Kwaku

Kwaku Anansi, Chapter Master of the Black Fangs

### **Aliases**

"First of the Veilborn", "Weaver of Deception", "Knower of Forbidden Paths", "Keeper of the Veiled Truths", "The Spider", "Cleanser of Synrock"

## Physical Description

### **Hair colour**

Black

**Kwaku** is the current Chapter Master of the Black Fangs, with the title Anansi; he leads his squad of elite Maroons in the most crucial operations. When necessary, he will take complete command over the Chapter to organize larger offensives.

## History

### Early Years

Kwaku was created in the year 857.M41, and was the first full Veilborn marine after centuries of testing and development. As the first of his kind Kwaku, previously known as "K", was the test subject for the project. After 133 years of combat experience, under the watchful eye of the Veiled Serpents, he was considered a success and was appointed as the Chapter Master of the soon-to-be-formed Black Fangs, consisting of entirely Veilborn Marines.

### Synrock Campaign

A seasoned warrior, Kwaku was struck by the curse that afflicts his Chapter while on a mission to eradicate a pernicious Chaos cult on the jungle planet Sydrock. Without realizing his condition, Kwaku continued his regular operation. He indulged himself in the pleasures that came with his new-found enjoyment of brutality. His lust for combat intensified, and he indulged himself in the thrills of war. His overconfidence proved his undoing, as he and his honour guard fell into a trap that he should have foreseen. Kwaku emerged from the ambush as the sole survivor, with the weight of the mission still upon his shoulders. Rather than retreat, he continued his quest, engaging in a one-man war against the cultists for two Terran months, clearing two more cultist outposts. With fang and blade, he cut a swath through the enemy, sabotaging their infrastructure and striking at their very heart.

Self-punishment was not the singular motivation of this crusade. With a conscious effort, he documented every symptom of his curse rigorously. Every moment of delight or pleasure was etched into his mind. The feelings of battle hunger and the urges imposed by the thrumming in his head were noted.

By the assault on the final outpost, Kwaku fully embraced the joy that came with terrorizing his enemies. Leaving dying cultists where they could be found and mutilating corpses, leaving effigies in view of the encampment lookout towers. Every horrific deed he committed sated his condition's bloodlust for a time. With this practice, he was able to come into complete control over the state that cost him his guard. When Kwaku finally departed from the planet that had taken his closest Ba, he vowed never to lose himself again in battle, and he set about better understanding the curse present in his chapter.

### Containment of The Tínya

Upon returning to his homeworld, he created a mandate. Any brother suffering from symptoms as severe as his would be moved to the front lines of the Vanguard. This regiment would limit the tactical degradation of the Maroon squads during stealth operations. With the help of the Baron Samby, he spent one Terran year researching his Chapter's condition, categorizing symptoms into the three stages of the Kítireri Thrum.

After another year of experimentation, Kwaku had the answer. He devised a diagnostic process that could detect and categorize all cases of the Kítireri Thrum. This test became a pre-mission ritual for every Black Fang regardless of their position or rank. The practice of relocating the most debilitating cases remained.

He also opened his Chapter to the culture of his homeworld. At first, Kwaku was strict, limiting his Chapter's interactions with the boisterous culture of Yemaya. During his investigations, he noticed members of the Black Fangs who conducted training and recruitment on Yemaya reported lesser symptoms than their void-faring brothers. Believing it was this planetary integration that restrained the Thrum's effects, he set about testing his theory. Kwaku introduced Yemayan storytellers and musicians into his fleet's serfdom and within three Terran months, he noticed results. Though the Thrum still took its share of victims, the rituals developed after Kwaku's experiment lessened the burden on his The Black Fangs.

## Personality

Kwaku, the reserved and introspective Chapter Master, carries a sombre demeanour that has only deepened in the aftermath of the tragic events on Synrock. Though he has fostered a vibrant and rich culture within his Chapter, Kwaku himself finds solace in the melodic rhythms of the Tuajίna, a resounding talking drum that echoes ceaselessly within his mind.

While the culture he has cultivated within the Chapter embraces boldness, valor, and vibrant expressions of brotherhood, Kwaku stands as a stark contrast—a man of few words and introspective nature. The weight of his past experiences, especially the tragedy that befell his Chapter, has tempered his spirit and has veiled him in an aura of subdued contemplation.

In the quiet moments of solitude, Kwaku finds solace in the rhythmic beats of the Tuajίna. Its resonant tones serve as a constant companion, a timeless conduit that speaks to his soul. Through its pounding cadences, he hears the echoes of his Chapter's triumphs, sorrows, and the indomitable spirit that binds them together.

The Tuajίna becomes his sanctuary, a vessel through which he channels his emotions and seeks guidance in times of adversity. Its intricate melodies and hypnotic rhythms guide his thoughts, providing him with clarity, and resolve.

In the presence of his brothers, Kwaku's subdued demeanour is not misconstrued as aloofness or disinterest. Rather, it is seen as a testament to the depth of his introspection and his dedication to their cause. His quiet presence commands respect, as his brothers recognize that his true strength lies not in boisterous declarations but in the connection he shares with the Tuajίna.

## Kwaku's Wargear

Kwaku's Bolt CarbineKwaku's Bolt Carbine (Shrouded)Kwaku Anansi's PowerpackKwaku's Ikayema, Moonfang

## Art Gallery

Kwaku Anansi, Chapter Master of the Black Fangs (Pre-Upheaval)