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[[Image:SASymbol.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Symbol of the Solar Auxilia]]
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{|hspace=5 VSPACE=5 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=4 style="margin:7px; border:1px solid #090909"
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|colspan=2 align="center"|'''Solar Auxilia'''                   
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|-
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|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[File:SASymbol.jpg|90px]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Parent Agency'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Imperial Army]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Headquarters'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Terra]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Leader'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Lord Solar/Lord Militant{{Fn|12}}
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Established'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Early [[Great Crusade]]{{Fn|2b}}
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|}
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[[Image:SolarAuxiliaArt.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Solar Auxilia Infantry]]
 
[[Image:SolarAuxiliaArt.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Solar Auxilia Infantry]]
 
The '''Solar Auxilia''' was an elite fighting force within the [[Imperialis Auxilia]] during the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]] originating from the [[Segmentum Solar]]. Of the myriad [[regiment]]s and battalions of the [[Imperialis Auxilia]] (known in [[Low Gothic]] as the [[Imperial Army]]) the Solar Auxilia were amongst the most elite, disciplined and well-equipped fighting forces, widely considered by many second only to the superhuman [[Legiones Astartes]] in their military effectiveness in battle.{{Fn|1}} Solar Auxilia soldiers were not only trained as infantrymen but also for space combat, combat engineering, planetary exploration, and [[Death World]] survival missions.{{Fn|2b}}
 
The '''Solar Auxilia''' was an elite fighting force within the [[Imperialis Auxilia]] during the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]] originating from the [[Segmentum Solar]]. Of the myriad [[regiment]]s and battalions of the [[Imperialis Auxilia]] (known in [[Low Gothic]] as the [[Imperial Army]]) the Solar Auxilia were amongst the most elite, disciplined and well-equipped fighting forces, widely considered by many second only to the superhuman [[Legiones Astartes]] in their military effectiveness in battle.{{Fn|1}} Solar Auxilia soldiers were not only trained as infantrymen but also for space combat, combat engineering, planetary exploration, and [[Death World]] survival missions.{{Fn|2b}}
  
By the second century of the Great Crusade, the Solar Auxilia made up between 20-25% of the Imperial Army.{{Fn|2b}}
+
By the second century of the Great Crusade, the Solar Auxilia made up between 20-25% of the Imperial Army.{{Fn|2b}} Some 2/3rds of this force oversaw garrisoning duties while the rest accompanied Crusade [[Expeditionary Fleet]]s.{{Fn|12}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Originating from the [[Sol System]] from [[human]] drawn from [[Terra]] and [[Saturn]], these troops were the best organized and equipped Imperial Army forces. Their doctrine emphasized discipline, coherence, aggressive defense, and concentrated firepower, making them highly effective soldiers. As the Great Crusade ground on, the Sol System could no longer provide enough manpower for the much-demanded Solar Auxilia forces, so recruits were drawn from elsewhere.{{Fn|2b}}
+
The Solar Auxillia was founded in the early days of the Great Crusade as the forces of the [[Emperor]] required fleet-based armies capable of dealing with "petty wars" and colonial suppression while the [[Legiones Astartes]] handled grander campaigns. Imitating the Void Hoplites of the [[Saturnyne Ordo]], the Solar Auxilia were trained, armed, and deployed in the same fashion and were issued with the same [[Solar Pattern Void Armour|Saturnine Void Armour]]. Their doctrine emphasized discipline, coherence, aggressive defense, and concentrated firepower, making them highly effective soldiers. The first ten [[Regiment]]s of the Solar Auxilia were known as the ''Saturnyne Rams'' and were more or less the Void Hoplites of the Saturnyne Order. Soon, more regiments were raised from [[Terra]] and [[Luna]] in addition to Saturn. As the Great Crusade ground on, the Sol System could no longer provide enough manpower for the much-demanded Solar Auxilia forces, so recruits were drawn from elsewhere.{{Fn|2b}} These new recruits were mostly typically drawn from regions with a strong privateer and naval tradition.{{Fn|9}}
 +
 
 +
During the Crusade, the most common mission for Solar Auxilia units was to serve alongside [[Rogue Trader]]s and [[Expeditionary Fleet]]s as aggressors and explorers. Once a fleet had achieved compliance and moved on, it usually fell to the Solar Auxilia and its assigned warships to guard those worlds and systems from outside threats as well as rebellion. Only when Compliance was guaranteed beyond a doubt would the Solar Auxilia oversee the creation of locally-raised [[Imperialis Militia]] forces and redeploy elsewhere.{{Fn|9}}
 +
 
 +
During the ensuing Horus Heresy, the Solar Auxilia became a key asset of loyalist forces. However while they were overall strongly loyal, they nonetheless had several examples of rebellion against Imperial rule. Most notable amongst these were the [[Cthonian Headhunters]], which had close connections to [[Warmaster]] [[Horus]]. In other cases, Solar Auxilia Regments incited rebellions within their own garrison [[System]]s for their own petty reasons.{{Fn|12}}
 +
 
 +
===Notable Campaigns===
 +
====Great Crusade====
 +
*[[Sealing of the Black Gate]]{{Fn|23}}
 +
*[[Mitu|Extermination of the Mitu]]{{Fn|17}}
 +
*[[Rangdan Xenocides]]{{Fn|22}}
 +
*[[Chondax Campaign]]
  
During the ensuing Horus Heresy, the Solar Auxilia became a key asset of loyalist forces. One of their most notable campaigns was the [[Battle of the Coronid Deeps]].{{Fn|2b}}
+
====Horus Heresy====
 +
*[[Burning of Prospero]]{{Fn|16}}
 +
*[[First Siege of Hydra Cordatus]]{{Fn|19}}
 +
*[[Battle of the Coronid Deeps]].{{Fn|2b}}
 +
*[[Thramas Crusade]]{{Fn|18}}
 +
*[[Battle of Bodt]]{{Fn|21a}}
 +
*[[Battle of Vannaheim]]{{Fn|20}}
 +
*[[Mezoan Campaign]]{{Fn|21}}
 +
*[[Burning of Ohmn-Mat]]
 +
*[[Battle of Tallarn]]{{Fn|15}}
 +
*[[Carnage of Morox]]
 +
*[[Liberation of Saronican]]{{Fn|25}}
 +
*[[Argarops|War for Argarops]]{{Fn|12a}}
 +
*[[Siege of Cthonia]]{{Fn|24}}
 +
*[[Fall of Tenzebar]]{{Fn|12a}}
 +
*[[Battle of Beta-Garmon]]{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Solar War]]{{Fn|14}}
 +
*[[Siege of Terra]]{{Fn|14}}
  
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
 +
[[Image:SAOrg.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of the Solar Auxilia{{Fn|12}}]]
 +
The base operating unit of the Solar Auxilia on the strategic level was the '''Regiment''', comprising about 5,300 soldiers and staff. However as the Great Crusade expanded in size, much larger '''Solar Cohorts''' were established of 120,000 personnel under the command of a [[Marshal|Marshal Solar]]. These would be broken into a number of sub-cohorts, each with a nominal strength of 1,200 under a Legate Commander, Commander, or Sub-Commander depending on its particular type.{{Fn|2b}}
 +
 +
On the tactical level, the building block of the Solar Cohort was a '''Tercio''', itself made up of three sections whose nature was defined by their weaponry and battlefield role. The most commonly deployed Tercio formation consisted of three sections each comprising 20 armored [[Lasrifle]]-equipped troops. Veteran '''[[Veletaris]]''' Tercios usually consisted of three squads of ten veteran troops equipped with more advanced short-range weaponry such as the [[Volkite Charger]] or [[Flamer]]. Fire Support Tercios commanded three batteries of crew-served weapons platforms, most commonly the [[Rapier]].{{Fn|2b}}
 +
 +
The elite of the Solar Auxilia were the [[Veletaris Storm Section]]s. These warriors were second only to the [[Legiones Astartes]] in combat ability{{Fn|4}}. The Solar Auxilia were also accompanied by [[Medicae]]s, who were tasked with treating combat injuries in the heat of battle. They were well-equiped and were trained to the [[Imperium]]'s highest standards, which allowed the Medicaes to keep even grievously wounded Auxilia in the fight.{{Fn|8}}
 +
 +
===Legiones Auxilia===
 +
The Legiones Auxilia were a class of formation within the ranks of the Solar Auxilia which were bestowed with the singular honour of serving directly alongside the Legiones Astartes and were integrated into their order of battle. The so-called ‘Legiones Auxilia’ were even afforded the right – through pedigree or deed – to bear livery derived in part from their associated Legion. Some such cohorts were raised from the Legion’s own home systems or subsidiary domains, such as the [[Cthonian Headhunters]] or the [[Barbaran Ambaxtoi]], while others earned their position through historical association and achievement, such as the [[Arkadian Janissaries]], who fight alongside the IIIrd Legion.{{Fn|28}}
 +
 +
Later in the galactic civil war it would become common for the Legions to assume direct control over one or more allied Auxila units, subordinating them wholesale into Legion chains of command.{{Fn|28}}
 +
 +
====Known Ranks{{Fn|11}}{{Fn|12}}====
 
[[Image:SolarAuxiliaRanks.jpg|thumb|right|Solar Auxilia Ranks]]
 
[[Image:SolarAuxiliaRanks.jpg|thumb|right|Solar Auxilia Ranks]]
The base operating unit of the Solar Auxilia on the strategic level was the '''Regiment''', comprising about 5,300 soldiers and staff. However as the Great Crusade expanded in size, much larger '''Solar Cohorts''' were established of 120,000 personnel under the command of a [[General|Marshal Solar]]. These would be broken into a number of sub-cohorts, each with a nominal strength of 1,200 under a Legate Commander, Commander, or Sub-Commander depending on its particular type.{{Fn|2b}}
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*'''Lord Solar/Lord Militant''' - Commander of the Solar Auxilia{{Fn|12}}
 +
 
 +
;Strategic Command
 +
*'''Lord Marshal'''{{Fn|12}}
 +
*'''Cohort Marshal'''
 +
*'''Legate Marshal'''
  
On the tactical level, the building block of the Solar Cohort was a '''Terico''', itself made up of three sections whose nature was defined by their weaponry and battlefield role. The most commonly deployed Terico formation consisted of three sections each comprising 20 armored [[Lasrifle]]-equipped troops. Veteran '''Veletaris''' Tericos usually consisted of three squads of ten veteran troops equipped with more advanced short-range weaponry such as the [[Volkite Charger]] or [[Flamer]]. Fire Support Tericos commanded three batteries of crew-served weapons platforms, most commonly the [[Rapier]].{{Fn|2b}}
+
;Cohort
 +
*'''Tribune'''
 +
*'''Lord Castellan''' - Oversaw a Battlegroup{{Fn|12}}
 +
*'''Marshal'''
 +
*'''Legate Commander'''
  
The elite of the Solar Auxilia were the [[Veletaris Storm Section]]s. These warriors were second only to the [[Legiones Astartes]] in combat ability.{{Fn|4}}
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;Sub-Cohort
 +
*'''Sub-Commander'''
 +
*'''Captain'''
 +
*'''Lieutenant'''
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*'''Sub-Lieutenant'''
 +
*'''Ensign'''
 +
*'''Declurion'''
 +
 
 +
;Tercio
 +
*'''Troop Master/Primus'''
 +
*'''Void Sergeant'''
 +
*'''Vexillarii'''
 +
*'''Adjutant'''
 +
*'''Auxiliary'''
 +
*'''Sub-Auxiliary'''
 +
*'''Voidsman'''
 +
 
 +
====Troop Types{{Fn|12}}====
 +
*'''Command Section'''
 +
**'''Proclaimator''' - Communications specialist{{Fn|12}}
 +
**'''Vexilarius''' - Standard Bearer{{Fn|12}}
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*'''[[Medicae]] Section'''
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*'''[[Auxilia Companion]] Section'''
 +
*'''[[Veletaris]] Tercio''' - Including Command, Storm, and Vanguard Sections
 +
*'''[[Charonite Ogryn]] Section'''
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*'''Veteran Section'''
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*'''Lasifle Section'''
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*'''Specialist Weapon Section'''
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*[[Ogryn Charonite]]
 +
[[Image:SAArtLI.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Solar Auxilia forces{{Fn|12}}]]
  
 
==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
 
The most iconic piece of the Solar Auxilia was its [[Solar Pattern Void Armour]], a [[carapace armour|carapace]]-reinforced full environmental combat body suit with fully integrated life support units. The most commonly issued weapon was the '''Kalibrav V-1''' pattern [[Lasrifle]], a higher-quality Laser firearm superior to a standard [[Lasgun]]. Support weapons included [[Flamer]]s, [[Volkite Weapon]]s, [[Plasma Weapon]]s, [[Rotor Cannon]]s, and [[Meltagun]]s. The Solar Auxilia also had its own units of [[Ogryn Charonite]]s for infantry support.{{Fn|2b}}
 
The most iconic piece of the Solar Auxilia was its [[Solar Pattern Void Armour]], a [[carapace armour|carapace]]-reinforced full environmental combat body suit with fully integrated life support units. The most commonly issued weapon was the '''Kalibrav V-1''' pattern [[Lasrifle]], a higher-quality Laser firearm superior to a standard [[Lasgun]]. Support weapons included [[Flamer]]s, [[Volkite Weapon]]s, [[Plasma Weapon]]s, [[Rotor Cannon]]s, and [[Meltagun]]s. The Solar Auxilia also had its own units of [[Ogryn Charonite]]s for infantry support.{{Fn|2b}}
  
The Solar Auxilia made use of a wide array of heavy vehicles, most notably the [[Dracosan Armoured Transport]] and [[Aurox]]. The [[Arvus Lighter]] was most frequently used for airborne landing operations. The most common heavy support vehicles were the [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]], [[Malcador Heavy Battle Tank]], [[Basilisk]], [[Valdor (Heavy Tank)|Valdor]], [[Malcador (Heavy Tank)|Malcador]], and a variety of [[Super Heavy Tank]]s that included the [[Baneblade]], [[Stormhammer]], [[Stormblade]], [[Stormsword]], and [[Shadowsword]].{{Fn|2b}}
+
The Solar Auxilia made use of a wide array of vehicles, most notably the [[Dracosan Armoured Transport]], [[Hermes Light Sentinel]], [[Aethon Heavy Sentinel]], and [[Aurox]]. The [[Arvus Lighter]] was most frequently used for airborne landing operations. The most common heavy support vehicles were the [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]], [[Malcador Heavy Battle Tank]], [[Basilisk]], [[Medusa (Siege Tank)|Medusa]], [[Valdor (Heavy Tank)|Valdor]], [[Malcador (Heavy Tank)|Malcador]], and a variety of [[Super Heavy Tank]]s that included the [[Baneblade]], [[Stormhammer]], [[Stormblade]], [[Stormsword]], and [[Shadowsword]].{{Fn|2b}} [[Rapier Laser Destroyer|Rapiers]] were widely used field artillery pieces.{{Fn|12}}
  
The Auxilia operated its own air units which included [[Thunderbolt]]s, [[Primaris Lightning Strike Fighter|Lighting]]s, and [[Arvus Lighter]]s. For boarding operations in space, the [[Shark Assault Boat]] was most commonly employed.{{Fn|2b}}
+
The Auxilia operated its own air units which included [[Thunderbolt]]s, [[Primaris Lightning Strike Fighter|Lighting]]s, [[Avenger Strike Fighter|Avenger]]s{{Fn|12}}, [[Marauder Bomber|Marauders]]{{Fn|12}}, and [[Arvus Lighter]]s. For boarding operations in space, the [[Shark Assault Boat]] was most commonly employed.{{Fn|2b}}
  
==Notable Cohorts==
+
The Solar Auxilia Cohorts used a wide array of standards, banners and icons, collectively known as ''Vexillas''.{{Fn|2c}}
*'''1522nd Solar Auxilia Cohort''' from [[Coronis Agathon|Agathon]] and other worlds: [[Othion]], [[Legatus]][[Zarnov]] and [[Subinus]]{{Fn|2a}}
+
 
*'''204th Solar Auxilia Cohort''' from the [[Manachean Commonwealth]]{{Fn|2a}}, they took part in the '''Bardall Prosecution'''.{{Fn|3}}
+
==Notable Regiments and Cohorts==
*'''142nd Solar Auxilia Cohort''' from [[Cthonia]]{{Fn|2a}}
+
[[Image:SAHeraldry.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Solar Auxilia Heraldry]]
 +
*'''1st to 10th Solar Auxilia Cohorts''', collectively named the [[Saturnine Rams]]{{Fn|2a}}
 +
*'''87th Cohort''' - [[Star Reavers]]{{Fn|26}}
 +
*'''204th Solar Auxilia Cohort''' from the [[Manachean Commonwealth]] (except the main worlds of Commonweralth in Cohort also were included soldiers from [[Sagathi]] and [[Subinus]]).{{Fn|2a}} This Cohort took part in the [[Bardall Prosecution]].{{Fn|3}}
 +
*'''225th Cohort''' - [[Calth High Guard]]{{Fn|6}}
 +
*'''477th Cohort''' - [[Atlantian Sciritae]]{{Fn|26}}
 +
*'''542nd Cohort''' - '''Boremanite Devils'''. Took part in the [[Battle of Beta-Garmon]].{{Fn|26}}
 +
*'''589th Cohort''' - '''[[Theta-Garmon]] Deathless'''.{{Fn|27}}
 +
*'''905th Solar Auxilia Cohort''' - ''[[Ash Scorpions]]''{{Fn|2a}}
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*'''1128th Cohort''' - [[Necromundan Coursers]]{{Fn|26}}
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*'''1349th Solar Auxilia Cohort''' (''Magnathan Thunder Lords'') - Mechanized Infantry Specialists, defeated the [[Night Lords]] on [[Aramek IV]].{{Fn|12}}
 +
*'''1522nd Solar Auxilia Cohort''' (''The [[Lord Marshal's Own]]'') from [[Coronis Agathon|Agathon]] and other worlds: [[Othion]], [[Legatus]],  [[Zarnov]] and [[Subinus]]{{Fn|2a}}
 +
*[[Calth Wardens]] - from [[Ultramar]]{{Fn|26}}
 +
*[[Chalchidean Grenadiers]]
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*[[Highborn Wardens]] - from [[Ultramar]]
 +
*[[Inwit Phalangites]] - from [[Inwit]], associated with the [[Imperial Fists]]{{Fn|26}}
 +
*[[Manachean Commonwealth Bulls]] - from the [[Manachean Commonwealth]]
 +
*[[Medusan Chain Shroud]] - from [[Medusa (Planet)|Medusa]], associated with the [[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|28}}
 +
 
 +
====Notable Traitor Regiments and Cohorts====
 +
*[[Arkadian Janissaries]] - Associated with the [[Emperor's Children]]{{Fn|28}}
 +
*[[Barbaran Ambaxtoi]] - From [[Barbarus]], associated with the [[Death Guard]]{{Fn|28}}
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*[[Cthonian Headhunters]] - From [[Cthonia]], associated with the [[Sons of Horus]]{{Fn|28}}
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*[[Selucid Thorakite]] - From [[Olympia]], associated with the [[Iron Warriors]]
 +
*[[Phoenician's Chosen]] - Associated with the [[Emperor's Children]]{{Fn|26}}
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*[[Securran Janissaries]] - Joined with the [[Alpha Legion]]{{Fn|10}}
 +
*[[Lepsinite Score]] - Associated with the [[Alpha Legion]]{{Fn|26}}
  
 
==Notable Members==
 
==Notable Members==
 
*[[Lord Marshal]] [[Ireton MaSade]]
 
*[[Lord Marshal]] [[Ireton MaSade]]
 +
*Veteran [[Vaskale Solar]]
 
*[[Medic|Surgeon-Primus]] [[Aevos Jovan]]
 
*[[Medic|Surgeon-Primus]] [[Aevos Jovan]]
  
==Related Articles==
+
==See also==
 
*[[Imperialis Militia]]
 
*[[Imperialis Militia]]
 +
*[[Militarum Tempestus]]
 +
**[[Tempestus Scions]]
 +
*[[Miniatures: Solar Auxilia]]
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
+
'''Games Workshop Miniatures'''
SolarAuxilia.jpg|Solar Auxilia Troops
+
<center>
 +
<gallery widths="200" heights="220">
 +
SolarAuxiliaTacticalCommand2024.jpg|[[Solar Auxilia]] [[Tactical Command Section]]
 +
SolarAuxiliaVeletarisStormSection2024.jpg|[[Solar Auxilia]] [[Veletaris Storm Section]]
 +
SolarAuxiliaLasrifleSection2024.jpg|[[Solar Auxilia]] [[Lasrifle Section]]
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
 +
 
 +
'''Forge World Miniatures'''
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery widths="200" heights="220">
 +
File:SAModels2.jpg|thumb|center|220px|Lasrifle Section{{Fn|7}}
 +
SAModels1.jpg|Veterans with [[Volkite Charger]]s{{Fn|7}}
 
Veletaris.jpg|[[Veletaris]] Troops
 
Veletaris.jpg|[[Veletaris]] Troops
 +
AuxiliaMedicae.jpg|Auxilia Medicae{{Fn|8}}
 
SACommand.jpg|Solar Auxilia Command Squad with Lord Marshal, Strategos, Proclaimator [[vox-caster]], Vexilarius [[Standard Bearer]], and 2 Veterans
 
SACommand.jpg|Solar Auxilia Command Squad with Lord Marshal, Strategos, Proclaimator [[vox-caster]], Vexilarius [[Standard Bearer]], and 2 Veterans
SAHeraldry.jpg|Solar Auxilia Heraldry
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
</center>
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
Line 51: Line 190:
 
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 94
 
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 94
 
**{{Endn|2b}}: pgs. 80–95
 
**{{Endn|2b}}: pgs. 80–95
 +
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 95
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer: Visions 20]], pg. 47 — ''Forge World''
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer: Visions 20]], pg. 47 — ''Forge World''
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-AT/Solar-Auxilia-Velataris-Storm-Section-with-Power-Axes Forge World]
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-AT/Solar-Auxilia-Velataris-Storm-Section-with-Power-Axes Forge World]
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Nine - Crusade]], pg. 205
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Five - Tempest]], pg. 23
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-GB/Solar-Auxilia-Strike-Force-2018-update Forgeworld Solar Auxilia Strike Force] (last accessed 10/31/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Warhammer: Visions 30]], pg. 49 — ''Forge World''
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[The Horus Heresy: Age of Darkness]] Rulebook, pgs. 119-121
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 478]], pg. 107
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Liber Imperium]], pg. 76-
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Legions Imperialis]] Rulebook, pg. 172-197
 +
**{{Endn|12a}}: pg. 26-27
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath]] - War for Beta-Garmon Timeline
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[The Solar War (Novel)]] - Chapters 20-22
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [https://store.steampowered.com/app/515980/The_Horus_Heresy_Battle_of_Tallarn__Iron_Edition/ Steam Webstore: The Horus Heresy Battle of Tallarn] (last accessed 2/25/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[ The Horus Heresy Book Seven - Inferno]], pgs. 22-32
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Four]], pg. 72
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[ The Horus Heresy Book Nine - Crusade]], pgs. 32-40
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/11/02/prove-that-the-iron-warriors-are-the-true-masters-of-siege-warfare-in-this-horus-heresy-exemplary-battle/ Warhammer Community: Prove That the Iron Warriors Are the True Masters of Siege Warfare in This Horus Heresy Exemplary Battle (Posted on 02/11/2021)] - [https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/gy0GzMEa2p9IjWUS.pdf The Siege of Hydra Cordatus: Sundering of the Cadmean Citadel PDF], pgs. 2-4 (Last accessed on 2 November 2021)
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Horus Heresy: Aeronautica Imperialis]], pgs. 40-55
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Six - Retribution]], pgs. 38–44
 +
**{{Endn|21a}}: pgs. 105-106
 +
*{{Endn|22}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20190317170416/https://regimental-standard.com/2018/03/28/field-dressing-a-lasgun-wound/ The Regimental Standard - Field Dressing a Lasgun Wound] (archived 17 March 2019)
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Nine - Crusade]], pgs. 118-120
 +
*{{Endn|24}}: [[ Campaigns of the Age of Darkness: The Siege of Cthonia]] pgs. 58-69
 +
*{{Endn|25}}: [[White Dwarf 478]], pg. 105
 +
*{{Endn|26}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/03/01/the-solar-auxilia-cohorts-of-the-horus-heresy-studio-on-parade/ Warhammer Community: The Solar Auxilia Cohorts of the Horus Heresy Studio on Parade (Posted on 01/03/2024)] (Last accessed on 01/03/2024)
 +
*{{Endn|27}}: [[Legions Imperialis: The Great Slaughter]], pg. 60
 +
*{{Endn|28}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2024/03/19/solar-auxilia-heraldry-of-honour/ Warhammer Community: Solar Auxilia – Heraldry of Honour (Posted on 19/03/2024)] (Last accessed on 19/03/2024)
 +
 +
 +
 
{{Template:SMHeresy}}
 
{{Template:SMHeresy}}
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[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
 
[[Category:Imperial Army]]
 
[[Category:Imperial Army]]
 
[[Category:The Great Crusade]]
 
[[Category:The Great Crusade]]
 
[[Category:The Horus Heresy]]
 
[[Category:The Horus Heresy]]
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[[fr:Solar Auxilia]]
 
[[fr:Solar Auxilia]]
[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:44, 29 March 2024

Solar Auxilia
SASymbol.jpg
Parent Agency Imperial Army
Headquarters Terra
Leader Lord Solar/Lord Militant[12]
Established Early Great Crusade[2b]
Solar Auxilia Infantry

The Solar Auxilia was an elite fighting force within the Imperialis Auxilia during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy originating from the Segmentum Solar. Of the myriad regiments and battalions of the Imperialis Auxilia (known in Low Gothic as the Imperial Army) the Solar Auxilia were amongst the most elite, disciplined and well-equipped fighting forces, widely considered by many second only to the superhuman Legiones Astartes in their military effectiveness in battle.[1] Solar Auxilia soldiers were not only trained as infantrymen but also for space combat, combat engineering, planetary exploration, and Death World survival missions.[2b]

By the second century of the Great Crusade, the Solar Auxilia made up between 20-25% of the Imperial Army.[2b] Some 2/3rds of this force oversaw garrisoning duties while the rest accompanied Crusade Expeditionary Fleets.[12]

History

The Solar Auxillia was founded in the early days of the Great Crusade as the forces of the Emperor required fleet-based armies capable of dealing with "petty wars" and colonial suppression while the Legiones Astartes handled grander campaigns. Imitating the Void Hoplites of the Saturnyne Ordo, the Solar Auxilia were trained, armed, and deployed in the same fashion and were issued with the same Saturnine Void Armour. Their doctrine emphasized discipline, coherence, aggressive defense, and concentrated firepower, making them highly effective soldiers. The first ten Regiments of the Solar Auxilia were known as the Saturnyne Rams and were more or less the Void Hoplites of the Saturnyne Order. Soon, more regiments were raised from Terra and Luna in addition to Saturn. As the Great Crusade ground on, the Sol System could no longer provide enough manpower for the much-demanded Solar Auxilia forces, so recruits were drawn from elsewhere.[2b] These new recruits were mostly typically drawn from regions with a strong privateer and naval tradition.[9]

During the Crusade, the most common mission for Solar Auxilia units was to serve alongside Rogue Traders and Expeditionary Fleets as aggressors and explorers. Once a fleet had achieved compliance and moved on, it usually fell to the Solar Auxilia and its assigned warships to guard those worlds and systems from outside threats as well as rebellion. Only when Compliance was guaranteed beyond a doubt would the Solar Auxilia oversee the creation of locally-raised Imperialis Militia forces and redeploy elsewhere.[9]

During the ensuing Horus Heresy, the Solar Auxilia became a key asset of loyalist forces. However while they were overall strongly loyal, they nonetheless had several examples of rebellion against Imperial rule. Most notable amongst these were the Cthonian Headhunters, which had close connections to Warmaster Horus. In other cases, Solar Auxilia Regments incited rebellions within their own garrison Systems for their own petty reasons.[12]

Notable Campaigns

Great Crusade

Horus Heresy

Organization

Organization of the Solar Auxilia[12]

The base operating unit of the Solar Auxilia on the strategic level was the Regiment, comprising about 5,300 soldiers and staff. However as the Great Crusade expanded in size, much larger Solar Cohorts were established of 120,000 personnel under the command of a Marshal Solar. These would be broken into a number of sub-cohorts, each with a nominal strength of 1,200 under a Legate Commander, Commander, or Sub-Commander depending on its particular type.[2b]

On the tactical level, the building block of the Solar Cohort was a Tercio, itself made up of three sections whose nature was defined by their weaponry and battlefield role. The most commonly deployed Tercio formation consisted of three sections each comprising 20 armored Lasrifle-equipped troops. Veteran Veletaris Tercios usually consisted of three squads of ten veteran troops equipped with more advanced short-range weaponry such as the Volkite Charger or Flamer. Fire Support Tercios commanded three batteries of crew-served weapons platforms, most commonly the Rapier.[2b]

The elite of the Solar Auxilia were the Veletaris Storm Sections. These warriors were second only to the Legiones Astartes in combat ability[4]. The Solar Auxilia were also accompanied by Medicaes, who were tasked with treating combat injuries in the heat of battle. They were well-equiped and were trained to the Imperium's highest standards, which allowed the Medicaes to keep even grievously wounded Auxilia in the fight.[8]

Legiones Auxilia

The Legiones Auxilia were a class of formation within the ranks of the Solar Auxilia which were bestowed with the singular honour of serving directly alongside the Legiones Astartes and were integrated into their order of battle. The so-called ‘Legiones Auxilia’ were even afforded the right – through pedigree or deed – to bear livery derived in part from their associated Legion. Some such cohorts were raised from the Legion’s own home systems or subsidiary domains, such as the Cthonian Headhunters or the Barbaran Ambaxtoi, while others earned their position through historical association and achievement, such as the Arkadian Janissaries, who fight alongside the IIIrd Legion.[28]

Later in the galactic civil war it would become common for the Legions to assume direct control over one or more allied Auxila units, subordinating them wholesale into Legion chains of command.[28]

Known Ranks[11][12]

Solar Auxilia Ranks
  • Lord Solar/Lord Militant - Commander of the Solar Auxilia[12]
Strategic Command
  • Lord Marshal[12]
  • Cohort Marshal
  • Legate Marshal
Cohort
  • Tribune
  • Lord Castellan - Oversaw a Battlegroup[12]
  • Marshal
  • Legate Commander
Sub-Cohort
  • Sub-Commander
  • Captain
  • Lieutenant
  • Sub-Lieutenant
  • Ensign
  • Declurion
Tercio
  • Troop Master/Primus
  • Void Sergeant
  • Vexillarii
  • Adjutant
  • Auxiliary
  • Sub-Auxiliary
  • Voidsman

Troop Types[12]

Solar Auxilia forces[12]

Equipment

The most iconic piece of the Solar Auxilia was its Solar Pattern Void Armour, a carapace-reinforced full environmental combat body suit with fully integrated life support units. The most commonly issued weapon was the Kalibrav V-1 pattern Lasrifle, a higher-quality Laser firearm superior to a standard Lasgun. Support weapons included Flamers, Volkite Weapons, Plasma Weapons, Rotor Cannons, and Meltaguns. The Solar Auxilia also had its own units of Ogryn Charonites for infantry support.[2b]

The Solar Auxilia made use of a wide array of vehicles, most notably the Dracosan Armoured Transport, Hermes Light Sentinel, Aethon Heavy Sentinel, and Aurox. The Arvus Lighter was most frequently used for airborne landing operations. The most common heavy support vehicles were the Leman Russ Battle Tank, Malcador Heavy Battle Tank, Basilisk, Medusa, Valdor, Malcador, and a variety of Super Heavy Tanks that included the Baneblade, Stormhammer, Stormblade, Stormsword, and Shadowsword.[2b] Rapiers were widely used field artillery pieces.[12]

The Auxilia operated its own air units which included Thunderbolts, Lightings, Avengers[12], Marauders[12], and Arvus Lighters. For boarding operations in space, the Shark Assault Boat was most commonly employed.[2b]

The Solar Auxilia Cohorts used a wide array of standards, banners and icons, collectively known as Vexillas.[2c]

Notable Regiments and Cohorts

Solar Auxilia Heraldry

Notable Traitor Regiments and Cohorts

Notable Members

See also

Images

Games Workshop Miniatures

Forge World Miniatures

Sources



Legiones Astartes Forces of the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy
Command PrimarchLegion MasterPraetorCenturionSpace Marine Command SquadChief ApothecaryForgemasterChief LibrarianHeraldDecurion
Elite Troops Veteran SquadTerminator SquadDestroyer SquadMoritatChampion ConsulHonour GuardNullificator
Troops Tactical SquadAssault SquadBreacher Siege SquadSeeker SquadOutrider SquadSky Seeker SquadHussar SquadTactical Support SquadReconnaissance SquadHeavy Support SquadSky Hunter SquadDespoiler SquadNewbloods
Specialists Techmarine (MortificatorForge Lord)Apothecary (Primus Medicae) • ChaplainLibrarian (Esoterist)Master of SignalsConsul (PraevianDelegatusWarmongerArmistosOpsequiariNullificator)VigilatorSiege BreakerPathfinder
Dreadnoughts ContemptorDeredeoCastaferrumVenerableMortisLeviathan
Armored Vehicles Rhino (Advancer) • Predator (ExecutionerInfernus) • Land Raider (PhobosProteusAchilles) • SabreKratosTermite
Heavy Vehicles SpartanKratosSicaran (VenatorPunisherArcusOmega) • Malcador (AnnihilatorDefenderInfernus) • CerberusTyphon
Super-Heavy Vehicles Fellblade (Glaive) • FalchionShadowswordStormbladeMastodonCapitol ImperialisLeviathan
Fast Attack Vehicles JetbikeBike (Attack Bike) • Land SpeederJavelin
Artillery BasiliskMedusaWhirlwind (ScorpiusHyperios) • Vindicator (Laser Destroyer) • Arquitor (GravitonSpiculaMorbus) • RapierHeavy Quad LauncherTarantula
Aircraft Drop Pod (Deathstorm) • Kharybdis Assault ClawDreadclawStormbirdThunderhawk (Thunderhawk Transporter) • Storm Eagle (Fire Raptor) • StormstrikePrimaris Lightning Strike FighterXiphon InterceptorCaestus Assault RamOrgus FlyerApisLotusWrathLightning CrowStormhawkCorsairDeathbirdSwordstrikeCastellanPythosHarbingerHawkwing
Legion-specific

I - Deathwing (Companions) • Dreadwing (InteremptorsNaufragia) • Firewing (Enigmatii) • Ironwing (Forge-wrightsExcindio Class Robot) • RavenwingStormwingPaladinKnights CenobiumIII - KakophoniPalatine BladesPhoenix GuardSun KillersIV - Iron CircleIron HavocStor-BezashkTyranthikosTyrant Siege TerminatorDodakathikThunderstrikeThunderburstWarsmithCastellan RhinoV - KeshigEbon KeshigGolden KeshigFalcon's ClawsKaraoghlanlarKyzaganSagyar MazanStormseerVI - Blood ClawsDeathswornFenrisian WolfGrey SlayerGrey StalkerBlood ClawBlack CullRune PriestWolf GuardWolf PriestHrimthursarEldthursarHunterVII - CastellanHuscarlsPhalanx WarderTemplar BrethrenVIII - AtramentarNight RaptorTerror SquadContekarReaverIX - Angel's TearsBurning EyesHigh HostContemptor-IncaendiusCrimson PaladinsDawnbreakerSanguinary GuardX - GorgonIron FatherMedusan ImmortalMorlocksXII - DevourerRampagerCaedereRed ButchersTriariiBloodiedRed HandXIII - EvocatiFulmentarusLocutarusInvictariiPraetorianNemesis DestroyersXIV - DeathshroudGrave WardensMortus PoisonersPlague MarinesXV - Ammitara OccultCastellax-AcheaHidden OnesKhenetai OccultOsironScarab OccultNumerologistsXVI - JustaerinLuperciReaverXVII - Anakatis KulAshen CircleDark ApostleDiabolistGal VorbakMhara GalVakrah JalProcuratorXVIII - Forge WardenFiredrakesPyre GuardPyroclastSanctifierXIX - Dark FuryDarkwingMor DeythanRaptorShadow WardensDeliverersWhispercutterXX - LernaeanHeadhunterOperativeSaboteur

Support Forces Imperial Army (Imperialis MilitiaSolar AuxiliaImperial Armada) • Mechanicum (Collegia TitanicaTaghmata OmnissiahSkitarii) • Sisters of SilenceCustodian Guard