Flesh Eaters

April 7th, 2020

I have always liked the Flesh Eaters, and I want to have a go at refreshing them and incorporating a bunch of my own thoughts and ideas. This is where I am going to keep all of my musings...

Appearance                                                              

I want to Keep with the spirit of the original Rogue Trader color scheme and Chapter symbol. As you can see, I am thinking that a slightly darker red than the original scheme would be nice while maintaining the White helmet stripe. I added a black backpack because I think it looks cool and have some ideas for meaning that will be addressed later. The plan is to have the Flesh Eaters follow the Blood Angels lead for Company, and squad markings. I tried a colour test (below) to see if the white stripe lends itself well to the different coloured helmets that the Blood Angels use, and I think I am leaning towards the Chapter using red helmets for all but command roles which will be solid gold - no stripe. The Primaris Marine below is an example of a Flesh Eater First Company fourth squad Tactical marine. 

I chose black backpacks because I think they break up the solid red nicely. I also see them as an opportunity to add some depth to the Chapter. The backpacks are a visual representation of the burden the chapter carries as sons of sanguinius in the form of the Black Rage and Red Thirst.

The Flesh Eaters are a chapter that value and encourage artistry in all its forms. Their armour and war gear are maintained to the highest operational standards, but they will leave battle damage and scars on their armour as tribute to their campaigns and to enforce the viscous persona they present to those outside of the chapter. 

Home World                                                             

I would like to have the Flesh Eaters based on an obscure death world. Not that unique I know, but quite fitting IMHO. It is here that I would like to begin to add in some of my own Fluff.

A couple of ideas I have are:

1. The Chapter is named after a ferocious beast on the planet.
2. The Chapter's rituals/practices involve eating parts of its enemies to learn about it - Rooted in planet's tribal traditions and used by the marines to greater efficiency because of their Omophagea organ.
3. Or both! LOL... Probably both :) 

The Flesh Eater's home world of Orius is a death world in every sense of the word. 

There have been numerous supernovae in this region of the Ghoul Stars over the millenia leading up to the tearing of reality known as the Crimson Path to the Fleash Eaters. Subsequently the planets in the sector are rich in valuable radioactive ores. The Crimson path has cut off the Flesh Eater's home world's well established warp travel routes and stalled it's virulent economy. Orius is one of the most beautiful and least habitable planets in the region, and has subsequently proven to provide recruits worthy of the Chapter. Orius has a gravity of 2g granting its inhabitants increased strength and endurance when off world on lower g planets, and is believed to explain the high rates of successful (human to space marine transitions). Orius' two large moons (Atlas and Poseidon) generate tides up to 30 meters, and have a more significant impact on the planet too.  
Orius has standard Terran days with an average of 12 hours of daylight for 6 months of the year. But perhaps one of the planet's most unique features is that it's moons eclipse the system's sun and Orius is plunged into complete darkness for 6 Terran months.  

Not surprisingly everything on the death planet is deadly to humans. The high levels of radioactive ores play a significant role in enhancing many of the native life forms. There are large reptiles which are strong enough to destroy small armoured vehicles, while the small ones have neurotoxic venom. As is to be expected on a death world, even the plants are deadly. Due to the abundance of radioactive ores the planet is home to an healthy population of Ambulls. These creature of prodigious strength tunnel through the earth to feed on the ore. more here...

Due to the 6 month long full solar eclipse experienced by Orius, its native life forms have adapted in various ways. The plants have bio-luminescence, Some of the creatures gorge themselves prior to the eclipse and hibernate, others have learned to diversify themselves in order to be able to survive the Long Night (Think up a cool name for the 6 month period). The planets most viscous inhabitants, the Moorwen, prefer the darkness, but are not confined to it. They live in the complex series of tunnels and caves beneath the planet's surface created by the Ambulls, various burrowing creatures, and the planet's mining industry. The Moorwen surface in greater numbers every 6 months to breath the night air rich with the scents of it's prey, stretch their talons, and un-knot their muscles after months of confinement. 

These beast are known as Moorwen to the local populous (Outlander movie: https://monsterlegacy.net/2016/05/07/moorwen-outlander-tatopoulos/). Describe the Moorwen here...

Chapter Monastery                                                 

The Fortress of Reflection is the headquarters/Fortress Monastery of the Flesh Eaters. It is carved out of the planet itself and displays a level of artistry worthy of the sons on Sanguinius. It is not however purely an architectural masterpiece, it is also a fully functioning Fortress Monastery proven to be able to hold it's own again all would be invaders regardless of the theater of was chosen.

Chapter Background                                               

The existing background is very limited, but what little there is points to the Flesh Eaters being very aggressive (They purged other chapters during the War of the False Primarch!). Interestingly, it seems that they are not above speaking with Xenos in order to gain vital information to defeat their foes (Tyranids).
It is the potential for creating a dichotomy for this chapter that I love. The Flesh Eaters are seen by the Emperium as a ruthlessly aggressive Chapter, an image that they have fought hard to attain and fully deserve. Yet to those who look closely enough the Chapters actions are anything but hot headed and chaotic.

Chief Librarian Scaraban displays characteristics that set him apart from many other Marines but is congruent with the teachings of Barcius, in that he communes with Xenos if he deems the information they are sharing pertinent to the success of his cause, as seen in Blood of Ball when it came to light that he had spoken with Eldar to better understand the nature of the Tyranid threat, and as such, be better equipped to defeat it.

I envision the Chapter as being meticulous in their preparations for war. Preferring to enter into a battle with as much information about their foe as possible. They are also master strategists not married to any one theater of combat. Equally comfortable completing covert missions that the Raven Guard would envy, or crushing their foes through frenzied frontal assaults that would be worthy of song in Fenrisian halls.
The Chapter strategically emphasizes its savage outward appearance and does little to correct the erroneous interpretations of the origins of the Chapter's name. In fact they uses these elements as diversionary tactics that more often than not leads to their enemies fatally underestimating them.

I am far from an author, but I would like to develop more details about the rituals of the Flesh Eaters and "flesh" out their Characters, beliefs, and approaches to war... See Chapter Master Barius...

Chapter Beliefs                                                        

The Flesh Eaters believe in the emperor as a mighty warrior as opposed to a god...

They strongly endorse the use of all of the gifts he has bestowed upon them (Hence their name sake)

Flesh Eaters being interred within the Adamantium sarcophagus of one of its few towering war engines of destruction is almost unheard of, due to such resources being scarce. To live on in such a way is an honour that only those who's deeds set them far above their peers are considered worthy. 

Notable Flesh Eaters                                               

First Chapter Master Barius Cannae                                                                                     

Barius Cannae was the Flesh Eaters' first Chapter Master. He was the Captain of the Blood Angels 3rd company during the great crusade and Horus Heresy eras of the 30th and 31st Millennia. He was assigned the Captaincy of the 3rd and awarded the title of Master of Ambush by Sanguinius himself because of his dichotomous personality and approach to battle combining his natural propensity for stealth and ferocity. He also displayed an exemplary ability to learn and predict the actions of the Chapter's enemies. These skills lead to Barius being able to exploit even the smallest of opportunities with precise and ferocious strikes. Barius' abilities were so impressive that many suspected he had been blessed with his Primarch's gift of premonition. Whether this is true or not remains uncertain. Those in the 8th Company and close to Barius observed him calling heavily upon more practical means of prediction. He was relentless in his quest for knowledge of his enemies. It was rumored that the Captain would speak with Xenos to further his knowledge of them and their mutual enemies if the opportunity presented itself, this remains unfounded, but what was confirmed is Barius' practice of consuming a portion of defeated leader's flesh in order to utilize his Omophagea organ and gain access to their memories. This practice was viewed as distasteful by many of his fellow Captains, but Barius proposed that to use anything less than all of his Emperor granted gifts to defeat his enemies was akin to heresy. It was because of this perspective that Barius gained the nickname of "Flesh Eater". During the Second Founding when the Blood Angels legion was dissolved into a number of successor Chapters, Barius was chosen to become the First Chapter Master of the newly formed Flesh Eaters Chapter.

Sanguinius felt that Barius was a natural choice to lead a successor chapter not only because of his martial prowess, but also because of his keen mind, and balanced approach to all that he did. When not at war Barius could be found either studying or working on improving his war gear.
NB: I derived the name from Hannibal Barca a Carthaginian General and strategic mastermind - His last name pays homage to one of his major victories which was at Cannae against the Roman empire)

Wargear                                                                                                

Artificer Armour – Barius’ Artificer Armour is a relic of the Chapter, one of only a handful of surviving suits from the times of the Great Crusade whose secrets of manufacture have long since been lost. This relic is a tangible reminder of the very greatest days of not only the Blood Angels, but of the Imperium of Man as a whole. Barius' has skulls on the left knee and right shoulder pad of his armour.

Iron Halo - The Iron Halo emits a very strong gravitic Conversion Field around its wearer, which makes his armour even harder to pierce with enemy weapons. In addition it also provides its wearer with immense resilience to even the most potent weapons on the battlefield such as Lascannons and missiles of all varieties. The shield stands a good chance of deflecting many deadly projectiles with ease.

Mark V Jump Pack. - Pinions Mortis.

Artificer Power Fist. - Aquila's claw.

Master crafted chainsword. - Teeth of Orius.

Master crafted Plasma Pistol. - Angel's song.

Chapter Master (Present)                                                                                                        

? Counts as Dante...

First Captain                                                                                                                             

I want the Captain of the 1st Company to play a special role in my rendition of the Flesh Eaters, not only in game, but also in tribute to the existing (although limited) fluff. The image below is of the Flesh Eaters Jaws of Doom assault squad. I am thinking about incorporating the black and white art into this character's fluff too. I like the idea of the Jaws of Doom being an honorific within the chapter like master of the watch, etc... is in other chapters. I like that these images share certain features such as a powerfist and assault weapons. To me this speaks to tradition and consistency in the role of those with the title. 

Keeping the above in mind, I feel that the Salamander figure and Blood Angel powerfist pictured below would provide a perfect launching point for the character conversion and fit scarily well with both pieces of art!

In order to do this conversion I will need to do the following: 

• Trim the flame details off of the grieves and gauntlets. 
• Remove the Salamander belt buckle details and replace with Green stuff sculpted Flesh Eater symbol. 
• Replace buckler shied with a BA equivalent. 
• Use a helmeted head, possibly with laurels/BA honorifics. 
• Remove flame from backpack?  I feel that leaving it on may be too strongly associated with the Salamanders chapter. 
• Swap hammer and power fist. And make associated adjustments. 

Now that I have a good idea for the model, its time to think about the character...

Captain of the Third

Tycho as a Flesh Eater?

Brother Hecatus Primaris Redeemer Dreadnaught____________________________

Brother Hecatus was Captain of the Flesh Eater's 2nd Company He was accompanied Chief Librarian Scaraban to Baal as the leader of his hour guard during the Devastation of Baal conflict. Hecatus played a pivitol role in the conflict. Given the Flesh Tearer's extensive Knowledge of the Tyranids, Hecatus knew that Hive Fleet Leviathan was learning the weaknesses of its "prey" at an exponential rate. Hecatus saw opportunity in this where others saw only despair. He devised a strategy of such cunning that it lured the Tyranid Brood Lord Synapse creature to its doom. 

The Brood lord was sent with its brood by the hivemind to subvert the Blood Angels defenses and form an anvil for the hammer of the main Tyranid assault to smash against. The Brood Lord saw the Flesh Eater's predictable deployment and quickly discerned where to strike their defenses and sever it's prey's head (Scaraban) with a surgical strike. The Brood lord launched a diversionary attack with the bulk of its Brood while taking a small force with itself to kill Scaraban. The Brood Lord's strategy allowed the Flesh Eaters to capitalize on the "Diversionary" attack and mercilessly persecute the assaulting Genestealers in overlapping fields of fire. 

It was when the Genestealers reached the fire lines and the conflict reached its crescendo that the Broodlord and his guard leaped from the shadows in what it believed to be its moment of glory. This was the moment Hecatus revealed his own plan. Capitalizing on the element of surprise Hecatus and his squad were able to kill the brood lords entire guard, but the price was high. All of Hecatus' men were slain, and he was severely wounded. Weakening from blood loss and the Stealer's venom Hecatus knew he would not be able to best the Brood Lord but was determined to spend his last breaths trying. It was at the exact moment the Brood Lord smashed Hecatus to the ground and poised to rip his head from his prone body that Scaraban broke free from the chaos of battle around him and slay the beast. Hecatus' strategy and act of selflessness enabled the Chief Librarian to kill the foul Synapse Xenos and fulfill his duty to his Chapter and the Blood Angels. As Scaraban decapitated the Brood Lord with a psychic blast, the Psychic backlash was felt by the remaining Genestealers causing them to momentarily falter in their savage assault. This was capitalized on by the remaining Flesh Eaters who cut the Genestealers down to the last and avenged their Captain's death. 

Scaraban shared a detailed account of the events on Baal upon returning to Orius. Hecatus' long list of achievements as Captain of the 2nd company, and these new accounts of exemplary heroism, martial prowess, and selflessness left no doubt that that Hecatus was a warrior the chapter were not willing to lose. As such, he was interred within the Adamantium sarcophagus of one of the newly acquired Redemptor Dreadnaughts. This is an honor Tycho does not take lightly.   

Chief Librarian Scaraban                                                                                                                               

Chaplains of the Flesh Eaters                                                                                                  

This picture speaks a lot more than a thousand words to me! It's AMAZING! 

I really like this new Chaplain! I would love to swap his heavy bolt pistol to a combi-flamer, and then he can be used as my "counts as" Flesh Eaters Chaplain Cassius.  

Orion Cassius, also known as "The Paragon," is the senior Chaplain and Master of Sanctity of the Flesh Eaters Chapter of Space Marines. He is also currently the oldest active member of the Chapter not contained within the armoured chassis of a Dreadnought.

What little of his skin can be seen amid his life-sustaining bionics is gnarled and battle-scarred, and his one good eye burns with unfulfilled vengeance. Though Cassius is many Terran centuries old, his arm remains strong and his aim true.

His impassioned words have carried the Flesh Eaters into battle on thousands of worlds, firing his Battle-Brothers with his own deeply-held passion and belief. Though Cassius is close to 400 standard years old, his sturdy presence on the Flesh Eater' line of battle still fills the hearts of his younger brethren with pride and valour.

Ortan Cassius is a warrior of impressive presence. His gaze is as cold as the void -- it is said he could stare down a pack of Moorwen with the intensity of his contempt – though in battle the fires of his fury are hot enough to inspire all who hear his stentorian tones.

Cassius was put forward as an exemplar of Imperial values by the Chapter Master himself, and rightly so. Since his induction into the Deathwatch, his inspirational hatred of the xenos has galvanised every operative he has spoken to. In Mankind’s eternal crusade, such indomitable conviction is the greatest weapon of all.

While in the Deathwatch Cassius fought in some of the most viscious Tyrannic invasions on the Imperium. He was laid low by a rampaging Carnifex While selflessly defending his Watch Master, and managed to sustain himself only through the application of his formidable will until such time that the Order's Apothecaries could tend his ruined body.

Ever mindful and dedicated to eradicating all of the threats that his Chapter and the Imperium face, Cassius' war remains focused on the Tyranid menace. Cassius has tasted tyranid memories and knows their unquenchable hunger, he knows that they will never stop, and with new Hive Fleets appearing all the time, his vendetta may prove more critical to the Imperium’s survival than ever before.

High Chaplain Theseus. Redeemer of the Lost                                                                     

Theseus the Redeemer is the High Chaplain and Redeemer of the lost. Theseus is tasked with granting the Emperor's Peace to his fellow Flesh Eaters who have been overcome by the genetic flaw known as the Black Rage. 

There is no station within the Chapter more greatly honoured or more deeply loathed: honoured for the burden the Redeemer of the Lost bears as he carries out his difficult but necessary duties; loathed because that duty is stained forever with the blood of his fellow Battle-Brothers. In battle, Theseus is a true angel of death, a sombre, axe-wielding figure who shepherds the madmen at his side to a final, meaningful end.

To an observer, it might seem that Theseus's presence fans the destructive fires of the Black Rage. Certainly it is more prevalent wherever he treads, and even those Flesh Eaters who remain sane are unmistakably wilder in the Redeemer's presence. However, the truth is entirely the opposite.

Theseus can sense the Black Rage's degenerative onset before it becomes apparent to any other soul -- including its victim. Individual afflictions echo through his mind in the form of doom-laden chords, and grow ever stronger as other Battle-Brothers fall into the Black Rage's clutches. No separation of distance can serve to mute this dolorous symphony. Whether the victims are fighting on Armageddon or in Ultramar, Theseus can sense their plight -- and he must go to them as his duty requires.

So it is that the Redeemer of the Lost has become a true Angel of Death, a legend of destruction amongst the Flesh Eaters and their foes. Wherever Theseus the Redeemer treads, the enemy face not only his fury, but the onslaught of Space Marines caught in the twilight shadows of the Black Rage. Theseus's sorrow for his doomed Battle-Brothers serves only to fuel a determination that they shall pass into death having known one last great victory. In this cause he fights like a man possessed, resolute that his twin gifts of death and redemption shall not be denied.

Wargear                                                                                                                                                       

Artificer Armour - Theseus is clad in master-crafted, crimson-coloured Artificer Armour that has the appearance of exposed, striated muscles.

Winged Jump Pack - Theseus wears a modified version of the standard Astartes Jump Pack that is designed to emulate Sanguinius' own angelic wings, but instead of being angelic white, they and the jump pack are the color of night, framing the Redeemer of the Lost by a halo of darkest feather. When leaping down from above, it is as if the High Chaplain has taken flight on broad angelic wings like an avenging angel of legend, thus striking fear into his foes.

The Executioner's Axe - Theseus's axe is crafted to deliver the perfect killing blow. This mighty two-handed master-crafted Power Axe is so keen it can even slice through power fields. It is a peerless weapon of mercy and of war, its cutting edge coated with void-diamond and sharpened to a monomolecular finish.