Difference between revisions of "Sons of Medusa"

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{{IronHandsPortal}}
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{{CI}}
 
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
 
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|Symbol=Sons of medusa symbol.jpg
 
|Symbol=Sons of medusa symbol.jpg
 
|Symbol Px=150
 
|Symbol Px=150
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|Founding Chapter=[[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|1}}
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|Founding Chapter=[[Iron Hands]]{{Fn|1a}}
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|Founding=n/a; chapter ratified by edict 011.[[M37]]{{Fn|1}}
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|Founding=N/A; chapter ratified by edict 011.[[M37]]{{Fn|1a}}
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|Chapter Master=n/a; chapter overseen by triumverate council of [[Iron Thane]]s{{Fn|1}}
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|Chapter Master=N/A; chapter overseen by triumvirate council of [[Iron Thane]]s{{Fn|1a}}
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|Descendants=None{{Fn|1}}
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|Descendants=None{{Fn|1a}}
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|Homeworld=[[Fleet based]]; three primary independent battle groups{{Fn|1}}
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|Homeworld=[[Fleet based]]; three primary independent battle groups{{Fn|1a}}
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|Fortress-Monastery=Asteroid network, [[Taelus System]]{{Fn|1}}
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|Fortress-Monastery=Asteroid network, [[Taelus System]]{{Fn|1a}}
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|Colours=Green with black aquila and white helmet.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|4}}
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|Colours=Green with black or white aquila, and white helmet.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|1d}}{{Fn|1e}}{{Fn|1f}}{{Fn|4}}
 
|Miniature=sonsofmedusamini.jpg
 
|Miniature=sonsofmedusamini.jpg
 
|Miniature Px=0
 
|Miniature Px=0
 
|Specialty=
 
|Specialty=
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|Battle Cry="Purge the weak."{{Fn|1}}
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|Battle Cry="Purge the weak."{{Fn|1a}}
 
|Strength=
 
|Strength=
 
}}
 
}}
 +
The '''Sons of Medusa''' are a [[successor chapter]] of the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
−
The '''Sons of Medusa''' are a [[Successor Chapter]] of the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|1}}
+
The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent [[chapter]] in terms of organisation and philosophy. They, too, abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.{{Fn|1a}}
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Overivew==
 
−
The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent [[Chapter]] in terms of organisation and philosophy. They too abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.{{Fn|1}}
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
===Founding===
 
===Founding===
−
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|1}}
+
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|1a}}
  
−
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|1}}
+
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|1a}}
  
−
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|1}}
+
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|1a}}
  
 
===Recent Years===
 
===Recent Years===
−
The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters who took part in the [[Badab War]] on the side of the loyalists. 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 chapter deployed significant forces to the war and performed admirably throughout. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, during which they are only noted to have suffered one serious setback; the destruction of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Warspite]]'', along with all hands aboard. The ''Warspite'' was destroyed by the secessionist [[Executioners]] chapter. When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution, however, they were denied this by the [[Salamanders]] forces present in the warzone that stepped in to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. This incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the loyalist chapters.{{Fn|1}}
+
The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters that took part in the [[Badab War]] on the side of the loyalists. In response to a call for aid from [[Inquisitor|Legate-Inquisitor]] [[Jarndyce Frain]], they entered the war to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The first strike cruisers of the chapter 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 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 throughout the Badab War, despite only coordinating with the Red Scorpions. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, 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]]'', along with all hands aboard. The ''Warspite'' was destroyed by the secessionist [[Executioners]] chapter near the [[Grief System]] in 911.M41.{{Fn|1b}}  
  
−
Command Squad of the Atropos Clan Battle Company fought in the [[Galen Subjugation]] campaign during the Badab War.{{Fn|5}}
+
When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution; however, they were denied this by the [[Salamanders]] 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 loyalist chapters.{{Fn|1b}}
  
−
The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the [[Fall of Badab]] and [[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|1}}. 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|10}}
+
The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the [[Fall of Badab]] and [[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|10}}
  
−
In [[M42]], during the [[Indomitus Crusade]], three [[Torchbearer Fleet]]s were dispatched to reinforce the Sons of Medusa's War Clans. Each carried with it 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 fact that the [[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 Primaris came from the boon of the [[Emperor]] Himself. To deny them, was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.{{Fn|14}}  
+
In [[M42]], 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 fact that the [[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 Primaris came from the boon of the [[Emperor]] Himself. To deny them was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.{{Fn|14}}  
  
−
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}}
+
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===
 
===Timeline===
−
*[[M35]] — [[Moirae Schism]]; Moirae Iron Hands exiled and become independent.{{Fn|1}}
+
*[[M35]] — [[Moirae Schism]]; Moirae Iron Hands exiled and become independent.{{Fn|1a}}
−
*'''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|1}}
+
*'''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|1a}}
−
*'''182.[[M38]]''' — The [[Bellrath Crusade]]; liberation of the [[Laanah Rifts]] from [[xenos]], [[heretics]] and scum.{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''182.[[M38]]''' — The [[Bellrath Crusade]]; liberation of the [[Laanah Rifts]] from [[xenos]], [[heretics]] and scum.{{Fn|1c}}
−
*'''453.[[M38]]''' — The Bellrath Crusade ends.{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''453.[[M38]]''' — The Bellrath Crusade ends.{{Fn|1c}}
−
*[[M39]] — Sons of Medusa establish permanent [[fortress-monastery]] complex in the [[Taelus System]].{{Fn|1}}
+
*[[M39]] — Sons of Medusa establish permanent [[fortress-monastery]] complex in the [[Taelus System]].{{Fn|1c}}
 
*'''322.M39''' — Participated in the [[Angevin Crusade]].{{Fn|2}}
 
*'''322.M39''' — Participated in the [[Angevin Crusade]].{{Fn|2}}
−
*'''907.[[M41]]''' — Entered the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''907.[[M41]]''' — Entered the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|1c}}
−
*'''912.M41''' — The Badab War ends.{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''912.M41''' — The Badab War ends.{{Fn|1c}}
−
*[[M42]] — [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]]{{Fn|8c}}. Later Aided the [[Iron Hands]] and other Iron Hands [[Successor Chapter|Successors]] in the [[Second Relief of Mordian]].{{Fn|8b}}
+
*[[M42]] — [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]]{{Fn|8c}}. Later aided the [[Iron Hands]] and other Iron Hands [[Successor Chapter|Successors]] in the [[Second Relief of Mordian]].{{Fn|8b}}
 
*[[M42]] - War Clan Lachesis and a [[Torchbearers Fleet]], battle the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]].{{Fn|14}}
 
*[[M42]] - War Clan Lachesis and a [[Torchbearers Fleet]], battle the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]].{{Fn|14}}
 
*[[M42]] — 5 companies are sent to [[Vigilus]] as part of the [[War of Beasts]].{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[M42]] — 5 companies are sent to [[Vigilus]] as part of the [[War of Beasts]].{{Fn|6}}
−
*[[M42]] — A task force of the Sons of Medusa are sent to purge a [[Hrud]] infestation on the [[Shrine World]] of [[Damhal]]. The Sons were overwhelmed and destroyed.{{Fn|9}}
+
*[[M42]] — A task force of the Sons of Medusa are sent to purge a [[Hrud]] infestation on the [[Shrine World]] of [[Damhal]]. The Sons were overwhelmed and destroyed.{{Fn|9}}
−
*[[M42]] - [[Charadon Campaign]]{{Fn|11}}
+
*[[M42]] — [[Charadon Campaign]]{{Fn|11}}
−
*[[M42]] - [[Nachmund Rift War]]{{Fn|15}}
+
*[[M42]] — [[Nachmund Rift War]]{{Fn|15}}
−
*[[M42]] - [[Battle of Malak]] during the [[Arks of Omen Campaign]].
+
*[[M42]] — [[Battle of Malak]] during the [[Arks of Omen Campaign]].
  
 
==Organisation==
 
==Organisation==
−
Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are afflicted by the almost obsessive desire to replace what they perceive as their weak flesh with the strength provided by [[cybernetic]] replacements. They also maintain extremely close links with the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and their belief in the [[Machine God]].{{CME}}
+
Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are 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}}
  
−
Whilst the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured - being split into three separate and effectively autonomous War Clans (Lachesis, Mageara and Atropos) - 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|1}}
+
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 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}}
  
−
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|1}}
+
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|1a}}
  
−
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|1}}
+
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}}
  
−
Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter 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 [[renegade chapters]] and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.{{Fn|1}}
+
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}}
 +
 
 +
Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter 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 [[renegade chapters]] and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.{{Fn|1c}}
 +
 
 +
==Heraldry==
 +
[[File:ClanMagera.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the Magera War Clan {{Fn|7}}]]
 +
The three clans of the Sons of Medusa are distinguished through variations in the chapter's heraldry. Historically, the chapter's ranks, the depictions of clan symbols and squad numbers varied and would not always be consistent.{{Fn|1d}}{{Fn|20}} With the introduction of Primaris reinforcements to the chapter, it appears that efforts were taken to standardise the chapter's heraldry. The chapter now consistently depicts their clan symbol on the right kneepad, with their squad number being shown on the left kneepad. The company number is also depicted alongside the battlefield role of each marine on their right shoulder pad.{{Fn|7}}{{Fn|19}}
 +
 
 +
For the '''Mageara War Clan''' they utilise the 'purest' depiction of the chapter's emerald armour, which has an emerald trim on the shoulder pads and utilises a completely white version of the chapter's badge that does not have a colored background. Their clan symbol on their kneepad also keeps the standard emerald colour of the armour.{{Fn|1b}}{{Fn|7}}
 +
[[File:ClanAtropos.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the Atropos War Clan {{Fn|7}}]]
 +
For the '''Atropos War Clan''' they utilise a 'sable black' trim around their shoulder pads. The chapter badge is adjusted to have a black star and skull, with the inner circle being colored black. The clan symbol is depicted on a black kneepad.{{Fn|1b}}{{Fn|7}}
 +
[[File:ClanLachesis.jpg|thumb|300px|Heraldry utilised by the Lachesis War Clan {{Fn|7}}]]
 +
For the '''Lachesis War Clan''' they had previously been noted to utilise a 'silver-steel' trim.{{Fn|1b}} This, however, was adjusted at an unspecified time, and the Clan now utilise a gold trim with a matching right kneepad. Their chapter badge is adjusted to have a white star and skull with the inner circle being colored black.{{Fn|7}}{{Fn|19}}
  
 
==Notable Elements==
 
==Notable Elements==
 +
===Named Vessels===
 +
*''[[Judgement of Mageara]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]{{Fn|18}}
 +
*''[[Warspite]]'' - [[Strike Cruiser]]. Destroyed by the [[Executioners]] during the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|1a}}
 +
 
===Named Vehicles===
 
===Named Vehicles===
 
*''[[Eurayalis Bane]]'' — [[Land Raider Redeemer]]
 
*''[[Eurayalis Bane]]'' — [[Land Raider Redeemer]]
  
 
===Notable Members===
 
===Notable Members===
−
*[[Mazos Dhule]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan. Fought in [[Galen Subjugation]].{{Fn|5}} See also ([[Quotes Space Marines|his quote]])
+
*[[Mazos Dhule]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan. Fought in [[Galen Subjugation]].{{Fn|5}} See also ([[Quotes Space Marines|his quote]])
−
*[[Vaylund Cal]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, High Artificer of the Sons of Medusa, Scion of the Moirae.
+
*[[Vaylund Cal]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, High Artificer of the Sons of Medusa, Scion of the Moirae.{{Fn|1g}}
 
*[[Morn Graevarr]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, in [[M42]].{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Morn Graevarr]] — Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, in [[M42]].{{Fn|10}}
 +
*[[Fulvian]] - Captain{{Fn|18}}
 
*[[Setol Sollex]] — [[Iron Father]].{{Fn|8a}}
 
*[[Setol Sollex]] — [[Iron Father]].{{Fn|8a}}
 
*[[Orros Naehr]] — [[Lieutenant (Space Marine)|Lieutenant]] of Atropos War Clan.{{Fn|16}}
 
*[[Orros Naehr]] — [[Lieutenant (Space Marine)|Lieutenant]] of Atropos War Clan.{{Fn|16}}
Line 90: Line 105:
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
−
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
+
<gallery mode="nolines" heights=200 widths=200>
−
Sons of medusa marine.png|[[Magera War Clan]]{{Fn|1}}
+
Sons of medusa marine.png|Brother [[Kheres]] of the Magera War Clan{{Fn|1d}}
−
SonsMedusaTerm1.jpg|Terminator Sgt [[Drakon (Sons of Medusa)|Drakon]]{{citethis}}
+
SonsMedusaTerm1.jpg|Terminator Sgt [[Drakon (Sons of Medusa)|Drakon]] of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1e}}
−
SonsMedusaTerm2.jpg|Terminator Brother [[Sthal]]{{citethis}}
+
SonsMedusaTerm2.jpg|Terminator Brother [[Sthal]] of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1f}}
−
SonsMedusaAss.jpg|Brother [[Ashmon]]{{citethis}}
+
SonsMedusaAss.jpg|Brother [[Ashmon]] of the Atropos War Clan{{Fn|1d}}
−
SonsMedusaTech.jpg|[[Forge-Wright]] [[Lumic]]{{citethis}}
+
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}}
 
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}}
 
SonsofMedusaCamoBadabWar.jpg|Desert World Support Squad, Badab War{{Fn|13}}
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*[[Loyal Space Marine Chapters (List)]]
 
*[[Loyal Space Marine Chapters (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
−
*[[Badab War]]
 
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
−
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], pgs. 91–103
+
*1: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]]:
 +
**{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 94 & 96
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**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 98-99
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**{{Endn|1c}}: pgs. 96-98
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**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 95
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**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 100
 +
**{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 101
 +
**{{Endn|1g}}: pg. 181
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=50&esem=4 Dark Heresy Timeline]
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=50&esem=4 Dark Heresy Timeline]
 
*{{Endn|3}}: http://uk.games-workshop.com — ''GW UK's Campaign Weekends Badab War Rules (site is no longer active, accessed 2008.08.04)''
 
*{{Endn|3}}: http://uk.games-workshop.com — ''GW UK's Campaign Weekends Badab War Rules (site is no longer active, accessed 2008.08.04)''
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[How to Paint Space Marines]], pg. 88
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[How to Paint Space Marines]], pg. 88
−
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]], pg. 198
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*{{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|6}}: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Defiant]], pg. 79
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 57
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 57
Line 131: Line 152:
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [[White Dwarf 462]], pg. 18 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords: The Sons of Medusa''
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [[White Dwarf 462]], pg. 18 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords: The Sons of Medusa''
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[White Dwarf 466]], pgs. 40-41 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords: 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
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*{{Endn|19}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (10th Edition)]], pg. 57
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*{{Endn|20}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition)]], pg. 57
  
 
[[Category:Badab War]]
 
[[Category:Badab War]]
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[[Category:Indomitus Crusade]]
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[[Category:Iron Hands Successor Chapters]]
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[[Category:Iron Hands]]
 
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
  
 
[[de:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[de:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[fr:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[fr:Sons of Medusa]]

Latest revision as of 21:29, 1 April 2026

Sons of Medusa
 Sons of medusa symbol.jpg
SonsOfMedusaPrimaris.jpg Sonsofmedusamini.jpg
Founding Chapter: Iron Hands[1a]
Founding: N/A; chapter ratified by edict 011.M37[1a]
Descendants: None[1a]
Chapter Master: N/A; chapter overseen by triumvirate council of Iron Thanes[1a]
Homeworld: Fleet based; three primary independent battle groups[1a]
Fortress-Monastery: Asteroid network, Taelus System[1a]
Colours: Green with black or white aquila, and white helmet.[1a][1d][1e][1f][4]
Battle Cry "Purge the weak."[1a]

The Sons of Medusa are a successor chapter of the Iron Hands.[1a]

The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent chapter in terms of organisation and philosophy. They, too, abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.[1a]

History

Founding

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.[1a]

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.[1a]

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.[1a]

Recent Years

The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters that took part in the Badab War on the side of the loyalists. In response to a call for aid from Legate-Inquisitor Jarndyce Frain, they entered the war to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The first strike cruisers of the chapter 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 Sons of Medusa was six codex companies with a supporting fleet of fourteen various escort and attack vessels, six Strike Cruisers, two Forgeships and one Battlebarge.[1b]

The Sons of Medusa performed admirably throughout the Badab War, despite only coordinating with the Red Scorpions. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, first scouring Cygnax, then later on raiding the systems of Decaballus and 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, along with all hands aboard. The Warspite was destroyed by the secessionist Executioners chapter near the Grief System in 911.M41.[1b]

When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution; however, they were denied this by the Salamanders 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 loyalist chapters.[1b]

The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the Fall of Badab and 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[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.[10]

In M42, during the Indomitus Crusade, three 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 fact that the 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 Primaris came from the boon of the Emperor Himself. To deny them was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.[14]

All three Torchbearer Fleets found their respective War Clans, but had various difficulties in convincing them to accept the 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...[14]

Timeline

Organisation

Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are 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.[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 War Clans: Clan Mageara, Clan Atropos and Clan Lachesis.[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.[7][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, Assault and Veteran Squads) 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.[1a]

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.[1c]

Each War Clan is commanded by an Iron Thane — these three being the ruling council of the chapter - and each company by a Captain. Besides the official command chain, there sit the unofficial links of respect and tradition; the wisdom of the chapter's Venerable Dreadnoughts and their Techmarines, 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.[1c]

Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter 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 renegade chapters and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.[1c]

Heraldry

Heraldry utilised by the Magera War Clan [7]

The three clans of the Sons of Medusa are distinguished through variations in the chapter's heraldry. Historically, the chapter's ranks, the depictions of clan symbols and squad numbers varied and would not always be consistent.[1d][20] With the introduction of Primaris reinforcements to the chapter, it appears that efforts were taken to standardise the chapter's heraldry. The chapter now consistently depicts their clan symbol on the right kneepad, with their squad number being shown on the left kneepad. The company number is also depicted alongside the battlefield role of each marine on their right shoulder pad.[7][19]

For the Mageara War Clan they utilise the 'purest' depiction of the chapter's emerald armour, which has an emerald trim on the shoulder pads and utilises a completely white version of the chapter's badge that does not have a colored background. Their clan symbol on their kneepad also keeps the standard emerald colour of the armour.[1b][7]

Heraldry utilised by the Atropos War Clan [7]

For the Atropos War Clan they utilise a 'sable black' trim around their shoulder pads. The chapter badge is adjusted to have a black star and skull, with the inner circle being colored black. The clan symbol is depicted on a black kneepad.[1b][7]

Heraldry utilised by the Lachesis War Clan [7]

For the Lachesis War Clan they had previously been noted to utilise a 'silver-steel' trim.[1b] This, however, was adjusted at an unspecified time, and the Clan now utilise a gold trim with a matching right kneepad. Their chapter badge is adjusted to have a white star and skull with the inner circle being colored black.[7][19]

Notable Elements

Named Vessels

Named Vehicles

Notable Members

Images

Trivia

TriviaScrollTrans.png

The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Notes

See also

Sources

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