Ascetics of Korit

* Bakuhan
* Iteki

Ascetics of Korit armorials; the symbol used for the Bakuhan and the Iteki are notably distinct.

* Bakuhan
* Iteki

Ascetics of Korit Astartes; a Gravis-clad Bakuhan and a Phobos-clas Iteki.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fedelitas Totalis*)

### **Specialty**

Heavy infantry (Bakuhan), Guerilla warfare (Iteki)

### **Battle cry**

"Seitouna Bakuhan Korita!" "The rightful rulers of Korita!" (Bakuhan)
"Zuoryidama non zita Kami!" "Freedom in the name of the Kami!" (Iteki)

### **Colours**

Black and white, dark green (Bakuhans), crimson (Iteki)

### Successor Chapter(s)

None

"*Watsyien seakai wa koritsu shita. Teiakouko ishia wasureruen ousorakuy saiki inai wata sonza. Siakasi motsou watasi gimui, gimui thujitsu Kotei teno nokoruen! Watasi ishien mithi kara supp sur wata no tama ie mayotten!"*
"Our world is isolated. The Imperium will probably forget we exist in the next century. But we have a duty, a duty to remain loyal and true to the Emperor! And we shall not stray from the path set out for us!*"*

—Leyasu, first Shogun of the Ascetics of Korit
The **Ascetics of Korit** are among the new wave of Space Wolves successors from the Ultima Founding. They were created from the population of the world of Korit, an isolated yet strategically significant world surrounded by warp storms in the Segmentum Tempestus. Korit is a mountainous and heavily forested world, and its unique geography and political climate have created a harsh divide between the *Bakuhan* (ruling elites who claim ownership of the entirety of Korit) and *Iteki* (rebels who reject the rule of the *Bakuhan*). This division has been translated into the Ascetics, and while the two factions are yet to come to blows, they remain harshly divided. The death of their Shogun Leyasu put an at least partial end to their isolationist nature, as seen by their contribution to the War of the First Oaths.

The *Bakuhan* of the Ascetics are specialists in heavy infantry assaults, smashing enemy defences with heavy weaponry and armour. On the other hand, the *Iteki*  favour guerilla warfare, striking the enemy quickly, often with bikes, before retreating. On the occasions that the two factions work together seamlessly, it can be a brutal combination.

## Chapter History

### Founding

The Ascetics of Korit was founded by an arm of the Indomitus Crusade that came to relieve the southwest corner of the Galaxy from the increased chaos activity courtesy of the destruction of Cadia by Abaddon. This particular area of the Segmentum Tempestus was incredibly isolated and relatively undefended, and so the Imperium saw it fit to found a chapter of Adeptus Astartes to protect the area.

The early years of the chapter were tumultuous, with divisions between the Bakuhan and Iteki exacerbated by their low numbers, leading to slow progress and growth. They faced some early defeats by chaos forces, further stunting their growth. One notable campaign was an early attempt to break the isolationist nature of the Koritians. They worked alongside several local Imperial Guard regiments to suppress a chaos cult on the world of Lilim. However, the campaign was a failure. Some elements of the guard were ineffective, and some were corrupted and turned upon their brethren and the Ascetics. The Astartes survived the campaign and put down the insurgents, albeit with heavy losses. Afterwards, Shogun Leyasu decided to swear off future close cooperation with the Imperium.

### Brink of Civil War

The Ascetics of Korit used the next few years to intensively recruit and get their numbers to their current level. As the *Iteki* began to outnumber the *Bakuhan*, the tensions between the two rose dramatically. It was during a seemingly routine battle on the jungle world of Iukia that these tensions came to a head. The initial scouting forces met with greater resistance from the native xenos than they had anticipated and called in a large portion of the chapter. While the battle started well, a slight miscommunication between the *Bakuhan* cannons and their spotters lead to a squad of *Iteki* being hit and grievously wounded. This sparked outrage across the battlefield, and the chaos even spread to the flagship, where Shogun Leyasu imprisoned the ranking Bozoku in an act of caution. It was only the intervention of Chief Izādo, acting as an emergency mediator and even physically restraining Astartes of both sides aboard the flagship, that prevented all-out civil war.

From this day on, Izādos would be granted much greater respect and power for their ability to de-escalate conflicts. Leyasu made it mandatory that, where possible, large combined forces of the Ascetics would always be accompanied by at least one Izādo.

### Fe'Zhor

A colony of the Fe'Zhor awoke shortly after the Ascetic's fright with civil war. They quickly began terrorising the world of Conrial, and the Ascetics deployed the Tribe of the Cascading Falls and 4th Battalion, the Fists of Ryō, to hunt them out. This force quickly proved inadequate, and they were unable to destroy the xenos. The Battalion's Daitia was slain by a Fe'Zhor Shaper, who destroyed his body in a burst of warp fire. The Bozoku of the Cascading Falls, Taga, proved himself, however, claiming the heads of countless Fe'Zhor and stopping their advance with a series of lightning strikes.

Shogun Leyasu responded by commiting the 1st Battalion and two more Tribes to the battle. This proved sufficient to root the foul xenos out, but in a gruesome mirroring of the tragedy that flung the Fe'Zhor across the galaxy, their leader sacrificed itself to kill Leyasu and much of the chapter's leadership.

Following the battle, many less isolationist figures came to power. Most notable among them was Shogun Hidetada. While he was still a strict adherant of discipline, he did not believe that isolationism would benefit the Ascetics. As a sign of his willigness to at least partially break this tradition, he responded to an old distress signal, calling the Sons of Russ to war. The Ascetics of Korit joined the War of the First Oaths in force.

## Notable Campaigns

* **000.M42 - Battle of Lilim**
* **003.M42 - Iukia**
* **012.M42 - Fe'Zhor**
* **056.M42 - The Ascetics of Korit join the War of the First Oaths**

## Chapter Homeworld

Korit is a heavily forested mountainous world, covered in large networks of rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Courtesy of the ever-present warp storms surrounding the Korit system, it has remained incredibly isolated and cut off from the rest of the Imperium. Its population is, as a result, remarkably low by Imperial standards, and outside of a few population centres its landscape has been left mostly untouched.

Shortly after its discovery, rich Imperial settlers saw its beautiful landscapes and attempted to turn it into a paradise world. The lack of resources and connections to the Imperium meant that this ultimately failed. The threat of a small Ork WAAAGH! prompted a military revolution, overthrowing the Imperial leadership and implementing the foundations of the modern Shogunate that controls the planet.

However, the coup was not entirely successful, and the rebels found that they needed the wealth and support of those they had overthrown in order to keep Korit functioning. Several of the old leadership were pardoned and invited back into the government of Korit. An extremist faction of the rebels, calling themselves the *Iteki*, saw this as an insult to everything the rebellion had achieved, and split off, fleeing into Korit's wilderness.

Overtime, a new order asserted itself. The *Bakuhan* emerged, a ruling class that lay claim to the entirety of Korit. They viewed the *Iteki* as violent and brutal rebels, especially due to their emerging beliefs that diverged from that of the Imperial Cult as time went on. The *Bakuhan* pursued a policy of isolationism, rejecting all unnecessary contact with the wider Imperium in order to maintain political stability.

As the 13th Black Crusade came to an end and Cadia was shattered, the warp storms around Korit became more active. In order to protect Korit from attack, the *Bakuhan* and *Iteki* reached an uneasy alliance. It was in this state that an arm of the Indomitus Crusade found the world, and decided that it was necessary to found an Adeptus Astartes chapter from its population.

The sight of an Adeptus Astartes is rare on Korit, even near its Fortress-Monastery. The only times they interact directly with the population is during recruitment, or when Korit is under attack. Nevertheless, they are often revered. Those of the *Bakuhan* believe them to be the Emperor's Angels, while in the *Iteki*, they are worshipped as manifestations of the *Kami'*s wrath.

### Hunting

For both the *Bakuhan* and *Iteki*, hunting is a greatly significant activity, albeit for different reasons. The *Bakuhan* engage in recreational hunting. The fauna of Korit's vast woodland expanses are brutal and dangerous, yet many in the urban areas pay money to go on hunting trips and kill them for fun or to take trophies. The *Bakuhan* ruling families in particular covet these trophies and proudly display them in their homes.

The *Iteki* view this practice as barbaric. Their belief in the *Kami* means that they only hunt for food, and only when absolutely necessary. When they kill, they eat the entire carcass, leaving nothing behind. To do otherwise would, in their eyes, disrespect the *Kami* who they have angered, and invite retribution.

This emphasis on hunting in both societies is thought to have contributed to the way the chapter functions, especially their attitudes to close quarters fighting. The *Bakuhan* do it almost reluctantly, and only once they have closed the distance - they view it not as a necessity, but as a part of the battle. For the *Iteki*, however, it is integral, and the aim of their strategy. They do it to survive.

### Fortress-Monastery

Heian-kyō is a massive mountain fortress, reminiscent in some ways of the Imperial Palace on Terra, albeit much lesser in scale. It was originally built as a pleasure retreat, with large balconies, pools, and guest rooms. Waterfalls were diverted to fall down the side of the palace and break up the large faces of marble. However, once the Shogunate took over, they repurposed it into the command centre of their military dictatorship. The walls were reinforced, grand pleasure rooms were turned into barracks and weapon stores, and entire new wings were created as defensive fortifications. The waterfalls were kept, however, as per the demands of the old leadership in return for their resources, earning the fortress the nickname *Taki Shiro* - Castle of Waterfalls.

With the founding of the Ascetics of Korit, Heian-kyō saw further renovations. Its basement was deepened to create rooms for gene-seed storage, and new armaments were installed across the entire palace. In an unpopular move, the architect overseeing the upgrades removed the waterfalls, arguing that the purpose they served was purely aesthetic. As soon as the architect left, they were re-implemented. Defended by a natural mountain range and the finest of the *Bakuhan* military, Heian-kyō is incredibly well defended.

### Recruitment

The recruitment by the Ascetics is handled by its Sōryo, a combination of apothecary and chaplain modelled after the Wolf Priest of their parent chapter. The trials feature a series of preliminary tests for genetic and mental fortitude, and then those who pass are taken into the mountain ranges surrounding Heian-kyō. There they must prove their worth in competitions of endurance, strength, cunning, and every other characteristic deemed desirable in an Adeptus Astartes. Only the very best are chosen, the rest being sent back to their families, dead or alive.

#### Bakuhan

Recruitment for those under the control of the *Bakuhan* is a more organised process. The ruling families are obligated to surrender their first son who is deemed genetically fit to the Ascetics. These *Enko Shugi*, as they are named, are trained since birth to become Astartes. The Sōryo - dominated mostly by *Iteki* - are also inclined to be less strict on the *Enko Shugi*. After all, it brings great shame to the family if their son does not pass, and there are multiple examples of anger and punishment, however indirect, being directed towards the Sōryo overlooking a failed *Enko Shugi*'s trials. The *Enko Shugi* often go on to take prominent roles in the Ascetics, much to the *Iteki*'s annoyance.

Those not in the ruling families, but still under the command of the *Bakuhan*, are also subject to the same mandatory tests. Once each generation, the youth are tested. Very often, few are found suitable. The genome of those in the urban areas doesn't work with the Ascetic's gene-seed to the extent of the *Iteki'*s. Those who are found suitable are forced into the trials around Heian-kyō.

#### Iteki

For the *Iteki*, recruitment is considerably less formal. The Sōryo are forced to manually locate the *Iteki* tribes in the forests of Korit, and from there subject them to the trials. The harder the tribe is to find, the more favourably the Sōryo treats them, seeing it as a sign of their worth.

The *Iteki* are not entitled to the same benefits within the chapter as the *Enko Shugi* or even the *Bakuhan*, and are forced to rely on their connections to other *Iteki* in the Ascetics to be promoted. However, the *Iteki* are nevertheless necessary for the Ascetics to survive. Their genome is much more compatible with that of the Ascetics gene-seed, and so the *Bakuhan* are forced to recruit heavily from their numbers in order to ensure the chapter survives. It is from this fact that much of the political power of the *Iteki* is born.

## Chapter Organisation

Upon the founding of the Ascetics Chapter, its leadership quickly saw that a traditional, *Codex*-compliant organisation would be deeply unsuited. Not only did their very gene-seed reject the idea of the *Codex*, but the idea of forcing *Bahukan* and *Iteki* to fight directly alongside one another for long periods of time was simply tempting fate. Instead, the Ascetics are essentially split into two, the *Bahukan* and *Iteki* being segregated both by choice and in the interest of preventing internal strife.

### Order of Battle

#### Bahukan

The 300 Astartes of the *Bahukan* are divided into 4 Battalions. Each is a mostly self-contained force, handling its own recruits and promotions, though they are overseen by the Shogun. Each Battalion is led by a *Daitia*. All but one of the *Daitia* are *Enko Shugi*, children of the highest ruling families of Korit. The Battalions also all possess their own Sōryo (Apothecary and Chaplain), Tetsu (Techmarine) and Izādo (Librarian). While the Izādo and Tetsu are all *Bahukan*, the Sōryo of the 2nd and 4th Battalions are *Iteki*, much to the distaste of both groups.

The Battalions are each divided into squads of five. Like their parent chapter, these squads consist of Astartes who fight together from recruitment to death. The most veteran *Bahukan* squads are able to fight and press forwards as if of one mind, creating overlapping zones of fire and covering blindspots effortlessly. If a member of one of these squads dies, they are not replaced, often leading to exceedingly small veteran squads.

**Chief Sōryo, Tsyunashi**
**2 Sōryo**
**Chief Tetsu, Lenobi**
**1 Tetsu**
**Chief Izādo, Ietsugo**
**2 Izādo**
**90 Astartes**
**1 Impulsor Battle Tank**
**2 Repulsor Executioner Battle Tanks** | **2nd Daitia, Yoshinobu**
**2 Sōryo**
**2 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**60 Astartes**
**1 Gladiator Battle Tank**
**2 Repulsor Battle Tanks** | **3rd Daitia, Lemitsu**
**1 Sōryo**
**3 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**70 Astartes**
**2 Redemptor Dreadnoughts**
**2 Gladiator Battle Tanks**
**1 Repulsor Executioner Battle Tank** | **4th Daitia, Letsuna**
**2 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**3 Izādo**
**80 Astartes**
**1 Redemptor Dreadnought**

#### Iteki

Despite making up the majority of the chapter, the *Iteki* possess a much less rigid structure. The battles that they favour require considerably less organisation than those of the *Bahukan*, as often it simply consists of ordering several squads to the desired locations and letting them loose to do as they will. The 600 Astartes of the *Iteki* are roughly divided up into Tribes, but these Tribes bear no correlation to the *Iteki* tribes of Korit, as the *Iteki* maintain that once you become an Astartes, such things are meaningless.

The squads of the *Iteki* are similar to those of the *Bahukan* in that the squads formed as recruits are maintained until death, but that is where the similarities end. Squads may number anywhere from five to ten Astartes and have much less standardisation. They also allow themselves to become more feral, especially as newly recruited *Shinsha* (Neophytes). Loadouts are often chosen on the eve of a battle, including whether or not a squad is being assigned Assault Bikes. Those Astartes who among their squad are lone survivors are often chosen to pilot Invictor Tactical Warsuits.

There are ten Tribes, though the borders between them are blurred and squads may claim membership of as many as three Tribes depending on their history. Each is led by a *Bozoku*, who commands the overall direction of the Tribe. The Sōryo, Tetsu, and Izādo are assigned by the *Bozoku* to Tribes and individual missions depending on the need at the time. The ten tribes are roughly equal in status, though the resources allocated to each one are not. Below are rough estimates at their strength at the time of the Ascetic's latest campaigns.

**1 Sōryo**
**2 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**60 Astartes**
**1 Invictor Warsuit**
**2 Impulsor Battle Tanks**
**5 Assault Bikes** | **Towering Peak Bozoku, Aguta**
**2 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**3 Izādo**
**80 Astartes**
**1 Impulsor Battle Tank**
**10 Assault Bikes** | **Burning Branch Bozoku, Akita**
**1 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**0 Izādo**
**40 Astartes**
**1 Invictor Warsuit**
**5 Assault Bikes** | **Moon's Light Bozoku, Ideha**
**2 Sōryo**
**0 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**50 Astartes** | **Cascading Falls Bozoku, Taga**
**0 Sōryo**
**2 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**80 Astartes**
**2 Invictor Warsuits**

**2 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**70 Astartes**
**1 Invictor Warsuit**
**1 Impulsor Battle Tanks**
**5 Assault Bikes** | **Coastal Bluff Bozoku, Koromo**
**0 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**0 Izādo**
**40 Astartes**
**10 Assault Bikes** | **Sun's Fury Bozoku, Bandō**
**3 Sōryo**
**1 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**70 Astartes**
**2 Invictor Warsuits**
**1 Impulsor Battle Tank**
**5 Assault Bikes** | **Flooded River Bozoku, Isawa**
**1 Sōryo**
**2 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**50 Astartes**
**2 Impulsor Battle Tanks** | **Cascading Falls Bozoku, Aterui**
**2 Sōryo**
**2 Tetsu**
**1 Izādo**
**60 Astartes**
**2 Invictor Warsuits**

### Unique Units

#### Squads

The squads of both *Bahukan* and *Iteki* are unique in many respects. They are often as small as three or four members, and have fought alongside each other since their recruitment. They also change their wargear as the mission dictates to a much greater degree than *codex*-compliant chapters; while those who follow Guilliman's words may have permanent devastator, assault, and tactical squads, those of the Ascetics of Korit change much more freely according to what is currently available and what the mission requires. The isolated nature of the chapter means the first is often more demanding.

#### Kyofu

The *Kyofu* are the Dreadnoughts of the Ascetics of Korit. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the chapter is divided on their opinion of them. To the *Bahukan*, they are soon to become wise elders and keepers of knowledge, especially important as they do not have frequent access to Imperial records to ensure the accuracy of their own. They are also potent weapons, with the Redemptor Class often forming a valuable centrepiece for an attack by the *Bahukan*.

To the *Iteki*, *Kyofu* are abominations. They believe that death releases the soul to the *Kami*. To force the body to continue to fight after it should have been released is a horrible fate. They refuse to field Dreadnoughts for this reason. They also have a more practical strategic reason for their disavowal of the *Kyofu*. Dreadnoughts are not known for their speed, even the new Redemptors, and so they are ill-suited to the hit-and-run tactics of the *Iteki*.

### Unique Titles

#### Command

* *Shogun* - Chapter Master. Commands the entirety of the Ascetics of Korit, and has theoretical command of Korit itself.
* *Daitia* - Commanders of a Battalion of *Bahukan*.
* *Bozoku* - Commanders of a Tribe of *Iteki*.

#### Specialists

As the only truly universal elements of the chapter shared between both *Bakuhan* and *Iteki*, the specialist ranks play a key role in maintaining unity. While the Izādo's psychic abilities are especially useful, the other two specialist roles are no less vital in preventing a repeat of the events of Iukia.

* *Sōryo* - Serves the role of both Apothecary and Chaplain. In charge of spiritual and physical health, as well as recruitment. The majority are *Iteki*.
* *Tetsu* - Techmarine equivalent. Most come from the *Bahukan* where their level of technology and education is naturally higher.
* *Izādo* - Librarian equivalent. Almost always accompany large Ascetics strike forces to ensure peace is kept between the *Bakuhan* and *Iteki*.

#### Others

* *Shinsha* - Newly recruited Ascetics.
* *Kyofu* - Dreadnoughts

## Combat Doctrine

The divided and fractured nature of the Ascetics has led to a complex combat doctrine that may seem at odds with itself from time to time. As a whole, however, they are very aggressive, favouring direct and brutal battles that break the morale of their opponents.

The Ascetics persist with the isolationist attitudes of their homeworld, rarely fighting alongside other Imperial forces. When they do fight alongside them, communication and cooperation are kept to a minimum, often no greater than a single message warning the mortals not to interfere with the Ascetics assault.

### Bakuhan

The *Bakuhan* make up the main assault of an Ascetics attack. They favour heavy infantry, progressing methodically towards the enemy while attacking them with heavy weaponry. Once they've closed the distance, they resort to finely crafted power weapons, most often katanas, to cut their way through the enemy. This process is slower than one might expect from successors of the Space Wolves, but it is by no means slow, and on the rare occasion mortal forces are permitted to assist the Ascetics, they are often forced to run or use vehicles to keep up with the *Bakuhan* advance.

Their links to the wealth of the ruling families mean the *Bakuhan* are almost always clad in Gravis armour and incredibly well-made wargear, the type of which is often withheld from the *Iteki*.

For the *Bakuhan*, self-control is all. They are more at risk of the Curse of the Wulfen than their *Iteki* brothers, and so are forced to control their brutality and animalistic impulses. This is why their attacks are so methodical; to do otherwise would risk large portions of the chapter, especially the recruits, falling to the Curse.

### Iteki

Taking inspiration from their days as rebels and terrorists, the *Iteki* are experts at guerilla and asymmetrical warfare. Squads are often deployed ahead of the main assault by the *Bakuhan* to weaken the enemy and erode their morale. Their goal is not to defeat the enemy but to divert resources away from the location of the planned *Bakuhan* attack. The *Iteki* will attack supply convoys, civilian encampments, and resource depots, plundering them and then razing them to the ground. By the time the enemy responds, the *Iteki* have retreated, their damage done.

While the *Iteki* are less heavily armed than the *Bakuhan*, often wearing only Phobos pattern armour, they are entitled to all the spoils of war that they may plunder. They do possess a large number of assault bikes and Invictor warsuits, and the occasional Impulsor Battle Tank, but those are the extent of the mechanised support they bring with them.

The greater stability of the *Iteki* Astartes allows them to be more aggressive and brutal, and they do not have to worry about self-control to the same extent as the *Bakuhan*. The *Bakuhan* view the *Iteki* as savages as a result, and some do indeed look closer to Wulfen than Astartes.

A particularly unusual aspect of the *Iteki* is their reverence for and desire to protect the environment they fight in. Many follow the belief in the *Kami* from their homeworld, and don't want to anger them when fighting. This rarely gets in the way of their success, but many *Iteki* commanders factor it into their strategy, using less destructive weaponry than others might in their place.

### Wulfen

The Wulfen play an unusual role in the combat doctrine of the Ascetics. They often accompany the *Iteki* under the control of the Sōryo. The slightly reverential light in which the *Iteki* hold them means the Wulfen are not simply deployed as suicidal troops but are held back until it is necessary to deploy them. Only when an enemy's total destruction is ordered is the Wulfen deployed. While the Sōryo may attempt to control them, this process is closer to damming one path of a river so that it flows down another; it is impossible to truly control them, only direct them. The process of recovering the Wulfen afterwards is a similarly difficult one, not helped by their incredible speed and agility. It often requires the intervention of two or three other Astartes.

## Chapter Beliefs

### Bakuhan

Due to the long-standing isolationism of Korit and its citizens, their beliefs - and therefore those of the Ascetics - have varied from the official doctrine of the Imperial Cult. The *Bakuhan* tried to enforce religious conformity, using their rare interactions with the rest of the Imperium to keep the state religion in check. The elements of the Indomitus Crusade that relieved Korit were able to remove the idiosyncracies that had developed over the millennia. The *Bakuhan* and urban citizens of Korit that pass the recruitment trials, therefore, follow the version of the Imperial Cult that is as close as can be expected to the one pushed by Holy Terra.

### Iketi

The *Iketi*, on the other hand, follow a massively divergent set of beliefs. They worship the galaxy itself, believing that everything in it manifests mysterious beings called *Kami*. To the *Iteki*, everything from the waterfalls and forests of Korit to the great mountain fortress of Heian-kyō causes the creation of a *Kami*, that reacts to how that area or object is being treated. The *Iteki* also maintain that the fox is a sacred animal, closer to the *Kami* than any other. When the Ascetics were formed, the *Iteki* took the fox as their icon.

The *Iteki'*s beliefs are not entirely distant from that of the Imperial Cult, however. They believe that the Emperor of Mankind is himself a *Kami* - the *God Kami*, a manifestation of all humanity. They are above all loyal to him.

The beliefs of the *Iteki* are criticised by the *Bakuhan*, who see them as dangerously divergent. Some Imperial scholars even believe that the *Kami* are actually tricks of the warp and that the *Iteki'*s belief is, therefore, a sign of chaos corruption. This theory is yet to become widespread, not least because of the secret sympathies of many of Korit's people towards the *Itekian* belief.

Those Astartes of the *Iteki* persist in their belief of the *Kami*, and as a result do their best to protect the environment in which they fight - though they recognise it is not always possible, and are in most cases willing to sacrifice this goal in the name of practicality and victory.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The gene-seed of the Ascetics of Korit is, like that of their forebearers, unstable and chaotic. Despite the attempts of Archmagos Belisarius Cawl to temper the Space Wolf gene-seed, the Curse of the Wulfen remains a potent threat that the Ascetics have to contend with. The implantation of the gene-seed into an applicant makes them immediately more aggressive and animalistic. Idiosyncracies in the exact gene-seed used for the Ascetics, and the mutations in the genome of the Koritians, mean that the Astartes of the Ascetics take on a more vulpine form, as opposed to the canine form that the Space Wolves and their successors usually take. This is especially evident in the Wulfen.

Much to the annoyance of the *Bakuhan*, the success rate of applicants from the ruling families and those under their control is significantly lower than that of the *Iteki*. Furthermore, successful applicants of the *Iteki* are much more aggressive and overall take to the gene-seed much better. This means that in order to maintain the numbers of the chapter, the *Bakuhan* that rule both the chapter and their homeworld are forced to recruit from the *Iteki*. This also gives the *Iteki* an element of power over the *Bakuhan*; by threatening to withdraw the vital recruits, they can ensure their own safety.

### Curse of the Wulfen

The Curse of the Wulfen is no less prevalent in the Ascetics of Korit than in their parent chapter. Astartes who give in to their animalistic desires descend and degrade into horribly warped beasts. Unlike the Wulfen of the Space Wolves, those of the Ascetics are more vulpine in form, resembling foxes more than wolves. The exact reason for this is unknown, but they are considerably faster and more agile if possessing less brute strength, than their Wulfen brothers.

Astartes of the *Bakuhan* show a greater tendency to fall to the Curse of the Wulfen than their *Iteki* brothers. They, therefore, are forced to show much more restraint in battle, contributing to their slow and methodical honour-based combat doctrine.

The *Itekian* beliefs towards the Wulfen are odd. There is a sense of veneration towards those who have fallen. They are said to have been possessed by angry and revengeful *Kami*. While the *Bakuhan* shun them and try to pretend they don't exist, the *Iteki* deploy them as a significant part of their battle plan. They are used as shock troops, pulled back and kept under control by the Sōryo.

## Deathwatch Service

The Ascetics are only peripherally aware of the Deathwatch's existence, and they remain a mostly theoretical subject to be dealt with in the distant future. Only one Astartes of the Ascetics has ever been sent on the Long Vigil, an *Iteki* called Jōmon, and this was against his will. The *Bahukan* leadership decided that he had become too powerful and influential and that the best remedy for that was to send him to the Deathwatch. Many of the *Iteki* are still angry at this, and believe that he was betrayed by his Sōryo.

The *Bakuhan* theoretically baulk at the idea of the Deathwatch. They believe in the sanctity of their colours, and for many the perpetual isolation of Korit makes the prospect of being surrounded by those of other chapters a daunting one. While the *Iteki* like the idea of shedding the colours forced upon them, they would be loath to leave the close bonds of brotherhood that are formed within the Ascetics.

## Notable Battle-Brothers

* **{Leyasu}** - First Shogun of the Ascetics of Korit. Leyasu was one of the *Enko Shugi*, the eldest son of the family that rules over Heian-kyō. He was raised on stories of the old rebellions, and so was remarkably cautious when it comes to managing the relations between the *Bakuhan* and *Iketi*. This has harmed his reputation as a leader, but his position is still incredibly stable, mostly due to his skill in combat. He was slain in battle against a rogue colony of the Fe'Zhor.
* **Hidetada** - Hidetada took the Shogun-ship after Leyasu's death. His focus on discipline is almost considered excessive even by his fellow *Bakuhan*. He believes that isolationism will ultimately hurt the chapter in the long run, and so he has taken some measures to allievate it. The culture shock has hit the chapter hard though.
* **Jōmon** - An incredibly popular member of the *Iteki* sentenced to the Deathwatch because Leyasu felt he could threaten the stability of the chapter.
* **{Kashi}** - Former Chief Izādo. Kashi prevented the civil war that almost broke out on Iukia. He was slain during a battle against a xenos colony of the Fe'Zhor shortly after, but his legacy as a peacekeeper lives on.

## Chapter Fleet

The Ascetics have, by necessity, a not insignificant fleet. They are forced to be able to transport troops long distances due to the isolated nature of their home world. These ships are geared towards speed, and often purposefully go light on armaments to expedite their travel. Often, the various vessels of the Ascetics have a harsh divide between the areas inhabited by the *Bakuhan* - clean, organised, and clearly regimented - and those inhabited by the *Iteki* - often more chaotic, sometimes with shrines to the *Kami*. The Ascetics of Korit currently possess a single Battle Barge and 8 Strike Cruisers.

### Notable Vessels

* ***Korit's Unity* (Battle Barge)** - The ceremoniously-named Battle Barge *Korit's Unity* was initially designed as a symbol for the future unity of the *Bakuhan* and *Iteki*. However, once the *Iteki* realised this meant the eradication of their people and their absorption into the *Bakuhan*, they swore off ever using it unless it was absolutely necessary.

## Chapter Relics

As a young chapter, the Ascetics haven't had an opportunity to make any relics of great renown. Their defeats have often also been so great that they haven't had the opportunity to gather any relics from them. The *Iteki* do believe, however, that several pieces of wargear are blessed or possessed by the *Kami*, and worship them as such, passing them to their most veteran members.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Ascetics of Korit wear a white chestplate and backpack, and black arms and legs. These are the traditional colours of the *Bahukanian* military and were forced upon the *Iteki* as the chapter was formed. The *Bahukan* paint their armorials and helmets a dark green, the colour of the old *Bahukan*, and are very strict in keeping their armour clean and free of dirt and debris. They believe that covering one's armour with camouflage is a form of cowardice, and wearing many trophies of past combat to be gloating. On the contrary, the *Iteki* are liberal in their camouflage. They paint their helmets and armorials in the crimson that the *Iteki* guerillas use, and freely cover their armour in trophies and extra wargear. It is said that no *Iteki* worth the name can ever be found without an extra pistol or knife somewhere on their armour.

The Ascetics, as on every topic, are divided on the sanctity of their heraldry. The *Bahukan* Astartes believe that their colours should never be ruined or obscured. To them, to vandalise their heraldry is paramount to heresy. Like always, the *Iteki* vehemently disagree. To them, the colours are a constant reminder of the *Bahukan'*s power and superiority over them. This is why they cover it up at seemingly every opportunity.

### Chapter Badge

The Ascetics of Korit bear different sigils depending on whether one belongs to the *Bakuhan* or *Iteki*. Both sigils are surrounded by a ring to illustrate their isolationism, but the badge itself is different. The *Bakuhan* wear the badge of the ancient ruling family of Korit; three stylised leaves facing in on each other. The *Iteki'*s badge is a fox. The fox is a holy animal for the *Iteki*, who believe them to be closer to the *Kami* than any other animal.

## Relations

The Ascetics of Korit are isolationist to their core. Their homeworld is not only incredibly hard to reach, on account of the warp storms that surround it, but it is also in an isolated sector of space. The leadership of Korit and the chapter forego almost all official relations with other Imperial groups, even those nearby and alongside whom they fight relatively often. What few relations they do have are courtesy of relations made during the time when the Ascetics fought alongside the Indomitus Crusade.

### Allies

The Ascetics have no official close allies. Even those with whom they fight alongside often from neighbouring systems could not be called friends.

## Gallery

 Renegades

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

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