Ashen Souls

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## Ashen Souls

Ashen Souls armorial with Chapter iconography.

Ashen Souls Firstborn Battle-Brother of the 1st "Crusader" Sect (Company), unknown Battleline Squad.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fedelitas Totalis*)

### **Founding**

13th 'Dark' Founding (Early 35th Millenium)

### **Successor of**

Unknown (Officially)
(Presumed either Dark Angels or Blood Angels lineage.)

### **Allies**

Blood Angels, Dark Angels, Immortals, Nemean Lions, Lightning Wraiths

### **Battle cry**

Unknown, typically inaudible. Those who experience listening to it and having lived report whispers, canticles and chants delivered in infrasound at high pressure which disorients and can strike fear in the enemy.

### **Colours**

Ash, Concrete, Warplock Bronze, and Abbadon Black

### Successor Chapter(s)

N/A

The **Ashen Souls** are a mysterious Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes created during the mysterious 13th Founding, the so-called 'Dark Founding', due to the lack of information on this particular founding in official Imperial historical records. Their exact lineage is unknown, however, many Imperial savants believe this Chapter is descended either from the First Founding Dark Angels or Blood Angels.

## Chapter History

### The Founding

The Scouring marked the beginning of shift in the balance of power and the collective direction of the Imperial response to the traitors. A joint task force of Blood Angels, Dark Angels and several kill-teams belonging to what Alpha Legion remained loyal to the Imperium and gave chase to a splinter force of the Sons of Horus and the Night Lords all the way to the reaches of the Ghoul Stars.

In uncharted and forgotten reaches of the Ghoul Stars battle had been joined, virtually annihilating the traitors to the man on the dead fortress world of "Otherworld" in a confrontation that would be known thereafter as the "Void Crusade" The task force would eventually return to their parent legions and be disbanded as a unit in time for the Second Founding. It would not be until the Dark Founding in M35 that the Ashen Souls would be formed in a manner that is recognizable in the present as being the chapter as they are now recognized by the Imperium today.

The Dark Founding saw the formation of chapters like the Exorcists, where they experimented with such methods as daemonic possession to diminish their warp signature to denizens of the warp. Although classified, it has long been speculated that the Ashen Souls were among one of the first officially sanctioned chapters to experiment with chimaeric gene-seed at the time of the Dark Founding. Splicing together the gene-seed of the Blood Angels and Dark Angels with the intention of diminishing the worst effects of the Red Thirst and the Black Rage, the chapter's formation was greenlit after promising results by the Magos Biologis.

The Ashen Souls would then requisition a number of Blood Angels and the Dark Angels to join the chapter, however, they would only do so under the expressed order that they lead the chapter into the Ghoul Stars. Unbeknownst to the chapter, the Blood Angels and Dark Angels intended to return to the Otherworld with the intention of uncovering what may have been left behind of whatever had transpired during the events that were classified in their battle with the traitors in the Ghoul Stars.

Long and bitter campaigning into the Ghoul Stars eventually led the chapter to Otherworld where they took up residence in the fortress that would known thereafter as "The Harrow" to the chapter and its expansive network of catacombs and cave network which lead to the complex known as "The Vaults." By then, what little was recovered with regard to information pertaining to the battle at the end of the Scouring and what artifacts had been left behind.

### Death of a Legend

The Death of a Legend is a Chapter changing event. What caused it was the 1st Chapter Master, the singular Marine who led the Chapter for almost 2 Millenia had perished at the hand of the Warp and the Drukhari. Whilst the Chapter originally had a hatred for the forces of Chaos, this only made their hatred grow and a new one to sprout for the Drukhari. It was because of this that the Chapter became who they are now and what made some of the Companies have the functionality they do now. The Chapter during their time of mourning as they traversed back to their homeworld were known to be rather silent and attacked multiple Chaos bound ships. During this period of time, the Ashen Souls would choose to not repaint their armor but instead let the ashes of their enemy collect on their carapace and often times their armor would get stained with blood and rust.

#### Rise of a New Era

After the 1st Chapter Master had perished, a new Chapter Master was brought from the shadows, having been chosen before the 1st Chapter Master's death. From this mournful event, rose new relations and the 2nd Chapter Master. The rise of the Chapter was a massive change for their combat doctrine, appearance, and culture. What made them lose the majority of their forces, the flagship, and their beloved Chapter Master couldn't happen again, and that was made sure of.

The Chapter had gone away from their once honorable and brave combat to hiding in the shadows and abolishing a majority of their shock tactics, now rising into the doctrine of stealth and sabotage. The 2nd Chapter Master is who worked to build the relations with Chapters that the Ashen Souls now call Ally, Friend, and even Brother.

## Notable Campaigns

* **The Red Banquet** **(356.M35)** - The "Red Banquet" occurred on the chapter's homeworld of Otherworld. It culminated in a Chaos incursion swindling most of the populace to their cause, only the tribes of the Soot-Borne remained loyal to the chapter. Within a year the conflict was resolved with most all of the details pertaining to it being eradicated and covered up. The victory was a pyrrhic one at the cost of most of the planet's population who the chapter would try to nurse back to health in the years to follow.
* **Crusade for Otherworld (555.M36)** - This campaign occurred on 555.M36 when the chapter's homeworld was assaulted by a warband of the Word Bearers known as the "Forsworn." Much of the chapter's numbers have been confirmed KIA during the assault but the Traitors would be routed, the Ashen Souls claiming a Pyrrhic victory. Little else is preserved in Imperial archives that haven't been redacted by the Inquisition or purged from the records.
* **Relentless Oceans (045.M37 - 050.M37)** - This short battle was against a large Chaos Warband of Night Lords on a now missing Ocean World. Multiple Hive Cities were on this planet as they had sent out a Distress call that they were under attack, the same call that the Ashen Souls Chapter had answered. The Ashen Souls Chapter had arrived there with multiple companies to combat the enemy threat, not knowing the incoming threat of Drukhari forces. The Chapter had suffered losses, that of which crippled the Chapter's 1st and 3rd Companies and later on crippling the 2nd Company. This loss of forces had made the Ashen Souls order a mass retreat with the 1st Chapter Master leading it back to their ships. Unbeknownst to them, multiple Drukhari Mandrakes had boarded their Flagship and remained hidden. As they were retreating, a group of Drukhari Ships alongside Night Lord Ships chased after the Ashen Souls fleet which caused a massive battle in the System where the Chapter suffered more damage. The Chapter fled into the Warp to possibly lose the enemy, but only made things worse for themselves. The fleet got attacked by an incoming Word Bearers fleet at which held a singular Gal Vorbak amongst their forces. This is where the 1st Chapter Master suffered greivious wounds and the poison of a Mandrake. The Chapter survived, but was in grievous condition.
* **The Faceless Storm (050.M37 - 050.M40)** - This multi-millennium spanning event was caused by a portion of the Ashen Souls fleet entering the Warp with compromised gellar fields. The 7th Sect was not with the expeditionary force during this operation and was garrisoned on Otherworld, defending the chapter's home-system. Most of the chapter was on crusade and subsequently lost during the resulting warpstorm. Reemerging with a nominal strength of between three to four companies left alive with their Chapter Master. This force would reemerge far to the galactic east, beyond the Hadex Anomaly and in the Avestan Satrapy where they would regroup and be lent assistance by the Immortals of Seleucia before they sent them on their way.
* **Trail of blood (070.M40 - 100.M40)** - The event known as the "Trail of Blood" recounts the activities of the Chapter returning back to their homeworld from Avestan Satrapy. With their rebuilt fleet and most of their numbers replenished, the Ashen Souls would fly back to Otherworld but with the hatred of Chaos and the Drukhari set in their hearts. They attacked a majority of the chaos fleets they came across and annihilated them and would notably leave the enemy ships burning in real-space and the Warp. The Chapter notably refused to repaint their armor and instead let the ash of their burning enemies pile onto their armor with stains of blood, rust & others compile elsewhere.
* **Souls of the Lost (230.M40 - 231.M40)** - The Souls of the Lost campaign was a large conflict where the Chapter deployed 4 companies worth of Astartes to assist a contingent of Adepta Sororitas, an Imperial Guard Regiment, and a group of Frateris Militia. This conflict would come at the loss of Loyalist forces which forced the Ashen Souls to take over and command what remained. The Chapter believes that the forces that perished were due to the incompetence of both the Adepta Sororitas, and Frateris Militia. The Chapter had even lost some of their own within this conflict and the battle was considered a Pyrrhic Victory due to the circumstances at which occurred.
* **Vengeance Crusade (550.M40 - 600.M40)** - Valtiel's  death at the hands of Chaos worshippers would herald the beginning of the so-called "Vengeance Crusade." Her loss would shake the chapter and they would set out at near full chapter strength in a wanton display of wrath. They set a course from Otherworld directly to the Eye and doggedly engaged with and pursued any warbands they came into contact with and driving them back to the warp. To the Chapter's luck near the end of these events they had some 450 numbers left to fight their way back to Otherworld with. With the asssistance of fellow chapters, the Ashen Souls made their return journey, again cutting a swathe through any traitors they had missed on their way toward the Eye. Most holo feeds and recordings of the chapter depict marines, covered from head to toe in blood of their own and of their enemies with horrific damage to their battle plate. The Ashen Souls would then return to Otherworld to recuperate and replenish their casualties in time for their next expedition out into the dark.
* **Warzone Downpour (700.M40 - 710.M40)** - This event is detailed to be an encounter between the 8th "Dullahan" sect, and a large Chaos Space Marine Warband of the Deathguard. This conflict whilst the Ashen Souls deployed a company to assist larger ally forces were noted to have lost. The Deathguard Warband had proved too strong for them to really handle. However, due to the Ashen Souls being on the battlefield, they stalled the oponent enough for the Ally regiments to fully retreat
* **The Triumvirate (735.M40)** - *WIP Campaign with others*
* **Warzone Perdition (740.M40)** - Warzone Perdition by far is one of the conflicts within the Chapter's history that they won't consider a win. Their foe was a decently sized warband of Word Bearer origins. The forces of Ashen Souls that were deployed consisted of 5 squads from the 3rd "Hunter" Sect and 3 squads from the 6th "Nephilim" Sect. Almost all of the forces deployed from the 3rd Sect perished with only half a singular squad remaining with the squads from the 6th Sect perishing during and after the conflict. The forces of Chaos were forced in a retreat after almost all of their number were dispatched, albeit the 6th Company is credited for this duty with the 3rd Sect having called upon them in an act of desperation.
* **Torch the skies (Early M41)** - This fabled event was noted to have a Veteran Company of the Chapter involved after recieving a distorted and unclear distress signal during a patrol through the Halo Stars. The distress signal brought the Company to an unknown and forgotten planet, far away from any trade routes and supply routes. Apparently even the patrol was warned by Rogue Traders & Ecclesiarchal fleets to not tread this section of space. The Company had sent half of its number down to the surface of the wreckage of a planet, a desolate wasteland covered in ruins as they would narrow down the signal to a group of Imperial Ruins, a ruined and long forgotten Cathedral of grand size. What was inside the Cathedral could only be described as various corpses fresh and rotting to be plastered against the murals, floor and even the ceiling. The forces deployed would be assaulted by what could only be described as two monster who were no longer human, possessed by the frightening and dangerous Halo Devices. The conflict lasted 3 days, something that the surviving Astartes dared to not speak of again as the horrors even sent chills down their spines and it was ended by the entire company eventually bombed the entire set of ruins with Incendiary bombs after the insides were torched to high hell, and once the surviving Marines evacuated, the Company's ship launched various Nuclear Bombs to ensure the death of these horrors and that their sight would never be seen again.
* **Warzone Terminus Est (785.M41)** - Warzone Terminus Est is detailed as a Major loss for the Chapter, having the 3rd "Hunter" Sect, a few squads from the 2nd "Sepulcher" Sect, & some of the 8th "Dullahan" sect deployed to an Eastern Fringe System that sent out a multitude of Distress signals outwards which caught the eye of both the Chapter, the Inquisition's Ordo Xenos, and the Deathwatch. The Ashen Souls forces as well as a multitude of others were seen attempting to fight off the newly found threat of the Tyranids and ultimately lost in the end and had to retreat. The forces that the Inquisitorial Allies lost are unknown and the record of that was expunged but the Ashen Souls lost a majority of their 3rd Sect and almost all of what the 8th & 2nd Sect deployed with the 3rd Sect with only 2 squads having survived the encounter but with wounded on both squads.
* **The Harrowing Sin of Pride (875.M41)** - The Ashen Souls spearheaded a large campaign on the planet Harro'sin Prime, seeking to eradicate scattered Chaos forces. They established a fortified camp within a dormant volcano, only to find themselves unexpectedly besieged by a loyalist chapter. the Aasvogels. Despite the surprise, they managed to repel the attackers, though challenges arose. In a decisive move, Chapter Master Samael unleashed the Nephilim Death Company, granting the Ashen Souls a crucial respite. Swiftly capitalizing on this advantage, they employed sniper fire from their deadly "Reaper" Pattern bolt rifles. Ultimately, the Ashen Souls thwarted the Aasvogels' assault, forcing them into a hasty retreat. The Ashen Souls' resilience and tactics proved too formidable for the Aasvogels, who, after their failed assault, were never able to locate or engage the Ashen Souls again.
* **Into the Shadows (Early 900s.M41)** - The Ashen Souls had gotten information of a Chimeric Chapter falling to Chaos known as the Shadowhawks within Segmentum Pacificus on a tropical planet known as Stivrax VIII & deployed the Chapter's legendary 5th "Reaper" sect to the planet. The planet comprises of mostly Jungles and Swamps with very few large bodies of water on it and the campaign was fought within the Swamps of Stivrax VIII. However, unbeknownst to the Ashen Souls, the Aasvogels Chapter was fighting on a completely different battlefield, within the Jungles and far enough away from the Ashen Souls that they didn't realize it, nor did the Aasvogels. The Shadowhawks Chapter had a noble loyal few left over, some being killed by the Aasvogels due to their vengeful nature and some being exocuted by the Ashen Souls due to them showing signs of Chaos taint upon their minds. The last remaining loyal Shadowhawks would be sent off to serve the Deathwatch before the conflict was over. However, once the battle was finished both forces would meet together due to the Orders of a Lord Inquisitor to discuss the losses on the planet. This was where the Ashen Souls would discover the forces of Aasvogels 4th Company lead by Captain Jhinaar. After that, both the Aasvogels and the Ashen Souls would begin to plot against each other as the Aasvogel's plans to assault the Ashen Souls Veteran company were discovered and the counter attack was started. The Ashen Souls used the swamp to their advantage and would assault multiple squads under the cover of the morning where fog had settled in. The Casualties numbered in the few on both sides, being 2 squads on the side of the Aasvogels and half a squad on the Ashen Souls before the Aasvogels would cut their losses and retreat from the planet before even more was lost with the Ashen Souls retreating once they knew the Aasvogels were out of the system. No Marines of notage were killed during this event.
* **Zeta Terminus (012.M42)** - Zeta Terminus was spearheaded by elements of the 2nd and 10th sects, the Firstborn contingent led the second and the Primaris under the tenth as the Vanguard. Details pertaining to the campaign are all but lost barring fragmentary records and isolated and incomplete helmet-cam footage captured by the lost Astartes who's helms were left behind which were ultimately not helpful in determining what had occurred. What details are known for a fact are that the Firstborn Marines of 2nd Sect breached their way into the Endurance Class Light Cruiser (*insert name here*) using assault rams to put down the rogue Astra Militarum and Navy personnel and capture the vessel. It was surmised that this force was intercepted by another party aboard the vessel speculated to be Xenos in origin. The Vanguard under the 10th Sect launched an assault to relieve their comrades and lost half their number in the ensuing fight. After putting down both the alien threat and the renegades, they scoured the vessel for signs of their battle brothers to find nothing. As if they had never existed barring their discarded boltgun magazines and a pair of helmets, as such they had determined they were MIA. Having been abducted by whatever third part was hiding within the vessel by way of teleportation.
* **The Fire Shroud (015.M42 -016.M42)** - The Fire Shroud is a closely kept secret of the Chapter with only few eyes outside of the Chapter having read or watched helm recordings. The event details a newly christened Primaris Scout Marine squad of the Chapter having been sent on a Mission near Warp Storm Malfactus outside of the Chapter's home-system. The Squad landed on an unknown Planet before being engaged by some local hostile fauna before the situation grew worse and worse. The Squad would encounter a Warp Anomaly, a man made of fire where no weapon did any form of damage to him. This is what led to a good portion of the planet being caught on fire and the squad evading the Anomaly for around a year before they were successfully evacuated after multiple attempts with almost if not all failing until the last one. What led to the successful evacuation was the Squad of Scouts extinguishing the Anomaly with water by breaking a natural dam that flooded a whole valley with the squad barely making it out with a few casualties.
* **Blood-stained Soil (018.M42)** - The Ashen Souls Homeworld had obtained a small rebellion. The cause of this is unknown, but it was detailed that the people of the rebellion were revealed to be crazed, as if their brains were altered via unknown means. The Chapter whilst stationed on the planet tried to quiet down the rebellion peacefully but yet the enemy persisted and began slaughtering the Planet's innocent populace, forcing the Ashen Souls hands. The conflict is aptly named due to the amount of Civilians that have died during said conflict, with the Chapter having lost two squads from the 1st Company, out of the 4 that were deployed, the rest stayed at the Fortress Monastery to defend it. Despite the Ashen Souls having won the conflict, they viewed it as a loss as it was not their intentions to hurt or kill a citizen of their planet.
* **Centralia Terminus (019.M42)** - Centralia Terminus is a battle in which the Ashen Souls were a massive part of. Despite Centralia being a place on the Chapter's Homeworld, it was a nickname given to a fragmented world near the Chapter's home system. This battle was one of the select few where the Ashen Souls deployed more Chapter Forces than usual to combat a new Xenos threat. The new Xenos threat was a parasitic organism that couldn't infect Astartes, but Humans and the classifications of abhumans. The Parasite was noted to contort and mutate the body which created a frightening foe. Some key figures of the Chapter partook in this conflict such as Chapter Master Samael as well as the Captains of the Chapter's 4th, 3rd, and 1st Companies. Whilst the Astartes of the Chapter didn't suffer many casualties apart from a few squads from the companies combined, the non-astartes personell suffered the most. The conflict has been recorded as a victory with the newcoming of some Chapter weaponry, such as Samael's new Bolt Carbine nicknamed "Key of Centralia".
* **Fire of the Dutchess (021.M42)** - "Fire of the Dutchess" is an event that includes the 7th Sect Captain "Iron Fang" Armaros, a squad from the 7th Sect, and a female Inquisitor from Ordo Malleus. This event takes place aboard a Space Hulk which earned the nickname of "Dutchess" due to it's chaotic nature. The Space Hulk was the chosen target due to it's ties to the Warp. The corrupted Space Hulk was one that Slaanesh had a hold over with the primary foe being a cult dedicated to Slaanesh. The Cult was mostly purged via the loyalist forces weaponry with a few Daemons encountered being banished. The finally action that took place was a self destruction of the Space Hulk which resulted in the structure detonating after the Loyalist forces having evacuated. The casualties of the loyalist forces numbered in the few, with the Astartes squad suffering the loss of 4 Battle Brothers. However, the surviving forces apart from the Inquisitor willingly underwent mind modifications where the encounter with Daemons were altered to be non-existent.
* **Arks of Omen** **(Early M42)** - The Arks of Omen Campaign, as told via the Ashen Souls perspective is that Samael received a summoning to the location of the Dark Angels via Chapter Master Azrael at which Chapter Master Samael would begin mobilizing forces alongside his Honor Guard to go assist his brother Chapter. The forces that the Ashen Souls brought to assist the Dark Angels were their 2nd "Sepulcher" Sect, 5th "Reaper" Sect, and the 10th "Inolan's Specters" Sect; These forces were chosen by Samael due to their multi-purpose capabilities. Whilst they partook in every bit of the battle, it was noted that Samael alongside some of the 5th Company and Honor Guard made their way to the surface of Caliban. Samael and his Honorguard as well as some of the 5th Company, a pair of hand selected squads that were surviving fought through Wyrmwood alongside Azrael of the Dark Angels, and then later met up with Dante and his Sanguinary Guard. Samael later met up with the Lion and fought beside the only surviving Gene-Father he had but didn't have much of an interaction, only the Lion giving Samael an Order and that was to assist his Brothers in arms, whether they be Fallen or Risen. Whilst caught in the conflict, the forces on Wyrmwood would mostly fall, leaving only a few Honorguard and some surviving members of the 5th Sect. Samael and his forces would retreat from Wyrmwood with Azrael and Dante, being one of the Chapter Masters to last leave Wyrmwood. The Ashen Souls suffered large amounts of Casualties, leaving only a few squads from each Company they arrived with that survived, having 10 Squads surviving from both the 2nd and 5th Sect, with the 10th Sect suffering the most, having lost 6 squads out of 10. The Ashen Souls knew that this conflict was a defeat but they viewed it as a success nonetheless, having witnessed their Gene-Father fight the Daemon Primarch Angron and survive.
* **The Gateways (025.M42 - 026.M42)** - The event listed isn't open to many eyes to see or read about, only those within the Chapter Ordo Malleus, and the Grey Knights Chapter. The event is detailed to showcase the Chapter's 9th Sect, or three squads of their marines were deployed along with the Company's mysterious Champion. The event details the Group of Marines going against a small horde of Daemons and some Chaos Marines from a dwindling Warband. The Champion single handedly was the one that had dealt the most damage to the horde and closed the gate that which let the Daemons crawl from the Warp. A majority of the Marines that belonged to the Chapter's 9th Company that were at the conflict had died, with the Champion being mortally wounded and still alive. His condition after the battle has been slowly recovering.
* **Scream of the Butterfly (037.M42-038.M42)** - This event in particular is one of the more noted ones being recorded from the Chief Soothsayer Dracul's perspective. A small Warband from the Death Guard attacked an Imperial Colony Fleet that was being escorted by four of the Ashen Souls ships from one of their escort patrols operated by the Chapter's 8th Company. The Warband targeted the weaker of the Ships, causing some losses amongst the Ashen Souls numbers, inflicting damage upon the various other ships in the colony fleet. A small retaliation force of the Ashen Souls forces that were present were sent to retaliate the Death Guard boarding party that struck one of the large Colony Ships. The Ashen Souls were a touch too late to it and quickly handled the Death Guard Traitors, having killed the Boarding party whilst losing members of their own. The Chief Soothsayer went after the two squads with a few Ashen Souls Marines to try and recover what was lost, only finding that a good quarter of the ship's population was murdered and later mourned over the death of the innocents. Whilst the mission was completed and the remainder of the Colony Fleet made it to their destination, the Ashen Souls returned back to their home with their fallen and a few Imperial Colonists whom were alive as they volunteered to become serfs for the Chapter.

* **Ashen Mourning (050.M42 - 055.M42)** - The Ashen Mourning marks a period, where as the name would suggest, the chapter goes into mourning. How regularly this occurs isn't known, but it's understood to be a part of their internal culture where they abstain from partaking in conflict or maintaining contact with anyone outside of the chapter for as long as they are mourning. They take the opportunity to bond with their fellow brothers and reaffirm their ties together, and reminisce on times gone by. Their mourning is not solely for those of the chapter itself or their fallen initiate, but brothers in arms of other chapters and the Militarum regiments they fight alongside, with another service dedicated to the fallen civilians they ultimately couldn't save from their fates.
* **Longing Decades (056.M42 - 075.M42)** - The Longing Decades are described as some of the Chapters worst moments, containing key figures such as the current Chapter Master known as Samael, and the living Captains of the Chapter. This long fought battle saw the losses of many, and a cherished relic of the Chapter.

## Chapter Homeworld

The Elementia System is the home of the Ashen Souls, situated near the semi-permanent warp storm colloquially referred to as Warp-Storm Malfactus. Within it lie a number of death worlds which the Chapter Recruits from and their homeworld itself: Otherworld.

Otherworld is a Planet found within the Elementia System, its a feudal world and lacks the characteristic hive cities of most Imperial worlds, contributing to its being less densely populated than its contemporaries. Otherworld's broader cultural identity is characterised by the various esoteric traditions and beliefs of the many tribes and ethnic groups that inhabit its lands. Their worship of the Emperor is an especially contentious point in their customs in the eyes of the Ecclesiarchy, whom eyes Elementia with a great deal of suspicion. Though they lack any substantive reason to prosecute or petition for their coming to Otherworld since their customs don't strictly fall outside of what's accepted by the Ecclesiarchy in the terms they laid out upon the inception of their organisation. Otherworld's topography is primarily dominated by forests and oceans with a continent spanning chasm snaking through it. The tectonic activity causes mountain ranges to form and high levels of volcanism in its vicinity. The nature of the formation of the crack is itself a mystery, as its not known if it was a natural phenomenon brought on by tectonic activity or asteroid impacts, or by other eldritch means. The volcanism, however, does cause ashfall rain and acid rain to fall with regularity in the area. Said tectonic upheaval also gave rise to the enormous mountain ranges that have been dubbed the "Obsidian Vale" due to the exceptionally dark granite that makes up the crust of the planet and houses the fortress monastery of the Ashen Souls.

#### Homeworld Specifics

Containment Zones - Otherworld has many other Characteristics to its environment apart from the lack of Hive Cities. One thing that is rather noted, is old civilizations on the Planet's surface known as Containment Zones. These regions of the Planet are due to the damage caused by the Chaos Cults that were once on the planet, having left behind mutated creatures that the Chapter has kept contained and prevented anyone else from coming close to these Containment Zones. Apart from that, these regions are known to have warp energy that can cause hallucinogenic effects to those not guarded by psychic barriers, which the chapter employs on its astartes when in proximity.

Mutated Creatures - The Mutant Creatures of Otherworld are things created by the now extinct Chaos Cults. They are mostly old fauna of the planet that underwent forced warp exposure, warping the creatures into deadlier versions of their old selves. These Creatures are held in Containment Zones to prevent them from wreaking full havoc on the Planet's populace and terrain. Whilst they do vary in great spans, one of note are called "Terrors". The Terrors were Humans corrupted by Warp Energy that had their bodies warped into spawns of the Inmaterium, but none exist as they were hunted to extinction by the Chapter due to how deadly they were. Despite that, the other Creatures are left in Containment Zones and are constantly monitored with those that break free being hunted down by the Chapter to prevent as many deaths as possible and to isolate said creatures.

Anomalies - Anomalies on the Homeworld are a nickname/classification to the monstrous entities that live in the Planet's oceans. These creatures aren't creations or outcomes of the Chaos Cults/Warp, but rather are examples of evolutions. Due to their voraceous apetites, they tend to eat anything in the oceans but rather commonly lay dormant and reside in the deepest regions, making it rare to encounter one.

The Culling - The Planet's civilization that's more technologically advanced which isn't the Sootborne of the Planet have come up with something called the "Culling" with the assistance of the Chapter, this activity is where adults of the planet are gathered and chosen to join the PDF of the Chapter's Home system, or volunteer to become battle Serfs to the Chapter. This is by no means a means of the Chapter to slaughter the people of their Planet but more or less a means to control the population and keep it from growing too much. This allows the many Civilians, or adult populace to serve the Chapter in combat, or assisting the Chapter passively.

Ancient Structures - The other noted part of Otherworld is its ruins. These Ruins are unknown as to what period they came from, but are noted to have predated the Chapter's existence on the planet as well as the ancient strike force that discovered the planet. Whilst they remain mostly undisturbed, the Chapter views them as sacred sights and will often times visit them in their last moments and even leave small trinkets as a blessing to time.

Obsidian Vale - The Obsidian Vale is noted to be a massive expanse of volcanic activity on Otherworld. This region of the Planet is surrounded by mountainous terrain and various valleys with a massive planetary fissure in the middle. This region is shrouded in a constant source of Ashfall and is home to the Ashen Souls Fortress Monastery alongside the Sootborn. What was noted is that before the fissure accured, the region was bustling with large amounts of ancient feudal civilizations. Castles and Villages are often times found as ruins, some intact but most have collapsed over time. However, it is not unheard of to find various underground portions of these ruins intact with some being flooded with water. These Castles are utilized as the various nomadic settlements of the Sootborn. It's not unheard of for rainfall to be detected within this region as well as Snowfall, but it is a uncommon but welcomed sight to see by both the Chapter and Obsidian Vale's inhabitants. There are however a plethora of wildlife that survive and thrive within the Obsidian Vale, these creatures adjusting to the hellscape that has become of it and becoming monstrous. There are few that have given the Astartes of the Chapter difficulty to deal with, taking around 2 to 3 Marines to just kill one of the weakest of these horrors.

Gifts to the Ashen - This event has lasted ever since the Chapter's existence on Otherworld. This is a habit formed by the populace of Otherworld, due to the presence of the Astartes. Whilst the Civilians do not think the Astartes of as Gods, but merely Angels of the Emperor and their shield, and due to this; A multitude of Civilians make the trek to the Chapter's Monastery to give the Chapter gifts, whether they be trinkets they wear on their armor, custom suits of Ceremonial Plate armor, or ceremonial weapons. The Chapter admires their Homeworld's populace and accepts these gifts with respect and care due to the devotion & compassion of their people.

Cuisine/Diet - Due to the various fauna of the planet, the Population has come up with various ways to achieve a good cuisine, specific to their planet and unique amongst the various planets under Imperial Control. Due to the Planet's distance to most Imperial Worlds and out of the way from most supply routes, foods such as Corpse Starch rarely exist on the planet, having made the Populace use the natural resource that Otherworld gives to keep up their dietary needs.

Graveflower - A herb found in the Obsidian Vale of the Ashen Souls Homeworld. This Flower/Herb is known to resemble a Terran Rose but has notably sprouted from corpses like a fungus and even grave sites, giving it the nickname "Graveflower". Despite its fungal and roselike appearance, it holds medicinal qualities that aid in healing one's wounds, removing poisons/venoms, and can even bring one back from paralysis. Its coloration is a mixture of dull greens & blues, perhaps due to the volcanic environment at which it commonly grows in.

Dialect & Language - The Dialect and language of Otherworld is what one could call complicated bearing a mixture of ancient Terran Languages from around the Scandinavian regions. This makes for an elegant, sometimes crude, and a direct language spoken across the world. The Dialect though is what one would call difficult to understand. Jokes are often times crude but hold a deep meaning to them, some of them being rather basic to understand at times with others creating a worrying atmosphere and are sometimes used as insults towards allies and sometimes taken as insults when they are not.

### Fortress-Monastery

The Harrow which is the aptly nicknamed Fortress-Monastery of the Ashen Souls Chapter is housed in the Obsidian Vale. The Fortress Monastery houses a black colored outer appearance with a multitude of infrastructure influenced by Ancient Terran architecture, and ruins here and there. However, on the interior...multiple murals dedicated to the Emperor of Mankind exist. These Murals are dedicated to the Imperial Truth, rather than the Imperial Cult. Further in the Monastery lies the Chapter Vaults at which they house all of their equipment and Company Quarters as well as the Reclusiarch, Forges & Apothecarion, but it is unknown of how far the Chapter Vaults expand. Outside of the Vault, within the main body of the Fortress Monastery, houses all the normal amenities

#### Fortress-Monastery specifics

When it comes to the Chapter's Monastery, it spans a long history that existed even before the Chapter's founding, and a rather reputable life. Due to that, the many interconnecting sections of the Monastery and even the outside make it an outstanding place on the Chapter's Homeworld with even some Chapter Masters having stated that the Monastery is something that could never be rebuilt due to its past.

Garden - The Fortress Monanstery Garden is something of signifigance to the Soothsayers, Marines, and Serfs of the Chapter. The Garden by far was one of the more extensive dedicated chambers of the Monastery that had grand amounts of care put into it with the various herbs, flowers, and even statues and pathways dedicated to it. This is where the Chapter's Soothsayers get a majority of their balms and herbs for healing and other needs, which make it a vital resource in creation of the Astartes to the Chapter due to the lack of Imperium medical shipments.

Paintings - The plethera of pantings that rest on decrepit vehicles, armor, & walls within the fortress Monastery are works of art. These pieces are dedicated the huge amount of experience that the Chapter's Marines gather throughout their life with each painting usually depicting the life, or history of something in a grand scale. Many of the paintings that line the walls of the Fortress Monastery usually are dedicated to it's previous years, and the amount of history that it has gathered over the many millenia that it has existed on the Homeworld of the Chapter.

Tombs - The Chapter Tombs is a section of the Chapter Vaults dedicated to the dead Astartes of past conflicts. Whenever a Marine's body is recovered, they are always buried here. These tombs are very decorated and will usually have the Marine's helmet resting on top of it or beside it. Each tomb has engravings dedicated to the Marine's past, each never the same. However, apart from the tombs, there is statues of Captains, Chapter Master, or figures of command.

## Chapter Recruitment

Whilst much is not known, there is details that have been learned of about the ways the Chapter recruits for new Astartes. Indeed, what is known is that recruitment takes place on the homeworld itself and other planets of the Elementia System. Something that is noted to occur during their rite of passage from aspirant through neophyte stages include being hunted by members of the chapter, typically belonging to the third sect for up to three months. The Marines themselves do not outright hunt to kill said Neophyte, more or less they put down counters upon the Neophytes to teach them how to best their foe. What more or less kills the Neophytes is the deadly fauna & environment of the planet. Those who survive the trial are then cleared for moving onto the next stages of their development and transformation into a neophyte and eventually as an initiate.

One other stage is the unforgiving environment of the Planet Boreas. Its an unforgiving Death World that is covered in crags, ice, & snow. It has the constant feature of Blizzards, and the barely inhabitable temperatures. Due to this, the Fauna of the planet have evolved to be extremely deadly and survive the environment really well, making it much more dificult for inhabitants to stay alive. Neophytes are put on this planet on its equator and are ordered to make it to a destination about 4000 miles/or approximately 6,500 kilometers. Most Neophytes often times reach their destination with poorly dealt with wounds, crude tools, and sometimes pelts from creatures they've killed. This process takes the longest of the stages.

The shortest of the stages is that the Neophyte must single handedly fight their mentor which is a Space marine. The Neophyte isn't required to kill or beat their mentor, but rather decided if they've passed or not. The categories on which the Neophyte is judged are not known but they must pass a majority of the categories before the Neophyte can be moved onto becoming a Scout and so forth.

Once a Neophyte passes their trials, they undergo a process before and after augmentation called "Blooding". This process is where the Neophytes are taking to a room within the Chapter Vaults and is drowned in a pool of blood by a Chaplain and resuscitated afterwards. Post augmentation Blooding is a bit different as now the new Marine's helmet is adorned with a bloody handprint by either the Chaplain or Soothsayer as this handprint stays until after the Marine's 5th Combat Deployment and is no longer deemed a recruit but now a Battle Brother.

"Sootborn" as they are called, are the local inhabitants of Otherworld and make up the bulk of the recruits picked by the Ashen Souls. Born into the incredibly hard climactic conditions of Otherworld, they are a ripe pick for becoming an Astartes. The abnormally high concentration irritants and toxic chemicals that make up the atmosphere of Otherworld have forced its population into adapting to its conditions. As such, they are hardy folk able to weather its climate through their heightened toxin-resistance, making them obvious candidates for the chapter. The planet's other properties have resulted in them growing slightly taller than the average Imperial citizen, adding to their eligibility for being selected. In addition, the rarity of livestock or other prey animals and the lack of agriculture selects and favours skilled hunters, supplementing the aspirant's chances of being successful in their endeavours. The Sootborn hail from the Obsidian Vale which is home to a rift or crack that constantly spews forth bizarre and twisted life forms and creatures which harrass the populace and the aspirants. Next to the oceans, the Obsidian Vale is regarded as the most dangerous region on Otherworld.

## Chapter Organization

### Officer Ranks

Chapter Master

Captain

Master of Reconnaissance - This position is held by the ranking Captain of the Chapter's 10th Company who also serves as the Master of Recruits. He oversees the deployment of the Chapter's Vanguard Marines, typically from the Scout Company. He is served by two specialist lieutenants with an appitude for covert operations.

Lieutenant

Master of the Signal - This position is held by an Astartes officer attached to the forward elements of the assault. They are responsible for the Chapter's overall communications, providing communications support across the wider warzone, they are also capable of calling down a pinpoint bombardment from either orbiting fleet assets or static artillery positions nearby.

### Senior Specialist Ranks

Lord Chaplain

Chief Soothsayer (Chief Apothecary/Master of the Forge)

Chief Oracle

### Specialist Ranks

Soothsayer - The Soothsayers of the Chapter are described to be an Apothecary Techmarine hybrid. Because of what they are, the Soothsayers tend to combine both worlds of knowledge and become experts and even Masters in their practice, often having their workplaces in extremely sterile locations, often use hand made Elixirs/Medical Salves & do tend to work on Dreadnoughts or researching tech. Whilst holding this responsibility on their shoulders, the Soothsayers of the Chapter are taught and have a long tradition of being the Sanguinary Priests of the Chapter as well, handling the weight of the Death Company and keeping its numbers at a minimum.

Firstborn Soothsayers - These Soothsayers even though the same as the newer ones are different enough that they have warranted their own titles. It is noted that the Firstborn Soothsayers are entirely different compared to their Primaris counter parts, often times being more tribalistic in nature. These Firstborn Soothsayers are noted to speak almost always in the foreign language on Otherworld. The Firstborn equivalents are noted to have less rust on their armor but more blood, this is more than likely attributed to their role in the medical field as they would still operate on machinery but not as much as their Primaris Counterpart. Notably, these Soothsayers still adorn their helmet and right arm in a white color, but often times either wearing the Standard Chapter colors everywhere else, or black for the Soothsayers higher up in the chain of Seniority. Their Loadouts often times consists of their Narthecium, power pack mounted Techmarine tools, and often times either a Chainsword, Chainaxe, a Bolt Pistol, Plasma Pistol, and sometimes the extremely rare Volkite Serpenta albeit this is reserved for Soothsayers of Seniority. These Soothsayers often times will wear similar markings to whatever Company they are attached to, for instance one of the 5th Sect will wear camo upon his armor plating, or one of the 3rd Company will wear hazard stripes upon their armor. To add onto the oddity of these Soothsayers, they often times have bones hanging from their armor, albeit a few. These bones are from either their fallen Masters or even their apprentices who died in combat and these bones are often times found with memorable quotes scried into them that were from these fallen Marines that made the Soothsayers remember them.

Soothsayer Adept - Soothsayer Adepts of the Chapter are typically seen bearing most of the Chapter's colors on their armor, their right forearm remaining white alongside their hand to show their training with the Soothsayers of the Chapter. Their duties do not change other than the fact they have been trained to also provide medical care to citizens when the need arises. To add onto them, the Soothsayer Adepts are trained somewhat in the skills of the Armorium of the Chapter, also playing a Combat Engineer roll amongst their squads when their medical services aren't required. One thing that is noted of a Soothsayer Adept's behavior, is their attachment to significant items to them, an example of this is their Phobos armor. Upon becoming a full Soothsayer, it is unlikely that the Soothsayer Adept will choose the standard MK X Tacticus Power Armor over their Phobos as their Phobos allows them to be more flexible, light on their feet, and perform their duties easier.

Interrogator Chaplains - The Interrogator Chaplains of the Ashen Souls vary from the norm seen in the Dark Angels and their Successors. The Interrogators are very few in number and the Chaplains of the Chapter receive the honor of becoming one rarely, making it a high honor. Whilst holding the normal duty of interrogating the Fallen the Chapter captures, they've handled a plethora of issues as well, often times handling the Marines of the Chapter's Death Company with the assistance of the Soothsayers and Oracles to dictate whether a Marine is falling to the Twin Curses or is not succumbing to them. They are in charge of handling any of the repenting Marines of the Chapter, dictating whether they've been redeemed or still deserve punishment.

Oracle - The Oracles of the Chapter are the Librarians, with them known to specialize in multiple divinations at a time to grow their knowledge in channeling the Warp. Whilst they are known for their work in assisting the Chapter, they've also had issues with utilizing the Warp as every psyker does. Due to their unique connections due to the damage their Planet has undertaken; Their experience with delving into the warp is described as walking through murky and heavy water, with sometimes them feeling like they're drowning. The Oracles of the Chapter are also known to force their enemy's minds into a hallucinogenic state which makes whatever they see into a nightmarish landscape, something that forces even Chaos Marines into panic at which they begin slaughtering their allies due to this.

Chapter Champion - The Chapter Champions functions very similar to how a normal Chapter Champion does albeit with some differences here and there. The Chapter Champion leads all of the Company Champions within the Chapter, and is not one of the Honor Guard, instead he is chosen by the Head Chaplain and Chapter Master.

Sect Champion - Sect Champions are much like Company Champions in description and functionality, albeit most Sect Champions use a Bolter alongside their melee weapon as they specialize in both forms of Warfare. They fall under the direct command of the Chapter Champion, and will function as advisors to their originating Sect Captain. If need be, they will go back to assist their Captain if told or asked to do so, as they will also obey the Chapter Master.

### Line Ranks

Veteran Sergeant

Veteran

Sergeant

Battle-Brother

Scout Marine

Neophyte

Aspirant

### Specialist Units & Formations

Ashen Revenants - The Ashen Revenants is the Chapter Master's Honorguard. This unique formations of Marines numbers around 10 at most, with there usually being 5 to 7 Marines with them almost always wearing Terminator Armor.

Penitent Ones - The Penitent Ones are Marines of the Chapter who've been brought back into the Chapter by the Interrogators. These Marines are identifiable by the chains they wear on their forearms that connect to their weapons of choice. Albeit only Marines in the Ashen Souls Chapter can tell who is a penitent and who is not whereas to outsiders, a Penitent One is just a standard Marine whether they be Veteran or Battle Brother. A Penitent One must undergo multiple combat trials and flagellation by an Interrogator until they are given the title of "Redeemed" and are viewed as a normal Brother once more. What also differs them from standard Astartes is that the Penitent Ones are seen with tattoos on their forearms which resemble chains and the multitude of scars on their forearms from the flagellation they undergo.

Keepers - These Marines are noted to be the ones defending the Fortress-Monastery of the Ashen Souls Homeworld, or other places of significance. They are typically Melee Specialists and are often handed some of the finest weapons & armor of the Chapter. These Marines are usually chosen from the number of Veteran Blade-guard within the Chapter. The maximum number of these specialists at a time is 10, and the Marines are usually rotated. Prior to the introduction of Primaris Marines, Keepers were still rotated, but were chosen from the Veteran Ground-Assault squads instead.

God Lances - The God Lances are usually a singular squad of either Assault Bikers or Primaris Outriders. These Marines are seen wearing bulkier armor with a bigger pauldron and an additional plate to their gorget on top of the Chapter's traditional armor. Their armaments are of course the Assault bikes without side carts or a Raider Pattern Combat Bike with preferred mounted Meltas. Their preferred Melee weapon is a Power Lance. The God Lances are attached to the 8th "Dullahan" sect. God Lance Marines are of course equipped with a Bolt Pistol or Heavy Bolt Pistol alongside an Astartes Combat Knife should they ever be forced to dismount from their vehicle.

Sappers - Sappers are a type of Space Marine Unit within the Chapter often times seen with Support squads within the 4th "Juggernaut" Sect. Their role is more of the Sabotage or handling explosives, functioning as an EOD/Demolitions expert on the battlefield, making them a deadly asset used by the Chapter to either break frontlines, or sabotage buildings or regions controlled by the enemy forces.

Annointed Pyres - The Anointed Pyres are a group of Space Marines within the Chapter. These Marines function as a Support squad but often times have one arm revealed which is covered in nasty burns which appear unhealed with their flesh charred black, though indeed they are healed. These Marines whether they are Firstborn or Primaris utilize the various patterns of Flamers available to the Adeptus Astartes and to the Chapter. Their armor more specifically their helmets bear frontward pointed horns albeit this is in no correlation to Chaos. One of the horns is usually grinded down to a stump and the helmet is notably uparmored. The armor they wear is also an uparmored form of their original suits as well, wearing detachable plates that will fall off after receiving their respective amount of damage.

Code Talkers - Code Talkers are members of a Command Squad within each Company of the Chapter. These Marines are taught a multitude of languages and codes to be able to decipher the enemy's comm systems, being able to find out the enemy forces' next move and dispatching proper units to go handle said situation.

Tyrannic War Veterans - Tyrannic War Veterans in the Chapter are Marine's who've encountered, fought, and lived to tell the tales of the Tyranids. Due to this, these Marines are bestowed the title of Tyrannic War Veterans and are usually placed within the Chapter's 3rd Sect. These Marines will go onto fight in multiple conflicts against the Tyranid threat and often are responsible for training Marines who are the next in line for this role.

Centralia Terminators - Centralia Terminators are a formation seen within the 5th & 2nd Companies. Apart from the other Terminator Squads within the Chapter, Centralia Terminators are a squad that utilize the environment to their advantage and often times have devices that allow a mist to be spread from their armor to cause malfunctions to enemy devices/Armor, giving these Terminators an advantage over most. They're known to utilize Storm Bolters or Combi-Bolters chambered with Stalker Silenced Bolt Rounds to match the Chapter's Combat Doctrine of stealth alongside various choices of Power Weaponry. Due to the Formation's notoriety, its noted that they were formed due to a need in a battle that other Terminator Squads in the Chapter couldn't conform to and the Centralia Terminators were what turned the tides of battle and pushed the Chapter and allied forces to victory.

Head Takers - The Head Takers are a unit formation within the Chapter's 5th Sect. Often times they are Marines wearing Phobos MK X instead of the traditional MK X Tacticus armor, and before the introduction of Primaris, the Head Takers wore Scout armor. The Head Takers are a pair of marines, comprising of two Marines equipped with the Chapter's Reaper pattern Bolt Rifle. The two Marines are backed up by atleast 5 other Marines from the Company and provide security whilst the Head Takers operate on assassination missions, preferring to take their target out via range over close quarters. The Head Takers wear a symbol resembling two Skulls melded together to resemble the past of their roles, keeping the honor of their brothers who've served as Head Takers before them. Head Takers are taken from the Chapter's stock of Veterans or Marines who show an aptitude for Marksmanship, and are trained to be the best Marksmen in the Chapter, having been known to shoot as far as the Planet's curvature would allow, making them exceptionally deadly no matter where they are shooting from. The only Imperium unit that these Head Takers can compare to for Marksman skill are the Vindicare Assassins, barely coming close to the skill of one.

"Foxhound" Squad - The Foxhound squad is a known formation within the Chapter, standing within the 5th Sect only and having been known for their countless stealth operations as well as creativity even with dwindling resources as they always find a way to complete something, even alone without support or command. The squad is comprised of the 5th Sect's most elite Marines who wear "Phobos" pattern MK X with the introduction of Primaris Marines. Prior to the Primaris Marines, the squad usually wore heavily modified armor to assist in their common missions. Albeit whilst a singular squad of Marines, they are recorded to be rather intelligent, even amongst their own Brothers or other Astartes, showing their pure knowledge of Survival and using whatever resources in the wild to complete their Mission. Apart from this Squad's habits, they function as the Sternguard Veteran Squad of the 5th Sect. The way that this squad/formation is identified amongst the veterans is the use of symbols on their armor. The identified symbol that is worn on their armor varies from "XOF", "FOX", or a simple symbol of a Fox on a Livery Shield. They're one of the reverred units within the Chapter, with other Astartes often times acknowledging them with honor and respect.

The Ten - The Ten are a squad of Marines comprised of the 9th Company, these Marines are usually chosen by the Chapter Master himself, the Lord Chaplain, and Chief Librarian. They are made up of 5 Librarians, usually the Librarians who bear a great resistance to the Warp, powers of Chaos that also have specialized in the Divination known as Daemonology. The other 5 Marines are their Guardian Angels, usually chosen by the Chapter Master for their fervor, tenacity, willpower, combat prowess, and knowledge.

Daemon Slayers - The Daemon Slayers of the Chapter are tied with Ordo Malleus and the Chapter's 9th Company. They are often Elite Astartes of the 9th Company and even form into small squads of 3 to 4 Marines. These Marines are specifically chosen to bear the Chapter's Anti-Daemonic weapons and have armor covered in Hexogrammic runes & patterns. They are often known to be sent against the Daemon Hordes of Chaos and whilst fighting speak constantly no matter what pain they endure in their Homeworld's language which seems to be a mix between Old Germanic & Latin, reciting Litanies of warfare against the Hordes of Chaos. They have been known to return but most do die in battle due to them fighting to the last breath no matter what wound they sustain.

### Non-Astartes Personnel

Combat Serfs - Combat Serfs are plentiful within the Chapter, oftentimes being connected to individual squads and companies when in battle or on missions. These serfs serve roles in the Battle where an Astartes can't. They can also serve in other places as well. When it comes to their equipment, they are given modified versions of Flak Armor which allows their suits to be sealed and pressurized in space, alongside a Combat Knife, Lasgun/Autorifle. They are known to be used in ways that allow the Marines to get an upper hand against their enemy such as utilizing ventilation shafts to deliver smoke grenades, krak, or fragmentation. They are respected amongst the Marines of the Chapter due to their compassion to serve alongside them in combat, and even some have earned the respect of the Chapter to the point that they were given statues within the Fortress Monastery & Flagship of the Chapter.

Beauty & The Beasts - The Beauty & the Beasts, an Inquisitorial Strike force of intensly trained henchemen similar to ODSTs. This strike force is attached to an Ordo Malleus Inquisitor whom is known to work with the Ashen Souls Chapter on multiple occassions. The more mentally shattered members however undergo intense mental programming to be in a highly blissful state when not in combat and are much more like a sleeper agent. The origin of this force comes from a planet that had been swallowed by the warp and was in the warp for multiple decades at which when it was spat back out, the Inquisition moreso an Inquisitor from Ordo Malleus recieved a distress beacon from the surface of the world which led to the mental probing of the survivors on the planet at which led to what the Beauty & the Beasts unit is now.

Patient Tongues - Patient Tongues are the Non-Astartes Personnel that assist the members of HQ with communications. They are responsible for communicating orders to Astartes on the battlefield via Vox, and assisting them with the layout the Astartes doesn't know. Not only are they somewhat responsible for keeping Astartes alive on the battlefield, they are also somewhat responsible for resource and equipment management.

### Chapter Chambers

The Chapter Chambers are what a majority of the Astartes inside the Chapter label the Departments and Inner Sect as, each one having a different function to them with traditions attached as well as habits and tendencies that make them stand out from other Chapters.

**Armourium/Apothecarion** - The Armourium and Apothecarion are combined into one Chamber. This is where the Soothsayers do a majority of their duties and etc. It was deemed necessary that these two be combined rather than having separate chambers due to cutting down on resources as with the Soothsayers' creation. They handle a majority of the tasks dealing with healing, creating, and giving the blood to the Chapter's Astartes. Though the duty of also creating, repairing, and handling a majority of the Chapter's technology also falls onto them. They tend to handle the Chapter's Dreadnoughts as well as their maintenance.

**Librarius** - The Librarius holds the Chapter's Oracles (Librarians), and the history of the Chapter alongside the duties of maintaining the multitude of scrolls that the Chapter has detailing their history on the Fortress Monastery. Due to the past of the Chapter, having been lost in the warp and suffered great losses, some of the Oracles are dedicated to the guidance of Navigators within the Chapter, having been taught the skills and knowledge necessary. Apart from this, the Librarius has forces and Astartes that assist them with their duties, these Marines being known as Keepers. The Librarius holds the duties of keeping the other Chambers informed of their duties and assisting the Chambers in training specific Astartes for this as well as even handling the cristening of new Chapter Masters, Captains, & Lieutenants with the Reclusiarchy.

**Reclusiarch**y - The Reclusiarchy handles the Chapter's Death Company, Relics, Burial Rites and even more. The Chaplaincy in the Chapter is noted to not be as pious as the Chaplaincy of other Chapters, more or less they tend to teach lessons rather than scream litanies and discipline their Brothers, however this doesn't keep Marines exempt from punishment. The Chaplaincy began handling burial rites with the induction of the 2nd Chapter Master, often times bearing the burden of speaking the names of their fallen Brethren before putting them in the Chapter's tomb where the countless Astartes of the Chapter now rest peacefully.

### Order of Battle

#### Headquarters

***Lord of the Ashen Souls***
**Chapter Champion**
**Ashen Revenants (Honour Guard)**
**Command Squad:**
**Chaplain, Executioner, Soothsayer, Helix Adept and Ancient**
**Chapter Equerries**
**Serfs & Servitors**
**Chief Soothsayer Jani**
**Soothsayers**
**Servo-Meds**
**Tech-Servitors**

**Chief Librarian Ophani**
**Oracles**

**Lord Chaplain Cirice**
**Chaplains**
**Interrogator Chaplains**

**Psalm of the Pleiades (Flagship)**
**Battle Barges**
**Strike Cruisers**
**Escorts** | **Chief Victualler**
**Master of the Marches**
**Logistical Serfs**
**Servitors**

#### Sects

**1st "Crusader" Sect** - The First Sect within the Chapter remains a generalized force of the Primaris Marines as of the 42nd Millennium. Not much else is known other than it not being the traditional Vet Company. The 1st Company is known to be the Company where recruits from the 10th are sent after they become full fledged Astartes and where they are trained for certain roles that they show aptitude for such as Tankers, Devastators, Pilots, and etc. They are known for being the Company that the legendary 1st Chapter Master led, and experienced combat at the frontlines, showing their discipline in combat as well as their sacrifice for the Imperium.

**2nd "Sepulcher" Sect** - The Second Sect is the company that holds the Firstborn Astartes. Prior to the 42nd Millennium, the Company was known as a backup force for the First Company. The Sepulcher Sect holds the most tradition out of the Chapter, being the 1st Veteran Company to exist, as well as the most diversed. They are known to be the Company that the 2nd Chapter Master led into combat & that assisted the Chaplaincy in multiple areas, even relic acquirement.

**3rd "Hunter" Sect** - The Third Sect is known for their favor of Melee Combat, they are also known to actively hunt down Heretics or Xenos hence the Company's nickname. Due to this, the Company has been placed in charge of these missions and the retrieval of enemies to serve as hostages or for the desire of gaining information that is much needed or desired. The 3rd Company holds a more tribalistic nature than the rest of the Chapter, mostly due to their nature and skills. Whilst being the most necessary Company of all when it comes to obtaining information and training new Aspirants and recruits alongside the 5th Company, they have much more of a background role, often times being behind enemy lines and relaying information to the other forces of the Chapter on the battlefield alongside their allies. Apart from this, the Sect itself is known to also utilize pieces of Tyranid carapace as additions to their own armor plating since the initial Tyrannic Wars and is the only company to have delved far enough that each member knows how to kill Tyranids easily, which pairs the utilization of flamers and Combi-Weapons.

**4th "Juggernaut" Sect** - The Fourth Sect is designated the Heavy Company. This is where most Vehicles, Terminator Suits, and Centurion Suits of the Chapter are found. Whilst certainly the Chapter had a disdain for Shock Tactics, the fourth Company held a majority of the Vehicles, and other heavy units to keep maintenance. Apart from serving a vehicular role on the Battlefield, they also handled much more than just that, even taking it upon themselves to serve as the demolitions experts, and heavy munition experts.

**5th "Reaper" Sect** - The 5th Sect is designated as the Veteran Company of the Chapter. Its most commonly used for Stealth Operations/Missions. The Company has been around since the founding of the Chapter and has not been changed even through all of the Chapter Masters that have come and gone. Apart from that, one item seen on the Marines within the 5th Sect is a veil that covers the helmet, ontop of their frightening visage lies the veil which obscures the helmet, often times giving them a frightening appearance when fighting the enemy. The reason as to why the Veil was adopted and worn is truly unknown. To add onto the 5th Company's doctrine, all of the marines who are within the 5th Company utilize Cameleoline, whether it be coated onto their armor, or worn on the cloth of their armor through Cloaks, Tabards and hoods. What else that is known about the 5th Sect is their unit composition. Prior to the introduction of Primaris Astartes in the Chapter, the 5th Company contained a mix between Veteran Scouts & Veteran Marines, however with the current introduction of Primaris; It is seen that its a mix between the Phobos formations of Eliminators, Infiltrators, Vanguard Primaris, and Primaris who wear customized MK X. All of the Marines within the 5th Company are strictly Veteran Marines and undergo excessive training to make sure that they are prepared for whatever roll in battle they are tasked to fulfill. Apart from this, the 5th Sect is noted to have the entirety of the Company's marines utilize nicknames given to them by higher ups such as the Captain, Lieutenant and Veteran Sergeants; These nicknames tend to vary but all follow a very similar line ex: "The Joy", "Hell treader", "Sober Hyena", "Ivory Snake" and so on so forth, and they are only called by these nicknames instead of their actual names.

**6th "Nephilim" Sect** - The Death Company of the Ashen Souls are dubbed the Nephilim, a specialist close combat unit that have been consumed by the psychosis of the Black Rage. Moments of lucidity are rare with those who suffer this affliction, thus they require the guiding hand of one of their Chaplains to fully capitalize on their abilities as a unit and to maintain some semblance of cohesion.

The Ashen Souls prefer to make the fullest use of their stealth capabilities in war and won't suffer the Nephilim's inability to remain silent nor out of sight. As such, they are kept hidden and shackled by their Chaplains. The acting commander aims their use in a surgical manner and issues the order to the Chaplain to break cover when all the pieces fall into the right place. All the while, like hounds restrained by a chain, they rear and snarl until they're set off the leash. Bizarrely, in spite of the psychotic screams and brutality of their warcries, civilians who have been unfortunate enough to observe and survive the display of carnage often note the bizarre juxtaposition of blood curdling wailing with comparatively fluid and elegant movements.

Nephilim are armed in a manner consistent with that of other Death Company units among the Blood: favoring close quarters, they make extensive use of boltguns bolt pistols, flamers, meltas and pair them with close combat weapons of their choosing.

Their suits of power armour are ancient, bearing rust, blood and grime that are bizarrely adorned with carefully engraved markings bearing oaths, litanies, liturgies, wards and the Marine's own story lovingly worked into the ceramite. Upon their death they are granted a final moment of lucidity as they they utter whichever oath or litany meant the most to them in life.

The title of Nephilim (if the stories are to be believed) is a callback to the time of the 8th reigning Chapter Master of the Ashen Souls. A Librarian who took leadership of the Ashen Souls and that records have simply titled "The Ophanim" in historical archives. On the hive world of (Genericus Shit Holius Secundus) The Ophanim and his Astartes would cleave a bloody path through their hordes of Chaos cultists and Chaos Space Marines that besieged its capital hive. When the tide turned inexorably in the favor of the traitors and all hope was deemed lost, The Ophanim ordered the deployment of the Death Company. When the civilians looked on from within their hive city at the destruction wrought by the Death Company upon their enemies, the civilians likened the coming of the Death Company to local tales and myths of a race of bloodthirsty giants that struck from the skies or crawled from beneath the ground to hunt for prey. Tales referred to these creatures as the Nephilim and the name ultimately stuck.

**7th "Stalker" Sect** - The 7th Sect specializes in Recon missions and intel in general, as well as atypical Stealth Missions. They are one of the Chapter's Companies dedicated to gathering information whether it be through force or civilian interactions. The 7th Sect are also given the task to handle any unknown threats that at which originate from the Ghoul Stars expanse and beyond. It is because of this reason that the Company receives experimental tech to detect these issues whenever they arise. They still stay true to their Sect assigned purposes as well, never treading far from them.

**8th "Dullahan" Sect** - The 8th Dullahan Sect were not named after any Chapter Master to date. Instead, they earned their name via their habits. Often time this Company is defending the Chapter's Home System and not seen much elsewhere, however they often grant judgement upon their enemies after combat. This Company often defends the Chapter's Home System via naval power rather than checkpoints on every planet like their kindred from other companies stationed on the System's planets. They prefer to hide amongst the rubble, ship wreckages, or Asteroids stealthfully with their fleet and then strike the enemy when they least expect it. However, whenever the company is deployed to a combat scenario or campaign, they resort to fast attacks via Primaris Outriders. To also add onto this Sect, the 8th Sect handles all aircraft of the Chapter and is responsible for Space Marine Pilots being trained on doing so. In short, the 8th Company is never in one place at one time, but rather many.

**9th "Hidden" Sect** - The 9th Sect is one of the 10 Companies within the Chapter. Its purpose is that it integrates with the other companies, having members of their own in others to watch over them. The Company's purpose is to watch out for Chaos & other threats to the Chapter. Having an apt name, this Company does take a more behind the shadows role, only revealing themselves to the threat at hand. Due to their purpose, they handle a majority of Chaos Threats, even having squads dedicated to purging Daemonic entities. These Marines are known to have Inquisitors alongside their strike forces to assist. Because of the Company's significance with the Chapter, when an event occurs such as a large daemonic invasion that requires more than just themselves, the Marines will have their minds wiped of the event due to the presence of the Grey Knights.

**10th "Inolan's Specters" Sect** - The 10th Company is the Chapter's Scout Company, most commonly having adopted tribal traditions such as the gathering of trophies from their desired kills & initiation trials. The origin of the name that 10th Sect uses, comes from someone known as Inolan, whom her status or what she was is unknown or hidden by the Chapter. She had named almost all of the Scouts within the Company "Awinita", which translates to Fawn, and she gave them her mark which was a Specter. Since then, it has stuck with the Company and the Chapter. Despite the 10th Company being the designated Company for Scout Marines and Non-Veteran Phobos units. Most Scouts and initating Phobos Units are actively quick learners and often times spend most of their time training whenever they can. They are also the only other company apart from the 8th sect to strike quickly and efficiently from the shadows. Due to them acting the way they are, being a more tribalistic company of the Chapter, they tend to invoke fear on their enemy and make them easier prey through multiple ways, this has earned them the other monicker of "Wendigo" by ally forces that they fight alongside.

## Chapter Beliefs

"*We will not sit idly by and let the citizens of the Imperium fall by traitorous hands for we are the ones who fight within the ashes and fog of War. The Emperor deems it unjust and so does our blades. We will weep for the fallen, unborn and elders alike, but not for the pompous worms.*"

-Unknown Veteran Sergeant to an unknown Inquisitor

It is not known of what the Ashen Souls true beliefs are, but what is known is that they refer to the Emperor of Mankind as "Father", or "The Father". Most statues within the Chapter as well as murals of the Emperor are detailed as a golden cloaked figure who stands rather tall and holding a large flaming sword, perhaps attributed the ancient Remembrancer sketches of the Emperor during the Heresy.

One thing noticed within the Chapter's behavior is their tendency to defend the Citizens of the Imperium, even sacrificing their lives for a child or family in the midst of combat. They are seen carrying the ones who fall in combat to burial sites after battles, even paying respects to them. They often times view Civilians as the future for the Imperium rather than bait, an asset, etc. They try to get as many civilians to safety as they possibly can, but also know that saving everyone isn't possible. Often times the Civilians lost go remembered rather than forgotten, but the means of how this happens or occurs is unknown.

Attributed to their past conflicts, the Chapter has developed an elaborate hatred for the forces of Chaos & the Eldar, moreso the Drukhari in specific. For each foe slaine in battle is another tally on that Marine's armor. Each Drukhari killed is another trophy in that Marine's life, for each force of Chaos killed is another plague wrought out of the universe. This alone is the wrath of the Ashen Souls Chapter. Apart from this, it is noted that the Ashen Souls Marines will often times wear a piece of equipment from their foe, whether it be a piece of their armor or a trinket. One such thing of notability is that some Marines have worn broken or cracked Spiritstones at their waist, or the horn of a Chaos Marine's helmet from their belt.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

Marines of the chapter are implanted with chimaeric gene-seed, the Dark Angels and Blood Angels are commonly cited as being their primogenitors. Their deathly pale pallor likely coming from their parentage by way of the Blood Angels, an underperforming/or malfunctioning Melanochromic Organ which can result in Albinos amongst the Chapter, like that of the Raven Guard or their successors like the Death Spectres, or perhaps both. Much like their skin, their eyes and hair are commonly grey, silver and white. Their eyes maintain trace amounts of the former colour of their eyes original colour framed by a blackened sclera albeit the blackened Sclera is an anomaly within the chapter.

In addition, the marines of the chapter appear to age physically slower, looking a century younger than their visage may suggest. Once more, this is likely the result of their genetic heritage from Sanguinius, which also includes other idiosyncrasies indicative of their Blood Angels heritage such as their large and pronounced eye-teeth. Unfortunately, however, this also includes the twin curses of the Red Thirst and the Black Rage which preoccupies the majority of the Soothsayers time to treat and manage alongside their Chaplains when not on the field of battle. A unique part of the Chapter's Twin Curses is that the Marines who begin falling to the Black Rage will often have visions of Horus plaguing their memories, often times being rather painful to experience. Due to this mutation, most Marines of the Death Company are known to often cry tears of pain or sadness, and experience overwhelming emotions.

Though having the twin curses of the Blood Angels gene-seed, the Dark Angels portion does indeed help with this. The introduction of the Dark Angels gene-seed to the Blood Angels gene-seed has left those who suffer the Black Rage to be a lot easier managed, having mitigated effects which allow a Marine within the Death Company to last longer and hold more discipline, and even use ranged weaponry at times.

Though the Ashen Souls tend to be a touch taller than other Chapters due to their choice of recruits from their Homeworld, it is noted that they are not as bulky as other Astartes, having more refined builds which allow them to be lighter and fit in with their Combat Doctrine easier. It is not known whether this due to their Gene-Seed, or just nature of the Chapter. Because of this, it benefits the Marines in a way that makes them more flexible, allowing them to fit in places where other Astartes couldn't due to their size.

To add onto the abnormal commonality of Albinos within the chapter, they are often times sensitive to UV light. The Albinism has been narrowed down to emerge from the Sootborn recruits, however it is seen that the Albinism is likely to appear and take over during the introduction of the Melanchromic organ. These Marines who suffer from this defect are usually called Pale Remnants due to the frightening appearance they emit towards opponents and even Chapter serfs.

Another flaw which is noted within the Chapter is something at which coexists with the Twin Flaws within the Chapter, this can be often times tied to the Twin Flaws or is seen on its own. Its a psychological state at which Marines will begin to hallucinate, often times seeing their allies as mutilated corpses wearing Ashen Souls colors with enemies being in a similar state though heavily mutated and monstrous in appearance, but nothing alike the Chaos Possessed, or Daemon Princes at all. These images are often times noted to be aspects brought to the surface by one's guilt, shame, fear or anger as the image of one's allies or enemies will change depending on where this is sourced from. The landscape is also noted to be different, being in a constant state of ashfall and heavy fog with structures around having been damaged with forms of oxidization on it. There isn't a way to halt this state of mind or prevent it from occurring in the future again but it is temporary, lasting usually a single battle or two. The origin of this Gene-seed flaw is unknown, however its appearance came early on in the Chapter's history, being extremely rare in the Chapter's early life and becoming more frequent after the Chapter emerged from the Warp into realspace.

## Combat Doctrine

The chapter's preferred method of engagement are in covert operations and stealth, with reconnaissance teams mapping and selecting places to engage the enemy, favouring choke points and narrow urban streets. Laying down traps and deploying kill-teams at select points in cover and waiting for the enemy to advance into a designated area before setting off their traps and the Astartes breaking cover. Unleashing furious barrages of bolter fire and near point blank range when breaking cover before closing in with their blades and once more withdrawing to lull the foe into advancing further along the path they have prepared and booby-trapped. A method the Ashen Souls are especially keen on is hiding among ruins of buildings or as corpses of the slain, ushering their foe to another target that leads directly through the line of fire before rising from the ground and butchering their foe in close quarters. The marines are also noted to make use of stummers integrated into their armour to help them lay low by cancelling out ambient sounds. Right before breaking cover, they may disable their stummers and speak aloud their warcry or select portions of their litanies which can disorient, stun or even instil a sense of vertigo, making their foes more easily able to be dispatched. Another piece of their combat doctrine is their utilization of covering planets in ashfall as well as blankets of fog despite its hinderance to allied forces.

They do not favour the heavy use of shock assault tactics like those of other Blood Angels, primarily a matter of practicality to lessen the number of casualties the chapter endure. As such, they take a nominally less number of casualties in singular engagements when compared to their fellows of other chapters. The Chapter is known to not deploy Astartes directly into combat, often times rather deploying them outside of the Combat Zone so that they could develope a tactic to give them the upper hand in fighting the enemy. This form of battle they use often times grants them the upper hand in information of their enemy as well, allowing the Chapter's forces to better combat their foe and get a better lay of the land or environment.

## Chapter Tradition/Culture

The Ashen Souls Chapter, whilst being one of the more secretive Chapters is also known for their Traditions. Due to their secrecy, not much about their Fortress Monastery or homeworld is known, often with this information being handed to the higher ups outside of the Chapter, and with Allies who have very tight and close relations towards the Chapter.

### Ceremonial Traditions

The Ashen Souls Chapter tends to treat Ceremonies with great significance. Each Marine of the Chapter has a suit of armor made for Ceremonial use, often times with the suits resembling ancient Terran armor inspired by Medieval European Knights. Each suit of armor is created by the Marine who wears it, and each one is never the same. These suits of armor are able to be used in Combat if necessary, but these occassions are extremely rare and have only occured a few times.

Burial Ceremonies are one of the few Ceremonies where it is of note that the Chapter treats with great care. The Burial Ceremonies are noted to have a Marine buried in the Chapter Tomb alongside the previous members of their squads. Each Marine who is buried has their helmet on the tomb with them, often times with its condition remaining when their body was recovered. For Astartes of notoriety though, each one that has passed has a Statue to commemorate them, with the stone hewed into the form of the Astartes Armor. These statues are not big but rather resemble the Astartes who passed in their size, with the base of the Statue stating their name and rank with the helmet at feet of the statue. For Marines such as the Chapter Masters however, their statues are notable much larger and are in front of the tombs, each one holding the Company sigil they came from originally.

### Hobbies

The hobbies between each Marine of the Chapter vary but there is a few select ones that stand out compared to other Chapters. Each Marine has crafted the cloth they wear on their armor & banners themselves whereas for other Chapters its usually done by the serfs. Amongst the plethera of Marines for the Chapter, cloth tends to vary in color with select chambers such as the Armorium/Apothecarion, wear a tan & heavier duty cloth to withstand their day to day duties. For Veterans, they are known to have a camo based cloth that is made with special Cameleoline thread. Apart from the Marines making their own cloth, they usually spend their freetime engraving their armor with either hexaggramic wards, and lines of text from Otherworlds history that stand out to them, often times these lines of text represent a story, or a litany from the past.

Whenever Marines wish to meditate, they never sit infront of a statue and pray. They always are wandering or tending to the gardens, playing games with each other, or even socializing with the Chapter serfs. This has given the Marines a much more social life than what is seen in other Chapters. One game of noteriety that is often seen that the Marines play is based on the ancient terran game called "Mahjong". They usually never drink either since alcohol is rare on their Homeworld, instead they often drinks various forms of tea that they make themselves. Painting is another hobby that a Marine of the Chapter will pick up, and they will more than likely create many rather ornate pieces in their lifetime. However, this hobby of painting will rarely ever stay on the paper canvas, but more or less will sometimes even be pieces of armor, or pieces of decrepit vehicles that no longer can be repaired. This vehicular art pieces will often times stay in the Fortress Monastery forge and will decorate certain spots where they won't be ruined. Walls of the Monastery have even been painted by a group of Marines and these magnificent art pieces are usually dedicated to the history of the Chapter or the Homeworld.

## Deathwatch Service

Service to the Deathwatch is regarded highly within the chapter. Though the tally of brothers who have served the Long Vigil is unknown, it is understood to be higher than the average considering the number of brothers who return to serve the chapter bearing the silvered arm or other insignia and paraphernalia from their tour of duty. Regardless, they have made their mark amongst its ranks and are regularly sought out by the Ordo Xenos for their willingness and desire to take up arms in this militant chamber. More so sought out members to serve would be Soothsayers due to their unique abilities and knowledge.

Whilst in service, it isn't uncommon for brothers of the Ashen Souls to adorn their armour with honour markings particular to those of their fellow squadmates' own home chapter. Moreover, they continue to sport these on their armour alongside their Deathwatch paraphernalia as well upon their return home to Otherworld.

## Notable Characters

***"Brothers! Make ready! No blade shall slow your advance, no bolt shall thwart you, no strike will dull your anger, I charge you each to cut them down. No mercy! No quarter! Let none survive!"*** - The 1st Chapter Master

* **1st Chapter Master "The Crusader"** - Little is known concerning this figure, his name among them. Though he is recognised by other monikers and nicknames, first and foremost among them being the "Crusader" moniker. As their first Chapter Master & Chief Apothecary, he led the Ashen Souls through the fraught and secretive days of the Dark Founding on a relentless crusade against the forces of Chaos, harrying them in their places of strength and rarely if ever pausing to give them respite. Noted and recognised as a callous and uncaring individual even when compared to his fellows both toward civilians and attached allies. Often leaving them to fend for themselves when their objectives were met or the dismissive attitude toward civilian casualties or that of their allied forces. It would be later toward the end of his tenure as Chapter Master before his death that his true nature as one of the Ashen Souls the Imperium knows today would be recognised, he would frequently be sighted carrying wounded marines or civilians away from the front and toward evacuation sites. Having gone from ruthless and bellicose to melancholic and introspective, his change in personality is emblematic of how the rest of the chapter underwent this change in doctrine and focus. At the time of the Crusader's death, he was around 1,875 Years Old, being the oldest serving member of the Chapter, having lived since the founding, all the way until they crawled back out of the Warp in 050.M40. He died five years later in the Fortress Monastery of the Immortals surrounded by the Brothers of his Chapter, and cousins of the Immortals. He succumbed to his wounds from an extremely rare Gal Vorbak, and the poison of a Mandrake.
* **2nd Chapter Master "The Sepulcher"** - The Second Chapter Master was known and observed by the Chaplaincy and Apothecarium of the Ashen Souls to take large priority in defending the Chapter's Home System and taking pride in burial traditions aboard the Chapter's Fortress Monastery. Despite the Burial Ceremonies this Chapter Master hosted, he preferred to grow the relationships of the Chapter, preferring to having more allies rather than none. Apart from the duties that he took, he was also the High Chaplain and handled a majority of the duties within the Chaplaincy, even training the few Interrogator Chaplains and handling the Penitent Marines of the Chapter. Apart from his deeds of noteriety, he was known as "Father Death" on the battlefield not only for combat skills befitting of a Chapter Master, but his care for the dead and honor. Every single Loyalist force that fought alongside him and the Chapter were loved by him and they always had a place in the Tomb, whether it be a name engraved on the walls, a grave, or a statue.
* **3rd Chapter Master "The Hunter"** - The Third Chapter Master was known to have an absolute hatred for Chaos, enough so that he captured Chaos Marines and forced them to run while he and the 3rd Sect hunted them down. This earned him the nickname of "Hunter" amongst his fellow Brothers.
* **4th Chapter Master "The Juggernaut"** - What is known of this Chapter Master is his stubborn nature of not dying as well as being a very cold Marine, not caring much for others. Albeit while the Juggernaut's service was not long, he still amazed the Chapter's Soothsayers by his durability as a Marine. Before his service as Chapter Master was ended, he was interned into a Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought Chassis and still lives.
* **5th Chapter Master "The Reaper"** - The 5th Chapter Master of the Ashen Souls is known as "Reaper". This is due to his emotionless face alongside his skills in Stealth Combat alongside his preferred Melee Weapon of choice, which was a Relic Power Scythe. The Reaper took pride in knowing how the body of an Astartes works, using this knowledge to quickly kill his enemies.
* **6th Chapter Master "The Ophanim"** - The Ophanim otherwise known as the 6th Chapter Master was a Librarian. He was mostly noted for at which what the 6th Sect became known for. The Ophanim had an eerie ability to make those of his Chapter calm, an ability that helped calm those after battle or helped to calm those that were dying. Civilians and Inquisitors referred to him as "Angel" or "Ophanim".
* **Chapter Master Samael** - Samael was one of the many new Neophytes to the Ashen Souls Chapter around the 6th Century of M41. It was remembered by the group of Marines who chose him amongst a Village of Sootborn that he joined the many Neophytes to become a Marine for his Mother, but his courage, willpower, and immense care for his Brothers in arms. Samael went on to do the many trials required to become a Scout Marine of the Chapter and leading a group of Neophytes & kept them going despite being hunted by a few Veteran Marines of the Chapter on the Deathworld known as Goetia within the Home System of the Chapter. He and his group became Scout Marines and proceeded to beat all odds. He and his squad went on to become full fledged Astartes after successfully being tested by the many Soothsayers, Company Captain at the time, and Chaplains. Samael still remembered his Mother despite all of the excessive training and modifications to his body, sporting rose thorns on the base of his right Pauldron alongside a bracelet of mixed pearls and beads around his left forearm. Sadly, with due time; Samael lost his Mother to natural causes which earned him the nickname of "Orphan" from his Brothers. As Samael was assigned more missions alongside the Marines he grew closely attached to from his time as a Neophyte, his squad began to slowly diminish in numbers as his Brothers died. Samael despite being the last survivor of his squad, mourned his fellow Brothers by engraving their names in his Bolter, various spots on his armor, and even wearing various pieces of their gear that was salvageable. Samael moved through the ranks to becoming a Veteran Sergeant, moving on to join the ranks of the Deathwatch for extended periods of time until the 9th Century of M41. Samael has always worn his Deathwatch Pauldron and arm plating with pride & honor. Samael was part of the few squads who were sent to assist their Brother Chapter, the Blood Angels at Baal during the Devastation of Baal. This is where Samael lost a multitude of his Brothers and even mourned them greatly, gaining the nicknames "Mournful Son", and "Forlorn Blade". Samael had rejoined his Chapter and upon completing a few more missions, he was promoted to the 5th Sect Captain. After a decade, Samael joined the ranks of the Primaris Marines within the Chapter, being one of the earliest Marines to cross the rubicon. In the near future though, Samael would have caught the ire of the Chapter Master, having chosen the successor who'd lead his Brothers into battle. Samael would become the next Chapter Master in the early 42nd Millenium and lead his Brothers into the future of their Chapter's History. As this happened, Samael and his Chapter would be called to aid the Dark Angels and Primarch Lion el'Johnson in the Arks of Omen Campaign.
* **2nd Company Captain Agrius** - This Marine of the Chapter was a known veteran for quite some time. He was brought in the Chapter around
* **7th Sect Captain "Iron Fang" Armaros** - Armaros, otherwise known underneath the moniker "Iron Fang" is the 7th Sect Captain as of *M42.011*. The reason for his nickname lies within his appearance which is a very noticeable bionic jaw with fanged lower canines. Armaros is one of the smaller Astartes of the Chapter, even after converting from a Firstborn to a Primaris Marine. Another notable feature of him is his rather youthful appearance and bionic left arm as well as the upper left portion of his chest. He has been described to be rather snarky, cocky, joking, and rather optimistic with his views. When not in combat, Armaros is described to be often laid back in his duties but still completes them nonetheless. Despite his attitude & actions, he is a rather well renown Swordsman within his Chapter. One of the more notable features of Armaros is his unique bionic jaw, as it holds a very fluid design and integrates into the face and does not have a lip where the front bottom teeth would be.
* **Soothsayer Hoyle Tameel** - The Soothsayer known as Hoyle Tameel was one of the few to live a rather long life within the Ashen Souls Chapter, growing to be close to a whole Millenium in age. Due to this, his knowledge was rather vast, having taught many Soothsayers during his time and being a mentor or father to most, if not all. Though, as all things come to an end, so did his life after his final battle.
* **Firsborn Soothsayer "Doc"** - The firstborn Soothsayer known as "Doc" was a widely known Soothsayer during the 41st Millenium within the Chapter, having been known to have mastered the knowledge that is the anatomy and physiology of both Humans and Space Marines to such a degree that other Soothsayers and even Imperial Medicae sought him out to learn his ways. It is noted that he used this knowledge in the field of battle to kill his foes swiftly with his Bolt Pistol and would even disable foes with a singular bolt round. It is noted that he did this in such a way to a Night Lords Chaos Lord during a Battle to eliminate the leader by shooting a bolt round through the Night Lord's helmet and skull into the left hemisphere of the brain, destroying it in the process which handicapped the Night Lord's ability to think properly and use his weapon which was mainly controlled with the right arm. It is also of note that Doc was part of the Chapter's 5th Sect during his service where he eventually succumbed to his wounds against the Tyranids during the devastation of Baal where sections of his body would be recovered such as his upper torso from the intestines and up with his left arm missing. He would later be buried on Otherworld after his armor received Honor markings from the Blood Angels he saved during this conflict.
* **Veteran Dante "Fanged Giant" Anaphiel** - Dante Anaphiel is noted for his veterancy, having served with the Chapter for longer than 400 years, and with the Deathwatch on multiple campaigns. Often noted for his rather large and frightening size, many have avoided him that weren't Astartes. Despite his size, Dante is noted to be rather caring and gentle towards Imperial Citizens and loyalist forces. Dante Anaphiel was last observed making a last stand with a Sister Repentia, defending an evacuating group of civilians as well as the rest of his squad against a slew of Heretical cultists. After the battle was over, Dante's mauled body was recovered as well as his armor before it was delivered back to the Ashen Souls Chapter where Chapter Master Samael mourned one of his many fallen Brothers that he's known for many decades.
* **Veteran Sergeant Gaheil Sedros "Sunderer"** - Gaheil was one of the surviving members of the conflict known as Warzone Terminus Est and was noted for his loadout of being part of the Devastator Squad that made it out of the battle. Gaheil was known for his Heavy Bolter at which utilized the newly developed Hellfire rounds as well as his prowess, and bravery on the battlefield. Having killed larger tyranids much like the Carnifex and the other variants via mounting them and letting his weapon loose into the Xenos's carapace. Ultimately he would fall to a winged Carnifex in 978.M41 and would forever be remembed and set an example for many of the 3rd Company recruits to never falter against the ever growing threat of the Tyranids even if it means sacrificing yourself.
* **Veteran Andrach Furoza "Gremlin"** - Veteran Brother Andrach Furoza is known via his nickname as he uses that alias more than his actual name. Gremlin earned his nickname due to his mischeivious and chaotic character. Gremlin is definitely one of the more oddball characters within the Chapter's history, but also one of the more frightening ones. Gremlin is known for the fact that he rarely every reveals his face but is also known for his armor outside of the Chapter. He can be identified via the MK X helmet he wears that resembles the ancient MK VI Corvus Helmets apart from the scroll on his right Pauldron that has "Gremlin" engraved onto it. The reason why Gremlin is one of the more dangerous and frightening members of the Chapter is he was the last survivor of his original squad and it was later revealed that he had slaughtered a ship of Cultists that were plagued by Nurgle. Gremlin ever since the event has acted the way he has, even when disobeying orders, he's always gotten the job done and is often times sent on missions solo because of his skills and experience.
* **Veteran Owain Sadreel "Ghost of Terminus Est"** (Deathwatch) - Veteran Owain more known for his nickname was part of a Terminator Squad of the Chapter's legendary 2nd "Sepulcher" Sect that was in Warzone Terminus Est against the Chapter's first encounter with the Tyranid Threat. Owain stands to be the sole survivor of his squad and afterwards was responsible for training the Chapter's 3rd Company to handle the future threats of the Tyranids. During 850.M41, Owain would be sent off to join the Deathwatch and would ultimately serve a long watch at the Fortress he was sent to. At this point, he'd end up working with a Star Golems Chaplain and would also gain veterancy within the Deathwatch. However he would later find a suit of Tartaros Terminator armor and was assigned as its caretaker by the Watch Master and Master of the Forge. He would Cross the Rubicon with others and his armor would ultimately become modified to fit him. His loadout within the Squad he serves is a Power Sword and Heavy Flamer.
* **Veteran Sergeant Santinus "Impaler" Arados** - Santinus is a Veteran Sergeant of the Chapter's 8th "Dullahan" Sect. He is one of the go to leaders for the Ground assault force, having a violent nature when it comes to Heretics due to his past experiences. Santinus's past is rather dark in nature, his previous squad mates and allies having been butchered, impaled, and massacred. His enemies usually humilated him, attempting to break his mind but he's always outlasted them. Due to this though, he has tendencies that once he gets his hands on Heretics whether they be dead or alive, he'll impale their corpses and then show them off to his enemies, usually intimidating them & more. Though due to this, the Chapter has never once deemed him heretical in the slightest or the behavior problematic & has since viewed it more of a worthy asset. One unique thing about him however is his armor. He wears a custom suit of MK X Tacticus, having most of the pieces showing similarity to muscle tissue whilst still remaining Armor.
* **Sternguard Veteran Tuoni** - Tuoni was a mysterious Marine within the Chapter of the Ashen Souls, being one of the few but notable solo operatives who was a expert marksman and the best in the entire history of the Chapter. He was never identified by Inquisitorial officials and even the High Lords of Terra let alone other Chapters. He was one of the only Marines of the Chapter who's name sowed panic into the enemy and always fired a singular shot to guarantee the end to a war. His primary weapon was that of a highly modified reaper bolt rifle that virtually was the prototype to their fledged out design. In his death, he was only identified by the very skin on his back.
* **Veteran Yennon "Martyr"** - Veteran Yennon also known as the Martyr is a Marine of the Chapter's 1st "Crusader" Sect. He obtained his nickname due to his Selfless nature and the want or wish to protect others at the cost of his own body and life. Yennon was described to wear MK X Tacticus armor, and was noted to have a slightly uparmored suit, and sported the liking for Melee Combat. What was observed of his last moments is his sacrifice for the Chapter and a large group of evacuating Civilians against a horde of Traitorous Astartes.
* **10th Sect Captain "Scarred King" Gariel Belphal** - A former Captain of the 10th Sect, Gariel was a figure much beloved and respected by his battle brothers as a leader worthy of their trust. Even after crossing the Rubicon Primaris in 050 of M42, he never lost the fire in his heart nor grow cold or jaded. His days in the ranks of the Firstborn saw the majority of the scars he would earn alongside the loss fingers on his right hand and his lower jaw. All of which would be replaced with bionics. His determined and concerted efforts to see his men through to battle's end earned him a great deal of respect especially from his fellow captains for his tenacity and thoroughness to that end. His wargear consisted of a highly modified suit of Mk. X Phobos modelled after knightly suits of plate armour. Paired with this was a deathmask and hood of mail like those of the Sanguinary Guard or the Angel's Tears of days now long gone. However, tragedy would befall the chapter during the years of the Longing Decades Campaign of 095 M42 where after his final battle he would contract a pathogen that slowly turned him to petrified skin and stone while it rotted him away from the inside. The Soothsayers were powerless in preventing his demise and at battle's end Samael cradled his former comrade as brothers of the chapter watched on solemnly. The chapter continues to mourn for their former captain's death all these decades later.
* **Chief Soothsayer Bethos Castel** (Deathwatch) - Bethos Castel is one of the many Marines of the Chapter who went on to serve the Long Vigil in the Deathwatch, being stationed on the Obsidian Halo Watch Fortress and later on becoming the Chief Soothsayer of the Fortress, serving alongside the Watch Commander Christopher Silva, another member of the Ashen Souls Chapter.
* **Chief Soothsayer Dracul Ambras** - As of 001.M42, Dracul Ambras has served the Ashen Souls as their Chief Soothsayer. Known for having saved a number of Marines from being interred in Dreadnoughts or even preventing the loss of a Dreadnought in battle. Dracul still has an affable character about him and his sympathy toward civilians is unusual for a Marine of his standing and station. He is especially abhorred by the likes of the Minotaurs or the Marines Malevolent in their casual sadism and brutality. In one instance where the Ashen Souls and Marines Malevolent operated on the field together, Dracul was greeted with the sight of one of the Marines Malevolent firing at the enemy through crowds of fleeing Imperial civilians. When this Marine was wounded, he vanished and the Marines Malevolent for this reason have an unfavourable outlook on the Ashen Souls and implicate Dracul for this. While positions in chapter high command are usually opened upon the death of the holder of that office, Dracul got his rank on recommendation of the previous Chief Soothsayer.
* **Veteran Sergeant Asurel "Steel Arm" Bethel** - Veteran Sergeant Asural Bethel is best known for his duties during the Longing Decades. He led his Brothers against the Hordes of Chaos that the Chapter Fought, coming face to face with a Khornate Berserker on top of a Juggernaut at whom charged him. The Berserker was killed by his large two handed Power Sword's blade before he was charged once again by the lone Juggernaut where he met the Daemon with his arms, wrestling the creature into the ground, subduing and killing it consequently losing his left arm in the process but gaining a nickname of "Steel Arm" and a bionic to replace it.
* **Sergeant Rudesind Kholist** - Sergeant Rudesind Kholist is one of the many Marines who was stationed on the Planet of Goetia within the Chapter's Home System. Goetia being known for its harsh climate, deadly Fauna, and terrain as well as its "Inhabitants". The Inhabitants are a colony of Feral Orks whom are contained by the Chapter and the Local PDF. Rudesind is known to have been one of the Marines of a squad that was sent in to deal with the Feral Orks only for a few of the Astartes to come out alive, Rudesind being one of the ones. However, the Feral Orks have taking a massive liking to him due to the way he fights and he's grown famous among them even as they wish to be the only ones with the right to kill him in a fight.
* **Soothsayer Adept Nemia "Cornered Fog"** - Soothsayer Adept Nemia is one of the Soothsayer Adepts within the Chapter, known for his compassion for caring about others rather than himself, willing to risk himself just to save others. Nemia had lost a majority of his Vanguard Squad during the *Centralia Terminus* event and was the last member of his squad that was able to still stand and fight. During the conflict, it was known that Nemia had killed a Plethera of enemies, and saved over 100 Civilians alongside some Chapter Squads. The cause of his nickname is that near the end of the battle, he was cornered by his enemy and was the barrier between a few wounded Astartes and a group of civilians. Whilst he, the wounded Astartes and Civilians made it out alive, Nemia was wounded heavily but not mortally wounded. He is one of the many Astartes of the Chapter who had earned the bone paint on his armor for his sacrifice.
* **9th Sect Champion Oriax Silva** - The 9th Sect Champion as of current is Oriax Silva, a Marine as of the recent years having suffered Mortal Wounds during the early decades of the 42nd Millenium due to battling a Daemon Prince accompanied with a squad of the 9th Sect who perished with him being the sole survivor, and winning, the mortal wound included him being impaled through the chest by the Prince before he was banished. Oriax is mostly recovering from his mortal wounds after being evacuated, having been placed in a Stasis Pod, constantly monitored as his body was made stable but the wound leaving a grand amount of damage, leaving one of his lungs punctured fully, a shattered black carapace, Secondary heart rupture, & a damaged spleen. These damages to his body has left him in stasis for a majority of the Chapter's time during the early century of the 42nd Millenium, Soothsayers constantly monitoring each differing sign his body gives, each single movement, and every palpatation of his heart whilst they keep him alive, and better his condition. Due to his position and what he did to save a System, it was deemed necessary to keep him alive and try to sustain him, later figuring out that there is no need to intern him within a Dreadnought Chassis.
* **6th Sect Captain Jophael "Heart-Eater" Hadaron** - The 6th Sect Captain as of *050.M42* stands to be the leader of the Nephilim, a Marine who's shown the ferocity in combat as well as the tactical knowledge of a Captain and more. Albeit due to his position as the 6th Sect Captain, he is usually seen guiding the Nephilim from afar and not next to them, but will on occasion fight alongside them, almost all times matching their ferocity with his. He earned his nickname prior to his service as a Captain whilst he was fighting Cultists of Chaos with his squad, notably ripping apart his enemy, usually striking to tear hearts out & create showers of blood within his wake during the assaults on his enemies. As a Primaris Captain, he wears modified MK X Tacticus Power Armor, an Relic Eviscerator known as "Pale Coalescence", and a Heavy Bolt Pistol that bears Iconography of the 6th Sect. What else is known and heard of is his war cry, something of which is described as a scream of wrath distorted by his vocal chords & his larynx as this produces a monstrous noise that one can't normally produce.
* **10th Sect Champion Hanzel Bethas "White Noise"** - The 10th Sect Champion known as Hanzel Bethas is known for his skill as a swordsman and what he utilizes in combat. What is known is that Hanzel utilizes a type of grenade at which distorts the enemy's vox radios to the point that they recieve no signal and all they can hear is static, earning him the nickname of "White Noise" by his commanders and the countless enemies he's fought. Hanzel wears a custom suit of MK X Phobos Power Armor and utilizes an ancient Terranic Greatsword which is surpisingly light for its size which allows Hanzel to wield it with one hand if need be. His other weapon he wields is a customized Bolt Carbine. Other than those multitude of things, Hanzel is recorded to attack disoriented enemies and utilizes the environment around him quite a large amount and uses weather as a cover.

* **Imperial Angel Valtiel** - Albeit with this person not an Astartes, they were classified as an Imperial Daemon and aligned with the Chapter. She was noted to be described as an Angel covered in a beautiful golden Plate Armor wielding a just as beautiful blade. Valtiel's true age is unknown but she stayed with the Chapter even after her Death and was found during every single Chapter Campaign. She died during a conflict that has been designated **Valtiel's Fall** ***550.M40***. This conflict within the Chapter has been known as the darkest Year in the Chapter's History, and most grievous loss too.
* **Fallen Vagabond** - This Astartes was previously part of the Ashen Souls in the Chapter's early days & is the Brother of the 1st Chapter Master. It is unknown of what happened to him and the reason why he left and became a Renegade but it was known he had a distaste for his Brother. During the last conflict the 1st Chapter Master fought it, this marine was spotted once more fighting alongside his Brother before perishing and being seen carried to the evacuation point. He now lays buried in the Fortress Monastery alongside his Brother, their statues alongside each other with their chosen weapons in hand.
* **Wraith of Otherworld** - The Wraith of Otherworld was once a Veteran Sergeant within the Chapter's 2nd Sect. This Marine was sent alongside to assist with a small conflict that had loyalist Guardsmen trapped in a building. Him and his squad was successful in eliminating the foe but at the end of the conflict when He arrived back to the guardsmen, he had succumbed to the Black Rage, killing his fellow Marines and what remained of the Guardsmen in a bloody slaughter. He was later recovered by a squad of the Chapter's 5th Company alongside a Soothsayer who were in orbit with a few Imperial Navy ships. His recovery was done in secrecy and the small craft he was fetched with had no Imperials in it and remained sealed until it reached the Ashen Souls Fortress Monastery. It was here that the Veteran Sergeant would be assigned to the 6th Sect. He'd somehow managed to escape the fortress Monastery while clad in his armor and was found a week later with his armor mauled and battered while covered in ashfall with fresh blood on his armor. It was found out that he suffered from the hallucinogenic flaw that made his sight warped and converted into a Hellscape and was one of the many victims in the Chapter to suffer from it permanently. He was deployed during the "Blood-Stained Soil" event on otherworld where he slaughtered many of his foe by his lonesome and was found with the ashes of his victims coating his armor, aptly nicknamed the "Wraith of Otherworld".

## Chapter Fleet

* **Psalm of the Pleiades** - The Psalm of the Pleiades is the primary Flagship of the Ashen Souls Chapter. The Psalm is a Courageous Class Second Tranche outfitted for Stealth maneuvers and built with the intent of ambushing it's foe in battle. The Psalm is outfitted with a Reflex Shield that is commonly used by the Raven Guard and their successors. The Ship built is not the original Psalm, but was built with what remained of the original Flagship which was an ancient Battle Barge gifted to the Chapter by the Dark Angels. The Psalm of the Pleiades has a plethera of nicknames, whether it be from the Imperium or forces of Chaos due to it's frightening nature and reliance in combat. The Ship rarely ever leaves its home system and only does so whenever the Chapter Master himself goes to a conflict. Other than that, it stalks the Elementia System with purpose and with the capabilities to send its enemies back into the sun of nihility.
* **Star of Nihility** - The Star of Nihility, is one of the 3 Battle Barges utilized by the Chapter. This Battle Barge is fitted with technology that allows it to blanket entire planets with Ashfall from orbit and even atmosphere. This plays into the combat doctrine of the Chapter which makes it able to disrupt enemy communications arrays but at the cost of allied forces too. More often than not, when this tactic is used, Ashen Souls forces are already making their way to the Planet's surface to begin any operations they've been assigned.
* **Maw of the Void** - The Maw of the Void is the one of the 3 Battle Barges utilized by the Chapter

## Wargear & Equipment

**"Goetia" Pattern Power Armor** - The Goetia Pattern was designed from schematics by the Soothsayers of the Ashen Souls Chapter. It was their way of making an armor similar to MK VII using what they had in store which became the common adopted Pattern within the Chapter after their resurgence back into Imperial Space during 060.M40...After the introduction of Primaris Marines, Soothsayers began work on a Goetia Sub-Pattern of MK X Tacticus. What makes the armor different to other patterns is that it notably gives the wearer more mobility and can allow for a Stummer to be integrated into the armor to make the wearer more silent, allowing the Marines of the Chapter to engage in Stealth Operations much easier.

**"Goetia" Pattern Power Weapons** - The Goetia Pattern power weapons are designed after ancient Terra's European continent's bladed and blunt weapons. Power Halberds often times resemble Pole weapons, providing multiple usages for one weapon while keeping the foe at bay. Power Mauls, Maces, and Warhammers are also seen utilized. Power Swords and Axes are often seen varying forms greatly both in size and weight.

**"Goetia ECA" Pattern PA Systems** - The Goetia ECA Pattern is not a suit but rather a pattern of systems that can be applied to a suit of Power Armor. More notably this pattern of Systems were developed in the early 41st Millenium to assist the Chapter's 7th Sect in a plethora of environments that normal Power Armor could not tread into and would have difficulty in said environments. The Systems are rather present in the 7th Sect's MK X Tacticus suits but prevent the armor from being modular as it cannot fit with Gravis or Phobos suits. The Systems are based off the existing systems utilized within Indomitus Pattern Terminator armor and are worked upon further to accomadate for additions to make the armor usable in various environments. One of the noted enhancements that the Systems provide is enhanced Zero-G movement & mobility with the other enhancement is that the autosenses of normal power armor were improved to be more similar to Terminator Autosenses.

**GPVA-18 Visor** - The GPVA-18 Visor is an attachment to the helmet of an Astartes. It is compatible with all patterns and is commonly seen on Veteran Marines of the 5th Company within the Chapter. It is something that can be activated by flipping it down as it covers the Marine's Visor and is connected directly to the HUD of the helmet. When it comes to the Visor addition. The GPVA-18 Visor grants the abilities of multispectral enhancement, the many different vision modes that standard helmets do not grant, improves on the ones that standard helmets grant, and grants the Marine a larger FOV to view from without the visor impeding their sight. As with the name, it stands for Ground Panoramic Visor Addition with the 18 being the current version of the Visor.

***"Goetia" pattern MK II Bolt Rifle*** - The Goetia Pattern MK II Bolt Rifle was made for modularity, often having the capability to have its barrel changed out and etc alongside scoped and what not, this variant was needed for the Chapter's campaigns and operations with the want and need for stealth warfare.

***"Goetia" Pattern MK X Tacticus Helm*** - The "Goetia" Pattern MK X Tacticus Helm is separated from its other kindred due to its unique design. What is noticeable on the helm apart from its main similarity to MK X is the unique faceplate design. One half of the faceplate is akin to a Sarum Pattern helm in design, while the other half resembles a Knightly faceplate. The reason for this is unknown, other than the Chapter's preference to use it rather commonly.

**Fog Grenade** - The Fog Grenade was developed to be utilized by the Ashen Souls Chapter. Its purpose is to disrupt enemy radios which will forward it with static if the enemies try to utilize their radios afterwards. This grenade is meant to instill fear into the enemies whilst also obscuring the terrain around them as it is done via artificially creating fog in the blast radius. The fog also holds the same ability as the grenade which is disabling radios.

**"Reaper" pattern Bolt Rifle** - The Reaper Pattern Bolt Rifle is said to be much larger and longer than a Cawl Pattern Heavy Bolt Rifle. It fires a round that is sized around 50mm, or a 2.0 Calibre round. Due to this, the Bolt rifle is only handed out to the Ashen Souls 5th Company squad trained in long range firing, and stealth combat. The Bolt Rifle is akin to the human made 'Anzio 20mm Rifle' and is based off of its design. Most size references of the Reaper Pattern compared to the Primaris Marines of the Chapter have been recorded to be 3/4ths of the Primaris's size. Due to its size, its usually separated into two parts with one marine holding one half and the other half being strapped to his waist. The Reaper Pattern's standard ammunition is a custom made Bolt round based off the design & function of the Exitus Round used by Vindicare Assassins. Due to its sheer size and the cailbre of the round fired, it has built in Gravitic Accelerators to assist in the process, turning the rifle into a Rail Gun of sorts. Older versions used by Firstborn Astartes before the Ultima founding were built similarly. Due to the Rifle's complex design, its extremely hard to replicate when one is lost or destroyed, taking upwards to a century to be recreated.

**Blades of Nihility** - The Blades of Nihility are a unique type of Power Weapons given to the Daemon Slayers of the 9th Company. They bear an unstable power field which results in the lightning that streaks across their blades as well as Scriptures within the Fuller of the blade which are known to assist the Daemon Slayers in the killing of the forces of Chaos, especially Daemons. Due to their complexity however, they are rather hard to manufacture, and the Chapter bears a low amount of them, making their numbers rather limited. They come in many forms such as Power Swords, Power Axes, and Power Halberds along with their variants.

### Vehicles

**Pathfinder** - The Pathfinder is a unique vehicle developed during the 40th Millenium. It does not resemble the traditional vehicles utilized by the Adeptus Astartes, but more or less resembles an All-Terrain Vehicle. The creation of this vehicle came about after the change in combat doctrine by the Ashen Souls and so a role in the battlefield had to be filled. The inner workings of this vehicle are based off the Rhino, bearing the same engine as well. The Vehicle is able to fit 5 Marines in the cab with the others either sitting in the bed or walking beside it with other variants able to fit entire squads at a time in an enclosed space. Weaponry of the Vehicle depends but in most situations usually has a roof mounted Heavy Bolter as a rotational turret. Some Weaponry is in the back of the vehicle for the larger variants as there are no weapons mounted on the hood of the vehicle. There are a plethera of variants with this vehicle such as a Pathfinde with 3 axles instead of 2, or a tracked variant. Whilst able to still fit Astartes in the cab, it was made to reduce the overall size that is the standard vehicles utilized by Astartes. The chapter notably uses special techniques to quiet the engine of the Vehicle down, making it more usable for stealth. (This vehicle is based off of the Humvee in design and functionality)

## Chapter Relics

* ***Valtiel's Blade*** - The *Blade of Valtiel* belonged to an Imperial Daemon whom assisted the Chapter for over 4 Millennia. The Blade is wielded by the Chapter Master and is described to have never been lost, mainly due to its innate ability to manipulate the warp around itself and appear back into the Fortress Monastery when it's wielder dies. Due to its high position within the Chapter, its wielded by the Chapter Master and has been since the death of Valtiel. As of the years from 075.M42 - 095.M42, the blade of Valtiel was shattered in combat. The shards were gathered and are held in the relic chambers albeit most of them were taken and then reforged into a newer blade with only the handle and a few shards in the stasis pod.
* **Crusader's Plate** - The relic known as the Crusader's plate is a heavily modified armor dating back even before the Scouring took place. The Armor is detailed to keep most resemblance to MK IV, with hints of MK III, MK II, and MK VI power armors. The Chapter cherishes the armor greatly and its known that most of the Chapter Masters of the Ashen Souls Chapter have worn this suit.
* **Blade of Nihility** - The Blade of Nihility is one of the many Xenophase Weapons used by the Deathwatch, but is noted to take the appearance of the Power Scythe Pattern and is seemed to be somewhat inspired by the Guardian Spear, holding a flamer in place of the bolter and has a notable lack of ornate design. The Blade of Nihility was seen commonly used by the 5th Chapter Master. As of M42.001, the relic is in the Chapter's Fortress Monastery resting in the Relic chambers.
* **Pale Coalescence** - The Eviscerator known as the Pale Coalescence is an Relic Eviscerator that predates the Horus Heresy, havings its Origins around the time of the Great Crusade's early decades with the wielders of the relic being unknown. The handle is forged from billeted Adamantine with it being wrapped in ancient Oath Papers and having an Adamantine Chain and cuff attached to it at the end, around the pommel; This is for the wielder of the Relic Eviscerator with the user usually having the cuff wielded to their forearm plate, showing that the Eviscerator is never out of its Wielder's hands during combat. The teeth of the Eviscerator are made from the spines of the Concordian Wyrm, having been chosen due to the ease of how the spines could cut through the armor plating of an Astartes. Alongside the teeth, the Eviscerator's side plating holds decorations of the Ashen Souls Chapter, along with the Hexogrammic markings. The Eviscerator does not hold a top plating along the teeth until halfway up the Eviscerator, allowing any enemy to be caught in the frightening blade's chain with a backswing.
* **Crusader's Visage** - The Crusaders Visage is an ancient suit of Terminator Armor that was worn and belonged to the 1st Chapter Master. It was the primary combat suit of the Chapter Master and has been through countless battles, even with the Machine Spirit bonding with the Astartes. Sadly, due to the death of its user, the suit's machine spirit has notably grown sad, aching for combat, and aching for seeing the 1st Chapter Master again. The suit however has other uses which are ceremonial. The suit is never worn or put into combat due to how cherished it is by the Ashen Souls Chapter, with all of the Chapter Masters coming forward having gone through the rituals infront of the suit.
* **Contemptor Dreadnought "Saphrax"** - This ancient and unique Contemptor Dreadnought Pattern has existed in this Chapter's hands since their founding, having partaken in unfathomable campaigns since its creation and gone through many Astartes as its pilot. This Dreadnought shows its origins within the grandiose 1st Legion, the Dark Angels. Its armored Carapace has seen plethora amounts of usage, but of all, the most unique of it the weapon it bears, a highly modified Blade of Nihility which features a mounted weapon. Despite this Dreadnought's extensive life, the current user of it as of M42 is the ancient 4th Chapter Master known as the Juggernaut, his cold calculative mindset matching well with the ancient Machine Spirit and only is ever called upon in dire times of need.
* **Dark Descender** - The Dark Descender is a relic Thunder Hammer from an unknown time, all that is really known of its history is that it was found on an ancient Dark Angel ship in a Space Hulk. The hammer's head is noted to be rather dark, almost black with engravings on the head. The Hammer head is known to have blotted out light as it is swung downwards at the enemy. The Thunder Hammer is known to be larger than most when in a Marine's hands normally, its wielded with two hands, but wielded by a Terminator it is always wielded in one hand. The noted and one of the only main users of this Relic was the 1st Chapter Master. When in combat, it is also noted that the head of the Hammer has hexagrammic wards engraved into it, often times glowing when used in battle or with the power field turned on. Due to its increased size, the relic is known to have reaped far more havoc on its foe more than any other Thunder Hammer utilized within the Chapter. The handle was wrapped with the hide of an ancient Calibanite Lion with the wrapping around it being from ancient Oath Papers, but it is unknown of their true origi

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Astartes of the Chapter opt for a light, ghostly and sickly greenish shade of gray that and pairs it with a silvery gray. Additionally, the grime, blood, rust and scarring that accumulated on their armour is superficial in nature, care and artifice for the armour ensure none of these damage the integrity of their wargear. Sometimes going so far as to replicate and mark out noteworthy damage themselves after they've maintained their armour. The pauldrons are trimmed with blackened iron and its bolts in a bronze coat. Helmet visors and lenses are likewise in the same black finish, sometimes smeared with blood running down the occulars.

Ancient hexagrammatic wards and old Terranic scriptures can be found adorning the armour in the form of engravings. These are widely practiced by the chapter for both spiritual and practical purposes for when they engage with warp entities. As such, even newly initiated neophytes may have a number of such markings engraved upon their battle plate, passed on to them by their mentor. Librarians have translated a number of such writings they engrave on their armour as detailing their lineage, deeds, motives, and mantras that the chapter holds in high esteem and preserved and these translation efforts are still ongoing.

    Prior to their settling of Otherworld, the Ashen Souls sported a halved colour scheme of red and black, an acknowledgement of their lineage from both the Dark Angels and the Blood Angels and the original task force they claim descent from toward the latter days of the Scouring. Much of the designs of the engravings, scriptures and markings they wore then are consistent with those they wear in the present. The changing of their colours are to do with a change in mindset and doctrine chapter-wide, accepting battle scars as expression of their prowess, an ideal inherited from the peoples of Otherworld and shedding their old colours for a clean slate to allow their scars to accumulate upon.

However, one known practice is seen with the Chapter in theatres of war. They've been known to paint their armor in the colors of their environment on occasion to assist with blending into their environment. This practice was learned from Otherworld's populace known as the Soot-Borne where they blend into their environment to get a better position on their enemy, and an advantage in combat.

### Markings & other Heraldry

Ranks and combat role are denoted using the pauldrons and their corresponding company insignia is displayed on their poleyns. Other sigil, motifs and scriptures are typically personal in nature and once more done by the marines themselves. Cloth and pelts are often seen worn by members of the chapter as well, the cloth in particular typically are found in reds or grays, some done up in a gray camo pattern as well. Often just as personalised as the engravings and scriptures they sport on the rest of their armour to their own preference and aesthetic tastes. However, one noted thing that is scene is that recruits often times wear a bloodied handprint on their helmet, this resembles their passing of the initiation trials and is placed on them by either the Soothsayer or Chaplain and this mark will often times stay until the Astartes reaches their 5th combat deployment.

The Ashen Souls whilst almost always uniform in color, have an honor that denotes a singular piece of their armor as Bone White. The Honor is known as the "Color of Sacrifice" as it is earned by a Marine for example showing selflessness in battle, putting the lives of others before his but not out of pride nor honor. This honor is more commonly seen within the Ashen Souls 5th Company, but Marines outside of the 5th Company have been seen with this honor upon their armor.

One thing that is noted to show through is with Chapter Specialists. Soothsayers, Chaplains and other positions in their respected Chambers have adopted markings on their helmet, more notable on their forehead. They did this so that they could be discerned from others. A large example of this is the Soothsayer Adept as they still wear the basic Chapter Colors apart from the white paint on their arm at which they carry the Narthecium. The symbol is noted to be usually a black or white line, with a symbol in the middle.

The Terminators of the Chapter whilst existing within multiple companies rather than a singular one bear the same colors as the Chapter but separate themselves as Terminators with their helmets often being bone or ivory colored, with their right Pauldron being dedicated to personal heraldry with the Crux Terminatus worn on either the belt, chest, or knee of the armor.

Chaplains are seen to not wear the typical skull helmets seen utilized by other Chapters but more or less wear corpse paint upon their helmets to commemorate the dead and also still maintain a frightening appearance. Their armor is seen painted white instead of the traditional black, their right Pauldron and arm however are painted black to signalize their ties to the Chaplaincy. The white however is a signal of the Chapter's past and connections to Otherworld and a resemblance of the ash seen when corpses are incinerated.

The cloth seen on the Marines of the Chapter vary often in color ranging from a red, green, dull blue, dull red, or tan. This is due to the Marine of the Chapter often times making their own tabards, loincloths, and etc. However, the Chapter's 5th Company almost always has different cloth for each environment they work in with these ranging from different colors of camoflauge to blend into their environment. Ceremonial robes are the same way, except with each one having the Marine's respected Company sigil, personal heraldry, and squad heraldry on it.

### Chapter Badge

The chapter sigil is of a stylised cross belonging to their homeworld's people. The accompanying text reads as "Hope unites knotted brethren." Hoewever, alternatives and conflicting translations are also sited as potentially being the true meaning of the text held in the ring surrounding the cross of Otherwold. The Chapter Badge is seen on every Space Marine of the Chapter but can often times be located on different pieces of the Marine's armor should their Chapter identification Pauldron be covered up. Other Units that are not Space Marines also wear this symbol, or a stylized version of it.

## Trivia

* The Ashen Souls are based off of a plethora of things, more notably they are inspired by the games/universes of Silent Hill & Metal Gear. Underlying influences at which are prevalent is European Knights, tacticool aesthetic, 30k Dark Angels, and Blood Angels.

## Relations

### Enemies

Minotaurs
Marines Malevolent
Aasvogels

## Notable Quotes

### By the Ashen Souls:

1. *"Brothers! Our number may not be many, but use everything you have, dig deep into your hearts and pull out what compassion and hatred you have for we fight for no man, no brother, but for the Emperor, the Lion, and the Galaxy!"* -Chapter Master Samael to the forces he commanded upon Wyrmwood
2. *"Its ok to fear the future, its ok to be sad. Don't suppress your emotions because its what makes us strong. I don't know what to do in this situation, but I want you to go with them."* -Deathwatch Veteran Dante Anaphiel to an Imperial Child before he sacrificed his life so that his Squad and Civilians could evacuate
3. *"I saved your halos so you may continue fighting, now go into tomorrow without me for I did my duties. I will see each one of you when your time comes at the side of the Emperor, our proginetors."* -The 1st Chapter Master in his last moments before finally succumbing to his wounds towards the plethora of surviving Ashen Souls Astartes around him.
4. *"Send more of your swine to burn so that your screams shall howl through the stars, thou ungodly Xenos."* - The 3rd Sect Captain during a battle against the Tyranids in the early 42nd Millenium.
5. *"What you call faith is nothing more than a child crying out for love."* - 7th Sect Captain "Iron Fang" Armaros to an Imperial Zealot during a battle.
6. *"How many Heretics does it take to change a light bulb guardsman? None, because they don't have any hands!"* - Uknown Marine showcasing one of the many examples of humor from Otherworld, crude in nature whist being mildly worrying.

### About the Ashen Souls:

*Feel free to add your own*
"*Amalgamating gene-seeds is a slap in the face to the very essence of what it means to be an Astartes. The Ashen Souls may have thought they could fool us with their hybrid blood, but they underestimated the strength of our conviction to purity. We will never rest until every last one of those abominations is eradicated.*"
—Coragyn Atratus, Chapter Master of the Aasvogels following their defeat against the Ashen Souls.

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

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## Gallery

* Other pieces of the Chapter can be seen here at **Snowman-Samael** (These are done by the Author of the article.)

An Ashen Souls Veteran Terminator donning CataphractiiAn Ashen Souls Firstborn and Primaris Marine meeting Circa 001.M42An Ashen Souls 5th Company Assassination SquadA Firstborn Marine of the 5th Company Circa 550.M41A Primaris Marine of the 3rd CompanyA Primaris Marine of the 4th CompanyA Breacher Primaris Marine wearing Gravis Armor of the 4th Company