Silys Vath

This page details people, events, and organisations from the /tg/ Heresy, a fan re-working of the Warhammer 40,000 Universe. See the /tg/ Heresy Timeline and Galaxy pages for more information on the Alternate Universe.

Of those captains who have stood by Ku'Motsk's side since the beginning of the empire, Silys Vath is unique. Unlike most of the high-command, Vath was born in the webway shortly before the fall. The notoriously charming and handsome Silys Vath was once a jetbiker who made his living as a mercenary in the frequent conflicts of Commoragh. The boy had been enthralled by tales of a mighty captain who had come out of the void and brought House Nakhar fame and power. He tested for entrance to the fleet and was accepted, joining a squad of others with experience in mounted aerial combat under the captain who had so interested him. He quickly found his place in the fleet, finding himself more at ease around the void-traveled eldar than his own kin.

Vath was one of the few chosen to accompany Ku'Motsk into the void on the mission given by admiral Otelhar, he was exited and unaware that it was only a ploy by the admiral for more power. He was a frequent combatant in the underground fighting rings that took place in the storage bay of the ship, and gained a reputation as one of the strongest fighters among them. The captain came down to the storage bay during the off-hours one evening while Vath was to fight. The young warrior was terrified at the sight of his commander, fearing the unsanctioned fighting would result in disciplinary. It turned out he was right to be frightened, as Ku'Motsk himself would face Vath in the ring.

The captain was taller and heavier than most eldar, but he moved at least as quickly. Ku'Motsk delivered the first strike, but Vath dodged it and retaliated. His efforts were in vain, the captain was too quick and swept him off his feet. Vath was back up in an instant, and delivered a kick to the captain's chest. Everyone present was surprised, most of all Vath, it was known that no one had so much as touched the captain in over a decade. The soldier's hesitation cost him the match, as Ku'Motsk grabbed his leg and rocketed him into the floor. The captain was impressed, and offered Vath an invitation to stand at his side when they reached their destination.

Vath landed at Vrkova with his captain as planned, but the warriors were met with a surprise. The planet was inhabited by comparably primitive eldar, their leader seemed to recognize his. The two spoke for a while, and Ku'Motsk was brought forth to see the weapon they had been sent to retrieve. Vath and the others in the landing party followed along, but they were stopped at the great stone entrance of a darkened chamber. The captain was led in by the elder, Wyndir, and the men waited. Suddenly, they heard a shout from within. The captain had collapsed, and the men drew forth their arms.

Wyndir pleaded with them that he had done nothing wrong, the captain simple collapsed while examining an ancient artifact. The others in the landing party called for blood, but Vath intervened. So long as Ku'Motsk remained alive, so would Wyndir. Vath, his men, and the elder waited for hours. The party's patience was waning and they began to threaten Wyndir, then Ku'Motsk awoke. The captain waved off their concerns, he was fine and he wanted only to rest so he bid the men leave him for the night. Wyndir was suspicious and stayed behind, unbeknownst to the captain, so did Vath.

As the two leaders spoke at lengths about the nature of their fragmented and devastated race, Silys listened. The captain told Wyndir about the amazing things he had seen while he slept, and of the great and powerful voice that commanded him. Wyndir nodded sagely, knowing what Ku'Motsk could only suspect. The captain had been chosen for a great destiny, and the visions were his future. He told of a great empire, much like the old, and their place in it. Vath listened intently for hours, he was without any doubt that what the captain said was true, he knew none was more fit to lead.

As the landing party made to return to the ship above the following day, Ku'Motsk and Wyndir parted jovially as though old friends. When they had arrived, Vath took his captain aside. He told him what he had heard and pledged himself to Ku'Motsk as emperor, then he bid the captain rally the others to his cause. The captain pondered for a moment, and nodded. That night Ku'Motsk gathered the men and told them of what was to come, of the great empire their noble blood deserved, and was met with a great cry of approval. The fleet moved toward their home, the port of Uris, and prepared to war against the childish admiral, Otelhar.

When the ships under Ku'Motsk returned to Uris, they were greeted by the gleeful admiral. Kieries arrived soon after, his men eradicated Otelhar like the insignificant worm that he was. The captain was not the Duke of Uris, and his plan would commence. The fleet was mustered and they moved toward the planet then named Waken, itching for combat. Vath led his Sky-Reapers in the first ground assault of the campaign, their victory earning him the name First-Born. Following the recitation of the Harai Kenn and Ku'Motsk's ascendency, Vath was the first to take what is now known as the Anuk Harai. He challenged Kieries to a test of skill to prove his status, their duel lasted a day and ended only when their commander stepped in. Ku'Motsk declared the duel had shown him all he needed to see, then granted Vath command of the 2nd Division.

In the years since, Vath has been an active combatant in a number of conflicts. His victory over the monstrous Thressians earned him notoriety, but Vath's command at Khainash changed him, his normally carefree nature was diminished somewhat by the sheer magnitude of the events he witnessed. The 2nd captain still leads his Sky-Reaper Jetbike Squadron into battle, with Vath himself atop a monstrous bike of his own design called the Scythe, though the Sky-Reapers are now followed into battle by dozens of similar groups. The coming of the First-Born is unmistakable, the skies are blackened and the earth shakes with the hum of his terrifying cavalry.