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This article, Icebound Leviathans, was written by Jezzreal. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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The Icebound Leviathans are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter comprised entirely of Primaris Space Marines. This White Scars Successor Chapter was established during the Ultima Founding in 999.M41.
Similar to their progenitor chapter, the Icebound Leviathans are often used as forerunners to the main bulk of the Imperium's forces, sent to the most inhospitable parts of space to scout out new planets and expand the reach of the Emperor's light. As they operate on the fringes of the Imperium, they frequently encounter new enemies who hide in the shadows.
In the aftermath of the Indomitus Crusade, one such mission led the Greysheilds who would later become the Icebound Leviathans to the Orzyn System, where they discovered the ice planet Haildassa. Despite its harsh and unforgiving conditions, or perhaps because of them, they instantly felt a sense of homecoming.
Over time this Greyshield company would become the Icebound Leviathans and establish a permanent presence on Haildassa, building their imposing fortress-monastery and using it as a base of operations from which to launch missions into the unknown reaches of space.
Chapter History
Chapter Origins
Following the end of the Indomitus Crusade and the disbanding of the Unnumbered Sons, the Primaris Marines that would later become the Icebound Leviathans were due to be assigned to one of the many successor chapters that shared their same primarchial heritage, but before they joined their new battle brothers they were tasked with one final mission to explore. Following rumours of ancient technology and an encroaching Xenos threat they were dispatched to the Orzyn System, an uncharted region of space on the fringes of the Imperium.
Led by the Primaris Captain, Kheled Kuzma, and accompanied by several Imperial Guard companies and other auxiliary support, the then Greyshields exited the Warp on the outskirts of the system. Upon their arrival, unusual readings were instantly detected raising concerns within the command.
Further investigation of the data ruled out any Chaos influence, leaving Xenos as the most likely source, all but confirming the rumours that had sent them to this system.
Making their way through the system, they found most of the planets baren of either Human or Xenos life and met little, to no resistance as they continued to close in on the source of the strange readings, eventually narrowing it down to a single planet within the system.
As they approached the planet that would later become their home, evidence of the Xenos threat became very apparent with a fleet rivalling their own waiting in low orbit.
Further scans of the planet confirmed their suspicions that ithe source was here, making it vital that the Space Marines made planetfall as soon as possible, additional scans of the planet’s surface revealed that despite the harsh conditions it teemed with life both human and otherwise.
Kheled Kuzma ordered landing squads to be deployed immediately to secure the planet's surface, protect any inhabitants from the impending Xenos threat and importantly claim or destroy the source of these readings in the name of the Emperor.
Upon making planetfall, the Space Marines encountered fierce resistance from the Xenos forces, the Xenos threat proved to be a formidable one, with the Leviathans engaging in intense battles against hordes of creatures unlike any they had encountered before. However, the Space Marines were undeterred.
As the battles raged on, the Leviathans discovered a network of ancient ruins scattered across the planet's surface, evidence of a long-extinct civilization that had once thrived on the planet. It was here that they discovered the source of the unusual readings that had drawn them to the system - a powerful and ancient alien artefact that had been hidden away for millennia under the ice. Not wanting this to fall into the hands of this strange new foe, they redoubled their efforts and even though the battles were long and gruelling, eventually the Leviathans emerged victorious, having secured the planet and the artefact for the Imperium.
In the aftermath of the battle, Kheled Kuzma realized that the artefact could not be removed and a permanent force would need to be stationed to protect it from falling into the wrong hands in the future, in addition, the planet's harsh, frozen environment and ancient ruins held other secrets that could prove invaluable to the Imperium.
As they explored the planet further, they discovered that its icy wastelands were home to many dangerous predators and hostile factions. In recognition of their heroic efforts and to ensure that a standing force was kept to watch the artefact in case of any future incursion, the High Lords of Terra granted them the right to establish their chapter, and thus the Icebound Leviathans were born.
The Leviathans took Haildassa as their adopted home, marking it as the birthplace of their chapter and the crucible where they were formed. The planet's unforgiving environment presented numerous challenges, but the Icebound Leviathans were determined to make work and over time, Kheled Kuzma and his brothers built a fortress-monastery on Haildassa, using the ancient ruins as a foundation.
Chapter Homeworld
Haildassa
Haildassa - Home Planet of the Icebound Leviathans
Haildassa is an ice planet with a harsh and unforgiving environment, located in a remote and isolated sector of the galaxy. Its surface is covered in a thick layer of ice and snow, with frequent blizzards and freezing temperatures.
Despite its inhospitable conditions, Haildassa has a unique beauty to it. The auroras that dance across the planet's skies are a stunning display of colours, visible even during the planet's long periods of darkness. The ice formations that have been sculpted by the planet's winds and temperatures are also a sight to behold, with towering ice pillars and intricate ice caves that can stretch for miles. The Icebound Leviathans have established their fortress-monastery on Haildassa, utilizing the planet's natural defences and remote location to their advantage. The planet's harsh conditions have also allowed the Chapter to train and condition their Primaris Space Marines to withstand extreme environments, making them highly effective in combat operations on other worlds, especially those designated as death worlds.
Fortress-Monastery
Icebound Leviathans Fortress Monastery
The Icebound Leviathans Fortress Monastery, Glacialheim, is built on the site of the ancient city where the Leviathan’s won their final battle as Greyshields. Due to the thick Ice crust that covers much of Haildassa the ancient ruins made the perfect foundations for their Monastery echoing the place's importance as the foundation of the Chapter.
The Monastery itself is squat, reaching down and back into the icy caverns, ancient ruins, and frozen rock below the planet’s surface, in places its unscalable walls, and stubby spires are indistinguishable from the ice that surrounds it, as if carved out of the very glaciers themselves. Towering above the Monastery is one of the petrified creatures that the Chapter takes its name from.
The Frigid Nexus
Buried deep beneath the monastery in the ancient ruins sits the alien artefact that originally brought the the Icebound Leviathans to Haildassa, known as the Frigid Nexus.
It is a source of otherworldly energies, emitting a cold and mystical aura that has shaped the planet's environment and influenced the development of the chapter. The artefact holds both great promise and potential peril, and its origins are shrouded in mystery.
The Frigid Nexus is believed to be the creation of an ancient and enigmatic alien species that once traversed the cosmos. Little is known about this species, as they have long disappeared, leaving behind only remnants of their advanced technology. There are some who posit that rather than being of alien origin, the Frigid Nexus could could be a remenent of the Dark Age of Technology, and its origin could be Human rather than Xenos
The Frigid Nexus emits energies that have a profound impact on the environment of Haildassa. The artefact's influence is believed to be responsible for the planet's frozen landscapes, the petrification of the Glacial Leviathans upon death, and the heightened psychic resonance that some individuals, particularly psykers, experience. These energies are both a source of power and a potential danger, attracting various forces to Haildassa. There are even rumours that proximity to the artefact has influenced the Icebourne Leviathan's genetic makeup and that even their gene-seed subtly reflects the influence of the artefact.
The Frigid Nexus is believed to be the origin of the unique Frostforged material. This rare substance is found within the petrified Leviathans and has properties that make it ideal for forging weapons and armour. It is incredibly durable, retains cold energy, and can be shaped into deadly and intricate designs.
When building the fortress-monastery huge walls were built around this area sealing the artefact behind multiple thick doors creating a complicated and protected entrance.
This area is guarded at all times by some of the Leviathans' most respected and venerated battle brothers, known as the "Frostbound Sentinels" who provide a stoic and watchful eye over this Xenos technology to ensure it cannot fall into the wrong hands.
The existence of the Frigid Nexus has attracted the attention of the Imperium, as it represents both a potential source of great power and a risk if it falls into the wrong hands.
The Icebound Leviathan's combat doctrine and equipment have over time been adapted to exploit the energies of the Frigid Nexus which has raised concerns and drawn the eye of the Inquisition.
The Frigid Nexus stands as a symbol of both wonder and danger, a relic from a bygone era left behind by an ancient alien species. Its mysteries continue to drive the Icebound Leviathans' quests for knowledge and their commitment to defending Haildassa from those who would seek to exploit its power.
The Leviathans
Dead Icebound Leviathan
The Leviathans that traverse the frigid, ice-filled oceans of Haildassa have long intrigued its inhabitants, but their true nature remains an enduring mystery. While these colossal beings all share a serpentine form, their appearances and sizes exhibit astonishing variations.
However, amidst this diversity, one constant emerges—the peculiar phenomenon of their death and the legacy they leave behind. The intricacies of this process remain shrouded in uncertainty, yet it is a remarkable spectacle. As the Leviathans near the end of their lifespans, they depart the oceans and make their way onto the unforgiving land. Here, in their final moments, their once-supple bodies undergo a miraculous transformation, solidifying into a fusion of stone and ice. Leaving vast, monolithic monuments that litter the Haildassa landscape, testaments to the existence of these majestic creatures.
The human inhabitants of Haildassa have recognized the immense value in these petrified remnants, launching extensive mining operations to extract resources from these colossal statues. Yet, the significance of these petrified Leviathans extends far beyond their economic worth. Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that many of the natural features gracing the Haildassa landscape owe their existence to these ancient creatures. Towering cliffs that seem to touch the heavens, sprawling mesas that stretch as far as the eye can see—all are the handiwork of these colossal beings, sculptors of the land in ways both breathtaking and otherworldly.
It was during the initial campaign to Haildassa that the term "Icebound" was first coined to describe these towering statues. This evocative term later became the wellspring of inspiration for the name of the new chapter, the Icebound Leviathans, symbolizing their connection to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of their adopted homeworld.
The influence of these giant creatures does not stop at the surface. Beneath the frozen expanse of Haildassa's terrain, they have carved vast tunnels through ice and rock during their long and ancient journeys across the planet. These subterranean passages, like the Leviathans themselves, remain a testament to the enduring impact of these magnificent creatures on the world they call home.
The Icebound Leviathans are deeply involved in their ongoing investigation of the unique material found within the petrified Leviathans, which they have aptly named "Frostforged." This remarkable substance has already found its purpose in the creation of advanced Frostforged weapons wielded by the chapter.
Their relentless pursuit of knowledge is driven by the desire to unlock the enigmatic secrets concealed within these colossal structures further. They seek to discern whether there are additional military or valuable applications for the Imperium that Frostforged may offer.
Furthermore, the Icebound Leviathans are dedicated to uncovering any potential connection between the Frostforged material and the peculiar xenos artefact that initially led them to Haildassa. The pursuit of this knowledge forms a crucial part of their mission, as they strive to understand the intricate interplay between the petrified Leviathans, the Frostforged substance, and the enigmatic Frigid Nexus.
Human Inhabitants
Haildassa, with its extreme climate and unforgiving landscape, is a planet that poses an immense challenge for any living organism. The planet's surface is plagued with harsh and inhospitable conditions that make it seem nearly impossible for life to thrive. Yet, despite these seemingly insurmountable odds, there exists a thriving human population on Haildassa.
The Haildassians, have adapted to the planet's hostile conditions by living underground for the majority of the seasonal cycle. This has become a way of life for them, much like the planet's previous inhabitants, the owners of the mysterious artefact. As a result, their structures are often built into and over the dwellings of those mysterious ancients, or linked to the vast tunnels of the leviathans providing a link to the planet's history and largest inhabitants.
Despite the challenges they face, the Haildassians have managed to survive and even thrive. They are a tribal people, physically strong and resilient, capable of withstanding the planet's harshest conditions. They have also developed a degree of technological advancement that has allowed them to manage their day-to-day lives.
One of the most impressive feats of the Haildassians is their ability to sustain an agricultural industry underground. This is no small feat, given the limited amount of light and resources available to them. Yet, they have found a way to make it work, utilizing advanced hydroponic technology and other innovative techniques to cultivate crops and raise livestock.
The Haildassians remain a proud and resilient people. They have managed to carve out a niche for themselves on a planet that would seem to be uninhabitable, defying the odds and creating a thriving society.
The Haildassians' ability to adapt to the planet's harsh environment has not gone unnoticed by the Icebound Leviathans. The chapter has established a close relationship with the Haildassians, recognizing their resilience and strength. The chapter sources new Space Marines from the population, selecting only the strongest and most capable individuals to undergo the gruelling process of becoming a Space Marine.
Chapter Organisation
Officer Ranks
Specialist Ranks
Line Ranks
Specialist Units & Formations
Frostbound Sentinels
These battle brothers are entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding the enigmatic Xenos artifact entombed beneath the heart of the Icebound Leviathans' fortress-monastery. Only the most esteemed and proficient warriors are selected to bear this exceptional responsibility. In a departure from the Codex Astartes, the ranks of the Frostbound Sentinels exist outside the conventional Company Structure, underscoring their unique role and importance.
For members of the Frostbound Sentinels, venturing beyond Haildassa's icy embrace and the fortress-monastery is a rare occurrence, reserved only for the gravest needs of the Chapter. When such occasions arise, it is considered a tremendous honour for their fellow Leviathans to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in battle. This union not only elevates the Sentinels' morale but also imbues them with an unparalleled fervour as they execute their mission.
Frostforged Techmarines
Specialists in maintaining and adapting the chapter's technology for the extreme cold, as well as interfacing with the Frigid Nexus. These skilled individuals play a pivotal role in harnessing the power of the Frigid Nexus and using it to create the chapter's distinctive Frostforged equipment.
Frostforge Techmarines are not only experts in the preservation and adaptation of technology within the unforgiving cold of Haildassa but also possess a unique understanding of the enigmatic Frigid Nexus. Their knowledge allows them to unlock the secrets held within this xenos artifact, channeling its energy to craft Frostforged weaponry and equipment. This sacred process involves infusing the mysterious substance harvested from the petrified Leviathans with the power of the Frigid Nexus, resulting in arms and armour of unparalleled quality and resilience.
They are responsible for the Icebound Leviathans' unique tech such as Frostforged Weapons, Cryo-Munitions, Frostfire Flamers and many more.
Order of Battle
Headquarters
Companies
Chapter Beliefs
Chapter Gene-Seed
While the Icebound Leviathans' gene-seed is derived from the White Scars, and the harsh conditions of their home planet, Haildassa, and exposure to the Frigid Nexus have influenced subtle changes, there are no significant genetic flaws that hinder the chapter's function. However, the genetic modifications related to the adaptation to extreme cold and resilience to the freezing environment have had some impact on their genetic makeup
Due to their long exposure to the Frigid Nexus, their gene-seed has a subtle resonance with the xenos artefact. This resonance is not fully understood but is believed to contribute to their unique abilities.
Genetic Flaws
Cold Resilience
The Icebound Leviathans' gene-seed has adaptations that make them highly resilient to extreme cold. They can endure sub-zero temperatures without suffering from frostbite or cold-related injuries. This adaptation is crucial for their survival on Haildassa, where frigid conditions are the norm, however, it means they can find it challenging to operate effectively in excessively warm climates, without making technological adjustments.
Petrification Resilience
The ability to withstand the cold conditions of Haildassa and interact with the petrified leviathans may have had some additional unintentional consequences. The Icebound Leviathans seem to be more susceptible to certain toxins or environmental factors prevalent in other types of environments.
Psychic Sensitivity
The connection to the Frigid Nexus, while a source of power and mystic insight, seems to make Icebound Leviathans more sensitive to psychic phenomena. This can be a double-edged sword, providing them with unique abilities but also exposing them to psychic attacks from the enemy.
Ice Vision
Icebound Leviathans possess enhanced vision that allows them to see clearly in low light and snowy conditions. Their eyes can perceive subtle temperature differences, aiding them in tracking prey and enemies through snowstorms and blizzards.
Unknown Mutation
It's possible the Icebound Leviathans' genetic makeup might have developed unknown mutations or abnormalities due to their connection with the Nexus. These mutations could be dormant or undetected, posing potential risks in the future. This is speculative, and the true nature of any genetic issues or vulnerabilities related to the Frigid Nexus remains a closely guarded secret of the chapter.
Combat Doctrine
Deathwatch Service
The Icebound Leviathans have maintained a cautious and strategic approach when it comes to their interactions with the Deathwatch. Their wariness primarily stems from concerns related to their unique connection to the Frigid Nexus. This cautious stance has led them to refrain from sending members to the Deathwatch,
Notable Members
- Kheled Kuzma - Kheled Kuzma is a legendary figure in the history of the Icebound Leviathans, serving as their revered founder and first Chapter Master. His presence and leadership have left an indelible mark on the chapter, shaping its culture, traditions, and values.
Chapter Fleet
Chapter Relics
- Frostwind Glaive - The Frostwind Glaive is a legendary artefact wielded by Kheled Kuzma, the Chapter Master of the Icebound Leviathan, a magnificent and imposing weapon. It stands taller than a standard Space Marine and is crafted from a combination of frost-forged metals and ice-infused materials. The blade of the glaive is crafted from the fang of a colossal icebound leviathan and enchanted to harness the freezing powers of the Frigid Nexus. The haft is made of frost-tempered steel, adorned with ornate carvings depicting scenes from the chapter's history.
- Leviathan's Embrace - A master-crafted power fist that mimics the crushing force of a Glacial Leviathan's bite, able to shatter armour and bone with ease.
- Frostheart Cloak - Woven from the fibers of petrified leviathan skin, this cloak protects against the cold and grants its wearer heightened resilience in battle.
- Frostshroud Banner - An ancient banner that bears the sigils of the Icebound Leviathans, instilling courage in allies and striking fear into the hearts of enemies.
- Chillforged Blade - A master-crafted power sword infused with the essence of the Frigid Nexus, capable of freezing anything it touches.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
During the Indomitus Crusade when the brothers of the Icebound Leviathans fought as Grayshields they did so wearing the colours of their progenitor chapter the White Scars.
Upon their founding, they kept the white armour base of their forebears but added a glacial blue tint to represent the icy wastes of their new homeworld. Other blues and greens adorning their armour represent both the frozen oceans and lakes of their new home and also the scales of the hulking Sea Serpents that roam them.
The Aquila or Imperialis on the chest plate as well as the pauldron trim are gold.
The inset of the shoulder plates and the right knee are Green.
The colour of the left knee plate indicates which company a battle-brother belongs to, this creates a unique feature of the 4th Company's armour where both knee plates are green.
Purple and green are also used to denote rank, as well as being a common colour for senior officers to use on additional adornments such as cloaks, epaulettes and others, this is derived from the colour of the blood of the great Leviathans they share their home and name with.
Chapter Badge
The Chapter Badge is a stylised representation of the great Sea Serpents or "Leviathans" that roam the icy oceans of their adopted homeworld
Relations
Allies
Enemies
Notable Quotes
By the Icebound Leviathans
About the Icebound Leviathans
- "In battle, the Icebound Leviathans are like a glacier, moving inexorably forward, impervious to the enemy's assaults. Their strength and unity are a shining example to all who serve the Emperor."
- — Sister Superior Amara, Order of the Valorous Heart
- "The Icebound Leviathans are like the icebergs—only a fraction of their strength is visible. Beware their hidden depths and their ability to turn the cold against you."
- — Aeldari Farseer Illyndra
- "Dem spikey humies wif da frosty gear? Dey's tough, but dey ain't got da WAAAGH! spirit! We'll stomp 'em in da snow!"
- — Ork Warboss Grog Skullcrusha
Trivia
A.I. Imagery used for demonstrational/inspirational purposes only,and are here as placeholders to be replaced/removed before taking page from Sandbox to live.
Gallery
