BoLS logo Tabletop, RPGs & Pop Culture
Advertisement

Warhammer 40K: Marneus Augustus Calgar And His Incredible Fists

5 Minute Read
Dec 14 2023
Hot story icon

The legendary deeds of the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines seem larger than life – but then, after crossing the Rubicon Primaris, so is Marneus Calgar.

The Chapter Master of the Ultramarines is an imposing figure to be certain, loremasters. To stand in his shadow is to stand in the face of any number of deeds that would, in another man, be too legendary to be believed. And yet for Marneus Augustus Calgar, feats of legend are part of his morning ablutions. Now the Chapter Master has undergone a terrifying procedure, transforming him from superhuman soldier, larger than a normal human and outfitted with special organs–to an even larger than normal human, outfitted with even more special organs.

Yes it’s true, now Chapter Master Calgar possesses Sinew Coils, a Magnificat, and Belisarian Furnace–organs that ensure he is stronger than ever, grows larger than ever, and is capable of regenerating from nearly any wounds. Truly, the Ultramarines have a powerful new weapon in the form of their Chapter Master. For in Calgar, the drawbacks of the Primaris–notably their inexperience–are overcome entirely. Here at last is a Primaris Warrior who knows how to best take advantage of his new body, using skills that have cut a bloody swath through the galaxy, laying waste to the Imperium’s foes.

Advertisement

During perhaps his most famous battle, the Battle of Macragge, Calgar stood against the Tyranids on Cold Steel Ridge, holding out against horde of xenos attackers. But the Tyranids were too many, and his body was rent and torn. Calgar faced down the Swarmlord, but due to his injuries was no match for the beast. Before he could be finished off, he was rescued by his fellow Ultramarines.

The Deeds of Marneus Calgar

Within a vault inside the Fortress of Hera are records devoted to the achievements and deeds of notable Ultramarines; twenty-eight volumes are devoted to Marneus Calgar, twice the number devoted to that of any other living Ultramarine, and unsurpassed by any other in the Chapter’s history except Roboute Guilliman himself. These achievements include

During the Ultramar Campaign, Calgar initially refused Belisarius Cawl‘s request to try and resurrect Roboute Guilliman, particularly due to the presence of Eldar among his expedition. However the Chaos assault and the words of Tigurius caused him to relent, and he fought alongside Saint Celestine and Voldus in holding back the Black Legion long enough for his Primarch to be reborn. The resurrected Roboute Guilliman charged Calgar to secure the rest of Ultramar from the Forces of Chaos as he embarked on the Terran Crusade.

Across the Rubicon Primaris

Remade into a Primaris Space Marine, Calgar remained Chapter Master of the Ultramarines throughout the ensuing Indomitus Crusade as Guilliman was occupied elsewhere. However, he was now known as Lord Defender of Greater Ultramar instead of Master of Ultramar. During the Plague Wars Calgar put down anti-Imperial uprisings and mutinies by the Ultramar Auxilia in the Illyrian region of Macragge. He later slowed an Ork advance towards Metalica with rapid strike tactics.

Truly, the transformation into Primaris has done nothing to slow down the deeds of Calgar. How long before other Marines follow in his wake? Can any hold out against the grueling procedure? Or is Calgar truly special?

The Arms of Marneus Calgar

In battle, Calgar is armed with the Gauntlets of Ultramar — a pair of master-crafted power fists incorporating a pair of bolters. These Gauntlets were reclaimed by Primarch Roboute Guilliman from a Chaos Champion after the Gamalia Reclusiam Massacre. Lord Calgar also carries an Iron Halo and wears either the Armour of Antilochus (an ornate suit of Terminator Armour) or a suit of Artificer Armour. After Calgar crossed the Rubicon Primaris, the Armour of Antilochus was modified into a Gravis pattern suit and renamed the Armour of Heraclus.

The personal vehicle of Marneus Calgar is a Maximus — the ancient and honorable Land Raider adorned with passages from the Codex Astartes and scenes from the glorious victories of the Chapter. Its armor is decorated with gold details and marble; banners and purity seals of honored provenance flutter from his hull.

Remember acolytes, if you find yourself questioning the usefulness of Primaris Space Marines, please bring your concerns to the Adeptus Mechanicus–they have an answer that can serv(itor)e any question.

Avatar
Author: J.R. Zambrano
Advertisement
  • These Ork Toyz is Never Defeated in Battle. WAAAGH!