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- "The Emperor sees more in a broken scythe held firm than a polished sword dropped in fear."
- — The Pallitax Orineth Drakmyr when restructuring the chapter
The Broken Blades are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter based in the Segmentum Ultima. The chapter is not one widely known or celebrated in the Imperium, however, they have been a constant force in the Segmentum and beyond, often operating on the fringes of Imperial space. Fighting the Broken Blades feels like fighting the sea while caught in the sand, they are unyielding, implacable and ruthless. The Blades slow warfare down, able to endure the very worst thrown at them every enemy finds themselves ground away before their relentless advance.
Raised during the elusive 13th "Dark" Founding, the Chapter's early history is largely obscured as is their gene sire. Originally a fleet-based Chapter, the Broken Blades won a pyrrhic victory on one of the moons of Viroth in M37. Their numbers depleted and their structure shattered the Chapter decided to evolve, abandoning its past name and identity and taking the name "The Broken Blades." The renaming was the first step of rebuilding as a force, the second was claiming Viroth as their new chapter homeworld. The trauma of this rebuild and the culture of Viroth have significantly changed the character of the chapter, it now reflects its name in more ways then one.
The formation of the Great Rift marked a turning point in the Chapter's history. In an uncharacteristically lucky twist of luck the Chapter forces had mobilised in its entirety to deal with an incursion in their home system. Responding with overwhelming force, the Blades had secured the system and used the occasion to meet in remembrance for fallen brothers and renew their ties to the homeworld. It was at this moment that the universe broke. As the warp screamed and Astropaths went mad, the Chapter was beset. After consolidating and fortifying their home system they swept out grinding forward.
Like a great scythe they now sweep through the neighboring systems, combating countless threats alongside the fractured forces of the Imperium. Currently, they are locked in a number of gruelling campaigns, battling Necrons and Ork hordes in one direction and Traitor Legions in the other. Their endurance and tenacity are being tested as never before.
The arrival of the Primaris Space Marine technology was a welcome development. For a Chapter that prides itself on its endurance and ability to remain unbreakable, this new power was quickly accepted. Though they carry the scars of their past and the weight of their losses, the Chapter remains steadfast, ever vigilant in their duty to protect the Imperium and the Emperor's legacy.
Chapter History
Founded during the mysterious Thirteenth Founding, details of the Broken Blades’ origins remain mixed in a shroud of secrecy and lost knowledge. As they have been renamed, their prior records of both battles, gene seed and sire have been lost to the imperium, those few that do exist are in the depths of the Chapter vaults and shrines, carved upon the stones. Initially a fleet-based Chapter, the Broken Blades patrolled the far reaches of the Segmentum Ultima, often venturing to the borders of the Segmentum Tempestus and beyond the edges of Ultima. However, many within the Chapter now believe their chapter was only truly born in the 37th Millennium when they were broken.
During this time, the Chapter was very nearly destroyed. Already understrength and battered from a series of sustained campaigns against xenos the chapter was called to deal with an incursion by elements of Chaos to a nearby system. After a series of sustained actions in which they successfully cleansed a number of planets including a valuable forge world the Chapter’s Librarius directed their forces to the sparsely populated moon, Moria, orbiting the planet Viroth. The moon had become the site of a Chaos incursion led by a band of Khornite Berserkers and a formidable champion. Amidst growing numbers of daemons and the relentless fury of the berserkers, the Chapter descended into battle to purge the taint of Chaos.
The battle culminated in a desperate, final confrontation. The Chapter Master was struck down and the Chapter Standard burnt, as the battle brothers fell one by one and all seemed lost, Orineth Drakmyr, the First Captain, rallied his remaining battle brothers and struck down the Chaos Champion. His final blow shattered his weapon, cleaving the champion in two and disrupting the warp in an explosion of aether and metal. The Chapter emerged in victory but emerged broken, teetering on the brink of annihilation with barely 100 brothers and no surviving dreadnaughts. Usually when a chapter is reduced to such a state the high lords of Terra will make them to be dissolved and the chapter will seek a final battle to die honorably in duty. Instead, Orineth recognised the battle and its toll as a defining moment, he rallied his brothers stating:
"We are Broken, our strength is shattered. But duty does not end until death, the shards of a broken blade may still kill the enemies of the Imperium if there is enough will to wield them. We are that will, we are the avenging angels of death who are honour bound to never cease their battle.
From ruin, resolve is forged. We endure brothers and we will be remade. But we will not be remade anew, we will hold to the honour of the broken, of the ruined. We shall rise as the Broken Blades. Chip, shatter, break. No matter the wound, no matter the war, we will endure, we will drive forward always. A broken blade may kill. We will never stop. For the Emperor!"
Taking up the mantle of Chapter Master Drakmyr renamed the chapter the 'Broken Blades.' Settling on Viroth Drakmyr set to establishing a series of political agreements within the System of Viroth, using their victory to forge pacts with the sector Astra militarum units and forge world. Using this as leverage he was able to establish the chapter and be ratified by Terra under their new identity doing the impossible through sheer force of will. As the chapter rebuilt on Viroth they shaped its creed as one of endurance, inevitability and survival. Though they may break over and over again the Chapter would never fail in its duty. Over the centuries its new name, and new home have resulted in a unique identity and at times a problematic obsession with the nature or Ruin and Reforging.
In the current era, the Broken Blades are led by the brilliant and ruthless Chapter Master Eoth Korvath and Luther Draven, 1st Captain and Chapter Champion. The two warriors are viewed as the greatest heroes the chapter has seen since Orineth Drakmyr, embodying this hero as two sides of the same coin. Korvath is a master strategist and skilled political operator who embodies the Chapter's unyielding spirit while being able to understand the wider imperium, managing his chapters survival and service. While Draven is viewed as the most skilled warrior the chapter has seen, he is an unmatched fighter who has become talismanic for his fellow brothers. While there is no love lost between champion and Master Korvath and Draven represent the greatest hope the Chapter has for surviving and adapting to the new galaxy, a galaxy that now shakes with the steps of a Primarch returned.
Notable Campaigns
The Chapter has participated in numerous glorious campaigns throughout its long history, though official records remain sparse. Most recently, the Broken Blades have taken part in the following notable engagements:
- Battle of Virex-9 (200.M39): Not much is known of this battle. The Broken Blades and the Iron Hands worked together to retake a fallen forge world. The battle was a victory, however, the Broken Blades force were decimated with one brother surviving through internment into a dreadnaught. Records of the battle have been expunged from official imperial records and the Blades only call it the 'Betrayal'. Relations with the Iron Hands have never recovered.
- Gothic War (139.M41 - 160.M41): Several companies of the Broken Blades joined the defense of the Gothic Sector, battling the vile forces of Abaddon in the 12th Black Crusade.
- Indomitus Crusade (ca. 999.M41 - Ongoing): The Chapter has dispatched multiple companies to aid in the Lord Commander’s great effort to secure the Imperium in its darkest hour.
Chapter Homeworld
Viroth from Orbit Homeworld of the Broken Blades
Planet
The Chapter's homeworld is a death world, Viroth, located in the Segmentum Ultima. The sky is perpetually overcast, characterized by thick mists and acidic rains. Once a verdant paradise of lush valleys and beautiful forests Viroth was settled as a world of plenty, while it had its dangers in its large and wild fauna the Virothi civilisation flourished. However, Viroth was changed in the Age of Darkness. Plunged into isolation and battered by warpstorms the paradise crumbled with pollution and war acting as its final catalyst for change. The planet became toxic, its cities were abandoned and the forests warped, changed by the storms battering the system. Today the surface is dotted with decaying ruins, vast forests, swamps, and marshes nestled between towering cliffs and mountains. These valleys are toxic and teeming with vicious beasts that have adapted to the harsh climate.
Moons
Viroth has two moons in its orbit Moria and Moria II. The smaller of the two moons Moria was the site of the battle which brought the chapter to its knees, the place of a significant chaos incursion the surface of the moon was scoured and is now rad infested wasteland with no atmosphere. No living soul steps foot on the wasteland dubbed the 'shattered plains' with the exception of the High Librarian. Once ascended to the position each one takes a spiritual journey, it is one of the secrets held by the chapter, none know of the journey and none know what it entails but when they return each is forever changed.
Moria II is a large moon with red iron rich soil, a fortress in its own right the chapel on Moria II is the spiritual home of the Chapter, it is where the brothers stood as they wrought exterminatus on Moria and where they knelt in remembrance and in their oaths to form a new brotherhood on Viroth. Named the Tomb of Stars the fortress is the Chapters true chapel, while the remains of each brother is interred on Viroth in their fortress their testimony is held on Moria II. When each brother dies his name is recorded in the company tally and his deeds set down in stone. Crafted by the finest Virothi sculptors and finalised by the company Chaplain or Librarian each brother will have a false door of stone created for him, listing his name and his deeds. This door is then interred in the Tomb of stars to act as a last testimony of his worthiness. Moria II is a place of contemplation and is where the Chaplains and Librarians are trained.
Population
Mountainous and toxic, the planet's life lies beneath its surface. With the exception of some savage tribes who make homes in the plains, the humans of Viroth do not live on the surface. As war and warpstorms battered the planet, its people retreated from the surface. They built their cities in and down, expanding the existing mining towns in the mountains, cliffs and magma chambers of dormant volcanoes. Built using dark age technology the cities have established underground fisheries and farms, this enabled them to survive the long night. However, delving deep has come with consequences as many warped creatures inhabit the darkest spaces of Viroth.
Despite the perils of the surface and the increased safety of the subterrain fastness the Virothi culture is not one which will accept meek surrender. Refusing to be imprisoned in their own cities, the Virothi culture developed into one of stubborn resilience and endurance becoming militaristic and rigid, facing the dangers of the surface and finding ways to adapt and work. This manifested itself in a number of ways, the culture became obsessed with either proving an individuals strength or their ability to endure trials. To survive on Viroth requires both mental and physical strength. Before the coming of the Imperium the Virothi were a fragmented people, cities battled cities and the savage plains dwellers raided.
While the Imperium made Viroth one people, it did not remove its mentality nor its militaristic culture. Instead, Viroth rapidly developed a reputation for its guard units and built a proud history of serving the Astra Militarum. This tithe was stopped with the coming of the Chapter as it's brave warriors were instead selected as either initiates for the trials or service in the Chapter fleet and guard.
Being a Chapter homeworld is a point of fierce pride for all Virothi, and being chosen as a recruit is considered the greatest honour.
Fortress-Monastery
The Broken Blades have direct involvement with the human population of Viroth, as the population provides the majority of their initiates and provides the manpower for the fleet and chapter servants. While they do not weigh in on the governance of the planet as occurs with some sons of Guilliman, the Broken Blades have become the spiritual focus of the Virothi people, who view service to the Chapter as the greatest proof of one's strength, honour and ability to survive while serving the Emperor.
Their fortress-monastery, aptly named 'The Sepulchre', is far from any other population centre and is built into the the largest mountain on the planet. The main gates of this citadel stand at the top of a vast cliff, which aspirants must climb as part of their final trial. This imposing cliff overlooks the Dreadmarshes, a vast, poisoned swamp considered the deadliest environment on the planet and home to its most ferocious creatures.
The Sepulchre is a foreboding structure, heavily fortified and designed to withstand even the most significant aerial assaults. However, its true strength lies beneath the surface—the entire mountain has been hollowed out to create vast cathedrals and grand halls, forming the heart of the Chapter's operations. Within these halls, the Broken Blades train relentlessly, honing their skills with unique weapons and paying homage to their fallen brothers.
Viroth’s moon, Moria II, holds a great memorial fortress. This massive defensive structure acts as the spiritual home of the Broken Blades, serving as a reminder of their sacrifices and resilience.
Chapter Organization
The Broken Blades are broadly Codex Astartes-compliant, however, the influence of the Orineth Drakmyr through his Codex Ekleipsis and Virothi cultural traditions has introduced several notable deviations. These distinctions shape the Chapter’s character and battlefield specialisation. The chapter has the standard 10 companies but their roles deviate to the Codex standards. The 1st Company are an entirely Veteran Unit and the 10th Company are the scout company, both companies often have squads rotating to other companies depending on the requirements of the mission or the war.
The remaining companies act in a more independent manner, the Broken Blades do not have reserve companies. Instead each company has their own culture and traditions and each act as battleline squads. They act as self-contained units, despite this companies will often support each other and each tends to develop strengths in certain forms of warfare depending on the traditions of the company and the interpretation of the Codex Ekleipsis by the Company Gatekeeper, Librarian, and Captain.
The Broken Blades adhere to the Codex standard of 100 Space Marines per company, plus company specialists and the command squad. However, the 1st company is an exception to the set number of brother. Every member of the Reforged is nominally part of this company, however, they are rarely with their brothers as they are often reassigned to other companies to act as company champions or as advisors and at other times they will journey on their own becoming attached to different war zones across the Imperium.
Officer Ranks:
- The Pallitax (Chapter Master): Currently Eoth Korvath
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Sergeant
Specialist Ranks:
- Master of Shards (Chief Librarian)
- Sculptor (Librarians/ Epistolaries)
- Keeper of the Anvil (Forgemaster)
- Iron Warden (Techmarine)
- Opener of Ways (High Chaplain/ Reclusiarch)
- Gatekeeper (Chaplain)
- The Veil Guard (Master of the Fleet)
- Master of the Harvest (Master of Recruits)
Specialist Units & Formations:
The Threshold (Chapter Honour Guard):
The Threshold are a team of 20 warriors, members of the elite who are unsuited to become a Reforged but are as skilled in combat as them. Handpicked by the Pallitax the members of the Threshold are always deployed alongside him unless sent as diplomats in his place to meet other chapters or members of the different branches of the imperium. All prior markings or honour marks are removed, instead they done suits of artificer armour that have the right arm stripped to bare grey ceramite with a door and sickle embossed in brass on their right shoulder pad and are given one of 20 unique coat of arms shields to don.
The Reforged:
The Reforged are elite champions of the Chapter, existing outside the traditional command hierarchy. While they respect and follow the chain of command, the Reforged possess the authority to assume leadership of missions or undertake independent quests if deemed necessary. These warriors represent the Chapter's ideals and inspire their battle-brothers through their heroism and wisdom. The reforged have an additional role. The reforged must learn the culture and traditions of every company, they must be familiar with the interpretations that the company has of the Codex Astartes and the Codex Ekleipsis. They do so in the event that a company is wiped out a Reforged will be tasked with reforming the company and nuturing its rebirth, this is one of their most solumn duties and one that they have carried out more then once.
The Iron Reaper (Chapter Champion):
1st Captain Luther Draven - The Iron Reaper
The Iron Reaper is both a title and a position. The Reaper is the Chapter champion and can only be a member of the reforged. The champion is the most skilled fighter in the chapter, it is a title that isnt bestowed it must be proved and taken. The most skilled members of the reforged will consistently spar with Scythes and know amoungst themselves who is the best. They choose the reaper, no one else. Because of this insular process the current Iron Reaper is the 1st Company Captain Luther Draven. A peerless warrior, Draven is not who the Chapter master would have chosen as his right hand.
Chapter Command:
The Broken Blades' command structure has evolved to reflect their unique traditions and values. The Chapter Master holds the title of the Pallitax and is advised by a council composed of the ten Company Captains and the Master of the Librarium, Forge, and Reclusium. Each captain has a high level of individual responsibility. Unlike many Chapters, the Pallitax is not necessarily the greatest warrior but is instead chosen for his brilliance as a strategist and his ability to embody and uphold the Chapter’s core values. Often, the Pallitax operates from the void, coordinating the Chapter's movements and campaigns, however, some Chapter Masters will stay situated in the homeworld, others will accompany the 1st company. Upon the death of a Chapter Master, the Chaplaincy and Librarius confer to identify two suitable candidates. These individuals are presented to the council of Company Captains, who vote to determine the successor. These two candidates are usually a company captain, however, very rarely have they been an exceptional member of the reforged. When this occurs they are almost always very short reigns, as the Reforged are unique, often leading their chapters in a glorious crusade but are unsuited to other aspects of Chapter life. The non-regular command structure of the Chapters upper echelons extends to the chief Librarian and Chaplain. The Master of Sanctity will most often remain on the homeworld, overseeing the training and the spiritual health of the chapters future, therefore the Chaplain for the 1st Company is often seen as the leader, while the Reclusiarch is the spiritual focus. The Chief Librarian will rarely leave the Chapters moon base, when he does he will always accompany the Chapter Master, especially in the era Indomitus. The Chapter Master's personal champion, always a member of the Reforged and typically the 1st Company Captain, stands ready to support his command. Currently, 1st Captain Luther Draven holds this position.
Gatekeeper Baldric Vornhelm - Herald of the Eclipse
Gatekeepers:
The Chaplains, referred to as Gatekeepers, are the guardians of the Chapter’s traditions, moral values, and spiritual core. The senior Chaplain is the Master of Sanctity, overseeing the Reclusium, and bears the title "The Opener of Ways". While they function similarly to traditional Chaplains, the Gate Keepers have a particularly close relationship with the Librarius, working together to advise Company Captains and the Pallitax, and to safeguard the Chapter’s history. The Chaplains keep a tally of the deeds and the deaths of their battle brothers, inscribing them in stone on stele and tablets at the Chapter's spiritual home.
The Stonemasters (Librarius):
The Librarius of the Broken Blades is a vital institution, closely following Codex guidelines while incorporating unique elements tied to Virothi traditions. The Chief Librarian is known as the Master of Shards and his Librarians of all ranks are the Sculptors. In addition to their psychic duties, the Librarians serve as historians and record-keepers, carving the Chapter’s history into stone. Their stone working skills are unmatched, and they are responsible for creating the false doors that memorialise fallen warriors. The Chapter selects its Librarians from its seed worlds and Viroth, ensuring a diverse pool of psykers who master the Warp's power.
Order of Battle
| Companies
| |||||||||||
| Veteran Company | Battle Companies | ||||||||||
| 1st Company | 2nd Company | 3rd Company | 4th Company | 5th Company | |||||||
| Battle Companies | Scout Company | |||||
| 6th Company | 7th Company | 8th Company | 9th Company | 10th Company | ||
Chapter Recruitment
During their time as a fleet-based Chapter, the Broken Blades established the practice of recruiting from numerous worlds across the Segmentum Ultima. While some of these worlds had developed, technological societies, the Chapter has historically preferred to recruit from Feral Worlds with harsh environments. This practice has continued, however, aspirants are now mainly drawn from Viroth itself as the harsh climate and hardy people have resulted in Marines who seem to fart exceed even a space marines expectations for endurance. The move to a ground-based Chapter has simplified recruitment, as the planet provides an ample supply of suitable candidates whose lives are already a testament to survival against overwhelming odds.
The Virothi are a hardy people, shaped by their planet's toxic swamps, towering cliffs, and treacherous mountain ranges. While they are not primitive, their daily struggle for survival against their perilous surroundings has instilled in them a stoic resilience and tenacity that the Chapter values above all else. The Broken Blades seek recruits who embody a balance of honour, determination, and endurance, rather than those who simply revel in violence.
The Chapter recruiters will observe potential aspirants and gather them to undergo a series of grueling evaluations designed to test their physical, mental, and spiritual resolve. Once they reach the final step before their ascension to the scout company they must traverse the infamous Dreadmarshes, a perilous expanse of poisoned swamps teeming with lethal predators and saturated with toxic substances that threaten to corrode both body and mind. Throughout this trial, aspirants face relentless challenges, including surviving the marsh's hostile environment and battling its most ferocious creatures. Only those who successfully slay a marsh beast and retrieve its hide and teeth are considered marked for potential greatness. These trophies must be carried as proof of their triumph during the next phase of their trial: The Climb.
The final challenge requires aspirants to scale the sheer cliff face leading to The Sepulchre, the Chapter’s fortress-monastery. The ascent is treacherous, with jagged outcroppings, venomous mists, and the weight of their spoils testing their strength and determination. Many perish before reaching the summit.
Those who succeed are welcomed as Neophytes of the Broken Blades. In a solemn ceremony within the grand halls of The Sepulchre, each Neophyte is presented with a key—a symbol of the Chapter's trust and a mark of their role as custodians of its legacy and history. This rite reinforces the unbreakable bond between the Chapter and its warriors. Following this, the Neophytes journey to the mountain's outer walls, where they carve a chunk of stone to commemorate their ascension. This act honours Viroth’s ancient traditions of stone carving, which the Chapter has embraced as part of its cultural identity. Those who fail to endure the transformation process, or whose bodies reject the gene-seed, are given the honour of serving as Chapter Serfs, supporting the Broken Blades in their unending vigil.
Every battle-brother of the Broken Blades carries both the key and the stone at all times. The key signifies their guardianship of the Chapter’s heritage, while the stone stands as a physical reminder of their grueling trials and their ultimate triumph. Together, these symbols embody the enduring strength and unyielding spirit of the Broken Blades.
Upon recruitment, a Neophyte serves within the Chapter’s 10th Company, honing their skills and adapting to the demands of the Adeptus Astartes. As they progress, they undergo rigorous training and final genetic augmentation, eventually earning their place as full battle-brothers in one of the Chapter’s Reserve Companies.
Chapter Beliefs
The Broken Blades Chapter follows a structure that aligns with the Codex Astartes. However, their culture and traditions have evolved significantly. These changes have been wrought from both the shift in culture implemented by Drakmyr as the Chapter was renamed and by the traditions of their new homeworld.
The culture of the Broken Blades has formed around the collective trauma of its breaking and renaming and the guiding influence of the Chapter Master who oversaw the change. Since adopting its new name, the core idea of the broken and the reforged has worked its way deep into the psyche of each battle brother. At its best this change manifests itself as a complete strength of spirit, the purest form of endurance in war. At its worst it is an obsession with showing and reveling in damage and the survival of pain. Its expression comes in a number of forms, from the expression visually to its expression in the body. The iconography of the chapter is rife with symbols of shattered objects or broken weapons. This marries well with the visual culture introduced by the Virothi.
Brothers will partake in rituals of pain and poison, pitting themselves against the worst environment, the worst stimulants and poisons to increase their durability and prove themselves able to survive the cracks in their own bodies. This has become a set part of chapter culture, during their trials brothers must survive the toxic environment on the planet, pushing through to survive. However, as with any tradition it can be taken to far, some brothers will endeavor to test themselves against the most potent toxins, testing their ability to survive and endure. Unlike the broader cultural shift towards endurance this type of practice is viewed negatively by the command structure but has remained a poorly kept secret amongst the brothers. The apothocarian has a mixed view, they disapprove but are also fascinated to see how it affects the physiology of their brothers. Some members of the Chapter fear that this obsession with the broken may one day lead the brothers down a path to dishonour.
Chapter Master Drakmyr changed his chapter forever with his doctrine. Named the Codex Ekleipsis, a tome which records Drakmyr's belief, philosophies and his principles of warfare. The Codex is the core philosophy for the Chapter. Drakmyr's teachings have had a hand in influencing every aspect of the Chapter's organisation and culture. The Broken Blades do embrace the Codex Astartes’ emphasis on preparation and adaptability and its base teachings, however, their traditions reflect their Virothi heritage and Codex Ekleipsis balancing these influences to form a Chapter built on resilience, strength, and unwavering resolve. This unique blend of doctrine enables the Chapter to thrive amidst the countless challenges faced in their service to the Imperium.
The Blades have a strong culture of honouring their fallen and their patriarchs, with Drakmyr and Dorn forming the cornerstones of their identity. While the Broken Blades do not view the Emperor as divine, they hold a steadfast reverence for him, his strength and the resilience of mankind. Their culture is rooted in the iron will to endure any hardship, an ethos preserved through oral histories maintained by their Chaplains.
Chapter Traditions:
The Chapter traditions are strongly influenced by the Virothi culture.
- The Reforged: A core tradition of the Broken Blades is the elevation of warriors who exemplify the Chapter’s ideals, known as the Reforged. These individuals are chosen from any Company based on exceptional deeds of skill and heroism. Upon selection, candidates undergo rigorous trials overseen by the Librarius and Chaplains to ensure their mental fortitude and incorruptibility. Those who come out of these trials are changed, brothers who were gregarious become taciturn, those who were quiet become silent. To be a member of this order is to take a weight of responsibility and tradition that cannot easily be understood by those outside of it. Only those who prove their unwavering resolve and deep understanding of the Chapter’s philosophy are named Reforged. They exist outside the traditional structure, serving as living embodiments of the Chapter's values and capable of commanding forces. Reforged warriors are equipped with artificer-crafted Terminator armour of bare ceramite and brass, symbolising their purification and ascension, as well as one of the Chapter's sacred relics—ancient power scythes of extraordinary potency.
- The Tally: Every company keeps a book of thin stone tablets that records every death of every brother while on campaign. Created with thin sheets of the finest Virothi granite the companies Chaplain is charged with carving each name. When a book is filled it is placed with honour in the chapters Spiritual home, Moria II. When reaching the monastery on the moon each name is then carved on great false doors which record the titles and names the battle brother has gathered in life, listing his accomplishments and honours.
- Stone working: After completing their trials, Neophytes journey to the mountain’s outer walls to carve a block of stone, commemorating their ascension. This practice honours Viroth’s ancient stone-carving traditions, which the Chapter has adopted as part of its cultural identity. Beyond this initiation rite, stone working is deeply ingrained in the Chapter. Many battle-brothers carry hammers and chisels as symbols of their craft, creating intricate statues and stelae depicting their battles, victories, and meditations. These creations are displayed throughout the fortress-monastery and fleet, serving both as artistic expressions and historical records of the Chapter’s legacy.
- Tattoos: Tattoos are a common feature among the Chapter’s warriors, often mirroring the motifs found in their stone carvings. These tattoos serve as personal chronicles, marking significant events and deeds in a warrior’s life, and are a physical testament to their journey and accomplishments.
- Giving of Keys: In a solemn ceremony held within the grand halls of The Sepulchre, each Neophyte is presented with a key. This key symbolizes the Chapter's trust in them and their role as custodians of its legacy and history. Over the course of long and distinguished service, a warrior may be awarded additional keys as marks of valour and exceptional trust. These keys, each uniquely crafted, serve as physical representations of the warrior's contributions to the Chapter and their steadfast dedication to its ideals. This rite reinforces the unbreakable bond between the Chapter and its warriors, with each key acting as a testament to their enduring commitment and honour.
- Marshwalking: The Librarius follows its own unique tradition, distinct from the rest of the Chapter. Rather than carving statues or participating in traditional rites, Librarians undertake the ritual of marshwalking. They wander the toxic marshes of Viroth, honing their psychic and spiritual abilities amidst the deadly mists. This practice embodies the Chapter’s values of endurance and inner strength.
- Tomb of Stars: When a battle-brother of the Broken Blades falls, his death is honored with a final act of remembrance. His name and greatest deeds are engraved on a stone shrine, typically crafted by the Chaplains or Librarians. These shrines are then placed on the moon Moria II, a sacred burial site, ensuring that the memory of each warrior endures as a tribute to their sacrifices.
- Lunar Pilgrimage: When a battle brother is inducted into the ranks of the Chapter he must undertake a period of instruction on the Chapters moon fortress-chapel. For the brothers who may enter the Chaplaincy or who are Psykers the moon is much more. It is their key place of teaching and training where they study the chapters histories and memorise its stories.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The exact identity of the Broken Blades gene-sire is not in record; however, the Chapter believes that they have the gene seed of Primarch Rogal Dorn. The Broken Blades' gene-seed is notably resilient and stable, free from the common mutations that has plagued many other Chapters. This stability, combined with the high compatibility of the Virothi people with gene seed implantation, has been vital to the Chapter’s survival through numerous trials and catastrophic losses throughout their history.
The gene-seed has quirks as it seems to amplify their strength and enables an inherent resistance to toxins and enable an unusual endurance for physical punishment and injury. Remarkably strong for an Astartes this additional adaptation has allowed the Broken Blades to endure some of the harshest environments and survive the most terrible battles.
Genetic Flaws
The gene-seed does have an additional genetic quirk. Following implantation, Battle-Brothers undergo a physical transformation that gives them a more shallow, gaunt appearance. Their skin becomes pallid and their faces become almost skeletal as their eyes take on a shadowed, hollow quality. This stark, unnerving appearance is one that imperial soldiers will note but never mention.
Combat Doctrine
The Broken Blades' combat doctrine is built on the Codex Astartes, however, it is also shaped by the Codex Ekleipsis. Because of the the core structure of its companies is different to a traditional structure, companies 2-9 are cohesive and flexible, each company fielding a range of assault sqauds, devastator squads and tactical. Each company has developed its own culture and traditions, drawn from both Viroth and from the Codex Ekleipsis, this has translated into their combat doctrine. While each follows the same broad strokes of the chapter doctrine, they each have their own strenfgths and identity that follows their interpretation of both the Codex Astartes and the Ekleipsis. Due to this each company is able to work well and compliment eachother.
The Chapter is renowned for its unwavering resolve and preference for relentless, methodical warfare there is a core belief in the adaptability of each brother, should their weapons break they will not. Therefore each company is able to use a wide variety of tools, however, each has a core focus on fire and rad weapons, heavy weapons, armour, and infantry tactics. The Chapter companies often act in synchronicity, fielding multiple companies to produce devastating force.
The Broken Blades are known for their heavy use of Power Scythes, wielded with deadly efficiency in both close combat and fire support roles. This weapon has become synonymous with their identity. The use of Scythes in close combat is a hallmark of their doctrine, cutting down enemies with brutal precision while symbolising the unyielding nature of the Chapter. The weapons have largely been discontinued by the Administratum, however, the in system forge world has continued to produce the weapons for the Chapter resulting in an abnormally high number of power weapons for the Chapter. Their warriors also use chainweapons, powerfists, axes, but powerscythes are extremely popular. A small portion of the brothers use power swords, however, they are quite unpopular amongst the Chapters ranks. The current Chapter Master being a notable exception to this.
In battle, the Broken Blades adopt a stone-like approach, advancing with unshakeable steadiness, ensuring no ground is lost. Their combat method is attrition, absorbing enemy blows and striking back with relentless force. Terminator Squads, supported by an unusually large number of Devastator Squads and heavy armour, form the backbone of their assaults, dominating the field. These squads advance slowly but with deadly precision, unleashing destructive firepower to break the enemy's will before the power scythes come into play for a sweeping close-quarters assault. A methodical and slow-moving assault tactic is often employed by the Broken Blades. It is especially effective in urban warfare or broken terrain, where their heavy armour and unwavering resolve make them an unstoppable force. The tactic involves an implacable column of attack that grinds down enemies with calculated, devastating power, leaving little in its wake.
Aside from the calls of their GateKeepers the Blades appear to all to wage war in silence, becoming a wave of death taking any punishment thrown at them while their blades cut down all in their path. The emphasis on heavy armour and relentless firepower is balanced by their deep mental fortitude, ensuring that even under the most dire circumstances, they remain immovable and steadfast. The Broken Blades' combat doctrine reflects their unwavering belief that victory is won through sheer resilience, the will to endure suffering, and the indomitable power of their Battle-Brothers. The Broken Blades are utterly relentless in the face of any foe.
Deathwatch Service
Through their time as a fleet-based Chapter, the Broken Blades became adept at warfare against the many xenos foes. Because of this the Chapter has a proud history of service amongst the Deathwatch.
Notable Members
- Chapter Master Orineth Drakmyr 'Lord of the Shattered Host' (Founder): The chapter master who renamed the Chapter and proclaimed Viroth as their new home. Their greatest hero and strategist he is also their spiritual lead. Having written the Codex Ekleipsis his every word and deed has fundamentaly altered the character and fate of the Chapter.
- Chapter Master Eoth Korvath (Current): Korvath was chosen as the youngest Pallitax in the history of the chapter. The current chapter master is a renowned strategist, some say the greatest the chapter has known since Chapter Master Drakmyr. However, his rarest quality is his ability to judge men and negotiate the politics of the imperium. Since his ascension he has lead the Chapter for close to 400 years and has brought it back to its greatest strength in millennia, brokering alliances with the mechanium, bringing more worlds under the protection of the Chapter to act as recruitment points and reinforcing the home system. Korvath is a skilled warrior, however, he is an even more skilled swordsman. Even amoungst astartes Eoth excelled in swordplay.
- 1st Captain Luther Draven 'The Iron Reaper': Captain Luther Draven is the rock upon which evil breaks. He is the Chapters champion and a member of the Reforged, an unparrelleled warrior Draven is the most skilled fighter in the Chapter and and is viewed by many as the greatest champion the Chapter has seen since its refounding. Though he is Champion there is no love lost between Draven and his commander, a schism which has existed from their first meeting the conflict is something that remains a continuous concern for the Chapters Gatekeepers.
- 1st company Gatekeeper Baldric Vornhelm 'Herald of the Eclipse': Vornhelm is a legend in the Chapter, a skilled orator amidst a brotherhood of silent death Vornhelm is one of the heroes guiding his chapter through its current challenges.
- Dreadnaught Saevan Kyr: Kyr was once a skilled warrior and the Gatekeeper for the company who answered the call to Virex-9, saved by Sergaent Cassian Skarn the keeper is now a venerable Dreadnaught whose hatred has become something which borders on mania. He is never awakened when Iron Hands are present in the theatre of war.
Notable Quotes
By Heroes of the Chapter:
- "The Emperor sees more in a broken scythe held firm than in a polished sword dropped in fear."
- — The Pallitax Orineth Drakmyr in the Codex Ekleipsis
- "We are not what was planned. We are what was necessary."
- — The Pallitax Orineth Drakmyr in the Codex Ekleipsis
- "Some may think our brotherhood is in ruins. Instead we have made this battlefield our cathedral and our defiance a prayer."
- — The Pallitax Orineth Drakmyr standing before the remnants of his Chapter as they gather themselves to reform.
- "Justice borne on shattered steel is sharper than any blade forged in arrogance."
- — The Pallitax Eoth Korvath when dealing with the Dark Angels.
- "A broken blade may cut deep, if forged in the crucible of purpose."
- — Gatekeeper Baldric Vornhelm to the gathered brothers before battle.
- "In the crucible of war, our weakness is extinguished—only the scythe remains."
- — Gatekeeper Baldric Vornhelm to the new novitiates in the 10th company.
- "We do not pray for strength. We are what strength looks like when all else is gone."
- — Gatekeeper Saevan Kyr at the betrayal of Virex-9
- "Let them call us broken. That word has never meant defeat."
- — Sergeant Cassian Skarn Senior surviving officer at the betrayal of Virex-9
- "We hold the shards of our past. Not as weakness, but as weapons."
- — Chapter Master Eoth Korvath
By Brothers of the Chapter:
- "Our weapons may break, but we will not."
- — Drawn from the Chapters Litany
- "That which is already broken knows no limit."
- — Drawn from the Chapters Litany
- "Never healed. Never reforged. The broken endure."
- — A common saying amongst Battle Brothers.
Chapter Fleet
The Broken Blades' fleet, the remnants of their fleet-based origins, remains a formidable force, anchored by three massive Battle Barges that serve Sergeant warships and the heart of the Chapter’s operations. Supported by a number of Strike Cruisers, the fleet retains its flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities. Despite the scars of their past, this fleet ensures the Chapter can project its might across the galaxy, fulfilling both offensive crusades and defensive duties with unmatched firepower and tactical precision
Chapter Relics
- Reapers Oath: The relic powerscythe currently wielded by First Captain Luther Draven. The blades powerfield is uncommonly powerful. The Sepluchre's Binding: Shaped like an immense key, the binding is a relic Crozius Arcanium currently wielded by the chaplain of the 1st Company Baldric Vornhelm.
- Tools of Drakmyr: The stone working tools of Chapter Master Orineth Drakmyr, these relics are held in the reclusium.
- The Shards of the Eclipse: The Power scythe Eclipse was a weapon of Chapter Master Drakmyr which broke while achieving victory at the battle of Moria II while striking the final blow to his great enemy. The blade became the new chapter symbol, and its shards kept as the most holy relics. The remains of the blade remain in the Reclusium except for one which is currently worn by Baldric Vornhelm the 1st Companies Gatekeeper.
- Shoulder Armour of Cassian Skarn: Sergeant Skarn saved Saevan Kyr, his final heroic act of the betrayal of Virex-9. His only intact piece of armour the plate was kept as a relic of a great hero.
Relations
Allies:
| Death Spectres |  |
The Broken Blades and Death Spectres relationship is born from a shared oath dating back to before Broken Blades were fully formed in their current legacy. Though they patrol distant regions and use different war doctrines, when they encounter each other they fight seamlessly, bound by mutual trust forged in critical rescues that have continued to create bonds. |
| White Scars |  |
Though outwardly loyal, these chapters diverge significantly in combat doctrine or operational style. The Broken Blades’ methodical, attrition-focused warfare is the complete opposite to the more fluid or doctrinally different tactics of the white scars. However, this has instead fostered a partnership of frightening efficacy. Despite the differences the battle brothers of both chapters have found and easy relationship and have formed close bonds. |
| Carcharodons |  |
Though radically different in culture and approach, the Carcharodons being savage, nomadic predators with an ancient, brutal style of war, the Broken Blades recognize their effectiveness and sheer force of will. A mutual respect exists: both chapters understand the necessity of strength, self-reliance, and total commitment to duty, even if their philosophies diverge. |
Neutral:
| Crimson Fists |  |
These chapters maintain standard Codex-aligned cooperation and have joined together in a number of operations. |
| Raptors |  |
These chapters maintain standard Codex-aligned cooperation and may join joint operations. However, there are no deep ties or special bonds, relationships remain formal and procedural. |
| Imperial Fists |  |
The Imperial Fists are the founding chapter of the Blades believed gene sire. The blades treat them with respect, but this respect is not always returned. |
Strained:
| Angels of Absolution |  |
(TBC) |
| Novamarines |  |
Though outwardly loyal, these chapters diverge significantly in combat doctrine or operational style. The Broken Blades’ methodical, attrition-focused warfare and worldview clashes with the old scions of ultramar. |
Dislike:
| Iron Hands |  |
A bitter history, including near-annihilation during a joint battle, left deep scars. Their cold, mechanistic worldview and contempt for the “flesh” directly opposes the Broken Blades’ belief in moral endurance and inner will. |
| Executioners |  |
Their rigid, puritanical zeal and inflexible doctrinal stance violate the Broken Blades’ values of perseverance through hardship and honour-bound resilience. |
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Symbol
Chapter Colours
The Broken Blades paint their power armour in a deep black with crimson and white markings. However, the culture of the blades means they make a number of modifications to their armour. Battle brothers will often have 'cracks' in a piece of armour, these are not actual damage, rather symbolic gestures. Some will carry a broken sword as a dagger, while others will immortalise a particularly devastating piece of damage to their armour. More veteran warriors will allow the paint to slowly wear off due to battle damage of certain chosen plates. This is to emulate the colours of the reforged.
The Chapter’s champions, the Reforged, wear a unique colour scheme. Their power armour is bare ceramite with brass metal accents, this is to represent their positions as the only reforged blades amongst the Broken.
Chapter Ranking Marks
The Chapter follows the Codex Astartes when marking its ranks via helmets, with slight deviation:
- Battle brothers helmet: Black
- Sergeant Helmet: Red.
- Veteran Helmet: Bone White.
- Veteran sergeant Helmet: Red and bone white with a broken scythe on the brow,
- Lieutenant Helmet: Black with a bone white and red strip, a grill and a scythe on the brow,
- Captain Helmet: Bare ceramite helmet with the chapter badge in brass on the brow.
The armour trim of a Brothers armour will often indicate his status: silver for lower ranks, gold for Veterans, and copper for officers.
Scout Marines of the Chapter are easily identifiable by the distinctive white and black checkered square pattern on their left forearm.
In line with the Codex Astartes The Broken Blades also maintain a squad specialisation marking, which is placed in the centre of the right shoulder guard. The squad speciality symbol—whether it is battleline, close support, fire support, veteran, or command—has a white background with crimson detailing. Within the symbol, a white High Gothic numeral indicates the squad number, though the Chapter does not display company numbers. Company markings are marked in combinations either bone white, black or red on the right knee and honour marks on the left knee.
Chapter Heraldry
Every brother carries the key and stone from his ascension with him at all times, often at his belt. However, Battle-Brothers will often embellish their armour with personal heraldry and additional markings which will vary depending on the company and the achievements of the brother.
Common symbols and designs include:
- Checkerboard patterns
- Crossed scythe and key
- Keys
- Scythes both broken and whole
- Broken Chains and Weapons
- Vines and Thorns
- Imperial sigils and symbols
- Suns
- Stoneworking/ Masonry Tools
The Chapter also employs the traditional honours system of the Codex Astartes. An additional marker is the inclusion of stone working tools. These tools are used as markers of merit.
Chapter Badge
Broken Blades Chapter icon.
The Broken Blades Chapter badge features a scythe laid over a hollow sun, with both the haft and the blade of the scythe broken. This symbol serves as a powerful reminder of their moment of victory and near destruction, marking the Chapter's rebirth and new beginning. The broken scythe represents the Chapter’s endurance and their determination to fight on regardless of the cost. The hollow sun is a reminder of their past, the emptiness left by their losses and the resolve to rebuild while also signifying a new beginning. The design reflects both the brokenness they overcame and the new strength they forged from it.
The badge is typically displayed as a red hollow sun with a broken white scythe overlaid on a black background.
Gallery
