CODEX: Void Dragons

Organization:

The Void Dragons are arranged in slightly smaller groupings than the standard codex company, called flights. Each flight is normally 8 squads, the tactical make up of which is dependant on their missions or assignments. There are no reserve companies per se, and each flight is a flexible unit that can be changed at will. This way, if the chapter sees a need for their presence, they are able to scramble their ships on a moments notice, loaded with the exact troops necessary for the task at hand. The flights are not permanent, and are each given a temporary name and identification symbol. These symbols are worn with pride, and are often displayed in the heraldry of the higher-ranking officers. Before a marine joins his first flight, he marks his loyalty to his chapter in the form of a facial tattoo or honor scar, some times both. Each squad, or clutch, is organized as standard by the Codex Astartes. The Clutches are more permanent, however, and are very rarely re-organized except in times of extended campaigns or in the case of heavy losses. This fosters a more personal relationship among peers, and increases the functionality of each unit, as each marine will fight to the death for every other marine in the clutch. Battle Brothers from whole clutches will also often display their allegiance to the clutch with tattoos and brands, and clutches will often compete with each other in tests of arms and skill. The sergeant of each clutch is normally elected by the consensus of his brothers, and it is a great honor.

Each flight will be assigned a certain number of clutches, as well as a captain, librarian, chaplain, standard bearer, apothecary, and techmarine. These command groups also often bond and prefer to work together, as they learn to compliment each others abilities and allow each other freedom to perform their assigned tasks without worrying about the competence of the rest of the group.

The heads of the chapter are always elected by their peers, and are chosen based on accomplishments and abilities.

The librarians of the chapter are considered to be the wisest of the warriors, and are looked to for guidance. It is said that the Emperor himself bestows their powers upon their spirit, and so they are said to be able to receive guidance from his presence in them. More often than not, the chapter master will be a librarian, as they spend much of their time in study of battle and tactics, as well as meditating on the different philosophies of combat and are therefore assumed to have the most tactical insight. Captains and other heroes will always defer themselves to the librarians, as the Heroes will have spent more of their time drilling themselves and meditating on the more practical parts of combat, as well as physically training their bodies to be hardened and battle ready.

The Chaplains ensure that the hearts and minds of the brothers remain strong and pure. They often recount tales of bravery from days past, legends of the ancient days, and assist in the instruction of new recruits. The chaplains also take it upon themselves to lead by example, and so, try to make themselves as conspicuous as possible by roaring constantly, singing the ancient hymns, reaffirming his brothers in the midst of battle, and brandishing their weapons high and proud when charging or dispatching an enemy. Most of the Chaplains will be seen brandishing ornate thunder hammers of great antiquity, these are gifts from the Adeptus Mechanicus, as symbols of the chapter's long history of co-operation. This is in the same spirit as the rosarius that every chaplain wears as a symbol of co-operation between the Adeptus Astartes and the Imperial Ecclesiarchy.

The Techmarines are able to concentrate on works of amazing ingenuity, since Salmaris is a system so rich in resources and technology. Also, every marine is able to maintain his weapons and armor properly, and this leaves the Techmarines more time to concentrate on perfecting their techniques. This means that most of the weapons that the Dragons of the Void wield are customized in some way and are often far more functional than standard issue weaponry.