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(More correctly. 'Where' and 'what' exactly is said..)
(Relics)
 
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|Chapter Master=[[Argentius]]{{Fn|13}}
 
|Chapter Master=[[Argentius]]{{Fn|13}}
 
|Descendants=Unknown
 
|Descendants=Unknown
|Homeworld=[[Varsavia]] {{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|6a}}
+
|Homeworld=[[Varsavia]] (current) {{Fn|2a}}{{Fn|6a}}; [[Lyria]] (former) {{Fn|31}}
|Fortress-Monastery=Unknown
+
|Fortress-Monastery=[[Argent Mons]]{{Fn|19}}
|Colours=Steel color armor, silver helmet, and black shoulder guards. Right shoulder markings are in red (may be company color). Symbol is a stylized silver skull.{{Fn|22}}
+
|Colours=Steel color armor, silver helmet, and black shoulder guards. Right shoulder markings are in company color. Symbol is a stylized silver skull.{{Fn|22}}
|Miniature=Silverskulls40k.jpg
+
|Miniature=ArgentusMini.jpg
 
|Miniature Px=115
 
|Miniature Px=115
 
|Specialty=Siege Warfare{{Fn|30c}} and the use of [[Prognosticator]]s
 
|Specialty=Siege Warfare{{Fn|30c}} and the use of [[Prognosticator]]s
Line 23: Line 23:
 
|Strength=Unknown
 
|Strength=Unknown
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Silver Skulls''' are listed as an [[Ultramarines]] [[Successor Chapter]].{{Fn|24}} However their gene-seed records are "inconclusive" and under investigation by the [[Ordo Hereticus]].{{Fn|30a}}{{Fn|30b}}
+
The '''Silver Skulls''' are listed as an [[Ultramarines]] [[Successor Chapter]].{{Fn|24}} However, their gene-seed records are "inconclusive" and under investigation by the [[Ordo Hereticus]].{{Fn|30a}}{{Fn|30b}}
 
 
  
 
==Background==
 
==Background==
The Silver Skulls claim{{Fn|8}} and are believed to be descendants of the [[Ultramarines]] Chapter, however, with the passage of time this remains unconfirmed, although they behave as a [[Codex Chapter]]{{Fn|15}} and fight alongside the [[Primogenitor]] Chapters as if they were their own kin{{Fn|15}}. During the [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]], their beliefs were confirmed to be true when the [[Primarch]] [[Guilliman]] returned to the Imperium and the Chapter was recognized as one of the '''Scions of Guilliman'''.{{Fn|24}}
+
The Silver Skulls were created during the [[Second Founding]], in the days following the [[Horus Heresy]]. Originally the Silver Skull's homeworld was known as [[Lyria]]. Sometime in [[M33]] the world was rendered a [[Dead World]] when the Silver Skulls enacted the sanction of [[Exterminatus]] upon it, to prevent it from falling under the control of the forces of [[Nurgle]].{{Fn|31}}  
  
Hailing from their homeworld of [[Varsavia]] in the [[Ultima Segmentum]], they are surrounded by numerous [[Xenos]] species, recently fighting costly yet significant battles against the [[Dark Eldar]] and [[Necrons]].{{Fn|15}} The Silver Skulls also tattoo the skin of their entire bodies in honour markings, with the face being the last area to be marked; the right to do so earned in battle.{{Fn|13}}
+
Since then, the chapter's homeworld has been the planet of [[Varsavia]] in the [[Ultima Segmentum]], on the boarder of the [[Segmentum Obscurus]] and near the [[Gildar Rift]], and now in the area known as [[Imperium Nihilus]]. Here the Silver Skulls are surrounded by numerous [[Xenos]] species, recently fighting costly yet significant battles against the [[Dark Eldar]] and [[Necrons]].{{Fn|15}}
  
There are two ways in which the Chapter cult deviates from the [[Codex Astartes]], the first a custom inherited from their recruiting worlds: the practice of head taking. Especially powerful enemies are beheaded during battle, serving as trophies until victory is achieved. As part of its post-battle rituals, the Chapter selects the heads of the most powerful enemies, flense flesh from bone and layer the skulls in a coat of silver to be displayed within the Fortress-Monastery.{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}}
+
The Silver Skulls also patrol the nearby Gildar Rift, accepting the challenges of maintaining peace in the sector, despite it being a plain and inglorious duty.{{Fn|30a}}
 
 
The second Codex deviation is their specific use of '''Prognosticators''', the Silver Skulls [[Librarian]]s and partial spiritual advisor alongside their [[Chaplains]].{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}} These warriors are the seers of the Chapter, reading the [[Emperor's Tarot]] or Rune-stones for divination of the future, granting the squads and companies they are attached to an edge for the coming battle.{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}} The Chapter takes the readings seriously, as such that on some occasions, the Prognosticators have counselled against the Chapter becoming embroiled in a particular war, however this can prove problematic as the honour of the chapter at times demands that they take part in a battle they know will end in defeat. Despite this somewhat fickle nature, the Chapter is known to fight with honour the length and breadth of the Imperium.{{Fn|15}}
 
 
 
After the opening of the [[Great Rift]], the Silver Skulls have been amongst the most active of all Chapters fighting against the forces of Chaos and are now fighting on many fronts.{{Fn|24}}
 
  
 +
After the opening of the [[Great Rift]], the Silver Skulls have been amongst the most active of all Chapters fighting against the forces of Chaos and are now fighting on many fronts across it.{{Fn|24}} They have been named as one of the 10 [[Shield Chapters of Ultramar]].{{Fn|35}}
  
 
===Notable Campaigns===
 
===Notable Campaigns===
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*Battle of [[Skataurus]] — year unknown. There Silver Skulls found that only [[Centurion Assault Squad]] could make headway through the rubble of previously proud avenues of the main city. Heretics of Skataurus soon understand that not dug-in tanks, not reinforced bunkers of the hive could stop the hulking warriors. Massed cultist ambushes also proved useless and soon rebellion was suppressed.{{Fn|25}}
 
*Battle of [[Skataurus]] — year unknown. There Silver Skulls found that only [[Centurion Assault Squad]] could make headway through the rubble of previously proud avenues of the main city. Heretics of Skataurus soon understand that not dug-in tanks, not reinforced bunkers of the hive could stop the hulking warriors. Massed cultist ambushes also proved useless and soon rebellion was suppressed.{{Fn|25}}
 
*The [[War of Beasts]] on [[Vigilus]] in early [[M42]] — The Silver Skulls send a single company.{{Fn|26}}
 
*The [[War of Beasts]] on [[Vigilus]] in early [[M42]] — The Silver Skulls send a single company.{{Fn|26}}
 +
*The [[Nachmund Rift War]]{{Fn|37}}
 +
[[Image:Silver Skull.png|thumb|right|250px|'''Silver Skulls''' Captain {{Fn|18b}}]]
  
 
==Culture==
 
==Culture==
The Silver Skulls are recruited from the fierce tribesmen of [[Varsavia]] and this culture has bled into the Chapter. They bury their warriors upon Varsavia's moon of [[Pax Argentius]], believing that the spirits of their ancestors watch over them. The ashes of the fallen are placed in urns and put on display after prayer rituals. The honored dead include not just warriors but also [[Chapter Serf]]s.{{Fn|14c}} The Chapter also has a fearful reputation as headhunters, with their warriors wearing the decapitated skulls of their enemies as trophies.{{Fn|28}}
+
The Silver Skulls are recruited from the fierce tribesmen of [[Varsavia]] and this culture has bled into the Chapter. They bury their warriors upon Varsavia's moon of [[Pax Argentius]], believing that the spirits of their ancestors watch over them. The ashes of the fallen are placed in urns and put on display after prayer rituals. The honored dead include not just warriors but also [[Chapter Serf]]s.{{Fn|14c}} The Chapter homeworld's culture has also given them a fearful reputation as headhunters.{{Fn|28}} As part of its post-battle rituals, the Chapter selects the heads of the most powerful enemies, flense flesh from bone and layer the skulls in a coat of silver to be displayed within the Fortress-Monastery.{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}} The Silver Skulls also tattoo the skin of their entire bodies in honour markings, with the face being the last area to be marked; the right to do so must be earned in battle.{{Fn|13}}
 +
 
 +
Presumably, the chapter did not have these cultural influences when their homeworld was the planet of [[Lyria]].{{Fn|31}}
 +
 
 +
The current [[Chapter Master]] of the Silver Skulls always bears the name of [[Argentius]] upon assuming command. Currently, they are on their 27th bearer of the name.{{Fn|13}} Likewise, their [[Chief Librarian|Chief Prognosticator]] bears the name of [[Vashiro]], meaning "The One Who Sees". The current "Vashiro" has held the name for over 500 years.{{Fn|19}}
 +
 
 +
==Organization==
 +
The Silver Skulls organize themselves primarily along the lines written in the [[Codex Astartes]], however the 9th Company has been altered from a reserve Devastator Company into a designated "Siege" company, with the 9th Company's captain holding the title of "Siege Captain".{{Fn|30c}}
 +
 
 +
The chapter hosts two orders of [[Chapter Champion]]s:
 +
*The '''Prognosticars''', elite battle-psykers and part of the [[Librarius|Prognosticatum]].{{Fn|14b}}
 +
*The '''Talriktug''', the chapter's elite non-psychic warriors and considered second only to the Prognosticars, part of the [[1st Company]].{{Fn|19}}
 +
 
 +
The Silver Skulls paint their company signifier as a number on their knee pad, while their squad number is paints upon their backpack. They also paint their role signifier on their right pauldron (with the signified painted in the company's colour), while they place their chapter emblem on their left pauldron.
 +
 
 +
==Combat Doctrine==
 +
The Silver Skulls primarily hold to the tenants and tactics of the [[Codex Astartes]], however they further specialize in siege warfare. In battle, the chapter is known for being relentless, efficient, and  extremely pragmatic, not adverse to using whatever tactics it takes to win. When engaged in melee combat, they are known for their barbaric brutality{{Fn|19}}{{Fn|21}}{{Fn|31}}
 +
 
 +
Their most notable aspect is the use of '''Prognosticators''', the Silver Skulls [[Librarian]]s and partial spiritual advisor alongside their [[Chaplains]].{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}} These warriors are the seers of the Chapter, reading the [[Emperor's Tarot]] or Rune-stones for divination of the future, granting the squads and companies they are attached to an edge for the coming battle.{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|15}} The Chapter takes the readings seriously, as such that on some occasions, the Prognosticators have counselled against the Chapter becoming embroiled in a particular war, however this can prove problematic as the honour of the chapter at times demands that they take part in a battle they know will end in defeat. Despite this somewhat fickle nature, the Chapter is known to fight with honour the length and breadth of the Imperium.{{Fn|15}}
  
The current [[Chapter Master]] of the Silver Skulls always bares the title of [[Argentius]]. Currently, they are on their 27th bearer of the title.{{Fn|13}}
+
==Geneseed==
 +
The Silver Skulls claim{{Fn|8}} and are believed to be descendants of the [[Ultramarines]] Chapter; however, with the passage of time this remains unconfirmed, although they behave as a [[Codex Chapter]]{{Fn|15}} and fight alongside the [[Primogenitor]] Chapters as if they were their own kin{{Fn|15}}. During the [[Thirteenth Black Crusade]], the [[Primarch]] [[Guilliman]] returned to the Imperium and the Chapter was recognized as one of the '''Scions of Guilliman'''.{{Fn|24}}
 +
 
 +
The Silver Skulls' geneseed has also been under investigation by the [[Ordo Hereticus]]. For unknown reasons, the chapter's geneseed records were so heavily classified that [[Inquisitor]] [[Liandra Callis]] struggled to obtain them, despite visiting the genevaults of [[Terra]] itself. However, the inquisitor eventually completed her investigation. While the chapter was shown to be free of taint or mutation, when the results of the investigation were presented to the Silver Skulls leadership, it was feared that their origins could cause a schism within the chapter were the rest of the SIlver Skulls to learn of them.{{Fn|30d}}
  
 
==Known Chapter Elements==
 
==Known Chapter Elements==
Line 69: Line 88:
 
*''[[Quicksilver]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|14e}}
 
*''[[Quicksilver]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|14e}}
 
*''[[Dread Argent]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|14i}}
 
*''[[Dread Argent]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|14i}}
 +
*''[[Spear of Destiny]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|33}}
 +
*''[[Seer's Steed]]'' - [[Thunderhawk]]{{Fn|33}}
  
 
===Notable Silver Skulls===
 
===Notable Silver Skulls===
*Lord Commander [[Argentius]] — Silver Skulls' 27th [[Chapter Master]]{{Fn|13}}
+
[[Chapter Master]]
*[[Vashiro]] [[Chief Librarian|Chief Prognosticator]]{{Fn|13}}
+
*Lord Commander [[Argentius]] — Silver Skulls' 27th [[Chapter Master]]. The current "Argentius" is believed to be "Artreus", formerly captain of 6th Company{{Fn|13}}
*[[Apothecary]] [[Malus]] — guided [[Inquisitor]] [[Thraxx]] around the Silver Skulls' Apothecarion during his visit to inspect the Silver Skulls' gene-seed{{Fn|9}}
+
 
 +
[[Librarius|Prognosticatum]]
 +
*[[Chief Librarian|Chief Prognosticator]] [[Vashiro]] - the current "Vashiro"'s birth name is "Aerus".{{Fn|13}}{{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Epistolary]] [[Thule (Epistolary)|Thule]]
 
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Andus]]{{Fn|19}}
 
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Andus]]{{Fn|19}}
*[[Deathwatch]] [[Prognosticator]] [[Rennin Tri'el]]
+
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Bhehan]] - attached to First Company{{Fn|31}}, formerly attached to the 5th then 8th Companies{{Fn|31}}{{Fn|13}}
*[[Epistolary]] [[Thule (Epistolary)|Thule]]
+
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Brand]] - attached to the 4th Company and acts as its senior adviser.{{Fn|14f}}
*[[Captain]] [[Kerelan]] of the First Company{{Fn|19}}
 
*[[Captain]] [[Eddan Bourne]] of the 2nd Company
 
*[[Captain]] [[Daerys Arrun]] of the 4th Company (deceased){{Fn|14c}}
 
*[[Captain]] [[Sinopa]] current 4th Company Captain{{Fn|14c}}
 
*[[Space Marine Captain|Siege Captain]] [[Rasheke Daviks]] of the 9th Company. He is known as solid and dependable and frequently acts as the diplomatic leader of the Chapter.{{Fn|14e}}
 
*[[Captain]] [[Alkon]]
 
*[[Captain]] [[Argentus (Silver Skulls)|Argentus]]
 
*[[Volker Straub]] - Originally an [[Aspirant]], he was chosen to undergo an experiment that would see him fused to the controls of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Dread Argent]]''.{{Fn|14i}}
 
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Bhehan]] - Eighth Company{{Fn|13}}
 
 
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Rennin Tri'el]] - currently serving in the [[Deathwatch]]
 
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Rennin Tri'el]] - currently serving in the [[Deathwatch]]
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Brand]] - attached to the 4th Company and acts as its senior adviser.{{Fn|14f}}
+
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Rhondus]] - (deceased){{Fn|33}}
*[[Prognosticator]] [[Vorxec Calvarius]]. Turned traitor while battling [[Nurgle]] [[Cultist]]s on the world of [[Horestis]]. After surviving a [[Virus Bomb]] and enduring 49 days of agony, he converted to the Plague God and now leads a force of traitors that plunders the stars.{{Fn|29}}
+
*[[Prognosticator]] Aharan - (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*(former) [[Prognosticator]] [[Vorxec Calvarius]]. Turned traitor while battling [[Nurgle]] [[Cultist]]s on the world of [[Horestis]]. After surviving a [[Virus Bomb]] and enduring 49 days of agony, he converted to the Plague God and now leads a force of traitors that plunders the stars.{{Fn|29}}
 +
 
 +
[[Apothecarion]]
 +
*[[Apothecary]] [[Malus]] - guided [[Inquisitor]] [[Thraxx]] around the Silver Skulls' Apothecarion during his visit to inspect the Silver Skulls' gene-seed{{Fn|9}}
 
*[[Apothecary]] [[Ryarus]] - attached to the 4th Company. He is renowned as a hero who had the names of every warrior whose [[gene-seed]] he recovered tattooed onto him. He eventually was slain by [[Ork]]s in a heroic last stand during the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14g}}
 
*[[Apothecary]] [[Ryarus]] - attached to the 4th Company. He is renowned as a hero who had the names of every warrior whose [[gene-seed]] he recovered tattooed onto him. He eventually was slain by [[Ork]]s in a heroic last stand during the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14g}}
 +
 +
[[Armoury|Armorium]]
 
*[[Techmarine]] [[Nodens]] - Member of the [[Deathwatch]]{{Fn|15a}}
 
*[[Techmarine]] [[Nodens]] - Member of the [[Deathwatch]]{{Fn|15a}}
 
*[[Techmarine]] [[Correlan]] - Attached to the 4th Company. Known for his humorous attitude and tendency for insubordination. Took part in the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14g}}
 
*[[Techmarine]] [[Correlan]] - Attached to the 4th Company. Known for his humorous attitude and tendency for insubordination. Took part in the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14g}}
*[[Sergeant]] [[Matteus]] - 4th Company. Killed during the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14h}}
+
*[[Techmarine]] [[Kuruk]] - attached to 8th Company{{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Techmarine]] [[Theoderyk]] - (deceased){{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Techmarine]] Rikolux - (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Techmarine]] [[Zilaris]] - Serving in the [[Deathwatch]]{{Fn|36}}
 +
 
 +
[[1st Company]] - ‘Fortius quo fidelias’ "Strength through loyalty"
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Kerelan]]{{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Djul - [[Chapter Champion|Talriktug]]{{Fn|31}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Vrakos - [[Chapter Champion|Talriktug]]{{Fn|31}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Ma’lok{{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Dastillus{{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Ko{{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Asterios{{Fn|31}}
 +
*[[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]] Bastev Tor’ra - Jade Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Tek - Jade Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Vra’del - Jade Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
 
 +
[[2nd Company]]
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Eddan Bourne]]
 +
 
 +
[[3rd Company]]
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Argentus (Silver Skulls)|Argentus]]
 +
*[[Redemptor Dreadnought]] [[Lazarius]]
 +
*[[Venerable Dreadnought]] [[Alenso (Dreadnought)|Alenso]]
 +
 
 +
[[4th Company]]
 +
**[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Daerys Arrun]] - (deceased){{Fn|14c}}
 +
*[[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]] [[Matteus]] - (deceased). Killed during the [[Gildar Rift]] campaign.{{Fn|14h}}
 +
*[[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]] [[Porteus]] - Squad Carnelian
 +
 
 +
[[6th Company]]
 +
*[[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]] Braxus - Amethyst Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] K'la - Amethyst Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Artum - Amethyst Squad (deceased){{Fn|33}}
 +
 
 +
[[Space Marine Company|8th Company]] - ''Vincit Qui Patitur'' "He who endures, conquers"
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Assault Captain]] [[Kyaerus]] - formerly a sergeant of the 7th Company
 +
*(former) [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Keile Meyoran]] - (deceased}{{Fn|21}}
 +
*(former) [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Andreas Kulle]] - (deceased){{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]] Gilaes Ur'ten - Squad Sergeant of ''The Reckoners'' squad{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Brother]] [[Reuben]] - Gilaes's second in command of ''The Reckoners'' squad{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Jalonis - ''The Reckoners'' squad{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Tikaye - ''The Reckoners'' squad{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Wulfric - ''The Reckoners'' (deceased){{Fn|13}}
 
*[[Dreadnought]] [[Diomedes (Dreadnought)|Diomedes]]{{Fn|21}}
 
*[[Dreadnought]] [[Diomedes (Dreadnought)|Diomedes]]{{Fn|21}}
*[[Venerable Dreadnought]] [[Alenso (Dreadnought)|Alenso]]
 
*[[Redemptor Dreadnought]] [[Lazarius]]
 
  
 +
[[9th Company]]
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Siege Captain]] [[Rasheke Daviks]] - known as solid and dependable and frequently acts as the diplomatic leader of the Chapter.{{Fn|14e}}
 +
 +
[[10th Company]]
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Scout Captain]] Attellus - [[Master of Recruits|Chief of Recruits]]{{Fn|30b}}
 +
*(former) [[Space Marine Captain|Scout Captain]] Sephera{{Fn|14j}}
 +
*[[Scout Sergeant]] Kyaerus{{Fn|21}}
 +
 +
'''Other'''
 +
*[[Volker Straub]] - Originally an [[Aspirant]], he was chosen to undergo an experiment that would see him fused to the controls of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Dread Argent]]''.{{Fn|14i}}
 +
*[[Ignatius (Silver Skulls)|Ignatius]] - Chapter Serf / Cruor Primaris{{Fn|33}}
 +
*[[Berem]] - (deceased) Chapter Serf / Pilot
 +
 +
'''Unknown Company'''
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Alkon]] - (deceased)
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Sinopa]]{{Fn|14c}}
 +
*[[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Solkun]]{{Fn|34}}
 +
*[[Lieutenant (Space Marine)|Lieutenant]] [[Golrath Stern]]{{Fn|34}}
 +
*[[Veteran Sergeant]] Igneus - (deceased) possessed and corrupted by a lesser daemon of Nurgle in [[M33]], causing the fall of Lyria. Slain 8,000 years later by a combined Silver Skulls and Eldar force.{{Fn|31}}
 +
*[[Brother]] Varlen - (deceased) Defended their original homeworld of Lyria until it was wiped clean of life.{{Fn|31}}
 +
*Brother [[Diamedes (Silver Skulls)|Diamedes]] - Part of the [[Chosen of the Tetrarchy]]{{Fn|35}}
 +
 +
==Relics==
 +
{|align=center border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width=650px
 +
|-
 +
! scope=colgroup style="background:#000; color: white" colspan=4 | Relics
 +
|-
 +
! scope=col style="background:#222; color: white" | Name
 +
! scope=col style="background:#222; color: white" | Type
 +
! scope=col style="background:#222; color: white" | Notes
 +
! scope=col style="background:#222; color: white" | Source
 +
|-
 +
|[[Argent Guide]]
 +
|[[Emperor's Tarot]]
 +
|Gifted to [[Deathwatch|Watch Fortress Erioch]] and used by members of the chaptered seconded to them.
 +
|{{Fn|15}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Silverstrike]]
 +
|[[Stalker Bolt Rifle]]
 +
|Mastercrafted. Wielded by Captain Argentus
 +
| Chapter Approved 2018, pg. 17
 +
|-
 +
|[[Soul Render]]
 +
|[[Force Sword]]
 +
|Wielded by [[Prognosticator]] [[Rhondus]]
 +
|{{Fn|33}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
Line 102: Line 212:
 
SilverSkullsRT.jpg|A Silver Skulls Marine (Rogue Trader Era){{Fn|1}}
 
SilverSkullsRT.jpg|A Silver Skulls Marine (Rogue Trader Era){{Fn|1}}
 
SilverSkullClintLangley.jpg|A '''Silver Skulls''' Marine by [[Clint Langley]]{{Fn|16}}
 
SilverSkullClintLangley.jpg|A '''Silver Skulls''' Marine by [[Clint Langley]]{{Fn|16}}
Silver Skull.png|'''Silver Skulls''' Captain {{Fn|18b}}
 
 
Silver Skulls Marine.jpg|Silver Skulls [[Firstborn]]{{Fn|22}}
 
Silver Skulls Marine.jpg|Silver Skulls [[Firstborn]]{{Fn|22}}
 +
3rd Company Standard.JPG|A Silver Skulls [[Primaris Ancient]] displaying the banner of the 3rd Company{{Fn|32}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 112: Line 222:
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
*{{Endn|Note 1}}: The Silver Skulls are listed as hailing from a later Founding (not 1st or 2nd) in [[Chapter Approved 2001]]{{Fn|20}}, however, in other sources{{Fn|18a}} it is stated that the Silver Skulls are indeed a 2nd Founding Chapter.
 
*{{Endn|Note 1}}: The Silver Skulls are listed as hailing from a later Founding (not 1st or 2nd) in [[Chapter Approved 2001]]{{Fn|20}}, however, in other sources{{Fn|18a}} it is stated that the Silver Skulls are indeed a 2nd Founding Chapter.
 +
 +
==Trivia==
 +
{{trivia}}
 +
* [[Sarah Cawkwell]], author of [[The Gildar Rift (Novel)]] and [[Silver Skulls: Portents (Novel)]] among other Silver Skull stories, originally planned for the Silver Skulls to be [[White Scars]] successors before being told by Games Workshop that they were [[Ultramarines]] successors.{{Fn|38}}
 +
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
Line 146: Line 261:
 
*14: [[The Gildar Rift (Novel)]]
 
*14: [[The Gildar Rift (Novel)]]
 
**{{Endn|14a}}: Chapter 5
 
**{{Endn|14a}}: Chapter 5
**{{Endn|14b}}: {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|14b}}: Chapter 2
 
**{{Endn|14c}}: Chapter 18
 
**{{Endn|14c}}: Chapter 18
 
**{{Endn|14d}}: Chapter 6
 
**{{Endn|14d}}: Chapter 6
Line 155: Line 270:
 
**{{Endn|14i}}: Chapter 15
 
**{{Endn|14i}}: Chapter 15
 
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter]], pg. 111
 
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter]], pg. 111
 +
*{{Endn|15a}}: pg. 125
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [http://www.blacklibrary.com/Blog/Silver-Skull.html%7C| Black Library Blog]
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [http://www.blacklibrary.com/Blog/Silver-Skull.html%7C| Black Library Blog]
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Inquisitor Conspiracies 3 - Heavenfall]], pg. 5
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Inquisitor Conspiracies 3 - Heavenfall]], pg. 5
Line 175: Line 291:
 
**{{Endn|30b}}: Chapter Three
 
**{{Endn|30b}}: Chapter Three
 
**{{Endn|30c}}: Chapter Nine
 
**{{Endn|30c}}: Chapter Nine
 +
**{{Endn|30d}}: Chapter Twenty-One
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**{{Endn|30e}}: Chapter Twelve
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*{{Endn|31}}: [[The Pact (Short Story)]]
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*{{Endn|32}}: [[White Dwarf May 2018]] - Battle Report - ''The Defence of Drevaris''
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*{{Endn|33}}: [[The Twisted Runes (Short Story)]]
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*{{Endn|34}}: [[Citadel Combat Cards]]: [[Spacewar]]
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*{{Endn|35}}: [[Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work (Novel)]] - Chapter 5
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*{{Endn|36}}: [[War Zone Octarius - Book 1: Rising Tide]], pg. 22
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*{{Endn|37}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Rift War]], pg. 30
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*{{Endn|38}}: Sarah Cawkwell's Twitter https://twitter.com/pyroriffic/status/1530546976005160965
  
 
[[Category:Armageddon Wars]]
 
[[Category:Armageddon Wars]]

Latest revision as of 19:33, 31 March 2023

Victory does not always rest with the big guns, but if we rest in front of them we shall be lost.

Lord Commander Argentius, Chapter Master of the Silver Skulls[6d][13]
Silver Skulls
SilverSkullsShoulder.JPG
SilverSkullsPrimaris.jpg ArgentusMini.jpg
Founding Chapter: Ultramarines[24]
Founding: Possibly Second Founding[Note 1]
Descendants: Unknown
Chapter Master: Argentius[13]
Homeworld: Varsavia (current) [2a][6a]; Lyria (former) [31]
Fortress-Monastery: Argent Mons[19]
Colours: Steel color armor, silver helmet, and black shoulder guards. Right shoulder markings are in company color. Symbol is a stylized silver skull.[22]
Specialty: Siege Warfare[30c] and the use of Prognosticators
Strength: Unknown
Battle Cry Primus inter pares[14a]
(First Amongst Equals)

The Silver Skulls are listed as an Ultramarines Successor Chapter.[24] However, their gene-seed records are "inconclusive" and under investigation by the Ordo Hereticus.[30a][30b]

Background

The Silver Skulls were created during the Second Founding, in the days following the Horus Heresy. Originally the Silver Skull's homeworld was known as Lyria. Sometime in M33 the world was rendered a Dead World when the Silver Skulls enacted the sanction of Exterminatus upon it, to prevent it from falling under the control of the forces of Nurgle.[31]

Since then, the chapter's homeworld has been the planet of Varsavia in the Ultima Segmentum, on the boarder of the Segmentum Obscurus and near the Gildar Rift, and now in the area known as Imperium Nihilus. Here the Silver Skulls are surrounded by numerous Xenos species, recently fighting costly yet significant battles against the Dark Eldar and Necrons.[15]

The Silver Skulls also patrol the nearby Gildar Rift, accepting the challenges of maintaining peace in the sector, despite it being a plain and inglorious duty.[30a]

After the opening of the Great Rift, the Silver Skulls have been amongst the most active of all Chapters fighting against the forces of Chaos and are now fighting on many fronts across it.[24] They have been named as one of the 10 Shield Chapters of Ultramar.[35]

Notable Campaigns

  • In M35 the Silver Skulls along with the Howling Griffons aided the Salamanders in an invasion of Commorragh. However this invasion ultimately assisted Asdrubael Vect as he orchestrated it in order to topple Commorragh's noble houses and leave the city open for his rise to power.[4]
  • Suppressing the Cult of the Red Heresy during the Plague of Unbelief with the aid of the mysterious Cypher.
  • 679.M36: The Silver Skulls' 7th Company were deployed in support of the Beta-Garmon IV Expeditionary Force[11], aiding the Rogue Trader Khorlu to re-discover and conquer the fabled Beta-Garmon System in the Veil of Kanth region. For their sacrifice and aid in helping him secure the System, Khorlu later ceded them the planet Beta-Garmon IV, considered the jewel of this System.[23]
  • 165.M37: The Antecanis Massacre: During the 9th Black Crusade, Abaddon, the Black Legion and their allies attack and decimate the Hive World of Antecanis with the aim of denying the Imperial Naval Shipyards at Cancephalus with their source of manpower. As Chaos rampages across the planet, the Silver Skulls are the first to arrive and harry the Chaos fleet in hit and run attacks, denying orbital support to Chaos ground forces. Finally, with Imperial reinforcements inbound, Abaddon loads the Black Legion ships with slaves and plunder and breaks the Silver Skulls blockade of the system, leaving his allies behind to distract the Imperium. [2b]
  • 770-791.M38: The Great Malagantine Purge. The Silver Skulls are one of five Space Marine Chapters in a group referred to as the Manus Irae. This group is ordered by the High Lords to "Spare none and set a bloody, fearful example to the realm of Mankind" by cleansing the Malagantine Sector. The reasons remain to this day unknown to anyone, not even the Inquisition, with the knowledge hidden in the vaults of Terra.[12a]
  • 698.M41: The Corinth Crusade. The Silver Skulls were part of combined Space Marine force led by Marneus Calgar, consisting of the Angels of Absolution, Lamenters, Marines Errant, Scythes of the Emperor, the Ultramarines and over fifty Imperial Guard Regiments. During a seven year crusade the force inflicted a series of major defeats on Waaagh! Skargor in the Corinth system within the Ork empire of Charadon. By the time the crusade finished, Waaagh! Skargor was destroyed and the invasion of Waaagh! Argluk was delayed for thirty years.[7][12b]
  • 954.M41: The imminent attack by the Soulmaw. The Silver Skulls' Librarians suspected an imminent attack by the Daemonic warband, the Soulmaw, on their homeworld. Most of the chapter was absent from Varsavia due to answering a distress call from the Silver Skull vassal world of Aragave which was being ravaged by an unidentified warband of Daemons. The Daemons quickly vanished as soon as the Silver Skulls forces arrived, successfully luring them away from Varsavia. This could have be in retribution for Librarian Lucius Clave reportedly destroying the Soulmaw champion years before in 892.M40 during the scouring of Ammas.[10] In 956.M41, the Soulmaw assaulted the Silver Skulls homeworld, but they managed to resist the attack.
  • 998.M41: The Third War for Armageddon. Records show them to have been deployed to Armageddon during the Third War. Here they deployed seven out of ten companies of Space Marines to fight the Orks.[3]
  • 999.M41: The Zeist Campaign. The Silver Skulls heeded the call of Lord Macragge, and provided tactical squads to fight for the liberation of Augura (a staging point for the Tau forces).[6b]
  • Late M41 - the Lazar Blockade[5a]
  • The Yria Massacre
  • The Gildar Rift (M41, exact date unknown) - after destroying a Red Corsairs battle force, the Silver Skulls under Captain Daerys Arrun pursue the renegade fugitives to a string of inhabited worlds across the Gildar Rift, wiping them out in a matter of weeks.[6a][14x]
  • The Purging — (M41, exact date unknown) - Receiving distress signals from the planet Equinox, a small detachment of Silver Skulls arrived, with the aim of cleansing the planet of the influence of Chaos. They tirelessly swept through the city-states of Equinox one by one in a bloody massacre. The population, already halved by disease and starvation, was halved again and whole areas of city-states were used as mass graves. The Silver Skulls left as quickly as they had struck, fading to nothing more than a bloody memory in the collective consciousness of the survivors.[17]
  • The Second Relief of Mordian - M42. The Silver Skulls aid the Iron Hands and their successor chapters against Chaos forces.[26]
  • The Battle of Horestis (M41, date unknown) - Prognosticator Vorxec Calvarus leads 50 battle-brothers against Nurgle cultists, but most are exposed to a Virus Bomb. After narrowly surviving, Calvarus endures 49 days of agony before he turns to Nurgle and forms a band of raiders.[29]
  • Battle of Skataurus — year unknown. There Silver Skulls found that only Centurion Assault Squad could make headway through the rubble of previously proud avenues of the main city. Heretics of Skataurus soon understand that not dug-in tanks, not reinforced bunkers of the hive could stop the hulking warriors. Massed cultist ambushes also proved useless and soon rebellion was suppressed.[25]
  • The War of Beasts on Vigilus in early M42 — The Silver Skulls send a single company.[26]
  • The Nachmund Rift War[37]
Silver Skulls Captain [18b]

Culture

The Silver Skulls are recruited from the fierce tribesmen of Varsavia and this culture has bled into the Chapter. They bury their warriors upon Varsavia's moon of Pax Argentius, believing that the spirits of their ancestors watch over them. The ashes of the fallen are placed in urns and put on display after prayer rituals. The honored dead include not just warriors but also Chapter Serfs.[14c] The Chapter homeworld's culture has also given them a fearful reputation as headhunters.[28] As part of its post-battle rituals, the Chapter selects the heads of the most powerful enemies, flense flesh from bone and layer the skulls in a coat of silver to be displayed within the Fortress-Monastery.[13][15] The Silver Skulls also tattoo the skin of their entire bodies in honour markings, with the face being the last area to be marked; the right to do so must be earned in battle.[13]

Presumably, the chapter did not have these cultural influences when their homeworld was the planet of Lyria.[31]

The current Chapter Master of the Silver Skulls always bears the name of Argentius upon assuming command. Currently, they are on their 27th bearer of the name.[13] Likewise, their Chief Prognosticator bears the name of Vashiro, meaning "The One Who Sees". The current "Vashiro" has held the name for over 500 years.[19]

Organization

The Silver Skulls organize themselves primarily along the lines written in the Codex Astartes, however the 9th Company has been altered from a reserve Devastator Company into a designated "Siege" company, with the 9th Company's captain holding the title of "Siege Captain".[30c]

The chapter hosts two orders of Chapter Champions:

  • The Prognosticars, elite battle-psykers and part of the Prognosticatum.[14b]
  • The Talriktug, the chapter's elite non-psychic warriors and considered second only to the Prognosticars, part of the 1st Company.[19]

The Silver Skulls paint their company signifier as a number on their knee pad, while their squad number is paints upon their backpack. They also paint their role signifier on their right pauldron (with the signified painted in the company's colour), while they place their chapter emblem on their left pauldron.

Combat Doctrine

The Silver Skulls primarily hold to the tenants and tactics of the Codex Astartes, however they further specialize in siege warfare. In battle, the chapter is known for being relentless, efficient, and extremely pragmatic, not adverse to using whatever tactics it takes to win. When engaged in melee combat, they are known for their barbaric brutality[19][21][31]

Their most notable aspect is the use of Prognosticators, the Silver Skulls Librarians and partial spiritual advisor alongside their Chaplains.[13][15] These warriors are the seers of the Chapter, reading the Emperor's Tarot or Rune-stones for divination of the future, granting the squads and companies they are attached to an edge for the coming battle.[13][15] The Chapter takes the readings seriously, as such that on some occasions, the Prognosticators have counselled against the Chapter becoming embroiled in a particular war, however this can prove problematic as the honour of the chapter at times demands that they take part in a battle they know will end in defeat. Despite this somewhat fickle nature, the Chapter is known to fight with honour the length and breadth of the Imperium.[15]

Geneseed

The Silver Skulls claim[8] and are believed to be descendants of the Ultramarines Chapter; however, with the passage of time this remains unconfirmed, although they behave as a Codex Chapter[15] and fight alongside the Primogenitor Chapters as if they were their own kin[15]. During the Thirteenth Black Crusade, the Primarch Guilliman returned to the Imperium and the Chapter was recognized as one of the Scions of Guilliman.[24]

The Silver Skulls' geneseed has also been under investigation by the Ordo Hereticus. For unknown reasons, the chapter's geneseed records were so heavily classified that Inquisitor Liandra Callis struggled to obtain them, despite visiting the genevaults of Terra itself. However, the inquisitor eventually completed her investigation. While the chapter was shown to be free of taint or mutation, when the results of the investigation were presented to the Silver Skulls leadership, it was feared that their origins could cause a schism within the chapter were the rest of the SIlver Skulls to learn of them.[30d]

Known Chapter Elements

Chapter Fleet

Notable Silver Skulls

Chapter Master

  • Lord Commander Argentius — Silver Skulls' 27th Chapter Master. The current "Argentius" is believed to be "Artreus", formerly captain of 6th Company[13]

Prognosticatum

Apothecarion

Armorium

1st Company - ‘Fortius quo fidelias’ "Strength through loyalty"

2nd Company

3rd Company

4th Company

6th Company

8th Company - Vincit Qui Patitur "He who endures, conquers"

9th Company

10th Company

Other

Unknown Company

Relics

Relics
Name Type Notes Source
Argent Guide Emperor's Tarot Gifted to Watch Fortress Erioch and used by members of the chaptered seconded to them. [15]
Silverstrike Stalker Bolt Rifle Mastercrafted. Wielded by Captain Argentus Chapter Approved 2018, pg. 17
Soul Render Force Sword Wielded by Prognosticator Rhondus [33]

Images


Notes

  • Note 1: The Silver Skulls are listed as hailing from a later Founding (not 1st or 2nd) in Chapter Approved 2001[20], however, in other sources[18a] it is stated that the Silver Skulls are indeed a 2nd Founding Chapter.

Trivia


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Sources