This is derived, without permission, upon the Warhammer 40K intellectual property of Games Workshop Ltd, from articles by Graham McNeill and Andy Hoare from White Dwarf WD 281(UK) and WD 295(UK) plus various other snippets of info from around the blog bazaars – I do hope I do the RELICTORS justice. More juicy RELICTORS type stuff can be found via Google and there is even a Relictors logo sheet on Chapter Customizer.com. All rights reserved to their respective owners.
The RELICTORS were first founded in the Age of Apostasy originally designated the FIRE CLAWS and are believed to have been created from Ultramarines and Dark Angel gene-seed. A transcript of the Mythos Angelica Mortis suggests that the Fire Claws may have been one of the 20 or so Astartes Praeses Chapters formed to defend the Eye of Terror region of space. These included the Excoriators, Marines Exemplar, the Night Watch, the Subjugators, the White Consuls and the Relictors/Fire Claws and have served as part of the Imperiums defences against Chaos for nigh on five millennia.
The Adeptus Terra, also known as the Priesthood of Earth, is the central organisation of the Imperium to which most of the Imperium’s other official departments and organisations belong. The following are all formally part of the Adeptus Terra: Administratum, Departmento Munitorum, Adeptus Mechanicus, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, Adeptus Custodes, Adeptus Arbites, Adeptus Astartes, Officio Assassinorum, Imperial Guard, Imperial Navy and Planetary Governors. Only the Ecclesiarchy and the Inquisition are not formally a part of the Adeptus Terra.
Torva Minoris is the homeworld of the Fire Claws. It is situated in an area of Segmentum Obscurus notorious for the intensity of the Warp storms afflicting it. Torva Minoris is a satellite of the massive red giant Torva Prime and is classified by the Administratum as a feral world. The population are superstitious savages who worship the Fire Claws as emissaries of the God-Emperor when the Chapter visited them once a generation to carry off the most promising young warriors to its ‘sky fortress’. The tribes are known to revere the artifacts carried by the Space Marines as divine weaponry that can only be wielded by true and worthy servants of the God-Emperor; an attitude that seems to have been carried forwards into dogma of the Chapter. The Inquisition has since ruled that no Adeptus Astartes Chapter may recruit from Torva Minoris and it is believed the Ordo Malleus keeps a close watch on the world to ensure its ruling is adhered to. The superstitious natives of Torva Minoris now believe the God-Emperor has forsaken them and every year their ceremonies of abasement grow more extreme in attempts to atone for whatever fault has caused the emissaries of the God-Emperor to turn from them.
A plague of Warp storms affected the Imperium during the Age of Apostasy, during which invasion and insurrection were rife. It is believed the world was trapped within such Warp storms throughout the early years of the Chapter’s founding. The area surrounding the Torva System was so ravaged by the taint of the storms that frequent pogroms are to this day carried out to ensure instances of mutation within the population do not rise above tolerable levels.
The ‘sky fortress’ was the Fire Claws’ fortress-monastery, based on an ancient massive Ramilies Class star fort in geostationary orbit above the largest continent on Torva Minoris. Few Emissaries were known to have returned from the fortress, but those who have spoke of a monastery wreathed in perpetual gloom, where acolytes toil within locked cells to transcribe ancient, some say forbidden, texts as part of their training to become a brother of the Chapter. One such report, recounted by the notorious Heretic Archivist of the Gethsemane Reclusium, tells of the existence of a chamber deep within the fortress, sealed behind stasis fields and protected by the most severe of wards. Exactly what was held within this chamber is unknown, but the account speaks of a miasma of evil that leaks through the metre thick adamantium blast doors despite the safeguards. The Heretic Archivist’s writings suggest that the original witness was driven insane by what e saw and died a slow, painful death within the torture chambers of the Ordo Malleus.
The Epiphany and Renaming
The Fire Claws fought in the area around the Eye of Terror alongside the Cadian Shock Troops. They are listed in the annals of Imperial history on many occasions and have taken part in many glorious victories. Not least amongst these conflicts were the purging of the Cult of the Inner Eye, the First Siege of Cocalus and the Albrecht IV landings. They were also part of the relief force that made possible the evacuation of the millions-strong crusade army of Warmaster Hendrik during his ill-fated expedition into the Wheel of Fire, far from the Eye of Terror.
In the middle of the ninth century of the 41st Millennium, the Emperor’s Tarot showed a badly damaged Space Hulk emerging from the Warp near the Forgeworld of Stygies in Segmentum Obscurus and the Fire Claws were mobilised to investigate. The hulk was codified as ‘The Captor of Sin’ and contained a Chaos warband led by a Tzeentchian Champion known as the Excoriator. The Fire Claws used their Strike Cruisers to cripple the hulk and sent Terminator Assault Squads to investigate it, led by the Librarian Decario and the shadowy Inquisitor De Marche. The renegades realised they were doomed and made their final stand in the vast engine room, where Decario and De Marche both fought the Excoriator.
The Champion carried a Daemon sword, forged in the heart of the Eye of Terror, that had the essence of a Greater Daemon bound within it. De Marche quickly found himself out of his league as his Power Axe had no effect. His armour was cut open and he was grievously wounded. Decario’s Force Sword was shattered and his Terminator Armour was cut open in one foul swoop. Fortunately, Decario used his Power Fist to rip the Excoriator’s sword arm from its socket. Even though it was wounded the Champion fought on smashing down the Librarian and killing four more Terminators before Decario grabbed the nearest weapon and, with a prayer to the Emperor, took off the head of the Excoriator.
Decario’s Folly
Afterwards, Decario looked down and realised that the weapon he had used was the Daemon Sword. Instantly he felt that this weapon could be used to defeat Chaos. De Marche warned the Librarian that only he was trained to handle such diabolical weapons and Decario handed it over to the Inquisitor. On returning to their ship, leaving behind Adeptus Mechanicus survey teams to search the hulk for any archaeotech, De Marche explained with the help of Decario that this weapon could be used against Chaos and should not be destroyed. Together they convinced the Chapter Master not to destroy it.
Over the decades that followed, the Fire Claws scoured nearby systems, under the eyes of the Inquisitor Marche, in search for other such powerful weapons, weapons that could be turned against the Chaos advance toward Terra. They slowly collected more artefacts or relics and became known as the RELICTORS.
Thousands of traitors were slaughtered beneath Decario’s sword, and thousands more quelled in fear at the sight of it. It was then too that the Chapter’s Librarium began to overtake the authority of the Chapter Master for control of the Chapter.
Judgement and Crusade
Unfortunately, it did not take long for the rest of the Imperium to discover their use of Chaos weaponry in warfare and it was only a matter of time before the Imperium began to grow suspicious of the Chapter’s artefacts. Could he be so foolish to hold in his hands a relic of pure evil? What good could possibly come from the use of these weapons? A cell of Inquisitors, four Chapter Masters and an Emperor Class Battleship descended on the Relictors Fortress Monastery and they were forced to hand over all relics, De Marche and Decario to the Inquisition. As a penance for associating with the Dark Powers, the Relictors were sent on a century-long penitent crusade. Inquisitor De Marche was executed as a heretic and Decario was stripped of his rank and taken prisoner by the Inquisition a
nd never heard from again. After the Inquisition censured the Relictors for the actions of Inquisitor De Marche, The Chapter lost its feudal rights to Torva Minoris which meant it could no longer recruit from amongst its feral tribes and were forced to gather acolytes from amongst the populations they encountered during the crusade. Their Chapter Insignia took the form of the Penitent Grimacing Skull as seen today.Ephesus succeeded Decario as the Chapter’s new Master-Librarian. His mentor and friend Decario was all but dead at the hands of the Inquisition. Their victories in the name of the Emperor, too many to count, meant nothing to those who would question his means, but Ephesus knew in his heart the Decario would be vindicated yet.
Crusade and Conclave
Over the next few decades, Ephesus led his Relictors about the galaxy on their crusade, occasionally clashing with Chaos forces whenever they were found. It was during this time that Ephesus established The Conclave, an inner circle of trustworthy and battleworn Relictors including the Chapter Master, other high ranking veterans and almost all Librarians – this would act as advisors and leaders in battle. In time, The Conclave would eclipse the Chapter’s First Company, much in the same way as the Librarium had overtaken the Chapter Master’s overall control.
Sins of the Father
On the plant Monnad IV, a small planet near the Eye of Terror, Ephesus and his brothers clashed with a powerful Chaos Warlord named Gr’yythnyk, and fought to a stand off. In the midst of a raging battle, Ephesus and Gr’yythnyk duelled. Ephesus saw his foe’s weapon, a long Daemonic lance with cryptic inscriptions upon the shaft and knew what it would take to turn the battle.
He thrust and parried with his Force Staff, hurled psychic attacks at the traitor and as Gr’yythnyk thrust with his lance, Ephesus caught it and forced it from the Warlord’s grip. He turned the weapon quickly and watched it slide gracefully through the enemies armour. Even with war raging around him, he knew the battle was won. Ephesus dropped to his knees and prayed that the Emperor would let him use these weapons or good.
When Ephesus returned to the Battle Barge, he proceeded to ritually cleanse the weapon as he had been instructed to by Decario. For seven days he remained in the ritual without food or water and when he emerged he held the weapon, dubbed Shadowlance, at his side. He immediately convened a conference with The Conclave where he outlined the Chapter’s new mission: To continue Decario’s goal and turn the dark tide of Chaos upon itself. Only the most trusted Conclave would wield these weapons in battle.
Vision and Quest
Soon after this victory, the Relictors were summoned to aid the Hive World Armageddon against the Ork Warlord Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka’s Waaagh! Invasion. They sped to the battle and were amongst the first of the Space Marine Chapters to arrive to aid the Imperial stalwart defence. The Relictors’ did not recognise the authority of the Imperial Commanders who publicly decreed that they were oath-breakers because the majority of the Chapter’s fighting strength was engaged in operations of their own elsewhere on Armageddon.
It was during this time whilst exploring the arcane ruins of the Angron Monolith that Ephesus was assailed by a vision of a massive red eye weeping blood. He took this as a sign of an impending attack from the Eye of Terror and withdrew his forces. The next time the Relictors were seen was at the orbital shipyards of Belis Corona and demanded a complete resupply of their fleet. After some tense altercations with officious Departmento Munitorum staff the Chapters demands were acceded too and their ships resupplied. With no further communication, the Chapter left orbit in the direction of the Cadian Gate. The Inquisition and the remaining armies on Armageddon took this as a sign of retreat but no further action was taken against them.
The Inquisition and Black Crusade
Once again at the gates to the Eye of Terror, the Relictors rejoined the Imperium’s defences. As the Relictors descended deeper into the Eye in search of tools of Chaos to turn against their foes, Ephesus began to teach the Conclave how to manipulate the ruinous powers and safely wield their weapons. When one of his more foolhardy pupils stormed a remote Inquisition Archive that held a Chaos Artifact, Ephesus joined only to keep word of the event from spreading – it is rumoured the pupil was beheaded for this insurrection, some say at the hands of Ephesus himself.
When Abaddon the Despoiler launched his 13th Black Crusade from the Eye of Terror, the Relictors were there to meet him in force. The Relictors stationed themselves in the Xersia System of the Cadia Sector, and once again fought bravely against the Chaos hordes. Many useful artefacts were collected in secret during this campaign.
Excommunication
After the campaign the Inquisition turned its investigations towards the Relictors. Continued conflict with the Inquisition and reports of strange weapons and unorthodox teachings from the Chapter’s Librarium led the Inquisition to declare the Relictors Excommunicate Traitoris and moved to destroy them for once and for all. Ephesus was warned of the attack by a mysterious source within the Inquisition and fled the Fortress Monastery with a sizeable proportion of his Battle Brothers just before it was destroyed by the Grey Knights of the Ordo Malleus under command of Inquisitor Cyarro.
Exodus and Alliance
Enraged that his Chapter’s many victories in the name of the Emperor would mean nothing and the loss of so many Brothers at the hands of the bloodthirsty and short-sighted Inquisition, Ephesus left the Eye of Terror and headed toward the Galactic Fringe with the remnants of his still loyal but misunderstood Chapter.
In the Ultima Segmentum, a small ship bearing the marks of the Ordo Malleus approached the Relictors ragtag fleet, but rather than fire upon the Relictors, the ship identified itself as the vessel of Inquisitor Lord Antioch and promised a peaceful passage if the Inquisitor was granted a safe audience with the Master-Librarian. Antioch came aboard the Relictor Battle Barge and met with Ephesus in private.
There, in Ephesus’ chambers the two talked of the Daemonic menace, the Emperor’s Will and the Inquisition’s stubbornness. Antioch was a radical and a kindred spirit to Ephesus, a hunter of Chaotic Artifacts, Relics and indeed intended to harness the powers of Chaos within the mortal bodies of Daemonhosts. It was Antioch that had warned Ephesus of the coming Grey Knights. The two forged a bond of friendship and eventually joined forces, setting off together in search of tools to use against the Ruinous Powers. Antioch used his influence to keep the remaining Relictors under the Inquisitions radar and Ephesus contributed his resources, men and knowledge to Antioch’s growing arsenal.
To this very day, the Relictors continue their fight against the Ruinous Powers using the very tools of Chaos against itself. Although labelled Excommunicate Traitoris, the Chapter remain ever loyal to the Emperor and abide by most part to the Codex Astartes.
This is derived, without permission, upon the Warhammer 40K intellectual property of Games Workshop Ltd, from articles by Graham McNeill and Andy Hoare from White Dwarf WD 281(UK) and WD 295(UK).
My Relictors Paint Scheme. (SM Painter by Bolterandchainsword.com)
Combat Doctrine and Organisation
The Relictors are known to follow the Codex Astartes as far as overall organisation is concerned, but it has been noted that they have strayed from approved doctrine in a number of other areas. The major difference between the Chapter’s combat doctrine and that of any other is in its use of captured enemy weapons. Many Chapters indulge in trophy taking, but the Relictors have in the past gone out of their way to capture, master and utilise weapons taken from the forces of Chaos. Despite the evident consequences of Inquisitorial sanction, they are thought by some to be continuing this practice.
Another notable feature of the Chapter’s organisation is the inclusion of more Librarians than is usual, a feature some observers have attributed to the Relictors’ homeworld proximity to the Eye of Terror.
In terms of battlefield tactics, many Imperial Commanders who have fought beside the Chapter have voiced concerns about its behavior. It has been noted on many occasions that the Relictors will only embark upon specific courses of action if it meets their own criteria and will only fight alongside Imperial Forces if that agenda can be furthered.
The Relictors conform, at first appearance, to that of a standard codex Chapter, with ten companies divided into a standard mix of Battle, Assault, Tactical, Devastator and Scout Companies. But, it is at the higher echelons of the Chapter that many differences become apparent. The Chapter’s command ranks are gathered together in a group known as the Conclave and every decision concerning the Chapter’s deployment and operational doctrine is made here. Only those proven in combat and of guaranteed purity are permitted to rise to become members of the Conclave. As a warrior rises through the ranks he is gradually initiated deeper into the Chapter's mysteries and when judged ready, told of the truth behind the weapons wielded by the Conclave. It is these warriors who, after many days in prayer, are permitted to carry the Chapter's Daemon weapons into combat. The Chapter's Librarians meticulously screen potential initiates, rejecting all but the strongest candidates.
In battle the Chapter fights with a balanced mixture of forces and deviates little from standard battlefield operations. Only when members of the Conclave take to the field do the Relictors become something much more sinister. Senior members employ the weapons and individual squads can carry unholy artefacts utilising the power of Chaos against its foul minions.
Beliefs
Central to the Relictors belief system is the tenet that Chaos is not inherently evil, that it is merely a power that may be turned against those who wield it for evil. This manifests most commonly in the Chapter's use of captured Daemon Weapons but also extends to their increased reliance on Librarians. As a relatively new Chapter, the Relictors display a confidence of youth that borders on arrogance, as they believe that they have the strength of will and faith to resist the corruption of Chaos. They disdain those who do not have the courage to use such artifacts, claiming that the power of Chaos is a weapon like any other and that the evil that threatens to engulf the galaxy merits the use of such weapons.
Geneseed
The source of the Relictors geneseed is largely based on gene stock taken from the laboratorium on Mars and is thought to be composed of that grown from the Ultramarine and Dark Angels. If this is the case, then it would appear that the High Lords of Terra's reluctance to sanction the use of Dark Angel geneseed in the creation of new Chapters has relaxed somewhat. There are no recorded instances of unacceptable mutation in the Relictors' geneseed, though given their close working with the powers of the Warp, the Apothecaries and Librarians maintain a close watch on the purity of their Battle Brothers for any signs of aberration. It is rumoured that those zygotes that display mutation are allowed to mature before implantation into a host organism in order that the Apothecaries might better study the workings of Chaos on the flesh and how to defeat it. The source and veracity of these rumours are unclear and in all likelihood false.
Battlecry of the Relictors Chapter
Relictors in the Indomitus era, 8th Edition. (my own version, GW guidance was "it's your hobby after all, so go for it... ...Cool models first, rules later")
### PRIORITY COMMUNICATION ### SEGMENTUM SOLAR ASTRONOMICAN ###
From: Primarch Roboute Guilliman, Gene-Sire and Father, Lord Commander of the Emperor's Forces, Primarch of the Ultramarines Chapter, High Lord of Ultramar.
To: Void Fleet Relictors Chapter, Successor Chapter of Ultramarines and Dark Angels Chapters, Astartes Praeses Chapter Founding.
ULTIMA ENCRYPTION - WIDE BROADCAST - RELICTORS CHAPTER CIPHER CODE
Sons, Brothers, hear this broadcast. You are needed - it is our darkest hours, the forces of the heretic, xenos and chaos beset humanity from all sides, the Cicatrix Maledictum has rent the galaxy in two. Now is the time Brothers to return to the fold. Your duty done, your Penitent Crusade comes to an end. I have ordered the Inquisition and Knights of Titan to cease the hunt. My Brother the Lion is lost, I am your remaining gene father - I order you to return to Segmentum Solar for immediate re-arming and Crusade.
Many indiscretions now have to be overlooked, forgiven, even embraced, the Codex Astartes does not fit this fight, I have perhaps taken a path outside my own guidance, my instruction to Belasarius Cawl to embrace technology where it can benefit mankind and not to be afraid of the unknown, tied down by hundreds of years of superstition and false religion - my slumber has taken humanity along a path I did not intend.
Wherever you travel, in your Fleet ships, Sons, Brothers, return to the fight - I have instructed Archmagos Cawl to redirect the nearest Greyshields Primaris Fleet to your last known position near the system of Balor, Nephilim Sector - use them, grow them and push the darkness out of the galaxy so the Light of the Emperor can shine bright once again in Imperium Nihilus.
Sons, we are at endless war. I order all our loyal prodigal Sons to return to the fold. In our Fathers's name - Come home.
### END OF TRANSMISSION ###
### CIPHER CODES VERIFIED - SOURCED IMPERIAL PALACE ASTRONOMICAN, HOLY TERRA ###
Using the Relictors in 40K
"IN OUR DARKEST HOUR, THEY ARE A BLAZING BEACON OF HOPE, YET ONLY A FOOL WOULD BELIEVE THAT EVEN WARRIORS SUCH AS THESE WILL BE ENOUGH TO ENSURE VICTORY OVER THE MYRIAD FOES THAT ENCIRCLE US. WE MUST FIGHT, AS WE HAVE ALWAYS FOUGHT; WE MUST ACCEPT THE STRENGTH OF THE PRIMARIS SPACE MARINES AND LET IT BECOME OUR OWN; WE MUST SERVE THE EMPEROR TO OUR LAST BREATHS"
- Marneus Calgar, Ultramarines Chapter Master.
After the appearance of the Cicatrix Maledictum and half the galaxy falling into shadow from the Emperor's light, humanity is beset on all sides once again by the heretic astartes, xenos and daemon. The time for petty squabbles of due process and adherence to the Codex Astartes has passed, Roboute himself has taken a path outside of the normal, instructing radical Archmagos Belasarius Cawl to use whatever technology he has to further the humanities war machine, new grav technology and the Primaris Helix enable the beleaguered Space Marine Chapters to be reinforced at a rate which outstrips demand for the first time in millennia.
Roboute Guilliman sends forth communication to his loyal yet wayward Sons amongst the stars to rally to his banner and for the Relictors to end the Penitent Crusade and take up the Indomitus Crusade, ordering the Grey Knights and Inquisition to end their persecution of Relictors and pardoning, albeit, turning a blind eye to the Relictors practice of studying and using the dark powers to fight Chaos. One of the number of Greyshield Primaris resupply fleets is directed to the Balor System in the Nephilim Sector to rendezvous with the Relictors Void Fleet - after probing and determining this indeed is an olive branch and not a trap, the Relictors 4th and 5th Company take up these new armaments, equipment, much needed ammunition and spares, directing the remaining Greyshield vessels to other Relictors known positions and furnishing them with envoys with the communication ciphers to find and communicate with the other Company vessels. Primaris Relictors will form Chapter Central Forces, devoid of Company colours until proper indoctrination can take place, the shoulder pauldrons will have grey rims, not the Black or Green of 5th and 4th Company.
And so, the Relictors, now pardoned and reinforced abandon the Penitent Crusade, and take up arms against the same enemies, in the Indomitus Crusade "Strength of Will, Courage of Will!"
From: Primarch Roboute Guilliman, Gene-Sire and Father, Lord Commander of the Emperor's Forces, Primarch of the Ultramarines Chapter, High Lord of Ultramar.
To: Void Fleet Relictors Chapter, Successor Chapter of Ultramarines and Dark Angels Chapters, Astartes Praeses Chapter Founding.
ULTIMA ENCRYPTION - WIDE BROADCAST - RELICTORS CHAPTER CIPHER CODE
Sons, Brothers, hear this broadcast. You are needed - it is our darkest hours, the forces of the heretic, xenos and chaos beset humanity from all sides, the Cicatrix Maledictum has rent the galaxy in two. Now is the time Brothers to return to the fold. Your duty done, your Penitent Crusade comes to an end. I have ordered the Inquisition and Knights of Titan to cease the hunt. My Brother the Lion is lost, I am your remaining gene father - I order you to return to Segmentum Solar for immediate re-arming and Crusade.
Many indiscretions now have to be overlooked, forgiven, even embraced, the Codex Astartes does not fit this fight, I have perhaps taken a path outside my own guidance, my instruction to Belasarius Cawl to embrace technology where it can benefit mankind and not to be afraid of the unknown, tied down by hundreds of years of superstition and false religion - my slumber has taken humanity along a path I did not intend.
Wherever you travel, in your Fleet ships, Sons, Brothers, return to the fight - I have instructed Archmagos Cawl to redirect the nearest Greyshields Primaris Fleet to your last known position near the system of Balor, Nephilim Sector - use them, grow them and push the darkness out of the galaxy so the Light of the Emperor can shine bright once again in Imperium Nihilus.
Sons, we are at endless war. I order all our loyal prodigal Sons to return to the fold. In our Fathers's name - Come home.
### END OF TRANSMISSION ###
### CIPHER CODES VERIFIED - SOURCED IMPERIAL PALACE ASTRONOMICAN, HOLY TERRA ###
Relictors Primaris Reinforcements sent by Roboute Guilliman and Archmagos Belasarius Cawl to Balor in the Nephilim Sector to rendezvous with the Relictors Chapter Void Fleet
Using the Relictors in 40K
Rules can be found in WD 281(UK) and 295(UK) but are basically Codex SM with the addition of one Daemon Weapon for an independent character, one per army, and one Chaos Standard in lieu of either a Chapter Banner or Company Banner. See Codex CSM for points and descriptions and please ask your opponent if these special rules are okay to use. Relictors cannot have Imperial Allies (for the fact that they were deemed Excommunicate Traitoris and even though pardoned by Roboute Guilliman in the era of the Indomitus Crusade, the Grey Knights and Inquisition are slow to forget...) except Radical Inquisitors. No Assassins, Deathwatch, Sisters of Battle or Priests or Witchhunters and especially no Grey Knights!
