|
This article, Revenant Crusaders, was written by Moltovthrower69. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
|
This article, Revenant Crusaders, is currently under active construction. The author, Moltovthrower69, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
- "In the end, it is our defiance that defines us... For the Emperor!"
- —Tyren Ramaeguez, Captain of the 7th Company, during the Revenant Crusaders' last stand on Cadia
The Revenant Crusaders chapter of the Adeptus Astartes are a 10th Founding Chapter derived from the gene-seed of primarch, Rogal Dorn. This chapter has ties to the Imperial Fists legion from the times of the Great Crusade. The chapter was commissioned sometime around the mid-35th Millennium, to fight during the Nova Terra Interregnum. The Revenant Crusaders helped put the forces of the Ur-Council of Nova Terra to death across the false Imperium. The chapter would also clash with the forces of the Tellarite Rebellion. The Tellarites took advantage of the civil war and tried to gouge out their own empire. After the Nova Terra Interregnum, The Crusaders Revenant would not claim a homeworld or system and would become a fully fleet based force.
Immediately after their involvement in the Nova Terra Interregnum, the Revenant Crusaders declared a crusade called "The Crusade of Deliverance". This crusade has been ongoing into the current setting. The Revenant Crusaders would move throughout Segmentum Pacificus and the southern parts of Segmentum Obscurus attacking mostly Orks and different chaos warbands. The chapter would continuously engage in extremely taxing campaigns and in turn the chapter takes heavy losses for each of these campaigns.
Those deadly campaigns came to a head when an ork waaagh assaulted a planet that the chapter had just liberated from a chaos warband. The short of it saw almost the entire chapter killed on this campaign. The chapter's fleet was pretty standard for a chapter at this point in time. Their strength was only 2 battle barges and 5 strike cruisers and their escorts. One of the battle barges was repairing a forge world while this was happening. The fleet present during this campaign was destroyed in its entirety. The chapter only had 50 brothers remaining after this campaign. The chapter would call this tragedy "The darkest stand". The chapter was rightly declared, decimated. The Revenant Crusaders spent an eternity rebuilding, and they had some realizations in this time. The chapter leadership redefined how the chapter would operate. The Revenant Crusaders usually operated as small company sized forces that would undertake missions to cover a wider space. This was a strength that had a few glaring weaknesses. They could be everywhere and combat multiple foes at the same time. The weaknesses would show during this campaign when the chapter massed for one massive defense. The chapter leadership would hinder each other's movements or contradict orders that were given. The chapter leadership had never fought in such a manner, always being the top dog. They could not properly scale up their movements and orders to an entire chapter sized force. The orks would take advantage of this shortcoming and launch mass surprise attacks all across the chapter's defenses. This was the major shortcoming of the chapter's defense of the world and what would inevitably almost kill all of the battle brothers. The leadership realizing why they took such a grievous loss really leaned into cohesive tactics and how to effectively work together. Instead of dividing their forces into company sized strike forces, the chapter would stay as either one massive force or two medium size forces. Only breaking off a smaller force when necessary. The chapter would rebuild their forces and grow to an acceptable size again. The chapter ended up commissioning a new fleet, to move this rebuilt crusading force.
After the Revenant Crusaders redefined, they would become an even greater threat to enemies of the Imperium. Coming out of rebuilding the chapter immediately put down multiple small Ork waaagh and chaos uprisings. This would be the Revenant Crusaders main focus throughout the millennia. The chapter has had many great sacrifices on multiple different major campaigns. One of these are the 7th Company's complete sacrifice holding back a horde of traitor astartes and chaos cultists on Cadia during Abaddon's, the arch-traitor, 13th Black Crusade. The chapter's current whereabouts are within the Segmentum Pacificus currently fighting a delaying action against the tendrils of hive fleet Leviathan.
Chapter History
The Revenant Crusaders are a 10th Founding chapter. The chapter was commissioned during the mid 35th Millenium, created amid the dark times of the Nova Terra Interregnum. The Revenant Crusaders helped put the forces of the Ur-Council of Nova Terra to death across the false Imperium. The chapter would also clash with the forces of the Tellarite Rebellion. The Tellarites took advantage of the civil war and tried to gouge out their own empire. After the Nova Terra Interregnum, The Crusaders Revenant would not claim a home world or system and would become a fully fleet based force. The Revenant Crusaders would then declare a crusade and begin to move about crushing xenos forces all over the Segementum Paficicus. Moving through and gaining experience against Orks and the forces of different chaos warbands. Multiple different small strike forces would move around and assault different enemy strongholds. A few campaigns would bring the Revenant Crusaders new allies and resources.
Mid 35th - Late 37th Millenium
The Siege of Phaetax IV
The Revenant Crusaders, a newly founded chapter, would be assigned to purge the world of Phaetax IV. The new chapter would marshal their strength and move on the world. This action would prove to the Imperium and other chapters that the Revenant Crusaders were worthy and could be relied on. The High Praetorian would brief his subordinates on the newly assigned campaign. The world of Phaetax IV, led by an overzealous Planetary Governor, had executed all of their loyal Astra Militarum forces and taken complete control of the world. Preliminary scans of the planet showed that over 50 percent of the planet's population had been conscripted and were using the executed Astra Militarum equipment. The chapter fleet would enter into the Phaetax system with no resistance except for a few armed freighters. Making short work of the traitor gunboats, the chapter would enter into the planet's high orbit. The chapter's leadership would meet and decide to make a show of force. Deciding to attack the planetary space port. Using all of the available fighter and bomber wings the chapter would strike directly on supply depots and defensive hardpoints. After the bombing runs were complete the chapter would use drop pod assault and drop directly on the defending PDF forces. The 3rd company boarded their drop pods and prepared for the drop. The drop pods were sent screaming towards the already disorganized PDF forces. The chapter's air forces were wrecking absolute havoc on the PDF defenses and anti-air batteries. The 3rd company impacted their landing site and disembarked into a whirlwind of combat. The full force of the 3rd company immediately carved a path through the PDF forces. They pushed for the command network, not taking a single casualty during the movement. In a matter of hours, the defending PDF force was completely routed from the space port. With a substantial foothold established, the rest of the chapter descended to the surface. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd companies would move for the main hive city where the planetary governor was residing. The rest of the chapter would push across the world securing other important targets such as main armories and technological plants. The three companies reached the Governors hive city within a day of landing. Immediately breaking into the city, the Astartes started the hunt. With the High Praetorian and his guards pushing for the Governor's mansion, the three companies started assaulting the armories and storage facilities within the hive city. Slaughtering any that stood in the High Praetorian's way, the force breached the Governor's mansion. Killing squad after squad of PDF, the High Praetorian punched his way through the Governors wall and drug the fat bureaucrat from his chambers. The High Praetorian then publicly executed the Governor in an attempt to shatter the morale of the PDF. Many gave up and pleaded for forgiveness. Uncaring the Astartes left the city and moved on to other holdout groups. Eventually the Revenant Crusaders were called to combat other enemies of the Imperium. Not wanting to leave the planet open for another rebellion, the chapter fleet orbitally bombarded all holdout groups as a final message to the population.
The Nova Terra Interregnum and Tellarite Rebellion
The Revenant Crusaders, having proved their metal, were redeployed to fight the forces of the Ur-Council of Nova Terra. Not much is known around this time as many records kept by the chapter have been lost over the millennia of hard fighting since the chapter's inception. The chapter would crush different rebelling forces throughout the false Imperium. The chapter would also join in crushing the forces of the Tellarite rebellion. The Tellarite forces would take advantage of the chaos and gouge out their own empire. The Revenant Crusaders would help in destroying the forces of the Tellarite Rebellion and the Ur-Council of Nova Terra.
The Decimation of Iron
Late 37th - Late 38th Millenium
The Darkest Stand
- "“We are shattered… My brothers, my friends, lie cold at my feet, their blood soaking this ruined ground. I can still hear their dying breaths, the echoes of their last words hanging in the air, but now there’s only silence. And me. Left standing in a graveyard of the only family I ever knew. What does victory even mean when there’s nothing left? No glory, no purpose just emptiness. I’d trade it all… every hollow victory, every breath I still draw, just to see them rise one more time. But they’re gone and I’m cursed to live without them.” "
- —Sergeant Aegos, dubbed "The Revenant Crusader", closing acts of the Shattered Crusade
The Darkest Stand. The hardest felt campaign on the Revenant Crusaders in their entire time of existence. A time where the Revenant Crusaders realized their flaws. A time where the Revenant Crusaders were shattered beyond recognition. A time where hero's found their footing and legends were lost.
An ork waaagh had become prevalent within Segementum Pacificus. The Revenant Crusaders had realized this threat and began fighting actions to draw them towards the low populated world of Huron XI. The Revenant Crusaders had their entire chapter deployed to this world. High Praetorian Orameo began to build defenses and traps throughout the entire planet. Three months later the ork waaagh had reached full strength and entered into the system and began to assault the world. The orks crashed many of their ships into the massive desert covering around a 1/4th of the planet. Hundreds of thousands of guardsmen had been shipped to the planet and joined the Astartes of the Revenant Crusaders. The Revenant Crusaders fleet was completely broken, their flagship was currently undergoing repairs on a Forge World in the next sector. Completely encircled the Revenant Crusaders readied themselves for a long siege.
The orks that were still in orbit started to clean up and strip the Revenant Crusaders fleet of all that it was worth. Hundreds of thousands of orks started to drop upon the world of Huron XI. The orks who had crashed early on in the void war were already starting to assault and overrun guard lines. Hundreds of Astartes charged to reinforce the guard lines and were thrown into a fierce melee fight. After months of fighting, the Revenant Crusaders numbers had shrunk below 1/4th of their original. Most of their companies were depleted and broken. The 10th-5th companies had been completely lost during fighting. Only around 150 Astartes were left. Millions of guardsmen had been killed and only a few thousand remained. The Revenant Crusader siege bastion was the only remaining defense. A final assault was launched against the bastion.
While this was happening, the ork warboss was beginning to gather his personal guard of boys and land upon the plains before the main bastion of the Revenant Crusaders. The 1st company was preparing to meet the ork warbosses guard. High Praetorian Orameo watched as the warbosses krooza gained speed and crashed into the plains before the bastion. Orameo knew that this could be the end of their chapter. He would not cede any ground to the orks. They would have to kill all of them to win. The warboss appeared out of his crashed ship and was calling for Orameo. The 1st company sallied out to meet the warboss and his boyz. Slaughtering their way through the orks, the 1st company was gaining momentum and killing hundreds of orks. Orameo met the warboss in the plain. The monstrous figure loomed over Orameo. He was not scared, Orameo charged the warboss and began their dual. Orameo cut the warbosses arm off, just for the warboss to break the High Praetorians chest plate with his punch. Orameo stabbed the warboss through the chest, hoping to kill him. The warboss was fatally wounded, but impaled Orameo with his massive power claw. Orameo and the warboss died in that same pose, both impaled and broken.
Sergeant Aegos, of the 1st company, watched as the warboss and his High Praetorian killed each other. The fighting died down. The orks, seeing their warboss die, fled. Aegos looked around and he was the only Astartes remaining. Surrounded by his dead brothers and High Praetorian. Aegos knelt down, not knowing what to do. Aegos, a manufactured super weapon that was leagues above a normal human, faltered. He was lost, confused about his next actions. 15 of his surviving brothers within the 2nd company found him sitting in the middle of the carnage. Afterwards, a few more Astartes were found throughout the carnage still fighting in pockets of resistance. Two more of Aegos's 1st company brothers were found finishing off a group of mega nobz. Aegos's friend was one of these two brothers.
Around 6 hours after the battle had concluded, the Revenant Flagship arrived in system and rendezvoused with the surviving Astartes. In total, around 40 Astartes were left to represent the chapter. Aegos was elevated to the status of High Praetorian and all other surviving brothers were elevated to positions of command. It would take the Revenant Crusaders most of the 38th Millenium to rebuild to the strength they have now.
Formation of the Shadow Brotherhood
After the shattered crusade the Revenant Crusaders would reach out to their closest allies. These chapters consisted of the Revenant Crusaders very own successor chapter, the "Spectral Wardens", a blood angels successor, the "Void Praetors", and a chapter of unknown origin, the "Arcane Sentinels". These three chapters were in an extremely close and longstanding alliance with the Revenant Crusaders. All three chapters were based around a constant warp storm that surrounded a warp rift. This warp rift would disgorge multiple chaos warbands and other chaos aligned groups. The Warp storm also presented a place for many pirate raiding parties and other renegades to hide from the Imperium's ever vigilant eyes. The Revenant Crusaders would be inducted into this alliance and it would be formally renamed to the Shadow Brotherhood. These four chapters would be positioned around this constant warp storm and make it an exclusion zone. Using a joint council system, these 4 chapters would break up the exclusion zone into 4 sub zones. Each sub zone would be under control and protection of a chapter and its assets.
Early 39th - Early 42nd Millenium
Siege of the Torvoran Sector
The Torvoran Sector is located on the outer fringes of Segementum Pacificus. This sector houses a fortress world, a forge world, and multiple manufactorum worlds. This sector is a vital part of the economy within the surrounding sectors and the Segementum Pacificus itself. Because of its vitality, it boasts its own massive sector fleet along with millions of guardsmen across its expanse. The sector came under severe threat from chaos forces soon after the turn of the 37th Millenium. With 2 chaos warbands assailing the sector along with hundreds of thousands of traitor militia and guardsmen. The sector capitol was a massive fortress world with battlefleet Torvoran's home station orbiting it. The traitor void forces were enough to push back battlefleet Torvoran and leave three of the manufactorum worlds and the forge world without voidship support. The Revenant Crusaders exited the warp on the fringes of the sector to find it in flames. Entering into the chaos, the chapter fleet entered into high orbit over the sector capitol and met with the battlefleets high command. High Admiral Adrian Krahr and High Praetorian Aegos met and started to form a plan to take back the besieged planets. The combined forces of the chapter fleet and the battlefleet could easily overwhelm the traitor fleet. Then a blockade of ships would be placed around the 4 besieged planets and Imperial forces would be deployed to each planet to break the traitors. High Praetorian Aegos did not want this campaign to drag on so he decided to deploy his Astartes on one planet at a time starting with the Forge World.
The War of Vindication
The war of vindication is a massive stain on the relations between the Inquistion and Revenant Crusaders. A group of three Inquisitors, all secretly renegade, attempted to overthrow the Revenant Crusaders and get them labeled as traitors. These Inquisitors were part of a minor Ordo that had participated within the same campaign as the Revenant Crusaders. Seeing how much of an asset the Revenant Crusaders were, these Inquisitors began to think that they could take the chapter as another military asset to bolster their forces. The overzealous commander of the the Inquisitorial forces, Cornelius Powl, demanded a meeting with High Praetorian Aegos. The High Praetorian invited the Inquisitors on his flagship to find out what this meeting was about. Inquisitor Powl essential told High Praetorian Aegos that him and his chapter were now under his direct control. Aegos obviously refused this and told the Inquisitor to leave his sight. The ensuing argument saw the Inquisitors escorted off of the flagship. Months after the encounter, Inquisitor Powl had redirected a mass amount of military and naval assets to his control. Wielding this amassed force, Powl sent one of his accomplice Inquisitors to meet with Aegos again. Inquisitor Powl told the other Inquisitor to try and kill High Praetorian Aegos if he refused Powl's control again. The Inquisitor met with Aegos and was promptly refused. This refusal saw the Inquisitor and their retinue try to kill Aegos and the ship they traveled on destroyed a Nova-class Frigate. That Nova Class Frigate had 5 Astartes on it.
An assassination attempt and 5 dead Astartes saw the chapters command enraged at the gaul of this Inquisitorial Ordo. Mobilizing their entire force, the Chapter headed straight for Inquisitor Powl's fortress world. Arriving within the Inquisitors system saw the Chapter fleet completely sweep aside all requisitioned naval assets under Powl's control. Taking position in high orbit over the Inquisitors fortress, the Chapter drop pod deployed 4 companies directly on top of the Inquisitors forces. High Praetorian Aegos, The Captain of the Crusade and some of his Crusader Terminators teleported into Inquisitor Powls command bunker. Slaughtering their way through hundreds of Inquisitorial storm troopers and Tempestus Scions until they reached Powls chambers. Somehow Powl had escaped. He had boarded a transport and gotten into the ragged Inquisitorial fleet that was limping out of system. The other Inquisitor was within the fleet when Powl arrived.
The Revenant Crusaders chapter fleet would turn and pursue the Inquisitorial fleet. Following the desolate fleet, they would be led into an active campaign against a rebelling world. Multiple regiments and Imperial battlefleet Torvoran was present during this campaign. High Praetorian Aegos would immediately raise the fleet command and explain the situation. While Powl entered into high orbit and took command of all ground forces. Admiral Adrian Krahr, of battlefleet Torvoran, would take the chapters side and destroy the remaining Inquisitorial fleet. The Imperial Guard high command would be killed and replaced with "loyal" commanders. This campaign had quickly turned into a three way war between the chapters forces, the Inquisitorial Forces, and the rebelling forces of the planets factions. The planets forces were Industrial mercenary forces, PDF, and militia forces. Inquisitor Powl had come into command of 20 Imperial Guard regiments, multiple loyal PDF regiments, and a mass amount of hired mercenaries. The northern hemisphere was under Inquisitorial control while the southern hemisphere was firmly under rebel control. The planets orbit was completely under control by battlefleet Torvoran and the Revenant Crusaders chapter fleet.
High Praetorian Aegos had decided to undertake the whole cleansing campaign and destroy the rebels while killing the traitor Inquisitors. The fleets would immediately start orbitally bombarding major strategic points within the northern hemisphere. High Praetorian Aegos decided to completely forgo attacking the southern hemisphere until Inquisitor Powl was dealt with. Deciding to deploy the 1st-6th companies to attack the Inquisitors forces, while the 7th-9th companies would secure a secondary front and start to engage the rebel forces. A new Imperial Guard battlegroup was requested and on their way to the campaign staging grounds. The Inquisitors forces were on a severe backfoot because of a new offensive by the southern rebels and the Revenant Crusaders took advantage of their disorganized lines and dropped right on them. The 6 companies opened a massive pocket between the rebels and the Inquisitorial troops. The 1st-4th companies immediately assailed the Inquisitors forces, while the 5th and 6th companies destroyed the rebel offensive and set them on the defensive.
High Praetorian Aegos was deploying alongside his terminator guard on the Inquisitorial front. His guard was slaughtering their way through the trenches without pause. He was aiming for the anchor point of the front. Fort-B-116 was holding the front together and was a rally point for the Inquisitors forces. Quickly pulling the 1st company to his side they assailed the already damaged fort. Breaking through the waivering defenders, the 1st company and Aegos were able to slaughter their was through the fort and send the Inquisitorial front into a full retreat. The Astartes spent around a month breaking through each front until they reached the outer edges of Powls fortress. By this time the new Imperial Guard army group had arrived and deployed two artillery regiments to support the siege along with 3 regiments of infantry. The other Imperial Guard units had deployed alongside the Revenant Crusaders on the rebel front. Around 60% of the Inquisitorial forces were deployed around Powls stronghold while the other 40% were spread out across the enlarged fronts.
During a boarding actions undertaken by Revenant Crusaders breacher squads, Powls accomplice was captured and brought before the Chosen Council. A confession of heresy was beaten out of the traitor Inquisitor and sent to the Ordo that the Inquisitorial trio were proven to be traitors. With this heresy confirmed, the Ordo completely dropped their investigation and left the Revenant Crusaders to their revenge. With the Inquisition out of the way, Aegos had all Revenant Crusaders companies present deploy around the fortress. Instead of keeping the siege, Aegos ordered a captured Cobra Destroyer to be rammed into the fortresses walls and void shields. The Revenant Crusaders Astartes, 3 infantry regiments, 2 artillery regiments, and an armored regiment watched as the Cobra destroyer screamed into lower orbit towards the fortress. Powls defenders opened fire on the destroyer to try and break it apart, but it was far too late. The destroyer slammed into the layers of walls that the fortress kept, sending thousands of defenders and great mounds of debris flying across the warzone. The destroyer hulk then exploded, blowing an even bigger breach into the fortress. Immediately after the Astra Militarum regiments assaulted the breach, hoping to completely overwhelm any remaining defenders.
Aegos taking all of his Astartes with him, charged alongside the infantry. No real resistance was given because of the level of destruction that had already happened. Weaving through the mounds of debris, the Imperial forces entered into the fort. Aegos ordered the Imperial forces to hunt down and engage all traitor forces left. The Astartes entered into the main spire of Powls fortress. Hundreds of Inquisitorial Stormtroopers were facing Aegos and his terminator guard. Aegos was heading towards Powls personal command chambers. Slaughtering their was through hundreds of traitors, the Astartes slowly made their way through the fortress. Reaching Powls chamber, they became surrounded by Stormtroopers and two black shield terminators. Powl had received two guards from a black shield force in exchange for information on the Revenant Crusaders, and their brother chapter the Spectral Wardens. This was surprising because neither chapter had ever crossed a black shield force in their time.
Aego's terminator guard made short work of the stormtroopers and the Captain of the Crusade dueled and captured one of the terminators. Aegos had beaten the other but chose the keep him alive and take him as a prisoner. Aegos kicked down the reinforced door leading to Powls chamber, and saw him. Aegos grabbed the traitorous scum. He took Powl and his accomplice Inquisitor to the bridge of the chapters flagship. They were taken before the chosen council and were sentenced to execution. Powl and his accomplice were flayed before the entire chapter as penance for their crimes against the Imperium and the Revenant Crusaders. The two black shield terminators were secretly taken into custody and given the option to join the Revenant Crusaders or live inside of the ships holding cells. Eventually both terminators were inducted into the Revenant Crusaders and were placed within High Praetorian Aegos's personal command squad.
Battle of Hithlum
The Battle of Hithlum was a system wide conflict that took place during the 4th Tyrannic War. Hithlum, a feudal Germanic world, was the home planet for the Dragon Helms chapter. The Revenant Crusaders, while fighting parts of tendril Nautilon, intercepted a call for help from the Dragon Helms chapter, stating that a splinter fleet was approaching their sector and all available assistance was needed. Unable to send their full force, the Revenant Crusaders sent 3 battle companies towards Hithlum. The Revenant Crusaders were preparing to draw a splinter fleet onto an Imperial fortress world, so they could only spare those 3 companies. The 4th, 5th and 8th companies were chosen to help the Dragon Helms. Captain Marcus Valen, Captain of the 4th company, was designated as the commander of this task force.
His flagship, a Mars-class Battlecruiser designated as the Phantom, was a long serving vessel that would lead the force into the maw of the Hive fleet. The task force arrived in system to find already over a dozen Astartes vessels hung in high orbit around Hithlum. 15 Astartes chapters had answered the call for help. Coming in varying numbers, this defense seemed like an immovable object in the face of such a threat. Captain Valen, surveying the forces brought he saw somewhere over 5,000 Astartes within the Hithlum system. The Revenant Crusaders moved into position and deployed their Astartes planet side. The 4th and 5th companies were deployed to a fort along the eastern front. It was designated Fort Faramund, and it was a linchpin for the eastern front, and was designated as a complete fallback point for the eastern forces. The 8th company was deployed alongside their cousin chapters on the northern front. Mount Odalwar was the forward position for the northern front and had a good conglomerate of Astartes forces. After a long and grueling void war the tyranids made landfall. Odalwar was one of the first positions hit. As the waves of tyranids crahsed upon the Imperial defenders, Odalwar was overrun.
The Northern front made attempts to stem the tide but none were strong enough. The Eastern front saw a similar fate until the Tyranids reached Fort Faramund. The 4th and 5th companies, under Captain Valen, stood against the tide and threw the xenos back. A spearhead lead by the Dawn Seraphs and Dragon Helms returned the two companies to Iron Oak so they could defend the armory of the Dragon Helms. The 8th company, after retreating with the rest of the Imperial forces, were found within the 6th Keep of Iron Oak. Unfortunately the survivors of the 8th company were killed within this keep. Killed to a man, the Astartes were surrounded by hundreds of Tyranid bioforms.
After the campaigns closing acts, Captain Valen reviewed the strike forces losses. The 5th Companies Strike Cruiser "Dauntless Will" was destroyed. The entirety of the 8th Company was lost, and the 4th and 5th had taken heavy casualties. The survivors began to collect geneseed and equipment from all of the fallen Astartes. Captain Valen would then signal for the Revenant Crusaders fleet to come collect the strike force. All remaining command staff that participated in the Hithlum Campaign were debriefed by High Praetorian Aegos. After the debrief, Aegos and Valen met privately. The two spoke of how Valen handled the campaign and the loss of his friend Captain Alvar. High Praetorian Aegos ended the private meeting by announcing that Valen would become the Captain of the 2nd Company. He would take command effective immediately, because of an upcoming campaign against rising chaos warbands.
Notable Campaigns
Before The Shattered Crusade (Mid 35th - Late 37th Millenium)
- The Siege of Phaetax IV- One of the first campaigns before the chapter's involvement in the Nova Terra Interregnum. This campaign was against a rebelling Imperial world. The chapter would have their full-strength present during this battle and would quickly destroy the rebel forces in a rapid assault on the planet. The Revenant Crusaders would take the PDF forces by surprise and completely crush them. The surviving holdout groups would be orbitally bombarded before the chapter left the system.
The Shattered Crusade (Late 37th - Early 38th Millenium)
- The Darkest Stand- The Revenant Crusaders would discover an ork waaagh that had gained momentum and was barreling towards a very strategically important system. Seeing this, the leaders of the chapter would bring their entirety to bear upon the ork force. The chapter would draw the orks onto the planet where their entire force was waiting. The void battle was valiant but ultimately ended in the chapter's fleet being decimated. The orks would lay siege to the world and after long months of fighting would bring the chapters numbers down to 50 Astartes. The chapter's worst enemy during this siege was their own leadership's miscommunication and being unable to work together. With the chapter decimated and their fleet all but gone, the remaining members of the Revenant Crusaders would have an unfamiliar darkness enter into their ranks that would stay with the chapter ever since.
- Formation of the Shadow Brotherhood- After the shattered crusade the Revenant Crusaders would reach out to their closest allies. These chapters consisted of the Revenant Crusaders very own successor chapter, the "Spectral Wardens", a blood angels successor, the "Void Praetors", and a chapter of unknown origin, the "Arcane Sentinels". These three chapters were in an extremely close alliance and were all based around a constant warp storm that surrounded a warp rift. This warp rift would disgorge multiple chaos warbands and other chaos aligned groups. The Warp storm also presented a place for many pirate raiding parties and other renegades to hide from the Imperium's ever vigilant eyes. The Revenant Crusaders would be inducted into this alliance and it would be formally renamed to the Shadow Brotherhood. These four chapters would be positioned around this constant warp storm and make it an exclusion zone.
After The Shattered Crusade (Mid 38th - Early 42nd Millenium)
- The War of Vindication-
- Battle of Hithlum- The Dragon Helms home world, Hithlum, was under siege by splinter fleet Catalan of Hive Fleet Leviathan. Hearing the call of the Dragon Helms chapter, the Revenant Crusaders would send three companies to help the Dragon Helms. A coalition of 17 different chapters, including the Revenant Crusaders, would heed the call of the Dragon Helms. The Revenant Crusaders would be deployed on the Eastern and Northern front. The Eastern front saw 2 companies, the 4th and 5th, deployed to Fort Faramund. Fort Faramund being the linchpin of the Eastern front, it was of the utmost importance for it to stay in Imperial control. The fort was held, even though suffering extremely heavy casualties, by the two companies. The surviving Astartes would join in the Helm of Dawn Offensive and return to Iron Oak to aid in the defense of the Dragon Helms Fortress Monastery. The Northern front was not as stable, seeing the Imperial forces driven all the way back to the Dragon Helms Fortress Monastery, Iron Oak. Captain Alvar and his 8th company, being on the Northern front for the length of the campaign, made a final stand within the halls of Iron Oak's 6th Keep. With no survivors remaining of the 8th company, the Revenant Crusaders remaining forces would collect any equipment that was left and awaited their chapter fleets arrival. The Dauntless Will, a strike cruiser, was lost during the void warfare against the Splinter Fleet. Another, the Phantom was badly damaged, was unable travel alone within the void of space. Communicating with chapter command would have the two remaining strike cruisers await the full force of the chapter fleet. The Revenant Crusaders fleet would arrive and take all of their resources with them for repair and to face new campaigns.
Chapter Fleet
The Revenant Crusaders boast a substantial fleet. The chapter is a strictly fleet based force and has accumulated a large fleet in its time amongst the Imperium. The chapter does not have a warp capable star fortress. This chapter has multiple different specialized classes of void ship. The Revenant-class Battle Barge is one such ship. This void ship take a courageous class chassis and adds more guns and armor. The chapter fleet possesses and unknown number of forge ships, medical frigates, salvage vessels, gunships and other various support craft. The Revenant Crusaders also have an unknown number of other ships at an undisclosed location undergoing repairs and cleansing by members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. These ships come from an unknown source although some speculate that they are taken from different destroyed chaos warbands and traitor naval fleets. The ships listed only includes the chapters active fleet presence.
Battleships
- Revenant (Revenant-class Battle Barge)- The Revenant Crusaders have designated this battle barge as their chapter headquarters. This battle barge dates back to the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy, having transported the chapter's progenitor brothers during their time within the Imperial Fists Legion. The ship was then gifted to the Revenant Crusaders during their founding. Surviving into the current era, serving the chapter through every trial.
- Mortis Sicix (Emperor-class Battleship)- This battleship was taken from a renegade naval detachment that engaged the chapter fleet during the War of Vindication. The Revenant Crusaders 1st company pursued boarding actions against this battleships crews. High Praetorian Aegos personally cleared the bridge and claimed the ship as a part of his chapters fleet. Ever since its integration it was refitted to match the chapters standards. It had seen many campaigns and has been an anchor within the storm that is the chapters engagements. After its refitting, it became the 2nd companies flagship.
- Pacificus Crusader (Legate-class Battle Barge)- The newest addition to the Revenant Crusaders battle fleet. This was one of the battle barges that are on commission from Mechanicus forge worlds. The Revenant Crusaders have a commission list of different naval assets that have been given to specific forge worlds of the chapters choosing. The list is highly classified and is only known by the members of the chosen council. This commission fleet's purpose is unknown.
- Gospel of Destruction (Legate-Class Battle Barge)- This Battle Barge was commissioned alongside the Silver Scion. These two void ships were replacement after the events of the War of Vindication. That war took a toll on the chapters fleet and the Revenant Crusaders decided to continue to add a buffer of ships to their fleet.
- 2 more unknown Battle Barges
Cruisers
- Lord of Ruin (Revenant-Class Grand Cruiser)- This Grand Cruiser, housing the 3rd company, was a gift from an Imperial Navy Battlefleet Torvoran. Lord Admiral Adrian and his battlefleet were saved by the Revenant Crusaders during a void engagement with renegade forces. Taking the Grand Cruiser as a thanks from the battlefleet, the Revenant Crusaders refitted it to house Astartes and have more gun decks.
- Phantom (Mars-class Battle Cruiser)- This Battle Cruiser houses the 4th company. The Phantom was originally part of the same renegade naval detachment as the Mortis Sicix. This Battlecruiser was present in the climax of the War of Vindication and was boarded by the 4th company. It was taken for the chapters fleet and refitted for the chapters needs.
- Praetorians Sword (Overlord-class Battle Cruiser)- The Praetorians Sword houses the 6th company. This Overlord-class Battle Cruiser was found after a naval engagement with a black legion warband. It was originally an Imperial Naval vessel that the battle fleet deemed too damaged to be worth it. The Revenant Crusaders transported it to an undisclosed location and had the forces of the Mechanicus refit it for their purposes.
- Pslam of War (Crusader-class Strike Cruiser)- This Strike Cruiser was commissioned after the events of the War of Vindication. The Silver Scion houses the 7th company.
- Herald of the Crusade (Crusader-class Strike Cruiser)- This Strike Cruiser houses the 8th company.
- 9 more unknown Strike Cruisers
- 12 unknown Vanguard Class Light Cruisers
Escorts
- An unknown and varying amount of Rapid Strike Vessels
- The Spirit (High Praetorians Personal Thunderhawk Gunship)
- 39 Thunderhawk Gunships
Destroyed Vessels
- Dauntless Will (Crusader-class Strike Cruiser)- This Strike Cruiser housed the 5th company. Destroyed by Splinter Fleet Catalan during the Battle of Hithlum.
- Silver Scion (Crusader-class Strike Cruiser)- This Strike Cruiser housed the 10th Company. It was sacrificed alongside the 10th Captain and his guards during a screening action to protect the Pacificus Crusader during a void engagement with an Iron Warriors warband.
Chapter Recruitment
The Revenant Crusaders are a fully fleet based chapter. The chapter pulls recruits from a host of worlds across the Segementum Pacificus. Most of the worlds that the Revenant Crusaders recruit from are feudal worlds. Highly favoring a few select worlds that have knightly human households. The chapter would recruit from the households and train the recruits in the ways of the chapter. One such world is Trecrah IX. This world was found soon after the chapters darkest stand. This world supplied the beleaguered chapter with much needed recruits.
Chapter Organization
Chapter Command
- High Praetorian- Chapter command falls to the High Praetorian. Honor bound and always keeping vigil over the chapter, the High Praetorian will look after the Imperium and his brothers with the utmost care. Guiding the chapter's future, the High Praetorian takes on the responsibility of wielding the chapter's strengths to the Imperium's benefit and protection. The chapter's spiritual and cultural history is embodied by this role. Keeping the chapter's cultural history is pivotal to his brother's morale and will always be upheld within the High Praetorians' daily trials and dealings with others. This aspect of the chapter rises above most other responsibilities with the exception of a few. These few consist of the chapter's strategic leadership and the chapter's governance. Leading the chapter's main forces into warzones and deploying his brothers to any and all contention points. Keeping the chapter well supplied and maintained is extremely important especially for a void faring chapter like the Revenant Crusaders. Many other responsibilities come with this prestigious role. The Revenant Crusaders relations with other chapters are handled by the High Praetorian and his chosen council of advisors. This chosen council will help the High Praetorian with keeping relations good, making decisions on alliances, and any other major decisions that involve the chapter and its actions. The High Praetorian acts as a mentor to any chapter leadership. He will listen to any problems brought to him or help in any decisions that the chapter's subordinate leadership comes across. He will also lead the chapter leadership through tactical drills and teach them new innovative leadership tactics that prove helpful. The High Praetorian should provide each Astartes of the chapter a role model and a way to strive for better within themselves, acting as the model Revenant Crusader.
- Chosen Council- The Chosen Council has been operating since the chapter's decimation at the hands of the ork menace. Being created out of necessity to help the survivors of the chapter stand and make decisions for themselves. This council takes stress off of the High Praetorian and also brings in other points of view from the chapters Astartes. The council is made up of each company Commander, the chapter Champion, and the leadership of the High Praetorians personal bodyguard. The council is called into session by the High Praetorian. He will then lead the session, addressing major problems, upcoming campaigns, and any other concerns or reports. The Chosen Council also oversees recruitment and training standards, crisis management, and inter-chapter relations. The council will work out alliances and joint battle plans, maximizing effectiveness and seeing that the threat is completely expunged. This council also creates a way for all of the chapter leadership to grow a bond and grow their effectiveness when working on joint tasks and operations.
- Company Commanders- The Chapter selects its greatest Astartes to become Captains, leaders of a select company within the chapters ranks. These Astartes are mainly taken from the 1st Company's ranks or the High Praetorians bodyguard. Each Captain is in charge of upholding the company's spiritual and cultural presence, keeping their Astartes in their best shape and maintaining company morale. These Captains are also shining beacons for their chapter to follow and strive to become. They are the most skilled warriors and sound minds within the chapter. The Captain will select the "Soul Guardians" of their company's relic. This honor is bestowed upon the best warriors within the company to guard the company's sacred relic from any that threaten it. The rank of Captain is a semi-autonomous role within combat. The Captain has the authority to deploy his Astartes wherever he deems fitting. He is also responsible for the strategies and alliances used during campaigns.
Line Ranks
- Veteran Sergeants- These Sergeants are extremely experienced Astartes, seeing countless engagements and campaigns. Their endless experience and knowledge are employed to lead other veterans into battle. Shining within combat as unmatched paragons of war. These Veteran Sergeants are not only great warriors but are also mentors and friends to lower ranking Astartes. These Veteran Sergeants bridge the gap between a battle line Astartes and the leadership within their respective company. These Astartes also help their company leadership to uphold morale and create a culture within the ranks of their respective company.
- Sergeants- These elevated Astartes are the backbone of leadership within the chapter. These experienced Marines are at the forefront of any engagement, defeating any foes that the chapter faces. They act as advisors for the company Captain and mentors for their subordinates. Their strategic insight and battle prowess brings helpful knowledge to tactical planning and campaign actions. Leading by example for their brother Astartes within their squads.
- Battle Brothers- These astartes fill the ranks of the chapter. Bringing unwavering strength and resolve to deliver any foes of the chapter to destruction.
Specialist Ranks
- Chapter Champion- The Champion is an unparalleled warrior within the chapters ranks. The fiercest and most confident warrior, seeking out enemy champions and warlords to add to their countless slaughter. Leading by example for any surrounding battle brothers, they excel in duels and single combat. Destroying morale of the enemy by beheading their leader he terrifies all enemies that are before him. The Champion embodies the chapters fighting spirit and the unrelenting will of the Imperium itself.
- Captain of the Crusade- The Captain of the Crusade is the head of the High Praetorians bodyguard. Leading the specialist formation of terminators and protecting the High Praetorian with his and his men's lives. The Captain of the Crusade is not just a battle rank. This Astartes functions as the High Praetorians main consultant. His closest friend and confidant. The Space Marine in this role acts as a secondary advisor to the Chosen Council. Acting as one of its leaders and strongest voices.
Specialist Units & Formations
- Crusaders- The Crusaders are a specialist formation of strictly Terminators that act as the bodyguard for the High Praetorian. Adorned with power spears and breacher shields these specialists utilize their extreme skill to ward off any enemies that try to kill the High Praetorian. This formation is infused with the High Praetorians personal command squad. An unknown number of these Astartes squads garrison each of chapters battle barges. They also act as guards for the Chosen Council when it is in session. These Terminator clad warriors are an extremely strong formation within the Revenant Crusaders chapter. There are 5 of these Crusaders that have been dispatched to guard Lord Admiral Adrian Krahr, Lord Admiral of Battlefleet Torvoran.
- Shield Bearers- The Revenant Crusaders specialize in void warfare like their progenitor chapter the Imperial Fists. The Revenant Crusaders use a mix of terminators and Shield Bearers within their boarding actions. The Shield Bearers are a modern version of Legion Breachers. To compensate for overworked servos within older pattern armor, the chapter uses newer models of armor, like the Mk X Tacticus model, paired with boarding shields to fix this problem. An unknown number of these squads garrison each ship within the chapters fleet and work during void combat using boarding actions against any foe.
Order of Battle
Headquarters
Companies
Chapter Beliefs
The Revenant Crusaders believe wholeheartedly in the Imperial Truth. The chapter looks down upon any that believe that the Emperor is a God. Because of their strict belief in the Imperial Truth, the chapter does not allow chaplains within their ranks. They see Chaplains as fallen Astartes that have forgotten the Imperial Truth and what it is to be an Astartes. The Revenant Crusaders avoid working with chapters that believe that the Emperor is a God. The chapter can make exceptions, begrudgingly, when working towards a common goal, but if they can avoid it chapter leadership will. An example of this is that even though the Black Templars believe that the Emperor is a God, they also understand that the sons of Rogal Dorn should help each other and still work together for the good of the Imperium.
The chapter has had its fair share of problems with the Inquisition as well. The Revenant Crusaders have always been skeptical of the Inquisition, but after a few "incidents" the chapter has been completely against any type of interaction with agents of the Imperium. Mainly avoiding or ignoring Inquisitorial requests. Things have escalated between a few overzealous Inquisitors and chapter leadership. With these interactions even leading to the death of a 5 Marines and a Nova Class Frigate. An ensuing war soured all relations between any form of the Inquisition and the Revenant Crusaders. The Revenant Crusaders also harbor a deep mistrust for the Adeptas Sororitas because of their origins. The Age of Apostasy was a dark stain on the Imperium's history and was a time that completely counteracted the chapters beliefs. This deep mistrust of the Imperial Cult and Adeptas Sororitas has carried through the ages within the chapter.
The Revenant Crusaders do not look upon Imperial citizens with disgust or contempt. The chapter will not go out of their way to save them but will not just leave them completely helpless. There have been times when the chapter would sacrifice a great deal of Astartes to save large populaces and times when they would leave citizens when it was not deemed helpful. The chapter has butted heads with a few chapters that have extreme views on this topic. The Revenant Crusaders treat their chapter serfs like humans, not slaves. Seeing them as an extremely helpful source of manpower. The chapter regularly uses serfs in combat and recruits an extremely high number of "fighting" serfs. These "fighting" serfs will accompany any marine detachment and will be present in any campaign undertaken by the chapter.
The Revenant Crusaders totally believe in taking equipment and assets from their enemies. Having taken many vehicles and even naval vessels, the chapter does not place any rules on collecting "spoils of war". While the Revenant Crusaders can take anything from their enemies, they do not believe in stealing from allied Adeptus Astartes chapters. There is no point in weakening their cousins, when they can gain the equipment from traitors and have the added factor of killing them. The chapter is extremely protective of their equipment as well so they would see stealing assets from another chapter as a complete insult and enough reason to go to war.
The Revenant Crusaders are very meticulous with their cleaning methods. Believing that being clean and well put together has an effect on morale and chapter spirit. After each campaign the battle brothers would deeply clean their armor and weapons. They believe that cleansing their battle gear gives the owner a sense of calming and grounding. It also gives the Astartes a change of pace and allows them to slow down and relax a bit. It is also seen to improve morale because the Astartes are always looking their best and are functioning at peak efficiency. The leadership is encouraged to interact as much as they can with their subordinates and keep morale up within their respective companies. The Revenant Crusaders also have a relic that is company specific. It is used to signify the company's spirit and is also used to boost morale and give each Company a sense of individualism from the entire chapter. Each company must select a squad to guard this relic on the headquarters battle barge. The selected squad guards their relic for an unknown amount of time and will rotate out guards when this time is elapsed. It is regarded as a high honor and this particular position is called "The Soul Guardians". This title was chosen because each of the members in this rank guard their respective companies' relics, or the companies "soul".
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Revenant Crusaders were created from primarch Rogal Dorn's gene-seed.
Genetic Flaws
- Dorn's Darkness- This genetic flaw effects only chapters that descend from the lineage of Primarch Rogal Dorn. When Dorn's Darkness takes one of their Astartes it might appear to the untrained eye as merely a wretched palsy: a slackness of the jaw, a tremor of the limb, a blankness of the eye. But those who survive it report the experience as a living nightmare, a sleeping wakefulness in which they relive the bottomless woe of Dorn's most trying time - the grievous mortal wounding of the Emperor of Mankind during the final hours of the Battle of Terra. This is both the genetic blessing of the Sons of Dorn's Primarch and a curse upon his sons. It is to know the possibility - for even a second - of an Imperium without the Emperor. To feel what Dorn felt. The profound misery of a Primarch. The paralyzing fear that even a man as great as Dorn experienced, for himself and for Mankind, over the Emperor’s broken body after the end of his battle with Horus. Whilst enthralled by the Darkness, its victims cannot speak or communicate. They cannot feed themselves or take water and seem feverishly insensible to everything happening about them.
Deathwatch Service
The Revenant Crusaders chapter does not see the Deathwatch as a suitable service for their warriors. They believe that it is a waste of their best warriors. A deeper underlying reason is their immense resentment of the Inquisition. Seeing the Inquisition as nothing but a hinderance and a bureaucratic nightmare. The intense backstabbing and uncaring nature of the Inquisition. Certain forces within the Inquisition have even gone as far as to kill multiple Astartes and destroy one of their void ships. There is no way the Revenant Crusaders would fund their attack dog with the chapter's finest warriors.
Chapter Combat Doctrine
- Void Warfare- The Revenant Crusaders specialize in void warfare, seeing this as the quickest way to win any campaign. This doctrine brings rigorous void training and maneuvers to better each fleet captains' awareness and experience within void combat. The chapter draws its training exercises straight from the Imperial Fists legion doctrine. The combination of the Legion tactics with updated void combat experience, brings an extremely formidable void presence.
Notable Space Marines
- Marcus Valen- Marcus Valen was the long standing Captain of the 4th company. He was newly promoted after the Hithlum campaign. His leadership and actions warranted an immediate promotion due to the 2nd company captain falling in battle with the rest of the chapter.
Chapter Relics
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colors
Chapter Badge
Relations
Allies
The Revenant Crusaders have a few chosen allies within the Adeptus Astartes. The chapter does not usually make allies within other Imperial Military branches. Imperial forces are moved and redeployed every day and cannot always stay close to the chapter so they choose to rely on themselves. There are a few exceptions to that rule of thinking.
| Imperial Fists |  Armorial of the Imperial Fists |
|
| Black Templars |   Armorial of the Black Templars |
|
| Dawn Seraphs |   Armorial of the Dawn Seraphs |
|
| Dragon Helms |   Armorial of the Dragon Helms |
|
| Battlefleet Torvoran | This Battlefleet is allied very closely with the Revenant Crusaders. Battlefleet Torvoran has contributed to multiple of the Revenant Crusaders campaigns and void engagements. Lord Admiral Adrian Krahr has been present at chapter command meetings and has even had the honor of participating in one. High Praetorian Aegos also keeps a strong bond of respect towards Lord Admiral Adrian. The Revenant Crusaders have two Vanguard Class Light Cruisers that protect the Lord Admirals flagship. These two cruisers provide support and also give Lord Admiral Adrian a squad of 5 Crusader terminators as a part of his personal bodyguard. |
Enemies
Notable Quotes
By the Revenant Crusaders
- "The Emperor's dream burns, yet we still stand. Our brothers are gone, but we still fight. For within this new age, we shall prosper."
- —High Praetorian Aegos, after the chapter was devastated, The Shattered Crusade
- "Brothers, our valor is etched into the annals of eternity. Today, we make Mount Odalwar our monument, forged in the flames of our fury. Onward, to glory or the grave. For Hithlum!"
- —Sergeant Agroz Aloneus, 8th Company, Revenant Crusaders, Slaughter at Mount Odalwar, Battle of Hithlum
- "Hold the line, Crusaders! Let the horrors of Hive Fleet Leviathan know that we are the shield of humanity. At Mount Odalwar, we stand unyielding, for every step they take is paid in their blood!"
- —Captain Alvar Seruitico, 8th Company, Revenant Crusaders, Slaughter at Mount Odalwar, Battle of Hithlum
- "Spare not the ignorant from our blades, for we shall grant them eternal bliss."
- —High Praetorian Aegos, after destroying a rebelling world within Segmentum Pacificus
- "Valen, the Imperium may see us as naught but a bulwark-unyielding, faceless, forged to stand against the endless tide. But we know the deeper truth. We are not mere stone, Valen. We bleed as men do, we grieve over our lost brothers, and we bear the scars of every battle fought and comrade lost. Alvar's passing is a wound upon our very soul, yet it serves to remind us why we hold this line. We do not stand for praise, nor for glory, but for the Imperium that is behind our crumbling wall. We endure because it is our oath. We are the shield, and though cracks may form, we shall hold steadfast, for if we falter, none shall remain to bear this sacred duty."
- — High Praetorian Aegos, before promoting Captain Valen, for his leadership and prowess, to 2nd Captain after the Battle of Hithlum
About the Revenant Crusaders
| Tenth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | Dark Lions • |
| White Scars Successors | Knights of the Frost • Velites • Wind Runners • |
| Space Wolves Successors | N/A |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Lions of Babylon • Revenant Crusaders • Void Templars • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Carmine Reavers • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Black Thorns • Ferrus' Children • Iron Retributors • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Blue Flames • Nova Knights • Sons of Eden • |
| Salamanders Successors | Wardens of the Flame • |
| Raven Guard Successors | Void Wardens • |
| Unknown Lineage | Blood Tigers • Tempestors • |
Gallery