|Founding Chapter=[[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|11a}}|Founding=nN/aA; chapter ratified by edict 011.[[M37]]{{Fn|11a}}|Chapter Master=nN/aA; chapter overseen by triumverate triumvirate council of [[Iron Thane]]s{{Fn|11a}}|Descendants=None{{Fn|11a}}|Homeworld=[[Fleet based]]; three primary independent battle groups{{Fn|11a}}|Fortress-Monastery=Asteroid network, [[Taelus System]]{{Fn|11a}}|Colours=Green/Black/Whitewith black or white aquila, and white helmet.{{Fn|11a}}{{Fn|1d}}{{Fn|1e}}{{Fn|1f}}{{Fn|4}}

|Battle Cry="Purge the weak."{{Fn|11a}}|Strength=Unknown

The Founding of the Sons of Medusa is highly unusual in that, technically, they were never actually founded at all. Their origins lie within an [[Imperial]] civil conflict known as the [[Moirae Schism]], which itself occurred during the [[Nova Terra Interregnum]]. During this schism, which affected all branches of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and those Imperial factions closely tied to it, the Iron Hands chapter stood on the brink of destroying itself in an internal chapter war. However, the ruling council of the Iron Hands, the Great Clan Council, was able to settle the matter by getting all concerned to agree to a simple solution; the Moirae dissidents were to be exiled from the chapter, with all parties swearing never to take up arms against each other. In the wake of this ruling, almost a full third of the chapter split away to become a [[fleet-based]] divergent branch of the Iron Hands. Over time, they increased their numbers (by accepting Moirae dissidents from other Iron Hands successor chapters as well as traditional recruiting) and by the time the Moirae Schism was over, the Moirae Iron Hands were reckoned to stand at chapter-strength.{{Fn|11a}}

With the restoration of the [[High Lords of Terra]] during the [[Age of Redemption]], the Moirae Iron Hands were carefully judged and scrutinised by the resurgent Imperium for their actions during the Schism and the Interregnum, and were found pure and loyal to the greater Imperium. As a result, the High Lords of Terra issued a special edict that would ratify the Moirae Iron Hands' right to exist as a Space Marine chapter in their own right. They were renamed the Sons of Medusa and gained new heraldry, as well as the distrust and wary observation of some in the Adeptus Mechanicus and other Space Marine chapters unhappy with this development.{{Fn|11a}}

As if to test their loyalty, the first campaign officially issued to the Sons of Medusa was that of the [[Great Cull]]; the eradication of those elements of the Imperium found wanting. They are noted to have performed above and beyond expectations in this campaign, outshining their parent chapter as well as other Imperial forces with their zeal to destroy Imperial traitors, as well as other foes of humanity.{{Fn|11a}}

The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters who that took part in the [[Badab War]] on the side of the loyalists. They In response to a call for aid from [[Inquisitor|Legate-Inquisitor]] [[Jarndyce Frain]], they entered the war after the initial period of conflict as reinforcements called in to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The first strike cruisers of the chapter deployed significant forces to would arrive in early 907.M41, and would be comprised of the full Atropos Clan with equipment and sections of the Lachesis and Magaera Clans. This joint force would be led by [[Iron Thane]] [[Vaylund Cal]] of the Atropos Clan. In total, the estimated force of the war Sons of Medusa was six codex companies with a supporting fleet of fourteen various escort and attack vessels, six [[Strike Cruisers]], two [[Forgeship|Forgeships]] and one [[Battlebarge]].{{Fn|1b}} The Sons of Medusa performed admirably throughoutthe Badab War, despite only coordinating with the Red Scorpions. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, during which they are first scouring [[Cygnax]], then later on raiding the systems of [[Decaballus System|Decaballus]] and [[Eshunna System|Eshunna]]. Most notably, the Sons of Medusa led the [[Galen VI]] battle with the [[Inquisition]]. During their involvement in the Badab War, the chapter is only noted to have suffered one serious setback; the destruction of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Warspite]]'', lost along with all handsaboard. The ''Warspite'' was destroyed by the secessionist [[Executioners]] chapter; when the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution. They were denied this by the actions of near the [[SalamandersGrief System]] forces present in the warzone, who stepped in to prevent unnecessary deaths911. This incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the loyalist chaptersM41.{{Fn|11b}}

Command Squad When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of the Atropos Clan Battle Company fought in Medusa advocated bloody retribution; however, they were denied this by the [[Galen SubjugationSalamanders]] campaign during forces present in the warzone that stepped in to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Whilst direct conflict between the Sons of Medusa and the Salamanders was narrowly avoided, this incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the Badab Warloyalist chapters.{{Fn|51b}}

The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the [[Fall of Badab]] and [[Lufgt Lugft Huron]]'s secessionist forces, being primarily responsible for the capture of one of the star fortresses which protected [[Badab Primaris]] from attack. The capture of this particular fortress was the last act needed to shatter the [[Tyrant of Badab]]'s "Ring of Steel" and open Badab Primaris to planetary assault{{Fn|1b}}. The Chapter's '''Atropos War Clan''' took heavy loses in the [[Badab War]], which in [[M42]] were later largely replaced by [[Primaris Space Marines]].{{Fn|110}}

In [[M42]] they took part in , during the [[Indomitus Crusade]], three [[Torchbearer Fleet|Torchbearer Fleets]] were dispatched to reinforce the Sons of Medusa's War Clans. Each fleet carried a larger-than-average force of [[Adeptus Custodes]], as the [[Imperium]] knew the War Clans were likely to resist taking the ability to create [[Primaris Space Marines]]. Also, the defense against fact that the [[Invasion Greyshield]] reinforcements they carried were born from [[Iron Hands]] [[Gene-seed]] would cause problems as well. The Custodes' presence, however, was to leave no doubt to the Sons of Medusa that the Stygius SectorPrimaris came from the boon of the [[Emperor]]Himself. To deny them was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.{{Fn|8b14}}

All three [[Torchbearer Fleet]]s found their respective War Clans, but had various difficulties in convincing them to accept the [[Primaris Space Marine|Primaris]]. Lachesis was the easiest, as its Fleet rushed to aid the War Clan in its battle against the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]]. The Torchbearer Fleet would then fight alongside Lachesis for a full year, and the martial bonds they forged allowed the War Clan to accept the Primaris. However, the Fleets that dealt with Mageara and Atropos had a much more difficult time in doing so. In the end, the challenges they faced went far beyond the resistance shown by the two remaining War Clans themselves...{{Fn|14}} === Timeline ===*[[M35]] — [[Moirae Schism]]; Moirae Iron Hands exiled and become independent.{{Fn|11a}}*'''011.[[M37]]''' — Moirae Iron Hands ratified as a Space Marine chapter; re-codifed as the Sons of Medusa. Took part in the [[Great Cull]].{{Fn|11a}}*'''182.[[M38]]''' — The [[Bellrath Crusade]]; liberation of the [[Laanah Rifts]] from [[xenos]], [[heretics]] and scum.{{Fn|11c}}*'''453.[[M38]]''' — The Bellrath Crusade ends.{{Fn|11c}}*[[M39]] — Sons of Medusa establish permanent [[fortress-monastery]] complex in the [[Taelus System]].{{Fn|11c}}*'''322.M39''' - — Participated in the [[Angevin Crusade]].{{Fn|2}}*'''907.[[M41]]''' — Entered the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|11c}}*'''912.M41''' - — The Badab War ends.{{Fn|11c}}*[[M42]] - Aided — [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]]{{Fn|8c}}. Later aided the [[Iron Hands]] and other Iron Hands successors [[Successor Chapter|Successors]] in the [[Second Relief of Mordian]].{{Fn|88b}}*[[M42]] - War Clan Lachesis and a [[Torchbearers Fleet]], battle the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]].{{Fn|14}}

Whilst Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured - being split into afflicted by the almost obsessive desire to replace what they perceive as their weak flesh with the strength provided by [[cybernetic]] replacements. Despite these similar views, multiple factions of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] are distrustful of the chapter, while their relationship with their progenitors, the [[Iron Hands]], is civil, albeit extremely cold. Despite these many distant relations, the Sons of Medusa maintain amicable relations with some [[Explorator]] sects.{{Fn|1c}} Similar to their progenitors, the Iron Hands, the Sons of Medusa adopted a clan system. This replaced the usual ten companies a Space Marine chapter would usually have with three separate and effectively autonomous War Clans (: [[Clan Mageara]], [[Clan Atropos]] and [[Clan Lachesis]].{{Fn|1c}} Between these three clans, each would contain 3 companies with the Mageara Clan encompassing the 1st, 4th and 7th companies, the Atropos) - Clan encompassing the 2nd, 5th and 8th companies and the Lachesis Clan encompassing the 3rd, 6th and 9th companies.{{Fn|7}}{{Fn|19}} Whilst the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured, their overall organisation is reasonably close to that laid forth in the [[Codex Astartes]]. This is achieved due to the makeup of the individual War Clans: One [[Battle Company]], one [[Tactical Company]], one Support Company (composed of [[Devastator Squad|Devastator]], [[Assault Squad|Assault]] and [[Veteran Squad]]s) and one auxilliary [[Scout]] force each. When the makeup of these companies is totalled, the Sons of Medusa "notionally" end up with about the same amount of marines assigned to the various roles as a more straightforward [[Codex Chapter]].{{Fn|11a}} However, the Sons of Medusa have a particularly exacting recruitment and indoctrination process, which can result in a lower-than-average number of initiates at any one time. On the plus side of this equation, the high wash-out rate does ensure the chapter has a large number of [[servitors]].{{Fn|1c}} Each War Clan is commanded by an [[Iron Thane]] — these three being the ruling council of the chapter - and each company by a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]]. Besides the official command chain, there sit the unofficial links of respect and tradition; the wisdom of the chapter's [[Venerable Dreadnought]]s and their [[Techmarine]]s, who group themselves together as the "Chamber Ferrum." The Chamber Ferrum not only advises the War Clan leaders, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and [[apothecarion]]. This ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel.{{Fn|1c}}

HoweverIndeed, the Sons of Medusa have are noted to be a particularly exacting recruitment and indoctrination processvery unified chapter despite their clan organisation, which can result in a lower-than-average number with their chapter philosophies of initiates at any one time. On logic and the plus side abhorrence of this equation, the high wash-out rate does ensure weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter has a large possesses extensive forge resources, allowing them to field an impressive amount of Space Marine equipment, in both number and variety. There is almost no pattern of vehicle or armour they do not possess, either through direct forging or battlefield scavenging. The Sons of Medusa historically favour combats with [[servitorsrenegade chapters]]and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.{{Fn|11c}}

Each ==Heraldry==[[File:ClanMagera.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the Magera War Clan is commanded by an [[Iron Thane{{Fn|7}}]] — these The three being clans of the ruling council Sons of Medusa are distinguished through variations in the chapter - and each company by a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]]'s heraldry. Besides Historically, the official command chainchapter's ranks, there sit the unofficial links depictions of respect clan symbols and tradition; squad numbers varied and would not always be consistent.{{Fn|1d}}{{Fn|20}} With the wisdom introduction of Primaris reinforcements to the chapter, it appears that efforts were taken to standardise the chapter's [[Venerable Dreadnought]]s and heraldry. The chapter now consistently depicts their [[Techmarine]]sclan symbol on the right kneepad, who group themselves together as with their squad number being shown on the "Chamber Ferrumleft kneepad." The Chamber Ferrum not only advises company number is also depicted alongside the War Clan leaders, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and [[apothecarion]]. This ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materielbattlefield role of each marine on their right shoulder pad.{{Fn|17}}{{Fn|19}}

IndeedFor the '''Mageara War Clan''' they utilise the 'purest' depiction of the chapter's emerald armour, which has an emerald trim on the Sons shoulder pads and utilises a completely white version of Medusa are noted to be the chapter's badge that does not have a very unified chapter despite their colored background. Their clan organisation, with symbol on their chapter philosophies kneepad also keeps the standard emerald colour of logic and the abhorrence of armour.{{Fn|1b}}{{Fn|7}}[[File:ClanAtropos.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the weak always being forefront in Atropos War Clan {{Fn|7}}]]For the mind of each Astartes'''Atropos War Clan''' they utilise a 'sable black' trim around their shoulder pads. The chapter possesses extensive forge resources, allowing them badge is adjusted to field an impressive amount of Space Marine equipmenthave a black star and skull, in both number and varietywith the inner circle being colored black. There The clan symbol is almost no pattern of vehicle or armour they do not possess, either through direct forging or battlefield scavengingdepicted on a black kneepad. The Sons of Medusa historically favour combats with {{Fn|1b}}{{Fn|7}} [[renegade chaptersFile:ClanLachesis.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the Lachesis War Clan {{Fn|7}}]] and through their skills For the '''Lachesis War Clan''' they had previously been noted to utilise a 'silver-steel' trim.{{Fn|1b}} This, however, was adjusted at techno-exorcisman unspecified time, are always able and the Clan now utilise a gold trim with a matching right kneepad. Their chapter badge is adjusted to find use for enemy equipmenthave a white star and skull with the inner circle being colored black.{{Fn|17}}{{Fn|19}}

===Notable MembersNamed Vessels===*''[[Mazos DhuleJudgement of Mageara]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan. Fought in '' - [[Galen SubjugationStrike Cruiser]]{{Fn|518}} See also ([[Quotes Space Marines|his quote]])*''[[Vaylund CalWarspite]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, High Artificer of the Sons of Medusa, Scion of the Moirae*'' - [[Setol SollexStrike Cruiser]] - . Destroyed by the [[Iron FatherExecutioners]]{{Fn|8a}}*during the [[HattornBadab War]] - Battle-Brother of War Clan Magera.{{Fn|71a}}

===Notable Named Vehicles===

<gallery mode="packednolines" heights="150"200 widths=200>Sons of medusa marine.png|Brother [[Kheres]] of the Magera War Clan{{Fn|1d}}SonsMedusaTerm1.jpg|Terminator Sgt [[Drakon (Sons of Medusa)|Drakon]]of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1e}}SonsMedusaTerm2.jpg|Terminator Brother [[Sthal]]of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1f}}SonsMedusaAss.jpg|Brother [[Ashmon]]of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1d}}SonsMedusaTech.jpg|[[Forge-Wright]] [[Lumic]]of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1d}}SonsofMedusaBadabWar.jpg|Battle-Brother in [[Mark VI]] [[Power Armour]] during the [[Badab War]]{{Fn|13}}SonsofMedusaCamoBadabWar.jpg|Desert World Support Squad, Badab War{{Fn|13}}

==Trivia=={{Trivia}}===Notes===*According to the Badab War Campaign run at Warhammer World{{Fn|3}}, the Sons of Medusa did have particular traits. Their bonus unit was described as a [[Desert world]] support squad, which was a [[Devastator squad]] that could take a mix of [[Heavy Bolter]]s and [[Sniper Rifle]]s.

==Related ArticlesSee also==

*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], :**{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 94 & 96**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 98-99**{{Endn|1c}}: pgs. 91–10396-98**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 95**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 100**{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 101**{{Endn|1g}}: pg. 181

*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]], : pg. 198*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Defiant]], pg. 79*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex)]] , pg.57*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex Supplement: Iron Hands (8th Edition)]] :**{{Endn|8a}}: pg. 29**{{Endn|8b}}: pgs.32-33**{{Endn|8a8c}}: pg. 34 — ''The Iron Crusade''*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Deathwatch (8th Edition)]], pg. 26 - ''The Vigil of Aeons: The Death of Time''*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 460]], pg.2959 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords''*{{Endn|11}}: [[War Zone Charadon - Act I: The Book of Rust]], pgs. 39-41*{{Endn|12}}: [[Citadel Combat Cards]]: [[Spacewar]]*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Compendium]], pg. 35*{{Endn|14}}: [[White Dwarf November 2019]], pg. 48 — ''Dawn of the Era Indomitus: Medusa's Gift''*{{Endn|8b15}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Rift War]], pg.3430*{{Endn|16}}: [[White Dwarf 462]], "pg. 18 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords: The Iron Sons of Medusa''*{{Endn|17}}: [[White Dwarf 466]], pgs. 40-41 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords: Sons of Medusa''*{{Endn|18}}: [[Crusade": Nachmund Gauntlet]], pg. 29*{{Endn|19}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (10th Edition)]], pg. 57*{{Endn|20}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition)]], pg. 57

[[Category:Iron HandsSuccessor Chapters]]