Golems

The Golems are a loyalist 21st Founding Chapter. Their genetic quirk causes their black carapace, once installed, to turn stone-like and grow uncontrollably across their flesh. Their armor, if it is worn long enough, becomes covered in the craggy stone and missing pieces are replaced by the mutated stone carapace- unable to be removed. Many have their attendants regularly chisel them so that they might keep a normal appearance but some within their ranks let it run wild.
As a Basilisks marine moves they are breaking or grinding down their rock covering. Because of this, if they remain static for too long they will become entrapped in their own black carapace- statues in eternal service to the Emperor. Serfs of the chapter will often chizzle their masters to keep them able to move after a rest. The act of consuming food is a gruesome one for the marine- they have a tube inserted into their mouths after having the soft underside of their jaw drilled through. This hole in their chin also allows them to speak in a metallic, guttural, voice as it comes with a vox caster.
== Basilisks ==
Those that let their growths consume their armor are known as “Basilisks”. These marines are lumbering and slow, the rocky growths on their armor making them appear larger than other marines. Because of this they are not often employed in activities that require any deal or subtly or speed. They are exceptionally resilient to damage and thus often serve as spearheads for infantry actions (an “Avalanche” formation). 
Note: The Golems utilize the 3rd Edition Chapter Approved rules for Cursed Foundings. They employ cursed knights and abominations units.
== History ==
The Golems were founded as part of the cursed 21st founding but their maladies did not appear quickly. Only after a hundred years was their taint prevalent enough that the Inquisition became aware of it. At first it was simply the occasional rocky growth or enlarging of their black carapace but it got worse with every new class of recruits. Their level of mutation soon grew to the point where the Inquisition could no longer ignore it and, rather than face obliteration, the Golems undertook a penitent crusade. Their crusade takes them out from the center of Imperial space towards the heart of Hive Fleet Tarrasque. Even today with their numbers whittled down they accept new marines, often from allied Imperial units who impress them, but explain the dark fate that awaits all who join their ranks.
== Organization & Tactics ==
The chapter has been able to maintain a presence of between 800-1,000 marines despite their constant crusading. Theirs is a slow, methodical, exacting crusade that leaves no stone unturned. They do not rush to their death as to do so would be to spoil the gifts the Emperor gave them. As they are cursed to have a natural skill in defensive actions they are prone to long-term planning and sieges. They are more than willing to slowly encircle and smoke out enemies who waste their ammunition against their rocky bodies in an attempt to break out.
The chapter is roughly based on the codex astartes, though for obvious reasons they cannot fully conform to it. The chapter has 5 double-sized companies and a 6th scout company that forms ad-hoc when new marines are present. These companies move together, generally along the same trajectory, but tackle different objectives. Each company is led by a crusader-captain who is supported by four legates who each command a “cadre”. The first three cadre are organized similarly to a chapter but the 4th cadre (sometimes called the “cursed cadre” or, jokingly, the “quarry”) contains elite marines who have been deeply consumed by their mutations. These so-called “basilisks” are the shock-troops of the chapter and are deployed on the front lines in hopes of earning the death they believe is their ultimate release. The first cadre of the 1st chapter is known as the “Command Cadre” and houses the chapter maters (or “Lord of Stone and Bone”)
== Notable Campaigns ==
The 1st Scraxian War: When the Scrax were covertly hired by the Eldar of Craftworld Nova’Cor to take over the Imperial world of Apate IV. They were aided by Tau allies from Kau'ui Ko'vash Hunter Cadre and the human mercenaries of By’tho Se’ieg’n. Imperial forces comprised of the Megamarines and Golems space marine chapters, Ubrin Regiments, 9th Neo-Jerionite Regiment, and duelists from Spada Sacra under the command of Inquisitor Grace Parmenion struggled to retake the planet. After many months of conflict the Imperium was driven from the planet with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Golem Basilisk.png|A Golem Basilisk
Golem Color.png|The Armor of a Golem Looks Like Stone
Category:Chapters of Unknown Lineage