STRIKE FORCE VENDETTA By Jorgen Bender (Master Ciaphas) |
BATTLE COMPANY STRIKE FORCES |
These images reproduced here with the kind permission of Jorgen Bender.. |
Epistolery Daedalus Daedalus is the senior advisor attached to "Strike Force Vendetta", and he has guided Master Ciaphas on many an occasion. Daedalus wields his force sword with a skill that few of the other librarians can match, and following the moment that he was granted a bike from the 2nd Company, he now rides into battle on an iron steed, bringing death and redemption to the enemies of the Emperor and the Chapter. His mind powers include such |
"Strike Force Vendetta" was created in 997.M41 upon the express order of Supreme Grand Master Azrael, Chapter Master of the Dark Angels. The purpose of this strike force was to combat the expansionistic Tau Empire in the Eastern Fringe, and to hunt down what Fallen there might be operating in those sectors of Imperial space. To carry the Strike Force into battle, the strike cruiser "Pride of Caliban" was chosen. The vessel had been in the service of the Chapter for five thousand years, and had seen combat in just about every part of the galaxy. The strike force was to be led by Master Aziraphale, but his demise on the planet Ferrix Ultra, made it necessary to appoint another. Master Belial, commander of the 3rd Battle Company presented the Inner Circle with a viable candidate: Veteran Sergeant Ciaphas. Ciaphas had served the Chapter and the 3rd Company for many years, and had distinguished himself during the Piscina IV campaign. Impressed by his tactical and strategic acumen, Master Belial pressed forward Ciaphas' promotion to Master, and thus was he appointed to lead "Strike Force Vendetta" on its mission in the Eastern Fringe. To aid and support Ciaphas, two advisors were appointed: Epistolary Daedalus, and Interrogator-Chaplain Boreaus. Both were seasoned warriors, and in good stead with the Inner Circle, having proven themselves true to the ideals of the Chapter, the Lion and the Emperor. The strike force itself was outfitted with elements of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Company, so that it could lift any task and fulfil any mission it might find itself faced with. Thus, Deathwing Squad "Valerian", several squadrons of Ravenwing, and a number of Battle-Brother marines from the 3rd Company were attached to "Strike Force Vendetta". "Strike Force Vendetta", though tasked with halting the expansion of the Tau Empire, has most often clashed with the hosts of the Eldar Craftworld Rhiadan, a little known Craftworld with ambitious dreams of recreating the fallen Eldar dominions. |
Command Squad Ciaphas 1st Tactical Squad under the command of Veteran Sergeant Kain also serves as Ciaphas' command and Honour Guard. They have served faithfully in many campaigns, and that has seen them equipped with the best anti-personnel weaponry available on the "Pride of Caliban". Vet. Sgt. Kain and his squad's most famous achievement has been the destruction of a Seer Council hailing from the Craftworld of Rhiadan, which turned the tide of the battle, and ultimately won Ciaphas the campaign. |
Techmarine Haifon Haifon was attached to "Vendetta" at the outset of its campaign in the Eastern Fringe, and it is mainly through his efforts that the weapons of war which see such heavy usage are still operational. |
Grand Master Ciaphas Grand Master Ciaphas, though young, had proven that he is more than able to command a large detachment of troops, and his tactical and strategic abilities clearly demonstrate that he is without doubt a true son of the Lion. His rise to prominence came about two years before the Despoiler unleashed his 13th Black Crusade, and Ciaphas has fought since then. Master Ciaphas usually takes to the field along with the assault elements of his strike force. Thus he is equipped with a jump pack, frag grenades, and the master-crafted lightning claws, known as the "Tarsis Claws". Additionally, Grand Master Ciaphas has been granted one of the relics known as Iron Halo's for his outstanding efforts in the service of the Chapter. Underneath his robes, Ciaphas is protected by an ancient suit of artificer armour. |
skills as the Veil of Time and the Fear of the Darkness. His long and true service to the Chapter has seen him gifted with both an Iron Halo, fashion as the Angel of Death, and a magnificent suit of artificer armour |
Haifon was instrumental in the final battle which saw the fate of Demaron Secundus decided, as his measurements guided the rockets of 9th Devastator Squad, and ensured the rapid destruction of the Eldar war machines. |
