Grecians

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This article, Grecians, was written by Nikos Liaskos. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission.

Grecians(Hellenes)
Grecians armorial with Chapter iconography.
Grecians Firstborn Battle-Brother, assigned to The Corinthians (4th) Company.
Space Marine Chapter
Allegiance	Imperium of Man (Fedelitas Totalis)
Founding	Unknown (Officially)/ 25th 'Bastion' Founding (Suspected)
Successor of	Unknown
Chapter Master	Pericles Xanthippus
Homeworld	Grecia (Hellenica)
Fortress-Monastery	City of Athenai (Main) Numerous cities across the planet (Secondary)
Specialty	Close Formation Melee Combat
Battle cry	"Emperor's Right, Hellene Might!"
Colours	Light Blue & White
Successor Chapter(s)	None

The Grecians, known to themselves as Hellenes, were a loyalist semi Codex-compliant Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes created during an unknown founding, although extant records indicate they were suspected to have been founded during the 25^th 'Bastion' Founding. The identity of their Primarch was also unknown, with knowledge being lost to the Chapter after an invasion of their homeworld. Created by the High Lords of Terra with the express purpose of guarding the Greater Grecian Sector in the Segmentum Pacificus, a task they had attempted to maintain with utmost priority. However, this stance did lead to other Chapters accusing the Grecians of ignoring greater threats to the wider Imperium. The Chapter predominantly spoke the language of its homeworld, Grecia, known as Grecian to the wider Imperium, as well as adopting Grecian numerals instead of the standard Gothic. The Chapter has been declared extinct following the destruction of their homeworld and the loss of every member.

Chapter History

Early History

Records detailing the Grecians exact founding date, as well as their Primarchs identity, had been lost to the members of the Chapter, as well as the Imperium. Concrete evidence of the Chapters activities emerged during the late 40^th Millennium, around 620.M40, making them a young Chapter in comparison to others, while they still lived.

The Grecians were given charge to serve as guards for the Greater Grecian Sector within the Segmentum Pacificus (which is where they positioned most of their forces). However, this stance had led to other Chapters accusing the Grecians of only involving themselves with events within their own sector, instead of the wider Imperium. The Grecians' response to this was that they were fulfilling their charge given to them by the High Lords of Terra, and were thus excused from interfering with the rest of the Imperium.

Defence of the Segmentum

A Grecian of The Atticans (2nd) Company

For over 150 years, the Grecians would defend the Sector and the Segmentum from many threats across its numerous worlds, defending against forces of Chaos and Xenos alike. These battles were instrumental in developing the tactics of each company, as each fresh force was sent out wherever they could to assist the worlds in their charge. These battles included the Pacification of Pylos, the Decimation of Leuctra, the event known as the Grecian Expansion, the Siege of the Odysians, the Evacuation of Kasmenai, and the Raids on Lysimachus.

These campaigns molded the companies, helping cement each unique culture and tactical outlook as they served the Imperium. These actions also helped to spread the view amongst the Grecians that they should not intervene out of the Segmentum. However, there was a time when a Grecian force did intervene.

Retreat from Qart-Hadast

Their first Strategos (Chapter-Master), Minoan, of the original first company the Cretans, in an unusual act of aggression, sallied out of the sector with his company to support the Phrygian Knights in their defence of the Qart-Hadast system, located in the Segmentum Ultima.

Minoan, after returning from a patrol, suddenly ordered his company to board transports and make heading to the Segmentum Ultima. When questioned by his men for this course of action, Minoan could only state that a premonition had informed him of a great threat forming in the Segmentum. After making the journey, Minoan stumbled upon a massive Ork Waaagh! under the leadership of Warboss Galatai, preparing to invade the Qart-Hadast system. Immediately retreating, the Grecians arrived in the Lilybaeum system, making contact with the Phrygian Knights and their allies, led by Warder Seleukos, informing them of the threat. Together, they would travel to face the Ork threat, midway through its conquest of Qart-Hadast. Leading a vanguard force, Minoan and his men would fight honourably and bravely on the planet's surface, serving as a key part of the defeat of the Ork forces. However, before the final victory could be achieved, a new enemy emerged from the Great Sand Sea, an unknown Xenos force, and began laying waste to the Imperial forces. Minion and his surviving 25 men attempted to flee, waiting for support from the orbiting Phrygian fleet. However, the fleet began to pull away, and the Grecians knew that they had been left to die. Cursing the Knights, Minoan and his force were only saved by the actions of the Warboss Galatai, who plunged his surviving force into the Xenos force, allowing the Grecians to flee the system.

Returning from the disastrous campaign, Minoan was declared lost to the warp after his ship was caught in a sudden warp storm while travelling through the Segmentum Pacificus, around 703.M40. Lost along with him were the final 25 survivors of the Cretans. A patrol was sent out to investigate their last known location and to see if any survivors or evidence could be found. The patrol was inconclusive, with the only bit of evidence being a singular standard of the company, floating through the emptiness of space. This banner was sent back to Grecia to serve as a relic in a memorial to the company. Due to these events, the Grecians hold the Phrygian knights responsible for the deaths of their brothers, and once again swore to not involve themselves with the wider Imperium. Additionally, a new company was founded, based out of the city of Athenai, and taking the name Atticans. This new company would be led by Genikos (General) Pericles Xanthippus, taking the place of the Laconians as the Chapter's second company, with the Laconians being raised to first company, and veteran Genikos Leonidas Lacedaemonian taking the role of Strategos. The Atticans would prove their worth a short 5 years after their creation, successfully defending Massalia Station from rogue Human pirates.

Slaaneshi Invasion

At approximately 850.M40, the Grecian homeworld was attacked by a surprise force of Chaos in the service of Slaanesh. Their initial attack devastated the Chapter's 6^th and 8^th, companies, almost killing them to a man. The Chaos forces proceed to overrun a third of the planet, forcing the Chapter to defensive positions on the way to the capital. The situation then becomes locked in a stalemate, with the daemons slowly gaining the upper hand against the besieged Chapter.

The Last Stand at the Hot Gates

It was then that Strategos Leonidas Lacedaemonian devised a strategy to defeat the encroaching Slaaneshi forces. The Chapters fleet, currently on route to the planet after being out on patrol, could destroy the Chaos fleet and provide orbital support, though they needed more time to arrive. Thus Leonidas consolidated with him the 1^st, 4^th, and the remnants of the 6^th and 8^th Companies, and marched to meet the main bulwark of the Slaaneshi forces at the Hot Gates of Platea (a narrow stretch of land surrounded by the tallest mountains on the planet and a flowing sulphur spring). It was here that Leonidas and the Grecian companies held back the tide of daemons and members of the populace who had fallen to Slaaneshi corruption. It was there they held for three standard Terran weeks, allowing time for the Fleet to engage and destroy the Chaos naval forces above the planet. Unfortunately, almost all of the Astartes defending the pass were slain, save for a few survivors of each company, who dragged the almost dead body of Leonidas back to safety, to be entombed within a mighty Dreadnought.

Victory for the Grecians

Pericles Xanthippus after taking the role of Strategos

With the falling of the Hot Gates, almost the entirety of the Chaos forces flooded into the remainder of the planet, marching on its capital of Athenai. It was ordered that the capital be evacuated and serve as a trap for the Daemons, allowing the Chapter fleet to bombard the bulk of the invading forces, allowing the Imperials to win the day. However, there was resistance from the Chapter's 2^nd Company, who were based out of Athenai. It was only through the urgings of Genikos Pericles, who ceremoniously laid down his chainsword at the gates of the city in order to signify trusting the plan and placing his faith in the navy. The city was then evacuated, the Chapter and the civilians retreating to a more defensible position.

It was then that the Slaaneshi forces entered the city, signalling to the fleet to destroy the city and everything inside it. After the bombardment ceased, the entire city was found flattened, with all the Chaos forces within it dying in a vengeful fire. The Grecians then counterattacked, wiping the planet clean of Chaos taint. Word of the events was sent to Terra, while the Chapter set about honouring its dead and rebuilding its numbers. A monument was set up at the Hot Gates, depicting a wounded Astartes on one knee, his chainsword still in his hand in defiance of the enemies of Man.

Aftermath

During the reconstruction of the Chapter and the planet, it was discovered that records of the Chapters history, as well as large stores of the Chapters gene-seed were lost to the fire. This severely limited the Chapters ability to protect their sector. Additional stores of gene-seed were requested from the High-Lords of Terra. Leonidas, the former Strategos, was dragged away from the battle by a marine known as Atreus, and then interred into a Venerable Dreadnought, and a new Strategos was chosen in Pericles, for his work supporting the plan to win the day, and for leading the counter attack against the daemons.

Primaris

After the Fall of Cadia, which the Grecians had limited involvement in due to the weakened numbers, they received reinforcements of Primaris Marines, as well as stores of gene-seed, allowing them to rapidly restore the numbers to full capacity. In thanks for this, they sent the 1st company, under the command of the newly appointed Genikos Atreus Epizon, with Roboute Guilliman in the Indomitus Crusade, taking part in some minor battles. After the Crusades conclusion, the Laconians returned home, but not to rest, as new events were about to transpire when they returned back to Grecia

Return of the Lost Company

As the Laconians were nearing their homeworld, a distress beacon was detected, having been broadcasted on Grecian vox frequencies. After investigating the signal, a single Grecian ship was found, of a much older model and livery. Under Atreus' orders, the ship was boarded and brought back to Grecia for investigation, upon which Pericles was informed. Emerging from the ship was a single Grecian Astartes, from the lost Creten Company, known as Ephialtes. After this discovery, a series of suspicious events and conflicts broke out in the Chapter, causing Atreus to investigate and ultimately suspect Ephialtes of traitorous intent. Before he could act on his suspicions, however, he was attacked by assassins and discovered that members of his company had betrayed him for a pretender, known as Pausanias, who had fled to the city of Knoss. Meanwhile, Pericles had left Athenai, with Ephialtes and his company in tow, and arrived in Knoss, in order to allow Ephialtes to pay respects to his fallen Brothers. Unbeknownst to the Atticans, Ephialtes met with the traitorous Pausanias, and together they devised a plan to cripple the cities defences, and allow for a Chaos Warband to raid the city. It was during this time that Atreus organised the Laconians to march on Knoss, hoping to reach the city and warn Pericles of the intrigue going on behind his back. It was at this time that the traitors made their play. Infiltrating the city's shield generator room, Ephialtes detonates an explosive, disabling the shield and singling the awaiting warband to attack. Pericles would lead the scattered defence, holding out without the hope for any reinforcements, until the timely arrival of Atreus and the Laconians. While the victory was won for the loyalists, the identity and purpose of the traitors were not discovered, leaving any plans they may have still in motion.

Fall of the Grecians

The Calm

Unfortunately for the Grecians, continued raids and invasions of the worlds under their protection prevented them from further investigating the traitors who attacked their world. For the next decade, each company would be slowly whittled down in numbers, unable to reinforce due to the constant battles and inability to return to Grecia for recruitment. Even the chapters fleet, constantly on the move to counter ork and corsair raids and protecting the transports of the other chapters, was severely damaged and undersupplied. Suddenly, however, in the tenth year of combat, all the raids and invasions suspiciously ceased. Learning of this strange event, Pericles was cautious that a huge enemy invasion was likely to occur, but knew that his men needed a chance to recover, and that this sudden break was the best chance they would get. Sending messages to all companies, Pericles called them all back in time for the Pan-Grecia, in order to mourn those who had fallen, and to reinforce their weakened numbers. However, unbeknownst to Pericles and the Grecians, there would be no time to reinforce or celebrate the festival.

The Storm

Blockade

After arriving on the world, the companies dispersed to their respective fortress-monasteries, their readiness lowered, and the fleet put on low alert. Most of the PDF had dispersed back to their homes and families, with only a minor skeleton crew watching for incoming threats. Around mid-day, a massive energy surge was detected just beyond Grecia's orbit. Before the PDF could raise the alarm, a massive warp storm manifested around the world, with a whirlpool at its source. Its presence instantly disabled all off world communications within the system, and caused shockwaves to wrack the surface of Grecia, destroying buildings and throwing the populace into chaos. As Pericles attempted to contact the other companies, and the PDF mobilised to calm the populace, the fleet began to be pulled into the whirlpool, its crew scrambling to try and escape its pull. However, before they could pull away, they were fired upon by ships emerging from behind the storm. A large fleet had appeared, seemingly unaffected by the effects of the storm. The Grecian fleet, with many of its crew and space marine soldiers on world, was overwhelmed by the fire power and suffered heavy damage. Just before the ships were pulled into the whirlpool, the Genikoi of the Rhodos and Ionians, who had stayed on their respective vessels, managed to send one final shared message to their Strategos. The Grecian fleet was then pulled in, being destroyed by the chaotic energies of the storm. As the chaos fleet moved in position above the world, the battle for Grecia would begin.

The Grecians would fight

By this point, Pericles had been able to organise a moderately prepared defence, focused on contesting any enemy landings and focused around the cities. He overall had 700 fit Grecian astartes, alongside the planet's PDF and any civilians with either military training or weapons. The rest of the populace was under curfew within the cities, leaving the countryside devoid of human life. A message was sent to the neighbouring world of Grecia Mikros, home of the longtime Grecian ally the Grecian Auxilias Peltasts guard regiment, but interference from the warp storm, as well as the enemy fleet, prevented them from sending any reinforcements to Grecia. The loyalists then awaited for the traitors to make their move, though they did have to wait long. A message was broadcasted across the entire world on open vox channels, revealing the identity of the attackers as The Serpentine Truth, the same forces that raided the world a decade ago. Their leader, a marine known as Agamemnon Tyrannos, spoke to the defenders, revealing how he was a former member of the Cretans, long thought to have all perished. He then went to reveal a shocking truth to the Grecians: that their gene father was none other than Alpharius Omegon, one of the nine traitor primarchs, going on to say how it has always been the Grecians destiny to forsake the Imperium and claim the galaxy as their own. Finally, he spoke of The Serpent, a mysterious chaos god who revealed this truth to him, and offered his blessings to those who would surrender now. Despite the shocking implications of this reveal, with a few exceptions in Pericles and Atreus, who had suspected such since the Serpentine's raid, no Grecian would accept this offer of surrender. Much of the PDF refused the offer as well, with a few exceptions which were quickly executed for treason and heresy. The Grecians would fight.

Battle of Grecia

The traitors then began a bombardment campaign of the world, attempting to crack the void shields of the cities, as well as striking any structure outside them. The shields held however, causing the bombardment to have little effect on the defenders. This favoured Pericles' strategy, The shields prevented the traitors from attacking his forces, but allowed the Grecians to fire out, causing any landing by the traitors to suffer heavy casualties. With this, Pericles hoped to outlast the attackers, forcing them to retreat due to the severity of their losses. However, his plans would soon be shattered before his eyes. Unbeknownst to the loyalists, a hidden cult established by the Serpentine had taken root in many of the cities. Infiltrating many key positions within the PDF, the cult sprang into action. Within the cities of Chios and Lindos, the cult stormed the shield generators, destroying them with large explosions. Other attempts were made in Eurotas and Thebai, as well as Athenai, but these were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the traitors capitalised on this turn of events, landing a force of 150 Chaos Astartes into the cities via drop-pod, followed by landing craft containing thousands of armed chaos cultists. However, the strongest units to land were a force of Greater Daemons, the likes of which the Grecians and their allies had not seen before. The overwhelming force, combined with the overall weakened state of the Ionians and Rhodos, allowed the traitors to capture and secure both Chios and Lindos, destroying both Grecian companies within to the man. With this foothold now established, the Serpentine were then able to land heavier weapons, as well as advance towards other cities on the world. The Grecian command was shaken, unsure of how to deal with this new issue, or what strategy to employ next. As Pericles and his commanders idled, the traitors continued to advance. Soon the city of Syrakousai was taken, accompanied with the destruction of the Siciliotes. The Grecians now had just over 400 Astartes left, all separated in their respective cities. It was then that Pericles finally was able to develop a new strategy. He ordered that the Grecians abandon the northern hemisphere, and retreat behind the mountains, using the natural defences to their advantage. Seeing the desperation of their situation, the other companies agreed, and the plan was put into effect.

Grecia No More

The strategy was effective. Despite the air advantage the traitors possessed, they were unable to break through the defensive positions. It looked like there was still hope for the Grecians, and that they may be able to outlast their enemy. A calm settled over the world, as the stalemate dragged out, neither side making a move. It was then that the traitor leader sent another message to the world. He once again called for their surrender, and another offer to join his empire. Again, only a few small dissenters took up the offer, and the Grecians prepared to continue the siege. However, a sudden raid by the traitors on the Grecian command led to the capture of Pericles, Atrus, and the remaining Genikoi. They were then taken into orbit, and brought before Agamemnon. Stripping them of weapons and armour, including the valuable chapter relics held by Pericles, they were brought to a sacrificial altar, and slain. The ritual allowed the traitors to summon The Serpent into real space. The Serpentine then evacuated Grecia, while The Serpent closed in on the world. The remaining Grecians, as well as the civilians, could only watch in horror as the cosmic form of The Serpent engulfed the world, pulling their souls out of their bodies and devouring them. Their bodies were then inhabited by daemons loyal to The Serpent. It was then that Grecia itself began to fail, shattering under the strain of the pure warp energy it was experiencing. As The Serpent disappeared back to the warp, taking his new servants with him, Grecia exploded, leaving behind nothing but dust and ruins.

Days later, a single anonymous message was sent to a nearby imperial station. The message stated that the Grecians had been destroyed, and with their death, the galaxy would be faced with a new enemy. The message was logged, and the Grecians officially declared as extinct.

Notable Campaigns

• Pacification of Pylos (Approx. 630.M40): The Cretans, alongside the Grecian Auxilias Peltasts, were sent to crush a rebellion on the world of Pylos, a major shipyard world in the Greater Grecian Sector. The Grecians and Peltasts arrived in orbit, and with the assistance of a set of naval vessels undergoing refits in orbit, were able to storm the central administrative centre of the planet, killing the rebels and restoring order. This battle saw use of the standard lightning deep strike tactics of the Adeptus Astartes.
• Decimation at Leuctra (Approx. 650.M40): The Boeotians, alongside the Grecian Auxilias Peltasts, were sent to combat an Ork invasion of the world of Leuctra, an Agri world located within the Greater Grecian Sector. After arriving on the world, their naval escort destroying the Ork fleet, the force landed and assembled to face the bulk of the Ork force on a plain located at planet's equator. After initial Peltasts scouts and local PDF were pushed back, the two forces met, with the Adelphos Dinami detachment leading a large spearhead into the Ork right flank, killing the Warboss before turning and slaughtering the rest.
• The Grecian Expansion (Approx. 655-690.M40): The entire Chapter was deployed in force to accompany a series of colonial vessels sent out from Grecia to settle worlds within the Greater Grecian Sector, escorted by a combined Imperial Navy force and the Chapters fleet. The ground forces of the Chapter would engage against minor threats found on the worlds to be settled, such as Feral Ork tribes, small Chaos worshiping human cults, and monstrous mega-fauna. However, it was the naval elements that would face the most difficult challenge, with half of the Grecians fleet manned by the Ionians and the Rhodos respectively. In battle against pirates, Drukhari raiders, and even a Dark Mechanicum cruiser. After a long, almost 30 year campaign, the worlds were mostly successfully colonised, with the Ionians developing mastery of ramming and boarding tactics, while the Rhodos developed mastery over maneuver and flanking tactics.
• Siege of the Odysians (Approx. 660.M40): During the Grecian Expansion, a minor xenos species calling labeled the Odysians attempted to resist Imperial efforts to colonise their homeworld, launching raids against the colonists from a fortified mountain stronghold. The Laconians and the Makedonians were sent to breach the fortress and slaughter all within. The Makedonians would create a breach in the fortress, scaling the mountain to plant explosives on key areas, and using their explosives expertise to destroy defensive emplacements. This allowed the Laconians to enter the fortress, their heavy formation marching virtually unopposed throughout the halls, with the Odysians lacking the firepower to halt the Astartes. The entire fortress was massacred, wiping out the Odysians in their entirety.
• Evacuation of Kasmenai (Approx. 674.M40): The world of Kasmenai was colonised near the end of the Grecian Expansion, but was soon placed under threat as a massive horde of Feral Orks descended on the main settlement. The Siciliotes were sent to hold the line while the surviving colonists and resources were evacuated by air into orbit. The marines held the entrance way into the settlement for hours, their long spears skewering the savage Orks before they could get close, while their shields protected them from the Orks primitive ranged weaponry. After the last colonist was evacuated, a transport arrived for the Siciliotes as more and more Orks flooded towards the city. The world was then destroyed via Exterminatus to wipe out the Greenskin threat.
• Raids on Lysimachus (Approx. 693.M40): The Corinthians and the Thracians were sent to the world of Lysimachus to confirm and eliminate a rumoured force of Chaos worshipping humans. Landing on the planet, the Corinthians began spreading out around the suspected area where the cultists were located, setting up bases and listening posts to monitor their enemy and find a weakness. After identifying a vulnerable supply line between an enslaved town and the cults main force, the Thracians began raiding the route, burning food, ammunition, and killing any hostile patrol they could ambush. Slowly, the Cult force grew weaker and more under-supplied, until a combined attack from both companies wiped out the remaining heretics in one fell swoop. Lysimachus was then incorporated into the sector after a heavy Inquisitorial investigation of its populous.
• Retreat from Qart-Hadast (Approx. 701.M40): The Cretans, under command of Strategos Minoan, travel to the Segmentum Ultima to investigate rumours of a massive Ork Waaagh!. After encountering and retreating from the Ork force, the Cretens join and fight alongside the Phrygian Knights and their human allies, attacking and destroying the Ork force in the Qart-Hadast system. However, before victory is achieved, an unidentified Xenos force rises from the deserts of the planet of Qart-Hadast, destroying most of the Imperial force. The Phrygian Knights, abandoning their Grecian allies, fled the system, and only through the intervention of the surviving Orks are Minoan and 25 other survivors able to escape. The Cretans are then caught in a warp storm on their way back to Grecia, and are declared lost to the Warp. Leonidas Lacedaemonian assumes leadership of the Chapter, cursing the Knights for the cowardly actions, and reaffirming the Grecian stance on non-intervention in the wider galaxy.
• Defence of Massalia Station (Approx. 708.M40): The Atticans, while providing escort for a shipment of supplies for the Sector, are attacked at the Massalia Orbital Station, a Rogue Trader run supply depot, by rogue Human pirates. Trapped within the station, the Atticans held of numerous boarding attempts alongside the crew of the station, making use the stations narrow pathways and sealable blast doors to separate and destroy the pirates. Due to the massive size of the station and the thousands of lifeforms within, the Atticans found themselves coordinating massive numbers of troops and supplies, honing the companies skill in the art of strategy and logistics. The pirates were held off until a nearby Imperial fleet arrived and destroyed the fleet.
• Battle of Grecia (Approx. 850.M40): The Chapter was attacked on their homeworld by daemon forces of Slaanesh. Caught unawares, the 7th and 8th companies are decimated. The daemons would then overrun a third of the planet, forcing the Grecians into a losing fight, slowly having more and more of their planet consumed by the daemons. After reaching a stalemate, Strategos Leonidas Lacedaemonian leads his men to the last stand in order to delay the daemons long enough for the Chapter navy to arrive. The Astartes are slain, with Leonidas and a few survivors escaping. Leonidas is then interred into a Dreadnought, with the daemons marching on the capital. However, the navy has arrived, and by baiting the daemons into the city of Athenai, is able to destroy a majority of the invading force. The Grecians, now under the command of Pericles Xanthippus, counter-attack and destroy all Chaos forces on the planet. The Chapter is heavily devastated by these events, however.
• Indomitus Crusade (Approx. 900.M41): The Chapter dispatched the Laconians to assist in the Indomitus Crusade of Imperial Regent Roboute Guilliman, as thanks for providing the Chapter with much needed reinforcements in the form of Primaris Marines. The Laconians had minor roles in many battles of the Crusade, often guarding key points or facilities, which caused them to take very few casualties. This campaign marked the first involvement outside the Segmentum Pacificus by the Chapter in 200 years.
• Serpentine Incursion (Approx. 034.M42): An agent of an unknown Chaos warband infiltrates the Grecians and is able to open the defences of Knoss to allow for a raid by forces of the warband. The warband drop-pods into the city, catching Pericles, the Atticans, and the town human garrison off guard, forcing them into isolated pockets across the city. They begin to slowly push back and destroy the mixed survivor pockets, with Pericles and a force under siege in the city centre. During this, Genikos Atreus arrived with the Laconians and entered the city through the eastern gate, destroying some of the invading force before regrouping with some survivors of both the city garrison and the Atticans. Forming ranks, the two forces moved through the city, destroying any invading force where they could and saving survivors, slowly moving towards the city centre. Meanwhile, Pericles' force was slowly ground down, with the heretics slowly breaking through the defences built by the survivors. A rocket breaks open the barricade, and Pericles is forced into close quarters fighting. The Laconians continue to make their way through the city, reaching the outskirts of the centre, when Atreus is challenged to single combat by a heretic commander. After a short duel, Atreus dispatches the marine, before leading his men into the city centre, arriving just in time to save Pericles from the clutches of the raid leader, the original infiltrator. While both the city and the Atticans were saved, much of the invading force managed to escape, with their goal and identity hidden. The Atticans received around 35 marine losses, with the city and its garrison suffering much damage. Traitor losses were unknown.
• Fall of Grecia (Approx. 044.M42): The Chapter was attacked by a large Chaos invasion force belonging to the Serpentine Truth Warband, consisting of heretic astartes, daemons, and cultists. The attack took place during the Pan-Grecia festival, causing much of the planets early warning systems and defenders to not be active. The attack began when a warp storm developed around the world, followed quickly by a fleet of warships. The Grecian fleet, running skeleton crews as most of their space marines were on world, was slowly pulled into the vortex at the centre of the storm and destroyed, killing the Genikoi of both the Rhodos and Ionians companies. Grecia was then blockaded, with the loyalist defenders attempting to organise a defence across the many cities on the world, and with only 800 fit astartes. A short while later, the invading forces would then bombard the planet to little affect, the defenders protected by void shields covering the cities. However, cultists and agents planted by the invaders throughout the decade were able to disable the void shields protecting the planets major ports, allowing the invaders to land in full force and overrun the defenders, securing a foothold on the world. The landings paralyzed the Grecian command, allowing the invaders to advance and occupy a significant portion of the world relatively unopposed. After losing another company, Pericles was able to re-organise the defenders to retreat beyond the mountains of the planet, abandoning the north but creating unbreakable defensive positions. The battle turned into a stalemate, only broken when a raid my the invaders captured Pericles and the other company leaders, taking them into orbit and sacrificing them. This caused a giant warp entity to breach real space, whose presence destroyed Grecia and caused the remaining inhabitants and defenders to vanish. The Chapter is considered destroyed after the event.

Chapter Homeworld

The Chapter used the world of Grecia as their home. Grecia was a civilised world, located within the Grecian System, capital of the Greater Grecian Sector, with a perfect atmosphere and environment for humanity to thrive on, and possessed a population of ten billion humans. The planet was dominated by numerous cities, in which most of the population lies. The cities each possesed a unique identity and independence from one another, and, before the coming of the Imperium, wared against one another as city-states. These identities evolved and manifested themselves in the Grecian companies that inhabited them. Important cities on the planet included Athenai and Eurotas, serving as the capital and main military hub of the planet respectively. The planet possessed a few noticeable geographical features, such as the flowing sulphur springs of the Platea region, located at the planet's equator. Bordering these springs were a chain of mountains that cut across the northern hemisphere, the tallest of which (Mount Othrys) opens up to form the pass of the Hot Gates. Within were mountains are the cities of Pella and Byzantion. In the northern hemisphere of the country laid the planet's largest ocean, known as Aegeus Ocean, with the cities of Chios and Lindos operating on the coast with the planet's two largest space ports operating out of these cities. During the Pan-Grecia event, people left their jobs for the festival, including the PDF, which would disperse back to their families and only leave a skeleton force to watch for any threats.

Fortress-Monastery

The Grecians possesed multiple Fortress-Monasteries, as each company had one based in the cities they have adopted. Of these, however, the greatest were the Fortress-Monasteries based in Eurotas and formerly Athenai. Each fortress-monastery contained the basic requirements and features of fortress-monasteries, but on a smaller scale, as they needed to only provide for a company's worth of Astartes. Each fortress-monastery took the name of the city it inhabited, and were integrated into the cities themselves, serving as the last bastions in the case of invasion. With the invasion of Grecia by the forces of Slaanesh, however, many of the fortress-monasteries were destroyed, leading to a great many relics, history, and equipment being lost with the greatest of these losses being the monastery of Athenia. After the defeat of the Chaos forces, and the establishment of peace on the planet, the monasteries were rebuilt, containing the latest in Imperial technology and design.

Chapter Organisation

Officer Ranks

Genikos (General)

Kapetanios (Captain)

Specialist Ranks

Giatros (Apothecary)

Line Ranks

Lochias (Sergeant)

Specialist Units & Formations

Skotoste Omades (Kill Teams)

Adelphos Dinami (Boeotians Company)

Order of Battle

Headquarters

Strategos (Chapter-Master)

Mentioum (Librarian)

Companies

• 1st Company, The Laconians: The Laconians were the most elite of the companies, often serving as the company that the Strategos originated from. However, they lost a significant amount of power during the defence of Grecia. Based out of the city of Eurotas, the Laconians were Chapter's experts in formation fighting. Maintained a rivalry with the Atticans and Boeotians, their unique insignia is a capital Alpha.

• 2nd Company, The Atticans: Second most, now most powerful, company within the Chapter, mainly due to the losses that the 1st company experienced, and the limited amount of casualties they themselves experienced. Based out of the planetary capital Athenai, they were the Chapter's best strategists and logisticians. Maintained a rivalry with the Laconians and Boeotians, Their unique insignia is a capital Beta.

• 3rd Company, the Boeotians: A strong chapter, maintained a rivalry with the Atticans and Laconians. Based out of the city of Thebai, the Boeotians possessed a unique force within their company called Adelphos Dinami, or Brother Force. The Brother Force consisted of Astartes who were brothers by birth, and thus will fight for each other with familial ferocity. Their unique symbol is a capital Gamma.

• 4th Company, The Corinthians: Often found with the Laconians, providing support and being supportive of their tactics. Based out of the city of Ephyra, the Corinthians provided the Chapter with advanced bases and encampments. Their unique insignia was a capital Delta.

• 5th Company, The Siciliotes: A well-equipped company, often served alone in their actions. Based out of Syrakousai, they specialise in using spears and shields for their formations. Their unique insignia was a capital Epsilon.

• 6th Company, The Makedonians: A company heavily armed with explosive weaponry, maintained a close partnership with the Thracians. Based out of the city of Pella, they specialised in mountain warfare and siege tactics. Their unique insignia was a capital Zeta.

• 7th Company, The Ionians: Friendly with the Atticans, the Ionians were one of the two companies that maintain the Chapters fleet (alongside the Rhodos). Based out of the city of Chios, and as they were located in the fleet, they were experts of ramming and boarding tactics. Their unique insignia was a capital Eta.

• 8th Company, The Thracians: A lightly armed company, they maintained a close relationship with the Makedonians. Based out of the city of Byzantion, they specialised in quick raiding tactics, striking from unexpected locations such as mountains and forests. Their unique insignia was a capital Theta.

• 9th Company, The Rhodos: Friendly with the Atticans, the Rhodos were one of the two companies that maintained the Chapters fleet (alongside the Ionians). Based out of the city of Lindos, and as they were located in the fleet, they are experts at fleet manoeuvres and flanking tactics. Their unique symbol was a capital Iota.

• 10th Company, Scout company: The company where aspiring Astartes served as Scout Marines. Due to their states as scouts, they did not possess a unique insignia until they joined another company.

• Lost Company, The Cretans: The original first company of the Chapter, declared lost to the Warp alongside the original Chapter Master, Minoan. Based out of the city of Knoss, they specialised in shock tactics and lightning warfare. Their unique symbol was a capital Omega.

Combat Doctrine

The Grecians follow a very broad combat doctrine, with each company adopting some variation of the original doctrine that the Chapter followed at its inception. The original combat doctrine was, in the event of enemy engagement, for the Astartes to form ranks, and march on the enemy, firing with Bolters until in melee range. Once in melee distance, the Astartes would draw their weapons and attack the enemy, all while maintaining formation. As the separate identities of the companies developed, they would adopt variations of this doctrine to serve their needs. These variations are listed below:

• The Laconians: The Laconians possessed the most original variation of the doctrine, maintaining the belief in formation fighting and advancing in formation. However, they had mastered this to an extent not shown in the other companies and therefore, have had the opportunity to implement their own tactics. When facing an overwhelming force in combat, the Laconians were able to fake a rout in order to draw the enemy out of their defensive positions. Once the opposing force has been led far enough away from its own lines, the Laconians turn and butcher the out of position enemies.

• The Atticans: The Atticans had developed little variation in regards to implementing the original combat doctrine, but hac instead perfected the overarching strategy required to win in battle. This often consisted of diversionary tactics that allow for the main force to assault the enemy from an unexpected position.

• The Boeotians: The Boeotians had developed their tactics in similar regard to the Atticans, but instead engaged the main force of the enemy with a majority of their own. In the event of an opening appearing in either friendly or enemy lines, the Adelphos Dinami would rush to exploit the opening or defend that gap. The influx of fresh and ferocious troops was often enough to break the enemy formation and cause a general retreat.

• The Siciliotes: The Siciliotes maintained the base tactics, but instead of using chainswords and bolters, they used spears and shields. This allowed them to advance on the enemy while taking limited fire. To make up for the lack of range, the Siciliotes would often have taken a defensive position and baited the enemy towards them, where the longer reach of their spears allowed them to skewer their foes from a safe distance.

• The Makedonians: The Makedonians were one of the two largest breaks from the original formation tactics of the Chapter's founding. Instead of using a close formation to approach the enemy, they instead made use of mass explosive fire to break enemy formations and defences. As a majority of the company was armed with these weapons, direct confrontation was often avoided.

• The Thracians: The Thracians were the second of the two companies who broke from the original combat doctrine the most. Forsaking close formation fighting for raiding tactics, the Thracians shied away from open engagement in favour of striking the enemy in their flanks and supplies. After starving and harassing the enemy, the Thracians would move in and destroy the weakened enemy.

Chapter Culture & Beliefs

Grecian Culture

The Grecians possessed a strong martial tradition, with each Astartes holding honour and company pride in high regard. Unlike other Chapters, an Astartes would only look at the fellow members of his company as his brothers, with members of the wider Chapter being considered secondary (excluding the Strategos). It was common for rivalries to develop between the companies, though generally open hostility was discouraged and avoided. In times of peace, friendly tournaments of martial prowess and duels were organised between the companies. Each company inherits the unique traits of its Fortress-Monastery city, as-well-as unique tactics and specialities, practiced and honed by the planet's human inhabitants over the millennia, and the multitude of military campaigns undertaken by the Chapter in its early years.

Grecian Beliefs

The Grecians were created for the sole purpose of protecting the Greater Grecian Sector and the Segmentum Pacificus, an assignment they held themselves to with great pride. While not expressively going out of their way to save human life, the Chapter would never abandon a world until the last possible moment. The Grecians believed that their duty to the worlds of their Sector outweigh the needs of the wider Imperium, and thus rarely involved themselves with Crusades and call to arms. This had caused other Chapters to accuse the Grecians of abandoning the Imperium for the sake of a few worlds. The Grecians refused such claims, claiming that they were fulfilling the task laid down to them by the Emperor himself, through the High Lords. In order to cover for all the planets under their control, the Chapter often spreads itself out, with each company going out in a different direction from Gracia. This often leaves the Strategos (and his company) alone on Gracia coordinating efforts. After a period of sixteen standard Terran years, the companies would reconvene on Gracia to replenish losses, supplies and to receive new orders from the Strategos. This event was known as the Pan-Grecia (Pan-Hellenica). Companies took this time to train, rest, offer prayers to the Emperor, and organise martial tournaments against each other. After the events of the Slaaneshi invasion, the Pan-Grecia was also an occasion to remember and honour the fallen members of the Chapter, with each company staying for two standard years. A company would not return, however, if it was occupied by a siege of conflict, and any new Astartes will be sent from Grecia as needed.

Chapter Recruitment

The main source of the Chapter's recruits came from their homeworld, Grecia, with each company recruiting solely from their city and its surrounding countryside. However, in times of desperation, recruits may be pulled from other planets in the sector. The trials that aspiring recruits, or Ephebes, undertook consisted of demonstrating their martial prowess through a series of athletic competitions and sparring. Throughout this time, the Ephebes were also subjected to intense tactical training, running mock battles and military scenarios. If the Ephebe was judged worthy, they were subjected to the Gene-Seed implantation process for the rest of their training, serving in the scouts during this process. Once their training was complete, the newly formed Astartes was then assigned to the company of which he was recruited. Though uncommon, the Astartes may be moved into another company if the one that recruited them is full, or another is severely understrength.

Chapter Gene-Seed

The Grecian's Gene-Seed was extremely pure, standing at around 90% purity, causing minor mutations of limited note. All separate Gene-Seed organs were fully functional and operational, allowing an Astartes to use all the benefits of their genetic modification. Despite this, the identity of their Primarch progenitor was unable to be discovered through Gene-Seed analysis, as its purity made it impossible to distinguish between samples of Ultramarine, Dark Angel, or even original samples of Emperors Children and Alpha Legion. However, this was often marked as foolish suspicion, and further investigation was often considered unnecessary to the Chapter.

Deathwatch Service

The Grecians did not serve in the Deathwatch to any regard, for no other reasons than not having the desire to send any of the members to the Watch.

Notable Members

• 

  Leonidas Lacedaemonian, interned in a dreadnought after his Last Stand at the Hot Gates

  Leonidas Lacedaemonian: Former Strategos of the Grecians during the Slaaneshi invasion. One of the first recruits of the Chapter, he was given charge of the Laconians company at its inception, having been hand picked by Minoan to lead the company. During the 150 year period he served as Genikos, he earned a reputation for brilliant strategic and tactical command, as well as being regarded as the finest warrior in the Chapter. After the disappearance of Minoans and the Cretans, he was unanimously chosen by the other Genikos to lead the Chapter, which he did so for the next few centuries. Devising the strategy to delay the invading Chaos forces during the Battle of Grecia, he led the defence of the Hot Gates, allowing for the Chapters fleet to arrive and destroy the Chaos fleet. Falling in battle at the Hot Gates, he was saved before death by Atreus Epizon and interned into a Venerable Dreadnought. After his internment, he stood down from his role as Strategos, and took the role of training initiate Space Marines. Known for his leadership skills, ability to effectively command any number of men, as well as being a great source of wisdom and counsel in times of danger of the crisis. It is presumed that he fell during the destruction Grecia.

• Pericles Xanthippus: Genikos of the 2nd Company raised to Strategos after the internment of Leonidas. Pericles was recruited to the Grecians during the founding of the Atticans, created to replace the vanished Cretans. Almost being rejected for gene-seed implementation, Pericles was able to best the recruiter in a game of strategy, convincing the marine to allow him to join the chapter. Quickly proving himself to be the most adept at strategy and logistics, Pericles was given command of the Atticans during their maiden engagement, the defence of Massalia Station. After successfully holding off the attacking Pirates, Pericles was hailed as Genikos by his company, delivering a speech of victory to the entire station. During the Battle of Grecia, he supported the plan of Leonidas to destroy the attacking Chaos force with the Chapter fleet, and proposed the strategy of using the city of Athenai as bait to destroy the enemy. After facing protest from his company, Pericles laid down his chainsword at the city's gates and delivered a speech to his men, convincing them to sacrifice the city. After the Chaos army was heavily damaged by the bombardment, Pericles led the Grecians in the counterattack, destroying the survivors and securing the victory, being hailed as the new Strategos in the aftermath. During his tenure in command of the Chapter, he developed a reputation for always attempting to protect the worlds under his charge to the last. After the incursion of the Serpentine, Pericles had begun to suspect a horrible truth about the Chapter and its origins, and was attempting to investigate it when Grecia was assaulted again. Was sacrificed by the hands of Agamemnon Tyrannos just before the Fall of Grecia.

• 

  Minoan, the first Strategos (Chapter Master) of the Grecians

  Minoan: First Strategos of the Grecians for when they were first founded. Not much is known about his early life, or the circumstances surrounding his initiation as an Astartes. What is known is that he requested to be given Grecia as a homeworld, and be tasked with defending that region of the Segmentum Pacificus. After growing the Chapter to full operational strength, Monian heavily encouraged the companies to embrace the cultures of the cities they were assigned from, and develop their own identities. After leading the Cretans into the first battle in the Chapters history, Minoan initiated the close relationship between the Grecians and the Guardsmen regiment that shared the system with them. After leading the Chapter for many centuries, Minoan led the Cretans to the ultimately doomed Battle of Qart-Hadast, and in the afterman was declared lost to the warp after he and the survivors of his company were caught in a warp storm. A memorial was set up honouring the lost Astartes in the city of Knoss. His ultimate fate was unknown to the Chapter.

• Atreus Epizon: Genikos of the 1st company and one of the few survivors of the Last Stand at the Hot Gates. Recruited to the Chapter shortly after its defence of Massalia station, Atreus quickly impressed the veterans of the Laconians, with his combat prowess and an unending resolve. By the time of the Battle of Grecia, he had earned the rank of Lochias, and was in the line holding the Hot Gates against the approaching Chaos hoard. It is reported that he was responsible for dragging the dying body of Leonidas away from the pile of corpses at the end of the battle, leading the few survivors towards friendly positions. After the Grecians victory, Atreus was raised to the position of Genikos, and upon the arrival of Primaris reinforcements, traveled alongside the Indomitus Crusade, being the first Grecian force to leave the sector since Minoan. He led his men well during the campaign, taking part in minor battles, before traveling back to Grecia at the end of the campaign. He had developed a reputation during the campaign for being immensely loyal to his brothers, and flew into a controlled rage when they were slain. During the Serpentine incursion, he personally slew the traitor Pausanias, and saved Pericles and the Atticans in the city of Knoss alongside his company, though the Incursion did awaken some doubts about the claims made towards the Grecians heritage. Was presumedaly sacrificed by the hands of Agamemnon Tyrannos before the Fall of Grecia.
• Pelopidas Cadmae: Lochias of Skotoste Omades Delfoi, of the Boeotians Company. Initially a Firstborn marine apart of the Adelphos Dinami, Pelopidas requested to be removed from the formation after the deaths of both his brothers, who fell at his side during an ambush by Drukhari forces. After almost single handedly delaying an entire raiding party from evacuating a captured asteroid outpost, Pelopidas rendezvoused with reinforcements to cut down many of the fleeing Eldar, personally taking the head its leader. After returning to Grecia, he isolated himself from the rest of his company, refusing laurels for his achievements and declaring that he had failed his brothers. After the arrival of Primaris reinforcements, Pelopidas was one of the first to attempt to cross the Rubicon Primaris, narrowly surviving the operation. Emerging now as a Primaris Marine, Pelopidas claimed to have heard the voices of his brothers, calling on him move past their deaths and fight in their honour. Due to his experience, he was placed in command of the newly formed Delfoi kill team, and led them on many successful missions. During the Fall of Grecia, Pelopidas led his men in a final stand against traitor PDF forces defending a crucial Vox installation, just mere hours before the worlds destruction. Was presumed slain during the destruction of Grecia.

Chapter Fleet

Rhodos Battle Barge

The Grecians possessed a fleet consisting of two Battle-Barges, twenty Strike-Cruisers, and numerous transport/escort ships. The main force of the navy was split in half, with each half being managed by one of the two fleet-based companies. The two companies (The Ionians and the Rhodos) maintain separate tactics for naval operations. The Ionians were experts in ramming and boarding operations, with their ships often destroying or capturing that of the enemies. The Rhodos, alternatively, were experts in fleet manoeuvre and flanking tactics, enveloping and destroying the fleets of their enemies.

Chapter Relics

• 

  The recovered banner, with battle honours listed.

  The Banner of the Cretans: The only part of the lost Cretan company to be found following their disappearance in a warp storm. It was a standard company banner, bearing the names of both the company and the Chapter It is said that those who fight near the banner are filled with the anger and courage of the lost Astartes, the anger of those who did not die a fitting death. The banner imbues those around it with an extra will, determination, and rage at whatever enemy is near. After the Serpentine incursion, its aura has greatly diminished, and its fate is unknown after Grecias destruction.

• The Armour of Leonidas: A chest plate belonging to Leonidas Lacedaemonian, the only part of his power armour that survived the Battle of the Hot Gates. It suffered very little damage, even though it took many direct hits. Each Strategos after this has worn the armour as a sign of respect and to augment their abilities, with the wearer gaining extra strength and power. Was captured by the Serpentine Truth following the destruction of Grecia.

• 

  Chainsword of Pericles

  The Chainsword of Pericles: The chainsword laid down by Pericles Xanthippus before the evacuation of Athenai. It was the only thing to survive the orbital bombardment of the site, however, it possesses a single hairline crack. It was through this crack that the spirits of the fallen Astartes, stirred by the mass of warp energy released at the deaths of the daemon host, possessed the blade. After this, the weapon would perform extremely well against Slaaneshi chaos forces and would whirl faster when near Slaaneshi forces, as the fallen Marines would sense the presence of their murderers and be filled with anger. Was captured by the Serpentine Truth following the destruction of Grecia.

Chapter Appearance

Chapter Colours

The unique armorial for each Grecian Company, in order of number.

The Grecians sported a unique armour of custom build and shape. The helmet contained a stylised faceplate and a large plume. The armour was a light blue with white inlays and rims. A gold belt crossed the waist of the armour, and a stylised chest plate on the armour. This was constant across all companies, with the only variation being with veteran members, whose plumes were larger than newer Chapter members. The companies, however, each possessed a different symbol to represent themselves, as well as a unique colour corresponding to their home cities.

Chapter Badge

The Chapter badge was a white Lambda on a blue background. The rim was a metallic white, and at the bottom of the badge lay a stylised Grecian pattern repeating along its length.

Relations

Allies

The Imperium of Man: As the Grecians are a loyal and compliant chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, they pledge their allegiance to the greater Imperium. This, however, is not often expressed due to the Grecian mentality of staying within their own sector.

Grecian Auxilias Peltasts: Longtime allies of the Grecians, the Peltasts have assisted the Grecians in all their military campaigns since the chapter's inception. Based on another world within the Grecian system, the Guardsmen were unable to assist the Grecians when their homeworld was attacked, as they lacked the naval forces to break the Slaaneshi blockade, and were dealing with a raid from Chaos Astartes belong to the Serpentine Truth Warband.

Enemies

Forces of Slaanesh: The Grecians hold the forces of Slaanesh in the lowest of regards, considering them their most hated enemies. This stems from the invasion that these chaos forces undertook of Grecia, laying waste to a large swathe of their world, and destroying much of the Chapters recorded history.

The Serpentine Truth: A mysterious Alpha Legion warband that was recently responsible for infiltrating and attacking the Grecians. Little is known about their origins, aims, or location, but their hostility to the Grecians can not be denied. However, following their infiltration of the Chapter, the Grecian fleet was not able to pursue them and follow them to their home system, allowing them to escape and perform more hostile actions in the future.

Notable Quotes

By the Grecians

"My Brothers, I ask this of you: What is more important in the eyes of the Emperor? It is not maintaining your pride and honour in the face of adversity, nor is it wasting your lives to protect what can be rebuilt. No, the Emperor does not value wanton sacrifice. He values the lives of his servants, and the destruction of his enemies. Now, I ask you this; Will you join me, in abandoning our home, in order to bring death to those vile monsters that forsake our planet? Will you join me in laying down are city for the sake of victory? For I know, that through this, we will achieve victory, and live to fight for the Emperor."

—Spoken by Genikos Pericles Xanthippus to the members of the Atticans, moments before laying down his chainsword at the gates of the city of Athenai.

"The dishonourable and cowardly actions of the Phrygian Knights have once again shown us the error in operating outside our given charge. From this day, The Grecians shall hold the Knights responsible for the deaths of our Brothers."

—Genikos Leonidas Lacedaemonian in regards to Phrygian Knights during the Retreat from Qart-Hadast.

"We face our final moments up here, brother. I... am sorry we could not stop them. I suspect, as you probably did as well, that this had been their plan since the raid on our world that decade ago. May the Emperor protect you."

"Kill these traitorous bastards for us Pericles. Tell our brothers to fight to the last and slaughter as many of these bastards as they can. Emperors right, Hellene might!"

—The last words of the Genikoi of both the Ionian (7th) and Rhodos (9th) companies as their ships are dragged into a warpstorm

About the Grecians

(Feel Free to add your own)

"I have documented many a chapter within these halls, It is with great honor and chagrin i induct the Grecians amongst these tomes. Astartes of impeccable honor and strategy they were, truthfully it brings shame to me we could not intervene. But as was said, blood spilt between us is stronger than that shared between us. And with this their story concludes, ad memoriam sons of Grecia."

— Gawain, Archivist of The Hallowed Halls contemplating the fate of the Grecians upon the end of their documentation

[Source]

Gallery

Laconian Banner, depicting Battle Honours and Company symbol.

Attican Banner, depicting Battle Honours and company symbol.

Standard Astartes of the Siciliotes