“Attention, crew! Today’s exercise will test your ability to execute complex flight maneuvers under pressure. The enemy won’t wait for you to get comfortable, so precision and—”
Pauses as his gaze drifts, his mind slipping back into the past.
“—and discipline are what won the Battle of Seven Suns. Ah, yes, I remember it as if it were yesterday. Seven pirate warships converging on our battle group from every angle, the void crackling with energy, and the stars… well, the stars seemed to burn brighter that day.”
He steps closer to the holomap, his hands trembling slightly as he mimics ship formations.
“Our fleet was outnumbered, ships barely holding together after days of relentless combat. But we stood firm. The Nave Invictus, my ship, had its shields down and the drive was failing. The xenos thought they had us cornered, but they didn’t know… they didn’t understand the determination of the Imperial Navy. No, we weren’t outnumbered; they were outmatched!”
His eyes light up as the memory takes hold, the room around him forgotten.
“I remember the command deck falling silent as I gave the order to ram the lead ship. The crew hesitated for a heartbeat, but they knew me, trusted me. We threw our crippled vessel headlong into their ranks, and Emperor’s grace, the impact tore through them like a lance through heretic flesh! Their flagship ruptured, the flames of the explosion visible even through the void’s black shroud… and the debris scattered like dust in the wind.”
He chuckles softly to himself, his gaze far away.
“And that was when we knew victory was ours. Seven suns reflected on the wreckage of their fleet, a glorious sight. We held the line, not just with firepower but with sheer will. That… that is the kind of determination I expect from all of you today.”
Suddenly, he blinks, realizing he’s wandered off-topic, and straightens up with a cough.
“Ahem, well… back to the exercise. Remember, no room for hesitation in battle. Tight formations, calculated moves. As I said, precision and discipline. Now, carry on!”
Imperial Mandate
Rank & Authority
- The Master of Manoeuvres is the tactical flight and combat mobility officer aboard the Ignis Aeternus, holding command over all ship-level manoeuvring during void engagements, evasive protocols, and fleet combat formations.
- Reports directly to the Lord-Captain or Bridge Command Staff, and liaises with the Master Cannoneer, Chief Navigator, and Enginseer Primaris for optimal fire arc positioning, thrust alignment, and propulsion synchronization.
- Holds strategic command over all torpedo targeting guidance, attack craft squadrons, and boarding operations, including fighter screens and bomber runs.
- Authorized to issue emergency helm orders, initiate combat formation shifts, or override standing flight paths when threat conditions warrant immediate action.
Core Responsibilities
Tactical Void Manoeuvring
- Directs all combat movement of the vessel, including evasive rolls, counter-thrust vectors, engagement positioning, and ramming calculations (where permitted by doctrine).
- Executes fleet formation alignment, ensuring Ignis Aeternus maintains its place within dynastic or Imperial battlegroup structures.
- Oversees evasive action protocols such as Burn-and-Arc, Helm Spiral, Flare Blind, and Segmentum Withdrawal Patterns during surprise engagements or high-risk encounters.
Torpedo and Guidance Command
- Controls the targeting vectors and guidance systems of long-range torpedoes, including plasma warheads, cyclonic-class munitions, and bunker-breachers.
- Interfaces with Cogitator-Gunner Calculus Banks and Augury Towers for accurate trajectory lock-on.
- Responsible for pre-launch arming checks, void pattern prediction, and signal suppression masking for stealthy torpedo approaches.
Attack Craft Wing Command
- Commands the attack craft bays, directing the deployment, recall, and refueling of all bombers, interceptors, recon craft, and boarding shuttles.
- Coordinates multi-craft strikes, fighter screens, interceptor patrols, and tactical boarding operations against enemy vessels or orbital targets.
- Maintains flight rosters, hangar rotations, and sortie scheduling in cooperation with Flight Deck Officers, Void Marshals, and Master of Arms for combined assault operations.
Emergency Flight Protocols
- Holds full tactical authority during catastrophic void conditions, including warp turbulence, debris field navigation, ambushes, or forced retreats.
- Initiates battlefield extraction, deadspace repositioning, or full void disengagement when survival of the vessel demands evasive excellence.
Additional Notes
- The Master of Manoeuvres may not interfere with the ship’s navigational course outside combat unless authorized by the Chief Navigator or Lord-Captain.
- Considered the ship’s foremost expert on void dynamics, inertia manipulation, and inter-ship spatial tactics.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 