Space Marines

Foremost amongst the defenders of mankind are the Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes, the greatest of the God-Emperor's soldiers. They are barely human at all, but superhuman; having been made superior in all respects to a normal man by a harsh regime of genetic modification, psycho-conditioning and rigorous training. Space Marines are untouched by plague and can suffer wounds that would kill a lesser being several times over, and live to fight again. Clad in power armour and wielding the most potent weapons known to man, the Space Marines are terrifying foes and their devotion to the Emperor and the Imperium of Man is unbreakable. They are the Angels of Death, and they shall know no fear.

Potential Space Marines are recruited from the worlds where a Chapter has established its fortress monastery, although some are known to recruit from a collection of worlds. Recruiting methods vary from chapter to chapter. Some select their cadets from feral tribes roaming the surface of inhospital worlds, others draw upon eager volunteers who have been groomed from birth to become an Astartes. Still others watch and kidnap potential warriors, turning them into Astartes whether they will it or not. Whatever the method, all Space Marine chapters will only accept those who successfully pass the grueling initiation trials and prove themselves worthy of becoming a Space Marine.

Regardless of how a man becomes a Space Marine is irrelevant: once his body has been forged into that of a superhuman Astartes, he must forever stand aside from the people to whom he was once kin. Once a man becomes a Space Marine, he is no longer mortal; his heritage is that of the Emperor, and a spark of the same majesty flows in his veins.

Space marines are gay.

Ye.. pretty much..

Space marines are gay.

They are really

Vehicles

The Adeptus Astartes have access to some of the most powerful and rarest vehicles in the Imperium. They are all treated as holy relics, and lovingly maintained by the Chapter's Techpriests. Many vehicles are ancient STC designs, barely understood by the current Adeptus Mechanicus.

Dreadnought

The greatest of Marines who fall in battle with grievous and often life threatening wounds are placed into a dreadnought that allows the pilot to live through a sophisticated array of life support machines. The pilot of the dreadnought is hooked straight into the dreadnought to preserve him and allows the Marine to control the dreadnought as if it were his own body. It is a great honor to be deemed worthy enough to enter a dreadnought and keep fighting in the Emperor's name for many more millennia, for the knowledge to create new dreadnoughts has been lost over the long centuries. Some marines that have been placed in the great dreadnoughts have been around dating back to when the Emperor himself still walked among his people. When the dreadnoughts are not needed by the chapter, they are placed back into the chapter's chapel to sleep away the centuries until they are needed once more.

Rhino

A fast troop transport, a Rhino APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) can hold up to ten Space Marines not including the two crew members. The chassis of the Rhino is very versatile, and serves as the basis for some of the other Space Marine vehicles. The Rhino can have pintle-mounted weapons.

Razorback

A Razorback is a variant of the Rhino chassis that sacrifices some troop capacity for additional firepower. Razorbacks are commonly mounted with twin-linked heavy bolters or twin-linked lascannons on a single turret on the chassis, and are excellent for firepower to smaller squads. They can, however, also utilize Assault Cannons, or Multi-Meltas. With the addition of the turret, troop capacity is limited to six Marines.

Predator

The Predator is a heavily-armored Rhino variant that is used as a light tank. With the added weapons it offers no space for troop transport. Armed with either an autocannon or twin-linked lascannons on it's main turret, it can also have heavy bolters or lascannons mounted on sponsons to either side as well. The Blood Angels Company is one exception in that they have been known to field a 'Baal' variant of the Predator. The Baal Predator is equipped with a twin-linked Assault Cannon on it's main turret and single Heavy Flamers or Heavy Bolter mounted to either side on sponsons as well.

Whirlwind

Being a mobile force, the Space Marines have little need for artillery. However, when it is called for, they can utilize the Whirlwind, which is another Rhino variant armed with a long-range missile pod, and can bombard enemy positions in preparation for attack. Whirlwinds offer two types of ammunition in the forms of Frag and Krak missiles, depending on the threat they will engage. As with the Predator there is no room left inside these tanks for troop transportation, after they are outfitted.

Vindicator

When attacking fortified positions, Space Marines use a Vindicator, which fills nearly the entire Rhino chassis with the massive, snub-nosed "Demolisher Cannon", capable of blasting through the thickest walls. This weapon has proven so effective that the Iron Warriors Traitor Legion makes it a point to scavenge these for their own use whenever possible.

Land Speeder

Incredibly fast, the double-seat Land Speeder ground-effect vehicle is used to attack enemy fortifications and heavy weapons from the air. Although it is well-armed it has little armor and relies on speed and rapid strikes for protection.

Its other variants include;

The Tornado: The Tornado pattern Land Speeder mounts twice as many heavy weapons as the basic Land Speeder and can also choose from a wider variety of weapons, able to mount an assault cannon or a heavy flamer.

The Typhoon:The Land Speeder Typhoon, is extraordinary at anti-personnel actions on the battlefield. The Typhoon mounts a twin-linked Typhoon Missile Launcher. The Typhoon missile inflicts a hard hit with the Blast template at long range and rarely misses since it is twin-linked. The Typhoon variant's only real drawback is its lack of versatility - the Typhoon missile launcher is excellent at destroying infantry or light vehicles, but almost useless against even medium armour such as the Eldar Falcon or Tau Devilfish.

The Tempest: Sporting better armour, an assault cannon, and a twin-linked missile launcher, the Tempest is among the most feared versions of the Land Speeder. The Tempest has a bit of a difficult combination of weapons - the assault cannon has a medium range while the missile launcher fires out to a decently long range in comparison. Better frontal armour means that the Tempest can usually get in close to troops without much worry. Also, Tempests are not upgrade variants like the Tornado and Typhoon. Instead, the Tempest is a separate Fast Attack vehicle option, and normally are only be fielded in squadrons of one model. This means a maximum of only three Tempests are fielded in a standard Space Marine army. However, the twin-linked firepower of the Tempest's missile launcher and its increased armour make the Tempest a force to be reckoned with, used regularly for an open Fast Attack choice. The Tempest is no longer available as an option in the most recent Space Marine Codex.

The Storm: The latest of the Landspeeder variants to be introduced to the game, the Storm is a transport vehicle for the exclusive use of the Space Marine Scouts. It sports a larger cargo compartment for the accommodation of five of the aforementioned Scouts, as well as a Jamming Beacon and a Cerberus Launcher. As a trade-off, it can only take one weapon, rather than the usual two, and has fewer choices as to which weapon it will take.

Land Raider

The Land Raider is one of the most powerful tanks at the Imperium's disposal, and also one of the rarest. A chapter is lucky to have more than five at its disposal. It can transport troops into battle, carries enough weapons to blast its way though nearly any defense, and has armor thick enough to withstand massive amounts of fire.

The normal Land Raider pattern is called the Phobos. It carries a hull-mounted, twin-linked heavy bolter able to turn light infantry into sludge. It also carries two twin-linked "Godhammer" pattern Lascannons in its two side sponsons, making the Land Raider an extremely formidable foe for armored vehicles, able to stand up for itself in any fight against any other vehicle, and come out victorious almost all of the time.

Land Raiders are also equipped with a "Machine Spirit", an Artificial Intelligence crafted by the Adeptus Mechanicus. The Machine Spirit is smart enough to move the tank and fight even without a crew. It enables the tank to move even when the crew has been stunned, and is able to operate one weapon of the player's choice, to shoot at a target. However, the artificial intelligence of the machine spirit is nothing compared to the battle-hardened Space Marine crew of the Land Raider, and as a result, accuracy suffers considerably.

Land Raiders were once used by all branches of the Imperium's armed forces. During the Horus Heresy, the Emperor ordered that their use be restricted to the Space Marines, as they were at the forefront of the wars. The popularity of this mighty war engine was so great, that a whole Forge World, Anvilus 9, was entirely turned over to Land Raider production. But, at the beginning of the Horus Heresy, Anvilus 9 was overrun by renegade techpriests. Other Forge Worlds of the Imperium also ceased to function, either suffering the same fate as Anvilus 9, or became neutral, leaving only a small number of loyalist Forge Worlds behind, and Land Raider production suddenly slowed to a trickle.

With Horus' forces threatening to overrun Terra, the planet where the Emperor is stationed, the Emperor decreed that all Land Raiders still at the loyalist side were to be reformed for exclusive use by the Space Marines, who were at the forefront of the fighting. Once the Horus Heresy has been crushed with the sacrifice of the Emperor, the decree of exclusive use remained in place, even after the ascension of the Emperor to the Golden Throne, as none dared to revoke His most holy commandments. Thus, the decree remained in place for the last ten thousand years.

Land Raider Crusader

The Land Raider Crusader is nearly identical to the standard Land Raider, but is armed to provide short-ranged, anti-infantry support. The Crusader was originally developed by the Black Templars Chapter, but was eventually authorized for use by other Chapters (who, it should be noted, had already been using them for some time beforehand.) All Chapters are now only allowed to have 1 in their army, except the Black Templars

The Land Raider Crusader is armed with a hull-mounted twin-linked Assault Cannon turret, and sponson-mounted Hurricane Bolters (essentially six bolters linked together). It is also equipped with a Multi-Melta to burn through armored walls, and its front is studded with fragmentation launchers to assist the troops disembarking from its front ramp. The removal of the Lascannon sponsons allows for greater troop capacity. The Crusader may transport 8 Marines in Terminator armor, or 15 Marines in standard power armor.

Land Raider Redeemer

The Land Raider Redeemer is an evolution of the Crusader, created by the Salamanders Chapter. The Redeemer retains the assault cannon and frag launchers of the Crusader, but replaces the hurricane bolter sponsons with flame projectors. These flamestorm cannons are able to purge even a well-defended bunker complex in seconds.

Land Raider Terminus Ultra

Released in the Apocalypse series, the Land Raider Terminus Ultra Pattern is one of the Imperium's best tanks. It is a Land Raider with 2 side-mounted Twin-Linked Lascannons, 2 side-mounted Single-Linked Lascannons, and a Twin-Linked Lascannon on the roof. The only downside to this vehicle is that it can't carry troops, yet the sheer fire power fully makes up for it.

Space Marine Chapters

First Founding

The Space Marines were originally divided into 20 vast Legions, each Legion being based on genetic material from one of the original Primarchs. When 18 of the Primarchs were rediscovered during the Great Crusade, they became leader of the Legion based on them. During the Horus Heresy half of the Legions turned traitor.

Loyalists

These Legions remained loyal to the Emperor during the Horus Heresy. They were subsequently split up into smaller Chapters, one of which retained the name of the original Legion.

Name	Primarch	Homeworld	Comments
Ultramarines	Roboute Guilliman	Macragge	This chapter is known as the model for all space marines due to the exemplary discipline and loyalty to the God-Emperor of Mankind. As the largest Legion at the time of the second founding they produced the largest number of second founding chapters.. This chapter's first company was wiped out by the Tyranids during the Legendary Battle for Macragge; it has taken a century to fully reconstitute.
Blood Angels	Sanguinius	Baal	Suffer from black rage and red thirst, those that succumb to the red thirst are put into the specially created Death Company as the crazed battle brother sees only the last moments of his Primarchs death and enters a killing frenzy. prefer usage of jump packs and close combat.
Dark Angels	Lion El'Jonson	Caliban (Destroyed)	Refer to themselves and their successors as the Unforgiven, Tactics are their first two Companies (The Deathwing) and (The Ravenwing)
Space Wolves	Leman Russ	Fenris	This particular chapter is known for following its own path and using highly unorthodox in organization and tactics - often contrary to the Codex Astartes. They are feral in appearance and are often adorned with wolf pelts,and wolf tooth necklaces. They are the only ones who do not follow the Codex.
Imperial Fists	Rogal Dorn	Terra	This chapter is renown for being siege specialists. They are also known to have a bitter and eternal feud with the corrupted Iron Warriors.
White Scars	Jaghatai Khan	Mundus Planus	Mongol-based culture and fast-attack doctrines. They are also known for being bike specialists.
Iron Hands	Ferrus Manus	Medusa	Devotees of the Machine Cult. High incidence of cybernetic modifications to their bodies. All new trainees have their left hand removed and replaced with a cybernetic model.
Salamanders	Vulkan	Nocturne	Technically-adept chapter with a preference for short-ranged combat, heat-based weaponry, and energized hammers.
Raven Guard	Corax	Deliverance	Specializes in hit-and-run assaults, prefer jump packs and lightning claws, commonly deploys through drop pods.

Traitors

These Legions sided with Horus and the forces of Chaos in the Horus Heresy. After their defeat they fled into the Eye of Terror becoming the Chaos Space Marines.

Name	Primarch	Homeworld	Comments
Luna Wolves	Horus	Cthonia	Renamed Sons of Horus. after Horus’ death they became the Black Legion.
Night Lords	Konrad Curze/Night Haunter	Nostramo	Specializes in terror and atrocities.
Word Bearers	Lorgar	Colchis	Only Chaos Legion with Chaplains, called Dark Apostles; strongly religious in mindset.
Alpha Legion	Alpharius/Omegon	Unknown	Subtlety and covert ops are this Legion's forte; adopted hydra as their motif.
Emperor's Children	Fulgrim	Chemos	Devotees of Slaanesh.
Iron Warriors	Perturabo	Olympia	Siege and trench warfare specialists.
World Eaters	Angron	Unknown	Devolved into mindless bloodthirsty fanatics post-Heresy; chosen-ones of Khorne.
Death Guard	Mortarion	Barbarus	Plague-ridden devotees of Nurgle.
Thousand Sons	Magnus the Red	Prospero	Sorcerors of Tzeentch.

Note - the Traitor Legions' homeworlds were later destroyed. with the exception of the Alpha Legion's homeworld which was never discovered.

Unknown

There are two other First Founding Legions whose names and histories are totally unknown. Following the Horus Heresy all historical records mentioning these Legions were revised or destroyed, in order to erase them from Imperial history. Given the totalitarian nature of the Imperium, it seems likely these Legions were completely removed from all historical records for bringing some sort of shame on the Imperium.

Later Foundings

After the Horus Heresy, it was determined that the Legions were too powerful to be controlled by one man. In what is known as the Second Founding, the existing Legions were broken up into the Chapters which remain the primary organization of the Adeptus Astartes to this day.

In subsequent Foundings, the Imperium has created new Chapters of Space Marines, using gene-seed sampled from existing ones. Many of these successor Chapters still keep the memory of their progenitor Legion or Chapter, and maintain their methods of operation and battle.

Examples of Successor Chapters include:

Astral Claws: a Chapter led into Chaos by their traitorous Chapter Master, igniting the Badab War. They currently form a group of rebel Marines known as the Red Corsairs, who ruthlessly attack supply lines in the name of Chaos.
Black Templars
Crimson Fists
Doom Eagles
Executioners
Fire Hawks
Flesh Tearers
Howling Griffons
Lamenters: an unfortunate Chapter who fought on the losing side in the Badab War, before being devastated by the Tyranids.
Mantis Legion
Marines Errant
Marines Malevolent
Raptors: Successors of the Raven Guard who specialize in jungle warfare.
Relictors: a radical Chapter that utilises the weapons of Chaos to destroy the minions of Chaos themselves. This brings them into conflict with the Inquisition but ironically also finds them favour with radical Inquisitors.
Scythes of the Emperor: a Chapter of Space Marines who were all but destroyed by the Tyranids. Their armour was black and yellow, with a yellow scythe symbol on the shoulder panels.
Sons of Guilliman: A Chapter that originally was a part of the Ultramarines.
Soul Drinkers : A Chapter loyal to the Emperor, but not to the corrupt Imperium, has mutating Gene-Seed.
Subjugators
White Consuls
Iron Snakes: A newer Chapter of Space Marines created by novelist Dan Abnett

For a list of the Space Marine Chapters see Space Marine Chapters

Honors and Badges

Purity Seal

The Purity Seal is often awarded to Marines who show themselves to be "morally pure" by their words and deeds. Also, before a campaign, the Chapter's Chaplains will mark certain individuals with litanies. Each seal has a different blessing or invocation from one of the Chapter's Chaplains and is often replaced with a more permanent electrum casting of the seal.

Marksman's Honor

This device is the Marksman's Honor. Acts of remarkably accurate shooting or consistent performance with targeting are marked with this award. The Codex insists that those warriors who prove their accuracy in combat should be singled out so that their skill may be instantly commanded when necessary. The badges themselves are believed to have been constructed by taking gold bolter shells cases, fired in battle from the boltgun of Roboute Guilliman himself, and encasing them in the award.

Imperial Laurel

The Imperial Laurel denotes veteran status and is awarded to Marines who perform "acts of valor leading to great victory" or "an act of extreme bravery". It is often sculpted onto the helmet or worn as a crown, the Wreathed Skull is another common design variation. The Codex Astartes states that all Company Standards be carried into battle by warriors who have proven themselves, so all bearers must first wear the Laurels.

Terminator Honors

The Crux Terminatus, or Terminator Honor Badge is given to Marines who have been trained in the use of Terminator Armor. Sergeants and officers wear variations of the badge to signify their rank. It is said that each of these badges has a fragment of the Emperor's own armor within it.

Skull and Motto

In Imperial iconery, the skull is incorporated into many devices. The Skull and Motto is one example. It is used when the other specified honor badges would be inappropriate, and often the motto is simply one word. The badge can be found on shoulder pads, banners, leg armor, and even vehicles.

Imperialis

The Imperialis was originally the campaign badge used by loyal Marine Chapters during the Horus Heresy. Over time it has evolved into the "honor of righteous victory". It's most commonly seen carved into Marine chest armor, but can also be found on banners or atop their poles.

Iron Skull

The Iron Skull is the Codex insignia for Sergeants, and is displayed on the helmet and/or shoulder pad of the Marine as a sign of rank. Generally accepted convention is that a red skull device is used to represent it.

Iron Halo

The Iron Halo is awarded to Marines that show "exceptional initiative". It is the Codex insignia for Squad leaders, and is displayed on the helmet and/or shoulder pad of the Marine as a sign of rank.

Prime Helix

The Prime Helix is the symbol of the Apothacarion, worn by Medics. The design represents the Gene-seed DNA, and the color represents the sacrifice that every Marine is willing to make.

File:Machina Opus.jpg

Machina Opus

The Machina Opus is the symbol of a Tech-Priest Adept, worn by Techmarines. Once earned, its bearer is granted free passage through the Ring of Iron to the workshops in the Martian Hive.

Distinctive Army Badge

Sometimes Space Marines bear Distinctive Badges of armies they have fought battles for. Especially when these armies have held strategic points and fought pitched battles. Army Badges are commonly displayed on leg armor.

External links

Bolter and Chainsword - Space Marines discussion board
Liber Astartes - Space Marine chapter listings
Miniwargaming-A place to talk about 40K.
Games-Workshop-The makers of Warhammer 40K.
Wargame Tactics for Space Marines - A Wiki site for Space Marine Tactics.

Sources

Codex Imperialis, by Rick Priestley
Codex Ultramarines (for 2nd edition), by Rick Priestley
Codex: Space Marines (3rd Edition)
White Dwarf 98 (1988), Chapter Approved: The Origin of the Legiones Astartes by Rick Priestley, reprinted at:
- http://uk.games-workshop.com/spacemarines/initiation/2 The Creation of a Space Marine