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This article, Blood Predators, was written by JordanThorne19. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
The Blood Predators are a loyalist Space Marine Chapter created during the Ultima Founding, and therefore consist entirely of Primaris Space Marines. Before the Ultima Founding, Space Marines created during the Second Founding of the lineage of Leman Russ were found to have gene-seed that was too unstable, causing rampant mutation. The battle-brothers of these 2nd Founding Space Marine Chapters of the Space Wolves were all doomed to fall to the curse of the Wulfen, and were hunted to extinction. It is only through the efforts of Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl that successor chapters of the Space Wolves can be created in the Ultima Founding.
As a successor chapter of the Space Wolves, the Blood Predators are infused with the Canis Helix, the altered gene-seed of the Astartes of Leman Russ' lineage, which gives them their distinctive feral nature and wolf-like aspects, such as their excessive body hair and canine-like fangs. The Blood Predators are true sons of Leman Russ, bellicose and strong, a perfect continuation of the bloodline of the Vlka Fenryka (Space Wolves). The Space Wolves look upon them with hope, hoping that they are just one of many chapters that can now be created from their gene-seed.
Chapter History
The Blood Predators are a proud Chapter, eschewing and reviling characteristics such as cowardice and subterfuge, as well as treachery. Loyalty is everything to the Blood Predators; their battle-brothers have a tradition of conducting a ceremony of "soul-binding" whenever they join a squad, believing that it makes them stronger in the eyes of the Emperor of Mankind, and will bring them good fortune on the battlefield. Following this ceremony of soul-binding, the squad will then participate in a baptism of blood, renewing their vows of brotherhood to their squad and their Chapter, and consecrated their bond in the blood of their enemies. This ceremony is usually overseen by the entire Chapter, but as the majority of the chapter is often away on campaigns, the ceremony is usually overseen by the highest-ranking battle-brother available, as well as the highest ranking Chaplain.
Since the beginning of their Chapter's creation, the Blood Predators have sought to bring honour and glory to the name of Leman Russ, in the hopes that when their primarch returns to resume his role as the Emperor's executioner, he will look upon them and be proud of all that they have done.
As of yet, they have not succeeded in this mission, and believe themselves to be cursed, as their gene-sire Leman Russ has not yet returned to them. They see this as a failing they have committed, and despite being from the Ultima Founding, they believe that perhaps their founding, like that of the 21st Founding], is cursed. The Chapter's Apothecaries have conducted countless experiments on the chapter's stores of gene-seed, believing that their 'curse' is the result of a hidden flaw in their gene-seed. This has caused the Blood Predators to go so far as refusing to implant their own gene-seed in their neophytes, going so far as to use the gene-seed of other chapters, believing it to be purer.
This policy of borrowing the gene-seed reserves was quickly stopped, however, when it was realised that this could in fact draw attention towards themselves and possible get them censored. The Blood Predators had no wish to be exterminated, even if they did believe themselves tainted. They went back to using their own gene-seed, but their paranoia and belief that they were cursed only seemed to grow strong. The Chapter's Apothecarion devoted an extensive amount of their time towards examining their gene-seed, but could detect no evident flaws. Even so, this did nothing to dissuade the Blood Predators from their belief that they are cursed.
It is unlikely that the Blood Predators will ever believe themselves not to be cursed unless their primarch, the Wolf King, returns. At the present time, that seems unlikely to happen, and so the Blood Predators search fruitlessly for a flaw in their gene-seed, not realising that their flaw is believing their gene-seed is flawed in the first place. It seems unlike that the Blood Predators will ever realise this, or believe it even if they do, and so they remain in their fortress-monastery or fighting amongst the many myriad worlds of the galaxy, slowing losing their already fragile psyche. It is only on the field of battle that the Blood Predators believe they can be redeemed.
For this reason, they have thrown themselves into conflict, believing that even if they have been forsaken, they will fight with tooth and claw before abandoning the Imperium and the Emperor. They see the bloody halls of battle as their redemption, and no Blood Predator will hesitate to give his life for the cause. The attrition rates of the Blood Predators are catastrophic because of this, but even so, they refuse to change their ways, even if it means the annihilation of their chapter. Giving of themselves endlessly in battle is their entire culture, and it has become fused with their psyche. All Blood Predators long to have their name and armour interred in the Hall of Heroes, the sanctum of their fortress-monastery dedicated to the chapter's bloodiest and greatest heroes.
However, the rage of the chapter comes with a price. Fearing for the fate of the chapter, the Blood Predators first Lord Executioner, Skaldvir Eversyn, commissioned the creation of the Iron Brethren, an elite cult within the workings of the chapter. The equivalent of the Space Wolves Iron Priests, the Iron Brethren maintain the weaponry and armour of the chapter, as well as controlling and maintaining the systems of the fortress-monastery, the Blood Fort. They stand apart from the rest of the chapter, figures of awe and fear, the commanders of the technological lore of the Blood Predators. It is said that the hearts of the Iron Brethren are like steel, the brothers of this elite division of the chapter lacking the rage and frenzy of their battle-brothers. It is whispered that the Iron Brethren are a cult amongst the chapter, their rites and secrets a mystery to all but those who join their ranks. It is said that the original Lord Executioner, Skaldvir Eversyn, commissioned the formation of the Iron Brethren should the rage of the Blood Predators consume them. They are the eternal sentinels of the chapter, charged with the execution of their brothers should they cross a line they cannot return from. It is a lonely but great honour to join the ranks of the Iron Brethren. Only they know all the secrets of the chapter. Armoured in shining silver battle-plate, they watch eternal for the fate Eversyn prophesised would come to their chapter.
Notable Campaigns
Note: All dates from this point forward are provisional due to errors in the Imperial Dating System meaning these events could actually have occurred at any time from the early 41st Millennium to the early 42nd Millennium.
- Unknown Date.M42 - Following the 13th Black Crusade and Fall of Cadia, vicious warp storms occur across the length and breadth of the galaxy as the Great Rift tears itself open across the skies. The warp becomes pure chaos, and astropaths fear to open their minds to receive or broadcast messages for fear that it will tear them apart.
- Unknown Date.M42 The Noctis Aeterna - This period of time is known as the "Blackness." It began in 999.M41, and did not end until at least the second century of M42. This dark period of time began following the fall of Cadia at the climax of the 13th Black Crusade, which caused the Great Rift to gouge a rent across the span of the galaxy, causing warp storms to burst into existence and cutting off the Astronomican, eliminating the ability for Faster Than Light navigation as well as disrupting all astrotelepathic communication. It was like a return to the Age of Strife, such was the devastation that consumed humanity during this period. As communications eventually began to return, Historitors and Chronotechs struggled to make sense of the incoming reports. Time passed strangely during this period, due to the huge amount of warp energy. Time was slower in certain sectors, and faster in others. Eventually these effects from the aftershock of the birth of the Great Rift faded with time, allowing for interstellar communications to be re-established in certain regions of space, and warp travel becoming slightly more reliable once more. The end to this period of darkness began with this ushering in of stability, and with the commencement of the Imperial counteroffensive known as the Indomitus Crusade, it restored the Emperor's rule over the galaxy once more.
- 999.M41-012.M42 Indomitus Crusade First Phase - Created during the Ultima Founding in 999.M41, the Blood Predators are one of the many new Space Marine Chapters that take part in the initial phases of the Indomitus Crusade, waging a war against the forces of Chaos and the xenos forces which have run rampant during the Noctis Aeterna.
- Unknown date.M42 Attack of the Aeldari Corsairs - The Blood Predators' 7th Company Strike Cruiser comes under attack by a force of Aeldari Corsairs. The Captain of 7th Company, Captain Jorundan, is severely wounded during this battle. Several of his body parts have to be replaced with bionics. Jorundan only narrowly escapes having to be entombed inside the sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. From that day forward, Captain Jorundan, along with the entirety of the 7th Company, swear to eradicate Aeldari that sought to destroy them. This earns them the nickname of the "Vengeful 7th."
- Unknown date.M42 Cleansing of the Devastator - The Blood Predators 1st Company cleanses a space hulk, Devastator, of genestealers as they attempt to collect many valuable Standard Template Construct (STC) databases. However, this valuable knowledge is lost when the Blood Predators are forced to bombard the space hulk, or risk being overwhelmed by an unstoppable tide of genestealers.
- Unknown date.M42 Defence of Adrolria Reach - The Blood Predators are tasked with defending the world of Adrolria Reach from an assault orchestrated by a warband of the Iron Warriors. However, due to fluctuations in the warp the Blood Predators do not arrive at Adrolria Reach for several years, even though they believed the journey has taken them mere weeks. When they finally reach the world they have been sent to protect, they find it under control of the Iron Warriors warband, its citizens either turned into berserk Chaos worshippers or trapped under a oppressive regime enacted by their new overlords. The Iron Warriors have built many fortifications during the years the Blood Predators 4th Company was trapped in the warp, and the Blood Predators, masters of close combat tactics, find themselves hard pressed to come up against masters of siege craft such as the Iron Warriors. They are forced to call in reinforcements, even though it is a bitter blow to their pride. Reinforcements arrive in the form of a strike force composed of Astartes from the Black Phantoms, and together they drive the Iron Warriors from the surface of Adrolria Reach. The Blood Predators throw themselves at the defences of the Iron Warriors, heedless of their own casualties, as the Black Phantoms carry out assassination missions against targets of the Iron Warriors leaders, infiltrating their bastions and claiming important objectives. They eventually succeed, and the remaining Iron Warriors Astartes flee the planet for the safety of the warp, the fleets of both chapters harrying the Chaos ships as they flee. Despite the fact the Black Phantoms helped them achieve victory, the Blood Predators look upon their temporary ally ship with bitterness, seeing it as a failure on their part. Tensions have been strained between the two chapters ever since.
- Unknown date.M42 Khornate Butchery - A large force of World Eaters Chaos Space Marines, Khornate daemons, including Bloodthirster daemons, Bloodcrusher daemons, Bloodletter daemons and Heralds of Khorne attack numerous Imperial worlds, butchering millions of innocent people and Imperial military personnel. The Blood Predators, along with several other Adeptus Astartes Chapters, including the White Wardens, Fulminators Metallus, Blood Aurochs, Red Mammoths, Crimson Bones and Black Scorpions came to the aid of several of the besieged worlds, killing numerous World Eaters and banishing countless Khornate daemons back to the warp.
Chapter Homeworld
The homeworld of the Blood Predators is Lavold Eight, a world of high mountain ranges, valleys and vicious dust storms. The citizens of Lavold Eight often have weather-beaten faces, the result of years of dust storms stealing the moisture from their skin, grit settling deep into their lungs. The labourers of this world are strong of arm and faith, and every mortal lifetime a collection of boys are chosen to be aspirants to the Blood Predators. The aspirants then go through a series of gruelling trials, and at the end the aspirants remaining will become Blood Predators neophytes and join the ranks of the Blood Claws.
Lavold Eight is a Dead World, devoid of an ecosystem, atmosphere and any form of natural life. When it was initially discovered, Lavold Eight was inimical to human life. Only by undergoing extreme terraforming missions was the planet made suitable for human habitation. It unknown if Lavold Eight was always a dead world, or if it underwent a catastrophe such as a Tyranid invasion or an Exterminatus sanction. It is only known that it is now the home to a small population, as well as being the home to the Blood Predators Chapter.
The human population of the world live in small towns, moving into underground shelters when the planet's dust storms threaten to cause harm to them and their homes. The only ones safe during these dust storms are the Blood Predators, as they are genetically-engineered to survive far worse. The Blood Predators actually use these dust storms to perform training exercises, particularly for their Scout Marines, known as Blood Claws. Sometimes, if a dust storm occurs during the trials of the chapter's aspirants, they are used to test the aspirants strength, endurance and perseverance.
The labourers of Lavold Eight work on the world's salt plains, harvesting the salt and foraging for the sparse amount of vegetation that can be found on the planet's plains. It is tough, hard work meting out an existence in the worker-habs on the salt plains, but it makes loyal citizens of them all, and the people of Lavold Eight are proud of what they do, and even prouder to work beneath the gaze of the Blood Predators. It is the dream of many young citizens to join their ranks, but one can only wonder if that would be the case if they knew about the chapter's terrible belief that they are cursed.
Fortress-Monastery
The Blood Predators fortress-monastery is the Blood Fort. It is located in what was once a river gorge, long since dried up. It stretches back for kilometres, bracketed on both sides by a plateau, which is an area of large flat land high above sea level, although one or more sides can often have deep hills or escarpments. The area is perfect for the Blood Predators' fortress-monastery, as any enemy that attempts to lay siege to the Blood Fort will be well within the range of the fortress-monastery's weapon emplacements.
The river gorge the Blood Fort is located in is incredibly narrow, meaning that it would difficult for an enemy armoured battalion to bring all of their firepower to bear. Almost half a company of Space Marines is always left to guard the Blood Fort, almost always consisting of at least one dreadnought that is not away on campaign. The plateau bracketing the Blood Fort is patrolled constantly for hostile forces, whether they be heretics or xenos, or the beginnings of a rebellion of Lavold Eight's citizens. Gun emplacements and laser batteries are placed strategically around the plateau and can be fired at a moment's notice.
Like any fortress-monastery, the Blood Fort is built to withstand an assault against numerous determined foes. It is guarded by high walls and is bristling with numerous ramparts, watchtowers and bastions, each crucial to the defence of the fortress-monastery. However, the Blood Fort has been crucially designed so that in the event that the Blood Predators need to organise a retreat, ground can be given and the battle-brothers can simply move to the next line of defence. It is unlikely, however, that this will ever be the case, as each entrance to the fortress-monastery is sealed with thickly plated adamantium and ceramite. Structures of particular importance to the chapter such as the Reclusiam and the Apothecarion are protected with complex locks that are keyed to the genetic code of the chapter's battle-brothers.
The Blood Fort is protected with a series of shimmering Void Shields to protect it against against orbital bombardments or assaults orchestrated by a Titan. It is also bristling with missile launchers, heavy bolter bunkers and macro-cannon turrets, ready to fire their payloads of dangerous ordnance at a moment's notice. The Chapter's fleet of ships is always present at the Blood Fort when they are not on campaign, and these ships add their might to the defence of the fortress-monastery, scanning the skies and unleashing their deadly ammo on anyone foolish enough to attempt to attack their home.
The fortress-monastery and Lavold Eight as a whole are protected from orbit by any ships that happen to be sailing the void nearby, but maintaining a permanent defence of the world's orbit are a series of Orbital Défense Platforms. These orbital defence platforms consist of a collection of orbital weapon platforms, mounted with several laser batteries capable of striking any foe before they get too close to the planet. Lavold Eight's orbit is also teeming with orbital defence laser platforms, each one armed with several defence lasers capable of penetrating a capital ship's armour. These defence lasers are built around a large plasma reactor, and the defence laser platform is capable of mounting several of these defence lasers, giving it the ability to fire in every direction. The orbit of the planet is also protected by a series of orbital torpedo platforms, capable of firing torpedoes at a distance to strike a lethal blow against an encroaching enemy fleet.
Chapter Organisation
The Blood Predators attempt at all times to closely emulate the structure, combat doctrine and temperament of their parent chapter, the Space Wolves, but unlike the Space Wolves, the Blood Predators only field twelve companies of Space Marines. Like their progenitors, they do not have a Scout Company, instead fielding units known as Blood Claws like their progenitors. These units are composed of the least experienced battle-brothers of their Chapter, the equivalent of neophytes and Scouts in other chapters. The Blood Claws of the Blood Predators are often exceedingly reckless, influenced by the savagery of the Canis Helix and their Chapter's belief that their gene-seed is cursed, and that they bring shame to the lineage of Leman Russ.
Officer Ranks
- Lord Executioner - This a title equivalent to that of Chapter Master, and it is currently held by Eror Redmaw. The Lord Executioner has the highest kill-tally in the chapter, his exquisite relic power armour carved with kill-markings and decorated with trophies from his greatest battles. The man who takes the position of Lord Executioner is a symbol of hope for his chapter, a sign that the Allfather and Leman Russ has not forsaken them yet.
- Captain - The Captains of the Blood Predators each hold command over one of the twelve companies of the chapter. They are veterans of countless wars, tempered in the fires of battle and experience. Even so, their fury is no less great.
- Lieutenant - there are two lieutenants per company, and whilst they are above the rank of sergeant, they still serve under the command of their Captain, helping to command the company and claim many of the responsibilities of their Captain so he can focus on the bigger picture.
Specialist Ranks
- Blood Priest - A Blood Priest is the Blood Predators equivalent of an Apothecary. Armed with the tools of his trade, the Narthecium, and an adamantium and ceramite shield blessed with the blood of their primarch, the Blood Priest is a ferocious sight on the field of battle. Armoured entirely in red, his helmet painted in the visage of a leering wolf's skull, a Blood Priest cleaves a path through his enemies on the field of battle as if they are made of little more than parchment. The Blood Priests will often ingest the flesh and organs of their strongest enemies in order to gain their strength and skills, and some do the same for the gene-seed of their battle-brothers. They are mysterious, aloof figures, commanding respect and awe from the brothers of the chapter. However, they stand apart. It is rumoured that the trails of the Blood Priests are great, and that those who survive them take on a new name and identity to celebrate this triumph and transition in their lives.
- Rune Priests - The Rune Priests are specialist officers of the Blood Predators. The Blood Predators equivalent of the Librarians who serve other Chapters, these grim warriors possess potent psychic powers whose ritual form is based upon the native shamanic traditions of the barbarian tribes of Fenris, the homeworld of their progenitors, the Space Wolves. The Rune Priests are also the keepers of the oral history of the Blood Predators Chapter. These secrets are passed on from Rune Priest to Rune Priest, each generation teaching the young skalds the complex and archaic incantations of runic lore. A Rune Priest's Power Armour is covered with a mixture of Fenrisian and Lavold Eight runes and they wear rune-encrusted fangs as pendants and badges of their office. These runes are not purely decorative, as they serve to channel and concentrate the Rune Priest's psychic powers. Each has several Force Weapons, and is armoured in blue-grey power armour.
- Iron Brethren - The Iron Brethren are the Blood Predators equivalent of the Space Wolves Iron Priest. They maintain the weaponry and armour of the chapter, as well as controlling and maintaining the systems of the fortress-monastery, the Blood Fort. They stand apart from the rest of the chapter, figures of awe and fear, the commanders of the technological lore of the Blood Predators. It is said that the hearts of the Iron Brethren are like steel, the brothers of this elite division of the chapter lacking the rage and frenzy of their battle-brothers. It is whispered that the Iron Brethren are a cult amongst the chapter, their rites and secrets a mystery to all but those who join their ranks. It is said that the original Lord Executioner, Skaldvir Eversyn, commissioned the formation of the Iron Brethren should the rage of the Blood Predators consume them. They are the eternal sentinels of the chapter, charged with the execution of their brothers should they cross a line they cannot return from. It is a lonely but great honour to join the ranks of the Iron Brethren. Only they know all the secrets of the chapter. Armoured in shining silver battle-plate, they watch eternal for the fate Eversyn prophesised would come to their chapter.
- Chaplain - The Chaplains of the Blood Predators are responsible for maintaining the spiritual health of the chapter. They also guard the relics of the chapter, keeping them in the fortress-monastery of the Blood Predators. They wear charcoal black armour, the faceplates of their helmets painted in the rictus grin of a skull.
Line Ranks
- Veteran Sergeant - A sergeant of the Blood Predators with decades of combat experience. He often serves amongst the vaunted ranks of the Blood Predators First Company, but many veteran sergeants are also appointed to lead squads of Blood Claws, lending their valuable experience to the youngest members of the chapter.
- Veteran Marine - A battle-brother of veteran status with exemplary experience in warfare, usually serving in one of the Blood Predators veteran fighting units, known as Charnel Guards. They are the equivalent of the Space Wolves Long Fangs. However, a veteran marine is not always a part of the Charnel Guards, and could just be a line soldier in the ranks of the vaunted First Company.
Specialist Units & Formations
- Blood Claws - Like their progenitors the Space Wolves, the Blood Predators do not make use of a Scout Company, instead making use of units known as Blood Claws. A Blood Claw is a newly inducted Astartes of the Blood Predators Chapter and the equivalent of a Codex Astartes-compliant Chapter's neophytes or Scout Marines. Still struggling to control the spirit of the Wulfen within, Blood Claws are notoriously savage and fiercely aggressive. These hot-headed young warriors cannot wait to prove themselves, charging in howling packs at the front lines of the enemy in their efforts to garner personal glory. They prefer to fight at close quarters and are armed with melee weapons such as chainswords and Bolt Pistols as a sidearm. The Blood Claws are the shock troops of the Blood Predators and spearhead the majority of assaults.
- Carnivores - The Predators are the rank the Blood Claws ascend to once they become seasoned Astartes. The Carnivore squads form the greater mass of the Blood Predators warriors. They are strong and resolute fighters, tempered by battle but as hungry for honour as any proud warrior of the Imperium. They are experienced warriors, dour and sombre, proud of their skills, and rightly honoured by their younger brethren.
- Charnel Guard - The Charnel Guard are veteran warriors within the ranks of the chapter. A specialist fighting unit, they are composed of the most bloodthirsty warriors within the chapter, tempered with years of experience. Not all veteran marines of the chapter become part of the Charnel Guard squads, but those that do yearn for the blood of their enemies, and are disciplined and steady even in the heat of battle, and hence entrusted with Company's heavy weapons. After many Terran centuries, their will is unbreakable, their ledgers dripping red with the blood of those they have slain.
- Blood Guard - Those Blood Predators that have achieved great acts of valour and honour, and have exceptional martial prowess can be promoted into the ranks of the Blood Guard. Serving as the honour guard for the captains of the companies and for the Lord Executioner of the Blood Predators, they are often the most experienced warriors within a force of Space Marines. Unlike the other honour guards of other Space Marine Chapters, the members of the Blood Guard are not chosen based on seniority and rank, but purely based on merit. If he achieves a feat great enough, even a Blood Claw could ascend to become a member of the Blood Guard, although this is very rare. In addition to access to the best suits of power armour and the most advanced wargear available to the Chapter, the Blood Guard have earned the right to wear Terminator Armour. Eventually, it is possible for a Blood Guard to rise to the position of Captain, the mighty officers who command one of the 12 Great Companies that comprise the entirety of the Chapter. It is to the elite of the Blood Guard that each Great Company first looks when a new Captain must be raised.
Order of Battle
The following is the order of battle of the Blood Predators in the Era Indomitus:
Headquarters
Companies
Chapter Beliefs
The Blood Predators have a widespread belief that their gene-seed is cursed, despite no evidence to support this belief. They believe themselves to be cursed, as their gene-sire Leman Russ has not yet returned to them. They see this as a failing they have committed, and despite being from the Ultima Founding, they believe that perhaps their founding, like that of the 21st Founding, is cursed. The Chapter's Apothecaries have conducted countless experiments on the chapter's stores of gene-seed, believing that their 'curse' is the result of a hidden flaw in their gene-seed. This has caused the Blood Predators to go so far as refusing to implant their own gene-seed in their neophytes, going so far as to use the gene-seed of other chapters, believing it to be purer.
This policy of borrowing the gene-seed reserves was quickly stopped, however, when it was realised that this could in fact draw attention towards themselves and possible get them censored. The Blood Predators had no wish to be exterminated, even if they did believe themselves tainted. They went back to using their own gene-seed, but their paranoia and belief that they were cursed only seemed to grow strong. The Chapter's Apothecarion devoted an extensive amount of their time towards examining their gene-seed, but could detect no evident flaws. Even so, this did nothing to dissuade the Blood Predators from their belief that they are cursed.
It is unlikely that the Blood Predators will ever believe themselves not to be cursed unless their primarch, the Wolf King, returns. At the present time, that seems unlikely to happen, and so the Blood Predators search fruitlessly for a flaw in their gene-seed, not realising that their flaw is believing their gene-seed is flawed in the first place. It seems unlike that the Blood Predators will ever realise this, or believe it even if they do, and so they remain in their fortress-monastery or fighting amongst the many myriad worlds of the galaxy, slowing losing their already fragile psyche. It is only on the field of battle that the Blood Predators believe they can be redeemed.
The Blood Predators are a proud Chapter, eschewing and reviling characteristics such as cowardice and subterfuge, as well as treachery. Loyalty is everything to the Blood Predators; their battle-brothers have a tradition of conducting a ceremony of "soul-binding" whenever they join a squad, believing that it makes them stronger in the eyes of the Emperor of Mankind, and will bring them good fortune on the battlefield. Following this ceremony of soul-binding, the squad will then participate in a baptism of blood, renewing their vows of brotherhood to their squad and their Chapter, and consecrated their bond in the blood of their enemies. This ceremony is usually overseen by the entire Chapter, but as the majority of the chapter is often away on campaigns, the ceremony is usually overseen by the highest-ranking battle-brother available, as well as the highest ranking Chaplain.
The rage of the Blood Predators is a sight to behold. They are known for their brutal mien and bloody rituals, such as their Blood Priests' penchant for eating the flesh and drinking the blood of their strongest enemies in order to gain their attributes and memories through the use of the Omophagea organ. Their first Lord Executioner, their equivalent of a Chapter Master, feared that one day the rage of his chapter would consume them, and so he petitioned for the creation of the Iron Brethren. The equivalent of the Space Wolves Iron Priests, the Iron Brethren maintain the weaponry and armour of the chapter, as well as controlling and maintaining the systems of the fortress-monastery, the Blood Fort. They stand apart from the rest of the chapter, figures of awe and fear, the commanders of the technological lore of the Blood Predators. It is said that the hearts of the Iron Brethren are like steel, the brothers of this elite division of the chapter lacking the rage and frenzy of their battle-brothers. It is whispered that the Iron Brethren are a cult amongst the chapter, their rites and secrets a mystery to all but those who join their ranks. It is said that the original Lord Executioner, Skaldvir Eversyn, commissioned the formation of the Iron Brethren should the rage of the Blood Predators consume them. They are the eternal sentinels of the chapter, charged with the execution of their brothers should they cross a line they cannot return from. It is a lonely but great honour to join the ranks of the Iron Brethren. Only they know all the secrets of the chapter. Armoured in shining silver battle-plate, they watch eternal for the fate Eversyn prophesised would come to their chapter.
Gene-Seed
As a chapter created during the Ultima Founding, the Blood Predators consist entirely of Primaris Space Marines. Before the Ultima Founding, Space Marines created during the Second Founding of the lineage of Leman Russ were found to have gene-seed that was too unstable, causing rampant mutation. The battle-brothers of these 2nd Founding Space Marine Chapters of the Space Wolves were all doomed to fall to the curse of the Wulfen, and were hunted to extinction. It is only through the efforts of Archmagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl that successor chapters of the Space Wolves can be created in the Ultima Founding.
As a successor chapter of the Space Wolves, the Blood Predators are infused with the Canis Helix, the altered gene-seed of the Astartes of Leman Russ' lineage, which gives them their distinctive feral nature and wolf-like aspects, such as their excessive body hair and canine-like fangs. The Blood Predators are true sons of Leman Russ, bellicose and strong, a perfect continuation of the bloodline of the Vlka Fenryka (Space Wolves). The Space Wolves look upon them with hope, hoping that they are just one of many chapters that can now be created from their gene-seed.
Despite this, the Blood Predators believe themselves to be cursed. Their Apothecarion have searched endlessly for a clue within their gene-seed, but there has been no scientific evidence to support this belief. They believe they are cursed because their primarch Leman Russ has not yet returned to them. Their first Lord Executioner believed their actual curse was the chapter's rage, and prophesised that one day it would consume them. For this reason, he petitioned for the creation of the Iron Brethren, a secret cult within the chapter, watching eternally for the fate Eversyn prophesised would come to their chapter.
Genetic Flaws: Predator's Rage
- Stage One - Beast's Wrath: The battle-brother falls prey to his temper easily, disobeying the orders of his superiors, picking fights with his squad mates and fellow battle-brothers. His rage is indiscriminate, falling like an axe on all those around him. He finds it difficult to separate ally from enemy, and does not care about civilian casualties. He will just as easily kill a xenos as he will ten Imperial citizens. His rage is all consuming, and only blood and the sweet release of battle will sate his wrath. Even that is temporary.
- Stage Two - Rage Unending: The battle-brother's rage grows worse, consuming all aspects of his life. He is unable to see beyond his bloodthirst. His vision is a red fog. It is at this point that he loses control of himself, experiencing little to no sensation beyond the field of battle. He verges on the brink of insanity, the slightest thing capable of setting him off. It is at this stage that he is placed under scrutiny by the Iron Brethren, should he be deemed a danger to Imperial citizens, Imperial allies, himself and his fellow battle-brothers. At any point he could be dragged away by the Iron Brethren, never to be seen again.
Combat Doctrine
Like their predecessors, the Blood Predators have a penchant for close combat. They enjoy the savagery and intimacy of close quarters combat. Their armour is often daubed in the blood of their enemies. The majority of the Chapter's battle-brothers are specialists in close combat, fielding a large amount of assault squads. They prefer to field these squads versus heavy weapons toting squads and fire support squads, although they still see the wisdom in fielding these units. Even so, they believe they will only reach true apotheosis in the glory of close assault.
Deathwatch Service
The Blood Predators, like many Adeptus Astartes Chapters, often have battle-brothers pledge their service to the Deathwatch. However, due to their hatred of sorcery and their rage, it is often difficult for them to work alongside battle-brothers from other chapters. Despite this, some battle-brothers do take the Apocryphon Oath. There are some Blood Predators who wish to enhance their prowess at xenos slaughtering. Even so, it is rare amongst the Chapter for battle-brothers to serve in the Deathwatch. They prefer the company of their brothers, finding comfort in the shared rituals, gene-seed and beliefs of the chapter. Even so, those Blood Predators that have served in the Deathwatch are figures of awe and respect.
Notable Space Marines
- Eror Redmaw, Lord Executioner (Chapter Master) - Eror Redmaw is the Lord Executioner of the Blood Predators, a rank equivalent to Chapter Master. He rose to this position through his feats of great violence. As a Blood Claw, Redmaw fought alongside the current High Chaplain, Haroth. He saved Haroth's life from a genestealer, earning his battle-brother's lifelong loyalty. Haroth endorsed Redmaw's promotion to Lord Executioner. For most of his time as a Space Marine, Redmaw served in the Twelfth Company, "The Grimhammers." He served as a Lieutenant in this company, but was eventually promoted to Captain of the Fourth Company, "The Slaughterers." He commanded this company for several decades. Redmaw eventually led the Slaughterers Company alongside the Lord Executioner Asheim Wargaze and the veterans of the First Company, the "Champions of the Blood." They fought against the Steel Brethren warband, where Lord Executioner Asheim Wargaze was killed fighting against the traitor Astartes. Following the conclusion of this campaign, Redmaw was chosen as the next Lord Executioner of his Chapter, and he has served in that role ever since.
- Gnaervin Moonhanded - Moonhanded is the First Captain of the Blood Predators, of the First Company "Champions of the Blood." He served as one of the Terminators of the First Company when Redmaw's successor, Wargaze, died fighting against the Steel Brethren. He became Captain of the First Company after the previous Captain was killed battling Orks. Moonhanded got vengeance for his company, his Chapter and his Captain by killing the Warboss who killed his Captain. He hangs the Warboss's skull from a chain on his armour, inspiring fear in all his enemies.
- Skandeir Draugrtooth - Skandeir is the Captain of the Chapter's Second Captain "The Bloody Hunters." He is famous for his bloody rituals and savage personality. Draugrtooth is known to feast on the flesh of his enemies following each victory, attaining their memories and abilities through the use of his Omophagea organ. His body is covered in ritual tattoos, and he has a scar running from above his left eye diagonally down across his face.
- Ulfni Vinterac - Vinterac is the Captain of the Third Company, the "Crimson Fangs." His body reacted strongly to the Canis Helix, causing him to develop fangs. He is famous for the length of his fangs, along with his tactical genius. Vinterac's tactical genius allowed him to win a battle against a Thousand Sons warband, slaying their Chaos Lord in single combat.
- Horthar Vintervrost - Vintervrost is the Captain of the Fourth Company, "The Slaughterers." He once had aspirations to join the Iron Brethren, but he did not complete the trails of the Iron Brethren successfully. Instead, he worked towards becoming a sergeant of his company, eventually rising to become Captain of the Slaughterers. He is famous for his brutality. However, he has often been censured for his lack of concern for human life. This has brought him into conflict with the Salamanders Chapter on many occassions.
- Hendor Ravenpelt - Ravenpelt is the Captain of the Fifth Company, the "Ravenpelts." His features are deathly pale, his hair as black as charcoal. As his Chapter once practiced using the gene-seed of other chapters as they believed theirs was cursed, Ravenpelt actually has chimeric gene-seed, a mix of his chapter's own and that of the Raven Guard. He wears a cape of black feathers, made from the pelt of one of Lavold Eight's gigantic ravens over his armour. He is most famous for his abilities at stealth and the treatise he wrote on the applications of drop pod assaults. He is credited as one of the greatest air force fighters in his chapter, perhaps even the Imperium's, history.
- Erell Gorsyn - Erell is the Captain of the Sixth Company, the "Sea Hounds." He has long hair and a bushy beard, his rugged handsomeness the subject of many of the Imperium's finest portraits. He has spent many years perfecting the art of underwater combat on the nearby planet of Lavold Six. Before he rose to the position of Captain, Erell's recklessness and arrogance cost him the respect and lives of the members of his squad. His Captain, the previous Captain of the Sixth Captain, Vora Moontooth, considered demoting Erell from his position of sergeant. He believed Erell was a danger to the company and the Chapter as a whole. Temporarily demoted and sent to serve with a different squad, Erell devoted himself to his faith. He harboured ambitions of joining the Chaplain brotherhood, but knew he was more of a warrior than a Chaplain. Captain Moontooth noticed the change in Erell, and allowed him to assume temporary command of his squad once more. Erell shouldered his position of sergeant with far more responsibility than he had previously, tempering his rage and recklessness with his newfound faith for the Emperor of Mankind. Unlike most of his battle-brothers, Erell sees the Emperor as a God, and calls upon him at all times. It was this faith, his battle prowess and his experience that helped him rise to the position of Captain. He renamed his company "The Sea Hounds" after his love of the sea hounds of Lavold Six.
- Torbun the Mountain - Torbun the Mountain is the Captain of the Seventh Company, "The Giants." He is one of the biggest and strongest Space Marines that ever lived, which is why he was nicknamed "the Mountain." He is so big that he needs a customised suit of Power Armour to fit his frame. He is said to be over 9 feet tall, his height close to rivalling that of the Red Wake's.
- Forgun Kjarlfingr - Forgun is the Captain of the Eighth Company, "The Ironfiends." As a youth, even before becoming an aspirant of the Blood Predators, Forgun had a passion for all things mechanical. Recognising this, the Iron Brethren aspired to recruit him. Shortly before he earned his Black Carapace, the Iron Brethren put Forgun through his first test. He successfully passed this trial, becoming an Initiate of the Iron Brethren. By the time Forgun became a member of a Carnivore Squad, he had become a full member of the Iron Brethren, achieving the rank of Cybersmith. He painted his armour silver to honour is newfound rank. By the time he attained the rank of sergeant, he was also a Datamancer of the Iron Brethren. When Forgun attained the rank of Captain of the Eighth Company, he named it the "Ironfiends" in honour of his love of all things mechanical. He is the only Captain in all of his Chapter's history to be a member of the Iron Brethren. When he became Captain of the Ironfiends, he also attained the rank of Iron Sentinel. He once more painted his armour in his chapter's traditional colours, his helmet painted silver to honour his membership in the Iron Brethren. He is an aloof but respected member of his chapter.
- Ulbrarn Grimsoul - Grim stories have long been told about Ulbrarn Grimsoul, Captain of the Ninth Company, "The Grimsouls." It has long been prophesised that one bearing the likeness of Grimsoul would bring about the destruction of the chapter, or be its salvation. Whilst fighting against traitorous Word Bearers on Lupus Prime, Grimsoul was attacked and possessed by a Lord of Change, Fategaze, a Greater Daemon of Tzeentch. The Grimsouls Company called in Rune Priests for backup. Hearing of this, the Grey Knights rushed to assemble a strike force, intent on annihilating all those tainted by Chaos, Grimsoul included. They were accompanied by Inquisitor Akelle Magnar and her retinue. Alongside the Blood Predators Rune Priests, Magnar attempted to expell the daemon back to the Immaterium, although none were sure Grimsoul would survive. Much to their surprise, Grimsoul survived the expulsion of the Lord of Change. The Grey Knights wished to kill Grimsoul, fearing he had been permanently tainted by Chaos. His Chapter argued for his life, but Inquisitor Magnar took Grimsoul's life into her own hands, detaining him aboard her ship. Grimsoul was held captive by the Inquisitor for two years until she declared him free of Chaos taint and allowed him to return to his Chapter. He was reinstated as Captain of his company. Whilst his battle-brothers were glad to see him return, Grimsoul was treated as a figure of awe by his chapter, held apart from his brothers. It is unknown how he was able to survive the exorcism of the Lord of Change Fategaze and remain free of Chaos taint. It is speculated that he may have chimeric gene-seed, a mix of his Chapter's own and that of the Exorcists, a Chapter infamous for their defence against daemonic possession. It is unknown if this is myth or truth. Since the events of Lupus Prime, the dark omens and prophecies surrounding Grimsoul have increased exponentially.
- Kvell Bluestar - Kvell Bluestar is the Captain of the Tenth Company, "The Bluestars." He keeps his hair tightly braided, in the style of the men of Fenris.
- Svund Gloomstar - Svund is the Captain of the Eleventh Company, "The Gloomstars."
- Joraf Grimhammer - Joraf Grimhammer is the Captain of the Twelfth Company, "The Grimhammers."
- Bodvuld Krakenlip - Krakenlip is the Captain of the Thirteenth Company, "The Krakens."
- Vora Moontooth - Moontooth was Captain of the Sixth Company when Erell Gorsyn was a sergeant. When he was Captain, he chose to name his company "The Moontooths." Due to Erell Gorsyn's arrogance and recklessness, Moontooth chose to demote him from his position of sergeant. He believed Erell was a danger to the company and the Chapter as a whole. When Moontooth was satisfied that Erell had changed his ways, he allowed him to assume temporary command of his squad once more. Moontooth died in combat against the Iron Warriors ten years later. He was succeeded by a member of one Sixth Company's Charnel Guard squads, Ragrim Sverdhame.
- Ragrim Sverdhame - Ragrim was Captain of the Sixth Company for thirty years. He served in one of Vora Moontooth's Charnel Guard squads for several decades, becoming Captain of the Company after Moontooth's death fighting against an Iron Warriors warband. He kept the company's name of "The Moontooths" to honour Vora's memory. He was killed by a Lasgun shot fired by members of a Chaos Cult. Erell Gorsyn became Captain following Ragrim's death.
- Aesin - Aesin is the Grand Blood Priest of the Blood Priesthood. He wears the entirely red power armour colour scheme traditionally worn by the Blood Priests of the Chapter. He is armed with a Combat Shield, a relic of the Chapter known as Aesin's Shield.
- Haroth - Haroth is the High Chaplain of the Blood Predators Chapter, Master of the Reclusiam and Keeper of the Faith. He is a devout servant of the God Emperor, responsible for ensuring the faith of his battle-brothers and maintaining their spirits. He has written many texts on faith and religion, mostly about the impact religion has on the military. He believes that a religion strengthens the hearts of an army, just as mighty a weapon as bolter, knife or chainsword.
- Finnaf Vinterskar - Vinterskar is the Chief Rune Priest of the Blood Predators Chapter.
- Isain Skystaff - Skystaff is the Master of the Fleet of the Blood Predators Chapter. He has the greatest talent for void combat in his entire chapter.
- Svund Wintergaze - Wintergaze is the Dreadnought Supreme of the Coven of Dreadnoughts of the Blood Predators Chapter. During battle, he commands his fellow Dreadnoughts. Before he was incarcerated in his sarcophagus, Wintergaze was a Lieutenant of the Second Company. He was mortally wounded fighting against the Drukhari when he was trapped in the Dark City of Commorragh.
- Fergunn Redfrost - Redfrost is the Lord of the Iron Brethren. He alone knows all of the secrets the Iron Brethren have accumulated about the chapter across the breadth of their existence.
Chapter Fleet
The following are the vessels recorded as being part of the Blood Predators fleet:
- Shikari (Battle Barge) - The Shikari is the flagship of the Blood Predators Chapter. It is rumoured to have once been a part of the fleet of the renegade Ivory Hunters Chapter, although it is unknown if this is myth or fact. All that is known is that the Shikari is might manifested, a physical mass representing the military power of the Blood Predators. It most recently took part in the defence of Cadia during the 13th Black Crusade. It unfortunately suffered extensive damage battling against Traitor Astartes of the Black Legion.
Chapter Relics
The following is a list of relics belonging to the Blood Predators Chapter:
- Shield of Aesin - This shield is wielded by the Grand Blood Priest of the Blood Predators Chapter. Almost every member of the Blood Priesthood wields such a shield, but Aesin's is by far the most precious. It has seen countless battles, and has tasted the blood of thousands. Many consider it to be the token of his office. It is believed that when he dies in glorious battle, the shield will either be encased in the Reclusiam or given to the new Chief Blood Priest of the chapter.
Chapter Appearance
The Blood Predators wear red, yellow and black power armour. The chapter badge is displayed on the left shoulder pauldron. The squad speciality symbol - Battleline, Close Support, Fire Support, Veteran and Command - is displayed on the right shoulder pauldron.
The Blood Predators do not display squad markings. They do, however, display company markings via different coloured wolf heads displayed on their left knee plate. For example, 1st Company is white, 2nd Company is yellow, 3rd Company red, 4th Company green, 5th Company black, 6th Company teal, 7th Company orange, 8th Company silver, 9th Company grey, 10th Company blue,
Chapter Colours
The Blood Predators wear red, yellow and black power armour. The right leg of their power armour is painted red, whilst the left leg is painted yellow. The left knee pad is painted black. The chest plastron and groin is painted black. The right shoulder pauldron is painted red. The left shoulder pauldron is painted yellow. The arms are also painted black. The backpack is also painted black. The aquila is painted gold. The shoulder trim is painted silver.
Chapter Badge
The chapter badge of the Blood Predators is a wolf's head, superimposed over two axes crossed over one another dripping blood.
Relations
Allies
- White Wardens - The Blood Predators share a friendship with the White Wardens, a friendship that has arisen due to the White Wardens believing themselves to be cursed, just as the Blood Predators do, although for different reasons. However, due to the White Wardens' isolationist behaviour, the battle-brothers of the two chapters do not consider themselves to be particularly close, instead simply enjoying a mutually beneficial relationship of manpower and the like. When the Blood Predators stopped using their own gene-seed temporarily, they borrowed some of the gene-seed of the White Wardens to implant in their neophytes. However, the Blood Predators no longer use the gene-seed of the White Wardens, and as the years have gone by, the two chapters have communicated less and less.
- Space Wolves - As a successor chapter of the Space Wolves, the Blood Predators share a close bond with the scions of Fenris, and the Space Wolves look upon the Blood Predators and their other successor chapters with hope that they will be just one of many chapters created from the lineage of Leman Russ. However, due to their belief that they are cursed, the Blood Predators feel that they bring shame upon the name of their progenitor chapter and their primarch, and desperately hope to banish their 'curse' in order to be seen as worthy in the eyes of the Space Wolves, Leman Russ and the Emperor.
- Crimson Blades of Camgras Regiment - The Blood Predators enjoy a close relationship with the Crimson Blades of Camgras, a regiment of the Astra Militarum that has often been shunned for their brutal methods and beliefs.
Enemies
- Thousand Sons - Like their predecessors the Space Wolves before them, the Blood Predators share a hatred of the Thousand Sons, reviling them for their use of sorcery and their worship of the Dark God of Change, Tzeentch.
Notable Quotes
By: The Blood Predators
About: The Blood Predators
 Space Wolves Successor Chapters 
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| Ultima Founding | Abyss Stalkers • Ascetics of Korit • Astral Bears • Beasts Undaunted • Blades of Morkai • Blood Predators • Blood Seekers • Bloodied Hunters • Cernachian Wardens • Crimson Prowlers • Dawn's Wolves • Dusk Howlers • Dusk Stalkers • Fangs of Fenrir • Fangs of Vidar • Ghost Wolves • Golden Boars • Gore Wolves • Grey Wolves • Greymanes • Hartlords • Iron Beasts • Kraken Reavers • Kraken Sons • The Mastodons • Maws of Fenris • Moonlight Stalkers • Night Wolves • Painted Hounds • Phantom Wolves • Red Wolves • Sky Wolves • Stone Bears • Tempest Fangs • Tempest Wolves • Void Selkies • Waveborn • West Khan Wolves • Wild Hunt • Wild Wolves • Wolf Knights • Wolfborn • Wolves of Blood and Bone • Wolves of Redemption • Wolves of Yggdrasil • |
| Extinct | Corpse Wolves • |
| Renegades | Bloodborn Wolves • † Skyrar's Dark Wolves • |
Gallery