8th Company (Imperial Fists)
The 8th Company of the Imperial Fists, known as Dorn's Huscarls, are the Chapter's Reserve Close Support Company.[1][2a][2b]
Overview
The 8th Company's Marines often serve as outriders, acting as the spearhead of Imperial Fists operations. They often mount up on bikes to take the fight to the foes of the Chapter.[2b]
This unusually aggressive demeanour dates back to when the Imperial Fists were reformed in the mid-32nd millennium after being almost entirely annihilated in the War of the Beast. The new Captain of the Imperial Fists 8th Company was Helbrant Alderic, formerly of the Black Templars Chapter; likewise many of the Marines assigned to the 8th were former Black Templars. Not only was Alderic already predisposed to direct assaults, but this was exacerbated by the campaigns following the War of the Beast (many of which involved putting down rebellions in the wake of the death of Drakan Vangorich). The new 8th Company often fought as part of combined Chapter strike forces led by Wolf Lord Harald Firetooth of the Space Wolves, who also favoured aggressive tactics.[2b]
Following the conclusion of these campaigns, the 8th Company returned to the Phalanx. It is said that Chapter Master Maximus Thane wished to censure Alderic for what he viewed as unbalanced leadership that went against the tenets of the Imperial Fists. However, after seeing that the 8th Company's Marines had become extremely well-disciplined by their experiences, Alderic was restored to command and it was decreed that all newly-elevated Scouts would automatically be assigned to the 8th, as a means of working through their inexperienced aggression. This tradition continues to this day.[2b]
Notable Members
- Aeneas Strom — Current Captain.[2a]
- Mirac Chalosa — Former Captain.[1] Later Lord Phalanx and Master of the Fleet.[2a]
- Helbrant Alderic — Formerly a member of the Black Templars. Assigned to lead the 8th Company after the Imperial Fists Chapter was reconstituted following the War of the Beast.[2b]
Sources
- 1: Codex Supplement: Angels of Death (7th Edition), pg. 26 — Imperial Fists Chapter Organisation
- 2: Codex Supplement: Imperial Fists (8th Edition)
