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The Fatebringers are a fierce and relentless successor chapter of the Iron Hands, born from the Ultima Founding. Known throughout the Imperium for their ability to find and exploit any and all possible weakness within enemy forces. They strike with the speed and fury of a storm, often utilizing electrical and lightning-based weaponry in battle. Specializing in rapid, shock-assault tactics that leave their enemies disoriented and vulnerable.
The Fatebringers are often seen in the company of their revered companions, the Stormshrikes. Massive birds of prey that live alongside them in the tempestuous skies of their homeworld, Tornaxis. These hardy creatures are more than just symbols of their chapter; they are formidable allies, capable of striking with lightning speed, mirroring the chapter's tactics. The bond between the Space Marines and the Stormshrikes is symbiotic, as the birds serve as scouts, warning of approaching threats, and will even join in the fray with terrifying talon and beak.
On the battlefield, the Fatebringers disrupt enemy lines through the use of exploitation of any and all weaknesses, and shock assault. They harness the power of lightning in a variety of ways, from electrically charged bolt shells to devastating melee strikes with electrified power weapons. Their combat doctrine revolves around overwhelming force and complete annihilation, with a preference for quick, decisive strikes that leave no room for the enemy to regroup or reorganize.
Emulating their Iron Hands forebears, the Fatebringers engage in methodical calculations before every battle. During these calculations, they dedicate themselves to uncovering every enemy vulnerability. Their meticulous reconnaissance, often spanning days or even weeks, ensures that no weakness goes unnoticed. Once all exploitable flaws are identified, the Fatebringers launch a precisely coordinated assault designed to devastate their foes by capitalizing on every discovered chink in the enemy’s armor.
Chapter History
Founding
The Fatebringers were formed during the Ultima Founding in 999.M41, a response to the rising threats posed by the Cicatrix Maledictum. Born from the gene-seed of the Iron Hands, they were tasked with fortifying Imperial presence near the Sirens Storm. Selected for their Iron Hands lineage, the chapter was expected to exemplify strength through endurance and calculated warfare, but their placement on the world of Tornaxis would impart a distinctive identity shaped by the planet’s relentless storms and unforgiving environment.
Assigned the storm-wracked world of Tornaxis as their home, the Fatebringers faced a brutal initiation into their new chapter life. The planet’s endless tempests, hurricane-force winds, and endless lightning strikes tested the mettle of these Astartes but also inspired a fierce adaptation to their environment. From the very beginning, the chapter’s presence on Tornaxis forged their reputation as warriors as unyielding as the storms surrounding them.
Notable Campaigns
Battle of Rokarius (Unknown date M41)
The Fatebringers’ first engagement, the Battle of Rokarius, took place barely a year after the Chapter’s founding. Still short of manpower and still fitting out their newly claimed orbitals, they were caught off‑guard when a fleet of Chaos raiders, primarily Emperor’s Children warbands of uncertain origin, slipped into the system and struck the light defense stations around Rokarius.
The Fatebringers scrambled their small fleet of escort ships, closing at top speed to bring their weapons to bear. In the ensuing clash they destroyed several enemy escorts, but the sheer weight of traitor firepower forced them to break off. Damaged and out‑numbered, they withdrew toward Tornaxis, cursing the price paid in shattered hulls and lost crews.
Soon, the same traitors dropped onto Tornaxis’s storm‑lashed peaks, corrupted Astartes moving among bands of ragged cultists and daemons. Gale‑force winds whipped sleet into visors, sudden landslides buried isolated fireteams, and mountain predators picked off stragglers. From concealed hollows and ridge‑top posts, the Fatebringers watched as the enemy struggled to form a cohesive line in the unyielding environment.
In those long watches the Fatebringers noted two critical weaknesses, the traitors lacked long‑range support and their units operated without coordinated command. It was as if they expected only a ragged militia, not a fully armed Space Marine Chapter. Seizing the moment, the Fatebringers established clear sectors of fire, squads were given fixed objectives, companies assigned specific drop‑zones, and Reserves held back to react where the enemy line showed the slightest gap.
At the appointed hour, the Fatebringers struck in unison. Eliminator teams moved first, targeting sergeants, lieutenants and captains in swift, hard-hitting raids, with the traitor chain of command in disarray, any hope of organized defence collapsed. The main battle‑companies then closed in, intersecting fields of bolter fire to encircle the remaining cultists. Artillery support hammered the traitor positions while foot‑soldiers stalked the flanks to prevent any escape. When Terminator squads teleported into the thickest of the fighting, the survivors broke and were cut down in minutes.
High above, the Fatebringers’ small fleet repeated the same pattern. Isolated a few traitor warships, picked them off beyond their limited effective range, and kept their own vessels moving to deny the enemy any chance to concentrate fire. One by one, the Chaos vessels were destroyed or driven off.
With both ground and space elements eliminated, the Fatebringers paused to secure their supply lines, count their casualties, and ensure Tornaxis would remain untainted, before turning their attention to the next threat that lurked in the galaxy.
Fatebringers & Lords (Unknown date M41)
During a routine patrol near the Rokarius system, elements of the Fatebringers' Third Company, Tempest Bringers, detected a series of energy signatures emanating from a small, barren moon designated Hollow Vale. Moments later, the patrol's vessels were ambushed by a strike from a group of Aeldari Corsairs, their ships sleek and gleaming like blades in the void.
Though the Aeldari forces were not overwhelming in number, they moved with incredible speed and coordination. The Fatebringers immediately issued a priority distress signal, as their patrol ships could not withstand the onslaught. Tempest Bringers deployed to the surface of Hollow Vale, establishing a fortified perimeter near a narrow crater pass, close to the origin point of the energy signatures.
Initial contact saw the Fatebringers holding ground with some struggle. The Corsairs, favoring ambushes and swift raids, would strike at the flanks and vanish before retaliation. The Fatebringers’ heavy firepower and close-quarter precision began to soften the blows, until the Aeldari shifted tactics. Utilizing deception, and misdirection, they lured the Fatebringers into a deeper ravine system under the pretense of a retreat. There, the Corsairs sprang their trap. Wave after wave of Aeldari fighters struck from concealed ridges and small caves, harrying the Fatebringers from multiple angles. Although casualties remained low, the relentless strikes forced the Fatebringers to spread thin, their lines increasingly unstable.
At the height of the conflict, with Tempest Bringers’s line nearing collapse in several locations across the line, a dozen drop pods screamed through Hollow Vale’s thin skies. They impacted in the heart of the Fatebringers' formation, clouds of lunar dust erupting into the air. From the smoke, warriors clad in obsidian black armor, etched with gold trim and silver accents emerged. Their iconography bore a burning skull over a white shield, known to belong to the honored Ashen Lords chapter.
A vox transmission crackled through the Fatebringers' network as soon as the pods hit the ground.
“Reinforcements confirmed. Ashen Lords, Second Battle Company. Our flames shall purge the unworthy.”
The Ashen Lords wasted no time. Their devastator squads entrenched immediately, laying down suppressive fields of plasma and bolter fire, while their tactical brethren advanced in lockstep with the Fatebringers. Where the Fatebringers struck with precision and relentless speed, the Ashen Lords advanced with measured purpose, their every movement calculated to reinforce and sustain the line.
With their combined strength, the Astartes began retaking ground. The Corsairs, sensing the shift in momentum, attempted to withdraw to their hidden base in the wreck of an ancient Aeldari cruiser embedded in the moon's crust, after an emergency crash-landing centuries prior.
The Fatebringers and Ashen Lords pursued with fury. As resistance from the Aeldari grew desperate, the Ashen Lords unleashed their Dreadnoughts and Terminators, breaching the base’s outer hull. Inside, the Corsairs made their final stand, defending desperately. Captain Len'To Kryx of the Ashen Lords personally led the charge to the core reactor. Fighting through waves of Aeldari, he and his squad planted melta charges and detonated the reactor, annihilating the base in a pillar of fire and dust that lit the moon’s sky.
The battle was recorded as a decisive victory. Hollow Vale was declared cleansed, the remains of the ancient Aeldari vessel reduced to slag and buried beneath the moon’s scorched surface. Though their methods differed, the coordination between the Fatebringers and the Ashen Lords proved highly effective. The Fatebringers striking with speed, exploiting every weakness, while the Ashen Lords held the lines firm, ensuring stability amid the chaos. Few words were exchanged, no ceremony held, but a mutual respect took root, forged in brotherhood and the shared discipline of war.
Chapter Homeworld
Tornaxis is a world of endless storms located in the Rokarius solar sytstem, which itself lies within the Imperium Sanctus, close to the Sirens Storm. Lightning strikes, hurricane-force winds, and massive tidal waves ravage the surface, creating an incredibly hostile environment. The only true permanent refuge lies in its rugged mountain ranges, which rise high above the tumultuous sea. These mountains provide shelter from the violent tides and serve as the only stable regions where any form of civilization can endure. The relentless forces of nature on Tornaxis have carved its landscape into a jagged, unforgiving terrain of cliffs, valleys, and peaks constantly under siege by the elements.
Orbiting the immense gas giant Hraesvalgr, Tornaxis is further affected by severe gravitational forces. These tidal forces amplify the planet’s volatile climate, giving rise to powerful seismic activity and intensifying the storms and tidal waves that ravage the planet's surface. The resulting electrical surges and atmospheric friction create an environment of near-permanent lightning storms, casting the world in a constant twilight, with flashes of illumination as bolts streak across the sky. Tornaxis’s seas are functionally impassable, with massive tidal waves rolling across the oceans in cycles dictated by Hraesvalgr’s pull.
Despite these challenges, Tornaxis is home to hardy flora and fauna that have adapted to its relentless climate, most notably the Stormshrikes - massive birds of prey that ride the storm winds and make their nests in the high peaks. These creatures have come to symbolize resilience and power to the inhabitants of Tornaxis, including the Fatebringers, who have embraced the planet’s unforgiving nature. For the Fatebringers, Tornaxis is more than just a homeworld; it is the crucible that forges their relentless strength, a place that constantly tests and tempers them, mirroring the relentless nature of their chapter.
Tornaxis is home to approximately 130 million Imperial citizens living within a handful of cities and settlements. Formerly classified as a mining world, its mountainous terrain remains rich in valuable ores and minerals essential to Imperial industry. Resources such as lithicarium, diamanite, symanthite, and others continue to be extracted under the watchful presence of the Astartes.
Fortress-Monastery
The Fatebringers’ Fortress-Monastery, known as Eaglespire, is a formidable bastion built into the rugged face of Mount Galecrest. Positioned high on the mountain's wind-battered slopes, Eaglespire is shielded from Tornaxis's violent tidal waves and serves as bastion from Tornaxis' endless storms. Its structure is deeply embedded into the mountain itself, with fortified balconies, gun emplacements, and watchtowers that emerge from the rock face.
Within Eaglespire, winding tunnels and grand halls are carved directly from the stone of Mount Galecrest, blending with the mountain. The fortress is self-sufficient, housing extensive training facilities, armories, and manufactorums, all protected from the planet’s brutal elements. The peak of Mount Galecrest serves as a landing area for Thunderhawks and Stormshrike aviaries, where the chapter’s avian companions' nest and are domesticated.
Chapter Recruitment
The Fatebringers recruit primarily from their homeworld of Tornaxis. However, they occasionally draw new aspirants from other Imperium worlds, with a focus on death worlds whose harsh environments produce strong and resilient candidates.
Once chosen, each aspirant is transported to Tornaxis and brought to the Eaglespire, but the journey itself is far from passive. During transit, aspirants undergo a series of physical and mental tests, including gladiatorial combat and various challenges that push them to their limits. Among these trials is the Silent Chamber, a test designed to test an aspirant’s instincts, adaptability, and ability to process subtle cues in sensory-deprived conditions. In the Silent Chamber, each aspirant is placed alone in a pitch-dark room where sound is completely muffled. Here, they are instructed to locate three markers positioned around the space using only their sense of touch while being subjected to a series of horrifying noises and other non-visual stimuli.
Unknown to the aspirants, the floor is subtly textured in a pattern that can guide them: three distinct paths of smooth and rough surfaces each lead to one of the markers. If an aspirant is perceptive and calm enough to notice this pattern, they will find that following the textures enables them to pass the test with relative ease. The Silent Chamber is designed not just to challenge their patience and resourcefulness but also to reward those who maintain focus and awareness under pressure.
Once the aspirants arrive to the Eaglespire, their journey to become an Astartes is only beginning. For two years, they endure an unrelenting daily regimen based on Tornaxis’ 20-hour day cycle. Each day, aspirants are allotted only four hours of sleep, after which they must engage in six hours of intense study. This academic period covers a range of subjects, including the chapter's history, doctrines, and beliefs, as well as combat tactics, Imperial and chapter organizational structure, logistics, and other administrative essentials.
Following their study session, aspirants have a brief 5-minute break before beginning the physical and practical portion of their training, which occupies the remaining 10 hours of the day. During this time, aspirants learn to strip down and reassemble a variety of weapons and wargear under increasingly difficult conditions. They also engage in grueling physical exercises, from long-distance endurance running to mountain climbing in full training gear.
The aspirants’ practical training also includes a range of combat simulations and physical conditioning exercises. Daily drills test reaction times and reflexes under live combat scenarios, with ambushes and rapid-response situations designed to build instinctive, adaptive responses. Close-quarters combat training teaches them disarming techniques and survival tactics in confined spaces, while participating in light-contact sparring against battle-brothers sharpens their combat discipline.
Rite of Talons
The Rite of Talons begins at the Eaglespire. Aspirants, armed with minimal gear, are cast into the treacherous mountain ranges that dominate Tornaxis’ rugged landscape. The goal is made clear: ascend the towering peaks, locate a Stormshrike's nest, retrieve an egg, and return without breaking the shell or harming the parent. Along the way, the aspirants must navigate treacherous terrain, the unrelenting natural forces of Tornaxis, and carnivorous fauna, all while avoiding the watchful eye of the Stormshrike, a powerful and territorial bird of prey which possesses razor-sharp talons and incredible strength for it's size.
Once the egg is secured, the aspirant must return to the monastery to fulfill the next part of the trial: hatching and raising the Stormshrike. This is no simple task, as the bird requires constant care and attention, and the aspirant must prove their ability to nurture it from an egg to a fully grown creature. This process once again, tests the aspirant’s patience, discipline, and resourcefulness, as they must provide for the bird, keep it safe, and bond with it, no small feat.
The Stormshrike’s offspring must be raised by the aspirant alone, as part of their initiation into the chapter. The bird's presence is a living symbol of their perseverance and skill, but it also requires the aspirant to demonstrate wisdom and restraint in its upbringing. The aspirant’s ability to coexist with the Stormshrike, respect its nature, and guide it to maturity is what ultimately determines their success.
Aspirants who return with an intact stormshrike egg, having completed the first part of the trial without harming the parent bird, mark the culmination of their training. This achievement signifies their readiness to transition from aspirant to Neophyte, the first stage in becoming a full-fledged Astartes.
Aspirants who fail the trial, whether by breaking the egg, or faltering in other ways, are returned to the Eaglespire fortress. Depending on the dedication, knowledge, and potential they demonstrated prior to their failure, they are either servitorized or condemned to serve as chapter serfs. However, the gravest failure is to cripple or kill the parent. Such an act is deemed unforgivable and is met with ritual execution. Failure becoming a test of discipline in itself. The failed aspirant is subjected to a brutal rite in which their fellow students are ordered to cripple their ability to walk. Once maimed, the aspirant is carried by those same hands to a mountain peak, where they are left exposed to the elements and to death. This execution serves as both a punishment and a reminder to all that ignorance, betrayal, or harm to allies, even in the name of survival or practicality, will not be tolerated within the chapter.
Aspirants who survive the gene seed implantation process and complete the Rite of Talons, successfully training and raising their Stormshrike, are officially inducted as Neophytes into the chapter. In a ritual of sacrifice, they sever one of their hands, honoring the legacy of their Iron Hands progenitors. The Neophyte is also tasked with officially naming their Stormshrike and painting their armor. Aspirants who fail to train their Stormshrike properly are not given another chance; they are executed, and their gene-seed harvested for the future of the chapter.
Chapter Organization
Officer Ranks
Lord Marshall - Chapter Master equivalent.
Warden - Captain equivalent.
Sentinel - Lieutenant equivalent.
Specialist Ranks
Shrikelord - A rank bestowed upon chapter Librarians and Chaplains. Shrikelords are the keepers of the Stormshrikes.
Lord Vitalis - Chief Apothecary equivalent.
Vitalis - Apothecary equivalent.
Line Ranks
Veteran
Sergeant
Battle-Brother
Neophyte
Specialist Units & Formations
Anvil Guard - Honor Guard
Galestriders - The Galestriders are an elite contingent of Terminator clad marines, specializing in the annihilation of high-value enemy assets. Utilizing teleportation, they infiltrate or flank enemy lines to target key objectives such as commanders, fortified defenses, vehicles, or critical supply caches. Once they identify their target, the Galestriders unleash overwhelming force to ensure its destruction by any means necessary. After completing their primary mission, they shift their focus to secondary objectives, employing the same decisive tactics to maximize battlefield impact and disrupt enemy operations.
Order of Battle
Below is the Order of Battle the Fatebringers follow
Headquarters
| Chapter Command | ||||
| Lord Marshall Aurelian Neuve Shrikelord Ulrich Keller | ||||
| Armory | Librarium | Apothecarion | Reclusiarchy | Fleet Command |
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Companies
| Veteran Company | Battle Companies | ||||
| 1st Company
Shadowbane |
2nd Company
Mist Wings |
3rd Company
Tempest Bringers |
4th Company
Maelstrom |
5th Company
Whirlwind |
6th Company
Stormhost |
| Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Galestrider Squads Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
| Reserve Companies | Scout Company | ||
| 7th Company
Galeclaw |
8th Company
Stormveil |
9th Company
Duskwing |
10th Company
Shrouded |
| Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Veteran Marines Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Sentinels
Command Squad (Standard bearer, Chaplain, Vitalis, Librarian) Intercessor Squads Fire support Squads Reiver Squads Dreadnoughts Techmarines |
Combat Doctrine
The Fatebringers specialize in rapid-assault, exploitation of weaknesses, and line-breaking operations. Their strategy begins long before the main assault: the Fatebringers will observe their opponents for days, or even weeks, launching quick probing strikes, not with the intent to inflict serious damage, but to test defenses and uncover any exploitable weaknesses. In doing so, they confirm vulnerabilities that can later be ruthlessly exploited.
Once their reconnaissance has pinpointed the ideal moment and location, they launch high-impact, lightning-fast strikes that overwhelm enemy positions before they can respond. Their signature tactic involves waves of land speeders, armored vehicles and troop carriers, or drop pods descending directly into the most exploitable positions of the enemy lines. Vanguard squads equipped with Power weapons, Meltas, and other close-ranged armaments spearhead the assault, tearing through defenses and creating confusion. These initial strikes are immediately followed by heavy mechanized support, including Land Raiders, Stormravens, and Dreadnoughts, to consolidate their gains and neutralize any remaining resistance. Relentless momentum is at the core of their combat doctrine: once engaged, the Chapter denies the enemy any opportunity to regroup. Tactical squads secure key objectives while Devastators and Dreadnoughts deliver overlapping fields of fire to suppress counterattacks, ensuring that no part of the battlefield remains uncontested.
The Fatebringers’ silent efficiency is further enhanced by their genetically and bionically augmented Stormshrike companions. These fearsome avian predators are deployed alongside the Chapter to disorient and demoralize their foes. The shrieking cries of the Stormshrikes herald the arrival of the Fatebringers, striking terror into those who hear them. Once unleashed, the birds harass enemy forces, disrupting formations and amplifying the chaos wrought by the Fatebringers' assault.
When pressed into defensive engagements, the Fatebringers maintain their relentless nature. Dreadnoughts and Terminators form an unyielding bulwark, locking down key positions while the rest of the forces reposition to prepare for an immediate counterattack.
Psychic Abilities
Wrath of the Tempest - A roiling tempest of thunder and lightning engulfs the battlefield, Jagged bolts of lightning rain down with relentless fury, striking and arcing across enemy ranks, leaving trails of scorched earth and disintegrated bodies in their wake. The sheer volume of blinding lightning flashes and strikes sow confusion and disorientation among the foe, occasionally breaking their cohesion and shattering their morale. In the midst of this onslaught, the Fatebringers strike with precision and ferocity, exploiting the confusion to annihilate their enemies with ruthless efficiency.
Stormlance - A concentrated beam of pure electrical energy erupts with blinding intensity, ripping through enemy ranks with unrelenting fury. This searing lance of lightning arcs wildly, leaping from one foe to another, spreading devastation across all caught in its path. When directed at a single target, the sheer power of the Stormlance is overwhelming, reducing even the most heavily armored adversary to a smoldering heap of ash within moments. The crackling energy leaves the air charged with ozone and the battlefield littered with scorched remains.
Eye of the Storm - A zone of calm and silence within the chaos of battle, encasing allies in a swirling barrier of cyclonic winds and electrical energy. Incoming projectiles are deflected or destroyed by the storm wall, while enemies who venture too close are struck by arcs of lightning, punishing their advance. Within the eye, the Astartes find respite, their movements unimpeded, their weapons primed to strike out from the safety of the protective tempest.
Fury of the Shrike - Hundreds of spectral projections of the Stormshrike are summoned, their forms crackling with arcs of raw electrical energy. These specters soar through the air with terrifying speed, diving into enemy lines with pinpoint accuracy. Each Stormshrike seeks out an individual target, striking with unrelenting force and precision. As they make contact, bolts of lightning surge from their impact, arcing through enemy armor and flesh, leaving only electrically burned corpses in their wake.
Thunderous Barrage - A massive wall of crackling lightning unfurls before the Fatebringers as they charge, a roaring storm that stretches across the battlefield like a living barrier. The intense electrical storm surges forward, lightning strikes flashing in rapid succession, creating a flickering wall of pure energy. As the storm advances, any enemy unfortunate enough to come into contact with it is obliterated, their bodies consumed by searing arcs of electricity. The blinding flashes obscure the advance of the Astartes, shrouding their movements in the chaos of the storm.
Volt Surge - a surge of raw electrical energy that pulses outward in a wave, disrupting nearby electrical systems. Enemy machinery, weaponry, and communications equipment flicker and grind to a halt, leaving their operators blind and vulnerable. Equipment is not destroyed outright, but instead a temporary, chaotic blackout occurs, preventing the enemy from utilizing any technological advantages. Vehicles sputter and stall, turrets cease firing, and command networks are temporarily crippled, sowing confusion and disarray within enemy ranks.
Whispers of the Damned - Haunting sounds are directly projected into the minds of the enemy, tapping into their deepest fears and unsettling their psyche. The voices of the dead, tormented screams, and eerie whispers echo through the minds of those targeted, each sound tailored to the individual's worst memories or greatest anxieties. The effect is disorienting and terrifying, causing confusion, fear, and even breakdowns in mental fortitude. As the enemy hears their own name or unsettling personal imagery from beyond the grave, they are driven to madness or panic, leaving them vulnerable to the assault of the Fatebringers.
Chapter Beliefs
The Fatebringers hold fast to the Imperial Truth, viewing it as the foundation of their beliefs and a guide for their purpose. Seeing humanity's destiny as one of dominion among the stars, carrying the torch of civilization and strength to every corner of the galaxy. In their worldview, humanity's rise is not only a birthright but also a duty that must be earned and defended through resilience and adaptability.
Unlike their Iron Hands Progenitors, they believe that the body, in its Astartes form, is an optimized vessel, sufficiently strong and capable of achieving feats as mighty as any augmetic enhancement. For them, cybernetic modification is reserved only for restoring lost function, and honoring their history, not for "improving" the Astartes form, which they consider already honed by the Emperor's design. Additionally, in contrast to their progenitors, who often seek to suppress emotions as a perceived liability, the Fatebringers hold that emotions are integral to humanity's spirit and identity. In their view, emotions are not weaknesses but are powerful motivators,sources of courage, camaraderie, and tenacity. To be devoid of emotion is, in their belief, to be less than human. They value the clarity and strength that can be drawn from controlled emotion, channeling anger into righteous fury, loyalty into unbreakable bonds, and loss into renewed purpose.
Within the Fatebringers, a seething hatred and profound mistrust toward the ecclesiarchy and the Adeptus Administratum are commonplace. They see these institutions not as bastions of order, but as bureaucratic obstacles that stifle humanity’s potential and cause nothing but stagnation and fear.
Mark of the Vortex
The Mark of the Vortex is the final rite of passage for a Neophyte of the Fatebringers. After years of training, they granted the right to ascend the jagged peaks of Tornaxis, alone, to face the storm. It is here they prove themselves worthy of bearing the Chapter’s name.
At the summit, the Neophyte affixes a ritual glove to their right arm. The glove is unique to each trial, its arrangement of plates and conductive filaments dictating the path the lightning will carve into their body. No two are alike. Each scar is personal, permanent, and earned.
Then, they wait. Minutes stretch into hours as the storm rages. The Neophyte does not move, does not falter. The storm will not be called upon, nor will it be guided. It will strike when it wills, and when it does, the Neophyte will endure, or die.
Some are claimed quickly, the crack of thunder heralding a new scar seared into flesh. Others remain on the summit for a day or more, battered by wind and rain, waiting for the inevitable. When the lightning finally comes, it does so without mercy. It scorches flesh, burns nerves, and leaves behind the signature of Tornaxis itself. A scar that binds the bearer to the Chapter. The pain is immense. But pain is not the measure. Endurance is. And when, or if, the Neophyte descends from the peak, they do so as a true Brother of the Fatebringers.
Ferrus Manus & The Iron Hands
Since their inception, the Fatebringers have maintained that the Iron Hands walk a flawed interpretation of Ferrus Manus’ teachings. Where the Iron Hands see emotion as weakness to be excised, the Fatebringers believe it is a vital strength, inseparable from the soul of mankind. To deny grief, wrath, or zeal is, in their belief, to deny the very fire that drives the Emperor’s servants to endure and to triumph. Though they neither despise nor pity their Iron Hands forebears, they are resolute in their conviction that to suppress such passions is not only to diminish oneself, but also to wound the greater Imperium. In this belief, the Fatebringers walk their own path, one they claim is closer to the true spirit of Ferrus Manus’ legacy.
Among the Fatebringers, ancient legends of Ferrus Manus are spoken in reverance, fragments of memory carried across ten millennia. They tell of a time when their Primarch sought to stay the hand of his sons, who, in their zeal, had begun to loathe the very flesh they bore. In these tales, Manus warns that hatred of the mortal frame would lead only to ruin, for strength lies not in the denial of humanity, but in the forging of it into resolve.
Other stories speak of the campaigns fought beside the Lord of the Salamanders, where brotherhood and endurance were tested across endless days of battle. It is whispered that Manus, wearied in body, was reminded by his brother that while the flesh may falter, it is the deeds wrought in that struggle which endure beyond all weakness.
From such legends, the Fatebringers draw their path. Where some of their bretheren remember only that the flesh is weak, they hold that the human form, is a strength in and of itself, and is no less vital than steel. To them, the denial of humanity is a dishonor to Manus’ legacy. It is through the embracing and tempering of flesh and emotion that they believe their Primarch is truly honored, only by mastering the whole of one’s nature can strength be made enduring.
Gene-Seed
Through extensive gene-seed experimentation carried out by the Chapter’s Apothecarium, the Fatebringers have come to bear two distinct and defining mutations: the Severed Echo and Stormblood. These flaws, while debilitating in certain conditions, have been weaponized through adaptation, and accepted in chapter culture.
Severed Echo
Experimentation with the Fatebringers' gene-seed has resulted in two significant defects, one of which is known as the Severed Echo. This mutation in the Lyman's Ear causes a heightened sensitivity to high-frequency sound waves, granting the Astartes an uncanny awareness of even the faintest noises in their surroundings. This hypersensitivity allows them to detect subtle movements, pinpoint hidden enemies, and navigate the chaos of battle with preternatural precision. However, this "gift" comes at a steep cost. The same sensitivity makes the Fatebringers acutely vulnerable to sonic-based weaponry or excessively loud environments, which can disorient them, and induce pain.
To combat this vulnerability, the Chapter has heavily modified their wargear. Helmets are stripped of standard Vox Grills to eliminate excess noise, while advanced sound-dampening padding is integrated into the inner layers of their armor to muffle external and internal sounds.
The Severed Echo has deeply shaped the Fatebringers' combat doctrine, driving them to favor lightning-fast assaults that overwhelm the enemy before prolonged exposure to high frequency noise can exploit their weakness. Their tactics mirror the predatory strikes of their Stormshrike companions, emphasizing precision, speed, and relentless aggression. This focus on rapid engagements ensures they remain an elite force of shock troops, striking like a sudden storm and shattering the enemy forces before their vulnerability becomes a liability. Their battlefield presence is eerie, characterized by near-total silence, save for the occasional grunt, the hiss of a power sword, or the muted thud of a Bolter. Orders are communicated through coded gestures or brief, soundless transmissions, reinforcing their disciplined and enigmatic image.
Ultimately, while the Severed Echo has heavily influenced the Fatebringers' combat doctrine, it does not define them entirely. While the defect poses challenges during prolonged engagements, it merely reduces their efficiency rather than preventing them from fighting in those scenarios. Through discipline, adaptation, and their mastery of rapid assault tactics, the Fatebringers have ensured that their flaw is a hurdle to overcome, not a barrier to victory.
Stormblood
The second genetic flaw unique to the Fatebringers' gene-seed is known simply as Stormblood, a mutation that enables an Astartes to achieve bursts of unparalleled aggression and speed during combat. By triggering a hyperstimulation of their adrenal glands through a controlled electrical shock, the marine enters a heightened adrenaline fueled state where their reactions, strength, and ferocity surpass even the baseline superhuman capabilities of an Astartes. This state allows them to overwhelm enemies in a flurry of devastating attacks, embodying the tempestuous and unpredictable nature for which they are named.
However, the Stormblood mutation comes with a steep cost. Prolonged or repeated activation of the Stormblood places immense strain on their circulatory systems, often leading to ruptured blood vessels, internal hemorrhaging, or even cardiac arrest. Despite these risks, the Fatebringers view Stormblood as both a gift and a test of their discipline, using it sparingly and with precise timing to secure victory. Apothecaries carefully monitor its use, but the mutation has claimed the lives of many who pushed their bodies too far in service to their Chapter’s mission.
Deathwatch Service
Due to the recency of their founding and their relatively insular nature, the Fatebringers have had limited representation within the Deathwatch, as few among their number have volunteered or been selected for service in its ranks. This scarcity is compounded by their lack of direct exposure to the Deathwatch's operations. However, as their Chapter develops and more of their Battle-Brothers return from the Deathwatch with tales of valor and shared purpose, the Fatebringers are beginning to develop a growing respect and admiration for the elite Xenos hunters.
Notable Fatebringers
Lord Vitalis Gerhardt Otmar - Gerhardt Otmar has served as the Fatebringers' singular Lord Vitalis since their founding during the Ultima Founding, becoming a cornerstone of the Chapter's leadership. A grim and methodical figure, Gerhardt oversaw the initial gene-seed experimentation that ultimately gave rise to the genetic flaws that now afflict the Chapter. While some within the Chapter view these flaws as a curse, others see them as a reflection of Tornaxis' unforgiving nature. Regardless, Gerhardt carries the burden of his actions with stoic resolve, dedicating himself to preserving the Chapter and adapting their traditions to compensate for these challenges. His role extends beyond the battlefield, as he safeguards not only the lives of his brethren but also their future through the recovery and preservation of gene-seed from the fallen.
In addition to his responsibilities to the Astartes, Gerhardt tends to the health and well-being of the Chapter’s Stormshrikes. His deep knowledge of their physiology and his connection to the birds’ temperament make him highly suited for the task. Whether mending broken wings or treating wounds sustained in combat, Gerhardt approaches the Stormshrikes with the same care and precision he applies to his brothers.
Chapter Fleet
Sword of Tornaxis - Retribution Class Battleship (Flagship)
Harbinger of the Tempest - Dictator Cruiser
Fist of Steel - Dictator Cruiser
2 Battle Barges
8 Strike Cruisers
Unknown number of escort vessels (Firestorm & Nova Frigates, Cobra & Viper Class Destroyers)
Wargear
The Fatebringers take inspiration from several other renowned chapters in the Imperium by adhering to a tradition of forging and maintaining their own war gear. Each weapon is crafted with the utmost care, tailored specifically to the personal combat style and physicality of the individual Astartes who will wield it. The process of forging these weapons is a sacred ritual, involving the careful selection of materials, intricate design, and painstaking crafting. As a result, each piece of equipment is as much a work of art as it is a tool of war, infused with the blood and sweat of its creator.
For the Fatebringers, this custom crafting process strengthens their bond with their weaponry and reinforces their identity as a chapter. Weapons are more than mere instruments of destruction; they are a reflection of the skill, spirit, and history of the Astartes who forge and wield them.
The combat doctrine of the Fatebringers, favoring mobility and swift, overwhelming engagements over drawn-out firefights has resulted in their armaments focusing heavily on light and medium weaponry, for both versatility and speed on the battlefield. Bolt Carbines, including their marksman variants, are particularly favored by the chapter, offering flexibility for close-quarters engagements and medium-range support alike. In addition, bolt rifles and auto bolt rifles are a common sight, allowing for sustained fire and adaptability in a variety of combat situations. This focus on lighter, fast-firing weapons ensures that the Fatebringers remain agile and capable of striking quickly and decisively.
Anti-armor capabilities within the chapter are primarily provided by specialized weapons such as Melta Rifles and Plasma Incinerators, which allow the Fatebringers to effectively neutralize armored targets while maintaining their rapid assault tactics. While heavy bolters and other larger, slower-firing heavy weapons are available, they are rarely used, as they conflict with the chapter’s combat doctrine.
Stormshrike
The Stormshrike is a massive bird native to Tornaxis, standing at an average of 1.3 meters tall with a 3-meter wingspan, perfectly adapted to Tornaxis’ harsh storms and chaotic terrain. Its talons, reinforced with a tough organic compound, can pierce light armor, while its hooked beak tears through prey. A robust skeleton, powerful wing muscles, and hydrophobic feathers enable it to endure violent winds and torrential rain. Its sharp, low-light-adapted eyes are shielded by a nictitating membrane, and electroreceptive abilities help it navigate storms. The bird’s gray, black, and muted blue plumage blends with the stormy skies, while flashes of iridescent copper and electric blue on it's chest and under its wings signal dominance or threat.
Highly intelligent and fiercely loyal, Stormshrikes have become an integral part of the Fatebringers Chapter. Primarily serving as scouts and living symbols of terror for their enemies, these creatures are deeply woven into the Chapter's culture. Aspirants and Neophytes are tasked with raising and caring for a Stormshrike from the moment it hatches, forging a bond that lasts until the bird’s death.
While their vulnerability to even lightly armed foes makes them a rare choice for direct combat, Stormshrikes are occasionally deployed as active battlefield assets. In these situations, they excel at striking swiftly and brutally against enemy infantry, leveraging their speed, agility, and razor-sharp Fatebringers to devastating effect.
Chapter Relics
- Storm Blades - Storm Blades are a unique variant of power swords equipped with a specialized energy core that generates arcs of electricity across the blade. These arcs not only enhance the weapon’s cutting power but also emit powerful electrical discharges during strikes. To protect the wielder from these surges, Storm Blades are typically paired with specialized insulation or a protective guard integrated into the hilt. Renowned for their effectiveness against hordes, Storm Blades excel in crowd control. Each strike releases a burst of electricity capable of arcing to multiple nearby enemies, often chaining to two or three additional targets, making them devastating weapons in melee combat against clustered foes.
Chapter Appearance
The Fatebringers have implemented specific armor modifications to suit their operational needs. Their helmets feature a redesigned faceplate, replacing the standard mouthpiece with a flat surface for a streamlined profile. Additionally, they are equipped with half-cloaks that cover the back between the armor and power pack, and include a hood, offering minimal interference with movement while providing practical protection from Tornaxis's harsh climate.
Chapter Colours
Fatebringers colors diagram
The Fatebringers wear deep teal armor, with distinguishing white pauldrons trimmed in bronze, with a white Power pack and a bronze Aquila. The right arm is painted silver. Company assignment is indicated by a dark crimson number on the front corners of both pauldrons, while squad designation is indicated by a dark crimson number on the right pauldron, accompanied by the squad type (Intercessor, Fire Support, Reiver, or Veteran). The chapter's iconography is displayed prominently on the left pauldron.
Chapter Badge
The Chapter badge of the Fatebringers features a skull divided vertically into two halves: deep teal and dark crimson, flanked by a pair of stylized wings.
The skull symbolizes both the Astartes and the Imperium. The deep teal half reflects the chapter's connection to their storm-ravaged homeworld of Tornaxis, while the dark crimson signifies their ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus.
The wings evoke the Stormshrike, the chapter’s iconic avian companion, and serve as a broader symbol of the Fatebringers themselves.
Relations
Allies
Enemies
Notable Quotes
By the Fatebringers:
"Our flesh frame may be frail, subject to decay and the inevitable betrayals of time, but we do not scorn this nature. In embracing the imperfection of our flesh, we find the crucible in which our resolve is tempered. Though some may view our physical form as a weakness, we know that it is not our bodies but our indomitable spirit and the resolute actions we undertake that truly define us. In the face of vulnerability, let it be known that while our flesh may falter, the legacy of our valor and the impact of our deeds echo into eternity"
- Aurelian Neuve, speaking to the chapter on the brink of their first battle.
About the Fatebringers:
