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{{cite}}
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{{otheruses|USE=Space Marine Chapter|OTHERUSE=anthology|OTHERPAGE=Scythes of the Emperor (Anthology)}}
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{{UltramarinesPortal}}
  
The '''Scythes of the Emperor''' (or '''Emperor's Scythes''') are a [[Codex Astartes]] [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]]. The armour of the Scythes of the Emperor is black and yellow - their symbol is crossed yellow scythes.{{Fn|1}} The advance of [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] overwhelmed the Chapter's home world of Sotha and virtually destroyed the Chapter{{Fn|4}}.
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The '''Scythes of the Emperor''' (or '''Emperor's Scythes''') are a [[Codex Astartes]] [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]]. The armour of the Scythes of the Emperor is black and yellow - their symbol is crossed yellow scythes.{{Fn|1}} The advance of [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] overwhelmed the Chapter's home world of Sotha and virtually destroyed the Chapter for many years{{Fn|4}}.
  
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
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|Marine Px=200
 
|Marine Px=200
 
|Name=Scythes of the Emperor
 
|Name=Scythes of the Emperor
 +
|Founding Chapter=[[Ultramarines]]{{Fn|12b}}
 +
|Founding=[[Third Founding]]{{fn|16}}
 +
|Chapter Master=[[Thrasius]]{{Fn|5}}
 +
|Homeworld=[[Sotha]] (destroyed){{Fn|5}}
 +
|Fortress-Monastery=The ''[[Heart of Cronus]]'', last remaining flagship{{Fn|11}}
 +
|Colours=Black and yellow{{Fn|1}}
 +
|Strength=Unknown
 
|Symbol=Scythes-of-the-Emperor-Logo.png
 
|Symbol=Scythes-of-the-Emperor-Logo.png
 
|Symbol Px=100
 
|Symbol Px=100
|Chapter Master=Thrasius{{Fn|5}}
 
|Homeworld=[[Sotha]] (destroyed)
 
|Fortress-Monastery=The ''[[Heart of Sotha]]'', last remaining flagship
 
|Colours=Black and yellow, with two crossed yellow scythes on the shoulder armour.{{Fn|1}}
 
 
|Miniature=SoE_Mini.jpg
 
|Miniature=SoE_Mini.jpg
 
|Miniature Px=125
 
|Miniature Px=125
|Strength=~100 marines
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Engagements==
+
==History==
 +
===Origins===
 +
The Scythes of the Emperor's history originated during the [[Horus Heresy]], where the 199th "Aegida" company of the [[Ultramarines]] fought bravely against the [[Night Lords]] in the [[Battle of Sotha]]. Subsequently, [[Roboute Guilliman]] honoured the company with the emblem of two crossed scythes, representing their defence of the farmers of [[Sotha]].{{Fn|14}}
  
===The Corinth Crusade (698.M41 to 705.M41)===
+
After the Heresy and the [[Second Founding]], the Aegida Company was maintained as a phantom 11th Company under the command of [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] [[Oberdeii]], in defiance of Guilliman's own ''[[Codex Astartes]]''. When [[Rogal Dorn]] initiated the [[Third Founding]] nearly a millennium later, Oberdeii was the last surviving member of the company. Nevertheless, the Ultramarines' [[Chapter Master]], [[Tigris Decon]], wished to remove the evidence of Guilliman's 'heresy', sending [[Chaplain]] [[Segas]] and Brother Wenlocke to offer Oberdeii the choice of being reassigned to the 5th Company or continuing to guard the [[Pharos (Device)|Pharos]] by becoming Master of a new 'Aegida Chapter'. Oberdeii reluctantly agreed to found a new Chapter, but chose to name them the '''Scythes of the Emperor'''. In addition to Chaplain Segas and Brother Wenlocke, seventy-two veterans of the [[Orlan Conquest]] were assigned to the new Chapter.{{fn|16}}
 +
 
 +
===The Corinth Crusade (698-705.M41)===
 
The [[Corinthian Crusade|Corinth Crusade]] was led by [[Marneus Calgar]], with forces from the [[Ultramarines]], [[Angels of Absolution]]. [[Lamenters]], [[Silver Skulls]], [[Scythes of the Emperor]] and [[Marines Errant]] as well as more than fifty [[Imperial Guard]] regiments. They fought against the [[Ork]] hordes of [[Waaagh!]] [[Skargor]], in the [[Corinth]] system within the Ork empire of [[Charadon]].{{Fn|8}}
 
The [[Corinthian Crusade|Corinth Crusade]] was led by [[Marneus Calgar]], with forces from the [[Ultramarines]], [[Angels of Absolution]]. [[Lamenters]], [[Silver Skulls]], [[Scythes of the Emperor]] and [[Marines Errant]] as well as more than fifty [[Imperial Guard]] regiments. They fought against the [[Ork]] hordes of [[Waaagh!]] [[Skargor]], in the [[Corinth]] system within the Ork empire of [[Charadon]].{{Fn|8}}
  
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===Damocles Gulf Crusade (745.M41)===
 
===Damocles Gulf Crusade (745.M41)===
[[Image:Emperor's scythes banner.jpg|thumb|right|Chapter banner of the Emperor's Scythes]]{{main|Damocles Crusade}}
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[[Image:Emperor's scythes banner.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chapter banner of the Emperor's Scythes]]{{main|Damocles Crusade}}
It was in the years following the [[Damocles Crusade]] against the [[Tau]] in M41.742 the Scythes of the Emperor would come to the forefront of Eastern Fringe warfare.
+
It was in the years following the [[Damocles Crusade]] against the [[Tau]] in M41.742 the Scythes of the Emperor would come to the forefront of Eastern Fringe warfare. The Scythes led the first landing onto Tau territory, the world of Sy'L'Kell. After establishing the landing zone. The [[Brimlock Dragoons]] moved on to expand the Imperial foothold. The Dragoons were nearly destroyed by a Tau ambush which the Scythes, leading Imperial Storm Troopers, broke through averting a near disaster. After claiming Sy'L'Kell, the Crusade moved to cross the Damocles Gulf. After a brutal first fleet engagement with the Tau, the Imperials landed on the a major Tau world of Dal'Yth Prime. Joining members of the venerated [[Ultramarines]] and [[Iron Hands]] Chapters, the Scythes were part of several spearhead assaults and kept up constant night patrols against Tau infiltrators during the months long fighting.{{cite this}}
 +
[[Image:ScythesEmpArt.jpg|thumb|right|220px|The Scythes of the Emperor battle [[Tyranid]]s ]]
 +
With news of a Hivefleet Behemoth bearing down upon the Eastern fringe and the stalemate between the two sides, the Crusade withdrew, though a mutual respect between both sides had been forged.{{cite this}}
  
The Scythes led the first landing onto Tau territory, the world of Sy'L'Kell. After establishing the landing zone. The [[Brimlock Dragoons]] moved on to expand the Imperial foothold. The Dragoons were nearly destroyed by a Tau ambush which the Scythes, leading Imperial Storm Troopers, broke through averting a near disaster.
+
===Verdeworlds Campaign (865.M41)===
 
+
{{main|Verdeworlds Campaign}}
After claiming Sy'L'Kell, the Crusade moved to cross the Damocles Gulf. After a brutal first fleet engagement with the Tau, the Imperials landed on the a major Tau world of Dal'Yth Prime. Joining members of the venerated [[Ultramarines]] and [[Iron Hands]] Chapters, the Scythes were part of several spearhead assaults and kept up constant night patrols against Tau infiltrators during the months long fighting.
 
 
 
With news of a Hivefleet Behemoth bearing down upon the Eastern fringe and the stalemate between the two sides, the Crusade withdrew, though a mutual respect between both sides had been forged.
 
  
 
===Second Tyrannic War (992.M41)===
 
===Second Tyrannic War (992.M41)===
 
{{main|Second Tyrannic War}}
 
{{main|Second Tyrannic War}}
Among the planets overwhelmed by the locust-tide of Tyranid hive fleet Kraken was the chapter's homeworld Sotha. Even for a well-defended Chapter planet, there was little hope against such vast numbers and relentless hunger, and in the end the Chapter brethren were killed in the last stand on the planet. All brethren were presumed destroyed, but a small number had escaped in order to preserve their chapter and [[gene-seed]].
+
Among the planets overwhelmed by the locust-tide of Tyranid hive fleet Kraken was the chapter's homeworld Sotha. Even for a well-defended Chapter planet, there was little hope against such vast numbers and relentless hunger, and in the end the Chapter brethren were killed in the last stand on the planet. All brethren were presumed destroyed, but a small number had escaped in order to preserve their chapter and [[gene-seed]].{{cite this}}
  
[[Sotha]], along with so many other planets in the inexorable advance of the Kraken, was reduced to the state of an asteroid by the Tyranid swarms. Two hundred Marines broke through the Tyranid assault. With much of the region overwhelmed by the Tyranids, there was nowhere to escape. The last of the Scythes eventually landed on the [[death world]] of [[Miral]]. Somewhere on the surface of this planet, a huge rocky outcrop called the [[Giant's Coffin]] rose from the jungle. The surviving forces of the Scythes prepared to make this their final stronghold. The Giant's Coffin was a tremendous natural citadel whose steep cliffs would slow the invaders and the rocky promontories would provide excellent firing positions for heavy weapons.{{Fn|3}}
+
[[Sotha]], along with so many other planets in the inexorable advance of the Kraken, was reduced to the state of an asteroid by the Tyranid swarms. Two hundred Marines broke through the Tyranid assault. With much of the region overwhelmed by the Tyranids, there was nowhere to escape. The last of the Scythes eventually landed on the [[death world]] of [[Miral]]. Somewhere on the surface of this planet, a huge rocky outcrop called the [[Giant's Coffin]] rose from the jungle. The surviving forces of the Scythes prepared to make this their final stronghold. The Giant's Coffin was a tremendous natural citadel whose steep cliffs would slow the invaders and the rocky promontories would provide excellent firing positions for heavy weapons.{{Fn|3}} Although the defenses of the Scythes were strong they were still overwhelmed.  Their [[Chapter Master]] Thorcyra met his end on [[Miral]] and the Scythes were forced to withdraw.{{Fn|5}} The fate of [[Miral]] is unknown, although little more than a Company of the Scythes of the Emperor escaped with their lives.{{Fn|2}}
  
Although the defenses of the Scythes were strong they were still overwhelmedTheir [[Chapter Master]] Thorcyra met his end on [[Miral]] and the Scythes were forced to withdraw.{{Fn|5}} The fate of [[Miral]] is unknown, although little more than a Company of the Scythes of the Emperor escaped with their lives.{{Fn|2}}
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Captain [[Thrasius]] became the new Chapter Master and planned a series of hit and run attacks against the [[Tyranids]]This pattern of defense and retreat continued until they received word that [[Hive Fleet Kraken]]'s unstoppable advance had finally been staggered by the [[Ultramarines]] on [[Ichar IV]]. At that time, the Scythes were engaged in the preparation of defences on [[Bosphor]], and were bitterly disappointed not to have been present when that first great victory was won. Thereafter, [[Thrasius]]'s strategy became principally concerned with the preservation of his [[Chapter]] and the salvaging of as much material as possible from the devastation wrought by the [[Tyranids]].{{Fn|5}}
  
Captain [[Thrasius]] became the new Chapter Master and planned a series of hit and run attacks against the [[Tyranids]]. This pattern of defense and retreat continued until they received word that [[Hive Fleet Kraken]]'s unstoppable advance had finally been staggered by the [[Ultramarines]] on [[Ichar IV]]. At that time, the Scythes were engaged in the preparation of defences on [[Bosphor]], and were bitterly disappointed not to have been present when that first great victory was won.{{Fn|5}}
+
The Scythes no longer have any Codex-approved [[Terminator]] squads, since they have only three remaining suits of [[Terminator armour]]. [[Sebastion|Forge Master Sebastion]] is known to have acquired a fourth partial suit, and is restoring it to combat-readiness.{{Fn|11}}
  
Thereafter, [[Thrasius]]'s strategy became principally concerned with the preservation of his [[Chapter]] and the salvaging of as much material as possible from the devastation wrought by the [[Tyranids]].{{Fn|5}}
+
===Rebirth (Present)===
 +
At the beginning of 999.M41 it is understood that the Scythes of the Emperor were still attempting to rebuild, and seek vengeance upon the [[Tyranid]] race.{{Fn|12b}} In 970999.M41 the Scythes unexpectedly re-emerged from the shadow of [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] and announced that their Chapter would be "born anew".{{Fn|12a}}
  
As of 999.M41 it is understood that the Scythes of the Emperor are still attempting to rebuild, and seek vengeance upon the [[Tyranid]] race.{{Fn|9}}
+
Later during the [[Indomitus Crusade]] the Scythes of the Emperor were formally reborn thanks to reinforcements of [[Primaris Space Marine]]s from [[Belisarius Cawl]]'s [[Ultima Founding]].{{Fn|17}} They have since gone back to fighting for the Emperor, such as in the [[Battle of Hamagora]].
  
 
==Notable Characters==
 
==Notable Characters==
 
===Space Marines===
 
===Space Marines===
 +
*[[Chapter Master]] [[Oberdeii]] - Warden of the Pharos, the old man on the mountain, [[List of Founders|Founder]]
 
*[[Chapter Master]] [[Thorcyra]] - Chapter Master before the fall of [[Sotha]]. Killed on the [[death world]] of [[Miral]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Chapter Master]] [[Thorcyra]] - Chapter Master before the fall of [[Sotha]]. Killed on the [[death world]] of [[Miral]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Chapter Master]] [[Thrasius]] (also known as '''Thracian''') - current Chapter Master, concerned with preserving and rebuilding his [[Chapter]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Chapter Master]] [[Thrasius]] (also known as '''Thracian''') - current Chapter Master, concerned with preserving and rebuilding his [[Chapter]].{{Fn|5}}
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*[[Reclusiarch]] [[Hornindal]] - encountered a vanguard hivefleet while returning to Sotha after the general recall was given. His ship, the ''[[Xenophon]]'', was subsequently lost.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Reclusiarch]] [[Hornindal]] - encountered a vanguard hivefleet while returning to Sotha after the general recall was given. His ship, the ''[[Xenophon]]'', was subsequently lost.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Chaplain]] [[Demetrios]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Chaplain]] [[Demetrios]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
*[[Forge Master]] [[Sebastion]] - highest ranking [[Techmarine]] after the fall of Sotha.{{Fn|5}}
+
*[[Master of the Forge|Forge Master]] [[Sebastion]] - highest ranking [[Techmarine]] after the fall of Sotha.{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Captain (Space Marines)|Captain]] [[Theodosios]] - Captain of the Fifth Company, sent out to the [[Eastern Fringe]] before [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] was identified.{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Captain (Space Marines)|Captain]] [[Theodosios]] - Captain of the Fifth Company, sent out to the [[Eastern Fringe]] before [[Hive Fleet Kraken]] was identified.{{Fn|5}}
*[[Captain (Space Marines)|Captain]] [[Romonos]] - Captain of the single 'Battle Company' after the fall of [[Sotha]].{{Fn|5}}
+
*Captain [[Vosok Dall]] - turned [[Renegade Space Marine|renegade]]{{Fn|13}} after the fall of Sotha, and eventually swore allegiance to [[Khorne]]. Killed on [[New Badab]] by [[Honsou]] of the [[Iron Warriors]].{{Fn|10}}
 +
*Captain [[Romonos]] - Captain of the single 'Battle Company' after the fall of [[Sotha]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Commander]] [[Cassios]] - Fifth Company officer who survived for three years onboard a [[Hive Ship]], to be discovered by the 21st Salvation Team led by [[Tiresias|Sergeant Tiresias]]. Killed after returning to the same [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Commander]] [[Cassios]] - Fifth Company officer who survived for three years onboard a [[Hive Ship]], to be discovered by the 21st Salvation Team led by [[Tiresias|Sergeant Tiresias]]. Killed after returning to the same [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Certes]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Certes]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
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*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Hekaton]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Hekaton]] - followed [[Hornindal]] to [[Egottha]]. Lost along with the ''[[Xenophon]]''.{{Fn|6}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Remas]] - encountered the first hive ship to reach Sotha. His testimony aided [[Ultramarines]] [[Cassius|Chaplain Cassius]] in the organisation of the [[Tyrannic War Veterans]]. {{Fn|7}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Remas]] - encountered the first hive ship to reach Sotha. His testimony aided [[Ultramarines]] [[Cassius|Chaplain Cassius]] in the organisation of the [[Tyrannic War Veterans]]. {{Fn|7}}
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Angeloi]] - originally [[Tiresias]]'s superior, later assigned to the [[Deathwatch]] by [[Thrasius]].{{Fn|5}} Completed his tour and requested discharge afterwards.{{Fn|10}}
+
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Angeloi]] - originally [[Tiresias]]'s superior, later assigned to the [[Deathwatch]] by [[Thrasius]].{{Fn|5}} Completed his tour and requested discharge afterwards.{{Fn|9}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Tiresias]] - leader of the 21st Salvation Team. Survived the fall of [[Sotha]] and the battle at [[Giant's Coffin]], but was killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Tiresias]] - leader of the 21st Salvation Team. Survived the fall of [[Sotha]] and the battle at [[Giant's Coffin]], but was killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Quintos]] - leader of the 121st Salvation Team.  He recovered the body of Sergeant [[Tiresias]] along with his gene-seed and that of Commander [[Cassios]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Sergeant (Space Marines)|Sergeant]] [[Quintos]] - leader of the 121st Salvation Team.  He recovered the body of Sergeant [[Tiresias]] along with his gene-seed and that of Commander [[Cassios]].{{Fn|5}}
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*Brother [[Domitios]] - saved by [[Tiresias]] during the fighting on [[Tan]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Brother [[Domitios]] - saved by [[Tiresias]] during the fighting on [[Tan]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Brother [[Hadrios]] - accompanied [[Thrasius]] when he left the Chapter to plan for the future, and served as his lieutenant.{{Fn|5}}
 
*Brother [[Hadrios]] - accompanied [[Thrasius]] when he left the Chapter to plan for the future, and served as his lieutenant.{{Fn|5}}
 +
*Brother Wenlocke - founding member{{fn|16}}
 
*[[Neophyte]] [[Narro]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*[[Neophyte]] [[Narro]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Hwygir]] (or '''Culmonios''') - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Hwygir]] (or '''Culmonios''') - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Vitellios]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Vitellios]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Pasan]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
 
*Neophyte [[Pasan]] - member of the 21st Salvation Team. Killed on board a [[Tyranid]] [[Hive Ship]].{{Fn|5}}
*[[Vosok Dall]] - turned [[Renegade Space Marine|renegade]] and swore allegiance to [[Khorne]]; killed on [[New Badab]] by [[Honsou]] of the [[Iron Warriors]]{{Fn|11}};
+
*Neophyte [[Bokari]] - apprentice to [[Sebastion]] in the Forge.{{Fn|11}}
 +
*Neophyte [[Medon]] - member of the 49th Salvation Team. Honoured for the recovery of a partial suit of Terminator armour.{{Fn|11}}
  
 
===Chapter Serfs===
 
===Chapter Serfs===
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==Notable Vessels==
 
==Notable Vessels==
*The ''[[Heart of Sotha]]'' (also known as the '''''Heart of Cronus''''') - last flagship of the Chapter after the battle at [[Giant's Coffin]].  
+
*The ''[[Heart of Cronus]]'' (previously known as the '''''Heart of Sotha''''' in older publications) - last flagship of the Chapter after the battle at [[Giant's Coffin]].{{cite this}}
*The ''[[Xenophon]]'' - a [[Hunter Destroyer|Hunter-class Destroyer]], destroyed before the fall of [[Sotha]].
+
*The ''[[Xenophon]]'' - a [[Hunter Destroyer|Hunter-class Destroyer]], destroyed before the fall of [[Sotha]].{{cite this}}
 +
 
 +
==Notable Named Vehicles==
 +
*''[[Reaper (Vehicle)|Reaper]]'' - [[Vindicator]]. It fought in the defence of [[Miral Prime]] where was destroyed by [[Tyranids]] of the [[Hive Fleet Kraken]]{{Fn|15}}
  
 
==Related Articles==
 
==Related Articles==
Line 102: Line 117:
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[WD306|White Dwarf 306 (UK)]], pg. 52 ''Index Astartes: Purge the Alien''
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[WD306|White Dwarf 306 (UK)]], pg. 52 ''Index Astartes: Purge the Alien''
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One]], pgs. 76-77
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Nine - The Badab War - Part One]], pgs. 76-77
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}, iPad app version, retrieved 23rd July 2012
+
*{{Endn|9}}: ''[[Last Watch (Short Story)]]'' by [[Laurie Goulding]]
*{{Endn|10}}: ''[[Last Watch (Short Story)]]'' by [[Laurie Goulding]]
+
*{{Endn|10}}: ''[[The Skull Harvest (Short Story)]]'' by [[Graham McNeill]]
*{{Endn|11}}: ''[[The Skull Harvest (Short Story)]]'' by [[Graham McNeill]]
+
*{{Endn|11}}: ''[[Reclamation (Short Story)]]'' by [[L.J. Goulding]]
===Uncited===
+
*12: [[Codex: Space Marines (6th Edition)]]
{{Uncited}}
+
**{{Endn|12a}}: pg. 19
*[[White Dwarf #264 (UK)]], pg. 96 ''Index Xenos: The Kroot''
+
**{{Endn|12b}}: pg. 33
 
+
*{{Endn|13}}: ''[[The Blood of Sotha (Short Story)]]'' by [[L.J. Goulding]]
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Pharos (Novel)]] Chapter 31
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition]], pg. 74
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[The Aegidan Oath (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition)]] pg.31
  
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
 
[[Category:Tyrannic Wars]]
 
[[Category:Tyrannic Wars]]
 +
[[Category:Ultramarines]]
 
[[de:Scythes of the Emperor]]
 
[[de:Scythes of the Emperor]]
 
[[fr:Scythes of the Emperor]]
 
[[fr:Scythes of the Emperor]]

Revision as of 13:05, 16 August 2017

Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Space Marine Chapter; for the anthology, see Scythes of the Emperor (Anthology).

The Scythes of the Emperor (or Emperor's Scythes) are a Codex Astartes Space Marine Chapter. The armour of the Scythes of the Emperor is black and yellow - their symbol is crossed yellow scythes.[1] The advance of Hive Fleet Kraken overwhelmed the Chapter's home world of Sotha and virtually destroyed the Chapter for many years[4].

Scythes of the Emperor
65px
SOTEcolours.jpg SoE Mini.jpg
Founding Chapter: Ultramarines[12b]
Founding: Third Founding[16]
Chapter Master: Thrasius[5]
Homeworld: Sotha (destroyed)[5]
Fortress-Monastery: The Heart of Cronus, last remaining flagship[11]
Colours: Black and yellow[1]
Strength: Unknown

History

Origins

The Scythes of the Emperor's history originated during the Horus Heresy, where the 199th "Aegida" company of the Ultramarines fought bravely against the Night Lords in the Battle of Sotha. Subsequently, Roboute Guilliman honoured the company with the emblem of two crossed scythes, representing their defence of the farmers of Sotha.[14]

After the Heresy and the Second Founding, the Aegida Company was maintained as a phantom 11th Company under the command of Captain Oberdeii, in defiance of Guilliman's own Codex Astartes. When Rogal Dorn initiated the Third Founding nearly a millennium later, Oberdeii was the last surviving member of the company. Nevertheless, the Ultramarines' Chapter Master, Tigris Decon, wished to remove the evidence of Guilliman's 'heresy', sending Chaplain Segas and Brother Wenlocke to offer Oberdeii the choice of being reassigned to the 5th Company or continuing to guard the Pharos by becoming Master of a new 'Aegida Chapter'. Oberdeii reluctantly agreed to found a new Chapter, but chose to name them the Scythes of the Emperor. In addition to Chaplain Segas and Brother Wenlocke, seventy-two veterans of the Orlan Conquest were assigned to the new Chapter.[16]

The Corinth Crusade (698-705.M41)

The Corinth Crusade was led by Marneus Calgar, with forces from the Ultramarines, Angels of Absolution. Lamenters, Silver Skulls, Scythes of the Emperor and Marines Errant as well as more than fifty Imperial Guard regiments. They fought against the Ork hordes of Waaagh! Skargor, in the Corinth system within the Ork empire of Charadon.[8]

The successful crusade not only crushed Waaagh! Skargor but also delayed any further Ork incursions from Charadon for more than thirty years.[8]

Damocles Gulf Crusade (745.M41)

Chapter banner of the Emperor's Scythes
Main article: Damocles Crusade
It was in the years following the Damocles Crusade against the Tau in M41.742 the Scythes of the Emperor would come to the forefront of Eastern Fringe warfare. The Scythes led the first landing onto Tau territory, the world of Sy'L'Kell. After establishing the landing zone. The Brimlock Dragoons moved on to expand the Imperial foothold. The Dragoons were nearly destroyed by a Tau ambush which the Scythes, leading Imperial Storm Troopers, broke through averting a near disaster. After claiming Sy'L'Kell, the Crusade moved to cross the Damocles Gulf. After a brutal first fleet engagement with the Tau, the Imperials landed on the a major Tau world of Dal'Yth Prime. Joining members of the venerated Ultramarines and Iron Hands Chapters, the Scythes were part of several spearhead assaults and kept up constant night patrols against Tau infiltrators during the months long fighting.[Needs Citation]
The Scythes of the Emperor battle Tyranids

With news of a Hivefleet Behemoth bearing down upon the Eastern fringe and the stalemate between the two sides, the Crusade withdrew, though a mutual respect between both sides had been forged.[Needs Citation]

Verdeworlds Campaign (865.M41)

Main article: Verdeworlds Campaign

Second Tyrannic War (992.M41)

Main article: Second Tyrannic War

Among the planets overwhelmed by the locust-tide of Tyranid hive fleet Kraken was the chapter's homeworld Sotha. Even for a well-defended Chapter planet, there was little hope against such vast numbers and relentless hunger, and in the end the Chapter brethren were killed in the last stand on the planet. All brethren were presumed destroyed, but a small number had escaped in order to preserve their chapter and gene-seed.[Needs Citation]Sotha, along with so many other planets in the inexorable advance of the Kraken, was reduced to the state of an asteroid by the Tyranid swarms. Two hundred Marines broke through the Tyranid assault. With much of the region overwhelmed by the Tyranids, there was nowhere to escape. The last of the Scythes eventually landed on the death world of Miral. Somewhere on the surface of this planet, a huge rocky outcrop called the Giant's Coffin rose from the jungle. The surviving forces of the Scythes prepared to make this their final stronghold. The Giant's Coffin was a tremendous natural citadel whose steep cliffs would slow the invaders and the rocky promontories would provide excellent firing positions for heavy weapons.[3] Although the defenses of the Scythes were strong they were still overwhelmed. Their Chapter Master Thorcyra met his end on Miral and the Scythes were forced to withdraw.[5] The fate of Miral is unknown, although little more than a Company of the Scythes of the Emperor escaped with their lives.[2]

Captain Thrasius became the new Chapter Master and planned a series of hit and run attacks against the Tyranids. This pattern of defense and retreat continued until they received word that Hive Fleet Kraken's unstoppable advance had finally been staggered by the Ultramarines on Ichar IV. At that time, the Scythes were engaged in the preparation of defences on Bosphor, and were bitterly disappointed not to have been present when that first great victory was won. Thereafter, Thrasius's strategy became principally concerned with the preservation of his Chapter and the salvaging of as much material as possible from the devastation wrought by the Tyranids.[5]

The Scythes no longer have any Codex-approved Terminator squads, since they have only three remaining suits of Terminator armour. Forge Master Sebastion is known to have acquired a fourth partial suit, and is restoring it to combat-readiness.[11]

Rebirth (Present)

At the beginning of 999.M41 it is understood that the Scythes of the Emperor were still attempting to rebuild, and seek vengeance upon the Tyranid race.[12b] In 970999.M41 the Scythes unexpectedly re-emerged from the shadow of Hive Fleet Kraken and announced that their Chapter would be "born anew".[12a]

Later during the Indomitus Crusade the Scythes of the Emperor were formally reborn thanks to reinforcements of Primaris Space Marines from Belisarius Cawl's Ultima Founding.[17] They have since gone back to fighting for the Emperor, such as in the Battle of Hamagora.

Notable Characters

Space Marines

Chapter Serfs

Notable Vessels

Notable Named Vehicles

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