The Celestial Lions are a Space Marine chapter created from Imperial Fists gene-seed in the 38th millennium. They’re best known for their bitter feud with the Inquisition, which has left them nearly extinct.
Origins and role
Founded in M38 from Imperial Fists stock, the Celestial Lions were one of three chapters forming the Adeptus Vaelarii, tasked with guarding the Elara’s Veil region alongside the Emperor’s Spears and Star Scorpions. Their homeworld was Elysium IX, now destroyed.
They wear gold armour with blue pauldrons and helmets. After recent disasters, their strength has fallen below 96 battle-brothers, making them a shadow of a standard chapter.
The Khattarn Insurrection and the Inquisition
During the Khattarn Insurrection, five companies fought alongside Inquisitor Apollyon to crush a rebellion on Khattar. The campaign was a success, but as the Marines withdrew, Apollyon ordered the Imperial Navy to bombard the planet, killing its entire population.
The Celestial Lions were horrified. Captain Saul tried to stop the bombardment but couldn’t override an Inquisitor’s authority. The chapter publicly condemned the Inquisition and demanded an investigation. A delegation sent to Terra was lost in a warp storm and never arrived. The Inquisition answers to no one, so the protests achieved nothing.
Third War for Armageddon and the Great Rift
The chapter later fought in the Third War for Armageddon. Sources disagree on the details, but it’s clear they suffered heavy losses there, often under suspicious circumstances that the Lions blamed on Inquisitorial interference.
After the Great Rift opened, the Celestial Lions faced further trials. Their homeworld was destroyed, and they became a fleet-based chapter. They remain fiercely independent and still harbour deep resentment toward the Inquisition.
Culture and organisation
The Celestial Lions are known for their proud, defiant streak. They keep their old traditions, including a strong oral history and a belief in honour that sometimes puts them at odds with the Imperium’s ruthless pragmatism.
They follow the Codex Astartes but maintain unique ranks and customs. Their chapter master, Ekene Dubaku, led them through many of these trials; his current status is unknown.
- Gold armour with blue pauldrons and helmet
- Homeworld: Elysium IX (destroyed)
- Founding: M38, from Imperial Fists gene-seed
- Current strength: fewer than 96 Marines
Key facts
- Founded in M38 from Imperial Fists gene-seed
- Part of the Adeptus Vaelarii, guardians of Elara’s Veil
- Homeworld Elysium IX was destroyed
- Feud with the Inquisition after the Khattarn Insurrection
- Strength reduced to fewer than 96 Marines
- Fought in the Third War for Armageddon
FAQ
Who are the Celestial Lions?
They’re a Space Marine chapter created from Imperial Fists gene-seed in M38. They’re known for their conflict with the Inquisition and their near-destruction.
Why do the Celestial Lions hate the Inquisition?
After the Khattarn Insurrection, Inquisitor Apollyon ordered the extermination of a planet they’d just saved. The Lions publicly condemned this, and the Inquisition has reportedly made them pay for it ever since.
What happened to their homeworld?
Elysium IX was destroyed. The exact cause isn’t clear in all sources, but it left the chapter fleet-based.