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CREATE A CHAPTER KOMPETITION (C.A.C.K)
In conjunction with SSminiatures, miniature painting and sculpting service.

That's right ladies and gentleman, there is a create a chapter competition, whereby selected Dakka volunteers create their own Space Marine Chapter (following certain guidelines) and the winner receives a 'trophy' of a Space Marine painted and based to a high quality by the generous Hits_the_spot, founder of SSminiatures, examples of his work you can find on their website or here on Dakka.

If successful, this may be followed by similar competitions whereby you create your own Craftworld/Cept/Clan etc.

Also, a big thanks to SSminiatures for their efforts to come! Please check out their work!

Thank you, Dave.

THE CONTESTANTS

Jimsolo

Ediin

Wolf

SilverMK2

ZoomDakkaDakka

Not_U

Fifty

Bio-Merc91207

THE CHAPTERS

Tomb Sentinels

Chapter Symbol -

Name - Tomb Sentinels
Founding Chapter - Ultramarines.
Founding - Fifteenth Founding.
Chapter Master - Eroku Shem-Herut.
Homeworld - Voult.
Main Colours - Sand, White, Blood Red.
Speciality - Fighting Necrons.
Battle Cry - "From Ashes Arisen. To Ashes Returned!" Can be call/response.
Estimated Strength - Approximately 1000.

History
When the Inquisition first began investigating the Necrons, one of their number was familiar with a little known Chapter of Space Marines who held death as sacred. These Marines, the Tomb Sentinels, believed that peace after death was the reward of a life of servitude, and that mortals were to be protected from threats from beyond the grave. The Inquisition requested this Chapter focus on the Necrons, a foe clearly was associated with death. They readily agreed and, although their initial battles were disastrous, the Tomb Sentinels have studied their opponents exhaustively. They are now adept at ascertaining their foes' objectives and denying them what they seek by destroying rediscovered technology or evacuating targeted civilians. Many of their battles are skirmishes, since their foe rarely gives them targets which are large enough for a committed battle, but small enough to be taken by a single Company (or Chapter). Despite their rocky start, today the Tomb Sentinels boast one of the best combat records against the Necrons of any Imperial force.

Notable Conflicts
Battle of Saint Nataline's Rest:
Saint Nataline's Rest was a planet holy to the Ecclessiarchy. It was home to a training facility for medical personnel, as well as manufactorums for medical supplies and a small mission run by the Adepta Sororitas. When the Necrons beneath the planet awoke in 921.M41 and began to destroy the Imperial placements there, the small number of Sisters should have been swiftly overrun, if only by weight of numbers. However, they managed to evacuate civilians and fight the enemy until a larger force could arrive and assist with the evacuation. The reinforcements sent to aid the populace marked the first time that the Tomb Sentinels went into battle against the Necrons. Although the Chapter suffered losses that would take decades to rebuild, by heeding the advice of, and working with the Sisterhood present, the majority of the population was successfully evacuated. The incident gave the Sentinels great respect for the Sisters, who largely organized the battles. Without the assistance of the Sisterhood, many more Sentinels would have been lost at Saint Nataline's Rest.

Campaign for Ur'Gave:
Ur'Gave is a civilized world, around which orbits Gav'nisch, a mineral rich moon. In 956.M41, the Necrons arrived and began a systematic slaughter of the natives, who thought themselves lost. But fortune and foresight were on their side. To begin with, the population went to ground, meaning the Necrons had to root out civilians in small, isolated groups. The PDF also managed to contact the Imperial Navy, and send a request for aid. Two months into the attacks, the Tomb Sentinels arrived with the 27th Gallasp Imperial Guard regiment. Decades of experience had led to this war, and the Tomb Sentinels fought with wisdom, caution and determination; pushing the Necron menace back inch by inch. In 957.M41, the tomb complex the Necrons had come to dig out and reclaim was destroyed and the Necrons were driven from Ur'Gave. Although the Gallasp 27th and the Sentinels took heavy losses, the world was reclaimed, making it the first clear victory the Chapter could claim in conflict with the Necrons.

Organisation
The Tomb Sentinels are largely a Codex Chapter, with some modifications. They have eight Battle Companies and two Scout Companies, for a total of ten. Veterans are integrated into the Battle Companies. In keeping with their mission against the Necrons, they deploy with weapons capable of denying the foes the ability to regenerate, such as krak missiles and las cannons. They are also a highly mechanized Chapter, and almost all of their vehicles are equipped with the same array of weaponry as their soldiers, eschewing flamers and the like in favour of melta or las weapons. When arriving at a conflict already engaged, they are notable for their habit of deferring to whomever is already conducting the conflict, rather than operating independently. 'Where am I most needed?' is their usual method of greeting. Tomb Sentinels do not have names. Upon induction, they are given one of the names of the first two thousand Tomb Sentinels, which is handed to another after their demise. Due to this, they do not seek personal glory, and humility is a hallmark of the Chapter.

Notable Characters
- Eroku Shem Herut - Chapter Master of the Tomb Sentinels
- Ur-Khep - Chief Librarian and oldest living Tomb Sentinel
- Ptomamun - Second Company, blessed with Dreadnought armor following the Battle of St. Nataline's Rest

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Censeo Biologis

Chapter Symbol -

Name - Censeo Biologis
Founding Chapter - Unknown: Geneseed selected from gene bank tithes of several of the original legions.
Founding - 13th Founding.
Chapter Master - Magos General Yaret.
Homeworld - Nominally Mars, although they recruit from across the galaxy.
Main Colours - Light and dark grey. Helmet is coloured to denote rank, specialisation and biological heritage.
Speciality - Chemical and biological warfare.
Battle Cry - Unknown.
Estimated Strength - Estimated to be less than 500.

History
It is thought that they were designed to work as a specialised Chapter dealing with biological and chemical threats to the Imperium, as well as being tasked with guarding and maintaining the most potent of the biological and chemical weapons and creations of destruction in the Imperial arsenal. Due to their extreme specialisation and relatively low numbers, the existence of the Censeo Biologis is practically unknown outside of the chapter, except for a few high ranking members of the Adeptus Mechanicus (to which they have extremely strong, although secretive, ties) and a handful of Inquisitors. Marines in the Censeo Biologis all speak in the Lingua-Technis and are often accompanied by floating servo-skulls which collect and maintain biological samples, as well as distribute sterilising vapours. The helmet of each marine is intricately coloured to denote rank and specialisation, although the majority of each Marine’s design is their genetic heritage which their fellow Marines can read at a glance.

Notable Conflicts
The Occlusiad War:
In 550.M37, 9th Chapter Master, Magos General Serusk, lead a 10 year campaign against rogue Tech Priests following the “Blind King” during the Occlusiad War, the Censio Biologis attempting to limit the destructive power they wielded through stolen dark-age weaponry. Although unable to prevent a number of star destroyer weapons being unleashed, they did manage to stop the deployment of other weapons of even greater power. The war ended after Serusk led the chapter’s handful of terminators on a raid to the Blind King’s palace ship hiding in the warp, neutralising many of its defences and recovering many artefacts before alerting the fleet who brought in the battleship Dominus Astra to destroy the palace once and for all.

Destruction of the Planet Killer:
In 154.M41, a single squad of Censeo Biologis Marines, lead by Magos Sergeant Kidal, managed to teleport aboard Abaddon’s Planet Killer undetected as it manoeuvres towards Kharlos II , disabling a number of key systems and collecting invaluable data on the Armageddon Gun before returning to their cloaked null-ship, allowing the Imperial fleet to destroy the super-weapon whist taking little damage in return.

- Destruction of biological weapon production facilities around the Eye of Terror prior to 7th Black Crusade, severely hampering Nurgle cults and Death Guard.
- Capture of Dark Age Star Disruptor Bomb [Classified Date]

Organisation
The Chapter almost completely ignores the Codex Astartes, operating almost down to an individual level, with single Marines often deployed to act independently on behalf of the chapter. The chapter often recruits survivors of plagues and other biological disasters, who then receive extremely detailed genetic screening to ensure that their genome has no flaws. Initiates are tested to the extremes of endurance, sustaining months of exposure to debilitating disease and harsh chemical environments, simultaneously undergoing intense technical training in the arts of war and the darker arts of science. Because they are few in number they must pick their battles carefully; often having to choose between the lesser of two evils rather than succeeding outright. Those who survive but fail to meet the grade to become Marines are inducted into the chapter as tech-priests, covert-operatives, servitors or servo-skulls.

Notable Characters
- Magos Terminator Kinhar - Former leader of the Terminator Detachment [Deceased 987 M36]
- Magos Captain Kholn - Former Master of the Fleet [Deceased 543 M 39]
- Operative General [Censored] - Current head of Censeo Biologis information network

-----

Dark Avengers

Chapter Symbol -

Name - Dark Avengers
Founding Chapter - Iron Hands.
Founding - 25th Founding.
Chapter Master - Elias Varren.
Homeworld - Avria Secundus.
Main Colours - Black with Red Trim and Silver Aquilla.
Speciality - Stealth and Infiltration.
Battle Cry - "Nemo mea poena effugit!''/''None may escape our vengeance!"
Estimated Strength - 350.

History
The Dark Avengers were founded in the late 40th millennium as part of the 25th Founding. Experienced members of the Red Talons - an Iron Hands successor - left their brethren to become Sergeants
and Captains within the new Chapter, The Dark Avengers. This meant that the Chapter adopted the beliefs and tactics of the Iron Hands. The chapter was also given the Avria System to rule and recruit from. Located close to the rim of the Maelstrom, the Avrian System is an ideal base from which to strike at pirates and traitors hiding within the Warp Rift.

Notable Conflicts
888.M41- The Erasmael Incident:
The entire Dark Avengers Chapter deploys to assist the Black Templars in the Crusade of Wrath, hunting down the Word Bearers operating in and around the Maelstrom. The Dark Avengers detect a space station orbiting the Death World of Erasmael. After a quick scan to confirm Word Bearer presence, the Dark Avengers deployed 7 Companies onto the station. The Dark Avengers swept through the station but found that no Chaos Marines were present and that the heat signatures are emitted by heat ray decoys. Shortly after the boarding, the booby-trapped station explodes, immediately annihilating the 700 Space Marines on board. After the explosion, the sensors of the fleet detected a Word Bearer Cruiser making a Warpspace transit in a nearby asteroid field.

907.M41- Resaal Campaign:
The Dark Avengers respond to a distress call sent by the Astropathic Choir of the world Resaal. The planet was under attack by a massive Ork Waaagh!. Due to their reduced numbers after Erasmael, Chapter Master Varren declares that the chapter should abandon the mechanized assaults favoured by the Iron Hands. Instead, they would strike behind enemy lines and cause havoc, before melting back into the shadows. The proposed tactic worked, leaving the Orks demoralised by the Space Marines cutting down Ork Leaders and striking at supposedly safe locations. Within 9 months, the Orks were defeated.

The Badab Uprising - The Dark Avengers sent only a few squads to participate in this conflict as they were still recovering from the Erasmael Incident.

Organisation
Due to the reduced size of the Dark Avengers, drastic changes had to be made. First of all, the Dark Avengers includes only 3 companies, not 10, one which is a Scout company. The Scout company is somewhat larger than its Codex counterpart, boasting 150 Scouts instead of the 100 that is normal. This is due to the recent increase in recruitment caused by the Erasmael Incident. Like most Iron Hands successors, the rank of Chaplain does not exist within the command structure of the Dark Avengers. Instead, the spiritual health of the Chapter is tended to by specially trained Techmarines called Iron Fathers.

Notable Characters
- Chapter Master Elias Varren - Formerly Captain of the Fourth Company, Elias Varren was promoted to Chapter Master after the Erasmael Incident.
- Lugas Harkal, Master of the Forge - One of the few senior Chapter members that was not present during the boarding of the space station.

-----

Praetorians of Mars

Name - Praetorians of Mars
Founding Chapter - Unknown.
Founding - Believed to be the Second Founding.
Chapter Master - Vinco Drukonous.
Homeworld - Tulii VIII .
Main Colours - Deep Red and Pale Gold.
Speciality - Defence.
Battle Cry - "Protect Thy Brother and The Golden Throne!"
Estimated Strength - 300.

History
Little is known about the original founding of the Praetorians of Mars, it is believed they were formed from either the Ultramarines, Imperial fists or Dark Angels however this is unconfirmed. There is speculation whether the Chapter was founded as part of the Second founding but records from the Inquisition archives indicate to appearances shortly after the Second founding, however there is speculation about their accuracy. Their name,“Praetorians”, is derived from their devotion to protecting their fellow brothers, whilst “Mars” is a possible name they developed for the Emperor. No one knows for sure, as they never refer to the Emperor Directly; they always refer to the Golden throne instead. When confronted about why they need to defend their brothers, a Marine will voice the same response - which is Chapter wide - of “To defend the Golden throne”. Their main role has always been to help defend brothers in battle which is where their battle cry comes from. The mystery surrounding this Chapter has been the cause of a lot of questioning within the Inquisition, but they are weary to take action as the Praetorians of Mars proven to be a valuable resource for the Imperium.

Notable Conflicts
Their first notable appearance in the archives was their valiant defence of a near by moon of Tulii VIII, Ulixes II. It was assaulted by a surprisingly well armed Ork reconnaissance fleet of the Bad Moon Clan, led by the Warboss Drazdakka. The defending Legion (++ note: for reasons unknown, the Praetorians of Mars refer to Codex Company equivalents as 'Legions'++) numbered around 100-200 Marines, including recently recruited acolytes led by the young Commander Antilles of the 3rd legion, were left to defend the capital Polis. Heavy losses were sustained by both armies, A huge counter attack by the Orks led to a drastic move by Captain Antilles to help strengthen their position, a series of huge explosions erupted in an almost complete circle around the Centre of Polis. The fires engulfed the outskirts of the city forcing Drazdakka into the small narrow choke point, where every gun Antilles had was directed. After several days of extreme fighting Drazdakka was killed and the Ork forces began to withdraw and were soon cleaned up by the local PDF. Two days after their glorious Triumph the Reinforcements arrived finding an Ork free system and the remainders of the 3rd Legion.

Mid M41 saw the destruction of the 4th Legion after being assaulted by fragments of Hive fleet Ouroboris on the planet Dahle. The Praetorians of Mars, led by Chief Librarian Auctoris, were attached to Salamanders 5th Reserve Company, who were running recon missions across the planet surface, looking for rumoured Chaos incursions. During the early stages of the mission, Hive fleet Ouroboris entered the system and immediately launched a full scale assault on the planet. A desperate battle was now being fought across the central continent of Dahle. Despite their efforts the Salamanders and Praetorians of Mars were pushed back close to their evacuation point. An immediate evacuation was called, but the Tyranids were pressing too hard. Captain Mulceber of the Salamanders ordered Auctoris to fall back, but he refused and blocked the comm channel to ensure that the Salamanders could escape. After four hours the Praetorians had been completely destroyed but managed to hold the line long enough; however their fanatical need to defend their brothers brought destruction upon themselves.

- The defence of moon IX of Tullii
- The valiant defence of planet Sidus

Organisation
The organisation of the Praetorians of Mars is a peculiar one at best; they have a very limited number of troops to spare yet maintain no more than 3 small forces at a time which number about 100 Marines, after the destruction of the 4th Legion at Dahle. One Legion stays behind to defend their home systems. The other two Legions are active in nearby systems, attached to task forces of other Chapters. As they work so closely with other Chapters they have no Chapter symbol, they often adopt their Brother Chapter's symbol for the duration of their attachment to help symbolise their union on the battlefield. On top of their normal shoulder pads are three layered bands of additional ceramite armour. No one is quite sure about why they do this, it has apparently been a tradition since the chapters founding and has never been fully explained. They also wear a high vertical crest of ceramite on their helmets for standard Marines. Sergeants and higher ranks however wear a horizontal crest across their helmets.

Notable Characters
- Vinco Drukonous (Chapter Master)
- Chief Librarian Auctoris (deceased)
- Veteran Sergeant Contego (1st veteran Legion)

-----

Igneus Ultionis

Chapter Symbol - - Depicts The Warlord Titan, Igneus Ultionis, Wreathed in Flames, Signifying The Event That Created The Chapter

Name - Igneus Ultionis
Founding Chapter - Gold Cogs (Iron Hands successor, ++Gold Cogs Records Removed++).
Founding - Unknown (++Gold Cog Records Removed++).
Chapter Master - Hohenhiem Paracelsus.
Homeworld - Fleet-based Chapter (Main ship is called The Phoenix).
Main Colours - Dark Grey, Orange.
Speciality - Mechanized.
Battle Cry - "That Which Is Not Forgotten Is Not Forgiven."
Estimated Strength - Approximately 750.

History
Originally the Chapter was named the Gold Cogs, however after the Battle of The Titans the Chapter changed its name to the now current Igneus Ultionis in honour of the revered Titan which had fallen whilst aiding them. Like the Iron Hands the Chapter had an appreciation for machinery, appreciation that caught the suspicion of those around them as the Gold Cogs they revered machinery almost to the point at which it could be considered heretical. However the machines they worshipped the most were the God Machines; Titans. The entire chapter was almost fanatically devoted to Titans, even going so far as to re-design Dreadnought's to resemble miniature Titan's. At the end of The Battle of the Titans, the Chapter Master Hohenhiem Paracelsus disbanded the Gold Cogs and created the new and current Chapter, Igneus Ultionis, and adopted a new battle cry in remembrance of the Battle of The Titans.

Notable Conflicts
The Battle of the Titans:
After rumours of an STC on a heavily occupied Ork planet, the Gold Cogs were deployed by request of the Adeptus Mechanicus. The planet was gradually cleansed of the Orks until only one small tribe remained. This tribe however possessed the Orks only remaining Stompa, painted entirely blue. This Stompa had eluded the Marines for almost the entirety of the campaign. It appeared in a majority of the battles but always withdrew at the right moment or swerved out of the way of attacks that would cripple it.
While the combat continued on the ground the two titans fought, Igneus Ultionis and the Ork Stompa, neither gaining any advantage.The Blood Angels became frustrated and sent in a spare Thunderhawk to provide support. A stray missile from it struck a vital part in Igneus Ultionis' leg and caused it to seize up and the Stompa lodged its giant saw in the upper torso of the Titan. The Stompa was destroyed as its reactor exploded, at the cost of Igneus Ultionis however. The Gold Cogs dropped their weapons and then dropped to their knees, watching in terror as the large flaming silhouette of the supposed invincible God Machine Igneus Ultionis fell backwards and into fragments.

The Discovery of a Dead World, Loss of the Explorers:
The first and main task the Adeptus Mechanicus assigned the Igneus Ultionis Chapter was the search and retrieval of any and all STCs. Their first search, following rumours, led them to the edge of the Ghoul Stars. There they found a small planet, unnamed and devoid of life. They knew of similar planets such as this called Tomb Worlds. They deployed several small scout squads to search the surface of the planet for signs of the STC, they were instructed not to disturb any Necron structures as they would not contain any traces of a STC if they were sealed. After a few weeks of searching they determined that the planet was in fact a tomb world, during the exploration they were mapping out the world which would now be marked as a Tomb World, either to be studied, avoided or destroyed later. Initially they expected to have to fight the Necrons but instead there was a minor battle against a fleet of tomb raiders. lured to the planet under the promise of treasure. The name of the planet, location and most of the rumours of it's existence have been stricken from Imperial records, the extremely minor battle is viewed with great pride as the discovery saved many lives. Shortly after this event contact was lost with the Chapter( approximately 800 years from current date), it is assumed that they were lost in the warp and destroyed.

Organisation
In most cases the chapter would be completely mechanised. A small strike force of faster and lighter vehicles would speed ahead of the force before the transportation vehicles and the more formidable battle tanks. Most of the time the chapter is accompanied by a Titan after they were saved by one close to the original formation of the Gold Cogs. The Chapter Master is known as the Grandmaster of the Forge. The Chapter contains a few Librarians, most of which also specialise in mechanics, but no Chaplains at all. The battle formation of the Chapter usually changes to suit the needs of the battle rather than having a set plan.

Notable Characters
-Hohenhiem Paracelsus. Hohenhiem is/was mostly cybernetic at last point of contact and is/was the Grandmaster of the Forge.
-Aureolus Theophrastus. Is/was the Chapter's Master of the Forge, in comparison to other chapters, this would place him in a rank equivalent of a high-rank Chaplain.
-Phillippus Bombastus. First of the chapter to be given the privileged of piloting a Dreadnought, died defending the Titan Igneus Ultionis in The Battle of The Titans.

-----

Imperial Hornets

Chapter Symbol - Stinger with 4 Wings branching off at diagonal points. Simplified version used for squad markings and insignia.

Name - Imperial Hornets
Founding Chapter - Multiple chapters including Salamanders, Space Wolves and Blood Angels. Causing some to refer to them as a 'Mongrel Chapter'.
Founding - 21st Founding.
Chapter Master - Steikhan Langhert.
Homeworld - Fleet-based Chapter (Led by the Fortress Monastery and Battle Barge, Heaven’s Strike).
Main Colours - Yellow, Black/Dark Grey.
Speciality - Jump-Pack assault and Thunderhawk enabled deep-strike.
Battle Cry - Chaplain/Captain: "Fly on wings of faith!"/ Battle-Brothers: "Sting with the wrath of the Emperor!"
Estimated Strength - 800 including chapter serfs and servitors, with an estimated 400 active marines.

History
Created during the 21st Founding, the Imperial Hornets were created with 'emergency' gene-seed stocked from several different Chapters including Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Salamanders. However, this combination in gene-seed has led to both genetic deviancy and the distaste of other Chapters, the Hornets being regarded as “mongrels” compared to the other, more 'pure-bred' Chapters. Genetic mutation of the ossmodula, mucranoid and betcher’s glands has led to almost all marines being able to grow bony protrusions at their wrists (occasionally at other joints also), as well as being able to secrete the acid of the betcher’s gland from these protrusions. Most Imperial Hornet armour has been modified with openings at the wrist to allow for the use of these 'stingers'. This disregard for the machine spirit has led to friction between the Imperial Hornets and the Adeptus Mechanicus, who are reluctant to allow the use of Terminator and Artificer armour to the Hornets. Despite these disadvantages, the Imperial Hornets still attempt to serve the Emperor to the best of their ability.

Notable Conflicts
The Barghesian War:
Midway through M36, the Barghesi - previously thought to be confined to the Grendl stars - were noticeably increasing in strength, possibly the result of chaotic corruption, increasing their hyper-violent nature. Regardless of the cause, the Ordo Xenos saw fit to dispatch the Imperial Hornets on their first major engagement to stop this threat before it went out of hand. Although their initial attacks managed to cut severe losses into the Barghesi with surgical deep-strikes and assaults, the Imperial Hornet's lack of armoured support began to form obvious disadvantages against them; although they could massacre the Barghesi in swathes, they had no way of permanently removing their cloning facilities. As a result, the Ordo Xenos deployed siege specialists, the Iron Lords to support the Hornets. With the addition of the Iron Lords’ many tanks, the Barghesi were quickly brought low, their cloning facilities and main packs destroyed.

The Il-Kaithe Intervention:
Originally deployed as support against a daemonic incursion on Migbus IX, located near the Eye of Terror, Imperial Hornet ships containing the 3rd and 6th companies were intercepted on their way by an orbital naval fleet from Eldar craftworld Il-Kaithe. Sandwiched between the forces of chaos and the intervening Eldar, the Imperial Hornets had little choice but to eliminate Il-Kaithe’s resistance first. Led by Captain Sendric Kaihan, the Imperial Hornets performed a series of daring boarding actions against the ships of the Eldar, while strike ships launched volleys of fire into their main fire support. However, Il-Kaithe’s skilled bonesingers could easily control the wraithbone of the Eldar ship, allowing them to isolate and pick off squads. Despite this, with their close-quarters capability, the Imperial Hornets, managed to cut out a sizable chunk of Il-Kaithe’s troops. Despite heavy losses, with almost eighty casualties and twenty dead, the Hornets were able to reach the main control systems of the ships, and stopped Il-Kaithe before it could pose a threat to allied Imperial forces on the planet below.

- The Ghost War of Iyanden
- Iron Crusade

Organisation
Due to the various complications with their gene-seed, the Imperial Hornets have significantly dwindled from their original size; with approximately only four-hundred marines, organized into four Company's (several Company's had to disband). Although they follow the Codex-Astartes, the Imperial Hornets often interpret its words for their own benefit. Their conflict with the Adeptus Mechanicus has led to a shortage of armoured support, notably their complete lack of Land Raiders and possession of only a single Predator. Expectedly, the Hornets place more importance on jump-pack based assaults and deep-strikes rather than the more mechanized approach of other chapters. Being a fleet-based chapter, the Hornets almost constantly wear their armour, in case of a breach in their ships; this combined with their close-combat training has made the interface between armour and marine closer than most other chapters. In the crucible of melee, their fluid and lithe motions, coupled with their natural 'stingers' make the Hornets a deadly enemy indeed.

Notable Characters
-Chapter Master Steikhan Langhert (M41)
-Captain Sendric Kaihan (Originally 6th company, now 2nd)
-Chaplain Laurten van Horwitz

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Hive Rats

Chapter Symbol - A silhouette profile view of a rats head, one eye clearly shown and mouth wide open with sharp teeth clearly visible.

Name - Hive Rats
Founding Chapter - Salamanders [unconfirmed].
Founding - Twenty Sixth Founding
Chapter Master - None.
Homeworld - Murinaeus.
Main Colours - Fiery Orange with Dark Trim.
Speciality - Close-quarter fighting, particularly in tunnel/corridor environments.
Battle Cry - None.
Estimated Strength - 1000.

History
The Hive Rats are a young chapter, born of the 26th Founding. They are believed to have been created using Salamanders gene seed, but modified to reverse the slight reduction in reaction times suffered by Salamanders. This results in slight twitchiness, reminiscent of a rat. This tendency was noticed early in the creation of the chapter and is one of the reasons for the name given to them. Unlike Salamanders, Hive Rats are not regularly exposed to the high levels of radiation, so it is not known whether Hive Rats could suffer similar darkening of the skin. They do, however, manifest eerily glowing yellow-green eyes; another factor in the naming of the chapter. Hive Rats recruit from the Hive World Murinaeus, which is the final factor in the "Hive Rats" name. (Murinae is a word associated with rats in ancient Terran dialects.) Many suspect that the assignment of Murinaeus as the main recruitment centre for the chapter may have been a subtle joke by the Adeptus Adminstratum. Those who know the humourless Administratum better know that it is surely a coincidence.

Notable Conflicts
STC Templates Recovery from Croker III:
The Hive Rats very first engagement was at two-company strength. An extremely large Genestealer cult had achieved control of several hives in the nearby system of Croker. Valuable STC templates were believed to have been uncovered by Mechanicum workers shortly before the insurrection became known to the Imperium. Genestealer infiltration of numerous intelligence assets meant that the cult was well prepared for the Hive Rats arrival. However, the Genestealers were expecting a traditional Tactical Dreadnought Armour based assault. The Hive Rats, with few suits of Terminator armour, were better prepared for a very different sort of tunnel fighting. They surprised the Tyranid Genestealers by defeating them at their own game of manoeuvrability and surprise. Numerous traps and flanking moves allowed the Hive Rats to exterminate hordes of the xenos and recover the technical data. The Hive Rats then evacuated the planet and engaged Exterminatus. Since that day, part of the Hive Rats daily prayers to the Emperor have included pleas for the souls of those they were forced to exterminate to purge the planet of the xenos taint.

Defence of the Vedi System:
Following an extended period of protecting shipping lanes and patrolling key systems, the Hive Rats were informed that a large Ork fleet was heading towards the system of Vedi. The heavily populated system was home to an important Mechanicum research facility based on a moon orbiting gas giant. The system also boasted a world with several manufactorium hives and an agri-world supplying most of the hive-world’s food. The Hive Rats were forced to prioritise and incurred the wrath of Mechanicum observers by following the example set by the Salamanders; concentrating on the protection of the planetary populations. Company-strength deployments were able to divert four of five huge Ork Roks away from the Hiveworld and Agri-world . Meanwhile, two companies deployed to the Hiveworld and supplemented the Planetary Defence Force in their defence of their Hives. Hive Rats fared less well on the Agri-world, where the 9th and Scout Companies were unable to prevent numerous widely-spread pockets of Orks causing massive damage to the planetary infrastructure. Finally, the remaining under-strength company deployed to defend the research facility. To the surprise and relief of the Mechanicum observers, the marines were more than capable of leading the Orks a merry dance in tunnels under the facility and venting thousands of the brutes into the void of space, successfully defending the facility.

Organisation
Being a young chapter, the Hive Rats generally adhere quite closely to the Codex Astartes. One exception is that thus far, no Chapter Master has been appointed. Each of the Captains sits on a council chaired by the Captain of the First Company. It is assumed that a Chapter Master will be appointed when the Chapter has taken part in sufficient engagements for an obvious candidate to emerge.
Hive Rats combat doctrine is one of close-quarter fighting. Early combat training for the chapter was conducted by Salamanders, themselves close-quarter specialists. Hive Rats are recruited from Murinaeus Hive Gangs, meaning they have a mentality suited to claustrophobic environments. Hive Rats marines rely on extensive ambush and flanking tactics. Use of Astartes combat discipline allows them to lure unwary enemies into traps where flamers and heavy flamers can be used to massacre enemies less disciplined or wily than themselves. Hive Rats are happiest on foot in confined spaces, but as per codex requirements, maintain jump-pack, bike, land speeder units and the like, and can enter battle in Rhinos, Razorbacks and Land Raiders as necessary. In their one major break with codex doctrine, Hive Rats often deploy full battle brothers into combat in scout armour, allowing more successful infiltration and flanking manoeuvres.

Notable Characters
- Laen Toyle –Senior sergeant in the scout company. He exerts his moral influence on all Hive Rats recruits, replacing their Ganger mentality with the notion that all citizens of the Imperium are part of their gang.
- Nezu Shasseugh – A savage fighter who wears twin Lightning Claws and has emerged as the Chapter Champion. Most notable combat was when he was found barely conscious in the corner of a warehouse during the Croker Campaign, over twenty Genestealers dead at his feet.



Note, that the chapters are posted in the order in which I received them, rather than the order of the list above.

NOW VOTE CURSE YOU! VOTE!!!

I'd like to put in my Space Wolf Succesor chapter fluff. If thats doable.

I'd like to participate.

Aw c'mon man, you launch this AFTER I decide to sell my Marines?

i have BA sucsesor chapter that aid the ordo malius pm me so i can fully write it down

Where do we post this?

I would like to be included (but I think my relative newness to the forums will almost exclude me)

I'm in the same position as Slick.

So, I am a little confused. In order to get into the competition, do we post an affirmative reply here, wait for you to contact us and tell us if we are one of the chosen eight, and THEN give you our Chapter info?

Or do we instead just send you a PM, and wait to hear if we are one of the lucky eight, and then send you the Chapter info?

Or do we instead just send you the Chapter info via PM, and hope we are one of the lucky eight?

If the first option is correct, then consider this my affirmative reply.


Never mind, I reread your post and clarified my own confusion. Very well sir, I accept your challenge and throw my name into the hat!

I guess I'll join up. Might as well give it a shot

Thanks for the support guys. Yes, you just say you'd like to take part within this thread and we'll see who 'gets in'.

Good luck to you newbies too!

My hat is now thrown in, cuz why not really.

I'd like to enter.

I would like to participate.

(Do the chapters have to be loyalists, or can they have turned renegade, partially or completely?)

I would like to partisipate as well

thankfully I already have like 10 pages of unorginized fluff to sort out

Thank you guys.

Fifty wrote:I would like to participate.

(Do the chapters have to be loyalists, or can they have turned renegade, partially or completely?)

Ummm, I'd rather they were not 'fully' or confirmed renegade, but what-ever really, I guess that bit is up to you! Good question.

I would like to participate.

I would take part, this seems to be a great competition and all! And Hits_the_spot is a good guy for giving the prizes! But your "Selection Process" ruins the entire thing.
So I'm not.

I'd like to be considered. Is there a prize?

I'm interested (provided I don't have to do any minis for this in the near term, I have a full plate already)!

I'm game for this.
Non designated Successor chapter, quite low on numbers and therefore vary quiet on the war front.

Whoop.

I'll certainly put my name in the hat for this one !

count me in boss !

As I, thou I'd like to submit an unorthodox chapter, called the Company of the Dead. I’d be happy to send you some material privately to determine if it meets your requirements. If not I’ll consider my standard format SM chapter.

More Volunteers, thank you guys!

Cor Angars wrote:I would take part, this seems to be a great competition and all! And Hits_the_spot is a good guy for giving the prizes! But your "Selection Process" ruins the entire thing.
So I'm not.

The 'selection process' is intended to allow both those experienced Dakka members and less experienced to take part, thereby reducing the chance of "MOAR PLASMA CANNONS!!11!!!" and that kind of thing. So far it appears to be quite fair IMHO. I may make it so two people are selected randomly.

By yes, hit's the spot is a very good guy for doing this.

Solar_lion wrote:As I, thou I'd like to submit an unorthodox chapter, called the Company of the Dead. I’d be happy to send you some material privately to determine if it meets your requirements. If not I’ll consider my standard format SM chapter.

So long as it meets the guidelines in the opening post it should be OK, if you want you can email it to me anyway, but it should be fine so long as the requirements in the opening post are met.

Thanks guys.

Do we need to post up our Chapter Info before or after the 7th?

That'd be after the seventh. I'll inform the 'candidates' when the time comes.

By all means flesh it out until then!

I'm in as well, but as I am away for the weekend my chapter are
'The Order of the Arch'

Ahh that's good!
I got worried that I had to franticaly finish writing!

I'd be stoaked to take part in this

I would like to participate