Hounds Mortalis

Hounds Mortalis Armorial

Hounds Mortalis Marine of the Battleline of the 2nd Company

### **Specialty**

Shock Assault, Close-Quarters Actions ('Forlorn Hope' Objective Assaults, Line-Breaker Attacks, Space Hulk Purgation, Boarding Operations)

### Successor Chapter(s)

Astral Hounds

The **Hounds Mortalis** are a ferocious and bellicose Loyalist Space Marine Chapter created during an Unknown Founding sometime before the 36th Millennium from unknown lineage. They are notable for their preference for melee combat and ferocity in battle, charging their foes in rapid and ever changing spearheads and flanking manouvers. Little is known of the history of this obscure Chapter, save at some point they destroyed much of their Chapter history and took a vow of silence. Their home world was destroyed and the Hounds became a fleet-based Chapter, forever after plying the space lanes of Ultima Segmentum and protecting Imperial worlds from various threats that might assail them.

## Chapter History

The Hounds Mortalis are a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of unknown lineage and Founding, created sometime before M36. The Chapter itself knows little of its past, for during the Scouring of Ascarn, the Chapter took upon a vow of silence and destroyed much of its own records. Since then they have remained a fleet-based Chapter, never to receive the honor of another homeworld. Though they strive on to prove themselves in the eyes of the Emperor, and earn his favor in the afterlife.

Since then they have partaken in numerous campaigns across the galaxy. Preferring to roam the Ultima Segmentum, where have kept in touch with old and gained new allies from where their homeworld was. Although if necessary and having been called upon, they will assemble strike forces to combat other threats such as a Black Crusade, Ork WAAAGH!, or further Tyranid incursions.

When the Cicatrix Maledictum cleaved the galaxy in two, the Chapter had split up into two major strike forces. The first lead by Strategos Orius, carving a bloody path to reach Terra and regroup upon hearing the news of the newly returned Primarch, Roboute Guilliman. The other, led by 1st Captain Agrias is across the galaxy in Imperium Nihilus, fighting a desperate battle upon the cardinal world of Sictus V.

## Notable Campaigns

* **Fall of Ascarn (Unknown Date.M36** - One of the earliest engagements the current Hounds Mortalis have records of, although fragmented they have been able to piece together a schism within the Chapter. Though the details of the schism, and what lead to the Penitent Crusade in the aftermath is a mystery.

## Chapter Organisation

The Hounds Mortalis are adherents to the *Codex Astartes* for as long as it allows, yet they recognizes their own shortcomings. Due to their genetic flaw, they strive to end any and all conflict as swiftly as possible. They operate in a fluid and flexible manner, able to split and form squads and demi-companies as they see fit whenever needed. With a doctrine that compliments close combat, hounding the enemies until they break, lest they exhaust their own and die. While ultimate power rests with the Chapter Master, the Chapter keeps a close council with his ten Captains, the Master of Sanctity, Master of the Librarium, and the Master of the Forge. All of whom can serve as leaders of strike forces, depending on what is needed from the Chapter at the time. In addition, they also have the power to remove the power from the Chapter Master, should there be a basis for transgressions.

The Chapter is divided into nine companies. With the first Company being the Veteran Company, never serving together but split up into multiple demi-companies. The second through fifth company are the battle-companies of the Chapter, specialized in melee and close quarter gunfire. Acting a spear thrust into the formations of the enemies. The sixth through ninth company acts as reserve companies, focusing on long ranged support. Acting as a protective shield. Lastly the tenth company acts as a scout company, heralding the true coming of the Hounds.

### Command Ranks

* **Strategos** - Chosen by the council, a Marine is elevated to the rank of Strategos, the Chapter Master of the Hounds Mortalis. Though he retains ultimate power over the Chapter, should the council find him wanting they may revoke the given power. The times this has happend can be counted on a single hand, within the Chapters entire known history.

* **Master of Sanctity** - The Master of Sanctity pulls a dual purpose within the Hounds Moralis, with the Apothecarium incorporated into the Chaplaincy, the Master of Sanctity oversees the mental and physical purity for the Chapter. In addition to religious rites and rituals. Even leading troops where his fiery speeches and awe inspiring presence is deemed necessary.

* **Master of the Librarius** - Chosen for their discipline and understanding of the warp more so than their power of it. The Master of the Librarius beyond leading the Librarius, offers advice and tactical suggestions above raw combat prowess. In battle, they may be given command over strike forces against the Ruinous Powers, for their speciality and knowledge in countering it.

* **Master of the Forge** - The Master of the Forge oversees the forges of the Chapter and the Tech-Marines. Overseeing all vehicles, munitions and arms. Though he rarely takes to the field, when he does he is a forced to be reckoned with in armored warfare. Leading troops into battle, in situations where massed armor assault and mechanized troops take to the battle.

* **Captain** - The Captains serves as commanders of the nine Companies, or alternatively they may be given overall command of a strike force, consisting of multiple companies. With an added specialty they command, be it master of munitions or master of marches. Each retain a seat upon the council that controls the Chapter, and though only the Strategos may anoint a Captain. In turn, only the council may revoke the title should they deem it necessary.

### Specialist Ranks

* **Chaplain**

* **Apothecary**

* **Librarian**

* **Techmarine**

### Junior Ranks

* **Lieutenant Superior** - Chosen for his skill at arms and the task at hand, the Lieutenant Superior is the pinnacle of the Chapters flexibility. The Lieutenant Superior is chosen by a Captain for his skill and understanding of warfare, and drawn from the 1st Veteran Company detachment attached to the strikeforce. Because of this ad-hoc nature, there is no true number of Lieutenant superiors within the Chapter or even company

* **Lieutenant Inferior** - Chosen by the battle-brothers of the Company, the Lieutenant Inferior is the link between the battle-brothers and the Captain. Though he commands troops it is not his main purpose, he is to be the link between the Captain and the Company. To represent their voices and grievances, should the battle-brothers have any. IF serious enough, the Lieutenant Inferior may even go before the Council, and aim for a vote of no confidence in the Captain.

## Chapter Recruitment

To become a member of the Hounds Mortalis, like all Astartes, a boy must undergo harrowing trials to prove both their physical and mental strength. After a campaign, the Chapter will request to be able to draw recruits from a world. They will run preliminary tests and trials for the boys, to divide them into two groups. Those who are unworthy of becoming an Astartes, will be given the offer join the Chapter as serfs. Once they embark to the Chapters fleet, there is no going back. There is only service, or death.

The other group, are the boys who are deemed worthy. Taken to the fleet for further trials, testing the aspirants both mentally and physically. Pushing them past the breaking point, tearing down any senmblence of who they were. Only then will the implantation begin, moulding the aspirants into true Astartes. Taken into the 10th Scout Company, where they are further tested in endurance lest they fall to their genetic flaws.

## Deathwatch Service

Deathwatch service within the Hounds Mortalis is seen as a severe punishment, whether it be imposed by the Chapters council or out of a Marines own volition. The former may be a punishment when a marine has acted improper, be it on or off the battlefield. The latter may be ae means for a brother to atone for a self percieved failure or failing a sacred duty, and a way for them to regain their honor and to train harder than ever before.

## Combat Doctrine

The Hounds Mortalis are focused on close combat, and shock assaults to break apart the enemy. Each battle company focuses on forward momentum, with additional assault squads and mechanized elements. While the reserve companies focus on supporting the battle-lines, and in prolonged engagements will fluidly swap their squads with the battle companies to counteract their gene-seed flaw. This ensures the Chapter can keep up constant pressure and achieve their goals as quickly as possible.

The first emphasis of the Chapter, is the unity of action and interaction within its ranks. A battle-brother is expected to fill a variety of roles, fit in any squads of the company and serve any purpose deemed necessary. Such is the discipline and coordination the Chapter requires, in it’s fluid, adapting and ever changing strategies. From the first hours of an aspirant, they are trained together in units rather than individual soldiers. The success of one and their very survival, is all defendant on the function of the unit. They required both discipline and cooperation to overcome, and were expected to adapt to any situation. For such is the way of the Hounds.

A second emphasis of the Chapter, is close combat and rapid maneuvers. Applying pressure and never giving the enemy pause until they have been defeated. Hounding the enemy, until they are dead or break. The aspirants are taught that to stand still is to die. They are to overwhelm the enemy from all sides, in devastating shock assaults and flanking maneuvers Pitting their strength of arms and deadly short-ranged fire against the enemies.

## Chapter Beliefs

One would imagine much of the culture from their homeworld would be lost along with it, the Chapter has seem to have only strengthened the culture inherited by it. They have been shaped by their heritage, banning the use of honor duels among their own. In its place they have debates, sparing with words and reason as they did on their homeworld. They are all brothers in arms now, it is the binding element. In this environment, art and philosophy have also become very common. It has become a way for a battle-brother to express oneself, and let out emotions that would otherwise be kept hidden.

While a Battle-Brother is off duty, or wounded they can spend time in the forums, debating strategy, history, tales and legends. They will ponder the fundamental structure of the Imperium, and they may speak freely regardless of rank. Here all brothers are equal, only the Chaplaincy may moderate them. What is said there will remain there, it is forbidden for to speak of it to the outside the Chapter, for such questioning and criticism is surely not approved by the wider Imperium.

The Chapter believes in a cycle of life and death, and the reincarnation of spirits. That which breaks this cycle is an abomination, an affront to the nature of all things. When the body dies the spirit should be set free. It is for this reason, the Chapter rarely has any Dreadnoughts. Those that are entered within the sarcophagus, make the ultimate sacrifice. Able to pass on wisdom to new generations of Astartes, while kept in a near death state.

When a brother of the Chapter dies in battle, the Chapter will fight with zeal to retrieve it. Not just for the geneseed, but for the ritual that comes after. Following the success of the mission or battle, the Chapter will dedicate three days to honor their deceased. Overseen by the Chaplaincy, and held in one of their ships great halls. The first, will be to clean the body and to drape it in cloth, as well as collecting geneseed if such is needed. The second day the body will lay on display, with a golden token laid on their lips with the insignia of a wolf. So that when his spirit pass into the afterlife, it will be recognized as one of the Hounds. On the third day, the company will repair and clean the gear of the deceased. Then hold a great feast where the deceased are to be hosts, as a sign of gratitude to the company that took him in.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

The Hounds Mortalis of the Adeptus Astartes are superhuman warriors tempered for war, like their brothers in arm among other Chapters. They nonetheless display several unique traits from their organs implanted. At the heart of their genetic heritage lies the Haemastamen, set to monitor the phase two Ossmodula and the phase three Biscopea, and enhances the blood of the Astartes. Yet for the Hounds Mortalis the organ has come to define who they are as Astartes.

It has increased the hormonal growth of the Chapter, leading to distinct physical appearances from most of their Astartes brothers. With more hair growth and growth of their teeth. Giving them a more wild and ferocious look. In addition to a more aggressive behavior, which is why honor duels have now been forbidden. Their blood and adrenaline pumps at a much higher rate in battle than normal. In addition to this, whether it’s a defect of the Haemastamen or something else, their phase ten Occulobe and phase eleven Lyman's Ear work at an advanced rate. They are able to pick up and process visual and audible information much quicker. Giving them faster reaction and excellent melee combatants and aerial pilots.

Yet their gene-seed is not flawless, with their organ defects come drawbacks. Their blood, the sacred vitae that allows them to fight with ferocity and incredible reaction, also pushes them to the limit. The Astartes fight in such a frenzy to the point of exhaustion, thus longer engagement and defensive battles become suicide for them. When wounded, a marine will also experience greater loss of blood at an accelerated rate, that which is meant to coagulate around it and seal it malfunctioning. They do not consider themselves cursed nor are they blessed. It is simply the hand they have been dealt. It is the will of the Emperor, no reward comes without a trial.

## Notable Members

* **Strategos Orius** - The current Chapter Master of the Hounds Mortalis, known for his sharp wits, tactical genious and inspiring words. Indeed Orius is no fighter at heart, contrary to many of the other Chapter Master of Legend. Certainly many of his Captains boast better skill at arms, yet his quick mind and awe inspiring words command loyalty and respect. He will adapt to any foe, changing tactics on the go, and his commands will be followed to the letter with discipline and zeal.

* **1st Captain Agrias** - He stands as an imposing figure, even for the heightened brothers of the Primaris. He is known as the bloody hand of Strategos Orius, and a ferocious warrior to behold in battle. Though he is by no means a perfect commander, for all his brawn he has been found wanting in strategy. He is a direct and brash. Though his brothers respect him, as he is found leading from the front where the battle is thickest, and would never ask anything of his brothers that he himself would not do.

* **5th Captain Crawder** - When the torchbearer fleets of the [[w:cwarhammer4

* **Battle Brother Itheus** - The sole survivor of his squad, Itheus went into self imposed exile into the Deathwatch to repent for his percieved sins. Quiet and withdrawn, he rarely engages with his Kill Team beyond training, though keeps an exemplary service record in battle. Carrying himself with a callous attitude towards his fellows, and loyalty to his superiors. They are here to do one job, and so he shall execute it.

## Chapter Fleet

* **Bastion of Lycaos** - Serving as the Fortress Monastery of the Chapter, this Battle Barge has since M36 been the cloest thing to a home for the Chapter. After the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum, it was safely preserved within the Imperium proper. However linked up with the Indomitus Crusade crossing into Imperium Nihilus, in an effort to regroup with the remnants of the Chapter within Nihilus.

* **Pillar of Spite** - The Pillar of Spite serves as the Chapters forward base of operation. Often put in charge of large fleet formations and deep space operations. Where the Bastion of Lycaos is protected at all times, the Pillar of Spite has no such reservations. Though the Chapter would never throw it away needlessly, it is none the less utilized for daunting tasks. Be it as the vanguard of a larger operation, or alone in deep space.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

Their armor clad in gilded gold, a tradition hailing from their homeworld of Ascarns ancient warrior caste. Decored in red, and their shoulder intestints coated in black. Decored in slain beasts, adorned in fetishes and trophies to note their victories and triumphs.

### Chapter Badge

The Hounds Mortalis Chapter badge takes the form of a white coloured profile of a snarling hound's head centered upon a field of black.

## Relations

### Enemies

* **Astral Hounds** - The Astral Hounds was a Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes, turned renegade after the Age of Apostasy. They are a mark of shame for the Hounds Mortalis, and are are relentlessly hunted by the Hounds. The Astral Hounds have reached the conclusion that, when a soul dies it goes to realm of Chaos, because of the sheer depravity within the Imperium. It is to them far better to bring it all to ruin, and rebirth the Imperium anew, rather than to cling on to decaying Imperium we see now. Only by allowing Chaos to consume itself, and wash over the galaxy can humanity as a whole ever be saved. This of course, have led them down the path of ruin. Though their goal was perhaps once noble, they appear as little more than pawns in the games of Gods and greater champions of Chaos alike.