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Hey All

After running a few searches around the web to no avail I come to you all with a question regarding the corruption of Chaos and Fear.

Now, we all know that Space Marines are genetically incapable of feeling fear, so of course the traitor marines also immune to such things. My question is, what about other beings corrupted by Chaos?

I am interested in your thoughts as to whether or not normal men, after falling to chaos, would similarly be somewhat 'immune' to feeling afraid. My thoughts are that although they are not genetically modified to be incapable of feeling fear, their corruption and dedication to the ruinous powers would have exposed them (generally speaking I guess) to the stuff of nightmares and therefore things that normal men are afraid of would have less of an effect on those touched by Chaos. I also speculate it would depend on the type of Chaos influence - sons of Nurgle for instance probably feel very little, being in a mostly zombie-like state... but then again, perhaps not. Do they fear new life?

I think it would be based on exposure levels as well. As an example, in the Night Lords books by Aaron Demski-Bowden I believe the Night Lords serfs are definitely capable of feeling afraid (and do so on a regular basis) yet are so 'over-exposed' to the emotion it does not effect them to the same degree. However, looking at Dan Abnett's blood pact they also appear to be somewhat fearless... again through over exposure and psychological-conditioning (however, it is possible they may be afraid of being kept alive as apposed to being allowed to die for their Chaos Gods - as mentioned in Ghost-Maker).

So, do you think that Chaos Corruption makes a person somewhat 'immune' to feeling the effects of fear? Or perhaps it is just exchanging the fear of one thing for another (as I can only imagine your perspective on life becomes somewhat warped after succombing to the influence of Chaos).

Very keen to hear your views... and I have not even mentioned how it could effect other races (can the Dark Eldar feel fear? I believe they could but not as we understand it - although my understanding of Dark Elder Lore is very limited)

- Tracer

I thought almost the whole Chaos Realm is ruled by fear.
Do Chaos Space Marines have ATSKNF ?

Space Marines still feel fear, just not in the same way that normal humans do. They are partly detached from the emotion, their Fight or Flight response is mearly the Fight response.

Ah, did not know that Grey Templar thanks.

Kroothawk - this may be true, but again when constantly exposed to being afraid I am sure some adaptation would occur (or maybe just adrenal fatigue )

I would say that sure they can experience fear.

Talking from the non astartes point of view.
The average cultist, not brain addled mutants.

They would experience fear, sure they will try and bury it beneath devotion to the gods but it will be there.

For example, the hordes storming a defence line, are they impervious to fear or are they more afraid of the Chaos Space marine 'handlers' driving them onwards? Or is it fear of failing the Gods and the consequences of it? Maybe some truly do believe they are immortal and will live forever, and that death is just a set back, but there is always something for them to fear. Its just not always the enemy they are fighting.

I thought that the ultimate goal for a lot of chaos guys was to be given daemonhood.
Mostly for the power, but also because they are afraid of dying and having their souls consumed by the chaos gods.

Corruption by chaos does not remove one's ability to feel fear.

Good points all round.

grimdarklollipop - I like that idea! Any reference or just your opinion?

I guess the average Chaos Cultist would feel rather a lot of fear if he had a dozen loyalist terminators charging towards him.

The way they bully each other into compliance shows they can be intimidated.
But anyfing dat eva haz ta fight 'gainst da orkz soon knowz da meenin' 'uv feer! HAHAHA!

Can they feel fear, you ask?

My boy, the feel nothing but fear! It was their fear which led to their corruption in the first place!

Mortals who turn to Chaos certainly feel fear.

Astartes also feel fear, but it's a different kind. It's more like dread or unease, as opposed to terror. Astartes can feel fear, in a sense, but its a watered-down version of fear that doesn't interfere with how they feel or act. Unlike mortals, Astartes are incapable of panicking.

Thanks for all the responses guys - very helpful in generating the back story for my Home-Brew Chapter.

Hope to post it up soon - although 6000 words in and still lots to do! (with a fair bit of editing afterwards no doubt)

Them chaos marines look scared to me....

Astartes are not genetically unable to feel fear, but they can ignore it. The still feel fear, though

Fear is adrenalin which can be useful, thats why army personel today often get addicted to warfare like people getting addicted to rollercoaster or however you spell it