MidHammer 40,000: SM Chapters

This page contains an outline of the MidHammer 40,000 codex chapters, their origin, the codex itself, as well as examples of the different chapters.

Creation of The Codex Astartes

The first writings that would eventually become the Codex Astartes were composed by Rouboute Gulliman during his last days on Maccragge. Alone in an empty planet, the Thirteenth son began writing down his thoughts about each individual legions, its greatest strengths and its greatest weaknesses. He also mused about the ramifications of "The Great Treachery" (The Lorgar Letdown), and its impact on the Imperium. It was here that he called for legions to be broken up into individual chapters, with the remaining Primarchs leading their sons by example rather than by force. This he argued, would not only ensure that further treacheries would not happen again, but allow the Astartes to redeem themselves to the greater Imperium.

The break up of the chapters, in Gulliman's mind, was needed to correct the rising indifference he noticed in both his and other legions. By shifting the Astartes as protectors of individual planets, they would begin to see the imperium for its citizens and culture rather than as an abstract notion. The Collected writings of the Codex were smuggled out of Maccragge by Nathaniel Garro, who along with other loyalists was betrayed by Mortarion and Kor Phaeron. Roboute Gulliman died in Kor Phaeron's ritual, in which Maccragge was consecrated to the dark gods and the corpses of the multitude of dead heros were possessed by the demons of the Ruinous powers. These beings eventually tortured and killed Roboute, but not before he helped Nathaniel Garro and the remaining Loyalist Death Gaurd and Word Bearers to escape. The Codex Astartes was compiled and authored by Jaghatai Khan (the nomad prince), who took on the notes and writings of his friend Roboute Gulliman (the institutionalist) as a way to preserve the relations between Ultramar and the Greater Imperium. The realm of Ultramar was still spiritually and physically scarred by the Scouring of Maccragge and the Primarch treachery. Between bearing the brunt of the LL, and the misinformation campaigns of Alpharius (claiming that The Imperium ordered Gulliman killed and maccragge destroyed), Ultramar was suspicious of returning to the Greater Imperium at large. Khan, feeling guilty about the death of his friend, and how his Legion was spared most of the losses that befell his brothers, saw this as a way to make amends. Because the book was co-written, Rouboute's concerns about legions going traitor are tempered by Khan's nomadic experience with settler decadence and horde fragmentation. The result is a pseudo-united "Paralegionary" Force. The Khan willingly cedes control of two thirds of his Legion to be broken up into chapters, and the now Rogue Ultramarines agree to do the same. These Chapters are scattered throughout the galaxy. They can come at the request of The Primarchs (or other Imperial or Ultramar governors), but they ultimately answer to no one but The Emperor. Certain Primarchs (Magnus, Fulgrim, Corax, Vulcan) could have these Free Chapters help shore up the dwindling defenses of their territories. It also gives the Emperor a little bit more direct control over regions, (cant be too careful...). Eventually Primarchs like Rogal could grudgingly see the wisdom in this and donate chapters to fortify around the eye of terror. One of Khan's Stormseer successor chapters eventually becomes "The Grey Knights," etc. Perhaps too other Primarchs allow for some of their sons to form chapters according to the Khan-Gulliman Codex. The Blood Ravens could be an example of one such. Additionally, since both RG and JK have the most stable Geneseed (besides Rogal), and other legions would be disproportionately affected by the "Lorgar Letdown," the splitting of these two chapters would be seen less as a break up, and more of a "flowering" since the Khan would expect their successor chapters to act like Nomadic Bands that split off to form their own vibrant tribe. While Gulliman and Khan are technically no longer incharge of any of their now emancipated sons, they still have significant authority over The Codex itself, and any changes and revisions made.

Composition of The Codex Astartes

The Codex Astartes in total is a mighty lengthy Collection of Tomes. The Entire "Codex" takes up several bookshelves. Very few chapters have entire collections of the work and even fewer have read it in its entirety. So much so that their is an entire organization in Ultramar called the "Legatus Codices" (Codex Lawyers) who specialize in advising chapters on applying the codex as well as mediating chapter disputes.

The actual name for the Codex Astartes is: Illisimus Corpus Codices et Lectitiae et Tactici et Regulae pro Legio Imperii Paci Velloque or "The Great Body of Codes, Laws, Tactics, and Regulations for The Imperium's Legions during Peace and War."

Most chapters carry an abridged version of the codex, containing the relevant sections and indexes and regulae for their chapter's mission statement. Individual Astartes often have an even further abridged version, which mostly contains the sections relating to the individual behavior of a Space Marine. Each Abridged version of the Codex becomes its own book, as each abriged codex usually consists of pages worth of commentary and notes by the leaders of the chapter.

Codex Sections

The Corpus is divided into 4 parts.

Codex Velladucti

"The Book of War-waging"

• The Book of Tactics and Generalship. This section consists mostly of the Work of Roboute Gulliman, but also features notable sections from Horus. Magnus, Fulgrim, and Khan also have made some contributions.
• Contains guidelines for proper military tactics, effective strategies, guidelines on management of supplylines, and other things that would be useful guidelines for a chapter or company to use the codex astartes.
• Includes advice and strategic guidelines for Joint Chapter and Joint Legion missions, as well as guidelines on Utilizing Imperial Gaurd divisions in joint missions.
• It also includes analysis of major battles of the Great Crusade, with commentaries by the Primarchs who led them.

Codex Chronopacis

"The Book of Peace-Time"

• Provides Guidelines for managing the chapter when a Space Marine Chapter and legion is not at war.
• It offers advise on training schedules, fortress maintenance, managing Astarte morale and discipline, and other chapter management.
• Codex Chronopacis is probably one of the Few Sections in which Vulkan makes hefty contributions on advising Astartes-Civilian relations, and the ways in which the space marine legion can contribute to the well-being of their subjects.

Codex Astartes

"The Book of The Soldier"

• Perhaps the most famous book, and the one that nearly every Space Marine has read.

• So much so, that This particular Section has become a Metonym for the entire Corpus, despite being the smallest section.

• The Codex Astartes contains rules and guidelines for the behavior of the Adeptus Astartes on a personal level.
• Behavior towards superiors, subordinates, Astartes of different chapters, as well as with Military and civilians are all covered here.
• The Codex Astartes also provides guidelines on warding oneself against the forces of chaos and identifying signs of corruption.

• This section was written primarily by Magnus the Red. However Leman Russ has some rather impassioned contributions as well.

Appendix Astartes

• Contains rules and guidelines for the creation of new Space Marine Chapters
• The Different Indexes and Regulae are located here.

Codex Regulae (Apochryphal)

The "Standard Code" or "The Code of The Legions"

• An additional Section composed by Horus
• Dismissively called "Codex Nebulae" (The Wishy-Washy or Irrelevant Code), by Astartes Chapters and most Jura Codice.
• Codex Regulae offers advice on the management of legions.
• However, because most Legions are still led by their Primarch (who usually have their own ideas), the Codex is for the most part ignored.
• Very few Legions or Chapters include this in their codexes.

The "Codex Astartes" as usually carried by individual space marines usually consists of:

1. Major selections from "The Codex Astartes"
2. Heavily curated selections from Codex Chronopacis regarding individual behavior and dispute management

Selections usually selected based on the Position of the Astartes as well as the Chapter Master's preference.

1. Heavily curated selections from Codex Velladucti

Usually selected based on the leadership of the chapter based on tactical preferences.

1. The Relevent Index and Regulae pertaining to the chapter.

Rules for Post First Founding Chapters

The Codex provides the provisions under which a group of Astartes can apply for "Chaptership." Should an aspiring chapter-master wish to create an independent chapter, he must meet the following provisions:

• Permission from your Primarch (or Legionary Commander)
• Sponsorship from at least 10 other Chapter Masters,
• Endorsement of good character by no less than three of your fellow legionaries of equal or greater status,
• An endorsement of gene-seed health by the Ordo Biologius.
• Have strength of no less than 150 Astartes, but no greater than 500
• Among these 150, no less than 10 Librarians and 10 Apothecaries
• Other requirements based on the Index upon which your chapter is founded under (those founded under Regula Magnus for instance, have additional regulations placed on Psykers)

If all 6 of these provisions are met, then the Rules and Chapter can be approved by a Majority of The High Lords of Terra and the Approval of 3 Ultramar Princes (Emperor can Veto) If any of these provisions are lacking, then either the Emperor's approval or a Unanimous Vote of The High Lords is required.

Index Astartes and Regula Astartes

While Gulliman and Khan wrote the entire book together, they also provided their own sections or "indexes" that they wrote independently. An applying chapter must apply to be under one of these rules, and will be subject to the regulations of the chapter they are headed under. Sections are Numbered in order of their creation.

Additionally, there are certain "sub indexes" or Regulae, which while not significant enough in their divergence to be considered its own chapter, provides additional rules for further specialization of space marine chapters.

Section 1 - Index Aurellian or "The Rule of Gulliman

Date Enacted

M31

Author

Roboute Gulliman (Posthumously)

Vulkan (contributed and Edited)

Jaghatai Khan (Edited and Compiled)

Focus

Planetary Administration, well-rounded chapters,

Fleet Based or Fortress Monastery

Fortress Monastery

Special Characteristics

Attempts to embody Gulliman's vision for the Astartes as statesmen

Index Aurellian requires provisions relating to planetary administration. Those under the Rule of Gulliman are expected to live up to Gulliman's vision of Statesmen Astartes and have mastery of the diplomatic and administrative arts as well as military matters. Index Gulliman also has additional requirements regarding Chapter Composition and Fortress Monasteries.

Section 1(a) Regula Collegii (Ecclesiarchic Rule)

Date Enacted

M30

Author

St Avilla of Bergenvan

Focus

ecclesiastic duties, religious and spiritual warfare, ceremonial duties

Fleet Based or Fortress Monestary

Fortress monastery (with some exceptions).

Special Characteristics

Heavily restricted on use of weapons, equipment, and tactics

Does not answer to the Lord Gulliman, instead answering to Answers to Tribune de Fey

High Lords of Terra and Royum Ultramari are mandated by treaty to jointly oversee chapter

Almost Exclusively Ultramarines (some exceptions)

Unique to the Aurelian cult, these are approved rules mandated for Astartes chapters under the direct control of the Aurelian Cult and Royum Ultramar (not to be confused with Ultramarine successors within the Imperium that follow the Aurelian Cult). The Chapters under this regula are very strict in terms of armaments, organizational structure, and restrictions. Most notably Regula Collegii chapters are restricted from major changes or adaptations in technology, resulting in most Ecclesiarchic chapters to continue to use their meticulously maintained Mark 2 Armor.

Section 1(b) Regula Viatorris (Rule of The Webway)

Date Enacted

M32

Author

Jaghatai Khan

in Consultation with the Craftworld Leaders and Farseers

Focus

Cooperation with Eldar, use of Web Way

Fleet Based or Fortress Monastery

Fleet Based

Special Characteristics

• Most Bureaucratically weighted chapter
• Permitted to travel the webway
• Under intense scrutiny by Eldar

A work of headache inducing compromise, and endless negotiations between Jaghatai Khan, Magnus, and The Representatives of Craft World Biel-Tan. Astartes founded under this codex were the first Space Marines to be permitted to operate in the Webway, and as such shoulder their crippling regulations with pride and distinction. In addition to stringent regulations regarding chapter organization, organizational hierarchy, and restricted activities, chapters in the Rule of The Webway must also accept the sponsorship of an individual craftworld, and are required to answer to them regarding activities in the web way.

Section 1(c) Regula Prosperae (Rule of Magnus)

Date Enacted

M32

Author

Magnus The Red

Focus

Librarians, conflict with warp-based threats

Differences from Index

• Greater emphasis on protecting and fostering psyker communities
• Assumes chapter is exclusively or majority psychic

Special Characteristics

Heavily Modified variation of Index Aurelian, the Regula Magni adds additional qualifications for Librarians, and tactics for Librarian heavy combat.

Section 1(d) Regula Angeli (Rule of The Angel)

Date Enacted

M37

Author

Sanguinius (in consultation)

Thalastian Jorus

Focus

Squadron based tactics, loyalty among brothers, personal improvement, jump-pack combat

Differences from Index

• Is looser with Gulliman/Vulkan's emphasis on administration and civilian affairs,
• borrows heavily from Index Phoenecian in its aspiration for personal development.
• Has stipulations for managing the Red Thirst

Special Characteristics

Created by Sanguinius following successful development of Treatments for the Red Thirst. This section finally permitted The Blood Angels to form free Chapters.

Section 2 - Index Chorgoris or "The Rule of Khan"

Date Enacted

M30

Author

Jaghatai Khan

Focus

Migratory Chapters, flexibility, combined arms combat

Fleet Based or Fortress Monestary

Fleet Based

Special Characteristics

Index Chorgoris provides guidelines on nomadic or spaceborne chapters. It is less interested in composition and focuses more on clear lines of succession, Chivalric rules regarding behavior between fellow astartes and non-astartes, and managing Intra-chapter disputes. The Rule of Khan is considered to be less stringent on the Chapter as a whole, but places more of the rules and liability on individual Astartes. Eventually Other Primarchs (with the permission of Khan/Ultramarines Chaptermaster) added their own Indexes (Shown in order of their creation)

Section 2(a) Regula Mortis (Rule of Garro)

Date Enacted

Author

Focus

Differences from Index

Special Characteristics

Special section of rules for loyalist sons of traitor legions. Mostly follows Index Chorgoris, but with guidelines pertaining to managing a Chapter composed of multiple Genefathers, as well as additional rules for safegaurding against corruption.

Section 2(b) Regula Melanautis (Second Rule of Magnus or The Rule of The Warp)

Date Enacted

Author

Focus

Differences from Index

Special Characteristics

Created to help in the creation of chapters who operate near the Eye of Terror, and as such have more encounters with Warp Storms and Demonic incursions. In addition to regula prosperae, which was designed for sedentary chapters, Magnus composed a variation for The Khan's nomadic chapters. Given that the Khan already has multiple stipulations for the proper guidelines for librarius, Magnus' rule is mostly about additional tactics for Librarians as well as rituals and lifestyle precautions for Marines that spend so much time in the Warp.

Section 2(c) Regula Skythiae (Rule of The Nomad)

Date Enacted

M40

Author

Jaghatai Khan (with consultation from the Oligarchs of Commoragh)

Focus

Use of Webway, rapid deployment

Differences from Index

Greater emphasis on Commerce and diplomacy with Dark Eldar

Special Characteristics

Provisions for using web way for rapid action deployment.

The Millennium long ambition of the Khan realized through the benignly negligent sponsorship of Commoragh (who were concerned about the rise of Yndarria and the Radical Cult of Ynnead). Created in M40, the Rule of The Nomad offers significantly more flexibility than the bureaucratically asphyxiated Regula Viatorres Astartes. In exchange for limitations on operations in the webway, they have greater flexibility travelling through the webway, making these Astartes chapters the ultimate force for rapid response and deployment throughout the Imperium with little Eldar interference.

Section 3 - Index Penitentiae

Date Enacted

M30

Author

Jaghatai Khan

Constantine Valdor

High Lords of Terra Consultation

Focus

Rehabilitating Traitor Astartes, problematic traitor legion loyalists.

Fleet Based or Fortress Monastery

Fleet Based

Special Characteristics

• Restricted from replenishing numbers
• Heavily monitored by High Lords
• Very regimented and regulated behavior

Index Penetentiae was created for heretical or disloyal legions to prove their loyalty to the Imperium. Unlike the other sections, which offer significant flexibility in terms of the legions organization and mission, the Index Penitentiae provides the legion's structure, which must by strictly adhered to. Those under the Index Penitentiae must submit to regular investigations by the Imperial Inquisition. Penitent legions are also not permitted near forgeworlds, hive worlds or The Solar Segmentum unless invited. Those under Index Penitentiae are not permitted to expand their numbers until such time that they are considered worthy. Some may be forced to remain under The Rule of The Penitent until their legion is extinguished. Many of the first to use this index were the many Traitor Legion Loyalist Chapters in the Aftermath of The great treachery.

Section 4 - Index Phoenician or "The Rule of Fulgrim"

Date Enacted

M33

Author

Fulgrim

Focus

• Personal Perfection
• Artificing and Artistry
• Individualism

Fleet Based or Fortress Monastery

Stipulations for Both

Special Characteristics

• Very loose structure to encourage creative composition.

Fulgrim's Rule places additional requirements on Artificers and Apothecaries. Astartes under the Rule of Fulgrim are also expected to be masters of Personal Combat. Those under Fulgrim's rule are expected to be both expert fighters and expert craftsmen. Curiously there are no Emperor's Children Successor chapters under the "Fulgrim's Rule." Due to the weakness of The Emperor's Children, they could never afford to donate. Instead the followers of The Rule of Fulgrim are almost exclusively Iron Hands Successor Chapters. Index Phoenician was written by Fulgrim at the personal request of Ferrus Manus, who had several companies request their Genefather's permission to form Chapters.

Section 4(a) Regula Tyrranis (The Rule of Tyrannids)

Date Enacted

M35

Author

The Commission of The High Lords of Terra regarding the Tyrannid Threat (ie Council of Ophelia)

Focus

Tyrannids

Differences from Index

Discards much of the emphasis on artisitic merit over adaptablility. Borrows heavily from Index Praetorian.

Special Characteristics

For Tyranid-busting chapters, augments Index Phoenecian with its emphasis on personal adaptability, with Dorn's experience and resilience enshrined in Index Praetorean. Exceptional at adapting to an ever adapting foe.

Section 5 - Index Praetorian: or "The Rule of Dorn"

Date Enacted

M33

Author

Rogal Dorn

Focus

Hardiness, Fortification, Security, Threat perception and Neutralization

Fleet Based or Fortress Monastery

Technically doesn't specify but emphasis clearly favors fortress monastaries.

Special Characteristics

Infamous for Blunt, frank language. Places emphasis on training regiment to build resilience to pain and mental pressure.

The Rule of Dorn has a few stipulations for personal behavior or for chapter management. The ultimate focus of Index Praetorian is Seigecraft and Engineering. A chapter under Index Praetorian is rigorously disciplined in the arts of engineering, warfare, architecture, and defensive tactics. Created by Rogal Dorn at the pleading of his loyal sons who, unlike Sigismund, wanted to remain true to his teachings even after the Imperial Fists were dissolved.

Section 5(a) Regula Extrodinarii (Rule of the Emergency) (Redacted)

Date Enacted

M36

Author

Lord Gulliman Justinian Vendee

Focus

Unorthodox methods, diversity of tactics.

Differences from Index

Tosses aside most, if not all of Rogal Dorn's few stipulations on personal character.

Special Characteristics

Produced almost as many Chaos Regiments as Lorgar. Unorthodox and cruel chapters accelerated T'au-Imperium Conflict. The now Infamous Regula Extrodinarii took an Index already light on Personal behavior and moral dictums and made it even more loose. The index was created by the High Lords of Terra in an effort to create more Legions to defend the Ultima Segmentum from the T'au. The result were the dregs from each legion escaping their Primarch's discipline to become free companies in the lightly governed frontier.

Chapter Foundings

The foundings should be considered more like "Eras" or common trends. A founding a collective term for a period in which a particular type of space marine chapter foundings occur. Often these founding mirror the historical period of the Imperium's history that they were commissioned in. The foundings should not be thought of as exclusive to the type mentioned. There were plenty of successful and vibrant chapters that came out of the Cursed Founding era, for instance.

First Founding (M30)

The First Founding was made entirely of White Scars and Ultramarines. The Creation of the Free Chapters was seen as the first step towards reconciliation between Ultramar and The Greater Imperium.

First Founding Chapters:

• Novamarines
• Genesis Chapter
• Macragge's Honnor
• Rampagers
• Mantis Warriors
• Marines Errant
• Storm Lords
• Sons of Gulliman
• Inceptors
• Black Counsels

The Penitential Founding (M30-32)

The Penitential Founding was mandated by the Council of Terra for several of the loyalist remnants. While The Death Guard was permitted to retain its status as legion under Nathaniel Garro, most of the Traitor legions were required to form Penitential Chapters and be placed under the scrutiny of Primarch Jaghatai Khan. Under the Penetential Index, these chapter's had little leeway in structures, numbers, and adherance, and were not permitted to increase their numbers. Whether or not these chapters were able to later reform under a new index and take on replacements was up to the chapter's behavior as well as other factors. Often it depended on the Legion itself. Alpha Legion and Word Bearers chapters for instance were never permitted to form a reformed chapter, while The World Eaters were permitted provided their progeny not receive the butcher's nails.

Second Founding Chapters:

• "Death Raiders"

Formed of Death Guard remnants, who while still loyal to the emperor, disagreed with most if not all of the cultural and organizational reforms made by Garro. Filled with Old Guard of Barbarus, these Astartes have been mostly used in Ork and Tyrannid based conflicts.

• "The Charcodons"

Fmr Night Lords

• "Silver Skulls" the Night Lords Technically never betrayed the Imperium, but as of the Council of Terra, this was not known.

Fmr Iron Warriors

• "Consumed"

Fmr World Eaters led by none other than Kharn the Betrayer. Kharn refused to force his legion to part with the Butcher's Nails.

• Scions of Talassar

Remnant Chapter made from formerly Possessed Ultramarines, unwavering in their hatred and contempt of the forces of Chaos.

• The Sin Bearers

Former Word Bearers Chapter.

• Space Wolves

Fmr Space Wolves (Vanilla Wolf Brothers), the few who survived the madness. Their founding was unique in that their request to form a Chapter was rejected by non-other than Leman Russ himself. Leman, who was so disgusted with himself and his Legion, did not want any part of his legion to carry forward. They went to the High Lords of Terra and the Emperor himself pleading for the chance to serve the Emperor once again, and permission for the Name "Space Wolves" to die an honorable death. Additionally, they went to Magnus to beg for him to intercede on their behalf, in exchange for service. Magnus was impressed by their gall, and agreed to help them overrule Russ's refusal. The war cry of the new Space Wolves is "Remember Prospero." They go through the galaxy hunting their former brothers, but try to stand clear of their furious father.

"The Phoenecian Founding" (M32)

The Fourth Founding consisted of a donation of Iron Hands. The Iron Hands were swelling with new ranks and many of the tensions between Ferrus Manus and his Augmentation-obsessed sons was bubbling to the surface. Both were affecting the efficiency of the Legions. Seeing the behavior and capabilities of other legions like The Thousand Sons, Emperors Children, Ultramarines, and Salamanders; Ferrus Manus was concerned that his obsession with brute strength and refinement of flesh was stifling the creativity and capabilities of his Astartes. In the interest of seeing his Sons thrive and adapt, Ferrus Manus commissioned his friend Fulgrim to design a set of rules to allow his successor chapters to reach their full potential. In many ways the Successor chapters of the Fourth (and future Iron Hands) Founding are unique in their dual heritage, taking on traits of both Primarchs

"The Corvidae Founding" (M33)

The Fifth founding came about as a result of a the First Black Crusade, when several legions (the Iron Hands in particular) learned the hard way how painfully ill-equipped they were for war against demonic forces. While orders like The Grey Knights did exist, they were small, and the Inquisition's "Ordo Malleus" was distrusted by most, if not all Space Marine Legions. Thus it was Magnus The Red's Turn to Donate, and as Such Composed The Regula Prosperae, providing for new Psyker-heavy Chapters, and ways to guard them against Chaos. Note that very few Thousand Sons formed successor chapters due to issues with the Primarch's geneseed. Until the development of Primaris the Regula Founding was mostly composed of other chapters (White Scars in particular).

Fifth Founding Chapters

• The Corvidae

One of the few donated by Magnus the Red as one of The First of the new Mystic Chapters

• The Exorcists
• The Pleasure-Seekers

Chapter and Ironic name provided by Fulgrim, this Chapter excels in fighting against the Servants of Slaanesh

• The Emperor's Path

White Scars Successor, specializes in fighting against Tzeentch

• The Emperor's Peace

Focuses on The Servant's of Khorne,

• The Wolf Hounds

Another Anti-Khorne Chapter, trained by Leman Russ

• The Apothacaries

Iron Hands Successors, specialize in killing Demons of Nurgle.

• Espandor's Faithful

General Anti-Demon Ultramarine Successors

• Memory of Maccragge

Ultramarine Successor, expert Nurgle Killers.

"The Dornian Founding" (M34)

Called The Dornian Founding by those not in Proximity to Rogal Dorn, was made up of the deserters of The Imperial Fists Legion. Dorn's Legion, angry that Dorn had abandoned crusading for obsession with fortifications requested that part of the legion break off and serve Horus's plans. Dorn consented on the condition that he would allow them to break off if they agreed to follow The (maligned by Fists) Codex Astartes. Unfortunately they Called his bluff. Chapters

• The Emperor's Champions

Founded by None other than Rogal's Former Champion, Sigismund, This chapter is unique among the other Imperial Fist Chapters in that it is one of the Few that does not use "Index Praetor," Instead preferring the Rules set out by The Khan enshrined in Index Chorgoris.

• The Crimson Fists
• The Celestial Lions
• The Imperial Fists
• Fists Exemplar
• Excoriators
• Iron Knights
• Astral Knights
• Soul Drinkers

In this universe a Dorn Successor chapter that follows the Rule of Magnus

The Cursed Founding (m36)

In M36, attempts at restoring the Emperor and Gulliman's "Secret" project of Primaris was attempted and were deemed successful. Chapters were produced in mass in the hopes of restoring The Emperor's Children and Thousand Sons to Full Strength. It wasn't until centuries later that these "Primaris" marines were found to have been irrevocably corrupted by the Alpha Legion. Rather than eliminating flaws in the geneseed of the primarchs, they mutated or amplified them, or even gave Primaris defects from multiple geneseeds. The process was quickly halted, and the project was transferred from the Mechanicus to Bellisarius Cawl of the Aurelian Mechanicus.

The Macharian Founding (M39-M40)

In response to the success of the Macharian Crusade, new chapters were commissioned to populate the newly Acquired Grand Macharia. Given that Grand Macharia was not under the High Lords, and was in fact an independent state, these chapters had to be approved by the 35 Generals and were required to obey the Junta.

The Gorgonite Founding (M43-M44)

As tensions between the Mechanicus and Imperium continued to unravel, into outright hostility, the Imperium was suddenly faced with a industrial and technological shortfall. Who could take over the Imperium's needs for equipment and technology to not only maintain their war machine against The Yndarri and The T'au, but also have some hope to counteract the hostile Imperium. One solution was to call upon Ferrus Manus' legion and to commission new chapters of tech marines. The Gorgonite founding saw Ferrus Manus and Fulgrim prepare a new generation of chapters based on Ferrus Manus' geneseed, as well as Vulkan. Unlike the self-actualization focused index written by Fulgrim in the past, these new chapters were organized using Vulkan's insight into management of craftsmen, in the hopes of managing and defending captured forgeworld from the Mechanicus. The Aurelian Mechanicus was also granted significant leeway in their right to form chapters, and soon the Rite of Konor was on a crusade of its own.

Explanation of Various Terms

Index

An Index is a section of the "Appendix Astartes" which specifies the particular rules of a chapter. Different indexes were founded with drastically different mindsets and expectations. Index Chogoris for instance, was created for Chapters that are nomadic, and do not have a Fortress monastery, while Index Phoenecian was created with an Emphasis on Individualism over the chapter.

Regula

A Regula is a subset chapter that allows for further specialization of the Chapter. While the indexes represent a particularly ideological or philosophical school regarding management and leadership (rouboute's collectivism versus fulgrim's individualism for instance), the regula are usually created for fighting against a particular enemy (the tyrannids for instance).

Cult

Unlike the Legions who usually emphasize the Imperial Truth, Many Codex space marines (especially those descendent of Gulliman) are part of a sanctioned religion. More often than not this is the Aurelian and Promethean cults, but there are some notable exceptions such as The Lotus Hearts and The Blue Eagles.

Spiritual Liege

Members of the Aurelian Cults must answer to a Spiritual Liege, these Spiritual Lieges are responsible for inspecting the practices of the Chapter, and ensure they do not fall into heresy. Additionally each holy seat tends to have different philosophical and ecclesiastical traditions that are expected to be carried out by SM chapters under their spiritual vassalage. Those who are part of a minor holy seat technically fall under the jurisdiction of Nova Maccragge (XIIIth Seat).

Notable Holy Seats
"Characteristics of The Different Sees"
Espandor	Head Seat, most ancient orders, and administrative seats fall serve Espandor. "Assist" other Chapters
Bergenvan	Tend to work heavily with Ancillae, missionary work and mobility common.
Calth	Calth focuses heavily on detecting and fighting against the forces of Chaos. Many Demon-slaying chapters answer to Calth.
Macragge Extremis (SUEU)	SUEU chapters tend to the Militarum, chapters from this holy seat tend to assist and tend to the needs of the various Human Guards found throughout the Imperium.
Nova Thulium	Nova Thulium, both the wealthiest and widely respected chapters in the Imperium, are responsible for gathering the records and bodies of faithful departed. Less combat focused than other seats.
Magna Terra	Some more prestigious older chapters exist, however Magna Terran chapters have a history of Bootlicking the High Lords, as well as being compromised by Other forces
Masali	Both one of the most conservative and narrow minded chapters, but also most friendly with the Tarrasque peoples. It is not common to find Masali chapters outside of Ultramar.
Prandium	Prandium chapters tend to be more philosophically minded that other chapters.
Konor	Almost exclusively adherants to The Aurelian Mechanicus. Heavy emphasis on Techmarines and Technology. Chapters tend to behave similarly to The Iron Hands.
Laphis	Laphis chapters have a reputation for being unorthodox with bizarre practices. Most diversity of chapter characteristics.
Allius/Nova Macragge	The Opposite of Laphis, despite the variety of origins for these chapters, the Nova Macragge seats tend to be more conservative. All minor seats technically fall under the jurisdiction of Nova Macragge.

Patron Saint

The Cult often picks a saint as both a focus of devotion and emulation. The choice of patron saint is often a reflection of the Chapter's aspiration. The saint could be either A Living Saint and/or Daughter of Tarasha that helped to found the order, or it could be one of the many Celestial Saints The Aurelian Cult has Accumulated over the years.

The Spiritual Lieges

As faith in The Apotheosis of Roboute and Tarasha moved from Maccragge coping mechanism to organized religion of the Ultramar Diaspora, the High Lords were concerned about the sheer-fanatical devotion the Genesons of the The Primarch Roboute Gulliman had for their Primarch's ideals, as well as their clout within the Newly Forged "Aurelian Cult." As a gesture to the high lords of terra, fearing this transform into a second Lorgar, the Ultramarine's offered a compromise.

• The Religious Leader Chapters of The Aurelian Cult would not be beholden to the Lord Gulliman, but instead to The Ministorum Fidei.
• The High Lords drafted a Regula of Codex Astartes for Religious Leaders. This Regula placed heavy restrictions on the Military Activities and Equipment of Ecclesiastic Chapters.
• The Ecclesiastic Chapters were Not Permitted to ever step foot in Holy Terra.
• The Ecclesiastic Chapters were not permitted to exceed 1000 armored men.
• The Armed Astartes were confined to their holy seat.

Thus began the "Ecclesiarchs" the Spiritual Liege Chapters of the Holy Seats. These Chapters are restricted from the most advanced weapons, genetic modifications, and equipment used by other Astartes Chapters, and must instead rely on Equipment from the Crusade. Additionally these restrictions led to the rise of chapters greater dependence on the Ancillae and Fratre, Astartes that are not permitted armor or weapons.

Examples of Space Marine Chapters

The Consumed

The Consumed
Founding	M36
Successors of	World Eaters
Chapter Master	Kharn The Betrayer
Homeworld	None (Penitent)
Strength	Dwindling
Specialty	Murdering Demons
Allegiance	Imperium of Man (nominally)
Colours	White body with Blue pauldrons and Blue power pack.

Basic information
"Blood from The Bloodfather, Skulls from The Waspthrone"
Founder	Kharn The Betrayer
Cult	none
Spiritual Liege	none
Patron Saint	Kharn the Betrayer
Index	Penetentiae
Regula	none
Specialties	Close quarters combat, Suicide missions

The Successors of Kharn continue their single-minded crusade against the eye of the warp, and the Primarch who betrayed them.

Organisation and Tactics

The Consumed are the one of the only World Eaters Successor chapter that still uses the Butcher's Nails, seeing it as an expression for the true monsters that their chapter is, and as something to overcome rather than dispose of. The Consumed follow most of the traditions set by angron during the Great Crusade including the Chaining of Weapons to themselves.

Their behavior when in battle versus when off of the battlefield is night and day. Kharn emphasizes self control and discipline, seeing the butchers nails in a similar vein to his marines as Rogal Dorn's Painglove. The Marines as consequence throw themselves at the front lines of battle, since they do not fear any pain that could be inflicted on them.

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Red Angels

Red Angels
Founding	M34
Successors of	World Eaters
Chapter Master	Titus Verserati
Homeworld	Ophelia
Strength	Full Strength
Specialty	CQC, Coordinating Auxillaries
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Red and Black

Basic information
St Marcien give us Strength
Founder	"Bohemond of Ophelia"
Cult	Aurelian (Antiquitae)
Spiritual Liege	Terra
Patron Saint	St Marcien
Index	Aurelian
Regula	None

A general all-purposes legion, its location on Ophelia means it is often engaged in politics. One of its more Famous (or infamous) products are Justinian Vendee, Lord Gulliman during the Tau Expansion.

Organization and Tactics

TBA

History

TBA

Religion

TBA

Relics and Equipment

TBA

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Pleasure Seekers

Pleasure Seekers
Founding	M34
Successors of	Emperor's Children
Chapter Master	Thomas Dabenebrg
Homeworld	None (migratory)
Strength	Full Strength
Specialty	Slaaneshi Demons
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Purple and Gold

Basic information
We are seeking pleasure, woe when we find him
Founder	"Johaan VanWeltkrieg"
Cult	Imperial Truth
Patron Saint	None
Index	Phoenecian
Regula	Tempestus

Created by Fulgrim following the first Black Crusade, the Pleasure Seekers are the foremost experts and detecting and uprooting slaaneshi cultists.

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Blue Eagles

Blue Eagles
Founding	M33
Successors of	White Scars
Chapter Master	Kaxhramon Bek
Homeworld	None (migratory)
Strength	Flucuating
Specialty	Naval Combat
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Blue and Orange

Basic information
We are the Blue Eagles, Death to your gods!
Founder	"Qaghan of Obscura"
Cult	Obsequiani (Antiquitae)
School	Qashmpa
Patron Saint	None
Index	Chorgoris
Regula	Tempestus
Specialties	Naval Combat, boarding, chaos

The Blue Eagles patrol the Segmentum Obscura, near the Eye of Terror. They are usually the first to respond to incursions in the warp, and are consequently often the hardest hit.

Organisation and Tactics

As a Regula Tempestus chapter, the Blue Eagles have additional Blanks, who are often affixed to each company. They Recruit from a specific region of the planet Qifa in the Qodiry system. It is here where their particular school of obsequiani comes from, which emphasizes discipline and self control from a very young age.

The Chapter has a disproportionate amount of both Dreadnaughts, Veterans and Scouts, often having a shortage of Middle Experience Troopers. This is because the Assaults lack both the experience of Veterans and the protection granted to scouts. Should a Marine advance to veteran however, he will likely live for a very long time.

Examples of the Regula Collegi Chapters

The Ultramarines

Founded

M30

Successors of

None, The Ultramarines Legion

Spiritual Liege of

Solium Ultramaris Ex Ultramari

Offshoots

Most chapters are offshoots

Fortress Monastery location

None, Nomadic

Patron Saint

Lord Roboute the Conqueror

Chapter Characteristics

Emphasis on Conflict, administrating to Imperial Guard, strict legalist dogma, rigid structure

Founded from the remaining Ultramarine scouts and companies who escourted Tarasha Euten during the Final Flight of The Maiden of Espandor, the Ultramarines Chapter can boast original successorship to the legion of Roboute Gulliman, though many were only Scouts or initiates at the time. Because of this claim they are uniquely one of the only Spiritual Liege chapters who are permitted to equip themselves as a regular Index Aurelian chapter, and are not bound to the strictures imposed on the later Collegium chapters. They place this armor to good use, as unlike the now mostly ceremonial roles performed by the other Collegio chapters, the Ultramarines are first and foremost, a military organization. They often travel through the Solar and Ultima Segmentum to provide combat and logistical support to Imperial Guard Chapters. Their Ancillae, often as reflections of themselves are military chaplains and hospitallers first. Because of their harsh, spartan lifestyle, the Ultramarines have little time or patience for the abstractions and musings the other Chapters can afford. To them the teachings of their primarch were more than sufficient, and to expound upon them with personal glossia clutters his teachings, leaving openings for ambiguity, slovenliness, or worse corruption.

The Queen's Children

Founded

M30

Successors of

The Ultramarines

Spiritual Liege of

Bergenvan

Offshoots

Servants of The Mother

Fortress Monastery location

Bergenvan

Patron Saint

Queen Tarasha of Bergenvan

Chapter Characteristics

Ancillae Chapters, providing military and spiritual support to Ancillae, aiding the border between Segmentum Solar and Ultima Segmentum. Archivists

The Queens Children was the first major spiritual seat created alongside of The Ultramarines, During the Desolation of Lorgar, they aided the Macragge Migrant fleet in supressing Lorgar's uprisings by supplanting his creed with the Aurelian Cult. Despite officially being in charge of The Ancillae order on Bergenvan, the Abbess of the Largest Ancillae organization in the Imperium often means that on a pragmatic level the opposite is true. The Queen's Children chapter often works as a Liason to other Ultramarine successor chapters who are working in the area, providing them with Ancillae support, as well as tactical and spiritual knowledge.

Novamarines

Novamarines
Founding	M31
Successors of	Ultramarines
Chapter Master	Aeonid Milandrus
Homeworld	Magna Terra (Technically The Tomb of The Holy Martyrs on Luna)
Strength	Restricted (College)
Specialty	Lobbying, Bootlicking the High Lords, Pomp, Pissing off the other Colleges
Allegiance	Aurelian Cult
Colours	Blue and Green

Chapter that Administrates and operates the Magna Terra branch of The Aurelian Cult. The College has fallen in the past mellenium thanks to its corruption, brownnosing, and suspected Inquisition influence. As a consequence of administrating Holy Terra and the Segmentum Solar, the Terran seat is far too comfortable with other religions than the other more radical seats would like. Often the Aurelian Cult of Terra is found co-operating with the Antiquitae sects as well as a lacidasial attitude towards Syncretic cults. The Magna Terra Branch has produced a number of Infamous figures such as Chapter Master and former Merikanologist Goge Vandire , as well as his even worse successor Sebastian Thor. Despite the the other chapters contempt for them theologically, they are always sure to play nice as this chapter is remarkably adept and political maneuvering. The seat has secured several victories with its peculier approach including the support for the Independent College of the Sons of The Lotus minor seat, as well as offering support for Macharios in his adventures into the Segmentum Pacificus, as well as securing Terra's influence over the Aurelian cult in Grand Macharia.

The Will of Gulliman

The Will of Gulliman
Founding	M33
Successors of	Ultramarines
Chapter Master	Boethius St.Konor
Homeworld	Prandium
Strength	Restricted (College)
Specialty	Administrating the Prandium Seat, Philosophy, Imperial T'au
Allegiance	Aurelian Cult
Colours	Copper and Beige

The Will of Gulliman heads the Holy Seat of Prandium, a homeworld of Gardens, farms and universities, with a sizable nobility. Prandium is known for its divination for determining the will of "Spectra Pietas" the "Will of The Divine" which is a pseudo-divinity in its own right. As the T'au have become more expansive in recent centuries, The Prandium seat has taken on a greater leadership role, both militarily and ideologically. On the Ideological level, the Prandium Seat is Spiritual Liege to the Optibene Cult, and have been guiding their Cerulean subjects in fighting for the Hearts and Minds against the Tau'Va Imperium.

Militarily, the Prandium Seat has been setting its philosophical minds to warfare, taking its knowledge of the human soul and the t'au mind to developing new tactics and strategems, and dispel T'au propaganda and covert activities.

Unlike Seats like Magna Terra, Konor, and Laphis whose unorthodoxy arouses suspicion and contempt, the theological unorthodox behaviors of the Prandium seat are viewed with respect by the more conservative seats such as Bergenvan, Monarchia, Calth, and SUEU. The unique philosophy of Prandium and their devotion to "Spectra Pietas" is viewed as a unique but still valid expression of Aurelian mysticism, and even the most legalistic seats hold a grudging respect for their ways.

Servants of The Mother

Founded

M35

Successors of

The Queen's Children, Novamarines

Spiritual Liege of

San Leor

Offshoots

None

Fortress Monastery location

San Leor

Patron Saint

St Alicia Dominica

Chapter Characteristics

Supporting Ancillae of San Leor, regulating Solar Segmentum Chapters for doctrinal orthodoxy, investigating and rooting out chaos corruption

San Leor was origionally founded as a small "Daughters of the Emperor" chapter in the isolated planet of San Leor. It was there that Goge Vandire transformed them into his own personal force and private cult. However one of the "Brides" was met with the Light of The Queen Mother and shown the error of her ways. She became Goge Vandire's greatest detractors, and through her writings helped lead the popular Spiritual liege to his expulsion. Because of her work San Leor was made into a minor Holy Seat, and with the Servant's of The Mother Chapter made from leadership from The Queen's Children mixed with defectors from the heretical Novamarines chapter.

Guardians of the Sepulchre

Guardians of The Sepulchre
Founding	M40
Successors of	Several Chapters (Ultramarines)
Chapter Master	Gallo Nemius
Homeworld	Maccragge
Strength	Restricted (College)
Specialty	Archeology, Possessed Warriors and Chaos Demons
Allegiance	Aurelian Cult
Colours	Silver and Cyan

The Most recent Holy Order founded by some time in M40 following the Sisters Crusade for Maccragge. The Guardians of the Holy Sepluchre are So Named because they are situated at the great temple of Macragge which houses the Bones of the Divine Primarch, Roboute Gulliman. Unlike most holy orders chapters who are usually formed by breaking off of a larger chapter, the Guardians of The Sepluchre are a Composite chapter, formed out of volunteers from the Ultramari Astartes Chapters that aided in the conquest of Maccragge. This unique heritage means that it draws from multiple Honnor Guard Traditions from Espandor, Prandium, Masali, SUEU, and others. Additionally because of their Pluralistic heritage, the Guardians sought to form a unifying culture through the ancient history of their Location. Many of their ways of life and habits are rooted in restored traditions discovered relic hunters of ancient Macragge. They Strive to mimic Pre-Crusade Maccragge in their clothing, mannerisms, and traditions. Even their language, rather than settling for one of the languages used by one of their root planets is an archeological recreation of Ancient Maccragge, based upon ancient recordings and linguistic speculation. This accent tends to draw ridicule from The SUEU, who see their language as the true inheritance from the Maccragge Migrant Fleet.

The Guardians of The Sepulchre are a chapter of Scholars, particularly Archeological scholars. They are obsessed with uncovering the "Historical Gulliman" and the "Genuine Tarasha" refusing to venerate any images that are not perfect depictions of the Primarch and The Queen Mother during their lives. Their work in literature and architecture has led to a revival of "Neo-Konnoritism" Architecture and Liturature that mirrors the themes and characteristics of Maccragge Culture during Konnor Gulliman and Roboute's early reign.

In terms of Combat, the Honor Guard are strong at finding and neutralizing demonic forces. Given that Maccragge was, for the past 1000 years a stronghold of Demonic Forces, there are still many dark corners and untraveled regions that are still corrupted.

The Sons of The Lotus

Honor Guard of Sons of The Lotus. Mk2 Armor gift of Will of The Aurelian Seat

Sons of The Lotus
Founding	M38
Successors of	Lotus Hearts (Ultramarines)
Chapter Master	Cao VanTac
Homeworld	Assam Bay (Ultima Segmentum)
Strength	Restricted
Specialty	Administrates Cordinelumbae Cult
Allegiance	Aurelian Cult
Colours	Turqoise & Gold

History

The Assam System of the Ultima Segmentum practiced a unique syncretism of the Octavian Antiquitae Cult and the Aurelian Cult, believing Tarasha was a reincarnation of "The Queen of The Lotus Heart" foretold of in ancient Octavian Belief and Assamese Traditions. They would not have been allowed to found a Chapter under normal circumstances, but were granted special circumstances thanks to the Urgency of The T'au Expansion. As such, the Lotus Hearts were able to Act as both a Spiritual Liege and as a Regular Warrior Chapter by exploiting the loopholes created by Justinian Vendee.

Their success attacted enemies and in M38, Conflicts betwent the the Seat of Ultramar Extremis, Monarchia, and Terra came into conflict with the "Seat of Assam Bay," who were angered the Seat acted Independently while in their supposed jurisdictions, as well as the Tribune of The Cultis Antiquitae, who was angered that a syncretized faith recieved an Astartes chapter. They put enough of a fight that The Imperium's Ministorum Fideii were forced to give an Ultimatum to the Lotus Hearts:

1. disband
2. submit to one of the Holy Seats (and consequently accept their dogmatic revisions)
3. become a Regula Collegi chapter (consequently surrender their capacity as a fighting force).

The Lotus Hearts Pursued an additional option with the Help of Some rival seats. The Chaplain of the Lotus Hearts 2nd Company, Cao VanTac, would become Chapter Master of the Lotus Hearts which would Reform into a Collegium Compliant Chapter Located on Chamuay. The Lotus Hearts would then Secede from the Lotus Hearts, and the Old Lotus Hearts would be renamed "The Sons of The Lotus" which would be a Collegium compliant chapter. This chapter would then be Elevated to Holy Seat With the support of Alius(Then Talassar), Espandor, Prandium (whose WuNi lobbied on behalf of The Lotus Hearts), and Massali.

The Sons of The Lotus Chapter thus became the Holy Seat of Assam Bay, while the Lotus Hearts were resettled to Chamuay. The Ministorum Fidei and Lord Gulliman not interested in sacrificing one of the most popular and successful chapters in the Tau Conflicts to a Tribunii or Terra power play, accepted the compromise.

Examples of "Tau Founding" Chapters

The Infamous "T'au Founding" occurred in the 35th and 37th Millenium, out of panic for the T'aus rapid expansion. The High Lords, concerned about inadequate protection for the Ultima Segmentum, and with the Legions occupied in a Black Crusade, tried to create as many chapters as possible to protect against the Tau. And while this led to many successful chapters such as the Lotus Hearts, the lack of discipline and ruthlessness of these chapters resulted in only emboldening the Tau, as well as leading to the largest number of Traitor Astartes since the Great Treachery.

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Sledgehammers

Sledgehammers
Founding	M36
Successors of	Imperial Fists
Chapter Master	Colis Solsburry
Homeworld	None (migratory)
Strength	Full Strength
Specialty	Fortification Seige
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Yellow and Black

Basic information
Your death will be our testimony
Founder	"Gabriel Rutherford"
Cult	Imperial Truth
Patron Saint	None
Index	Praetorian
Regula	None

A transfer to the Ultima Segmentum from Dorn's Tempestus Citadel, the Sledgehammers brought their Ruthless experience breaking sieges meant to hold Tyrannids and Orks to T'au Space. Very few T'au citadels-and T'au planets-were prepared for their capabilities. Their fortress worlds are covered in oceans of T'au Bones.

History

The Sledgehammers were former members of the Hands of Dorn. Their specialty was "Fortification Research" or, in laymans terms seige expertise. They would work to beseige any designed fortification Dorn and his engineers designed. During the Tau expansion, Lord Gulliman Justinian Vendee reached out to Rogal Dorn for the creation of a successor chapter to defend against T'au space. Dorn provided him with his most expendable troops.

Religion

The Sledgehammers are one of the few chapters that do not adhere to a Cult.

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Swarm of Locusts

Swarm of Locusts
Founding	M36
Successors of	Iron Hands
Chapter Master	Rossum Bokhanavosky
Homeworld	D-503 (Ultima Segmentum)
Strength	Chapter itself is undermanned.
Specialty	Human wave "Auxillaries"
Allegiance	Imperium of Man (later Dark Mechanicus)
Colours	Grey and Green

Basic information
If you will not surrender, then Die intact
Founder	"Zaharov"
Cult	Omnissiah
Index	Phoenecian
Regula	None

Perhaps the most infamous of the Tau Founding chapters, the Swarm of Locusts have served Tau propaganda for mellinia thanks to psychologically scarring tactics. In particular their use of their own form of Skitarii, and converting of Tau killed and wounded in battle into further Skitarii

Organization and Tactics

Beating the Tyrannids at their own game since M36

The Swarm of Locusts have a disproportionate amount of Techmarines, but otherwise operate mostly under standard Chapter divisions.

The Swarm have two additional sub classification Techmarines. The first is called a "Administrator" who is telepathically connected to the Servitor swarm. The second is the "Retriever" who gathers and reassembles new forces from fallen foes.

The Swarm also has an additional apothecary given the unassuming name of "Offensive Apothecary." This Apothecary is well versed in Xenobiology, and is equipped with the necessary poisons, toxins, and medical equipment to quickly subdue and convert opponents.

The Swarm excel in Human wave tactics, using the technologically enhanced soldiers to overwhelm their enemy while the Astartes attack from the rear. The Skill of the Administrator enables him to director his swarm in intricate patterns, and command hundreds to act in unison.

Each company will have at least 4 Administrators, who in turn will control anything from tens to hundreds of individual servitors. The favored pattern of the Swarm is to have half of the swarms focus on overwhelming the enemy's defenses, while the other focuses on retrieval. The Retrieval teams will then act to capture as many living soldiers as possible, preferably with their bodies and equipment intact. Should their equipment be unusable or ineffective, the retrievers will have primitive weapons prepared for the newly formed skitarri.

Following their fall from the Imperium, the Skill of the Offensive Apothecary grew only more obscene, to the point where they could force captured entities to develop weaponized mutations that would compensate for their lack of equipment.

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Plasma Cutters

Plasma Cutters
Founding	M36
Successors of	Blood Angels
Chapter Master	Tobias Baffory
Homeworld	None (migratory)
Strength	Dwindling
Specialty	Close quarters combat, Pacification
Allegiance	Imperium of Man (now Khorne)
Colours	White and Cyan (they like to see the blood spatters)

Basic information
We will not waste a drop
Founder	"Thronos Salo"
Cult	Imperial Truth
Index	Phoenecian
Regula	None

Part of the infamous "Tau Founding" of M36. The Plasma Cutters were a blood angels chapter that defied Sanguinius in their revelry of the Red Thirst. They eventually fell to Khorne and raid the Ultima Segmentum seeking both human and Xenos blood to satiate their desires. They have developed a particular taste for Tau blood and many Tau planets have stories of the Red Demons who come to raid their citties, massacring all in their wake.

Organization and Tactics

The Plasma Cutters fused their Legion's history with Jumppacks with their love of Close quarters combat to devastating efficiency. They have modified their jump packs to allow for multiple jumps and will regularly hop around a the battle field. A favored tactic is to Jump into the midst of enemy seize some of the soldiers, and jump again, feasting on the blood of the soldiers while flying before landing to repeat the process.

Religion

Prior to the fall, the Plasma cutters viewed the red thirst as sacred. Believing that the Red Thirst was an Emperor-given gift and not a defect. When they are not in battle, they gather up the prisoners they have seized and force them into cattle pens. For a ceremony they would then have the prisoners sent naked save for a small knife in a arena built into their Flagship. Randomly Selected Astartes would then enter the arena as well with a similar knife. The battle would then commence until one marine was left standing, who would relish in the blood of all he killed there. In the event that one of the prisoners survives then he is made into a "Companion." These companions are treated very well for slaves so long as they serve and fight alongside the Chapter Master. Only he is permitted to consume their blood.

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Fortunate Sons

Fortunate Sons
Founding	M37
Successors of	Salamanders
Chapter Master	Cam Duke Clemons
Homeworld	None (migratory)
Strength	Larger than Vulkan would like
Specialty	Genocide, Meltas, Disappointing their Dad
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Olive, Brown, Dark Green

Basic information
Uncle Bobby will find his own!
Founder	Pete TS Dirksen
Cult	Impavidae (fmr Promethean Cult)
Holy Seat	Laphis
Patron Saint	The Aurelian (Uncle Bobby)
Index	Phoenecian
Regula	none
Specialties	Orks, Tyrranids, Tau (debatably)

Chapter Influence and Behavior

The Fortunate Sons are every single Call of Duty protagonist, Vietnam War "I love the smell of Napalm in the morning" movie warrior, Jarhead, Urah! American Military-wank, and joke about Marines eating Crayons rolled into a single suit of power armor. Their connection to Vulkan has given them a love of Protheium bombing opponents. Unlike a chapter like The Swarm of Locusts, who are callous and sinister, the Fortunate Sons are loud, arrogant, and obnoxious but sincere, jovial, and well-meaning. They are also incredibly reckless, and the carelessness in which they carry about their wars has resulted in a civilian death count equaling if not exceeding The Swarm.

Organization and Tactics

The Fortunate Sons have carried the Salamander's love of Fire and Fire weaponry with them into exile. Despite Vulkan's insistence that they have carried none of his ideals. The Fortunate Sons are some of the best companions IG and SG could have. The Fortunate sons believe deeply in the bonds forged in war, and as such treat all of their squadmates and comrades as battle-brothers, and will just as willingly give their lives for a Ratling Private, Ultramar Trilileur, or Kroot soldier as they would their own brothers. Even those few T'au who are part of the Imperium in the Wuni Enclaves have enjoyed the comradeship and protection of the fortunate sons. So long as the planet itself is never fully occupied, and they aren't anywhere near the blast radius, they have found a friend in the Fortunate Sons.

History

Captain Pete "Tyrannid Stomper" Dirkson was the Seargent of the 134th Company of The Salamanders Legion in M36. While he and his company were part of "Catachan's First," (or Catachan's Last as the Salamanders now call them) part of three companies that were recruited exclusively from the Planet Catachan, a death world under Vulkan's jurisdiction whose tenacity and survivability impressed him. Catachan's First quickly gained renown for their impressive victories against Orks and Tyrannid incursions. Their fortunes quickly turned when they applied their successful strategies of indiscriminate application of fire against a Tau vassal world, incinerating the T'au, their Guevassa subjects, the flora, and the atmosphere.

Catachan's First likely would have seen their end by Vulkan's Hammer if it hadn't be for the Captain-General of The Adeptus Astartes. The Fortunate Sons were part of what future Imperial historians called The "Tau Founding" alongside of chapters such as The "Lotus Hearts," The "Sledgehammers," The "Plasma Cutters," The "Swarm of Locusts," and "The Crimson Skulls," in which panic over the T'au's Rapid Expansion overrode the High Lords of Terra's normal judgement. The now infamous Captain-General Justinian "The Butcher" Vendee, offered Dirksen and his company a successor chapter. Vulkan, enraged, almost resigned as Segmentarch. After his brothers were able to calm Vulkan, he cut the Fortunate Sons from the Promethean cult, and refuses to coordinate with them. They are guests of Royum Ultramar, where they are given free reign so long as they are fighting on Ultramari worlds.

Religion

The Fortunate Sons are part of the wide collection of Promethean/Syncretic cults called "The Cult of The Dauntless Few" or "Impavidae Cult." Unlike the other Gullimanders who are usually Ultramarines pretending to act like Salamanders, the Fortunate Sons are Salamanders pretending to be Ultramarines.

Despite being cut off from the Promethean cult, the Fortunate Sons felt a close tie to their estranged Genefather. They were able to find a supportive Spiritual Liege in the infamous "Rubber Stamp" Holy Seat of Laphis when joining the Aurelian Cult. They are still not very religious and their specific order is effectively Vulkan's promethean cult with a thin Ultramarine overcoat.

The Fortunate Sons refer to The Aurelian as "Uncle Bobby," Uncle being an honorific for Thamhyusden, an ancient diety that was worshiped by Catachan's Ancestors. Likewise The Queen Mother is referred to as "Miz Blue Mam," and The Emperor of Mankind is "Mister Bossman," and is sometimes given the honorrific of their ancient diety Thamhyusden (Lord of Earth). Vulkan is still referred to as "Papa Vulkan," despite him wanting nothing to do with his wayward children.

Relics and Wargear

The Fortunate Sons have kept most of their relics from their days as Salamanders, including a large and impressive variety of meltas, firebombs, and heavy flamers.

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Lotus Hearts

Lotus Hearts
Founding	M36
Successors of	Ultramarines
Chapter Master	Dara Somsak
Homeworld	Chamuay (Fmrly. Assam Bay) Ultima Segmentum
Strength	Normal Strength
Specialty	Psykers, Pacification
Allegiance	Imperium of Man
Colours	Gold & Turqoise

Basic information
Mercy in Life, Courage in Battle, Honnor in Death
Founder	Truong Hongdao
Cult	Cordinlumbae
Spiritual Liege	Assam Bay
Patron Saint	The Queen Mother
Index	Aurelian
Regula	Prosperae
Specialties	Combined Arms, Psykers,

The Lotus Hearts are Space Marine chapter located in the Ultima Segmentum. They are the first chapter of the Cordinelumbae Cult, a sect of the Aurelian cult that merges worship of The Aurelian with traditions of the Ancient Octavian religion.

Chapter Personality

The Lotus Hearts are mishmash of Medeival Vietnamese, Champa, and Khmer Culture. Their version of the Aurelian cult draws heavily from Mahayana buddhism.

Organisation and Tactics

The Lotus Hearts are codex compliant under the use of Regula Prosperae, and as such they are heavily trained in the use of Librarius Marines. The Lotus Hearts prefer to fight in closely knit companies with an emphasis on mobilitym and close quarters. Due to this heavy psyker usage, The Lotus Hearts have no Devastator Squadrons, instead resorting to their Librarius. The Lotus Hearts can maneuver around the battlefield quickly to the detriment of the Tau, who often find their Ranged squadrons massacred by Lotus Heart Ambushes. When facing against the Tau, the Lotus Hearts prefer when possible to nudge the Battlefield into one favoring close or mid range combat.

In the eyes of the Lotus Hearts this quick but brutal form of war is the most merciful, as a rapidly crippled army is often a demoralized one, leading to more captures than deaths. The Tau have so far, been able to be reasoned with, and the Imperium has regained many elite units through prisoner exchanges. There have been exceptions to [[#The_Pagoda_of Mercy | this].

Squadrons:

Champions

Experts in hand to hand, and melee combat

Special Forces

A generic categorization for Librarius, Apothecaries, Techmarines, and Heavy Weapons (when needed)

Eutenite

Those who have received The Great Sorrow, but have not chosen to join the Black Eutenites. They are the closest the Lotus have to a Devastator squad

Drop Squadrons

Mixed companies who specialize in rapid deployment and assault.

History

The Lotus Hearts are a Space Marine Chapter founded in response to the rapid expansion of The T'au Imperium. Fearing the loss of the Frontier, the High Lords of Terra desperately commissioned the Lotus Hearts along with several other chapters to aid Vulkan in securing the more far flung regions of the Imperium. So desperate, that they overruled both the Spiritual Liege of Terra and The Tribune of The Faithful's objections to granting a schismatic cult de facto admission. Admittedly, the Cordinelubmaens had never been found heretical, and the Cult had the crucial support of several other seats such as Konnor and San Leor, but it doesn't change the fact that the High Lords of Terra effectively put their thumb on the scales of Aurelian affairs.

The Founder, Truong Huongdi, was at the time a Librarius for the Knights of St Aeonid Chapter.

Relics & Wargear

And the greatest of them all, are the Aquamarines

The Pagoda of Mercy

For the most part, the Lotus Hearts are willing to negotiate with the T'au. The famous exception to this was during the 2nd Sphere of Expansion. Following The Battle of Targatus III, the defeated and embittered Tau General parlayed with The Lotus Hearts for half of his army back. Hoping to avenge his humilating defeat at the hands of the Lotus, he ordered his prisoners to be subject to brutal genetic experiments and tortured. Upon seeing the state of the Prisoners, HuongDao hearts turned against the parlayed forces turned against the parlaying army and massacred every single tau and guevasa except one, The General. The General was then brought as a prisoner and was forced to watch as the Lotus hearts single-handedly massacred the Neighboring tau planet of Ao'chido. The Tau Captain was then present for the grand opening of as well as observing the construction of the majestic "Pagoda to Mercy," a 10 story shrine to the Queen of Mercy ornately decorated with the bones of the millions of Tau and Auxillaries. The T'au Leader was promptly transformed into a Servitor. Now known as Bihoan or "the attendant" he attends to the Pagoda, constantly repeating his crimes against The Queen of Mercy and the Names of the Prisoners. Whenever possible, the Lotus prefer to negotiate with the T'au here.