Corrosive Thorns

Corrosive Thorns armorial with Chapter iconography.

Corrosive Thorns Battle-Brother of the 2nd Company ("Wrathful Axes"), 4th Battleline Squad, arrayed in relic Mark III 'Iron' pattern power armour.

## Space Marine Chapter

### **Allegiance**

Imperium of Man
(*Fidelitas Tenebrae*)

### **Chapter Master**

Vaxis Argash (Currently)
Unknown (Formerly)

### **Allies**

Chapters of the Triad Venenum Morgulus:
- Bullfrogs
- Caustic Reach

### Successor Chapter(s)

N/A

"*Our touch will melt you into a puddle of molten iron and flesh!*"
— An Astartes of the Corrosive Thorns Chapter threatening a fellow Astartes from an Iron Hands Successor Chapter.
The **Corrosive Thorns** are a 21st 'Cursed' Founding Chapter from the stock of the brave and stoic Iron Hands. This particular Chapter, unlike their Progenitors, has a low affinity for the Adeptus Mechanicus, rather than being away from them as much as possible. Like many 21st Founding Chapters the Corrosive Thorns have a mutation in their Betcher's Gland that causes built-up toxins and poisons they are often exposed, to seep through the pores of the skin leading to the sweat of the Astartes being heavily corrosive, through the years the mutation spreading to other exocrine glands as well as their very own bloodstream. Their combat speciality of the Chapter is Frontal Assault and Astarte Suppression especially towards other Iron Hands Successors, having a strong hatred towards their own kin, for the disappointment and shame brought to their Father.

## Chapter History

The Corrosive Thorns is a 21st Founding Chapter from the genetic line of the Iron Hands legion. Like any Chapter hailing from the cursed and damned 21st Founding the Corrosive Thorns weren't left untouched by affliction. The Curse the Chapter has born since its birth had grown over time more volatile even as the various Masters of the Apothecarion sought to dwindle its effect, seemingly responding with greater potency. Within the 42nd Millennium, the Corrosive Thorns suffer as their acidic adaptation has led them to overtime dissolve the inner workings of their wargear, turning them into useless piles of iron and leather.

The Chapter is infamous for its hatred towards the traditional Iron Hands successors for their extensive use of bionics. The hatred is also being directed against the members of the Adeptus Mechanicus for poisoning the Legion's minds, turning them into automatons without emotion. The Corrosive Thorns got their beliefs following the discovery of a journal thought of as written by their own Primarch's hand, found upon a formerly compliant world brought into the Imperium by the Iron Hands Legion during the Great Crusade. In the journal, entries upon entries of Ferrus Manus suffering at the legion-wide isolation of his metal-covered arms, the use of bionics for the mimicking of such difference from the normal man becoming rampant even before the days of the Heresy.

Having a strong belief of the traditionalist Chapters were shaming their Primarch's legacy. The Chapter would be influenced by various agencies such as the Inquisition and Ecclisiarchy, being persuaded over generations to do as told for the better of the Imperium. The Ordo Hereticus and Ordo Astartes wtoere by far the most well-known to ask for the aid of the Chapter due to their flawed but useful genetic makeup in order to pursue and eliminate anything which could damn systems or even sectors, even if it meant striking at their own kin from the blood of Ferrus Manus to the Corrosive Thorns, it was a mercy, to free the Astartes of the Millennia of twisted traditions which shamed the sacrifice of their lord.

Over time, many titles would be attributed to the Corrosive Thorns for their unquestionable and ruthless pursuit of purity of the flesh and unstoppable loyalty to other Imperial Forces which fight for control within the greater mass of Mankind. "Saints of Verdant Blood", "Emperor's Reclamators", "Tainted Sons of Ferrus", "Abominable Lap Dogs" and so on, to the Chapter such praises and curses, mean nothing, only the results of their duty for the Imperium and for the Emperor.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Battle for Laxion (099.M36)**- The Corrosive Thorns landed upon Laxion to aid with the destruction of Genestealer Cults that spread around the World, The Astartes would conduct a series of sieges against big Cult nests in order to weaken the communication between the smaller outposts and also to eradicate the major part of the threat while remaining somewhat undetected. The Chapter would destroy all signs of a Cult ever taking root upon the planet.

* **Supply Destruction (251.M37)**- A Chaos Warband built a base upon a planet near the Chapters home system. The Corrosive Thorns sent 3 companies to destroy the base before the major bulk of the Warband came back. 15 Squads landed upon the planet where they would engage in melee combat. The 15 squads would successfully kill the guarding Heretic Astartes and destroyed the outpost. The Chapter would search and find several caches filled with equipment as a way to safe keep it if the planet was to be lost which were then destroyed.

* **War for Archos (874.M37)**- In the latter centuries of M37, the Forge World of Archos came under attack by the forces of the treacherous Alpha Legion who sought to take over the vitally important Adeptus Mechanicus-held world in order to produce more gear for their legion. The Corrosive Thorns rapidly responded to the threat, aided by two elite Tempestus Scions regiments to help defend the world from the threat. When the first three waves of the Forces of Chaos hit the Imperial defenders, they managed to dispatch them, but when the fourth wave arrived it brought a large amount of daemonic engines which would force the defenders to back down. The attackers took more ground. Only after managing to take down the daemon engines could the Imperial defenders take back the ground lost. The Defenders would push the attackers off-world but not without losing 25% of the planet's vital manufactorums.

* **Destruction of The Ironclad (511.M38)**- The first ever elimination of a Chapter by the Corrosive Thorns was the case of the Ironclad, an Iron Hands Successor Chapter of an Unknown Founding. The rogue Chapter had dedicated themselves to a Mechanical God from an unknown civilisation, an unforgivable heresy that required a decisive response. The High Lords of Terra tasked the Corrosive Thorns Chapter to put down these rogue Astartes. The Corrosive Thorns took the Ironclad by surprise upon their homeworld using their trademarked 'Steel Rain' tactic, crushing multiple Astartes who were outside patrolling around the Fortress-Monastery. The Chapter moved quickly cutting through the guards straight into the relic room and taking all the rouge chapter's relics and unique gear while the majority of the assaulting forces took down high-ranking Astartes before killing the lower-tiered ranks. After successfully eliminating the Ironclad the Chapter was much lauded and held in high esteem by the High Lords as the likes of the ruthless Minotaurs Chapter, and forevermore, would be called upon the Corrosive Thorns to deal with a Chapter that had fallen from the Emperor's light.

* **Assault of Esparda (441.M39)**- The planet known as Esparda was an Imperial Knight world that was home to two knightly houses, one of which succumbed to the will of Khorne. The loyalist house, knowing that a victory couldn't be achieved by themselves. sent a distress call which was picked up by the Chapter. The 1st and 5th Companies were sent to aid the world. When the Companies arrived most of the house was wiped out, Only four knights remaining alive. Filled with rage for their late arrival, The Chapter went on a rampage towards the traitors, slaying everyone who came in their tracks. The Marines of the chapter did not care for any tactics which would be slaughters by the tens. In 10 days the Chapter eradicated the traitor but not without the death of the last members of the loyalist house.

* **Destruction of the Brazen Hands (821.M40)**- The Brazen Hands Chapter, like many before them, became a footnote in history when they betrayed the Imperium for the worship of the Blood God Khorne. The Chapter was dragged into a brutal war with the rogue Chapter. If the Storm Brethren had not arrived to intervene and aid the Corrosive Thorns then the valiant Chapter would've been wiped out due to the undying thirst for blood by the Traitors and their neverending hordes of daemonic allies. The two Loyalist Chapters would annihilate the Brazen Hands and utterly eradicate their crumbling homeworld as a last act of spite against the traitor chapter

* **Defence of Patrak III (212.M41)**- On the planet of Patrak III the Chapter settled for a short period of time in order to build an operating base in case their homeworld was ever to fall. While building the base a horde of Orks landed upon the planet using ships made out of scrap. The orks swarmed the planet killing all servitors they could find before attacking the Marines of the Chapter. The Companies present fought bravely but they couldn't face the orks for much long. In the end, all Astartes present were killed. At a later date, the Chapter came back and annihilated each ork on the planet. The long-dead marines were put to rest and the armour and weapons were restored.

* **13th Black Crusade (999.M41)**- During the 13th Black Crusade the Chapter was tasked with the protection of the World know as Haka. Upon reaching the world the chapter would realize that it was a trap and the world was long under the control of the traitors. The Chapter was about to be wiped losing its Chapter Master Stalius Lee when he sacrificed himself to protect the remaining 200 Marines under his lead. When the situation became grim, Primarch Roboute Guilliman and his Primaris Space Marines aided them in taking back the world. The Marines were reinforced with 500 Primaris Space Marines after the battle was over.

* **Reinforcement Of Kasus (012.M42)**- In 012.M42 the recently reinforced chapter was called to aid the Astarte Chapters who joined the battle for Kasus, a planet known for its gear quality for guardsmen regiments. The Chapter alongside two others went on a reinforcement process of remaining loyalist bases. The chapter unlike their normal tactics used, decided to remain and defend rather than attack which would spare them from several shock attacks which cut away many loyalists. When the number of allies began to drop the Chapter had to conduct attacks towards their enemies cutting them in half but not without being lowered in number. The Chapter and the other allied groups recaptured the world but not without losing a large number of loyalists.

## Chapter Homeworld

Arkarath is a heavily radioactive world filled with seas of acid. The Planet is covered by clusters of hills at the poles of the planet slowly flattening over kilometres of descent into nothing but flat terrain. Through various research such as carbon reading, the members of the Adeptus Mechanicus which had originally located the planet before the creation of the Chapter had noted the presence of various ancient fossils dating from several thousand years in the past, skeletons and other traces of fauna being found mutated and deformed through many ways which even the scions of the Omnissiah would find, "unnerving".

Through Speculation and theorization, it was assumed that this planet was originally a regular life sustainable world until either Humanity or another space-faring species had killed all inhabitants of the world through the dumping of various lethal wastes which over time had polluted and killed all life on the planet. Even after the settling of the Corrosive Thorns upon Arkarath, various small studies have been continued to try and unearth the story of the planet's death and previous state even if with little success often leads to more questions rather than answers.

The world of Arkarath was settled not long after the creation of the Corrosive Thorns, being given as a reward for their notable actions and questionless loyalty even during their infancy. To many in the Chapter, to settle upon such a planet felt like an omen or merely an untasteful joke, overtime however as generations passed, the Corrosive Thorns had begun to take pride in the Irradiated Rock they called home, seeing it as symbolism for themselves.

### Fortress-Monastery

The fortress-monastery known as The *Caustic Bastion* is located within the center of a now-drained ocean in the northern hemisphere of the world. The Chapter upon the construction of the Fortress Monastery had dug a series of trenches connected to a massive circular moat drowned in the vile acid water of the planet, covered lightly through various ways as to trick anyone foolish enough to attack into a quick but painful death. The only truly safe methods to enter the massive structure of corrosion-resistant steel, cermamite and adamantium are through hidden underground tunnels and hidden passages covered in sentries and traps known only to the members of the Corrosive Thorns following their induction, many aspirants die during their pilgrimage through these unforgiving "Safe" passages.

While the *Caustic Bastion* stands tall upon the empty surface of the world, much of its mass is truly hidden bellow, kilometres underground through various elevators and shafts leading to the beating heart of the Corrosive Thorns' home. Taking the shape of a tri-dimensional X. Each branch of the unusually shaped corridors has its own important rooms, from the Technicarium to the Reclusium and even the Apothecarion, all of the Chapter's most valuable areas being found underground. The only known section which has not been hidden beneath the world is the Garage of countless vehicles from speeders to rhinos and aircraft such as the Stormtalon and Thunderhawk.

The Exterior of the Fortress Monastery is known to be covered by dozens of layers of spiked armour plating, these unusual layers help with preventing the climbing of the Monastery's walls but also help lessen the damage done upon the wall, as the impacts from stubber and similar forms of weaponry would penetrate or even bounce off the throned plating. Alongside the many weapon batteries to confront both air and land vehicles and troops, many missile silos are found hidden within the premises of the *Caustic Bastion*, bearing many different types of loads, these missiles have the job of deterring both infantry and vehicles from advancing over a certain threshold where the main armament comes in full effect.

## Chapter Organisation

### Command Ranks

* **Chapter Master**
* **Captain**
* **Lieutenant**

### Senior Specialists

* **Reclusiarch**
* **Chief Librarian**
* **Chief Apothecary**
* **Master of the Forge**

### Specialist Ranks

* **Chaplain**
* **Librarian**
* **Apothecary**
* **Techmarine**
* **Chapter/Company Champion**
* **Ancient** - Standard Bearer.

### Line Ranks

* **Veteran Sergeant**
* **Sergeant**
* **Battle-Brother**
* **Scout Marine**
* **Neophyte**

### Order of Battle

#### Headquarters

**Chapter Master Vaxis Argash,**
***Lord of the Corrosive Thorns & Guardian of Arkarath***
**Chapter Champion**
**Honour Guard**
**Command Squad (Chapter Standard Bearer, Chaplain, Apothecary, Lexicanium & Techmarine)**
**Dreadnoughts**
**Chapter Equerries**
**Head Techmarine**
**Techmarines**
**Head Apothecary**
**Apothecaries**
**Head Librarian**
**Librarians**
**Head Chaplain**
**Chaplains**

#### Companies

**2x Veteran Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Veteran Sergeants**
**2x Veteran Terminator Squad**
**2x Veteran Battleline Squad**
**2x Veteran Fire Support Squad**
**2x Veteran Close Support Squad**
**Command Squad:**
**Apothecary**
**Chaplain**
**Librarian**
**Techmarine**
**Company Anicent**
**Dreadnought**
**Land Raiders**
**Drop Pods/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**

**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**2x Lieutenants**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**2x Lieutenants**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**2x Lieutenants**
**10x Sergeants**
**4x Battleline Squads**
**2x Close Support Squads**
**2x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**10x Fire Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**

**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**10x Close Support Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Ancient**
**Rhinos/Predators**
**Stormtalons/Storm Ravens/Thunderhawks** | **Captain**
**2x Lieutenants**
**Company Champion**
**10x Sergeants**
**10x Scout Squads**
**Command Squad:**
**2x Apothecaries**
**2x Chaplains**
**2x Librarians**
**2x Techmarines**
**Company Anicent**
**Rhinos/Predators**

## Chapter Beliefs

Following the discovery of the ancient parchment presumed to be written by Ferrus Manus himself, the Chapter had over time adopted a notable distaste if not outright hatred for machinery used to replace flesh in any sort of manner if unnecessary. To the Corrosive Thorns, the need for removal of the flesh in honour of the machine is little more than betrayal for their own kind, to further away from one's humanity is considered a grievous sin. While to many within the Chapter, many battle brothers understand the need for replacement of organs with mechanical ones for those unable to afford the cloning of parts like the Chapter itself is known to do, there are few within the core of the Corrosive Thorns which act to greater extremes which end always with arguments and fighting at the mere sight of relatively high-quality bionics.

## Chapter Culture

Across a span of six millennia since their conception, the Corrosive Thorns had founded a large and diverse set of cultural traditions which often can be seen upon the battle plate of the battle brother or on their body. Within the Deathwatch, all accomplishments are stripped from the individual, to deny outsiders from witnessing them, having a level of disregard in terms of others acknowledging their feats and accomplishments

The most notable of the adornments upon the plate of a battle-brother's power armor are the "Thorn-Binds". Dry vines covered in countless large spines which had solidified after all water had been removed, wrapped and bound around the wrists, greaves or heads of Battle Brothers which has gained the rank of Sergeant or higher, being used as a status symbol for those who had ascended through the ranks. The Vine "Headbands" are regularly used only by the Captains of the Chapter however Lieutenants and Sergeants of great renown who had proven themselves countless times may also be given the right to bear them.

The Use of bionics while rare is permitted within the ranks of the Chapter however much so frowned upon. Within the groups known for being the mildest among their kin, bionics are often used as last resort items only to be discarded once a cloned limb had been reconstructed by the Apothecarion, while the most fanatic within the Corrosive Thorns may see the slightest bit of metal upon a person offensive and engage in hostilities. Much to the despair of the Chapter Masters, this balance had shifted from one side to another in a constant motion, often affecting how they operate to the point of it becoming a constant. It is to be noted that not only the Astartes of the Chapter are entitled to this rule of flesh over steel. but also the various serfs who comprise their cast of mortal aids, valuing them over regular servitors, of which the Chapter has the bare minimum.

The Techmarines are vital to all Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, being the lifeline of equipment maintenance for everything and anything, from the simple sword to the largest engine of war, none would dare be against the members of the Technicarium. The Corrosive Thorns are known to break such rule, seeing their Techmarines as a forced necessity which fills is a direct spite against their beliefs, often leading to methods to try and ameliorate the distrust by forcing greater loyalty to the Chapter than the Mechanicus. Within the core of the Chapter, 2 factions had emerged following such aggressive politics.

The greatest in size are the Sons of Arkarath, Techmarines which had not sought Mars as per standard to learn the ways of the Machine, instead, the nearby forge which they call an ally had been given such prestige. The Sons after their training are forced once more to be mind-altered so they may show greater loyalty, being willing subjects to these procedures. On the other hand, the old core of Martian students had protested regarding such foolish and overall mistrust of the machine and augments. Clad in black and red, the only purpose for which the Martian-trained Astartes are kept is little other than practicality and necessity. their disappearance breaking an oath to the Mechanicus which nothing would save them from if it was to be broken, less they may end up like the Marines Malevolent.

### Recruitment Process

Due to the nature of Arkarath as a dead world, the need for off-world recruits is mandatory, recruiting from a high number of nearby planets, preferring the grounds of Underhives and similar, being considered as the grounds for distinguished recruits, Hive Worlds being the primary home of Captains and Chapter Master bar a notable few. Due to the nature in which Astartes demand the best of the best, many of these promising youth are cut down by their fellows to be given the right of ascension.

* Challenge 1:

Following the necessary tests and spiritual measurements by the Apothecarion and Reclusium, the aspirants who seek to join the Corrosive Thorns have to pass the right of being brought to Arkarath. To do so, they must prove their prowess in battle, having to shed the blood of others seeking the same right of becoming an Astarte. Often this forced set of duels to prove their martial prowess ends in more than 60% of the aspirants to perish, letting only the hardiest to continue.

* Challenge 2:

While merely being allowed to step onto the barren field of the Homeworld requires the need to spill the blood of another, to find the Caustic Bastion is another. Without little more than merely the indication of an approximate direction, the surviving aspirants must travel without supplies day and night until they find the proximity of the Fortress Monastery. It is said that in recent times, the survival of the aspirants had increased due to the layers of forgotten bones still on the surface, the concentrations of bone fields deterring them from wondering from a set path which had proved most survivable leading to the implementation of a fourth challenge as to further cull the unexpected pool.

* Challenge 3:

Once ferried to the interior of the fortress-monastery, the aspirants are ushered into the inner sanctum of the Reclusium, urging each aspirant to drink from a blackened chalice from which liquid vaporizes into smoke almost instantly. While being explained as a merely simple drink, in truth the chalice bears a significantly acidic liquid which reacts to its container, upon consumption dissolving the stomachs of all but the hardiest of subjects, further cutting the pool in half.

* Challenge 4:

Upon Arkarath. Small ork outposts and settlements are built with the purpose of being used against Aspirants, being contained by the acidic landscape, only new tube-made orks can be created in the environment, containing any outbreaks by themselves. To be promoted to the rank of Neophyte, an aspirant must fight off alongside a group of other 19 individuals and survive, often having to cull dozens of the greenskins in order to prove victorious.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

Compared to many of their akin to the Iron Hands lineage, the Corrosive Thorns suffer from several flaws affecting their gene-seed, these flaws within their organs causing much concern within the ranks of the Inquisition, in fear of instability of the Chapters supply. As of now, there are two known flaws within the gene-seed of the Corrosive Thorns.

**Mutation 1**: Normally, a Betcher's Gland causes an Astartes' salivary glands to transform their spittle into a corrosive, blinding acid when consciously triggered. But like most 'Cursed' Founding Chapters, the Corrosive Thorn's gene-seed began to show unusual genetic idiosyncrasies not long after its inception, particularly the fusion of their Betcher's Gland with a battle-brother's sweat glands. Over time, the build-up poison within their Betcher's Gland builds up to the point where their body cannot simply filter the built-up toxins, which is then eventually secreted uncontrollably through a Battle-Brother's pores. This corrosive sweat can cause minor damage to the interior of their power armour, and over time, cause superficial damage to the outside of the outer coating of paint, giving the armour a corroded appearance, but doesn't affect the overall function of the battle-plate. The upside of their overactive production of corrosive spittle is that it makes an average Corrosive Thorns battle-brother far more lethal than normal, as well as giving them the added ability to be able to spit this toxic saliva much further. As of 999.M41 further records created by the Genetors tasked with the overview of the Chapter's gene-seed speak of a possible increase in the dangers of this mutation, battle-brothers of the chapter being confirmed as possessing considerably more exocrine glands producing the acid-like substance created by the Astartes of the Corrosive Thorns. Upon a thorough review, the battle-brothers of the Chapter seemed to also bear acidic blood, leading to much speculation by the Adeptus Mechanicus if the purge of this aberrant Chapter will inevitably take place with various new excerpts indicating at various factors keeping such possibility at bay for the time being.

**Mutation 2**: The secondary genetic mutation which all Corrosive Thorns Astartes from is the development of green or turquoise eye colour several years after their induction, leading to the members of the Chapter being easily identified at a glance. Imperial Forces who work alongside the Corrosive Thorns call this obscure mutation an amplifier of sorts for the effect of transhuman dread upon the populace, the vivid colours of the battle brothers' irises being a rather abnormal sight. Unlike the previous and much more violent mutation which is assumed to be artificially introduced within the Geneseed of the Chapter, the odd colouration of the iris had been confirmed as a natural mutation which permeated within the genetic makeup prior to the alterations made during the 21st Founding. It is assumed that in the great span of the Imperium, other Iron Hands successors may perhaps share a similar mutation if the genetic stock were to come from another Chapter rather than directly the stocks of Terra which is more often the case than the latter

## Deathwatch Service

The Corrosive Thorns view the Deathwatch simply as another task, another mission which the Imperium requires them to fulfil to protect humanity from its many enemies. The individual Astartes of the Chapter care not for badges, honours or symbols of pride, as such the Corrosive Thorns inducted within the Deathwatch are placed into squads of marines bearing similar personality attributes. There had been many instances recorded of members of the Corrosive Thorns fighting against members of fellow Iron Hands successors at multiple points throughout their existence, often instigated by their fellows and always ending in one of the two marines being severely injured. This rather common hatred for other successors of Ferrus Manus for this particular Chapter coupled with their distrust as part of the 21st Founding had led to the Corrosive Thorns to find very few squads which fully embrace them, most of whom being comprised of black shields and other likeminded chapters, though few hailing from a different founding.

Compared to the likes of other Chapters who keep hidden their abilities abnormal to the likes of the Adeptus Astartes, especially of those of the 21st Founding, the Corrosive Thorns do the opposite, showing and putting their mutation to good use, leading to many finding out in regards to the nature of their gene-seed flaw which had received much scrutiny from both the Mechanicus and the Ecclesiarchy.

## Chapter Combat Doctrine

While seemingly radical in terms of their methods of combat, the Corrosive Thorns Chapter follows the edicts of the *Codex Astartes*, keeping its interpretation of various combat situations as the main method by which they are dictated, bearing however a significant alteration to suit their own culture. Compared to a regular *Codex*-compliant Chapter, the Corrosive Thorns are known for their increased number of close-ranged battles including the excessive use of melee weaponry alongside complementary tools from their wide arsenal such as pistol variants of bolters, melta, flamers and even acid sprayers' unique to them.

The favourite method of transportation used by the various battle companies and reserves lay in the form of quick thunderhawk assaults, having a known preference to surprise the enemy through the use of shock assaults rather than slow but methodical movements which in contrast are favoured by the Scouts and Veteran Company, whose tactics seek to keep their members as alive as long as possible, disregarding glory and the like for survivability, even going as far to employ the use of rhino and predator formations to aid as support and carriers.

## Chapter Fleet

* ***Venomous Crusade* (Battle Barge)**
* ***Poison Drinker* (Battle Barge)**
* ***Acid Eater* (Strike Cruiser)**
* ***Shield Breaker* (Strike Cruiser)**
* ***The Watcher* (Strike Cruiser)**
* ***Green Goliath* (Strike Cruiser)**
* ***Star Gazer* (Strike Cruiser)**

## Chapter Relics

* ***The Poisoned Lance*** - This weapon is a longer-then-average spear designed by one of the Chapter's renowned Techmarines for the Head Guard defending the Chapter Master to use as a weapon. The Spear has attached a flamer that emits green fire.
* ***Chalice Of The Damned*** - Is a white Chalice decorated with scorpion green lines and decorative wings. It is used as a ceremonial item from which new Chapter Masters drink upon ascension.
* ***Warden Of Solos*** - Is an ancient Land Raider which was part of the Chapter since their conception. The Machine Spirit was so strong that at times it would move ever so slightly without the Chapter realizing it.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The Corrosive Thorns primarily wear white-coloured battle-plate with secondary scorpion green on parts of the helmet, backpack, right shoulder pauldron trim, left arm and both poleyns (knee guards). An open-faced, black-coloured squad specialty symbol (Tactical, Devastator, Assault and Veteran) is painted on the right shoulder pauldron. A black-coloured stylised Roman numeral is stencilled on the armorial inset, which indicates squad number. A white-coloured Roman numeral on the left poleyn indicates company assignment. Often, the overproduction of corrosive sweat tends to, over time, bleed through the battle-plate, causing superficial damage to the battle-plates' sacred livery, and giving the overall armour a corroded appearance.

### Chapter Badge

The Corrosive Thorns Chapter badge is a stylised rendition of a crown of black thorns dripping corrosive poison, evoking the nature of the Chapter's namesake.

## Relations

### Allies

 Caustic Reach |      | The Caustic Reach are another Chapter created during the ill-fated 21st 'Cursed' Founding, and like their counterparts from the Corrosive Thorns, they too, have suffered from strange afflictions due to the bungling ministrations of their Magos Biologis creators. Similar to the Corrosive Thorns, the Caustic Reach also suffers from an over-active Betcher's Gland organ. When exposed to hazardous gasses or toxic environments, the excess toxins and poisons within their bodies are secreted uncontrollably via the Astartes' mouth. This is extremely painful for the marine and can result in a horrifying appearance; blackened teeth and gums, damaged oral cavity, tongue, lips and corroded skin. Chemical burns to their faces are not uncommon, and in some cases, have resulted in the entirety of their heads being severely damaged from these highly corrosive toxic bile secretions. Due to their gruesome appearance and the pungent and disgusting odour that emanates from them, they are often avoided by other Imperial forces as being somehow 'unclean', and many a disgusted ally has labelled the Caustic Reach with the highly offensive moniker - "filth eaters". Despite their affliction, the Caustic Reach have continued to loyally serve the Emperor unflinchingly since their inception. They have formed a mutually beneficial alliance with their cousins from both the Corrosive Thorns and the Bullfrogs, who themselves, suffer very similar afflictions. This Chapter has fought alongside the Corrosive Thorns on several occasions, forging bonds stronger than tempered steel in the heat of battle. Swearing bonds of loyalty and brother, the Caustic Reach will eagerly answer the call for aid should their allies ever request it of them.

## Notable Quotes

### By The Corrosive Thorns

"*We are the true sons of Ferrus Manus for we believe in the purity of flesh and not the corruption of the machine. We are pure!*"
— A Captain of the Chapter giving a short speech before attacking the enemies about to assault the last outpost on an unknown planet
"*The Ironclad were always misguided by their culture like most Successors of our lineage. We shall attempt to convince others to understand our call of redemption for our gene-line. At least we must try.*"
— A Sergeant talking to his subordinates about the Ironclad and how to prevent such things from happening.
"*March Brothers towards the Enemy! March without stopping! Even if you lose limbs it won't matter for our Enemies shall taste our Corrosive Steel!*"
—Unknown Sergeant of the Chapter giving a speech before charging into an enemy force
*Feel free to add your own*
### About The Corrosive Thorns

"*You assume we are heretics brothers, But look at you, your armour corroded and always smelling like rusted metal. You come from the most hated founding, what it is that makes you fall in the same category as all from the 21st? Hmm... Perhaps if we meet we may discuss this issue more in-depth?*"
— Invictors of Mars Astarte talking with a Corrosive Thorn during a honour dispute
"*The 21st Founding possesses a wide array of curses and mutations. Though I do not view them as impurities but as trials. I do understand the burden you care to punish yourselves but in the end, it may make your future more grim, I hope that day doesn't arrive.* "
—Dragons Sanguine belief system upon the 21st Founding Chapters
"*It is intriguing how the Sweat and Betcher Glands mutated and fused with one another creating a whole new ability for the Astartes at the cost of being almost uncontrollable. This may push our efforts further into creating even better marines than before, only time will tell.*"
—A Mago Biologis who took part in the creation of the Primaris
## Notes

The artwork and Chapter Badge has been made/given by Algrim Whitefang all rights go to him.

Source]

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

[Source]

## Gallery

Chapter Master Vaxis Argash, current *Lord of the Corrosive Thorns & Guardian of Arkarath*, arrayed in relic artificer-crafted power armour and wielding an unidentified, wrist-mounted chem-weapon.A Corrosive Thorns Veteran Marine of the elite 1st Company ("Poisoned Hands") arrayed in Indomitus pattern Terminator armour, wielding a relic heavy Rad Grenade Launcher.Corrosive Thorns Battle-Brother of the 2nd Company ("Wrathful Axes"), 4th Battleline Squad.*Pharmakeia*, the relic Spatha Fellglaive Super-Heavy Tank of the Corrosive Thorns Chapter. This ancient vehicle has served the Chapter since its inception. It was presumably gifted to them by their Iron Hands progenitors upon the Chapter's creation.