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Space Marine Chapter Articles ---

Angels Mortiferous
The Angels Mortiferous are a Successor Chapter of the heroic and valorous Blood Angels. Created during an Unknown Founding, this Chapter is a particularly vainglorious Successor Chapter of The Blood. Virtually every member of the chapter is eager to accumulate accolades in the heat of battle. Donning their jump packs the Angels Mortiferous enter the fray with unnerving glee, laughing maniacally as they slaughter the foe in Sanguinius' name. Whilst their skill in combat has gained them the recognition they seek, their worrying behaviour in the heat of battle has gained them a reputation for being slightly unhinged among those who have only interacted with them on the battlefield. Fortunately, away from the battlefield the Angels Mortiferous are soft-spoken, gentle and uniquely polite. This has proved to be their saving grace, making up for their somewhat eccentric behaviour in the heat of melee.

Unfortunately, a byproduct of this overstimulation in battle produces an above average number of battle-brothers that make up their Death Company, much like the Flesh Tearers. It may not be to the same extent as the Flesh Tearers but it has instilled a being-towards-death in the Angels Mortiferous. Knowing they are teetering on the edge of the Black Rage justifies and thus enhances their pursuit of commendation. As a result, they have incorporated the death company skull into their chapter heraldry, a sinister reminder that every cogent moment is precious and should not be wasted.

Founding
+++ UNDER CONSTRUCTION +++

Archais
When given the choice of a number of worlds on which to settle The Angels Mortiferous claimed Archais. Located between Kar Duniash, Ultra Mundanus and the dreaded Heart of Darkness warp storm, Archiais is a volcanic, geologically unstable death world subject to frequent change. Some speculate that the Angels Mortiferous chose this world as it mirrors their maniacal nature. Others propose the Angels Mortiferous see it as a reflection of the close quarter combat they favour ,ever changing, ever challenging. However, the real reasons are twofold. First, it is the perfect recruitment and training world. As with most Astartes homeworlds, the denizens of Archais are a hardy peoples, the planet requiring constant adaption for survival. Second, the frequent changes provide the Angels Mortiferous with a unique tactical advantage over invaders. Partly because of the Angels Mortiferous' preference for jump packs which allows them to spend as little time on the unstable ground as possible - the floor, at times, is literally lava. But mainly because there is an order in the frequent, chaotic changes, a rhythm to the unnatural beat. By learning to read the geological changes the Angels Mortiferous will always have the advantage of terrain when defending their home.

Fortress-Monastery
The Angels Mortiferous' fortress-monastery, Mortem Comitatus, is not actually located on the surface of Archais. Archais is far too unstable for a structure so grand as a fortress-monastery. Instead, there are a number of smaller, temporary outposts and training grounds scattered across Archais' surface whilst Mortem Comitatus itself is built in to a small, orbiting body. Being on the smaller side relative to other fortress-monasteries, Mortis Comitatus is easily overlooked. Its spires of jet black Archaisian obsidian melt away in the darkness of the void as the sun passes behind Archais.

Angel's Fall
+++ UNDER CONSTRUCTION +++

Ultima Founding
+++ UNDER CONSTRUCTION +++

Lord Executioner Arariel Elohim
The last Chapter Master, or 'Lord Executioner' of the Angels Mortiferous before the destruction of the original chapter. In codex compliant chapters the title 'Lord Executioner' is given to the captain of the assault company. However, the Angels Mortiferous, like the Blood Angels, are a particularly melee-centric chapter. Given the Angel Mortiferous' chapter-wide assault predilection the title being adopted in lieu of Chapter Master is not all that surprising. However, Arariel was the first Lord Executioner who took on the responsibility of executing those members of the Death Company who did not fall in battle, appropriate for a chapter whose culture is driven by the ever present spectre that is the Black Rage.

Arariel was a gargantuan man with long, red hair. During battle he donned artificer armour painted in his chapter's colours and a jump pack with ornate wings as black as Archaisian obsidian. His weapon, a relic of the chapter, is simply known as 'Carnifex Obsidianus', which roughly translates to 'The Obsidian Butcher'. Arariel typified the characteristics of the Angels Mortiferous. Hungry for glory, manic within battle and humble without. Additionally, much like the Chapter Masters of his fellow Blood Angel successors, Arariel effectively kept the Black Rage in check for all of his extended lifespan. This is particularly impressive given that the Angels Mortiferous are far too unstable in the heat of combat to hold the Black Rage at bay, but there seemed to be something about the enjoyment Arariel felt in close quarter assault that managed to supercede the ever growing rage within.

When Dante called the Blood Angels' successors for aid defending Baal against Hive Fleet Leviathan, Ararial and the Angels Mortiferous escaped the Ouroborean Predation with what remained of their Chapter and, eager prove themselves to their estranged brothers, answered the call. Unfortunately, the estrangement from their parent chapter proved to be their downfall, the Blood Angels at large unable and ultimately unwilling to come to the aid of a chapter who very much embodied the shame of Sanguinius. Regardless, the Angels Mortiferous stood proudly upon one of the moons of Baal and fought Leviathan tooth and nail down to the last. Arariel Elohim and the Angels Mortiferous died alongside the moon they so valorously defended, their sacrifice was forgotten, and Ararial omitted from the catalog of fallen Blood Angel Chapter Masters. Tragically, the chapter who so fervently sought accolades gained none during their final hours.

By:
"Ahahahaha! Revel in it my brothers! The roar of your chainsword! The cries of the enemy! Death comes for us all, so let us keep him busy for a while!"

- Lord Executioner Arariel Elohim, Chapter Master of the Angels Mortiferous

About:
"Yes! YES! Laugh as you kill, live in its divine majesty, revel in its carnal pleasure and raise your tallies higher and higher! The Blood God blesses this field with your blood rage!!"

- Valkyura Warpschild

"You know Arariel, you are a lot more interesting on the field of battle than off it. First to claim the enemy commanders head is the winner! Charge!"

- Eulitus Ephrain of the Wings of Salvaxes chapter in battle alongside the Angels Mortiferous.

"If I did not know otherwise, I would have claimed those Astartes we saw just now to be not of the quiet and honourable chapter we spoke with today, but fevered heretical madmen. I would trust our Sanguine brothers with my life and gene-seed, but it would be easy to see how those who do not know them may think ill of our... Over-eager brethren."

- Idria Salaman, Obsidian Blades Second Captain.

"Have I mentioned these boys have problems?"

- St. Athaliah the Flame

"Unbeliever! You come to the battlefield laughing your heads off in what the weak call madness!? Madness itself is a holy gift of the Gods! Come, brother, allow me to show you what true madness looks like!"

- Anonymous Marine of The Consecrated before charging into battle screaming praises to the Dark Gods

"Hello brother-marine! I hear that your skill in melee is legendary. I would like to see it in person, through competition. The one who kills the most Orks with chainswords wins!"

- One of the Khagarsani Berserkers of the Laughing Skull challenging an Angels Mortiferous Assault Marine. The bloodshed and maniacal laughter that followed those two marines caused many Orks squads to lose morale.

Charnel Warhawks
The Charnel Warhawks are a newly founded fleet-based Loyalist Space Marine Chapter comprised entirely of newly revealed Primaris Space Marines. This newly created Chapter is descended from the Dark Hunters, a savage and proud Chapter descended from the lineage of the wild and deadly Primarch Jaghatai Khan.

This Chapter's specialty is rooting out cults - be they Chaos, Genestealers or some other variant. This has led to close ties with the Inquisitors Ordo Hereticus, who value their ability to protect mankind from itself. Given the urban locale of many cults, the Charnel Warhawks have become brutally efficient at urban warfare. This has gradually grown to resemble guerrilla tactics, preferring to deploy a multitude of small, autonomous units each with specific objectives, not dissimilar to Deathwatch Kill-Teams.

The Graveshead Cult
Whilst documents containing the exact events surrounding the Charnel Warhawks' founding have sealed by the Inquisition, the general circumstances are known. In short, Umbran Ero, 6th Captain of the Dark Hunters, and part of his company were requisitioned by the Ordo Hereticus. Captain Ero was subsequently briefed of rumours which had reached the ears of the Ordo Hereticus, that a Chaos cult had successfully infiltrated Graveshead's infrastructure. A contingent of Dark Hunters was then ordered to quietly make planetfall and await further instruction. Meanwhile the Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor, Gabriella Orpha, investigated the rumours. Initially she found little evidence of corruption - least of all within the planet's infrastructure. However, she was made aware by the planetary governor of a wave of terrorist attacks against the Graveshead PDF. Gabriella, assuming these attacks were engineered by the Chaos cults she sought, quickly tracked down the terrorist organization known as 'The Ebbing Light'

The Gravehead Resistance
Soon thereafter Gabriella, flanked by Captain Ero and his Dark Hunters, marched on the terrorist headquarters only to discover it besieged by hundreds of Graveshead PDF guardsmen. Unexpectedly, it was the Graveshead PDF who panicked at the Dark Hunters' approach, opening fire into their unsuspecting ranks. Gabriella Orpha was hit by las-fire and fell, wounded at the feet of Captain Ero. Captain Ero scooped up the Inquisitor and got her into a nearby building. Unable to contend with the hail of las-fire which befell them, the Dark Hunters scrambled to follow Captain Ero into the nearby buildings. Only a handful succeeded. Realising that the Graveshead Planetary Defence Forces, and likely the planetary governor, had been tainted by Chaos, the remaining few held their position in the building, protecting the wounded Inquisitor to the best of their ability. Nevertheless, one by one the remaining Dark Hunters began to fall. A shockwave permeated the building as the wall at the rear of the building was blown out.

A man beckoned the Dark Hunters to fall back through the newly opened exit. Carrying the Inquisitor, Captain Ero, his Dark Hunters, and now the newcomer made a tactical retreat, repelling the PDF where necessary, until they reached the sewers. The newcomer introduced himself as Nathaniel Amon, the appointed leader of 'The Ebbing Light'. Nathaniel explained that his organisation, consisting of those who knew of the corruption permeating Graveshead's infrastructure, had been fighting the traitor guard for years. However, only 2000 members remained after the siege - they were losing. Hearing that the Dark Hunters' ship was facing resistance Inquisitor Orpha ordered the withdrawal of the remaining Space Marines. Thankful, Inquisitor Orpha also allowed the 2,000 members of 'The Ebbing Light' to return to the Dark Hunters' ship, deeming them free of corruption. Facing down an amassed traitorous Graveshead Imperial fleet as well as planetary defenses, the Dark Hunters were forced to flee the system, Inquisitor Orpha and the members of the Ebbing Light in tow. Soon thereafter Graveshead was among the planets to be engulfed by the Cicatrix Maledictum and is currently believed to be destroyed.

Founding
Inquisitor Orpha later made requests that the remaining members of 'The Ebbing Light' be made use of. She deemed their faith and determination against impossible odds to be invaluable. It was decided that viable members of 'The Ebbing Light' would be granted the opportunity to form a new chapter consisting entirely of Primaris Space Marines under the guidance of Captain Umbran Ero of the Dark Hunters, the Charnel Warhawks. The name of Nathaniel Amon's organization, 'The Ebbing Light', was later repurposed as the name of the Chapter flagship. Sadly, in the tumultuousness of the beginning of the 42nd Millennium, it was not long before the Charnel Warhawks suffered many casualties in the wake of the 13th Black Crusade. Chapter Master Ero soon died along with the rest of the Dark Hunters who became Charnel Warhawks, leaving only 167 of the original 321 Graveshead-born members of the chapter who successfully underwent the transition from mortal to Primaris Space Marine. The Charnel Warhawks are attempting to find new recruits but being a fleet-based chapter who have been assigned to cult eradication on Imperium-controlled planets on the Great Rift they rarely come into contact with worthy candidates making the process slow. For this reason each and every Primaris Space Marine is a precious resource the Charnel Warhawks would rather not spend.

Chapter Organisation
Being freshly founded and yet to claim a homeworld of their own following the loss of Graveshead, the Charnel Warhawks do not yet have enough Primaris Space Marines to become fully codex compliant. There is only a single company consisting currently of 150 Primaris Space Marines. The remaining 17 members of the Chapter fill various roles in the Honour Guard, Apothecarion, Reclusiam, Armoury, and Librarium. To be specific, there are two Honour Guard (who act as surrogate Captains known as 'Delegatus'), six Apothecaries and a Master of the Apothecarion, one Chaplain given the title 'Lord-Abductor', two Techmarines and a Master of the Forge, and three Epistolaries and a Chief Librarian.

Apothecaries and Librarians are noticeably overrepresented in the Charnel Warhawks. The former is due to the dual role Apothecaries play as both medics and torturers, extracting gene-seed from fallen comrades and information from captured cultists. The overrepresentation of Librarians has also benefited the Charnel Warhawks' information gathering, with Telepathy being one of the two dominant disciplines within the chapter (along with Telekinesis). However, the cause for the increased number of Marines manifesting as psykers is not known. Some puritanical Inquisitors posit that the Chapter's origins on a corrupted world which was subsequently engulfed by the Cicatrix Maledictum has corrupted them, and that Inquisitor Gabriella Orpha was a fool to use her authority to have them ascend to the newly developed Primaris Space Marines. However, these Inquisitors are in a minority when compared with the many Ordo Hereticus Inquisitors who deem the Charnel Warhawks an indispensable resource.

Interestingly, Nathaniel Amon, opting not to abandon his post as an Apothecary given the Chapter's limited resources, is simultaneously the Chapter Master of the Charnel Warhawks and one of its Apothecaries. Technically, this makes Alastair Vino, Master of the Apothecarion, the second most powerful member of the Chapter being as Nathaniel must answer to Alastair in his capacity as Apothecary. However, this is nothing more than a ceremonial idiosyncrasy. Alastair has no desire to lead the Chapter in any capacity and is beholden to Nathaniel, owing him a life debt from their time in the Graveshead resistance.

Chapter Beliefs
In their service to the Ordo Hereticus, the Charnel Warhawks have begun adopting the Recongregator Inquisitorial philosophy. In short, the Recongregators believe the Imperium has stagnated, becoming a bed of corruption and decay. It is not too surprising this belief resonates with the Charnel Warhawks given their founding and specialization. Problematically, the Charnel Warhawks' growing adherence to this philosophy is resulting in an overstepping of bounds which has made them particularly unpopular with Imperial planetary elites. Initially, to the Charnel Warhawks, rooting out cults was a reward unto itself. However, it is becoming a popular belief within the chapter that they are only curing symptoms of the real problem: corrupt planetary governance. As a result, when pairing with Ordo Hereticus Inquisitors, as they often do, it is not uncommon for Nathaniel Amon and other high ranking members of the Charnel Warhawks to press the matter of supplanting planetary governors, claiming they are unfit for their post.

Chapter Gene-Seed
The Charnel Warhawks' primogenitor is confirmed to be Jaghatai Khan. However, whilst they may have retained the Warhawk's hunter's instinct (albeit a unique variation), they do not retain many White Scar traits. They tend to prefer the use of Rhino APCs rather than bikes and have a strikingly dour personality on account of the circumstances of the Chapter's birth. Similarly, they have not inherited the Dark Hunters' distrust of technology, gladly engaging with the Adeptus Mechanicus when necessary.

Primarch's Curse
Unlike the majority of White Scars successors, the Charnel Warhawks suffer from two flaws in their gene-seed. The first of which is with the Charnel Warhawks' Belisarian Furnace (The Revitaliser), the organ which connects the dual hearts of Primaris Space Marines that allows for rapid regeneration in extreme circumstances. In Charnel Warhawks, the Belisarian Furnace does not respond to extreme stress or physical trauma as intended. The second flaw is with the Sus-an Membrane (The Hibernator), the organ which would typically allow a Space Marine to enter hibernation in the event of extreme physical trauma. For the Charnel Warhawks, the Sus-an Membrane does not activate as an automatic reaction to trauma. In other words, Charnel Warhawks must endure mortal wounds while conscious and are unable to rapidly regenerate from such wounds. As a result of these flaws in conjunction with their time as a rebel militia, the Charnel Warhawks tend to be protective of their kin, often fighting to protect their wounded brethren. It should be noted that, unlike the Belesarian Furnace, the Charnel Warhawks' Sus-an Membrane does still partially function, allowing them to enter hibernation at will. However, to do so after suffering grievous wounds is difficult to master and takes years of training.

Combat Doctrine
The Charnel Warhawks are fairly unorthodox tactically, with their preference for small, independent kill teams over large fighting forces. But alongside these relatively innocuous tactical decisions are a set of sinister approaches to removing the cancer at the heart of the Imperium. Given their specialty, the Charnel Warhawks have been forced to adopt a series of less-than-savoury techniques. Almost all of their members carry small, crude instruments carved from bone and discarded metals. These tools are not intended as side arms, they would be of little use when compared with the rest of their wargear. These crude instruments are carried for two purposes: intimidation and torture. Successfully rooting out cults hinges on the gathering on intel, and those holding the intel are typically members of the cults they stalk. Unfortunately, cult members are typically zealous, protecting their demagogues until their last breath. The Charnel Warhawks, using their crude instruments, have learned to get even the most zealous cultist to reveal all. Their white gauntlets serve as a means of demoralization, the blood of the Emperor's enemies starkly contrasting with their pearlescent hands as they mete out the Emperor's justice.

Aligning with their pragmatic nature, the chapter's Librarians specialize in telekinesis. Of note, the chapter's Librarians have learned to manipulate their force weapons mentally, allowing them to project their force weapon of choice toward their foes using intricate hand movements, extending their weapon's reach and maneuverability. That being said, this ability has its limits. On average, force weapon manipulation only extends four or five feet before their telekinetic grip on the weapon weakens such that blows begin to glance off of all but the weakest armour. Furthermore, beyond seven or eight feet their grip on the weapon falters and will not return. Thus launching their force weapon as a projectile is reserved only for the direst situations.

Notable Members

 * Chapter Master Nathaniel Amon - The now Chapter Master of the Charnel Warhawks, Nathaniel Amon was the leader of the Ebbing Light resistance on Graveshead before it was engulfed by the Cicatrix Maledictum. A dour, stern, and unforgiving mortal, these traits have only been emphasized by his ascension to Primaris Space Marine. Being as the Charnel Warhawks consist almost entirely of Ebbing Light rebels, Nathaniel was quick to climb the ranks, already having earned the respect of his peers ten times over. Naturally, when Umbran Ero, formerly of the Dark Hunters and first Chapter Master of the Charnel Warhawks, died, Nathaniel was quickly elected as his successor. This was a fairly unorthodox transition being as Nathaniel had become one of the Chapter's first Apothecaries, calling on his surgical experience during his past life. Consequently, Nathaniel is both Chapter Master and Apothecary, still opting to bear the symbol of his prior office, his Narthecium.


 * Alastair Vino, Master of the Apothecarion


 * The Lord-Abductor


 * Delegatus Thaddeus Rayne


 * Delegatus Bram Shaw

Chapter Colours
The Charnel Warhawks wear deep maroon coloured Mk. X Power Armour with aged white arms and shoulder plates trimmed with gold. The aged white colour of their arms is to contrast with the blood of slain cultists as a method of intimidation. Their aquila or imperialis is gold. It is also worth noting that Charnel Warhawks are often shrouded in tattered brown or black robes, giving them an almost bloody spectral appearance as they dismember their foes.

Chapter Badge
The Charnel Warhawks Chapter badge is the silhouette of a swooping hawk atop a blood red moon. The extended talons of the swooping hawk are intended as a reminder of the Chapter's tendency to take cultists alive in order to extract information. The blood red moon is a reminder of Graveshead, where the billowing pollutants of manufactorums have dyed the moon red.

By the Charnel Warhawks
"Death is coming on swift wings, but we will not make it quick."

- Nathaniel Amon, Chapter Master of the Charnel Warhawks

About the Charnel Warhawks
"Finally. I've been waiting for these guys to show up for centuries. At least this chapter is standing up to the hype."

- Inquisitor Jacob Flux

Dust Lords
The Dust Lords are simultaneously a renegade chapter of Space Marines and Chaos Space Marine warband. During their time serving the Emperor they were known, much like their parent chapter, for their ambush tactics and proficiency in the use of Jump Packs. A lesser known tendency of the Dust Lords was the use of bird-like mounts to traverse desert terrain (which would have been otherwise difficult due to their sheer size and weight). Their riding to war on these avian mounts was, out of necessity, kept secret from the majority of the Imperium. Witnesses of this eccentricity tended to also observe the rare gallantry of the Dust Lords and adhere to an unspoken code of silence, those who informed on them tended to be disregarded as liars or, at worst, heretics (such was their modest, but consistently positive reputation).

Now they have been declared Excommunicate Traitoris by order of the Ordo Hereticus for reasons the Inquisition are not willing to openly disclose. Most assume they are just another chapter gone rogue, but the truth is far more complex. Sometime in the near future the Dust Lords, now traitors, entered the warp to be spat out not only before they entered (a rare but entirely possible phenomenon), but before they had even turned to Chaos. These dark counterparts now seek to orchestrate their own fall to Chaos as it was once orchestrated for them. So far they have been unsuccessful, only achieving excommunication. But whether the Dust Lords are resisting their fate, or unintentionally succumbing to it, remains to be seen.

Excommunication
The Dust Lords’ excommunication is not a matter of open Imperial record. They were a codex compliant chapter boasting a moderate degree of success in their many campaigns. For the most part they followed in the Raven Guard’s footsteps tactically, they were essentially a normal chapter with few idiosyncrasies. One exception to this rule was the use of avian mounts, originally used to aid in the navigation of their desert homeworld the Dust Lords eventually rode them to war when Imperial oversight was limited. What’s more, the Dust Lords’ loyalty to the Imperium was beyond reproach. That was until a single, unfortunate event sent them spiraling out of control.

In early M41 a planetary outpost on the edge of Ultima Segmentum, near the Ghoul Stars, went dark. But not before a single message had been received by nearby Asylus: “All… is Dust”. It was assumed that a Thousand Sons warband had destroyed the outpost. Subsequently, the Dust Lords 1st, 2nd, 5thand 7th companies, all of which were participating in the war effort against Tau expansion, were tasked with tracking down and neutralizing the warband.

Upon reaching the planet they found what they were expecting: ruins and PDF corpses. However, the damage was oddly localized to means of interplanetary communication. Confused, the Dust Lords scoured the outpost. They found no trace of the elusive Thousand Sons warband. Instead, what they found were a few hundred, tightly packed, armed civilian survivors hiding in a great hall. The Dust Lords were not welcomed as saviors. The civilians frantically opened fire. Whilst the autogun fire clinked ineffectually off the hardened armour of the Dust Lords, the civilians were not so lucky. The Dust Lords, led by 5th Captain Elias Pral, assumed heresy and returned fire. Man, woman and child were massacred in minutes. It was only afterwards the Dust Lords realized their mistake. The civilians showed no clear signs of warp taint. Additionally, the control panel for the door through which the Dust Lords entered had been destroyed so it would be impossible for the civilians to leave – they had been trapped in the building. But why were they armed? Why had they opened fire? They were about to receive their answer – an answer they could not have foreseen.

At the far end of the hall within which lay the civilian corpses, a message played on repeat: “When we return, we will take away everything you hold dear, everything. You can try to fight us, but you will fail. You will fall. It is predetermined.” The voice was that of 5th Captain Elias Pral. Yet, Captain Pral had been with the Dust Lords all the way from Tau space. It was impossible for this imposter to actually be him. Captain Pral rushed to the device playing the message, which subsequently recognized him and played a second message: “Hah! These fools actually thought that the message was for them! No. It was a warning. A warning for me… well... you. Your Imperium has abandoned you, brother. I am what you will become. It is predetermined.” The message made made little sense to Elias. That is, until he realized that the device he now held was transmitting. Soon thereafter the Imperium was made aware of their actions and the Dust Lords were declared excommunicate traitoris. Their homeworld was besieged by the Rhinos and destroyed along with what brothers they left behind.

Now renegades, the Dust Lords scour the stars for a means of defying their fall from grace. Whether they are doing so or simply spiraling out of control towards their fall, it is impossible to tell.

The Dark Counterparts
The Imperium is, for the most part, unaware of the existence of the Dust Lords' dark counterparts and so most of their actions are incorrectly attributed to the Dust Lords themselves. It does not help that the Ordo Chronos have gone missing, since such an anomaly would fall under their jurisdiction. What's worse, the Dust Lords themselves are little more than aware of the existence of their dark counterparts. This is probably intentional. They have, in every case, been one step behind their future selves - as you would expect.

The composition of their dark counterparts is a matter of some speculation. Most of the Dust Lords assume that they are up against a 400 strong force - much like themselves. However, time anomalies do not necessarily work that way. It is very possible that the paradox within which the Dust Lords find themselves has resulted in a larger force as the dark counterparts are essentially recruiting themselves. This would, theoretically, allow for an infinite number of each member of the Dust Lords. For example, unbeknownst to Elias Pral, he is actually one of five versions of himself. One of which is now the leader of the dark counterparts. Fortunately, the 1st and 2nd companies appear to be lost by the time the warp anomaly that allowed the dark counterparts to travel back occurred. That and the anomaly is incredibly rare, occurring only once, later in the timeline. Additionally, the most times a Marine can traverse such an anomaly is five, and only at great risk and heavy mutation. Any more result in guaranteed spawnhood, a fate the dark counterparts would rather avoid. Unfortunately, several copies of each member of the 5th and 7th Company (each at different stages of mutation) successfully pass through the anomaly each time it occurs and so what the Dust Lords actually face is closer to a full chapter.

Space Hulk Forsaken Fate
The space hulk Forsaken Fate is where the Dust Lords currently make their home. It is not clear whether the dark counterparts were on the "Forsaken Fate" when they were taken back in time. It is likely given that space hulks frequently enter and exit the warp, one of these journeys could have been when the fateful anomaly occurred. In any case, it is entirely possible that there exists two "Forsaken Fate" space hulks drifting gradually deeper into the ghoul stars.

Notable Quotes
Other users are welcome to leave quotes about the Dust Lords by characters of their own devising. However, please keep in mind that very few people outside of the Dust Lords themselves are aware of their dark counterparts.

By:
"When we return we will take away everything you hold dear, everything. You can try to fight us, but you will fail. You will fall. It is predetermined"

- Elias Pral, Fifth Captain of the Dust Lords (Third Incarnation)

"Our chapter icon was originally intended to represent our snake-ridden, desert homeworld. Within a binary star system our days were perpetual and so the ouroboros seemed appropriate. Now it has taken on a new meaning. Time has abandoned us. All we can do is resist our forsaken fate."

- Elias Pral, Fifth Captain of the Dust Lords (Current Incarnation)

About
"As we broke down the doors to their fortress-monastery we found no evidence of Chaos taint. Yet the Inquisitor at our backs insisted the Dust Lords had slaughtered innocents for some foul ritual on a planet out near the Ghoul Stars. ... We'd fought alongside the Dust Lords before. They were nothing special, but they were loyal to a fault. To reach such a Chapter the taint of Chaos must indeed be insidious."

- Ekene Folami, Captain of the Rhinos 1st Company

"Time travel bites."

- St. Athaliah the Flame

"In blame myself for many things. I and my fellows could have saved the Dust Lords; but I also know I dammed them."

- Inquisitor Jacob Flux

The Rhinos
"The Rhinos are stubborn, abrasive and charge with a reckless abandon that reduces both fortification and foe to rubble. I like them."

- Inquisitor Lucretia Winters

The Rhinos, known formally as the ' Rhinocerotidae Astra ', or sometimes the Space Rhinos, are a Space Marine chapter hailing from Yekna Prime located in Segmentum Ultima. Created during an Unknown Founding, they are believed to hail from the proud lineage of the noble Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the highly vaunted Ultramarines. This Chapter is best known for their relentless charges and stubborn nature. So long as at least one Rhino remains, a frontal assault will not cease. The current chapter master of the Rhinos is Akachi Masego.

Founding
With Yekna Prime being the backwater, underpopulated planet it is there were very few records kept of the Rhinos' founding. What records were kept have since been sealed by the Inquisition. Consequently there can be no confirming which founding birthed the Rhinos or from which Primarch they are descended. When pressed the Rhinos carefully avoid answering how old the chapter is (the predominance of Mark IV 'Maximus' pattern power armour implies they are of an early Founding) and claim to be descendants of Roboute Guilliman. However, these claims are unsubstantiated and the Ultramarines do not consider the Rhinos to be a successor chapter.

M34

 * 973.M34 - First documented sighting of Space Marines bearing Rhinoceros heraldry, leading Imperial scholars of the 41st Millenium to assume that the Rhinos were probably founded some time during the 34th Millenium, perhaps alongside the Mantis Warriors during the 8th Founding. As yet, this sighting is unconfirmed to be the Rhinos themselves.

M39

 * 311.M39 - First documented and confirmed sighting of the Rhinos fighting against the forces of Chaos in the 11th Black Crusade. The Rhinos sustained heavy losses, records indicating upwards of 70% of the chapter were lost.
 * 335.M39 - The Rhinos return to Yekna Prime and remain there for unspecified length of time as the chapter is reforged.

M41

 * 743.M41 - The Rhinos join the Damocles Gulf Crusade, besieging Tau outposts on the periphery of the main crusade force. Despite a string of successes, the Rhinos accumulate few accolades and are largely excluded from records due to their peripheral involvement.
 * 961.M41 - The Rhinos purge the homeworld of the Dust Lords, destroying the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th Companies.
 * 979.M41 - The Rhinos are dispatched alongside the Swordfish and Angels Mortiferous to hunt down and destroy the remaining Dust Lords who are believed to be hiding in the Ghoul Stars.
 * 990.M41 - The Ouroborean Predation.
 * The Rhinos, Angels Mortiferous, and Swordfish struggle in the increasingly nebulous campaign against the Dust Lords.
 * All three chapters sustain heavy losses at the hands of a Chaos alliance of Dust Lords, Traitor Guard, and Daemons which refer to themselves as the 'Ouroborean'. The members of the Ouroborean seem to anticipate every decision made by the Imperial forces.
 * Inquisitor Lucretia Winters and a contingent of Imperial Guard arrive in support of the Imperial Forces. However, the reinforcements have already sustained heavy losses in transit to the isolated Imperial alliance. It becomes clear that the Ouroborean are consistently able to predict the movements of the Imperial alliance.
 * The Imperial Forces are hounded out of the Ghoul Stars. The toll for all four chapters peaks, each losing approximately a full half of their committed resources. The Imperial Forces are only able to escape with assistance from a small fleet of Space Marines who claim to be the 'true' Dust Lords.
 * 998.M41 - The survivors of the Ouroborean Predation are recalled and slowly begin to limp back towards Terra. However, all ships have sustained heavy damage and outgoing communications are impossible.
 * ~999.M41 - The Rhinos are declared missing in action and presumed destroyed following the emergence of the Cicatrix Maledictum.

M42
Note: This section will be updated as details on Warhammer 40,000 8th edition emerge.
 * ???.M42 - At the behest of Roboute Guilliman, the Rhinos are proposed to be one of the first chapters consisting entirely of Primaris Space Marines.
 * ???.M42 - The Yeknian Schism.
 * The Rhinos finally return from the Ouroborean Predation, having been fortunate enough to avoid being trapped in the Imperium Nihilus.
 * Tensions rise as the Rhinos discover they have been replaced by Primaris Space Marines.
 * A handful of skirmishes break out and the small contingent of Primaris Space Marines on Yekna Prime is forced to leave by the Rhinos. The the location and allegiance of the ousted Primaris Rhinos is not yet known.
 * The Imperium, unwilling to declare a loyal Space Marine chapter Excommunicate Traitoris due to the strain of the 13th Black Crusade, reprimand the Rhinos and forbid further Primaris reinforcement for their actions.

Yekna Prime
Yekna Prime is a planet located in the southernmost region of Segmentum Ultima near Pavonis on the outskirts of Pax Ultramar. Its atmosphere is fair and landmass plentiful. In most cases a planet such as this would have long since undergone rapid industrialization. However, on account of its proximity to Pavonis, an affluent mining world, and Pax Ultramar, the Ultramarine territories, Yekna Prime went overlooked. But for three cities the landmass is largely underpopulated. What's more, the planet is distant from Terra and offers few worthwhile resources to the Imperium. As such it was never particularly likely to undergo rapid colonization. There are two consequences. First, the population are a self-sufficient (if not a little backward) people with a long feudal history - ideal for the ranks of a Space Marine chapter like the Rhinos. Second, the expansive grasslands of Yekna Prime go largely unspoiled, the rhinoceroses from which the chapter heraldry was wrought still roaming peacefully. The Rhinos have not taken this rare gift for granted, valuing the peace of their homeworld immensely.

The Three Great Cities
Early in Yekna Prime's history there were many tribes. However, warring saw the smaller tribes absorbed into three. These tribes were the Asubuhi, the Magharibi, and the Usiku. The three great cities of Yekna Prime, Acha, Kiwanja, and Majun were established by these three tribes respectively. However, before a single tribe established dominance the Imperium came. Subsequently, an agreement between the three cities was established that they would cease feuding - the Rhinos are now responsible for enforcing this peace. However, it should be noted that these are the events as recorded, without dates, by the Rhinos themselves. There are few, if any corroborating, dated records within the Imperium that have not, along with the circumstances surrounding the Chapter's founding, been sealed by Inquisitorial mandate. Consequently it is not known when any of this happened.

Candidacy for the Rhinos is established in a competition between these three great cities. The competition consists of grueling (both physically and mentally) challenges. Those who survive and are subsequently deemed worthy are inducted into the Rhinos.

Fortress-Monastery
The Rhinos' fortress-monastery, Karisimbi, is located far from any Yeknian cities on account of the chapter preferring quiet solitude in the short periods of time between wars. Karisimbi is built into the side of a lone mountain, a labyrinth of wide tunnels and passageways the layout of which only a member of the Chapter would know. Near the peak of Karisimbi lies the Overlook, named on account of its view of the Yeknian grasslands. This is where the war council meet.

Chapter Organisation
As with codex compliant Chapters the Rhinos are comprised of 1,000 Space Marines divided over 10 Companies. As can be seen, on account of the Rhinos' particular strategic nuances (see Tactics), both the 1st and 2nd company are comprised mainly of terminators and both the 9th and 10th company are comprised of scouts.

As one would expect, the Rhinos are afforded more tactical dreadnought armour than most chapters (approx. 80, 40 per Terminator Company - allowing for the deployment of four Strike Force Ultra formations simultaneously). Consequently, terminator honours are not solely awarded to the chapter's veterans but also those who show promise in the operation of tactical dreadnought armour - aptitude is tested during the 'Terminator Trials' once initiation is complete before indoctrination into another company.

Similarly, the Rhinos require more scouts than most chapters. As a result, initiation into the Rhinos is particularly lengthy and works inversely to the Space Wolves. Rather than allowing the expression of rage on the battlefield to new Initiates, Rhino initiates are forced to be scouts and train in the use of sniper rifles. Thus, rather than finding their calm in the heat of melee, they are forced to harness their lust for close quarters behind the scope of a sniper rifle. This form of indoctrination if usually referred to as 'starting from the back' by members of the chapter (which seems to be missing the point as Rhino scouts are the first to enter the theatre of war and are never too far from the enemy).

Initiates who show the most promise as scouts remain in the 9th and 10th companies. Initiates who show unique promise in ranged combat tend to be promoted to tactical marines, joining the 7th and 8th companies. The majority become assault marines joining the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th companies. Finally, initiates who demonstrate unique aptitude in the use of tactical dreadnought armour during the 'Terminator Trials' are moved into the 2nd company (provided the Captaincy agree to the promotion during the war council) - this is the greatest of honours for a Rhino space marine to receive.

Note: The Rhinos, never being short of near-fatal casualties, are also able to field a significant number of Dreadnoughts.

The War Council
It was decided by one of the early Chapter Masters of the Rhinos that the captaincy should meet on a regular basis to best assign Chapter resources - this is especially necessary for the partitioning of the modest chapter fleet. Thus the war council was formed, a quinquennial meeting of the Chapter Master and his ten Captains in solitude at the Overlook. It should be noted that no one from outside the Chapter is permitted to attend this council. Additionally, the labyrinthine nature of Karisimbi in combination with secrecy concerning exactly when the war council is held has protected against infiltration. There have been successful attempts to navigate Karisimbi and reach the Overlook by concerned parties within the Imperium, but never on the right day and time.

Companies

 * 1st 'Veteran' Company
 * 40 Terminators, 15 Centurions, 45 Vanguard Veterans, 2 Dreadnoughts
 * 2nd 'Terminator' Company
 * 40 Terminators, 20 Tactical Marines, 40 Assault Marines, 2 Dreadnoughts
 * 3rd 'Assault' Company
 * 70 Assault Marines, 30 Bikers, 1 Dreadnought
 * 4th 'Assault' Company
 * 70 Assault Marines, 30 Bikers, 1 Dreadnought
 * 5th 'Assault' Company
 * 70 Assault Marines, 30 Bikers, 1 Dreadnought
 * 6th 'Assault' Company
 * 70 Assault Marines, 30 Bikers, 1 Dreadnought
 * 7th 'Tactical' Company
 * 80 Tactical Marines, 20 Devastators
 * 8th 'Tactical' Company
 * 80 Tactical Marines, 20 Devastators
 * 9th 'Scout' Company
 * 80 Scouts, 20 Scout Bikers
 * 10th 'Scout' Company
 * 80 Scouts, 20 Scout Bikers

Combat Doctrine
The Rhinos are known for their single, unrelenting charge into the lines of the enemy. However, this assault is not organised arbitrarily. There are four, subtle phases which the Rhinos cycle through where possible. Phase 4 is completed within minutes of phase 1 giving the illusion of simultaneity thus masking the inherent logic to their brutally efficient assault.

Phase 1 - Scouting, Initial Assault
The frontal assaults of the Rhinos are as brutal as they are well-planned. In the initial phase of battle the Chapter's Scouts are deployed to survey the enemy position and identify weaknesses in the enemy lines. This intel is then relayed to the Chapter's Terminators who in almost all theatres of war are deployed in the vanguard. As the Terminators charge the weaknesses in the enemy lines the Scouts unleash volley after volley of Sniper round, picking off any flamer weapons which might cause problems for the frontal assault. If there are very few weaknesses in the enemy lines (as in siege warfare) then the Rhinos open up weaknesses using Vindicators and the like prior to deployment of the Chapter's Terminators.

Phase 2 - Securing the Flanks, Soften Hard Targets
Once the initial assault has begun Tactical Squads are deployed via Drop Pod to secure the flank of each assaulting Terminator unit. Generally, these units are equipped with Grav weaponry so that they might soften hard targets for phase 3.

Phase 3 - Continued Assault
Phase 3 occurs almost simultaneously to phase 2. During this phase Assault Squads are deployed via Land Raider or Stormraven to assail what remains of the enemy line in an attempt to keep the enemy spread thin, allowing no quarter.

Phase 4 - Final Assault
Stormravens then deploy any additional Dreadnoughts available to assist with particularly difficult targets. Any additional armoured support moves up to assist. If present, the Iron Tiger begins his assault.

The idea is that pressure is applied to the weakest link of the chain, causing a fracture. Once this fracture occurs the tactical squads further antagonize the break while assault squads assail the stronger positions disallowing any form of reparation.

Notable Members

 * Chapter Master Akachi Masego - The reign of Rhino chapter masters tends to be brief - a symptom of their tactical preference. That being said, the current chapter master, Akachi Masego, has reigned for a surprisingly long time. Not for lack of recklessness. In battle Akachi Masego leads from the front in his modified, horned tactical dreadnought armour wielding two unique, master-crafted power swords named Gore and Aegis. The impact of his wrathful charge has broken the lines of lesser races on multiple occasion. But leading from the front has left its mark on Akachi. His body is heavily scarred, his right arm is prosthetic and he only has one eye. It is by the Emperor's divine grace Akachi has lasted this long. But not even the Emperor's divine protection lasts forever - soon he is likely to fall.


 * First-Captain Ekene Folami - Chief among the Rhino captaincy and one of the oldest living Rhinos, Ekene Folami is the right hand of Akachi Masego and captain of the Rhinos' first company. In battle Ekene dons his horned tactical dreadnought armour wielding a chainfist and lightning claw. Like Akachi Masego, Ekene Folami has undergone substantial amounts of prosthesis. Notably Ekene's arms are both bionic, having lost them to the Djin Blade of an Archon of the Severed (to whom he subsequently delivered a fatal headbutt).

Chapter Fleet
The Rhinos, preferring close quarter combat, maintain only a small fleet which they use primarily for transportation from warzone to warzone rather than void war. This fleet is composed of one Battle Barge, four Strike Cruisers and five Rapid Strike Vessels. Each Battle Barge/Strike Cruiser houses up to two companies and the Rapid Strike Vessels are assigned by the war council to where they are needed most.

Known Vessels

 * Radi Hasira (Battle Barge) - Chapter Flagship, meaning "Thundering Wrath".
 * Ivor Kifo (Strike Cruiser) - Meaning, "Ivory Death"
 * Kupenya Pembe (Strike Cruiser) - Meaning, "Penetrating Horn"
 * Chuma Ngozi (Strike Cruiser) - Meaning, "Iron Skin"
 * Yasiyopimika Malipo (Strike Cruiser) - Meaning, "Unceasing Charge"

Allies

 * Angels Mortiferous - Allies of convenience at best, the Rhinos are not too fond of their compatriots. The Angels Mortiferous' pleasure in the heat of melee is antithetical to the Rhinos' chapter culture. The Rhinos seek to temper their wrath, their charges being as cold and calculated as they are direct and brutal. The Angels Mortiferous appear to revel in their wrath, something that seriously unnerves even the most hardened of Rhino veterans.


 * Inquisition - In what has become a strangely rare occurrence, the Rhinos, despite a tenebrous founding involving the Inquisition, actually foster a good relationship with the Inquisition. This is especially the case for the Ordo Xenos on account of the Rhinos' efforts against the threat without. Consequently, the Rhinos are frequently called upon to contribute to the Deathwatch. In fact, the Chapter's Chief Librarian and now Second-Captain both served in the Deatchwatch 1st Company together.

Enemies

 * Dust Lords - The Rhinos are responsible for the somewhat brutal purging of the traitorous Dust Lords homeworld as well as their 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th Companies. Recently the Rhinos have been dispatched alongside the Angels Mortiferous to hunt down and purge what remains of the Dust Lords who are said to be at large on the fringe of the Ghoul Stars.


 * Aeldari - As a consequence of its proximity to both Iyanden and Alaitoc the Rhinos have engaged the Aeldari of both Craftworlds on multiple occasion with mixed outcomes - the preferred tactic of charging headlong into the enemy does not work as effectively against Aeldari as they would hope, a fact which frustrates the Rhinos greatly.


 * Drukhari - To the Rhinos engaging the Dark Eldar is as frustrating as engaging their Craftworld kin for similar reasons - easy, direct combat is infrequent at best.

The Rhinos have regularly assisted in the war effort against Tau expansion.
 * Tau Empire

Notable Quotes
Other users are welcome to leave quotes about The Rhinos chapter by characters of their own devising.

By the Rhinos
"We are as reckless in battle as we are peaceful in seclusion, true. That recklessness makes us a blunt tool of the Emperor's will, true. But we show a ferocity that rivals the Space Wolves and tenacity that rivals the Salamanders - do not underestimate us."

- Akachi Masego, Chapter Master

"I have been the instrument of the Emperor's will for such a long time now that I barely remember losing my arms. In fact, the only part of that encounter I do remember is how soft the skull of an Eldar is."

- Ekene Folami, Captain of the 1st Company

About the Rhinos
"Aside from their damned predictability, our Rhino brethren are powerful close quarters combatants, and I know I would rather not be on the receiving end of one of their deadly charges."

- Lophess Ovair, Obsidian Blades First Captain

"Ha! Another charge! Excellent, awaken the Maulerfiends, we will see how quickly these loyalist bitches can run in the other direction!"

- Krethnan Bloodlord, Draugar Lord of the Eighth Storm, Storm Draugar

"Tactically they are a blunt instrument, they are suitable to make use of in the Omnissiah's name. However, let them not lay claim to any spoils of the war before we have, Only the Great Shalmanzar could navigate their fortress without the aid of scouting devices."

- Archmagos Hammond of Forgeworld Jovia

"Why bother engaging in a war of attrition with the fortified outposts of our former masters with these horned fools around? Let them run headlong into the fortifications whilst we... requisition... anything of value."

- Shas'el Sa'cea Por Or'es, Quartermaster of the Lur'tae'mont Separatists

"Their ways are not our ways, but even among the fearless Astartes the Rhinos possess courage in great abundance."

- Whitney Saltinstall, Chapter Master of the Sinopia Mongooses

"I wouldn't try to make a charging headbutt with a horned helmet. But then I don't have an Astartes tree stump sized neck."

- Douchard Bagge

"The Rhino temperament is... unique. I have spoken to Chapter Master Masego on the eve of battle in the past, at which time he appears to be as calm as the ocean deeps. But this calm hides a destructive, tempestuous wrath that only his enemies have faced - usually right before he gores them with his sword."

- Einar Pisc, Chapter Master of the Swordfish

"Rhinos, huh? Nope, I'm not saying anything. It's too easy."

- Calios Kottel, Lord of the Void Sirens

"The Rhinos live up to their namesake - thick skinned, short-sighted, and always ready to charge. I admire their warrior spirit and would proudly call them rafiq."

- Raqīb Sallah Faisal, Sable Lions Chapter, 5th Kárdake, 1st Tactical Squad

Swordfish
The Swordfish, known formally as the ' The Xiphiidae ', are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter that were created as a part of the ill-fated 21st Founding 'Cursed' Founding. This Chapter is known for their unparalleled skill in subaqueous and void warfare. Records of the discovery of their homeworld, Atanis IV, in 892.M34 are the very first openly accessible official records which refer to the Rhinos Chapter. Alongside the Rhinos and the Angels Mortiferous, the Swordfish are now in pursuit of the traitorous Dust Lords, moving ever deeper into the Ghoul Stars.

The Descent of Rhinos
In 892.M34 the local Imperial worlds began receiving transmissions stating that a mining operation on Atanis IV had discovered vast cities beneath the ocean surface. Cities that appeared to be human. Sent to investigate, the Rhinos, clad in their trademark terminator armour, requisitioned submersible vehicles. They entered the greatest of the Atanian cities with no resistance, a city named Lyonne. Soon thereafter Atanis IV joined the Imperium of Man.

Founding
As word reached Terra of the resilience of Atanis IV’s people it was quickly decided that an Adeptus Astartes chapter should be forged and stationed on Atanis IV. Unfortunately, once the endless bureaucracy involved in this decision had cleared the next founding was the 21st ‘cursed’ founding. Thus far the Swordfish have not suffered from the same bad luck as their founding brethren. Consequently they are considered to be one of the few success stories of the 21 st</sup Founding.

Primogenitor
The primogenitor of the Swordfish is not known. The Administratum have registered them as Iron Hands successors given their innate understanding of technology and use of bionics. However, it is more likely that this is a byproduct of the adaption to their homeworld, Atanis IV, than of Ferrus Manus’ gene seed. Many Imperial citizens believe the Xiphiidae to be descended of Vulkan due to their similar complexion. But, the gene seed implanted in Swordfish space marines does not alter their skin – the population of Atanis IV, their home and sole recruitment world, is predominantly black regardless. Ultimately, none but those of the highest authority know from which of the original eighteen legions the Swordfish are descended.

Atanis IV
Atanis IV is an ocean planet located in the northernmost region of the Segmentum Tempestus, near the outskirts of the Segmentum Solar between Bloodfall, home of the Red Wolves, and Raikan, home of the Red Talons. For a quarter of Atanis IV’s cycle it is an ice giant, with an inhospitable, but habitable landmass. As the long summer approaches Atanis IV melts. A vast acidic ocean home to naught but perilous storms and menacing sea serpents akin to the kraken of Fenris (some speculate that both share a common, possibly Tyranid, ancestor).

As a result of Atanis IV's lack of stable landmass the Imperium overlooked the possibility of human life for a long time. In actuality Atanis IV had a flourishing, submerged human society which had endured since the Age of Strife. The savage nature of the planet produced a hardy, technologically savvy people. However, given the inherent difficulties maintaining a society beneath the ocean's surface the Atanians had not even considered becoming a space faring society once more - continued survival was enough.

Fortress-Monastery
Lyonne is the deep sea Fortress-Monastery of the Swordfish Chapter. It is located on the highest peak beneath Atanis IV's vast ocean surface. Lyonne was originlly the first city of Atanis IV, a magnificent spire-city of silver and reinforced glass built long before Atanis IV joined the Imperium. Since Lyonne's birth many smaller cities have been built nearby, connected with watertight transport pipes. Nevertheless, Lyonne remains the pinnacle of pre-Imperium Atanian achievement.

Combat Doctrine
The Swordfish are fairly unique in their preferred forms of warfare. Generally, the Adeptus Astartes are skilled at void warfare and prepared for subaqueous warfare should the need arise. However, on account of Atanis IV being the sole recruitment world of the Swordfish, the chapter are particularly at home in weightless environments - thriving in both the ocean and the void.

Given that Astartes with skill at subaqueous warfare are few and far between, the Swordfish are called upon to wage subaqueous war more often than void war. This has led the Swordfish to use tactical dreadnought armour and centurion armour more often than the average Space Marine chapter - these hardened armours being necessary protection against the high pressure of the ocean deeps.

Chapter Fleet
The Swordfish maintain one of the larger fleets in the Adeptus Astartes. It is composed of one Battle Barge, nine Strike Cruisers, and twenty Rapid Strike Vessels. Notably, the Swordfish fleet is large enough and organized in such a way that each company is granted a Battle Barge/Strike Cruiser and two Rapid Strike Vessels.

Known Vessels

 * Xiphias Gladius (Battle Barge) - Chapter Flagship, First Company.
 * Piscis Sicarii (Unknown Class) - Rapid strike vessel First Company
 * Piscis Atanis (Unknown Class) - Rapid Strike Vessel, First Company.
 * Relentless Cascade (Strike Cruiser) - Second Company vessel.
 * Trident of Atanis (Strike Cruiser) - Third Company vessel.
 * Tsunami Redoubt (Strike Cruiser) - Sixth Company vessel.

Allies

 * Rhinos - The chapter who rediscovered the humans of Atanis IV, the Swordfish have a special bond with the Rhinos. The people of Atanis IV are raised hearing the tales of the gray, stoic demi-gods who brought the Emperor's light back to Atanis IV. As such, Swordfish astartes have a tendency to admire astartes of the Rhinos chapter, seeking their advice and guidance. In fact, one of the closest confidants of Einar Pisc, the current Chapter Master of the Swordfish, is Akachi Masego, the current Chapter Master of the Rhinos.


 * Angels Mortiferous - Following the biased advice of the Rhinos, the Swordfish tend to avoid the Angels Mortiferous where possible. That being said, this is mainly a diplomatic move to ensure the strong ties between the Rhinos and the Swordfish remain as such. After all, the bad blood between the Rhinos and the Angels Mortiferous is well known.

Enemies

 * Dust Lords - As of 999.M41, the Swordfish, the Rhinos and the Angels Mortiferous have been requisitioned by Inquisitor Lucretia Winters to hunt down the Dust Lords, who went rogue at the edge of the ghoul stars, murdering hundreds of civilians at an outpost to satisfy their new chaotic patron. The Swordfish also participated in the destruction of ++deleted from imperial records++, the Dust Lords homeworld, alongside the Rhinos. The Angels Mortiferous had not been requisitioned at this point.