Imperators

"It is not the duty of Astartes to stand idly by as our Imperium falls. Those of us who would watch the many fall so the few may live disgust us, for that is not our duty. Our calling is to those many, for it is those many from which we draw our strength, as them to us. To an Imperator, one child could mean as much as a brother in arms, for who can say who will be the better man."

- Brother Superior Collimus to his Tithing at the Siege of Hive Foorth The Imperators are non-codex compliant, 21st Founding Chapter of an unknown progenitor, who practice the art of swordplay over all else, though are also highly fond of plasma weaponry. As part of their status as a 'cursed' Chapter, the mucranoid gland responsible for maintaining the Astartes in extremely harsh environments is defective, resulting many dreadful skin conditions, and the chapter currently equips its number with a black bodyglove that covers all but their eyes. This Chapter is known for it's lack of worship for all but the Emperor and Imperium at large, which alongside their unknown origins and gene-seed deficiency's has led them with an aura of mistrust, despite their best efforts.

Chapter History
The Imperators are presumed to have been born from the Cursed Founding in 991.M35, but there is no definitive evidence to prove this other than apparent gene-seed flaws. Their exploits have led them to eventually become dependable, faithful warriors in their home sector, but word of them does not reach much farther without exceptional circumstance. Though the chapter does its best to maintain good relations with allied Imperial organisations, it should be noted that they have suffered greatly from an ongoing feud with the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Origins and Early Days (M35.991 - M36.040)

 * (M35.991) Little remains of the Chapters purpose for existence and their origin, with some suspecting such records have been destroyed or tampered with. What remains points to the creation of the Imperators to act as a 'sentinel' chapter in the Cassiopiae sector, which records show at the time was greatly undermanned.
 * (M35.992 - M36.001) Bloodfang Keep is built into an icy plateau in the far northern wastes of the planet, isolating the Imperators from the rest of the Fortress World. First recruits are drawn from the battle-ready youth of the planet, creating the first few companies. Brother Ortheros Volkasias 'One Eye' named Chapter Master.
 * (M35.038-040) Chapter Master 'One Eye' leads a successful crusade against the rebel-stricken Tethnet System, vanquishing heretic and Tau invaders alike at the cost of three quarters of the first company. Thought to be when the chapters interest in plasma weaponry began through its use and effectiveness against the chapter.

Chapter Masters

 * Oretheros Volkasius 'One Eye' ✝ - First Chapter Master of the Imperators, seen as the pioneer of the Imperators individualistic beliefs and their zealous faith to the Emperor. Unmatched in ranged combat during his time, unusual considering the Chapters prominent use of melee combat. Leader of the Loyalist forces during the first half Plasma Wars, before being slain in personal combat by Company Master Willestor Akaryios.
 * Dethemar Hostenius 'The Spark' ✝ - Voted into position by the Loyalists during the latter half of the Plasma Wars, noted for his charisma and passion as leader of the Second Company which ultimately led the Loyalists to victory at the Battle of Bloodfang. In the aftermath of the war, stubbornly refused to return the borrowed plasma weapons lent to them by the Mechanicus as a means to uncover the Chapters origins. Killed in an apparent assassination by the Mechanicus when his personal Land Raider detonated with him inside it.
 * Tevynus Posterisius 'Thunderbreaker' - Champion of the Loyalists during the Plasma Wars and eventual successor to Dethemar, Tevynus is thought to the one who inspired the Chapters ideals on safeguarding the weak and desperate (aka, the citizens of the Imperium) as an side effect of his days in the civil war. Had the longest reign of all his brothers until his death at the hands of a Necron Monolith, which allowed the remnants of his army to withdraw and ultimately turn the tide of the war in the Imperium's favour. Presumed to be the true identity of a Venerable Dreadnought in service of the chapter.
 * Vermathar Azathoth - The youngest Chapter Master by a several decades and the first to not have taken part in the civil war, leading to some distrust from the chapters veterans despite his short term as Company Master of the Third Company. Proved himself capable during the invasion of Apmenta from a Tyranid splinter fleet and responsible for discovering the truth behind the invasion. A combination of all that came before him, he is seen as the perfect match as the bitter rival of Ervaast Savagan, the chapters greatest foe and a blight upon the entire sector. Still reigns to this day, and inspires relations between the rest of the Imperium.

Company Masters (Captains)

 * Willestor Akaryios - Treasonous instigator of the civil war as a result of his unfounded pride in his position as second in command, being the First Company Master. Slew Chapter Master Volkasius in single combat with his fabled mace, leading to his slip into a Khornate Champion of Chaos. Defeated by Hostenius in an ambush during a dark ritual, Akaryios was forced into the warp to return decades later as a blood-crazed Chaos Lord, forever staining the chapters honour leading to the removal of the title of First Company Master, leading the Chapter Master to command said company. Still at large to this day.
 * Jetherys Kissteran ✝ - One of the longest serving brothers of the Imperators and commander of the Second Company, his deeds done with spear and pistol forged some of the greatest legends in the early days of the chapter. Overall however, he was not a tremendous commander and was ultimately outmatched by his comrades, yet he was content remaining the man he was. Gave his life in the Tyranid invasion of Apmenta slaying a Trygon.
 * Quintellus - Current Company Master of the Second Company, reserved and mean spirited but diligent nonetheless. Little loved by his brothers but his actions command respect, such as single-handedly staving off a Tyranid swarm from entering a hab-block, leading to his promotion of Company Master despite incredible reliance on bionic replacements.
 * Fommenus Fevnor - Replacing Chapter Master Azathoth as Third Company Master, alongside Kissteran he is one of the oldest and most venerated warriors of the chapter, though only recently rising to fame. Oversaw the defense of the remaining hives during the Camglaria crusade.

Chaplaincy

 * Reclusiarch Gosterman Titahn ✝ - Leader of the traitorous forces in the civil war, bitter thanks to neglect in their cause and mistook it for his own misplaced faith. Turned over to chaos by Company Master Akaryios, he was the main figurehead of the rebellion but did not participate in many of the battle that took place. Routed out and executed as a traitor by Chapter Master Hostenius in the final hours of the war.
 * Reclusiarch Phovius Tarys - Eccentric and unbested, perhaps a bit too arrogant and fanatic for most but those few that trust in him respect him as the man who redeemed the title of Reclusiarch. Has done little since his debut, slaying an Ork Warlord in single combat, other than keep to the side of Vermathar Azathoth, mentoring him as he rose through the ranks.
 * Chaplain Grant ✝ - A rank and file Chaplain of little note, but gave his life defending the charge that ended the Necron infestation of the Lesto system. Witnesses report him pummeling the machines even as he fell, and remains in the chapters history as an example of a heroic death.

Other

 * Veteran Sergeant Artis Vrix - Rising through the ranks of the Third Company even as dozens of his brothers fell beside him, Vrix is often cited as one of the most promising swordsman of the Azathoth's generation. Took part in many recent engagements, defeating foes such as the Drukhari Incubi Nehkst and the Chaos Lord Festerzhar Azhraind the Flameshaper in single combat. Often takes credit for glory for the acts of his battle brother, Loron Vendellus.
 * Veteran Loron Vendellus - Born from the same breed as Vrix, he is a marksman where Vrix is a duelist, humble where Vrix is boisterous and kind where Vrix is wroth. The two have maintained a bond since their rise to Imperators, and Vendellus has often remained an unspoken hero thanks to his own will and Vrix's aid. It was he who slew the Bloodthirster in an act that saved the Chapter Master, even if he does not speak of it openly.
 * Chief Librarian Vocton Aberalis ✝ - One of the handful librarians in the chapter, his psychic prowess is undoubtedly taxing on the veterans mind. Wielding little other than a relic bolt pistol, his often remarksed that his mind was his greatest weapon, harnessing his many talents. Cold, and distant to all but had a soft spot for the Chapter Master as he foresaw greatness in him. It was he who closed the titanic warp gate at the price of his own life, ending the Camglaria Crusade in almost an instant. He has yet to be replaced.
 * Master of Apothecaries Ettrellion - Ever the persistent critic, Ettrellion is little other than an advisor to Azathoth who questions his every judgement, a job which he has reluctantly begun to enjoy. Has achieved little deeds of note, and is content to keep it that way.