Abyssal Rukhs

Abyssal Rukhs armorial with Chapter iconography.

An assault marine of the Abyssal Rukhs

### **Specialty**

Multi-Vector and Sub-Orbital Attack, Drop Pod Assaults, Harrowing Actions & Strategic Decapitation Strikes, Sabotage, Infiltration, Insurgency Warfare, Anti-Matériel Operations, Ambush and Assassination, Deep-Range Raiding Operations

### **Colours**

Dark blue and grey (quartered with white detailing)

### Successor Chapter(s)

N/A

The **Abyssal Rukhs** are a strange chapter bound in shadowed methods and shadowed intent, hailing from the world of Masyaf the shadowy assassin-marines that stalk the vast shifting sands of that world are an unnerving ally for those not prepared for the forces of the Shade Raptor. Surprisingly, there are sparse accounts recorded in official Imperial history. However, those few records that do exist, indicate that this mysterious Chapter was once known as the Hell Rocs - created from the lineage of the shadowy Raven Guard during the ill-fated 21st Founding - the so-called "Cursed Founding".

## Chapter History

The Abyssal Rukhs (once known as the Hell Rocs before they engaged in the extermination of an Ork WAAAGH! assaulting the world of Homs where the similarity with their Chapter's name and the alien's hollowed-out asteroids caused fairly large and irritating communication problems) were first recorded during the salvation of the eerie forge world of Umbarasos, lifting the siege of the Night Lords that were terrorising the Adeptus Mechanicus. Due to the sons of Konrad Curze being all too human in their attitudes when the leading lord was dead and his commanders annihilated, the warbands that had amassed around him swiftly splintered once more, with their sadistic and short-sighted sociopathy taking hold once more and making them easy targets for their former victims. Adeptus Mechanicus of Umbarasos, in thanks pledged their friendship to the Abyssal Rukhs and, as a show of friendship, gifted the sinister marines with several STCs (many members of the Ordo Astartes and more puritanical acolytes Adeptus Mechanicus whisper that they contained schematics to long lost and forbidden weapons such as the terrible Kharybdis Assault Claw that the chapter are rumoured to wield.)

## Chapter Homeworld

The desert world of Masyaf is a brutally uncompromising one; either you succeed or you die. Before its colonisation by the Imperium of Man, the world seemed to be relatively advanced technologically, but in a more aged and medieval level culturally. Masyaf is very much still a world of city states, there are however, greater empires allowed by their primitive automata and facsimiles of power weapons. Ruled by monarchistic families, is very much, despite its searing sun, a world ruled by the shadows. Backroom deals and endless politicking keep the world running. The greatest resource of the world before the coming of the Imperium (and in many respects before) was control of water. Oases were often the centres of the settlements that would become the ruling city-states and their founders the sheikhs. The planetary governor of the world is known as a sultan.

### Chapter Recruitment

For the Abyssal Rukhs, recruitment and training begin at the moment of birth. The Endless Dream, the order assassins that acts as something of a public branch of the Chapter on Masyaf (the Rukh's existence on their homeworld having been carefully hidden and kept as nothing more than ominous folklore and mythology). In this capacity the Endless Dream is seen by the sheiks who control the states of the world as a dirty secret, hidden in the underworld of society. Amongst the general population it is known to exist, but, like their masters in a vaguer, more dark manner. Recruits sent to the Abyssal Rukhs, via the Endless Dreams are the greatest of the child-assassins, each either born into the order of assassins or being kidnapped during infancy. Given the Chapter's secrecy on their homeworld, the Endless Dream is treated as a cabal of murderers and child kidnappers. On several occasions, more scrupulous sheikhs and indeed once, a sultan, have attempted to stamp out the Endless Dream. It is only during the times when this arm of the Chapter is threatened, that the Abyssal Rukhs actively engage with Masyaf.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Breaking of Waaagh! Snikka (321-340.M36)**

## Gene-Seed

Whilst to some degree the Genetors of 'Project Homo Sapiens Novus' managed to solve the mutations in Corvus Corax's gene-seed (the Abyssal Rukhs still do show a small amount of paleness) their tampering introduced different, more atavistic changes into their gene-seed; every member of the chapter lacks humanoid hair, instead growing spine-like proto-feathers from their head (similar in appearance to the Kroot) and have sharper, more hawkish features. Whilst generally minor, especially when compared to the more monstrous members of the 21st Founding it is a rather obvious mutation. Though potentially not a mutation the Abyssal Rukhs seem to be perpetually draped in shadows, whilst not always literal (sometimes manifesting as a difficulty in properly examining details as though in lower light) that factor is a disturbing one that, although useful in their stealth operations, is very unnerving when dealing with others.

## Chapter Organisation

"*Darkness overtakes you.*"
— A fragment of the 'death prayer' of Nizar Sabbah
Whilst organised in roughly similar ranks in line with the *Codex*, the Abyssal Rukhs structure and organisation has been streamlined along more non-*Codex* approach in accordance to their preferred methods of deployment and operations. There are several key differences between the Abyssal Rukhs and other more *Codex*-oriented Chapters. The most notable being that the 9th Company is, in fact, another Scout Company (the 9th however, are fully grown into the changes of their gene-seed and have every organ implanted). Each company of the Rukhs is known as an 'Order' and given an esoteric title, related to the old mythology of Masyaf.

As well as their lack of a fourth Reserve Company the sons of Masyaf have model of jump pack similar to the Raven Guard, silencing the usual roar they produce, in aid of closing in on their foes so as to minimise the awareness of their presence to their enemies.

### Officer Ranks

* **Shade Raptor -** The title given to Chapter Masters of the Abyssal Rukhs. Shade Raptors are the epitome of the Chapter, cold and sinister warriors, all bear the markings of station, each one truly blessed with a red shoulder.
* **Aga -** The title given to the Chaplains of the Abyssal Rukhs, the Master of Sanctity is known as the Aga Khan. Unlike other Chaplains, an Aga is rarely obviously present in the Chapter's chapels.
* **Order Masters** - The title given to Captains of the Chapter. Given the companies of the Abyssal Rukhs are known as Orders.
* **Wraith-Speaker** - Librarians of the Abyssal Rukhs.

### Specialist Ranks

* **Ones who Dream -** This cabal of sinister warriors serve as the guardians of both the Shade Raptor and the Order Masters, as well as liaisons between the Endless Dream, and the Chapter proper. Though never seen, they are always present. Lurking in the shadows at the behest of their leader, they are the eyes of the Shade Raptor. During Sultan Najib Rafiq's crusade to destroy the Endless Dream, after their assassination of his son, the Ones who Dream were sent to work. After the order of assassins was apparently destroyed, a trio of battle-brothers from this gathering, broke into Najib's palace and painted the message 'Sleep peacefully. The Dream returns.' above him in blood. After watching him awake, and see the image, they slipped unseen from his room.

### Non-Astartes Personnel

* **Assassin-Serfs** - While many chapters of the Adeptus Astartes see their serfs as helpers, the Abyssal Rukhs wield theirs as another weapon. Those who do no meet the Assassin's Order standards for space marines and are no provided during recruitment, those who are still successful enough to be of note are sent later on, to serve the chapter in a way that marines may be unable, to spread terror and fear in areas where a marine would be more obviously noticeable. Though not permitted to wield an Alamut Scimitar, the assassin-serfs are still treated with a warriors respect.
* **The Endless Dream** - In many ways, the Endless Dream serves as the public branch of the Abyssal Rukhs on their homeworld. Because their existence is hidden from the public, the Endless Dream is simply known as the most powerful guild of assassins on the planet. Many have secretly bought its services, but all hate and fear it. On many occasions, more moral sheiks and sultans have attempted to eradicate them. However, no matter what, the Endless Dream always returns.

#### Companies

* **10th Company: Order of the Setting Sun**
* **9th Company: Order of the Red River**
* **1st Company: Order of the Weeping Moon** - The Order of the Weeping Moon are a terrifying force. Battle-Brothers of this Order are only deployed either in the direst of circumstances, or to deliver that final, killing blow, when the trap of the Abyssal Rukhs has been sprung. As the shadows lash out, as supply lines and buildings are destroyed by the shadowy machinations of the Chapter, the warriors of the Weeping Moon stride forth, wreathed in darkness, carving a bloody path through all who stand before them. Where others of their Chapter are as one with the shadows, the 1st Company *are* the shadows, avatars of the twilight that leave no survivors.

## Combat Doctrine

The Shadows of Masyaf are a Chapter specialising in asymmetrical warfare. Experts in sabotage and assassination, the Abyssal Rukhs rarely take to the field right away. Usually, despite their (relative, given they are still Space Marines) fragility, the Rukhs seem to be masters in sending fortified worlds spiralling into chaos, through choice murders and a fostered sense of paranoia through use of their Assassin-Serfs. As well as assassination, sabotage and the severing of supply lines are a large factor in the way the Abyssal Rukhs make war. When they strike, the Shadows of Masyaf attack from every direction, leaders are murdered, supply depots are destroyed, and traps sprung.

For the Abyssal Rukhs, war is seen as a long, almost symphony-like affair, every deployment is carefully considered, every Battle-Brother expected to stick to their assigned duties, and, after their completion, keep their enemy confused and uncoordinated, striking out from the darkness. Much like the great birds that is their Chapter icon, the Abyssal Rukhs strike rapidly then withdraw, each assault like a diving predator, intent on brutally wearing its prey down, before the final, devastating strike.

## Chapter Beliefs

The Abyssal Rukhs are, despite their skill in stealth and subterfuge a rather bloodthirsty chapter, those members who are particularly skilled in their assassin's craft are said to be 'Blessed with a Red Shoulder' a reference to their old lives as child-assassins where those most proficient in the craft would have their dominant shoulder drenched with blood on an almost constant basis, those who have honoured in such a way have their flesh given tattoos on their arm from the homeworld's culture; spirits of death etc. Amongst themselves they are also heavily honour bound, they must cleave to their mission parameters with as much fidelity as possible and also, the loss of a marine's Alamut Scimitar is an immense stain on their pride, only removable either with the retrieval of the blade or warrior's death. As well they are also heavily invested with the upholding of allegiances, once you have become an ally of the Abyssal Rukhs you have an almost permanent friend.

## Deathwatch Service

It is a bizarre, and rare occurrence, but sometimes in lonely Watch-Fortresses across the Imperium of Man, solitary Marines, seemingly cloaked in shadow and speaking only in a deathly whisper will appear, stating that 'The Abyssal Rukhs serve still.' such watch-brothers are usually never truly accepted by their Kill-Team for they are strange and unnerving companions, coldly religious in carrying out their orders but also aloof, disinterested in camaraderie beyond simply aiding their squad in battle.

## Notable Chapter Space Marines

* **Nizar Sabbah the Shade Raptor** - Nizar Sabbah is the current Chapter Master of the Abyssal Rukhs, the Shade Raptor is a sinister, ominous warrior. Where countless Chapter Masters are swamped by the demands of running a Chapter of Space Marines, Nizar Sabbah is remarkably hands-on, often, despite being able to delegate, takes an active role in the campaigns of the Abyssal Rukhs, as during a campaign alongside the Immortals Chapter. A man of few words, Nizar is a sinister, albeit courteous warrior. Where other Chapter Masters might bristle at the idea of serving under another, the current Shade Raptor is disturbingly compliant, willing to serve as requested, for he is skilled in his craft, when he makes war, it is as if the shadows themselves lash out against the Rukh's foes. The patterns on his armour speak of a long, storied career, Sabbah's left shoulder is decorated with the countless symbols of his assassinations, as is proper for those 'Blessed with a Red Shoulder', most prominently,
* **Chief Librarian**
* **Aga Khan Abbas Ila**
* **Hatim Fakhr** - Once Order Master of the Weeping Moon (Captain of the First Company) and the Abyssal Rukhs most beloved hero, Hatim Fakhir is now the Chapter's most despised of enemies, long after his almost certain death. During his time as Order Master, Hatim became more and more enamoured with the deaths he carried out, rather than the artistry of assassination. Soon he began unnecessarily, throwing away advantages to make his assassinations more thrilling and bloody for himself. Eventually, he vanished, many believed him killed or simply given to madness, lost to the vast dunes of the homeworld. Decades later he reappeared, to blight the Chapter he had long since abandoned. In his love of death, he had come to see the Abyssal Rukhs as a worthy target, delighting in sowing terror and death. After a long and bloody period, during which the self-proclaimed Crow-Feasting-of-Hawks managed to kill four successive Shade Raptors, Hatim was hunted down. Discovered on the world of Kayn, leading a band of Night Lords, the traitor was reported killed, however, no body was found. Though the Abyssal Rukhs performed an exterminatus on the world to be sure of Hatim's death, some still whisper that the Crow-Feasting-of-Hawks somehow survived. Since his appointment, Nizar Sabbah has made it his mission to quash these rumours and prove the traitor captain's death. Either with a corpse, or someone soon to become one.
* **Apothecary Nur-** A member of the Abyssal Rukhs, seconded to the Deathwatch, Nur serves as Apothecary under Watch-Captain Lanius, a Marine formerly of the Flame Falcons. Like the rest of his Chapter, Nur shows a disturbing affinity for shadows and appearing suddenly. Rather appropriately, Nur and Alika of the Carcharodons Astra have a strong friendship.

## Chapter Fleet

The fleet of the Abyssal Rukhs, whilst fairly sizeable is also mainly composed of smaller stealthier ships. Though this can be surprising and devastating, it also brings a fair amount of danger for the chapter, for if their opponent does not shatter and break apart quickly enough the more (relatively speaking) fragile fleet will find itself in danger. Much like the Abyssal Rukhs however, their fleet is infamously difficult to track. It has been likened to the Harlequins, striking suddenly from every angle.

* **Twin Serpents (Strike Cruiser)**
* **Thousand Days and Nights (Strike Cruiser) -** Whilst there is no official flagship for the Abyssal Rukhs, the Thousand Days and Nights has been used most often as Nizar Sabbah's personal vessel. For a Space Marine vessel, it is bafflingly fast, like her masters striking from the shadows in a devastating fashion, then quietly slinking back into the void.
* **Tranquillity (Strike Cruiser)**
* **Shadowed Intent (Strike Cruiser)**

## Chapter Relics

* **Kulbai -** The Alamut Scimitar wielded by Nizar Sabbah, the Chapter Master of the Abyssal Rukhs. The weapon itself is a curiosity as it appears to have a disturbing psychic echo. For reasons unknown those gazing at the blade, it seems to pour with blood, as though it was freshly used in a kill. Bizarrely there never appears to be any evidence of blood-spatters or dried blood anywhere when those who have experienced that feeling mention it.
* **Vision of Sunset -** An ancient sniper rifle, said to have been wielded by the first ever Shade Raptor of the Chapter. Loaded with a specific ammunition, this is a weapon of terror, designed to shred the skulls of its victims, leaving only a grisly message for those it does not slay.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The chapter has a dark, quartered colour scheme; a dark blue and a dark grey to better blend in with the almost permanent shadowy aura that seems to follow them. Of note however, that they also cover their shoulders, arms and helmets with the cultural symbols and icons of their homeworld, exclusively in a rather stark white. Usually however, the armour of Rukhs stays unadorned, the Marine beneath may bear countless marks, such as the bloody-red shoulder, and arm tattoos of particularly successful battle-brothers.

### Chapter Badge

The symbol of the Abyssal Rukhs is a stylised rendition of the great mythological bird of their homeworld; a great four-winged hunter-like avian shrieking forwards. Parts of it are detailed as red.

## Chapter Relations

Because of their ominous manner, the Abyssal Rukhs have few friends. Countless forces of the Imperium find their manner off-putting and their methods distasteful, especially when taken alongside their obvious mutations and the rumours of their use of the heretical Kharybdis Drop Claw. Despite this however, the Abyssal Rukhs remain quiet and aloof, the only hint of disrespect to those who insult them being passive-aggressive barbs and occasional disregard for their requests or demands. To those who treat the Shadows of Masyaf with respect however, the Marines are incredibly loyal and, barring some horrid sleight against them, will always be a firm ally to them. Whilst still whispering and rather menacing, the Rukhs are much more open with those they call allies.

### Allies

* **Immortals -** The since their shared campaigns, two Chapters have been firm allies, with the Immortals. After the Disciples or the Deathless Flame saved the Rukhs when they were embattled in the Ghoul Stars, the foul xenos that lurked on Thucydia. After their Sanguinary Priests returned the gene-seed of their fallen brethren to them, the Abyssal Rukhs swore that if ever there was need, the Immortals would always find an ally in them, presenting them with the ‘Banner of the Arisen’, a symbol of the Immortals’ actions and their friendship.
* **Adeptus Mechanicus (primarily forge world Umbarasos)**

### Enemies

* **Dark Mechanicus**
* **Iron Hands**
* **Adeptus Mechanicus (the more puritanical forge worlds)**

### By the Abyssal Rukhs

"*You cower in the shadows Rukh. You and your pathetic kind are barely even Astartes, I do not serve alongside you, we are not equals."
"As you say Lord High Commander, we are of the shadows...cowering implies there is nothing to fear in the darkness. But when the Shadows of Masyaf dwell within it, there is much for you to fear."
"I am Astartes, I know no fear."
"...As you say Lord Culln.*"
—Aga Khan (Master of Sanctity) Abbas Ila of the Abyssal Rukhs and Chapter Master Carab Culln of the Red Scorpions during the Pacification of Garanda
"*P-please, please spare me, I'll destroy them all, y-you have my word! T-the xenos! They tricked me! They did something to my mi-"
sound of a quiet stabbing and a gurgle of pain
"Sssshhh, silence Madam Rudbar. The stain on your soul from your dealings with the Tau are cleansed in your blood. Sleep.*"
—Captain Taj of the Abyssal Rukhs and Rogue Trader Madam Rudbar during her assassination on the Boundless Vision
"*​Know your killer. Darkness overtakes you. Let your death serve the Master of Mankind where your life denied him. Sleep, now.*"
—Death Prayer of Nizar Sabbah the Shade Raptor, during the assassination of a treasonous planetary governor
### About the Abyssal Rukhs

"*Though your kind lack the stomach for what I find right, your deaths are most satisfying. The Nostramans come to me to help them hunt you. We are agreed on the worth of your blood. Now please, bleed for me.*"
—Hatim Fakhr the 'Crow-Feasting-of-Hawks' to Shade Raptor Al-Aziz
"*Everything about them is wrong...too silent, too...prideless, I'll never trust them, but by Terra they know what they're doing.*"
—Lord General Cahbott of the 12th Praetorian Guard
"*Ere, boss. Dey said dem Imperial boyz iz roks? 'Ow dey gunna fight wiv ro-"*"
— Anonymous Ork Boy of WAAAGH! 'Ell Klaw shortly before his and his leader's death
​

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

[Source]