The Emperor’s Spears are a Space Marine chapter created to guard a troubled region of space called Elara’s Veil. They’re known for their fierce, tribal culture and their unbreakable vow to protect the Veil, even as the galaxy falls apart around them.
Who they are and why they matter
The Emperor’s Spears are a Space Marine chapter from the 25th Founding, also called the Bastion Founding. They were created in the latter half of M40 to reinforce the Celestial Lions, who were struggling to defend Elara’s Veil on their own.
Together with the Star Scorpions, they formed the Adeptus Vaelarii, the Sentinels of the Veil. Their sacred duty is to protect this region, and they’ve kept that vow even after the Star Scorpions were wiped out and the Celestial Lions were nearly destroyed by an Inquisitorial purge.
Homeworld and culture
Their homeworld is Nemeton, an aquatic planet with small landmasses and a stormy climate. The local tribes are feral and warlike, and their harsh lives make them ideal recruits for the chapter.
The Spears have an uneasy relationship with these tribes. They recruit from them, but they don’t rule over them. Their battle cry, ‘Skovakarah uhl zarûn,’ translates to ‘Redden the earth,’ which tells you a lot about their attitude to war.
Fleet and warfare
Because Nemeton has little land, the chapter relies heavily on its fleet. Their alliance with the Forge World Bellona gives them a larger fleet than most chapters, and many of their ships carry Skitarii support legions.
They specialize in air-to-ground warfare and drop pod assaults. Their first recorded appearance, in 594.M40, showed them to be brutally aggressive, even harvesting the heads of dead xenos after battle.
Troubled history and recent events
The Spears have clashed with other Space Marines, notably the Aurora Chapter during the Eukari Insurrection. The Ultramarines stepped in and blamed the Spears for acting rashly, which caused tension for centuries.
High King Arucatas the Swordbearer, their current Chapter Master, has recently eased those tensions. Under his leadership, the Spears remain undaunted, still defending Elara’s Veil despite the losses of their allies.
Key facts
- Founded in the 25th (Bastion) Founding, sometime in late M40.
- Homeworld is Nemeton, an aquatic storm planet with feral tribes.
- Part of the Adeptus Vaelarii, alongside the Celestial Lions and Star Scorpions.
- Specializes in drop pod assaults and air-to-ground warfare.
- Current Chapter Master is Arucatas the Swordbearer, High King.
- Battle cry: ‘Skovakarah uhl zarûn’ (Redden the earth).
FAQ
What is the Emperor’s Spears’ specialty?
They focus on air-to-ground warfare and drop pod assaults, supported by a large fleet and Skitarii allies from Bellona.
Who is their Chapter Master?
Arucatas, known as the Swordbearer and High King. He’s worked to repair the chapter’s strained relationship with the Ultramarines.
What is the Adeptus Vaelarii?
It’s an alliance of three chapters, the Emperor’s Spears, Star Scorpions, and Celestial Lions, sworn to protect Elara’s Veil. Only the Spears and a weakened Lions force remain.