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This article, Claws of Arktos, is currently under active construction. The author, Achilles Prime, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
The Claws of Arktos are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter created from the ferocious Bears of the Claw. These bellicose and fierce Astartes were created during the 23rd Founding, the so-called 'Sentinel' Founding, as a part of a series of linked Foundings that took place during the latter part of the 37th Millennium to help replace the considerable losses suffered by the Adeptus Astartes in the preceding millennia. Along with several other Chapters, the Claws of Arktos were from the outset, conceived as a replacement Chapter that would spend its existence on continuous Crusade.
The newly created Chapter was one of several Chapters tasked to take and hold the Aliris Sector, located to the galactic south of Cadia in a star rich part of the Segmentum Obscurus. Claiming the isolated death world of Arktos as their own, the Chapter garrisons the planet from above in their ancient star fortress Ferus Unguis. Taking their name from the deadly world, the 'Claws of Arktos' Chapter began their endless Crusade, to bring their unfettered wrath down upon those vile xenos races that would dare assail the Emperor's domain.
Many of the Chapter's earliest exploits occurred against now-extinct xenos horrors, and the Claws of Arktos frequently operated on their own far from the support of other Imperial institutions. Some Imperial savants often cite this situation as the main reason for the Chapter's somewhat isolationist outlook and haughty tendencies, which has earned them a somewhat cold reception from their fellow Adeptus Astartes Chapters whom believe that the Claws are wanting in brotherhood.
Chapter History
The Claws of Arktos were created at the end of M37 during the 23rd Founding, the so-called 'Sentinel' Founding, from the lineage of the fierce and savage Bears of the Claw - the latter itself a young Chapter - created during the 20th Founding. Given their relative youth as a Chapter at the time, this was a testament to the high regard in which the Bears of the Claw were held, for their loyal and stalwart service during the preceding millenium which was marked by such calamities as the Age of Apostasy, the disastrous 'Cursed' Founding, attacks by the Forces of Chaos and a rampage of Orks that had been left almost unchecked along the frontier of the Imperium's borders. The Bears of the Claw were selected for their loyalty, dedication and most importantly, their strength and fortitude, making them an ideal Chapter to be selected to have their lineage passed on. According to extant Imperial records, no fewer than 57 Space Marine Chapters had been destroyed, turned renegade or declared lost in the Warp during the preceding millennium. The newly created Dark Claws Chapter were created as one of several new replacement Chapters to help stand sentinel against the myriad of threats that assailed the Imperium on all sides.
Following the inception and indoctrination by their progenitors, the Dark Claws were assigned to help defend the Aliris Sector. They were stationed as one of several Space Marine Chapters assigned to the Hadronian Wall Sub-Sector along the border of the Cadian Sector which is heavily militarised as a second line of defence against the enemies from the Eye of Terror. The Chapter claimed the verdant death world of Arktos as their own, and garrisoned the planet in orbit above in their ancient star fortress Ferus Unguis. As custodians of this notable death world, the Chapter decided to change their name, taking their name from their new Chapter homeworld, renaming themselves the 'Claws of Arktos'.
Notable Campaigns
Chapter Homeworld
Part of the Ferus Unguis star fortress within the Arktos Labyrinth asteroid fields
The planet of Arktos is a is an inhospitable and verdant death world in the Aliris Sector, located to the galactic south of the now-destroyed fortress world of Cadia, in a star rich part of the Segmentum Obscurus. Arktos was once an imperial civilised world that was destroyed during the 3rd Black Crusade. The planet now serves as the Adeptus Astartes homeworld of the Claws of Arktos. The Chapter is responsible for the maintenance and garrison of the Ferus Unguis (translated to High-Gothic as 'Savage Claw') the pre-Horus Heresy star fortress that overlooks the deadly asteroid fields of the notorious Arktos Labyrinth.
Chapter Recruitment
The recruitment of the Claws of Arktos is not done on their Chapter homeworld. Instead, the Claws' recruitment is done by their Chapter Keeps. Constructed on several planets within the Aliris Sector, these worlds were subjugated by the Claws of Arktos claimed by right of conquest. They are now utilised exclusively for recruitment posts for the Chapter. Only the most skilled Aspirants are allowed to join, and if they pass the initial tests, will go on to be implanted with the Chapter's gene-seed organs that will eventually transform them into full Space Marines and Neophytes of the Chapter.
Chapter Organisation
The Claws of Arktos command structure differ from the prescriptions of the Codex Astartes while its tenet at the tactical and squad level remain true. The possess the standard ten companies, known as a 'Sleuth', per the traditions of their Progenitors. The Veteran Company, Battle and Tactical Sleuths conform roughly to their Codex equivalents, while the Support Sleuths comprises a mixture of Devastator, Assault and Veteran Squads.
The organisation of each Sleuth has been designed to operate independently for extended periods. Each possesses an augmented auxiliary force of dedicated spearhead of Terminator Veterans ('Battleborn') who serve as the Sleuth Captain's Honour Guard as well as a mixture of the various squad specialties (Battleline, Fire Support, Close Support, Veteran and Command). The Chapter also does not maintain a dedicated Scout Company as required by the dictates of the Codex, instead each Sleuth maintains a detachment of Neophytes and Initiates which are considered an auxiliary force. They are utilised for reconnaissance and evaluation of the enemy. Like all Chapters, the actual strength of the Claws of Arktos can vary greatly based upon current levels of attrition in the ranks and the status of its Scout force. The Scout force in particular can vary in size, as the Chapter is notoriously harsh on its Neophytes, brooking no signs of weakness or failure in them.
Command Ranks
- Claw Lord - Chapter Master equivalent.
- Captain
- Lieutenant
Specialist Ranks
- Reclusiarch
- Chaplain
- Chief Librarian
- Librarian
- Chief Apothecary
- Apothecary
- Master of the Forge
- Techmarine
- Chapter Champion
- Company Champion
- Ancient
- Living Ancestor - Dreadnought equivalent.
Line Ranks
- Veteran Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Battle-Brother
- Scout Marine
- Neophyte
- Aspirant
Specialist Units & Formations
Order of Battle
The following represents the order of battle of the Bears of the Claw Chapter as it currently stands:
Headquarters
| Sleuth of the Claw Lord | |||||
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| Librarium | Relusiarchy | Apothecarion | Fleet Command | Armoury | |
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Companies
| Veteran Sleuth | Battle Sleuths | |||
| 1st Sleuth |
2nd Sleuth |
3rd Sleuth |
4th Sleuth |
5th Sleuth |
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| Reserve Sleuths | ||||
| 6th Sleuth |
7th Sleuth |
8th Sleuth |
9th Sleuthth Sleuth |
10th Sleuth |
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Chapter Combat Doctrine
The Battle-Brothers of the Claws of Arktos is known to be unrelenting in their prosecution of the enemies of Mankind as their genetic forebears - the Bears of the Claw - always attacking with overwhelming force and eschewing many of the more subtle arts of war such as infiltration and hit-and-run attacks. Their methods are uncompromising and savage, often resulting in not only the destruction of the enemy's troops but the total elimination of their non-combat assets, ensuring that the foe will not return to threaten the Imperium again. When called upon to reconquer worlds captured by the enemy, the Claws have often taken such extreme methods that nothing of the worlds themselves remains to be liberated as there is nothing left in the wake of one of their campaigns but ash and death. Due to their 'scorched earth' methods of conducting war, only the most desperate of Imperial commanders or Planetary Governors would request their aid against an invader. On several occasions, the Claws of Arktos have been known to defeat an occupying force only to purge the formerly oppressed human population for their "collaboration" with the enemy, leaving little behind them that the Imperium can rebuild. This has resulted in several Inquisitorial investigations on multiple occasions down the long millennia, but thus far, they have avoided having to formally atone by undertaking a Penitent Crusade. But only time will tell whether or not the Claws' bellicose and savage nature will result in the Chapter's former censure by the High Lords of Terra and their eventual damnation.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Primarch's gene-seed used for the creation of the Claws of Arktos is unknown, but the gene-seed seems relatively untainted. Like their Progenitors, the Claws' gene-seed has some obvious mutations from the source. Their rituals and practices of the Chapter and the hostile conditions of their lives have contributed greatly to their short existence. Some unusual idiosyncrasies that are most notable have caused some of the genetically engineered organs to no longer function properly after implantation.
One noteworthy aspect of the gene seed used by their Progenitors is the Claws' durable and burly size and strength. This display of strength and constitution far exceeds the average Astartes. Their unusually large and robust physical specimens are capable of surviving wounds and physical injuries that would normally kill other Space Marines. It has been speculated to be an over-active Biscopea implant, the organ that is responsible for an Astarte's physical combat ability and survivability to superhuman levels. It is also responsible for bolstering skeletomuscular development and density throughout the Space Marine's body.
'The Rage'
In combat the battle-brothers of this Chapter often display a savage mien, displaying an unyielding stance towards their enemies, and are unafraid of fighting a foe to mutual annihilation. It is not unusual for the Claws of Arktos Astartes to fight on despite suffering horrendous wounds, severed limbs or massive trauma. This is both a boon and a curse, as once the Bears' hackles are up, it is almost all but impossible to halt one of their headlong assaults until they've rented their foes with claw and bolter. Only when their foes are torn to shreds and utterly decimated will the Bears withdraw from the field of battle. Many times in its history, the Chapter has almost faced extinction due to its refusal to withdraw from the field of battle, even when it was beneficial for them to do so.
'Torpor'
Another organ which does not function properly is the Sus-an Membrane, the genetic implant that allows Astartes to enter a state of suspended animation, consciously or as an automatic reaction to extreme trauma, keeping them alive for many standard years, even if they suffer otherwise mortal wounds. However, this organ no longer functions as it was intended, for as the Claws of Arktos Astartes age, they are prone to bouts of periodic hibernation periods which can last days or weeks between battles. This fugue state is known amongst the battle-brothers of the Chapter as 'Torpor'. There seems to be a direct correlation between those who are prone to falling into 'Torpor' and those who fall into the hyper-state of adrenaline, known as the 'The Rage'. When this occurs, 'the Rage' can turn even the most taciturn veteran into a berserker, wishing only to release their calculated brutality and savagery upon their foes. Whilst in the throes of a berserk frenzy these battle-brothers seek nothing more in battle than to rush into close quarters with the enemy and tear them apart in a hail of blood. Following the release of such high levels of hyper-adrenaline, once spent, these battle-brothers will often fall into 'Torpor'.
Those affected by this state are recovered from the field of battle and placed in the custody of the Chapter's Apothecaries. The afflicted are interred within a stasis casket and laid beside their fellow afflicted battle-brothers within a sacred chamber, located in their primary Apothecarion aboard their flagship, Ferrum Ursus. Here, the afflicted brethren lie in stasis within the dimly lit chamber, where they might summon the strength of will to banish the curse and recover from their hibernation. At any given time there are at least 10-30 battle-brothers affected by this genetic curse. Fortunately, these unusual comatose states only affect those Astartes who are a century or older. This is especially true amongst the Chapter's venerable brothers who are interred within the sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. As the long years take their toll on these ancient warriors, they begin spending longer and longer periods dormant in stasis sleep. As the centuries pass on, they become much more difficult to awaken and rouse for battle by the Chapter's Techmarines.
Notable Claws of Arktos
First Claw Lord of the Claws of Arktos, Ulfric Stormcloak
- Ulfric Stormcloak - Ulfric was the first Chapter Master of the Claws of Arktos, formally known as the Dark Claws. First being a Battle-Brother of the Bears of the Claw, Ulfric was known for being larger in girth and mightier in the arm than any battle-brother within the Chapter, even the reigning Master of the Claw. Standing head and shoulders above the average Astartes, he was a physical giant even among other Astartes of other Chapters, Ulfric bore a character as if cast in stone, emotionless and unyielding, whose reputation for feats of arms and melee prowess spread far and wide amongst the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes. Besides his battlefield prowess, Ulfric was a highly skilled commander and a formidable battlefield tactician, particularly in the fields of planetary assault and Zone Mortalis operations. During his time with the Bears of the Claw he had won the Master of the Claw's respect countless times during campaigns of blood and victory and his rise through the ranks of the Chapter was meteoric, as his superlative combat skills and potent tactical acument saw him raised to command over other Veterans of the Chapter with far more practical experience. When the Bears of the Claw were granted the esteemed honour of having a Successor Chapter created from their genetic lineage, Ulfric was chosen with unanimous assent of his fellow battle brothers as its new Chapter Master. Ulfric went on to lead the Claws of Arktos for the first 600 standard years of their existence. During this time, he did much to shape their combat doctrines.
Claw Lord Alfgeir Koll, Lord of the Claws of Arktos after crossing over to become a Rubicon Primaris
- Alfgeir Koll - Koll is the current and fourteenth Claw Lord of the Claws of Arktos. Like those Claw Lords who came before him, he is gifted with prodigious physical size as well as a talent as an astute battlefield tactician, possessing fierce intellect and tactical expertise, as much as his fierce skills in the bone-crunching savagery of melee combat. An inspirational leader of unimpeachable bravery, it has been Koll's honour to lead his Chapter during many notable campaigns during the waning years of the 41st Millennium, and into the dawning of a new age. However, with the destruction of Cadia at the hands of Abaddon the Despoiler and the formation of the massive tear in reality known as the Cicatrix Maledictum, it seemed the darkest age of Mankind was upon them, as the enemies of humanity seemed to gather from all corners of the galaxy intent on the final destruction of the upstart race of man. However, Koll has refused to go silently into that dark night and has vowed to fight whatever threat dares to assail the realm of the Emperor of Mankind. He continues to stalwartly lead his Chapter in the continued liberation of several besieged worlds of the Imperium trapped in the Imperium Nihilus.
- Onem Ivarsson - Onem Ivarsson is the reigning commander of the Chapter's 1st Sleuth and is noted as a well-respected warrior, commander and tactical genius amongst his battle-brothers. He is both a highly accomplished warrior, whose martial record is second only to Claw Lord Alfgeir Koll, as well as a noble and honourable commander. A willful and often outspoken leader, Koll appreciates Ivarsson's brutally honest opinions and bluntness of speaking the unvarnished truth, even when it is not popular to do so. For this reason, the Claw Lord highly values the counsel of Ivarsson. During the recent campaigns fought within the Imperium Nihilus, Ivarsson was mortally wounded and faced imminent death. He only narrowly avoided his fate after undergoing several days of an intensive and painful experimental surgery that saw him cross the Rubicon Primaris. Reborn as a Primaris Space Marine, Ivarsson became the incipient of his Firstborn battle-brothers to do so and showed his brothers that it was indeed possible.
- Cyrax Freyr - Cyrax serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 2nd Sleuth. Like his fellow commanders, Cyrax has achieved an impressive tally of notable victories in the face of insurmountable odds and is renowned for his legendary stoicism in the face of a crushing defeat. Refusing to lose when faced with overwhelming odds, Captain Freyr believes in making his own fate. This stalwart commander is notable for his cunning and tactical genius, and many times has snatched victory from the jaws of inevitable defeat.
- Brannak Curo - Brannak Curo serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 3rd Sleuth. A taciturn and grim commander, Brannak's no-nonsense approach to battle and the conducting of warfare have garnered him an impressive array of victories and honours from various Imperial commanders. He eschews such petty trinkets, embracing his destiny as a Space Marine and the inherent honour of serving the Emperor unto death. The only time the cool-headed commander tends to lose his stoic demeanour is when he faces Heretic Astartes, for he possesses an unfathomable well of rage for those who have reneged on their former oaths of loyalty to the Emperor, and will tirelessly pursue such traitors to the ends of the galaxy if need be, in order to slay them mercilessly.
- Jaurmag Greyloc - Jaurmag Greyloc serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 4th Sleuth and is the oldest battle-brother of the Claws of Arktos outside the Chapter's Honoured Ancients. Hoary with age and recognised by his prodigious mane of unkempt grey hair, Greyloc has served the Chapter even longer than the Claw Lord himself, who has served the Chapter for nearly six centuries. His exact age is unknown, however, his name is said to appear throughout the Chapter's sagas stretching back nearly a millennium. Jaurmag has won great renown during several notable campaign throughout his career. With the onset of the events that occurred following the formation of the Great Rift, the prospect of new challenges and facing a greater number of worthy enemies seems to have invigorated the ancient Captain. Becoming more aggressive than ever, Greyloc often times can be found rushing headlong into the heat of battle - eager to meet the most deadly of foes - heedless of his own personlal safety.
- Aesir Greymane - Aesir serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 5th Sleuth. He is a choleric-tempered commander known for his bellicose nature and dark mien. He only finds joy on the field of battle, slaying the enemies of the Emperor. Like his fellow commanders, Aesir is also a gifted tactician and is renowned for his scourging tactics and the grim habit of taking the heads of worthy foes as trophies to be hung from his belt. Though considered slightly unhinged, nonetheless, Aesir Greymane is a highly respected commander and consummate warrior.
- Galmir Thorirson - Galmir serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 6th Sleuth. This fierce warrior is renowned for his many acts of extreme valour and tenacity, which has remained unbroken throughout his many centuries of service to the Chapter. He continues to lead his Sleuth despite accruing an impressive array of mortal wounds and extensive cybernetic augmetics.
- Stefnir Hroaldson - Stefnir Hroaldson is the current commander of the Chapter's 7th Sleuth. Stefnir is a dedicated and stalwart commander known for his no-nonsense approach to battle and adherence to the Claw Lord's commands. A highly respected warrior he once served in the Honour Guard of the Claw Lord himself, and fought alongside his Chapter Master throughout countless battles. Despite rumours of sycophancy upon his ascension to command of a Sleuth, Stefnir quickly laid such baseless accusations to rest, as his skills in battle and tactical acumen earned him the respect of his peers and made him a legend in the annals of the Chapter's sagas. His superlative combat tactics and strategies he devloped against fighting various xenos races during his tenure as a commander, is studied by aspiring Claws of Arktos Aspirants as part of their induction into the Chapter.
- Gamal Sotason - Gamal serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 8th Sleuth. Gamal is notable for his aggressiveness and bull-headed tactics on the field of battle, eager to get to grips with his enemies so that he can rend his foes limb-from-limb. Gamal has garnered a reputation as a bellicose and ferocious melee combatant who excels in the face of the bloodiest battles, and is often found spearheading line breaker assaults or breaching actions against an enemy's defensive lines. A forceful and notoriously violent commander possessed of a short temper, Gamal Sotason has earned the moniker 'Blood Paws', for his propensity for rending his foes into bloody-ribbons with his pair of deadly relic lightning claws. However, at times, Gamal has had the bad habit of letting his anger govern his reason, but thankfully, his skill in personal combat has often seen him achieve victory in the face of imminent defeat. However, despite his many achievements of heroism and victories, some battle-brothers whisper that these were only achieved through dark deeds of bloody-mindedness or needless barbarism. Gamal's impetuousness and headstrong willfullness has also seen him fall in and out of the Claw Lord's favour several times over the course of his command of his Sleuth. However, none can gainsay his effectiveness in battle, for Gamal Sotason is one of the Chapter's deadliest assets.
- Ulfgrim Thorvidsson - Ulfgrim serves as the current commander of the Chapter's 9th Sleuth. Ulfgrm is well respected amongst his battle-brothers with over five centuries of service to the Chapter. As the Chapter's Master of Relics, under his command, the 9th Sleuth is considered a model of the Fire Support doctrine, and they are considered the undisputed masters of the artillery strike. As the guardian of the Chapter's many technological masterpieces and relics, Ulfgrim is the ultimate arbiter in deciding when these deadly relics should be brought to bear on the battlefield in times of need.
- Hrothgar Grimnyr - Originally a member of the Indomitus Crusade's Unnumbered Sons, this Greyshield Primaris quickly rose to prominence and was recognised for his martial skills and battlefield acumen. A natural born leader, he was raised to the rank of Lieutenant just before he was finally united with the Space Marine Chapter that bore the same genetic lineage as himself. A grim and tactiturn warrior, Hrothgar was determined to prove himself to his Firstborn brothers and quickly learned all that he could from them and willingly incorporated their culture and beliefs in a short amount of time. He absorbed his Chapter's history, rituals, combat patterns and more, applying all that he earned on the field of battle. He quickly garnered an impressive array of kill tallies and victories on behalf of his Chapter. Upon the death of the former Master of Recruits and commander of the 10th Sleuth, Hrothgar was granted the high honour of leading his own company by the Claw Lord himself. Though some of his fellow Captains remained skeptical, their loyalty and trust in the Primaris Captain far outweighed any doubts they might have once possessed, as Hrothgar has proven himself time and again to be both a dedicated warrior and a consummate commander.
Chapter Relics
A ancient Ursus Claw Pattern that is a variant of the Lightning Claws used by other Space Marine Chapters. Primarily passed down and used by each savage Chapter Master of the Claws of Arktos.
- Ulfric's Claw - The Ulfric's Claw is a large archaic Lightning Claw, fitted with an early custom-built Combi-Bolter that is currently wielded by Claw Lord (Chapter Master) Alfgeir Koll. The weapon takes the form of a large silver Lightning Claw with a thumb blade and an integrated Combi-Bolter that runs from the wrist to the knuckles of the claw's gauntlet. The ancient Combi-Bolter is in essence two standard pattern bolters slaved to fire together. This armoured gauntlet houses a number of articulated blades. In close combat, the Ulfric's Claw is an all but unmatched weapon, as the unidentified phase-frequency disruption fields imparted to their cutting edges prove able to slice through solid matter at a sub-molecular level, parting ceramite and adamantine plate effortlessly and sundering all energy fields and force barriers they encounter. The use of such a weapon by a Space Marine commander is an unorthodox choice, but one that clearly reflects each Chapter Master of the Claw in participating at the forefront of battle and heavy assaults.
Chapter Fleet
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The mighty Chapter Flagship of the Claws of Arkros, the Ursus's Furia
The Claws of Arktos have existed as a fleet-based Chapter designed to operate solely as a warfleet on a perpetual Crusade. However, The Claws do not follow the standard Crusade pattern of operation when it comes to a Fleet based Chapter. The Chapter functions exclusively on a much rarer operational strategy for its warfleet known as the 'Nomad-Predation' pattern. This pattern utilised by the Claws of Arktos has matured over the millennia when operating beyond the Imperium's boundaries for prolonged ages of time. The Nomad-Predation pattern has allowed the Claws of Arktos to be an entirely sovereign force that could sustain itself without any support whatsoever.The Claws are ever vigilant, and are always ready for battle which is why they have chosen to remain a highly mobile, fleet-based Chapter.
Their mighty Chapter fleet is led by the flagship Ursus's Furia (translated to High-Gothic as 'Bear's Fury), a mighty relic Unknown Class Battleship. This formidable vessel of ancient provenance was gifted to the Claws by their progenitors at their inception. Constructed some time after the Horus Hersey and has a long and glorious history. It holds thousands of crew, battle-brothers and hundreds of war machines as well as swarms of smaller attack craft and transports.
The Chapter fleet of the Claws of Arktos is known to contain the following starships:
- Ursus's Furia (Unknown Class Battleship) - It is the personal flagship of the Claws of Arktos and serves essentially as the Chapter's mobile Head Quarters.
Ferus Unguis, the Chapter's star fortress orbiting above the Death World of Arktos
- Ferus Unguis (translated to High-Gothic as 'Savage Claw') (Star Fortress) - The Chapter's orbital star fortress that overlooks and garrisons the deadly asteroid fields of the notorious Arktos Labyrinth, above their Chapter home world of Arktos. The Ferus Unguis is an immense and ancient vessel, believed to be pre-Imperial in origin and constructed some time during the Dark Age of Technology. This massive mobile space station possesses more firepower than an entire squadron of Imperial Cruisers and can, in affect, devastate the surface of any world within only minutes of its arrival in orbit. Its hull is studded with scores of orbital bomb racks, and if deemed necessary, would enable it to seed a world's atmosphere with clusters of deadly incendiary thermic bombs. Due to its sheer size and ancient design this space fortress's true power, however, is its durability, which allows it to shrug off the heaviest fire all but unscathed and smash aside any attacking fleets with arrogant power.
Deathwatch Service
The Claws of Arktos have been committing Battle-Brothers to the Deathwatch for millennia. In most cases however, the Space Marine has stood but a single vigil before returning to his parent Chapter. It is whispered by some that the Chapter only ever allows its brethren to stand the Long Watch if and when it suits them.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
The Claws of Arktos primarily wear black-coloured power armour. The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest guard is silver in colour. The inset of the shoulder pauldrons, couters, and vambraces are emerald green in colour while the shoulder pauldron trim is black in colour. The unique runic squad specialty symbol on the right shoulder pauldron (Tactical, Devastator, Assault and Veteran) indicates squad specialty. A white-coloured runic numeral located on the inset of the shoulder pauldron near the trim, indicates squad number. Stylised white-coloured claw marks on the left poleyn (knee guard), as well as a totemic icon on the right poleyn, indicates company number.
Following the traditions of their Progenitors, the Claws' Neophytes acquire their first set of runic tattoos of protection and power upon entering the Chapter. These tattoos usually cover the arms and sometimes the face of the battle-brother, reinforcing their fearsome warrior heritage. Using the arts and styles of their ancestor's runemasters, the Claws of Arktos take great pride in their heraldry. The Claws' believe that engraving their armour with primitive runic script or magical runes that it might help one to fulfill their innermost needs, wants, and wishes. Carried over from their Progenitors, the Claws of Arktos believe that such runes as well as the potent bear talismans and fetishes they display on their armour, that it will invoke protection and strength against their enemies.
The veteran warriors of the Chapter are the only ones honoured enough to inherit the ancient power armour of the great warriors of the past, to continue carrying on their legacy. Veterans in particular wear ornate battle-plate immersed in centuries worth of talismans and etched symbols, accumulated from great heroes over the ages. Scouts are the only elements of the force that don't decorate their armor extensively, preferring to maintain their anonymity when performing their dangerous reconnaissance missions. The adaptation of their ancestor's traditional pagan symbols has also spread to some of their traditional Astartes insignia. Patterned specialization designations follow the Claws of Arktos warriors' individual artistic style and are painted in black on the right shoulder pauldron. Classical Imperial icons are rarely seen on a Bears of the Claw Astartes' battle-plate.
Claws of Arktos Iconography
Chapter Badge
The Claws of Arktos Chapter badge is a large stylised black coloured bear's paw with it's four deadly bloodied claws centered on a field of emerald green.
Allies
| Bears of the Claw |  |
The Bears of the Claw are a fierce and savage Space Marine Chapter created during the 20th Founding in late M35, from uncertain lineage. Known for their spirit, respect and determination, they are also known for being very devastating in combat. In M36, the Imperium was beset by a series of calamities and enemies on all sides, which saw the loss of 57 Space Marine Chapters that had been destroyed, turned renegade or declared lost in the Warp. To help restore order to a galaxy rife with civil strife and disorder, the High Lords of Terra instituted the 23rd Founding, the so-called 'Sentinel' Founding, during the latter years of M37. Despite their relative youth as a Chapter the Bears of the Claw were selected for the high honour of being able to have their genetic lineage passed on. Therefore, the Bears of the Claw had a Successor Chapter, the Dark Claws, created from their gene-seed. Assigned to defend the Aliris Sector, after the newly incepted Chapter claimed ownership of the verdant death world of Arktos, they decided to change their name, taking their name from their new Chapter homeworld, renaming themselves the 'Claws of Arktos'. Though the Claws of Arktos have only fought alongside their progenitors on a handful of occasions down the millennia, when they have done so, they have achieved monumental victories on behalf of the Imperium by utterly decimating their enemies. |
Enemies
Notable Quotes
By the Claws of Arktos
- "Lo there do I see my father. Lo there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers. Lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me, they bid me take my place among them, in the Halls of Valhalla, where the brave may live...forever."
- —Chaplain Vaer Greyloc reciting the prayer for Battle and Burial Rites for the fallen.
- "Everything dies! Animals die, friends die, and I shall die. One thing never dies, and that is the reputation we leave behind at our death!"
- —First Master of the Claw Ulfric Stormcloak right before his death at the hands of Chaos.
About the Claws of Arktos
Gallery
