When a Space Marine falls from grace, he falls further than any other man. A lifetime of deprivation and selflessness is thrown aside, and the Space Marine indulges his new-found independence to its fullest extent. Freed from tradition, constraint and responsibility, a Chaos Space Marine can exercise his every whim, whether it is for bloodshed, sensual pleasure, ambition, love or hatred. Given full reign, his incredible physical prowess and mental strength can be turned to the most diabolical acts, without any sense of mercy or shame. Like a damn holding back a lake, when a Space Marine's will finally breaks, the result is catastrophic as the whole edifice of his purpose and self-being tumble into disarray.

Having been created to fight, Chaos Space Marines turn to the only thing they know - war. Though their ideals and goals have been cast aside, their superhuman bodies and military skill remain undiminished. Let loose from the confines of orders and prescribed missions, a Chaos Space Marine becomes a psychopathic killer without morals or restraints. He pursues his bloody life to its fullest extent, glorifying in the power of his own body and his ability to inflict death and misery.

Some never grow beyond this point and will remain as bloodthirsty renegades and pirates for the rest of their long lives. Others, having begun to explore the tempting and mysterious galaxy they inhabit, will reach out in all directions to widen their experience. Once subservient to their Chapter and the distant Emperor, a Chaos Space marine may now relish the opportunity to be master rather than the servant, enslaving nations and worlds to his creed. Other may feel free to pursue other avenues, such as the study of illicit texts or a passion for forbidden knowledge. Some Chaos Space Marines seek to inflict pleasure and pain upon themselves, pushing their bodies and their minds to the uttermost limits, searching for a sensual reward that they were never intended to enjoy.

To be a Chaos Space Marine is to feel godlike power over other creatures. Having long since been freed from physical fear, and now released from liability, a Chaos Space Marine does not dread retribution or punishment. For most Chaos Space Marines all memories of the past are swiftly washed away by blood and sensation and any thoughts of the future and little more than half-imagined cravings and dreams.

By dedicating himself to the gods of Chaos a Chaos Space Marine not only finds a patron who approves of his new life, but who will actively reward him for following it. For one whose sole was to live in denial and obedience, the euphoria of this realization can be more powerful than the pride he once felt at being accepted as a Space Marine.

It is the temptation, this dark abyss, which constantly beckons to Space Marines. They cannot claim ignorance of these facts, because the teaching of their Chapter and the Chaplains remind them on a daily basis of their purpose and duty. A Space Marine does not casually slip away from these bonds, no matter what occurs in his life. For a Space marine to turn to Chaos he must consciously decide to walk a different path, to choose obscene freedom is place of righteous bondage. Once made, it is a descision that cannot be recanted - from the moment he renounces the Emperor, a Space Marine is truly damned.

Chaospling wrote:
Very interesting input... Though I don't entirely agree on "Though their ideals and goals have been cast aside..." as you probably could induce from my first post. What about a Black Templar Space Marine - do you have any thoughts as to how different he would/could act on the battlefield and what his goals would be had he risen to Chaos (discounting the usual kill/maim/burn/the Universe belongs to me).