Among the officers and crew of the station, word had already circulated well in advance: Wilfried Hermansson af Thurnskarn—son of the planetary governor of Vermath Secundus—had been appointed as the next commander of honorary guard of the Von Ulm dynasty on board of “Ignis Aeternus”.
The appointment had not come through usual Administratum channels but was instead enacted by decree of House von Ulm. While officially framed as an act of confidence in a promising young heir, the decision carries clear political undertones.
Rank & Authority
- Holds command over all dynastic personal guard forces aboard the Ignis Aeternus (distinct from Navy security or Mechanicus enforcers).
- Answers directly to the Lord-Captain (currently Karfa von Ulm, presumed absent), or to the dynastic steward in his absence.
- Has authority over internal deployment of guard personnel during duels, assassinations, ceremonial boarding actions, and defense of high-value dynastic spaces (e.g., shrine decks, treasury vaults, and noble quarters).
- Can declare a “Seal-Lockdown” on dynastic residence in cases of perceived threat to the von Ulm bloodline or assets.
- May veto officer-level access to restricted dynastic zones unless overridden by the Lord-Captain or Inquisitorial writ.
- In command of the Dynasty’s Honor Cohort, including elite voidborn bodyguards, armsmen, and oath-sworn retainers.
Primary Responsibilities
1. Security of the Dynasty
- Ensures physical safety of all von Ulm family members, guests, and envoys aboard the cruiser.
- Leads close protection details during diplomatic events, ritual processions, or high-risk operations.
- Oversees investigation of threats directed against Lord-captain, including sabotage, heretical influence, or assassination attempts.
2. Command of the Honor Guard
- Trains, disciplines, and appoints officers within the Honor Guard Corps.
- Maintains a roster of elite voidborn warriors, often drawn from the dynasty’s private military academies or feudal retainers.
- Personally selects bodyguards for key family members.
3. Ceremonial & Ritual Duties
- Leads dynastic processions, military salutes, and ceremonial displays during arrival at Imperial ports or formal events.
- Carries the Rod of Sanctified Iron, a symbol of dynastic martial continuity.
- Oversees the Arming Rite before the Lord-Captain enters personal combat or sanctioned duels.
4. Interfaction Liaison
- May acts as bridge between Imperial Navy or Guard command staff and dynastic interests, especially in matters involving armed response or planetary conflict.
- May represent the dynasty’s martial authority during interactions with Adeptus Arbites, Inquisition, or Ecclesiarchy.
Additional Notes
- This role does not command the ship’s general security or naval troops (those fall under Senechal or Master of Arms).
- However, during dynastic emergencies or succession crises, the Guard Commander may be granted temporary override authority under von Ulm martial protocol (codex-sealed).
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 