Crimson Fists

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Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Space Marine Chapter. For other uses of Crimson Fist, see Crimson Fist (disambiguation).
Crimson Fists
 Crimsonfists.png
CrimsonFistsBattlebrotherDorvok.png CrimsonFistsPrimarisMini.png
Founding Chapter: Imperial Fists[1]
Founding: Second Founding[1]
Descendants: Rechista Fists[46]
Chapter Master: Pedro Kantor[2]
Homeworld: Rynn's World[1]
Fortress-Monastery: Arx Tyrannus[10b]
Colours: Dark Blue
and Crimson Red
[12]. No company colour markings[Note Two]
Specialty: Anti-Ork Warfare[22]
Strength: Estimated 1000 Marines, recently reinforced with Primaris[22a][22d]
Battle Cry Chaplain – ‘There is only the Emperor.’
Brethren – ‘He is our shield and our protector.’[29]

The Crimson Fists are a Space Marine Chapter and one of the most renowned successors of the Imperial Fists, created during the Second Founding from what remained of the VII Legion by their Primarch Rogal Dorn[1]. None better embody the defiant and unconquerable valour of the old Legion than the Crimson Fists[22d]. The Chapter was brought to the brink of destruction during the Invasion of Rynn's World, when an Ork Waaagh! led by the Arch-Arsonist Snagrod resulted in the destruction of their Fortress Monastery[29] and ultimately reduced the Chapter to fewer than a hundred battle-brothers, placing it at risk of being disbanded[49]. Despite this catastrophe, and hardships since, the Crimson Fists have endured and rebuilt[22d].

Background

History

The Crimson Fists battling Orks[Note One] on the cover of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the first rulebook of Warhammer 40,000[16c]

After the Horus Heresy, it was decided (in the Codex Astartes written by the Ultramarines Primarch Roboute Guilliman) that no single man should ever wield the power of a whole legion of Space Marines alone, and that each legion was to be split up into thousand-man strong chapters. Rogal Dorn of the Imperial Fists legion long opposed this, but decided to yield rather than risk the fragile peace of the post-heresy Imperium. The Imperial Fists legion was divided into four chapters: The marines most devoted to their Primarch were to remain Imperial Fists, the most zealous started the never-ending crusade of the Black Templars and the younger and more level-headed marines formed the Crimson Fists. The first Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists was Alexis Polux, a hero of the Heresy. The chapter's name derives from the ceremony conducted at the initiation of new chapter masters in the Imperial Fist legion. The Chapter Master and the Primarch would both cut their palm and share blood in a warrior handshake; strengthening the marine with the blood of the Primarch and forming a symbolic bond between them[1].

The Crimson Fists spent their first nine millennia as a space-faring Crusade Chapter, based aboard the fortress-monastery Rutilus Tyrannus[6], much like the Black Templars. Their first victory was against a large host of Exodite Eldar on Uralek Prime, followed by the cleansing of HR8518, the home system of an alien race known as the Scythians[1]. The Chapter fought in the War of the Beast, where they played a pivotal role in bringing the conflict to an end. Though they did not suffer as greatly as the Imperial Fists during that campaign, the Crimson Fists nonetheless cultivated a burning desire to purge the entire Ork race[22d]. During the war, their Chapter Master, Quesadra, was slain and succeeded by Cuarrion; once the war had ended, the Chapter contributed a portion of their strength to rebuild the Imperial Fists[13]. The largest Crimson Fists operation in more recent times was the Voltigern Crusade in late M40, where several Ork Empires in the Loki Sector were attacked and destabilized, later to collapse in civil war. For this, the Crimson Fists were granted fiefdom over Rynn's World, a prosperous agri-world.[1] The ruins of the Rutilus Tyrannus were moved to Rynn's World and the Fists built their new Fortress-Monastery around it[22a].

Their homeworld was invaded by Orks in mid-M41. The Crimson Fists, led by Captain Drakken of the 3rd company had earlier tried to sabotage an Ork Waaagh building on the nearby world Badlanding, but failed. The Orks rallied under Warlord Snagrod, the Arch-arsonist of Charadon, and invaded in response, despite the almost suicidal nature of invading a Space Marine Homeworld. The odds shifted in the Orks' favour when the Crimson Fists fortress-monastery was destroyed by a stray missile from its own defence system. Of more than six hundred space marines stationed there, only sixteen (among them Chapter Master Pedro Kantor and Captain Cortez) escaped the blast[10]. Circumstantial evidence, and coincidences have led some to believe the Officio Assassinorum may have had a hand in the strange destruction of the fortress-monastery, but no concrete evidence has ever come to light[4].

Crimson Fist Sternguard Veteran in Artificer Armour[23]

The last two-hundred and eighteen surviving Space Marines on Rynn's World consolidated their defences at the planet's capital, New Rynn City, and managed to stave off the invasion after a furious, 18-month siege behind the city's walls. The siege was broken by a relief force of two thousand warships, plus elements of four Titan Legions and six Space Marine Chapters, backed by hundreds of thousands of Astra Militarum troops[10g]. The Crimson Fists were reduced to less than a hundred battle-brothers, and the Chapter came close to being disbanded as the pool of viable gene-seed was considered too limited to survive. Chief Librarian Delevan Deguerro and Captain Alessio Cortez were sent to Terra aboard the Strike Cruiser Crusader to convince the High Lords that the Chapter remained viable, despite the losses it had suffered[49]. Ultimately the Chapter was not disbanded and they managed to recover to half their original strength as of late M41[22a].

During the Imperial attempts to reclaim the planet of Entymion IV, the Crimson Fists answered a request for reinforcements. During the first assault, the Crimson Fists' commander, Captain Reinez, discovered the presence of the Soul Drinkers on the planet after suffering an attack by Tellos. Additional companies arrived led by Chaplain Inhuaca, but their campaign ended in failure as Entymion IV was lost and the Soul Drinkers successfully accomplished their goals and escaped off world[7].

With the formation of the Great Rift the Crimson Fists Homeworld of Rynn's World was again invaded, this time by Daemons, led by the Daemon Prince, Rhaxor. For a second time the Chapter battled impossible odds with no hope of relief, but this time matters were different. The forces of the Indomitus Crusade, led by Roboute Guilliman himself, scattered Rhaxor's host. With him came new, and much needed, Primaris Space Marine recruits. Company after Company were delivered to the Chapter, fresh warriors heavily armed and ready for immediate combat. The technologies and resources required to create more Primaris Marines were also gifted to the Chapter. Brutality and hardship had honed the Crimson Fists; Pedro Kantor now found himself in command of Veteran warriors who were in high demand in the aftermath of the Cicatrix Maledictum, and the Era Indomitus thereafter. Whether as advisors, Kill Teams or full Battle Companies, the Crimson Fists continue their unending war against the Orks[22a].

Notable Battles and Campaigns

Crimson Fist in Mark VII Aquila Armour[24]

M32:

M39:

M41:

M42:

Chapter Disposition

Crimson Fists making a last stand against the Orks[47]

The Crimson Fists embrace the Codex Astartes readily, and are amongst the most traditional of the sons of Rogal Dorn[1], including their primogenitors, the Imperial Fists[22f], and the Fists Exemplar who were comprised of those VII Legion Marines who most supported the implementation of the Codex[55a]; as such they receive training in all aspects of combat as written by Roboute Guilliman. There are a few minor deviances, such as the 1st Company being known as the Crusade Company, a tradition started after the Crusade of Righteous Liberation left the Crimson Fists with no more than 128 survivors. The 1st Company has been kept at 128 marines since[1]. Traditionally this company has also gone without a Captain, instead answering directly to the Chapter Master, but Pedro Kantor has broken with this practice, believing that to split his time between Chapter and 1st Company would be to do both a disservice[22d]. It is considered a bad omen to march to battle with less than a full Crusade Company[1].

The Crimson Fists have always had close ties with the Imperium and the Inquisition. They have contributed many warriors to the Kill-Teams of the Ordo Xenos, being renowned Ork fighters. They have also, at the order of Terra and the Inquisition, destroyed two chapters of brother Space Marines; the insane Sons of Gideon and the mind-wiped Marines Vigilant. This has earned them a reputation as "lap dogs" of the Inquisition among certain chapters[1]

Current organisation

As of the beginning of the Indomitus Crusade, M42:

Headquarters[22a]

Chapter Command
CrimsonFistsChapterBanner.png

Pedro Kantor,
Praetor Encarmine,
Lord Hellblade[10c],
Chapter Master

Armoury Reclusiam Apothecarion Librarius
ArmourySymbol.png
ReclusiamSymbol.png
ApothecarionSymbol.png
LibrariusSymbol.png

Jainas Ruzco,
Master of the Forge

Hauis Argento,
Master of Sanctity

Celurian Varendus,
Chief Apothecary

Delevan Deguerro,
Chief Librarian

Companies[22a]

Crusade Company Battle Companies
1st Company

'The Crusade Company'

2nd Company

'The Shieldwall'

3rd Company

'The Red Lightning'

4th Company

'The Crimson Lancers'

5th Company

'The War Riders'

CrimsonFists1stCompanyIcon.png

Captain Ishmael Icario
Master of Crusades

CrimsonFists2ndCompanyIcon.png

Captain Steffan Hios
Master of the Shield

CrimsonFists3rdCompanyIcon.png

Captain Faradis Anto
Master of the Line

CrimsonFists4thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Isidore Haleous
Master of the Charge

CrimsonFists5thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Razal Solano
Master of Steeds

Reserve Companies Scout Company
6th Company

'Iron Guardians'

7th Company

'The Wardens of Rynn'

8th Company

'The Red Path'

9th Company

'The Fists of Rynn'

10th Company

'The Wayfinders'

CrimsonFists6thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Alejandros Solari
Master of the Watch

CrimsonFists7thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Castian Alzonas
Master of the Gates

CrimsonFists8thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Gerarde Garrosso
Master of Blades

CrimsonFists9thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Raphael Acastus
Master of Siege

CrimsonFists10thCompanyIcon.png

Captain Caldimus Ortiz
Master of Shadows

Homeworld & Recruitment

Rynn's World as seen from orbit above New Rynn City[29]

Though the Crimson Fists are currently based on Rynn's World, they usually recruit from the nearby Feral World of Blackwater. They have also found Rynn's World unsuitable for training, and thus use the Loki Sector for such activities. As such, Rynn's World largely occupies a ceremonial and aspirational role[22a].

The planet was previously classified as an Agri World; however, after the various wars for its survival, it is now classified as a Fortress World. Prior to the Invasion of Rynn's World commanded by Snagrod, the Arch-Arsonist of Charadon, the planet had a population of around 200 million, with 16 million residing in the capital of New Rynn City. Like most Astartes homeworlds, the planet is not required to pay a tithe[29].

Heraldry

Crimson Fists helmet and pauldron heraldry[22c]

The Chapter's main colour is deep blue, with white or silver details. When an Initiate joins the ranks of the Chapter, his left glove is painted red; when he becomes a member of the Crusade Company, his right glove is also painted red. Scouts are often portrayed with red gloves but blue hand guards. Their Chapter symbol is almost an exact copy of that of the Imperial Fists, but uses different colours, namely dark blue and crimson red[1], and is usually portrayed with a black field within the crimson ring, though this is not always the case[24][29].

The Crimson Fists diverge slightly from the standard Codex-compliant markings. For example, they do not utilise company colour markings on their armour, instead painting their shoulder trim in the blue of their Chapter[Note Two]. Another notable difference is that they do not use helm rank patterning and colouration to the same extent as prescribed in the Codex Astartes; however, they do employ some variety[22c].

Chapter Assets

Armoury

Relics
Relic Name Relic Type Notes Source
Dorn's Arrow Storm bolter Wielded by Pedro Kantor [5b]
Duty's Burden Bolt Rifle [33]
Sceptre of the Sacred Blood Holy symbol Was lost during the Invasion of Rynn's World, presumably destroyed [11]
Fist of Vengeance Power Fist Master-crafted power fist recovered from the ruins of the fortress monastery on Rynn's World [22b][15c]
Night's Edge Power Sword [34]
Vengeful Arbiter Bolt Pistol [30]

Notable Vehicles

Fleet

The Crimson Fists fleet was largely destroyed during the fall of Rynn's World. However recently Chapter Master Pedro Kantor made a diplomatic request for warships to Battlefleet Tempestus, at their Ramilies Star Fort Goliath Vigilant. An agreement was then made, which saw the Battlefleet make several squadrons of escorts, a trio of cruisers and the Emperor Class Battleship Throne's Fury available to the Chapter, in return for a permanent garrison of Crimson Fists aboard the Goliath Vigilant. Since then Battlegroup Vengeance has borne out Kantor's strategic genius in their every action, from the Kielden Reach to the second cleansing of Badlanding.[33]

An Emperor Class Battleship from Battlefleet Gothic: Armada

Vessels

Notable Crimson Fists

Main article: Known Members of the Crimson Fists
Alexis Polux, first Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists[1] and former Captain of the Imperial Fists 405th Company[53]

Images

Miniatures

Trivia

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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.

Original depiction of the Crimson Fists[16b]
As subsequent lore was established, however, the Crimson Fists were given an origin as Second Founding successors to the Imperial Fists, somewhat demoting their standing[1]. Their Chapter colours and symbol have remained largely unchanged since their first appearance, with the most notable change being the addition of a crimson ring encircling the fist and the black field within it[16b][22c].
  • Note Two The novel Rynn's World by Steve Parker describes the Crimson Fists as displaying company colours on their shoulder pad trim[10b]. However, this is contradicted by multiple Codex[22c][47] and White Dwarf[29] sources, which consistently depict, and explicitly state[29] the Chapter does not use company markings of any kind. As Codex and White Dwarf publications represent Games Workshop's primary reference for Chapter heraldry, and the absence of company trim is the more widely depicted convention, this article reflects that depiction.

See also

Sources

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