|
This article, Incarnadines, was written by Rhaestar. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
|
This article, Incarnadines, is currently under active construction. The author, Rhaestar, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
- "Thirst. Rage. Radiance. Three curses are ours to bear. Three burdens sit heavy upon our souls.
But we do not falter in our duties, we do not cower at our own weakness. Let the galaxy bestow a thousand curses more, it would make no difference! We do not carry the histories and traditions of millenia, we can not claim the reputation and glory of those who have fought the long war for ten thousand years.
Yet we stand tall all the same!
We are the rage of young blood! We are the light of newborn stars! We are the names carved into the bloodred flesh of our foes! Incarnadines! By his Blood are we made!"- —Arvim Tuldrir, Bloodmaster
The Incarnadines are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter, created during the Ultima Founding as successors to the Argent Eagles. They therefore belong to the Chapters of the Blood, proud sons of the Great Angel Sanguinius. Plagued by the Twin-Flaws of the Blood Angels as well as the Blinding Radiance, a mutation inherited from their direct parent Chapter, the Argent Eagles, their brotherhood has endeavored to maintain a balance between the trinity curses of their Gene-Seed and uphold the legacy of their Primarch.
Their warriors excel in the close quarters savagery of melee combat, tearing through their foes with swift sword strokes and disciplined bolter salvos. The sudden death delivered from on-high by their Jump Pack Assaults may break even the strongest of defenses, for their hearts are filled with the eagerness of a Chapter that is young in more ways than one.
To be of the Ultima Founding is to be heralds of the new age, the time of the returned Primarch and the machinations of the Great Rift. Though their respect for the elder Chapters is great, they strive to carve an identity for themselves that is not dictated by the traditions of the past, but determined by their deeds in the present. As the worlds of Imperium Nihilus burn, the Incarnadines set out to fight at the side of Lord Commander Dante and their brethren in the Blood, seeking both glory and opportunity.
Chapter History
Following the Devastation of Baal, tens of thousands of Primaris Space Marines arrived with the Indomitus Crusade of the Primarch Guilliman in order to relieve the beleaguered Chapters of the Blood. Many orders were reinforced, others rebuilt entirely. Yet many of the Primaris were organized into new Chapters of the Ultima Founding, to aid in the coming campaigns of the Dark Imperium. The Incarnadines were one such Chapter, founded using both the Battle-Brothers of the Unnumbered Sons as well as gene-seed stocks taken from the Argent Eagles Chapter.
It was a controversial decision, using geneseed suffering from a flaw in addition to the Red Thirst and Black Rage, but the emmisaries of the Archmagos Belisarius Cawl seemed eager to observe the result of Argent Eagles gene-seed being implanted in those of the Primaris line. Though there was some pushback from the Argent Eagles themselves, the reigning Chapter Master and his officers ultimately gave their blessings to the creation of the Incarnadines. After being granted the world of Tevita Tertius, swiftly renamed to Incarus, the Chapter began its operations with great haste.
In the few years since their founding, the incarnadines have wasted no time making a name for themselves. With eagerness, fury, and some might say overconfidence, they have plunged themselves into the dangers lurking around their home world's sub-sector. From opportunistic human pirates, to scattered Ork fleets and even daemonic incursions, the Incarnadines spread themselves thinly to achieve whatever they can as quickly as they can. Rash though their actions often are, they bring results more often than not. Even with their warriors scattered across Imperium Nihilus, they still commited a considerable portion of their forces to Lord Commander Dante's undertaking of establishing the Angel's Halo around Baal and the Red Scar.
Notable Campaigns
- Scourging of Baal (Unspecified Date. M42) - Though not yet formally organized into a unified Chapter, the Battle-Brothers of the Unnumbered Sons who arrived at Baal with Indomitus, and who would later become the Incarnadines, take part in the ongoing operations to cleanse the Baal system from the remnants of Hive Fleet Leviathan. After their official founding as a Chapter, the Incarnadines scourge several other systems from minor tendrils and seeding swarms on their way to their newly assigned Chapter homeworld of Incarus, thereby gaining vital combat experience against the Tyranids.
- Raid of the Riftmen Harbour (Unspecified Date. M42) - As one of the Chapter's first independent campaigns, the Incarnadines set out to raid a spaceport in the nearby Trius System which has been taken over by opportunistic pirates in the wake of the Great Rift. These criminals aptly named themselves the "Riftmen", for it was the pandemonium caused by the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum that allowed them to amass wealth and power. Seeing it as a parasite weakening Imperium Nihilus, the Chapter obliterates the pirates in a single precise and swift assault. While their Fleet takes on the enemy ships in the void, the Battle-Brothers board the orbital docks and the planetary spaceport, butchering all opposition with surgical brutality.
- Siege of Leonar (Unspecified Date. M42) - On their return journey to Incarus, the 4th company under Captain Folembray is cast off-course on the tides of the warp and arrives the the fortress-world of Leonar. Beset by a Warband of Traitor Astartes, the planet is under siege and engaged in a desperate fight for survival. Though posessing only the strength of a single company, Folembray enacts a swift series of hit-and-run assaults against the enemy fleet, thus diverting the attention of the traitors and granting the defenders some relief.
- Hour of the Red Lion - The golden moment of the siege occurs when Folembray, along with a handpicked group of elite warriors, performs a brilliant lighting strike against the orbital guns captured by the enemy. The foes, who have never before faced Primaris Marines, are overwhelmed by the unyielding fury of the 4th Company. More and more of the orbital defences are retaken and occupied by Leonar's PDF, eventually forcing the traitor fleet into withdrawal. The people of Leonar, whose world was said to have been named after a primarch of legend, praise and laude the 4th company and their captain as having fought "with the ferocity of the Lion himself". Though somewhat amused by the comparison with another geneline's primarch, Folembray embraces this moniker, and declares his company to henceforth be known as the Bloodpride of the Dark Chalice.
A Firstborn Battle-Brother of the Eclipsed Wardens
- Greenskin Blooding (Unspecified Date. M42) - A sizeable Ork Waaagh gathers in the northern reaches of the Chapter's sphere of influence, prompting the Incarnadines to dispatch a strikeforce under the command of Second Captain Alessan in order to eliminate the threat. A whole third of the Chapter is sent as part of this mission, fighting the greenskin menace upon the worlds of the Vilghum System. The system is successfully cleared of xenos, though the remnants of the Waaagh manage to escape into the wider turmoil of Imperium Nihilus. Alessan vows to hunt down and end this threat before it can grow strong again.
- Lost Brothers - During the havoc of the Vilghum campaign, Squad Samariel of the Second Company is lost in an ork-made landslide and, after tireless searching, is assumed dead. When its members finally do emerge from the chasms of the deep earth, they find that their brethren have already departed in hunt for the orks. Stranded on a feral world with little hope of rescue, they are forced to bide their time. Using components of their damaged gear and scrap from the battlefield, they are able to fashion a makeshift transponder beacon to call for help. By the fortune of the Great Angel, a fleet does arrive in orbit around the planet mere weeks after the start of their predicament. A strikeforce of the Eclipsed Wardens, cast here by the wild tides of the warp, locates the beacon's signal and makes contact with the Astartes of Squad Samariel. They offer their aid in reuniting them with the Incarnadines Chapter, and embark to the rest of the planets situated in the Vilghum system in order to gather intel. On Vilghum Secundus, the Wardens find a devastated world populated by a sparse number of survivors. After sharing rations and medical supplies with the people of Vilghum Secundus, they learn that Captain Alessan left them with great haste to pursue the orks deeper into heart of the sector. Their course set, the Eclipsed Wardens and Squad Samariel make their preparations.
- Extermination of Skeggjöld - For several months do the warriors of Squad Samariel travel with the Eclipsed Wardens, though the turmoil of the immaterium makes warp travel unreliable and slow. Even the exact location of the fleet is often uncertain, and so reuniting with the Incarnadines becomes a complicated matter. During the travels, the lost Incarnadines learn the ways of the Wardens and contribute their talents in any way they can. Many threats are encountered and repelled, ranging from human pirates to Aeldari Corsairs and even the malignant forces of Chaos. As more and more of their armour is damaged or destroyed in the fighting, the sons of Incarus replace their gear with that provided by the forges of the Wardens. In time, almost their entire battleplate is a mirror of that worn by their saviours. At journey's end, the fleet finally discovers the strikeforce of Captain Alessan, who is fiercely embattled against the greenskins at the hive-world of Skeggjöld. Without hesitation, the Wardens throw themselves into the fray, like Valkyries of ancient myth descending from Wōdan's halls. From above and below the two Chapters entrap and anihilate the alien horde, bringing an end to a long and hard-fought campaign. The men of Squad Samariel are at last returned to their brethren in red, white and black, and swear oaths of brotherhood to those who had saved them. While they once again don the symbol of the Incarnadines Chapter on their left pauldron, the rest of their armour remains in the livery of the Eclipsed Wardens. In accordance with Chapter tradition, Samariel is granted a title of honour, and is allowed to adopt a new name as a show of gratitude to the Wardens. Now named "Samariel Valkyren, the Returned Blade", and his squad being henceforth known as Squad Valkyren.
The crimson mark of the Blood God Khorne
Chapter Armorial of the Obsidian Champions
- Daemonuction of Lijura (Unspecified Date. M42) - A call for help echoes out from the Hive-World of Lijura and is intercepted by the Incarnadines, owing more to luck than the skill of their astropaths. A cult worshipping a Bloodthirster of Khorne, a beast by the name of Woaroch, has staged an uprising and taken control of multiple hives, and so the Chapter embarks to put an end to its heresy, with the Red Lion Folembray at their helm. Driven by their eagerness for battle, the warriors of Incarus plunge themselves headfirst into the fray, carving a bloody channel through the cultists in the planet's capital, supported by loyal PDF troops. Unbeknownst to them a smaller, more subtle, branch of the cult had purposefully distracted the Space Marines whilst preparing a summoning ritual on Lijura's moon, guarded by traitor Astartes of the Harvest Warband. Fueled by the barely restrained slaughter of the loyalists, the ritual is completed and a legion of khornate daemons led by Woaroch's herald Bloodbreaker washes over the system, leaving the Incarnadines and their allies locked in a desperate struggle against cultists, Traitor Astartes, and the Neverborn. Captain Folembray finally manages to swallow his pride and sends out a distress call in hopes that someone, anyone, will receive it even amidst the chaotic warp currents of Imperium Nihilus.
- Folembray's Folly - After both of Folembray's lieutenants are felled by Woaroch's Herald, the Bloodletter boasts of having beaten them with his bare hands, the Astartes' scalps hanging from his waist like loincloth. Bloodbreaker challenges Captain Folembray to a duel, and the Red Lion-- in his arrogance and rage-- accepts. The Herald of Khorne recognizes his worthy foe and draws his hellblade at last, its edge eager for blood. Such is Folembray's wrathful folly that the master of the 4th Company is blinded in his right eye, only seconds before his left arm is severed from his shoulder. Before the Herald can claim Folembray's scalp, however, the Company Champion of the Bloodpride, Calinael, casts himself between them. This intervention buys enough time for the 4th Company to storm the position and retrieve their wounded captain. When Calinael is at last overcome by Bloodbreaker, orders are given to obliterate the site of his last stand with all the firepower the strikeforce can still muster, thereby destroying the Champion's body and preventing the Bloodletter from claiming his scalp as a trophy.
- Obsidian Salvation - After suffering humiliation and defeat, the once proud lord of the Bloodpride is forced to consolidate the forces still remaining to him. A pitiful remnant of Lijura's PDF, no more than a few thousand men, continues its resistance against the encroaching hordes, supported by the battered survivors of his strikeforce. The Chapter fleet, engaged with ships of the Traitor Astartes, struggles to open a corridor for extraction. Yet in a lightless hour, embers of salvation appear in-system. A fleet of the Obsidian Champions Chapter arrives, determined to relieve their brothers in the blood. Not for the first time do the warriors of these two orders fight side by side, and more than ever does the glory of their martial prowess shine, united in sanguine slaughter and righteous fury. With flaming blades and defiant souls do the Champions and Incarnadines hold off the assault by the Neverborn, cultists, and Heretic Astartes until the last loyal soul upon Lijura is lifted into the sky by wings of fire. Though the world is lost, and the Red Lion wounded in both body and spirit, the sons of Sanguinius are saved to fight another day. Another red day, on which to repay the debt incured by the foul servants of Woaroch. Once more the bond between the Incarnadines and the Obsidian Champions was tested in the fires of hell, and it was not found wanting.
- Folembray's Folly - After both of Folembray's lieutenants are felled by Woaroch's Herald, the Bloodletter boasts of having beaten them with his bare hands, the Astartes' scalps hanging from his waist like loincloth. Bloodbreaker challenges Captain Folembray to a duel, and the Red Lion-- in his arrogance and rage-- accepts. The Herald of Khorne recognizes his worthy foe and draws his hellblade at last, its edge eager for blood. Such is Folembray's wrathful folly that the master of the 4th Company is blinded in his right eye, only seconds before his left arm is severed from his shoulder. Before the Herald can claim Folembray's scalp, however, the Company Champion of the Bloodpride, Calinael, casts himself between them. This intervention buys enough time for the 4th Company to storm the position and retrieve their wounded captain. When Calinael is at last overcome by Bloodbreaker, orders are given to obliterate the site of his last stand with all the firepower the strikeforce can still muster, thereby destroying the Champion's body and preventing the Bloodletter from claiming his scalp as a trophy.
- Campaigns of the Angel's Halo (Unspecified Date. M42) - Much of the Chapter's strength is commited to Commander Dante's effort of establishing the Angel's Halo, an expanding area of control and reconquest surrounding Baal and the Red Scar. The men committed by the Incarnadines are organized into two rapid-response units, one commanded by Bloodmaster Arvim Tuldrir, the other by First Captain Adamiel. Both scour the Dark Imperium to re-establish contact with isolated worlds, eliminate threats, and spread the word of Commander Dante's regency. Though warp travel is more perilous than ever, and the dark forces arrayed against them have never been stronger, their faith in both the Lord Guilliman and Commander Dante is absolute, as is their determination to reclaim all that has been lost.
- Hour of the Angel (Unspecified Date. M42) -
- Campaign of the Heroes' Ashes (Unspecified Date. M42) -
Chapter Homeworld
The civilised world of Incarus is a planet located in the northern regions of the Ultima Segmentum, and the newly assigned home of the Incarnadines Adeptus Astartes Chapter. Once a fairly wealthy trading hub lying at the cross-junction of several popular warp lanes, it has now fallen into the obscurity and turmoil of the Imperium's darkened side. It was originally known as Tevita Tertius, but was recently renamed in honour of its new masters.
The renaming was not something done on a whim, rather it was a deliberate action to mark the authority of the Incarnadines Chapter and instill obedience into the populace. This was deemed neccessary due to Tevita's less than ideal public order. Although the word "lawless" would be an exaggeration of circumstances, most industrial and residential districts on the planet had certainly suffered from a very lax and insufficient form of law enforcement since the onset of the Great Rift. The only areas where strict security measures remained in place were those of the inner capital district, a vast region of noble estates and temples where wealth and luxury can be found in abundance. This led to a global network of strange organizations, called the Seylith Syndicates. Crime Syndicates in all but name who had gathered a reputation for keeping order in exchange for favours and resources, and which extended their influence into every part of imperial governance on Tevita Tertius.
The world's new name had the precise effect that the Chapter Masters had intended. For every citizen in every district, suddenly the very name of their planet had become a reminder of the Chapter's presence. Simply speaking the place of one's birth out loud was now an acknowledgement of the Incarnadines's lordship over them. There was resistance from certain quarters, of course. Yet the Space Marines were anything but gentle in their measures to establish order. Revolts were crushed, examples made. Soon, the people of Incarus had come to accept the new status quo, such that even the Seylith Syndicates bowed their heads in fear. Some of the syndicates were dismantled outright, others were allowed to keep their power, provided that they serve the Chapter with the utmost loyalty.
Planet Geography
Incarus is a planet of bright red oceans and vast landmasses of dark green plains specked with grey and white forests. Dozens of seas divide the world into many close-knit continents of various sizes, the largest of which being the southern landmass of Vighirya where the capital city Sangor Coranis sits surrounded by oceans on both sides. Many smaller cities and industrial towns can be seen scattered across the surface of Incarus, appearing like dark dots of grey. The northernmost continent, Sycar, is dominated by vast mountains wherein the Incarnadines have constructed their Fortress-Monastery.
The northern edges of Sycar border the polar ice cap, also known as the Oe Vekrum Wastes. These cold regions of the north were once ordinary deserts of white snow, but since the opening of the Great Rift they have transformed into plains covered by black ice and dark fog, obscuring much of the ice cap's inner areas. Even with advanced orbital scans, the secrets of the Oe Vekrum Wastes remain shrouded by the cold desert, as if trying to mockingly mimic the great void of space.
The Chapter has begun using the ice desert for several purposes, such as training excercises, aspirant trials or Librarius Rituals. To this day the Incarnadines send exploration parties into the dark fogs of the deepest north, trying to uncover its mysteries. The Battle-Brothers often return with fewer warriors than they embarked with, covered in battle-damage and wounds.
Whatever is lurking in the Oe Vekrum Wastes, the Chapter has decided to keep it hidden from outsiders. Every suggestion to simply bombard the region from the void has been rejected without debate, and not a single void ship has so much as even approached the low orbit of the polar cap since the shadows fell over it. So far, the millitary operations undertaken in the wastes have been limited to a handful of squads. As for why, none but the Astartes themselves know. Even so, the people of Incarus should count themselves lucky that the enemy, whatever it may be, prefers to stay within the confines of the frozen north.
Sangor Coranis
The capital city of Incarus is a sprawling metropolis located on the southern continent of Vighirya. Hab-zones, industrial districts and spires of Imperial Institutions extend in all directions towards the coastlines where harbours and docks rise high above the beaches, giving way to the crimson waves of the world's many oceans. Slums filled with the sickly and disposessed are scattered like ugly cobwebs throughout the city, painting a dour picture of the suffering inflicted by the Great Rift's isolation. Though the Incarnadines have put an end to the riots which regularly spilled out from these places in the past, the overall living conditions have by no means improved. Now the condemned and poor simply surrender to hunger and sickness, aware that any attempt at revolt or resistance would only invite further pain.
In contrast, the capital district at the heart of Sangor Coranis stands apart in splendour and comfort. Polished, gothic walls of red granite rise up to meet with black-tiled roofs of sublime design. Gleaming lanterns illuminate the narrow streets with an eerie crimson glow, brushing away the grey colours seeping into the district from the foggy skies. Here reside the nobles, wealthy business owners, high-ranking Imperial officials and leaders of the Seylith Syndicates of Incarus, living out their lives behind high, well-patrolled walls which keep them separated from the rest of the planet. The fine manors and palaces of high society are only occasionally interrupted by brutalist fortresses belonging to offices of the Adeptus Terra. Inquisitorial fortifications and Mechanicus embassies stand like lone island in a sea of shining red and black.
Standing tall above all other structures is the imposing Royal Keep, where the world's planetary governor once held court. Now it is a social gathering place of the planet's ruling classes, though the Incarnadines regularly tread its halls to hold meetings with the planetary powers, usually to announce matters of governance. The Royal Keep stands out not just because of its size but also owing to the dull and beige stones that make up its structure. Once a whitewashed marvel, the Royal Keep has lost much of the erstwhile glamour it held in ages past. Decay and deterioration have turned the strong ferrocrete fortifications into something more akin to weak sandstone. A great citadel of lost glory and ruined greatness, inflicting awe through courtesy of its tragedy. Two great domes still glimmer defiantly in the dull sun of Incarus, one of red marble, the other of sapphire crystal. The red is known as the Old Senate, the blue as the Azure Court. The latter being where the Battle-Brothers of the Chapter have begun to, appropriately enough, hold court.
The Royal Keep is also where the Chapter organizes the initial stages of its recruitment process, for potential aspirants are invited here to test their mettle and prove their worth within the confines of the castle's Red Courtyard, a place of ceremony and challenge.
Fortress-Monastery
Trinitark Hold, the spiritual and martial headquarters of the Incarnadines Chapter, was built into the rust-red mountains of the Sycar continent, far north where it guards the lowlands from the dark ice of the Oe Vekrum Wastes. It looms as a crimson bundle of spires and towers, reaching for the heavens of Incarus like bloodsoaked needles. At the very heart of the Monastery lies a massive tower-keep of pure white known as the Sage's Sanctum, surrounded by high walls as black as night. Thousands of golden chains wrap around these walls like thin threads of grace, gleaming in the reflections cast by the crimson towers that glisten with the rising of the world's sun.
Even though the foundations of the Trinitark Hold were built according to brutalistic millitary designs which valued function over form, the structure itself eventually grew into a collection of bloody cathedrals and gothic temples, in contrast to the fact that the Chapter is, for the most part, not religiously inclined. Almost all structures within the fortress follow the Incarnadines livery of white, red and black, occasionally accented by golden chains, chains forged through sanctioned warpcraft and mortal skill to act as wards against psychic threats.
Chapter Organisation
Bloodred Triumvirate
Unlike most Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Incarnadines are led by not one but three different masters, representing the three flaws of their geneline. One who has learned to consciously control the Red Thirst, one who has mastered the Blinding Radiance, and one who has succumbed to the Black Rage.
Though each one holds different duties and posesses different skills, they are, in principle, equals in terms of power and authority. Practically, only the Bloodmaster and the Silversire are capable of commanding the Incarnadines, due to the Ragelord's madness, which is why cooperation between them is paramount to the survival of the Chapter.
- Bloodmaster - The first among the Chapter Masters is the Bloodmaster, a brother of great martial prowess and passion, one who has battled and struggled against the battlelust of the Red Thirst and emerged triumphant. The Bloodmaster must be familiar with the temptation and wrath that comes with unrestrained killing, but must also know to control and guide these impulses. In many ways he is the foremost of the masters, for his purview is the waging of war and the mayhem of battle. In most cases, he serves as the figurehead and chief representative of the Triumvirate.
- Silversire - As a Chapter that has inherited the geneflaw of the Blinding Radiance, the Silversire is selected from amongst warriors who have mastered the silver flaw and its Sagesight, having not only subdued but also harnessed it. He is expected to be more rational and composed in personality, since he stands as a symbol of the Argent Eagles' heritage. Wisdom and patience dictate the Silversire's decisions, and he is often the cooling ice to the Bloodmaster's wrathful fire.
- Ragelord - The Ragelord, strange though it may appear, is the third of the Chapter Masters, and is selected from the ranks of the Incarnadines' Death Company. Seeing as this Marine is within the clutches of the Black Rage, he is always bound in chains and accompanied by Chaplains, Sanguinary Priests and Trinity Honour Guards. Whilst the Honour Guards both protect and detain him, the Chaplains and Priests soothe his spirit with holy prayers and activation psalms instilled within all Battle-Brothers during their psycho-indoctrination. In this way the Ragelord can be kept relatively docile during ceremonies and gatherings of the Chapter Command. His role is a smybolic yet crucial one. He is the living reminder of their bloodline's darkest and most profound burden, undeniable proof that even the purest of angels may fall. Though beyond that, he is genuinely valued as a catalyst through which the words and emotions of their long dead Primarch can be conveyed, something that has on occasion affected the decisions of the Chapter. By means of extensive spiritual and medical treatment, the Ragelord is able to utter words of sanity, free from the black rage, once every few weeks. While these are often no more than a few words of encouragement, sometimes the Ragelord manages to lucidly speak an entire sentence before succumbing to his curse again. Regularly carried out rituals and sanguine rites must be performed by both priests and chaplains for this to be possible, a tradition that the Incarnadines take immense pride in.
Officer Ranks
- Chapter Master(s)
- Captain
- Lieutenant
Specialist Officer Ranks
- Lord Lieutenant - A unique rank granted to brother Evinus Hawn, a Firstborn Space Marine who led many of the Chapter's warriors during their time as unnumbered sons in the Indomitus Crusade, and who is now serving as an advisor to the Incarnadines.
- Chief Librarian
- High Chaplain
- Reclusiarch - Senior Chaplain
- High Priest
- Forgemaster
- Trinity Captain - Commander of the Chapter's Trinity Honour Guard
Specialist Ranks
- Librarian
- Chaplain
- Sanguinary Priest
- Techmarine
- Trinity Sergeant - Senior Member of the Trinity Honour Guard tasked with commanding a squad of their comrades
Line Ranks
- Veteran Sergeant
- Veteran
- Sergeant
- Battle-Brother
- Scout Marine
- Neophyte
Specialist Units & Formations
- Trinity Guard - Sanguinary Guard equivalent
Order of Battle
Headquarters
Companies
| Death Company | ||||
|
All Space Marines who have succumbed to the madness of the Black Rage serve in the black-clad ranks of the Death Company. | ||||
Chapter Recruitment
Fresh recruits are not hard to come by for the Chapter, because Incarus, as a decently populated world, does not lack in young blood. Within the royal keep of the planet's civilian government, a place known as the Red Courtyard serves as a place of challenge for all would-be aspirants to the Incarnadines. Though safely tucked away in the midst of the inner capital district of Sangor Coranis, its gates are ever open on the days of the trials, even to the lower classes. Nobles and slum dwellers alike flock to the stony walls of the castle and assemble in the Red Courtyard to prove themselves and be tested.
The trials are separated into five stages.
- Stage I. - Aspirants are tested for genetic compability to ensure that they are suited for receiving the gifts of the Emperor. Basic physical tests and exams follow, though even those afflicted by ailments or bodily disabilities are usually allowed to partake, regardless of how unlikely to succeed they are.
- Stage II. - Aspirants engage in brutal duels and group fights against each other, thereby deciding who is allowed to advance further. At this point, no lethal weapons are used, even if deaths do sometimes occur. As far as the Chapter is concerned, most methods to achieve victory are permissible.
- Stage III. - Those aspirants who earned the right to proceed are taken into the mountains around the Fortress Monastery. Several weeks of intense training and conditioning follow. The difficulty and danger of the trials increase, and a certain number of youths are expected to die. Survival in the rocky wilderness and exams of the mind are thrust onto the aspirants in quick succession. Early stages of psycho-indoctrination are applied to their minds, removing any doubt of loyalty or commitment.
- Stage IV. - A final trial in the black desert-hell of the frozen Oe Vekrum Wastes awaits the last batch of surviving aspirants. This trial is not always exactly the same, but always includes splitting the youths up into several groups and assigning them various missions to complete within the snowy-black mists of the ice cap. Each of these aspirant groups are escorted by fully armed and armoured squads of Incarnadines Battle-Brothers, since the ice fields of Oe Vekrum hold many dangers that the boys are not expected to face. Rather, it is the hostile environment and the completion of their tasks which pose the actual challenge. In these things, the aspirants can only rely on one another, for the Space Marines charged with their protection are strictly forbidden from helping them in any way, save against the unspoken horrors lurking beyond that may assail them during the trial. If any of their number succumb to the biting cold or lose their way, the Astartes will make no attempt to rescue them. All who carry out their objectives in the black north and survive this trial are considered neophytes worthy of being elevated to the genhanced state of the Space Marines.
- Stage V. - The last stage of the recruitment process is one that determines more specialised qualities in the freshly proven neophytes. Though each of them is guaranteed elevation at this point, only some of them will be given the chance to be put into leadership positions and specialist roles ahead of their brothers. Where others may have to endure decades of war to achieve higher ranks, those deemed suitable in the fifth stage have the opportunity to be favored in their advancements earlier. The Imperium Nihilus does not wait for the Incarnadines to be ready, and so they have chosen to trust some of their scout formations with more independent action, which requires leaders and specialists. Stage V aims to uncover mental and psychological attributes desired for such roles through psychic and scientific means.
After all stages have been overcome, neophytes are swiflty given over to the Sanguinary Priesthood for the implantation of the Primarch's blessed geneseed and the Emperor's Gifts. While this process is not quite as expedient as it is with the Blood Angels Chapter, it still seeks to produce a battle-ready Space Marine in less than two years, During this period, education and training are unceasing and relentless, drilling every aspect of Astartes life into the new brothers with unforgiving discipline. Rest is given only when truly needed, and the more advanced techniques of psycho-indoctrination are put to use. After a brother's third year in service is done, he is granted his black carapace, far earlier than in most other Chapters.
What emerges at the end of this process is a Space Marine of the Incarnadines Chapter, a true scion of Sanguinius. A warrior armed and armoured by the blood of the Great Angel, and eager to bring death against all enemies of mankind.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The gene-seed of the Incarnadines Chapter is derived from the gene-seed banks of the Argent Eagles, which has led to them inheriting the geneflaw of the Blinding Radiance in addition to the twin-curses of the Red Thirst and the Black Rage from which all decendants of Sanguinius suffer.
The Radiance, as it is understood by the Astartes of Auroria, is a genetic flaw that curses the bearer with an inner light, one that may grow within one's body until it bursts forth, burning its way through the flesh and blood of a the afflicted and almost always robbing them of their eyesight or even their life. It can be controlled, given the right training and treatment, and a small fraction of brothers can even wield it as a tool to gaze into the shrouded past or glimpse the shifting tides of the future.
First symptons show as a subtle shimmer on a Space Marine's skin, or a faint glowing in the eyes. Specific excercises and rituals are needed to make sure that these symptoms do not grow stronger, for if they do the light inside will continue to churn and amass until it erupts and destroys a Battle-Brother's bodily functions, chiefly sight and sense of balance. Though as far as the Incarnadines are concerned, the more spiritualistic rituals for treating the flaw are mostly unnecessary.
Those who are disciplined and gifted enough are able to make use of an ability called the Sagesight. Through this, they may be granted insight into the genetic memories of the past, or memories of the future not-yet-lived. The nuances of this ability are many, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the visions granted by the Radiance offer more risk and folly and they do opportunity and wisdom. Many who experience sights of other ages are taken unawares, shocked with sudden revelation or cryptic dreams in the middle of battle. Only the few blessed with both determination and natural talent to fully control this silver disease can be relied upon to master and utilise the Sagesight and the advantages it may bring.
Once it became apparent that the Primaris brothers of the Blood were just as susceptible to the Red Thirst and Black Rage as the Firstborn, it was revealed that the Blinding Radiance of both the Argent Eagles and the newly founded Incarnadines remained equally unccured, so that the Chapters had to continue suffering all three curses.
The excuses presented by the envoys of Belisarius Cawl were varied and many, though ultimately the supposed reasons were meaningless. What mattered was the reality of the situation, and how the Incarnadines would adapt to it.
The Incarnadines were offered fresh and unaltered Gene-Seed stocks, taken not from the Argent eagles but the Blood Angels themselves, to eventually replace their tainted supply. But the Chapter refused, stating that this was their own burden and that it would not hinder them in the slightest. The officers of the Argent Eagles believed this to be a most unwise decision, but chose to respect the Chapter's right to self-determination. It was a matter of pride to be sure, born from the Incarnadines' need to prove themselves to the point where they would gladly accept another curse on their bodies if it meant showing their staunch spirit and eager commitment to their duty as a newborn Chapter.
Chapter Culture and Beliefs
- "Once the ringleaders are dead, the rest will likely surrender. If they do, we'll settle for putting their heads on spikes. If they don't, let them suffer the cross!"
- —Third Captain Francesael
The Culture of the Incarnadines Space Marine Chapter is yet young, and therefore still in constant flux, evolving as the order faces the tribulations of the Era Indomitus. Much has been inherited from both the Blood Angels and the Argent Eagles, but more than anything their aim has been to prove themselves and create an identity of their own.
This has resulted in a fiercely reckless approach to warfare, and has ensured that customs of the Blood, such as a preference for savage close quarters combat, have been retained. Though, in the case of the Incarnadines, they have opted for a compromise between firepower and brutality, unleashing boltfire, plasma and melta blasts only after closing the distance to their enemy. For the sake of efficiency, the Chapter has made it a habit to equip much of their ranged weaponry with bayonets and other melee attachments.
Battlefield Customs
Their immense pride is also expressed in the humiliation as well as the mutilation of their foes, for they are fond of making examples of defeated enemies or unruly citizens. The face of Imperial victory can be an ugly one, and in times as terrible as the Noctis Aeterna, it becomes a gory visage indeed. The punishments and spectacles of the Emperor's justice carried out by the Incarnadines range from simple public lashings and mass-executions to more theatrical methods such as the decoration of battlefields and reconquered cities with the severed heads of heretics and aliens. Some in the Chapter are especially fond of impaling the adversaries of mankind, either alive or dead, upon sacred spears forged from the melted down remains of their own weapons. Crucifixion, too, has become a common sight on any world where the Incarnadines emerged victorious. Far from the grace of the Great Angel though they are, these displays of terror are merely what the traitors deserve for their sins.
One of the titles kept from the Blood Angels Chapter, the Master of Sacrifice, has become the chief enforcer of these customs. Special ceremonies - one hesitates to call them rituals - have emerged surrounding the punishments and executions of the Incarnadines, enshrining the suffering of mankind's adversaries through the creation of bloody traditions.
Another custom entertained by the warriors of Incarus is the act of carving their names into the flesh of bested opponents. It is seen as a marker of dominance and personal glory, especially when done in the midst of battle, rather than during a fight's aftermath. Naturally, enemy champions and leaders are the most prized targets for this practice, and many a brave Incarnadine has ventured forth with sword or bayonet in hand to claim the humiliation of powerful adversaries.
Titles
Connected to this is the Incarnadines' love for honour titles, epithets of prestige that denote a brother's achievements and fame. The more illustrious the title, the greater the honour gained by carving it into a foe's flesh. It is an unwritten rule among the Chapter officers that one must first acquire such a title before ascending to the high seats of the Command Council. It is said that Captain Folembray, the infamous Red Lion of the 4th Company, began this particular tradition, as both his name and title have garnered much respect and admiration among his peers.
Sometimes the Chapter attaches honour titles to members of other Chapters or Imperial factions as a marker of respect and admiration within the Incarnadines, which leads to them almost always referring to the individual in question with said title. The first to be honoured in this way was Commander Dante of the Blood Angels, whom the warriors of Incarus know as the "Angelorum Omnium Rex", the King of All Angels.
More formal titles, attached to the high offices of the Chapter, are also venerated with much respect.
- Master of Sanctity - An additional title granted to the High Chaplain of the Reclusiam.
- Lord of False Flesh - A title that is sometimes used interchangeably with the rank of the Armoury's Forgemaster.
- Master of the Keep - The Master of the Keep is designated to serve as second-in-command to the Bloodred Triumvirate and will serve as the regent of the Chapter homeworld in those cases where both the Bloodmaster and the Silversire are off-world or incapacitated. The title is borne by the First Captain of the Veteran Company.
- Master of the Marches - As well as leading an entire company of Space Marines in battle, the Master of the Marches has the duty of overseeing the deployment of the Chapter's fighting strength. Though the lords of the Chapter are highly versed in the ways of warfare themselves, they do occasionally consult the Master of the Marches and his knowledge of Chapter dispositions when readying for war. The title is borne by the captain of the Second Company.
- Master of Sacrifice - A mostly prestige-based honorific whose exact duties can be vaguely applied to anything relating to the formal disciplining, humiliation and punishment of the enemy. From simple lashings of insubordinate civilians to the ceremonial impalement of Traitor Astartes, the Master of Sacrifice is charged to oversee, organize and personally enact displays of brutality and reprisal. In simpler terms, his duty is to put the fear of the Throne into all who oppose it. The title is borne by the captain of the Third Company.
- Lord Executioner - The Lord Executioner is a brutal and direct individual whose responsibilities are twofold. For one, he is tasked with the butcher of short, bloody and efficient close combats, bringing unrestrained bloodshed to the field of battle. Yet he is also bestowed the grim duty of execution. Not the execution of the foe, for that is the duty of any loyal Space Marine. Rather, in those rare and unfortunate cases where a Battle-Brother of the Incarnadines has been sentenced to death for transgressions against the Chapter or the Imperium at large, it is the Lord Executioner who must deliver the sentence. Any captain could do this, yet it is important that the executioner be a man of renown and honour, so as to grant their erstwhile brother a clean and dignified end. The title is borne by the captain of the Fourth Company.
- Keeper of the Arsenal - The Master of the Arsenal is charged with overseeing the Chapter's arsenal of weapons and munitions. The title is borne by the captain of the Fifth Company.
- Steward of Sangor Coranis - This title is quite similiar to a Master of the Watch. He serves as the sentinel of the fortress-monastery, and is responsible for the defence of his Chapter's base of operations and homeworld in the absence of the Chapter Master. As an extension of this, the holder of this title is also made the administrator and protector of the planet's capital city of Sangor Coranis, often serving as an intermediary between the Chapter and the civillian populace. The title is borne by the captain of the Sixth Company. Its current holder has since elaborated upon these duties, devising an intricate information network spanning the entire system, further augmenting his capabilities as the upholder of peace and public order.
- Master of the Rites - The Master of the Rites is charged with recording and preserving the martial traditions of the Chapter -- a bombastic, courageous warrior with unswerving loyalty to his Battle-Brothers. This individual exudes a sense of martial pride and fervour to those around them. The Master of Rites roars inspiring rhetoric during the heat of battle, reminding his Battle-Brothers to remember their duty and heritage, even as they clash with the foe. The title is borne by the captain of the Seventh Company.
- Lord Adjudicator - The Lord Adjudicator acts as a representative of the Chapter to other Imperial Organizations. This is often a duty handled by either the Chaplaincy or one of the Chapter Masters, yet there are cases where a more neutral party is required. The Lord Adjudicator is expected to excel in matters of diplomacy in order to resolve disputes with other Chapters or certain institutions. He must of course act in the best interest of the Incarnadines, but he is not above swallowing his pride and bowing his head in apology, if that is what it takes to avoid needless conflict.
- Master of Sieges - A title given to the foremost expert of siege warfare among the captains of the Chapter. Should the homeworld itself come under direct siege by an enemy, he and the Steward of Sangor Coranis are expected to work in tandem as the defenders of Incarus. The title is borne by the captain of the Ninth Company.
- Master of the Wastes - The Incarnadines title for what is usually known as the Master of Recruits. Whilst this captain trains and instructs the next generation of Astartes, he is also responsible for the surveillance and containment of the Oe Vekrum Wastes in the frozen north of Incarus, where certain trials and training exercises take place. The title is borne by the captain of the Tenth Company.
- Elector of the Rage - The formal title for the Reclusiarch chosen to lead the Chapter's Death Company. He is styled such for the fact that he elects the Ragelord, one of the three Chapter Masters, from the ranks of his mad brethren.
Spiritual Beliefs
On a more spiritual level, the Chapter has kept many traditions and rites from the Blood Angels. The legacy of Sanguinius is considered sacred to them as much as it is to any other scions of the Great Angel, and so their Sanguinary Priesthood maintains ceremonies and customs of holy prominence in the Incarnadines Chapter Cult. Even so, whether or not they ascribe any supernatural affects to these traditions is unclear, with some regarding them as overly superstitious.
The matter of the Emperor's divinity is a delicate subject, seeing as their direct founders, the Argent Eagles, worship the Master of Mankind as a god, whilst the Blood Angels and most other Astartes do not. Further, many within the Chapter were raised in the stasis vaults of Archmagos Cawl, and so were never indoctrinated into the Imperial Faith. It has not helped that the Primarch Guilliman himself, with whom the Unnumbered Sons of Sanguinius fought for many years, made his secular stance on the topic very clear on many occasions.
Though they are not as inclined towards philosophy as their Aurorian brothers, the Incarnadines have still dedicated many debates and discussions to this question. There is not yet a clear consensus, which is why a small number of Battle-Brothers have been allowed to adopt the beliefs of the Imperial Cult and the Argent Faith for themselves, even if most of their brethren remain skeptical.
Tarot of the Hosts
Given their skepticism, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Incarnadines don't care much for tools like the Emperor's Tarot. That said, even they cannot entirely forfeit certain customs of the Blood. One such custom being the Tarot of the Hosts, a set of cards corresponding to each Space Marine Chapter of the Sanguinian line founded since the Great Heresy War. It is said to give insights into the fate of the Blood Angels and their Successor Chapters, being made from the crystalized blood of each individual order. The Incarnadines Chapter received a set of their own, and occasionally consult it before battle, though mostly as a symbolic gesture.
Blood over Oil/Flesh Grafting
Lastly, one noteable characteristic of the Incarnadines Chapter Cult is their pronounced aversion for cybernetics and excessive mechanical modification. While they have no problem leaving the priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to their own devices, they are less tolerant concerning their own bodies. They regard their flesh and blood as the inheritance of their father Primarch, and an integral part of the bonds that all sons of Sanguinius share. To replace sacred bone and blood with steel and oil seems a strange perversion to them which they hesitate to embrace. They believe that in the darkest hours, it will be the purity of their souls and the strength of their flesh, rather than the gifts of the machine-god, who will deliver them from defeat. There is even a saying which has become popular amongst their ranks: "Blood over oil."
As a result, the Chapter does not like to make use of technological augmentations to mend their broken bodies, and so they have instead adopted the more nuanced and obscure art of biological flesh grafting. In a somewhat ironic twist, the Incarnadines enlisted the aid of Belisarius Cawl's servants in this endeavor, working with them to integrate this technique into their medical arsenal.
The technology of flesh grafting allows the Astartes of Incarus to replace lost body parts by fixing flesh grafts to their damaged bodies, grown from seeded organics, and vat-cultured in the Sanguinary Priesthood's laboratories. This way, living flesh that has been bio-typed to the Marine in question may take the place of previously lost organics. Some injuries are more easily healed than others, and sensory organs such as eyes can prove to be particularly difficult. It is not uncommon for flesh grafts to reject the patient's body due to a variety of factors, although if a Marine's physical disposition favours it an entire limb can be replaced in this manner. As a last resort, or at times when utmost haste is required, a Battle-Brother may begrudgingly accept a conventional bionic component, though only for the duration of combat.
Chapter Combat Doctrine
- "By the Blood and the Codex, they will fall at our hands before the day is done. Exploit their weaknesses, decapitate their chain of command, cripple their supply lines. Soon they will ask for the mercy of our boltrifles. Do try to conserve ammunition."
- —Fifth Captain Arrigos
In accordance with the dictates of the Codex Astartes, the doctrines employed by the Incarnadins Chapter generally follow the usual conventions of Astartes warfare, playing to the specific strengths of Space Marines as elite special forces capable of flexible and rapid deployment. Be it the breaking of a long-standing stalemate or the quick decapitation of a rebellion's leadership, these sons of the Great Angel enact the slaughter of the traitor and the alien just as the stasis-simulations of Mars taught them.
That being said, during the years since their first awakening, the brothers of the Chapter have grown closer to the art of killing as carried out by their kinsmen in the Blood. Taking inspiration from the older orders, they have fashioned a new way to fight for themselves. Especially the skills of brutal melee combat have been honed, adapted to feature the use of bayonets and other close quarter weapons in conjunction with more advanced firearms. Heavy Bolters, Melta Guns and Plasma Weapons have all become integral parts of this fighting style, one which favors heavy weapons fire at a close distance, followed by savage tearing of enemy flesh.
Close Support troops using Jump Packs and grav-chutes are also used en masse, giving further impact to the ruthless assaults carried out by their troops.
Due to their comparatively small fleet, the Chapter maintains a strong focus on planetary assault using drop pods, thunderhawks and lighting strikes to maximize their Emperor-given gifts. In everything they do, both conventional and unorthodox, the Incarnadines value swiftness and passion, driving back the darkness with the confidence and eagerness of youth. A well-proven approach, though still lacking the wisdom of experience.
Deathwatch Service
As of currently, the Chapter has not had any relations with the institution of the Deathwatch. The recency of the order's creation, coupled with the mayhem of the dark Imperium Nihilus, means that no member of the Incarnadines Chapter has yet had the opportunity to take up the Long Vigil. Whether this will change anytime soon remains to be seen.
Chapter Fleet
The fleet of the Incarnadines Chapter was, for the most part, newly constructed at the founding of the order. Some of the vessels are older ships that served in the initial phases of the Indomitus Crusade, and were given over to the Incarnadines to help them begin operations more swiftly. Even so, the flotilla of the Incarnadines is somewhat smaller than that of other Chapters, for the resources of the Lord Regent, while enormous, were not without limit. Many successors of the Blood Angels had been devastated, some completely destroyed. The rebuilding of those brotherhoods naturally took priority, so that the newly formed Ultima Chapters created from the unnumbered sons had to make due with what could be spared.
Contrary to what one might expect, the Incarnadines were anything but displeased by this. They understood the circumstances and welcomed a smaller sized fleet, stating that it would be a test of their ability to operate in Imperium Nihilus with only a handful of cruisers and escorts. Relishing the challenge, the warriors of Incarus have since begun to send their ships on many missions, besting foes with many times their numbers through swift and aggressive hit-and-run tactics.
Pict capture of the assembled Incarnadines Chapter Fleet
Thinly spread as they are, most of their strikeforces are made up of only two to three vessels, focussing on concentrated firepower and speed. Thankfully, the ships that were newly built use more advanced technology than older marks of Astartes vessels, one of many boons bestowed by the adepts of Belisarius Cawl. The Incarnadines especially were granted many new drives and weapons systems, courtesy of an arrangement between the Chapter and the Mechanicus.
This has aided the the Marines in making up for their small fleet size, and thus far they have fought wisely and fiercely with the tools given to them.
The visual appearance of the fleet corresponds to the livery of the Chapter, using alternating patterns of red, black and white. Checkered surfaces and iconography used by the Blood Angels and their successors can be seen on the vast hulls of many ships.
Each of the Strike Cruisers is named in honour of a Blood Angels Successor Chapter, whereas the flagship represents the young and independent identity of the Incarnadines themselves.
- Bloodred Chariot (Battle Barge; Chapter Flagship) - The Bloodred Chariot is the heart of the Incarnadines Chapter Fleet, measuring over 10km in length. Equipped with potent Void Shields, advanced hangar bays and a newly developed point-defence grid, it is by far the mightiest weapon at the order's disposal. Visually striking in appearance though it may be, its most treasured ornamentations are a massive scarlet gemstone embedded within its outer hull and a titanic slab of black marble carved in the likeness of Sanguinius gracing its flank.
- Eagle of Incarus (Strike Cruiser) - This ship was named in honour of the Argent Eagles, who are the direct founding Chapter of the Incarnadines. It intentionally bears more white surfaces than the other vessels of the fleet, and it is marked with the Star of Silverdawn. Length: 5.0km
- Torn Tempest (Strike Cruiser) - This vessel was named in honour of the Flesh Tearers Chapter. Fields of black cover it from bow to stern, and the symbol of Amit's serrated blade can be seen painted on the hull. Length: 5.0km
- Black Grail (Strike Cruiser) - This craft derives its name from the symbol of the Blood Drinkers Chapter, which is depicted in a large window of stained armour glass. Length: 5.3km
- Sanguine Pride (Strike Cruiser) - The Sanguine Pride was christened after the Angels Sanguine. A red wing, which is a shared symbol in the heraldry of both the Blood Angels and the Angels Sanguine, is painted upon the vessel's frontal section. It is one of the most advanced Strike Cruisers in the Fleet, posessing powerful macro batteries and long-range lance weapons. Length: 5.8km
- Dark Castellan (Strike Cruiser) - The Dark Castellan was named in honour of Castellan Zargo, the late Chapter Master of the Angels Encarmine Chapter, who gave his life during the Devastation of Baal. Much like the Sanguine Pride, this ship was built with new technology developed by the Archmagos Cawl, boasting an impressive array of systems and weapons. Length: 5.8km
- 8 Escort Craft - The escort craft of the Chapter are few in number, yet effective all the same. All support craft of the flotilla are modified Gladius Frigates, Nova Frigates or Hunter Destroyers, ranging from 1.5km to 2.2km in length.
Chapter Relics
- Axe Encaridus - A master-crafted Power Axe carried by the Bloodmaster. The Axe Encaridus demonstrates the Chapter's sublime artistry and might, fashioned in homage to Commander Dante's own Axe Mortalis. It is large enough to warrant wielding it with two hands.
- Dawn's Darkness - A mighty two-handed powersword wielded by Captain Folembray of the 4th Company. It is forged from blackened ceramite, and decorated with faceted rubies.
- Amit's Rifle - An advanced and highly customised version of the Cawl Pattern Heavy Bolt Rifle. It is equipped with a fierce chain-bayonet as well as state-of-the-art technology granted to the Chapter by the Adeptus Mechanicus, making it far more precious and deadly than most of its kind. The Champion of the 3rd Company currently holds the honour of wielding it.
- Zephonius Blade - The Zephonius Blade is a two-handed powersword recovered during the Raid on the Riftmen Harbour. It is thought to be a long-lost relic weapon of the Blood Angels, a Glaive Encarmine, though little is known about aside from its astounding killing potential. Parts of it were re-made to resemble the Incarnadines heraldry, albeit most of the weapon proved to be indestructable and thus unalterable. Since its discovery, it has been in the care of First Captain Adamiel.
- Sagethunder - This large Thunderhammer is renowned for the blinding light which issues forth from its mechanisms, serving as both a stun weapon and an inspiring sight. It is the personal weapon of Silversire Kelithos Ahrnd, who forged it personally as a tribute to the Argent Eagles Chapter.
- Secundus Aegis - The Secundus Aegis is a Storm Shield gifted to the Chapter by Lord Lieutenant Hawn when he relinquished command of the Incarnadines Chapter to Bloodmaster Tuldrir. Sixth Captain Ledovik, the Steward of Sangor Coranis and Master of the Watch, carries it as his symbol of office, symbolising his commitment to shield the homeworld from harm.
Chapter Appearance
As Primaris, many of the Incarnadines awoke from vaults all across the galaxy, bringing a distinct variety of physical appearance to their ranks. Those Astartes created in recent years upon Incarus, however, take after the planet's core demographics. A tan shade of olive skin is the most common in the capital of Sangor Coranis, generally accompanied by black or blonde hair.
Certain populations living further north, close to the mountain ranges of Sycar, display paler complexions. Yet one trait shared between all born on Incarus are their bright green eyes, a characteristic that can be observed even in the dead of night, much to the dismay of outsiders, who sometimes mistake it for some sort of mutation.
Chapter Colours
The livery of the Incarnadines consist of a checkered pattern of black and red applied to the arms and legs with a clean-white torso and helmet. Shoulder trims, kneeguards and other accents are golden.
A Veteran-Sergeant of the 1st Company
- Battle-Brother - White helmet
- Sergeant - Half red half white helmet
- Veteran - Golden helmet
- Veteran Sergeant - Half red half golden helmet adorned with a small ruby in the shape of a blood drop
- Lieutenant - Half white half black helmet
- Captain - Half red half black helmet adorned with a large bloodstone in the shape of a blood drop
- Trinity Guard - The Honour Guard is clad in the typical armour of the Sanguinary Guard, following the standard colours of a normal Battle-Brother. The wings of their Jump Packs bear red feathers on one side and black on the other. The Trinity Sergeants wear green feathers whilst the Trinity Captain has a combination of the two, one wing being a mix of red and black feathers, and the other being entirely green.
Chapter Badge
The symbol of the Incarnadines, the Stella Triarkus, depicts a plane cut into three parts, divided through golden lines. A red star upon a black field, a white star upon a red field, and a black star upon a white field.
Markings
Assault Intercessor Sergeant of the 4th Company, 5th Close Support Squad. Emblazoned on his right leg is a personal company sigil of the Bloodpride.
Combat Role and Squad Number are displayed on the right pauldron.
Company number is indicated by coloured drops of blood on the right knee. Some Marines have started to display unique Company badges on their armour, either in addition to- or as a replacement of the traditional blood drop. Given how little time the Chapter has for artistic pursuits, such customisations are deemed as acceptable deviations from the standardized livery.
- 1st Company - 1 Golden Drop
- 2nd Company - 1 White Drop
- 3rd Company - 1 Red Drop
- 4th Company - 1 Green Drop
- 5th Company - 1 Purple Drop
- 6th Company - 2 Golden Drops
- 7th Company - 2 White Drops
- 8th Company - 2 Red Drops
- 9th Company - 2 Green Drops
- 10th Company - 2 Purple Drops
Close Allies of the Chapter
| Blood Angels |   |
As the First Founding heirs to the Legion of old, the Blood Angels command the respect and fealty of the young Incarnadines order. They are the gilded standard against which the warriors of Incarus measure themselves, a shining symbol of nobility and ferocity that has stood against he darkness for 10,000 years. Now that the Blood Angels hold rulership over half the galaxy, the Incarnadines find themselves obligated to assist them in their endeavors without question or complaint. |
| Argent Eagles |  |
Though the Blood Angels are renowned and honoured by those of the Chapter, they are not its direct founder. The gene-seed of the Inarnadines is inherited from the Space Marines of Auroria, the silver-clad angels who passed on many of their ideals, yet also their curse, to the young order. The ties between the two are strong, perhaps stronger even than to the lords of Baal, yet even so the Incarnadines have firmly asserted their independence from the Argent Eagles, aiming to form their own culture and create their own traditions in the tribulations of Imperium Nihilus. They are not defined solely by those who came before them, and so they strive to stand on their own. Honour and respect is still given to the elder Chapter, but always with an understanding that they are comrades and mentors, not masters. |
| Obsidian Champions |  |
In the short years since their inception, the Incarnadines have come across many factions within the turbulent tides of Imperium Nihilus. Among these, the Obsidian Champions revealed themselves to be one of the Chapter's most stalwart friends and allies. As a fellow Ultima Chapter that was created in the wake of Guilliman's return, the brothers of the Obsidian Champions wield fire upon their blades and inside their hearts, bringing zeal and fury to the enemies of man whilst excercising little restraint. Restraint, one might say, is a misplaced notion when facing the horrors of the Great Rift's dark side. Several battles have seen the Incarnadines fight side by side with these fierce warriors, yet none defined their bond as strongly as the Daemonuction of Lijura. When Captain Folembray and his men were beset by daemons serving the Blood God Khorne, it was the might of the Obsidian Champions which delivered them from the bloodstained fields of hell. A great debt to be repaid, and a deep bond never to be broken. |
| Blood Angels Successor Chapters (The Blood) |   |
The Blood Angels have always shared a close connection to their successors, a fact proven beyond doubt by the Devastation of Baal. A conflict whose aftermath strengthened this connection more than ever, elevating the Founding Chapter above all others to rule under the guidance of Commander Dante. The Incarnadines witnessed the cleansing of Baal after the arrival of the Indomitus Crusade, and the sacrifices made by their gene-brothers awed and humbled the young Primaris Marines beyond words. Though they will always maintain their personal pride as an independent order, their reverence for all other Chapters in the Blood cannot be overstated. In their minds, all sons of Sanguinius must stand as one to save the Imperium from the onslaught of its foes, and so they consider all who carry the sanguine heritage of the Great Angel in their veins as allies and brothers. |
| Eclipsed Wardens |   |
When a single squad of Incarnadines was lost and separated from their brothers, rescue came from an unlikely place. A group of Space Marines, some dare not even call them a Chapter, descended to save the stranded warriors and eventually reunited them with their brethren. The Eclipsed Wardens are a unique and somewhat peculiar order, dedicated to finding those unfortunate Astartes lost or abandoned by the whims of fate, granting them the opportunity to keep fighting. Their mission is noble, and their brotherhood one defined not by blood or genes, but by the respect forged in war and hardship. They do honour to the likeness of ancient valkyries painted upon their pauldrons, and the Incarnadines owe them gratitude and friendship for their selfless dedication and determination. |
Enemies of the Chapter
| Tyranids |   |
"Hatred" would be too mild a word to describe the utter disgust and contempt which the Incarnadines feel for this most repulsive of xenos races. The Great Devourer is anihilation and hunger made flesh, the very embodiment of gluttony cast into the sea of stars. Billions have perished in their unsatiable gullets, and many more will suffer the same fate if the Tyranid menace is not eradicated with utmost prejudice. Yet it seems as though the swarms are more numerous than even the stars they infest, for each hive fleet repulsed is followed by another entering the galaxy to feast upon its lifeforms. Regardless if the war against them can be won or not, the scions of the Great Angel will wage it all the same. |
| Heretic Astartes |   |
Even if the Space Marines of Incarus had not been psycho-indoctrinated to detest their vile counterparts, they would have learned to hate the lackeys of chaos in good time. The Cicatrix Maledictum, orchestrated by the Warmaster of the Black Legion, has transformed countless systems into hounting grounds for Traitor Astartes and other horrors. Wherever the Incarnadines go, they meet figures clad in power armour and shackled by the will of dark gods, preying on the weak and defiling the worlds of the Imperium with their filth. It is an unending battle, an unending struggle. Against these heretics do the sons of Sanguinius now direct hatred that is equally unending. |
| Servants of Khorne |   |
Though all the dark powers who dwell within the warp are to be considered the greatest of archenemies, the servants of the Blood God have carved deeper wounds than most into the soul of the Chapter. Many warbands and cults have already been purged by the blades of the order, yet the crimson beasts of Khorne are unrelenting in their hunger for the gene-line of Sanguinius. At Lijura did the Incarnadines learn this lesson in a most painful way. Perhaps restraint will find its place in the doctrines of the Chapter, now that even the Red Lion has seen the folly of underestimating the malice of a god. |
Notable Incarnadines
Captain Folembray, "The Red Lion"
- "Arrogant? But of course I am arrogant, have you met me? With the Great Angel as my witness, I could cut the Despoiler in half with a single stroke!"
- —Fourth Captain Folembray
Character
In a brotherhood that has existed for but a few years, Captain Folembray is already rising as a newborn legend among the ranks of the Incarnadines. He is rash and violent, quick to anger and decisive in his fury. Though he is far from a brute, Folembray has always embraced the Red Thirst more than most of his peers, seeing it as a strength rather than a curse. He shares his Chapter's eagerness, for the captain is fiercely determined to prove himself, which leads him to stride forward with confidence and, at times, reckless abandon in the face of the enemy. His talents made him suited for the position of Fourth Captain and the accompanying title of Lord Executioner.
Folembray's savage ferocity during the Siege of Leonar is what ultimately earned him his moniker. Adopted partly as a private jest in regards to his supposed likeness to the Primarch of the First Legion, it has still rung true to those who have seen him in battle. A beast is what many see when the Fourth Captain takes the field, soaked in the blood of the traitor and the alien like an unhinged predator. A slaughter-lord of unyielding ambition and merciless efficiency with a mind full of rage, yet sanguine when making decisions. Even while enthralled by his love for bloodshed, Folembray is still capable of restraining himself during times where matters of strategy must be at the forefront of his mind. Over time, both a warrior's demeanor and a leader's mind have found purchase in his hearts. Even so, if one were to question his brothers, more than a few would describe the man as somewhat arrogant, albeit self-aware enough to regularly joke about his own overconfidence.
His achievements and victories already overshadow those of Chapter Master Tuldrir and his fellow captains, such that many Battle-Brothers already consider him the de-facto successor to the title of Bloodmaster. No doubt if the current lord of the First Company were to fall in battle, Folembray would be chosen as the one to take up the mantle of First Captain, although it is doubtful that he would accept this honour. Folembray posesses a strong bond with his company, and has forged them into a fighting force of unparalleled might within the Chapter. They are his trusted "Bloodpride", and would follow him into the hells of the warp itself were he to command it. The company's brutal nature has slowly but surely seen it transform into an Assault Company, rather than the Battle Company it is supposed to be. Despite this blatant violation of the Codex norm, their accomplishments speak for themselves.
Appearance and Wargear
The Red Lion's features take greatly after his gene-sire Sanguinius, being both noble and ferocious in aspect. A great mane of dirty blonde streaked with strands of silver lends him a deceptively aged appearance, as does the regal beard upon his face whose colour is similarly broken up by stray hairs of white. This is a simple quirk of genetics, not an indication of premature aging, and the Red Lion has often joked about his supposed seniority, despite being among the younger of the Chapter's warriors. Folembray endured many wounds through his encounters with mankind's foes, and while most have long since healed, some are immediately apparent. Streaked wide across his face, a serrated scar runs diagonally from the top-right corner of his forehead, down his nose and ending just beside the corner of his mouth. One of his eyes, once coloured a stark red, was lost during the captain's hour of shame on Lijura. Yet replacing it is a bionic replacement surrounded by golden metal, which retains the original glaring crimson of his lost eye. His other eye, still intact, shines with bright purple hues, which has led to many a jest that Folembray must be half cadian. Of his arms, the left was also lost in the battle of Lijura, but was thankfully able to be substituted with a biological flesh graft. The grafting was not perfect, and so the arm remains slightly redder than the rest of his body.
Folembray's armour, though bearing many Battle Honours, mostly follows the standard livery of the Incarnadines. A captain's cloak of fine crimson reaches down his back whilst hanging over his left pauldron are four severed paws of a scarlet xeno-beast resembling a lion, a kill made during the attack on the Riftmen Harbour. Many exotic and dangerous creatures were kept and unleashed in that place, prompting the captain to seize the opportunity and claim a worthy trophy for himself.
As weapons he bears the powered greatsword Dawn's Darkness and a black-red boltpistol with a serrated bayonet named Conqueresse.
Lord Lieutenant Evinus Hawn, "The Old Raven"
Character
Lord Lieutenant Hawn is an enigma in many ways, even to those who call him friend and mentor. When the Primaris formations of the Unnumbered sons first embarked on the Indomitus Crusade, many of them were commanded by experienced Firstborn Marines who were given the rank of Lord Lieutenant. Each one would oversee a chapter-sized formation in battle until such time that the Primaris could be considered capable of operating on their own. Evinus was one such Space Marine, and those under his guidance would eventually come to be transformed into the Incarnadines Chapter.
Brother Rakael of the Incarnadines, the personal guardian of Lord Lieutenant Hawn. His origins are as mysterious as those of the man he serves
Yet in spite of the power and trust placed in him by the Primarch, no one actually knows where Lord Hawn came from. None know his Chapter of origin, nor how old he is or what battles he had fought in the years leading up to the Era Indomitus. From the first day of his command his livery betrayed nothing other than the fact that he was of the Great Angel's line, a brother in the Blood. To this day the past of the man whom many have come to refer to as "The Old Raven" remains shrouded in uncertainty, though he has never once given any of his comrades a reason to question his allegiance. Stranger still is brother Rakael, a Primaris Marine who has been at the Lord Lieutenant's side for as long as anyone can remember. He is his loyal shield and guardian, as quiet as he is deadly. Distant from the rest of the Chapter though he is, his loyalty has been thoroughly tested and confirmed.
Yet by all accounts, Evinus is quite the cheerful individual, given the dire times he lives in. There is confidence, of course, but also a tendency for sarcastic remarks and scolding mockery. From the freshest neophyte to the Chapter Masters themselves, the Lord Lieutenant never misses an opportunity to advise. By the laws of the Incarnadines, he holds no actual authority over anyone, being a glorified instructor at best. Yet no one would ever dare to disregard his counsel. Even the high officers still confide in him from time to time, for he wields that most precious commodity of all: experience.
Appearance and Wargear
While his exact age is unknown, the long years he must have endured show plainly in his whithered visage. His grey head of hair reaches back like a host of sharpened blades, and his beard accents the cutting features of his angled face. Both wisdom and smug confidence are apparent in his appearance.
The Lord Lieutenant is armoured in an ancient suit of MkVI Power Armour, with a colour scheme that is very similiar to that of the Incarnadines. The main difference being that the parts which are usually coloured white are instead painted a dark red. A great plume crests his beaked helmet, and a majestic cloak of sable adorns his back. Honour markings of the Incarnadines and the Indomitus Crusade decorate his battle-worn armour, further hinting at the many wars that he must have witnessed.
As his weapon of choice Evinus Hawn carries a simple Boltgun. It is assumed to be as old as the armour itself, and was given the name "Gemma" by the Old Raven.
Bloodmaster Arvim Tuldrir, "The Sanguine Director"
- "You asked me if I regret having to kill members of my own species. I wouldn't know, I've only ever killed traitors."
- —Bloodmaster Arvim Tuldrir
Character
Within the Bloodred Triumvirate of Chapter Masters, Arvim Tuldrir, as Bloodmaster, is the Lord of War and Battle and thereby the Incarnadines' principal leader in millitary matters. He also often acts as the figurehead and representative of the Chapter to the wider Imperium, making him first among equals by all accounts. Yet despite this crucial role, Arvim himself is, much like the rest of his order, young and as of yet inexperienced. Though one of the first of the Unnumbered Sons to be awakened, he surpasses the age of his peers by only a few years.
He was singled out for his position by his mentor Evinus Hawn during the Indomitus Crusade, owing to his belligerent nature and decisive character. Rarely does he struggle with decisions, for he is confident in his own abilities and trusting of his brothers. Yet like so many of his brethren, Arvim Tuldrir still suffers from the overconfidence and pride that so often resides in the young, leading him to sometimes make decisions that are rash and even reckless. Whilst his fellow Chapter Master, Kelithus Ahrnd, often restrains him in such cases, he still has many things to learn.
One thing the young warrior has learned to control, is the curse of the Red Thirst. Though it always pulls at the edges of his mind, and though it almost overtook him on more than one occasion, he more than any other in the Chapter has fettered the blight of the Blood with chains of will and self-control, to the point where he has managed to remain strong and vital without needing to consume large amounts of blood. Even a few drops can suffice to enliven the Bloodmaster for an entire battle, earning him one of his many epithets: "He who chains the Thirst".
There is another title for which he is most famed in the Incarnadines Chapter: "The Sanguine Director". This name stems from Arvim's greatest passion; music and dance. Though all the sons of Sanguinius share an affinity for the arts in some way, few do so in the same way as the Bloodmaster of Incarus. No matter the instrument, no matter the rythm or the beat, Arvim Tuldrir has a love for song that words can barely describe. During the rare hours where he is not occupied with the duties of his office, the young Chapter Master broods over stacks of sheet music, practices with all manner of musical instruments, or performs dances both conventional and exotic within the confines of his private quarters. Those of the order who are similarly inclined sometimes keep him company in this, acting as a sort of private musical troupe or miniature orchestra. It is rumored that Tuldrir inwardly views the flow of battle like the chords of a symphony, playing to a set rhythm which he directs. Some say that he plans his strategies like a crimson composer and puts them into action like a bloodstained director, twisting the cacophony of the battlefield into a hymn of victory.
Appearance and Wargear
Arvim's battleplate differs from the Chapter norm in that it contains significantly more red colours in order to mark out his identity as Bloodmaster. A dark red mantle envelops his figure, and a bloodred plume crests his helmet. Though battle honours and bloodstones adorn his armour, they are not as numerous as one might expect from a Chapter Master. A golden chain is wrapped around his left arm, signifying the many times the grace of the Angel has allowed him mastery over the Red Thirst without succumbing to it. One other notable mark is a set of musical notes painted across his left leg, displaying his most beloved symphony.
His favoured weapon is the Axe Encaridus, a master-crafted Power Axe that is too large for even a Space Marine to wield with only one hand. As his sidearm serves a decorated bolpistol equipped with a serrated bayonet.
Silversire Kelithus Ahrnd, "The Beacon Lord"
- " You should show more respect to the Guardsmen, brothers! Our Chapter has only just emerged from the cradle, while their kind have held back the darkness for ten thousand years. I will allow you to see yourselves as their equals, once you have served for that long. "
- —Silversire Kelithus Ahrnd
Character
Kelithus was spiritually inclined since the earliest stages of the Indomitus Crusade, initially serving as a Judicar before being swiftly elevated to the rank of Chaplain within his Chapter-sized formation of the Unnumbered Sons. Dedicated to discipline and purity though he was, his approach to enforce such values was always somewhat unorthodox, for he opted to use means of subtle persuasion and encouragement rather than intimidation and punishment. Some heads did have to roll, every now and then, but for the most part he achieved results without excessive use of violence.
One battle in particular saw him saved by the heroic deeds of a Cadian Guard Regiment. This made him appreciate common humanity far more than he previously had. It would not be the last occasion where mortal men earned his respect, but it forever remained the most striking one. To this day he carries a small vial gifted to him by the captain of the unit that came to his aid. Contained inside is soil and dust from Cadia itself, a precious keepsake by all accounts.
As the crusade progressed, Kelithus made a habit of acquiring philosophical texts and studying them in hopes of incorporating them into his duties. By the time they arrived at Baal, the young Chaplain was deeply immersed in many schools of thought practiced by the Argent Eagles Chapter. During the founding stages of the Incarnadines, Kelithus Ahrnd was proposed as Chapter Master, although he himself believed Arvim Tuldrir to be more suited for the role. In fact, it had been Ahrnd's assumption that he would take up the mantle of High Chaplain. Eventually a system of three Chapter Masters was conceived, partly symbolic and partly practical, to ensure a slightly more balanced dispersal of power.
As one of the few brothers who had mastered the Incarnadines's geneflaw, the Blinding Radiance, Kelithus was thus named the Silversire, a spiritual guide and symbol who stood above even the Reclusiam's Master of Sanctity in authority. A voice of restraint to curb the Chapter's violent excesses and a teacher to those struggling with the light trapped inside their blood. His guidance shines in the hearts of his brothers like the flame of a great beacon. In a dark Imperium without the light of the Astronomican, they have dubbed him "The Beacon Lord".
Appearance and Wargear
Like his fellow Chapter Master Arvim Tuldrir, Ahrnd's armour contains more white and silver than that of other Incarnadines, in order to plainly show his station as Silversire. White robes and a hood cover much of his plate, and only few marks or battle honours are visibly on the exposed ceramite. Ahrnd believes in humility over pride, thus abstaining from overly ostentatious decorations. He usually holds a great staff of office, similar to those carried by the priests and sages of the Argent Eagles, topped with an Imperial Eagle divided into the colours of the Chapter livery. This starff is not his main weapon though, merely a symbol of office.
In battle, Kelithus carries Sagethunder, an enormous Thunderhammer crafted by his own hands. The technology within allows it to function as a stun weapon by casting a blinding flash of light that can disrupt even the self-darkening eye lenses of Astartes Power Armour. It inspires as readily as it vanquishes, a rather unsublte tool for a man who embodies restraint in all else. When the occasion requires it, Kelithus makes use of a modified plasma gun, one of the many wonders born from Cawl's rediscoveries.
Ragelord Rohzus Kraw, "The Fettered Harbinger"
Character
Little is know about the life of the Ragelord before he succumbed to the Black Rage. Not because none in the Chapter remember, but because none are permitted to speak of it. Chapter Master though the Ragelord is, his existence is subject to secrecy and obfuscation. Some of the Chapter's allies are aware of the Bloodred Triumvirate as a concept, yet few know the identity of its third member, who even the warriors of Incarus witness only on rare occasions. What is known to only a select few is the fact that Rohzus Kraw was a close friend of Arvim and Kelithus in the early years of the Indomitus Crusade, and that all who knew of him saw him as the obvious choice to eventually take up the mantle of Chapter Master in the future Chapter that the Unnumbered Sons envisioned in those days. Some even suggested that their formation should be known as "The Rohzus Host" or "The Crows of Kraw", and other such names that varied between serious suggestions and jests.
Yet any such future was snuffed out just shortly after the Incarnadines were established as a Chapter. His fall was as shocking as it was tragic, for he was first among their number to be claimed by the madness of their blood. He was the unfortunate proof that the Primaris were not immune to the geneflaws of the Blood Angels, and that the sinister blight may take them all one day. Unwilling to simply hide him away in shame with those that followed him into insanity, he was instead declared the Ragelord, a living reminder of what their kind must avoid and fight against. Some may see this as an act of disrespect against the late Rohzus and his legacy, yet those who know the hearts of his fellow Chapter Masters understand that it is anything but. It is not with disdain but with honour that they name him "The Fettered Harbinger".
Thanks to the efforts undertaken by the Sanguinary Priests and Chaplains, Lord Kraw is granted a few moments of clarity every few weeks, sharing what few words he can muster before the black rage takes him again. It is believed that some of his words are warnings or prophecies, stemming from the close connection to Sanguinius that all of the damned experience, and which may have bestowed enhanced foresight on him.
Appearance and Wargear
The Ragelord is clad in the black and red of the Death Company, and his armour is wrapped in purity seals and golden chains to stave off the madness. Engraved into the dark ceramite are countless protection runes and psychic wards. His masked helm is rarely removed, for the beast beneath is a horrendous sight indeed.
Rohzus has only been unleashed with the rest of the Death Company on three occasions, each one having been a desperate and brutal battle. That he survived in each instance is seen by some in the Chapter as a sign of favour from Sanguinius and the Emperor, although this view has its critics. During such extreme times, Rohzus is sent forth with two Lighting Claws, weapons of eviscerating savagery that bring truth to his title of Ragelord.
Notable Quotes
By the Incarnadines
- " By his blood are we armed! By his blood are we armoured! Sons of the Angel, rise towards the stars of the dawn-age! Unsheathe your blades! Unleash your curses! Your names shall be known, for no foe will be left unmarked! For the Emperor and the Regent!"
- —High Chaplain Asariel
- "Art certainly has its place with us, though we do not hone our crafts as much as we would like. Ours is a time of urgency, and that leaves precious little time for such indulgence. At the very least, our spears are forged well enough. The traitors can attest to that."
- —Second Captain Alessan
- "I have peered into the Great Rift, and I have seen the things that come clawing into our reality. They come to kill and to feast. They come because the warp has no more room to contain all our sins. Hell is full."
- —Chief Librarian Eael Indynien
About the Incarnadines
- " They are untested. Unproven. Lacking humility. They are born into an epoch of wonder and terror, though time alone will tell what fate has in store for them. The Incarnadines must stand resolutely and wisely in the coming wars, or hell's mouth will open wide and swallow them whole."
- —Unknown