Bone Guard

The Bone Guard are a successor chapter of the Imperial Fists . Founded after the Battle of Lions Gate, when Robuote Guilliman gifted Primaris Marines to the Imperial Fists. Some of these Marines were Granted to Sergeant Tyron Ossis to form a new chapter for his actions during the battle. Alongside the Marines Tyron was gifted a Fortress Monastery that he named The Sepulchrum. Since it's founding the Bone Guard have been the staunch protectors of grave sites, mausoleums and tombs all across the Imperium. They hold strong to their belief that the bones of the dead are sacred and even when in active combat, recover the bones of their fallen brothers and even Guardsmen who die what they deem as a "Heroic Death". After recovering the bones, they are returned to The Sepulchrum where they are interred into the very walls of the fortress monastery.
The Devotion the Bone Guard show to protecting the final resting places of the dead, have made them experts in defence and counter attack. They favour close combat weapons to break through enemy lines delivering shock and awe, while apothecaries and other marines collect the bones of their dead from the rear. Because they believe the bones are sacred the Bone Guard have a special hatred for Khorne who takes skulls as trophies. This has led to multiple campaigns against the World Eaters, and hunts for any Cults dedicated to the blood god. This special hatred for Khorne has developed a common chant among the Bone Guard "Deny him another Skull!" 
== History ==
=== Battle of Lions Gate ===
Before the Bone Guard were founded Tyron Ossis was an Imperial Fists Sergeant. Leading a small squad of Tactical Marines when the hordes of Khorne descended upon Terra, Tyron was tasked with assisting the guardsman outside of the Palace against cultists and the demonic hordes. Wave after wave Tyron, his squad and the Guardsmen pushed the hordes of Khorne back. However the areas outside the Palace were beginning to be overrun and Tyron was ordered to fallback into the Palace walls. While preparing his men to return to the rest of his battle brothers, a Bloodthirster charged the section with his minions, cleaving a bloody path towards the Space Marines. Tyron ordered his squad to return to the Palace while he held the Bloodthirster off. 
The ensuing battle was tough and hard fought, Tyron and the Bloodthirster duelling each other each landing heavy blows. Tyron knew this fight was futile, but by locking the Demon into a duel he had bought enough time for his brothers to reach the palace. After a long and intense battle Tyron was severely injured. He lay on the ground broken and bloodied awaiting the killing blow. Just as the Bloodthirster was about to claim Tyrons Skull a lone Imperial Guardsman drove his bayonet into the demons leg. Despite the attack being nothing more than annoyance to the Bloodthirster, it laughed at the Guardsman diverting his attention. It picked the soldier up and began to squeeze, as the Guardsman's body was being crushed he let out one final cry saying "You can claim my skull! But you will never claim my soul!" The mans body crunched in the creatures hands as it laughed at the mortals final words. Tyron, motivated by the Guardsman's actions took up his Chainsword, got up from the ground and launched a flurry of attacks. Landing a myriad of critical blows the Bloodthirster was injured enough to disengage from the fight and ordered his minions to kill Tyron. 
Tyron cleaved through demons and cultists, protecting the broken body of the Guardsman that sacrificed himself. When Tyron had a moment of respite he looked at the broken corpse. Many thoughts ran through his head. What was his name? Did he care for his name? Should he care? Should he be remembered? But one thought prevailed above all others. Deny Khorne one more skull. Tyron picked up the body of the Guardsman and made for the Palace. He fought his way through Khornes horde and followers, Chainsword in once hand and a body in another. When Tyron finally reached the Palace he re-joined his brothers who looked at him in confusion and concern. Tyron cared little for their opinions as he laid the Guardsman's body in a secure location and returned to the fight.
After the battle had ended and Robuote Guilliman had returned to Terra, Tyron returned to the Guardsmans Body. There he spent much time removing the flesh, cleaning the bones and re-assembling the fragments. Once he was done he gazed upon the Skeleton before him. He saw a smaller and weaker version of his own skeleton, different but much the same. This is what remained of the soldier. This is what will remain of us all Tyron thought. "No one will remember your name. But they will remember your bones." Tyron spoke to the skeleton. When Tyron emerged news of his battle with the Bloodthirster had reached the higher echelons of the Imperial Fists. In recognition of his actions Tyron was granted a couple hundred Primaris Marines and was named Chapter Master of the now formed Bone Guard.
=== Founding & Establishment ===
After the Battle of Lions Gate Tyron Ossis was named Chapter Master of the newly formed Bone Guard. While trying to find a base of operations he was offered a Fortress Monastery and fleet. Tyron took up the offer and named his new HQ The Sepulchrum. Once acquired he turned the halls and rooms of the Monastery into Catacombs and Tombs. One he oversaw the conversion of himself, a chamber that would be known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Here he laid the bones of the Guardsman whose body he carried to rest. 
He then proceeded to create the codes and morals of the chapter, decreeing that the bones of their brothers are sacred, and the bones of those fought heroically are to be interred. He learned and taught every member of the chapter basic burial rites, bone harvesting and focused training around melee combat. He mastered the art of fighting with a melee weapon and shield, and those who proved themselves just as proficient in this style of combat were names Guardians. This created a sub section of the Chapter called the Guardians of the Dead. The Guardians were charged with guarding Tombs, Gravesites and Mausoleums across the Imperium. Alongside Placing his Guardians at these locations, Tyron also used it as an opportunity to find prospects to join the chapter. He looked for grieving children and orphans at these sites, he found a moderate amount of success, placing Recruitment Chapels on the more successful sites.
With enough initiates to ensure the Chapter reaches its full strength, Tyron began planning the Chapters next steps. He declared an eternal war against Khorne that will not end until "...every Skull had been removed from his throne." Tyron also instilled a special Hatred for the Necrons and Tyranids. The Necrons for being an abomination of death and the Tyranids for consuming the bones of the fallen. The chapter operated closely with its parent chapter the Imperial Fists. However they also deployed with other chapters and on their own, primarily being deployed against their chosen enemies as many claimed the chapter fought with more ferocity and had a stronger resolve. 
=== The Cultist's Skull ===
When the Bone Guard were deployed onto an undisclosed planet, due to the rapid spread of a Khorne Cult. Tyron and some of his brothers we beginning to experiment with the idea that bones can be purified. If this was true then maybe they can save many lost souls from the grasp of Chaos. However testing this theory would be dangerous and could invoke the wrath of the Inquisition. While clearing the Planet of this cult Tyron hunted down the cult leader. Behind him was a wake of gored cultists and torn down effigies to the blood god. When he finally found him he liberated the cults leader of his head from his body. He tore the skin of the skull and emptied it of its brain matter. Upon the skull he found the mark of Khorne burned into it. The skull whispered to him with temptations and taunts, all an attempt to get the Chapter Master to join the blood gods ranks. Tyron resisted and called for his four best Guardians. Four brothers in Terminator armour answered his call. One was a young Terminator Psyker known as Guardian Ashti.
He ordered the Guardians to take the Skull back to The Sepulchrum where they will begin testing to see if it can be purified and purged of Chaos. Upon arriving on the Sepulchrum the Guardians placed the Skull upon a plinth within a specialised chamber, from there the Guardians took up positions around the chamber to protect the Skull, but also slay those who would succumb to its temptations. Over time one of the Guardians began to exhibit signs of rage and bloodlust. While the other brothers saw this as boredom Guardian Ashti sensed he was corrupt and slew him on the spot. Soon the other two also fell for the skulls trickery and Ashti slew them as well. He sanctified their bones and interred them in the very chamber they were supposed to guard. From there Guardian Ashti swore a vow of silence until the Skull had be cleansed and purified.
Naturally the corruption and slaughter of three terminator brothers reached the Inquisitions ears and the Bone Guard came under inquiry. Tyron was questioned heavily into his decision to take the skull, they were looking for corruption and heresy within the ranks. After they exhausted Tyron of information they turned to Guardian Ashti believing it was he who succumbed to the skulls corruption. The Inquisitor was warned that Ashti does not speak and will not speak. The Inquisitor thought his silence would be an admission of guilt. When the Inquisitor was shut in the chamber with the skull and Guardian Ashti, they could immediately feel the skulls temptations. They looked at Guardian Ashti who was stood completely still in an eerie silence, he probably hadn't moved an inch in years. The Inquisitor questioned Ashti, knowing they would not get a response. Just as the Inquisitor was about to accuse the Guardian of heresy he heard a voice in his head. Ashti was communicating with the Inquisitor telepathically. The inquisitor did the same and the two talked for hours in utter silence. The Inquisitor was satisfied for now but remained on The Sepulchrum to continue to monitor the situation.
== Present ==
The Bone Guard are currently deployed across the Imperium, with the guardians being sent to protect the final resting places on worlds at risk. The rest of the chapter continue hunting Khorne's followers. They are deployed where graves need defending and the bodies of the dead need collecting. 
=== Warzone Armageddon ===
The Bone Guard accompanied the Salamanders and six other chapters to reinforce the defence of the Hive world Armageddon after hordes of demons of Khorne and Tzneetch began to assault the planet. Tyron himself embarked on this mission selecting some of his best Marines and Guardians to accompany him. Nearly one quarter of the chapters strength was dedicated to the mission including ten Brutallis dreadnaughts.
Upon landing on the planet Tyron lead the Bone Guard in a full melee assault, ploughing into demon ranks. Although fighting the demons of Tzneetch initially the Bone Guard soon found themselves face to face with their chosen foe. During the battle, sometimes the Bone Guard found themselves fighting in melee alongside Orks, while they did not approve of any alliance with them they were the lesser of the evils present. Tyron even commented on the scoreboards the Orks and Guardsmen kept in their trenches stating "As long as we defeat the Xeno in some regard." Of course the Orks were quickly slain after the Bone Guard had no need to ally with them. 
When the plan to summon Angron back to the planet was discovered, Tyron immediately diverted his attention and forces to prepare to face him. Himself and the rest of the Bone Guard tore their way through ranks upon ranks of Khorne's demons and World Eaters, one Lieutenant shone during this fight. Lieutenant Consitus lead the spearhead to the ritual site, by the time he got there, the Salamanders had already stopped the ritual and much to the Lieutenants disgust began burning the bodies of even their own dead. Consitus approached the Salamander Captain present and began arguing with him over how the bones should be handled. When Tyron arrived he separated the two and ordered Consitus to cease. The Salamander Captain demanded an apology but all he got was silence from the Chapter Master. Although the ritual was stopped Tyron and the Bone Guard saw this as a defeat as not all the bones of the dead had ben harvested. A part of them also thought Angron should have been summoned just so they could defeat him, and rid the galaxy of him once and for all. 
=== Blood Crusade ===
When the Blood Crusade started the Bone Guard rushed to the defence of several worlds. This new offensive from the followers of Khorne has been costly for the Bone Guard. The tide of endless slaughter is proving difficult to hold back and counter as the attacks are random and not coordinated. Tyron has called upon other chapters to assist in several planet defences and has drawn Guardians from their posts. He has even fielded Guardian Ashti who carries the Skull of a Heretic in a specialised and blessed canister. 
The Blood Crusade is an ongoing problem for the Bone Guard and is the focus of a lot of their resources. Their personnel hatred for Khorne has placed the chapter in danger of being wiped out. Time will tell if the Bone Guard can survive this onslaught of Blood and Gore. 
== Chapter Beliefs and Disposition ==
=== Beliefs ===