The Velaraxian Guard
The Velaraxian Ironclad: Squat Imperial Militia
In addition to the forces of the Adeptus Astartes and the Velaraxian Ironclad, the war on Velaraxis has drawn the attention of the Solar Auxilia, elite regiments of human soldiers trained and equipped to fight alongside the Imperial forces in the most dangerous environments across the galaxy. The Solar Auxilia are renowned for their discipline, advanced technology, and their ability to wage war in the harshest conditions—making them a perfect fit for the brutal combat on Velaraxis.
The Velaraxian Guard, a specialist detachment of the Solar Auxilia, was originally stationed on Velaraxis to oversee the smooth operation of the mining colonies and to provide support for the Mechanicum’s resource extraction efforts. However, as the planet became embroiled in the greater conflict of the Horus Heresy, the Velaraxian Guard found themselves on the front lines, battling not only the traitorous forces of the Alpha Legion and World Eaters but also defending against the horrors of subterranean warfare in a hostile and treacherous environment.
Background
The Velaraxian Guard is drawn from the ranks of the wider Solar Auxilia, trained to the highest standard and outfitted with the best wargear the Imperium has to offer. These soldiers are equipped with void-sealed carapace armour, ensuring they can fight in environments ranging from the vacuum of space to the toxic atmospheres of industrial worlds like Velaraxis. The regiment is supported by a variety of advanced weaponry and vehicles, including Dracosan Armored Transports and Leman Russ Battle Tanks, giving them a powerful mechanised element that complements their infantry strength.
Originally, the Solar Auxilia on Velaraxis served primarily in a security and administrative capacity, ensuring the mining operations ran smoothly and that the Mechanicum received the vital Nexiumite shipments they needed for their forges. However, with the outbreak of the Horus Heresy, the Velaraxian Guard were pressed into a defensive role. Now, they fight alongside the Imperial Fists and Dark Angels to defend the planet’s precious resources from the Traitor Legions.
Despite being human, the Solar Auxilia are known for their unshakable loyalty and determination to stand against the horrors of Chaos. Their commanders are experienced veterans of the Great Crusade, and they understand the gravity of their mission on Velaraxis—without the steady supply of Nexiumite, the war effort on multiple fronts could falter.
The Velaraxian Ironclad’s Combat Doctrine
The Velaraxian Guard specialises in combined arms tactics, relying on the coordination of infantry, armoured vehicles, and artillery to overwhelm enemy forces. They fight in tight formations, using their void-hardened armour to shrug off enemy fire and their disciplined tactics to hold the line in the face of overwhelming opposition. The harsh conditions of Velaraxis—acidic storms, hostile terrain, and constant tunnel warfare—have forced the Auxilia to adapt their traditional doctrines to this unforgiving environment.
One of their key advantages is their use of Solar Pattern Void Armour, which allows them to operate in the toxic atmosphere of Velaraxis without suffering the debilitating effects of the planet's corrosive elements. In addition, they employ specialised vehicles capable of traversing the planet’s rugged landscape and fortified transports to protect their troops during rapid assaults.
Additional Role of the Velaraxian Guard
The Velaraxian Guard plays a crucial role in the defence of Velaraxis, holding the line against the relentless assaults of the World Eaters and Alpha Legion. Their combination of disciplined infantry and powerful armoured support makes them a formidable force on the battlefield. They often work in tandem with the Imperial Fists, providing the heavy infantry and vehicle support needed to hold key positions, while the Space Marines conduct precision strikes.
The Guard’s familiarity with Velaraxis’ subterranean environments has proven invaluable in repelling Alpha Legion sabotage attempts, as their engineering corps and armoured units have fortified the mining tunnels and set traps for the traitors. Meanwhile, their heavy tanks have been deployed to counter the brutal charges of the World Eaters, using their superior firepower to punch through enemy lines and crush berserkers beneath their treads.
As the war for Velaraxis intensifies, the Solar Auxilia continue to fight with the resolve and discipline expected of them, knowing that failure on this world could spell disaster for the entire Imperium.