Howling Stars Castigation

The Howling Stars Castigation was a notable xenocidal castigation campaign conducted by the zealous crusading Castigators Chapter, the culmination of their First Crusade, in which they launched their neverending crusade into the galaxy to bring the light of the Emperor to the darkest reaches of the galaxy. Sometime during late M36, upon the height of their xenocidal campaign against the alien Ryssith, the Castigators' first Chapter Master, Baraquiel, met his end at the hands of these vile xenos. Before he succumbed to his many wounds, he directed his warriors to burn their nestworlds to cinders. Following the death of Baraquiel he was succeeded by Captain Crassus, also originally one of the Black Consuls founding members of the Chapter. Before carry out their Crusade, he ordered the Chapter to repaint their battle-plate sombre black in memory of their fallen lord. The Castigators wore these colours of mourning for fourteen years as they diligently performed their campaign of retribution for the death of Baraquiel.

History
Master Baraquiel fell during the campaign to retake the Howling Stars from an alien race known as the Ryssith. These mighty aliens fought in defence of their 'nest-worlds', raising extensive armies to protect their spawning grounds. Determined to rid the Imperium of their taint, Baraquiel fought at the forefront of his Battle-Brothers. The aliens were repulsed after a short and brutal xenocidal purge that reduced the nest-worlds to cinders. The Ryssith Empire has never recovered from this blow - the race is now scattered into small bands of mercenary soldiers that roam the galaxy.