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This article, Shadow Claws, was written by Ironazkal. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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The Shadow Claws are a semi-Codex-compliant loyalist Space Marine Chapter descended from the mighty Iron Hands. Raised during the 12th Founding amidst the turbulent Nova Terra Interregnum, they were created to annihilate the growing tide of xenos raiders and uprisings. For millennia, the Chapter has fought against the deadliest foes of the Imperium with ruthless efficiency. They constantly go on campaigns and rarely refuse calls for aid, as they believe war is the surest way to tests ones strength and rid themselves of any weakness. Their history is rich in hard won victories, each earned by their indomitable will and martial discipline. The Shadow Claws has forged themselves to be strong and stalwart warriors of the Imperium
The Chapter is known to be efficient and unyielding. Many have likened them to a tide of steel and firepower that has crushed the toughest of foes into dust. The Chapter always advances relentlessly with incredible fearlessness and resilience that is as inspirational as it is dreadful. They are often seen amidst the fiercest of battles where their precision and devastating arsenal is brought to its fullest effect.
Chapter History
The Nova Terra Interregnum saw the Shadow Claws deployed to the most brutal of fronts to combat xenos raiders and rebellions that plagued the Imperium. Immediately the Chapter launched brutal campaigns to bring worlds back into compliance and eradicate the raiders and invaders that seek to exploit this tumultuous time. In these brutal battlefields, the Shadow Claws learned that victory demanded endurance, ruthlessness, precision, and overwhelming strength.
Against the mightiest of foes they forged themselves to be warriors of incredible strength and unbreakable will, able to achieve victory against overwhelming odds. During the early millennium they brought numerous worlds back to the Imperium's fold and annihilated countless of enemies. From the Drukhari to renegade Chapters, none were safe from the calculated fury of the Shadow Claws. Many renegade and traitor marines have fallen from the thundering roars of the Shadow Claws' guns as they constantly test their mettle against such dangerous foes.
Liberation of Kay'laan System [Mid M35]
The Asu sub-sector, in the eastern areas of Segmentum Tempestus, was beset by numerous Xenos raiders and warlords for years. The most being Ork warbands, creating mini empires from captured Imperium worlds. Many worlds faced these threats alone until the Shadow Claws unleashed their calculated fury and sent out Strike Forces to planets that can be saved. Those beyond saving would have to hold out alone far longer until a counterattack can be planned. Strike Force Abe led by Captain Julius Ang and made up of the 2nd, 3rd, and 9th Company are sent to the 6 planet Sirenax system to assist the local forces. Strike Force Rosario (4th, 7th, and 10th Company) led by Captain Juan Rosario sent to the 5 planet Panguul system. Lastly, Strike Force Armon (1st, 5th, 6th, and 8th Company) led by Chapter Master Armon targeted the Kay'laan System which has the biggest concentration of Ork forces. Veterans in Kill-teams were initially sent months before each strike force engaged their targets, with the goal of eliminating leaders and sowing discord. Their actions resulted in many dead leaders and infighting warbands across the sub-sector.
The Asu sub-sector defenders resisted the onslaught of Xenos and traitors, fighting with bravery and tenacity the befit the warriors of the Imperium. None more than the Death world of Perlas I, where the most intense fighting happened in the entire sub-sector due to the number of Ork warbands. The biggest of which was led by Warboss Dedjaws, the most likely to become the Warlord. The Chapter speculated that due to the fierce defense the people of Perlas I is putting up against the greenskins, many orks would converge there and eventually create a Waaagh! and spread across the sub-sector. The Chapter's fleet was utilized to harass and destroy Ork ships to free up any Imperial ships in the system and open a path towards Perlas I. After weeks of intense void warfare and boarding actions, Chapter Master Armon's Strike force would reach the planet and unleash righteous fury towards the xenos invaders.
For years, hundreds of thousands of Orks were repelled from the city-tribes of the planet of Perlas I. But every time they repel the Orks, more join in and increase their numbers. They would have defeated and overrun the defenders were it not for the vital actions of the Forge-Moons of Mayari and Lobo, their intense defense and production of weapons supplied to the forces of the sub-sector. Strike Force Armon began their operations by liberating the Forge-moons and assist any Ad-mech forces to free a vital asset of the sub-sector. Majority of the 5th company would board the massive Ork ship of Warboss Dedjaws orbiting the Forge-Moon of Lobo, while the remaining Iron Slayer (Tactical) squad, and 2 Shadow hunter (Devastator) squads would assist the heavily besieged Forge-Moon Mayari. Seeing as Forge-Moon Lobo is almost overrun, a contingent of the 6th Company consisting of 2 Iron Slayer squads and 1 Shadow Hunter squad was sent to support surviving Mechanicus forces to buy them some time. Days of intense fighting within the massive Ork Battleship took place before the Shadow Claws' forces reached its main engines, they planted numerous melta charges to create a massive explosion taking out the ship. Captain Ignacio and his forces survived but with heavy damages, but it was worth as the resulting explosion took out a few nearby ork ships. Its massive debris would crash on the Forge-Moon Lobo resulting in its destruction, but by that time most of the remaining forces have evacuated to Forge-Moon Mayari. Thanks to the efforts of the kill-teams of 6th Company, most of the important materials and data would be evacuated from the moon, still a destruction of such facility increased the rage of many in the chapter and Mechanicus allies.
The majority of the 6th Company was tasked with the relief of the Agri-Knight world Lakax Dulaa, assisting the Knight House Sulayman. This place was the location of intense battles between gargants and titans for months. The 6th fought intensely with the forces of House Sulayman, sending kill-teams to take out the mekboys responsible for the creations of these massive monsters and targeting enemy leaders.
While all of this was taking place, Chapter Master Armon would unleash the entire might of the 1st and 8th Company against Warboss Dedjaws' main forces. An initial bombardment would hit the position of the warboss as the majority of the 1st Company would teleport into key locations to act as a bulwark as the Chapter Master and his elite guards decapitate Dedjaws. The 8th Company would drop pod simultaneously with armor and support the 1st. They faced intense and fierce combat against Dedjaws and his warriors, outnumbered they were pushed to their utmost limits, the most being Armon as Dedjaws was skilled and quick for his size. With brutal and precise skill, Armon would blind his foe, cleave his massive power Klaw before delivering a devastating blow, forcing the Warboss to swallow a melta bomb, ending the threat once and for all. The death of their warboss would leave a power vacuum among the Orks, infighting and discord would ensue giving the chapter time to counter-attack. A decade of putting down Ork warbands across the sub-sector would strengthen the chapter and hone their skills against Ork forces.
The Forging [Mid to late M35]
Decades after their conquest of the Asu sub-sector, the Shadow Claws would begin to integrate to the culture of their homeworld and many within it would question the inherit weakness of the flesh. The mortal allies they witnessed throughout their campaigns in the sub-sector and across was proof of that, despite their limitations, time and again they have shown remarkable resilience and fervor that goes above and beyond. There was strength in their fire, and many within the chapter believed it would complement their cold, calculating fury and will make them a better and stronger chapter. That their obsessive hatred of the flesh would be a detriment to their chapter.
Further fueling their desire to not reject their humanity were the rumors they heard from a few tech-priest allies, Lord Ferrus Mannus himself knew of the obsessive hatred of the flesh and desired to rectify it. A long debate that lasted many decades among the many of the veterans, the wisest and most respected Iron Shamans, Shadow Priests, Iron Fathers, and Iron Shadows of the chapter. Some proposed to hone their emotions with the calculated precision would increase their strength, while others scorned on such an idea, but many has experienced this irrational fury and emotion has led a number of their Shadow brothers on affecting the tides of a battle to their favor, inspiring those around them with such fervor. The stalemate persisted only broken by Chapter Master Armon, the first chapter-master of the Shadow Claws, he decreed that they will not discard their emotions, they shall hone it and use it to forge themselves into great warriors that would inspire their brothers and their allies to incredible strengths while maintaining the cold and calculated fury of their progenitors.
Notable Campaigns
- Liberation of Kay'laan System and Asu sub-sector (Mid M35) - After crusading for years, they Shadow Claws chapter would reach the Kay'laan system, Asu sub-sector, located in the eastern areas of Segmentum Tempestus and liberate it from the numerous xenos and traitorous forces raiding and controlling Imperium worlds. The Chapter dispatched 3 Strike Forces to key systems in the Sub-sector to liberate and assist loyal forces. Strike Force Abe sent to the 6 planet Sirenax system to assist the local forces. Strike Force Rosario led by Captain Juan Rosario sent to the 5 planet Panguul system. Lastly, Strike Force Armon (1st, 5th, 6th, and 8th Company) led by Chapter Master Armon targeted the Kay'laan System which has the biggest concentration of Ork forces. It took months of intense combat to just push back enemy forces, and years to cleanse the sub-sector of them. After decades of fighting closely with the men and women of the Asu sub-sector, they would make Perlas I their Chapter home and eventually granted feudal rights to the planet.
- Magdalena's Sorrow (Late M35)- The shrine world of Magdalena experienced numerous brutal rebellions that shocked its planetary leadership. Tens of thousands lay dead over the ensuing weeks before any sense of order could be reestablished. Unbeknownst to all, a chaos sect had established in the planet and had been preparing their demonic ritual. Right as those in command thought they were in control, a daemonic incursion occurred and numerous warp portals appeared across the shrine world. Hundreds of thousands of Daemonettes swarmed the planet and overran much of the planets defenses with only a few cities holding out. Clan Morox being the closest answered her calls immediately and launched a devastating barrage on the planet's surface, followed by drop assaults on key areas, creating kill zones to annihilate their foes. The Clan was victorious despite taking losses, and the survivors had to undergo mnemonic purgation protocols to make sure no taint of corruption takes root.
Chapter Homeworld
Perlas I
Perlas I is a jungle Death world and home to the Shadow Claws chapter located in the Kay'laan system. It is made up of numerous small islands and 3 massive continents: Lasson, Biscaya, Magindanaw. These 3 are the locations of the majority of the populace. They live in fortified city-tribes that differ in size and strength, with many of these vying for power, territory, and resources. Each of the 3 continents is the location of a few but powerful tribes, while the smaller islands has minor tribes, while strong in their own right pales in comparison to most major tribes in the continents. It is made up of lush thick jungles, vast lakes, and massive mountain ranges with the biggest being Sierra Madre Muerte located in Lasson. These are home to many bloodthirsty and ferocious predators, with some actively attacking cities and hunting humans. It is also rich in resources that is used by the Chapter's forges and for trade with nearby planets. Perlas I had two moons but one was shattered and its debris now make up the planet's ring. Some would be harvested for its resources, but most of the debris would eventually be turned into weapon platforms with thrusters that self correct to target enemies wanting to invade the home of the Shadow Claws. It is capable of unleashing torrents of torpedoes and powerful las fires to any would be invaders. The moons were rich in minerals as such was turned into forge-moons by the Adeptus Mechanicus. The forge-moons of Mayari and Lobo was the main defense and supplier of the system, currently only the Forge-moon Mayari survives. Perlas I has a population of roughly about 20,000,000.
Culture
The people here are resilient and strong, with a tight-knit culture to their families and city-tribe. An early lesson of this is exhibited by teaching children through experience as early as 5 how to hunt, away from the safety of their homes, engraving in them the importance of having the will to overcome any adversities. The people also have a close-knit culture, a strong spirit of unity and cooperation, which was shown when they were invaded by Ork warbands. As shown when warring tribes would band together to fight against the Orks, as they see their home is more important than their feud. The people when they reach young adulthood are capable fighters and hunters. They have a profound sense of honor in warfare, rooted in the belief that all forms of combat should be utilized to defeat the enemy. Limiting oneself to a single method of warfare is considered dishonorable - not only toward the enemy but also toward one's own potential. Consequently, ambushes, surprise attacks, and cunning strategies are not seen as cowardly, but rather as a legitimate expression of strength and strategy in achieving victory.
Many partake in singing as it is their ways of showing praise and devotion to the God-emperor. A highly superstitious group of people, they sing their hymns and do prayers before meals and combat. The shamans of the city-tribes also create Agimats for people as they believe it will protect them from any harm, a practice that the Shadow Claws chapter would follow.
Wildlife
- Bakunawas - Bakunawas are serpent like creatures native of the planet, these deadly predators are brutal killing machines with tough scale like armor. The have an appearance of a dragon with a serpentine like body, it can grow quite large (30 meters) and it is surprisingly quick for its size. Its fangs are massive and sharp, the younger ones are even able to crush a fully armored ogryn with ease and eat them whole, with older Bakunawas strong enough to even attack tanks. They are highly territorial and are usually found in nesting groups. There are those that grow isolated and due to its high aggression and appetite will almost everything in its territory. They become increasingly massive and highly dangerous that most to stay clear from these apex predators, with only the bravest and most cunning can hope to kill these creatures. They are classified as Elder Bakunawas and are prized for the extreme durability, strength, and lethality of its scales and fangs, that they are used for master-crafted weapons.
- Aswangs - Aswangs are man sized bats that live in the high treetops of the jungles, they live in groups and are quick and deadly.
- Tikbalangs - Tikbalangs are massive four legged creatures, aggressive and move in packs, these have heads like horses, bodies of a lion, with powerful legs with sharp claws. They are natives to the planet and is known to being nutritious delicacies in some tribes.
- Azkals - Azkals are almost man sized dogs that are known for its strength and loyalty and the few known animals that is not inherently aggressive to humans in the planet. Only those of strong wills are able to bond with them, creating lifelong allies to help them protect their homes. Their jaw is said to be powerful enough to pierce some thick armor. The Shadow Claws are known to train, and tame Alpha Azkals in the wild, man sized beasts who is even more territorial and powerful than the common Azkals. They enhance them with cybernetics to increase their durability and strength, utilizing them as guard dogs in various assets of the Shadows Claws. The chapter believes that is the better use for these noble creatures.
Fortress-Monastery
Risen Flames
Located in the massive Mountain range of Sierra Madre Muerte, it is built inside its highest peak. The mountain was the location of many decisive battles against the Ork invaders, and it is of great importance to the local people because it is believed that the mountain range have protected the nearby city-tribes from powerful storms and invaders. The Battle Barge "The Reclaimer" would be dismantled to use as materials to create the Fortress-Monastery. A fortress of adamantine strength, its walls are lined with macro-cannons, Lascannons, heavy bolter bunkers, and missile silos that will annihilate foes foolish enough to besiege the planet. It is also surrounded by thick jungles that is filled with dangerous predators to further deter invaders.
Chapter Organization
The Shadow Claws are organized similar to most Codex-oriented chapters but with slight deviations; similar to their progenitor that a company is called a Clan and each a hundred warriors strong and a formidable army in its own right. It is responsible for the maintenance of their own fleet, armory, and recruitment. Similar to their founding chapter, the Iron Hands, they have the rank of Iron Fathers as well maintaining the honored ranks of Chaplains and Techmarines. The Fortress-Monastery forges are maintained by the Forge-Lords, while each clan has its own pool of vehicles to maintain and is capable of producing their own wargear, it is mostly here where more venerable and rare gears are produced. The Clans are named after prominent tribes of Perlas I, and each of their symbols are distinct, with only it being around a cog its similarity, a sign of their unity and brotherhood.
Iron Circuit
The Iron Circuit is the Chapter's command council. Like their progenitors, the Rajah (Chapter Master) is not a title given for life but a title that is elected by members of the Iron Circuit. This title is usually held for 5 years, but the Iron Circuit will grant and strip the rank as they see fit. Since each of the Chapter's Clan is distinct with its own command hierarchy, Veterans, beliefs and clan traditions, each nominates one to represent them in the Iron Circuit. 40 Iron Fathers sit on the council. It is common for these members to be ancient and revered Dreadnoughts whose wisdom and strength has led the chapter to countless hard fought victories.
Officer Ranks
- Shade Lord - The title referred to the Chapter Master, the epitome of what a Shadow Claws' Astartes should be. They are armed in relic weapons and armors of the chapter's armory, with skills unmatched they bring awe to their allies and dread to even the most battle hardened of enemy forces. They are voted in by the Iron Covenant and leads the chapter.
- Shade Captain - The Chapter's equivalent to a Captain, these veterans lead their respective companies. Armed and armored in the best the chapter has to offer these are highly skilled in tactics and in combat.
- Lieutenant - They are advisors and at times act as honor guards to their Shade Captain. Lieutenants are highly skilled both tactically and martially, acting as the right hand by providing flexibility and are the demi-company leaders.
Specialist Ranks
- Forge Lords - A high rank and senior Iron Shadow, equivalent to a Master of the Forge. The Shadow Claws chapter has 2 Iron Shadows in this highly respected rank, the chief weapon-smith responsible for managing the Armory. Their knowledge and skill is so refined that it rivals that of Senior Tech-priests.
- Iron Fathers - A honorable and high rank within the Shadow Claws. Any battle-brother of rank within the Shadow Claws can become an Iron Father, from mighty Shadow Marshals, Iron Shamans and Shadow Priests, to Apothecaries, Shadow Kawals and High Kaidons. Historically most common recipients of this honorable title are skilled Iron Shadows who have shown great talent and wisdom. They are similar to their progenitors in that it is a combination of qualities of Chaplains and Techmarines. Most Iron Fathers are schooled in the mysteries of the Machine Cult to a far greater degree than the Techmarines of most other Chapters.
- Chief Shaman - The spiritual head of the chapter, he is the Master of Sanctity and the Reclusiarch.
- Chief Apothecary - The most senior and skilled Apothecary of the chapter and he is the Master of the Apothecarion.
- Grand Shadow Priest (Chief Librarian) - The strongest and most powerful psyker within the Chapter and the highest rank a Shadow-Priest achieves. He is the Master of the Librarius with full access to the most restricted parts that houses the most powerful and dangerous relics. They lead forces or assist the Chapter Master in battle.
- Shadow Priests (Librarian) - They are the chapter's combat psykers who survived its strict and rigorous screening and training. Beyond their combat roles, they are responsible for psychic communications, Librarius maintenance, and using their divination to increase deployment effectiveness.
- Iron Shamans (Chaplain) - They are the Shadow Claws' spiritual leaders and are responsible for the spiritual healing and well-being of their brother Astartes. Only those who have shown great wisdom, zeal, and merit are considered for this position.
- Iron Shadows (Techmarine) - The Chapter's Astartes who have advance technical knowledge and training, their sole roles are of those mechanics and technicians. This is a highly regarded rank. They are also trained in the secret Omnissian rites of recommissioning and maletek-exorcism, increasing the Shadow Claws' power on every victory against Renegade Chapters.
- Apothecary - They have advanced biomedical and scientific training and are the combat medics and research physician of the Chapter.
Line Ranks
- High Kaidons- A highly experienced warrior of countless campaigns and is considered a hero among his Shadow-Brothers because of his exceptional feats. Equivalent to a Veteran Sergeant.
- Kaidons - Experienced warriors who lead a squad, equivalent to a Sergeant.
- Shadow-Brother — Standard Space Marine rank for a fully inducted warrior.
- Neophyte - Space Marine in-training who are not a full-fledged Battle-Brother.
- Aspirant - Those who goes thru the trials to be inducted into the Chapter and undergo genetic modification.
Units & Formations
- Mahrlykas - The Chapter's most exceptional warriors, distinguished by their combat prowess and unwavering loyalty. Clad in finely crafted artificer terminator armor, these formidable Astartes wield a master-crafted Bathala pattern Power Fist integrated with a range weapon, and a Storm Shield for its protection. They also can take swords, axes, and the reliable Storm Bolters in battle. On campaigns of the greatest importance, a few will be assigned to senior officers to ensure their personal protection at all costs.
- Iron Champions - Warriors who have proven their mettle, each Clan has one of these dauntless veterans who have slain numerous enemy heroes. They are death incarnate, righteous fury of the Emperor's will.
- Command Squads - A cadre of highly disciplined Veterans serving as bodyguard unit for their Commander. These veteran warriors use the best arsenal the Chapter has to offer. They are chosen for their skills in combat and strategy. The 2 most selfless and stalwart among the Clan are chosen as the Shadow Shields, with the sole duty of protecting their commanders. They are armed with master-crafted weapons, commonly a Power Weapon and Storm Shield with a pistol.
- Gorgons - The Chapter's veterans. These vaunted warriors are exemplars of the Shadow Claws beliefs. They are seen where fighting is the thickest, showing their strength and overwhelming the most powerful of foes, inspiring their brothers to great lengths. These unbreakable warriors can weather the worse of storms, advancing relentlessly and smashing apart anything before them with ruthless efficiency. While they have access to the Chapter's most ancient and revered armor and weapons, they also are accomplished smiths and create their own mastercrafted weapons and artificer armors. Gorgons commonly wield mastercrafted Combi-weapons and power claws, which are seen as a mark of honor by the Chapter. They commonly wear artificer or Terminator armor. They are comparable to a Codex compliant chapter's Sternguard, Terminator, Vanguard, and Bladeguard.
- Tactical Marines - These warriors are extremely resilient and strong, forged from the countless of campaigns they fight in. They are the core force of the chapter. Highly disciplined and versatile, they are skilled at pressing an attack and holding an objective against overwhelming odds. Their disciplined suppressive fire can make short work against any foes. Intercessors, Heavy Intercessors, and Infiltrators are included here. Intercessor squads follow the Chapter's organization and will not only have a grenade launcher, but 1 other brother is equipped with a special range weapon.
- Devastator Marines - Stoic and calculated brothers who are the long-range heavy weapons specialists of the Shadow Claws. Brothers become this after spending their time as Assault marines, in order to better control their raging fire within them. Only then can they wield these honored weapons that have slain countless enemies of the Chapter. They strike at enemy weak points, unleashing precise devastating firepower on enemy armor and infantry formations that shatters them completely. Included here are Aggressors, Eradicators, and Hellblasters to name a few.
- Assault Marines - Tasked with destroying their enemies in brutal close-quarters melees. Only after their time as scout marines do they become Assault marines and will fully experience combat in power armor. They will further hone the fires within them, learning when to unleash their overwhelming aggression against the Chapter's enemies. An Assault Intercessor squad equip their common gear of Chainsword and Heavy bolt pistol with frag and krak grenades. The most skillful are honored with a power claw. One may replace their gears with a Pyreblaster or an Eviscerator. Assault Intercessors, Jump pack intercessors, Infernus, and Inceptors are among this unit to name a few.
Clans
- Clan Sakariin- The veteran clan and the 1st Company of the Chapter and known as the "Storm Raisers". The 100 of the most elite and skilled warriors of the Shadow Claws, they use many of the relic and master crafted gear of the Chapter, gears usually forged by the Forge-lords. They use terminator armor or artificer armor and are prone to extensive cybernetic augmentations. The Sakariin Clan has shown incredible acts of heroism and still maintain a strong grip on their humanity despite their heavy cybernetic augmentations. They are a shining example to their brothers. Their logo is a Rose with thorns around a cog.
- Clan Autrox- The 2nd company known as the Shadows of a Sundered Star. This company has a reputation for incredible resoluteness and their intense savage assaults breaking even the most stalwart of defenders. Their foes think their savagery is pure recklessness, however each probe and assault are laid out plans, leaving their enemies uncertain and fearful where the next attack will land. They boast to have the most skill in close combat warfare among the other clans. They have an impressive number of Repulsor Executioners, Razorbacks, and Predators equipped with twin-linked Assault Cannons. Their logo is the chapter claw grabbing a star around a cog.
- Clan Devarax - The 3rd company and is known as the Eyes of truths. It has cultivated a reputation of creating multi-layered and complex plans to create kill zones and ambush spots to unleash heavy artillery. Their skillful guerilla warfare with precise use of heavy weapons have halted enemies many times their size. They have twice the number of Land Speeder typhoons, Thunderfire cannons, Whirlwinds, and Vindicators compared to other Clans. The logo is a full moon surrounded by three comma-like swirls.
- Clan Barkarok- The 4th Company known as Fists of Iron. A reputation for overwhelming firepower, they greatly favor the use of heavy weapons with intense precision. Using Land Raider Helios, Razorbacks, Gladiator Lancers, Repulsor Executioners, Whirlwinds, and Vindicators with extreme skill, they boast to topple any defenses with ease. Their clan logo is a hand holding a cog.
- Clan Ironmaw- The 5th Company known as Wrath of Ancients. They are the least individual of the chapter, methodical in thought and monolithic in their deeds. Their plans are carried out to the letter and any form of deviation is frowned upon. While they have from time to time deviate from it to rescue or assists allies, they tend to focus on their plans and fight harder to quickly deal with enemy leadership or to pressure their enemies to split their forces. Their clan also boast on having more Dreadnoughts than others. Their clan logo is a simple wrench.
- Clan Morox - The 6th Company known as Omnissiah's Fury. They practice a swift style of warfare with a balanced methodical doctrine and focused urgency. Orbital assaults are followed by mechanized onslaughts, with Dreadnoughts, Repulsors, Razorbacks, and Predator Annihilators deploying even as Drop Pods first smash into a world. They have twice the number of Predator Annihilators. They have cultivated a culture of heavily focusing on fighting Renegade chapters to collect equipment that can be salvaged and reacquired to make as their own. Clan logo is a hourglass.
- Clan Kroxgore- The 7th Company known as Iron Rangers. The Clan is tasked with the protection of the planet and the Asu Influence which extends into other systems. These cunning warriors send out kill-teams with Land Speeders, Impulsors, Repulsors, Razorback, and Predator Annihilators to harry foes and target key leaders to sow as much destruction and chaos as quickly as possible. The Clan logo is a crosslet.
- Clan Batakarii- The 8th Company known as Bloody Claws. Batakarii acts as shock troops and liberators and fields a large amount of Close Support Squads. They begin a battle with fast-moving auspex reconnaissance vehicles, engaging only to test the strength and resolve of their foe, each attack, each feint is calculated and done without flaw, leaving their enemies none the wiser. Each clash gathers information, until finally an overwhelming assault led by a Land Raider, Razorbacks, and Stormtalon gunships with Assault Squads, Bikers, and Inceptors to smash the enemy into pieces. They have been known to compete with Clan Autrox, both fighting intensely to prove which is the better. The Clan logo is a cog and a wrench.
- Clan Iloxii- The 9th Company known as Iron Azkals. On the battlefield they are known for their icy demeanor well-suited for Fire Support Squad duties where precision matters over wrath. They follow strategy without question, securing vantage points from which their heavy weaponry can dominate the battlefield. The Clan logo being a dog with a cybernetic half face.
- Clan Sharvaan- The 10th Company known as Will of Iron. As with all other Codex-adherent Chapters, the Shadow Claws' 10th Company consists of its new recruits. It is because of this that they number more than a hundred; a 100 strong Vanguard Astartes joined by the Chapter's neophytes. They are taught to hate their own weakness and prove themselves capable of overcoming it under any circumstances. All recruits pass through the exacting tutelage of Clan Sharvaan and learn how to be Space Marines and be worthy to be called an Astartes of the Shadow Claws. Thus, all Shadow Claws Astartes share the same beginning establishing a strong link to each clan. A clan logo of a three tipped trident similar to an old clan of the iron hands.
Non-Astartes Personnel
The chapter maintains an extensive number of support personnel numbering in the thousands. Loyal men, women, and servitors manage all the menial tasks required to maintain all the Chapter's assets. Each Clan has varying numbers of serfs, some have tens if not hundreds of thousands while other Clans entirely choose servitors.
- Fleetmaster- The serf with the responsibility of managing their Clan's fleet, they answer directly to the clan's Shadow Marshal and usually captain the flagship of the Clan.
- Shipmaster- They command a Clan's ship.
- Lakanguard- The elite warrior serfs tasked with the defense of the Fortress-Monastery and Land Behemoths. It also encompasses Battle Servitors.
- Clan Serfs- They reflect the Chapter, well trained and resilient men and woman sworn to a specific Clan Company. Among their common duties, they are effective fighters armed with good gear, charged with the defense of the Clans vessels when the needs arises. Servitors are also included here.
Chapter organization, Indomitus Era
The return of Primarch Guilliman and the revalation of the Primaris Marines caused a stir within the chapter. Some were unsure if whether to accept these newfound warriors, while many Firstborn space marines were exhilarated at the idea to become one. With the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines undergoing and having survived crossing the Rubicon Primaris, many in the chapter would follow suit undergo the dangerous process. Rajah Andres would begin incorporating their newfound brothers into the chapter, teaching them the ways of the Shadow Claws, the new wargear created by Archmagos Belasarius Cawl was especially a sight to behold and many in the chapter took great interest in testing these out on the enemies of the Imperium.
Primaris Units
Primaris marines were integrated into the chapter, and would operate similarly to their firstborn brothers. The Chapter would maintain a number of Intercessor, Inceptors, Aggressors, and Hellblaster squads to name a few. They saw the capabilities of these new warriors and particularly saw great interests in units equipped with Gravis armor, especially favoring the Heavy Intercessors, Inceptors, Aggressors, and Eradicators. But the chapter wanting to maintain their long held traditions decided to maintain the revered units that have carried them to numerous victories, the Iron Slayers, Stormclaws and the Shadow Hunters. Rather than replace them with the Primaris Space Marine units, they decide to incorporate them and the new advance weapons to further enhance the revered squad's strength. Iron Slayer Squads still use their standard Bolter and Umbra Blade combo but now uses the new Mark II Cawl Pattern Bolt Rifle as their choice of Bolter. Some Iron Slayer squads would also equip the Gravis armor for its increase protection. Their special arsenal has also been expanded to include Plasma Incinerators, Melta Rifles, Heavy Bolt Rifles, and Pyreblasters. Shadow Hunter squads were outfitted with the Gravis armor to be able to take as much enemy fire while unleashing their precise fury. Some have begun using Pyrecannons, and the Accelerator Autocannons used by the Primaris Vanguard Suppressors to provide devastating sustained blasts. The Stormclaws also incorporate the Heavy Bolt Pistols, Pyre pistols, and Pyreblasters.
Order of Battle
The current order of battle of the Shadow Claws Chapter as of M42.
Headquarters
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| Armoury | Reclusium | Apothecarion | Librarius | Iron Covenant | |
Personnel:
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Clan Companies
Chapter Recruitment
During their early crusading years the Shadow Claws would recruit from the worlds they liberated, they would take only the survivors of their deadly trials, only the most strong willed and courageous youths survive. They focus on candidates that have the characteristics of courage, strength both physically and mentally, honor, raw fury and the resilience to overcome the deadliest of odds. Perlas I, there homeworld, is currently their main source of recruit.
The Trials of night, is as deadly as any recruitment of a space marine chapter, it is the initial trial an aspirant would take to be considered a neophyte of the chapter. An arduous and deadly task where they are left to fend for themselves in the deadly jungles of the planet, they must survive alone for months before the Apothecaries and Chaplains find them worthy. Many promising aspirants would fall weeding out the weak, only those with the Iron will and resilience befit of the Shadow Claws survive. There are those few youths that have the tenacity and cunning to kill a young Bakunawa, they would grow into legendary warriors of the Chapter.
The Trials of dawn is where the aspirants are challenged mentally and spiritually. While the initial trial pushes the Aspirant in both physical and mental aspects, this one challenge mostly in the mental and spiritual aspects. The librarians put aspirants into a trance-like state where they are subjected to all manner of horrific visions or irresistible temptations. This tests the Aspirants' inner strength, and the librarians who oversee the trials judges their very soul.
Those that survive these trials become newly inducted neophytes and are of indomitable will and incredible resilience, important traits of a Shadow Claws Astartes. All manners of skill in war and weapon engineering would be taught to these neophytes and are indoctrinated on the chapter's culture.
Chapter Beliefs
True to being sons of Ferrus Manus, they harbor an intense hatred of weakness—both physical and mental— but it is not towards the flesh and emotions. The Shadow Claws believe that their humanity—their emotions and their souls—is not a weakness to be discarded but the very tool that makes them the greatest warriors of humanity. The fiery hatred they feel for their weaknesses and the searing fury for their failures are not burdens; they are the hammers that forge them into stronger and greater warriors. By embracing and mastering their imperfections, they evolve to great lengths, becoming unyielding instruments of the Emperor's will. These are tempered in battle with their cold and precise calculations, forging great deeds of Iron. As they see themselves as exemplars; by demonstrating their iron deeds, they inspire their allies to rise above their own frailties, fostering resilience and determination.
The Shadow Claws make extensive use of bionics, similar to their progenitors, however many in the Chapter do so for more pragmatic reasons and not out hatred for their own flesh. They see it as tools to increase their strength, resilience, and durability to achieve greater deeds for the good of their Chapter and the wider Imperium. The Chapter's belief in the value and strength of the flesh opposes those of the Adeptus Mechanicus, they still maintain close ties with them as the Shadow Claws has answered numerous times their calls for assistance. As such the Chapter often enjoys quality gear.
Their progenitor, Primarch Ferrus Manus, besides his renowned reputation of strength, was also a master smith known for creating awe inspiring weapons. Following his legacy, the Shadow Claws strive to be skilled artificers. The Chapter encourages all Shadow-brothers to be both adept smiths and formidable warriors. Each Shadow-brother is able to repair and modify their own wargear and power armor, which gives the Iron Shadows time to create powerful items of incredible workmanship.
The warriors of their home often tattoos themselves with small symbols when they achieve their first kill. It grows with every worthy kill and great deeds until it covers their arms and shoulders. These symbols are believed to protect them, both physically and spiritually, from any harm. As such the Shadow Claws follow suit and tattoo themselves on the arm and engraving their right shoulder pauldron. These symbols vary from crocodile like, to those depicting mountains, but the most often would be those design of a snake scale, believed to be for protection, strength, and resilience.
Chapter Gene-Seed
The Shadow Claws' gene-seed is considered mostly stable with no visible signs of defects or mutations. The chapter has cultivated a culture in which the rejection of the flesh is a detriment and that aspects of humanity is what will forge them into becoming greater soldiers. However, there are still cases in which a Shadow-brother experience the same intense hatred of their flesh as they see it as weakness and is comforted with its removal for bionic augmentations. While some overcame it through their own strength of will and tempering their hate, others do not and give in.
Genetic Flaws
- Level 1 (A Disdain for Flesh) - The Shadow-Brother perceives his own flesh as a weakness to overcome. Scarring or punishing the biological portions of his body is the only way to sooth his anger.
- Level 2 (Cold Fury) - The ruthlessness of the Shadow Claws manifests more strongly in the Shadow-Brother, making him prone to aggression. Tempered with only the strongest of wills.
- Level 3 (Zero Tolerance) - All Shadow Claws abhor weakness, but the Shadow-Brother has taken this attitude to an extreme. The Shadow-Brother will seek to remove any perceived source of weakness, to the point of refusing to fight alongside allied forces such as the Imperial Guard - in extreme cases, even entering into open conflict with an allied mortal force. Battle brothers that come to their senses often are disgusted with their actions, many choosing to conquer this affliction by using cogitator implants or the most common way thru sheer will.
Combat Doctrine
The Shadow Claws are similar enough to their progenitors, with their disdain of weakness and calculated warfare. Like their progenitors, they have a process before any deployments called the "Limitless Judgement" and it uses all information available to calculate everything from enemy movements, logistics, casualties, and the resources needed. They are also assisted by their librarians, using their divination to add even more information, while unpredictable, assists the total calculation of its outcome. If their calculations indicate that they have insufficient resources or the engagement will end in a loss, this will be seen by the chapter as a weakness needed to conquer and they fight with the intensity of an exploding sun.
The Chapter's Clans are independent and unique armies with their own ways of fighting with the united goal of inflicting as much damage as possible while minimizing their own casualties. They heavily favor relentlessly advancing against their enemies with precise, suppressive overwhelming firepower. Devastating them with calculated brutal shock and armored assaults alongside the Chapter's revered heavy armor, Centurions, and Dreadnoughts. Their use of bionics also increases their overall effectiveness in some ways, making them more resistant to damage and also often improving their senses, strength, speed, and endurance.
The long years of experience in their dangerous homeworld and fighting against overwhelming odds have developed them into competent guerilla fighters. Their adaptive tactics allow them to conduct devastating surgical strikes on high-value targets destroying their enemies piece by piece, causing as much damage with minimal casualties. They lure their enemies into deadly ambushes, annihilating them with overwhelming firepower. They are pragmatic warriors with no hesitation on using covert tactics to secure a victory. To them, true honor is achieving total victory against their foes.
Deathwatch Service
Notable Members
- Iron Father Apolinario Pilar (M36) - A master smith and skilled warrior, he guided Clan Autrox (2nc Comp.) to great heights, inspiring many to strive for the best on war and smithing. He led Clan Autrox on a purge against Ork controlled worlds in Segmentum Ultima where he would later discover a relic Glaive Super-Heavy Special Weapons Tank. He would dedicate his life to the complete repair of such a venerable tank. Throughout his life, he learned much from working on the Tank and from their cousin chapter, the Salamanders, on how to repair it. 800 years since its founding, he would be found dead in the Fortress-Monastery's armory, and with the Glaive Tank almost fully repaired. Many in the chapter believe Iron Father Apolinario's soul is merge within the venerable tank. The legacy he left was a greater understanding in vehicles which was shared to the Iron Shadows, improving their skills, and a fully operational Glaive Super Heavy Tank.
Chapter Fleet
As a former fleet-based chapter, they maintained a powerful fleet composed of Battle Barges, Strike cruisers, and multiple escorts. Each Battle Barge and large Strike Cruisers has its own forges and armory, while still maintaining a number of Forge-ships. They would lose some ships throughout their long service however their disdain for weakness pushes them to replenish and expand their fleet, favoring ships with speed, firepower, and resilience. The Nova-class Frigate in particular for its menacing Lance armament and speed, which leaves them in a contentious relationship with the imperial navy. The Chapter fields an impressive number of small ships like Nova Frigates, and the reliable Gladius Frigate, for escort and scout duties. Similar to their organization, each Clan maintains its own fleet manned by their serfs and servitors. The Shipmaster is the captain of a Ship. Shipmasters answer to the Fleetmaster, they command a Clan's flagship and also answers to their Clan's Captain. There are extra ships that are held in reserve, usually used to protect the Chapter's home.
- Iron Flames (War Barque) - An extremely durable and powerful Chapter Barque. It was the Chapter's flagship and Fortress-Monastery when it was still fleet based. It housed an impressive forge, armory, and advanced strategiums that has supported the Chapter for Centuries. This venerable ship became the material to create the mighty Fortress-Monastery Risen Flame located in the peak of the massive mountain range of Sierra Muerte.
- Shadow of Intent (Battle Barge) - A daunting and heavily armed battle barge. 2nd only to the Iron Flames, its power is said to be easily equivalent in power to an Imperial Navy Battleship. It is the flagship of the 1st Clan, mostly sent to vital battles that the chapter is engaged in.
- Fallen Star (Battle Barge) - A Battle Barge that used belong to a renegade chapter named Emperor's Bane. The fighting took days inside the ship, involving a task force of 3 Clans: the 1st, 3rd and 8th of the Shadow Claws. 2 entire days of intense close quarters battle would take place before the chapter would be able to capture the massive ship. The Chapter's Techmarines with the Tech-priests of Mayarii Prime would cleanse and techsorcise the ship and be added to the fleet of the Shadow Claws chapter. It is the flagship of the 2nd Clan.
- The Incorruptible (Strike Cruiser) - A Strike Cruiser and the flagship the 3rd Clan.
- Ascendant Justice (Strike Cruiser)- It is the flagship of the 4th Clan.
- Flames of Retribution (Strike Cruiser)- It is the flagship of the 5th Clan.
- Will of Endurance (Strike Cruiser)- The Flagship of the 6th Clan.
- Forged by Flames (Strike Cruiser)- The Flagship of the 7th Clan.
- Hammer of Dawn (Strike Cruiser) - The Flagship of the 8th Clan.
- Fireflies (Strike Cruiser)- The Flagship of the 9th Clan.
- Eternal Darkness (Strike Cruiser)- The Flagship of the 10th Clan.
- Storm Forge (Forge-Ship) - A vaunted forge-ship of the Chapter that has produced many of its arsenal.
- Pillar of Fire (Nova-class Frigate) - Ancient vessel that has long-served the chapter since its early years. It has amassed a massive toll on enemy ships.
Chapter Armory
Typical to the Successor Chapters of the Iron Hands, the level of technology and weaponry used by them is higher than the Imperial average, and their Armory is particularly extensive and diverse. Their Techmarines have a reputation to be able to salvage, repair and produce a wide variety of Adeptus Astartes wargear. This also includes the ability to create a few Land Raiders and dreadnought chassis. The Shadow Claws' Techmarines are also skilled in the analysis, cleansing and techno-exorcism of corrupted machines, proof among this is the decent number of renegade chapter's armored vehicles. The Chapter's Techmarines commonly reinforce their vehicles with extra armor for improved durability as it is the chapter's way to honor their revered war machines.
The Shadow Claws hold their impressive armaments in the Fortress-Monastery's main Armory. Each Clans' Techmarines are responsible for the maintenance of their respective war machines. The Forges of the Risen Flames also craft rare variants of munitions, armor, and weapons that are then handled by these skilled Techmarines. Another form of items that the Chapter identifies as an armor are the Agimats. Talismans believed to be blessed by the Omnissiah and their Primarch, to protect its users from spiritual and physical harm. Whether true or not is another topic.
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The chapter shows a strong preference for deploying heavily armored vehicles, favoring the Vindicators, Whirlwinds, Predators and Razorbacks for its effectiveness firepower. Razorbacks are commonly equipped with Twin-linked Heavy bolters for anti-infantry suppression, Twin-linked Las-cannons for anti-tank, or the versatile Las-cannon and twin-linked Plasma gun combo. The Razorbacks proficiently functions as both armored troop transport and fire-support unit, causing considerable damage to enemy forces. Besides the revered Thunderhawk, the Stormraven is expertly used as an armored transport and formidable fire-support due to its powerful arsenal, durability, speed, and maneuverability. The recent Repulsor Executioners are also greatly used as many see it as a more powerful version of the Razorback.
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Shadow Claws' centurion of Clan Barkarok (4th Company)
Centurion Warsuits has been used by the chapter since it first received them during the bloody crusades of the Age of Redemption. Their resilience and firepower greatly increased the strength of the Shadow Claws, unleashing destruction on waves of enemies or punching thru layers of thick fortress walls while immune to all but the most powerful of weapons. The chapter has developed particular expertise when interfacing with their own vehicles and are more naturally inclined to use them in battle. Some Shadow-Brothers have such intense disdain for weakness that they dwell within their Centurion warsuits far longer than strictly is necessary. A number of them are now permanently bonded within their warsuit and can never be removed without suffering a fatal neurological injury. As such, some squads might have 1-3 Centurions in them, the Shadow-brother forever bonded to their warsuit as the embodiment of the chapter's wrath.
Chapter Relics
- Forward Unto Dawn - A Sokar Pattern Stormbird that the chapter would capture from a traitorous Word Bearers war band, after the cleansing and techsorcism of this relic super-heavy spacecraft, it would be rechristened to its current name and exclusively used by the Rajah and elite terminator squads of Clan Sakariin (1st company).
- Gorgon's Fist - A Sicaran Battle Tank that Clan Morox (6th company) captured from an Iron warriors war band after an intense skirmish during mid M35. This relic battle tank is seldom used by the 6th Company, only utilized against the most dangerous of enemies.
- Claws of Iron - This relic Glaive Super-Heavy Special Weapons Tank would be discovered by Clan Autrox (2nd company) after an intense battle with ork controlled worlds in Segmentum Ultima during late M36. The bloody conflict would unearth long lost armories, leading to the awakening of its wrathful machine spirit. Numerous reports from scouts tell of an Imperium tank decimating hordes of Orks. Iron Father Apolinario Pilar would lead a squad to ascertain these reports, they discovered the venerable tank surrounded by the charred bodies of Ork forces. Its machine spirit still raging against the foes of the Imperium. Awed by the sight of such a relic, the Clan would add this in their arsenal, only released against the deadliest of foes.
Chapter Appearance
Chapter Colours
Heraldry of the Shadow Claws
The Shadow Claws' power armor of a fully fledged Astartes is colored in predominately gray with the logo, arms, aquila, and helmet being colored in purple. When they are neophytes, they are fully colored in gray. Only when they become full Astartes are they given the colors of purple. The color purple represents the nobility in their duties as warriors of the Imperium. Each Clan company has its own individual icon.
In their early years, the trim of the should pads would be colored in the company's color in accordance with the Codex Astartes to show their company affiliation, with their combat roles of the right shoulder plate. But as time went on, they would copy their parent chapter and place the Shadow Claws respective Clan company icon on the right shoulder plate. The Chapter would also follow the traditions of their home world by tattooing themselves and engraving symbols onto their right shoulder plate, commonly snake scales.
The tactical role of each Shadow Brother is displayed in the right knee plate with a squad number displayed as a High Gothic numeral number over it. Ranks are shown by a combination of helm and knee plate markings. The rank insignia is displayed on their left knee plate.
Chapter Badge
Chapter badge of the Shadow Claws.
The Shadow Claws' badge is stylized into a talon similar to their cousin Red Talons and Brazen Claws chapters, and it is surrounded by an eight-pointed Iron halo. Both are colored in purple.
Relations
Allies
Enemies
| Emperor's Children |  |
The Shadow Claws despise those that worship chaos, but it pales in comparison to their intense hatred towards these traitors for the brutal murder of their Primarch. They have fought them countless times with relentless furry throughout the centuries. When they can, they send out strike forces to worlds besieged by these traitors and their allies. The calculated and disciplined combat the Chapter is known for sometimes slip when facing against the traitors, fighting like berserkers with the sole goal of their enemies eradication. |
| Orks |  |
The Chapter's early history has been spent on the destruction of the ork warbands contaminating their area of the Segmentum. Their home system and its sector had numerous greenskins that it took them decades to clear them off from the sub-sector. They see the orks as nothing more than oversized insects plaguing the imperium. They despise the xenos and have become quite adept at dealing with them. |
Notable Quotes
By the Shadow Claws
About the Shadow Claws
Gallery
Order of Battle
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Terminators & Veterans
Line Ranks
Dreadnoughts & Warsuits
Vehicles
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| Twelfth Founding Space Marine Chapters | |
|---|---|
| Dark Angels Successors | Obsidian Spears • |
| White Scars Successors | • |
| Space Wolves Successors | N/A |
| Imperial Fists Successors | Blades of Dorn • Lyran Guard • Terra's Hammers • |
| Blood Angels Successors | Blood Serpents • |
| Iron Hands Successors | Iron Wardens • Shadow Claws • |
| Ultramarines Successors | Thunder Lords • Tidebreakers • |
| Salamanders Successors | Dragons Amaranthine • |
| Raven Guard Successors | • |
| Unknown Lineage | Sun Warriors • Winged Axes • |
| Renegades | Nameless Stalkers • |