107,790
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
no edit summary
The '''Red Hand''', also known as the '''Ravagers'''{{Fn|2}}, were the elite of the [[World Eaters]] [[Destroyer Squad]]s, during the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]].{{Fn|1b}}
==Description==
Only those [[Destroyer Squad|Destroyers]] who bore the [[World Eaters]]' [[Blood Hand]] on their [[power armor]] could have the right to enter its ranks. This mark was earned by those who had demonstrated exemplary ferocity or violence in the name of their [[Space Marine Legion|Legion]]. In battle, the Red Hand were consistently in the World Eaters' vanguard, as they sought to prove themselves ever-worthy of bearing the Blood Hand{{Fn|1b}}. This led them to fire their Destroyer weaponry at their foes, even if their fellow World Eaters would be caught in the blast{{Fn|1a}}. Thus the Red Hand were not drawn together through brotherhood or camaraderie, but instead through rivalry and enmity.{{Fn|1b}} As the Horus Heresy developed they were always found in the vanguard, reaping a bloody toll and dressing themselves in gory embellishments.{{Fn|2}}
In battle, they could be equipped with [[Jump Packs]]{{Fn|1b}} and carried melee weapons, that were reminiscent of the ritualistic gladiatorial weapons of ancient [[Romanii]]. Also as a result of their [[Destroyer Squad|Destroyer]] weaponry which included [[Phosphex]], [[Melta]], and [[Rad Grenade|Radiation]] [[Grenade]]s{{Fn|2}}, the Red Hand's [[power armor]]s were left heavily damaged, though were also still operational{{Fn|1a}}. When they were grouped in squadrons, the Red Hand were individually referred to as '''Ravagers''' and were led by officers known as the '''Blood Bonded'''.{{Fn|1b}}
