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This article, Caustic Reach, was written by AlphariusXX. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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The Caustic Reach are a small Adeptus Astartes Chapter created during the 21st Founding, the so-called 'Cursed Founding', from existing (presumably Raven Guard) gene-seed which was modified to counteract the high potency of Tyranid poisons and toxins these foul xenos commonly employed. Through highly controversial and unprecedented manipulation of the gene-seed, the scientists were able to induce a genetic mutation that allowed the Astartes of the Caustic Reach to develop an intrinsic resistance to the myriad of toxins and venoms that Tyranid organisms frequently employ. This resistance was not merely passive; instead, it came with an extraordinary and grotesque side effect.
The mutation triggered an overproduction of toxins within the bodies of the Caustic Reach Astartes, transforming them into living vessels of poison. These toxins, circulating through their bloodstream, were secreted into their Betcher's Glands - one of an Astartes implanted organs that is typically responsible for producing acidic bile in other Space Marines - causing them to exude venomous fluids uncontrollably. As a result, the Caustic Reach developed a reputation for their unsettling and disturbing appearance, with many of their battle-brothers perpetually 'drooling' caustic toxins from their mouths.
This mutation granted them a brutal advantage in close-quarters combat, as they could spit highly potent, venomous bile at their enemies, incapacitating or killing foes with even the smallest exposure. Their ability to weaponize their own physiology against the Tyranids became a hallmark of their combat doctrine, earning them a feared and reviled status within the Imperium. However, like many of the Chapters of the Cursed Founding, the price of their enhanced abilities came with severe consequences.
The Caustic Reach, despite their initial successes, have suffered greatly due to their genetic instability and ongoing conflicts. Their numbers have been severely depleted, particularly after the devastating assault by Hive Fleet Behemoth, which laid waste to their home world of Tyran and destroyed their fortress-monastery, Ghuld. Once a Chapter of full strength, they now number approximately 350 battle-brothers, though their exact numbers remain uncertain due to the secretive and war-ravaged state of the Chapter.
Operating out of their battle barge, The Maw, the Caustic Reach are now a nomadic force, constantly embroiled in various conflicts. They fight not only to defend the Imperium, particularly in the Eastern Fringe where the Tyranid threat remains strong, but also for their own survival. The remnants of Hive Fleet Behemoth continue to plague them, as do the encroaching forces of the T'au Empire. Isolated and left to their own devices, the Caustic Reach have become a Chapter of bitter and scarred warriors, bound by their cursed nature but determined to fight on despite their dwindling numbers.
The unusual nature of the Caustic Reach's genetic makeup and their unsettling appearance have led to them being viewed with suspicion by other Chapters and elements of the Imperium, but none can deny their effectiveness in fighting the enemies of mankind. Their poisoned mouths are a testament to their cursed lineage, and their continued existence is a testament to their resilience against both the Tyranids and the genetic instability that has plagued them since their creation. Though they walk a fine line between survival and oblivion, the Caustic Reach remain a formidable and deadly force on the Eastern Fringe, feared by their enemies and pitied by those who understand the true cost of their existence.
Chapter History
The Caustic Reach are a small, semi-Codex-compliant Adeptus Astartes Chapter that once called the death world of Tyran Primus their home. Their fortress-monastery, Ghuld, perched on the jagged peaks of the toxic planet, was both a symbol of their resilience and a testament to their harsh, unforgiving nature. Founded during the ill-fated 21st 'Cursed' Founding, the Caustic Reach were subject to the same genetic instability and unconventional modifications that marred many of the Chapters created during that turbulent era. Despite this, they carved out a fearsome reputation, adapting to the toxic and inhospitable conditions of their home world while cultivating unique combat doctrines suited to warfare in hostile environments.
The Caustic Reach were a Chapter whose methods and culture were often considered unusual, even by the standards of the Adeptus Astartes. Their practices were deeply influenced by the lethal flora and fauna of Tyran Primus, with rites and trials that subjected initiates to the most extreme conditions imaginable. Survival was a prerequisite for even the lowest ranks, and their aspirants were expected to endure venomous environments, deadly predators, and the ever-present threat of their own bodies breaking down under the harsh climate. This bred a Chapter known for its unyielding endurance and fierce, close-quarters combat prowess.
However, the Caustic Reach's strength would soon be tested by an enemy beyond their reckoning. When Hive Fleet Behemoth descended upon the Eastern Fringe, it laid waste to entire sectors of space in its hunger for biomass. The Caustic Reach found themselves directly in the path of the ravenous swarm. Their home world, Tyran Primus, and the fortress-monastery Ghuld were ground zero for the Tyranid assault. Despite their desperate and valiant defence, the Hive Fleet overwhelmed their defences, and Ghuld fell under the relentless tide of the xenos horde.
The battle for Tyran Primus was nothing short of catastrophic. Hundreds of battle-brothers perished in the defence of their home, their bolters and blades holding back the seemingly endless waves of Tyranid bioforms. But the numbers of Hive Fleet Behemoth were too great, and the Chapter's defences were eventually breached. In the end, only a fraction of the Chapter survived, escaping into the void aboard their battle barge, The Maw. Tyran Primus was consumed, and the fortress-monastery Ghuld, along with much of the Chapter's history and legacy, was obliterated. The Caustic Reach, already haunted by their cursed origins, were left shattered, their numbers reduced to less than half their former strength.
In the aftermath of the Tyranid invasion, the Caustic Reach became a Chapter defined by loss and relentless pursuit of vengeance. Operating from The Maw, the only relic of their former power, they now drift through the Eastern Fringe, constantly embroiled in conflict. Their battles are focused on two primary enemies: the ever-expanding T'au Empire, whose technological superiority and expansionist policies pose a direct threat to Imperial worlds, and the remnants of Hive Fleet Behemoth, which continue to plague the region, often reforming into splinter fleets that ravage isolated systems.
Despite their reduced strength, the Caustic Reach remain a formidable force. Their surviving battle-brothers are battle-hardened veterans, carrying the weight of their Chapter's near-extinction with grim resolve. What little is known of their history now exists only in fragments—oral traditions passed down to new recruits through stories of great battles and heroic last stands. The aspirants of the Caustic Reach, tested even more brutally than before, carry the burden of their Chapter's cursed legacy and the desire to avenge their fallen brothers.
Today, the Caustic Reach stand as a damaged but unbroken Chapter, still dedicated to the defence of the Imperium, even as they continue their personal war of vengeance. Whether they can ever recover their former strength remains uncertain, but their indomitable spirit and burning hatred for the enemies that took their home ensures they will fight to their last breath.
Notable Campaigns & Events
- First Tyrannic War (745.M41) - Every seasoned marine of the Caustic Reach remembers The First Tyrannic War. In 745.M41 Hive Fleet Behemoth overran the world known as Tyran. It was this assault that would name the vile xenos "Tyranids" in imperial records, and it is this assault that fuels the Caustic Reach's hatred of these creatures. While the Reach's grand fortress, Ghuld, was being assaulted from the front by almost every one of the myriad xenos bioforms... disaster struck. Dozens of vile creatures, now known as "Mawlocs", burrowed beneath Ghuld and shot out in unison.Their cruel and random targeting of the weak and defenseless serfs serving the chapter was their first monstrous act. Once the serfs had been culled they moved onto the soldiers, the now terrified forces of the Imperial Guard and Skitarii who helplessly watched those previous souls be butchered and devoured by the relentless hunger of the mawlocs. once enough of the troops had been eliminated the mawlocs started destroying walls and supports of the fortress, along with an assault on the fortress's void-shield generators being protected by the elite 1st Company and Chapter Master Xeredus Berloc himself. It is said that the Chapter Master alone slew seven of those beasts; but despite this effort the Reach were forced to retreat and board their few surviving vessels within orbit after the Chapter Master suffered a shot of bio plasma to the cheekbone.
Chapter Homeworld
Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of the world of Tyran Primus.
Once a world of vast shimmering oceans and untapped potential, Tyran Primus was once an Imperial outpost gleaming with colonisation and scientific research possibility. Early in its history, the planet was home to numerous settlements and mining outposts, built into the sprawling caverns of the sparse landmasses that dotted its aquatic surface. Beneath its oceans lay vast reserves of mineral wealth, drawing Imperial prospectors and researchers alike to the world. However, that vision of prosperity and discovery was obliterated when Hive Fleet Behemoth descended upon Tyran Primus, reducing it to a husk of its former self.
Now, Tyran Primus is little more than a desolate wasteland, a ball of jagged rocks and exposed ocean beds, its once vibrant seas long since drained by the devouring Tyranids. The planet's once-thriving ecosystem has been obliterated, leaving behind an arid, lifeless landscape where only the most resilient organisms still cling to existence. The atmosphere, tainted by the Tyranid infestation, now partially consists of sulfuric acid, the remnants of the xenos' biological consumption of the planet's oceans and atmosphere. The skies are perpetually grey, and the planet's air is toxic in most regions, a far cry from the breathable environment it once offered.
At roughly the size of Mars, Tyran Primus bears a stronger gravitational pull than Holy Terra, with a downward force of 10.4 meters per second. The planet's crust, once composed of minerals and solid rock, now resembles fragile mica—sharp, glassy, and prone to fracturing into razor-like shards. These jagged remnants of the planet's surface make navigation treacherous, and many regions are impassable without specialized equipment or vehicles. The absence of any significant atmosphere prevents the formation of winds or storms, leaving the planet eerily still. Its temperature remains consistently cool, averaging around 11 degrees Celsius, making the planet bearable to live on but devoid of seasonal variations.
The northeastern hemisphere of Tyran Primus, scarred by deep gorges, sulfur geysers, and mountain ranges that were once the ocean's ridges, holds the remnants of human habitation. These once-submerged areas contain cave systems and natural formations that provide the few remaining villages with shelter from the harsh external conditions. The atmosphere here is relatively breathable, maintained by some lingering natural processes and artificial intervention by the surviving human population. It is in this hostile environment that the Caustic Reach Astartes recruit their future battle-brothers.
Life on Tyran Primus is sparse, and what little exists is dangerous and alien. Monstrous crustaceans and insectoid creatures roam the badlands, the grotesque by-products of whatever natural life forms survived the Tyranid invasion, mutated by exposure to the planet's toxic environment. These creatures pose a constant threat to the isolated human settlements, which rely on primitive means to fend off the predatory beasts. Food sources are equally scarce, forcing the inhabitants to subsist primarily on the mosses and fungi that grow in the planet’s darker, damper caves. These fungi, though sustaining, provide little in the way of nourishment and are often toxic in their own right. As a result, those villagers who are brave or skilled enough to slay the monstrous creatures of the badlands are hailed as heroes. These feats of strength and survival are seen as markers of worthiness, and those who succeed are often singled out by the Caustic Reach as promising recruits for the Chapter.
To survive on Tyran Primus is to endure both the physical and environmental challenges of a world utterly scarred by war and consumed by the Tyranid hive fleets. This makes the warriors drawn from its populace hardy and unyielding, characteristics that the Caustic Reach have integrated into their Chapter's identity. Even as their fortress-monastery, Ghuld, lies in ruins, the Chapter continues to draw recruits from Tyran Primus, forging a new generation of Astartes from those who have been shaped by the same toxic and dangerous world that once gave birth to their predecessors.
Fortress-Monastery
Like many planet-bound Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Caustic Reach once boasted a mighty fortress-monastery on their home world of Tyran Primus. This grand citadel, known as Ghuld, stood as a testament to their power and their devotion to the Emperor. Within its imposing walls, the Chapter housed all the essential elements needed for their continued survival and war against the enemies of the Imperium. The fortress-monastery was divided into specialized sections, each critical to the operation and identity of the Chapter.
Ghuld included vast living quarters and training grounds where aspirants and seasoned battle-brothers alike could hone their skills. In the Reclusiam, the spiritual heart of the fortress, the Caustic Reach carried out sacred rites and rituals, offering reverence to the God-Emperor and honouring the fallen heroes of the Chapter. The Chaplains of the Caustic Reach would gather here to conduct ceremonies, instilling in each brother the sacred duty they bore as Angels of Death. The Chapter's Librarius was a vault of esoteric knowledge, containing data on psychic phenomena and the dangers of the Immaterium. Here, the Chapter’s Librarians delved into arcane lore and cultivated their psychic talents, channeling the raw power of the Warp to aid their brothers in battle. It was in these halls that psychic insights into the Tyranid threat were studied and catalogued, as the Chapter sought to understand their alien enemy.
Among the most vital sections of their mighty citadel was the Apothecarion, which housed the Chapter's precious gene-seed repository. The Apothecaries, sworn to safeguard the future of the Caustic Reach, maintained the integrity of their genetic legacy here. The gene-seed stored within these sacred vaults was crucial to the implantation process that would create future Space Marines, ensuring the Chapter’s survival despite the inherent dangers of the 21st 'Cursed' Founding. The Apothecarion also held vital medical facilities for treating the wounded and recovering gene-seed from the fallen, a process even more urgent after the losses sustained in the fight against Hive Fleet Behemoth.
Ghuld was also home to the Chapter's Forge, where skilled Techmarines maintained and crafted the Caustic Reach's wargear, vehicles, and equipment and maintained the Chapter's most sacred relics. These armories housed everything from the Chapter's precious relic weapons to the advanced war machines that carried them into battle. Some of these relics had been passed down for centuries, each bearing the scars of a thousand wars. The fortress-monastery was a place of not only reverence but also constant preparation for war, a true bastion of the Astartes.
However, all of this was lost when Tyran Primus fell to the Tyranids during the apocalyptic onslaught of Hive Fleet Behemoth. The Caustic Reach's defence was valiant but ultimately futile. Ghuld, along with much of the Chapter’s history, relics, and personnel, was obliterated by the ravenous xenos. The planet itself was stripped of life, leaving the Chapter with no choice but to abandon their home world. What little could be salvaged from the ruins of their once-mighty fortress was hastily loaded aboard the Chapter's remaining ships as they fled the planet, including the last remnants of their gene-seed, vital relics, and wargear.
With their home world lost, the Caustic Reach transformed into a fleet-based Chapter. The Maw, their lone remaining battle-barge, became their new base of operations. Now the de facto mobile fortress-monastery, The Maw serves as the heart of the Chapter, carrying the last vestiges of their former glory. Onboard this massive warship, the Caustic Reach rebuilt much of what had been lost—though on a smaller scale. The Maw houses the Chapter's Reclusiam, Librarius, Apothecarion, and Forge, salvaged from the ruins of Ghuld. Though the Chapter has been severely diminished, they continue their fight with grim determination, operating out of The Maw as they seek vengeance against the Tyranids and all who threaten the Imperium.
The Maw
As a fleet-based Chapter, the Caustic Reach have become a nomadic force, endlessly traversing the stars to wage war on the enemies of the Imperium. With the destruction of their home world of Tyran Primus at the hands of Hive Fleet Behemoth, they no longer have a planet to call their own. Now, their survival hinges on their battle barge, The Maw, a relic of ancient technology and the sole remaining vessel large enough to house the remnants of their Chapter. The Maw has since become not only their flagship but their mobile fortress-monastery, a symbol of their resilience, resolve, and unbreakable spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
A relic of the Imperium's lost past, The Maw is more than a warship. It is the lifeblood of the Chapter, housing everything they salvaged from the ruins of their once-mighty fortress-monastery, Ghuld. The ship itself is a sprawling and labyrinthine behemoth, bristling with heavy weaponry, void shields, and ancient relics of the Chapter's storied history. Its mighty hull is scarred by centuries of warfare, yet it still holds together, a testament to both the skill of the Chapter's techmarines and the indomitable will of the Caustic Reach. Every inch of The Maw serves a vital function, from the barracks that house their battle-brothers, to the Reclusiam where they offer their prayers to the Emperor, to the forges that produce and maintain their wargear.
The Reclusiam aboard The Maw is a hallowed and solemn space where the Chapter's Chaplains lead their battle-brothers in sacred rites, commemorating the fallen and renewing their oaths of service to the Emperor. Here, they preserve the traditions of the Caustic Reach, a reminder of the strength and purity of purpose that has allowed them to endure. Despite their cursed lineage and near extinction, their faith remains unshaken, reinforced by the Chaplains who remind them of their divine purpose - to purge the xenos, heretic, and traitor, no matter the cost.
The Librarius within The Maw serves as a repository for all knowledge the Chapter has managed to preserve, especially concerning the Warp and psychic abilities. Given the perilous nature of the 21st Founding, the Chapter;s Librarians work tirelessly to safeguard this lore, constantly refining their understanding of the Immaterium to better serve their battle-brothers and the wider Imperium. These psychic warriors, while few in number, are invaluable in battle, using their gifts to turn the tide of combat and shield the Caustic Reach from the many horrors they face.
Despite their dwindling numbers, the Caustic Reach's Apothecarion remains one of the most critical sections of The Maw. Within its sterile chambers lies the Chapter's most precious asset - the Chapter's gene-seed. Preserved and safeguarded by their surviving Apothecaries, the gene-seed represents the future of the Caustic Reach, as every potential recruit's transformation into an Astartes hinges upon these irreplaceable biological treasures. The Apothecarion also oversees the physical well-being of the Chapter's warriors, patching up their wounds after each gruelling engagement and ensuring the gene-seed is reclaimed from fallen brothers.
Beneath the surface of The Maw, deep within its heart, the forges and armouries hum with activity. These are the lifeblood of the Chapter's war effort, where their remaining techmarines labor to maintain the Chapter's venerable equipment, vehicles, and weapons. Every bolt round, every suit of power armor, every war engine must be carefully tended to, for the Caustic Reach have few resources and even fewer means to replenish their wargear. The armouries of The Maw hold the Chapter's most sacred relics, ancient weapons and artefacts carried from their lost home world, their significance magnified in the aftermath of the Chapter’s near-destruction. These relics are wielded with reverence, the battle-brothers of the Caustic Reach fighting with a fierce dedication to honour their Chapter’s legacy.
Though the Caustic Reach are but a shadow of their former strength, numbering fewer than 350 Astartes, The Maw serves as both a sanctuary and a weapon. It carries them from battle to battle, an ever-moving bastion from which they strike out at the Imperium's many foes. From the festering heresies of the Eastern Fringe to the encroaching Tau Empire and the remnants of Hive Fleet Behemoth, the Caustic Reach fight with a relentless fury, each victory a step closer to reclaiming their former glory. For them, The Maw is not just a vessel - it is their home, their citadel, and their last hope for survival.
In the cold void of space, where the line between life and death is razor-thin, The Maw represents the spirit of the Caustic Reach: battered, scarred, and battle-worn, but unbroken. Their journey through the stars is a ceaseless war for both redemption and survival, and as long as The Maw sails through the dark of space, the Caustic Reach will continue to fight, ever defiant against the enemies that threaten to extinguish their Chapter once and for all.
Chapter Organisation
Once nominal adherents to the dictates of the Codex Astartes, the structure and organisation the Caustic Reach now follow are a relatively textbook approach to Chapter organisation. Following the devastation of their home world of Tyran Primus by Hive Fleet Behemoth, the Chapter was forced to reorganise in response to the devastating losses they suffered at the hands of the Tyranids. Chapter Master Berloc concluded that with the loss of so many warriors, this would lead to great difficulties in maintaining nominal numbers to deploy his Chapter in accordance to the doctrines of the Codex. He opted to take a more realistic approach and decided to reorganise his Chapter in order to make up for the loss of both personnel and vital equipment and wargear. Therefore, he ordered the establishment of a specialist division of training that would help bolster the versatility of new recruits while allowing the Chapter to continue to rebuild its strength and maintain flexibility in combat. This resulted in the creation of two distinct Specialist Companies, each focusing on a particular aspect of warfare.
The creation of these two Specialist Companies would not only enhance the Chapter's combat flexibility but also allow for a more effective use of their limited resources. By concentrating training efforts under veteran captains like Fletch and Voldur, the Chapter ensures that its fire support and close support elements are of the highest quality, even if their numbers remain diminished. Once trained, these specialist marines are folded back into the 2nd Company, ensuring that the Chapter's primary fighting force is composed of warriors with diverse skill sets.
This structure also allows for a smoother transition of knowledge and experience. Veteran fire support and close support specialists, who survived the devastation of Tyran Primus, now serve as mentors within their respective companies, passing on their battlefield wisdom to the next generation. This approach fosters a stronger bond within the Chapter, with newer recruits learning directly from seasoned warriors, ensuring that the traditions, tactics, and honour of the Caustic Reach continue despite their recent hardships.
The reorganization of the Caustic Reach into this specialist division of training comes with strategic advantages. By creating a centralized process for training fire support and close support specialists, the Chapter maximizes its ability to adapt to different combat scenarios, whether it be siege warfare, defensive actions, or lightning-fast strikes. The emphasis on passing down specialist knowledge within dedicated companies also allows the Chapter to develop unique strengths, potentially compensating for their lack of overall numbers.
However, the decision to concentrate the Chapter's specialists in these two companies has also led to a further strain on the Chapter's already depleted resources. The process of training specialist Astartes is time-consuming and requires significant investment, from jump packs to heavy weapons, and the Caustic Reach can ill-afford to lose any of these assets. As a result, the deployment of fire support and close support squads is often reserved for critical operations, and their loss in battle is a significant blow to the Chapter.
Despite these challenges, the Caustic Reach's new structure is an ambitious and necessary step toward ensuring the Chapter's survival. The specialization of battle-brothers within the 3rd and 4th Companies has turned the Chapter into a more flexible and resilient force, one that can adapt to the demands of war while still recovering from the grievous losses inflicted by the Tyranids. In this way, the Caustic Reach remains a formidable Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, rebuilding its strength with a determined focus on excellence and specialisation.
Officer Ranks
- Chapter Master - Xeredus Berloc, The Antivenom is the current Chapter Master.
- Captains
- Lieutenants
Specialist Ranks
- Chief Librarian - Julius Necrium is the current Chief Librarian.
- Librarian
- High Chaplain - Urserus Dirge is the current High Chaplain.
- Chaplain
- Master of the Forge - Yrannus Isle is the current Master of the Forge
- Techmarines
- Chief Apothecary - Hektor Masstra is the current Chief Apothecary.
- Apothecary
Line Ranks
- Veteran Sergeants
- Sergeants
- Battle-Brother
- Scout Marines
- Aspirants
Specialist Formations
Order of Battle
Headquarters
Companies
| Veteran Company | Battle Company | Reserve Companies | |
| 1st Company | 2nd Company ("Massive" Company) |
3rd Company (Fire Support) |
4th Company (Close Support) |
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"Massive" 2nd Company
- "The Second Company is the pride of our chapter... and those that fight with you have made sure no force can contend with it."
- — Second Captain Armellius Engren addressing neophytes during Chapter structure orientation
The "Massive" 2nd Company of the Caustic Reach Chapter stands as both a symbol of resilience and a pragmatic response to the devastating losses the Chapter suffered during the Tyranid assault on Tyran Primus. In the aftermath of the destruction of their homeworld, the Chapter Master made the controversial decision to concentrate the bulk of the Chapter's fighting strength into the 2nd Company. Numbering approximately 250 Astartes - far exceeding the usual Codex-compliant size of 100 - the 2nd Company serves as the primary combat force of the Caustic Reach, compensating for their overall diminished numbers and ensuring the Chapter remains a viable fighting force in the Eastern Fringe.
The formation of this oversized company is a direct attempt to rebuild the Chapter's operational capabilities in the face of near-annihilation. With the loss of so many battle-brothers during the invasion of Hive Fleet Behemoth, the Chapter was left with only a fraction of its former strength. By concentrating their resources into the 2nd Company, the Chapter ensures that they have a formidable, organized, and experienced force capable of taking on the numerous enemies that threaten the Imperium in their sector, including the remnants of Hive Fleet Behemoth, the encroaching Tau Empire, and the countless other threats that lurk in the Eastern Fringe.
The 2nd Company is commanded by Second Captain Armellius Engren, a seasoned warrior who earned his promotion after distinguishing himself during the defence of Tyran Primus as a member of the Veteran 1st Company. Armellius displayed exceptional leadership and combat prowess during the desperate last stand against the Tyranids, where his tactical brilliance and sheer tenacity helped save many of his battle-brothers from the jaws of death. Recognizing his valor and ability, the Chapter Master entrusted him with the task of leading this newly reinforced and massive company. Under his command, the 2nd Company has become the spearhead of the Chapter's campaigns, often deployed where the fighting is fiercest and the stakes are highest.
Despite the strength and importance of the 2nd Company, its creation has come at a cost. The restructuring has significantly weakened the other companies of the Caustic Reach. The Veteran 1st Company, once the elite core of the Chapter, has been reduced to a defensive force, relegated to safeguarding The Maw and the Chapter's few remaining assets. No longer the spear-tip of the Chapter's assault formations, the 1st Company now plays a more reactive role, providing protection and support when the Chapter's fleet comes under direct threat. This shift in function is a stark departure from their former glory as the Chapter's venerated veterans, though they remain a capable force when needed in times of dire defence.
Further exacerbating the situation, the former 10th Company, traditionally reserved for Scouts and neophytes undergoing their training, has been fully absorbed into the 2nd Company. With no resources to maintain a dedicated Scout Company, the neophytes now fight alongside their more seasoned brothers in the 2nd, learning the art of war through direct experience. While this integration ensures that the Chapter's numbers are bolstered, it also means that the recruits are exposed to the brutal realities of warfare at an early stage in their training. The experience they gain is invaluable, but the losses among these young warriors are often high, reflecting the desperation of the Chapter's current situation.
Although the 2nd Company is often referred to as a singular force, it rarely fights as one cohesive unit. Given the dwindling numbers of the Chapter and the importance of preserving what strength remains, the Caustic Reach usually deploy the 2nd Company in smaller detachments. These task forces are dispatched to various conflict zones where they can make a difference without risking the full deployment of the Chapter. These detachments are highly flexible, able to operate independently for extended periods, and their actions range from spearheading assaults on critical enemy positions to acting as rapid-response units against sudden threats. This approach allows the Caustic Reach to maintain a presence on multiple fronts, even with their reduced manpower.
One of the most significant logistical changes the Chapter has made since becoming fleet-based is the restriction placed on their Apothecaries. Due to the Chapter's precarious situation and the critical need to preserve their gene-seed, all Apothecaries are strictly forbidden from entering combat. Instead, they are assigned to tend to the wounded in medical facilities aboard The Maw and other vessels in the fleet. Their sole duty is to preserve the Chapter's future by ensuring that the wounded are healed and, most importantly, that the gene-seed of the fallen is recovered for future implantation.
When a battle-brother falls in combat, the remaining marines are under strict orders to retrieve the body if at all possible, prioritizing the safe return of any viable gene-seed to the Apothecarion. This practice has become a somber ritual among the Caustic Reach, as the loss of any gene-seed is viewed as a blow to the future of the Chapter. Battle-brothers go to great lengths, often risking their own lives, to ensure that their fallen comrades' legacy is preserved. This devotion to the preservation of their gene-seed is not only practical but symbolic, a representation of the Chapter's determination to rise from the ashes of their near-destruction.
Despite the challenges posed by their depleted strength and the sacrifices made in restructuring the Chapter, the 2nd Company of the Caustic Reach stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Though their numbers are fewer and their resources stretched thin, they continue to fight with the same ferocity and tenacity that has defined their Chapter for millennia. Under the leadership of Captain Armellius Engren, the 2nd Company represents the Chapter's fighting spirit and their refusal to yield in the face of adversity. Each battle they fight is a step towards reclaiming their former strength, and every fallen brother is remembered with honour as they continue their ceaseless war to defend the Imperium.
Specialist Companies
Due to the severe losses sustained by the Caustic Reach and the need to rebuild the Chapter's strength while maintaining flexibility in combat, the Chapter Master ordered the establishment of a specialist division of training to bolster the versatility of new recruits. This restructuring seeks to leverage the expertise of the Chapter’s remaining veteran specialists and enhance the combat effectiveness of the Chapter as a whole. The goal is to impart specialised skills in heavy weaponry, assault tactics, and more, ensuring that even in their diminished state, the Caustic Reach remains a highly adaptive and dangerous force on the battlefield.
These specialised training programs have led to the creation of two distinct Specialist Companies, each focusing on a particular aspect of warfare. Unlike standard formations, these companies serve as training centers where marines are selected and honed in their chosen role before being redeployed to frontline combat units, typically the 2nd Company. While Tactical and Scout Marines remain permanently attached to the 2nd Company, those marines who show promise in heavy firepower or close-quarters combat are funneled into specialized roles through these companies.
- 3rd Company (Fire Support) - The 3rd Company, commanded by Captain Tennec Fletch, is now dedicated to the rigorous training and development of the Chapter's Fire Support squads, who wield the Chapter’s most potent heavy weaponry. Captain Fletch, a veteran of countless battles and an expert in siege warfare, has taken on the responsibility of crafting a new generation of heavy-weapon specialists. Under his watchful eye, new recruits and veterans alike are trained in the art of ranged firepower, learning to master weapons such as lascannons, missile launchers, and plasma cannons.
Training in the 3rd Company is a grueling process, with recruits expected to demonstrate precision and discipline in the use of their wargear, as well as an understanding of battlefield tactics that allow them to maximize the impact of their destructive weapons. Captain Fletch's philosophy is that a fire support Astartes must be more than just a warrior with a powerful weapon; they must act as the backbone of any battle formation, anchoring the line and providing suppressive fire to enable tactical and assault elements to press the advantage. Once their training is complete, these marines are typically assigned to Devastator Squads within the 2nd Company, where they form a key component of the Chapter's firepower.
- 4th Company (Close Support) - While the 3rd Company focuses on ranged support, the 4th Company, under the command of Captain Mordius Voldur, is responsible for training the Chapter's Close Support specialists. Captain Voldur is a brutal close-combat expert, renowned for his skill with jump pack tactics and his ferocity in battle. His company specializes in rapid strikes, hit-and-run tactics, and breaching enemy lines, all of which are critical to the Chapter's overall strategy, especially in engagements where shock and awe tactics are required.
Training within the 4th Company is relentless and unforgiving, with recruits subjected to intense physical conditioning, advanced jump pack manoeuvres, and close-combat drills that emphasize speed and lethality. Captain Voldur drives his aspirants to the limits of their endurance, demanding that they not only excel in combat but embody the aggressive spirit that defines the Caustic Reach's approach to war. Those who survive this punishing regime emerge as highly skilled Assault Marines, ready to be assigned to specialized squads within the 2nd Company, where they function as the vanguard of any offensive operation.
Chapter Librarius
The Caustic Reach’s Librarius, though small in number, wields immense power. Comprising only around 20 psykers, each of these individuals is ranked as either Beta or Alpha level, marking them as extraordinarily potent even among the psychic elites of the Imperium. This immense psychic strength, however, comes with great scrutiny. The Caustic Reach, already marked by their cursed legacy from the 21st Founding, are especially wary of corruption, particularly when it comes to the dangers of the Warp. As a result, the Chapter monitors its Librarians closely, with a deep-seated fear that their powerful psykers could be vulnerable to the influences of Chaos or other malign forces from beyond the material realm.
This caution leads to the unusual situation where the Librarians of the Caustic Reach are rarely deployed on the battlefield. Instead, they are often confined to ceremonial roles, acting as spiritual guides, advisors, and historians within the Chapter. The Librarians of the Caustic Reach are highly respected for their wisdom and insight, frequently consulted by their battle-brothers and the Chapter’s leadership. Their deep knowledge of the Warp, the Immaterium, and the Chapter's history makes them invaluable in maintaining the integrity of the Chapter, especially as the Caustic Reach continue to navigate their troubled lineage and uncertain future.
In a ceremonial capacity, the Librarians serve as keepers of the Chapter's legacy, chronicling the long and often grim history of the Caustic Reach. As the Chapter's historians, they are responsible for maintaining detailed records of every battle, every campaign, and the deeds of their battle-brothers. Their psychic talents allow them to delve into the past in ways few others can, using their abilities to recall memories and events with perfect clarity. This gives the Chapter a unique connection to its history, allowing them to preserve the deeds of the fallen even in the face of the near-total destruction they suffered at the hands of Hive Fleet Behemoth.
Furthermore, the Librarians act as counselors to the Chapter's leadership, offering guidance on matters both practical and spiritual. Their deep understanding of the Warp grants them unique perspectives on the threats facing the Imperium, and they are often called upon to help plan strategies against xenos, heretics, and other enemies that might wield psychic powers. Their counsel is particularly valued in situations involving the Aeldari, Chaos, or the Tyranids, as these foes often employ sorcerous or psychic powers of their own, requiring a deep understanding of such forces to counter effectively.
However, when the Caustic Reach do commit their Librarians to battle, the results are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Due to the immense psychic power of the Chapter's Librarians, their appearance on the battlefield is a rare and momentous occasion. These psykers are brought into action only when the situation is dire, often in the face of enemies that cannot be easily defeated by conventional means. When unleashed, their psychic might is capable of turning the tide of battle against even the most formidable foes.
In combat, the Librarians of the Caustic Reach are utilized as living weapons against the galaxy's deadliest psychic adversaries. They are deployed to counter the psychic abilities of Chaos Sorcerers, Aeldari Farseers, Warlocks, and the fearsome psychic monstrosities of the Tyranid Hive Mind, such as Zoanthropes and Hive Tyrants. In these encounters, the Librarians' psychic duels are often cataclysmic, with Warp energies crackling across the battlefield, tearing reality asunder. Their abilities range from devastating psychic attacks that obliterate their enemies in waves of raw power, to protective shields that safeguard their brothers from sorcerous assaults.
The Caustic Reach, cautious of their Librarians' power, often use them in a surgical fashion, striking against the enemy’s psychic linchpins and neutralizing key threats in a warzone. When Chaos Sorcerers attempt to summon daemonic entities, the Librarians of the Caustic Reach are there to shatter their rituals, casting down daemons with bolts of pure psychic force. Against the Tyranids, the Librarians fight to sever the psychic link between the Hive Mind and its warriors, disrupting their coordination and turning the tide of battle.
These rare battlefield appearances leave a lasting impact on those who witness them. To see one of the Caustic Reach's Librarians in action is to witness the full, terrifying majesty of the Warp channeled through a master psyker. Reality itself bends and warps around them as they unleash torrents of psychic energy, their minds fortified by years of training and the constant vigilance required to guard against the corrupting influences of the Warp. Their presence on the battlefield often marks a turning point in a conflict, as their raw psychic power can alter the course of a battle in mere moments.
Despite their potency, the fear of corruption looms ever-present. The Chapter's Chaplains, responsible for the spiritual health of their battle-brothers, maintain a close relationship with the Librarius, constantly on guard for any signs of weakness or taint. This constant scrutiny, coupled with the immense responsibilities placed on them, weighs heavily on the Librarians of the Caustic Reach. They live with the knowledge that one misstep, one moment of weakness, could doom not only themselves but their entire Chapter. Yet, in the moments when they are unleashed, their power is a sight to behold, a reminder that even in their cursed existence, the Caustic Reach wield forces capable of reshaping the battlefield—and perhaps even the future of their Chapter.
In the end, the Librarians of the Caustic Reach are both a blessing and a burden to their Chapter. Their immense psychic power offers the potential for both salvation and destruction, and their role as advisors and ceremonial figures is as important as their rare battlefield appearances. While suspicion and fear surround them, they remain a crucial part of the Chapter's efforts to survive, to reclaim their lost strength, and to continue their eternal war against the enemies of the Imperium.
Chapter Vehicles
The Caustic Reach once boasted a formidable armoury of vehicles, adhering to the tenets of the Codex Astartes like many other Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes. Their armoured forces were a crucial part of their battlefield doctrine, allowing them to wage devastating armoured assaults and provide heavy support to their infantry. Land Raiders and Predator tanks would have rolled into battle alongside their battle-brothers, while Thunderhawks and Stormbirds provided aerial support and rapid deployment capabilities. However, all of this changed following the catastrophic invasion of their home world, Tyran Primus, by Hive Fleet Behemoth.
When the Tyranids descended upon Tyran Primus, they laid waste to the planet, and much of the Caustic Reach’s once-mighty fleet of vehicles was lost in the ensuing devastation. Their fortress-monastery, Ghuld, was obliterated, taking with it irreplaceable war machines, armoured transport, and aircraft. With little time and resources, the Chapter had no choice but to abandon most of their armoury in their desperate retreat from the planet. Only a handful of vehicles could be salvaged from the wreckage, loaded aboard The Maw in the chaos of their evacuation. What remains now is but a fraction of the armoured power the Chapter once wielded.
Currently, the Caustic Reach’s vehicle complement is extremely limited, forcing them to be highly selective in their deployment. Each vehicle is viewed as a precious asset, irreplaceable relics of a bygone era when the Chapter was at its full strength. Every tank, gunship, and Dreadnought has been meticulously maintained by the Chapter's techmarines, who labour ceaselessly to ensure the survival of the vehicles that remain.
The Chapter's current armoured roster is as follows:
- 28 Land Raiders: These revered battle tanks are among the most prized possessions of the Caustic Reach, capable of transporting their battle-brothers into the heart of battle while providing devastating firepower. Each Land Raider is a relic of the Chapter’s ancient past, and their use is reserved only for the most critical engagements.
- 30 Attack Bikes: These fast and agile bikes are invaluable in their reconnaissance and rapid assault roles. Despite their smaller size, Attack Bikes allow the Chapter to strike swiftly at the enemy, particularly in hit-and-run operations. However, the Chapter’s limited supply of them forces commanders to deploy them sparingly.
- 15 Predator Tanks: Once the workhorse of the Chapter’s armored forces, the remaining Predators now serve as crucial support for their infantry, laying down suppressive fire or acting as anti-armor units in battle. Like the Land Raiders, their use is reserved for essential operations.
- 8 Dreadnoughts: These ancient war machines house the revered remains of the Chapter’s greatest fallen heroes, entombed in the sarcophagi of the Dreadnoughts to continue serving in battle. The surviving Dreadnoughts of the Caustic Reach are not only powerful engines of destruction but living relics, revered by the Chapter and deployed only in the direst of circumstances.
- 5 Stormbird Gunships: Among the rarest assets in the entire Imperium, these massive and ancient gunships represent a significant part of the Chapter’s aerial support. Each Stormbird can transport entire squads into battle and provide heavy firepower, but their immense value means that they are rarely deployed unless absolutely necessary.
- 30 Thunderhawk Gunships: The Thunderhawks are the backbone of the Chapter's aerial fleet, providing transport, air support, and heavy firepower in battle. While they are still relatively numerous compared to other vehicles, the Chapter is careful in their use, knowing that replacements are virtually impossible to come by.
- 1 Sicaran Venator Tank: This rare relic of the Chapter’s armory is a highly advanced tank with anti-armor capabilities, known for its speed and powerful neutron laser. Its advanced technology makes it a prized possession of the Chapter, and it is deployed only in situations where its firepower can turn the tide of battle.
The scarcity of vehicles means that the Caustic Reach must adapt their tactics, relying more heavily on their infantry and small-unit strategies rather than the massed armored assaults they may have once preferred. Vehicles are no longer a standard part of their battlefield doctrine, but instead are deployed only when absolutely necessary. When the Chapter does commit its vehicles, it is often a sign that they are facing a critical threat, one that must be overcome at any cost. This cautious approach ensures that each vehicle can continue to serve the Chapter for as long as possible, though it also means that the Caustic Reach must carefully weigh every battle they enter, as their limited armoured resources cannot be easily replenished.
To make matters worse, the Chapter's fleet of vehicles is irreplaceable in practical terms. With no forge world at their disposal, and The Maw serving as their sole mobile fortress-monastery, they lack the means to produce new vehicles. Each loss suffered on the battlefield is a blow that cannot be easily recovered from. Every battle is a high-stakes gamble, and the Chapter must balance their duty to defend humanity with the grim reality of their dwindling war resources. This constant pressure drives the tech-marines to unparalleled dedication, performing miraculous feats of engineering to keep the Chapter's precious war machines operational. In some cases, vehicles are cannibalised for parts to keep others functional, a desperate but necessary practice in the absence of proper supply lines.
Despite their hardships, the Caustic Reach remain relentless in their mission to defend humanity, and their remaining vehicles are a testament to their perseverance and indomitable will. When the Caustic Reach deploy their armoured might, they strike with surgical precision, knowing that every vehicle must count. They fight with the grim determination of a Chapter on the edge of extinction, but they will continue to fight until their last Land Raider rolls across the battlefield, their last Thunderhawk soars through the skies, and their last Dreadnought is laid to rest.
Chapter Recruitment
- "I want thinking men, not some mindless killing machines. Go back and find someone with a fire in his eyes... and a determined mind that can make his ambitions a reality."
- — Chapter Master Xeredus Berloc, The Antivenom, criticizing a Chaplain on his recruitment strategies
Prior to the devastation wrought by Hive Fleet Behemoth, the Caustic Reach recruited aspirants from the numerous islands scattered across the oceans of their homeworld, Tyran Primus. These islands, filled with hardy coastal tribes, provided the Chapter with a steady stream of young warriors accustomed to the planet's harsh, storm-lashed environment. However, following the near-annihilation of the planet’s biosphere by the Tyranids, the Chapter's recruitment process was dramatically altered.
The planet Tyran, now a near-dead world, is largely uninhabitable, its once teeming oceans reduced to jagged basins and sulfur-laden atmospheres, with only the northeastern hemisphere remaining marginally fit to support human life. This region, consisting of deep gorges, sulfurous geysers, and treacherous mountains, shelters a number of small, isolated villages—remnants of the human population that once spread across the planet. These villages serve as the primary recruitment ground for the Caustic Reach, although the population is now drastically reduced compared to the time before the Tyranid invasion.
The people of this region are a reflection of their toxic, unforgiving environment. They are typically small, pale, and hairless, their physiques stunted by the planet's semi-toxic atmosphere and a near-total reliance on fungus and moss as their primary food sources. For 300 years, they have struggled to survive, becoming withered shells of baseline humanity. Despite their weakened appearance, the Caustic Reach see them as survivors - a people forged by desperation and perseverance. Their resilience in the face of an almost apocalyptic world mirrors the Chapter’s own drive to endure despite the odds.
For the Caustic Reach, recruiting is more than finding the strongest or the fastest; it is about identifying individuals with the three key traits they value most: fighting prowess, survival instinct, and ambition. These traits reflect the Chapter’s need for warriors who can endure hardship, act decisively, and possess an unrelenting drive for self-improvement and success.
The Test of Survival
Once potential aspirants are selected, they are subjected to a grueling trial that serves as the foundation of the Chapter's recruitment process. This trial is not merely a test of physical strength but a challenge to their very will to live. Armed with nothing more than a combat knife, aspirants are sent out into the dangerous wilderness of Tyran's northeastern hemisphere, a region filled with both natural hazards and hostile lifeforms. The atmosphere, laced with sulfuric acid and rife with environmental dangers, makes this a lethal test for even the hardiest of individuals. The task is simple but deadly: each aspirant must survive for a period of three Tyran years (or approximately five standard Terran years) and return with at least twenty trophies as proof of their conquests. These trophies can be taken from a variety of sources, including:
- Rival clansmen, who may be equally desperate and dangerous.
- Hostile wildlife, such as the monstrous crustaceans and insects that roam the badlands of Tyran.
- In rare instances, aspirants may encounter other aspirants and engage in deadly combat for survival.
There is one particular danger that lurks in the wilderness that sets this trial apart from many other Chapters' recruitment processes: remnants of Hive Fleet Behemoth still plague the planet, and Tyranid bioforms such as hormagaunts are known to roam the wilds. Although rare, these creatures are viewed as the ultimate test of an aspirant's ability, and any recruit who brings back the trophy of a Tyranid skull is held in high regard. Such a feat demonstrates a combination of ferocity, instinct, and tactical brilliance—qualities that the Chapter values deeply.
Survival of the Strongest
This survival trial is as much a test of endurance as it is of combat skill. The aspirants must learn to navigate the treacherous terrain, contend with other aspirants who view them as rivals, and overcome the hostile creatures that dominate the landscape. The trial is designed to weed out those who lack the drive to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. Many who begin the trial do not return, succumbing to the myriad dangers of the wilderness. For those that do, however, they are greeted not only with congratulations but also with the next step of their journey toward becoming a Space Marine.
Organ Induction
Once an aspirant successfully completes the survival trial and returns with their trophies, they are brought before the Chapter's Chief Apothecary, who oversees the next phase of their transformation. The survivors are submitted to the grueling process of gene-seed organ implantation, the process by which they will begin to ascend into the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes. Their trials are far from over, as the implantations are physically and mentally taxing, and many aspirants do not survive the process. But those who do are forged into Space Marines, the elite warriors of the Imperium.
'Press Gang' Recruitment
In addition to the local populations of Tyran, the Caustic Reach also recruit from passing Imperial vessel. As a fleet-based Chapter, the Reach have opportunities to board and inspect Imperial vessels, often during routine inspections or refueling stops. In these moments, they assess the crew for potential recruits. Those who show promise - typically void born individuals, or hardened survivors of other battlefields - are offered a chance to join the Chapter. While these recruits do not undergo the same survival trials as the locals of Tyran, they are still subjected to rigorous testing to prove their worthiness as potential Astartes.
Hope for the Future
Despite their diminished numbers, the Caustic Reach view these trials as vital to their Chapter's recovery. Each successful aspirant represents a beacon of hope that the Chapter may one day regain its former strength. The harsh recruitment process, which places a premium on survival and resilience, ensures that only the strongest and most driven individuals become part of the Chapter. In this way, the Caustic Reach see themselves not as victims of the Tyranid invasion, but as survivors - warriors who, like the people they recruit, will continue to endure and fight for the Imperium of Man, no matter the cost.
Chapter Gene-Seed
- "Damned filth eaters make you want to vomit if you get a whiff of them. Is it too much for them to keep their bloody helmets on?"
- — Imperial Guardsman reply after being addressed by a Caustic Reach Astartes
The gene-seed mutation of the Reach causes the unnatural filtering of toxins even by Astartes standards. This is caused by the metaphorical "overdrive" system of the marine's Preomnor, Oolictic Kidney, and Betcher's Gland. When an Astartes of the Caustic Reach is poisoned to a point where his body cannot simply filter the chemicals than the excess of the toxins and poisons are channeled into his Betcher's Gland. Once the toxins and poisons are transferred to the gland they are than secreted uncontrollably via the marine's mouth. This is extremely painful for the marine and can result in damaged teeth, oral cavity, tongue, lips, and corroded skin wherever the toxins can touch due to the fact that the chemicals produced are not entirely of the marine's own creation resulting in only a minor resistance to the corrosion of the toxins.
This is witnessed by some as disturbing and painful to watch as the marine is uncontrollably drooling and vomiting corrosive and toxic bile. Sometimes the marine fails to remove his helmet in time resulting in a damaged helmet interior, chemical burns on the face, or even the corrosion of the entire head itself. Such events have caused the widespread adoption of marines to only wear the lower portions of their helmets with protective eye wear so as to not be killed by the filtering of toxins. Despite this gruesome reality, all reach battle-brothers are thankful for this mutation as it not only protects them from toxins, but it also makes their own bite lethally venomous. It is also noted that this process has an underlying effect of a very pungent and particularly disgusting smell that emanates from a veteran marine's mouth. This particular and often untreatable trait has caused the chapter to be regarded as "Filth eaters" by both other marines and standard imperial soldiers alike.
It should also be noted that in order to prevent dental decay most Reach Marines encase their teeth in a thin layer of corrosion-proof metal or plastic. The Caustic Reach also have a tendency to appear pale or sickly, sometimes even partially translucent which can cause many of their veins to show. This has been thought of as a trait instilled by their (suspected) genetic heritage, although (unlike the Raven Guard) The Reach often lack hair entirely. Those that do possess hair usually find it in a pale or faded, grey or white. Additionally, some (but not many) marines have been seen with the solid black eyes associated with the Raven Guard, causing suspicion that they may not actually be Raven Guard descendants. The reach have been confronted on many occasions as to why this is. Each answer given hints that the chapter itself may not know its own gene-heritage.
Chapter Culture & Beliefs
The Caustic Reach Chapter is known for being a somewhat secretive and insular force within the Adeptus Astartes, keeping their customs and culture largely hidden from outsiders. What little is known about their collective beliefs and practices paints a picture of a Chapter deeply affected by their near-annihilation and the constant scrutiny they face within the Imperium. The Chapter harbours an extreme hatred for Tyranids, a sentiment deeply rooted in their near-destruction at the hands of Hive Fleet Behemoth. This hatred runs so deep that many members of the Chapter display uncontrollable rage or disgust at the mere mention of the xenos species. Their history is marked by constant conflict with Tyranid bioforms, and the psychological scars of this long war have shaped their identity. Every battle against the Tyranids is viewed as a chance for vengeance, and the Reach often deploy with single-minded focus whenever these creatures are involved.
One of the more unusual traits of the Caustic Reach is their patience—they are a Chapter willing to bide their time to accomplish their goals. Unlike many other Astartes who charge headlong into battle, the Reach are known to wait for long periods, allowing time to align circumstances in their favour. This deliberate and cautious approach reflects their belief that rushing into combat is a fool's errand, particularly after their losses to Hive Fleet Behemoth. This patience extends to both tactical and strategic operations, as well as their interactions with other Imperial forces.
The Caustic Reach maintain a notable disdain for standard Imperial soldiers, viewing them as weak or unreliable compared to their genetically enhanced Astartes brethren. This disdain is particularly evident during joint operations with the Astra Militarum or planetary defence forces, where the Reach have been known to treat soldiers with contempt or indifference. They often prefer to work autonomously, and their unwillingness to collaborate closely with non-Astartes forces has led to strained relationships with many Imperial military organisations.
The Caustic Reach are acutely aware that they exist under the constant suspicion and scrutiny of various Imperial organizations, including the Inquisition and Adeptus Mechanicus. Being a Chapter created during the 21st 'Cursed' Founding, the Caustic Reach are well aware of the historical baggage they carry, and this fuels a lingering paranoia. Many within the Chapter believe they must prove their loyalty and faithfulness to the Emperor at every turn, a burden that can make them appear overly cautious or even paranoid among their peers. This self-awareness extends to their interactions with other Imperial forces, making the Reach cautious, insular, and defensive, particularly when their honour is called into question.
The Caustic Reach are fiercely protective of their Chapter's honour and their homeworld, Tyran Primus, despite its near-destruction. Any mockery or slight against their Chapter - whether intentional or otherwise - is often met with anger and physical confrontation. They are known to brawl with other Space Marines or even Imperial forces over perceived insults, reflecting their deep-seated insecurity about their standing within the Imperium. This rigid defence of their honour is not merely cultural pride but a fundamental part of their identity, forged in the fires of their struggle to survive after Hive Fleet Behemoth's onslaught.
Interestingly, the Caustic Reach are highly superstitious, which is unusual among Space Marines. Many marines believe that the trophies they collect and wear—often tokens from their survival trials or the remains of enemies—will bring them good fortune on the battlefield. These trophies, ranging from xenos skulls to shards of Tyran Primus's shattered landscape, are believed to imbue their wearers with supernatural protection or luck in future conflicts. This belief in luck contrasts with the typical Space Marine reliance on skill and tactical expertise, yet for the Reach, it serves as a source of psychological comfort and confidence.
The Caustic Reach share a profound sympathy for the Scythes of the Emperor and Lamenters Chapters, both of which have faced near-annihilation at the hands of Hive Fleet Kraken. The Caustic Reach see a kinship in their shared suffering, knowing all too well the devastation a Tyranid invasion can bring. While there is no official alliance, the Caustic Reach respect these Chapters' resolve and survival and have been known to provide subtle support when their paths cross, whether through military aid or moral solidarity.
A particularly enigmatic aspect of the Caustic Reach is their mysterious relationship with the Carcharodons, another reclusive Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. The two Chapters are known to meet at scheduled intervals, though the foundation and purpose of these meetings remain shrouded in secrecy. It is unknown what transpires during these meetings, but the Caustic Reach Astartes are sometimes seen wearing decorations (such as shark teeth or tribal tokens) depicting the underwater creature that makes up the Carcharodons' Chapter badge. These symbols are worn with reverence, suggesting that there is a deeper bond between the two Chapters, though the reason for these rituals is unclear to outsiders.
The Caustic Reach are a Chapter shaped by their past, their losses, and their ongoing battles with the Tyranids. Their customs, beliefs, and superstitions reflect their survivalist mentality and their relentless drive to prove their worth to the Imperium. Insular and fiercely protective of their honour, the Reach exist on the fringes of the Imperial fold, battling both external enemies and the internal suspicions of those around them. Yet despite their challenges, they continue to fight, driven by the hope that one day, they will regain the strength and status they once held.
Combat Doctrine
- "I pity you creature... For you will not know the glory your head will bring to me."
- — Veteran Sergeant Carsarus Van Kelov after beheading a Tyranid Broodlord on an unknown moon
The Caustic Reach Chapter’s combat doctrine is highly unconventional when compared to the more traditional Space Marine Chapters, who typically rely on overwhelming force, shock assaults, and disciplined formations. In contrast, the Reach specialize in close-quarters combat and guerrilla warfare, tactics that are often seen as unusual for the Adeptus Astartes. Their adaptability and ability to fight in unpredictable and asymmetric ways set them apart, though it also garners them some level of disdain and controversy within the Imperium.
The Reach are masters of guerrilla warfare, employing stealth and ambush tactics to disrupt and dismantle their foes. While many Space Marine Chapters favor direct engagements and battlefield dominance, the Reach prefer to outmanoeuvre their enemies. They are known to lie in wait, setting traps and creating kill zones long before engaging in combat. Once their traps are sprung, the Reach close in swiftly, overwhelming their enemies in sudden and brutal hand-to-hand combat. This predatory, methodical approach aligns with their survivalist mentality, ensuring that even in smaller numbers, they can effectively cripple larger forces.
Their ability to make use of the terrain, often striking from cover, striking hard, and retreating, allows them to engage in protracted campaigns where patience is a virtue. The Chapter is willing to grind their enemies down, waiting for the opportune moment to strike decisively. These tactics make them especially dangerous in urban environments, dense forests, or any terrain that lends itself to ambushes and close-quarters fighting.
The Caustic Reach are notable for their pragmatic and ruthless approach to combat. They regularly seize enemy weaponry - a practice that is highly controversial among other Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes. The Caustic Reach are known to commandeer enemy artillery, use captured explosives to create traps, and even sabotage enemy vehicles. To them, war is a matter of survival, and any advantage that can be taken must be exploited, even if it means using their enemies' own weapons against them.
The Caustic Reach's tendency to scavenge and repurpose enemy equipment has not gone unnoticed, and their reputation for such practices has become something of a stigma. This willingness to use enemy resources has earned them the derogatory nickname 'Carrion' among some other Chapters and Imperial forces, who see these unorthodox practices as dishonourable or unbecoming of the noble warrior-elite that the Adeptus Astartes are supposed to be. However, the Caustic Reach view this as a narrow-minded judgement, born out of ignorance of their survivalist nature and their need to adapt to the harsh circumstances they often face.
This nickname does not seem to bother the Reach themselves. Instead, they embrace their methods, knowing that their pragmatic approach has allowed them to survive when more rigid Chapters might have been annihilated. In their eyes, the nickname only highlights the narrow view of their detractors, who fail to understand the Reach’s commitment to the practical realities of war. For the Caustic Reach, survival and victory are the only true measures of honour, and they will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure both, regardless of how others view them.
When it comes to close-quarters combat, the Caustic Reach are ferocious and highly skilled. They favour chainswords and power mauls as their weapons of choice, reflecting their brutal, up-close fighting style. The chainsword, with its ripping, tearing power, is perfectly suited for the aggressive, swift engagements the Reach thrive in, while the power maul offers devastating blows that can crush armoured enemies with ease. This preference for melee combat is not just a tactical choice but a cultural one; the Caustic Reach believe that close-quarters combat is the ultimate test of a warrior's mettle, where raw skill and instinct are paramount.
A defining feature of the Reach’s combat style is their adaptability. They are not bound by rigid strategies or fixed battle plans. Instead, they adapt to the situation at hand, using whatever resources and opportunities present themselves. This makes them extremely difficult to predict or counter, as they can switch from hit-and-run tactics to full-scale assaults with ease. Their focus on adaptability has become a key part of their doctrine, as the Caustic Reach are often outnumbered or outgunned and must rely on flexibility and creativity to win their battles.
The Caustic Reach's combat doctrine reflects their harsh history and survivalist mindset. Their proficiency in close-quarters combat and guerrilla warfare, combined with their willingness to use any advantage available, sets them apart from the more conventional Space Marine Chapters. While their unorthodox methods have earned them the scorn of their peers, the Caustic Reach's ability to thrive in the most desperate of circumstances proves the effectiveness of their approach. Whether ambushing enemies from the shadows, seizing enemy weapons, or engaging in brutal melee combat, the Caustic Reach have developed a unique and deadly combat style that allows them to overcome their foes and survive the harsh realities of the galaxy.
Deathwatch Service
Notable Members
- Chapter Master Xeredus Berloc, The Antivenom - Xeredus Berloc has been the chapter master or "Antivenom" of the Caustic Reach for a little over 400 hundred Terran years, making the chapter master approximately seven hundred fifty years old. Although he is well aged for a space marine he still possesses greater speed and power than any other Astartes in the chapter (even when adorned in terminator armour). He is noted to be a curt and reclusive Astartes with a heavy conscience for those lost in the first tyrannic war. He believes that his formerly brash and direct tactics caused the near death of his chapter and as such has altered the chapter combat doctrine drastically to avoid more losses. For a mortal man, staring into the eyes of the chapter master is to weep out of pain and fear. Few can stand his gaze that brings both genuine, irreversible, sorrow and hatred that no human soul can muster. He is a veteran of countless wars and scores of smaller conflicts. His experience from when both on and off of the battlefield is priceless. His moral convictions, faith in the Emperor, and his trust in The Imperium is unbreakable. He is the Antivenom, and all those who seek to challenge him will die.
- Chief Librarian Julius Necrium
- High Chaplain Urserus Dirge
- Master of the Forge Yrannus Isle
- Chief Apothecary Hektor Masstra
- Second Captain Armellius Engren - Armellius Engren is the current captain of the "Massive" Second Company and the most skilled swordsman the chapter has seen since the Antivenom himself. Engren is referred to as a vibrant soul who is just as likely to laugh with you as he is to cut you apart. Although he is referred to as being "too young for captaincy", with only two hundred years of experience, he that thrives in the chapter's battles and efficiently dispatches the foes of the Emperor. Captain Engren prefers not to leave things to luck if he can help it, and as such is known for excessive reconnaissance and the sabotage of enemy forces. Engren possesses a fine amount of trophies and unique heraldry he happily adorns on his armour for show and luck. Unlike most of his chapter Engren does not mind the company of standard imperial forces in his detachments and believes that the true path to victory is to inspire the masses. He does this by greeting civilians when possible and conversing with standard imperial troops. He is known as a man of the people and an excellent leader.
- Veteran Sergeant Carsarus Van Kelov - Carsarus Van Kelov is a marine with over four hundred years of combat experience. He is quiet and prone to brooding stares which have come to be named "assessment stares" that he uses to measure the worth of a fellow Astartes. Kelov possesses the third highest amount of trophies in the chapter and is one of the few marines to have survived more than fifty years of Deathwatch service. Kelov has rejected captaincy many times, preferring to train young marines personally with the experience and tactics he learned while stationed with the watch. Carsarus is also one of the few surviving marines of Tyran's fall and has sworn an oath of vengeance on every Tyranid in the galaxy in hopes that he may one day honour their deaths with scores more of his own kills. Kelov is also one of the few to survive and encounter with a Tyranid Broodlord, and one of the fewer non-psykers to have beaten such a creature in melee combat alone. The remnants of that battle now reside within his chainsword; the adamantium covered teeth of that very beast carve scores of it's allies apart in the name of his chapter.
Chapter Fleet
Most of the Caustic Reach fleet was destroyed during the assault on Tyran by Hive Fleet Behemoth. As of now the chapter only has a total of 25 vessels. The ships that remain are as follows:
- The Maw (Battle-Barge; Flagship)
- 6 Strike Cruisers
- 18 Escort Vessels
Chapter Relics
- Faith in The Fallen - An artificer suit of tartaros pattern terminator armor worn by Chapter Master Xeredus Berloc, The Antivenom. This suit is adorned with a built in Iron Halo and specialized power cestus bearing the name "Righteous Core".
- Righteous Core - A relic power cestus that acts as a large bludgeon, Righteous Core is shaped as a large adamantium cylinder adorned with rows of spikes surrounded by an energy field. This weapon has the capability of demolishing armored vehicles and large biological foes alike. This weapon is the only of it's kind and has killed more foes than any of the other chapter relics the Reach possess.
- Tyrant's Bane - An ancient force maul the size of a staff used by Chief Librarian Julius Necrim. This maul is extremely powerful and can act as a focusing point when directed to channel warp lightning.
- Dancer - The signature power sword of Veteran Captain Armellius Engren. This relic power sword is sheathed in the poisons of Tyran's cesspools, making it deadly when it's energy field is both on and off.
- Gnaw - This master-crafted chainsword contains the adamantium coated teeth of a tyranid Broodlord which it uses to rip and tear through the chapter's enemies. This sword is used by Veteran Sergeant Carsarus Van Kelov.
- Foeshredder - This relic wrist-mounted storm bolter fires rounds in rapid succession to eviscerate any foe on the other end of it's barrels. This bolter is used by 1st company Terminator Captain Helius Rahm.
- Death's Grip - This master-crafted power fist has been the bane of enemy vehicles for centuries. This weapon can be seen used by Assault Captain Mordius Voldur.
- Divine Judgement - This weapon is wielded by High Chaplain Urserus Dirge. Rather than the standard Crozius Arcanum, The High Chaplain prefers the use of this specialized relic power sword with a crozius arcanum acting as the hilt. It comes in the form of an ancient Terran claymore, and has reaped many heads of heretics and xenos alike.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
The Caustic Reach can be seen wearing bone white/cream armor with black knee pads. The reach adorn a black right shoulder pad and vambrace with an acid green color on the wrist and a bone white hand (This is used to symbolize the arm dipped in acid that is shown with the chapter badge). The reach can also be identified by the faded red face plate and a rusted grille trademarked to their chapter. The Reach are also seen wearing only the lower part of their helmets (for easier removal when filtering toxins) when the combat environment permits it. Sergeants can be seen with a red vertical stripe on their helmets while captains can be seen with a completely red helmet and chest plate. Company numbers are displayed on the right knee pad of the marine. Given the amount of current companies no company-specific trim has been issued and all reach marines don the black and bone of the chapter.
The Caustic Reach are also known to decorate their armor with paint, bones, ribbons, and trophies of their accomplishments. Outside of their armor Reach marines can be seen with an assortment of body tattoos, ceremonial scars, and bone piercings. Exceptionally talented marines, veterans, and officers are also granted the right to face tattoos and the option to encase their teeth in metals or plastics. Deathwatch veterans can be easily recognized by a ceremonial tattoo of the Inquisition's seal on their cheek. It is also not uncommon to see rows of sharp teeth on the lower portions of a marine's helmet, symbolizing the threatening maw of the Great Devourer.
Chapter Badge
The Caustic Reach's Chapter badge consists of a stylised armored arm, boldly reaching into a pool of toxic aid, whose caustic properties are eating away the flesh of the hand. This primary symbol is centered upon a bone coloured field.
Chapter Relations
Allies
| Triad Venenum Morgulus |   Icon of the Triad Venenum Morgulus. |
The Triad Venenum Morgulus are are an unofficial collective of 21st Founding Chapters that all have similar afflictions and mutations caused by the malpractice of their Magos Biologis creators. These Chapters are shunned by the majority of the Imperium as well as other various Imperial military factions, whom often outright refuse to serve alongside Space Marine Chapters with such aberrant and horrific mutations. An unofficial triumvirate alliance was formed between the Caustic Reach, Bullfrogs and Corrosive Thorns Chapters, whom agreed to answer one anothers' calls for aid whenever the need arose, and to support one another in all things whenever possible. This collective has often fought alongside one another during several notable campaigns, earning monumental victories in the face of horrific odds and despite the lack of support of other Imperial forces. Often, they are not recognised for their efforts and go unsung within many major Imperial records. However, this has not stop this collective from doing their duty to the Emperor, and they continue to do what must be done despite their ill-treatment and hostility they often face from outsiders. This collective includes the following allies: |
| Bullfrogs |   Armorial of the Bullfrogs Chapter. |
The Bullfrogs are another Chapter created during the ill-fated 21st 'Cursed' Founding, and like their cousins from the Caustic Reach, they too, have suffered from strange afflictions due to the bungling mnistrations of their Magos Biologis creators. Similar to their Caustic Reach counterparts, the Bullfrogs similarily suffer from an over-active Betcher's Gland organ, which causes their bodies to overproduce poison that secrets toxins over the Astartes' skin, creating a film of acidic mucious. As a result, this toxic mucous slowly eats away at their skin, causing their bodies to be stuck in a state of constant degradation and reparation. This also causes them to reek of death and decay, and because of this, has greatly affected their reputation, causing other Imperial forces and the general populace to distrust and avoid them. As both Chapters suffer from similar afflictions, the Bullfrogs have formed strong bonds with the Caustic Reach, seeing them as living examples of the Emperor's unyielding will incarnate. They will do anything to help their troubled brothers and will answer their call-to-arms should the occasion every arise. |
| Corrosive Thorns |   Armorial of the Corrosive Thorns Chapter. |
The Corrosive Thorns are a fellow Chapter created during the lamentable and ill-fortuned 21st 'Cursed' Founding alongside their Bullfrogs cousins, and like their counterparts, also suffer from several aberrant mutations to their Betcher's Gland. This mutation causes this organ to function abnormally, causing the afflicted Battle-Brothers' Betcher's Gland to fuse with their sweat glands. Over time, the build up poison within their Betcher's Gland builds up to the point where their body cannot simply filter the built up toxins, which is then eventually secreted uncontrollably through an Battle-Brother's pores. This corrosive sweat can cause minor damage to the interior of their power armour, and over time, cause superficial damage to the outside of the outer coating of paint, giving the armour a corroded appearance, but doesn't affect the overall function of the battle-plate. The upside of their overactive production of corrosive spittle is that it makes an average Corrosive Thorns battle-brother far more lethal than normal, as well as giving them the added ability of being able to spit this toxic saliva much further. They also possess considerably more exocrine glands producing the acid-like substance. Upon a thorough review by Adeptus Mechanicus Genetors, the battle-brothers of the Chapter seem to also bear acidic blood, leading to much speculation by the Adeptus Mechanicus if the purge of this aberrant Chapter will inevitably take place. Despite their inherent traits, the Corrosive Thorns have learned to compensate and harness their unique physical traits to their advantage, and despite the negative side-effects, continue to swerve the Imperium unflinchingly. They eagerly joined the unofficial collective known as the Triad Venenum Morgulus, and will answer their allies' call to war, whenever such an occasion has arisen down the long millennia. |
Enemies
| Tyranids |  |
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| Forces of Chaos |  |
Notable Quotes
By: Caustic Reach
- "Of course not. I would not let my warriors hurt you, any more than I would let my honour guard kill you. Such fine prizes, I will kill myself."
- — Xeredus Berloc, "The Antivenom"
About: Caustic Reach
Gallery
