Special report

Black Consuls
Status
Assembled by
*redacted*
Among these grim times, there lie unnumbered tales of desolation and
hopelessness. In equal number however, there are tales of heroes and of
perseverance. Counted among each list is the ongoing tragedy of the Black
Consuls. Officially the Black Consuls have been recorded as annihilated at the
Siege of Goddeth hive in 451.M40. It was there that the great majority of the
chapter was conducting a siege against a large warband of Iron Warriors, although
later exidence suggests Word Bearers were also involved. Records indicate that at
the moment the Black Consuls breached the final defense line the cowards
detonated the nucleonic stacks and annihilated the entire northern hemisphere of
the planet. Nearly the entirety of the chapters ground force present was
completely destroyed and a portion of their fleet in low orbit also suffered
catastrophic damage. The only surviving marines were those that had been
evacuated as severe casualties of the 1st wave. Unbeknownst to official records the
Black Consuls have been waging a secret and silent crusade in the search for their
most hated enemies; the Word Bearers that humiliated them.
The White Consuls chapter master, a chapter with whom the Black Consuls
had close ties, is believed to be complicit in covering up the chapters survival.
The exact purpose of this secrecy is unknown but is likely to aid the Black Consuls
in finding vengeance. Also unknown to official records they are led by the newly
crowned chapter master Ignathius, who is rumored to be a survivor of the battle
that saw the chapter devastated. Casualty reports state that he had suffered
grievous wounds in the first attack and he and his command squad had withdrawn
to a medicae deck on his strike cruiser. If this is true then that would surely
explain why they have embarked upon such a focused crusade. Whatever the truth
there are few men as reserved and grim as Chapter Master Ignathius. It is
whispered by imperial civilians and guardsmen alike, those who claim to have seen
him, that he is soft spoken in a way that resembles a restless volcano not yet ready
to waken but whose fury waits just beneath the surface. In the finest traditions of
the Ultramarines, he is rumored to be highly intelligent, disciplined and wellspoken, but what effect the end of his brotherhood has had on his psyche and
demeanor is impossible to tell.
As a chapter the Black Consuls are among the most zealous adherents to
the Codex Astartes. They have a noted pattern of hunting down those particular
enemies which have caused them grievance such as the dark elder raiders that
destroyed their star fortress, the Noctis Obscurum. It is probable that they once

again have turned their focus onto finding the traitors responsible for their plight.
Their tenacity is not shown in the defense, although they defend any and all they
can within their means to do so. Rather, their tenacity and true skill is shown in
the hunt and persecution of particular foes. The Dark Eldar are simply one of the
most recent examples of this dedication to a single enemy.
The Black Consuls homeworld of Cyclopia was settled upon by the chapter
as a new base less than a millennia ago when their great star fortress, the Noctis
Obscurum was destroyed by the Dark Eldar. The system was intended to act as a
temporary base from which they could mount their campaign of vengeance that
spanned 15 surrounding star systems and 3 centuries. Such was the fury
unleashed during that campaign that it collapsed an entire portion of the Eldar
webway. Following such a furious campaign the chapter continued to settle and
fortify Cyclopia and establish defense rings throughout the system.
Cyclopia was an ancient and well established hive world before the Black
Consuls ever landed and has only grown stronger since their integration into the
planets government. Much like their forebears the Ultramarines, they have
crafted an unremarkable planet into an epitome of wealth and solidarity.
The chapters fortress monastery is seated on a mountain peak near the
planets northern pole with a commanding view of surrounding plains. The
fortress itself sits on a solitary peak at the entrance to the mountain range and the
chapter most likely operates extensive fortifications deeper in the range both for
the protection of civilians and the chapters wargear and other treasures. Weather
patterns in the northern continent limit visibility and make air travel difficult
meaning any attack on the fortress would have to be ground based and vulnerable
to the Monasterys weapon batteries. Should any force decide to undertake a
foolhardy attack against a chapter fortress they would have to contend with the
weather, the terrain, and the chapters automated defenses before finally coming
face-to-face with furious Astartes.
The Black Consuls greatest strengths was and is one of in depth
cooperation with other imperial forces to most efficiently prosecute campaigns
against their targets. The Black Consuls are renowned as astounding diplomats
and are adept at smoothing internecine conflicts between different arms of the
Imperial war machine. Among their fellow astartes they have managed to stay
above disagreements with other chapters and have formed close bonds of
brotherhood with many of their brother chapters including the Ultramarines, the
White Consuls, and their own successors especially. Oftentimes single men or
squads were dispatched to widespread warzones to offer guidance and support to
ailing theatres. This, coupled with their high level of volunteers in the deathwatch,
means that many more space marines survived the siege than previously thought.
This also means that currently the Black Consuls are working with many others to
hunt down their enemies and can rely on instant cooperation with most other

imperial forces including forgeworlds, the ecclesiarchy, and other space marine
chapters. In addition to the scattered remains of the chapter itself, it is known that
other imperial forces are taking part in Ignathius crusade. Among these are
counted a knight spearhead, several regiments of Planetary Defense Forces from
the systems liberated from the Dark Eldar, including a company of baneblades, and
unconfirmed reports point to Imperial Navy ships, and even a titan maniple, those
this last is probably mistaken sightings of the knight spearhead.
As a primogenitor chapter the Black Consuls have as long and illustrious
history as any chapter in the Imperium short of the founding chapters themselves.
This means that even after their downfall their chapter armory is a wealth of old
technology and patterns of weapons and war gear. Safe on Cyclopia were stored
ancient patterns of dreadnoughts, terminator suits, predators, land raiders and
numerous pieces of technology from the Age of strife including plasma blast guns,
portable shields, conversion beamers and the like. Now, with their chapter in
ruins, these weapons have been parceled out to their successor so that they may
carry the torch. When discussing their strength and equipment it is also prudent
to consider the Black Consuls successors. It is believed that the Black Consuls
sired 2 successor chapters, the Stone Guard and the Elementals and it is likely that
these chapters, being those with the closest ties to the Black Consuls are offering
aid in the form of munitions and material as well as allied strike forces from both
chapters sent to aid several of the Black Consuls campaigns.
All of these characteristics combined mean the chapter, though devastated,
has the means and the capacity to rebuild. Allied forgeworlds have begun limited
surplus production of weapons and war gear to add to a significant existing
stockpile on Cyclopia. Those single ships and men on duty across the galaxy have
been ordered to complete their obligations and to return to Cyclopia with all haste.
Over the centuries these Astartes and representatives of the chapter, already
equipped with fast ships and crews, have returned to be given new assignments to
go out and gather recruits and to call upon old alliances for aid. It is imperative to
note that, much like a patient in intensive care, more often than not it is sheer will
alone, independent of all other factors that determines life or death. The chapter,
though at first wracked with uncertainty and indecision, that it is by now united in
its determination to live, and to continue to serve the Imperium. This it considers
as its sacred duty since its inception and would ill be served by a glorious end in
battle if through survival they can continue in their duty. Much of the chapters
remaining strength is thusly occupied but Ignathius has gathered about him a
growing strike force composed primarily of the rebuilt 2nd Company to strike where
word of their enemy reaches them. Supported by a growing Auxilia of Cyclopia
militia, the 2nd company has continued to reap an exacting toll upon the enemies of
the Imperium. The chapter has not been idle, and in the intervening centuries has
been feverishly active across the galaxy gathering intelligence, conducting strikes,
and above all painstakingly restoring themselves to a former glory.

Surviving order of battle 999.M41

The Black Consuls, even in the midst of tragedy, continue to follow the dictates of
the Codex Astartes. In this time of doubt they look to this holy tome as a bedrock
upon which they can mount their revival. This adherence applies to tactics,
organization and even insignia and doctrine. The only exception is a severe focus
on a particular enemy at a time and what might be called a disregard of all other
pursuits. However it must also be mentioned that certain tactics and missions are
now beyond the chapters capabilities and the survival of the chapter has
necessitated a change in attitude towards its approach to battle. Thus they seek to
complement and supplement their capabilities by training their attached corps to
perform some of those missions, such as sieges, boarding actions, massed
planetary assaults and the like, which would almost certainly result in severe
casualties. This limitation is sorely felt by the chapter and therefore the Black
Consuls are striving to reestablish a company at a time, and consequently their
strategic capabilities, starting with 4 companies; the 1 st, 2nd, 6th, and 10th. Though
of these only the 2nd is near full strength and the 1st and 10th have a token strength,
it is likely that the next company to be refounded will be the 3 rd if the chapter
focuses on offensive action or the 8th if the focus is to continue rebuilding above all
else. The companies will be compliant with the codex standard size and outfitting.
Whether these reformed companies will then form part of one growing task force
or else split among several questing fleets is uncertain. Ignathius will definitely
have to weigh the danger of another chapter-wide attack against the need to hit his
enemies with overwhelming force, a tactic to save lives in its own right.
Chapter Command
-

Chapter Master Ignathius

o Ignathius was originally the 2nd company captain and was the most
senior captain to survive the fall. Ignathius is by now a venerable
commander and adept tactician. Pragmatic and in ways ingenious, his
every action is now bent on the ultimate goal of restoring his chapter
and then ceding command to one less marred by previous defeat. He
has borne the loss of the chapter with complete silence but the fall
has almost certainly left an indelible scar on his psyche. He, much
like his chapter, is broken and determined to be made whole.
o In battle he carries Lorgars Bane and a storm shield and often leads a
squad of 5 veterans who act as his bodyguard.
-

Epistolary Librarian Augustine

o Augustine is the original Chief Librarian of the chapter. He was
not at the siege that destroyed his chapter but his mind has been
troubled ever since by whispers of the dead. It is believed by many
that these whispers guide him to the chapters enemies. Whether
or not they are indeed the voices of deceased warriors, the

Emperors guidance or simply the librarians own subconscious is

largely irrelevant whilst the crusade continues.
Augustine wears terminator armor and often leads one of the last
remaining terminator squads into battle where he and his can
make the most impact and best act as Ignathius right hand.

Master of Sanctity
o The current Master of sanctity is somewhat of an oddity. No
chaplains survived the chapters destruction and so he has trained
himself, with guidance from other chapters chaplains, to fulfill the
role mandated by the Codex Astartes. His responsibility is still a
new burden on his shoulders but he has studied long with the
chaplains of the Hammer of Dorn Chapter, as well as the Black
Consuls successors, so that he might execute his duties in a
manner befitting such an ancient chapter as the Black Consuls.

1st Company (newly formed)

The 1st company currently does not have a captain but instead is led by its
lead sergeant until such a time as a captain can be appointed. The entirety of the
1st company stays with the 2nd on its strikes throughout the galaxy.
-

21 Veterans (14 suits of terminator armor)

Venerable Brother-Contemptor Proximo
o Proximo is a veteran of millennia of warfare and is the chapters
most experienced member, and thusly one of its greatest treasures

2nd Company
-

Captain
o Captain is Ignathius second in command. He is young, by Astartes
standards, for a captain and is not yet corrupted by anger, having
been inducted into the chapter sometime after the fall. It seems
that this man is the one that Ignathius hopes will lead the chapter
once the crusade is complete and will be able to expel the anger
that plagues the Black Consuls.
o Leads a 5 man command squad and carries a lightning claw and
combi-plasma
6 Tactical squads
2 Assault squads
2 Devastator squads
2 Brother Dreadnoughts
Venerable Brother Dreadnought

Brother was enshrined shortly before the fall and was not yet
battle-ready at the time of the assault to his great fortune and
shame.

3rd Company
The space marines of the 3rd company safeguard the Chapter fortress and its
armory. They also oversee the training of the PDF on Cyclopia.
Tactical squad
Devastator squad

6th Company
The members of the 6th company are currently engaged in the Jericho Reach.
Captain Nobile, Master of Relics, 6th company captain
Leads a 5 man Command Squad and carries an immense jade thunder
hammer
-

3 Tactical squads
9 Centurions; 3 assault and 6 devastator
o Though currently entrusted to the 6th Company they will be relegated
to the 8th and 9th upon their founding.
Dreadnought

10th Company
The members of the 10th company are the primary intelligence gathering
asset under Ignathius command and its captain is known to have the personal
confidence of the Chapter Master.
-

Captain Christo, Master of Recruits, 10th company captain

Carries a thunder hammer into battle and is known to rarely ever remove
his helm as a symbol to his recruits that their identity as Black Consuls,
not as individuals, is paramount to their crusade.
60 scouts
2 Land Speeder Storms

Apothecarion
-

Chief Apothecary

The chief apothecary is attached to the chapter masters personal

bodyguard. It is by his care and command that Ignathius was
evacuated and his life saved.
2 apothecaries
3 apothecaries in training
o

Lbrarius

These are the pupils of the Chief Librarian and his survival has ensured that
the chapter will have librarians to guide it on its journey back to greatness.
-

1 Lexicanium
2 Acolytum

Surviving vehicle pool

As a Second Founding chapter the Black Consuls had access to the entire
range of wargear available to the chapters of the Adeptus Astartes with the only
exceptions being those truly rare and revered relics such as the Cerberus Heavy
Tank Destroyer. Unfortunately the great majority of these relics, both vehicle and
man-portable were obliterated utterly at the battle that claimed the chapter. The
only pieces that survived were the ones sealed in stasis vaults in orbit, or back in
the mountains of Cyclopias polar fortresses. This included pieces that were
damaged and returned for repair and refit, or those that were too rare to be risked
in what was inevitably a cataclysmic battle.
-

8 Techmarines including the newly anointed Master of the Forge

246 armory servitors
958 chapter serfs
Spartan Assault Tank
o One of the chapters original 5 vehicles of this chassis, 3 spartans
and 2 typhons. This is the only surviving vehicle, the others being lost
in the assault
Sicaran Battle Tank
o This Sicaran was entrusted to the chapter from its inception and has
rarely been risked in battle but is often used in ceremonies and rituals
at the crowning of each crusade.
Land Raider Crusader
o Damaged on the surface and withdrawn to orbit to be ministered to by
the Master of the Forge at the battles end. This is the librarians
personal mount.
2 Land Raiders; Impervious ,Implacable
o These land raiders are considered brothers, having been created at
the same time and fought with each other in every engagement either
has entered. A special connection is believed to exist between their
spirits.
11 Rhinos

3 Razorbacks
5 Predators
o One of these is believed to be an Executioner pattern
2 Vindicators
4 Whirlwinds
28 Land Speeders
o Most of the surviving examples are recon variants that were combing
other parts of the world during the chapters assault
23 Bikes
o Many bike mounted squads were lost as they were acting as assault
troops. Replacement of the chapters stocks is a low priority
compared to the more common pieces of wargear.

Surviving Fleet
As a long time fleet-based chapter the Black Consuls not only had an
extensive chapter fleet, in most cases double what most other chapters could
boast, but also fleet support elements including munitions ships, scouts,
communications, forge ships and even mobile stations. Many of these ships were
reserved on their relocation to a terrestrial base but now these same ships are
slowly being withdrawn from reserve and may soon form the basis for its chapterlevel crusades across the galaxy. On top of this the chapter never abandoned the
lessons it learned in its heritage and maintain a strong regimen of naval tactics
and experience in their training and induction.
-

Battle Barge Bastion of Ire

The Bastion of Ire was in dry dock for 150 years for repairs following the
Siege of Goddeth Hive. Much of its structure down to the very core
needed rebuilding. This arduous repair over the construction of a new
flagship was undertaken both because of a lack of a shipyard allied with
the chapter capable of building one at such short notice and a
psychological symbol of the chapters determination to survive. It
currently remains in system as a super heavy weight defense monitor.
which is in turn guarded by the Seat of Governance and a trio of defense
frigates. As well as defending the chapter monastery, these ships act as a
reserve fleet should a large concentration of enemies be found by the
scouting fleets.
3 Strike cruisers, Lordship, Seat of Governance and Death of Tyranny
The Death of Tyranny was Ignathius personal command before he was
chapter master and is the ship that carries the 2 nd company onto its strike
missions.
The Lordship carries the 6th company on its missions in the Jericho
Reach.
16 Thunderhawks;
11 Thunderhawk Transporters
4 Storm Eagles

These Eagles are believed to be of those constructed since the end of

the Horus Heresy
12 Storm Talons
o Primarily these are used as escort craft. To this ends their pilots
espouse a near suicidal tendency to directly intercept fire aimed for
the larger craft they escort.
3 Storm Ravens
45 drop pods
o A heavy emphasis has been placed on the replacement of the
chapters drop pods as surprise is an effective force multiplier and few
machines fulfill that role as well as these.
o

Known Surviving Relics

Some of the chapters surviving relics, including those armored vehicles of
ancient provenance, have since been entrusted to the Black Consuls successors.
Those listed here are the few the chapter has chosen to keep for itself.
-

Caesars Claw, a lightning claw carried by the master of the 2 nd company

6 dreadnoughts
o Currently these chassis are unoccupied and awaiting a suitable pilot
15 suits of Artificier Armor
o These suits are locked in the chapters vaults as part of the 1 st
companies reserve
Thanes Armor, artificier armor worn by the master of the chapter
Chapter Banner, newly commissioned and redesigned to be a marine
standing on a field of ash, the text proclaims, We Walk Through Disaster
And Remain Unbowed
Banners of the 2nd, 4th and 6th companies
Lorgars Bane

Allied Forces
Iron 9th Auxilia Corps
Composed of members of the Cyclopia planetary defense force, and other defense
forces from those sectors included in the Black Consuls crusade of vengeance
against the Dark Eldar. Limited manpower is compensated for by ample vehicle
support. The Iron 9th is rarely fielded as a unified force but detachments and
regiments are deployed as the situation dictates. In total the Corps is believed to
number over 30,000 designed to act as a relatively small but powerful shock force
not meant for protracted engagements. They are an elite force with good training
and equipment with strong leadership and act as an extension of the chapter itself.
The Corps equipment is believed to have originated from the forgeworld of
Cyclopea which is known to be allied with the Black Consuls and House Korvath.

1st Infantry Regiment (dark green armor and green fatigues, mostly foot
infantry trained to operate in boarding actions and as light infantry) est.
complement of 3000
The 1st Infantry Regiment form the vanguard of any invasion and often
work in close concert with the chapters scouts. The attrition rate within
this regiment is among the highest in the entire corps and contributes to
an elitist attitude and temperament. They also have airborne training
and include a large complement of scouting vehicles.

2nd Siege Infantry Regiment (grey overcoats, specializing in city fighting

or offensive operations against a built up or fortified enemy, includes a
company of Leman Russ Eradicators supported by a squadron of Leman
Russ Demolishers, a Stormsword, and 2 squadrons of Hellhounds) est.
complement of 6000
This regiment forms the core of foot infantry to the Corps. This regiment
is highly trained for multiple specializations and despite its lack of
battlefield transport is a highly flexible force. This regiment also assists
the 1st in boarding actions and is assisted by the 1 st in siege operations.

3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (green armor and grey fatigues, includes
attached armor and air elements including 31 Leman Russes, 18 aircraft
and one Baneblade) est. complement of 4000
This
regiment forms the corps speartip and is the first combat element
engaged in almost every action. This formation is designed to hit hard
and to move and be deployed quickly. Additionally the 3 rd Armored
Cavalry Regiment is equipped to bloody an enemy formation many times
its size. Therefore the best equipment and soldiers in the corps are
assigned to this regiment. It is fully mounted and includes attached
armor support. This is one of the few purpose built all-arms forces of this
size in the entire Imperium.

4th Armored Regiment (64 Leman Russes of various patterns, 2

Macharius vanquishers) est. complement of 1700
In situations
where the enemy is to be met over open ground then the 4 th armored
regiment is landed. This formation is designed to be a tactical reserve
best suited to punching a hole in enemy lines to be exploited by allied
units. This formation, the knight spearhead, and the cavalry regiment all
operate in close cooperation to ensure mutual survival and support.
Despite its relative size to the 1st and 2nd regiment some tacticians
consider this to be the main punch of the Iron 9 th.

5th Artillery Regiment (54 basilisks, 18 medusas, suspected also to have a

shadowsword, camouflage varies) est. complement of 1000
This regiment operates closely with the 2nd regiment in protracted
operations and sieges against fortified enemy positions and cities. This

regiment also supports all maneuvers made by the 4th and 3rd regiments.
This regiment is entirely mobilized and is prepared to retreat and
advance according to the requirements of the theatre. Otherwise this
formation is only used in situations where the entire corps is deployed to
a single battle. However, even if this regiments vehicles are not
deployed then this regiment can also be deployed as an infantry force to
hold territory behind the advancing regiments or as spotter teams
prepared to call down fire aircraft and low orbit spacecraft.
-

Fighter Air Wing (36 thunderbolts, 12 lightnings, 24 marauders) est.

complement of 2000
This formation acts as the corps air cover. In keeping with the corps
strike nature this formation is also not designed or equipped for
protracted combat and is used to swiftly eliminate enemy air forces and
to strike targets in preparation for ground attacks. During almost all
campaigns this formation makes its home aboard the Ancestral Wrath
and has to return to low orbit at the end of every sortie.

Allied Fleet
Task Force Redemptor
It appears that this task force is drawn from the defense fleets of the sector,
but also includes a handful of ships that have been salvaged as wrecks and recommissioned. The Ancestral Wrath appears to have been converted from a
cruiser of another type, perhaps an Armageddon class to act as the fleets primary
fighter carrier although the Dauntless cruiser Salvation has been modified to have
limited hangar spaces.
-

Mars Class Battle Cruiser Ancestral Wrath

Lunar Class Cruiser High Council
Tyrant Class Cruiser Might of the Heavens
Dauntless Class Light Cruiser Salvation
Mechanicus knight-barge Honor bound
Escort Squadron Inpes (3 frigates)
Destroyer Squadron Toure (5 destroyers)
Unknown number of support vessels including transport, refueling, and
repair among many other tasks

Knight Spearhead Warrior Spirits

This spearhead consists of 5 knights formerly belonging to House Korvath.
These 5 knights, along with all their supporting technicians, equipment and their
transport, all became freeblades together in order to assist the Black Consuls to

the very end. They have sworn their lives in return for a past service given them
by the Black Consuls and carry the blessing of their house with them. It is claimed
by these knights that their small order would have perished if not for the
intervention of the chapter. These knights perfectly embody the lengths to which
the allies of the Black Consuls will go to ensure their survival. As a knight house
with ties to Legio Venator, their livery is a light grey and gold in imitation of the
titans dark grey and bronze. These freeblades differ from their household in
iconography but keep the light grey.

Engagement and battlefield doctrine

On the field of battle the Black Consuls operate almost exactly as they did
before the fall with the sole exception being that battles are fought to maximize
impact while minimizing casualties. At all times a force is only deployed once
meticulous planning has been set in place and only if a clear and unobstructed line
of retreat is available. The Black Consuls wont hesitate to act if allied forces are
in danger, and never will it be said that they shirk from annihilating the enemies of
the emperor wherever they may be found. But above all things they consider the
restoration of their chapter as their best way of serving the Emperor. Their
unwillingness to cease operations means that its a slow and steady creep back
from the edge of destruction.
The Corps that accompanies the chapter operates in a similar manner and is
employed only when absolutely necessary to achieve a particular aim. However,
central to the purpose of the Corps is the preservation of the chapter at all cost
and to this end the men and women of the Iron 9 th stand ready to intercede
whenever the lives of battle brothers are in danger. Until the restoration of the
chapter is complete the Iron 9th effectively forms the main fighting strength of the
chapter. It is believed that the Corps is numbered as the 9 th because this is the 9th
crusade that the Black Consuls have undertaken since the Fall. What targets this
crusade has as its focus or which the other 8 had and whether they were
successful is unknown. It is, however, likely that the 9 th is formed from veterans of
the past crusades.