Dormant Sons

An Armorial of the Dormant Sons

An Astartes of the Dormant Sons Limb of the Crest

### **Specialty**

Massed assaults, orbital assaults, mechanised infantry, aquatic combat, anti-xenos combat, defensive actions (Guardians of the Dreamers)

### **Battle cry**

"The dreamers of Reila will never wake!"
"We shall make good on our oath!"

### Successor Chapter(s)

None

The **Dormant Sons** number among the most mysterious and obscure of the Imperium's Adeptus Astartes. Operating almost exclusively within the Halo Stars from their ocean homeworld of Reila V, the Dormant Sons are a terrifying sight on the battlefield. Deploying most often in full chapter strength, the Dormant Sons release drop ships from low orbit, and the resulting fire and turbulence can cause planet-wide storms that last for years. The Dormant Sons are deeply religious and secretive, worshipping the God-Emperor in a form that, if it was known in detail by the Ecclesiarchy, would certainly be retribution. While their true origins are unknown, that they have been seen to work alongside the Unforgiven on occasion suggests that they share the gene-seed of Lion El'Johnson.

## Chapter History

### Founding

The history of the Dormant Sons is dark, convoluted, and kept secret. Only the most veteran members of the Inner Council know all of it. Even the true date of their founding is unknown. Records in the deepest vaults of Ktulan suggest the following. The Dormant Sons were allegedly founded by order of the High Lords to protect and guard the world of Reila V. Reila was on the edge of Imperial Space, bordering the Halo Stars. The world was formerly beautiful, but a horrendous xenos race descended from the Halo Stars onto Reila's archipelagos and shallow seas and turned it into a detestable shrine world, dedicated to their deities. The combined might of at least 5 Astartes chapters and 3 Titan Legios was able to push them back, but in the process Reila was changed forever, its seas deepening, and the xenos, their shrines, and even their deities, fell deep into the new oceans. The Dormant Sons, so their records go, were founded from the gene-seed of the Dark Angels to protect this world - both from more xenos conquering it and from the xenos in its depths from awakening.

The Dormant Sons maintain that this happened shortly after the galaxy-rending event known as the Horus Heresy. If this were true, then they would hail from the 2nd or 3rd Founding. There is certainly some evidence to support this. Their armoury contains an unusual amount of rare and ancient wargear - from the volkite and rad weaponry deployed by the dreaded Limb of the Hungry, to the archaic Terminator plates worn by the elite Limb of the Dead. Their very organisation bears a marked similarity to the Dark Angels while they were still a legion, as does their tradition of changing their armour colour when they are wounded. Combined, this suggests a very early founding for the Dormant Sons.

However, there is no Imperial record of the Chapter being founded this early. It is only the oldest and most precious of tomes in Ktulan that imply such a long history. Many theories have emerged, both within the Dormant Sons, and from without, from those few who know about them. Some suggest that they come from the 13th Founding - this would certainly evidence the lack of Imperial records pertaining to the Chapter's existence, as all records from this founding were lost. Others argue that the 21st Founding is more likely, pointing to the strange and mutated gene-seed of the Dormant Sons. Whatever the truth behind their origins and forebearer, the Dormant Sons do not seem to care. They hold to their ancient and inviolable oath; to protect Reila from threats from without and within.

### Reila V

Upon being released from Terra, the 1,000 founding Astartes of the Dormant Sons made a beeline for the world they were to protect with their lives. They allowed themselves no detours, not even to relieve besieged Imperial positions or lend aid to fellow Adeptus Astartes. As a result, when they first stepped foot on Reila, they were at virtually full strength.

This would not last long, however. It is not known exactly what happened to Reila when the Dormant Sons landed there. By the time Ktulan had been constructed, the Dormant Sons had lost two-thirds of their number, reduced to barely 300 Astartes. None of the architects who had built the fortress-monastery was alive - most had been lost to the same mysterious foe that claimed many of the Dormant Sons, but some had been murdered by order of the Supreme High Priest Castro Kathulos to protect the secrets of Ktulan's depths.

It would be years before the Sons left Reila in any force. They sent scouting parties to nearby systems, establishing a greater knowledge of what threats were nearby. When they got word of a xenos force amassing on a nearby world, Castro decided to act. Leaving behind a small but elite force - who would later form the foundation of the Guardians of the Dreamers - he sent the rest of the chapter in a single deadly fleet to utterly destroy these xenos.

This battle would define the Dormant Sons' combat doctrine for the millennia to come. Determined not to lose more of his forces than was absolutely necessary, he ordered the entire chapter to deploy in a single overwhelming force, completely foregoing the idea of moderation. The gamble paid off, and the entire xenos force was eliminated. During the battle, the Dormant Sons had observed strange phenomena - as they dropped through the atmosphere, the combined force created worldwide storms, covering their descent and throwing the enemy forces into disarray.

Over the next century, this tactic was repeated time and time again, perfected to the extent that it could be carried out at a moment's notice. The Dormant Sons soon became a terrifying sight in the Halo Stars and the neighbouring regions.

### The Invasion of Reila

The closest Reila has ever come to being overrun was during the galaxy-wide Age of Apostasy. Having heard rumours that Reila's depths contained a potent biological weapon, the Drukhari Kabal of the Hydroid Razor assembled a massive force in a bid to improve their own position in Commoragh. Though officially led by the Archon of the Kabal of the Hydroid Razor, it was, in reality, a tenuous alliance between the Kabal, the innovative Haemonculi of the Coven of the Warped, and the Wych Cult of the Flaying Fang - who had been the ones to propose the attack, eager to add more creatures to their gladiator pits. Amidst the chaos that filled Imperial space during this tumultuous time, this alliance struck toward Reila.

As soon as Wilcox Kathulos - the Supreme High Priest of the Dreamers at the time - heard about this rare strike into realspace, he ordered the entire chapter to withdraw to Reila and sent a demand to nearby systems for assistance. The Dormant Sons gathered in force around their homeworld, deploying their few mortal allies as scouts to alert the Astartes when the Drukhari arrived.

The xenos struck the system from the galactic south. Fortunately for them, the Dormant Sons had focused their static defences on the north, as that was where they anticipated threats from the Halo Stars to emerge. As a result, the Drukhari were able to rush towards Reila V relatively uncontested - only a few minefields, static defences, and hit-and-run actions stood in their way. These were easily dispatched, and the battle above Reila began.

The battle in the void was a contest of speed versus firepower. The Drukhari vessels flew between the considerable fleet of the Dormant Sons, destroying gun batteries and discharging deadly payloads of Kabalite warriors, wracks, and other xenos abominations. Fully half of the chapter was deployed in the void, however. Kathulos had gambled, knowing that if the Drukhari made landfall without taking massive losses it would likely spell the Chapter's doom. The Dark Eldar found the vessels of the Astartes filled with Space Marines, who quickly repelled their boarding attempts.

This could not go on forever, however, and eventually, Limb Master of the Storm Ktalio was forced to call a retreat. He sent the survivors back down to the surface, sacrificing his own vessel to buy time for them to escape. The Drukhari followed hot on their heels, landing in Reila's oceans with a tremendous splash. What followed was a brutal skirmish in the waters surrounding Ktulan. To descend to the great dome where the xenos creatures were supposedly homed would mean fighting past the many turrets and weapons of the Dormant Sons' Fortress-Monastery, as well as the finest members of the chapter.

From the moment the xenos touched the waters of Reila, the entire chapter felt it. From within the dome, there came a series of massive bangs, echoing through the oceans. Reila's fauna swarmed towards the dome to defend it, completely ignoring the Astartes - much to their shock - and going straight towards the xenos. Almost simultaneously, every Dormant Son heard an onslaught of whispers, and every Librarian writhed in pain. The Librarians ran suicidally towards the invading Drukhari, selling their lives dearly, but selling them nonetheless.

Despite all of the defences Reila could throw at the Drukhari, they were able to push deeper and deeper, eventually touching the dome. This was where the fighting was at its thickest. The immense pressures at this depth meant that even power-armoured Astartes struggled, but they upheld their oath to the bitter end. The Drukhari only called the retreat after the Supreme High Guardian emerged victorious from a duel with the Archon of the Kabal of the Hydroid Razor. The xenos did not retreat empty-handed, however. With them, they took abundant specimens of Reila's fauna for use in their fight pits, as well as several captured Astartes.

The Dormant Sons would not recover from this invasion for over a millennium. No more Librarians were created, deemed too risky, and for almost a century every Dormant Son heard incessant whispers. Ktulan had to be repaired, an effort undertaken in utmost secrecy. The truth behind this invasion and the events that occurred within it are now known only to the highest-ranked individuals within the Dormant Sons.

### The Great Rift

The opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum had dire consequences for the Dormant Sons. Although being cut off from the wider Imperium was only a minor change, the Great Rift had several other notable effects. The nearby xenos became much more active, encouraged by the period of galactic turmoil. The Dormant Sons had to split their forces for the first time to prevent significant xenos forces from emerging. Additionally, the effects of the psychic awakening were sorely felt. Many of the Reilan natives became psychically active, making them at greater risk of the whispers of the deep, and hence not suitable to recruit. Those of the Sons themselves who developed psychic powers were put to death, and the Chapter's Inner Circle was not willing to repeat the events of the Drukhari invasion.

Reila itself was never invaded, however. A small Chaos force of the Writhing Cadavers, led by Esophah Vol, tried to push their way towards the ocean world, but the Dormant Sons intercepted them and pushed them back with few casualties on both sides.

When the Indomitus Crusade reached Reila, they had a cold welcome. Neither group wanted to interact with each other for very long, and so the Imperial task force left the Dormant Sons with the technology to create new Primaris Astartes as well as the accompanying technology. It took the chapter several years to start using this technology, and Primaris integration has been slow.

## Chapter Home World

Reila V is a world with a dark past, much of it lost to rumour and whisper. If the Dormant Son's own records are to be believed, an unknown time after the Scouring there was a massive xenos incursion from the Halo Stars. This incursion came to a head on the world of Reila V. At this time, Reila was a world of shallow archipelagos and wide oceans, but the xenos turned it into a horrible imitation of the Imperium's own shrine worlds. Great arches and temples were created, venerating the xenos' dark pantheon.

When the Imperium pushed the xenos back to Reila - an effort that took the sacrifice of at least one Adeptus Astartes chapter - they attacked it with all their might. The battle on Reila was a mighty one, lasting decades. The amassed Titans of the Imperium pushed back the xenos, but just as it seemed the forces of the God-Emperor were to be victorious, massive, titan-sized xenos appeared. These were the deities of the xenos race, and they single-handedly turned the tide of the battle. Truly monstrous in form and power, they were able to take on even the mighty Emperor Titans of the Imperium. When the battle looked lost, the Imperium bombarded the planet from orbit. This, combined with the weight and stress of decades of combat, caused the planet to seemingly collapse. Everything left on the planet fell to the ocean floor, and with them fell the great xenos deities. By the time of the next founding, the Dormant Sons were created to guard over this planet, and ensure these xenos never awoke again; if they did, it would be a dire day for the Imperium.

There are plenty of reasons to doubt this story, however. A battle of such magnitude would surely have been recorded elsewhere in Imperial records, not least because at least three Titan Legios and as many Astartes chapters are alleged to have taken part. The complete lack of mention of this battle in the annals of other Imperial groups suggests either the involvement of a much higher power - like the High Lords themselves - or that the records of the Dormant Sons are woefully inaccurate. Additionally, the likelihood of the High Lords creating a chapter from the much-maligned Dark Angels gene-line to protect so vital a location seems low. Whatever the truth behind this story, the Dormant Sons seem convinced that Reila must be protected at all costs.

Currently, however, the world of Reila serves as an apt recruiting ground for the Dormant Sons. What few landmasses exist on the surface are populated by barbaric tribes who do their best to live off the land and sea. Even in the relatively shallow seas surrounding these archipelagos, it is a dangerous life for the barbarians of Reila. Monstrous sealife wastes no time in hunting and eating those who stray too far from shore, and even the surface isn't safe, with humanoid creatures reported to emerge from the seas and take those not deemed worthy of the Emperor's Light. These islands are often littered with unusual and ancient relics. While these relics could lend credence to the stories held in the annals of the Dormant Sons, they are often so water damaged that they are indistinguishable from Imperial relics and buildings that have been submerged for a sufficient time.

There is yet another ever-present danger for those of Reila - that of insanity. Those nearer the deepest parts of Reila's oceans report that their dreams are plagued by dark visions, telling them to walk into the water. These ceaseless murmurings eventually take over the victim's waking hours, and even the strongest eventually succumb. Most of those who enter the water never return. Those who do, do so horribly transformed. Cultists, all but mindless and possessed, emerge from the waters of Reila. They start cults in disgusting parodies of the Imperial Cult, and if not contained, these cults would likely dominate the entire planet. They are left mostly free, however, to do as they will within certain areas. If they show signs of spreading, the Guardians of the Dreamers intervene and cut the cult down.

### Fortress-Monastery

Ktulan is a place as mysterious to most of the Dormant Sons as the Dormant Sons are to the greater Imperium. A massive network of underwater fortifications, Ktulan reaches from the surface of Reila's deepest ocean and spreads like a weed into its darkest depths. The mortals of Reila will rarely see Ktulan. Its jagged tower that spears its way out of the ocean is believed to be a portent of doom, as to lay eyes on its means you are in the most dangerous part of Reila's oceans.

Even the Astartes of the Dormant Sons know very little about Ktulan's true extent. Newly-created scouts will only have access to the surface parts of Ktulan. These parts are solely functional and contain everything expected from an Astartes Fortress-Monastery. As an Astartes ascends through the ranks of the Chapter, they descend through Ktulan. They learn more about its labyrinthine interior and in turn about the Dormant Son's own labyrinthine history.

There is only one group that will ever have access to the entirety of Ktulan, and the entirety of the Dormant Son's history. That is the Inner Circle. An organisation borrowed from the Dark Angels - lending further credence to the theory that the Dormant Sons bear the gene-seed of Lion El'Johnson - the Inner Circle consists of the leading figures within the chapter. The High Priest, Tender, and Guardian of the Dreamers form the highest level within the Inner Circle. Only they know the whole truth of the Dormant Sons - and presumably the Dark Angel's similarly dark history. While other figures, like the Limb Masters, are also part of this group, they too have secrets kept from them.

The lowest level of Ktulan is a giant dome on the sea floor itself, impossibly deep. This dome is large enough that Titans would take weeks to walk around the outside of it. The dome is completely sealed, and entry to it is completely impossible. What is kept inside this dome is unknown. Even most Guardians of the Dreamers - who never leave Reila, and rarely vacate Ktulan - can only guess. The members of the Inner Circle believe that in the dome are the ancient xenos deities defeated millennia ago. The Dormant Son's fervour to protect Reila would therefore be explained. As the dome has never been opened, it is impossible to confirm this claim. The occasional thumping that can be heard from the dome invariably attracts the vicious sealife of Reila, which lends credence to the claim that something powerful is contained within it.

### Recruitment

The recruitment of the Dormant Sons is a mysterious process. Whenever a human proves themselves, they are taken in by the Guardians of the Dreamers. Proving oneself can come in a myriad of ways. The most common is slaying one of Reila's, particularly dangerous native creatures. Several other ways are common though. Those kidnapped by the strange humanoid creatures that emerge during the night from Reila's oceans are often dismissed as dead, but occasionally one will escape. Such a feat is remarkable, and the escapee will be taken by the Dormant Sons almost immediately. Additionally, if one proves themselves resistant to the whispers from the deep, and aren't corrupted, or otherwise fights the cultists that populate the deeper areas of Reila, that is suitable grounds for recruitment. When such an individual emerges, the priests of the Reilan tribes inscribe his name onto the skin of a recently slain creature and drop it into the ocean. The following night, the Guardians will come and take the recruit away.

Once the recruit has completed their training and is on the verge of becoming a Scout, they have to undergo one final trial. The aspirant has to swim into the depths of Reila's oceans, following the outside of Ktulan. In the depths they must stay for an entire day, making use of the natural flora and caves surrounding Ktulan for weapons and food. When they return, they must do so carrying the corpse of one of Reila's dangerous fauna. Those that do not make it have a short prayer said for them in the name of the Void Emperor, and are then forgotten. This trial serves to test the physical and mental fortitude of the aspirant. The physical test is obvious; staying underwater for 24 hours is a near impossible feat by normal standards, let alone when surrounded by exceedingly dangerous fauna, some of which regularly eat humans. The mental test is perhaps the greater one, however. Ktulan is in the deepest part of Reila's oceans, nearest to the great dome where the ancient xenos deities are supposedly kept captive. The aspirant is subjected to constant whispers, pulling him deeper and deeper. Those that succumb are thought to become the humanoid figures that rise out of the ocean in the night and steal the unworthy from Reila's barbaric tribes.

## Chapter Organisation

### Limbs of the Dreamers

The Dormant Sons do not follow the *Codex Astartes*. Their organisation more closely mirrors that of their supposed parent chapter, the Dark Angels, but even that is an imperfect comparison. The Sons are divided up into 8 "Limbs". Potentially taking inspiration from their parent chapter and the Hexagrammaton, each limb has a unique role. In a battle, there is very little visible distinction between these eight limbs, however, in reality, their deployment and every movement is precise and exact, designed to complement the others perfectly. Squads in most of the Limbs consist of either 4 or 8 Astartes.

The Limb of the Dead is without a doubt the most elite and veteran of the limbs, and the Limb of the Tide is the least, consisting of the scouts of the Sons. In between these two, there is little distinction in the official rank, and they are all theoretically equal. The exact power balance between them has always depended on the Supreme High Priest at the time.

The specialists of the Dormant Sons are unique and remain distinct from the Limbs. The Tenders of the Dreamers - the Apothecarion - are assigned across a Sons assault as the Supreme High Priest deems fit. The Reclusiam called the Priests of the Dreamers, is considerably larger than in most chapters. They have to monitor the Dormant Sons for signs of their gene-curse, while also as a whole remaining separate from them. Captains are drawn from the ranks of the Priests, and many members of the Limb of the Dead used to serve in this organisation. The Dormant Sons do not maintain a Librarius, believing them too at risk of the Curse of the Dreamers. After the assault on Reila by forces of the Dark Eldar when the entire Librarius went insane, they were deemed too dangerous, and the organisation was abolished.

#### Limb of the Dead

The most elite and trusted of the Dormant Sons, the Limb of the Dead is equivalent to the 1st Company of those chapters who follow the *Codex Astartes*. They know almost everything about the Dormant Son's convoluted and deeply-buried history. Many members of the Limb are trained as chaplains, as it is mandatory to receive such training when ascending to a command role. While the armoury of the Dormant Sons is not extensive enough to outfit the entire Limb with Terminator armour, a Dormant Sons assault is almost always headed by terminator-clad members of the Limb of the Dead.

#### Limb of the Osprey

Named after the most voracious of Reila's sea-hunting birds, the Limb of the Osprey specialise in fast-attack actions, utilising assault bikes and fast-moving transports to get Astartes to outflank enemy forces and cut off supplies. Those of the Osprey are known for being vaguely reckless and often have a high casualty rate. As a result, many of those in this Limb are younger, and hence more at risk of the Curse of the Dreamers.

#### Limb of the Hungry

The Limb of the Hungry was a taboo organisation within the Dormant Sons. Formed from those that fell to the later stages of the Curse of the Dreamers, the Hungry wielded the rare and dangerous weapons that the Dormant Sons held deep in Ktulan. Such was the despised nature of the Limb that many are kept in enforced stasis, and only deployed against the most malevolent of xenos.

However, by the time of the Drukhari assault on the Sons' homeworld, almost all of these weapons had been lost. At least 4 millennia of intensive warfare with little chance of resupply meant that these weapons were destroyed or worn down beyond hope of use. The Limb of the Hungry, while still filled with many of those suffering from the Curse, is less taboo by the 41st Millenium. It is now mostly filled with standard devastator squads, wielding heavy weapons from the backlines to great effect.

#### Limb of the Current

The finest killers and swordsmen of the Sons make up the Limb of the Current. The currents of Reila are dangerous beyond belief, able to snatch at a grown man's feet and whisk him away within a second, never to be seen again. Those of the Limb of the Current act similarly. Deployed at the flanks or behind an enemy force, members of the Limb of the Current strike at enemy command chains, killing them, then retreating, to repeat later in the battle. The Limb of the Current has a reputation for psychopathy, even among Astartes, and taking pleasure in causing pain, but their efficacy cannot be doubted. Many a battle has been won because the Limb has assassinated a key enemy leader.

#### Limb of the Cobalt

The Limb of the Cobalt commands the armoured aspects of the Dormant Sons. Under their jurisdiction lie the battle tanks, artillery, and dreadnoughts of the Dormant Sons. Though they do not play a central part in the Dormant Sons' battle plans, the Cobalt are nevertheless invaluable in many battles. If the enemy has heavy walls or large targets, it is the Limb of the Cobalt that is called in to deal with them. The Cobalt Astartes are known for being stoic and stubborn.

#### Limb of the Storm

The Limb of the Storm is responsible for the void craft and orbital assaults favoured by the Dormant Sons. Representatives of the Storm command each and every vessel of the Dormant Sons, and are known for being able to coordinate the risky and nigh-suicidal orbital drop patterns that characterise so many of the Dormant Sons' assaults.

#### Limb of the Crest

The main infantry Limb, the Crest is the largest. The Limb contains those Astartes who are yet to be assigned to a specialised Limb and are the most generalist of the Limbs. The amassed infantry of the Limb of the Crest makes up the main thrust of any Sons attack.

#### Limb of the Tide

The Tide consists of the scouts of the Dormant Sons. The Scouts possess next to no knowledge of the complex and mysterious workings of the chapter they inherit and are more at risk of the Curse of the Dreamers. As a result, they are kept towards the outside of the battle and chapter, used as reconnaissance units spread across the Halo Stars to find the Sons' next target.

### Priests of the Dreamers

The Priests are by all accounts a massive and oversized organisation. Their role is to maintain faith in the Void Emperor and monitor their charges for signs of the gene-flaw emerging. It is the Priests that accompany the Limb of the Dead in the spearhead of a Dormant Sons' assault.

Additionally, every Limb Master is taken from the ranks of the Priests. They are the only ones trusted enough to command an entire Limb of the chapter. As a result, both the Chapter Master - the Supreme High Priest - and many members of the Limb of the Dead were formerly Priests.

### Guardians of the Dreamers

The Guardians are a unique organisation within the Dormant Sons. Those who fall to the Curse of the Dreamers, but feel no compulsion to return to Reila, are removed from their current role and sent back to their homeworld. There, they are given a selection of unique wargear, and take an oath to never leave Reila undefended. It is the Guardian's explicit job to protect Ktulan, the Chapter's secrets, and the great dome in the depths of the world. They are incredibly elite and train constantly.

The Guardians are also responsible for recruitment, and this is one of the few reasons that will cause a Guardian to leave Ktulan. The other is to prune the cults around the deep regions of Reila. While these cults are considered good training for future Astartes, they cannot be allowed to spread too far, or they risk permanently harming the viability of the world by recruiting Sons.

### Officer Ranks

* **Supreme High Priest of the Dreamers** - Chapter Master/Master of Sanctity
* **High Priest of the Dead** - Captain/Chaplain of the Limb of the Dead
* **Priest of the Dreamers** - Chaplain

### Specialist Ranks

* **Supreme High Tender of the Abyssal** - Chief Apothecary
* **High Tender of the Ayssal** - High-ranking Apothecary
* **Tender of the Abyssal** - Apothecary

* **Supreme High Guardian of the Dreamers** - Highest figure within the Guardians
* **High Guardian of the Dreamers** - High-ranking Guardian; often guard the dome itself
* **Guardian of the Dreamers** - Member of the Guardians

### Line Ranks

* **Void Son** - Battle-Brother
* **Dreaming Son** - Battle-Brother who has fallen to the Curse of the Dreamers
* **Son of the Dead** - Battle Brother of the Limb of the Dead.

## Combat Doctrine

The Dormant Sons are an aggressive and unforgiving chapter. Fighting against them is as terrifying as it is rare. They rarely fight against the forces of chaos or renegades from the Imperium - or at the very least do not seek them out. Instead, they often undertake proactive operations against the vile and myriad xenos of the Halo Stars. The sheer tenacity of these xenos, the dangers involved in any venture into the Halo Stars, and the lack of Imperial Guard support, means that the Dormant Sons often attack in large numbers. In many cases, this culminates in the entire chapter attacking as a single force. Such a force is terribly powerful and almost impossible to stand against.

When the Dormant Sons begin their attack, their drop-ships deploy from low orbit on dangerous trajectories that see them land in almost suicidal locations. The effect of so many objects rapidly entering the atmosphere has, on many occasions, caused planet-wide storms that have lasted years. This is much to the benefit of the Dormant Sons, who leverage the confusion and chaos to launch lightning attacks of amassed mechanised infantry against enemy positions. By the time the wave of ceramite and fire has washed over the enemy, the Dormant Sons are already starting to retreat. This strategy of knocking down their xenos foes quickly and without mercy, then moving on the destroy another, has served them well over the millennia, allowing them to effectively police the Halo Stars near Reila and prevent significant xenos forces from amassing and threatening the Dormant Son's precious homeworld.

Being born of an ocean world, many of the Dormant Sons have a natural affinity with water and aquatic combat. However, unlike many of their fellow ocean-borne Adeptus Astartes, they do not seek out oceanic worlds or environments. The harsh and dead environments in many of the worlds of the Halo Stars mean that such specialisation would be actively harmful to the Dormant Sons.

## Chapter Beliefs

The beliefs practised by the Dormant Sons and the natives of Reila border on heresy. It is only the Chapter's isolation - and subsequent lack of contact with the wider Imperium - that has prevented major ramifications thus far. Like all forms of the Imperial Cult, the Emperor is the God of humanity for the Reilans. However, Reilan art and literature display him as a mighty, unknowable and omnipotent being across the great void-sea. For every action the Dormant Sons take in the name of the Void Emperor - a title only used in private - they believe their souls take one more stroke or paddle towards Him. The ultimate goal is to reach the Void Emperor before death; dying while still on this metaphorical ocean is to damn your soul to an eternity of torment by the great sea creatures of the warp. The closer one gets, the deeper the ocean beneath you, and so the greater your torment.

Such is the importance of this belief to the Dormant Sons that every leadership position - outside the Guardians and Conduits of the Dreamers - is taken up by a Chaplain, known as a Priest. Devotion to the Void Emperor is a constant part of life in the Dormant Sons, and lengthy prayers and rituals take place before and after battles.

Mysterious figures known as Dreamers take up a considerable part of the Reilan belief. Officially, the Dreamers are the parts of the God-Emperor's soul which he tore from himself and formed into 9 vessels - the Primarchs. Though many are dead or missing, the Dormant Sons claim to channel their power and their will due to their devotion to Him. The recent awakening of two of the Dreamers has created mixed responses in the Dormant Sons. Some believe that they herald a mass awakening that will culminate in the awakening of the Void Emperor himself. Others instead think it is a dire portent, and will lead to a mass upheaval in the very fabric of the universe. The opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum certainly seems to support the latter.

The Inner Circle is possessed of an uncomfortable truth - the Dreamers are likely the very xenos deities that they are imprisoning beneath the oceans of their homeworld, spreading their tendrils into the minds of the Reilans. This would explain the mutations in an otherwise stable and pure gene-seed.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The true origin of the Dormant Sons, like much of their history, is unknown to the wider Imperium. Most signs point to the lineage of Lion El'Johnson, however. The remarkable stability of their gene-seed suggests a stable forebearer; the Ultramarines and Dark Angels could both fill this role. However, the incredible secrecy that the Dormant Sons practice within their own chapter and with the greater Imperium, the marked similarity in organisation between the Dormant Sons and the Dark Angels, and the fact that the Unforgiven is among the only chapters with which the Sons willingly interact, all suggest the Dark Angels as their true fathers.

There are some who suggest that they are not, however, and that to label them as members of the Unforgiven is a dangerous fallacy. As evidence, they use the impurities and mutations in the Dormant Son's gene-seed. The Dark Angels possess the purest gene-seed of any chapter in the Imperium. The presence of mutations implies that the Dormant Sons may not, in fact, bear their genes. These impurities come most notably in the form of the "Curse of the Dreamers", and a mutated Melanchrome, giving the skin of the Dormant Sons an almost translucent look. It is also unknown whether the Sons have ever taken part in one of the grand meetings of the Unforgiven. Additionally, records of the Dormant Sons hunting down the elusive Fallen are rare, and could often be put up to mere coincidence, as the Halo Stars serve as the perfect place to hide. If they have done neither of these things, it would suggest they are not welcome there, perhaps because their true lineage lies elsewhere.

As to who these accusers suggest are their true forebears, no verdict has been reached. The mutations in the Melanchrome could suggest that they come from the Raven Guard, and the focus on defensive tactics implies an Imperial Fists lineage. Some have even suggested the Dormant Sons are descended from a traitor legion. The Word Bearers share the Dormant Sons' devotion to a higher power, as well as their heavy use of infantry and chaplains. The psychic elements of the Curse of the Dreamers have also been used to suggest that the Dormant Sons come from the Thousand Sons. If these accusations are known to the Dormant Sons, they have made no comment.

### Curse of the Dreamers

The Curse of the Dreamers is the most notable mutation of the Dormant Son's gene-seed, and is their closest kept secret. It bears a marked similarity to the bizarre whispers that the Reilan natives hear from the deep oceans. The gene-flaw progresses in three stages.

* **Stage 1; Whispers:** The affected Astartes begin to hear whispers in their dreams. What these whispers actually say is unclear and changes from Astartes to Astartes, but the general message remains the same; return to Reila.
* **Stage 2; Delusions:** The affected Astartes begin to hear whispers in their waking moments. Often, they believe that these whispers are the speech of the God-Emperor. The compulsion to return to Reila becomes even greater.
* **Stage 3; Psychosis:** The affected Astartes begin to hallucinate that the great oceans of Reila are crashing down around them, and desperately try to return to their homeworld. An Astartes in this state is completely unresponsive to everything but the most direct of psychic communications. Once an Astartes reaches this stage, they are more often than not killed. Those that aren't are instead assigned to the Limb of the Hungry.

The progression of the Curse of the Dreamers becomes more severe and accelerates with proximity to Reila. As a result, those that show signs of the first stage are kept as far away from Reila as the situation allows. They are not allowed to land on the surface for any reason.

The curse affects a relatively small portion of the chapter; maybe one in twenty will reach the first stage, and fewer still the later two. It is also more prominent in the younger members of the chapter, meaning those of the Inner Circle are more often than not safe from the Curse.

There is a minute portion of the chapter that reaches the first or second stage of the Curse of the Dreamers, yet feels no compulsion to return to Reila. This is a truly rare occurrence, and such individuals are thoroughly checked by the High Priest of the Dreamers, and if they are deemed suitable, are sent back to Reila to serve as the Guardians of the Dreamers. These elite guardians are never to leave Reila again, and guard the great dome at the bottom of Ktulan, as well as oversee recruitment.

## Deathwatch Service

The Dormant Sons have limited interaction with the Deathwatch. While they share their commitment to destroying the myriad of vile xenos that stain the universe, the Dormant Sons are naturally isolationist and unwilling to share their members. Their beliefs, if they became known, would certainly attract undue attention, as would the mutations in their gene-seed. There is also a residing belief among the Dormant Sons that to attend a Long Vigil is tantamount to desertion, and breaks the oath that all Sons swear upon becoming a Scout - to never abandon Reila.

## Notable Members

* **{Castro Kathulos}** - The first Supreme High Priest and first to take the name Kathulos. Castro led the early years of the chapter, ordering the death of those who worked on Ktulan to preserve its secrecy. He was eventually slain by a xenos warlord in what was supposed to be a routine battle.
* **{Wilcox Kathulos}** - Supreme High Priest at the time of the Drukhari invasion of Reila. He believed himself responsible for the extreme losses the chapter faced in that conflict and threw himself into battle after battle without respite. Ironically, he survived a further 300 years before falling to the Curse of the Dreamers and being killed by the Supreme High Tender of the Dreamers.
* **Xultan Tako** - Xultan was one of the Guardians of the Dreamers during the Drukhari invasion. He defended the dome to the very last, but the Cult of the Flaying Fang captured him. He was taken to their gladiator pits, where he served as the main attraction for years. Whether he is still alive is unknown.
* **Dyer Kathulos** - Current Supreme High Priest of the Dreamers.

## Chapter Fleet

The Dormant Sons possess a large and powerful fleet. It is capable of deploying the entire chapter in less than an hour from low orbit. Its orbital bombardment capabilities push what is officially allowed under Imperial rule.

* ***Depth's Devotion*** - A Battle Barge, and flagship of the Priests of the Dreamers.
* ***Reila's Prison*** - A Battle Barge, and flagship of the Guardians. It realistically sees very little use and stays in geosynchronous orbit with Ktulan.
* ***Blade of the Dreamers*** - A Battle Barge.

## Chapter Relics

The relics of the Dormant Sons are kept at varying levels of Ktulan when not in use. These times are rare, however, as the Dormant Sons do not believe in letting their relics sit around doing nothing. They see frequent action on the front lines as objects of inspiration, which may go some way to explaining why they have seemingly few in working condition.

## Chapter Appearance

The Dormant Sons often wear heavy cloaks made from the tough sea flora of Reila V. They are also known for carrying trophies of recently slain enemies, as well as tattooing tribal iconography from their homeworld on both their armour and their skin.

### Chapter Colours

The armour of the Dormant Sons is painted in the colour of oxidised copper - a mix of browns, greens and blues that gives them an archaic and worn look. Their armorial rims and Aquillas or chest decorations are painted a dark red-brown. Sergeants also paint their helmets in this colour.

### Chapter Badge

The badge of the Dormant Sons is a closed eye surrounded by 8 tentacles. It is worn proudly on the left armorial, with tactical designation on the right. The Limb which a particular Dormant Son is a part of is shown by an elaborate symbol running up their left leg. Each Limb has its own unique pattern.