Index Astartes: Sons of the Void

 Sons of the Void

WarCry: "For the Void-Father, we give our lives!"

Battle Leaders Intone: From the void we come!

Void Brother Reply: To the void we shall return!

Founding: 23rd Founding (37th millennium “Sentinel” Founding)

Successors of: Salamanders (Suspected)

Successor Chapters: None

Number: 1000 (Restored to full Chapter strength with Primaris Marines)

Primarch: Vulkan (Suspected)

Chapter Master: Chaka N'Konkoni (Current)

Previous: Lozal Kadukris (Chief Librarian)

Previous: Chapter Master Talis Melveb (KIA M38)

Home-World: Eternity Base (Destroyed), Currently Fleet-Based

Allegiance: Imperium of Man

Colors: Purple, Silver, Black

Chapter History- The Chapter is believed to be created during the 23rd founding, the latter part of the 37th millennium with the intent to repair the power and reach of the Adeptus Astartes that had suffered considerable losses in the preceding millennia. According to the Requiem Malesent of Saint Kybra, no fewer than 57 Space Marine Chapters had been destroyed, turned Renegade or declared lost in the Warp during this troubled period. The era had been marked by such calamities as the Age of Apostasy, the disastrous 21st "Cursed" Founding, the attacks of the Forces of Chaos and a rampage of Orks almost unchecked along the Imperium of Man's frontiers. Several of the Space Marine Chapters Founded at this time were conceived as Chapters that would pursue perpetual Crusades against the Emperor's foes. From what Imperial records indicate, the Chapter was placed in the Segmentum Pacificus in the Veiled Region where several dangerous Ork Warbands, various xenos mercenaries and the dreaded Necrons reside.

     The Sons History begins with the declaration of the Nova Crusade, where Talis Melveb swore his oath to the High Lords of Terra, that he would regain the control and power lost within the Segmentum Pacificus. For nearly two centuries, the Sons of the Void fought tooth and nail battling the Necrons of the Veiled Region, heaping a heavy toll upon the enemy. The Sons weren’t without their losses. By the end of the Nova Crusade, the Chapter had lost a third of its manpower and machines. Chapter Master Talis Melveb believed the Necron threat eliminated, and moved on to the next stage of cleansing the Veiled Region with the Talis Crusade. 

    

      He ordered each company to take different parts of the region to flush out what enemies remained. The Chapter systematically eliminated every Ork war-band and xenos that dared exist within the Emperor's realm. Having fought on continuous crusades for nearly two centuries, the High Lords of Terra believed the Chapter had proven its worth for its crusades and sacrifice. In turn, the Chapter was awarded an Asteroid-Fortress from the Adeptus Mechanicus in order for the Chapter to not only establish a permanent base, but to continue its crusades within the region.

     

     While the Chapter was fighting throughout the region during the early part of the 38th Millennium, part of the Chapter had returned to Eternity Base to refit and replenish heavy losses with the reserve companies on the base. Long-Range Scanners picked up an urgent transmission from the 2nd Company Void-Commander Rasi. It was discovered that a Necron Tomb-World had awoken from the fighting between 2nd Company forces and Ork Warband Ghad'druk and was sure the Men of Iron would destroy every being upon the planet and descend on the Sons in force. The Chapter Master ordered Rasi to pull out but Rasi and his men stayed and fought as the Sons always did. 

With most of the Chapter unable to return, it was up to the Sons 5th and 6th Reserve Companies and the Chapters roughly 40 remaining 1st Company Veterans and Melveb himself to defend their fortress and ready themselves to give their lives honorably. The Chapter Master and his remaining forces were met by a Necron Fleet outnumbering them 4 to 1. The Sons fought valiantly, spewing hatred and bringing death to the Emperor's enemies until the last man. Despite their best efforts, the Asteroid-Fortress was destroyed, creating an asteroid field that rivaled the Asteroid Belt to the south of the Veiled Region. The Space Marines returning from Crusades had nothing to return to. Instead of seeking a planet as their next home, the remaining Chapter Council elected to remain fleet-based after the loss of their Asteroid-Fortress, Chapter Master Melveb, half of the Chapters 1st Company and 300 Void-Brothers from the 5th and 6th companies. The Sons view this as their biggest failure and feel they must regain their honor in the eyes of the Emperor. The Men of Iron are the Sons most hated enemy and will commit their entire force against them if need be. Since the Eternity Base Incident, the Chapter has slowly been rebuilding its strength over the last few centuries in order to fully commit its strength to the Imperium. Despite the heavy blow to the Chapter, the Sons have continued to lend their strength to the threats of the Imperium. wherever they see fit, and have largely remained in the Veiled Region vying to destroy their greatest enemies. Until recently (early M41) the Chapter has gone largely unnoticed. The Sons of the Void have participated in some of the most notable campaigns in recent history.

Notable Campaigns:

The Nova Crusade- (957.M37- 148.M38): The Sons of the Void; perpetual crusade against the Necrons residing in the Veiled Region of the Segmentum Pacificus.

The Talis Crusade- (303.M38 - 323.M38): The Sons embark on a Chapter wide crusade spread across the Veiled Region systematically eliminating all remaining xenos threats against the region and the Chapter as a whole. This crusade led to the Eternity Base Incident having the Chapter spread across the region. The speed and numbers of the Necron contingent proved more than the remaining Astartes on Eternity Base could handle.

Eternity Base Incident- (323.M38): Caught off guard while the Chapter was on crusade across the region, the Chapter Master and the Astartes on Eternity Base were destroyed by Necron Overlord Furahen and the Tyshek Dynasty's forces. The destruction of the Sons Asteroid-Fortress saw the Sons strength and manpower greatly reduced. Since then, the Chapter has focused on rebuilding itself. Upon regaining full strength, the Chapter will enact its vengeance on Furahen for the losses the Chapter suffered.

Sabbot Worlds Crusade: Operation NewFound (756-764.M41)

-Ambold Eleven (756.M41)- Along with the Iron Snakes Space Marine Chapter, and the Sons of the Void Space Marine Chapter en route to Sverren, answered the frantic signals of Colonel Beguelin of the Sarpov Regiment , voluntarily diverted and made a drop-pod assault on the targeted cities to relieve the desperate and beleaguered Imperial Guard forces.

Operation HellStorm (765.M41)- The Sons of 3rd and 4th Battle Companies supported the White Scars and Silver Guard’s advance on the Emancipatory, ultimately taking the Oligarchy Gate, losing 24 Void-Brothers in the process.

*note: Imperial records failed to include their contribution due to an error, "1st Company of the Silver Guards" of the *Sons of the Void*- so named to honor their efforts against Men of Iron (which may or may not be related to the Necrons, as the Sabbat Crusade began centuries before the Necrons revealed themselves at Sanctuary 101)- was mistaken for elements of the Silver Guard Chapter.

13th Black Crusade (999.M41)- The Sons of the Void answered the call to aid Cadia in its greatest hour of need. Committing the entire Chapter to stopping the foul predations of Abaddon the Despoiler. The Sons were instrumental in combating the Word Bearers and their demon spawn on the world of Cordalis IV, stopping fell rituals that would thin the veil to the immaterium.

A Chapter Restored- (117.M42)- After the onset of the Great Rift, the Sons of the Void were cut off from the wider Imperium, continuing to fight in the name of the Emperor despite their losses and their situation like most Space Marine Chapters. It was when Roboute Guilliman came across the fleet and restored the Chapter to full strength once again after nearly 3000 years with the newly christened Primaris Space Marines of their gene-line. The new brothers were welcomed within the ranks of the Chapter, Lozal and the remainder of the Chapter choosing to undergo the surgeries and implants required to become Primaris Space Marines. There was an unprecedented 100% success rate from the Rubicon Primaris. Chapter Master Lozal relinquished his position and returned to his duties as the Chief Librarian and handed the mantle of command to Void-Lord Chaka N'Konkoni.

The Eternus Crusade- (118.M42)- Having been returned to full Chapter strength, Void-Lord Chaka sets off at the head of his fleet to beat back the threat of Chaos within their realm. Numerous systems are cut off and rendered helpless from the endless tides of the arch enemy. Leading from the front, the fresh Chapter Master bludgeons the traitors with all the ferocity and skill a warrior of his station possesses, but has come across the insidious Alpha Legion and has been fighting a series of running battles to defeat the dreaded Chaos Lord Verec the Unchanged and his Chaos Warband, The Hydra Blades.

Chapter Recruitment- Since the Chapter is now fleet based, it gets the majority of its initiates from the planets and systems they come across. The Chapter just like all Space Marine Chapters only select initiates that prove their mettle in the Chapter’s trials. It is said the Chapter tests their initiates “in the abyss of the void” taking those initiates that are ready for battle, and including them on a boarding action. Those that survive, and prove worthy to the Sons, are then inducted into the Chapters Scout Company, and eventually become Void-Brothers. Like most fleet based chapters the Sons put neophytes from the same planet/system into different squads and companies to break up any allegiances they previously had, having them build ties with the Chapter rather than their home world.  The Sons also take special interest in those that possess the abilities of the psyker, no one knows for sure to what end the chapter goes with these neophytes. Imperial Scholars speculate the Chapter favors psychically gifted initiates for the purpose of enhanced Chapter coordination during ground and void battles.

Chapter Combat Doctrine- The Sons believe by studying one's enemy, one can predict their movements before launching any attacks, rather than charging in like uncontrolled berserkers or using spontaneous lightning assaults. The sons utilize every asset within their arsenal, devastating their enemies with effective fire from their armored elements and fire support squads as well as the steady aim of Battleline squads and the speed of their close support squads. This has caused friction with other, more headstrong Chapters. Those who prefer a clear-cut approach to battle have branded the Sons as cowards for their overly-methodical approach to waging warfare. But this is an unfair assessment, for once the Sons take to the field, they fight with righteous fury and zeal with the name of the Emperor on their tongues.

Once decided upon, the Chapter never deviates from the agreed upon plan of strategy, from its initial planning stages to its final execution, executing it with ruthless efficiency. The thoroughness of their planning and thoroughness is such that every eventuality is planned for, thanks to their Librarians' powerful divination. The Eternity Base Incident forced the Chapter Council to fully integrate Librarians into its companies. They believed the knowledge and power would best be utilized throughout the Chapter. The Council believed they would be better suited to the task of being integrated into companies so as to never be caught off guard again. Chapter Master Lozal as well as the Librarians in the Chapter are greatly respected by their fellow Void Brothers, as the respect is dually returned.

The Sons doctrine of aerial assault culminates in savage close combat. Whether they are delivered into battle by Drop Pod, Thunderhawk or Stormraven Gunship, or in the troop bay of an armoured transport such as a Rhino, Razorback or Land Raider, the Sons are all but peerless in their mastery of close assault. Imperial Scholars as well as Cousin Chapters have noted the Sons utilize extensive numbers of Assault Marines. It is also noted the Chapter maintains a higher number of Assault Marines within their 8th Reserve Company.

Chapter Organization – The Sons basic company organization adheres with the directives of the Codex. The Sons maintain ten standard companies. Each of these companies maintains the status, combat specializations, and training protocols as dictated per the Codex. This is in spite of the fact that the Chapter is fleet-based, so companies may be forced to separate due to extended assignments aboard vessels directed to separate portions of the Imperium. Since the Chapter is fleet based, each company can support itself and every element of the Chapter is essentially a crusade company. The Chapter Master trusts his Void Captains will utilize its resources where they see fit and call upon one another when support is needed.

The most sweeping change within the Sons company leadership is that all company commanders take a member of the Librarium on as a trusted advisor, who aids in preparation for all battles. In some instances, these Librarians even go on to assume the title of company commander in the event of battlefield losses. As of yet 2nd and 4th battle companies are led by Codiciers from the Librarium. With the Chapter ranks resurged with Primaris, the Librarium has turned back to their traditional roles within the Chapter, 2nd and 4th battle companies being led by Captains respectively. 

Company command structure is as follows: 

Void-Lord (Chapter Master)

Void-Captain (Company Commander)

Void-Seer (Librarian)

Void-Priest (Chaplain)

Void-Binder (Apothecary)

Void-Leader (Sergeant)

Void-Brother (Battle Brother)

Specialist Formations: The "Void-Born" 1st Company Veterans

The Void-Born are a specialist formation within the 1st Company, comprising the best and most savage Veterans within the Chapter. It is said by Void-Brothers that have fought alongside the Void-Born, it is as if they come straight out of the void bringing death and destruction, and are gone as fast as they came.

Chapter Beliefs- The Chapter puts special emphasis on self-reliance, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and solitude. Though this ideology is reminiscent of the venerated Salamanders of the 1st Founding, it is speculated some of the original members of the Chapter were from the host Chapter itself, but these claims have never been proven. These values come from the Chapter being relatively alone in their endeavors, and the Chapters rites. When the Chapter is campaigning, it’s usually for long intervals, anywhere from 1-2 decades at a time without ever seeing or interacting with other Chapters. They are often met with suspicion when they do come across other chapters. The Sons are as loyal as any chapter, they put their utmost trust and faith in themselves. The Sons do not fight for honor or glory, but fight because it is their duty and understand they are the Emperor's Angels, sent from the Void to enact his will. The Sons fight ever vigorously for they know as all warriors do, they will die but accept this with renewed vigor in their way of war. For when they do give their life, it is because it is devotion to duty. The Chapter believes they are in eternal service to the Emperor, it being a great honor to die in his service for the gene-seed will be passed on to another Void-Brother to continue serving for as long as the Chapter exists. For upon death, they all return to the emptiness of the void. They also believe every man, woman and child has earned their place in the Emperors domain, they see that everyone must honorably serve him in one way or another. Whether that be a miner on an imperial world churning out resources for the Imperium or serving a Space Marine Chapter as a serf. The Sons hold their support staff in high esteem, saying that without the support from their servants, the Chapter would not operate effectively. This outlook reinforces why scholars believe the Sons are descendants of the Salamanders Chapter.

Chapter Fleet- 2 Battle Barge, 7 Strike Cruisers, 8 Escorts

Void Reaper (Battle Barge)

Divine Intervention (Battle Barge)

Eternal Vengeance (Strike Cruiser)

Melveb's Honor (Strike Cruiser)

Night Stalker (Strike Cruiser)

The Herald of Time (Strike Cruiser)

Death's Retribution (Strike Cruiser)

Scion of Infinity (Strike Cruiser)

Black Hope (Strike Cruiser)

Chapter Appearance-

Physical Appearance: It is noted that a majority of the Astartes in the Chapter are of a dark complexion and possess the same phenotype, perpetuating that the original members of the Chapter were recruited from the same world. The knowledge has been lost to the annals of time, even the Librarius has scant records of where the Astartes originally hailed from. 

What the Sons do know is they practice an ancient form of ritual scarring that dates back to their inception in the Imperium. Members of the Chapter have been observed with ritual scars across their foreheads, cheeks, noses and chins. What these symbols mean, Imperial Scholars can mostly speculate that they represent motifs of rank, honors in battle, or stages in an Astartes lifespan. Only the most veteran Astartes of the Chapter boast scars all over their trans-human bodies. Most if not all Void-Brothers have been observed wearing helmets in the company of other Chapters. It is not known why the Sons do this, but most can assume that they do this because they relish the comfort and familiarity of one another above cousin chapters.

***The Sons are suspected of being a Successor Chapter of the Salamanders due to their similar, larger-than-normal physiques and tendency to develop jet-black skin due to a mutation in the DNA of the Chapter's Monochrome gene-seed organ, a flaw that is only known to affect the gene-seed of the Salamanders. Imperial Scholars have been made aware of a report from the Chapter that Void-Brothers of the 1st Company returned to the Chapter's Battle Barge Void Reaper with jet-black skin like Astartes of the Salamanders. It was after the Company had returned from a strenuous crusade on the western outskirts of the Veiled Region in Sector KB-4590039,1 where the nearby nebula drenched the worlds around it with deadly levels of radiation. This revelation has shed new light on who the Sons gene-father is, though the Salamanders of the 1st Founding have not confirmed that they are descendants of Vulkan, the Sons revel in this new found information.

Chapter Colors- The Sons of the Void primarily wear purple and black power armor. The inset of the right shoulder guard is black in color, trimmed with silver. The white colored squad specialty symbol on the right shoulder guard designates operational specialty -- Battleline, Fire Support, Close Support, Command or Veteran as well as a Gothic numeral etched in the operational specialty denoting company. A white Gothic numeral is etched on the right knee pad denoting squad.

Chapter Badge- The Sons of the Void’s Chapter badge is a white hourglass head enmeshed with a horizontal infinity symbol on a field of black.