Space Wolves: A Comprehensive History

[Vash113]

Space Wolves: A Comprehensive History

 

Introduction

 

The Space Wolves organization, doctrines, and history are very different from the majority of Space Marine chapters, this is one of the reasons the Space Wolves are such a unique force among the Adeptus Astartes, and why they can be an enigma for new players, so here is my attempt to give some insight into the history, and organization of the Space Wolves, one of my favorite chapters and a characterful and interesting organization within the forces of the Imperium.

 

Codex Astartes

 

The Codex Astartes is the holy tome of the Adeptus Astartes. However not all chapters adhere to its tenets completely, and there are a few who do not follow it at all. The Space Wolves are one such chapter. In their organization, recruitment, markings, equipment and even many of their tactics, the Space Wolves function very differently from the codes laid down in the Codex Astartes.

 

Chapter Organization

 

The Space Wolves are not organized along the lines of the Codex. Instead the Space Wolves have 13 Companies in their organization, though only 12 Companies have been maintained in the Chapter after the Horus Heresy. The Companies of the Space Wolves are known as Great Companies, and are not structured along the parameters of the Codex. There is no scout company within the Space Wolves. There are no Battle or Reserve Companies, there is not even a Veteran company. Instead the command structure and organization of the Companies is more fluid. Each Company takes the name and iconography of the chosen Wolf Lord, along with the personal styles and tactics of the chosen Wolf Lord. In this way every time a new Lord is chosen the company is re-invented.

 

The Wolf Lord is also elected to the rank from among the Wolf Lords. The Great Company commanded by the chosen Wolf Lord becomes home to the Chapter specialists, such as the Iron Priests, Wolf Priests and Rune Priests. This means that the Company of the Great Wolf is changing just as much as the individual companies change with each new Wolf Lord that takes command. With the lack of a Scout Company or a Veteran Company that means the recruits and veterans of the Chapter are spread fluidly throughout the Chapter.

 

The 13th Company during the Great Crusade was made up by those battle brothers who showed a manifestation of the Curse of the Wulfen. A ferocious fighting force the Company saw a great deal of combat during the Crusade and the Heresy. As the heretics fled from their defeat at the 1st Siege of the Emperor’s Palace, Leman Russ dispatched the 13th Company to hunt down the heretics. Since then the 13th Company has been a blank spot in the organization of the Space Wolves, representing all those Companies that have been lost or abandoned their oaths since the Horus Heresy. However the original 13th Company has been discovered to still be at large in the Galaxy, and we will get to that in more detail later.

 

Recruitment

 

The Space Wolves recruit exclusively from Fenris. Those chosen by the Space Wolves may often have been mortally wounded, and are repaired by the Chapters technology. To be reborn and have a chance at becoming something more, a Space Marine, a Space Wolf, a son of Russ. The aspirants are taken to training camps where they will learn and train in the hopes of becoming worthy. Where other chapters simply have aspirants fight until only the strongest stand, the Space Wolves set a more exacting standard. Skill in battle is important, but it is not the only thing that matters in becoming a Wolf. The Aspirants are forced to train as teams, to work together as packs, to succeed or fail together, put up against the odds. To face the harshness of nature, the depredations of the wild monsters of Asaheim, and the exacting expectations of the training Sergeants. Only those who have proven themselves worthy are brought into the Chapter as Blood Claws. Given the implants that transform them into Adeptus Astartes and trained further still in the facilities of the Fang the Aspirants face one final test. To master themselves, and the gene-curse of the Chapter, the Mark of the Wulfen. Aspirants in their final stages of implantation are taken far from the Fang and left in the wilderness with little to aid them. If they can make their way back to the Fang without succumbing to the call of the Wulfen or falling to the predators of the wild then they will become full members of the Chapter, as Blood Claws.

 

Blood Claw packs are not the scouts typical of other Chapters. Fully armored in power armor and implanted with the Black Carapace, the 19th Implant of the transformation process, the Blood Claws are fully Adeptus Astartes. However they have yet to master their skills and their lust for battle. After their initiation they are assigned to a Great Company. Should the Wolves survive to temper their lust for battle they will ascend to the rank of Grey Hunter, and cease their existence as initiates, and become veterans of the Chapter. Because of the ferocious lust for battle held by all Blood Claws, their attrition rate is terrible, and not many survive to become Grey Hunters.

 

The Packs of the Space Wolves

 

Instead of organizing into the Tactical, Assault and Devastator squads as the Codex Astartes dictates, the Space Wolves form their troops into Packs. Each pack will generally be made up of warriors who have fought together for some time and will work together as a pack of wolves on the hunt. For the Space Wolves their senses of smell and hearing are just as important to them as their keen eyesight. Packs will work together to sniff and sound out their foes, hunting their prey like the wolves of Fenris, identifying the locations of their comrades as much by smell as by any technological means. The Space Wolves have four primary organizations of packs. Blood Claws, Grey Hunters, Long Fangs, and Wolf Guard. There are also Wolf Scouts, which are an oddity among the Adeptus Astartes.

 

Blood Claws

-Blood Claw packs are the initiates of the Space Wolves, the youngest members of the Chapter fresh from their transformation into Space Marines. Blood Claws have yet to fully contain their lust for battle and so are simply encouraged to let it out, and get over their battle frenzy, allowing that in time, those who survive will temper themselves and become Grey Hunters, blooded and experienced warriors of the Chapter. In battle Blood Claws are armed to fulfill their battle frenzy, given a variety of close combat weapons and armed with bolt pistols the Blood Claw packs are usually at the vanguard of any Space Wolf charge.

 

Grey Hunters

-The backbone of the chapter are the Grey Hunter packs. Experienced marines who have gotten over their lust for battle and tempered their souls with age and wisdom. Grey Hunters are nevertheless still skilled combatants in close quarters fighting and almost always are armed to do battle both at range and in the teeth of the enemy.

 

Long Fangs

-Long Fangs are small packs of aged Space Wolves who have lived long enough for their canines to grow exceedingly long, hence their name. Long Fangs are armed with a variety of heavy weapons and led by a veteran pack leader who can carefully and expertly direct their firepower to the best effect.

 

Wolf Guard

-Wolf Guard are the last variety of Space Wolves packs. The equivalent of veterans in other chapters, Wolf Guard form the bodyguard of their Wolf Lord. Armed to the teeth with all manner of weapons and sometimes even wearing suits of ancient Tactical Dreadnaught Armor. Wolf Guard perform a variety of roles within the Space Wolves chapter. Forming bodyguards for Wolf Lords and other officers and specialists, but also from time to time leading other packs into battle, or sometimes leading smaller operations in place of the Wolf Lord.

 

Wolf Scouts

-Wolf Scouts are attached to the Great Company of the Great Wolf and follow his orders, dispatched where and when he wills. Not the recruits of other Astartes Chapters, Wolf Scouts are grizzled veterans, who opt to go without their full suits of power armor to better scout out the galaxy for their chapter. Deployed to gather information on battlefields before and during a campaign Wolf Scouts provide vital intelligence to their brethren.

 

Officers and Specialists

 

Great Wolf

-The Great Wolf is the Space Wolves equivalent of the Chapter Master, generally considered a steward awaiting the return of Primarch Leman Russ. The Great Wolf leads the chapter in Russ’ absence. Chosen from among the Chapters Wolf Lords, the current Great Wolf is Logan Grimnar, who has lead the Chapter for over eight centuries.

 

Wolf Lords

-The war leaders of the Great Companies, the Chapter includes 11 Wolf Lords. Much of the time the attrition rate for Wolf Lords is fairly significant because of the Chapters disposition towards close combat, however some Wolf Lords have seen their thousandth year pass. Ragnar Blackmane is one of the Chapters current Wolf Lords and is in fact the youngest Wolf Lord in the Chapters history.

 

Iron Priests

-The Iron Priests are the chapter’s equivalent of Techmarines. Sent off for training at Mars the Iron Priests maintain the Chapters equipment, and forge replacement wargear. Iron Priests are traditionally attached to the Great Wolf’s Company and re-assigned to other fighting forces on a situational basis. Iron Priests also have a place in the transformation and initiation of new recruits.

 

Wolf Priests

-Wolf Priests are a unique officer class within the Adeptus Astartes. A mixture of Chaplain and Apothecary the Wolf Priests administer to the physical and mental well being of the Chapter’s warriors and also choose the aspirants to the chapter from among the tribes of Fenris. Ulrik the Slayer is a famous Wolf Priest who mentored many notable members of the Chapter including Logan Grimnar and Ragnar Blackmane.

 

Rune Priests

-The Space Wolves do not have Librarians as such, instead the Chapter maintains a number of Rune Priests, potent psykers who examine the minds of all aspirants to the Chapter for any sign of taint or treachery. Armed and equipped differently from Librarians, Rune Priests do not wear the psychic hoods of Librarians, and do not always carry force weapons, what the Space Wolves call runic weapons. The Rune Priests however are potent psykers in their own right and fierce warriors as are all men of Fenris.

 

Venerable Dreadnaughts

-The Dreadnaughts of the Space Wolves are generally ancient and wise warriors, who spend a great deal of time in dreamless sleep beneath the fang, only awakened in times of great need. The Venerable Dreadnaughts of the Space Wolves may sometimes even lead forces of wolves into battle in the absence of another capable war leader, or sometimes in deference to their ancient wisdom.

 

Notable Chapter Artifacts, Wargear and Vehicles

 

Frost Blades

-Frost blades usually take the forms of chainswords or chainaxes. Ancient and masterfully artificed weapons made from the teeth of Ice Krakens Frost Blades are potent weapons unique to the Space Wolves, that can carve through the heaviest armor with ease.

 

Belts of Russ

-Each Great Company has in it’s armory a single Belt of Russ. Powerful girdles incorporating potent forcefields that protect the wearer. Forged by the master Iron Priest Stef Blacksoul after the disappearance of Russ the belts are important relics of the Chapter.

 

Wolf Helm of Russ

-The Wolf Helm of Russ is an ancient artifact of the Chapter said to have been worn by Russ himself. The Helm is awarded to a great company after a tournament of champions, the last winner was Ragnar Blackmane who then presented the Helm to the Wolf Priest Ranek as a sign of respect.

 

Runic Staffs

-Runic Staffs are mighty artifacts carried by Rune Priests that are imbued with the most powerful wards the Rune Priests can devise that protect the wielder from the psychic attacks of his enemies.

 

Leman Russ Exterminator

-Normally Space Marines do not have access to Leman Russ tanks, however in honor of their Primarch the Space Wolves maintain a small number of Leman Russ Exterminators.

 

The Fang- Fortress of Wolves

 

The Fang is the Fortress Monastary of the Space Wolves. Each Great Company keeps a headquarters in the Fang, and the Fang is where new recruits are transformed into Blood Claws. The Fang is also home to many of the facilities of the Chapter including the majority of the most sacred places to the Chapter, ancient artifacts and mighty forges. The Fang also happens to be the single tallest mountain in the Imperium, one of the greatest fortresses of mankind. The Fang is so tall that its highest observation room is actually situated above Fenris’ atmosphere. Considered the mightiest bastion of the Imperium outside of Terra there are few enemies indeed who can challenge the Fang.

 

The Fang is encased in immensely thick armor, with powerful defense lasers as ancient as the Space Wolves themselves and powered by long lost technology. Void shields superior to that found on even the most magnificent of Imperial warships protects the fang and the mountain is so vast that its upper reaches actually form docks for space craft used by the Chapter. The Fang despite it’s immense power has nearly fallen several times in its history, but despite the desperate hours the Fang has encountered in its long and glorious history the Citadel of Wolves still stands testament to the power of the Space Wolves, the Adeptus Astartes, and the Imperium.

 

Homeworld- Fenris

 

Fenris is the homeworld of the Space Wolves. A planet locked in cold much of each year and wracked by tectonic shifts that change the landscape of the planet greatly each year. The constant shift and harsh conditions shape the people of Fenris into a hardy and strong breed. Tempered for battle in the constant war for survival against the elements, the monsters of the great seas, and competing tribes, and that is the way the Space Wolves like it. Instead of reforming the society of their homeworld as most Legions did, Leman Russ kept Fenris the same, kept the various sea going, island living tribes the same as they had always been, to keep them hardy and strong. As the tribes war the Space Wolves monitor their efforts, and every so often when two tribes wage war against each other, a wolf skull masked priest will appear on a fiery chariot in the sky to watch. Whenever the Wolf Priests of the Emperor’s warriors is watching, the tribes of fenris cease what they were doing and re-form their battle lines. If a tribe had been raiding an enemy in swift and merciless butchery, they will instantly cease and allow their foes to be armed. For only in true battle can the Emperor’s chosen see the warriors of Fenris at their best, and choose those worthy of ascent.

 

The seas of Fenris are home to creatures that seem to be straight from the legends and nightmares of the people of ancient Terra, yet they are very real to the inhabitants of Fenris. Enormous and deadly Krakens, sea Dragons that could swallow armored tanks whole and massive predatory sharks. Once an outsider has seen the fury and power of such creatures, one gains a new respect for the people of Fenris, who challenge such beasts with iron spears and axes, aboard simple longboats called Dragonships, that are much of the time barely a fraction of the size of the mighty sea wyrms that the people of Fenris hunt.

 

In opposition to the chaotic change of Fenris’ mighty seas, the massive continent known as Asaheim is home to the Space Wolves themselves. Populated by mighty Ice Trolls and Fenresian Wolves and other monsters the Aspirants and Space Wolves often test their skills against the various beasts populating the glaciers, ice plains, and mountains of the continent.

 

The Chapter Fleet

 

The Space Wolves maintain fifteen ships in their fleet, one for each Great Company and three in reserve. Each of the fifteen ships is unique unto itself, the fleet including many different classes and configurations of vessels. Two of the Chapters ships are massive warships akin to Imperial Navy capitol ships. The Fist of Russ is the ship of Egil Ironwolf which he claimed in combat when his Company’s own ship was badly damaged. Slightly larger the Pride of Fenris is the personal ship of Logan Grimnar.

 

Political Relations

 

The Space Wolves are a curious Chapter when it comes to Imperial politics. Logan Grimnar is completely unafraid to defend his Chapters autonomy and will wage war even against other Imperial institutions if he feels it is just. Most particularly Logan Grimnar has very strained relations with the Inquisition after the 1st war for Armageddon saw the Inquisition round up the planets populace in isolated labor camps at the conclusion of the campaign.

 

The Space Wolves are also notable in that they have a firm alliance with the Navigator House Bellisarius that predates the foundation of the Imperium. House Bellisarius provides the Space Wolves with 24 of their best Navigators in exchange for 24 Space Wolves known as the Wolf Blade, to serve as a bodyguard for House Bellisarius’ leadership. A significant number of Space Wolf heroes have at one time or another been part of the Wolf Blade. Since House Bellisarius is an ancient and powerful Navigator house, they maintain a headquarters on Terra, and thus service in the Wolf Blade provides the Space Wolves with inside experience into the politics of the Imperium. Some of the current heroes of the Chapter that have served in the Wolf Blade include Ragnar Blackmane and Logan Grimnar.

 

Gene-Seed

 

The Gene-seed of the Space Wolves contains the flaw known as the Curse of the Wulfen. This genetic heritage of Leman Russ gives the Space Wolves continuously growing canines, heightened senses of smell and hearing, but also a terrible curse. For those battle brothers that cannot contain the beast within them, they transform into monstrous werewolf creatures, half man, and half wolf. For this reason the gene-seed of the Space Wolves is never used in the creation of new Chapters and no known successor chapters are known. The only chapter suspected to be descended from the Space Wolves, known as the Wolf Brothers, is a mystery to the Imperium. Some theories suggest the Chapter had some sort of genetic mutation due to their distance from Fenris and had to be disbanded and cleansed. Others suggest that the Wolf Brothers may actually be the personal bodyguard of Russ appearing alongside the 13th Company in battle. The truth is still a mystery to the Imperium at large, though there are certainly those among the Inquisition who would dearly love to know the answer, if only to use it against the Space Wolves.

 

Beliefs

 

The Space Wolves are brought up believing in mystic legends and sagas of star striding wolves, horrendous monsters and mighty heroes. Mistrustful of technology and sorcery the people of Fenris are a brutal but noble people and this bearing is brought to the Chapter by the recruits. Central to their belief system is Leman Russ and the Emperor, whom they see as the greatest pinnacles of mankind and heroes to inspire valor and honor.

 

Battle-Cry

 

The battle cries of the Space Wolves varies from company to company, however a common battle cry is simply a blood curdling howl the Space Wolves let loose when they charge into battle.

 

Company Markings

 

The Space Wolves have no Chapter symbol, instead the markings of each company take on the symbol chosen by each Wolf Lord and as such are constantly changing. The symbols will usually be significant from the sagas of Fenris and usually include some form of wolf iconography. The markings for squads have to do with their type and are also varied from squad to squad and company to company. Some traditional colors however are red and yellow for Blood Claws, red and black for Grey Hunters, white and black for Long Fangs, and black and yellow for Wolf Guard.

 

History of the Space Wolves

 

Primarch Leman Russ

 

The sagas relating to Leman Russ are known to the galaxy largely due to the efforts of one Gnauril the Elder, a contemporary of Fenresian King Thengir. The sagas tell how one of the infant Primarchs came to rest on a distant world from Terra known as Fenris. Given the harsh climate it is unlikely that any lesser man would not have survived, but Leman Russ was a Primarch, and no lesser man. According to the Sagas Leman Russ was taken in and raised by a Fenresian she-wolf. Russ’ companion wolves Freki and Geri are believed by many to be his original pack brothers, raised at about the same time as Russ himself. Russ even attested at times to his “lupine parentage,

[Max_Dammit]

I dont know if this violates any coppy rights but i'm sure the staff will look in to it.

 

Its a nice collection of info

[Tsuro]

I can't see how it would be a copyright violation - certainly no more so than any other article or essay ever written. Near as I can tell its all been rendered in his own words and from his own impression of the sources (they don't all say the same thing; some skill went into selecting what to include or not) so it'd be an original work from that point of view (not that its not derivative or that IP law is applied equally everywhere on the globe)

 

Whether it violates board policy or not is another matter entirely, but is no business of mine - I just enjoyed reading it.

 

 

Tsuro

[malamut]

*applause*

[Vash113]

*applause*

 

Thank you, I'm glad you guys have enjoyed my work, I'm still looking for some of the older material particularly where the 1st and 2nd battles for the fang are concerned, so hopefully I'll be able to include that information soon. *crosses fingers*

[Dark Bjoern]

Good Work, Vash113

[Beef]

look into the 2nd edition codex, if you dont have it pm me and i will post you the relavant sections. ~Ie Njal storm caller, plus battles for the fang

[Foe_hammer]

Very nice Vash . I have printed out a copy for my SW notebook :tu:

[Lord Ragnarok]

Nice work Vash. :) As far as I can tell you've managed to capture a lot from the IA article without reprinting word for word. We'll have to save this and perhaps save in the Librarium as an article.

[Vash113]

Very nice Vash . I have printed out a copy for my SW notebook :)

 

Glad you liked it.

 

I added three more paragraphs, a second paragraph on the fang, and more info on the Great Hunts and the 1st Battle for the Fang under the famous battles section.

[Sigismund Himself]

Good stuff Vash. Looks like another one for the Librarium :sweat:

[ChapniK]

Great stuff . Including the 2th battle of the fang would awesome. have a keg on me :sweat: .

[LoneSniperSG]

Holy criminy that's -long-... Never knew 10,000 years racked up so much info. There's one thing though, though it's probably only speculative, but I believe the Pride of Fenris has been around since Russ himself was given the Chapter.

 

 

[Edit] DUDE, THIS THING IS 18 PAGES LONG >.>;

[Vash113]

@Max_Dammit

-I'm glad it's useful.

 

@Tsuro

-I'm glad you enjoyed the read, when writing articles of such length it's always a difficulty to keep them interresting enough as to not prove a tiresome slog, I hope I've been successful in that regard :sweat:.

 

@malamut

-*bows* thank you.

 

@Dark Bjoern

-Thanks :teehee:.

 

@Beef

-Thanks for your help with that material, you helped immensely.

 

@Foe_hammer

-Wow, printing the article must have taken a while, I'm pleased it was worth taking the time to print out.

 

@Lord Ragnarok

-Thank you, when I'm satisfied it's finished and I'm not going to tinker with it more I'll certainly submit it to the Librarium.

 

@Sigismund Himself

-Thank you, I'm glad my work has met such approval, I shall certainly submit it to the Librarium shortly.

 

@Chapnik

-Thanks, I'm looking into the 2nd Battle for the Fang, and now that you mention it, I should probably put in a tid bit on Fenresian Ale too... that scene in Grey Hunter in the mess hall talked about the composition of it I remember correctly, I'll have to have a look.

 

@LoneSniperSG

-What can I say, there's a lot of material on the Space Wolves, and a lot about them that's unique. Hopefully though I've not been that long winded. As for the Pride of Fenris, I'd certainly figure it's been around for a good while though I can't remember any specific mention, I'll have to look through the articles and the codex and see if it's not in a little blurb somewhere or something. As for the length, well... I certainly hadn't intended it to be that long, but there's just a lot to talk about where the Wolves are concerned. :)

[Berasse]

No Kyrl Grimblood?

 

Shame. The 2nd ed. Space Wolf codex also has some information on other Space Wolf heroes... Njal Stormcaller was already mentioned, plus there's also Wolf Guard Durfast of Mordrak and Wolf Guard Ranulf. I could post up some relevant information, if it would help?

[Vash113]

@Berasse

-Sure, if you could PM me that information that would be great, it's been very frustrating not having access to the 2nd Edition codex.

[LoneSniperSG]

@LoneSniperSG

-What can I say, there's a lot of material on the Space Wolves, and a lot about them that's unique. Hopefully though I've not been that long winded. As for the Pride of Fenris, I'd certainly figure it's been around for a good while though I can't remember any specific mention, I'll have to look through the articles and the codex and see if it's not in a little blurb somewhere or something. As for the length, well... I certainly hadn't intended it to be that long, but there's just a lot to talk about where the Wolves are concerned. :sweat:

 

Yay, I got the longest answer.

 

Now, I went and re-checked my sources, and I came up with an article from a Battlefleet Gothic Fanzine called Warp Rift. They did an article in issue #13 on the Space Wolves, with three special (Imperial Navy-based) Wolves Ships:

 

-Pride of Fenris - Emperor class Battleship (i.e., most kick-rear Imperial ship in the game) Customized with Thunderhawks and drop pod hatches, Though the pods mean nothing in gameplay, to my current knowledge.

-Ironwolf -Vindictive class Grand Cruiser - Egil Ironwolf's Carrier. I estimate she carries, or can carry, six squadrons of Thunderhawks. The ship class was created solely for the article.

-Fist of Russ - Mars class Battlecruiser - As mentioned, this is or was Berek's ship. Restored by the Wolves after taking a severe beating by Chaos. The Wolves gave a wolf-like burial to the captain, who refused to abandon an engaged Space Wolves fleet when ordered to leave the system.

 

So, you were not the only one to imagine the Wolves would have a couple Imperial Navy ships. But I must remind everyone that this is a -Fanzine- source, so we can't really call it fluff, but it is probably dead-eye or very very close. Pre-heresy was notably without typical battlebarges, so it's probably such that Russ would be sailing the stars on an Emperor Battleship.

 

http://www.epic40k.co.uk/bfgmag/index.html - This is the website to get ahold of Warp Rift

[frostclaw222]

If you're going to mention Armageddon and Grimnar, let's give due mention to him facing off with Angron at the climax of Armageddon I. Yes, there was something like a metric truckload of Grey Knight Teleport Assaulters accompanying him, but the Old Wolf stood toe-to-toe with a Daemon Prince Primarch and lived to tell the tale....THEN he got twerked at the Inquisition for good measure. Sounds like a full day to me.

 

I somehow thought the Chapter Fleet had more ships. Not a lot more, but definitely some additional Strike Cruisers and smaller vessels.

 

Also, worth mentioning is the Spear of Garm and the alliance with the world of Gault, including the good relations with their PDF. You also have Ranek listed someplace where Ulrik should be (think it was the Wolf Helm of Russ section), but then King does that as well, so .... I dunno.

 

Also....did I miss this somewhere in Wolf Blade? Logan Grimnar belonged to the Wolf Blade? :cuss? Really? :huh: :P :yes: :huh:

[LoneSniperSG]

Strike Cruisers count as capital ships, they can carry a full company and all of it's supporting gear and such. I imagine the Wolves have atleast ten of these, with captured Navy/Chaos ships filling any open holes.

 

Battlebarges can carry up to three full companies, and all their supporting gear. Most chapters have only one or two of these, and fleet-based chapters like the Templars probably have three. Space Wolves, since we have the Pride probably only have one actual battlebarge.

 

vessels lighter than the Strike Cruisers can be any number of the following:

 

Sword class Frigate

Firestorm class Frigate

Cobra Destroyer

 

Nova class Frigate

Gladius class Frigate

Hunter class Destroyer

 

Swords, Firestorms and Cobras are generic ships found throughout the Imperial Navy. They are proven ships and probably used in fair numbers. These ships are primarily warships, best served as actual fleet escorts.

 

Novas, Gladii and Hunter class ships are Marine-only. These are lighter and a little less capable than the previous three classes and are favoured as patrol ships.

 

And of course, Marines also have access to Thunderhawk squadrons, which are capable of completely harassing escorts and light cruisers - and winning. T-hawks pack the meanest punch of any fighter class.

 

So, if I had to guess any probable Wolves fleet list, it would be as follows:

 

Pride of Fenris and another Battlebarge

 

10-12 Strike Cruisers, or equivalent

 

30-50 Escort class ships. (Seems like a big number, but they're small and spread out.)

 

And there could also be a couple support ships, defense monitors and such, but I am not certain if any Space Marines rely on logistical ships of such a nature.

[Beef]

Grimnor did not go toe to toe with angron, the fluff does not state that, Yes he witnessed the grey knights go toe to toe with him. The Fluff in a nother sorce also mention Ulrich getting a salute from angron (a sign of martial prowess) in that battle for singlehandedly killing 3 beserkers in a row.

[Lord Ragnarok]

Hey Beef, I had not heard of that previously. Do you remember the source material?

[Vash113]

Now, I went and re-checked my sources, and I came up with an article from a Battlefleet Gothic Fanzine called Warp Rift. They did an article in issue #13 on the Space Wolves, with three special (Imperial Navy-based) Wolves Ships:

 

-Pride of Fenris - Emperor class Battleship (i.e., most kick-rear Imperial ship in the game) Customized with Thunderhawks and drop pod hatches, Though the pods mean nothing in gameplay, to my current knowledge.

-Ironwolf -Vindictive class Grand Cruiser - Egil Ironwolf's Carrier. I estimate she carries, or can carry, six squadrons of Thunderhawks. The ship class was created solely for the article.

-Fist of Russ - Mars class Battlecruiser - As mentioned, this is or was Berek's ship. Restored by the Wolves after taking a severe beating by Chaos. The Wolves gave a wolf-like burial to the captain, who refused to abandon an engaged Space Wolves fleet when ordered to leave the system.

 

So, you were not the only one to imagine the Wolves would have a couple Imperial Navy ships. But I must remind everyone that this is a -Fanzine- source, so we can't really call it fluff, but it is probably dead-eye or very very close. Pre-heresy was notably without typical battlebarges, so it's probably such that Russ would be sailing the stars on an Emperor Battleship.

 

http://www.epic40k.co.uk/bfgmag/index.html - This is the website to get ahold of Warp Rift

 

Huh, that's cool. I origionally based my statements on the scene early in Grey Hunter where Ragnar and Haakon and Sven are discussing the Fleet. 12 Ships active and 3 in reserve. However they also mention that when Egil Ironwolf captured his current ship, the Navy was angry, wanting the Space Wolves to return their ship. That seems to me to suggest someone turned traitor with the ship and Egil's Company took the ship from the traitor, which would suggest it was an Imperial Navy warship of some sort, and not a Battle Barge or a Strike Cruiser. That's what I based my theories on, but that certainly is an interresting article.

 

If you're going to mention Armageddon and Grimnar, let's give due mention to him facing off with Angron at the climax of Armageddon I. Yes, there was something like a metric truckload of Grey Knight Teleport Assaulters accompanying him, but the Old Wolf stood toe-to-toe with a Daemon Prince Primarch and lived to tell the tale....THEN he got twerked at the Inquisition for good measure. Sounds like a full day to me.

 

Really? I remember something about Ulrik and Logan fighting nearby, but not that Logan Grimnar actually fought Angron.

 

Also, worth mentioning is the Spear of Garm and the alliance with the world of Gault, including the good relations with their PDF. You also have Ranek listed someplace where Ulrik should be (think it was the Wolf Helm of Russ section), but then King does that as well, so .... I dunno.

 

You mean the Spear of Russ and the world of Garm? I was going to mention it, but I didn't want to until the later books are published and the whole series of events has played out. As for Ranek and Ulrik, yea I tried to pick Ulrik and go with the codex but if I have Ranek listed somewhere I should go change that. A rather foolish mistake by King really.

 

Also....did I miss this somewhere in Wolf Blade? Logan Grimnar belonged to the Wolf Blade? :cuss? Really? :ermm: :) ;) :huh:

 

Although my brother lost my copy of Wolfblade I do remember that somewhere in it (either the begining or end) when Ragnar is being told about his assignment to the Wolfblade and he thinks its purely an exile someone tells him that the Wolfblade is also a place to send promising leaders to gain experience, such as Logan.

 

Grimnor did not go toe to toe with angron, the fluff does not state that, Yes he witnessed the grey knights go toe to toe with him. The Fluff in a nother sorce also mention Ulrich getting a salute from angron (a sign of martial prowess) in that battle for singlehandedly killing 3 beserkers in a row.

 

Ah I do remember something about Angron saluting Ulrik but it's not part of the codex bit and I can't remember where I saw it... though I know I read it recently, gah time to go looking.

 

Also thanks Beef and Berasse, I got your PMs and will start working on that material shortly. :)

[LoneSniperSG]

Huh, that's cool. I origionally based my statements on the scene early in Grey Hunter where Ragnar and Haakon and Sven are discussing the Fleet. 12 Ships active and 3 in reserve. However they also mention that when Egil Ironwolf captured his current ship, the Navy was angry, wanting the Space Wolves to return their ship. That seems to me to suggest someone turned traitor with the ship and Egil's Company took the ship from the traitor, which would suggest it was an Imperial Navy warship of some sort, and not a Battle Barge or a Strike Cruiser. That's what I based my theories on, but that certainly is an interresting article.

 

Well, old Egil pulled a fast one. The original Ironwolf was destroyed just as he captured the Vindictive cruiser, so, thanks to a little data editing, no one but the Wolves know the difference. Berek actually angered the Navy with his taking of the Fist, and it is said that the Emperor himself intervened, so a civil war would not occur.

 

Though that, like before, is based off that fanzine article. Can't really shout out "FLUFF! FLUFF RIGHT HERE!!!!!!!!!!"

[BibleBoy]

WOW amazing. Very good work...11 hours and 42 minutes? I'm more than impressed. That was almost my day of work on Thursday. I wish I could have been pouring over 40K fluff.

 

Perhap it's about time I read those space wolf books....

[Zengar]

I'm a DIY player.... but the wolf information and fluff was stunning.

 

Thank you.