Black Rhinos

Black Rhinos armorial with Chapter iconography.

Black Rhinos Karkend (Sergeant) Makhaya Ulwazi of the 4th Company, 9th Kerasi (Battleline) Squad.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fedelitas Sine Recursu*)

### **Specialty**

High Intensity Warfare, Strategic Decapitation Strikes, Planetary Interdiction Campaigns, Heavy Infantry Assault, Multi-Vector and Sub-Orbial Attack

### **Battle cry**

"Yibambe amandala!" or "Yibambe!"
(Translated from Xhosan, "We hold fast!" or "Hold strong!")

### Successor Chapter(s)

None

"*I see what truly lies in their hearts; their pettiness, their overweening pride, the seeds of ruination driving them on, feeding the tempest of their hubris. With such compromised warriors it is up to us to take the mantle of the Emperor's Angels of Death and remake the future in His image.*"
— Black Rhinos Karkend (Sergeant) Qiniso Umbassa.
The **Black Rhinos**, formally known as the '***Ater Rhinocerotidae***', are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter created during the most recent Ultima Founding and comprised entirely of Primaris Space Marines. Initially, this Chapter was created from the ranks of the Unnumbered Sons at the behest of the acting Lord Commander of the Imperium, the newly resurrected Ultramarines Primarch Roboute Guilliman. This was done in the wake of the recent loss of the Rhinos Chapter during the Ouroborean Predation in 990.M41, when they were declared missing in action and presumed destroyed following the emergence of the galaxy-spanning warp rift known as the Cicatrix Maledictum.

Two hundred Primaris of the Unnumbered Sons bore the lineage of the now believed lost Chapter. Upon receiving their new orders from the Lord Commander of the Imperium, these Astartes were immediately dispatched to the world of Yekna Prime, the former homeworld of the Rhinos, to rebuild the Chapter back to full strength. However, after several decades, the lost Rhinos finally returned to their Chapter homeworld and found themselves effectively replaced by the upstart Primaris. Tensions rose between the two factions which resulted in a handful of skirmishes breaking out and the eventual expulsion of the small contingent of Primaris Space Marines from Yekna Prime by their elder brethren.

It was not known for several decades what fate befell these ousted Primaris Rhinos or what became of them. However, soon tales of sable-clad Primaris bearing similar rhino heraldry began to circulate throughout the various regions of the strife-riven Imperium Nihilus. Whether or not these were the same Primaris outcasts could not be definitively answered until the waning years of the Indomitus Crusade. This crusading force of Primaris Space Marines was indeed one-and-the-same, however, they had greatly changed since their first iteration. Referring to themselves as the Black Rhinos, they quickly distinguished themselves as bellicose and unforgiving Astartes - merciless to their enemies - and zealously fierce in the protection of vulnerable Imperial citizens from the predations of the enemies of Mankind.

Recognised by the High Lords of Terra for their stalwart and dedicated service in the protection of the Emperor's realm, the Black Rhinos were officially recognised as a separate Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes and granted full rights as such. They were charged with assisting beleaguered Imperial planets near the Great Rift from the continued predations of both xenos and the Forces of Chaos.

Despite the faith placed into this new Chapter, the Black Rhinos are a Chapter with deep scars. Due to the events of the Yeknia Schism, they inherently do not trust their Firstborn cousins, whom they deem untrustworthy and unreliable. The Astartes of this Chapter feels that everything wrong with the Adeptus Astartes is a result of the inferior genetic stock of the Firstborn Space Marines - mutation, corruption, and betrayal. History would seem to validate the Chapter's concerns, however, they have wisely learned to keep their personal views to themselves, lest they cause unwanted attention from outside forces, such as the Inquisition.

## Chapter History

###  The Time of Ending

As the 41st Millennium drew to a close, signs and portents pointed to troubling times on the horizon. These predictions unfortunately bore bitter fruit, as Abaddon the Despoiler, the Warmaster of Chaos, led the 13th Black Crusade from the hellish realm of the warp rift known as the Eye of Terror and lay siege to the vitally important fortress world of Cadia. In a desperate attempt to counter the influx of the vile Forces of Chaos, the Imperium sent out a galaxy-wide call-to-arms to help defend the Cadia sector. Despite the best efforts of the Imperium's staunchest defenders, Cadia eventually fell to the onslaught of the seemingly unstoppable forces of the Despoiler of Worlds. With the destruction of the long-standing fortress-world, the last obstacle to conquering the rest of the known galaxy seemed to be within Abaddon's grasp.

Reality tore itself apart from the Hadex Anomaly at the core of the Jericho Reach in the Eastern Fringe, to the furthest system of the Segmentum Obscurus. From that hole came warp storms not seen since the desperate era known as the Age of Strife, cutting off the galactic north from Terra. The initial period, known as the Noctis Aeterna - or 'the Blackness' - was terrible indeed. For a time, all warp travel was impossible and the far-spread planets of the Imperium were isolated, with no travel or communication between them. Worlds in their hundreds fell before the ensuing Chaos onslaught. The massive tear in reality came to be known as the Cicatrix Maledictum or Great Rift, which spread like an impenetrable curtain, robbing entire systems of the holy light of Terra. This region came to be called the Imperium Nihilus.

###  The Unnumbered Sons

Ten millennia earlier, the acting Lord Commander of the Imperium - Robout Guilliman - Primarch of the Ultramarines, enacted his ultimate contingency plan to protect his father's realm from the encroaching darkness that was Chaos. The dire events of the Horus Heresy had revealed the inherent weakness of the Space Marine Legions and the genetic idiosyncrasies, and physical and mental corruption that enabled Horus to turn those under his command against the Emperor. To prevent such an occurrence from happening again, Guilliman tasked a young Tech-Adept name Belisarius Cawl to undertake a secret endeavour - the Primaris Project - to create the next generation of the Angels of Death, who would be superior to their counterparts in every way.

This herculean task took Cawl nearly ten millennia to complete, and with the advent of the 13th Black Crusade, the destruction of Cadia and the rebirth of Primarch Guilliman, Cawl was finally able to reveal the fruits of his labour. Tens of thousands of newly created Primaris Space Marines were revealed to have been secretly created in Cawl's laboratories located beneath the surface of Mars. They were superior to their Firstborn cousins in every way - larger, faster, and arrayed in superior arms and equipment - they marched to war to take part in the newly unleashed Indomitus Crusade, taking the fight to the Forces of Chaos directly. Half their number were utilised to created new Space Marine Chapters during the Ultima Founding, while the rest were gathered into nine legions known as the Unnumbered Sons (or 'Greyshields'). These nine legions were formed from the original nine Loyalist Space Marine Legions, who wore the livery of their founding Primarchs, and were then further organised into Chapter-sized formations.

As the Indomitus Crusade carried on for several more decades, some amongst the Unnumbered Sons were singled out to form the initial cadre of Chapters that had been wiped out decades or even centuries earlier. One such Chapter was the ferocious Rhinos, who were lost nearly a decade earlier during the Ouroborean Predation into the mysterious realm known as the Ghoul Stars. Nearly two hundred Primaris Space Marines who bore the genetic lineage of the Rhinos, were selected to become the new guardians of world of Yekna Prime, located in the southernmost region of the Segmentum Ultima near Pavonis on the outskirts of Pax Ultramar. Granted lordship over the Rhinos former Chapter homeworld, holdings and equipment, the Primaris assumed their assigned role as the newly reconstituted Rhinos Chapter.

###  The Yeknian Schism

Upon receipt of the Chapter's fortress-monastery and holdings, the newly resurrected Chapter proceeded to undergo the arduous process of rebuilding the Chapter's sorely depleted ranks. However, they were not lacking in regards to wargear and equipment and were gifted with a substantial armoury of newly forged weapons, vehicles and equipment. After several decades, the Rhinos rapidly approached nearly half-Chapter strength as they utilised the Primaris technology to as good an effect as they could.

After several decades, the Rhinos long lost Firstborn brothers returned from their crusade, which should have been cause for celebration. But instead of being greeted with open arms by their elder brothren, the original Rhinos were outraged by the presence of the Primaris Space Marines - arrayed in their Chapter's livery and willfully trespassing within their sacred sanctuary.

The mistrust between the Firstborn and their younger kin came to a head and rapidly devolved into an internecine conflict between the two opposing sides. Disaster was only averted when the senior commanding Rhino Primaris Space Marine offered a truce to the Lord of the Rhinos. The Primaris brethren offered to depart immediately, in order to avoid further bloodshed. They would no longer bear the livery or name of the Chapter, nor would they lay claim to being descended from the Rhinos' lineage. Their only caveat was that they be allowed to depart with all their armour, weapons, and equipment they had brought with them to Yekna Prime. The Karkadann conceded to the Primaris Space Marines' demands and allowed them to depart without further harm befalling them.

Forced to find a new homeworld, these exiles crusaded across the width of the galaxy, to put the furthest distance between themselves and their progenitors. Stripped of kin, livery and honour, these exiles were forced to make their own way in an uncaring and war-torn galaxy. During the long years searching for a new homeworld, the exiled Rhinos saw themselves fighting alongside many older and more esteemed Chapters comprised of Firstborn Astartes. Through their observations, they surmised that their older cousins were flawed in nearly every regard - physically, mentally, and spiritually - and were the cause of many of the ills that had befallen the Imperium of Man since the Horus Heresy. This caused them to see their older kin as inherently flawed and inferior to their own genetic superiority. Thus, these exiles began to refer to themselves as the 'Black Rhinos' - an ironic name that reminded them of their lamentable past as well as their bleak outlook in regard to all Firstborn Astartes.

## Chapter Homeworld

Located within the edge of the Segmentum Pacificus bordering the southern border of the Segmentum Obscurus, located within the Oheli Sub-Sector is the world of Xhosa, the Chapter homeworld of the Black Rhinos. With the exception of a few coastal settlements, this verdant planet is covered in vast savannahs, dense jungles and winding rivers ringed by tall mountains, volcanoes and sheer escarpments. Outside the entire coast of the planet's primary continent, the rest of the planet is a breeding ground for bloodsucking, disease-bearing insects, monstrous reptiles, carnivorous birds, and beasts of every variety. The farther one moves from the coast, the more humid, hot, and inhospitable the land becomes.

Xhosa is home to a feral population of tribes who have degenerated back into primacy since the Age of Strife. The planet's only true valuable resources is its people - ferocious, cunning, and fierce warriors whom the Black Rhinos leave alone so that they might grow strong as they eke out a primitive and brutal existence for survival against harsh elements and vicious fauna of their world, enabling many of their youth to be worthy of joining the Chapter as potential future Space Marines. The Xhosan people have had to frequently deal with feral orks due to spores left behind by previous invading WAAAGHs!. However, these feral orks are few in number and rarely gather to attack humans in large groups, preferring to keep to themselves within the highlands of the world's mountain ranges. As a result, these greenskins are seen as a perfect opportunity for the tribal people to hone their skills as hunters.

###  Fortress-Monastery

Like all fortress-monasteries of the Adeptus Astartes, the Black Rhinos base of operations, known as Kifaru Sietch, is located within the planet's tallest mountains. Its many tunnels, corridors, and chambers are carved into the man-made and naturally carved cave system that honeycombs the interior of Xhosa's tallest mountain range, stretching for hundreds of miles. It is capable of not only housing the thousands Chapter Serfs and their families, but also large enough to house all the internal economies and industries, and is basically a small city with all the civic necessities for average humans to survive.

Armed to repel attackers from land, air, or space, its high walls bristle with enough heavy ordnance to flatten a hive city. Kifarus Sietch is also armoured and void-shielded to withstand any siege of bombardment that might befall it from orbit. Every aerial approach to the fortress-monastery is overlooked by Icarus Pattern Lascannons, and a macro-laser cannon known to the Black Rhinos as 'Undying Rage', stands like a spear of vengeance to lance space-borne enemies from the heavens. The fortress-monastery's Librarius is a lightning-wracked spire where the Chapter's Seers (Librarians) study their lore and chronicle the deeds of the Chapter's warriors. They also preside over the Chapter's Astropaths as they relay psychic messages throughout the void, communing with the greater Imperium and those detachments of Black Rhinos hunting across the galaxy.

The Black Rhinos live apart from their people, descending down to the savannahs only once in a standard decade to observe the warfare common between rival tribes and to choose potential recruits for the Chapter. The constant warring ensures that the people of Xhosa remain strong, though the Black Rhinos ensure to maintain a vigilant watch to ensure that such feuds and feelings of resentment and bloody vengeance are not retained by their initiates once they are inducted as full neophytes.

## Chapter Organisation

Having served amongst the ranks of the Unnumbered Sons, the Black Rhinos learned to both admire and have a deep respect for the battlefield-bought wisdom of Roboute Guilliman's *Codex Astartes*. Upon their expulsion from their former Chapter, the Black Rhinos clung to the tenants of the *Codex* to help guide them. With the approval of the High Lords of Terra, who recognised the Black Rhinos as a separate Chapter from their original progenitors, the Black Rhinos utilised many of the tenants of the *Codex Astartes* to help guide them in their reformation, overall structure, and deployment of their Chapter on the field of battle. After building their numbers to nominal efficiency, the Black Rhinos comprise 1,000 Battle-Brothers divided over 10 Companies. However, there are some slight modifications to the Chapter's overall structure due to the incorporation of their cultural heritage and the Chapter's particular strategic tendencies.

Both the Chapter's 1st and 2nd Companies are comprised of Terminators and Sternguard Veteran Squads and both the 7th and 8th Companies are comprised of close support elements of the Chapter. Meanwhile, the Chapter maintains two Scout Companies comprised of both the 9th and 10th Companies and have a higher number of Neophytes due to the extensive battlefield losses they incur due to their crusading nature. Similarly, the Black Rhinos require more scouts than most Chapters, as the initiation into the Chapter is particularly lengthy and brutal. To help channel their inherent rage and bellicose nature, they are forced to train extensively as scouts and kill their enemies from afar. This forces the newly inducted Neophytes to learn patience and harness their lust for close-quarters melee combat. If they manage to survive their time in the ranks of the Scout Companies and show promise, they are eventually promoted to full battle-brother and moved to the ranks of the 9th Company, the Chapter's fire support specialists.

Through the use of ranged battle, artillery support and armoured attack, these newly inducted fire support marines learn the importance of covering fire for their battleline and close support brethren. Upon promotion to the ranks of the Chapter's fire support specialists, these newly promoted full battle-brothers are initially issued with the standard Cawl pattern bolter and grenades which they will grow ever more skilled throughout their service. Their primary functions are to provide close-fire support, call out targets and generally act as backup for their more experienced battle-brothers who carry the squad's heavy weapons. Only when they have proven themselves a steady and dependable warrior, able to hold a true aim and steady nerve in the heat of battle, are they entrusted with a heavy weapon from the Chapter's arsenal.

Granted the right to carry one of the Chapter's many potent and deadly array of heavy weapons, these fire support Astartes are allowed more freedom to express their inherent rage through the destruction of prime targets, counter-artillery volleys and the destruction of enemy armour. These battle-brothers learn the vital role they play in the overall field of battle through the use of potentially destructive weapons of deadly potency, enabling them to counter enemy armour or penetrate defensive positions. They also provide valuable fire support for infantry advances or pin the enemy down with suppressive fire.

Following their service in the fire support company, those battle-brothers who continue to show promise are eventually moved up to the ranks of the battleline squads within the Chapter's Tactical Reserve Companies (5th and 6th Companies). Here, they will learn the strategic versatility of being a Battleline Marine and learn to hone their skills further on the field of battle, pressing home an attack or holding a position with withering firepower. Whatever the strategic challenge, the battleline squads are equal to the task. These warriors learn the importance of their role as they are both the most numerous types of warriors within the Chapter and are the backbone of their Chapter's overall battlefield doctrine. They provide a full range of battlefield roles; holding ground, providing fire support, and charging into close-quarters fighting of bloody melee, as the ever-changing theatre of war dictates. Proving their skills in the Reserve Companies, those chosen few who show special promise are then moved to the ranks of the Chapter's main Battle Companies, which consists of the 3rd and 4th Companies.

It is from these ranks, that the chosen few are allowed to join the Chapter's coveted Close Support Companies, comprised of the 7th and 8th Companies. It is here, that the Chapter's senior warriors are allowed to show the greatest expression of their incandescent rage against their foes. These close support battle-brothers excel at close-quarters combat, having received additional specialist training and having become highly experienced in melee combat after countless encounters with the enemies of the Emperor. Equipped with jump packs, they are able to fly across the field of battle and charge into the ranks of the foe with little heed for personal danger. Close Support squads slam into their enemies, sending foes sprawling from the skull-crunching force of their aerial impact. Unleashed in the first wave of attack, these warriors strike hard and fast at weak points in the foe's formation, shredding them with chain weapons and bolt pistols.

Should a warrior show his dedication to the Chapter and survive countless decades facing the worst of what the galaxy can throw at them, these few battle-brothers have reached the epitome of their craft of death and are recognised for their superlative skills and tactical acumen. These hard-chosen warriors have accomplished much over their long and glorious service to the Emperor, or in rarer circumstances, are recognised for their extreme courage and combat abilities. These warrior elite are raised to the esteemed rank of Veteran Marines and chosen to serve in the ranks of the Chapter's elite 1st and 2nd Companies. These veteran warriors have access to the Chapter's armoury and are allowed to equip themselves as they see fit, utilising the Chapter's finest master-crafted weapons and even more exotic and rare Chapter relics on the field of battle. Each and every member of these elite cadres is proficient in fighting with all the various types of weaponry available to the Adeptus Astartes.

Veterans of these two companies have been trained in the use of Terminator Armour and are entitled to wear the *Crux Terminatus* honour badge upon their battle-plate in recognition. Space Marine Veterans can be deployed in multiple ways on the field: Individual Veterans are often detached to another Company to serve as Squad Sergeants, granting their younger Battle-Brothers the benefit of their many standard centuries of combat experience. The most esteemed of the 1st Company's Veterans will serve as either their captains or the Chapter Master's Honour Guard. The remaining Veterans will form up into either Terminator Squads (when the use of the rare and invaluable Terminator Armour is warranted), or either Sternguard or Vanguard Squads.

###  Officer Ranks

* **Karkadann** - Karkadann, or "Lord of the Rhinos", is the title utilised exclusively by the Black Rhinos' elected Chapter Master.
* **Kartajan** - Kartajan, or "Lord of War", is the title bestowed upon a veteran warrior who commands one of the Chapter's ten companies. Captain equivalent.
* **Kardunn** - Kardunn, or "Sub-Commander", is the title bestowed upon a Lieutenant who serves as the second-in-command of a company.

###  Specialist Ranks

* **Khadga Jani** - Reclusiarch equivalent.
* **Khadga** - Khadga, a Xhosan term that means 'that which cuts', is a holy man of zealous faith. This traditional term is used when referring to those who watch over the spiritual needs of their fellow battle-brothers. Chaplain equivalent.
* **Magus** - A Xhosan term that means 'master magi'. Chief Librarian equivalent.
* **Maju** - A Xhosan term that means 'magi' or 'one who wields magic', this traditional term is used when referring to those battle-brothers that possess the psychic gift. Librarian equivalent.
* **Ashu** - A Xhosan term that means 'master healer'. Chief Apothecary equivalent.
* **Ashipu** - A Xhosan term that means 'healer'. Apothecary equivalent.
* **Qaynan** - A Xhosan term that means 'lord of forges'. Master of the Forge equivalent.
* **Kaveh** - A Xhosan term that means 'craftsman'. Techmarine equivalent.

###  Line Ranks

* **Kharga** - Kharga is the Xhosan term that means "Sword Horned", and is a title reserved only for the Chapter's finest warriors. Veteran Sergeant equivalent.
* **Karkend** - Sergeant equivalent.
* **Kerasi** - A Xhosan term that means "Horned Warrior". This is an interchangeable term that is used to refer to both a Battleline Marine as well as a full-fledged battle-brother of the Rhinos Chapter.

###  Squad Specialist Designations

* **Kiforu** - Veteran Marine equivalent.
* **Faru** - Close Support Marine equivalent.
* **Keros** - Fire Support Marine equivalent.
* **Kerasi** - Battleline Marine equivalent.
* **Bandia** - Scout Marine equivalent.

###  Order of Battle

####  Headquarters

**Karkadann Bashengo Wazzari,**
**Lord of the *Ater Rhinocerotidae***
**(Chapter Standard Bearer, Khadga [Chaplain], Maju [Librarian], Ashipu [Apothecary] & Kaveh [Techmarine])**
**Commander of the 1st Company**
**Equerry to the Chapter Master & Commander of the Chapter Honour Guard** | **5 Terminator Kiforu (Sternguard Veterans)**
**5 Kiforu (Sternguard Veteran Squads)**
**Faru (Close Support Squads)**
**Keros (Fire Support Squads)**
**Bandia (Scout Squads)** | **Kartajan (First-Captain) (To be added),**
**Commander of the 1st Company & the Chapter Honour Guard**
**Second Captain (To be added),**
**Commander of the 2nd Company**
***Master of ----***
**Third Captain (To be added),**
**Commander of the 3rd Company**
***Master of ----***
**Fourth Captain (To be added),**
***Master of the ----***
**Magus ----**
***Master of the Librarium***
**Maju (Epistolaries, Codiciers, Lexicanium)**
**Qaynan ----**
***Master of the Forge***
**Kaveh (Techmarines)**
**Khadga Jani ----**
***Master of the Faith***
**Khadga (Chaplains)**
**Ashu ----**
***Master of the Apothecarion***
**Ashipu (Apothecaries)** | **----**
***Master of the Fleet***
**Commander of the 4th Company**
**Battle Barges**
**Strike Cruisers**
**Rapid Strike Vessels (Escorts)**
**Thunderhawk Gunships**
**Thunderhawk Transports**
**Stormtalon Gunships**

## Chapter Beliefs

###  The Firstborn

The Black Rhinos are known for their reluctance towards working alongside Chapters comprised of Firstborn Space Marines. Their reluctance to do so remains a complete mystery to those outside the Chapter. However, based on close observations and persistent rumours, these feelings are believed to have coalesced when the Black Rhinos first came into contact with their former Progenitors following their inception. Initially, like all Primaris Space Marines, the Black Rhinos both respected and held the Firstborn Space Marines in high regard, even their missing brothers whom they never met. They admired their tenacity, dedication, and duty to continue the neverending fight in the endless wars against the many horrors of the galaxy.

However, after meeting their Firstborn brethren and being driven from their homeworld, the Black Rhinos now go out of their way to avoid their Firstborn cousins whenever possible and will only interact with them should they have no other choice. This reticence on the part of the Black Rhinos has piqued the interest of the Ordo Astartes, who have begun to secretly monitor the Black Rhinos' attitude towards Firstborn Astartes, in order the ensure this Primaris Chapter does not grow too bold in their criticism and hatred towards those who came before them.

###  Civilians

Unlike many of their fellow cousin Chapters, the Black Rhinos are unusually concerned with the safety of civilians while conducting combat operations and will go out of their way to avoid creating unnecessary damage to a planet's infrastructure, so that it may be rebuilt and one day serve a saved Imperial world well into the future. They believe it is of monumental importance to protect the lives of the Emperor's subjects whenever and wherever possible. However, the Black Rhinos are not as altruistic, as say, their cousins from the Salamanders. These Astartes are a more practical - or some would say methodical - Chapter. They are reluctant to spend their lives needlessly protecting civilians who are doomed or lost due to certain untenable circumstances or situations.

If it is deemed tactically expedient to condemn mortals to a dire fate in order to achieve victory in battle or for some greater good, and the Chapter's overall objectives are obtained, then so be it. This has not endeared the Black Rhinos to more humanitarian Chapters, and while their detractors might argue that the Black Rhinos waste lives in these situations, the Chapter themselves believe they are indirectly saving more lives with their actions - as the needs of the many ofttimes outweigh the needs of the few. In their minds, the ends justify the means. Due to their dichotomous nature, some Imperial worlds are hesitant to ask for help from this particular Space Marine Chapter.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The Black Rhinos, like many Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, display unique idiosyncrasies in their gene-seed not common in other Chapters, setting them apart from their own kind. Of particular note, is their massive size and strength of constitution displayed by fully developed Black Rhinos Astartes, which has measurable superiority to the already superhuman norms of a transhuman Astartes in relation to temperate tolerance, radiological resistance, and cellular repair. Their physical appearance is striking, most likely brought about by a combination of the phenotypic effects created by a biochemical interplay of their gene-seed, the erratic gravitational forces on their homeworld of Xhosa, and the unique genetics of the human population that has evolved to survive them.

This variant gene-seed, however, also has some unusual changes caused on the molecular level, affecting some of their gene-seed zygotes, which causes some of their organs to not function, as intended. The first of these organs is the Mucranoid, also called 'the Weaver', the 16th of the 19 gene-seed organs implanted within an adolescent Space Marine Neophyte to create a new Astartes. This organ responds to specific chemical stimuli in the environment, causing it to secrete a waxy protein substance similar to mucus through Astartes' pores that seal their skin, cocooning them before they enter suspended animation. This process can even protect them from the harshness of the vacuum and other extremes of temperature, particularly deeply frigid environments.

Within the Black Rhinos Chapter, the Mucranoid does not function properly, and instead causes a Rhino's skin to harden as they age, turning more and more stone-like, until they are nearly covered from head-to-toe in a stone-grey coloured hide that is rough to the touch and is highly resistant to damage, edged weapons, extreme temperatures, impact forces, explosive concussions, and potent acids without sustaining injury. Their unnaturally toughened skin allows for a heightened degree of durability and combined with their naturally increased levels of endurance and strength, makes them fearsome opponents in close-quarters combat.

Their enhanced musculature is also much more efficient than that of even an average Astartes and generates considerably fewer fatigue toxins during physical activity. A Black Rhino Space Marine's extreme levels of strength, stamina, and resistance to injury make them a formidable opponent regardless of a foe's superior fighting skills. Veteran Marines of the Chapter, take full advantage of their formidable inherent physical attributes, will often charge their opponents at a high rate of velocity, especially over short distances, enabling them to cause great harm to most enemies and the surrounding area. To ensure maximum damage, these elite warriors often equip their helms with two conical horns, designed to mimic the general shape and function of actual rhinoceros horns, capable of penetrating even thickened armour hull-plate of light armoured vehicles.

However, it must be noted that Black Rhinos Astartes have been observed to possess slower reflexes than Astartes of other Chapters, though the origin of this factor is debated and has not been attributed to a combination of factors present in their gene-seed. It is unknown whether this defect is due to a problem with the gene-seed that manifested as a result of the world of their birth or the psychological result of the Chapter's doctrines and psycho-conditioning. When a veteran marine arrayed in Terminator Armour charges his foe, it is nearly impossible for him to change direction when running at such high rates of speed which can cause him to miss his target outright and collide with the wrong object. However, it has been noted that a Black Rhinos Space Marine can move just as quickly as any Astartes equipped with standard power armour or Terminator Armour, which gives some weight to the psychological hypothesis.

###  Primarch's Curse: Death Before Dishonour

The Black Rhinos are notorious for not being swift to determine a course of action and are notoriously slower still to change their minds once they have decided. However, once their ire is up, they are all but impossible to restrain from shedding the blood of their enemies, as they launch themselves into a berserk fury of unrestrained bloodthirsty psychosis. The Black Rhinos are notorious for their stubbornness in the face of overwhelming odds and are more than willing to fight to the last, holding their ground with a siege-like mentality that will see them triumph or die in the attempt. This expression of duty can become exaggerated in members of the Chapter after long periods in combat, especially against numerous and unrelenting foes like the Ork hordes of a WAAAGH! or the chitinous, neverending horrors of the Tyranids.

In these instances the Battle-Brother sees only death; the death of their comrades, the death of the world, and the death of their foes. They consider that the only righteous path lies in the expenditure of their lives for these purposes and will face them with a stoic heart and a single-mindedness that can only lead to the complete annihilation of everything and everyone he faces, often eventually including himself and those that fight beside him.

* **Level 1 (No Retreat):** As the odds mount so does the Battle-Brother's stubborn refusal to retreat, seeing only the glory and honour in defeating such overwhelming foes if even the barest glimmer of victory remains. Even if the doctrine and teaching of the *Codex* dictate retreat or flexible defence, the Battle-Brother will be loath to disengage until there is absolutely no choice, though often this can come too late.
* **Level 2 (Suffer not Defeat):** Defeat is a bitter pill to swallow for the Battle-Brother and he would rather die fighting than accept that he has failed. This can lead to reckless behaviour as he throws himself into the fray or takes on excessive odds to win when prudence and tactical reason would dictate he withdraws. If a Black Rhinos Battle-Brother suffers a moderate amount of damage, or if one of the members of their squad is incapacitated or killed, he will renew the vigour of his attack and launch himself into the foe. In this circumstance he will always attack, never taking a faltering step backward, seeking out the most able or dangerous of foes.
* **Level 3 (Unto Death):** The Battle-Brother has come to accept that perhaps only the cost of his own life will be enough to secure victory and is gladly willing to give it up. This can have dire consequences should the circumstances present him with a chance to martyr himself for the Emperor and bring ruin to the enemies of the Imperium. Once the Battle-Brother suffers terminal wounds, he gains a fatalistic desire to sell his life for the cause and will choose to expend his own life for a chance at victory or the safety of his brothers. This means he will fight on regardless of his wounds and continue to attack or place himself in the path of attacks even though the next blow could mean his end. He will also gladly accept suicidal or near-suicidal tasks (such as disarming unstable warheads, leading a 'forlorn hope', or holding a breach to buy time for his companions) without complaint. Should the Battle-Brother die fulfilling such tasks, he might still somehow survive.

## Chapter Appearance

###  Chapter Colours

The Black Rhinos primarily wear black coloured power armour with gold trim. When worn, the Aquila or Imperialis affixed to their cuirass (torso armour) is also gold in colour. The Chapter icon is prominently displayed on their left shoulder pauldron while a large white coloured idiosyncratic marking stenciled upon their right pauldron, indicates a battle-brother's assigned squad specialty (Fire Support, Close Support, Battleline, Veteran or Command). Their battle-plate is often decorated with strange tribal markings unique to their Chapter homeworld's tribal culture, whose exact meanings are impenetrable to outsiders. As a battle-brother rises in both rank and stature, they will continue to decorate their battle-plate to indicate notable victories, actions, or the defeat of worthy foes.

###  Chapter Badge

The Black Rhinos Chapter badge takes the form of a white coloured, highly stylised tribal image of the profile of a white coloured rhino head, centered upon a field of black.

## Notable Quotes

###  About the Black Rhinos

"*This type of arrogance is sure to be expected from these upstart Primaris. They speak of honour yet have no clue of respect for their elder cousins. Any valour in battle has long since been washed away by their hubris.*"
— Comment made by Knight Marshal Timon Reznor, commander of the Blades' 1st Order (Veteran Company), Blades of Dorn Chapter, after being rebuked by the Black Rhinos following his offer for his Chapter's assistance in an ongoing campaign.
"*You are very interesting 'infant sons' of the Corpse-Emperor. Very interesting indeed. So filled with pride, so full of arrogance, so disdainful of your elder kin...as you should be. You are correct..you **are** better than them; superior in every way. And you know it.*"
— Valkyura Warpschild, Chaos Champion of the Hellkin Warband.
"*By the Emperor..sergeant, ensure that we remain unseen from these...cousins. They, more than any others, would find our silent assistance an affront to their honour.*"
— Captain Idria Salaman, commander of the 2nd Company, Obsidian Blades Chapter.
"*These Black Rhinos are arrogant and unproven, without evidence of their supposed superiority other than their fancy new wargear and extra organs. The oldest among them are children in comparison to our youngest veterans. Let us remind them where they come from, forcefully if necessary. If no one else volunteers, I will gladly 'educate' them myself in this endeavour.*"
— Attributed to Praefectus Castrorum (Master of the Marches) Bakkus Lycurgos, commander of the 5th Company, Imperius Ravagers Chapter.

 White Scars Successors
 Space Wolves Successors
 Imperial Fists Successors
 Blood Angels Successors
 Iron Hands Successors
 Ultramarines Successors
 Salamanders Successors
 Raven Guard Successors
 Unknown Lineage

[Source]

## Gallery

Black Rhinos Kiforu (Veteran Marine) of the elite 1st Company arrayed in Indomitus pattern Terminator Armour.Black Rhinos Kerasi (Battle-Brother) of the 2nd Company, 7th Battleline Squad.