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Voidsmen

Voidsman[8]

Voidsmen-at-Arms, known informally as Voidsmen, are the armed infantry of Imperial Navy warships.

Overview

Trained extensively in the use of Lasguns, the prime duty of Voidsmen is to prevent enemy boarding actions and put down any uprising by the large numbers of indentured workers on Imperial Navy vessels. However they are not merely defensive in nature, and are trained to conduct counter-boarding actions and act as escort for navy officers. For this, they are equipped with not only Lasguns but also Concussion Grenades, Laspistols, Shotguns, Flak Armour. Some wield heavier Rotor Cannons, known as the deck cleaner.[1]

When a Voidsman is assigned to their ship, there is no going back. From that day on they are part of the vessel. They take part in the ship's vital fluids in a solemn ceremony, drinking incense-laced oil so that the ships essence flows through their bloodstream. Upon induction they swer an oath of fealty to not just their superiors but to the vessel on which they serve. Their lives are simple and absent of the moral ambiguity that haunts much of the Imperium. For a Voidsman, their ship must be protected at all cost and that is all that matters.[1]

Voidsmen are typically led by experienced troopers promoted from within their ranks known as Voidmasters or also archaic terms such as petty officer or warrant officer. These officers are frequently equipped with Shotguns.[1]

It is not uncommon for Voidsmen to be requisitioned by the Inquisition or even Rogue Traders.[1]

Imperial Navy Press-Gangs

Press-Gangs are Voidsmen who forcibly capture Imperial citizens, so that they can be used to carry out the extensive manual labour needed to keep the Imperial Navy's warships functioning. Their targets do not come willingly, so the Press-Gangs are deployed in large groups and are equipped with visored helmets, heavy bronze scaled ballistic coats and Shock Mauls. While they are charged with bringing Imperials back alive to their warships, the Gangs will use lethal force if they need to.[1]

Imperial Navy Breachers

Heavily armed and armoured, Breachers are the elite of the Voidsmen, who are sent on boarding attacks on enemy vessels and derelicts. This includes first contact with Space Hulks, which they are ideally suited for. Breachers are trained to be blunt instruments by the Imperial Navy and are equipped with Shotguns, Bolt Pistols, Boarding Shields, Multi-Lasers, Meltaguns, C.A.Ts and Gheistskulls.[3][10]

Operatives

  •  
    Sergeant-At-Arms[7]: Squad commanders with years of experience, they are skilled at close-quarters fighting and are equipped with Bolt Pistols, Autopistols, Chainswords, and Power Weapons.[6]
  •  
    Armsman[7]: Standard Infantry type who specialize in close-quarters combat. Equipped with Shotguns.[6]
  •  
    Axejack : Door-Breachers equipped with axes to remove obstacles.[6]
  •  
    Endurance : Only the largest Breachers become Endurants, who carry heavy Boarding Shields and Heavy Shotguns. These soldiers are tasked with taking point or guarding the rear of a squad.[6]
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    Grenadier : Explosive specialists equipped with demolition charges to breach sealed doors and bulkheads.[6]
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    Gunner : Heavy Weapons Specialists who are usually the largest troops in the squad alongside Endurants. Wield heavy weapons such as Las-Volleys, Meltaguns, and Plasma Guns.[6]
  •  
    Hatchcutter : Cut through barricades and doors with their Chainfists and Plasma Torches.[6]
  •  
    Surveyor : Scouts who operate C.A.T. drones in order to navigate narrow tunnels, holes, and see around corners.[6]
  •  
    Void-Jammer : Operate Gheistskulls to navigate terrain far too tense for regular Armsmen into to reach the foe.[6]


Notable Voidsmen

Images

See also

Sources