In the annals of the Horus Heresy, it’s easy to get swept up in the legendary exploits of the Space Marines, but let’s not forget the countless mortal warriors who stood shoulder to shoulder with them. Among these brave souls, the Solar Auxilia emerged as the elite of the elite.
The Solar Auxilia: Elite Mortal Soldiers
Imagine being part of the best-trained, best-equipped human force in the Imperial Army. These warriors, the Solar Auxilia, were the unsung heroes of the Great Crusade, celebrated for their unwavering reliability and combat prowess. In an alternate universe where Space Marines didn’t exist, they’d arguably be the finest soldiers in the Imperium, a fact they wear as a badge of honor.
A Heritage Rooted in Ancient Saturn
Despite their close ties to the Emperor’s armies, the Solar Auxilia’s origins trace back to the Age of Strife, nestled in the ancient techno-enclaves of Saturn. These enclaves, known as the Polities of Saturn, flourished amid inter-state conflicts and cutting-edge technological advancements. Void warfare became their specialty.
When the Emperor’s call reached Saturn, the Polities swiftly pledged their allegiance to the Great Crusade. Their formidable troops served as a blueprint for other regiments, influencing weapons, armor, and tactics. This marked the genesis of a common warrior heritage shared among these elite soldiers.
Horus Heresy: The Solar Auxilia’s Prime
By the time of the Horus Heresy, about a quarter of all human frontline forces hailed from the Solar Auxilia. Their impeccable battlefield record was the driving force behind this staggering number. Organized into Solar Cohorts, each comprising around 120,000 soldiers, they often stood at the forefront of fleets without Space Marine contingents, even though they frequently had the honor of fighting alongside the Legiones Astartes.
One notable cohort was the Cthonian Headhunters, a rare Solar Auxilia unit drawn from feral or feudal worlds. They held the Sons of Horus in reverent admiration and fought fiercely alongside these Space Marine lords in some of the Heresy’s most brutal engagements.
Discipline, Firepower, and Reliability
Solar Auxilia cohorts consisted of smaller sub-cohorts, akin to a Legiones Astartes company, further divided into tercios, fighting units of approximately 60 troopers. Armed with reliable Solar-pattern lasrifles and void-hardened armor, these troopers carried on the legacy of their Saturn-based predecessors.
While their infantry was highly esteemed, the Solar Auxilia also boasted vast quantities of tanks, artillery, and air support, courtesy of the Aeronautica Imperialis. Their armored vehicles featured void-seals, radiological shielding, and overall performance enhancements.
But perhaps their most formidable weapon was their discipline, ruthlessly enforced by unwavering officers. This discipline enabled them to execute intricate battle maneuvers, minimizing casualties, and launching sudden, powerful assaults on weakened enemy defenses—a crucial tactic when facing the vastly superior Legiones Astartes.
Legacy of Defiance
Despite fighting alongside Space Marines, the Solar Auxilia suffered heavy losses in the Horus Heresy’s final days, particularly during the Siege of Terra. Nonetheless, their stories of unwavering determination and epic last stands endured through the millennia.
Prepare to lead your own tercio into the fray when “Legions Imperialis” becomes available for pre-order. While we can’t provide an exact date, can you hear the faint footsteps of impending release?
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
