Book of the Astronomicon (1988), Warhammer Siege (1988), Warhammer Compendium (1989) Chaos / Heresy Lore
- Thread starter MolotovKraken
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The message flashed around the craft-world at the speed ., of thought. All normal functions were suspended, and Q) every Eldar on Saim-Hann came to the talaclu hall. Even the Ancestors in the Infinity Matrix watched through the craft-world’s internal sensors. At least once in their fives, every Eldar should witness The Dance - the greatest of the Harlequins’ works, retelling the story of the fall of the Old Race - and keep the lessons of the Fall alive in the spirits of the survivors. But The Dance is rarely performed, since the key part cannot be danced by any member of a masque. Only the mystic Solitaires - those touched by the Laughing god himself, who pass unrecognised as whim or design moves them - only these may dance the part of Slaanesh.
The nine troupers bounded into the centre of the stage, their dathedi suits projecting a weaving pattern of colours as they danced the part of the Old Race. The four Warlocks took up positions around the outside: emotions were monitored, amplified and returned by their equipment as the Eldar lived the fall of their ancestors: felt their joys, their prides, their petty rivalries and their driving passions. Three Avatars danced the parts of the Fallen gods, leaping, cartwheeling and somersaulting around and among the dancers of the Old Race.
The dancers of the Old Race became wilder, their passions stronger and their joys more extreme, more menacing. They came together like a whirlpool, and broke upon something unseen - hurled back as the Solitaire leaped into view, somersaulting from his unseen entrance to the centre of the dancers.
An involuntary shock ran through the audience at the sight of the allegorical figure of the Chaos god Slaanesh. His suit projected a constantly-writhing mass of figures in attitudes of decadent pleasure.
From behind Slaanesh, seven figures appeared one by one to mingle with the Old Race. First came the four Mimes, passing their sensual and disturbing movements to the other dancers as the Daemons they represented had spread the corruption of Slaanesh. One by one, the dancers of the Old Race began to project the pattern of writhing figures on their suits. Next came three dark figures; the Death Jesters’ suits displayed skeletons as they leaped and slew, dragging the inert forms of the Fallen () gods to the feet of Slaanesh. As the last fell, a psychic scream from the Warlocks echoed through the minds of the audience. It shifted and writhed like the patterns on the dancers’ suits, gradually coalescing into a chilling, gibbering laugh of madness. corruption and depravity.
But in the laugh there was another voice. A clearer laugh, an ironic laugh. A laugh which laughs because it chooses not to weep.
Then, at one side of the stage, the High Avatar entered. y v His suit projected the ever-shifting multicoloured lozenges of the Laughing god as he strolled casually onstage, still laughing at the cosmic folly of the Fallen. He looked at the triumphant form of Slaanesh atop the mound of writhing dancers, and he laughed. He looked at the Mime-Daemons and the Death Jesters as they bore down upon him. And he laughed.
For a moment, he could not be seen among the press of Slaanesh’s minions, but with a cry he flew above their heads, tumbling in flight to land facing them. As they tumed he leaped again: two figures dropped as he touched them, and five more clawed the empty air as he somersaulted across the stage.
His laugh now was one of glee as he leaped and tumbled, evading the hunters and turning now and then to strike back. He picked up the body of a Death Jester and hurled it at the figure of Slaanesh. who reeled slightly at the impact. With a wild cry the Great Harlequin leaped forward, pulled a single dancer from the feet of Slaanesh, and withdrew, At his touch. the writhing figures on the dancer's suit dissolved into the lozenge pattern, and the dancer also began to laugh as he danced the dance of the Harlequin. The two of them put the remaining Daemons to flight, and as last fell, Slaanesh joined the battle.
The confrontation between Slaanesh and the Great Harlequin seemed to go on for ever. Other dancers melted from the stage as the two figures leaped. cartwheeled and somersaulted around cach other. Slowly, in the background, the Mime-Daemons and the Harlequin troupers took up the dance, reflecting the movements of the two principals in perfect unison.
The Dance ended abruptly. with the struggle unresolved. It was indeed the Dance Without End. The hall was quiet. The dancers left the stage. The audience sat stunned.
The nine troupers bounded into the centre of the stage, their dathedi suits projecting a weaving pattern of colours as they danced the part of the Old Race. The four Warlocks took up positions around the outside: emotions were monitored, amplified and returned by their equipment as the Eldar lived the fall of their ancestors: felt their joys, their prides, their petty rivalries and their driving passions. Three Avatars danced the parts of the Fallen gods, leaping, cartwheeling and somersaulting around and among the dancers of the Old Race.
The dancers of the Old Race became wilder, their passions stronger and their joys more extreme, more menacing. They came together like a whirlpool, and broke upon something unseen - hurled back as the Solitaire leaped into view, somersaulting from his unseen entrance to the centre of the dancers.
An involuntary shock ran through the audience at the sight of the allegorical figure of the Chaos god Slaanesh. His suit projected a constantly-writhing mass of figures in attitudes of decadent pleasure.
From behind Slaanesh, seven figures appeared one by one to mingle with the Old Race. First came the four Mimes, passing their sensual and disturbing movements to the other dancers as the Daemons they represented had spread the corruption of Slaanesh. One by one, the dancers of the Old Race began to project the pattern of writhing figures on their suits. Next came three dark figures; the Death Jesters’ suits displayed skeletons as they leaped and slew, dragging the inert forms of the Fallen () gods to the feet of Slaanesh. As the last fell, a psychic scream from the Warlocks echoed through the minds of the audience. It shifted and writhed like the patterns on the dancers’ suits, gradually coalescing into a chilling, gibbering laugh of madness. corruption and depravity.
But in the laugh there was another voice. A clearer laugh, an ironic laugh. A laugh which laughs because it chooses not to weep.
Then, at one side of the stage, the High Avatar entered. y v His suit projected the ever-shifting multicoloured lozenges of the Laughing god as he strolled casually onstage, still laughing at the cosmic folly of the Fallen. He looked at the triumphant form of Slaanesh atop the mound of writhing dancers, and he laughed. He looked at the Mime-Daemons and the Death Jesters as they bore down upon him. And he laughed.
For a moment, he could not be seen among the press of Slaanesh’s minions, but with a cry he flew above their heads, tumbling in flight to land facing them. As they tumed he leaped again: two figures dropped as he touched them, and five more clawed the empty air as he somersaulted across the stage.
His laugh now was one of glee as he leaped and tumbled, evading the hunters and turning now and then to strike back. He picked up the body of a Death Jester and hurled it at the figure of Slaanesh. who reeled slightly at the impact. With a wild cry the Great Harlequin leaped forward, pulled a single dancer from the feet of Slaanesh, and withdrew, At his touch. the writhing figures on the dancer's suit dissolved into the lozenge pattern, and the dancer also began to laugh as he danced the dance of the Harlequin. The two of them put the remaining Daemons to flight, and as last fell, Slaanesh joined the battle.
The confrontation between Slaanesh and the Great Harlequin seemed to go on for ever. Other dancers melted from the stage as the two figures leaped. cartwheeled and somersaulted around cach other. Slowly, in the background, the Mime-Daemons and the Harlequin troupers took up the dance, reflecting the movements of the two principals in perfect unison.
The Dance ended abruptly. with the struggle unresolved. It was indeed the Dance Without End. The hall was quiet. The dancers left the stage. The audience sat stunned.
Before the rise of the Imperium or even the emergence of Mankind into the galaxy, the Eldar had established a mighty civilisation that spanned many planetary systems. Their huge citiships and craft-worlds, vast ornate palaces floating between star systems, traded new knowledge and goods. Learning, enlightenment and reason flourished. The Eldar enriched the galaxy and looked for new worlds to make their own and new challenges to meet. One challenge they took up was the complete mastery of warp gate technology. The Eldar adopted, refined and perfected the ancient Slann knowledge of the warp and its movements. They established a network of wormhole tunnels through warp space, linking gates aboard their craft-worlds, planets and smaller spaceships. It was possible for an Eldar to walk from one planet to another, across hundreds or thousands of light years of real space. The warp-gates bound the Eldar together as a single civilisation, stretching across space and, it was theorised, backwards and forwards in time. The Eldar, fearful of the consequences, never experimented with the temporal aspect of the warp-gates.
Their studies did, however, bring them an understanding of the link between the warp and psychic power. In making this conceptual leap the Eldar also discovered the power of Chaos, in all its seductive glory. The Eldar, for all their apparent culture, had never encountered its like. Some turned from the warp with disgust when the corrupting nature of Chaos and its effects on reality became evident, but others responded with new vigour. The manifestations of Chaos - insanity, wickedness, and depravity - spread like wildfire through the Eldar, and was carried further by tainted individuals with access to the warp-gates. In the space of a single generation, the Eldar paused in their quest for enlightenment and chose the darker path into the service of Chaos. Eldar who remained untouched by Chaos, retreated to the citiships and the larger craft-worlds. The insanity of Chaos had no foothold or appeal aboard the vast ships. The warp gates to the infected Eldar worlds were closed and locked. The citiships were absorbed into the larger craft-worlds, and all drifted into the depths of space, lifeboats and seedpods of civilisation.
The rest of their race sank wholeheartedly into the dark worship of the Chaos gods. A racial madness had taken hold throughout Eldar space, and the insanity had only one end. In a mindless psychic orgy every Eldar planet perished in a single night. The death screams of the Eldar echoed across the warp. On every planet Eldar corpses twitched in the mindless dance of Chaos and crumbled to dust, Worlds were laid waste in moments. The Eldar race were sucked into the warp. The dead Eldar, however, were not gone. Their spirits had merged with the warp in a horrifying manner. Their death shout became a howl of joy and release. Slaanesh, the Lord of Pleasure, god of unbridled depravity, was born from the dark side of the Eldar nature. The psychic pain of the Eldar’s racial death and Slaanesh’s birth convulsed the warp; the warp storms around Earth were blown away, and warpspace itself rippled into new patterns.
The last of the Eldar drifted into the long night between the stars. The racial memory of their former glory and nobility sustained them, while the downfall of the race filled them with bitterness. They had come face-to-face with their darkest desires and had been found wanting. For them, Mankind is a reminder of what happened long ago. Humanity is treading the same path towards the darkness of Chaos, a crude mirror of the Eldar’s own disgrace. They are burdened by racial shame for the weakness of their failed ancestors. The bright, hopeful universe is a place of stark, gibbering horror, and the Eldar fell when confronted with this truth. Surviving Eldar have grown since then, accepting and holding in check the Chaos that lurks within their hearts, a delicate balancing act that they seem to have mastered at last. Mankind rushes towards the fate of the Eldar, but without the ability to preserve itself in any form. All the signs are there to be read: humanity’s moral leprosy of Chaos worship, its rising number of emergent psykers, its lust for universal power, and its fragile, failing Emperor...
Their studies did, however, bring them an understanding of the link between the warp and psychic power. In making this conceptual leap the Eldar also discovered the power of Chaos, in all its seductive glory. The Eldar, for all their apparent culture, had never encountered its like. Some turned from the warp with disgust when the corrupting nature of Chaos and its effects on reality became evident, but others responded with new vigour. The manifestations of Chaos - insanity, wickedness, and depravity - spread like wildfire through the Eldar, and was carried further by tainted individuals with access to the warp-gates. In the space of a single generation, the Eldar paused in their quest for enlightenment and chose the darker path into the service of Chaos. Eldar who remained untouched by Chaos, retreated to the citiships and the larger craft-worlds. The insanity of Chaos had no foothold or appeal aboard the vast ships. The warp gates to the infected Eldar worlds were closed and locked. The citiships were absorbed into the larger craft-worlds, and all drifted into the depths of space, lifeboats and seedpods of civilisation.
The rest of their race sank wholeheartedly into the dark worship of the Chaos gods. A racial madness had taken hold throughout Eldar space, and the insanity had only one end. In a mindless psychic orgy every Eldar planet perished in a single night. The death screams of the Eldar echoed across the warp. On every planet Eldar corpses twitched in the mindless dance of Chaos and crumbled to dust, Worlds were laid waste in moments. The Eldar race were sucked into the warp. The dead Eldar, however, were not gone. Their spirits had merged with the warp in a horrifying manner. Their death shout became a howl of joy and release. Slaanesh, the Lord of Pleasure, god of unbridled depravity, was born from the dark side of the Eldar nature. The psychic pain of the Eldar’s racial death and Slaanesh’s birth convulsed the warp; the warp storms around Earth were blown away, and warpspace itself rippled into new patterns.
The last of the Eldar drifted into the long night between the stars. The racial memory of their former glory and nobility sustained them, while the downfall of the race filled them with bitterness. They had come face-to-face with their darkest desires and had been found wanting. For them, Mankind is a reminder of what happened long ago. Humanity is treading the same path towards the darkness of Chaos, a crude mirror of the Eldar’s own disgrace. They are burdened by racial shame for the weakness of their failed ancestors. The bright, hopeful universe is a place of stark, gibbering horror, and the Eldar fell when confronted with this truth. Surviving Eldar have grown since then, accepting and holding in check the Chaos that lurks within their hearts, a delicate balancing act that they seem to have mastered at last. Mankind rushes towards the fate of the Eldar, but without the ability to preserve itself in any form. All the signs are there to be read: humanity’s moral leprosy of Chaos worship, its rising number of emergent psykers, its lust for universal power, and its fragile, failing Emperor...
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The Black Library
Much of the Eldar’s ancient knowledge and culture was lost during the flight from Chaos. The craft-worlds became the sole repository of Eldar wisdom, and this fragmented as the Eldar nations drifted apart. Craft-worlds were lost over the millennia, and knowledge vanished with them. A single source of Eldar knowledge has remained untouched and inviolate since the Fall. Aboard a dark craft-world, far beyond the boundaries of the Imperium, is the Black Library of Chaos. Here are collected all the tomes, books and codices describing the Eldar studies of the warp. The forbidden lore of the Black Library describes the blandishments, influences, forms, creatures, perils, promises and horrors of Chaos. Enclosed within a nearly impenetrable psychic barrier, the Black Library is watched and maintained by its Guardian Scribes; they collate and transcribe the knowledge of the Library, a task that they have carried since the Fall of the Eldar. They also maintain a hawk-like watch over their charges, the books; dreadful repositories of secret powers and must be monitored at all times. The existence of the Library is known to only a few, and entry is allowed to even fewer individuals, The Library’s ‘mind’ defends itself against the weak who would misuse its knowledge by refusing entry to all except those who have acknowledged and tempered the Chaos within themselves. The immature, who are still vulnerable to the promises and seductions of Chaos, find that they are unable to pass through its gateway. As a result few have seen within the Library or read any of its books. Only two groups come and go at will: the Human Illuminati and the Solitaires of the Eldar Harlequins. The Guardian-scribes rarely leave once they have entered.
Much of the Eldar’s ancient knowledge and culture was lost during the flight from Chaos. The craft-worlds became the sole repository of Eldar wisdom, and this fragmented as the Eldar nations drifted apart. Craft-worlds were lost over the millennia, and knowledge vanished with them. A single source of Eldar knowledge has remained untouched and inviolate since the Fall. Aboard a dark craft-world, far beyond the boundaries of the Imperium, is the Black Library of Chaos. Here are collected all the tomes, books and codices describing the Eldar studies of the warp. The forbidden lore of the Black Library describes the blandishments, influences, forms, creatures, perils, promises and horrors of Chaos. Enclosed within a nearly impenetrable psychic barrier, the Black Library is watched and maintained by its Guardian Scribes; they collate and transcribe the knowledge of the Library, a task that they have carried since the Fall of the Eldar. They also maintain a hawk-like watch over their charges, the books; dreadful repositories of secret powers and must be monitored at all times. The existence of the Library is known to only a few, and entry is allowed to even fewer individuals, The Library’s ‘mind’ defends itself against the weak who would misuse its knowledge by refusing entry to all except those who have acknowledged and tempered the Chaos within themselves. The immature, who are still vulnerable to the promises and seductions of Chaos, find that they are unable to pass through its gateway. As a result few have seen within the Library or read any of its books. Only two groups come and go at will: the Human Illuminati and the Solitaires of the Eldar Harlequins. The Guardian-scribes rarely leave once they have entered.
CHAPLAINS OF THE IMPERIUM
Each fortress-monastery of the Legiones Astartes, or space barge (for the space-dwelling Chapters of Marines), has a chamber known as the Reclzsiam. It is here that the cult ceremonies and rituals are performed in the presence of the entire Chapter. These are carried out under the guidance of the Reclusiarch and his superior, the Master of Sanctity, who is the spiritual head of the Chapter. While each Chapter follows the tenets of the Imperial Cult, individual Chapters have extended the Cult to include ceremonies which have relevance only to their own members. For example, reverence for Primarchs is widespread amongst the Legiones Astartes. These are the heroes of each Chapter, who fell in battle and upheld the honour and traditions of the Legiones Astartes in a particularly notable fashion. The Chapter’s collection of Primarch relics and war-gear is entombed in the Chapter catacombs, placed upon sepulchres or hung in the Reclusiam. The importance of faith to Marines is further reinforced in the Company Chapels. All ten companies within each Chapter have their own Chapel where Marines can observe the rites of the Chapter and those special to their own company. Here the worship is supervised by one of the Reclusiarch’s subordinate Chapiatns. It is the Chaplains, living and fighting alongside their battle-brothers, who are responsible for the spiritual health of the companies.
LEGIONES ASTARTES CHAPLAINS
Chaplains are well-versed in all matters of the Chapter’s cult, having spent many years studying the battle liturgies and scriptures stored in the Chapter library. This study includes memorising all the rites of their Chapter and company. This knowledge is also put to practical use. Chaplains are responsible for the spiritual care, discipline and faith of the brothers in their companies. Young recruits must also be monitored and indoctrinated as they progress towards becoming full battle-brothers. In battle Chaplains are frequently found where the fighting is fiercest. They can be found chanting the Chapter’s battle creeds, ministering to the fallen and granting absolution to the dead. They are also Space Marines, which means that they fight with as much savagery as any of their brothers. Chaplains are drawn from the ranks, although only Marines who have earned both Merit and Devout badges are considered for a Chaplaincy. These awards may be displayed as actual badges, or for example as diagonal stripes painted across the right shoulder pad. As a first step, a Marine is singled out to aid the Chaplain of his company as a Novice (or Initiate - the terms are almost interchangeable). Duties often involve little more than helping during company rituals, but deep study of the liturgies under a Chaplain’s personal tuition is also necessary.
CHAPLAINS IN BATTLE
Chaplains are a puritanical and sometimes eccentric group. Their religious zeal has a strong practical slant, as befits a warrior. They fight alongside their battle-brothers, reciting extracts from the Chapter’s Creed and Liturgies. Indeed, their dedication adds considerably to the fearsome reputation of the Marines. Their inspirational sayings and constant exhortations harden the determination of every Marine to serve the Emperor and relive the former glories of the Chapter Primarchs.
Each fortress-monastery of the Legiones Astartes, or space barge (for the space-dwelling Chapters of Marines), has a chamber known as the Reclzsiam. It is here that the cult ceremonies and rituals are performed in the presence of the entire Chapter. These are carried out under the guidance of the Reclusiarch and his superior, the Master of Sanctity, who is the spiritual head of the Chapter. While each Chapter follows the tenets of the Imperial Cult, individual Chapters have extended the Cult to include ceremonies which have relevance only to their own members. For example, reverence for Primarchs is widespread amongst the Legiones Astartes. These are the heroes of each Chapter, who fell in battle and upheld the honour and traditions of the Legiones Astartes in a particularly notable fashion. The Chapter’s collection of Primarch relics and war-gear is entombed in the Chapter catacombs, placed upon sepulchres or hung in the Reclusiam. The importance of faith to Marines is further reinforced in the Company Chapels. All ten companies within each Chapter have their own Chapel where Marines can observe the rites of the Chapter and those special to their own company. Here the worship is supervised by one of the Reclusiarch’s subordinate Chapiatns. It is the Chaplains, living and fighting alongside their battle-brothers, who are responsible for the spiritual health of the companies.
LEGIONES ASTARTES CHAPLAINS
Chaplains are well-versed in all matters of the Chapter’s cult, having spent many years studying the battle liturgies and scriptures stored in the Chapter library. This study includes memorising all the rites of their Chapter and company. This knowledge is also put to practical use. Chaplains are responsible for the spiritual care, discipline and faith of the brothers in their companies. Young recruits must also be monitored and indoctrinated as they progress towards becoming full battle-brothers. In battle Chaplains are frequently found where the fighting is fiercest. They can be found chanting the Chapter’s battle creeds, ministering to the fallen and granting absolution to the dead. They are also Space Marines, which means that they fight with as much savagery as any of their brothers. Chaplains are drawn from the ranks, although only Marines who have earned both Merit and Devout badges are considered for a Chaplaincy. These awards may be displayed as actual badges, or for example as diagonal stripes painted across the right shoulder pad. As a first step, a Marine is singled out to aid the Chaplain of his company as a Novice (or Initiate - the terms are almost interchangeable). Duties often involve little more than helping during company rituals, but deep study of the liturgies under a Chaplain’s personal tuition is also necessary.
CHAPLAINS IN BATTLE
Chaplains are a puritanical and sometimes eccentric group. Their religious zeal has a strong practical slant, as befits a warrior. They fight alongside their battle-brothers, reciting extracts from the Chapter’s Creed and Liturgies. Indeed, their dedication adds considerably to the fearsome reputation of the Marines. Their inspirational sayings and constant exhortations harden the determination of every Marine to serve the Emperor and relive the former glories of the Chapter Primarchs.
Armour and Appearance
Marine Chaplains wear a variant type of standard issue Marine armour. A Chaplain can appear stylised and archaic when compared to his fellow Marines, which makes him stand out and act as a focus for his brethren. Some or all of a Chaplain’s armour is painted black. A skull insignia usually adorns the right shoulder and this is often displayed on both pads. Skulls can also be repeated throughout a Chaplain’s uniform. Skull-shaped helmets are common, and the upper chest armour or even the whole of the body armour may be cast in the shape of a skull. Skull-shaped| groin-guards are also not unknown. Chaplains are also marked by one or more Primarchal battle relics which are worn or carried into battle. A single gauntlet from the armour of a Chapter hero passes on a little of the Primarch’s fortitude and faith to the Chaplain.
Formal regalia includes a staff of office called the crozius, which is used during Chapter ceremonies. Many Chaplains carry them into battle, a visible sign that battle is the highest ritual in the Chapter’s devotional calendar. The crozius normally bears the Imperial eagle or a skull motif at its tip. The most ancient of these staffs is the rare crozlus arcanum, astaff made from an alien relic which contains a neuro-disruptor in the haft. Chaplains are also marked by a Rosarius, a gorget or amulet worn about the neck. This bears the image of the Imperial Eagle and is the ‘soul’s armour’ of the Chaplain. Initiates usually wear standard Marine armour. However, the helmets, right shoulder pads and right arms of their armour are painted black rather than in the Chapter’s formal colours, The black shoulder pad replaces the previous Deyout markings which were shown there - once declared as an Initiate, the Marine’s devotion needs no further advertisement.
TYPICAL CHAPLAIN UNIFORM VARIATIONS
Black is the official colour for Chaplains’ armour. However, over millennia, chapters often incorporate their colours and insignia onto the uniform, resulting in wide variations from the basic colour scheme. Many of these changes come about as a result of a Chaplain repairing his armour from available resources while on a campaign. Some modifications are adopted permanently. Hybrid uniforms can also appear if the Chaplain dons archaic power armour kept as a primarchal relic. Of course, apart from the organisations they belong to, Chaplains themselves have along lifespan, so there is plenty of time for them to stamp their own personality on their armour. The examples below provide guidelines that you can experiment with when painting up your Chaplains.
Marine Chaplains wear a variant type of standard issue Marine armour. A Chaplain can appear stylised and archaic when compared to his fellow Marines, which makes him stand out and act as a focus for his brethren. Some or all of a Chaplain’s armour is painted black. A skull insignia usually adorns the right shoulder and this is often displayed on both pads. Skulls can also be repeated throughout a Chaplain’s uniform. Skull-shaped helmets are common, and the upper chest armour or even the whole of the body armour may be cast in the shape of a skull. Skull-shaped| groin-guards are also not unknown. Chaplains are also marked by one or more Primarchal battle relics which are worn or carried into battle. A single gauntlet from the armour of a Chapter hero passes on a little of the Primarch’s fortitude and faith to the Chaplain.
Formal regalia includes a staff of office called the crozius, which is used during Chapter ceremonies. Many Chaplains carry them into battle, a visible sign that battle is the highest ritual in the Chapter’s devotional calendar. The crozius normally bears the Imperial eagle or a skull motif at its tip. The most ancient of these staffs is the rare crozlus arcanum, astaff made from an alien relic which contains a neuro-disruptor in the haft. Chaplains are also marked by a Rosarius, a gorget or amulet worn about the neck. This bears the image of the Imperial Eagle and is the ‘soul’s armour’ of the Chaplain. Initiates usually wear standard Marine armour. However, the helmets, right shoulder pads and right arms of their armour are painted black rather than in the Chapter’s formal colours, The black shoulder pad replaces the previous Deyout markings which were shown there - once declared as an Initiate, the Marine’s devotion needs no further advertisement.
TYPICAL CHAPLAIN UNIFORM VARIATIONS
Black is the official colour for Chaplains’ armour. However, over millennia, chapters often incorporate their colours and insignia onto the uniform, resulting in wide variations from the basic colour scheme. Many of these changes come about as a result of a Chaplain repairing his armour from available resources while on a campaign. Some modifications are adopted permanently. Hybrid uniforms can also appear if the Chaplain dons archaic power armour kept as a primarchal relic. Of course, apart from the organisations they belong to, Chaplains themselves have along lifespan, so there is plenty of time for them to stamp their own personality on their armour. The examples below provide guidelines that you can experiment with when painting up your Chaplains.
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Medics
All Marines pick up a certain amount of medical knowledge during the course of their initiation into the Chapter, but only those who show an aptitude for such knowledge are chosen to study the sacred rites with the Chapter's surgeons. It must be stressed that Field Medics are primarily soldiers whose duties have been expanded to include the practise of medicine, rather than specialist surgeons who have been given military training. Such individuals are first and foremost warriors, and greatly honoured ones at that. Only champions and heroes are ever initiated into the ways of the Apothacarion - such is the importance of their duties. For it is the Medics who must maintain the bodies of their comrades, in a similar way to that in which members of the Adeptus Mechanicus service and maintain support equipment and vehicles, Without the selfless devotions of its Medics, the fighting forces of the Imperium would soon be eroded to the point where they were incapable of fulfilling their duties.
Itis possible that a casualty’s injuries may be so severe that he will succumb to them irrespective of the treatment available. In these cases, the Medic has the solemn duty of administering ‘‘the Emperor's Peace’’ - euthanasia - to those warriors who deserve it. The Medic’s medi-pack includes a special humane-killer for this task, called a carnifex - a solid spring-loaded piston of metal. This is applied to the sufferer’s temple, its powerful spring hurling the piston through the Marine's brain and killing him instantly. Any Marine suffering from a critical head or body wound (see Survivability, below) may be despatched in this way if the player wishes (only the medic on the spot can judge whether a Marine is going to survive his wounds). The Medic achieves this automatically once in contact with the sufferer, Another vitally important duty which the medic must perform is the recovery of the Progenoid glands from fallen battle brothers. The recovery of the gene seed encoded within these glands is vitally important to a Chapter’s survival and prosperity. Progenoids may be récovered at the same time that the carnifex is used, permitting the player to salvage the model's points value.
Marine Medics are often armed with chain swords and bolt guns or pistols, while those in the Army usually carry laspistols and chainswords. This is in addition to the standard equipment carried by the rest of the force with which they fight. All medics carry a standard medi-pack to allow them to perform the rites of diagnosis, and to administer drugs such as frenzon, etc.
Tvincrease their mobility, Medics are often equipped with jump packs, or mounted on bikes. Additionally, the ubiquitous Rhino AFV is commonly fitted out as a mobile field medical station where more severe wounds may be treated. Such vehicles are, of course, clearly marked with the Imperial Medical symbol. Regulation Battledress for Marine Medics is all white, apart from the helmet which retains appropriate Chapter colours, and the right shoulder pad bears the medical symbol. Some Chapters, however, use variations on this theme; eg, Iron Hand Medics wear the normal Chapter colours - apart from the right arm, shoulder and medic- pack.
Marine Progenoid Recovery
Every Space Marine carries two implants, called progenoids buried deep within his chest cavity. These unique organs are necessary components of the surgical processes which create new Space Marines. These organs are so important, that one of the tasks of a Marine Medic is to remove them from a dead comrade. Ifa Marine Medic reaches a dead comrade within 1 turn of his demise, the progenoids can be removed using a special device shaped somewhat like an apple corer. Many Marines carry marker tattoos on their chest and lower neck for this purpose.
All Marines pick up a certain amount of medical knowledge during the course of their initiation into the Chapter, but only those who show an aptitude for such knowledge are chosen to study the sacred rites with the Chapter's surgeons. It must be stressed that Field Medics are primarily soldiers whose duties have been expanded to include the practise of medicine, rather than specialist surgeons who have been given military training. Such individuals are first and foremost warriors, and greatly honoured ones at that. Only champions and heroes are ever initiated into the ways of the Apothacarion - such is the importance of their duties. For it is the Medics who must maintain the bodies of their comrades, in a similar way to that in which members of the Adeptus Mechanicus service and maintain support equipment and vehicles, Without the selfless devotions of its Medics, the fighting forces of the Imperium would soon be eroded to the point where they were incapable of fulfilling their duties.
Itis possible that a casualty’s injuries may be so severe that he will succumb to them irrespective of the treatment available. In these cases, the Medic has the solemn duty of administering ‘‘the Emperor's Peace’’ - euthanasia - to those warriors who deserve it. The Medic’s medi-pack includes a special humane-killer for this task, called a carnifex - a solid spring-loaded piston of metal. This is applied to the sufferer’s temple, its powerful spring hurling the piston through the Marine's brain and killing him instantly. Any Marine suffering from a critical head or body wound (see Survivability, below) may be despatched in this way if the player wishes (only the medic on the spot can judge whether a Marine is going to survive his wounds). The Medic achieves this automatically once in contact with the sufferer, Another vitally important duty which the medic must perform is the recovery of the Progenoid glands from fallen battle brothers. The recovery of the gene seed encoded within these glands is vitally important to a Chapter’s survival and prosperity. Progenoids may be récovered at the same time that the carnifex is used, permitting the player to salvage the model's points value.
Marine Medics are often armed with chain swords and bolt guns or pistols, while those in the Army usually carry laspistols and chainswords. This is in addition to the standard equipment carried by the rest of the force with which they fight. All medics carry a standard medi-pack to allow them to perform the rites of diagnosis, and to administer drugs such as frenzon, etc.
Tvincrease their mobility, Medics are often equipped with jump packs, or mounted on bikes. Additionally, the ubiquitous Rhino AFV is commonly fitted out as a mobile field medical station where more severe wounds may be treated. Such vehicles are, of course, clearly marked with the Imperial Medical symbol. Regulation Battledress for Marine Medics is all white, apart from the helmet which retains appropriate Chapter colours, and the right shoulder pad bears the medical symbol. Some Chapters, however, use variations on this theme; eg, Iron Hand Medics wear the normal Chapter colours - apart from the right arm, shoulder and medic- pack.
Marine Progenoid Recovery
Every Space Marine carries two implants, called progenoids buried deep within his chest cavity. These unique organs are necessary components of the surgical processes which create new Space Marines. These organs are so important, that one of the tasks of a Marine Medic is to remove them from a dead comrade. Ifa Marine Medic reaches a dead comrade within 1 turn of his demise, the progenoids can be removed using a special device shaped somewhat like an apple corer. Many Marines carry marker tattoos on their chest and lower neck for this purpose.
THE ORIGIN OF THE LEGIONES ASTARTES
The Legiones Astartes (Space Marines) were instrumental in the early wars that put the Imperium on the galactic map. At the end of the Age of Strife, Earth was a single sovereign planet which had only recently become free of volatile warp-storms. With the sudden dispersal of these storms, it became possible once again for spacecraft to travel to and from Earth. Earth’s forces had carved out an Empire that stretched almost half-way across the galaxy within two hundred years. This was the First Crusade. Research and development leading to the creation of the Space Marines was undertaken in the thirtieth millennium immediately prior to the beginning of the First Crusade. This work was conducted in the superbly equipped laboratories built deep inside the planet Earth. The objective of the program was to create a caste of warrior elites, characterised by super-human strength and unflinching loyalty. These new warriors were organised into their own special units called ‘chapters’. Those chapters created at the time of the First Crusade are known as Chapters of the First Founding. There were originally 20 of these, but only 7 survive in forty first millennium. Since the First Founding there have been twenty five other occasions when the Emperor has felt it necessary to create new chapters. The most recent Twenty Sixth Founding was in the year 738 of the current millennium.
‘, And here,’ continued Dr Outok, ‘we have five of the phase eleven zygotes. The eldest has now been functioning uninterupted for fourteen years.’ The doctor gestured towards the row of glowing incubators containing several varieties of organic components in clear, bubbling baths.
‘You call the organs zygotes?’
‘Yes - our geneticists create the single germ cell for each new organ. Every cell takes years of work as you know. At that stage we can store the cells indefinitely in the zero-room as gene-seed. Inside the incubater we can activate and control the growth process. The cell divides, multiplies, and eventually grows into a whole organ. Until the organ is ready for implant, we refer to it as a zygote.’
The doctor led the party along the long row of glass cases, past incubators labelled with the names of the strange organs. He stopped before a large door emblazoned with the Imperial Eagle and the stark sign ‘Security Zone One’.
‘Now,’ announced the doctor. ‘Now you'll see what all this flesh and gristle really amounts to!’
GENE-SEED AND ZYGOTES
There are nineteen varieties of gene-seed corresponding to the nineteen different super-human organs which are surgically implanted into the Space Marine. Most chapters have existed for thousands of years. During that time, gene-seed belonging to some chapters has mutated. This has resulted in changes in the exact nature of the artificially cultured organs. Such changes may sometimes make an implant useless. In other circumstances changes in an organ might reduce its effectiveness, or cause new and strange effects. Whatever the result, it will affect the entire chapter - all Space Marines belonging to a chapter share implants cultured from the same original gene-seed. As well as mutant implants, many chapters have lost one or more types of gene-seed due to accident, genetic failure, or some other cause. Very few chapters therefore possess all nineteen implants. Allpossess the carapace implant (phase 19). It is this implant which marks a Space Marine for what he is - irrespective of other implants, training or psycho-surgery.
IMPLANTS
The nineteen organs created by the ancient technicians of the Emperor are described below. Each of these organs is extremely complicated and because many of the organs only work properly when another organ is present, the removal or mutation of one organ may affect the exact functioning of the others. For these reasons, implants must be constantly monitored, and many Marines have to undergo corrective surgery or chemo-therapy to re-balance their metabolisms.
Phase 1 - Secondary Heart. The simplest and most self sufficient implant. The secondary heart is capable of boosting the blood supply or maintaining full life functions even with the destruction of the recipient's original heart. The phase 1 implant enables Marines to survive low oxygen concentrations and traumatic injury.
Phase 2 - Ossmodula. This is a tubular shaped organ whose small size belies its complex structure. The ossmedula monitors and secretes hormones affecting epiphiseal fusion and ossification of the skeleton. At the same time, the specially engineered hormones encourage the forming bones to absorb ceramic based chemicals administered in the Marine's diet. Two years following implantation, this will have caused considerable strengthening of the long-bones, extreme ossification of the chest cavity (caused by growth of the ribs forming a solid mass of inter-laced bone plates) and a general increase in the size of the recipient’s skeleton.
Phase 3 - Biscopea. This organ is implanted into the chest cavity. It is small, approximately circular and, like the Ossmodula, its primary action is hormonal. The presence of the biscopea stimulates muscle growth throughout the body.
Phase 4 - Haemastamen. This tiny organ is implanted into a main blood vessel. The haemastamen serves two purposes. It monitors and to some degree controls the phase 2 and 3 implants. The organ also alters the constituent make-up of the recipient’s blood. As a tesult, Marine blood is considerably more efficient than ordinary human blood, as it has to be when you consider the extra biological hardware a Marine carries inside him!
Phase 5 - Larraman’s Organ. This is a liver shaped, dark, fleshy organ about the size of a golf-ball. It is implanted into the chest cavity along with a complicated array of blood vessels. The organ generates and stores special ‘larraman cells’. If the recipient is wounded, these cells are released into the blood stream. They latch onto leucocytes in the blood and are transported to the site of a wound. Once in contact with air, the larraman cells form a skin substitute of instant scar tissue, staunching the flow of blood and protecting any exposed wound area.
There are nineteen varieties of gene-seed corresponding to the nineteen different super-human organs which are surgically implanted into the Space Marine. Most chapters have existed for thousands of years. During that time, gene-seed belonging to some chapters has mutated. This has resulted in changes in the exact nature of the artificially cultured organs. Such changes may sometimes make an implant useless. In other circumstances changes in an organ might reduce its effectiveness, or cause new and strange effects. Whatever the result, it will affect the entire chapter - all Space Marines belonging to a chapter share implants cultured from the same original gene-seed. As well as mutant implants, many chapters have lost one or more types of gene-seed due to accident, genetic failure, or some other cause. Very few chapters therefore possess all nineteen implants. Allpossess the carapace implant (phase 19). It is this implant which marks a Space Marine for what he is - irrespective of other implants, training or psycho-surgery.
IMPLANTS
The nineteen organs created by the ancient technicians of the Emperor are described below. Each of these organs is extremely complicated and because many of the organs only work properly when another organ is present, the removal or mutation of one organ may affect the exact functioning of the others. For these reasons, implants must be constantly monitored, and many Marines have to undergo corrective surgery or chemo-therapy to re-balance their metabolisms.
Phase 1 - Secondary Heart. The simplest and most self sufficient implant. The secondary heart is capable of boosting the blood supply or maintaining full life functions even with the destruction of the recipient's original heart. The phase 1 implant enables Marines to survive low oxygen concentrations and traumatic injury.
Phase 2 - Ossmodula. This is a tubular shaped organ whose small size belies its complex structure. The ossmedula monitors and secretes hormones affecting epiphiseal fusion and ossification of the skeleton. At the same time, the specially engineered hormones encourage the forming bones to absorb ceramic based chemicals administered in the Marine's diet. Two years following implantation, this will have caused considerable strengthening of the long-bones, extreme ossification of the chest cavity (caused by growth of the ribs forming a solid mass of inter-laced bone plates) and a general increase in the size of the recipient’s skeleton.
Phase 3 - Biscopea. This organ is implanted into the chest cavity. It is small, approximately circular and, like the Ossmodula, its primary action is hormonal. The presence of the biscopea stimulates muscle growth throughout the body.
Phase 4 - Haemastamen. This tiny organ is implanted into a main blood vessel. The haemastamen serves two purposes. It monitors and to some degree controls the phase 2 and 3 implants. The organ also alters the constituent make-up of the recipient’s blood. As a tesult, Marine blood is considerably more efficient than ordinary human blood, as it has to be when you consider the extra biological hardware a Marine carries inside him!
Phase 5 - Larraman’s Organ. This is a liver shaped, dark, fleshy organ about the size of a golf-ball. It is implanted into the chest cavity along with a complicated array of blood vessels. The organ generates and stores special ‘larraman cells’. If the recipient is wounded, these cells are released into the blood stream. They latch onto leucocytes in the blood and are transported to the site of a wound. Once in contact with air, the larraman cells form a skin substitute of instant scar tissue, staunching the flow of blood and protecting any exposed wound area.
Phase 6 - Catalepsean Node. This brain implant is usually inserted into the back of the skull via a hole drilled into the occipital bone. The pea-sized organ influences the circadian rhythms of sleep and the body’s response to sleep deprivation. Normally, a Marine sleeps like any normal man, but if deprived of sleep, the catalepsian node ‘cuts in’. A man implanted with the node is capable of sleeping and remaining awake at the same time by ‘switching off’ areas of the brain sequentially. This process cannot replace normal sleep entirely, but increases a Marine's survivability by allowing perception of the environment whilst resting.
Phase 7 - Preomnor. The preomnor is a large implant which fits into the chest cavity. It is a pre-digestive stomach which allows the Marine to eat a variety of otherwise poisonous or indigestible materials. No actual digestion takes place in the preomnor. Individual sensory tubes assess potential poisons and neutralise them or, where necessary, isolate the preomnor from the rest of the digestive tract.
Phase 8 - Omophagea. This is a complicated implant. It really becomes part of the brain, but is actually situated within the spinal cord between the cervical and thoracic vertibrae. Four nerve sheaths called neuroclea are implanted between the spine and the preomnoral stomach wall. The omophagea is designed to absorb genetic material generated in animal tissue as a function of memory, experience or innate ability. This endows the Marine with an unusual survival trait. He can actually learn by eating. Ifa Marine eats a part ofa creature, he will absorb some of the memories of that creature. This can be very useful in an alien environment. Incidentally, it is the presence of this organ which has created the various flesh and blood drinking rituals for which the Marines are famous, as well as giving the names to chapters such as the Blood Drinkers, Flesh Tearers etc.
Phase 9 - Multi-lung, This is another large implant. The multi-lung, or ‘third’ lung, is a tubular grey organ. Blood is pumped through the organ via connecting vessels grafted onto the recipient's pulmonary system. Atmosphere is taken in by means of a sphincter located in the trachea. In toxic atmospheres, an associated sphincter muscle closes the trachea and restricts normal breathing, thus protecting the lungs. The multi-lung is able to absorb oxygen from poorly oxygenated or poisonous air. Most importantly, it is able to do this without suffering damage thanks to its own efficient toxin dispersal, neutralisation and regeneration systems.
Phase 10 - Occulobe. This small slug-like organ sits at the base of the brain: It provides the hormonal and genetic stimuli which enable a Marine's eyes to respond to optic-therapy. The occulobe does not itself improve a Marine’s eyesight, but it allows technicians to make adjustments to the growth patterns of the eye and the light-receptive retinal cells. An adult Marine has far better eyesight than a normal human, and can see in low light conditions almost as well as in daylight.
Phase 11 - Lyman's Ear. The organ enables a Marine to consciously enhance and even filter certain types of background noise. Not only is hearing improved, but a Marine cannot become dizzy or nauseous as a result of extreme disorientation. Lyman’s ear is externally indistinguishable from a normal human ear.
Phase 12 - Sus-an Membrane. This flat, circular organ is implanted over the top of the exposed brain. It then grows into the brain tissue until completely merged. The organ is ineffective without subsequent chemical therapy and training. However, a properly tutored Marine may then enter into a state of suspended animation. This may be a conscious action, or may happen automatically in the event of extreme physical trauma. In this condition a Marine may survive for many years, even if bearing otherwise fatal injuries. Only appropriate chemical theapy and auto-suggestion can revive a Marine from this state - a Marine cannot revive himself. The longest known period of de-animation followed by successful re-animation is 567 years in the case of brother Silas Err of the Dark Angels (d. 321 M.27).
Phase 13 - The melanochrome, or melanochromic organ, is hemispherical and black, It functions in an indirect and extremely complicated manner. It monitors radiation levels and types bombarding the skin, and if necessary, sets off chemical reactions to darken the skin to protect it from ultraviolet exposure. It also provides limited protection from other forms of radiation.
Phase 7 - Preomnor. The preomnor is a large implant which fits into the chest cavity. It is a pre-digestive stomach which allows the Marine to eat a variety of otherwise poisonous or indigestible materials. No actual digestion takes place in the preomnor. Individual sensory tubes assess potential poisons and neutralise them or, where necessary, isolate the preomnor from the rest of the digestive tract.
Phase 8 - Omophagea. This is a complicated implant. It really becomes part of the brain, but is actually situated within the spinal cord between the cervical and thoracic vertibrae. Four nerve sheaths called neuroclea are implanted between the spine and the preomnoral stomach wall. The omophagea is designed to absorb genetic material generated in animal tissue as a function of memory, experience or innate ability. This endows the Marine with an unusual survival trait. He can actually learn by eating. Ifa Marine eats a part ofa creature, he will absorb some of the memories of that creature. This can be very useful in an alien environment. Incidentally, it is the presence of this organ which has created the various flesh and blood drinking rituals for which the Marines are famous, as well as giving the names to chapters such as the Blood Drinkers, Flesh Tearers etc.
Phase 9 - Multi-lung, This is another large implant. The multi-lung, or ‘third’ lung, is a tubular grey organ. Blood is pumped through the organ via connecting vessels grafted onto the recipient's pulmonary system. Atmosphere is taken in by means of a sphincter located in the trachea. In toxic atmospheres, an associated sphincter muscle closes the trachea and restricts normal breathing, thus protecting the lungs. The multi-lung is able to absorb oxygen from poorly oxygenated or poisonous air. Most importantly, it is able to do this without suffering damage thanks to its own efficient toxin dispersal, neutralisation and regeneration systems.
Phase 10 - Occulobe. This small slug-like organ sits at the base of the brain: It provides the hormonal and genetic stimuli which enable a Marine's eyes to respond to optic-therapy. The occulobe does not itself improve a Marine’s eyesight, but it allows technicians to make adjustments to the growth patterns of the eye and the light-receptive retinal cells. An adult Marine has far better eyesight than a normal human, and can see in low light conditions almost as well as in daylight.
Phase 11 - Lyman's Ear. The organ enables a Marine to consciously enhance and even filter certain types of background noise. Not only is hearing improved, but a Marine cannot become dizzy or nauseous as a result of extreme disorientation. Lyman’s ear is externally indistinguishable from a normal human ear.
Phase 12 - Sus-an Membrane. This flat, circular organ is implanted over the top of the exposed brain. It then grows into the brain tissue until completely merged. The organ is ineffective without subsequent chemical therapy and training. However, a properly tutored Marine may then enter into a state of suspended animation. This may be a conscious action, or may happen automatically in the event of extreme physical trauma. In this condition a Marine may survive for many years, even if bearing otherwise fatal injuries. Only appropriate chemical theapy and auto-suggestion can revive a Marine from this state - a Marine cannot revive himself. The longest known period of de-animation followed by successful re-animation is 567 years in the case of brother Silas Err of the Dark Angels (d. 321 M.27).
Phase 13 - The melanochrome, or melanochromic organ, is hemispherical and black, It functions in an indirect and extremely complicated manner. It monitors radiation levels and types bombarding the skin, and if necessary, sets off chemical reactions to darken the skin to protect it from ultraviolet exposure. It also provides limited protection from other forms of radiation.
Phase 14 - Oolitic Kidney. This red-brown and heart shaped organ improves and modifies the Marine's circulatory system enabling other implants to function effectively. The oolitic kidney also filters blood extremely efficiently and quickly. The secondary heart and oolitic kidney are able to act together, performing an emergency detoxification program in which the Marine is rendered unconscious as his blood is circulated at high speed. This enables a Marine to survive poisons and gases which are otherwise too much for even the multi-lung to cope with.
Phase 15 - Neuroglottis. Although the preomnor protects a Marine from digesting anything too deadly, the neuroglottis enables him to assess a potential food by taste. The organ is implanted into the back of the mouth. By chewing, or simply by tasting, a Marine can detect a wide variety of natural poisons, some chemicals and even the distinctive odours of some creatures. To some degree a Marine is also able to track a target by taste alone.
Phase 16 - Mucranoid. This small organ is implanted in the lower intestine where its hormonal secretions are absorbed by the colon. These secretions initiate a modification of the sweat glands. This modification normally makes no difference to the Marine until activated by appropriate chemo-therapy. As a result of this treatment the Marine sweats an oily, naturally cleansing substance which coats the skin. This protects the Marine against extremes of temperature and even offers a slight degree of protection in vacuum. Mucranoid themo-therapy is standard procedure on long space voyages and when fighting in vacuum or near vacuum.
Phase 17 - Betcher's Gland. Two of these identical glands are implanted, either into the lower lip, alongside the salivary glands or into the hard palette. Betcher's gland works in a similar way to the poison gland of venomous reptiles by synthesising and storing deadly poison. Marines are rendered immune to this poison by virtue of the gland’s presence. The gland allows the Marine to spit a blinding contact poison. The poison is also highly acidic and corrosive. A Marine imprisoned behind iron bars could easily chew his way out given an hour or so.
Phase 18 - Progenoids. There are two of these glands, one situated in the neck, the other deep within the chest cavity. These glands are important to the survival of the Marine's chapter. Each organ grows within the Marine, absorbing hormonal stimuli and genetic material from the other implants. After five years the neck gland is mature and ready for removal. After ten years the chest gland becomes mature and is also ready for removal. A gland may be removed anytime after it has matured.
These glands represent a chapter's only source of gene-seed. When mature, each gland contains a single gene-seed corresponding to each zygote implanted into the recipient Marine. Once removed by surgery, the progenoid must be carefully prepared, its individual gene-seeds checked for mutation, and sound gene-seeds stored. Gene-seeds can be stored indefinitely under suitable conditions.
Phase 19 - Black Carapace. This is the last and the most distinctive implant. It looks like a film of black plastic when it’s growing in the tanks. This is removed from its culture-solution and cut into sheets which are implanted directly beneath the skin of the Marine's torso. Within a few hours the tissue expands, hardens on the outside, and sends invasive neural bundles deep inside the Marine. After several months the carapace will have fully matured and the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and transfusion points cut into the hardened carapace. These artificial ‘plug-in’ points mesh with features integral to the powered armour, such as the monitoring, medicinal and maintenance units. Without the benefit of a black calapace a Space Marine's armour is relatively useless.
Phase 15 - Neuroglottis. Although the preomnor protects a Marine from digesting anything too deadly, the neuroglottis enables him to assess a potential food by taste. The organ is implanted into the back of the mouth. By chewing, or simply by tasting, a Marine can detect a wide variety of natural poisons, some chemicals and even the distinctive odours of some creatures. To some degree a Marine is also able to track a target by taste alone.
Phase 16 - Mucranoid. This small organ is implanted in the lower intestine where its hormonal secretions are absorbed by the colon. These secretions initiate a modification of the sweat glands. This modification normally makes no difference to the Marine until activated by appropriate chemo-therapy. As a result of this treatment the Marine sweats an oily, naturally cleansing substance which coats the skin. This protects the Marine against extremes of temperature and even offers a slight degree of protection in vacuum. Mucranoid themo-therapy is standard procedure on long space voyages and when fighting in vacuum or near vacuum.
Phase 17 - Betcher's Gland. Two of these identical glands are implanted, either into the lower lip, alongside the salivary glands or into the hard palette. Betcher's gland works in a similar way to the poison gland of venomous reptiles by synthesising and storing deadly poison. Marines are rendered immune to this poison by virtue of the gland’s presence. The gland allows the Marine to spit a blinding contact poison. The poison is also highly acidic and corrosive. A Marine imprisoned behind iron bars could easily chew his way out given an hour or so.
Phase 18 - Progenoids. There are two of these glands, one situated in the neck, the other deep within the chest cavity. These glands are important to the survival of the Marine's chapter. Each organ grows within the Marine, absorbing hormonal stimuli and genetic material from the other implants. After five years the neck gland is mature and ready for removal. After ten years the chest gland becomes mature and is also ready for removal. A gland may be removed anytime after it has matured.
These glands represent a chapter's only source of gene-seed. When mature, each gland contains a single gene-seed corresponding to each zygote implanted into the recipient Marine. Once removed by surgery, the progenoid must be carefully prepared, its individual gene-seeds checked for mutation, and sound gene-seeds stored. Gene-seeds can be stored indefinitely under suitable conditions.
Phase 19 - Black Carapace. This is the last and the most distinctive implant. It looks like a film of black plastic when it’s growing in the tanks. This is removed from its culture-solution and cut into sheets which are implanted directly beneath the skin of the Marine's torso. Within a few hours the tissue expands, hardens on the outside, and sends invasive neural bundles deep inside the Marine. After several months the carapace will have fully matured and the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and transfusion points cut into the hardened carapace. These artificial ‘plug-in’ points mesh with features integral to the powered armour, such as the monitoring, medicinal and maintenance units. Without the benefit of a black calapace a Space Marine's armour is relatively useless.
VARIATIONS BETWEEN CHAPTERS
Each organ serves a specific function as outlined above. Although a chapter's Apothacaries and surgeons are able to perform the necessary implant operations, they do not necessarily understand the exact functioning of each organ. The processes involved are incredibly ancient. Procedures are handed down from generation to generation, becoming increasingly ritualised and misinterpreted. For these reasons, the efficiency of each organ differs from chapter to chapter, depending on the condition of that chapter's gene-seeds and the degree of debasement of its surgical procedures. In some chapters, mutation of gene-seed, poor surgical procedure, or inadequate post-operative conditioning, has twisted the functioning of implants. For example, the omophagea gene-seed of the Blooddrinkers has mutated so that all Blooddrinkers have an unnatural craving for blood. In some chapters individual organs are either useless or absent altogether.
REPRODUCING ZYGOTES
Gene-seed can only be obtained by removing one or both progenoid organs from a living (or very recently deceased) Marine. The whole purpose of the progenoid organ is to provide gene-seed to enable the chapter to continue. It is not possible to create a zygote in any other way. Each chapter's stock of gene-seed is therefore unique to itself. Gene-seed has a great deal of religious significance to a chapter, representing its identity and future. Without gene-seed a chapter has no future. The extinction of a type of gene-seed means that a zygote has been lost forever. The extinction of a phase 18 or 19 gene-seed would effectively mean an end to a chapter. As each Marine has only two progenoid glands, the rate at which a chapter can create new Marines is restricted. It may take many years for a chapter to rebuild itself after heavy losses. Gene-seed is often rendered useless if a Marine is exposed to high radiation levels or other forms of genetic disturbance. The efficiency of different chapiers' progenoid gene-seed also varies, and some chapters are able to make up their numbers faster than others.
FOUNDING NEW CHAPTERS
According to their charter, each chapter is obliged to send 5% of its genetic material to the Adeptus Mechanicus on Earth. This ‘tithe’ has two purposes. Firstly, it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to monitor the health of each Marine chapter. Secondly, it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to store gene-seed with a view to founding new chapters. Anew chapter cannot be founded overnight. A single suitable geneseed must be selected for each zygote. Zygotes are then grown in culture and implanted into human test-slaves. These test slaves must be biologically compatible and free from mutation. Test-slaves spend their entire lives bound in static experimental capsules. Although conscious they are completely immobile, serving as little more than mediums within which the various zygotes can develop. From the original slave come two progenoids, which are implanted within two more slaves, from which come four progenoids and so on. It takes about 55 years of constant reproduction to produce 1000 healthy sets of organs. These must be officially sanctioned by the Master of the Adeptus Mechanicus and then by the Emperor himself. Only the Emperor can give permission for the creation of a new chapter.
RECRUITMENT AND INITIATION
The various implants cause vital changes in a Marine's physique and mental state. Many of these changes are controlled by natural hormonal secretions and growth patterns. Implants may not prove effective, or may not become fully functional, if they are carried out once the recipient has reached certain stages of natural development. It is therefore inevitable that recruits must be reasonably young. Tissue compatibility is also essential, otherwise organs may fail to develop properly. The third consideration is mental suitability. The catalepsean node, occulobe, and sus-an membrane will only develop to a useable condition under the stimulus of hypnotic-suggestion. A recruit must therefore be susceptible to this particular treatment. These considerations mean that only a small proportion of people can become Space Marines. They must be male because zygotes are keyed to male hormones and tissue types, hence the need for tissue compatibility tests and psychological screening. If these tests prove successful a candidate becomes a neophyte. With the completion of organ implantation and attendent chemical and hypnotic training, the subject becomes an initiate. An initiate receives training before joining the ranks as a full brother. A Marine usually joins the ranks between the ages of 16-18, Pressures during wartime may accelerate the process.
Each organ serves a specific function as outlined above. Although a chapter's Apothacaries and surgeons are able to perform the necessary implant operations, they do not necessarily understand the exact functioning of each organ. The processes involved are incredibly ancient. Procedures are handed down from generation to generation, becoming increasingly ritualised and misinterpreted. For these reasons, the efficiency of each organ differs from chapter to chapter, depending on the condition of that chapter's gene-seeds and the degree of debasement of its surgical procedures. In some chapters, mutation of gene-seed, poor surgical procedure, or inadequate post-operative conditioning, has twisted the functioning of implants. For example, the omophagea gene-seed of the Blooddrinkers has mutated so that all Blooddrinkers have an unnatural craving for blood. In some chapters individual organs are either useless or absent altogether.
REPRODUCING ZYGOTES
Gene-seed can only be obtained by removing one or both progenoid organs from a living (or very recently deceased) Marine. The whole purpose of the progenoid organ is to provide gene-seed to enable the chapter to continue. It is not possible to create a zygote in any other way. Each chapter's stock of gene-seed is therefore unique to itself. Gene-seed has a great deal of religious significance to a chapter, representing its identity and future. Without gene-seed a chapter has no future. The extinction of a type of gene-seed means that a zygote has been lost forever. The extinction of a phase 18 or 19 gene-seed would effectively mean an end to a chapter. As each Marine has only two progenoid glands, the rate at which a chapter can create new Marines is restricted. It may take many years for a chapter to rebuild itself after heavy losses. Gene-seed is often rendered useless if a Marine is exposed to high radiation levels or other forms of genetic disturbance. The efficiency of different chapiers' progenoid gene-seed also varies, and some chapters are able to make up their numbers faster than others.
FOUNDING NEW CHAPTERS
According to their charter, each chapter is obliged to send 5% of its genetic material to the Adeptus Mechanicus on Earth. This ‘tithe’ has two purposes. Firstly, it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to monitor the health of each Marine chapter. Secondly, it enables the Adeptus Mechanicus to store gene-seed with a view to founding new chapters. Anew chapter cannot be founded overnight. A single suitable geneseed must be selected for each zygote. Zygotes are then grown in culture and implanted into human test-slaves. These test slaves must be biologically compatible and free from mutation. Test-slaves spend their entire lives bound in static experimental capsules. Although conscious they are completely immobile, serving as little more than mediums within which the various zygotes can develop. From the original slave come two progenoids, which are implanted within two more slaves, from which come four progenoids and so on. It takes about 55 years of constant reproduction to produce 1000 healthy sets of organs. These must be officially sanctioned by the Master of the Adeptus Mechanicus and then by the Emperor himself. Only the Emperor can give permission for the creation of a new chapter.
RECRUITMENT AND INITIATION
The various implants cause vital changes in a Marine's physique and mental state. Many of these changes are controlled by natural hormonal secretions and growth patterns. Implants may not prove effective, or may not become fully functional, if they are carried out once the recipient has reached certain stages of natural development. It is therefore inevitable that recruits must be reasonably young. Tissue compatibility is also essential, otherwise organs may fail to develop properly. The third consideration is mental suitability. The catalepsean node, occulobe, and sus-an membrane will only develop to a useable condition under the stimulus of hypnotic-suggestion. A recruit must therefore be susceptible to this particular treatment. These considerations mean that only a small proportion of people can become Space Marines. They must be male because zygotes are keyed to male hormones and tissue types, hence the need for tissue compatibility tests and psychological screening. If these tests prove successful a candidate becomes a neophyte. With the completion of organ implantation and attendent chemical and hypnotic training, the subject becomes an initiate. An initiate receives training before joining the ranks as a full brother. A Marine usually joins the ranks between the ages of 16-18, Pressures during wartime may accelerate the process.
THE RISKS
Although the chapters are careful to select only the most suitable candidates, not all neophytes survive to become initiates. This is due in part to the degeneration of knowledge amongst the individual chapters that makes screening procedures less effective than they once were. Nor are operational methods entirely satisfactory in some cases. In many chapters implant surgery is heavily ritualised, and is often accompanied by scarring, incantation, periods of prayer, fasting and all sorts of mystical practices which compromise medical efficiency. For example, the Spacewolves, phase 17 implant is accompanied by the withdrawal of the initiate's canine teeth and their replacement with longer canines. The chapter regards the additional surgery as part of the initiation ceremony. If an implant fails to develop properly, it is likely that a Marine’s metabolism will become badly out of synchronisation. He may fall into a catatonic state or suffer bouts of hyperactivity. In either event, he will probably die. Those unfortunates that do not die almost invariably suffer mental damage, degenerating into homicidal maniacs or gibbering idiots.
However, when a chapter is at full strength these misfits may be put out of their misery. If the chapter is short of Marines they are often allowed to live, and may be placed within their own specia units. Those who display uncontrollably psychotic tendencies cat be recruited into suicide assault squads, or as suicide bombers. Some chapters deliberately foster such creatures, even going so fa as to implant deformed zygotes into some initiates. This is ver dangerous, and the practice is discouraged by Imperial edict. Bu old traditons die hard.
PSYCHO-CHEMICAL AND OTHER CONDITIONING
Implantation goes hand-in-hand with chemical treatment, psychological conditioning and sub-conscious hypnotherapy. All of these are essential if the Marine is to develop properly.
Chemical Treatment - Until his initiation, a Marine must submit to constant tests and examinations. The newly implanted organs must be monitored very carefully, imbalances corrected, and any sign of maldevelopment treated. This chemical treatment is reduced after completion of the initation process, but it never ends. Marines undergo periodic treatment for the rest of their lives in order to maintain a stable metabolism. This is why their power armour suits contain monitoring equipment and drug dispensors.
Hypnotherapy - As the super-enhanced body grows, the recipient must learn how to use his new skills. Some of the implants, specifically the phase 6 and 10 implants, can only function once correct hypnotherapy has been administered. Hypnotherapy is not always as effective as chemical treatment, but it can have substantial results. Ifa Marine can be taught how to control his own metabolism, his dependence on drugs is lessened. The process is undertaken in a machine called a hypnomat. Marines are placed in a state of hypnosis and subjected to visual and aural images in order to awaken their minds to their unconscious metabolic processes.
Training - Physical training stimulates the implants and allows them to be tested for effectiveness.
Indoctrination - a Marine is more than a human with extraordinary powers. Marines have extraordinary minds as well! Just as their bodies receive 19 separate implants, so their minds are altered to telease the latent powers within. These mental powers are, if anything, more extraordinary than even the physical powers described above. For example, a Marine can control his senses and nervous system to a remarkable degree, and can consequently endure pain that would kill an ordinary man. A Marine can also think and react at lightning speeds. Memory training is an important part of the indoctrination too. Some Marines develop photographic memories. Obviously, Marines vary in intelligence as do other men, and their individual mental abilities vary in degree.
Although the chapters are careful to select only the most suitable candidates, not all neophytes survive to become initiates. This is due in part to the degeneration of knowledge amongst the individual chapters that makes screening procedures less effective than they once were. Nor are operational methods entirely satisfactory in some cases. In many chapters implant surgery is heavily ritualised, and is often accompanied by scarring, incantation, periods of prayer, fasting and all sorts of mystical practices which compromise medical efficiency. For example, the Spacewolves, phase 17 implant is accompanied by the withdrawal of the initiate's canine teeth and their replacement with longer canines. The chapter regards the additional surgery as part of the initiation ceremony. If an implant fails to develop properly, it is likely that a Marine’s metabolism will become badly out of synchronisation. He may fall into a catatonic state or suffer bouts of hyperactivity. In either event, he will probably die. Those unfortunates that do not die almost invariably suffer mental damage, degenerating into homicidal maniacs or gibbering idiots.
However, when a chapter is at full strength these misfits may be put out of their misery. If the chapter is short of Marines they are often allowed to live, and may be placed within their own specia units. Those who display uncontrollably psychotic tendencies cat be recruited into suicide assault squads, or as suicide bombers. Some chapters deliberately foster such creatures, even going so fa as to implant deformed zygotes into some initiates. This is ver dangerous, and the practice is discouraged by Imperial edict. Bu old traditons die hard.
PSYCHO-CHEMICAL AND OTHER CONDITIONING
Implantation goes hand-in-hand with chemical treatment, psychological conditioning and sub-conscious hypnotherapy. All of these are essential if the Marine is to develop properly.
Chemical Treatment - Until his initiation, a Marine must submit to constant tests and examinations. The newly implanted organs must be monitored very carefully, imbalances corrected, and any sign of maldevelopment treated. This chemical treatment is reduced after completion of the initation process, but it never ends. Marines undergo periodic treatment for the rest of their lives in order to maintain a stable metabolism. This is why their power armour suits contain monitoring equipment and drug dispensors.
Hypnotherapy - As the super-enhanced body grows, the recipient must learn how to use his new skills. Some of the implants, specifically the phase 6 and 10 implants, can only function once correct hypnotherapy has been administered. Hypnotherapy is not always as effective as chemical treatment, but it can have substantial results. Ifa Marine can be taught how to control his own metabolism, his dependence on drugs is lessened. The process is undertaken in a machine called a hypnomat. Marines are placed in a state of hypnosis and subjected to visual and aural images in order to awaken their minds to their unconscious metabolic processes.
Training - Physical training stimulates the implants and allows them to be tested for effectiveness.
Indoctrination - a Marine is more than a human with extraordinary powers. Marines have extraordinary minds as well! Just as their bodies receive 19 separate implants, so their minds are altered to telease the latent powers within. These mental powers are, if anything, more extraordinary than even the physical powers described above. For example, a Marine can control his senses and nervous system to a remarkable degree, and can consequently endure pain that would kill an ordinary man. A Marine can also think and react at lightning speeds. Memory training is an important part of the indoctrination too. Some Marines develop photographic memories. Obviously, Marines vary in intelligence as do other men, and their individual mental abilities vary in degree.