Blood Reavers

Blood Reavers Chapter Badge.

Brother Adriel, an Intercessor of the 9th Squad of the 5th Company of the Blood Reavers Chapter

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
Under Observation

### **Specialty**

Indomitable, Close Combat, Unpredictability

### **Battle cry**

Command: *United by Blood!*
Reply: *In Death Eternal!*

The **Blood Reavers** are an Ultramarines Successor Chapter of the 26th Founding, originally formed of Firstborn created from Roboute Guilliman's Gene-Seed. While their numbers have always been limited, the Blood Reavers are unwavering in their duties and stalwart in their dedication to the Imperium. Through faith and willpower, they have remained unbroken in the face of accusations of heresy as well as the invasion of their Homeworld during the *Noctis Aeterna*.

The Blood Reavers are known to be obsessed with purity and religiously eradicate heretics, going to great lengths to destroy any evidence of their existence.

## Chapter History

Assigned to patrol the areas surrounding The Maelstrom , the Chapter was led by a group of veterans of the Sons of Guilliman under the command of former sergeant Tullus Verus. While their initial engagements occurred in the form of support lent to fellow chapters, the Blood Reavers also acted in limited capacity as peace keeping forces on local planets and fought in smaller naval engagements with Orks and Tau outside of the Maelstrom area during their first decade of service.

The Chapter’s first major victory occurred on the feral world Malas (744.M41), when the Blood Reavers joined forces with Imperial forces in order to destroy an Ork Warband led by the warlord Gorkuzz. Using the Imperial forces as a decoy, Tullus was able to take the Orks by surprise, allowing the Blood Reavers to come out of the battle with relatively few losses.

Further skirmishes against Orks would keep the Blood Reavers occupied until they were requested to deal with a heretical cult (750.M41). It turned out to be a Genestealer Cult, and while the Cult was destroyed and the Patriarch slain, Tullus was killed in the confrontation. He was succeeded by then Master of Sanctity, Ira Asher. Over the next seven decades, the chapter would change its focus toward bolstering their ranks.

### Confrontations with Chaos

The Blood Reavers' first confrontation with traitor Astartes occurred when a Space Hulk appeared in the system they were patrolling (821.M41). After the identification of the vessel by the Imperial Navy, rumors quickly spread that there was an STC on board, and the Adeptus Mechanicus relayed a request for the Blood Reavers to retrieve it. Sensing psychic emanations from the vessel, the Librarian Volanus led a strike team aboard the hulk, which found itself faced with heretics of the Prodigal Sons Warband. After a bloody skirmish, the STC was found to be broken beyond repair. Around this time, some Blood Reavers started succumbing to dreamlike states from which many woke mad or psychotic. According to protocol, the information was relayed to the Inquisition.

It was later discovered that a greater plan had been set in motion when the Blood Reavers joined the Astra Militarum to subjugate a rebel uprising on Nova Prime (999.M41), finding a cult to Tzeentch at the heart of the rebellion. Unable to interrupt a summoning ritual, they were forced to face the summoned Horrors. Though the battle ended in a victory, the events which transpired on Nova Prime would preclude greater consequences than anyone could have anticipated.

### The Coming of Darkness

Having stolen information on the Blood Reavers’ Homeworld during the engagements on Nova Prime, the Prodigal Sons launched an invasion on Aganthu (004.M42). While the planet was well defended, the daemons summoned by the heretics caused a large number of casualties among the Blood Reavers. With the help of Inquisitor Johann Stoff and his retinue, the Blood Reavers were able to prevent the summoning of a Greater Daemon and the destruction of their Homeworld, and in so doing, achieved victory as the Prodigal Sons retreated.

The victory was short-lived, however, as Stoff revealed that he had arrived to investigate the possibility of corruption within the Chapter. The Blood Reavers' recent exposures to daemonic entities as well as their unique condition, had caused suspicion of heresy, and Stoff was to ascertain whether the Blood Reavers had become corrupted or not. Recognizing the inquisitor's authority on the matter in the face of their isolation from the rest of the Imperium due to the raging Warp Storms, Ira surrendered the Chapter to investigation.

### Into the 42nd Millennium

During the Noctis Aeterna, the Blood Reavers answered a distress call from *The Tempest*, an Imperial Lunar-class cruiser. By the time they arrived, it had been overrun by heretics. While the Strike Cruiser *Mercy's Rest* engaged the stolen cruiser, a strike team was sent aboard the Tempest with the objective of retaking control. The plan was unsuccessful, and the strike team was forced to enact plan **β**, consisting in the planting of remotely detonated charges to debilitate the vessel and prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

At an unknown date after the conclusion of the Indomitus Crusade, the survivors of the Indomitus Crusade returned along with a company of Primaris, who were inducted into the chapter and quickly began climbing the ranks. Shortly after their arrival, Inquisitor Stoff left Aganthu without disclosing the results of his investigation.

#### Strife Within the Chapter

While their Primaris brethren were initially welcomed with some reservation, they were vouched for by the Indomitus veterans, and quickly integrated into the Chapter. However, a chism would soon become apparent between the Reclusiam and the new Astartes, who were highly sceptical of the Blood Reavers' spiritual rites and had more relaxed perspectives on the subject of purity. As a result, tensions have flared between the Primaris and the more rigid Firstborn. Despite this, the Primaris have proven themselves formidable warriors, and valuable members of the Chapter.

#### The Inquisition responds

In 117.M42, Chapter Master Ira Asher received an encrypted missive from the Inquisition, stating that the Blood Reavers had officially been cleared of any charges of heresy, but would remain under inquisitorial observation due to the unknown origin of their peculiar condition. While the outcome was a blow to the pride of the Blood Reavers, it assured the Chapter's survival and provided an opportunity to expand its military operations.

## Chapter Homeworld

At some point in M41, the Chapter was formally bestowed the death world Aganthu in the Ultima Segmentum as their Homeworld, in recognition of their service to the Imperium. It has since become the Chapter’s most important source of new recruits.

Aganthu is an icy hell, dominated by large, frozen plateaus and ice sheets of varying thickness. The planet is dominated by large, predatory, and overdeveloped creatures who would strike fear into even hardened guardsmen, and the fauna consists mainly of varying species of poisonous and carnivorous lichen, adapted to the sub-zero climate and low levels of radiation from the sun.

The few human settlements are dispersed and take refuge in artificial cave systems where temperatures are not immediately fatal. Taking the form hunter-warrior societies with basic levels of Imperial technological development, they rely on cooperation in order to survive. Aganthu’s people is hardy and stubborn, and have little tolerance for the unnecessary. Despite their adaptability, the extreme cold and frequent storms claim thousands of lives every year.

Skin and carapace from predators are extensively used in clothing and armor, as its biological composition allows the wearer almost greater resistance to the cold, allowing hunting expeditions. The thermal wear originally worn by the colonists has been almost entirely phased out, as it offers more limited protection.

While generally reserved and indifferent toward human conditions and activity, the Blood Reavers have slowly been influenced by the planetary culture, and have made attempts to weave their own Companies together in a fashion similar to Aganthu culture. The adaptational prowess of the planet's people influences many Blood Reavers toward a greater tolerance or respect for normal humans, though they retain their focus on practicality and intolerance of foolishness. Many Blood Reavers display greater flexibility in following the *Codex Astartes*, and as such the Chapter has been known to employ unorthodox tactics.

The Blood Reavers are still dominated largely by the influences of the Ultramarines and Sons of Guilliman. However, some customs have begun taking root among the Blood Reavers, among them runic elements such as tattoos and engravements. These are slowly becoming ingrained in the Chapter's culture in the form of honour badges and spiritual charms. Most notably, The shift in culture has led to a restructuring of the companies into smaller squads of five, with a focus on interadaptability.

### Recruitment

An important part of the Chapter initiation is an event known as *The Reaving*. Neophytes are purposely poisoned by drinking a concoction mixed with boiling algae. Drinking the poison “boils” the blood, whittling away blood vessels and organs alike, and only the strong survive, occasionally at the expense of an organ or limb. These are later replaced with bionics. The Blood Reavers forego excruciating combat trials in favor of The Reaving.

Boiling algae are found in some of the large underground caverns scattered around the planet where small lakes of liquid nitrogen can be found. It is bioluminescent with the appearance of a giant tadpole’s tail and has a burgundy purple hue. It is harmless unless handled directly, and may cause internal hemorrhaging if ingested without proper treatment. It earns its name from its reaction to humid organic tissue and water.

## Chapter Organization

The Blood Reavers are a largely *Codex* Compliant in their chapter organization, and deviate in markings and identification for practical reasons.

The Blood Reavers' Companies are organized in smaller five-man Squads to maintain mobility and agility during and out of missions. These Squads are attached as context dictates, and so closer bonds are forged than in some other Chapters, since any five-man squad can be required to merge with any other one. With the arrival of Primaris in M42, this structure seemed to facilitate their integration into the overall Chapter structure.

Due to the Blood Reavers' concerns with purity and corruption, the members of the Reclusiam enjoy increased authority within the organization, as they are considered the epitome of purity, and often serve as advisors at all levels of organization. Indeed, several of the previous and currently serving Captains have occupied positions in the Reclusiam.

### Order of Battle

Below, is a chart showing the hypothetical projection of the Blood Reaver Chapter at full strength:

## Chapter Combat Doctrine

While Blood Reavers follow standard combat doctrine in organization and general terms, they are known to deviate from the methods dictated by the Codex Astartes. Their tendency to adapt tactics on the fly allows the chapter to take heretics and renegades unawares or off guard, however, it has also led to conflicts and tensions within the Chapter, as well as with the Astra Militarum and fellow Chapters in cases where these adaptations have been improperly communicated or haven’t been approved. As a result, the Blood Reavers generally prefer operating alone.

The Blood Reavers go to great lengths to ensure the Imperium is kept safe from the perils and corruption of the warp, and each brother takes this as a personal responsibility. This translates to a specialization in close combat and a preference for Melta weapons and heavy ordnance: the less proof remaining of a heretic's existence after the battle is done, the better. Blood Reavers revel in close combat where the enemy can be looked in the eye and the combat turns personal, and informal doctrine dictates that the honor of slaying distinguished foes be rotated between squad members in the extent that this is possible.

Despite their aggressive tendencies when it comes to corruption and warp taint, Blood Reavers are level-headed and rarely jump head-first into engagements. This is particularly true when it comes to other issues than corruption, as needless sacrifice is not tolerated within the chapter.

## Chapter Beliefs

"*Emperor deliver us, that blood grant us strength. Emperor bless us, that we may never falter. Emperor guide us, let our aim be true. By His grace we are strong, by His light we are guided. Through blood we are bound, trough blood we are eternal. In His name, the heretic, xeno and mutant, only fire, ashes and blood.*"
—Excerpt from the Litany "*The Blood That Binds*".
The Blood Reavers venerate their Primarch, but make a point of not going as far as worship, and share their beliefs with precious few, even among those they consider their allies. They see the Emperor not as a God, but as a superior being with powerful abilities, able to project his will and protect his subjects.

The Chapter is well aware of what happens to heretics, mutants and traitors, and the Chaplains work tirelessly to carry out regular evaluations to screen for corruption. Part of the Blood Reavers' obsession with purity stems from their closeness to the Maelstrom, as well as the development of a condition with unknown origins thought to be warp-inflicted, and they believe that consuming the blood of their ancients - and by extension their Primarch and the Emperor - they gain protection from the influences of the Warp.

When Blood Reavers die, the Chaplains collect their blood in a blessed brass chalice and take it to the Crimson Halls, a crypt located in the Reclusiam, where it is kept in honor of the deceased. On the ascension of a new battle brother, tradition dictates that he enter the Crimson Halls blindfolded and accompanied by a Chaplain. He must find a chalice and drink its content, in order to find his spiritual mentor and take his place among the ranks of the Blood Reavers. In this way, the venerable dead forever accompany the living.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

While no corruption has been discovered in the Chapter's Gene-Seed, it is suspected that a mutation in the Catalepsean Node is causing some Blood Reavers to enter a dreamlike state, during which they are subject to the horrors of the warp. While most of those affected wake up in states of madness or psychosis and some of the afflicted survive, no one ever returns the same. Depending on their condition, survivors have been handed over to the Ordo Hereticus or executed. The Blood Reavers' willingness to work with the Inquisition in this regard has kept relations cordial despite their status as an observed Chapter.

## Notable Blood Reavers

* **Chapter Master Ira Asher:** More cautious than his predecessor, Asher has shown his competence as a leader on several occasions, most prominently leading the defense of Aganthu against the invasion by the Prodigal Sons. While many of his brethren feared the Chapter would buckle under the Inquisition, Asher kept a cool head and managed to avert catastrophe.

* **Master of Sanctity Regulus Aetius:** Taking up the title after Asher's ascension to Chapter Master, Aetius takes his spiritual duties with utmost seriousness, to the point that he is often at odds with the Neophytes and their limited understanding of the Chapter's beliefs. Over time, most Blood Reavers come to respect his dedication, although few willingly expose themselves to his flaring tempers.

* **Chief Librarian Celsus Calvus:** Distinguishing himself as unusually wise, and being the oldest Astartes in service with the Blood Reavers, Celsus has come to be regarded as the grandfather of the Chapter, and frecuently mediates conflicts. He is Asher's right hand, the two sharing a deep bond since the founding of the Chapter. To a great extent, Celsus is the *de facto* leader of the chapter in matters not directly related to warfare.

* **3rd Company Captain Darius Lucanus :** Lucanus proved his mettle during the invasion of Aganthu, leading his Company as the primary force engaged in the defense. Unwavering in the thick of combat, his stubbornness and snap leadership allowed the Blood Reavers to hold in the face of the unrelenting assault on their Fortress Monastery when everything seemed lost. Though at the cost of an arm, his actions during the battle awarded him an Iron Halo.

* **Brother Sergeant Caius:** Caius is perhaps the most distinguished of the Primaris to have joined the Blood Reavers, and has quickly taken his place among the 1st Company veterans, serving as an inspiration to his Primaris brethren. However, he has also come to the center of tensions between the Primaris and Reclusiam due to inconformity with the Chapter's spiritual practices.

## Chapter Fleet

Originally designated as a fleet-based Chapter, The Blood Reavers make ample use of their Chapter Fleet, although it has remained small largely due to the fact that the Chapter has never obtained full strength, and so could not possibly man an entire Fleet.

* Eternal Flame (Capital Ship, Emperor-class).
* Mercy's Rest (Strike Cruiser).
* Indomitable (Strike Cruiser)

## Chapter Relics

The Chapter does not possess any notable Wargear.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colors

The Blood Reavers wear maroon power armor with white colored lower legs, dark vermilion pauldrons and black-brown helmets. The trim and Imperial Aquila are brass colored.

The company number is indicated in black roman numerals on the right pauldron, on top of a white squad specialty symbol. The squad number is indicated in black roman numerals on the right poleyn.

### Chapter Badge

The Blood Reavers' Chapter Badge is a stylized, white colored skull flanked by fangs, centered on a vermilion red field, outlined by a brass rim.

## Relations

### Neutral

* **The Inquisition**
* **Astra Militarum**
* **Adeptus Mechanicus**

### Allies

* **Ultramarines**
* **Sons of Guilliman**

## Gallery

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 Imperial Fists Successors
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