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{{IronHandsPortal}}
 
{{IronHandsPortal}}
The '''Sons of Medusa''' are a [[Successor Chapter]] of the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|1}}
 
  
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
 
{{Loyalist Chapters
|Marine=Sons of Medusa marine.jpg
+
|Marine=SonsOfMedusaPrimaris.jpg
 
|Marine Px=250
 
|Marine Px=250
 
|Name=Sons of Medusa
 
|Name=Sons of Medusa
Line 13: Line 12:
 
|Descendants=None{{Fn|1}}
 
|Descendants=None{{Fn|1}}
 
|Homeworld=[[Fleet based]]; three primary independent battle groups{{Fn|1}}
 
|Homeworld=[[Fleet based]]; three primary independent battle groups{{Fn|1}}
|Fortress-Monastery=Asteroid network, [[Taelus]] system{{Fn|1}}
+
|Fortress-Monastery=Asteroid network, [[Taelus System]]{{Fn|1}}
|Colours=Green/Black/White.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|4}}
+
|Colours=Green with black aquila and white helmet.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|4}}
 
|Miniature=sonsofmedusamini.jpg
 
|Miniature=sonsofmedusamini.jpg
 
|Miniature Px=0
 
|Miniature Px=0
 
|Specialty=
 
|Specialty=
 
|Battle Cry="Purge the weak."{{Fn|1}}
 
|Battle Cry="Purge the weak."{{Fn|1}}
|Strength=Unknown
+
|Strength=
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
The '''Sons of Medusa''' are a [[Successor Chapter]] of the [[Iron Hands]].{{Fn|1}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent [[Chapter]] in terms of organisation and philosophy. They too abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.{{Fn|1}}
+
The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent [[Chapter]] in terms of organisation and philosophy. They too abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
===Founding===
 
===Founding===
The Founding of the Sons of Medusa is highly unusual in that, technically, they were never actually founded at all. Their origins lie within an [[Imperial]] civil conflict known as the [[Moirae Schism]], which itself occurred during the [[Nova Terra Interregnum]]. During this schism, which affected all branches of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and those Imperial factions closely tied to it, the Iron Hands chapter stood on the brink of destroying itself in an internal chapter war. However, the ruling council of the Iron Hands, the Great Clan Council, was able to settle the matter by getting all concerned to agree to a simple solution; the Moirae dissidents were to be exiled from the chapter, with all parties swearing never to take up arms against each other. In the wake of this ruling, almost a full third of the chapter split away to become a [[fleet-based]] divergent branch of the Iron Hands. Over time, they increased their numbers (by accepting Moirae dissidents from other Iron Hands successor chapters as well as traditional recruiting) and by the time the Moirae Schism was over, the Moirae Iron Hands were reckoned to stand at chapter-strength.{{Fn|1}}
+
The Founding of the Sons of Medusa is highly unusual in that, technically, they were never actually founded at all. Their origins lie within an [[Imperial]] civil conflict known as the [[Moirae Schism]], which itself occurred during the [[Nova Terra Interregnum]]. During this schism, which affected all branches of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and those Imperial factions closely tied to it, the Iron Hands chapter stood on the brink of destroying itself in an internal chapter war. However, the ruling council of the Iron Hands, the Great Clan Council, was able to settle the matter by getting all concerned to agree to a simple solution; the Moirae dissidents were to be exiled from the chapter, with all parties swearing never to take up arms against each other. In the wake of this ruling, almost a full third of the chapter split away to become a [[fleet-based]] divergent branch of the Iron Hands. Over time, they increased their numbers (by accepting Moirae dissidents from other Iron Hands successor chapters as well as traditional recruiting) and by the time the Moirae Schism was over, the Moirae Iron Hands were reckoned to stand at chapter-strength.{{Fn|1}}
  
With the restoration of the [[High Lords of Terra]] during the [[Age of Redemption]], the Moirae Iron Hands were carefully judged and scrutinised by the resurgent Imperium for their actions during the Schism and the Interregnum, and were found pure and loyal to the greater Imperium. As a result, the High Lords of Terra issued a special edict that would ratify the Moirae Iron Hands' right to exist as a Space Marine chapter in their own right. They were renamed the Sons of Medusa and gained new heraldry, as well as the distrust and wary observation of some in the Adeptus Mechanicus and other Space Marine chapters unhappy with this development.{{Fn|1}}
+
With the restoration of the [[High Lords of Terra]] during the [[Age of Redemption]], the Moirae Iron Hands were carefully judged and scrutinised by the resurgent Imperium for their actions during the Schism and the Interregnum, and were found pure and loyal to the greater Imperium. As a result, the High Lords of Terra issued a special edict that would ratify the Moirae Iron Hands' right to exist as a Space Marine chapter in their own right. They were renamed the Sons of Medusa and gained new heraldry, as well as the distrust and wary observation of some in the Adeptus Mechanicus and other Space Marine chapters unhappy with this development.{{Fn|1}}
  
As if to test their loyalty, the first campaign officially issued to the Sons of Medusa was that of the [[Great Cull]]; the eradication of those elements of the Imperium found wanting. They are noted to have performed above and beyond expectations in this campaign, outshining their parent chapter as well as other Imperial forces with their zeal to destroy Imperial traitors, as well as other foes of humanity.{{Fn|1}}
+
As if to test their loyalty, the first campaign officially issued to the Sons of Medusa was that of the [[Great Cull]]; the eradication of those elements of the Imperium found wanting. They are noted to have performed above and beyond expectations in this campaign, outshining their parent chapter as well as other Imperial forces with their zeal to destroy Imperial traitors, as well as other foes of humanity.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
===Recent Years===
 
===Recent Years===
The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters who took part in the [[Badab War]] on the side of the loyalists. They entered the war after the initial period of conflict as reinforcements called in to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The chapter deployed significant forces to the war and performed admirably throughout. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, during which they are only noted to have suffered one serious setback; the destruction of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''Warspite'', lost with all hands. The ''Warspite'' was destroyed by the secessionist [[Executioners]] chapter; when the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution. They were denied this by the actions of the [[Salamanders]] forces present in the warzone, who stepped in to prevent unnecessary deaths. This incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the loyalist chapters.{{Fn|1}}
+
The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters who took part in the [[Badab War]] on the side of the loyalists. They entered the war after the initial period of conflict as reinforcements called in to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The chapter deployed significant forces to the war and performed admirably throughout. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, during which they are only noted to have suffered one serious setback; the destruction of the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Warspite]]'', along with all hands aboard. The ''Warspite'' was destroyed by the secessionist [[Executioners]] chapter. When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution, however, they were denied this by the [[Salamanders]] forces present in the warzone that stepped in to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. This incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the loyalist chapters.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
Command Squad of the Atropos Clan Battle Company fought in the [[Galen Subjugation]] campaign during the Badab War.{{Fn|5}}
 
Command Squad of the Atropos Clan Battle Company fought in the [[Galen Subjugation]] campaign during the Badab War.{{Fn|5}}
  
The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the [[Fall of Badab]] and [[Lufgt Huron]]'s secessionist forces, being primarily responsible for the capture of one of the star fortresses which protected [[Badab Primaris]] from attack. The capture of this particular fortress was the last act needed to shatter the [[Tyrant of Badab]]'s "Ring of Steel" and open Badab Primaris to planetary assault.{{Fn|1}}
+
The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the [[Fall of Badab]] and [[Lufgt Huron]]'s secessionist forces, being primarily responsible for the capture of one of the star fortresses which protected [[Badab Primaris]] from attack. The capture of this particular fortress was the last act needed to shatter the [[Tyrant of Badab]]'s "Ring of Steel" and open Badab Primaris to planetary assault{{Fn|1}}. The Chapter's '''Atropos War Clan''' took heavy loses in the [[Badab War]], which in [[M42]] were later largely replaced by [[Primaris Space Marines]].{{Fn|10}}
  
In [[M42]] they took part in the defense against the [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]]
+
In [[M42]], during the [[Indomitus Crusade]], three [[Torchbearer Fleet]]s were dispatched to reinforce the Sons of Medusa's War Clans. Each carried with it a larger than average force of [[Adeptus Custodes]], as the [[Imperium]] knew the War Clans were likely to resist taking the ability to create [[Primaris Space Marines]]. Also the fact that the [[Greyshield]] reinforcements they carried, were born from [[Iron Hands]] [[Gene-seed]] would cause problems as well. The Custodes' presence, however, was to leave no doubt to the Sons of Medusa, that the Primaris came from the boon of the [[Emperor]] Himself. To deny them, was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.{{Fn|14}}
  
== Timeline ==
+
All three [[Torchbearer Fleet]]s found their respective War Clans, but had various difficulties in convincing them to accept the [[Primaris Space Marine|Primaris]]. Lachesis was the easiest, as its Fleet rushed to aid the the War Clan in its battle against the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]]. The Torchbearer Fleet would then fight alongside Lachesis for a full year and the martial bonds they forged allowed the War Clan to accept the Primaris. However the Fleets that dealt with Mageara and Atropos, had a much more difficult time in doing so. In the end, the challenges they faced went far beyond the resistance shown by the two remaining War Clans themselves...{{Fn|14}}
*[[M35]] - [[Moirae Schism]]; Moirae Iron Hands exiled and become independent.{{Fn|1}}
+
 
*011.[[M37]] - Moirae Iron Hands ratified as a Space Marine chapter; re-codifed as the Sons of Medusa. Took part in the [[Great Cull]].{{Fn|1}}
+
==Timeline==
*182.[[M38]] - The [[Bellrath Crusade]]; liberation of the [[Laanah Rifts]] from [[xenos]], [[heretics]] and scum.{{Fn|1}}
+
*[[M35]] [[Moirae Schism]]; Moirae Iron Hands exiled and become independent.{{Fn|1}}
*453.[[M38]] - The Bellrath Crusade ends.{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''011.[[M37]]''' — Moirae Iron Hands ratified as a Space Marine chapter; re-codifed as the Sons of Medusa. Took part in the [[Great Cull]].{{Fn|1}}
*[[M39]] - Sons of Medusa establish permanent [[fortress-monastery]] complex in the [[Taelus]] [[system]].{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''182.[[M38]]''' — The [[Bellrath Crusade]]; liberation of the [[Laanah Rifts]] from [[xenos]], [[heretics]] and scum.{{Fn|1}}
**322.M39 - Participated in the [[Angevin Crusade]].{{Fn|2}}
+
*'''453.[[M38]]''' — The Bellrath Crusade ends.{{Fn|1}}
*907.[[M41]] - Entered the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|1}}
+
*[[M39]] Sons of Medusa establish permanent [[fortress-monastery]] complex in the [[Taelus System]].{{Fn|1}}
*912.M41 - The Badab War ends.{{Fn|1}}
+
*'''322.M39''' — Participated in the [[Angevin Crusade]].{{Fn|2}}
 +
*'''907.[[M41]]''' — Entered the [[Badab War]].{{Fn|1}}
 +
*'''912.M41''' — The Badab War ends.{{Fn|1}}
 +
*[[M42]] — [[Invasion of the Stygius Sector]]{{Fn|8c}}. Later Aided the [[Iron Hands]] and other Iron Hands [[Successor Chapter|Successors]] in the [[Second Relief of Mordian]].{{Fn|8b}}
 +
*[[M42]] - War Clan Lachesis and a [[Torchbearers Fleet]], battle the [[Orks]] of the [[Dravus Cluster]].{{Fn|14}}
 +
*[[M42]] — 5 companies are sent to [[Vigilus]] as part of the [[War of Beasts]].{{Fn|6}}
 +
*[[M42]] — A task force of the Sons of Medusa are sent to purge a [[Hrud]] infestation on the [[Shrine World]] of [[Damhal]].  The Sons were overwhelmed and destroyed.{{Fn|9}}
 +
*[[M42]] - [[Charadon Campaign]]{{Fn|11}}
 +
*[[M42]] - [[Nachmund Rift War]]{{Fn|15}}
 +
*[[M42]] - [[Battle of Malak]] during the [[Arks of Omen Campaign]].
  
 
==Organisation==
 
==Organisation==
Whilst the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured - being split into three separate and effectively autonomous War Clans (Lachesis, Mageara and Atropos) - their overall organisation is reasonably close to that laid forth in the [[Codex Astartes]]. This is achieved due to the makeup of the individual War Clans: One [[Battle Company]], one [[Tactical Company]], one Support Company (composed of [[Devastator Squad|Devastator]], [[Assault Squad|Assault]] and [[Veteran Squad]]s) and one auxilliary [[Scout]] force each. When the makeup of these companies is totalled, the Sons of Medusa "notionally" end up with about the same amount of marines assigned to the various roles as a more straightforward [[Codex Chapter]].{{Fn|1}}
+
Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are afflicted by the almost obsessive desire to replace what they perceive as their weak flesh with the strength provided by [[cybernetic]] replacements. They also maintain extremely close links with the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] and their belief in the [[Machine God]].
 +
 
 +
Whilst the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured - being split into three separate and effectively autonomous War Clans (Lachesis, Mageara and Atropos) - their overall organisation is reasonably close to that laid forth in the [[Codex Astartes]]. This is achieved due to the makeup of the individual War Clans: One [[Battle Company]], one [[Tactical Company]], one Support Company (composed of [[Devastator Squad|Devastator]], [[Assault Squad|Assault]] and [[Veteran Squad]]s) and one auxilliary [[Scout]] force each. When the makeup of these companies is totalled, the Sons of Medusa "notionally" end up with about the same amount of marines assigned to the various roles as a more straightforward [[Codex Chapter]].{{Fn|1}}
  
However, the Sons of Medusa have a particularly exacting recruitment and indoctrination process, which can result in a lower-than-average number of initiates at any one time. On the plus side of this equation, the high wash-out rate does ensure the chapter has a large number of [[servitors]].{{Fn|1}}
+
However, the Sons of Medusa have a particularly exacting recruitment and indoctrination process, which can result in a lower-than-average number of initiates at any one time. On the plus side of this equation, the high wash-out rate does ensure the chapter has a large number of [[servitors]].{{Fn|1}}
  
Each War Clan is commanded by an [[Iron Thane]] - these three being the ruling council of the chapter - and each company by a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]]. Besides the official command chain, there sit the unofficial links of respect and tradition; the wisdom of the chapter's [[Venerable Dreadnought]]s and their [[Techmarine]]s, who group themselves together as the "Chamber Ferrum." The Chamber Ferrum not only advises the War Clan leaders, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and [[apothecarion]]. This ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel.{{Fn|1}}
+
Each War Clan is commanded by an [[Iron Thane]] these three being the ruling council of the chapter - and each company by a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]]. Besides the official command chain, there sit the unofficial links of respect and tradition; the wisdom of the chapter's [[Venerable Dreadnought]]s and their [[Techmarine]]s, who group themselves together as the "Chamber Ferrum." The Chamber Ferrum not only advises the War Clan leaders, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and [[apothecarion]]. This ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel.{{Fn|1}}
  
Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter possesses extensive forge resources, allowing them to field an impressive amount of Space Marine equipment, in both number and variety. There is almost no pattern of vehicle or armour they do not possess, either through direct forging or battlefield scavenging. The Sons of Medusa historically favour combats with [[renegade chapters]] and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.{{Fn|1}}
+
Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter possesses extensive forge resources, allowing them to field an impressive amount of Space Marine equipment, in both number and variety. There is almost no pattern of vehicle or armour they do not possess, either through direct forging or battlefield scavenging. The Sons of Medusa historically favour combats with [[renegade chapters]] and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
==Notable Elements==
 
==Notable Elements==
 +
===Named Vehicles===
 +
*''[[Eurayalis Bane]]'' — [[Land Raider Redeemer]]
 +
 
===Notable Members===
 
===Notable Members===
*[[Mazos Dhule]] - Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan. Fought in [[Galen Subjugation]]{{Fn|5}} See also ([[Quotes Space Marines|his quote]])
+
*[[Mazos Dhule]] Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan. Fought in [[Galen Subjugation]].{{Fn|5}} See also ([[Quotes Space Marines|his quote]])
*[[Vaylund Cal]] - Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, High Artificer of the Sons of Medusa, Scion of the Moirae
+
*[[Vaylund Cal]] Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, High Artificer of the Sons of Medusa, Scion of the Moirae.
 
+
*[[Morn Graevarr]] - Iron Thane of Atropos War Clan, in [[M42]].{{Fn|10}}
===Notable Named Vehicles===
+
*[[Setol Sollex]] - [[Iron Father]].{{Fn|8a}}
*''[[Eurayalis Bane]]'' - [[Land Raider Redeemer]]
+
*[[Hattorn]] - Battle-Brother of War Clan Magera.{{Fn|7}}
 +
*[[Janner (Sons of Medusa)|Janner]] - Battle-Brother.{{Fn|12}}
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
===Marines===
+
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
<center>
+
Sons of medusa marine.png|[[Magera War Clan]]{{Fn|1}}
{|
+
SonsMedusaTerm1.jpg|Terminator Sgt [[Drakon (Sons of Medusa)|Drakon]]{{citethis}}
|[[Image:SonsMedusaTerm1.jpg|thumb|center|265px|Terminator Sgt [[Drakon]]]]
+
SonsMedusaTerm2.jpg|Terminator Brother [[Sthal]]{{citethis}}
|[[Image:SonsMedusaTerm3.png|thumb|center|260px|Terminator brother [[Fhendal]]]]
+
SonsMedusaAss.jpg|Brother [[Ashmon]]{{citethis}}
|[[Image:SonsMedusaTerm2.jpg|thumb|center|260px|Terminator Brother [[Sthal]]]]
+
SonsMedusaTech.jpg|[[Forge-Wright]] [[Lumic]]{{citethis}}
|}
+
SonsofMedusaBadabWar.jpg|Battle-Brother in [[Mark VI]] [[Power Armour]] during the [[Badab War]]{{Fn|13}}
</center>
+
SonsofMedusaCamoBadabWar.jpg|Desert World Support Squad, Badab War{{Fn|13}}
 +
</gallery>
  
<center>
+
==Trivia==
{|
+
{{Trivia}}
|[[Image:SonsMedusaAss.jpg|thumb|center|260px|Brother [[Ashmon]]]]
+
===Notes===
|[[Image:Sons of Medusa marine.jpg|thumb|center|260px|Brother [[Kheres]]]]
+
*According to the Badab War Campaign run at Warhammer World{{Fn|3}}, the Sons of Medusa did have particular traits. Their bonus unit was described as a [[Desert world]] support squad, which was a [[Devastator squad]] that could take a mix of [[Heavy Bolter]]s and [[Sniper Rifle]]s.
|[[Image:SonsMedusaTech.jpg|thumb|center|260px|Forge-Wright [[Lumic]]]]
 
|}
 
</center>
 
  
<center>
+
==See also==
{|
 
|[[Image:SonsMedusaDreadnought.png|thumb|center|260px|[[Dreadnought]] with missing arm]]
 
|}
 
</center>
 
 
 
==Notes==
 
According to the Badab War Campaign run at Warhammer World{{Fn|3}}, the Sons of Medusa did have particular traits.  Their bonus unit was described as a [[Desert world]] support squad, which was a [[Devastator squad]] that could take a mix of [[Heavy Bolter]]s and [[Sniper Rifle]]s.
 
 
 
==Related Articles==
 
 
*[[Loyal Space Marine Chapters (List)]]
 
*[[Loyal Space Marine Chapters (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
 
*[[Space Marine Forces (List)]]
Line 101: Line 106:
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], pgs. 91-103
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Ten - The Badab War - Part Two]], pgs. 91–103
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=50&esem=4 Dark Heresy Timeline]
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=50&esem=4 Dark Heresy Timeline]
*{{Endn|3}}: http://uk.games-workshop.com - ''GW UK's Campaign Weekends Badab War Rules (site is no longer active, accessed 2008.08.04)''  
+
*{{Endn|3}}: http://uk.games-workshop.com ''GW UK's Campaign Weekends Badab War Rules (site is no longer active, accessed 2008.08.04)''
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[How to Paint Space Marines]], pg. 88
 
*{{Endn|4}}: [[How to Paint Space Marines]], pg. 88
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]], pg. 198
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Two - Second Edition: War Machines of the Adeptus Astartes]], pg. 198
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperium Nihilus: Vigilus Defiant]], pg. 79
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (8th Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 57
 +
*8: [[Codex Supplement: Iron Hands (8th Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|8a}}: pg. 29
 +
**{{Endn|8b}}: pgs. 32-33
 +
**{{Endn|8c}}: pg. 34 — ''The Iron Crusade''
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Deathwatch (8th Edition)]], pg. 26 - ''The Vigil of Aeons: The Death of Time''
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 460]], pg. 59 — ''A Tale of Four Warlords''
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[War Zone Charadon - Act I: The Book of Rust]], pgs. 39-41
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Citadel Combat Cards]]: [[Spacewar]]
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Compendium]], pg. 35
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[White Dwarf November 2019]], pg. 48 — ''Dawn of the Era Indomitus: Medusa's Gift''
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[War Zone Nachmund: Rift War]], pg. 30
  
 
[[Category:Badab War]]
 
[[Category:Badab War]]
 +
[[Category:Indomitus Crusade]]
 
[[Category:Iron Hands]]
 
[[Category:Iron Hands]]
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
 
[[Category:Later Foundings]]
 +
 
[[de:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[de:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[fr:Sons of Medusa]]
 
[[fr:Sons of Medusa]]

Latest revision as of 09:27, 12 December 2023

Sons of Medusa
Sons of medusa symbol.jpg
SonsOfMedusaPrimaris.jpg Sonsofmedusamini.jpg
Founding Chapter: Iron Hands[1]
Founding: n/a; chapter ratified by edict 011.M37[1]
Descendants: None[1]
Chapter Master: n/a; chapter overseen by triumverate council of Iron Thanes[1]
Homeworld: Fleet based; three primary independent battle groups[1]
Fortress-Monastery: Asteroid network, Taelus System[1]
Colours: Green with black aquila and white helmet.[1][4]
Battle Cry "Purge the weak."[1]

The Sons of Medusa are a Successor Chapter of the Iron Hands.[1]

History

The Sons of Medusa, although born out of strife and discontent, share much in common with their parent Chapter in terms of organisation and philosophy. They too abhor mortal weakness and place an unusual reliance on technology and equipment.[1]

Founding

The Founding of the Sons of Medusa is highly unusual in that, technically, they were never actually founded at all. Their origins lie within an Imperial civil conflict known as the Moirae Schism, which itself occurred during the Nova Terra Interregnum. During this schism, which affected all branches of the Adeptus Mechanicus and those Imperial factions closely tied to it, the Iron Hands chapter stood on the brink of destroying itself in an internal chapter war. However, the ruling council of the Iron Hands, the Great Clan Council, was able to settle the matter by getting all concerned to agree to a simple solution; the Moirae dissidents were to be exiled from the chapter, with all parties swearing never to take up arms against each other. In the wake of this ruling, almost a full third of the chapter split away to become a fleet-based divergent branch of the Iron Hands. Over time, they increased their numbers (by accepting Moirae dissidents from other Iron Hands successor chapters as well as traditional recruiting) and by the time the Moirae Schism was over, the Moirae Iron Hands were reckoned to stand at chapter-strength.[1]

With the restoration of the High Lords of Terra during the Age of Redemption, the Moirae Iron Hands were carefully judged and scrutinised by the resurgent Imperium for their actions during the Schism and the Interregnum, and were found pure and loyal to the greater Imperium. As a result, the High Lords of Terra issued a special edict that would ratify the Moirae Iron Hands' right to exist as a Space Marine chapter in their own right. They were renamed the Sons of Medusa and gained new heraldry, as well as the distrust and wary observation of some in the Adeptus Mechanicus and other Space Marine chapters unhappy with this development.[1]

As if to test their loyalty, the first campaign officially issued to the Sons of Medusa was that of the Great Cull; the eradication of those elements of the Imperium found wanting. They are noted to have performed above and beyond expectations in this campaign, outshining their parent chapter as well as other Imperial forces with their zeal to destroy Imperial traitors, as well as other foes of humanity.[1]

Recent Years

The Sons of Medusa most recently appear in Imperial records as one of the chapters who took part in the Badab War on the side of the loyalists. They entered the war after the initial period of conflict as reinforcements called in to deal with the secessionists after they had officially been deemed heretical. The chapter deployed significant forces to the war and performed admirably throughout. They spent the first few years of their involvement purging enemy outlying strongholds, during which they are only noted to have suffered one serious setback; the destruction of the Strike Cruiser Warspite, along with all hands aboard. The Warspite was destroyed by the secessionist Executioners chapter. When the Executioners surrendered not too long after, the Sons of Medusa advocated bloody retribution, however, they were denied this by the Salamanders forces present in the warzone that stepped in to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. This incident is noted to have seriously soured relations between the loyalist chapters.[1]

Command Squad of the Atropos Clan Battle Company fought in the Galen Subjugation campaign during the Badab War.[5]

The Sons of Medusa were in at the kill of the Fall of Badab and Lufgt Huron's secessionist forces, being primarily responsible for the capture of one of the star fortresses which protected Badab Primaris from attack. The capture of this particular fortress was the last act needed to shatter the Tyrant of Badab's "Ring of Steel" and open Badab Primaris to planetary assault[1]. The Chapter's Atropos War Clan took heavy loses in the Badab War, which in M42 were later largely replaced by Primaris Space Marines.[10]

In M42, during the Indomitus Crusade, three Torchbearer Fleets were dispatched to reinforce the Sons of Medusa's War Clans. Each carried with it a larger than average force of Adeptus Custodes, as the Imperium knew the War Clans were likely to resist taking the ability to create Primaris Space Marines. Also the fact that the Greyshield reinforcements they carried, were born from Iron Hands Gene-seed would cause problems as well. The Custodes' presence, however, was to leave no doubt to the Sons of Medusa, that the Primaris came from the boon of the Emperor Himself. To deny them, was to directly deny the Master of Mankind.[14]

All three Torchbearer Fleets found their respective War Clans, but had various difficulties in convincing them to accept the Primaris. Lachesis was the easiest, as its Fleet rushed to aid the the War Clan in its battle against the Orks of the Dravus Cluster. The Torchbearer Fleet would then fight alongside Lachesis for a full year and the martial bonds they forged allowed the War Clan to accept the Primaris. However the Fleets that dealt with Mageara and Atropos, had a much more difficult time in doing so. In the end, the challenges they faced went far beyond the resistance shown by the two remaining War Clans themselves...[14]

Timeline

Organisation

Like their progenitors, the Sons of Medusa are afflicted by the almost obsessive desire to replace what they perceive as their weak flesh with the strength provided by cybernetic replacements. They also maintain extremely close links with the Adeptus Mechanicus and their belief in the Machine God.

Whilst the Sons of Medusa are unusually structured - being split into three separate and effectively autonomous War Clans (Lachesis, Mageara and Atropos) - their overall organisation is reasonably close to that laid forth in the Codex Astartes. This is achieved due to the makeup of the individual War Clans: One Battle Company, one Tactical Company, one Support Company (composed of Devastator, Assault and Veteran Squads) and one auxilliary Scout force each. When the makeup of these companies is totalled, the Sons of Medusa "notionally" end up with about the same amount of marines assigned to the various roles as a more straightforward Codex Chapter.[1]

However, the Sons of Medusa have a particularly exacting recruitment and indoctrination process, which can result in a lower-than-average number of initiates at any one time. On the plus side of this equation, the high wash-out rate does ensure the chapter has a large number of servitors.[1]

Each War Clan is commanded by an Iron Thane — these three being the ruling council of the chapter - and each company by a Captain. Besides the official command chain, there sit the unofficial links of respect and tradition; the wisdom of the chapter's Venerable Dreadnoughts and their Techmarines, who group themselves together as the "Chamber Ferrum." The Chamber Ferrum not only advises the War Clan leaders, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and apothecarion. This ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel.[1]

Indeed, the Sons of Medusa are noted to be a very unified chapter despite their clan organisation, with their chapter philosophies of logic and the abhorrence of the weak always being forefront in the mind of each Astartes. The chapter possesses extensive forge resources, allowing them to field an impressive amount of Space Marine equipment, in both number and variety. There is almost no pattern of vehicle or armour they do not possess, either through direct forging or battlefield scavenging. The Sons of Medusa historically favour combats with renegade chapters and through their skills at techno-exorcism, are always able to find use for enemy equipment.[1]

Notable Elements

Named Vehicles

Notable Members

Images

Trivia

Notes

See also

Sources