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Chainaxe

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The Chainaxe is a type of Chain Weapon.[1]

Overview

It takes the form of an axe with motorized monomolecular chainsaw teeth and is able to tear through both flesh and armour with relative ease. While a chainsword may be wielded with apparent finesse, the chainaxe is a more simple and savage affair. The added leverage of the long haft allows its wide chain edge, makes for a heavier strike with each blow, but with less control or precision. Like a regular axe, these can have one edge or be two-sided. Each open edge contains its own chain loop, meaning that the double-sided version can still operate if one side is fouled. The weapon is often favoured by those who favour offence over defence or appreciate the hideous damage and terror these axes evoke. These axes come in both one and two-handed varients.[1][11][12][14]

Before the Horus Heresy, the Chainaxe was commonly issued to Legiones Astartes assault squads during the Great Crusade. Since then, the use of the weapon has diminished amongst the Astartes and Astra Militarum, though some assault oriented Space Marine chapters such as the Flesh Tearers, Carcharodons and Space Wolves, as well as more bloody-minded members of the Imperium have been known to still utilize them.[3][13]

More common amongst renegades and traitors, it is now the favored weapon of the Khorne Berzerkers.The Chainaxe has long been closely associated with the World Eaters Legion. In the last ten thousand years however, as Khornate Berzerkers arise in other Legions, the weapon has become more widely used among Chaos forces as a whole.[3]

Versions

Khornate Chainaxe

A Khornate Chainaxe is a heavier and more powerful version used by Khornate Berzerkers, effective at penetrating heavy armour.[2]

Castir-Pattern Chain Greataxe

The Castir Pattern Chain Greataxe is a massive chainaxe used by fanatical followers of Khorne. It most distinguishing feature is a double-sided head housing two independently mounted chain assemblies, designed to be swung in wide swaths. The weapon is of size and weight that few can withstand a strike, though only the strongest and most fanatical can wield it.[5]

Excoriator Chainaxe

The Excoriator Chainaxe was a type of chainaxe used by the Rampagers of the World Eaters legion.[17]

Headsman's Axe

Used by the Night Lords Legion.[16]

Astra Militarum Chainaxes

Orestes Mk IV Assault Chainaxe

Orestes Mk IV Assault Chainaxe[18a]

Inspired by the enormous chain weapons employed by the Legio Tempestus titans, Orestes chainaxes are brutal in their simplicity.[18b]



Orestes Mk XII Assault Chainaxe

Orestes Mk XII Assault Chainaxe[18a]

An extended chainguard represents one of few "safety measures" introduced in the Mk VII, offering at least some protection from the weapon's notorious kickback.[18b]

Ork Chainaxes

Ork Choppas and Big Choppas often take form of crude and massive chainaxes.

Notable Chain Axes

Images

Sources

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