Difference between revisions of "Silver Skulls"
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{{UltramarinesPortal}} | {{UltramarinesPortal}} | ||
− | The '''Silver Skulls''' are a [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]] of [[Ultramarines]] descent. | + | The '''Silver Skulls''' are a [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]] believed to be of [[Ultramarines]] descent. |
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{{Loyalist Chapters | {{Loyalist Chapters | ||
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
− | [[Image:SilverSkullsRT.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:SilverSkullsRT.jpg|thumb|140px|right|A Silver Skulls Marine (Rogue Trader Era){{Fn|3}}]] |
+ | The '''Silver Skulls''' claim{{Fn|17}} 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|16}} and fight alongside the [[Primogenitor]] Chapters as if they were their own kin.{{Fn|16}} Hailing from their homeworld of [[Varsarvia]] in the [[Ultima Segmentum]], they are surrounded by numerous Xenos species, recently fighting costly yet significant battles against the [[Dark Eldar]] and [[Necrons]].{{Fn|16}} The Silver Skulls also tattoo the skin of their entire bodies in honour markings, with the face being the last area to be marked, with the right to do so earned in battle.{{Fn|12}} | ||
− | + | There are two ways in which the Chapter cult deviates from the [[Codex Astartes]], the first being descended 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|12}}{{Fn|16}} | |
− | + | The second Codex deviation is there specific use of '''Prognosticators''', the Silver Skulls [[Librarian]] and partial spiritual advisor alongside their [[Chaplains]].{{Fn|12}}{{Fn|16}}} These warriors are the seers of the Chapter, reading the Emperors 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|12}}{{Fn|16}} 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|16}} | |
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===Notable Campaigns=== | ===Notable Campaigns=== | ||
− | [[File:SilverSkullClintLangley.jpg| | + | [[File:SilverSkullClintLangley.jpg|left|140px|thumb|A '''Silver Skulls''' Marine by [[Clint Langley]]{{Fn|2}}]] |
*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.{{Fn|5}} | *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.{{Fn|5}} | ||
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*The [[Great Malagantine Purge]] - 770-791M.38: - 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.{{Fn|15a}} | *The [[Great Malagantine Purge]] - 770-791M.38: - 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.{{Fn|15a}} | ||
− | *[[Corinth Crusade]] - 698.M41: - The Silver Skulls were part of a 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.{{Fn| | + | *[[Corinth Crusade]] - 698.M41: - The Silver Skulls were part of a 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.{{Fn|11}}{{Fn|15b}} |
*[[Beta-Garmon IV Expeditionary Force]]: The seventh company were deployed in support of the Expeditionary Force. {{Fn|8}} | *[[Beta-Garmon IV Expeditionary Force]]: The seventh company were deployed in support of the Expeditionary Force. {{Fn|8}} | ||
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*The '''Lazar Blockade''': - The Necron Cryptek, Orikan the Diviner, predicts that the Imperial naval Shipyards of Helios IV will be destroyed by Waaagh! [[Skullkrak]], however this is not the case as, due to the vagaries of the warp, the 4th Company of the Silver Skulls intervenes and defeats the Orks. To remedy this, Orikan travels back in time and intercepts the 4th Company some weeks earlier with a Necron force, decimating them. This ensures the destruction of the Helios IV Shipyards via the Orks but causes other problems.{{Fn|6b}} In 857.M41, The 5 Space Marine Chapters including the [[Death Spectres]], [[Howling Griffons]] and the Silver Skulls blockade the [[Lazar]] system{{Fn|7c}} to purge the [[Necron]]s from its planets in vengeance for the damage suffered by the Silver Skulls 4th Company{{Fn|6a}}{{Fn|6b}}. The Space Marines overwhelm and obliterate the main [[Tomb World]], however secondary bases throughout the system suddenly come to life. Rather than withdraw, the Silver Skulls dig in for a grueling campaign. In 859.M41 [[Anrakyr]] the Traveller arrives and immediately joins his forces with the Necron defence. The tide of battle is turned at the [[Battle of Dreadpeak]] when Anrakyr's [[Pyrrhian Eternals]] spearhead an assault on the Silver Skulls' downed battle barge the [[Argent Hammer]]. Anrakyr seizes control of its still-functioning weapons and turns their full fury on its previous owners. The Silver Skulls suffer greatly - their Chapter Master slain and their forces scatted into disarray. They are forced to withdraw their blockade of the system, taking great care to make sure word of their defeat would does not spread.{{Fn|6a}} | *The '''Lazar Blockade''': - The Necron Cryptek, Orikan the Diviner, predicts that the Imperial naval Shipyards of Helios IV will be destroyed by Waaagh! [[Skullkrak]], however this is not the case as, due to the vagaries of the warp, the 4th Company of the Silver Skulls intervenes and defeats the Orks. To remedy this, Orikan travels back in time and intercepts the 4th Company some weeks earlier with a Necron force, decimating them. This ensures the destruction of the Helios IV Shipyards via the Orks but causes other problems.{{Fn|6b}} In 857.M41, The 5 Space Marine Chapters including the [[Death Spectres]], [[Howling Griffons]] and the Silver Skulls blockade the [[Lazar]] system{{Fn|7c}} to purge the [[Necron]]s from its planets in vengeance for the damage suffered by the Silver Skulls 4th Company{{Fn|6a}}{{Fn|6b}}. The Space Marines overwhelm and obliterate the main [[Tomb World]], however secondary bases throughout the system suddenly come to life. Rather than withdraw, the Silver Skulls dig in for a grueling campaign. In 859.M41 [[Anrakyr]] the Traveller arrives and immediately joins his forces with the Necron defence. The tide of battle is turned at the [[Battle of Dreadpeak]] when Anrakyr's [[Pyrrhian Eternals]] spearhead an assault on the Silver Skulls' downed battle barge the [[Argent Hammer]]. Anrakyr seizes control of its still-functioning weapons and turns their full fury on its previous owners. The Silver Skulls suffer greatly - their Chapter Master slain and their forces scatted into disarray. They are forced to withdraw their blockade of the system, taking great care to make sure word of their defeat would does not spread.{{Fn|6a}} | ||
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*Imminent attack by the [[Soulmaw]] - In 954.M41 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 Silver Skulls forces arrived, succesfully 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]].{{Fn|10}} | *Imminent attack by the [[Soulmaw]] - In 954.M41 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 Silver Skulls forces arrived, succesfully 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]].{{Fn|10}} | ||
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===Notable Silver Skulls=== | ===Notable Silver Skulls=== | ||
− | [[File:SilverSkullsDamocles.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A [[Damocles Command Rhino]] of the 7th Company which took part in the Beta-Garmon IV Expedition{{Fn|8}}]] | + | [[File:SilverSkullsDamocles.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A [[Damocles Command Rhino]] of the 7th Company which took part in the Beta-Garmon IV Expedition{{Fn|8}}]] |
*Lord Commander [[Argentius]] - Silver Skulls' [[Chapter Master]] {{Fn|12}} | *Lord Commander [[Argentius]] - Silver Skulls' [[Chapter Master]] {{Fn|12}} | ||
*[[Vashiro]] - Chief Prognosticator {{Fn|12}} | *[[Vashiro]] - Chief Prognosticator {{Fn|12}} | ||
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**{{Endn|1a}}: Page 132 | **{{Endn|1a}}: Page 132 | ||
**{{Endn|1b}}: Page 148 | **{{Endn|1b}}: Page 148 | ||
− | *{{Endn|2}}: | + | *{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.blacklibrary.com/Blog/Silver-Skull.html%7C| Black Library Blog] |
− | *{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]]: | + | *{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader]]: Page 169 |
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition)]]: Page 30 | *{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition)]]: Page 30 | ||
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (5th Edition)]]: Page 14 | *{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Dark Eldar (5th Edition)]]: Page 14 | ||
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*{{Endn|9}}: [[Index Astartes I]]: Page 2 | *{{Endn|9}}: [[Index Astartes I]]: Page 2 | ||
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 368 (UK)]]: Page 25 | *{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 368 (UK)]]: Page 25 | ||
− | *{{Endn|11}}: [ | + | *{{Endn|11}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition)]]: Page 36 |
*{{Endn|12}}: ''[[Primary Instinct (Short Story)]]'' by [[Sarah Cawkwell]] | *{{Endn|12}}: ''[[Primary Instinct (Short Story)]]'' by [[Sarah Cawkwell]] | ||
*{{Endn|13}}: ''[[Cause and Effect (Short Story)]]'' by '''Sarah Cawkwell''' | *{{Endn|13}}: ''[[Cause and Effect (Short Story)]]'' by '''Sarah Cawkwell''' | ||
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*{{Endn|16}}: [[Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter]]: Page 111 | *{{Endn|16}}: [[Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter]]: Page 111 | ||
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: Ultramarines (2nd Edition)]]: Page 43 | *{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: Ultramarines (2nd Edition)]]: Page 43 | ||
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[[Category:Later Foundings]] | [[Category:Later Foundings]] | ||
[[de:Silver Skulls]] | [[de:Silver Skulls]] | ||
[[fr:Silver Skulls]] | [[fr:Silver Skulls]] |
Revision as of 04:26, 8 August 2012
The Silver Skulls are a Space Marine Chapter believed to be of Ultramarines descent.
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Victory does not always rest with the big guns: but, if we rest in front of them we shall be lost. |
Background
The Silver Skulls claim[17] 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[16] and fight alongside the Primogenitor Chapters as if they were their own kin.[16] Hailing from their homeworld of Varsarvia in the Ultima Segmentum, they are surrounded by numerous Xenos species, recently fighting costly yet significant battles against the Dark Eldar and Necrons.[16] The Silver Skulls also tattoo the skin of their entire bodies in honour markings, with the face being the last area to be marked, with the right to do so earned in battle.[12]
There are two ways in which the Chapter cult deviates from the Codex Astartes, the first being descended 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.[12][16]
The second Codex deviation is there specific use of Prognosticators, the Silver Skulls Librarian and partial spiritual advisor alongside their Chaplains.[12][16]} These warriors are the seers of the Chapter, reading the Emperors Tarot or Rune-stones for divination of the future, granting the squads and companies they are attached to an edge for the coming battle.[12][16] 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. [16]
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.[5]
- The Antecanis Massacre - 165.M37:- 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 re-inforcements 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. [1b]
- The Great Malagantine Purge - 770-791M.38: - 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.[15a]
- Corinth Crusade - 698.M41: - The Silver Skulls were part of a 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.[11][15b]
- Beta-Garmon IV Expeditionary Force: The seventh company were deployed in support of the Expeditionary Force. [8]
- The Lazar Blockade: - The Necron Cryptek, Orikan the Diviner, predicts that the Imperial naval Shipyards of Helios IV will be destroyed by Waaagh! Skullkrak, however this is not the case as, due to the vagaries of the warp, the 4th Company of the Silver Skulls intervenes and defeats the Orks. To remedy this, Orikan travels back in time and intercepts the 4th Company some weeks earlier with a Necron force, decimating them. This ensures the destruction of the Helios IV Shipyards via the Orks but causes other problems.[6b] In 857.M41, The 5 Space Marine Chapters including the Death Spectres, Howling Griffons and the Silver Skulls blockade the Lazar system[7c] to purge the Necrons from its planets in vengeance for the damage suffered by the Silver Skulls 4th Company[6a][6b]. The Space Marines overwhelm and obliterate the main Tomb World, however secondary bases throughout the system suddenly come to life. Rather than withdraw, the Silver Skulls dig in for a grueling campaign. In 859.M41 Anrakyr the Traveller arrives and immediately joins his forces with the Necron defence. The tide of battle is turned at the Battle of Dreadpeak when Anrakyr's Pyrrhian Eternals spearhead an assault on the Silver Skulls' downed battle barge the Argent Hammer. Anrakyr seizes control of its still-functioning weapons and turns their full fury on its previous owners. The Silver Skulls suffer greatly - their Chapter Master slain and their forces scatted into disarray. They are forced to withdraw their blockade of the system, taking great care to make sure word of their defeat would does not spread.[6a]
- Imminent attack by the Soulmaw - In 954.M41 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 Silver Skulls forces arrived, succesfully 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]
- The Third War for Armageddon - 998.M41: - 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.[4]
- The Zeist Campaign - 999.M41: - 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).[7b]
- The Gildar Rift (M41, exact date unknown) - after destroying a Red Corsairs battle force, the Silver Skulls pursue the renegade fugitives to a string of inhabited worlds across the Gildar Rift, wiping them out in a matter of weeks.[14]
Notable Silver Skulls
- Lord Commander Argentius - Silver Skulls' Chapter Master [12]
- Vashiro - Chief Prognosticator [12]
- Apothecary Malus - guided Inquisitor Thraxx around the Silver Skulls' Apothecarion during his visit to inspect the Silver Skulls' gene-seed[9]
Related Articles
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook:
- 2: Black Library Blog
- 3: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader: Page 169
- 4: Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition): Page 30
- 5: Codex: Dark Eldar (5th Edition): Page 14
- 6: Codex: Necrons (5th Edition):
- 7: Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)
- 8: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition: Page 80
- 9: Index Astartes I: Page 2
- 10: White Dwarf 368 (UK): Page 25
- 11: Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition): Page 36
- 12: Primary Instinct (Short Story) by Sarah Cawkwell
- 13: Cause and Effect (Short Story) by Sarah Cawkwell
- 14: The Gildar Rift (Novel) by Sarah Cawkwell:
- 14a: Chapter 5 Cry Wolf - Pages 107-108
- 15: Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One: Page 76
- 16: Deathwatch: Honour the Chapter: Page 111
- 17: Codex: Ultramarines (2nd Edition): Page 43