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This article, Luna Berserkers, was written by WhorusHeresy. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
The Luna Berserkers are a Codex-divergent Blood Angels Successor Chapter created during the ill-fated 21st Founding, to so-called 'Cursed Founding'. Several Chapters created during this particular founding suffered from rampant mutations or aberrant gene-seed. The result of various genetic meddling resulted in the Luna Berserkers to possess an odd quirk in their gene-seed - the twin-flaws of both the Black Rage and Red Thirst possessed by the Blood Angels and those of their bloodline, is near-constant within them, however, it fluxes with the phases of the moon.
Chapter History
The Luna Berserkers were founded during the Cursed Founding, and like all the other chapters, suffered a unique and devastating gene-seed defect. They were founded for a now unknown reason, but bolstering military forces is suspected. The Berserkers quickly became a greatly feared, but useful legion known for their fierce loyalty and brutality in battle.
The Grand Alliance
In 500 M38, the Luna Berserkers assisted the Order of Blooming Darkness during the Siege Of Storms. What was most notable about this battle was that the Luna Berserkers saved not only the order’s Canoness Superior but the order itself. Canoness Superior Celestael was minutes away from dying at the hands of a Necron Overlord when Superior Lupus Hyperion ripped the head off of the machine, saving her life. The Berserkers arrived shortly after, near the end of the battle, close to the near-destruction of the Order. Their arrival turned the tide of the battle, ensuring the Order's survival. The Canoness was eternally grateful to the Superior, and the two shared an extremely strong bond, and that bond quickly spread amongst her order and his chapter. The two eventually intertwined into what would become the most sacred, strong, and pure of bonds.
Battle of Pacts
One of the first battles fought under their alliance, the Order and the Chapter took to expelling the forces of Slaanesh from Nizarth. It was a long, bloody battle, with both of the loyal forces losing many to death and corruption. Worst of all was the Daemonic leader, Prince Tiyamuse, promised to follow the loyalists for the rest of their lives, and would corrupt their ‘pure bond’ if it was the last thing it did. This claim has proved true, with Tiyamuse regularly leading battles against the Order and the Chapter and trying to creep its way into their relationships.
War of Insanity
While the Daemon Prince Tiyamuse has stalked the order since 528.M38, the most notable act It took was the War of Insanity. What started as a daemonic incursion upon the world of Batune quickly spiraled into one of the worst wars the Order and the Chapter ever fought. Hundreds of Luna Berserkers fell to the powers of Slaanesh, and hundreds more both of sisters and brothers alike were either slain or captured by the vile daemons. The war was long and brutal, putting a heavy load of stress on the relationship between the order as constant disagreements, losses and in-fighting took place behind away from the battle. The war was only one when the brave Diviner Jericho Siaturn and the psychically-apt sister Aster sacrificed themselves to send the Daemon Prince back into the hell from which it came.
Panzoth
In 900.M41, a genestealer cult known simply as the Starchosen wormed their way into the Panzoth sector. A small, backwater sector with little technology, but systems that are relatively close together. The cult began in the main world of the sector, an agri-world called Sinuter. The cult spread fast, slowly taking over planets, systems, and eventually, the entire sector. The Luna Berserkers fifth company were alerted to this via distress pulse, they accidentally picked up, quickly diverting their course to the sector in need.
Ancient Kalaziel Isa led the fight, digging the cult out with the brute force of his bare hands. The fight was long and brutal, with a Tyranid Invasion seemingly imminent in the latter years of the War. However, with Isa’s planning and strength, they were able to remove the cult and restore order to the sector, as well as blocking the threat of a possible invasion. Isa was lorded for this, rising to chapter legend for this exceptional deed.
Devastation of Baal
The Berserkers were present during the great war on Baal in 999.M41, fighting viciously on the frontlines to protect their honor and tradition. Superior Volantis Aries employed the unusual tactic of only sending out the companies that were in their stage of maximum rage, resulting in the men on the field constantly changing. Coincidentally, Baal was experiencing an oddly high number of Blood Moons during the devastation, resulting in the full strength of the Berserkers being sent out to bring an extraordinary level of destruction and bloodshed upon their Xenos foe.
Battle of Frozen Fires
The most recent notable battle, the Berserkers set out to free the Oanov system from the clutches of the Prophets of Mercury Warband. Assisting the Berserkers was the Blazing Angels chapter, also descended from the Blood Angels. The Berserkers and the Angels fought side-by-side for half of the campaign, but soon the leader of the Warband, Azriel Vexx, got into the Angel’s chapter master (Lea Hannibal) head, corrupting the man and turning the chapter against the Berserker’s. Now faced with two enemies and betrayal, the Berserkers fought for as long as they possibly could, until destruction seemed imminent and the Berserkers fled. Superior Saix still feels shame for letting the Angels fall, as they went on to become a fierce and terrible Khornate Warband.
Notable Campaigns
- Siege of Storms (500.M38)
- Battle of Pacts (524-528.M38)
- War of Insanity
- Panzoth War (900-910.M41)
- The Devastation of Baal (999.M41-002.M42)
- Battle Of Frozen Fires (Early M42)
Chapter Homeworld
The chapter hails from Aluturn, a Feudal world in the Ultima Segmentum. (Ustea sector, Aluturn system). It's a world of dark, violent oceans and snowy mountains skirted by tall, thick pine forests. The chapter’s fortress-monastery is a tall, spiraling castle called the Luminary, it’s located upon the highest mountain on the planet, with the planet’s main city at the mountain's base. Aluturn lacks any moons, and is far from its sun, making it a dark, gloomy place to live. The chapter has a mild amount of direct control over the world but prefers to keep their distance.
The most notable feature of the Luminary is a grand statue of Sanguinius cradling a fallen battle-brother in his lap, crying tears of ruby-red onto the brother's helm. Inscribed on the base of this statue are the names of fallen Ancients, Superiors, and heroes of the legion. On the rare-occasion that brothers will pray together, this is the most common spot to do so. Offers to the primarch will sometimes be made here, commonly candles, crystals, or dried lavender.
Recruitment
The Berserkers draw recruits from all over Aluturn, with most of them coming from the main city of Solstice. Recruits are traditionally drawn during the winter, which has become known to the locals as the Time of Rising. Aspirants must first scale Mount Cerridwen, reaching a half-way point called the Crater. At this outpost, aspirants are assessed for gene-seed compatibility before being sent off to scale the rest of the mountain to reach the Luminary.
The Berserker’s recruitment trails are very similar to that of their parent chapter. Once the aspirants reach the Luminary, they are pitted against each other in ritualistic combat. Those who survive must then spend three days outside of the Luminary, on a personal, sleepless vigil. Those who remain awake will be brought inside and given a goblet containing blood laced with a toxin. This toxin will only kill a handful of the aspirants, sending the rest into a terrible illness (this illness only lasts for about a week, which is when the Implantation will begin)
Chapter Culture
The Luna Berserkers are as violent and merciless as one would expect. And have proved to be exceptional in completely and utterly cleaning enemies from a world. They hold humanity's survival, honor, and culture above all and will go to any lengths to protect the Imperium.
The Berserkers favor the blade above all weapons and have a special type of power sword called a Claymore. Bladework is considered a sacred art in the chapter, and exceptional skill is required to advance within the ranks of the chapter. Astartes are encouraged to not only make their own blades but to customize and name them, making them into semi-relics.
Being of Sanguinius’ heritage, the Berserkers possess an unexpected taste of the arts, often decorating their armor, weapons, ships, and even bodies in an ethereal style unique to the chapter. Much like a typical Blood Angel, the process of art helps soothe the rage a Battle-Brother feels, especially when done in the minimum stage of a brother's rage.
The brothers of the Luna Berserkers are typically stoic, efficient, and stalwartly loyal. Most of them seem to possess an echo of sadness and depression their demeanor, most likely due to the flaw.
Religion
The Berserkers worship the Emperor and Sanguinius in a dualistic system. In their pantheon, the Emperor represents things such as battle, honor, creation, life, and prosperity. While Sanguinius represents the art, purity, goodness, and death of the world. Their religion is extremely spiritual and ritualistic in nature, and quite personal to each battle-brother. It’s tied greatly to the moon, the ocean, and nature.
Because of the private and personal nature of their religion, mass congregations held by Chaplains are typically rare, with the brothers instead opting to keep a small altar in their cells. These altars are decorated with certain items that can heighten a brother's spiritual connection to his Primarch/Emperor, such as candles, small crystals, pieces of parchment, and incense/oil. Prayer is typically done three times a day and varies in time depending on the brother. The moon’s place in the religion depends on the battle-brother, some seeing it as an evil deity who has cursed them and their chapter, while others see it as a bringer of strength and power to smite the Imperium’s enemies with.
Chapter Organisation
The Luna Berserkers are split into companies (called Circles) based on what phase of the moon the Battle-Brother reaches his peak rage at. Resulting in them only having Nine companies (the 9th is reserved for scouts, who are not affected by the moon.) Otherwise, the company structure is normal. Given this unique organization, the chapter only has a maximum of 800 marines (not counting scouts or specialists). The Luna Berserkers have unique names for each rank and specialty, which are listed below.
A Superior is a Chapter Master, an Ancient is a Captain, an Elder is a Lieutenant, a Senior is a Sergeant, a Moon-Brother is a battle brother (note that battle brother is also used), an Ancestral is an Ancient, a Diviner is a Librarian, a Shaman is an Apothecary, an Inspirator is a Chaplain, a Smith is a Techmarine, a Seraph is a Sanguinary Guard and a Colt is a Scout.
Order of Battle
Headquarters
Companies
| Veteran Company | Battle Companies | |||
| Circle of the Night New Moon |
Circle of Twilight Waning Crescent |
Circle of the Mystic Third Quarter |
Circle of the Pheonix Waning Gibbous |
Circle of the Wolf Full Moon |
 Ancient Abrariel Tibecles 2 Elders |
 Lord of Light 2 Elders |
 Ancient Saros Androrius 2 Elders |
 Ancient Stadiel Blayentre 2 Elders |
 Ancient Ansiel Calgist 2 Elders |
| Reserve Companies | |||
| Circle of Water Waxing Gibbous |
Circle of the Equinox First Quarter |
Circle of Divinity Waxing Crescent |
Circle of Youth Scout Company |
 Ancient Janus Titan 2 Elders |
 Ancient Harahel Tigon 2 Elders |
 Ancient Dagiel Tarikus 2 Elders |
Ancient Serpens Kale 2 Elders |
Combat Doctrine
Much like their parent chapter, the Luna Berserkers specialize in close assaults and lightning strike doctrines. Often utilizing jump packs, chainswords, and their preferred weapon the power claymore.
Gene-Seed
The Luna Berserkers gene-seed is a unique thing. While it has all the normal effects of Sanguinius’ genetics, the Flaw of the Blood Angels forms in a unique way.
The Luna Berserkers are in a near-constant state of rage, however, this rage is typically extremely mild and only shows heightened aggression in combat, a short temper, flash-back like dreams, and bouts of suicidal thoughts. The rage is tied to the phases of the moon, and fluxes in severity in accordance with whatever moon(s) the battle-brother is closest too. Because of this, the chapter's buildings have no windows, in an attempt to lessen the effect of the moon during idle time.
Each battle-brothers rage peaks in a different phase, so some are at their strongest during a full moon while others during a new moon. This effect is doubled for every moon a world has, causing the chapter to avoid planets with more than three moons, preferably only traveling to those with one. Blood Moons/Eclipses will cause all the marines to enter a frenzy of rage, regardless of the phase.
Heightened sensitivity to sunlight is a common ailment amongst battle-brothers. Especially those who enjoy the rage the moon brings them.
There is a divide on opinion regarding the flaw; some see it as a great gift, bringing them the highest of strength and greatest of power. While others see it as a terrible curse, turning once noble warriors into brutish monsters, these are typically the more artistic brothers and make constant attempts to lessen the effects of the rage. Some going so far as to tranquilize themselves during their peak phase.
Primaris
The Luna Berserkers were quick to accept Primaris Marines into their ranks after noticing their apparent immunity to the Flaw (both of their chapter and that of the Blood Angels). However, this enthusiasm was temporary as during the Siege Of Nahn, the Primaris brothers of the 4th circle fell to the flaw. While the sudden burst of aggression helped the chapter secure their victory, it deeply disappointed the chapter, most of all Superior Saix.
Deathwatch Service
Because of their unique flaw and organization. The Luna Berserkers do not offer their marines to the Deathwatch.
Noteable Luna Berserkers
- Kalaziel Isa - 5th Company Ancient, is considered the chapter hero for prying the entire Panzoth sector out of a genestealer cults influence, returning them to the light of the Emperor and fending off a seemingly imminent Tyranid invasion.
- Conah Saix - Current Superior.
- Lupus Hyperion - Superior, otable for forging the alliance between the Berserkers and the Order of Blooming Darkness. Was martyred in the soon following Battle of Pacts
- Volantis Aries - Superior during the Devastation of Baal (KIA).
- Jericho Siaturn -Diviner (KIA)
Chapter Fleet
- Sagittarius (Battle-Barge) - Chapter Flagship.
- Moonrise (Battle-Barge)
- Queen of the Night (Strike Cruiser)
- Onyx (Strike Cruiser)
- Nomad (Strike Cruiser)
Chapter Relics
- Lunatic - Traditional claymore wielded by the Superior. Created sometime in late M37.
- Moonset - The Crozius used by the Master Inspirator
- Twilight Fire - Twin wrist-mounted bolters worn by the Exalted Seraph
- Artemis - Relic Bolter used by Kalaziel Isa during the Panzoth Wars
- The Crescent Plate - A gorgeously crafted set of artificer armor worn by Superior Lupus Hyperion when he secured the alliance with the Order of Blooming Darkness. Decorated with crystal roses hand-sculpted by Superior Canoness Celestael. The armor is currently on display in the Luminary, and only worn for ceremonial purposes by the Superior
- Aluturn’s Wings - The master-crafted jump pack of the Exalted Seraph. The wings look as if they were made of marble.
Chapter Appearance
Hearldry and Colors
The chapter's heraldry is a white full moon, with a waxing crescent flanking its left and a waning crescent flanking its right. Company heraldry is the moon phase the company is attached to on the left shoulder pad. Each squad and battlefield role combination has a special symbol, which is worn on the left knee pad. The main body of the armor is a light blue, that shimmers white under the moonlight. The shoulder pads are pitch black, with a silver trim and silver arms. The eyes are a soft, glowing yellow. Most of the metallic detailing is in silver.
The armor is often decorated with moons, stars, crystals, and other designs and trinkets. Shamans, Inspirators, Smiths, and Diviners all wear the traditional colors, but the Seraphs wear shimmering white armor with gleaming silver arms and black shoulder pads. Seniors wear black helmets, Elders wear white helmets, and Ancients wear silver helmets. Veterans of all ranks have golden Aquila markings and get a Golden Moon on the forehead of their helmet.
Chapter Badge
The Luna Berserkers Chapter emblem is that of a triple moon; de-crescent, full and crescent.
Relations
Allies
Icon of the Adepta Sororitas.
- Adepta Sororitas - The Berserkers are closely allied with the Sisters of Battle order of Blooming Darkness*, the two having fought many campaigns together and consistently supporting each other. In fact, the bond goes so deep there is a large stained glass window in the Luminary depicting Sanguinius and the Orders saint, Lauriam, embracing like lovers. Representing the sacred bond they share.
Enemies
- Chaos - The Berserkers hate chaos above all else, specifically the forces of Slaanesh. This is mostly due to their allegiance with the Order of Blooming Darkness, and the worry that the foul daemons will corrupt their pure and sacred bond. This fear is rooted in reality, as ever since the Battle of Pacts a daemon prince has been stalking both the chapter and the order. Constantly try to corrupt them and sway them to its side. The chapter has lost a large number of brothers to the Dark Forces, a secret they are extraordinarily ashamed of.
- Tyranids - The only thing the Berserkers hate more than Slaanesh is Tyranids, for their desecration of Baal and events of the Panzoth War.
