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This article, Knights of Va'al, was written by Threetimesfourequalstwelve. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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This article, Knights of Va'al, is currently under active construction. The author, Threetimesfourequalstwelve, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
The Knights of Va'al are a renegade Space Marine chapter descended from the Imperial Fists. Though branded heretics by the Imperium, they do not see themselves as traitors, nor do they serve Chaos. Instead, they follow the teachings and vision of a once-loyal battle-brother named Va'al, who was executed by the Imperium after returning from presumed death with a new and dangerous belief: that the Emperor Himself had told him the Imperium was a lie. Following Va'al’s martyrdom, over 100 Imperial Fists broke ranks, abandoning their chapter to form a new one in his name.
Thus, the Knights of Va'al were born. Fleet-based and fiercely loyal to the idea of the Emperor—not the institution of the Imperium—they now wage a slow, ideological war against the Imperium they once served.
Chapter History[]
The roots of the Knights of Va’al lie in tragedy, survival, and quiet heresy. Nearly a century before the chapter's formation, the Imperial Fist known as Va’al was presumed killed in action during a brutal conflict against Orks. When he was discovered 46 years later, still alive amidst the ruins of a greenskin-infested world, something within him had changed.
Va’al claimed the Emperor had spoken directly to him, revealing that the Imperium was not a divine instrument but a prison built in His name. Shaken and transformed, Va’al fled the Imperial Fists and began attacking Imperial targets, calling them tools of corruption. Though he never turned to Chaos, the Imperium branded him a heretic. He was eventually captured and publicly executed—his death meant to silence the dangerous spark he had lit.
It didn’t work.
Over the next several years, whispers of Va’al’s beliefs spread among the ranks of the Imperial Fists. Disillusionment brewed in silence. Quiet alliances were formed. And in the shadows, preparations began. When the time came, over 100 Astartes made their move—coordinated, swift, and violent. In a single night, they abandoned their Chapter, launching a daring exfiltration and gene-seed raid that cost them dearly but secured their future.
Thus, the Knights of Va’al were born. Fleet-based and fiercely loyal to the idea of the Emperor—not the institution built in His name—they now wage a slow, ideological war against the Imperium they once bled for.
Notable Campaigns[]
Chapter Organisation[]
The Knights of Va'al reject the Codex Astartes, favoring a flexible, non-hierarchical command structure. Their warriors are independent, often forming temporary strike groups or "blades" under respected veterans.
Officer Ranks[]
Specialist Ranks[]
Line Ranks[]
Specialist Ranks & Formations[]
Order of Battle[]
Headquarters[]
Companies[]
Chapter Gene-Seed[]
The Knights of Va’al bear the gene-seed of the Imperial Fists, but not by official sanction. During their exodus from the Chapter, as nearly 200 Astartes turned their backs on the Imperium, a coordinated and desperate raid was launched on an Imperial Fist Apothecarion vault. This strike, led by some of Va’al’s closest surviving allies, succeeded in stealing a significant quantity of pure gene-seed.
The operation was costly - dozens of loyalists-turned-renegades were slain during the assault, and many more were hunted down in the aftermath. But the theft ensured the Knights would endure. That gene-seed became the foundation of their continued survival and independence.
To this day, it is treated as sacred—a legacy not of the Chapter that abandoned them, but of the men who gave their lives to secure a future beyond the Imperium’s control. Every Apothecary of the Knights bears the memory of that battle and the responsibility to preserve what was won in blood.
Genetic Flaws[]
Chapter Beliefs[]
The Knights revere the Emperor as a man, not a god—one who sought to free mankind from superstition and tyranny. They view the Ecclesiarchy and High Lords as parasites who have twisted His dream into a totalitarian nightmare.
They see Va'al not as a religious icon, but as a martyr and messenger—one whose mind was broken open so truth could enter.
Despite their break from the Imperium, they are not traitors in the traditional sense. They loathe the forces of Chaos, and many of their battles involve stopping Chaos incursions or protecting populations from both heretics and Imperium exploitation alike.
Combat Doctrine[]
The Knights of Va'al specialize in melee combat, particularly swordsmanship. Their forces strike with precision and overwhelming force, teleporting into battle or dropping in via Thunderhawks before engaging in brutal close quarters combat. Firearms are used sparingly—only as a means to reach the melee.
Reputation[]
To the Imperium, the Knights of Va'al are dangerous renegades—a symbol of what happens when loyalty to the Emperor eclipses loyalty to the Imperium. They are actively hunted by the Inquisition, though they remain elusive due to their fleet-based nature and their tendency to operate in the shadows. To some frontier worlds and oppressed populations, they are liberators. Their chapter has even earned whispered respect among some radical Inquisitors and rogue traders, though few would admit it openly.
Notable Members[]
Chapter Fleet[]
Chapter Relics[]
Chapter Appearance[]
Chapter Colours[]
The Knights of Va'al's paint their battle-plate a deep, lustrous amethyst purple, giving the Knights a visually arresting silhouette in both void and terrestrial combat. This colouration may carry symbolic ties to nobility or secrecy - traits often associated with the Chapter's doctrines. Their shoulder pauldron trim, as well as the Imperialis or Aquila affixed to their plastron (chest guard) is silver in colouration. Both shoulder pauldron insets are a matte black.
The Chapter badge is proudly displayed on the left shoulder pauldron inset. The right shoulder pauldron inset displays the squad specialty icon (Fire Support, Close Support, Battleline, Veteran or Command), indicating a battle-brother's assigned combat specialty.
A large white coloured Roman numeral stencilled on the left poleyn indicates company assignment, while a small white colour Roman numeral stencilled on the right shoulder pauldron inset indicates squad assignment.
Chapter Badge[]
Chapter icon of the Knights of Va'al.
The Knights of Va'al's Chapter badge takes the form of large open-faced, black coloured ring, anchoring the colours and possibly representing the unending cycle of rebellion and penance, or the inescapable nature of their fall. Within this ring, is a large green laurel wreath, traditionally a symbol of honour, achievement. or ancient Terran nobility. Its presence might indicate the Chapter's self-image as guardians of a higher truth - even if estranged from the Imperium.
Centered over this symbol is a pair of crossed swords in bold royal purple, blades pointing downward. These may symbolise martial tradition, internal duality, or the eternal crusade of the Knights. At the intersection of the blades is a black coloured Maltese Cross, reminiscent of the symbol utilised by the ancient order of the Templar Brethren of the VIIth Legion of old. This icon symbolises the Knights' unequalled zeal, relentless determination and matchless skill as peerless warriors.
Relations[]
Allies[]
Strained[]
Enemies[]
