Please enjoy listening to some ambient music from the "Game of Thrones" Se. 7 OST, from the song "I Am the Storm", while you read. Enjoy!
|
This article, Mortiferous Shades, is currently under active construction. The author, Achilles Prime, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
- "We are the harbingers of His Law. On behalf of the glorious leader of Mankind, we dispense justice upon those who sin against the Imperium. Many have called us savages, but we care little for their accusations for the Emperor has sanctioned our duty, and we act in accordance with His will."
- —Lord Marshal Devas Kane, "The Soulreaper"
The Mortiferous Shades, a 4th Founding chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, trace their origins back to the Death Templars, who themselves descended from the lineage of the Primarch Rogal Dorn. They were founded in the mid-centuries of the 32nd millennium following the devastating War of the Beast, a conflict that nearly brought the Imperium to its knees against a massive Ork WAAAGH! comparable to those encountered during the Great Crusade.
Similar to their genetic forebears, the Mortiferous Shades have gained a formidable reputation as tireless pursuers and relentless hunters of humanity's enemies. However, their parallel tendencies to the Death Templars manifest in their fiercely independent and isolationist nature. This has resulted in an enigmatic reputation with other Imperial authorities and even their fellow Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes.
The Mortiferous Shades' fixation on death and their peculiar mortuary traditions has caused speculation and unease among their cousin Chapters. Their aloof demeanor has further exacerbated the situation, leading to accusations of a lack of brotherhood. However, the truth is quite different from these perceptions. Despite their seemingly unnatural obsession with death, the Mortiferous Shades are not devoid of brotherhood or camaraderie.
While they may maintain a certain degree of distance from other Imperial forces, the Mortiferous Shades are bound by their duty to the Imperium and the Emperor. They understand the importance of unity in defending humanity against its myriad threats. Though their practices and rituals may be unconventional and shrouded in mystery, their ultimate loyalty lies with the preservation of mankind.
Chapter History
- "We are born from death, and to death we return. Between, we hunt."
- —Lord Marshal Kregan Lok, "The Darkheart"
The Mortiferous Shades trace their birth to the aftermath of the War of the Beast, that great and near-catastrophic conflict of the 32nd Millennium. The Imperium reeled in those centuries, scarred by the largest Ork Waaagh! since the time of the Great Crusade, and its lords recognized that only more Space Marine Chapters could guard against the ever-swelling tides of xenos and heretics. Thus began the Fourth Founding—a forging of new guardians for the Imperium’s bleeding frontiers.
Among those Chapters created was Chapter 241, the Mortiferous Shades. Their gene-seed was drawn from many vaults, but their truest lineage is traced to the Death Templars, a Chapter already steeped in Dornian austerity and singular devotion to the hunt. New gene-stock was sourced from surviving Chapters of the Imperial Fists’ line, while ancient samples were thawed from the cold depths of cryo-vaults that had lain untouched since the dawn of the Imperium. In this grim alchemy, the Mortiferous Shades were conceived—not as a copy, but as a shadow cast by their progenitors.
The High Lords decreed that their home and proving ground would be the world of Erebos, a hive-world blackened by its own industry, where choking ash cloaked the skies and the very soil was poisoned by millennia of ceaseless production. On Erebos, life was short and brutal. Hunger and smog killed as swiftly as blades, and only the hardiest endured. To the Mortiferous Shades, this world was both cradle and crucible—a planet where death walked hand-in-hand with every life, and where the Chapter’s mortuary fixation took its first root. Recruits were drawn from the hive gangs and dust-wastes, broken and reforged in the name of Dorn, their fear of death burned away until only a grim reverence for it remained.
The Soulreaper’s Charge
- "You are the shadow between breaths. You are the promise of ending. Be not men. Be not angels. Be death."
- —Kane addressing his warriors during the early years of their training
Like most newly-forged Chapters, the Mortiferous Shades did not begin as a body of untested recruits alone. Officers and specialists were seconded from their progenitors, that they might seed the discipline, traditions, and martial spirit of their bloodline into the Chapter’s earliest days. For the Shades, this mantle fell most heavily upon Captain Devas Kane of the Death Templars, once master of the 1st Harrow (Company), and already infamous among his kin as the Soulreaper.
Kane was a figure of somber dread even among the Death Templars, whose reputation for unyielding severity was already the stuff of dark legend. He bore his moniker not as boast but as burden, earned during the savage purges of the Ork warbands left smoldering in the wake of the War of the Beast. Kane was said to move like the shadow of inevitability, cutting down foes with a patience that unnerved even his fellow Astartes. His warplate bore no ornament save the tally marks inscribed upon its inner ceramite, each stroke a life severed in the Emperor’s name.
It was deemed fitting by the High Lords, and by the Death Templars themselves, that Kane should not only help sire the Mortiferous Shades, but command them. Thus, upon his appointment as Lord Marshal of Chapter 241, Devas Kane became the grim father of the Shades, their first master and eternal model. Under his gaze, five hundred aspirants were broken, reforged, and inducted into the brotherhood over two relentless decades. Kane’s doctrine was merciless: each neophyte was to be taught that life was fleeting, death inescapable, and only the hunt eternal. Those who faltered were cast into the ash-choked wastes of Erebos, their fates unspoken but understood.
Ancient Remembrancer sketch of Devas Kane, "The Soulreaper", first Lord Marshal (Chapter Master) of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter
Spectres and Shadows
- "In Kane’s shadow, the Mortiferous Shades were born. In his silence, they endure. In his death, they hunt still."
- —Moritat-Captain Karus Kur
The Mortiferous Shades’ baptism of fire came not long after their official sanctioning in 566.M32. The Imperium had bled itself near to breaking during the War of the Beast, and across the Segmentum Ultima, the aftershocks of that galactic convulsion had left worlds lawless, their governors weak, and humanity’s enemies emboldened. It was upon the plague-wracked manufactoria world of Dunrettras IX that the newly-born Chapter would be tested.
The planet had once supplied munitions to the Segmentum’s crusading fleets, but its noble houses had fallen to internecine strife. When Kane and his fledgling Harrows arrived, they found Druvan’s skies dark with smoke and its hive-stacks overrun by the Claw of Anrak, a warband of heretic champions and their mutant thralls who had declared the Emperor’s truth a lie. Vox-broadcasts from the heretics promised that “death had no hold here” and that they had severed their oaths to Terra.
It was here that the Soulreaper’s nature defined the Chapter for all time. Where others might have struck swiftly to reclaim the planetary capital, Kane instead ordered a systematic and merciless campaign of pursuit. He deployed his five Harrows not as a shield but as a net, tightening through hive ruins, sewage depths, and ash wastes.
In there mercilessness, the Mortiferous Shades proved themselves. The Chapter’s first blooding left no doubt of their loyalty to the Imperium, even if their methods unsettled its servants. The name of Kane, the Soulreaper, was carried in dread whispers from the lips of both allies and enemies. To the Shades themselves, Dunrettras IX was their consecration—proof that they had been shaped rightly in their Lord Marshal’s image, and that their role in the Emperor’s design was not to save, but to end.
Ashes to Ashes
- "We are not here for victory. We are here for ending."
- —The Soulreaper replying to a Imperial Officer during the Dunrettras IX campaign
The Mortiferous Shades, after centuries of valiant service to the Imperium and the Emperor, were finally overcome during the recent catastrophic 13th Black Crusade. This large-scale invasion led by Abaddon the Despoiler, the Warmaster of Chaos, posed a grave threat to the Imperium's defenses and sought to plunge the galaxy into further darkness.
When the Mortiferous Shades answered the call to arms and mobilized their forces to confront the Traitor Legions, they fought with unwavering determination and unwavering loyalty. The Chapter, known for their mastery of stealth and infiltration, unleashed their wrath upon the Forces of Chaos. However, despite their valiant efforts, the overwhelming magnitude of the Chaos onslaught overwhelmed the Mortiferous Shades.
The battles fought during the 13th Black Crusade were intense and brutal, and the Mortiferous Shades faced formidable foes who were fueled by the powers of Chaos and driven by their undying loyalty to the Dark Gods. In the face of overwhelming odds, the Mortiferous Shades fought with unmatched valor, but the cost of their resistance proved to be too great.
During the course of the conflict, the Mortiferous Shades suffered heavy casualties and were ultimately brought to the brink of destruction. Despite the heavy losses suffered throughout the campaign against the Forces of Chaos, the Mortiferous Shades remained resolute in their determination to fight on. The sacrifices made by the Chapter only fueled their unwavering commitment to defend the Imperium and avenge their fallen brethren.
In the wake of the 13th Black Crusade, the Shades refused to succumb to despair or falter in their commitment to the Imperium. Faced with the daunting challenge of rebuilding their shattered ranks and reclaiming their strength after this conflict, the Mortiferous Shades embraced their unyielding resolve and unwavering dedication to honor the fallen and carry on their sacred duty to the Emperor of Mankind.
Cadia Falls
As the fortress world of Cadia fell under the relentless assault of Abaddon the Despoiler's forces, it seemed that all hope was lost. The defenders fought valiantly but the daemonic fury unleashed by the Eye of Terror proved overwhelming. Abaddon, seeking to secure his victory, unleashed a devastating plan by hurling the fragments of the destroyed Blackstone Fortress Will of Eternity onto Cadia's surface. This catastrophic impact destroyed the remaining defenses and shattered the Necron-built Cadian Pylons that held back the expansion of the Eye of Terror.
A small group of Imperial heroes managed to escape with the help of the Ynnari, a newly emerged faction of the Aeldari, through a Webway gate on the ice moon of Klaisus. These survivors formed the Celestinian Crusade, forging an uneasy alliance with the Xenos in their shared fight against the forces of Chaos.
Amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged with the resurrection of Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch of the Ultramarines. Guilliman, having been awakened from his slumber, took up the mantle of Lord Commander of the Imperium and swiftly made significant changes to the High Lords of Terra, aiming to restore order and stability to the Imperium. His return brought renewed hope and strategic brilliance to the Imperium's forces, as he sought to rally the loyalists and push back against the encroaching darkness.
With the combined efforts of the Celestinian Crusade, the Ynnari, and the leadership of Guilliman, a new alliance formed against the Archenemy. United in their determination to resist the forces of Chaos, they offered a beacon of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The resurrection of Guilliman and the alliance with the Ynnari marked a turning point in the war, as the Imperium rallied and began to strike back against the encroaching darkness.
Though the fall of Cadia was a devastating blow, it also served as a catalyst for change and unity among the defenders of the Imperium. The Celestinian Crusade and their newfound allies stood as a symbol of resilience, forging a path forward in their fight against Chaos. They carried the memory of Cadia's sacrifice and the hope of a brighter future, as they continued to resist and reclaim the Imperium from the clutches of the Dark Gods.
The battle was far from over, and the war against Chaos would continue to rage across the galaxy. But with the return of Guilliman and the formation of unlikely alliances, there was a renewed sense of determination and the belief that victory was still possible. The fall of Cadia would forever be remembered as a tragic sacrifice, but it also ignited a spark of defiance against the forces of the Archenemy.
Darkest Night
The Mortiferous Shades found themselves in a difficult strategic position due to being cut off on the eastern side of the Great Rift that had formed in the Milky Way galaxy. However, the Chapter refused to lose resolve and instead rededicated themselves to their sacred duty of protecting humanity. They recognized that the influence of Chaos had grown substantially within the Imperium, and it was their solemn obligation to purge heretics and apostates that endangered the Emperor's realm.
With their forces diminished as a result of the Great Rift, the Shades adopted a campaign-focused approach reminiscent of their early history. They became relentless hunters, constantly seeking out enemies of mankind and destroying them with unwavering ferocity. The cries of innocent lives fueled their determination as they embodied their role as the Emperor's instruments of death, bringing divine wrath upon those who defied the Imperium.
Though the Mortiferous Shades had lost many battle-brothers, their commitment to the cause remained unshakeable. They understood the galaxy had descended into turmoil and it was their mission to restore order and safeguard civilians. The Shades fought tirelessly and persistently pursued the Imperium's opponents.
Operating on the eastern fringe of the Segmentum Obscurus, the Mortiferous Shades concentrated their efforts on shielding the territories within their reach. They optimized hit-and-run tactics, delivering swift and decisive strikes against worlds corrupted by Chaos. Their mastery of stealth and infiltration enabled penetration deep into enemy control zones, sowing fear and confusion among adversaries.
As the Shades continued their crusade against enemies of the Imperium, they stayed vigilant against the corrupting influence of Chaos. They understood the taint of the Dark Gods was insidious and pervasive, guarding their own ranks from temptation. The Mortiferous Shades exemplified the unwavering loyalty and dedication of the Adeptus Astartes, serving as stalwart defenders of the Emperor's realm despite facing unimaginable adversity.
In spite of the dire circumstances and ever-expanding Great Rift, the Mortiferous Shades maintained fidelity to their creed, recognizing the battle to safeguard the Imperium's future was far from over.
The Shades, embodying the spirit of the Emperor's judgment and the relentless pursuit of the Imperator Mortifex, fought on with undiminished determination. They were the harbingers of death to enemies of mankind.
Darkness Before the Dawn
The Primaris Space Marines, created by Belisarius Cawl under the guidance of Roboute Guilliman, brought renewed hope to the Imperium during its darkest hour. These enhanced warriors possessed superior physical and genetic modifications compared to standard Space Marines. With their increased size, strength, and advanced weaponry, the Primaris Marines became a formidable force against the myriad threats facing the Imperium.
The Mortiferous Shades Chapter, like many others, eagerly embraced the arrival of the Primaris Marines. The infusion of new personnel and capabilities revitalized the Chapter and bolstered its combat effectiveness. As warriors dedicated to victory, the Mortiferous Shades recognized the Primaris reinforcements' potential to turn the tide of the unending galactic war.
With the Primaris Marines at their side, the Mortiferous Shades continued their crusade with renewed determination. They fought alongside fellow Adeptus Astartes Chapters, defending Imperial worlds and pushing back the encroaching darkness. True to their name, the Mortiferous Shades struck fear into the hearts of enemies as they brought death and destruction to those who defied the Imperium.
The arrival of the Primaris Marines signaled a turning point in the war-torn galaxy. With Primarch Guilliman leading the Imperium and the combined strength of the Adeptus Astartes, including the Mortiferous Shades, victory seemed within reach. The Mortiferous Shades embraced their role as champions of the Imperium, ever ready to face mankind's enemies and bring swift death to those who threatened the Emperor's domain.
In the face of unending war, the Mortiferous Shades stood united with their Primaris brethren, dedicated to the Imperium's cause and the pursuit of victory. The chapter continued to exemplify their creed that war is not about glory but achieving victory, and with the Primaris Space Marines at their side, they were determined to prevail against all odds.
Notable Campaigns
- Downfall of Dunrettras IX (566.M32) - One of the earliest recorded actions of the Mortiferous Shades took place in the hive world of Dunrettras IX. The planet had fallen under the influence of Chaos cultist elders called the Magi, who had managed to sway the population away from the Imperial Creed with their charismatic oratory and persuasive abilities. The Shades swiftly intervened to restore order and eliminate the renegades. With their renowned tactics and lethal efficiency, the Mortiferous Shades launched a decisive assault on the forces of the Magi.
The renegades were swiftly exterminated, and the Magi themselves were dealt with in a particularly symbolic and brutal manner. They were hanged until death from the very spires of their own hive, a clear message to the remaining population and a symbol of Imperial retribution. As a result of the Mortiferous Shades' swift and ruthless actions, Dunrettras IX was brought back under Imperial compliance within a single day. The power of the Chaos cultists was broken, and the influence of the Magi was eradicated. This victory not only showcased the Chapter's ability to neutralize threats efficiently but also served as a stark warning to other worlds contemplating defiance against the Imperial Creed.
- The Aeternus Obscurus (582.M32) - The Mortiferous Shades embarked on a crucial mission to liberate the enslaved Imperial world of Regura, which had fallen under the control of the infernal Word Bearers Traitor Legion. The Word Bearers had desecrated the planet's surface by constructing blasphemous temples dedicated to their Chaos Gods. Upon making planetfall, the Mortiferous Shades unleashed their terrifying might upon Regura, employing their unique tactics as they enveloped the hives in nebulous darkness. Without warning the Chapter launched a devastating surprise attack against the Word Bearers' Chaos cultist forces, relentlessly assaulting several fortified positions and targeting multiple key enemy assets.
Establishing a foothold, the Mortiferous Shades then proceeded to unleash their wrath upon the Word Bearers themselves, aiming to root out and eliminate the Chaos Space Marines and their heretical influence from the besieged planet. With ruthless efficiency, the Shades waged a relentless campaign, annihilating the Word Bearers at will. The nightmarish conflict endured for six cycles of Regura's moon, during which time the Mortiferous Shades methodically purged and eradicated the Forces of Chaos from the planet.
Their unmatched combat skills, combined with their mastery of stealth and terror tactics, allowed them to gradually turn the tide of battle in favour of the Imperium. By the end of the campaign, the Mortiferous Shades had successfully liberated Regura from the grip of the Word Bearers. The blasphemous temples were destroyed, and the Chaos' presence on the planet was completely eradicated. The world was restored to Imperial control, thanks to the ferocious efforts of the Mortiferous Shades in their unyielding pursuit of victory over the Forces of Chaos.
- War for Mergis Nine (137.M33) - The Mortiferous Shades ventured to the waterlogged world of Mergis Nine, where they confronted a Chaos Undivided warband known as the Contemptuous Seeker of the Sixth Claw. With its vast oceanic expanses, Mergis Nine presented a unique set of challenges for both the defenders of the Imperium and the invading Chaos warband. The Chaos Warband had established a stronghold after conquering one of the numerous underwater arcologies located beneath the waves of the planet's vast oceans. From here, their corruption and devastation spread throughout the various aquatic environments.
The Mortiferous Shades Chapter, who had become renowned for their expertise in combating the Forces of Chaos, was called upon by the local sector's high command to lead the Imperial campaign against the Contemptuous Seeker of the Sixth Claw. With their specialized knowledge and experience in waging war against Chaos, the Mortiferous Shades brought their wrath upon the heretical forces that had defiled Mergis Nine. The Shades executed a daring planetary assault, deploying their Space Marine forces via drop pods that plunged deep into the planet's oceans. The conflict involved intense naval battles on the surface of the planet's oceanic expanses, as well as underwater combat. While the surface warfare waged on, a deadly battle unfolded beneath the waves between the Mortiferous Shades and the heretic Astartes of the Sixth Claw. In this submerged battleground, the Space Marines clashed with their Chaos counterparts, engaging in a slow and methodical conflict.
The Thunderhawk Gunships of the Mortiferous Shades played a crucial role in the battle, inflicting heavy damage on the chaotic gunships that sought to intercept them. The waters of Mergis Nine turned into a graveyard as the corpses of both Chaos and Space Marines sank to the depthless voids and littered the bottom of the planet's vast oceans, a testament to the ferocity of the struggle. Ultimately, the Mortiferous Shades emerged victorious against the Forces of Chaos. The turning point came when the 1st Harrow of the Mortiferous Shades unleashed a devastating assault, obliterating the Chaos Lord Guis Wartongue and his honour guard. This decisive blow shattered the morale of the Sixth Claw and any remaining Chaos forces that remained. With their leader eliminated and their ranks demoralized, the Chaos warband was unable to withstand the relentless onslaught of the Mortiferous Shades. The Shades emerged triumphant, reclaiming control of the waterlogged world of Mergis Nine from the clutches of Chaos.
- Invasion of Cystost Gamma (Unknown Date.Late-M33) - The world of Cystost Gamma faced a dire threat when it was invaded by the combined Ork forces led by Warlords Ghazghkull and Nazdreg. What made this invasion particularly challenging was the utilization of previously unseen teleport technology by the Orks, allowing them to appear in unexpected locations and catch the defenders off guard. In the face of this overwhelming assault, the Mortiferous Shades, with their entire Chapter present, stood as the last line of defence against the Ork onslaught. The Shades, renowned for their formidable combat skills and tactical prowess, fought relentlessly to prevent the complete overrun of Cystost Gamma.
The Mortiferous Shades, with their well-coordinated efforts and strategic manoeuvres, managed to counter the Ork teleportation tactics and effectively engage the Ork forces. Their presence on the battlefield acted as a bulwark against the Ork advance, buying precious time for the Imperial defenders to regroup and reinforce their positions. Through their unwavering determination and combat expertise, the Mortiferous Shades became the key force that prevented the world of Cystost Gamma from succumbing to the Ork invasion. Their valiant efforts and steadfast defence ensured that the planet held out against the overwhelming forces of Ghazghskull and Nazdreg.
While the battle for Cystost Gamma was undoubtedly fierce and challenging, the Mortiferous Shades' resilience and skill in combat played a crucial role in staving off the Ork forces and preserving the planet from complete devastation.
- Shadows Strike Back (358.M33) - On the embattled world of Silron's End, a stalemate had gripped the conflict between the Imperial forces and the insidious Megalodon and his vile Blood Jaws Chaos Warband. The situation seemed dire when the remote but formidable cannon fort, Horn of Broadside, fell into the hands of the Chaos forces. However, Lord Marshal Shavok Draak, the esteemed leader of the Mortiferous Shades, personally selected his elite 1st Harrow to break the stalemate. Draak and his hand-picked warriors embarked on a daring mission to recapture the strategically important Horn of Broadside. Utilizing five Thunderhawk gunships, the Mortiferous Shades executed a masterful assault, deploying their forces with precision and coordinated firepower.
Their assault proved overwhelming, overpowering the defences of the Chaos Warband and retaking the cannon fort. With no time wasted, Draak and his forces immediately set about reconsecrating the defiled mega cannon within the Horn of Broadside. They purged the taint left by the Chaos forces and turned the mighty weapon against the rearguard of the Chaos armies. The recaptured Broadside, now under the control of the Mortiferous Shades, unleashed devastating barrages upon the Chaos forces, disrupting their ranks and weakening their hold on Silron's End.
This strategic turn of events shifted the momentum in favour of the Imperial forces, as the Chaos armies faced the wrath of the reconsecrated cannon fort. Lord Marshal Shavok Draak's brilliant leadership and the unwavering resolve of the Mortiferous Shades played a pivotal role in breaking the stalemate on Silron's End. Their successful recapture of the Horn of Broadside and subsequent utilization of its firepower inflicted significant damage upon the Chaos forces, providing a decisive advantage for the Imperial cause on the embattled world.
- The Pentarchy of Death (732.M33) - In a dark and chaotic period of Imperium's history, the Segmentum Obscurus was thrown into anarchy, causing great distress within the Imperium of Man. To restore order and enact their judgement upon the traitorous elements, the High Lords of Terra convened the Pentarchy of Death. This council consisted of five Last Wall Chapters: Mortiferous Shades, Death Templars, Holy Hospitallers, Revealers, and the Tempest Knights. Tasked with the responsibility of bringing justice and retribution, the Pentarchy of Death systematically targeted and destroyed ten Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes which were deemed Traitoris Perdita (meaning "Lost Traitors" in High Gothic). These chapters deviated from their loyal path, succumbing to treachery and betrayal.
The Last Wall Chapters unleashed their combined might, bringing devastation to the traitorous Chapters and laying waste to their home worlds. Through coordinated campaigns and overwhelming force, the Pentarchy of Death sought to cleanse the stain of betrayal and purge the heretical elements within their own ranks. The conflict that had plagued the Segmentum Obscurus for nine decades was finally ended through the relentless actions of the Pentarchy of Death. By extinguishing the traitorous Chapters and bringing destruction to their strongholds, the Pentarchy aimed to reestablish order and restore the Imperium's grip on the affected regions.
This hidden and purged chapter of history is shrouded in mystery and often lost to the annals of time, known only through whispers and fragments of information. However, its impact on the Imperium's struggle against internal chaos and treachery remains a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made to uphold the Emperor's will.
- The Persega Purge (618.M34) - In a daring operation, the 5th Harrow of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter embarked on a bold armour-borne campaign, covering a staggering distance of 4,000 kilometres across the treacherous equatorial jungle forests of Persega. This lightning-fast advance allowed them to catch the ill-prepared rebel theocracy off-guard and outflank their defences. During a single night of retribution and bloodshed, the Mortiferous Shades launched a devastating assault on the rebel theocracy, swiftly toppling their regime. The Chapter's merciless efficiency led to a brutal purge of the population, eliminating all traces of heresy. With the rebels defeated and the heresy stamped out, the people of Persega were declared free from the taint of corruption.
As a testament to their triumphant campaign and to ensure the continued strength of the Chapter, the Mortiferous Shades asserted their recruitment rights over the liberated population of Persega. This granted them the authority to select Aspirants from among the populace, enabling them to replenish their ranks and maintain a constant influx of new recruits. To this day, the Mortiferous Shades draw aspiring warriors from the people of Persega, forging a legacy that serves as a reminder of their victorious struggle against the rebel theocracy. This recruitment tradition stands as a testament to the Chapter's commitment to upholding the Emperor's will and defending the Imperium against its enemies.
The presence of the Mortiferous Shades serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made to cleanse Persega of heresy and their ongoing duty to protect the Imperium. The Chapter stands as a stalwart guardian, embodying the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of the Adeptus Astartes in the face of adversity.
- Dawn of Stalinthax (843.M34) - On the fortified industrial world of Stalinthax, a relentless tide of the murderous Night Lords Chaos warband known as the Howling Sirens launched an invasion. In response to this treacherous incursion, the 2nd Harrow of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter engaged their traitorous cousins in a fiercely contested war, resulting in a rapid escalation of casualties. The conflict between the Mortiferous Shades and the Howling Sirens was characterized by numerous hit-and-run engagements, as both sides sought to gain the upper hand on the planet. The body count rose rapidly as the battles raged across Stalinthax, leaving devastation in their wake.
Over time, the Mortiferous Shades gradually gained the upper hand, effectively wearing down the Howling Sirens. The traitorous Night Lords warband suffered heavy losses, with less than a company of warriors remaining. As dawn broke, the Mortiferous Shades emerged from the shadows, shouting in fierce joy as they witnessed the fall of the last of the Howling Sirens. Regarding the Arcakrold Incursion, it was an enigmatic battle that was part of the much larger conflict, in which the Mortiferous Shades Chapter took part.
The details of this engagement, however, have been deliberately obscured and sealed away. The records pertaining to the Arcakrold Incursion have been declared Inconcessus meaning forbidden or classified information. The reasons behind the secrecy surrounding the Arcakrold Incursion remain unknown, shrouding the campaign in mystery and speculation. It serves as a reminder that within the vast history of the Imperium, there are hidden chapters and classified operations, the details of which may forever remain undisclosed.
- Burning of Belainu Minor (471.M35) - In a joint campaign between the Mortiferous Shades' 4th Harrow and their progenitors, the Death Templars' 6th Harrow, they were dispatched to the world of Belainu Minor in the Karkora Sector. Tasked with dealing with a defected Planetary Governor and his administration, the Mortiferous Shades took the lead in the operation. The Mortiferous Shades were sent in for reconnaissance and gathering intelligence on the weak points and vulnerabilities of the Governor's forces. Utilizing their expertise in covert operations, they sabotaged key defensive positions such as planetary gun turrets and shield generators. Once the Mortiferous Shades had accomplished their mission, the Death Templars were deployed as the second wave. They executed a surgical strike against the Imperial Planetary Governor and his apostate forces, launching a focused assault on the Governor's palace.
The Death Templars purged the palace, eliminating all life within, while the Mortiferous Shades simultaneously detonated inferno devices that reduced the palace and the surrounding eight square kilometres of the planet's surface to cinder ash. The outcome of this operation was a resounding success. The populace of Belainu Minor was brought back under Imperial compliance after the cleansing of the dissidents and the removal of the defected Governor. The events that transpired left an indelible mark on the history of Belainu Minor, becoming an enduring legend within the mythos of the native population.
The Mortiferous Shades and Death Templars, known as the "Wraiths of Death," became figures of fear and awe among the people of Belainu. Their swift and devastating actions created a lasting legend that continued to survive even as the planetary civilization collapsed and throughout the present day. The tale of the "Wraiths of Death" serves as a reminder of the unwavering loyalty and determination of the Adeptus Astartes in upholding the Emperor's will and safeguarding the Imperium from internal threats.
- Darkstar Liberation (761.M35) - After a long and devastating Warpstorm known as Katras Mundi finally subsided, it revealed the Darkstar System fully under the control of Chaos. Recognising the urgent need to liberate the besieged worlds and protect the Imperial citizens within, over half of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter deployed to confront this dire threat. Lasting for four gruelling years, the war that ensued was fierce and unyielding. The Mortiferous Shades found themselves pitted against a formidable Chaos coalition consisting of the Carrion Crows, Merciless and the Brotherhood of Half-Life warbands, all devoted followers of Chaos. The battles were fought across multiple planets within the Darkstar System, with the Mortiferous Shades fighting valiantly to free the Imperial citizens from the clutches of the Chaos forces. The conflict reached its climactic point at the battle of Emrus's Hope, where nuclear fires raged as the opposing forces clashed. Through their unwavering determination and indomitable spirit, the Mortiferous Shades emerged as the victors, overpowering their foes, and driving them back to the Warp in tatters. The battle of Emrus's Hope stood as a turning point in the war, where the Mortiferous Shades delivered a crushing blow to the forces of Chaos. While the cost of the conflict was significant, with both sides suffering heavy casualties and devastation, the Mortiferous Shades ultimately managed to recover a vast and populous system for the Imperium. Their successful liberation of the Darkstar System was returned to Imperial control, ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants, and dealing a significant blow to the influence of Chaos in the region. The Mortiferous Shades, demonstrated their unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Imperium as they fought against overwhelming odds to reclaim the Darkstar System, adding yet another triumph to their storied history of service to the Emperor.
- The Siege of Pyreth's Hollow (575-585.M36) - This notable campaign was a decade-long war of smoke, silence, and slow annihilation fought during the apocalyptic height of the Reign of Blood. Pyreth's Hollow, once a bastion of Imperial faith and industry, fell under the sway of the Divine Army, a zealot horde loyal to the mad High Lord Goge Vandire. Declaring the planet a sanctified shrine world to Vandire's false divinity, its planetary governor and corrupted Ecclesiarchy priests unleashed a reign of terror upon their own populace and fortified the world's subterranean hive catacombs against all who dared defy the self-proclaimed Ecclesiarch. With its weapon-manufactorums turned to heretical use and its orbital defenses repelling early loyalist strikes, Pyreth’s Hollow became a festering abscess in the heart of Imperial space. Recognising the need for attritional warfare in an environment thick with industrial pollutants and propaganda, Segmentum Command deployed the 424th Morana Black Guard Regiment, the infamous "Fogbound." This decision would prove prophetic.
Clad in trench-sealed carapace and gas-fed rebreathers, the 424th were not just suited for the dead zone - they were born from it. Operating in the rotting under-hives and smog-drenched wastelands surrounding Pyreth's Hollow, they embraced a campaign of psychological erosion: whispered vox interference, corpse effigies strung from refinery chains, and sudden strikes that left no survivors. The Divine Army soon learned to fear the fog itself, for it was never just weather - it was a hunter.
As weeks turned to years, Pyreth's Hollow devolved into a graveyard maze of trench networks and collapsed manufactorums. The Divine Army, while fanatical, grew desperate under the unrelenting erosion of the Fogbound. Their sermons turned shrill, their morale cracked, and in the void left by vanishing patrols, the whispers of the dead began to fester. Amidst this mounting despair, came the Mortiferous Shades - a force no less silent, but of utterly different nature. Descending without heraldry or diplomatic coordination, these Astartes of the 4th Founding, born of the Death Templars and thus of Rogal Dorn's stock, launched surgical strikes through the enemy rear - moving through rad-slick tunnels and forgotten reliquaries with chilling precision.
Though deeply isolationist, the Mortiferous Shades found grim kinship in the war-wearied Fogbound. Their fixation on death, their silent rituals conducted beneath broken shrines, and their penchant for fighting unseen meshed disturbingly well with the 424th's doctrine. The Shades neither issued orders nor heeded them; their presence was a judgment passed, an execution carried out in the Emperor's silence. When the Divine Army attempted a final massed counteroffensive to break the siege in 583.M36, they were met with vox-saturated dirges and coordinated pincer strikes that devoured their front lines in minutes.
By the campaign's end in 585.M36, Pyreth's Hollow was little more than an open mausoleum. The Divine Army was shattered, its commanders executed or driven mad. The 424th raised no banners. The Mortiferous Shades vanished into the ash wastes beyond the final hive-spire's collapse. No celebrations were held, no parades marched. The victors left as they had come - cloaked in fog - ghosts in a war that history has nearly forgotten. But to those few who still whisper of Pyreth's Hollow, one truth remains: when the Fogbound are deployed, victory was measured not in days or meters - but in how many spirits one could break before the end.
Taking out a Chaos Cultist silently during the Ghost War
- 7th Black Crusade (Ghost War) Erupts (811.M37) - Following the mysterious emergence and disappearance of the Forces of Chaos from the Eye of Terror, the conflict became known as the 'Ghost War' due to the elusive nature of the Chaos forces. In the ensuing years, a game of hide-and-seek unfolded between the Forces of Chaos and the Imperium of Man, as each side sought to outmanoeuvre and strike at the other. In response to the growing threat and the need to defend beleaguered Imperial worlds, the Mortiferous Shades Chapter launched a Crusade into the Segmentum Obscurus.
The Chapter, known for its formidable combat prowess and unwavering dedication, embarked on a mission to aid in the defence of multiple Imperial worlds facing the onslaught of Chaos. The Mortiferous Shades, with their specialized tactics and relentless determination, sought to bring the fight to the Forces of Chaos wherever they may be lurking. Their Crusade in the Segmentum Obscurus aimed to push back the encroaching darkness and safeguard the Imperium's territories from the corrupting influence of Chaos.
As the Ghost War unfolded, the Mortiferous Shades Chapter played a vital role in defending and reclaiming besieged Imperial worlds. Through their valiant efforts, the Mortiferous Shades contributed to the ongoing battle against the Forces of Chaos, standing as a stalwart force in the defence of the Imperium of Man. Their Crusade into the Segmentum Obscurus became a testament to their unyielding commitment to the Emperor's will and their unwavering resolve.
- Battle of Kursk (871.M37) - In the Trakion Sector, the massive space docks of Kursk faced a grave threat from an Aeldari fleet intent on their destruction. However, the tides of battle shifted dramatically with the sudden arrival of the Mortiferous Shades' flagship, the Atrum Mortem and the rest of the Scythesfleet. The appearance of these formidable Imperial forces tipped the balance in favour of the Imperium. The combined firepower of the Atrum Mortem and the rest of the Mortiferous Shades' fleet unleashed devastating salvos upon the Aeldari, causing them to retreat in the face of overwhelming opposition. The Aeldari fleet, forced to withdraw, suffered heavy losses at the hands of the Mortiferous Shades.
The capital ship of the Aeldari armada and several of their vessels were annihilated by the merciless firepower of the Shades. The destruction inflicted upon the Aeldari fleet served as a resounding testament to the power and might of the Imperium. The aftermath of the battle left a haunting sight in the depths of space. The shattered remnants of the Aeldari vessels and the devastated hulls of Imperial warships, alongside the floating corpses of both sides, created an eternal graveyard. These silent remains serve as a reminder of the fierce conflict that took place and the price paid in defence of Kursk's space docks.
The victory achieved by the Mortiferous Shades stands as a testament to the Imperium's resolve and the steadfast defence of its vital infrastructure. The battle against the Aeldari fleet in the Trakion Sector became a significant event, forever etching its memory in the chronicles of Imperial history.
- Scouring of Haddrria (ca. 200s.M38) - On the Imperial prison world of Haddrria, a grim conflict unfolded between the Forces of Chaos and the Mortiferous Shades Space Marine Chapter. A Chaos warband known as the Iron Butchers, accompanied by daemonic allies, descended upon the planet with the sinister intention of harvesting its population for their own malevolent purposes. The Traitors swiftly overran the Imperial personnel and Adeptus Arbites forces on the planet, leaving them isolated and slaughtered. However, the Mortiferous Shades had targeted Haddrria as a potential source for recruitment, and they were not about to let the Iron Butchers go unchallenged.
A fierce and brutal battle erupted within the shadowed depths of the underground prison, where the skills and prowess of both groups were put to the ultimate test. The narrow corridors and mine shafts became soaked in the blood of transhuman warriors as the Mortiferous Shades gradually cornered and hunted down their enemies. The final climactic confrontation took place in the primary geothermal sink shaft of the prison, serving as the battleground for the ultimate clash between the leader of the Iron Butchers and his loyal bodyguards against the Mortiferous Shades. In a ferocious battle, the Iron Butchers' leader and his retinue were ultimately slain, and their hopes of domination shattered.
Faced with defeat, the remaining Iron Butchers swiftly retreated, forced to abandon their malevolent plans. With the traitorous forces vanquished, the Mortiferous Shades commenced the sombre duty of collecting the tithe of prisoners from the ravaged prison world. Within a matter of solar days, the planet was left devoid of life, save for a lone traumatized and blood-soaked Arbitrator who stood as the sole survivor amidst countless corpses, bearing witness to the harrowing conflict that had unfolded.
The Mortiferous Shades are victorious after purging the Dynet Sub-Sector of Ork filth
- Reconquest of the Dynet Sub-Sector (402-426.M38) - For nearly 300 standard years, the Ork empire known as WAAAGH! Bellowin' Mecha-Shredda, held dominion over the Dynet Sub-sector, unchallenged and left to wreak havoc unchecked. However, in 402.M41, a campaign of re-conquest was initiated to reclaim the lost worlds from the Ork Warlord Garagkrull. Leading the charge in the re-conquest were forces from the Mortiferous Shades, Falcon's Claws, Night Ravens, and Rhinos Space Marine Chapters, supported by over two dozen Astra Militarum regiments. These combined troops embarked on a long and arduous campaign to liberate the planets that had fallen under the tyrannical rule of the Orks.
In a series of hard-fought battles and relentless engagements, the Space Marine Chapters and the Astra Militarum regiments fought side by side, pushing back the Ork forces and slowly reclaiming the lost planets. The campaign tested the mettle and endurance of the Imperial forces, but their unwavering determination and martial prowess prevailed. After years of fierce combat, the tide turned, and in 426.M41, the Dynet Sub-sector was declared free from the taint of the Ork invasion. The combined efforts of the Mortiferous Shades, Falcon's Claws, Night Ravens, Rhinos, and the Astra Militarum had successfully reclaimed the lost worlds, bringing an end to the Ork empire of WAAAGH! Bellowin' Mecha-Shredda.
The liberation of the Dynet Sub-sector stands as a testament to the valour and resilience of the Space Marine Chapters and the bravery of the Astra Militarum regiments. Their collective efforts ensured the removal of the alien infection that had plagued the sub-sector for centuries, restoring the rule of the Imperium and securing the lives of countless Imperial citizens. The triumph of the re-conquest campaign serves as a reminder of the Imperium's unwavering resolve to reclaim its lost territories from the clutches of the xenos threat. The Space Marine Chapters and the Astra Militarum regiments involved in this campaign exemplify the indomitable spirit and dedication of the Imperium's defenders, standing strong against overwhelming odds to ensure the survival and prosperity of humanity.
- Tephom Mundi Crusade (499.M38 - 509.M39) - The Mortiferous Shades played a pivotal role in the Tephom Mundi Crusade, a decade-long campaign that culminated in the reconquest of the colony world of Tephom Mundi II. The campaign was launched in response to the planet's rejection of Imperial rule and its declaration of independence from the Imperium. Taking matters into their own hands, the Mortiferous Shades launched an assault on the colony world, targeting the headquarters of the rebellious pilgrim-colonists. The "Death Geists", the elite warriors of the Mortiferous Shades' 1st Harrow, teleported into key areas within the headquarters to swiftly eliminate primary targets and effectively crush the rebellion in one swift stroke.
Although the Mortiferous Shades' actions on Tephom Mundi II were not coordinated with the rest of the forces involved in the Tephom Mundi Crusade, their ruthless efficiency led to the slaying of the heretic governor and his leadership. This ensured a swift and decisive victory, eliminating the rebellion's leadership and reasserting Imperial control over the colony world. Despite the breach in protocol and the lack of coordination, the Mortiferous Shades' success meant that no inquiries or reprimands were made by other Imperial authorities. The chapter's audacious actions and the swift conclusion of the rebellion likely overshadowed any concerns regarding the breach of protocol.
The Mortiferous Shades' victory on Tephom Mundi II not only brought an end to the rebellion but also served as a testament to their lethal combat skills and unwavering dedication to the Imperium. Their ability to swiftly strike at the heart of the enemy and eliminate key targets exemplified the relentless pursuit of victory against those who would oppose Imperial rule.
- Ambush on Chemora II (911.M39) - The 6th Harrow of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter, known for their audacity and lethal tactics, successfully ambushed and destroyed a raiding force of the elusive Drukhari on the world of Chemora II. Their victory, however, was met with criticism due to their deliberate decision to allow the local Planetary Defence Forces to fight alone against the Drukhari before springing their trap. By holding back their forces and letting the enemy commit their full strength, the Mortiferous Shades were able to set up a devastating ambush that effectively eliminated the Drukhari raiding force. However, this strategy resulted in heavy losses within the local militia forces and caused extensive damage to the colony itself.
While the Mortiferous Shades' actions were criticized for their apparent disregard for the lives and well-being of the local forces and the collateral damage inflicted upon the colony, the ultimate outcome of their ambush spared the entire sub-sector from further waves of terror and havoc at the hands of these sadistic xenos. The Mortiferous Shades, through their audacious tactics and decisive victory, effectively removed the threat of the Drukhari raiding force, safeguarding the sub-sector from the sadistic xenos' predatory activities. Despite the criticism levelled against them, their actions demonstrated their willingness to make difficult choices and sacrifices to protect the Imperium and its citizens.
The Mortiferous Shades' victory on Chemora II serves as a reminder of the lengths to which the Adeptus Astartes are willing to go to ensure the safety and security of humanity. It also highlights the grim reality of war and the challenging decisions commanders must make in the face of a ruthless and cunning enemy. While the cost of the victory was high, the Mortiferous Shades' strategic ambush prevented further suffering and devastation at the hands of the Drukhari. Their actions stand as a testament to the unwavering determination and resolute defence of the Mortiferous Shades against all threats, regardless of the criticism that might arise.
- Siege of Hamura Secondus (217-229.M40) - The Mortiferous Shades Chapter fleet encountered and destroyed a Gore Sons strike force comprising several Executor-class Grand Cruisers. The surviving Renegades made planetfall on several planets in the Hamura System including its primary world, Hamura Secondus, but the Mortiferous Shades were not to be thwarted so easily. The Master of the Fleet of the Mortiferous Shades and commander of the 5th Harrow, orders the Astartes to track down the Gore Sons and launch a planetary assault on the world of Hamura Secundus where they had gone to ground. In a matter of weeks, the Hamura System was declared free of the Gore Sons' influence, though the price proved high for the Shades. Griven Krassek and many of the remaining Renegades pillage what they can from the planet's remaining resources and escape from the Hamura Secundus to plague the Imperium at a later date. The people of the Hamura System are kept in the Emperor's light through the sacrifice of the Mortiferous Shades.
Fighting in a joint operation during the Kilandros Crusade, the Mortiferous Shades and the Death Templars unleash a ambush upon the enemy
- Kilandros Crusade (271-276.M41) - In the 270.M41, the Mad Skullz Orks of the planet Kilandros and surrounding systems formed into WAAAGH! Golrag. WAAAGH! Golrag was large enough to not only devastate the Celtic Sector in the Segmentum Ultima, the home sector of the Iron Spears Chapter but seven other nearby sectors as well. That was not all, as in 271.M41 the Imperium launched a reconnaissance strike on WAAAGH! Golrag's "capital world" of Kilandros and discovered the Orks were attempting to convert their homeworld's moon into a mobile fortress they dubbed 'Da Great Rok'. The Orks planned to use 'Da Great Rok' as the flagship that would lead WAAAGH! Golrag in an assault on Terra itself. To combat this threat, the Imperium deployed a fighting force consisting of numerous Imperial Guard Regiments, at least three Titan Legions, and several notable Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes including; the Mortiferous Shades, the Death Templars, Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Imperial Fists, Space Wolves, Salamanders, Black Templars, Storm Wardens, Blood Ravens, Iron Spears, Revenants, Angels of Salvation, Mordekaisers, Holy Hospitallers, Sons of Odin, Knights of Guilliman, Penitent Knights, Astral Paladins, Steel Crusaders, Storm Riders, and the Ashen Wraiths. The Imperium believed that such a large force they would easily be able to smash through the planets held by the Mad Skullz Klan, however, this was not the case as the Ork WAAAGH! was far larger than initially believed.
After five years Imperial forces finally arrived at the Kilandros System and attacked 'Da Great Rok'. Though Imperial forces failed in their initial plan to disable the thrust system using meltabombs, the Astartes of the Mortiferous Shades and the Corvus Legion managed to gain control of the area around the primary power generator and rigged it with manually activated incendiary devices. The Imperial forces were ordered to withdraw so that the power generator may be detonated. By then, however many Iron Spears had fallen victim to the Red Thirst, ignoring the order to withdraw and instead focused on personally slaughtering every Ork present. It was left to the more "level-headed" Chapters such as the Angels of Salvation to successfully reign in the frenzied Iron Spears and forcibly remove them from the battlefield. It was through this that the Angels of Salvation earned the respect of the Iron Spears, something that could not be said for many sons of the Lion.
Chieftain Thoore of the Iron Spears, having had his honour stained in a previous engagement, elected to stay behind with the detonator alongside a small group of other Marines while the other Imperial forces escaped in order to restore dignity to his name. The destruction of the primary power generator not only successfully destroyed "Da Great Rok's" machinery, but also created massive tectonic upheavals that killed all the Orks on the planetoid. Despite their victory, the Imperium was once again unable to eliminate the Ork presence on Kilandros and the surrounding systems. The Imperium once again turned to conducting periodic raids in order to limit the Ork population and prevent further Ork expansion.
Lord Marshal Baylok Nul faces off against a Chaos Lord of the Black Legion
Chapter Home World
Departmento Cartographicae pict-file of the Medieval Hive World of Erebos.
Planet Erebos, classified as a Medieval/Hive World, exists in a state of perpetual hardship. Its sprawling hive cities are shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere dominated by industry, smoke and toxic smog. For centuries, the planet's infrastructure has revolved around mining and factory operations, fueling its industrial wheels.
The majority of Erebos' population lives in abject poverty as foundry laborers, while a wealthy elite class flourishes in affluence maintained through suppression and elimination of opposition. Civilians residing in underhive areas endure a grim subsistence plagued by rampant criminality and gangs. Adeptus Arbites forces and local Planetary Defense Forces engage in daily skirmishes with these violent groups.
To combat rising chaos, Erebos authorities have imposed a strict curfew, confining all to shelter during evening hours. The planet's perpetual darkness stems from its pollution-clogged atmosphere exacerbated by massive toxic smog emissions from industry. Sunlight cannot penetrate this dense haze, rendering day and night indistinguishable.
The Hive city of Crepuscular during twilight hours of evening
Illumination is reserved for the affluent few, found via dim blue lighting strips in opulent spire dwellings of ruling hierarchies. The remainder subsist in towering, smokestack-lined hive city warrens characterized by black metal bridges and alley/street labyrinths.
Omnipresent smog envelops the cityscape, casting a sickly glow where lights manage to pierce windows or lamps. Air thick with dust, smoke and chemicals constantly assaults all inhabitants' senses. Life on Erebos offers little beyond a slow decline in grinding servitude, with hope and true happiness remaining elusive. Erebos stands as a grim testament to oppressive natures of the 41st Millennium, where survival struggles and industrial weights overshadow lives, trapping all in a perpetual cycle of despair and toil.
Nocturnal, capital Hive city on the world of Erebos
Fortress-Monastery
The Fortress-Monastery of the Mortiferous Shades, known as Ossis, stands as a colossal ebon marble bastion amidst the most heavily radioactive region of the planet. It stands apart from the surrounding ruins, a formidable structure designed with strategic defensive positioning and military architecture. Defensive positions and missile silos dot the perimeter, serving as a testament to the Chapter's combat readiness and firepower.
Upon entry, visitors pass through the Hall of Remembrance, a dimly lit corridor adorned with rows of engraved plates, each bearing the name of a battle-brother fallen in defense of the Imperium. This memorial serves to honor the ultimate sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service. The main chapel contains displays of vanquished enemy symbols, their presence a reminder of victories achieved through strength of arms and devotion to duty.
Further within lie the Strategium, a repository of tactical knowledge and combat analysis, and the Sanctum, a chamber of spiritual reflection and dedication to the Chapter's mission. These facilities are critical hubs for planning operations and drawing inspiration in defense of mankind.
Deep underground, sleeping barracks provide rest between deployments to ensure battle-brothers are always prepared to answer the Imperium's call to arms. Training halls allow constant improvement of combat techniques and unit cohesion through simulation and live-fire drills.
Ossis, the Mortiferous Shades' bastion, stands as a formidable stronghold and nerve center of the Chapter. It is here that honor is paid to those who fell in service, strategy is developed, and warriors dedicate themselves to facing any threat to the Imperium through discipline, training and faith in their duty.
Chapter Organization
The Mortiferous Shades' order of battle contains several specialist formations and officer positions not present in other Space Marine Chapters:
Senior Command & Specialist Ranks
Specialist Ranks & Formations
Squad Specialist Formations
Order of Battle
As akin to their progenitors the Death Templars, the Mortiferous Shades nominally follow the dictates of the Codex Astartes in most of their organisation. There are 10 Harrows (Companies) in the Mortiferous Shades Chapter and each is led by a Moritat-Captain who is protected by a Necros Champion, an elite Veteran Astartes who serve as his Honour Guard. The 1st Harrow is composed of the Chapter's Space Marine Veterans, warriors with experience forged in countless battles throughout the Imperium and trained in the use of the sacred and extremely rare suits of Terminator Armour, while the 2nd to 5th Harrow are the Battle Companies who carry the weight of the Chapter's combat duties.
The 6th to 9th Harrows serve as the Chapter's Reserve Companies and are composed of squads of the same overall type who often act as support for the Battle Companies, as well as providing replacements for the casualties suffered by the Battle Companies. The 6th and 7th Harrows are composed entirely of Reaper Squads (Tactical Marines), while the 8th Company is a made up of Wraith Squads (Assault Marines), and the 9th Company has a full complement of Revenant Squads (Devastator Marines). Finally, the 10th Company is composed of the Chapter's Spectre Squads (Scout Marines) and Wraith Squads. Squads of Neophytes (those who are not fully-fledged Battle-Brothers) are spread throughout each of the Harrows.
The following represents the order of battle of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter as it stands in 999.M41 following the tragic events that occurred during the 13th Black Crusade:
Headquarters
Companies
Chapter Recruitment
- "An act by one is an act by all."
- —Mortriarch Tal Hilrek, Reclusiarch of the Mortiferous Shades
On Erebos, the Mortiferous Shades' home world, the Chapter actively recruits not only from its own planet but also from the surrounding system. Each year, potential Aspirants are sought out in the neighbouring planets, brought back to Erebos, and forced to undergo a rigorous selection process. These recruits are made to fight to the death, with only the strongest and most capable of surviving.
The surviving initiates are then subjected to intense hypno-conditioning and other harsh procedures. These processes are designed to strip away their past loyalties and mould them into loyal warriors of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter. The goal is to forge a sense of unity and shared purpose among the recruits, instilling in them the will and attitudes of the Chapter.
As masters of infiltration, sabotage, and stealth, the Mortiferous Shades prioritize training their Neophytes in these arts. Skilled Shade Preceptors guide and instruct the Neophytes, teaching them the art of invisibility and silence. Despite the enhanced physiology of Astartes and the bulkiness of their power armour, the Neophytes learn to move with agility and silence. They are taught to shift seamlessly from one shadow to another, mastering the art of stealth and becoming proficient in a technique unique to the Chapter known as Void Slipping.
Void Slipping relies on the Neophytes' ability to decipher the empty spaces between sounds and occupy them. They learn to muffle their own noise, starting with simple materials like rags and packed earth, and later employing advanced acoustic dampeners and mastering movement techniques. As they progress, they also learn to baffle the sounds created by their power armour, becoming skilled at reducing any noise that could give away their presence.
The mastery of Void Slipping allows Mortiferous Shades to move silently and seamlessly through the shadows. While they are never truly invisible and their protection is not infallible, the veterans of the Chapter, particularly the Moritat-Captains, possess such an affinity for darkness that they seem practically invisible. By becoming one with the shadows and honing their skills, the Mortiferous Shades can camouflage themselves to a remarkable degree, granting them a distinct advantage in their stealthy operations.
Chapter Beliefs
- "Death?!! Death is never a choice one can make. Only the Emperor decides whether we live or die! Let His will be done!"
- — Azur Shull, Necros Champion of the Mortiferous Shades
Cloaked in shadow and sanctity, the Mortiferous Shades ane warriors who see death not as an end, but as the Emperor’s truest language. To them, the God-Emperor is not merely the Master of Mankind, but the Imperator Mortifex, the divine arbiter of souls, the eternal judge who weighs the living and the dead alike. In this grim faith, the Shades find both purpose and burden. They do not wage war for conquest or vengeance, but to restore the natural order the Emperor decreed, to bring the final silence to those who would defy His will. Every blade they raise, every life they take, is a sacred act of judgment. They believe themselves not soldiers, but executioners, the Emperor’s sentence made manifest upon a faithless galaxy.
To fight alongside the Mortiferous Shades is to witness war rendered with surgical precision, stripped of pride and spectacle. They are masters of withdrawal and retribution, vanishing into the fog only to return as death reborn. Where other Chapters might see retreat as dishonor, the Shades see it as patience, the wisdom of the hunter who knows that one clean strike can do what a hundred charges cannot. They fight like phantoms, their presence felt more than seen, striking with terrifying coordination before fading back into the murk. They speak little, pray often, and kill without passion, their every act governed by quiet reverence for the duty entrusted to them.
Their relationship with the Codex Astartes is one of wary respect rather than devotion. The Mortiferous Shades recognize its wisdom but reject its chains. To them, blind obedience is no virtue, only results matter. They have been called cowards, renegades, and heretics by more rigid Chapters, yet they answer such accusations with silence. The Shades understand that faith without clarity is folly, and that the Emperor’s will is not served by dogma, but by victory. Their commanders encourage initiative and flexibility, allowing their battle-brothers to think and act as instruments of divine judgment, not mindless automata. Each Shade fights as both soldier and prophet, reading the battlefield as scripture written in blood and shadow.
Necros Champion Azur Shull of the Mortiferous Shades
Among themselves, the Mortiferous Shades are a brotherhood of mourners. They speak often of death, but never with fear. To die in service to the Emperor is not tragedy, it is transcendence. Their fallen are not forgotten, they are venerated as martyrs reborn, their names whispered like prayers before every deployment. Within their chapels, the walls are inscribed with the oaths and final words of the dead, illuminated by pale light and the scent of burned incense. In the eyes of the Mortiferous Shades, death is the Emperor’s final embrace, and the only truth that unites all men. They do not seek to avoid it, only to deliver it faithfully, one soul at a time.
Rituals and Traditions
Among the Mortiferous Shades, ritual is not mere ceremony—it is faith made flesh, devotion forged in blood and bone. Every act of war is a prayer, every kill a tithe to the Imperator Mortifex, the divine Judge of Souls whom they believe the Emperor to be. Of all their rites, none is more infamous—or more sacred, than the taking of trophies. To slay an enemy is to pass judgment, to claim a piece of them is to bear witness to that judgment. Each relic, be it a torn scrap of cloth, a rusted blade, a shard of bone, or a severed head impaled upon a spike—is believed to contain a fragment of the vanquished soul. To the Shades, these remnants are not macabre spoils, but offerings, tributes of death presented to their god. The more trophies a warrior bears, the more souls he has delivered into the Emperor’s keeping, and the greater his standing within the Chapter’s silent hierarchy.
The Shades’ armor is adorned with these grim mementos, chains hung with teeth, banners stitched with enemy skin, and bones bleached white by the cold void. It is said that when they march, their trophies rattle like ghostly chimes, a dirge for the damned that heralds the coming of judgment. Each relic is tended with reverence, anointed in oils and ashes before battle, for they believe the trapped souls whisper to them in the dark, granting guidance, strength, and grim resolve. It is not uncommon for a Shade to speak softly to his trophies before combat, promising them more company before the sun sets again. To outsiders, such behavior borders on madness, to the Mortiferous Shades, it is communion.
Equally sacred is the Rite of Chains, a tradition drawn from their ancient gene kin but taken to new extremes. Every battle-brother binds his weapon to his wrist with dense, blackened chains, links forged from the iron of enemy war machines and sanctified in the blood of martyrs. The act symbolizes the eternal bond between the warrior and his purpose. To lose one’s weapon in battle is unthinkable, a sin against both Chapter and Emperor. As the chains bite into their armor and flesh, the Shades whisper vows of mastery and servitude, pledging that their weapon will not fail them, nor they it. Each link is a covenant, each knot a prayer. The pain of the binding serves as a constant reminder that faith, like steel, must be tempered by suffering.
These customs, gruesome, sacred, and unyielding, define the Mortiferous Shades as much as their warfare. In their eyes, ritual is survival, tradition is truth. Through their trophies, they carry the voices of the slain. Through their chains, they bear the weight of eternal duty. In this way, they become living monuments to the Imperator Mortifex’s will, walking shrines of bone and iron who bring His final judgment to a galaxy that has long forgotten the meaning of penance.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Mortiferous Shades have a highly stable gene-seed that is revered for its reliability and adherence to the lineage of Rogal Dorn This stability has been further enhanced with the incorporation of Primaris gene-seed, resulting in an extraordinarily low rejection rate and a lack of mutations throughout the Chapter's history.
However, like many Space Marine Chapters, the Mortiferous Shades do suffer from a specific genetic deficiency. They have lost the functionality of the Betcher's Gland, an organ found in the basic Astartes genetic template that allows a Space Marine to produce poisonous or acidic spittle. This deficiency does not affect the stability of their gene-seed in other aspects, and the Mortiferous Shades have not exhibited any other signs of mutations or genetic instabilities.
It is worth noting that certain Imperial Fists Successor Chapters have been known to display a troubling genetic deficiency called "Dorn's Darkness." This affliction randomly affects individual battle-brothers with vivid visions of their Primarch at the moment he discovered the grievously wounded Emperor aboard Horus' flagship, the Vengeful Spirit. These visions bring forth the profound misery and paralyzing fear felt by Dorn, as he confronted the potential reality of an Imperium without the guiding light of the Emperor.
Primarch's Curse: Into the Shadows of Death
When the Mortiferous Shades battle-brothers suffer and are affected by their genetic deficiencies. Being the product of their genetic inheritance, benefiting from its blessings as well as suffering from its shortcomings. The Mortiferous Shades's demeanour heavily reflects their combat doctrine. As they become unstable, the manifestation of their genetic curse occurs in three distinct stages:
- Stage 1 (Lure of the Shadows): In the early stage, affected battle-brothers exhibit a suppression of emotions. They become increasingly reserved and withdrawn, keeping to themselves and speaking sparingly. This is reflected in their communication style, often being recalcitrant and terse. They remain in the shadows, observing and waiting for the opportune moment to act.
- Stage 2 (Walking with Death): As the genetic curse progresses, battle-brothers enter a stage of heightened aggression. Their suppressed emotions give way to an intense and volatile demeanour. They become more prone to bouts of anger and aggression, often displaying a fierce and relentless fighting style on the battlefield. This increased aggression is channelled into their combat doctrine, making them formidable warriors.
- Stage 3 (Knowing No Fear): Manifestation of the final stage of the curse can lead to battle-brothers experiencing visions of their own demise, which in turn can cause reckless behaviour and a disregard for personal safety. This state of mind not only endangers the affected battle-brother but also poses a threat to the cohesion and effectiveness of their entire squad. When a battle-brother is consumed by visions of their own death and accepts it as an inevitable fate, they may become detached from the objectives of the squad and fail to adequately aid their comrades in battle. Their recklessness and lack of focus can disrupt the squad's cohesion, putting the entire team at risk. Such behaviour can lead to poor decision-making, impulsive actions, and a failure to fulfil their assigned roles within the squad.
Throughout these stages, the Mortiferous Shades battle-brothers must grapple with their genetic deficiencies while still fulfilling their duties to the Chapter and the Imperium. They rely on their training, discipline, and the support of their fellow battle-brothers to manage and mitigate the effects of their genetic curse, striving to remain effective warriors in the ongoing battle against the enemies of the Imperium.
Combat Doctrine
- "We have not come to receive your supplication, but to enact judgement. Your offer of surrender has been rejected and long passed. This verdict is writ by your own hands. Now you shall all die."
- —Mortiferous Shades multi-channel Vox-broadcast down to the surface of Volscirhus Six
The Mortiferous Shades wage war as phantoms made flesh, cold, unseen, and utterly precise. Their doctrine is one of silence and sudden death, a philosophy of warfare that mirrors their faith in the Imperator Mortifex, the unseen hand of judgment. To the Shades, battle is not a contest of strength, but a ritual of culling. They move through shadow and smoke, their strikes measured, their retreats deliberate. Each engagement is planned with surgical care, each ambush unfolds like a prayer whispered in the dark. The enemy seldom hears them coming and when they do, it is already too late. Entire regiments have vanished in the night, their command posts found empty save for the faint scent of burned incense and the echo of distant chains.
Central to their art of war are the Scout Companies, who serve as the Chapter’s unseen eyes and ears. These warriors are not mere initiates, but master infiltrators and assassins in their own right. They prowl the wastes and ruins long before the main force arrives, charting paths of entry, identifying enemy weak points, and marking drop zones with the blood of the first fallen. Every movement of the Mortiferous Shades begins with their work every strike follows their shadow. Through their vigilance, the Chapter descends upon the battlefield like a shroud, silent, coordinated, and unstoppable.
The Mortiferous Shades scorn the wastefulness of open warfare. They do not meet the foe in proud lines of battle, nor do they squander lives in sieges of attrition. Instead, they strike from unexpected vectors, their attacks unfolding with deceptive fluidity, feints, diversions, and synchronized ambushes that disorient and cripple. Like carrion birds descending upon a dying beast, they target command centers, supply chains, and vital arteries of war. Assault Marines, Inceptors, and Land Speeders harry the flanks, while Attack Bikes strike deep to sever lines of retreat. Their engagements are brutal but brief swift executions rather than drawn out battles. To the Shades, victory is not measured in ground held, but in the silence left behind.
With the arrival of the Primaris reinforcements, the Chapter’s deadly efficiency has only deepened. Intercessors now serve as the vanguard of their shadow wars, their disciplined volleys cutting through the dark like judgment made manifest. Hellblasters replace the old Devastator squads, their plasma fire scorching through fortifications and armor alike, leaving nothing but ruin in their wake. Yet despite the changes in wargear and physiology, the heart of the Chapter remains the same, a brotherhood of hunters in service to death itself. The Mortiferous Shades do not fight for glory, nor survival, but for the fulfillment of their creed. To be the Emperor’s silent hand, delivering His verdict upon a galaxy drowning in sin.
Deathwatch Service
- "In darkness we fight, from darkness we strike!"
- —Moritat-Captain Vosk Jaylok
A Shade Warden of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter serving the Long Vigil
The Mortiferous Shades have long honored the grim tradition of sending their sons to serve among the Deathwatch, the black-armored brethren who stand sentinel against the alien horrors that stalk the stars. To the Shades, this service is not merely a duty, but a sacred pilgrimage, a time of penitence and judgment beneath the Emperor’s watchful gaze. When a Shade is chosen to bear the silvered pauldron of the Deathwatch, he does so with solemn pride, for it is said that to walk among other Chapters is to walk through the shadow of one’s own faith. These chosen warriors serve as the Emperor’s assassins among assassins, their skill in stealth, infiltration, and silent execution making them invaluable to the Ordo Xenos’ most secretive kill-teams.
Among the Deathwatch, the Shades are often quiet, introspective figures, observers as much as warriors. They do not boast of their lineage nor impose their customs upon others. Instead, they watch, listen, and learn. Serving beside sons of Ultramar, Fenris, and Baal, they find themselves surrounded by brothers whose beliefs are louder, brighter, more fervent than their own. Yet even among such varied kin, the Mortiferous Shades remain steady and unshaken. To them, the vigil is a test of endurance, of faith held firm in the din of other doctrines. In battle, their methods of silent killing and coordinated strikes often unsettle their more direct comrades, but few can deny the efficacy of their craft when the enemy lies dead before dawn’s first light.
When a Shade’s vigil concludes, he returns to his Chapter changed, his black armor gleaming with the residue of alien blood and the memories of countless battles fought in strange company. These veterans bring with them new insights, strategies forged in the crucible of cooperation, lessons learned from fighting beside warriors of alien temperaments and divergent philosophies. Yet, even as they share these teachings, many carry with them a quiet melancholy, a sense of separation born from the realization that the Imperium’s sons, though united in faith, are divided in spirit. They return to Kolymskaya like ghosts returning from the dead, their silence deeper, their judgment sharper.
The Mortiferous Shades’ unwavering commitment to the Deathwatch stands as proof of their devotion to the Imperator Mortifex and His eternal judgment. Through these shared vigils, they strengthen not only their Chapter but the Imperium as a whole, their service a reminder that even in darkness, humanity endures through unity and sacrifice. To the Shades, serving the Deathwatch is to look upon the abyss of the alien and return unbroken, to prove, once again, that death itself bends to the Emperor’s will.
Notable Mortiferous Shades
- Lord Marshal Devas Kane, "The Soulreaper" - Devas Kane, the patriarch and first Lord Marshal of the Mortiferous Shades, was a renowned and fearsome Moritat-Captain of the Death Templars' elite 1st Company, known as the Death Knights.As a ferocious and merciless warrior, Kane embraced his reputation as a bringer of death and chaos in the name of the Emperor of Mankind. After the devastating War of the Beast and the subsequent loss of numerous Adeptus Astartes, the 4th Founding was initiated to replenish the ranks of the Space Marine Chapters. Devas Kane was chosen to lead one of these newly formed Chapters, the Mortiferous Shades, which was created from the gene-seed of the Death Templars. Taking on the role of the Chapter's first Lord Marshal, he embarked on a century-long campaign, leading the Mortiferous Shades in countless battles across the Imperium. During their suppression of a rebellion on the Forge World of Ordon Primus, the Mortiferous Shades found themselves engaged in a brutal conflict with Chaos Cultists. It was during this clash that Lord Marshal Kane met his demise in his 135th year as the Chapter's leader, valiantly fighting against the forces of chaos. The passing of Lord Marshal Kane marked a significant loss for the Mortiferous Shades, as he had been instrumental in shaping the Chapter and leading them to victory in numerous campaigns. His legacy as a fierce warrior and a symbol of death in service to the Emperor would be remembered by his fellow Battle-Brothers and future generations of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter.
Current Lord Marshal Baylok Nul of the Mortiferous Shades
- Lord Marshal Baylok Nul, "The Wraith" - Baylok Nul, known as "the Wraith," currently holds the position of Lord Marshal (Chapter Master) of the Mortiferous Shades Space Marine Chapter. As per Chapter tradition, he was elevated to this esteemed position following the death of his predecessor. Baylok Nul possesses exceptional command skills in coordinating the Chapter's various Crusades and is particularly adept at leading ambush, infiltration, and sabotage missions. A master of stealth and infiltration, Baylok Nul strikes swiftly and lethally from the shadows, leaving his enemies with no chance to react. His proficiency in covert operations and his ability to strike undetected earned him the moniker "the Wraith." Under his leadership, the Mortiferous Shades have gained a well-deserved reputation for both inspiring acts of heroism and instilling terror in their adversaries. Baylok Nul's journey took an extraordinary turn when he became the first Firstborn Space Marine of the Mortiferous Shades to undergo the Rubicon Primaris, the process of transformation into a Primaris Space Marine. This marked a significant milestone for both Baylok and the Chapter, opening a new path for the Mortiferous Shades as they embraced the advancements and capabilities of the Primaris Marines. With Baylok Nul at the helm, the Mortiferous Shades continue to carry out their duty with unwavering determination, employing their mastery of stealth and infiltration to bring death and destruction to those who defy the Emperor and the Imperium.
- Lord Marshal Shavok Draak, "The Hallowed" - Shavok Draak, a highly esteemed Moritat-Captain of the 3rd Company, assumed the role of the second Lord Marshal of the Mortiferous Shades during the 35th Millennium. With a reputation for his exceptional leadership, tactical brilliance, and imposing physical stature, Draak led his company to numerous victories in countless engagements. Following the tragic death of Lord Marshal Kane, Shavok Draak took up the mantle of leadership and guided the Mortiferous Shades for an impressive span of 300 standard years. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the Chapter's interpretation of the Codex Astartes and played a vital role in shaping their combat doctrines. His strategic insights and battlefield expertise were instrumental in the Chapter's success on numerous campaigns. Shavok Draak's dedication to the Emperor and his unwavering loyalty to the Imperium earned him many honours and accolades throughout his long and distinguished service. His actions and achievements in the name of the Emperor stand as a testament to his exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to the Mortiferous Shades and their mission. Though he eventually met his end, his legacy continues to inspire the Mortiferous Shades, and his contributions to the Chapter's combat doctrines remain a lasting testament to his leadership and impact on the Mortiferous Shades Chapter.
- Lord Marshal Kregan Lok, "The Darkheart" - Lord Marshal Kregan Lok, the longest-serving Chapter Master of the Mortiferous Shades, was a revered figure within the Chapter. While his exact age remains a mystery, it is believed that he had served for at least 800 Terran years, a testament to his longevity and dedication to the Mortiferous Shades. Lok was renowned for his exceptional skills as a strategist and marksman. His mastery of ambush, infiltration, and sabotage was legendary and almost seemed supernatural. Unlike many seeking personal glory, Lok cared solely for achieving victory and was willing to employ any means necessary to secure it. The skulls of enemies, representing every race and bastion of Mankind's foes, adorned his armour, serving as a grim reminder of his countless triumphs. Tragically, Lok met his end through treachery. He fell victim to an assassin's poisoned blade wielded by the cursed Sons of Damnation in the Targras Rift. Despite his valiant struggle against the virulent poison that ravaged his body, Lok succumbed to its effects, experiencing a slow and agonizing death. The passing of Lord Marshal Kregan Lok was mourned deeply by the Mortiferous Shades, as he had left an indelible mark on the Chapter's history and had been a paragon of leadership and tactical acumen. His legacy would forever be remembered as an embodiment of the Mortiferous Shades' unwavering determination and commitment to the Imperium.
Chapter Fleet
The Chapter fleet of the Mortiferous Shades is known to contain the following starships:
- Atrum Mortem (Unknown Class Battleship) - The Atrum Mortem, meaning "Black Death" in Low Gothic, is the imposing flagship of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter. This immense vessel serves as not only their flagship but also as a mobile Fortress-Monastery, embodying the strength, power, and resilience of the Chapter. As the centrepiece of the Mortiferous Shades' fleet, the Atrum Mortem is a sight to behold. Clad in dark, formidable armour, the vessel exudes an aura of intimidation and foreboding. Its ebon hull, adorned with the Chapter's iconography, stands as a symbol of the Mortiferous Shades' unwavering dedication to the Emperor and their mission to bring death to his enemies. The Atrum Mortem boasts an array of formidable weapons and defensive systems, ensuring its ability to withstand the rigours of battle. Its formidable void shields and powerful armaments make it a force to be reckoned with in the void of space. Beyond its formidable firepower, the Atrum Mortem houses the Mortiferous Shades' command centre, training facilities, armouries, and sanctuaries. It serves as a mobile base of operations, allowing the Chapter to project its power across the stars and respond swiftly to threats wherever they may arise. Under the command of the Lord Marshal, the Atrum Mortem serves as a rallying point for the Mortiferous Shades, a symbol of their unity and purpose. It carries the Chapter's traditions, relics, and the indomitable spirit of the Astartes who call it home. Whether soaring through the void or leading the charge into the heart of battle, the Atrum Mortem stands as a testament to the Mortiferous Shades' power and resolve, ensuring that death and judgment follow in their wake.
The massive battleship of unknown class, the Atrum Mortem, flagship of the Mortiferous Shades
- Timui Noctem (Unknown Class Battleship) - The Timui Noctem, meaning "Feared Night" in Low Gothic, is an enigmatic battleship that belongs to the Mortiferous Shades Chapter. While the specific class of the ship is not known, its reputation as a formidable vessel is widely recognized. The Timui Noctem serves as a symbol of the Mortiferous Shades' martial prowess and relentless pursuit of their enemies. Its sleek and imposing design reflects the Chapter's preference for stealth and covert operations, evoking a sense of fear and trepidation among those who oppose them. This battleship is known for its devastating firepower, capable of unleashing a barrage of lethal ordnance upon enemy vessels and planetary targets alike. Its armaments, shields, and propulsion systems are meticulously maintained to ensure peak performance in the heat of battle. Like other ships of the Mortiferous Shades' fleet, the Timui Noctem bears the Chapter's distinct livery and heraldry, proudly displaying the iconography that represents their devotion to the Emperor and their mission to bring death to his enemies. Whether deployed in a vanguard assault or operating as part of a larger fleet, the Timui Noctem embodies the Mortiferous Shades' unwavering dedication to duty and their relentless pursuit of victory. It serves as a formidable instrument of destruction, striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. While the true capabilities and mysteries surrounding the Timui Noctem remain shrouded, its presence on the battlefield is a testament to the might and power of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter, instilling terror in all who face their wrath.
Unknown battleship class, the Timui Noctem of the Mortiferous Shades
- Celeri Morte (Battle-Barge) - The Celeri Morte, meaning "Swift Death" in Low Gothic, is a battle-barge that serves as a formidable warship within the fleet of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter. As a battle-barge, it combines the firepower and durability of a capital ship with the mobility and versatility needed for various combat operations. The Celeri Morte is a symbol of the Mortiferous Shades' relentless pursuit of their enemies and their commitment to swift and decisive action. It is equipped with a wide array of devastating weapons systems, including macro cannons, lance batteries, torpedo launchers, and fighter bays, allowing it to engage both spaceborne targets and ground-based installations with lethal force. This battle-barge plays a crucial role in the Chapter's operations, serving as a mobile command center and launching platform for their forces. It can transport a significant number of Astartes, vehicles, and support personnel, enabling the Mortiferous Shades to deploy their strength rapidly and strike at their enemies with precision. The Celeri Morte is renowned for its speed and maneuverability, allowing it to outmaneuver enemy vessels and quickly respond to changing battlefield conditions. Its advanced propulsion systems and navigational technologies ensure that it can swiftly traverse the void of space to reach its designated targets. Emblazoned with the distinctive iconography and colors of the Mortiferous Shades, the Celeri Morte proudly displays the Chapter's heraldry and symbols, symbolizing their allegiance to the Emperor and their mission to bring death to the enemies of mankind. Whether leading the Chapter's fleet in a large-scale conflict or undertaking covert strike missions, the Celeri Morte stands as a powerful testament to the Mortiferous Shades' might and their unwavering commitment to defend the Imperium of Man.
Battle-Barge, the Celeri Morte of the Mortiferous Shades
Chapter Relics
- The Cimmerian Armour of Night - The Cimmerian Armour of Night is a mysterious and unique suit of armour worn by select Mortiferous Shades warriors. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, and whispers suggest that it may have been acquired from sources outside the Imperium. The craftsmanship of the armour is exceptional, with intricately designed plates that move seamlessly and silently, making it nearly soundless in operation. One of the most remarkable features of the Cimmerian Armour of Night is its ability to create an aura of shadows around the wearer. This cowl of darkness billows and moves like smoke, allowing the wearer to blend seamlessly into the shadows and become nearly invisible to their enemies. When the wearer remains still, the shadows gather and form a dense, impenetrable mass, further concealing their presence. The armour's stealth-enhancing properties have proven invaluable to Mortiferous Shades warriors, allowing them to stalk their prey undetected and strike with deadly precision. It grants them the ability to move silently and unseen, enabling them to infiltrate enemy lines, perform covert operations, and deliver the killing blow without ever being detected. The Cimmerian Armour of Night is a symbol of the Mortiferous Shades' mastery of stealth and their dedication to eliminating their enemies with swift and unseen precision. It embodies the Chapter's ethos of striking from the shadows and exemplifies their reputation as relentless hunters and executioners of the Emperor's enemies. However, the origins and true nature of this enigmatic armour remain a subject of speculation and intrigue, adding to its aura of mystery and serving as a constant reminder that the Mortiferous Shades possess tools and abilities that defy conventional understanding.
- Cryptmaker - Cryptmaker is a unique and deadly bolter, renowned for its craftsmanship and its ability to strike with lethal precision without giving away the shooter's position. It is a masterfully crafted weapon, designed specifically for the Mortiferous Shades and their style of warfare. What sets Cryptmaker apart is its elaborate blast-cowl, a specialized attachment that significantly reduces the noise and muzzle flash produced by each shot. This innovative feature allows the wielder to fire the Bolter with remarkable stealth, making the shots virtually silent. This silence adds to the terror and confusion it instils in the enemy ranks, as they are unable to pinpoint the exact location of the shooter. Cryptmaker is entrusted to the heroes of the Mortiferous Shades, warriors who excel in covert operations and specialized missions. These elite warriors use the Bolter to sow terror and discord among their foes, striking from the shadows and leaving their enemies bewildered and demoralized. The weapon's name, Cryptmaker, carries an air of mystery and foreboding, reflecting its lethal nature and the fear it instils in those who face it. Its use exemplifies the Mortiferous Shades' preference for stealth and psychological warfare, allowing them to disrupt enemy formations, create chaos, and ultimately tip the scales of battle in their favour. Cryptmaker serves as a symbol of the Mortiferous Shades' skill and expertise in silent and precise warfare. It is a subtle yet extremely dangerous weapon that contributes to the Chapter's reputation as the masters of stealth and disruption on the battlefield.
- Knight's Fall - Knight's Fall is a revered Sniper Rifle within the ranks of the Mortiferous Shades. Crafted with exceptional skill and precision, it embodies the Chapter's commitment to marksmanship and deadly accuracy. This legendary weapon is bestowed upon the most skilled marksman among the Sergeants of the 10th Company, signifying their status as the finest sharpshooter within the Chapter. The design of Knight's Fall is a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of the Mortiferous Shades' craftsmen. Its long, sleek barrel and expertly crafted stock showcase the meticulous attention to detail and quality materials used in its construction. The inner workings of the weapon remain shrouded in mystery, a closely guarded secret known only to the Chapter's most skilled artisans. What truly sets Knight's Fall apart is its unique ammunition. The rounds it fires are described as darts of inky black shadow, carrying with them a devastating implosive force upon impact. The explosive power unleashed upon striking a target's armour is capable of cutting through even the hardened defences of a Chaos Space Marine or inflicting severe damage upon a battle tank. The reputation of Knight's Fall precedes it, with tales of its lethal accuracy and ability to strike down high-value targets with precision and force. The sniper who wields this revered weapon becomes a harbinger of death, capable of eliminating enemies from great distances with a single, well-placed shot. Knight's Fall symbolizes the Mortiferous Shades' mastery of marksmanship and their relentless pursuit of perfection in the art of sniping. It embodies their commitment to precision and the deadly consequences that result from their skilful execution. As a weapon of immense power and prestige, Knight's Fall is a fitting representation of the Mortiferous Shades' formidable presence on the battlefield.
Revered and ancient long curved Power Sword, The Harvester. A razored edge sword that is both elegance as it is lethal.
- Harvester - The Harvester is an ancient and revered weapon within the arsenal of the Mortiferous Shades Chapter. This long, curved power sword is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the Chapter's master weaponsmiths. With its perfectly balanced design and a blade honed to a razor's edge, the Harvester is a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled Mortiferous Shade Battle-Brother. What sets the Harvester apart is its uncanny ability to seemingly move with a mind of its own. When wielded by a Mortiferous Shade, the sword exhibits an almost intuitive nature, as if guided by an unseen force. This attribute grants the weapon a level of agility and responsiveness that surpasses that of a typical power sword. In the heat of battle, the Harvester becomes an extension of the Mortiferous Shade's will, executing precise strikes and manoeuvres with remarkable fluidity. It is said that the sword dances through the air, cutting down enemies with lethal efficiency. This unique characteristic of the Harvester has earned it a reputation as a weapon of both elegance and lethality. The Harvester's curved blade enhances its cutting power, allowing it to slice through armour and flesh with ease. Its perfect balance ensures that it can be wielded swiftly and with great precision, striking true with every swing. The razor-sharp edge of the blade adds to its deadly effectiveness, capable of delivering devastating wounds to foes. As an ancient weapon of the Mortiferous Shades, the Harvester holds great significance within the Chapter. It is a symbol of their martial prowess and unwavering dedication to the Emperor's cause. Whether used in close-quarters combat or as a display of skill and prowess, the Harvester embodies the essence of the Mortiferous Shades' mastery of bladed weapons and their commitment to delivering death to their enemies. Overall, the Harvester stands as a testament to the Mortiferous Shades' centuries of experience, refined craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of perfection in the art of warfare.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
The Mortiferous Shades Chapter's power armour is a striking combination of silver and black, reflecting their distinctive aesthetic and identity. The distribution of colours across the armour follows a specific pattern, emphasizing the Chapter's organization and individuality.
The black colouration dominates certain parts of the power armour, signifying the Mortiferous Shades' sombre nature and affinity for shadows. The power pack vents, chest plate, shoulder pad trim, fauld, vambrace, gauntlets, poleyns, and greaves are all adorned in black, exuding an air of darkness and stealth. This choice of colour reflects their mastery of infiltration and covert operations.
Contrasting with the black elements, the silver parts of the armour provide a striking visual contrast. The helmet, main portion of the power pack, shoulder guard insets, lower torso, belt, groin, cuisse, and the Aquila or Imperialis on the chest guard are all rendered in silver. This silver colouring represents purity, strength, and the shining light of the Emperor's grace. It serves as a reminder of the Mortiferous Shades' unwavering loyalty and devotion to the Imperium.
The shoulder pads feature a silver inset, complementing the overall silver theme and adding visual appeal to the armour. The black squad speciality symbol, denoting Battleline, Fire Support, Close Assault, or Veteran, is prominently displayed on the right shoulder pad. In the centre of the squad speciality symbol, a silver gothic numeral signifies the squad number, enabling quick identification and coordination on the battlefield.
On the right knee guard, the company symbol is displayed, indicating the Mortiferous Shades' company affiliation. This further reinforces the Chapter's organizational structure and unity in battle. Additionally, the left knee guard often bears personal honour and totemic symbols, allowing individual Battle-Brothers to express their unique identities and achievements.
Mortis Praeconium
Indeed, the Mortiferous Shades Chapter incorporates various macabre symbols and icons into their heraldry and iconography, reflecting their focus on death and the transience of life. These symbols serve as constant reminders of the impermanence of existence and the inevitable fate that awaits all living beings. While they share certain motifs with their progenitors, the Death Templars, and the Mortiferous Shades have developed their own distinct symbols and icons that convey their unique interpretation of mortality.
Skulls and bones are commonly used by the Mortiferous Shades, representing the remnants of life and the reminder of mortality. These symbols can be found on their armour, banners, and other Chapter regalia, serving as grim reminders of the fragility and fleeting nature of existence.
Another symbol often employed by the Mortiferous Shades is the angel of death, evoking a sense of impending doom and the finality of mortality. This motif reinforces the Chapter's role as agents of death and guardians of the Emperor's will.
In addition to these traditional symbols, the Mortiferous Shades also utilize more specific icons that convey the concept of impermanence. A coffin symbolizes the final resting place, representing the end of life's journey and the inevitability of death. An hourglass symbolizes the passage of time, reminding all that life is finite and measured. Wilting flowers symbolize the ephemeral nature of beauty and the transience of life's vitality.
By incorporating these macabre symbols and icons into their heraldry, the Mortiferous Shades Chapter seeks to instill in their Battle-Brothers and those they encounter a constant awareness of their own mortality. It serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of their duty, the urgency of their actions, and the ultimate fate that awaits all beings in the galaxy.
The following is a list of how each Harrow represents itself:
- 1st Harrow: The Angel of Death holding a scythe in one hand and an hourglass in the other. The first, is associated with the grim reaper as a symbol of death because of its use to cut down the harvest (reap). The second, symbolises that time is fleeting, for death has come.
- 2nd Harrow: A skull and bones to dexter (facing to the left) within an open-faced circlet, centered upon a pair of crossed scythes.
- 3rd Harrow: A large skull facing forwards, centered upon three scythes in.
- 4th Harrow: Skull and crossbones, the skull facing forwards within an open-face circlet and centered upon a downwards facing dagger.
- 5th Harrow: A large skull facing forwards above a laurel, centered between to crossed scythes, the blades facing one another.
- 6th Harrow: A large custom hourglass made of bone and decorated with skulls. The sands of hour glass indicating that time has run out and that death is coming.
- 7th Harrow: A forward-facing skull in an open-facecd circlet, centered within a double-headed Aquila with downward striking lightning bolts emanating from it.
- 8th Harrow: A skull centered within a decorative open-faced circlet and surrounding by a pair of skeletal wings of an unidentified creature.
- 9th Harrow: A large white forward-facing skull overlaying above an ancient Fire Support icon and centered within an upside-down triangle consisting of three femurs.
- 10th Harrow: A skull and crossbones symbol centered within a pair of wings.
Chapter Badge
The Mortiferous Shades Chapter badge is a black coloured close skeletal fist centered upon a field of silver.
Relations
Allies
| Death Templars |  |
The Death Templars is an ancient and proud Chapter created during the Second Founding in the wake of the Horus Heresy and Great Scouring. Like their successors, the Mortiferous Shades, the Death Templars are also proud scions of Dorn. Aside from an unbreakable sense of honour and a history of unparalleled skill at arms, the Death Templars share little in common with their forebears' culture and traditions. Left to operate alone at the edge of the Imperium has bred within them an isolationist and fiercely independent streak that has seldom been embraced by outside command. Over time they have also gained a shadowed reputation for themselves with other Imperial authorities as well as fellow Adeptus Astartes, who view their seemingly unnatural obsession with death and strange mortuary traditions with suspicion. Despite their isolationist tendencies the Death Templars formed a strong bond with their erstwhile progenitors. Despite their relative youth (at least compared to the venerable Death Templars), they respect their younger kinsmen and their enviable records of dedicated service on behalf of the Imperator Mortifex. In return, the Mortiferous Shades formed a strong bond with their progenitors and regard their elder kinsmen with both awe and the utmost respect. These two Chapters have fought alongside the other on only a handful of occasions, but when they have, they have accomplished great things, often changing the tides of battle in the Imperium's favour. Forming bonds of brotherhood, despite their inherent distrust and paranoia of outsiders, these two Chapters will willingly answer the call-to-arms, should the need ever arise - an oath which has only been fulfilled on a handful of occasions. |
Enemies
| Blood Jaws |  |
The Mortiferous Shades hold a deep and unyielding hatred for the Blood Jaws, a traitor faction that has committed grievous acts against their brethren. Throughout the millennia, the Shades have engaged in numerous battles and campaigns against these treacherous foes, driven by their relentless determination to wipe them out.
Every engagement with the Blood Jaws is fueled by the Shades' intense hatred and the memory of their fallen kin. They fight with ferocity and determination unmatched, refusing to relent until the last of these traitors are brought to justice. The Mortiferous Shades' relentless pursuit of the Blood Jaws serves as a reminder to all who stand against the Imperium that there is no escape from the righteous wrath of the Emperor's Angels of Death. The tale of their ongoing struggle against these traitors inspires fear and respect, as their unwavering commitment to vengeance sets an example for all who would dare betray the Imperium.
|
Notable Quotes
By the Mortiferous Shades:
- "I am the retribution from the Emperor! If you didn't commit many sins, the Emperor wouldn't have sent a retribution like me!"
- —Lord Marshal Kregan Lok
- "Death will find you soon enough. War is not about glory. War is about victory!"
- —Mortriarch Tal Hilrek, Funerary Chaplain of the Mortiferous Shade
- "I have embraced life without fear. I embrace death without regret."
- —Moritat-Captain (add name)
- "We are the hidden death that none respect. We are the shadow that kills. Victorus Aut Mortis!"
- —Lord Marshal Baylok Nul
About the Mortiferous Shades:
- "Did anyone else hear that s…"
- —Last words of Chaos Lord Guis Wartongue of the Contemptuous Seeker of the Sixth Claw, before his decapitation during the War for Mergis Nine
Gallery
