized. Each Jarl is largely independent, though he is overseen and consulted by a number of Wolf Priests, Rune Priests, and Iron Priests that follow him. Only in times of utmost need do they need a higher authority to govern their actions, and in these times a High Jarl is nominated from amongst the seven.

The Wolfspear are prolific hunters with strong hunter instincts, often ranging far in advance of Indomitus Crusade fleets. The Chapter's various companies will mercilessly and relentlessly pursue foes, who they hunt via a "scent" that can come in the form of a psychic ripple or clues left in the wake of an enemy's destructive rampages. Whatever they use to trace their opponents, they will use careful stealth and reconnaissance to observe their foes behavior before striking at the enemies weakness. Infiltrator packs excel in this role, which are then followed by Eliminator packs to begin a campaign of terror to sow panic and confusion with long-ranged assassinations from the shadows. After the enemy is wrong-footed and bleeding, the full Wolfspear attack begins. They prefer to utilize speed and surprise for this role, employing large amounts of Outriders and swift gravitic transports to strike form multiple angles. Thunderwolf Cavalry and other close support packs then close in to encircle their isolated foes and deliver the killing blow. In void battle, the Wolfspear employ similar tactics. [4]

The Wolfspear are known to be grim starfarers, prowling the void as a hunter force which prefers sudden mobile operations to prolonged campaigns. Nonetheless, to accommodate such prolonged operations they do maintain a number of clandestine outposts in a number of strategic systems. These hunting lairs are often shrouded or veiled by terrain, weather, or other means and allow the Wolfspear to re-arm and plan their next excursion. Their hunting instincts were recognized by Erik Morkai who helped hone these traits into what they are today. At the advice of Njal Stormcaller those deemed to be possessing a strong "wyrd" (a complex Space Wolves belief roughly equivalent with fate) would be deemed Grimwolves, the Dark Terror sent into the void to slaughter without mercy. The Wolfspear are known to be particularly vicious towards dug-in foes, perhaps as a reflection of their own subliminal desire for their own hearthworld to defend.[4]

The Wolfspear make frequent use of Rune Priests as well as psyker-hunting packs known as Hounds of Morkai.[4]

Gene-Seed

The Wolfspear are the proud sons of Leman Russ, and as such possess his distinctive Gene-Seed dubbed the Canis Helix. While initially thought by Ulrik the Slayer to be capable of overcoming the bestial genetic flaws of the Canis Helix, it has since become clear that these issues continue to live on within the Wolfspear and other Space Wolves successors.[4]

Culture

Due to their close cooperation and intermingling with the Space Wolves, the Wolfspear maintain a chapter culture very similar to that of their primogenitors on Fenris. These are maintained by their Rune Priests and Wolf Priests, who were taught these customs by their Space Wolves counterparts. However unlike their often rowdy and vicious Space Wolves brothers, those of the Wolfspear demonstrated a more stoic, brooding, and cold attitude.[1]

Like the Space Wolves, the Wolfspear place a great importance in tradition and oath-making. However unlike the regailing of their predecessor Chapter, the Wolfspear make solemn vows and carve runic representation of them into their weapons and armour. When several Wolfspear are pledged to a similar cause, they will sometimes form into sub-packs dedicated to these shared oaths, such as hunting down the killer of one of their kin or to destroy a fastness used by a Cult. These Oathbound drink together in halls and salute their common purpose.[4]

The Wolfspear have a great reverence for the First-Slain, those Greyshields of Leman Russ' lineage that fell during the Indomitus Crusade. Many in the Chapter still swear oaths upon the memory and spirit of the First-Slain, and it is thought that the Wolfspear's pale livery may be a recognition of their old Greyshield plating.[4]


Known Elements

Relics

Fleet

Unlike most fleet-based Chapters, the Wolfspear maintain no single capital ship that can be likened to a Fortress-Monastery. Instead, they prioritize stealth and agility and each of the Chapter's 7 Jarls operates a personal Strike Cruiser as their own personal armory, spiritual center, and court.[4]

Vessels

Members


Trivia

Conflicting sources

  • In the original Dark Imperium novel, the homeworld of the Wolfspear was stated to be 108/Beta-Kalapus-9.2.[1] However, the more recent White Dwarf 468 states they are a fleet-based chapter.[4]
  • In the short story The Wolves of Raukos, the Wolfspear rotates their duty with a company staying on their homeworld by Beta-Kalapus and the rest deploying with the fleet. In this story, however, the Chapter Master that remains on the planet is stated to be named Senavael.[5]

See also

Sources