Iron Father

Malkaan Feirros, the first Iron Father model in over a decade.

Iron Fathers are the big Apple Mac and a rank within the Chapter of the Iron Hands combining that of Chaplain and Techmarine (Although they still incorporate both). They also are members of the Chapter's Iron Council, where precisely forty-one Iron Fathers sit and are effectively the Chapter's equivalent of Chapter Master.

Overview

The Iron Fathers are the bitterest cyborgs in the Imperium that can give the Iron Warriors a run for their money. This bitterness stems from the cross-generational trauma of failing to save their father during the Drop Site Massacre. As such, they channel their angst towards their underlings through the use of rousing speeches and oratories, which encourages their growth and intensity. Originally during the Great Crusade they were not members of the Legion at all, but rather engineer-mystics who maintained Dark Age of Technology machinery on Medusa. When Ferrus Manus took command of the Iron Hands the Iron Fathers were assimilated into the Legion and the rank was bestowed to Battle-Brothers. Since the Horus Heresy, the Iron Fathers form the guiding voice of the Iron Hands and oversee both Battle-Brothers and the Chapter Armoury. They are usually heavily modified with Bionics, and are known for their stern resolve and disdain for weakness.

Many Iron Fathers have once been Techmarines, but neither rank nor duty is a barrier to receiving this honor. The current Iron Council draws upon Chaplains, Librarians, Apothecaries, Techmarines, Veteran Sergeants, and even low-level Battle-Brothers to join the rank of the Iron Fathers. Every Clan Company has at least one Iron Father amongst its numbers, while most have many more.

During the Great Crusade, the Iron Hands were engaging a war of extermination against the Diasporex. One Iron Hand captain known as Balhaan failed in his duty in destroying a small fleet of theirs due to treachery on their path. Though Ferrus Manus was tempted to take Balhaan's head off for his failure, his Equerry advised him to instead place an Iron Father in joint command of the Ferrum as punishment.

Due to their rank and extensive augmentation, all Iron Fathers wore Artificer Armour and carry what seems to be a Omnissian Axe as a symbol of office. Other than that, it is not uncommon to see Iron Fathers sporting a few Mechadendrites, Servo-Arms or even a Servo-Harness for their work. Ranged weapons varies a lot, depending on the Iron Father's preferences.