Sebastien Montante
Sebastien Montante was Fabricator Marshal of Tarsis Ultra in late M41, when the world came under attack by Hive Fleet Leviathan[1b].
History
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This page contains spoilers for: | Warriors of Ultramar (Novel) |
As Fabricator Marshal, Montante was both planetary governor and a leading member of the Council of Industry which governed the capital city of Erebus, and the nominal head of the planet's PDF forces[1b].
Montante did not make a favorable first impression on the leaders of the Ultramarines' Fourth Company when they arrived on Tarsis Ultra, having arranged a sumptuous welcoming feast (which was brusquely cancelled) and expressing enthusiasm for the "adventure" of fighting a real war - apparently not grasping the horrors of fighting against Tyranids[1a][1b].
Sergeant Learchus Abantes was inclined to dismiss him as an empty-headed fool, but Montante managed to impress the Space Marines with his efficiency and dedication. By his own admission, he was not a soldier, but he was a first-class logistician and administrator. At his instruction, the PDF units began drilling as soon as word of the Tyranids' approach was received; food, water, medicine, and ammunition were stockpiled in caches under the city; and the arriving defenders from the Ultramarines, the Mortifactors, and two Imperial Guard regiments, all found their requests for supplies being met promptly and in full. Thanks to Montante, the Imperial forces of Erebus were assured of having full ammunition and regular meals at all times, even during the worst of the invasion[1b][1c].
Montante was also instrumental on the Council of Industry, endorsing Learchus's instructions to demolish buildings standing between the city's defensive walls, in order to deny the incoming Tyranids cover[1c].
When several members of the Council protested, Montante dissolved the Council and granted command of the city to Colonel Trymon Stagler, one of the Imperial Guard commanders. Feeling that he had no further role to play as an administrator, he attempted to join the ranks of the PDF, declaring he needed to fight for his world. Uriel Ventris gently dissuaded him, instead drawing on Montante's knowledge of the planet's orbital defenses to devise a counterattack against the Tyranids[1d].
Montante did take part in the final ground battle against the Tyranids. Although Learchus and several others had to save his life several times, none of them could doubt his personal bravery. He was killed fighting on the walls, by a volley of spikes fired by several Tyranid Warriors[1e].
After the battle was over, Montante's body was recovered and laid in honour in the Imperial Palace, and several Priests of Tarsis Ultra were petitioning for him to be made a saint. Privately, Pasanius Lysane reflected that Montante, a humble and selfless servant of his people, would have been much amused by the notion of being declared a saint[1f].
Background
The character of Montante may have been inspired by St. Sebastian, a Catholic Saint who was martyred after being shot repeatedly with arrows.
Sources
