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{{CSMPortal}}

'''Traitor Legionaries''', or '''Chaos Legionaries''', are the most common type of soldiers found in [[Chaos Warband]]s and [[Traitor Legion]]s.{{Fn|1a}}

==Description==

====Appearance====

Whether a [[Traitor Legion|Traitor]] from the [[Imperium]]'s ancient past or a recent [[Chaos Renegade]], a Chaos Space Marine gradually undergoes a physical and spiritual transformation influenced by the dark powers he worships. His flesh merges with his armor, and his consciousness fuses with the machine spirits of his gear. Over time, this corruption manifests in grotesque forms, such as a helmet becoming a flayed skull or his body blending with the machinery of his armor. These twisted transformations often mirror the daemons of the [[Chaos God]]s, marking the Marine as their servant, body and soul.{{Fn|1b}}

==Organization==

Though their armament is similar to that of loyalist [[Space Marine]]s, their structure and organization have become chaotic and fragmented. The strongest, most brutal of their number rise to lead, often without formal rank, and they fight to gain favor with the Chaos Gods. Their weapons may include trophies from fallen enemies or relics from the [[Horus Heresy]]. The most ambitious seek to prove themselves through personal combat, striving to become [[Champions of Chaos]].{{Fn|1a}}

Chaos Space Marines frequently customized their armor with crests, horns, and other grotesque decorations. Newly turned renegades might still wear armor close to their original Chapter's standard gear, marked only by defiled imperial symbols. Over time, prolonged exposure to the warp transformed their armor, leading to mutations like spines, scales, or flickering warp energy.{{Fn|1b}}

==Specialized Legionaries==

*{{Main|Chosen (Chaos Space Marines)}}

The most seasoned and devoted [[Chaos Space Marine]]s are known as [[Chosen]]. Easily recognizable by their ornate armor adorned with forbidden runes and daemon-like helmets, they are clearly favored among the Chaos ranks. Equipped with the best wargear available, the Chosen are even more ruthless and callous than other Chaos Marines, often willing to sacrifice their comrades to gain favor with the gods. With centuries of combat experience, they typically lead the charge in battles, seeking glory and spoils. They answer only to the Chaos gods and their champions.{{Fn|1a}}

====Bikers====

*{{Main|Chaos Space Marine Bike}}

[[Chaos Biker]] squads are highly mobile and well-armed, riding bladed bikes that possess a dark, mechanical sentience. Known for their cruelty, these bikers relentlessly pursue enemies, sometimes melding physically with their bikes, which spew balefire and have oil flowing in their veins. Ideal for reconnaissance and hit-and-run raids, their bikes are designed for rugged terrain but often twisted by Chaos into grotesque forms. Fitted with boltguns and armed with blades and spurs, they dismember foes as they charge, making them fearsome and relentless in battle.{{Fn|1b}}

==Sources==

** {{Endn|1a}}: pg. 64

** {{Endn|1b}}: pg. 65

* {{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (9th Edition)]], pg. 6

* {{Endn|3}}: [[The Art of Warhammer 40,000 (2006)]], pg. 142

{{ChaosForces}}