Halbar Galeus

Affiliation: Imperial Fists - 7th Company Master of the Watch (Adeptus Astartes)

Life: M40.942 - Current

Notable Campaigns: 13th Black Crusade, The Battle of the Phalanx, Indomitus Crusade

Relics in Possession: Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armor, 'Hammer of Dorn' Achilles Pattern Land Raider

Personal History:

Halbar Galeus was recruited from his homeworld Denkiras Zeta in 987.M41, a mining colony in the Segmentum Tempestus region. Zeta was a harsh planet, filled with toxic gases locked below the surface and elevated tectonic activity. Mining in these conditions was a fools errand, but a lucrative endeavor nonetheless. Those who thrived in such difficult conditions made for prime targets for indoctrination into the Adeptus Astartes.

Having spent years manning a melta cutter to navigate the porous nature of Zeta's crust, Galeus found himself quite proficient with heavy weapons, favoring the Graviton Cannon among others. He was assigned a role in one of 3rd company's devastator squads, and saw his first significant action defending Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade. Galeus' squad provided important covering fire for evacuees, however several battle brothers were slain, including then Sergeant Archeton. For his actions during the defense of Cadia, 3rd Company Captain Tor Garadon promoted him to Sergeant of his devastator squad.

Despite occupying a supporting role in battle, he found himself favoring more aggressive tactics to cripple an enemy in advance of the larger force. Galeus understood defensive weaknesses and how best to exploit that. His experiences on Zeta, and his Primarch's geneseed produced an apt mind that did not go unnoticed. Garadon capitalized on this ability, promoting Galeus to 2nd Lieutenant of 3rd Company, entrusting him with 5 Devastator Squads and armored transport. Some felt this promotion was premature, but Garadon was stubborn and resisted criticism. Galeus would employ his demi-company as a spearhead to deliver heavy weaponry that would cut the Achilles of an enemy.

Galeus' toughest test would come at the end of 999.M41, where the fate of the Phalanx is threatened by an alliance of Iron Warriors and Daemons. 3rd company, having been newly reformed by Garadon after the defense of Hydra Cordatus, is tasked with defending this sacred vessel. After a successful surprise boarding, Galeus mobilized his demi-company with plans to pincer the assault and cut off the attackers at the throat. The Phalanx is an ancient and complicated fortress with an intricate maze of passageways and corridors, making swift mobilization difficult. Navigating through the Phalanx would have taken them hours and assured the heretics establish a stronghold. In a bold and reckless move, Galeus directed the gunners of his Land Raider Achilles to fire their multi-meltas into a bulkhead, that he then crashed through in order to reach the attackers sooner. The superior armor of the Achilles paved the way for his convoy and saw them arrive to deliver a crushing blow to the enemy assault. His devastators cut a swath through the attackers and rallied the 3rd company forces currently engaged. This swift action by Galeus bought enough time for the Legion of the Damned to materialize and assist in repelling the chaos assault. For his heroic acts, Chapter Master Gregor Dessian promoted Halbar to 1st Lieutenant of 7th Company. Having held the position of 7th Company Captain prior to becoming the Imperial Fist Chapter Master, Dessian understood how sacred the Phalanx was and admired Galeus' determination to defend it at all costs. Galeus, under command of Captain Orpheus Taelos, took great pride in his new role as a Guardian of the Phalanx. With the Phalanx casting a watchful eye over Terra in Guilliman's absence, the 7th Company stands ready to protect one of the Imperiums most valuable and powerful assets. Captain Taelos, at the behest of Dessian, has sought to restore the Phalanx to it's once former glory, ultimately leading him to question the Custodes' involvement in it's repair.

In order to better protect the Phalanx from future threats, Chapter Master Dessian felt it was appropriate to appoint a 7th Company Master of the Watch. Typically reserved for 2nd Company, this position oversees system-wide defense and intelligence related to a Chapter's homeworld. As a fleet-based Chapter, this position was granted to 7th Company, as their primary purpose was the defense of the Phalanx itself. While Taelos still retained the position of 7th Company Captain, it was Halbar Galeus who assumed this new role as Master of the Watch. As is customary with 7th Company captains, their heart is replaced with a piece of the battlestation itself, which weighs heavily on them to remind them of their duty. In addition, Dessian bestowed Galeus with the Crux Terminatus, adorning him in Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armor. A relic from the Horus Heresy, fitting for the defender of another.