Condemners

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The Condemners are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter created from unknown lineage during the 23^rd 'Sentinel' Founding during the latter part of the 37^th and early 38^th Millennia. Imperial scholars believe that this particular Founding was one of a series of linked Foundings that took place during this tumultuous period in Imperial history and that they were intended to repair the power and reach of the Adeptus Astartes that had suffered considerable losses in the preceding millennia.

Chapter History

The Condemners were founded during the 23^rd Founding, also known as the 'Sentinel Founding', in the 38^th Millennium. Their gene-seed origin and progenitor Primarch are both shrouded in mystery and are a source of many rumors and conjectures within the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes. However, they have always served the Emperor with unwavering loyalty and fierce dedication.

Their homeworld, Agos, is a tidally locked world with one side being a barren inferno and the other a tempestuous storm ravaged icy wasteland. It is located in the Segmentum Obscurus. Here, the Condemners endure in their towering fortress-monastery, the Purgatory Spire, residing in the Stormward Side's relentless fury, a testament to their indomitable spirit.

The Condemners are often deployed to quell Chaos and xenos uprisings, displaying ruthless efficiency in their task. They show no mercy to the enemies of mankind, condemning them to utter annihilation. Their campaigns have left countless worlds in ruin, but they have also saved countless more from falling into the clutches of darkness.

The Chapter's warriors are known for their steadfast resilience and ruthless tactics. The Condemners were created during the 23rd Founding, known as the Sentinel Founding, a lesser-known creation of new Space Marine Chapters, sometime in the latter part of the 37th Millennium. The exact lineage of the Condemners is shrouded in mystery, their gene-seed origin and primarch unknown. However, from their inception, they were bestowed with a singular purpose - to hunt down and eradicate the forces of Chaos and xenos threatening the Imperium's interests.

The early years of the Condemners were marked by rigorous training, careful cultivation of their belief system, and the establishment of their fortress monastery on Agos. During this period, they forged their zealous creed, the Oath of Condemnation, emphasizing their duty as the Emperor's judges and executioners. In their first notable campaign, the Condemners engaged in a grueling conflict with a Black Legion warband on the fringe world of Thulsa. Despite being a young Chapter, they demonstrated fierce combat prowess and an unwavering dedication to their mission, eventually driving the Chaos forces from Thulsa. This victory cemented the Condemners' reputation as relentless warriors of the Emperor.

Through the millennia, the Condemners have been involved in numerous campaigns against the forces of Chaos, each victory reinforcing their dedication to their mission. The Purging of Feralis IV (M40) saw the eradication of a massive Genestealer Cult, while The Battle of Black Nebula (M41) marked the defense of the forge world Volundr against a massive Ork WAAAGH!

One of their most notable campaigns was The Schism of Krydon (M41) against the a warband of the Word Bearers, their most hated foe. The victory, while costly, further highlighted the resolve and skill of the Condemners.

The Condemners have stood as relentless warriors against the Ruinous Powers and Xenos Abominations for millennia, their pursuit of the Emperor's justice unwavering. However, the Chapter's history is not without its dark times. One such grim period is marked by the incident on Octarius Secundus (M39), where an two entire companies Companies, known now as as the "Lost Companies", tragically fell due to the a unique flaw in their gene-seed known as "The Relentless Pursuit", a trait that has been both their strength and vulnerability.

On Octarius Secundus, the Condemners were drawn into a trap laid by a cunning cabal of the Thousand Sons Traitor Legion. The sorcerers had located a powerful and ancient Chaos artifact, the Nexus of Eternal Torment, and baited the two Condemner companies into their trap. The lure was a seemingly unending trail of Chaos cults and daemon incursions, each leading further into the heart of the Octarius system. The Lost Companies, dogged in their pursuit of the Emperor's justice, pursued each lead with relentless zeal, unknowingly being guided deeper into the cabal's snare.

By the time the Condemners realized the trap, it was too late. The Nexus of Eternal Torment was unleashed, its dark energies warping and corrupting everything within its radius. The relentless pursuit that the chapter is so known for, the trait granted by their unique gene-seed mutation, had been turned against them, leading them to their downfall.

The loss of these two companies was a dark time for the Condemners. They mourned the loss of their fallen brothers, but also took it as a grim lesson - a reminder that even their greatest strength could be turned into a weakness by the insidious powers of Chaos.

This tragedy has only further steeled the Condemners' resolve, reminding them of the constant danger they face and the need for vigilance in their eternal war against the Ruinous Powers. It has hardened their hatred for the forces of Chaos, and has fueled their relentless pursuit with a newfound caution and determination.

Their reputation has earned them both allies and enemies. They have garnered the respect of fellow Space Marine Chapters such as the Crimson Fists and the Black Templars, while incurring the wrath of the forces of Chaos, particularly the warbands of the Word Bearers.

As the darkness of the galaxy grows ever deeper, the Condemners stand ready to meet it, their resolve unbroken, their duty clear. They remain the Emperor's Condemners, ever vigilant, ever zealous, ever relentless.

Notable Campaigns

The Purging of Feralis IV (M40): The Condemners eradicated a massive genestealer cult that had infiltrated the highest ranks of the hive cities, causing civil unrest and chaos. Feralis IV was an Imperial hive world, housing billions of Imperial citizens within its towering hive cities. When the highest echelons of the planet's governance fell victim to the insidious infiltration of a Genestealer Cult, civil unrest erupted like wildfire, threatening to tear the world apart. The Genestealer Patriarch and its brood had cunningly infiltrated the aristocracy and the Adeptus Administratum, manipulating their hosts to stir discord and fuel paranoia amongst the populace. As riots and chaos began to consume the hive cities, the Genestealers prepared to seize complete control, but the alarm was raised by an Inquisitor of the Ordo Xenos, who had detected the Xenos taint. Recognizing the urgent threat, the High Lords of Terra dispatched the Condemners, whose grim determination and extensive experience with Tyranid Xenos made them the ideal choice to root out and exterminate the Genestealer infestation. The campaign began with a brutal blockade, as the Condemners' fleet, led by their flagship "The Final Verdict", took up positions around Feralis IV, ensuring no craft could leave the planet to spread the Genestealer taint elsewhere. Once the blockade was established, the Condemners began their purge. The Chapter's 2nd and 3rd Companies were deployed into the heart of the largest hive city, their grim determination and relentless pursuit carrying them deep into the infested underhive. Archon Amadeus, renowned for his strategic acumen and relentless drive, led the 2nd Company in a series of daring assaults against the Genestealer strongholds. Meanwhile, the 3rd Company, led by Archon Raphael, hunted down and exterminated the infected aristocracy and Administratum officials, cutting the head from the Genestealer's command structure. Outside the hive cities, the 4th and 5th Companies engaged in punishing warfare against the Genestealer-controlled masses. They fought a grueling, block-by-block battle to liberate the sprawling hab blocks and manufactorums from the Xenos infestation. Simultaneously, the Chapter's Librarians worked tirelessly to shield their brothers from the psychic influence of the Genestealer Patriarch. They eventually managed to track the psychic trail of the Patriarch to its lair deep within the underhive. In a final, decisive operation, a hand-picked strike force of the Chapter's best warriors, clad in their indomitable Terminator armor, descended into the underhive. They faced a horde of Genestealers and their hybrid spawn but pushed forward with unyielding resolve. At the heart of the infestation, they confronted the Genestealer Patriarch itself. After a fierce battle, they finally managed to slay the monstrous Xenos, causing the Genestealer Cult to descend into disarray. With the Patriarch dead and the Genestealer strongholds eradicated, the Condemners systematically purged the remaining Xenos from Feralis IV. The campaign was long and bloody, with the Condemners taking heavy casualties, but their relentless pursuit saw them through. The Purging of Feralis IV stands as a testament to the Condemners' unyielding determination and their tireless commitment to the eradication of the Emperor's foes.

The Battle of Black Nebula (M41): They defended the critical forge world Volundr from a massive Ork WAAAGH!, despite being vastly outnumbered. Volundr, a critical forge world nestled on the edge of the Black Nebula, found itself in the path of a massive Ork WAAAGH! led by the infamous Warboss Grugnak Skullsmasha. The forge world's defenses, though formidable, were ill-equipped to repel the sheer size and ferocity of the oncoming Ork horde. When the calls for aid reached Terra, the Condemners were dispatched to halt the green tide. Upon their arrival, the Condemners found Volundr already under siege. The relentless Orks had already begun their assaults on the outer defenses, and without swift action, the forge world would soon be overrun. Led by Chapter Master Altair the Unyielding, the Condemners quickly formulated a plan. Knowing that they couldn't match the Orks' numbers, they instead decided to use their superior discipline, tactics, and knowledge of the enemy against them. The Condemners, despite their limited numbers, launched a series of rapid counter-attacks against the Ork vanguard, employing hit-and-run tactics and ambushes to whittle down their numbers and disrupt their advances. Simultaneously, the Chapter's Techmarines worked tirelessly alongside the Adeptus Mechanicus to fortify the forge world's defenses, turning the hive cities into formidable strongholds. Chapter Master Altair knew that to break the siege, they needed to cut off the head - Warboss Grugnak himself. With his Terminator-clad Honor Guard, he led a daring assault on the Warboss's Gargant, a monstrous war machine that had been leading the Ork assaults. In a brutal battle amidst the hellish noise and destructive power of the Gargant's guns, Altair and his Honor Guard fought their way to Grugnak. The Warboss was a formidable opponent, massive in size and brutal in strength, but Altair met his fury with the cool precision of a seasoned Space Marine. With a mighty blow from his Thunder Hammer, the Gavel of Judgement, Altair slew the Warboss, his death sending shockwaves throughout the Ork horde. With the Warboss dead, the Ork WAAAGH! began to lose its momentum. The Condemners capitalized on the chaos within the Ork ranks, launching a full-scale counter-offensive. The Orks fought back fiercely, but without their leader, their lack of coordination and discipline quickly became apparent. The Condemners, fighting with the relentless determination for which they are known, began to push the Orks back. The battle raged on for weeks, but the tide had turned. Gradually, the Condemners, alongside the forge world's defenders, managed to drive the Orks from Volundr. The Battle of Black Nebula was a hard-won victory, won through the Condemners' unfailing resolve, strategic acumen, and sheer stubbornness in the face of overwhelming odds. Despite the vast number of Orks they had slain, the Condemners left the final cleanup to the forge world's Skitarii forces and the Imperial Navy.

The Banishment of the Profane Soul (M41): In this brutal campaign, the Condemners tracked and hunted a notorious Chaos warband known as the "Profane Soul", a collective of Heretic Astartes dedicated to the Chaos god Slaanesh, known for leaving worlds in debauched ruin. The warband had devastated several Imperial worlds and evaded all attempts at retribution. Under the strategic guidance of Chapter Master Altair the Unyielding, the Condemners managed to isolate the Profane Soul on the rogue planet of Shatterstone. A brutal, planet-wide campaign ensued. Despite the psychic trickery and sensory overload tactics of the Slaaneshi heretics, the Condemners remained focused and unwavering. Ultimately, they cornered the Profane Soul in the planet's labyrinthine cave networks. There, in a battle that echoed through the caves with the clang of ceramite and the screams of the damned, the Condemners purged the heretics with bolter and blade. The leader of the Profane Soul, the possessed Champion of Chaos known as Xerath the Desecrator, was personally slain by Altair in a single combat, his soul captured in a specially prepared stasis-casket to prevent its return to the Warp. This victory not only avenged the ruined Imperial worlds but also served as a grim reminder to the traitors and heretics hiding in the galaxy's dark corners: the Condemners would always be on their trail, and their judgement would be inescapable.

The Schism of Krydon (M41): The Schism of Krydon is a dark but glorious chapter in the history of the Condemners. The campaign took place on the Hive World of Krydon, which had fallen under the insidious influence of a Word Bearer warband known as the "Scriptors of Damnation". The Scriptors, led by the Dark Apostle Argulath, had infiltrated the Hive Cities and began to sow the seeds of heresy among the populous. Through careful manipulation, Argulath had begun to subvert the Planetary Governor and turn the Hive's own populace against the Emperor's rule. When the Condemners received word of the heresy taking place on Krydon, they immediately dispatched the 3rd and 5th Companies to quell the uprising and purge the Word Bearers' influence. They arrived to find a world teetering on the edge of damnation, its people on the cusp of rebellion, with Dark Emissaries preaching the word of the Dark Gods in every public square. Archon Raphael Nicodemus along with Chosen Maximus Venator of the 3rd Company led their brothers in a relentless campaign through the sprawling underhives, each skirmish pushing back the tide of Chaos and driving the Scriptors deeper into hiding. Meanwhile, Archon Seraphus Ignatius of the 5th Company led a series of precision strikes against key points of rebellion within the upper Hive Cities. The climax of the campaign came with a confrontation in the Cathedral of the Ascendant Word, where Argulath was attempting to conduct a dark ritual that would plunge the world into the Warp. Ignatius and his veterans fought a grueling battle against the twisted Word Bearer and his cultist hordes. While his brothers held the line, Ignatius engaged Argulath in single combat. A monumental duel ensued, the Cathedral shaking with each thunderous clash. With a final, furious swing of his power sword, Ignatius struck Argulath down, ending his dark reign over Krydon. Despite their victory, the Condemners were solemn, lamenting the loss of many brothers and the millions of Krydon's populace that had fallen to heresy. Still, the Schism of Krydon stands as a testament to their resolve in the face of corruption and their unyielding dedication to the Emperor's justice. In the end, the Condemners saved Krydon from complete damnation and gave it a chance to reclaim its loyalty to the Emperor.

Chapter Homeworld

Argos — Astra Cartographica pict-capture of the Condemners homeworld of Agos

Agos, the Condemners' homeworld, is a planet steeped in ancient history and shrouded in mystery. Agos is a tidally locked world with one side being a storm-ravaged frozen wasteland, and the other a barren inferno. The planet is located in the grim darkness of Segmentum Obtcurus. It is a world of brutal landscapes and relentless weather patterns that mirror the harsh and unyielding nature of the Space Marine Chapter it hosts.

The Sunward Side

The Sunward Side of Agos, also known as the "Scorched Plains", is a landscape of perpetual daylight and extreme temperatures. Bathed in the unending light of Agos' star, this side of the planet is a hellish environment, a relentless expanse of superheated rock, shimmering minerals, and sprawling lava rivers.

Rugged cliffs and plateaus, worn down by the constant heat, rise above the molten rock, their surfaces gleaming with an array of dazzling metallic hues. Pockets of extremely rare minerals, including Adamantium and Promethium, have drawn the attention of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Despite the lethal conditions, the Mechanicus have established several heavily shielded mining outposts, their silhouettes stark against the glowing landscape. These outposts are manned by servitors and Tech-priests in modified environmental suits capable of withstanding the intense heat.

The geothermal activity on the Scorched Plains is not only dangerous but also unpredictable. Eruptions of molten rock and flares of superheated gas are common, making any traversal of the region perilous. Despite these risks, the Condemners often use this hazardous landscape for their training exercises, honing their survival skills under extreme conditions.

Life on the Sunward Side seems impossible, yet it persists in the most unexpected places. Microbial life forms, adapted to extreme heat and radiation, thrive in mineral-rich soil and superheated pools. While no large creatures inhabit this side of Agos, there are stories of enormous fire worms, creatures of living magma, surfacing from the lava rivers. Though these tales are often dismissed as mere legends, the fact that they endure speaks to the awe and trepidation that the Sunward Side inspires.

The Stormward Side

The Stormward Side, known to the inhabitants of Agos as the "Eternal Night," is an arctic wasteland where the sun never reaches, perpetually locked in frigid darkness. Battered by unending blizzards and howling gales, this frozen hellscape represents the opposite extreme of the planet's duality. The Stormward side of Agos, perpetually shrouded in darkness, is a tempestuous and storm-ravaged wasteland. Howling winds whip up icy snow into relentless blizzards, and the land is a frozen tundra interspersed with jagged obsidian mountain ranges.

Monolithic ice formations, shaped by countless centuries of icy winds, litter the landscape, reaching towards the sky like silent sentinels. The ground is a perpetual expanse of snow and ice, sometimes punctuated by vast frozen lakes and ominous ice chasms plunging deep into the core of the planet. It is within these treacherous conditions that the Condemners' fortress-monastery, the Purgatory Spire, has been carved into the largest obsidian mountain range.

These formidable ranges of ice-clad obsidian mountains jut out from the frozen tundra, their peaks lost in the stormy darkness above. Avalanches are a common occurrence, further reshaping the already hostile terrain.

Despite its harsh conditions, life exists in the Eternal Night and evolved to survive in the deep freeze. Creatures of white and gray fur move like phantoms through the snow, hunting in packs, their eyes glowing eerily in the dark. Below the ice, massive worm-like creatures tunnel through the frozen earth, occasionally breaking the surface in search of prey.

Nomadic Agosians — Nomadic bands of Agosians traverse the Twilight band near the end of the habitable zone close to the beginning of the Stormward Side of the planet.

On the surface, ice-dwelling vegetation, hardy and almost alien in appearance, clings stubbornly to its existence, deriving energy from geothermal vents and subsisting on scarce nutrients trapped within the ice. Luminescent fungi emit a ghostly glow, providing the only source of light in the perpetual darkness.

The skies are a spectacle of ceaseless, raw elemental power. Massive storm fronts sweep across the Eternal Night, pushing thick, rolling clouds in a never-ending torment of fury. Lightning storms illuminate the darkness, their electric arcs painting chaotic, fleeting patterns across the blackened skies. The atmosphere crackles with static energy, a testament to the planet's untamed fury. Some of the native lifeforms native to the skies in the Stormward side include the Stormscale Drake, a reptilian beast with an electro-conductive hide,

Training expeditions by Condemners into this chilling wilderness are not unheard of. These exercises, often undertaken in the harshest of blizzards, test the limits of even a Space Marine's endurance. It's not just a physical trial, but a mental one as well, underlining the Chapter's belief in the power of the indomitable will.

The Twilight Band

The Twilight Band, colloquially known as the "Edge of Shadows", is a narrow strip of land sandwiched between the blistering heat of the Sunward Side and the icy winds of the Stormward Side. It is a land of perpetual twilight, illuminated by the eerie glow of the planet's star as it hangs perpetually on the horizon. This region holds the balance between the planet's dual extremes and is the most hospitable zone on Agos.

The landscape of the Edge of Shadows is rugged and untamed, dominated by rocky outcroppings and vast expanses of parched soil that transition into icy tundra as one moves towards the Stormward Side. Steam vents from where the heat of the Sunward Side meets the cold of the Stormward Side create a network of hot springs and geysers, providing warmth in the otherwise chill environment.

Life clings stubbornly to existence in the Twilight Band. Hardy vegetation, ranging from sun-scorched cacti to frost-resistant moss and lichens, dot the landscape. The fauna here is as varied as it is deadly. Shadowcats, fast and lethal predators, stalk the Twilight Band, their gray-black fur perfect camouflage against the twilight gloom. Hulking Icebears, migrated from the fringes of the Stormward Side, are a common sight. Their thick, frost-covered fur and layers of blubber allow them to survive the frigid nights.

The Twilight Band is also home to Agos' primary city, the hive city of Hyberadon. Shielded against both the relentless heat and the freezing winds, the city is a testament to human tenacity and ingenuity. Built-in and around a massive canyon, the city's architecture is a fusion of natural rock and imperial gothic design, with buildings rising from the canyon floor and carved into its walls. The city is heavily fortified, with large macro-cannons and missile silos lining its perimeter, ever ready to defend the inhabitants against any threats.

The Condemners have a strong presence in Hyberadon. The city's populace, hardened by the planet's extreme conditions, often provides excellent recruits to the Chapter. The citizens hold the Space Marines in high esteem, regarding them as their guardian angels.

Forteress-Monastery

The Purgatory Spire, the Fortress-Monastery of the Condemners, stands as an intimidating monument amidst the chaotic storms and inhospitable landscape of the storm ward side their homeworld, Agos. Carved out of a colossal mountain of obsidian, it rises stark and solemn against the relentless elements, a bastion showing the Chapter's unyielding resolve.

The fortress is a brutalist masterpiece. Its architecture is reminiscent of the towering hive cities of distant Terra, with massive, monolithic structures reaching towards the black turbulent skies. Yet, it also maintains a distinctly militaristic aesthetic, with heavy fortifications, intricate defense networks, and vast arsenals hinting at its true purpose: a bastion of the Emperor's wrath.

The exterior is covered in engravings and bas-reliefs that tell of the Chapter's history, their glorious victories and grueling campaigns. Statues of revered Chapter heroes stand guard over the entrance points, their stoic gazes forever fixed on the raging horizon.

Inside, the Spire stands upon a massive block which is a labyrinth of halls, barracks, training grounds, armories, and sacred shrines dedicated to the Emperor. The heart of the fortress is the Grand Hall of Judgement, a vast, cathedral-like space where the Condemners gather for war councils and ceremonies. Here stands the Seat of Judgement, a massive throne upon which the Chapter Master sits during these gatherings, acting as a symbol of the Emperor's judgement they carry.

Deep within the fortress lies the Sanctorum, the Condemners' sacred chapel. Here, the battle-brothers come to pray and meditate, seeking guidance from the Emperor amidst the flickering shadows cast by the room's golden lumens. A great statue of the Emperor holding scales of judgement dominates the space, casting a serene and inspiring presence across the chamber, reminding all who look upon it of their duty as his Condemners.

Beneath the Spire, in the depths of the obsidian mountain, are the apothecarion and the gene-seed vaults, closely guarded secrets of the Chapter. Farther below, the roar of engines and the clatter of repair works fill the sprawling hangars and docking bays, where the Chapter's fleet of Thunderhawks, Stormravens, drop pods, and other war machines are kept combat-ready.

The Purgatory Spire, harsh and austere, mirrors the character of the Condemners. Just like the fortress, they too stand as unyielding beacons of judgement amidst the storm of Chaos, forever ready to condemn the enemies of mankind. This austere, soaring tower is at once a place of penance, meditation, and preparation. Battle-Brothers who have been affected by their brushes with the forces of Chaos come here to cleanse their spirits and reaffirm their devotion to the Emperor.

The Spire's lower levels house cells where the Battle-Brothers reflect in solitude, meditating on their experiences and penitently seeking the Emperor's forgiveness and guidance. They are attended to by the Chapter's Chaplains and Apothecaries, who monitor their spiritual and physical recovery and help them wrestle with any lingering traces of corruption or temptation.

The mid-levels of the Spire's tower are filled with shrines dedicated to the Emperor and the Primarchs, where the Chapter's Marines can offer prayers and seek spiritual comfort. These shrines are filled with relics and scriptures of the Imperium, serving as a constant reminder of their duty and their lineage.

The upper levels of the Spire's tower are reserved for the most severe cases. Here, in the Chapter's Reclusiam, the Chaplains and Librarians tend to those who have been deeply scarred by their encounters with the Warp or the daemonic. These Battle-Brothers undergo rigorous spiritual and psychic therapy to exorcise any remnants of corruption and to strengthen their mental fortitude against future assaults.

Finally, at the pinnacle of the Spire, stands the Chamber of the Vigilant, a hallowed space open to the raging sky. Here, the Chapter's most revered relics are kept, and the Chapter's leadership often retreats to this place for guidance and meditation. It's here, under the endless expanse of the violent cosmos, that the Condemners remind themselves of the vastness of their duty and the eternal vigilance required in their ceaseless war against the enemies of Mankind.

Within the Purgatorial Spire on Agos lies a hidden archive known only to the Chapter Librarians. This repository holds forbidden knowledge recovered from vanquished Chaos warbands and heretical cults. It's said that these archives are guarded by psychic wards and only the strongest-willed can enter without losing their sanity.

The Purgatorial Spire is not just a physical location within the Fortress Monastery, but a symbol of the Chapter's unwavering resolve, ceaseless vigilance, and commitment to purity in the face of the Imperium's myriad enemies. The climb from the base of the fortress to the pinnacle of the tower bodes strongly in the minds of the chapter, symbolizing the pursuit of purity and the quest therein.

Chapter Recruitment

Potential Condemners are taken from either the nomadic tribes inhabiting the fringes of the stormward or sunward side of the planet Agos, or from Hyberadon, the sole hive city that straddles the twilight band of the planet. These younglings must pass through the Trials of Condemnation which include surviving various expeditions into both the sunward and stormward sides of the planet. The final trial each youngling faces is to slay a legendary beast of each phase of the planet, including but not limited to a Stormscale Drake, a Shadowcat, an Ice Worm, a Magma Worm, and a Hulking Icebear. Those who pass the Trials of Condemnation undergo the process of gene-seed implantation and receive the necessary bio-implants to become Space Marines. Those who show prowess in psychic abilities become Acolytes under the guidance of a Mystikos, while those who do not join the Tenth Company as Neophytes. Those that fail the Trials of Condemnation remain subject to the chapter, failing the Trials ensures a lifelong servitude as a serf thrall or those who would be deemed inept at being a serf are turned into a servitor for the chapter.

The Agosian People

The people of Agos are a disciplined population and hardy people. Their culture is closely tied to their harsh surroundings and their relationship to their tidally locked planet, recognizing the duality of life, life and death, and the balance between them.

Life on Agos is a constant struggle against the elements, as the harsh climate and rugged terrain make survival a daily challenge. Most of the populace lives within the fortified hive city of Hyberadon, but there are those nomadic bands that patrol the edges of the Twilight Band, faced with but a taste of the merciless cold of the eternal night long nights of the Stormward Side and the blazing volcanic desolation of the Sunward Side.

Despite, or perhaps because of these hardships, the people of Agos have developed a culture of resilience and stoicism. They view life as a constant battle against adversity, a philosophy that aligns closely with the teachings of the Condemners.

The Agosians' main livelihood is the extraction of rare minerals volcanic magma infested Sunward Side, and the colossal obsidian deposits within the frigid Stormward side. These miners have honed their craft over generations, their skills passed down from parent to child. This tradition of artisanal mining has given rise to a culture that values hard work, precision, and respect for the harsh environment that provides them with their means of survival.

The Condemners are revered on Agos, seen as the ultimate embodiment of their culture's values. The Agosians view the Space Marines as their sole guardian angels from the Emperor Himself. Stories of the Condemners' heroics are often told, their acts of courage and duty are held up as the highest ideals.

Every year, the Condemners hold a series of trials known as the "Trials of Condemnation", a grueling series of challenges designed to select the strongest and most resilient young Agosians to join their ranks. This event is the pinnacle of an Agosian's life, the chance to join the revered Condemners and serve the Emperor as one of His chosen warriors.

Overall, the culture of Agos is one of perseverance and endurance, shaped by the environment and the looming presence of the Condemners. Its people are as hardy as the moon's rocky surface, their resolve as enduring as their Space Marine protectors.

The Agosian Language

The Agosian language has evolved in response to the harsh environment of the planet and its close ties to the Condemners Space Marine Chapter. While it shares its root with High Gothic due to the influence of the Imperium, it has developed unique characteristics reflecting the Agosian culture and lifestyle.

Agosian is a hard, consonant-heavy language, full of guttural sounds and clipped syllables, reflecting the toughness and brevity of life on Agos. It is a language that is equally adept at conveying the technical details of mining operations as it is at articulating the lofty ideals of courage, duty, and resilience.

Given the influence of the Condemners, it has also incorporated various military terms and concepts. The Agosian language has specific words for different types of battles, fortifications, and tactics.

At the same time, the language is deeply tied to the planet's environment. Agosian has a multitude of words to describe different aspects of the planet's terrain, climate, and wildlife. For example, there are several words for 'snow', each one describing a different state of snow – fresh, wind-packed, melting, and so on. Similarly 'magma' has various words for it, describing the speed, age, and type of materials found within.

While the Agosian language is largely utilitarian in nature, it also possesses a surprisingly rich vocabulary for describing emotions, particularly those related to perseverance, courage, justice, and honor. These words, often used in Agosian stories and songs, have been coined to express the values that the Condemners and the Agosians hold dear.

The written form of Agosian uses the Gothic script, but it has evolved unique letterforms and punctuation marks to accommodate the phonetic and grammatical quirks of the language. This written form is taught in the nomadic settlements and Hyberadon, but on Agos, oral tradition and storytelling still hold a prominent place.

Chapter Organisation

The Condemners, while generally adhering to the Codex Astartes, have a unique structure within their chapter. They have specialized units known as "Justiciar," heavily armed squads tasked with executing the Chapter's brutal judgements. These warriors are selected from the veteran first company, and they bear the distinct honor and burden of wielding their Chapter's most devastating weapons.

Command Ranks

Patriarch of Condemnation: Equivalent to a Chapter Master. The overall commander of the Chapter. Currently, this position is held by Altair the Unyielding, he holds ultimate authority over the Condemners. He is responsible for the strategic deployment of the Chapter's companies and the execution of their relentless hunts.
Archon: Leads one of the Chapter's ten Companies. Notable Archons include Amadeus of the 2^nd Company and Raphael of the 3rd. Equivalent rank to a Captain.
Exarch: Assists the Archon in leading the company. Equivalent rank to a Lieutenant.

Specialist Ranks

Presbyvan, "Presider" (Chaplaincy): Led by the Speaker of Presiders, the Presbyvan ensures the spiritual health of the Chapter and maintains its zealous dedication to the Emperor's judgement.
Ske'mystikos, "Speaker of the Mystics": The spiritual guide of the Chapter and the most powerful psyker within their ranks, responsible for training and coordinating the Chapter's Mystikos. Equivalent rank to a Chief Librarian.
Mystikos, "Mystic" (Librarium): The Mystikos, led by Ske’mystikoks Lysander, oversees the psychic health of the Chapter and assists in navigating the Warp during their relentless pursuits.
Alcyt, "Acolyte": Are spiritual neophytes that train under the Ske'mystikos before promotion to the rank of Mystikos.
Chief Apothecary: The senior medic, responsible for the physical well-being of the Battle-Brothers and the maintenance of the Chapter's gene-seed.
Apothecarion: The Apothecarion, under the guidance of Chief Apothecary Galen, ensures the preservation of the Chapter's gene-seed and the medical care of its Battle-Brothers.
Master of the Forge: The Chapter's senior Techmarine, tasked with maintaining the Condemners' armory, vehicles, and the "Anvil of Absolution" itself.
Armory: The Master of the Forge leads the Techmarines in maintaining the Chapter's wargear and vehicles, ensuring they are always ready to bring the Emperor's wrath to the enemies of mankind.
Fleet Command: The Master of the Fleet manages the Chapter's fleet, coordinating the relentless pursuit of the Emperor's foes across the vastness of the galaxy.
Master of the Fleet: The overseer of the Chapter's fleet, coordinating naval battles and interstellar travel.

Line Ranks

Chosen: Leads a squad of Battle-Brothers, of which there are many within each Company. All Chosen are inked with their Oath of Judication, an oath pledging themselves further to the Emperor and chapter, pledging their total and unwavering dedication to be his condemning fire. Equivalent Rank to a Sergeant.
Battle-Brother: “One under obedience” - Seal of purity and brotherhood pledged to the Chapter and the Emperor. At this time upon becoming a Battle-Brother the first sacred markings are inked onto the skin of the Astartes. The first sacred marking each Battle-Brother takes upon their flesh is the Oath of Condemnation, an oath pledging the Astartes as the condemnation of the Emperor Himself, a tool of purgatory fire that will punish those that have betrayed the Emperor and mankind. Each time the Battle-Brother takes an Oath or Moment, it will be permanently added to his skin via black ink sealing him to that Oath forever. Veteran Battle-Brothers can be seen covered head to toe in ink from the various Oaths they've sworn.
Neophyte: Once a youngling has shown prowess they become a Neophyte and the Trials of Condemnation begin. Upon passing the Trials of Condemnation the Neophyte becomes a Battle-Brother of the 10^th Company and is trained further trained by Archon Eosphorus.
Youngling: Taken from the planet, younglings begin their training immediately. Those that fail out are subject to servitude as serf thralls or turned into servitors

Honorary Titles

Each of the honorary titles granted is given by the Patriarch of Condemnation. These titles are in the Agosian language, the native tongue of Agos, the homeworld of the Condemners.

Pict-capture of Scar Bearer and Battle-Brother Ulixes Adamantus of the 2nd company bearing his Savoteech marking.

Sovoteech, "Scar Bearers" - Additional level of vows given to the Chapter and to the Emperor - self-inflicted scar on the face with boiling ink poured into it. Given to one who has distinguished themselves in battle.
Gavyteech, "Skull Bearers" - Additional level of vows given to the Chapter and to the Emperor. Skull branding tattoo on face. Given to one who has removed the head of an enemy commander for the Chapter and the Emperor.
Schemalam, "Blessed Monk" - Additional level of vows given to the Chapter and to the Emperor. The highest level of honorable ranks can be achieved on the battlefield. Given to one who has distinguished themselves as a pure and condemning warrior of the Emperor, and worthy of the Emperor’s blessing under extreme duress and danger from the enemy. One whose righteousness and honor goes unmatched and is without equal among his battle-brothers.
Elit’teech, "Quiver Bearer" - Additional level of vows given to the Company and to the Emperor. Given to one who has proven their marksmanship to be without equal and among the greatest in the chapter.

Special Ranks & Formations

The Pursuers: A specialist formation of Vanguard Space Marines, these brothers are particularly skilled in tracking and pursuit operations. They often spearhead the Chapter's relentless manhunts.
Honor Guard: The most experienced and honored warriors of the Chapter, personally selected by the Chapter Master to serve as his bodyguards.
The Justiciar: An elite group from the First Company, the Justiciar are the Chapter's most fearsome warriors. Armed with devastating heavy weaponry and clad in nearly impregnable Terminator armor, they form the spearhead in the Chapter's most critical and dangerous engagements. Their reputation for bringing doom upon the foes of the Emperor is well-earned. They are often deployed when traditional tactics fail, and a decisive, overpowering strike is necessary to turn the tide of battle. Though known to the wider Imperium as a specialized formation within the Condemners, the full nature of a Justiciar is a carefully guarded secret. Their training, rituals, and the source of their abilities remain hidden from outsiders. Some rumors suggest that the Justiciar undergo rituals that expose them to controlled amounts of Warp energy to increase their resistance to psychic attacks, but this remains unconfirmed.

Order of Battle

The Condemners follow the Codex Astartes in the structure of their Chapter, with a slight modification due to their relentless pursuit doctrine.

1^st Company: Veteran Company, also housing the Chapter's Terminator Squads and "Justiciar".

2^nd-5^th Companies: Battle Companies, the primary fighting force of the Chapter.

6^th-7^th Companies: Tactical Reserve Companies, reinforcing the Battle Companies when needed.

8^th Company: Assault Reserve Company, specializing in close-quarters combat.

9^th Company: Devastator Reserve Company, providing heavy firepower support.

10^th Company: Scout Company, responsible for reconnaissance and early training of initiates.

Companies

Condemners First Company Banner — Banner of the 1^st Company

First Company - Quivers of Judgement (Veterans)

Quiver of Judgement are called as such for they "bear the quiver" of the Emperor. These elite troops fight alongside the Patriarch of Condemnation and are the toughest of the chapter. The squadrons within First Company and their specialties are as follows:

Veteran:

Justiciars (Battle Ready)

Battle Ready:

Tormenting Sons (Battle Ready)
Knights of Purgatory (Encircling, Lightning Raids and Ambush Tactics)
Vengeful Seraphim (Drop Pods, Punitive Actions, Decimation)
Howling Death (Terror Assaults, Psychological Warfare)

Reserves:

Skull Torchers (Terror Assaults, Decimation, Psychological Warfare)
Scions of Judgement (Terror Assaults, Lightning Raids and Ambush Tactics)
Damned Crusaders (Fast Attack, Lightning Raids)
Blooded Martyrs (Fire Support, Artillery and Siege Warfare)
Pillars of Condemnation (Reconnaissance, Stealth Operations)

Second Company - Spears of Condemnation (Battle Ready)

Spearmen fight on the forefront of battle, acting as the primary offense of the chapter. They serve as a model for the rest of the chapter, embodying the ideals of dedication, discipline, and courage. The squadrons within Second Company and their specialties are as follows:

Battle Ready:

Harbingers of the Emperor’s Will (Frontline Combat, Shock Assault)
Breakers of the Unworthy (Siege Breakers, Heavy Assault)
Deliverers of Oblivion (Armor and Vehicle Warfare)
Spears of Blazing Condemnation (Flame and Melta Assaults, Cleansing Operations)
Heralds of His Consuming Fire (Rapid Assault, Storm Troopers)

Reserves:

Iron Vindicators (Armor and Vehicle Warfare, Fast Attack)
Piercers of the Veil (Reconnaissance, Long-range Assault)
Heralds of Atonement (Deep Strike, Rapid Deployment)
Sundering Waves (Naval Combat, Boarding Actions)
Masters of the Great Darkness (Void Warfare, Space Combat)

Third Company - Shields of Absolution (Battle Ready)

As steadfast as their namesake, the Shields are the indomitable defense of the Condemners, holding the line against all odds, their faith and devotion unyielding. The squadrons within Third Company and their specialties are as follows:

Battle Ready:

Consecrated Sons (Defensive Combat, Line Holders)
Bearers of Bloody Sanctity (Siege Defence, City Combat)
Watchers in the Dark (Reconnaissance, Scout Operations)
Disseminators of Divine Justice (Bio- and Chem- Warfare, Purge Operations)
Knights Resolvent (Heavy Weapons Support, Long-range Fire Support)

Reserves:

Guardians of the Golden Throne (Fortification Defense, Siege Warfare)
Monolith Wardens (Defensive Combat, Urban Warfare)
Gatekeepers of Absolution (Breach Defense, Fortification Defense)
Routers of the Forlorn (Heavy Support, Static Defense)
Condemning Knights (Armor and Vehicle Defense, Checkpoint Security

Fourth Company - Verdict Bearers (Battle Ready)

The Verdict Bearers are renowned for their swift and uncompromising attacks. They are the blade in the shadows, striking at the heart of enemy formations before they can react. The squadrons of the Fourth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Battle Ready:

Redeemers of the Lost Light (Rapid Assault, Hit-and-run Tactics)
Eviscerators (Shock and Awe, Blitz Assault)
Raiders of the Hallowed Dusk (Counter-attack, Flanking Maneuvers)
Blood Letters (Skirmish, Decisive Engagements)
Skull Crushers (Deep Strike, Rapid Response)

Reserves:

Night Flayers (Guerrilla Warfare, Sabotage)
Ascetics of the Aquila (Infiltration, Espionage)
Zealots of the Rising Moon (Interdiction, Air Superiority)
Ravaging Sons (Siege Assault, Breaching Operations)
Martyrs of Paradise Lost (Armor Penetration, Anti-Tank Warfare)

Fifth Company - Lords of Redemption (Battle Ready)

The Lords of Redemption are the surgeons of the battlefield, excising the cancer of the enemy with surgical precision. They exist to sever the sinew and bone of the enemy, leaving nothing but dissolution in their wake. The squadrons of the Fifth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Battle Ready:

Saviors of the Weeping Rose (Precision Strikes, Critical Target Assassination)
Reclaimers of the Broken Chain (Enemy Leadership Disruption, Decapitation Strikes)
Absolvers of Sin (Behind Enemy Lines, Sabotage and Demolitions)
Hell Slayers (Fast Attack, Disruption Tactics)
Liberators of the Silent Tear (Anti-Armour, Vehicle Hunter-Killers)

Reserves:

Castigators of the Empty Throne (Counter-Attack, Reclamation Operations)
Penitents of the Fallen Tower (Urban Warfare, Building Clearing)
Atoners of the Twisted Spire (Shock Assault, Line Breaking)
Gale Warriors (Aerial Assault, Air Superiority)
Purgators of Sorrow (Chem/Bio Warfare, Purification)

Sixth Company - Crusaders of Sanctification (Reserves)

The Crusaders of Sanctification are the wrath of the Emperor made manifest. They are the burning torch in the darkness, a beacon of hope for the faithful and a beacon of doom for the heretical and alien. They seek out the taint of corruption wherever it hides and purge it with holy fire. The Sixth Company, "Crusaders of Sanctification", though primarily a reserve company, can be called upon for the most dire of circumstances, where their unwavering faith and devotion can hold the line against overwhelming odds. Their specialty in holy warfare and purging heretics means they are often on the front lines of conflict with Chaos and other enemies of the Imperium. The squadrons of the Sixth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Reserves:

Cathars of Dawn (Sanctification Raids, Heretic Purges)
Paladins of the Shattered Star (Frontline Defense, Siege Breakers)
Exorcists of the Bleeding Grail (Counter-Daemon Operations, Psychic Defence)
Templars of the Sighing Void (Frontline Combat, Extermination Campaigns)
Zealots of the Crying Chalice (Shock Assaults, Fanatic Defense)
Martyrs of the Hollow Halo (Last Stand Defence, Sacrificial Operations)
Monks of the Weeping Veil (Chem/Bio Warfare, Purge Missions)
Dying Sons (Morale Improvement, Inspiration Tactics)
Knights Abyssal (Reconnaissance, Infiltration)
Blackened Hearts (Shock Troops, Suicide Assaults)

Seventh Company - Angels of Penance (Reserves)

The Angels of Penance are the bulwark against the encroaching darkness. They stand unyielding in the face of the enemy, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Emperor Himself. Their wrath in battle is as methodical as it is unending. The Seventh Company, are primarily a reserve force but are no less formidable than their brethren in other companies. Their skills in strategic operations and disciplined defense make them a dependable choice when a line needs to be held against the enemy at all costs. Their presence on the battlefield bolsters the morale of all who stand with them. The squadrons of the Seventh Company and their specialties are as follows:

Reserves:

Mourning Justicars (Line Defense, Counter Assaults)
Arbitrators of Loss (Heavy Weapons, Fire Support)
Weeping Executioners (Deep Strike, Shock Assault)
Forgotten Inquisitors (Interrogation, Counter-Espionage)
Light Bringers (Siege Warfare, Breaching Operations)
Punishing Sons (Close Quarters Battle, Urban Warfare)
The Hollowed Choir (Medical Support, Casualty Evacuation)
Knights Exemplary (Hazardous Environment Combat, Demolition)
Few of the Broken Mirror (Morale and Discipline, Inspiration Tactics)
The Atoned (Counter-Daemon Operations, Psychic Defense)

Eighth Company - Exorcists of Regret (Reserves)

The Exorcists of Regret embody the Emperor's cleansing fire, scouring the galaxy of its impurities with unyielding resolve. Their focus is rapid deployment and assaults, striking swiftly and vanishing before the enemy can retaliate. The Eighth and Ninth Companies each have their own specialties, but both are integral to the survival of the Condemners. Their unyielding resolve and dedication to their roles embody the indomitable spirit of the Emperor and of mankind itself. The squadrons of the Eighth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Reserves:

Side Winders (Fast Attack, Hit-and-Run Tactics)
Echo Knights (Drop Pod Assault, Orbital Insertion)
Spine Breakers (Deep Strike, Behind Enemy Lines)
Illuminators (Air Assault, Close Air Support)
Crown Crushers (Motorized and Mechanized Assault)
Knights of the Empty Chalice (Shock Troops, Breakthrough Assault)
Silver Serpents (Interception, Interdiction)
Storm Drakes (Aerial Combat, Air Superiority)
Hell Dogs (Lightning Raids, Sabotage)
The Lamenting Sons (Infiltration, Reconnaissance)

Ninth Company - Silent Sons (Reserves)

The Silent Sons are the sentinels of the Emperor's domain. They are tasked with the defense of key strategic locations, and their vigilance ensures that the enemies of mankind find no easy foothold. The Eighth and Ninth Companies each have their own specialties, but both are integral to the survival of the Condemners. Their unyielding resolve and dedication to their roles embody the indomitable spirit of the Emperor and of mankind itself. The squadrons of the Ninth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Reserves:

The Mournful (Siege Defense, Fortification)
Hope Enders (Counter-Seige, Breaching Operations)
Emperor’s Hounds (Urban Combat, Street Fighting)
Moon Tearers (Perimeter Defense, Area Denial)
Slayers of the Dark Machines (Anti-Armor, Anti-Titan)
Avenging Knights (Fire Support, Heavy Weapon Squads)
Martyrs of the Silent Throne (Last Stand Defense, Delaying Tactics)
Cleansing Flames (Chem/Bio Defense, Hazardous Environment)
Dead Hunters (Counter-Infiltration, Reconnaissance)
Spirit Wolves (Counter-Daemon Operations, Psychic Defense)

Tenth Company - The Reapers (Neophytes)

Named after the grim specters of death, the Reapers are the neophytes of the chapter. Although still in training, they are already capable warriors and are honing their skills to eventually join the higher-ranked companies. The squadrons of the Tenth Company and their specialties are as follows:

Battle Ready

Whispers of the Emperor (Infiltration, Sabotage)
Dread Talons (Scout Operations, Stealth Tactics)
Ebon Blades (Close Quarters Combat, Boarding Actions)
Bringers of Woe (Assassination, Precision Strikes)
Death’s Hand (Demolitions, Sabotage)

Reserves

Silent Brothers (Reconnaissance, Long-range Patrol)
Sons of the Eternal Night (Stealth Operations, Sabotage)
Absolvers of Sin (Assassination, Precision Strikes)
The Blistered Sons (Infiltration, Guerilla Warfare)
Echoes of Death Triumphant (Demolitions, Sabotage)

The Lost Companies

It's whispered that the Condemners once boasted more than the standard ten companies, but several were lost in an unknown campaign and their existence was erased from Chapter records. These companies were decimated by Chaos' corruption during a complete failure during a deployment on Octarius Secundus in M39 due to their gene-seed flaw, The Relentless Pursuit. Only the Patriarch of Condemnation and perhaps a few others know the truth about these Lost Companies.

The Condemners maintain a higher-than-usual number of Chaplains and Librarians, reflecting their dedication to maintaining their spiritual and psychic health in their eternal war against the taint of Chaos and the Xenos threat. They also maintain several squads of Terminator-armored veterans, reflecting their frequent operations in the close confines of hive cities and starship corridors.

Chapter Beliefs

The Condemners, above all, believe in the implacable judgement of the Emperor. They see themselves as the divine adjudicators of His will, tasked with the merciless eradication of any and all threats to the Imperium. They are known for their uncompromising pursuit of justice, often preferring to completely exterminate populations that have been tainted by Chaos or Xenos influence rather than attempt to reclaim them. The Condemners are unique in the fact that when one makes an Oath of Moment, they physically tattoo their Oath on their skin with blessed ink. Each Brother Astartes within the chapter can be seen with various images of devotion, the Emperor, or objectives scrawled upon their skin. The veteran brothers are known for their almost ceaseless markings of Oaths.

Some of the important tenants of their beliefs are as follows:

Faith in the Emperor: The Condemners view the Emperor not only as the ruler of mankind but as its ultimate savior. They believe that through service and sacrifice in His name, they can help guide humanity towards a brighter future.

The Duty to Condemn: The Chapter views itself as the Emperor's judges and executioners. Where they find heresy, they are duty-bound to condemn it. This condemnation is not only physical, manifested in their ruthless warfare, but also spiritual, as they dedicate each victory to the Emperor.

The Sanctity of Mankind: The Condemners hold a deeply ingrained belief in the inherent worth and sanctity of humanity. To them, each human life is a sacred testament to the Emperor's vision. This, however, does not extend to those who have strayed from the Emperor's path. Heretics and traitors or those who have been tainted by the touch of Chaos or Xenos infestation are considered less than human and are shown no mercy.

The Anathema of Chaos: The Condemners despise Chaos in all its forms. To them, Chaos is the antithesis of the Emperor's vision for humanity - a corruption that must be purged without hesitation or remorse.

The Mystery of the Primarch: The Condemners harbor a complex relationship with their unknown Primarch. They view this mystery as a test of their faith, a challenge laid before them by the Emperor Himself. In their struggle to overcome this, they strive to embody the virtues of all Primarchs and to prove themselves worthy of any gene lineage.

The Martyr’s Path: The Condemners view sacrifice in service to the Emperor as the ultimate act of devotion. They revere their fallen brothers, believing that they have joined the Emperor in His eternal vigil over humanity through their sacrifice.

Unity in Purpose: The Condemners place great value on unity and brotherhood. Each battle-brother is expected to fight not for personal glory but for the betterment of the Chapter and the Imperium as a whole. This belief fosters a deep sense of camaraderie within the Chapter, which is reflected in their coordinated and selfless combat tactics.

The Pact of Silence: A pact known only to the Chapter Master and his closest advisors, the Pact of Silence is an agreement between the Condemners and another entity in the Imperium. The nature of this agreement is not clear, but it may involve mutual support, exchange of information, or even a common goal that both parties strive towards.

Chapter Gene-Seed

The gene-seed origin of the Condemners remains a tightly held secret, even within the Chapter itself. Theories abound, linking them to several different Primarchs, but the truth is known only to the highest echelons of the Chapter and the Emperor himself. This ambiguity is a source of both strength and struggle within the Condemners, fueling their determination to prove themselves but also raising questions about their true nature and purpose.

Primarch's Curse: The Relentless Pursuit

Given their unknown gene-seed and Primarch lineage, the Condemners do exhibit a unique genetic peculiarity. This is not a flaw per se, but rather a distinguishing characteristic that has shaped their approach to warfare and their relationship with the Imperium at large.

The Relentless Pursuit: This genetic quirk manifests as an intense, almost obsessive determination in the Battle-Brothers of the Condemners. Once they have identified a target or embarked on a campaign, they will pursue it to the very end, no matter the cost. This relentless pursuit is not an uncontrollable frenzy, but a cold, calculated fixation that can see a campaign through years, decades, or even centuries if need be.

This trait makes the Condemners incredibly effective at long-term purge operations and manhunts, as they will tirelessly track their prey across star systems and engage in protracted battles that would exhaust other Chapters. However, this relentless pursuit can sometimes blind them to larger strategic concerns or potential threats from other quarters. This is one of the reasons why the Condemners maintain strong ties with other Imperial organizations, such as the Inquisition and the Deathwatch, to ensure they maintain a broader perspective on the threats facing the Imperium.

While not a debilitating flaw, this genetic trait requires careful management and a level-headed approach from the Chapter's command structure. If mismanaged, it can lead to unnecessary losses or strategic blunders. But when properly harnessed, the Relentless Pursuit makes the Condemners one of the more tenacious and unyielding Space Marine Chapters.

Combat Doctrine

The Condemners have developed a unique combat doctrine that reflects their grim purpose and unyielding resolve. They are the Emperor's divine judgement made manifest, and their tactics are built around delivering this judgement swiftly and mercilessly upon the enemies of the Imperium.

Inexorable Advance: The Condemners prefer to engage their enemies head-on, pushing forward relentlessly like the unstoppable gavel of judgement. They excel in line-breaker assaults, utilizing heavy weaponry and armoured units to crack open enemy formations and then pressing the advantage until their foes are entirely crushed.
Purge and Cleanse: Given their dedication to exterminating Chaos and Xenos infestations, the Condemners place a heavy emphasis on cleansing operations. They are skilled in conducting search-and-destroy missions, rooting out hidden enemies, and cleansing areas of foul taint. Their squads of Justiciar are specially trained for this purpose, equipped with the most devastating weapons in their arsenal to ensure nothing survives their purging flame.
Relentless Persecution: Once engaged with the enemy, the Condemners do not relent until their foes are entirely destroyed. This often involves pursuing retreating enemies, denying them any respite or chance of recovery. This doctrine also extends to their larger campaigns, where they will hunt down and eradicate enemy forces across star systems if necessary.
Defensive Fortitude: Despite their focus on aggressive tactics, the Condemners also understand the value of a solid defense. When faced with overwhelming odds, they are known to form impenetrable gun lines and defensive positions, weathering the enemy storm and then striking back with devastating counterattacks.
Divine Wrath: The Condemners believe in the Emperor's divine judgement, and this belief informs their approach to warfare. They see themselves as instruments of His wrath and fight with a zealous fervor that can be both inspiring and terrifying. This spiritual dedication allows them to face even the most horrific enemies without hesitation or fear.

The Condemners' combat doctrine makes them a formidable force on the battlefield, their methods embodying the very nature of the uncompromising judgement they stand for. They may not be as flexible or adaptable as some other Chapters, but their relentless approach to warfare ensures that they leave a lasting impression on any enemy unfortunate enough to stand against them. Their specialty is

Specialty of The Condemners

The Condemners specialize in hunting down and exterminating pockets of Chaos and Xenos influence within the Imperium. This pursuit of the Emperor's judgement has led them to become experts in several areas of warfare:

Purge Operations: The Condemners excel in clearing out tainted areas of all signs of corruption, whether it be Chaos cultists hiding within a hive city or Genestealer infestations spreading beneath a mining colony. They use a combination of precise strikes and scorched earth tactics to ensure not a single trace of the enemy's foul influence remains.
Shock Assaults: When confronting a known enemy, the Condemners prefer to hit hard and fast, overwhelming the enemy before they can react. Using Drop Pods, Thunderhawks, and teleportation, they deploy right into the heart of enemy territory, causing maximum disruption and confusion.
Relentless Pursuit: Few can escape the relentless pursuit of the Condemners once they have been marked for judgement. They specialize in long, grinding campaigns that wear down the enemy over time, refusing to let them rest or regroup. This has proven particularly effective against Chaos Warbands and other enemies that prefer hit-and-run tactics.
Psychological Warfare: The Condemners use their fearsome reputation to their advantage, sowing fear and despair among their enemies. The sight of their white and black armor, combined with the knowledge of the brutal judgement that awaits, is often enough to shake the resolve of all but the most dedicated foes.
Urban Combat: Many Chaos and Xenos threats hide within the sprawling hive cities of the Imperium, and the Condemners have become adept at rooting them out. They are skilled in urban warfare, able to navigate the complex, multi-leveled environments and engage the enemy in fierce, close-quarters battles.

These specializations make the Condemners a crucial asset to the Imperium in its eternal war against Chaos and the Xenos threats. Wherever the taint of corruption is found, the Condemners are sure to follow, bringing the Emperor's judgement with them.

Deathwatch Service

Given their specialty in hunting down and exterminating the threats of Chaos and Xenos, the Condemners are particularly suited to the Deathwatch's mandate. As the Chamber Militant of the Ordo Xenos, the Deathwatch is always in need of experienced, dedicated warriors who have faced the alien menace and emerged victorious.

The Condemners understand the gravity of the Deathwatch's mission and are honored to contribute their battle-brothers to this holy duty. Those chosen for the Deathwatch are usually veterans who have proven themselves in countless battles against the enemies of the Imperium. Their experiences in purging operations and relentless pursuit of the enemy make them invaluable assets in the specialized Kill-Teams of the Deathwatch.

Once seconded to the Deathwatch, these warriors from the Condemners bring with them not only their combat skills but also their unyielding resolve and zealous dedication to the Emperor's judgment. They often serve as the rock upon which their Kill-Team can anchor, providing a stable core around which the rest of the team – drawn from different Chapters and with varying combat doctrines – can operate.

Their service in the Deathwatch also provides them with a broader perspective of the threats facing the Imperium, allowing them to learn from their fellow Space Marines of other chapters and face a wider array of Xenos foes. Upon their return to the Condemners, they bring back these experiences and knowledge, thereby strengthening the Chapter's combat effectiveness and strategic planning.

Notable Deathwatch service includes Archon Amadeus, who led his Kill-Team in a daring assault on a hidden Tyranid Hive Ship, disrupting the hive mind's control over a swarm invading an Imperial world. His heroics saved the planet from being consumed and earned him a commendation from the Deathwatch's Watch Commander.

Through their service with the Deathwatch, the Condemners have cemented their reputation as stalwart defenders of humanity, and their relentless pursuit of the Emperor's judgement continues to strike fear into the hearts of Xenos and Heretics alike.

Notable Members

Patriarch of Condemnation Altair the Unyielding: As the current leader of the Condemners, Altair is revered for his strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve. He is a stern figure, known for his unyielding stance against the enemies of mankind. He famously led the Banishment of the Profane Soul, a grueling campaign to eradicate a Slaaneshi Chaos Warband that had devastated several Imperial worlds. Altair's reputation and leadership continue to inspire the Condemners to greater acts of heroism in the name of the Emperor.
Archon Amadeus of the 2^nd Company: Known for his service in the Deathwatch, Amadeus is a veteran of countless engagements against the Xenos threat. His most notable achievement was leading a Kill-Team in a daring assault on a Tyranid Hive Ship, disrupting the Hive Mind's control and saving an Imperial world from consumption. His return to the Condemners has brought invaluable expertise and strategic knowledge, enhancing the Chapter's effectiveness against the alien menace.
Ske'Mystikos Lysander: Lysander is the guiding light of the Condemners, providing both psychic might and spiritual guidance. He is famed for his potent psychic abilities and his deep understanding of the Warp, making him instrumental in the Chapter's efforts to hunt down and exterminate Chaos influence. His sage advice and forewarnings have saved the Chapter from many potential pitfalls and led them to great victories.
Ske'Presbyvan Corvus: As the Speaker of the Presiders of the Chapter, Corvus ensures the spiritual health and fervor of his brothers. A fiery orator and zealous warrior, Corvus embodies the indomitable spirit of the Condemners, inspiring his brothers with rousing sermons about duty, sacrifice, and the Emperor's divine judgement. His presence on the battlefield is a beacon of resolve for the Condemners, encouraging them to stand firm no matter the odds.
Chief Apothecary Galen: Tasked with preserving the Chapter's gene-seed and tending to the wounded, Galen plays a crucial role in the survival and continuity of the Condemners. His surgical precision and medical expertise have saved many Condemners from the brink of death, while his meticulous work ensures the purity and preservation of the Chapter's gene-seed, despite its unknown origins.

The Archons of Each Company:

1^st Company: Archon Isidorus the Stalwart - A veteran of countless campaigns, Isidorus leads the Chapter's veterans, Terminator Squads and Justiciar units with unwavering resolve.
2^nd Company: Archon Amadeus the Resolute - Known for his tactical acumen and indomitable will, Amadeus is respected by his men and feared by his foes.
3^rd Company: Archon Raphael the Relentless - Renowned for his tenacity in pursuit of the enemy, Raphael embodies the relentless spirit of the Condemners.
4^th Company: Archon Gideon the Grim - A master of defensive warfare, Gideon has led his company to victory against overwhelming odds on multiple occasions.
5^th Company: Archon Seraphus the Strong - Known for his unbreakable determination and stubborn resistance, Seraphus is a bulwark against the Chapter's enemies.
6^th Company: Archon Thaddeus the Vigilant - A master strategist, Thaddeus excels in coordinating reinforcements to bolster the battle companies in the heat of conflict.
7^th Company: Archon Uriel the Steadfast - A master of siege warfare, Uriel has held the line in some of the most critical battles the Chapter has fought.
8^th Company: Archon Orion the Swift - A ferocious warrior, Orion is adept in rapid assault tactics and spearheads many of the Chapter's fiercest charges.
9^th Company: Archon Mordekai the Thunderer - A specialist in heavy weaponry, Mordekai commands the fire support of the Chapter with devastating precision.
10^th Company: Archon Eosphorus the Guide - Tasked with training the Chapter's neophytes, Eosphorus is a seasoned veteran with a deep understanding of the Chapter's doctrines and values. He guides the next generation of Condemners with a firm but fair hand.

Chapter Fleet

The Condemners' fleet, also known as the Judgement Fleet, is a formidable armada of Imperial warships, each one a testament to the chapter's grim determination and unyielding resolve.

The Final Verdict (Battle Barge): The flagship of the Condemners, The Final Verdict, is a formidable Battle Barge renowned for its participation in countless purge operations. It is a symbol of the Chapter's relentless pursuit of judgement upon the wicked, a mobile fortress bristling with weaponry capable of laying waste to entire enemy fleets or bombarding the most fortified positions on a planet's surface.
Retributor Class Battle Barges: The Chapter maintains several of these massive, heavily armored vessels designed for line-breaking assaults. Each Battle Barge is capable of transporting a full company of Space Marines along with supporting armaments, making them indispensable for the Chapter's shock assault tactics.
Strike Cruisers: The Condemners maintain a fleet of Strike Cruisers for more flexible operations. These swift and versatile vessels are used for a variety of roles, including rapid deployment of forces, interception of enemy vessels, and planetary bombardment.
Vengeance Class Frigates: These vessels are used for patrol duties, scouting, and escorting larger vessels in the fleet. They are fast, agile, and armed with an array of weaponry designed for engaging enemy ships in both long-range and close-quarters naval battles.
Raven's Judgement and Angel's Vengeance: These two Vanguard Cruisers are renowned for their service in the pursuit and destruction of heretic and Xenos fleets. They are specially equipped for long-range pursuit and interdiction missions, making them essential assets in the Condemners' relentless hunts.
Hunter and Stalker Class Destroyers: These smaller, agile ships are designed for pursuit and harassment operations. They excel in tracking down fleeing enemies and engaging them in hit-and-run attacks, ensuring no enemy can escape the Condemners' judgement.

The fleet is maintained at the docking bays deep within the Purgatory Spire, where teams of Techmarines and Servitors work diligently to keep them in prime combat-ready condition. Despite the relentless storms of their homeworld Agos, the Condemners' fleet stands ready to launch at a moment's notice, bringing the judgement of the Emperor to any corner of the galaxy.

Chapter Relics

The relics of the Condemners are treasured by the chapter, each one a symbol of their history, their duty, and their unyielding resolve. They serve as reminders of the Chapter's purpose and the eternal vigil they must maintain against the enemies of the Imperium.

Gavel of Judgement: This master-crafted Thunder Hammer is said to embody the wrath of the Emperor Himself. Wielded by Patriarch of Condemnation Altair, the Gavel of Judgement has ended the lives of countless heretics and Xenos creatures. Its powerful blows can crack open enemy tanks and cause devastating shockwaves in the ranks of enemy infantry.
Vestments of Penance: These ancient, ceremonial robes are worn by the Chapter's Ske'Presbyvan during important rituals and ceremonies. They are made from the shrouds of fallen Condemners, symbolizing the weight of duty and sacrifice that each Space Marine carries. They serve as a grim reminder of the cost of their eternal vigil.
Lysander's Psy-scepter: This Force Staff is a powerful psychic conduit, wielded by Ske'Mystikos Lysander. It is said to amplify his psychic abilities, allowing him to unleash devastating warp energies on his enemies or provide vital psychic shields to his brothers.
Purity Seals of the First Condemner: These ancient purity seals date back to the founding of the Chapter. They bear the original oaths of the first Chapter Master and are considered the embodiment of the Chapter's unwavering resolve and commitment to the Emperor's judgement. They are kept within the Sanctum of Purity within the Purgatory Spire, brought out only during the most sacred Chapter rituals.
Stormscale Drake Hide: This relic consists of the hide of the first Stormscale Drake slain by a Condemner on their homeworld, Agos. It is said to provide protection against the planet's fierce electrical storms, and the Chapter's Techmarines have incorporated it into a suit of Artificer Armor. This relic armor is bestowed upon a Battle Brother who has shown exceptional valor in the face of the enemy.
The Chain of Absolution: This unique Rosarius is worn by the Ske'Presbyvan during important rites and is said to have been blessed by the High Lords of Terra themselves. The Chain of Absolution is believed to offer the Emperor's protection to the wearer, strengthening their resolve and shielding them from both physical and psychic harm. The chain has interwoven strands of rare adamantium and studded with sacred purity seals and holy icons of the Ecclesiarchy, symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the Condemners and the Emperor.
Wrath of the Condemned: This is a master-crafted Bolter, known for its exquisite precision and devastating firepower. Etched with intricate patterns and inlaid with precious metals, this boltgun is a true work of art as well as a deadly weapon. It is traditionally used by the Archon of the First Company and is said to never miss its mark when wielded by a true servant of the Emperor. The Wrath of the Condemned has been responsible for felling mighty Chaos Champions and monstrous Xenos beasts, earning its place among the most revered relics of the Chapter.

Chapter Appearance

Chapter Colours

The primary colors of the Condemners are white and black, with red serving as a secondary color. Their armor is painted white and black symbolizing the unbending resolve and the direct judgement they bring upon their foes. The crimson accents on their armor stand for the blood they are willing to shed - both their enemies' and their own - in service to the Emperor.

Chapter Badge

The chapter badge of the Condemners is a weighed scaled containing a white skull with fanged maw centered on the scale on a field of white. Their chapter symbol is a weighed scale with a white skull with fanged maw centered on the scale with droplets of blood falling. The two drops of blood from the scale symbolize the eternal condemnation and damnation of the condemned and judge, the Heretics and Xenos who betray the Emperor of Mankind.

Relations

Allies

Name	Iconography	Notes
Ultramarines		Given their adherence to the Codex Astartes and their shared commitment to eradicating heresy, the Condemners maintain a respectful relationship with the Ultramarines. Their cooperation is often seen in major campaigns where strategic acumen and relentless pursuit of the enemy are required.
Deathwatch		The Condemners frequently second their Battle-Brothers to the Deathwatch, the Ordo Xenos' Chamber Militant. This has resulted in a strong bond of mutual respect and cooperation between the two Chapters.
Inquisition		Due to their shared objective of rooting out and destroying heresy, the Condemners have a unique relationship with the Inquisition. They often cooperate with the Ordo Hereticus in their hunts, providing a powerful military arm to support the Inquisitors' operations.
Dark Angels		The Condemners share a bond with the Dark Angels and their Successor Chapters, who also possess a reputation for relentless pursuit of their enemies - in their case, the Fallen. This common trait has led to several instances of cooperation between these Chapters.

Enemies

Name	Iconography	Notes
Forces of Chaos		Given their relentless pursuit of traitors, the Condemners are in constant conflict with the Forces of Chaos. Whether battling the Traitor Legions, hunting down Chaos Cults, or purging worlds tainted by the Warp, they are dedicated to eradicating the presence of Chaos in all its forms.
Orks		The Condemners have a long history of battles against Orks, especially after their significant victory during the Battle of Black Nebula. The warlike alien species remains a constant threat to the worlds they are sworn to protect.
Tyranids		Following the Purging of Feralis IV, the Condemners have developed a deep-seated hatred for the Tyranids, specifically for their insidious Genestealer Cults.
Heretical elements within the Imperium		The Condemners do not hesitate to turn their weapons on those within the Imperium who fall to heresy. They are uncompromising in their hunt for traitors, making them feared and hated by those who would betray the Emperor.
Word Bearers		While the Condemners bear a fervent hatred for all of the traitor legions that played an instrumental role in the Horus Heresy, they harbor a particular loathing for the Word Bearers. The Word Bearers, originally the XVII^th Legion of the Legiones Astartes, are known for their pivotal role in the spread of Chaos within the Imperium. It was Erebus, First Chaplain of the Word Bearers, who orchestrated the corruption of Warmaster Horus, triggering the events of the Horus Heresy. Furthermore, the Word Bearers are zealous worshippers of Chaos, seeking not only to serve the Chaos Gods but also to convert others to their cause. For the Condemners, this makes the Word Bearers the embodiment of all that they stand against. They see them as the source of the greatest betrayal to the Emperor and humanity. To the Condemners, every Word Bearer is a heretic of the highest order, spreading the corrupting influence of Chaos wherever they go. The Word Bearers' ceaseless efforts to spread the influence of Chaos have led them into numerous confrontations with the Condemners, fueling a bitter enmity. The Condemners take grim satisfaction in hunting them down, viewing each Word Bearer they slay as a small measure of retribution for the horrors of the Horus Heresy.

Twenty Third 'Sentinel' Founding Space Marine Chapters
Dark Angels Successors	Adamantine Knights • Angels of Sanctity • Angels of the Typhoon • Dark Ravens • Knights of Eternity • Lunar Blades • Marian Wardens • Rondo Knights • Vengeful Lions •
White Scars Successors	Cobalt Leviathans • Dragons of Suzanoo • Lightning Wraiths • Mental Scars • Screaming Skulls • Sons of Neptune • Steel Tigers • Thousand Blades • World Marauders •
Space Wolves Successors	•
Imperial Fists Successors	Aegis Wardens • Angels of Desolation • † Astral Drakes • Brotherhood of the Sword • Ceaseless • Doom Fists • Eternal Paladins • Iron Guard • Mammuts • Nemean Lions • Platinum Souls • Seraphim Vanguard • Storm Zealots • Subjugators Errant • Vigil Muris • Void Lions •
Blood Angels Successors	Angel Guard • Argent Eagles • Crimson Shrouds • Heralds Angelic • Knights Sanguine • Lamenters Sanguine • Stormborn • Templars Arcanis • Tidebenders
Iron Hands Successors	Astral Fists • Ferric Bulls • Fists of the Gorgon • Gilded Knights • Pyre Guards • Silver Hammers • Steel Crusaders • Storm Paragons •
Ultramarines Successors	Astra Romana • Braves and Bolds • Costa Veraian's Might • Ebon Butchers • Emperor's Sentinels • Grey Steeds • Knight's Watch • Mountain Patriarchs • Praetorian Guard • Scarlet Blades • Scions of Sol Aurum • Space Naga • War Angels •
Salamanders Successors	Astral Vanguards • Haietlik • Kirin Sol • Scarlet Constrictors • Shadow Dragons • Sons of Helios •
Raven Guard Successors	† Accipiters • The Ashen • Black Phantoms • Cerulean Knights • Corvus Claws • Emperor's Nightmares • Resurrectionists • Starforgers • Void Basilisks • Winds of Fury •
Chimeric Lineage	Imperial Brothers of the Sword •
Unknown Lineage	Adamant Wardens • Aegis Revenants • Angels of the Typhoon • Arachnid Warriors • The Ashen • Black Wardens • Claws of Arktos • Condemners • Conquistadors • Harbingers of Tū • Heralds of the Storm • Incursors • Onyx Executioners • Ordinators • Pilgrims of Sanctus Penitents • Sons of the Night • Sons of the Void • Star Angels • † Wolves of Acheron •
Renegades	Crimson Thunderers • Emperor's Talons • Ghast Knights • Shadow Scourges • Sons of Tyreme •

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