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Are there any forces in the Imperium of Man that are actually humanitarian? By that I mean are there any forces that actually value human life and protect it on that basis rather than see it as expendable? The only ones I can think of are some chapters of Space Marines that are marginally humanitarian such as the Raven Guard. Are there any stronger examples?

Space Wolves and Salamanders. In the former's case the Inquisition found out the HARD way that you dont abandon your allies in front of the space puppies. In the latter, another SM chapter took the place of the inquisition. Ultramarines also actively try to save their own people in the Ultramar system too, although they're kinda mary sue-ish in that respect. The IoM as a whole values itself as a race, but sees that sacrifices, no matter how big, is always justified if the race as a whole survives.

Much of the imperial guard is humanitarian, at least up to the regimental level anyway.

Guard also do things like run supply convoys and help clean up stuff after a conflict (if they won, obviously). Kind of like having the National Guard step in in a disaster.

Yah, but don't forget the whole, "Well your planet isn't economically valuable to us, and your facing a massive threat (Orks, Tyranids, Chaos, etc). I think it's best we just use biological weapons to wipe out all life on the surface, then set the atmosphere on fire just to be sure"

Formae wrote:Yah, but don't forget the whole, "Well your planet isn't economically valuable to us, and your facing a massive threat (Orks, Tyranids, Chaos, etc). I think it's best we just use biological weapons to wipe out all life on the surface, then set the atmosphere on fire just to be sure"

Notice I said up to the regimental level. And in the long run it is more humanitarian to sacrifice one planet to save thousands of others.

Space Wolves almost resorted to rebellion over the Inquisitions behavior towards the people of Armageddon after the First War. Normally they would probably ignore the average joe if they didn't show so much "honor" however imo.

EmilCrane wrote:

Formae wrote:Yah, but don't forget the whole, "Well your planet isn't economically valuable to us, and your facing a massive threat (Orks, Tyranids, Chaos, etc). I think it's best we just use biological weapons to wipe out all life on the surface, then set the atmosphere on fire just to be sure"

Notice I said up to the regimental level. And in the long run it is more humanitarian to sacrifice one planet to save thousands of others.

Still, it sucks for the people on that planet