Flesh Rippers

The Flesh Rippers are an infamous Loyalist Chapter of unknown origin and Founding, said to be created in the early years of the 34th Millennium, though there is some conflicting evidence on this in the Imperial records, with some reference to the Chapter existing as early as the 32nd Millennium. This discrepancy has not yet been reconciled and apart from several fragmentary accounts nothing indicated that they even existed. This rather optimistic view was shattered once the Flesh Rippers returned to the greater Imperium during the Centurion War.

This Chapter is suspected, due to its name its tendency to fall into a berserk fury during battle to be descended from the Blood Angels. Others have claimed a link to the World Eaters Traitor Legion. Whatever their origins, the Flesh Rippers are bloody handed monsters - vicious and violent beyond what is expected even of Astartes and when thay are unleashed into battle, the Chapter Astartes fight with almost gleeful savagery, tearing apart whatever enemy they are given to fight without mercy or falter, heedless of the risk and uncaring of the Chapters own losses. They are Loyalists of the Emperor of Mankind though the significant evidence of major genetic flaws has led to their investigation on charges of heresy by the Inquisition.

They have been cleared of suspicion at present but the calls for them to be declared Excommunicate Traitoris have increased in recent years. Interestingly, since their return they have been witnessed on several occasions to operate alongside the Charnel Brethren, Corvus Legion and the Skull Reapers - chapters of Blood Angels, Raven Guard and Iron Hands descent. What reasons for this, are unknown.

History
The Flesh Rippers are a relatively unknown Chapter having spent much of their history seemingly outside of the the greater Imperium. The reasons why are very much unknown to many, but during the Centurion War it soon became apparent that the Flesh Rippers were a Chapter unlike many others. While other Chapters may maintain a facade of humanity despite their transhuman state the Flesh Rippers are utterly divorced from the humans they once were. Whatever gene-seed was used in their creation has turned them into inhuman monsters who live only for the thrill of battle and the slaying of their enemies. Imperial commanders have found out, to their cost, that for the Flesh Rippers even their supposed allies can become victims of their unrestrained violence.

The exact origins of this infamous Chapter are hard to pinpoint in Imperial archives as the Flesh Rippers have left very few records of their activities. The few records that are available give this Chapter differences in name or title, such as the Death Ravens or Raptor Legion but all the accounts are consistent on certain similarities of iconography and operation, and in their description of the Flesh Rippers bestial savagery in combat and when thay are unleashed into battle, the Chapter Astartes fight with almost gleeful savagery, tearing apart whatever enemy they are given to fight without mercy or falter, heedless of the risk and uncaring of the Chapters own losses

The only other tantalizing clues to this Chapter’s origins can be offered up by those few Imperial servants who have had the dubious honour of encountering the enigmatic Flesh Rippers in the flesh. For the most part, these individuals have been those despatched to explore the outermost bounds of the galaxy: Explorators, Rogue Traders, and the like. However, beyond these rare encounters recorded in various fragmentary Imperial data-vaults, the only information forthcoming on the Flesh Rippers is the stories of their often bloody deeds across the galaxy.

Noctis Aeterna
During this dark period the hopes of trillions was reignited with the return of one of the Emperor's loyal sons - the Primarch of the Ultramarines - Roboute Guilliman, and he brought with him the fruits of 10,000 years of research and labour - the Primaris Space Marines. Hearing of this momentous event the Flesh Rippers, Corvus Legion and the Skull Reapers returned from the void where they had fought the enemies of Mankind for many years and swore to serve the son of the Emperor in perpetuity. Soon Primaris Astartes were serving alongside their elder brethren with distinction, but unlike many other Chapters that received full grown and battle-hardened Primaris, the lesh Rippers instead received the technology and knowledge to create their own Primaris Space Marines.

The wargear to arm these formidable warriors was also received including 500 suits of Mk X Power Armour in their various Patterns, Hundreds of Cawl and Belisarius Pattern Weapons, four Redemptor Dreadnoughts Chassis, 2 Overlord Gunships and two Repulser Grav Tanks, all of which aside from High Librarian Vorias have been assigned to the newly raised 12th Company. Thanks to this great fortune the Flesh Rippers now prosecute their wars with even greater vigour. The numbers of Primaris Astartes currently serving are unknown but during the battles of the Indomitus Crusade they were able to field an entire company. Despite these advances the Flesh Rippers Primaris Astartes have witnessed to also be afflicted with the same gene-seed flaws as the rest of their brothers and just as aggressive and unhinged as the rest of the Chapter, some have even been inducted into the Crimson Brethren. What other flaws may manifest in the future is unknown.

Notable Campaigns

 * The Pentarchy of Blood (860-940.M33) - During the dark and bloody episode of Imperial history known as the War of the False Primarch which plunged the Segmentum Pacificus into anarchy and is now largely lost to myth and purged from the Imperial record, the Pentarchy of Blood was convened by the High Lords of Terra to enact their judgement. Five Chapters, the Carcharodons, the Charnel Guard, the Death Eagles, the Flesh Eaters and the Red Talons are used to systematically destroy eleven Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes judged Traitoris Perdita and lay waste to their homeworlds, finally drawing the eight decade conflict to a close. Although the Flesh Rippers are not Listed in the Order of Battle there is an Imperial Report of an Astartes Chapter in black and red battle plate with a monstrous jaw insignia and carrying chain-axes that were attached with chains, brutally destroying one of the Traitor Chapters. An Imperial Navy witness reported that the unknown Chapter disregarded any form of bombardment and launched the entire Chapter in a massive drop assault against the fortress-monastery. In the battle's aftermath, the Imperial Navy and Imperial Guard reinforcements claimed that the inside of the fortress was filled with the dismembered and mangled corpses of the defenders with wrecked and destroyed bits of power armour scattered about the halls, and that almost all of the Traitor Marines were missing their heads. It was an absolute slaughter, the fortress having been transformed into an abattoir of human blood. Although not confirmed to be the Flesh Rippers, the similarities and the Chapter's known violent history seems to indicate that this is the first known reference to them.


 * The Centurion War (931-954.M41) - The Chapter's first confirmed appearance is in the works of the field notary Ciaphis Quilp, in his account of the Centurion War. Sometime during 940.M41 as the war finally began to turn in favour of Imperial forces Lord Commander Corvo (Chapter Master of the Ash Scorpions) was informed by his Chief Librarian that a significant force was making their way through the Warp and break into realspace behind Corvo's main force. Fearing that it was secessionists he removed his entire chapter from the fighting against the Knights of Guilliman and prepared for arrival of this unknown force, what emerged from the warp was not what Corvo had expected. A full Astartes Chapter had arrived, this new Chapter immediately began broadcasting that they were friendly and even lowered their shields to show peaceful intent, they offered a parley on the nearby world. Leading a single squad Corvo met with these unknowns and through he was wary of them his Chief Librarian stated that he believed that they were not followers of the Dark Gods but nor could he certain they were followers of the Imperium. The unknown Astartes introduced themselves as the Flesh Rippers, a name Corvo dimly recalled hearing before, and their leader named himself Captain Moloch of the 10th Company. He told Corvo that the Blood Reaver would only talk through him. Over the course of several hours the two parties conversed until finally Corvo was convinced that the Flesh Rippers were true to the Emperor at least, and so, with some reservations he allowed them into his order of battle. Following this meeting, Blood Reaver Erhlen leads the entire Chapter against the Knights of Guilliman on their Homeworld of Jorvick. The Secessionist Chapter defended their Fortress-Monastery in the North of the World. The Flesh Rippers were supported by Imperial Guard Units as well as two Titans deployed in support. Astartes support came in the form of the Salamanders, but Blood Reaver Erhlen would not wait for the Salamanders to arrive, and so, the Flesh Rippers launched their attack using Drop Pods and Thunderhawks. This resulted in the destruction of Secessionist forces for the loss of 374 Flesh Rippers. Following the battle, the Flesh Rippers rejoined the main Imperial Force, and for the next two years, they were used as a spearhead by Lord Corvo. In 942.M41, the Flesh Rippers broke away from the main force to travel to an Imperial World far away from the Centurion Cluster, and for reasons known only to themselves, launched an all-out assault against the world, and soon fighting raged across the world as the Flesh Rippers lost what little control they had. They proceeded to systematically slaughter almost all the world's entire population over the course of a single day. Why they attacked this world is unknown, and the Flesh Rippers have refused to even discuss the attack, leaving only the vid-captures, pict-Logs and the horrified and traumatized survivors as evidence. Further investigation showed that thousands of young men were missing, and Imperial scholars believe that they were taken as future recruits by the Flesh Rippers. Following this devastating attack, the Flesh Rippers retired from the war for reasons unknown, and aside from a single Strike Cruiser that attended the hearings at Lycan and various reports from other Chapters including the infamous attack's on Hel and Teutoburg, they have not been seen since...
 * The Teutoberg War (100.M42) - In the aftermath of the Great Rift many worlds fell to infighting and anarchy as insurrections and outright rebellion swept across the Galaxy, the system of Teutoberg fell to rebellion in 099.M42 and the call was sent, the Adepta Sororitas Order of the Emperor Resplendent responded in kind along with four Chapters of Astartes and 14 Regiments of the Astra Militarum. The Order sent seven whole companies of Battle-Sisters to assist the beleaguered system. In one notable incident during the brutal campaign, the Order found themselves fighting alongside the the Astra Militarum on Teutoburg VI as well as the notorious Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren Space Marine Chapter, who had appeared and joined the war. Also serving were the Skull Reapers and Corvus Legion Chapters. The Blood Reaver Erhlen denied Canoness Anastasia any tactical counsel whatsoever and even refused to meet with her. Talks between the two Imperial forces was conducted by the Captain of the 6th Company of the Charnel Brethren, Blood Captain Gideon. After nearly 2 century's leading her Sisters to war, occasionally alongside Space Marine Chapters, this treatment came as no surprise. But the Order's main grievance was with the way the 2 of the Chapter's conducted themselves during the ensuing battle. The Battle-Sisters struck the massive Traitor army as it changed positions from shelling the main Defences of Gaius City, to occupying the settlement. Battered by three days' bombardment, the loyalist population of Gaius City had dug underground and, under the careful ministrations of the Order's Sisters Superior and the Sergeants of the Astra Militarum, were determined to form an ad hoc militia to defend their homes, alongside them stood the Adeptus Sororitas and 8 full regiments of the Astra Militarum. The Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren launched their attack on the Traitor column when it was approximately one Imperial mile from Gaius City and, hitting the Traitors in the rear and flanks, they drove the disorganised enemy into the Battle-Sisters' and Guardsmens' waiting guns. Caught between Battle-Sisters and Space Marines, thousands were slaughtered, with the survivors mounting their vehicles to escape with all haste. The Sisters first noticed something was very wrong when the Traitors began pouring towards the Imperial line. Cannoness Anastasia saw in the faces of the soldiers, absolute terror, and they displayed no fear of the massed guns of the Imperial Forces, only a desire get away from the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren, who apparently driven mad by some kind of battle-frenzy, crashed into the Traitors rear ranks, just as the first soldiers reached the loyalist Astra Militarum's lines. The crazed Space Marines fell upon the Traitors in an orgy of bloodletting. Many Astartes had removed their helmets, and eschewing the use of pistols and other ranged weapons, set about the soldiers with chainsword, chain-axe, combat knife and even their own teeth. Cannoness Anastasia witnessed in mute horror, Astartes ripping out the throats of men with their bared teeth. The raw fury and love of carnage she saw in their faces, as they literally tore the enemy apart, made her shudder in fear. The traitor forces were annihilated within minutes of the Space Marines' brutal attack, but the small number of the enemy were simply not enough for the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren, who by now seemed to have been driven into a fever pitch of absolute bloodlust. With no more traitors for them to butcher, they scrambled over the breastworks of the Astra Militarum and Militia and smashed into their line. Properly driven into a true battle frenzy now, the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren performed acts of the most debauched nature, in the name of violence.Every guardsmen they found, fell beneath their blades. Even though they were allies, none were spared by the Marines crazed attack, Men, women and youths, all fell beneath their blades. The old, the infirm, none were spared the Marines crazed attack. The Canoness later reported that she had personally witnessed cannibalistic acts committed by the frenzied Marines. She ordered a hasty withdrawal of her Sisters from the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren with all haste, before they reached their positions. The Canoness later reported the incident to the Inquisition. Her report stated that both the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren were unstable beyond redemption and that they were not fit for duty anywhere within their mighty Imperium. The Canononess firmly believed that it was evident that the Flesh Rippers and Charnel Brethren had devolved far beyond any point reached by a loyalist Chapter and requested their immediate destruction. The Corvus Legion and Skull Reapers were spared a request for their destruction. The current whereabouts and operational activities of the Flesh Rippers remain unknown but reports from the fringes of Imperial Space have begun filtering back of excessive casualties in tactic-less displays of horde warfare and their are even reports that the Flesh Rippers' Imperial allies have sometimes become subject to the Flesh Rippers' fury even as as world after world falls to their savage berserker fury.
 * Shadow War on Teutoberg (100.M42) -  The event that became known in Imperial records as the Shadow War was fought in 100.M42 during the Teutoberg Campaign. The wreckage the massive Hive Corinium was was located in the dust wastes of the forlorn world of Teutoberg VI. Within the Hive was a nightmarish scene of carnage and destruction rarely witnessed before by men. A bloody battle had been fought between four Chapter-sized forces of Space Marines from the Corvus Legion, Skull Reapers, Charnel Brethren and Flesh Rippers against the Heretic Astartes of the Night Lords 38th Company, Alpha Legion and the World Eaters. These seven forces, infamous for their savagery and unyielding stances towards their foes, had fought each other to a bloody standstill. The base around them was ripped apart and many of the bodies of both sides showed signs of having fought on despite suffering horrendous wounds, severed limbs and massive trauma that should have felled even an Astartes, and several were found locked in deathly, gore-splattered embraces, striking at their foes with their last ebbing strength. The Loyalist soon departed taking their dead with them while the Traitors were left to rot. a testament to the hatred that existed between them.
 * Slaughter of Hel (111.M42) - The first to suffer the Wrath of the Flesh Rippers following Uric Draf's elevation to Chapter Master was the world of Hel. Following the formation of the Great Rift, heretics from the Traitor Legions and Renegade Chapters had emerged from their hiding places to ravage the Galaxy, Hel itself had fallen to the dreaded Night Lords and World Eaters Traitor Legion's and the Blood Reaver was determined to utterly destroy them. Arriving in orbit Flesh Rippers' fleet opened fire on the Traitors, and soon, a great battle raged in orbit as the Traitors mortal allies fought back. Smashing through the Traitor Line, the Flesh Rippers launched their entire Chapter in a massive assault against the world of Hel where over a thousand World Eaters and Night Lords waited for them. Hundreds of drop pods and gunships roared through the atmosphere crashing into the ground outside the walls of the Citadel of Blood. Led by their Chapter Master, the Flesh Rippers erupted from their drop pods and thunderhawk gunship and without heeding injury or loss, they hurled themselves at the walls smashing through the Night Lords' line in a seemingly overwhelming desire to get to grips with the World Eaters who leapt to meet them, matching the Flesh Rippers' pure fury with pure fury of their own. For nine blood-drenched hours, the two sides fought in the most vicious fighting imaginable, until finally a ramp of corpses led up to a single breach in the wall, and the blood-maddened warriors of the Flesh Rippers plunged in. Filled with rage, they were merciless, the Blood Reaver in particular seemed utterly determined to destroy the entirety of the World Eaters host. By the time the Doom Legion, who had also answered the call, arrived the battle was over, the World Eaters had been utterly annihilated and their Night Lord allies scattered to the wind. The inside of the fortress was a slaughter house, filled with the dismembered and mangled corpses of the Traitors, for not one soul had been spared from the fury of the Flesh Rippers, the Doom Legion were shocked at the utter hatred for their foes displayed by Flesh Rippers, many of the bodies of both sides showed signs of having fought on despite suffering horrendous wounds, severed limbs and massive trauma that should have felled even an Astartes and several were found locked in deathly, gore-splattered embraces, striking at their foes with their last ebbing strength, It was an absolute slaughter, the fortress having been transformed into a blood-soaked charnel house. Determining their work done and taking only their dead and wounded with them the Flesh Rippers left, to visit their wrath upon another.

Chapter Homeworld
The fragmentary records of the Flesh Rippers indicate that the Chapter has no set homeworld. This is not uncommon for Space Marine Chapters; the renowned Black Templars Chapter, for example, operates solely from its substantial warfleet as part of a perpetual Imperial Crusade. However, the Flesh Rippers do not appear to follow the Crusade Chapter pattern of operations, relying instead on a much rarer operational strategy known as the "Nomad-Predation" pattern. The Nomad-Predation pattern evolved in use by Space Marine Chapters and certain Rogue Trader fleets operating beyond the Imperium's boundaries for extended periods of time. It refers to an entirely self-contained force that can sustain itself without any Imperial support whatsoever. A Nomad-Predation fleet may contain as many support vessels as true warships, or it may contain voidships capable of both combat and maintenance repairs. This second possibility may be more likely in the case of the Flesh Rippers; given the bellicose Chapter's propensity for combat, it seems unlikely they would tolerate vessels in their fleet's ranks that could not hold their own on the battle line.

A Nomad-Predation fleet voyages endlessly, pausing only to identify and engage its foes. Unlike other Nomad Chapters who must select their foes carefulley in order to preserve the Chapters fightig capability the Flesh Rippes will attack any and all foes they encounter and do not seem to care about the possibility that the Chapter may be wrecked, only that the enemy knows that it will never be able to escape the Emperors wrath. Once it selects its victims, it will descend upon them quickly and savagely, engaging and systematically destroying all threats that are encounterd in a whirlwind of gore The fleet obtains resources from the vanquished foe before vanishing back into the void, to visit its wrath upon another.

Though one cannot be certain that this is the means by which the Flesh Rippers operate, the tactics do seem to perfectly fit their observed behaviour. If this is the case, the Flesh Rippers most likely replenish their ranks in the same manner as other Chapters that follow the Nomad-Predation pattern. Namely, they cull potential Initiates from amongst the young of the survivors of their assaults, provided those survivors are human and free of the corrupting influence of the Warp. This culling for potential Aspirants is known amongst the Flesh Rippers as a  Blood Tithe. These Initiates must be subjected to intensive hypno-conditioning and other harsh procedures designed to strip away any past loyalty, replacing it with the will and attitudes of the Flesh Rippers.

Chapter Beliefs
Despite their long isolation from the Imperium, the Chapter and its Battle-Brothers seem deeply loyal. All of the Flesh Rippers encountered have shown a seemingly overwhelming desire to serve the Emperor and have dedicated themselves to destroying his enemies wherever they can be found.

As the Blood Rage continues to consume its membership, the leaders of the Flesh Rippers have come to the inescapable conclusion that their beloved Chapter may be doomed to eventual disintegration. They continue to seek a cure for this curse, but some consider their eventual depletion inescapable. Some among the leadership have begun to embrace the notion that if they cannot continue then their best approach is to make certain that they leave a bold legacy in keeping with the Chapter's proud traditions.

Most vital to these traditions is the way that they embrace savagery in combat. This is likely a combination of their susceptibility towards the Blood Rage as well as theier supposed primogenitors the Blood Angels' tradition of excellence in assault actions. Despite the many millenia they have spent on the void the Flesh Rippers proudly exhibited this preference. For the thier survival in the face of the vois endless terrors requires an ability to overcome even the most extreme odds through constant warfare. The Flesh Rippers have a long tradition of attempting to honour the memory of ages past by fulfilling their Primarch's and the Emperor's wish for a galaxy under complete Imperial Compliance. In many instances, the only way the Chapter had a reasonable chance to achieve victory is by taking the most extreme of actions against its opponents. There are very few known instances where Flesh Rippers commanders ever hesitated to unleash weapons of cataclysmic proportions.

With each battle won, Battle-Brothers of the Flesh Rippers Chapter feel confident that their Primarch's legend has been preserved. This serves as the most effective method of preserving his glory as well as that of the Legion he once led. In many cases, the worlds targeted by the Chapter have strayed in some significant way from the Imperium. It is these conflicts that offer the greatest temptation for Flesh Rippers to fully engage their thirst for savagery. Those who show any taint of heresy, or who even choose to ally themselves, however briefly, with Heretics, are targeted for purging. In some instances, purges have continued well beyond a reasonable level, as Battle-Brothers of the Chapter continued their acts of savage brutality long after any justifiable conflict had been completed.

For many Flesh Rippers Space Marines, such frenzied battles represent a very real warning of the doom that encroaches upon their minds. With each period of savagery, their chance to return to a more normal state of consciousness can become increasingly difficult. This represents a very real sign to these Battle-Brothers that their final emotional and mental collapse approaches them.

Chapter Traditions

 * Head Taking - One of the most inhuman traditions of the Flesh Rippers is the practice of removing the head of fallen foes although for what reason imperial scholars are at a loss. Many believe that it is simply a rather macabre way of determing enemy casualties
 * Gladiatorial Combat - Since their return, a few imperial forces have had the dubious honour of being allowed to witness another of the Flesh Rippers' traditions, that of Gladiatorial Combat which takes place in specially designed pits in the depths of the Death's Herald, known as the Blood Pits. When the Flesh Rippers Battle-Brothers have a disagreement many choose to settle their problems in these pits. Two combatants will enter naked, save for a loincloth, and be chained together where they fight until first blood is drawn, or in some cases, results in death.
 * Binding Weapons - The Flesh Rippers have also been known to bind their weapons to themselves by using large dense black chains, removing them only once victory is achieve, much in the same way as the Astartes of the Black Templars.

Chapter Gene-Seed
Nobody knows what Primarch’s gene-seed led to the creation of the Flesh Rippers and the Flesh Rippers themselves have never revealed anything about themselves. A Deathwatch Apothecary reportedly examined a corpse said to have been from the Flesh Rippers and interestingly, the gene-seed bore several markers reminiscent of both the Raven Guard and Blood Angels bloodline. These markers are uncommon, and a link to either Raven Guard or the Blood Angels would explain several other details about the Flesh Rippers as well. However, apart from those few similarities to Raven Guard and Blood Angels gene-seed the Flesh Rippers gene-seed is so different in other aspects that it is unlikely that they are descended from either Chapter. Due to their brutal nature and close-combat prowess there have been some Imperial scholars that have claimed that they are somehow connected to the World Eaters, but that is clearly impossible and most think it is just a rumor, albeit a rumor that has increasing evidence supporting it.

Further light was shed on their origin in the aftermath of the Centurion War when the Knights of Guilliman were brought to trial by a conclave of Chapter Masters whose Chapters had not fought in the conflict, presided over by the master of the Ultramarines, Marneus Calgar. During the trial only a single Astartes from the Flesh Rippers attended, Captain Moloch with a single Strike Cruiser in orbit over Lycan. After the trial was over, Lord Calgar attempted to communicate with Lord Erhlen over a secure vox channel, but was met with only silence until Calgar accused the Flesh Rippers of being no better than the Traitor Legions, to which Lord Erhlen replied with the following, "Who are you to judge us? Those of our blood stood alongside the Emperor on Terra, while yours hid until it was over." This statement seems to rule out the Raven Guard as they did not fight on Terra but gives further credence to the Blood Angels. The Imperial Fists and White Scars are not thought to be the origin of the Chapter as the Flesh Rippers have use of the Betcher's Gland and Sus-an Membrane and the Imperial Fists do not. The Deathwatch Apothecary who examined the Flesh Rippers' gene-seed was from the White Scars Chapter and he noted no similarities between his own gene-seed and the ones he examined. No other Loyalist Legions fought on Terra, and so, if the statement is true then the Flesh Rippers must be descended from Sanguinius unless the rumours of a Traitor Legion origin are found to have merit.

All have greyish, pale skin with an almost deathlike pallor and jet black eyes. Rather unusually, when seen un-helmeted most battle-brothers seem to have some sort of bionic implanted into their skulls. No imperial scholars have found any evidence of its origin or function and it seems to be unique to the Flesh Rippers. Whichever Primarch the Flesh Rippers are descended from, the gene-seed of the Chapter has clearly affected these Astartes at a mental level. Simply put, the Space Marines of the Flesh Rippers have a physical need to shed blood and kill - a driving imperative that sends them into a berserk fury of unrestrained bloodthirsty psychosis. Despite the absence of irrefutable evidence there is clearly several major flaws in the Flesh Rippers' gene-seed, which will only increase over the next few years, many think the Chapter is living on borrowed time and that their end is nigh. Whether that end is to be declared Excommunicate Traitoris and be destroyed, or to turn Traitor and fall to Chaos is unknown.

Primarch's Curse: Unending Rage
When the Chapter's genetic curse manifests itself in an affected Battle-Brother, it comes on in three stages:

Stage 1 - Extreme Frenzy: The Battle-Brother completely loses control when he frenzies and finds it almost impossible to claw his way back to reason as long as there are foes to fight and blades drawn. Even when foes are not near, the madness of Frenzy grips him and he rages endlessly for battle and blood, howling out his anger and striking the ground with his blade. The Battle-Brother must take care, lest he lose control at any moment. Any time the Battle-Brother takes damage, is confronted with a clear threat, or is put in position of great stress, he must summon all his willpower in order to contain his fury for the duration of an encounter with an enemy.

Stage 2 - Blood Madness: The Flesh Rippers thirst for the blood of their foes when in the grips of the Blood Rage and long to see it spilled across the ground in great arcs and gouts. They also crave the feeling of hot blood on their skin and splattering across their armour, staining the dark red battle-plate a darker shade still. The Battle-Brother must engage foes in close combat if possible, either making melee attacks against them or shooting point black with pistols so that their blood spills at his feet. When he downs a foe, he must resist the urge to hack or blast the foe's corpse apart. If the Battle-Brother is attacked by a new foe while he is in this state while hacking at another foe, he will turn his attention to his new attacker instead.

Stage 3 - Animal Within: Near the end, a Flesh Ripper is little more than an animal filled with fury and madness striking out at all those around him. While he may still have lucid moments where he remembers the warrior he once was, these are fleeting and quickly gone to be replaced with only the thought of killing and the thirst for blood, and he will attack the nearest target (friend or foe) if there is more than one to choose from. At this point, the Battle-Brother is completely within the grip of the Blood Rage and must be transferred to the Crimson Brethren.

Chapter Organisation
As previously mentioned, what few Imperial records exist about the Flesh Rippers suggest they are entirely fleet-based, which in turn would suggest they have fundamental differences from most, more conventional, Space Marine Chapters. Their long isolation may also have an effect on the Chapter's wargear. The few starships observed to be serving the Flesh Rippers are wildly different in the era of their construction, indicating the Chapter likely makes use of whatever vessels it can find, and performs extensive modifications and repairs in order to keep them sailing as long as possible. Vehicles with the exception of transports are used sparingly and while transports and battle tanks are allocated to individual companys while maintaining a reserve at the Chapter level, air assets are spread across the fleet to support the Companys assigned to individual Ships. The Flesh Rippers are a dedicated assault force and are almost exclusively comprised of Assault Squads that deploy with Jump Packs or in transports. Tactical Squads operate much in the same way, often deploying by armoured transports or gunships, and even when they don't they will charge across the battlefield in order to engage the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The Death Ravens also contains no Devastator Squads, as the few heavy weapons the Flesh Rippers possess are distributed amongst the various squads, and those few are invariably anti-infantry such as Heavy Bolters and Flamers. But even amongst their tactical units, heavy weapons are often left behind, as many sergeants are reluctant to hold their units at range long enough for the weapons to be used effectively, besides which the sergeants are often the first into the fray anyway. Indiviual Companys are assigned their own vessels with the 1st, 3rd and 4th Companys garrising the Chapter Flagship the Death's Herald, the 12th, 11th and 5th the Herald of Blood, 5 of the remaining 6 Battle Companys garrison their own Strike Cruiser while the 10th Company have been given the singular honour of garrising the Chapters Forge Ship, the means with which the Chapter can wage war.

Their Elite Veteran Assault Squads of the 1st company are known as Ravager Squads. Ravager Squads are Berserker assault units composed of the most savage and bloodthirsty killers in a Chapter comprised of savage and bloodthirsty killers that are deemed just too unstable and insane to serve in a regular Company. Within these units their are even Marines that are too far gone to be anything but restrained between battles and are informally known as the Crimson Brethren, these Elite units are akin to the Death Company of the Blood Angels, It should be noted that all members of the first Company are just one step away from joining these psychopathic Marines which provides an Endless Supply of new members for the Brethren.

Their Veteran Sternguard squads are also Assault Squads but equipped with Boltguns rather than Bolt Pistols and close-combat weapons. The Battle-Brothers of the Battle Company's are no less Bloodthirsty but are simply those that manage to focus their desire for berserk slaughter through martial discipline, mastering a variety of macabre and savage weapons.

Specialist Ranks
The Flesh Rippers order of battle contains several officer positions not present in other Space Marine Chapters:


 * Blood Reaver (Chapter Master)
 * Blood Captain (Captain)
 * Reaper Prime' - A Reaper Prime is an additional title given to a Company Master. Beyond the Captaincy of their own company, it is their job to ensure the Chapter is constantly supplied with fresh Aspirants, normally achieved during the "Blood Tithes," when they return to the Imperium and descend on an Imperial world to harvest the population for Chapter Serfs and potential Aspirants.
 * Harvester Prime - A Harvester Prime is an additional title that is also given to a Company Master. It is their duty to seek out archeotech and lost technology on the isolated worlds that lie in the outer dark. This acquisition of technology is achieved during a so-called "Tech Tithe,".
 * Blood Chaplain (Chaplain)
 * Blood Sergeant (Sergeant)
 * Brother of the Blood (Battle-Brother)

Specialist Formations

 * Ravager Squad (Veteran Assault Marines) - Ravager Squads are Berserker assault units composed of the most savage and bloodthirsty killers in a Chapter comprised of savage and bloodthirsty killers that are deemed just too unstable and insane to serve in a regular Company.
 * Crimson Brethren - Frothing Psychopathic Berzerkers that have fallen so far to the Blood Rage that they must be chained up when not in battle, clad in Ancient MKII and MKIII Battle-Plate they are unleashed on whatever enemy the Blood Reaver decrees.

Order of Battle ca.111.M42
The following is the disposition of the Flesh Rippers Chapter organization during the Slaughter of Hel, ca. 111.M42:

Blood Tithes
It is the duty of a Flesh Rippers Reaper Prime, beyond the duties of the Captaincy of their company, to ensure that the Chapter is constantly supplied with fresh Aspirants. This was normally achieved during the so-called Blood Tithes" when they return to the Imperium and descend on an Imperial world to harvest the population. There has been some circumstantial evidence that there may be psychological screening which is used to single out the most inherently aggressive and competitive recruits in an experimental pre-selection program The vast majority of those taken would go on to become slaves and serf labourers in the Chapter's great fleet, providing the means by which the Flesh Rippers could continue to function in exile. Those of the right age and temperament, however, would undertake the trials. Few survive the brutal training and gladiatorial fights in the blood pits but those that do are gifted with the Ancient Armour of a fallen Battle-Brother and welcomed into the ranks of a Battle Company as a full Battle-Brother. For the Flesh Rippers, no Astartes is a Neophyte, instead each new man has been accepted into their ranks as a full Initiate and for them a lifetime of service to Emperor awaits. Some Initiates will even fall to the Blood Rage before joining a Battle Company, for these unfortunates the only option is to be inducted into the Crimson Brethren where their Berzerker Fury will be unleashed on whatever enemy the Blood Reaver decrees.

Tech Tithes
It is the duty of a Flesh Rippers Harvester Prime, beyond the duties of the Captaincy of their company, to ensure that the Chapter is constantly supplied with arms and equipment. They are also responsible for seeking out ancient archeotech on long-lost worlds that lie within the vast void. This acquisition of technology is known as a "Tech Tithe." Unlike some other Chapters it is not known if they share the technology they discover with rest of the Imperium. One of the pieces of technology believed to have been discovered are the implants that are given to all Battle-Brothers that have proven themselves in battle.

Chapter Serfs
Like other Chapters, the Flesh Rippers possess an extensive support personnel comprised of thousands of Chapter Serfs as well as mindless servitors who are failed Aspirants given a second chance to serve the Chapter by crewing one of the Chapter's vessels in the Chapter Fleet.  As stated before, most servitors are failed Aspirants,  and the chapter serfs are made up of mortal men and women, some are rescued humans who have sworn themselves to the Chapter whilst others are serfs who were born into their status as the child of Chapter Serfs. These serfs are fanatically loyal to their transhuman masters, and indoctrinated into many of the lesser orders of the Chapter's Cult. Although human, they still benefit from remarkable training and access to superior weaponry, and this makes them a formidable foe in defence of their chapter's Barque and in ship-to-ship boarding actions, even without the support of their genetically modified lords.Such is the reduced number of Battle Brothers these support personnel make up the majority of the Chapters ship crews as well overseeing other menial tasks that are beneath the notice of their Superhuman masters. Each individual Battle Brother is assigned 3 serfs who act to assist their master in his daily tasks although it is very rare for the number of serfs to actually reach the numbers required, much prestige is attached to those chapter serfs who are assigned to high ranking Battle Brothers and the de facto leader of the Chapter serfs is assigned to serve the Blood Reaver himself and is known as the Ordinator of the House, the currant ordinator is Lotora Spika but this role is often a thankless task as the she has to tread lightly not enrage the Blood Reaver and is constantly caught between between avoiding his uncontrollable fury and the performance of her duties whilst always making sure she measures her words when conversing with the rage-fuelled Blood Reaver. Naturally those unfortunate's who inducted into the Crimson Brethren no longer have these serfs assigned as it would be simply too dangerous for them to get within arms reach of these bloodcrazed marines but even those assigned to other battle brothers has to make sure they are constantly alert lest they become just another victim of the Flesh Rippers uncontrollable fury.

Chapter Equipment
Using pict-log and video-captures from the Centurion and Teutobourg campaigns, Imperial scholars were able to determine much about the Flesh Rippers appearance and weaponry. Armour is of ancient design, in fact, no marks of armour more recent than the MK VI have been observed. It also seems to be highly personalised, as no two Battle-Brothers' armour looks alike. Small tokens shaped as blood drops adorn the plates while many Blood Brothers incorperate spikes into the shoulder pads and gauntlets and vambraces so that thier armour itself can be turned into a weapon. Some Battle-Brothers wear a fully black-coloured helm rather than the black and red of other Battle-Brothers. This is often combined with red striations on the helm or a bloody hand print on the face, although the reasons for these honour markings is unknown. Red "tears" (more likely blood drops) painted beneath the eye lenses on a helm are thought to denote an Astartes' ritual scarification and kill tally marks are often carved into a vambrace or a warrior's individual weapon. A "blood-drop" decoration on a vambrace accorded an individual warrior status as having killed a fellow Flesh Rippers of higher rank in a sanctioned arena duel. Of the armour observed, the MK V Hersey Pattern is by far the most used. Vehicles often have the same decoration but some, Dreadnoughts especially, have script in an unknown language carved into the ceramite. Weaponry is also of an ancient design with the Umbra Pattern bolter the norm, but Tigrus and Phobos Patterns have also been observed. The Flesh Rippers have also seen to extensively using Chainaxes.

Flesh Rippers Librarians
Unlike many of their fellow Chapters, the Flesh Rippers have never been observed making use of Librarians within their ranks, all this changed with the arrival of the Primaris Astartes and now the Flesh Rippers now count these immensely powerful pyskers amongst their ranks, however only 2 Primaris Librarians have been recruited, the High Librarian and the 12th Company Librarian with the remainder Astartes if the old type. Despite their acceptance the Flesh Rippers are careful to ensure that the Gene-Seed taken from these Brothers of the Blood are only implated in pysker recruits thus saving the rest of the Chapter from any unwanted mutations. They also make use of 2 unique powers in addition to those used by others.

From the Void - The Flesh Rippers Librarian clouds the minds of his adversaries with a choking mental darkness, amplifying their fear and surprise so that it paralyses them. Their minds writhe with images of spectres and ancient predators, leaving them vulnerable to assault.

Death Maw - The Librarian calls forth the avatar of a great predator whose maw descends from the very sky. Jaws and teeth snap shut, consuming all within in a shower of gore.

Deathwatch Service
Though it has happened only rarely, lone Space Marines in dark grey livery and speaking ancient variants of High Gothic have, on occasions, arrived at the fortresses of the Deathwatch in the Jericho Reach (and perhaps elsewhere) in order to "fulfil the obligations of their sworn oath." When pressed, some of these Space Marines have said they hailed from a Chapter known as the Flesh Rippers. However, beyond these rare encounters recorded in the dusty data-vaults of Watch Fortress Erioch, the only information forthcoming on the Flesh Rippers are the stories of their fell deeds throughout the Imperium.

Chapter Numbers
As with many Astartes Chapters the number of Battle-Brothers fluctuate significantly. The Flesh Rippers' numbers are believed by Imperial observers to be at less than Full Strength. The available evidence indicates that the Chapter may have as few as 100 Battle-Brothers. The companies are so reduced, that they may have as few as one or two squads, per Company. However, since the return of Roboute Guilliman and the introduction of the Primaris Astartes, the Flesh Rippers have returned to 1,000 Battle-Brothers.

Their flagship, the Death's Herald, has been extensively modified to be able to transport the entirety of the first five battle companies, and has had more extensive weapons retro-fitted and upgraded defence systems which makes it one of the most powerful warships in the Imperium. Their second Battle-Barge was formerly known as the Guilliman's Light, which was taken a prize from the Knights of Guilliman Chapter, it's name now, is the Herald of Blood. The remaining five reserve companies each have a dedicated Strike Cruisers and the Chapter Fleet is complimented by nine Gladius Frigates and two Nova Frigates. Due to the Chapter's small number and the individual Battle-Brothers reluctance to crew a warship, their vessels have on average have only one Space Marine crew who commands a crew of servitors and serfs. The ships' Captains are often the most determined of the Chapter's Astartes, as they have managed to suppress the raging bloodlust within themselves, long enough to crew a starship, but even these determined Astartes can only hold out for so long before they too, fall completely to the Blood Rage and have to be replaced, this has left the Chapter short on experienced Astartes Captains leaving the escort ship to be crewed and captained by chapter serfs. Strike Cruisers and the Deaths Herald also have Techmarines on board, but their Frigates do not, instead relying on trained Chapter Serfs.

Chapter Combat Doctrine
Since their Reemergence the Flesh Rippers have become famous across the Imperium as little more than frothing, psychotic berserkers and are now infamous for there berserk fury and uncompromising savagery."Merciless" is perhaps the best description for the Flesh Rippers in combat, but even that does not describe the depths of blood-soaked slaughter to which they descend.Those few who have witnessed their bloodthirstiness report that the Chapter displays savagery and cruelty on an unparalleled scale.A Flesh Rippers force in combat seeks nothing more than to come to grips with an enemy in close combat so they can rend them apart in a hail of blood with chain-axes and Power Fists and, if need be, their bare hands and teeth.Imperial commanders are especially loathe to accept their assistance, due to the Flesh Rippers reputation for carnage and the inherent dangers of fighting alongside these crazed Astartes.There have been many documented occasions when allied forces have found themselves the victims of the Flesh Rippers unrestrained savagery in combat. As with all aspects of the Flesh Rippers Chapter, the Blood Rage strongly influences its strategic approach towards military engagements. As Flesh Rippers prepare for combat and see the enemy, they often choose to directly engage their foes in melee combat. This proclivity extends throughout the Chapter from the leadership elements to the newest recruits. As such, when preparing for an engagement, the Flesh Rippers' commanders generally plan their tactics in a way that takes advantage of this tendency, instead of attempting to fight against it. Consequently, the Chapter often fields an inordinate number of its Battle-Brothers equipped as Assault Marines. In contrast, they seldom field squads of Devastator Marines. Even among their tactical units, heavy weapons are often left behind, as many Flesh Rippers Sergeants are reluctant to hold their units at range long enough for the weapons to be used effectively. In many ways, this restricts the Chapter's tactical flexibility. However, considering the overall efficiency of their Assault Marines, it is difficult to rationalise such a criticism considering the results of a Flesh Rippers unit in close combat. Though the Flesh Rippers seem both competent and familiar with armoured vehicles, the core of their tactics rely on large detachments of mobile Space Marine heavy infantry. In this way, the Flesh Rippers make use of the bloody prowess of their combat brethren to carry the day in battle. The Flesh Rippers often endeavour to be the initiator of combat actions and prefer not to fight on the defensive. Tactical operations often begin with a Battle Company using its reconnaissance units such as Land Speeder and Bike Squads to probe enemy positions and identify weak points and any target with strategic value. Once identified, the main Flesh Ripper forces hit these points with overwhelming force. They may use Drop Pods, Thunderhawks, or massed Drop Assaults to make these attacks, and the assaulting forces are often a mix of Tactical and Assault Marines. Once the assaults succeeds, the Flesh Rippers press the attack to the hilt. Once they commit fully, they dig deep into the enemy's vitals, endeavouring to do as much damage as possible as quickly as possible. At this point, the full fury of the Flesh Rippers is all too apparent, and little survives this stage of the assault. The Flesh Rippers prefer fighting at close range, either attacking with point-blank weapons fire, or in melee when they have broken through the enemy line.

The vast majority of the Flesh Rippers' vehicles are transports, specifically Rhinos and Razorbacks. Just as the Chapter seldom fields a significant number of squads equipped with heavy weapons, it also limits the number of armoured vehicles that it deploys. The Flesh Rippers prefer to charge forward into direct melee whenever possible as heavy infantry, eschewing the limitations imposed by a battle tank. The primary exception to their movement away from vehicles regards the numbers of Dreadnoughts that the Chapter maintains.

Many of the Flesh Rippers' most respected heroes fall prey to the Blood Rage before they can suffer a noble death in combat. Whenever possible, these respected warriors are assigned to a life-support sarcophagus where their abilities and knowledge can be preserved and used in future engagements. Many of these Old Ones enter combat with their fellows in the Crimson Brethren, charging directly forward to eliminate any foes that stand before them. Tragically, this results in an unacceptably high incidence of death among the pilots of these machines, but this does have the benefit of freeing new sarcophagi for the use of other Battle-Brothers that fall prey to the Blood Rage

The Flesh Rippers also have an unique battle cry that they let loose as they attack their foes. While the cry is created by the Space Marines vocal cords, it is enhanced and amplified by their Power Armours Vox-systems. First hand reports confirm that opponents are often stunned into immediate submission when they hear the terrible sound as defenders come face to face with the savagery of these Battle-Brothers.

When undergoing boarding operations during ship-to-ship void battles, the Flesh Rippers are known to employ an ancient and crude, but unique weapon known as "Ursus Claws" -- large barbed lances that are the size of smaller Escort ships in their own right. Fashioned like massive harpoons, these massive lances puncture through an enemy vessel's hull, and once impaled, the immense spears become active, locking to their prey's ravaged insides with magnetic strength. With malicious slowness, the Flesh Rippers vessels can then recall their spears, as the lances ratchet back towards the vessel that fired them, dragging them home on massive chains. Once the doomed vessel is within reach of the Flesh Rippers, they then disgorge their Astartes into the bowels of the impaled enemy ship, and the blooding begins in earnest. This technique was first pioneered during the Great Crusade by the barbarous and bloody-handed World Eaters Legion. The fact that the Flesh Rippers use the same tactics as the traitor World Eaters has caused the Inquisition to regard them as even more corrupt

Command within the Chapter is gained through a mixture of martial prowess on the battlefield and displays of leadership on the front line. No rank or role within the Chapter is exempt from the expectation that they will fight as hard as the rest be the Space Marine in question an Apothecary or Librarian rather than a frontline Space Marine. Compared to many of the other Astartes Chapters, order and discipline does not come as naturally to the Flesh Rippers as it it does to other Chapters. Tempers often seeth, slights perceived or real are met with insane anger and violence often results should a Flesh Rippers sense of honour be questioned. Any officer of the Chapter knows they are expected to back up their authority by force if needed, and the punishment of infractors by an officer's own hand is the Chapters way. To disobey an officer's order in battle is a death sentence to be carried out without delay. Trial by combat is the Chapters preferred route for settling disagreements within its ranks, and bloodletting by warriors in open discord is an honourable thing in the Chapters eyes

Notable Flesh Rippers

 * Blood Reaver Amit - Listed in ancient records as the Chapter's Blood Reaver, it is unknown when he obtained the position and when and where he was slain.
 * Blood Reaver Erhlen - Chapter Master at the time of the Centurion War, he was killed by Uric Draf after being challenged to the right to command.
 * Blood Reaver Uric Draf -  Known as the Slaughter Lord, Uric Draf is the current Blood Reaver (Chapter Master) of the Flesh Rippers, a truly gigantic Space Marine, It is said that he even approaches some of the great Primarchs in size. He wears a pelt taken from a giant predator that he hunted in his youth, hanging with the skulls of slain World Eaters. He has been Chapter Master for less than a year, obtaining his current position sometime in the early 111.M42 just before the Hel Campaign by challenging the former Blood Reaver Erhlen to single-combat, for the Right to Command not long after he joined the Chapter. This was unheard of, as no new recruit had ever challenged a veteran Battle-Brother to combat, let alone the Blood Reaver himself. But the Flesh Rippers' Chapter Master could not refuse the challenge once the gauntlet had been thrown down, and so, he entered the Blood Pits. The bout lasted all of 5 seconds, before Uric Draf butchered his opponent with assault after brutal assault. The Blood Reaver just couldn't cope with Uric Draf's unrelenting fury, With their former Chapter Master laying in a bloody heap in the sand, the Astartes of the Flesh Rippers proclaimed Uric Draf the new Blood Reaver, and so he left the pit to the howls of his Battle-Brothers. Uric was then gifted with the Armour of Blood, which was found to fit him perfectly, as if it had been made for him, and wielding the twin relic Chainaxes, Death's Herald and Death's Hand, he led his brothers to war. Uric is believed to have been born on Terra itself. Like most of his Battle-Brothers, he is a frothing psychopathic berzerker who feels nothing outside of slaughter -- no smiles, no tears, nothing. The only living person to have met him described him as a mutilated, bloody, reeking, wrathful figure that stalked amongst his brothers - a giant in massive armour with a pale and tattooed face, long dreadlocked-like connectors attached to implants in the back of his skull which connects him to his armour. Outside of battle Uric possesses a dead-eyed glare, murmuring to himself in a low monotone between battles, until he is once again turned loose upon an enemy and his eyes light up with the thrill of battle as he rampages across the battlefield in his overwhelming urge to destroy his foes.Michael50_mini_7.png
 * High Chaplain Ulric - The High Chaplain of the Flesh Rippers, Ulric is believed to have been High Chaplain for over 200 Years. He acts as the spiritual head of the Chapter. He wears a suit of master-crafted artificer power armour that looks like exposed muscles, and wears a jump pack with wings.
 * Chapter Champion Morgrim - Chapter Champion of the Flesh Rippers, Morgrim wields a massive two-handed chainsword in battle. He too, also wears a suit of Artificer Armour.
 * Bjorn the Butcher - The Current Leader of the Crimson Brethren is a frothing psychopathic berzerker, who, like his charges, has to be restrained outside of battle. He wears the Badge of the Blood Reaver Uric Draf, in order to show that he is the Chosen Warrior of the Chapter's current Chapter Master. It is said that aside from the Uric Draf and Morgrim, he is most formidable warrior in the Chapter.
 * High Priest Ramiel - The currant High Priest (Chief Apothecary) of the Flesh Rippers. Ramiel wears a suit of Indomitus armour, modified to enable him to perform his Apothecary duties.
 * Blood Chaplain Neres - Molochia is a senior Chaplain, second only to the High Chaplain himself. He acts as the head of the Reclusium and is a senior advisor to the Chapter Master, often being the voice of reason to the Blood Reaver's insane fury. He wears a suit of Indomitus Terminator Armour and Carries an Ornate Crozius Arcanum that was a gift from the High Chaplain himself.
 * Blood Captain Magron - Captain of the 1st company. He wears a suit of Tartaros Terminator Armour.
 * Blood Captain Merir - Captain of the 4th assault company, Merir wields a Thunder Hammer and is noted for his savagery in combat. He wears an ancient suit of MK IV Maximus pattern Power Armour with an upgraded jump pack.
 * Blood Captain Belor - Captain of the 5th Assault Company, Belor wears a suit of MK VI Corvus pattern Power Armour with an upgraded jump pack. He wields a pair of Lightning Claws in battle.
 * Blood Captain Moloch the Wise - Captain of the 10th Company. Uniquely amongst his Battle-Brothers, Moloch has not become a bloodthirsty killer and is considered the most calm and level-headed member of the Chapter and is a military genius. He serves as an advisor to the Chapter Master. In battle, Moloch wears a modified suit of MK V Heresy pattern Power Armour and carries a Storm Bolter and Power Fist.
 * Brother Dreadnought Borek - Borek the Slayer is a Battle-Brother formerly of the 2nd Company, who is now encased in a pre-heresy relic Comtemptor Pattern Dreadnought. He is the oldest Flesh Ripper, having been entombed over four thousand years before the present.
 * Blood Captain Hellskret Skraal 'The Berzerker' - Captain of the 12th Assault Company and a hulking Primaris Astartes, one of the first, twin of Vorias, clad in a suit of Mk X Gravus armour and wielding a mighty Relic Blade said to date back to before the Heresy, he is a superlative warrior and has earned the respect of the Blood Reaver a dozen times over, but he is still a Flesh Ripper and when in the grip of the Blood Rage he ,like all his Brothers becomes a frothing psychopathic berzerker living only for thrill of battle where he will descend to the same Blood-Soaked depths as his Brothers, rampaging across the battlefield in his overwhelming urge to destroy his foes.
 * High Librarian Vorias - The first and greatest of the Chapters Psykers and like his brother a hulking Primaris Astartes, Vorias leads the Librarius upon the Death's Herald, initially looked upon with suspicion and distrust by his Blood-Brothers he has proven himself as true to the Chapter as any Brother of the Blood but like all Flesh Rippers the Blood Rage can overcome him where he will descend to the same Blood-Soaked depths as his Brothers.

Chapter Fleet
The Chapter Fleet is small but extremely powerful. They possess two Battle-Barges ,the truly ancient Death's Herald and an unknown vessel that was formerly known as Guilliman's Light. The following are the known vessels of the Flesh Rippers as of 999.M41:
 * Death's Herald (Relic Battleship - Unknown Class) - Flagship of the Flesh Rippers Chapter
 * Herald of Blood (Battle-Barge) - A Battle-Barge that was formerly known as Guilliman's Light.
 * Blood Reaper (Strike Cruiser)
 * Salvation (Strike Cruiser)
 * Revenge (Strike Cruiser)
 * Reaper of the Lost (Strike Cruiser)
 * Emperor's Light (Strike Cruiser)

Chapter Colours
The Flesh Rippers wear red and black coloured power armour. The main part of the backpack, the upper portion of the helmet, shoulder pauldrons, arms, knees, greaves and sabatons are red in colour. The top of the backpack, main exhaust ports, faceplate, breastplate, groin and upper leg are black in colour. The white coloured squad specialty symbol on the right shoulder guard designate operational specialty -- Tactical,  Assault or Veteran. A squad number is not displayed. A white coloured gothic numeral is stenciled on the left knee guard, which designates company number. Squad speciality is displayed in white on the right pauldron, sergeants are indicated by a Blood Drop superimposed over squad speciality insignia

Chapter Banner
The Flesh Rippers Chapter Banner is an ornate and superbly crafted banner replete with the symbols of the Flesh Rippers and of the image of a Flesh Rippers Astartes under the gaze of the Emperor of Mankind himself. Like all Chapters Banners it is a unique icon of the Chapter and on the rare time it is carried into Battle the Flesh Rippers will fight even harder to make sure no harm comes to it.

Chapter Badge
The Flesh Rippers Chapter Badge is is a stylised, white, monstrous jaw centred on a field of bright red, the same badge as the infamous Flesh Eaters Chapter.

Chapter Relics

 * Armour of Blood - The Armour of Blood is the oldest relic in the Flesh Rippers' Armoury and the Flesh Rippers actually have no idea how old it is, only that it is at least six thousand years old, and may even date to before the Heresy This mighty relic is a master-crafted suit of Artificer Armour that has been modified extensively into an exquisite suit that contains ancient technologies that were rare even before the Heresy. The Chapters' Chaplains proclaimed that the the this Chapter relic had been made for the Chapter's True Leader, and that the one who could wear it would lead the Chapter to Redemption. The fact that it seems to fit Uric Draf perfectly, only enhanced his standing with his Battle-Brothers, and he is now considered the Chapter's prophesied saviour.
 * Death's Hand and Death's Herald - A formidable pair of Chainaxes that use the Teeth of a predator that is capable of cutting through Power Armour with ease, they were Created at the Same time as the Armour of Blood and were intended for use with the Suit
 * Word of the Emperor - A Crozius Arcanum used by the Chapters High Chaplain in M.37 and held in stasis aboard the Death's Herald.
 * Blood Reaper - A Massive two-handed Chainsword that is used by the Flesh Rippers Chapter Champion, it uses the same teeth as the Blood Reavers Chainaxes.

Allies
None known, but the Corvus Legion, Skull Reapers and Charnel Brethren were seen to have operated with the Flesh Rippers on Teutoberg VI.

Enemies

 * World Eaters -  Although as a Loyal Chapter, the Flesh Rippers have a hatred of all things Chaos, they seem to have an almost unheard of hatred of the World Eaters and have even been known to abandon an operation at the merest rumour of their presence. The current Chapter Master even wears chains hanging with the skulls of slain traitor Khorne Berzerkers.
 * Knights of Guilliman - The Flesh Rippers were responsible for the near-destruction of their Chapter, and the Knights have now vowed to have a reckoning between them.
 * Ultramarines, Salamanders, Space Wolves- These Chapter are known enemies due to their known humane nature, and the fact that the Flesh Rippers have slaughtered Imperial civilians on a number of occasions.
 * Inquisition - The Inquisition believe that the Flesh Rippers are no better than the Traitor Marines of Chaos and have attempted to have them Declared Heretics several times, but have yet to provide irrefutable evidence.

Notable Quotes
Feel free to add your own

By the Flesh Rippers
"Who are you to judge us? Those of our Blood stood alongside the Emperor on Terra while yours' hid until it was over!"

- Lord Reaper Erhlen to Chapter Master Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines.

"We Know what we are and what you think of us..you think us monsters. Creatures not fit for the Emperor's galaxy, and you may be right. Yes we are monsters, but we are the Emperor's monsters. Never forget that."

- Unknown Flesh Ripper Astartes

About the Flesh Rippers
Feel free to add your own

"Reports of Flesh Rippers squads sighted on one of the nearby worlds sir." "Avoid contact, I don't want any unneeded collateral damage." "Sir, the locals have lost several settlements." "New order. Shoot on sight.""

- Chapter Master of the Blood Wights, Agathus Colchian

"I wonder Moloch, whom would you say is the finer swordsman, Mogrim or Kerventes? I propose a duel! And to the winner goes the honour of first sip from the chalice! And the eternal enmity of his foe!"

- Eulitus Ephrain and the Wings of Salvaxes in post-battle celebration with the Flesh Rippers

"The Flesh Rippers are no enemy we want to face, but are a truly relatable chapter no matter how much you wish it untrue. A templar is bound by oath, not by morals."

- A Brigadier of the Crimson Templars

"Raving psychopaths more akin to wild animals than Astartes. Keep your eyes open and your senses sharp, Emperor only knows when they will turn on those they once called allies."

- Lophess Ovair, Obsidian Blades First Captain

"Of brethren lost and brethren found, vipers dead beneath the ground. Our brothers clad in blooded feathers, tied and bound by bladed tethers. Forsaken from the honoured sons, descended from the savage ones. Pure of mind and pure of soul, to absolve their sins their eternal goal."

- Unknown Astartes of the Mortarchs Serpentia

Trivia
All artwork except for a couple of pics from space marine painter were created by Algrim Whitefang.