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|Founding = Late M33
|Founding = Late M33
|Successors of = [[Space Wolves]]
|Successors of = [[Space Wolves]]
|Successor Chapters = None
|Chapter Master = Drokkor Droginssen
|Chapter Master = Drokor Droginsen
|Primarch = [[Leman Russ]]
|Primarch = [[Leman Russ]]
|Homeworld = Hive world (Korath)
|Homeworld = Korath (Hive World)
|Strength = 700
|Strength = 700
|Allegiance = [[Imperium]]
|Allegiance = [[Imperium]]
|Colours =  
|Colours = Dark grey with burgundy arms
}}
}}


The Kraken Lords are a doomed chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Named the "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake" in their tongue, the Kraken Lords hail from the hive world of Korath.  
The Kraken Lords are a doomed chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Named the "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake" in their tongue, the Kraken Lords hail from the hive world of Korath.  


== Chapter History ==
== Chapter Summary ==


Sensing disturbing warp storms erupting from the fringes of a aftward nebula, the Astra Telepathica forewarned the High Lords of Terra of an incoming Chaos Warband Invasion, possibly even a dreaded Black Crusade. The Space Wolves were sent to the sector, but fearing that even the mighty founding chapter might be overrun, the High Lords also decreed that a new chapter would be formed to protect the Imperial lives who dwelled there.
Korath is a hive world ruled by a psyker conclave. Residing aftward of the Eye of Terror, the entire system sits next to a large nebula nicknamed "The Abyss". The hive itself was divided in two, the "Star-blessed" pskyers who occupied the top quarter of the hive and the "Root-bound" working class who lived in the cavernous depths of the planet, many living and dying without seeing the surface. The Root-bound worked in large foundries, munitions depots and cargo storehouses that dotted the hive. Crime was surprisingly rare but brutally repressed by the governance of the Star-blessed aristocracy. It was common for even petty crimes to be met with severe capital punishment or psychic torture. The conclave of pskyers, however, was only nominally loyal to the Emperor. While gladly paying their tithes of lives to the Throne they ignored many of the decrees sent out by the High Lords of Terra


Korath, the largest world in the system, was a hive world ruled by a psyker conclave who was only nominally loyal to the Emperor, gladly paying their tithes of lives to the Throne but ignoring many decrees sent out by the High Lords of Terra. The hive itself was divided in two, the "Star-blessed" pskyers who occupied the top quarter of the hive and the "Root-bound" working class who lived in the cavernous depths of the planet, many living and dying without seeing the surface.
Sensing warp storms erupting from the fringes of "The Abyss", the Astra Telepaths on the planet warned the High Lords of Terra of a possible incoming Chaos invasion, perhaps even a dreaded Black Crusade. The Space Wolves were sent to the sector, but fearing that even the mighty founding chapter might be overrun, the High Lords also decreed that a new chapter would be formed to protect the Imperial lives who dwelled there.  


Upon the arrival of the Space Wolves in the 33rd millennia, the planet was completely transformed in the chapter's wake. Ever distrustful of pskyers and especially wroth with their lip-service to the Emperor, the Space Wolves did nothing to help the 'Star-Blessed' when they were forcibly removed from power though a series of coups. Inspired by their hosts, the 'Root-bound' established a new Meritocracy, allowing only those who contributed to the hive to flourish. From the large pool of workers, many were chosen to become Astartes. Principal amongst these was a young man named Drogin, a forgeworker who'd had his left hand removed as a child for petty theft. Given a Wolf claw to replace it, he excelled at the brutal assault tactics taught by the Wolves and was bestowed the moniker "Krakenblood" for beating a wolf guard in an honor duel.  
Upon the arrival of the Space Wolves in the 33rd millennia, the planet was completely transformed in the chapter's wake. Ever distrustful of pskyers and especially wroth with their obvious lip-service to the Emperor, the Space Wolves did nothing to help the Star-Blessed when they were forcibly removed from power though a series of coups. Inspired by their hosts, the Root-bound established a new Meritocracy, allowing only those who contributed to the hive to flourish. From the large pool of workers, many were chosen to become Astartes. Principal amongst these was a young man named Drogin, a forgeworker who'd had his left hand removed as a child for petty theft. Given a Wolf claw to replace it, he excelled at the brutal assault tactics taught by the Wolves and was bestowed the moniker "Krakenblood" for beating a wolf guard in an honor duel.  


The feared invasion came only two Terran years after the Space Wolves had reached Korath, barely enough time to tutor the new chapter in the ways of war. Rather than heaping themselves wholesale into the enemy lines, the foundlings took to the old Fenrisian tactic of "Dundyr yr Bljtssen" or "Thunder and Lightning"; savage assault forces would strike the front lines and retreat over and over until the tide of troops and heavy support could smash into the weakened and disoriented forces left. A host of World Eaters and other Khorne-devoted warbands descended on the planet, baptizing the new chapter in fire and blood.  
The feared invasion came only two Terran years after the Space Wolves had reached Korath, barely enough time to tutor the new chapter in the ways of war. Rather than heaping themselves wholesale into the enemy lines, the foundlings took to the old Fenrisian tactic of "Dundyr yr Bljtssen" or "Thunder and Lightning"; savage assault forces would strike the front lines and retreat over and over until the tide of troops and heavy support could smash into the weakened and disoriented forces left. A host of World Eaters and other Khorne-devoted warbands descended on the planet, baptizing the new chapter in fire and blood.  
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With Aberraxus defeated, the remaining Chaos marines were smashed by the reinvigorated might of the Imperial forces. The invasion was ended and peace returned for the time being to the system. The remaining space wolves pledged their thanks and brotherhood to the new chapter, calling them "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake", or as they are known in low Gothic, "The Kraken Lords." Drogin was made chapter master.  
With Aberraxus defeated, the remaining Chaos marines were smashed by the reinvigorated might of the Imperial forces. The invasion was ended and peace returned for the time being to the system. The remaining space wolves pledged their thanks and brotherhood to the new chapter, calling them "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake", or as they are known in low Gothic, "The Kraken Lords." Drogin was made chapter master.  


=== Codex Divergence ===
===Post-Founding Legacy===
Early in their history the Chapter flirted with the strictures of the codex, indeed at times treading a fine line between loyalist and renegade, but now their divergences are far more mundane. Due to the nature of their Chapter - ten companies of eighty astartes, aboard ten strike cruisers - each company has learned to operate as a separate entity to the others. Every company maintains a single scout unit, two assault units, four tactical units and a devastator unit.


They employ these units in a variety of ways depending on the situation at hand. The majority of their battles take place in space, boarding actions against renegades, pirates and more insidious threats, during these engagements the marines launch their full force in combat squads aboard boarding torpedoes, hitting the vessel in sixteen places at once, sowing as much confusion as possible whilst devastators armed with multi-melta make a beeline for the engine room and gunnery deck. Once its wings are clipped and its teeth are pulled, the marines focus on shutting down the enemy ship one section at a time.
The Kraken Lords are the first line of defense against a horde of marauding chaos warbands, making them experts in dealing with all variety of warp-tainted beasts. As such, they are fiercely loyal to the emperor and will not tolerate any deviance from his divine will. Whispered rumors have suggested that suspected detractors, even civilians, have been summarily executed for their lack of deference. Pskyers on any planet they encounter are also not permitted to practice any warp sorcery unless they can prove unwavering and absolute devotion to the golden throne. It should be noted that multiple 'Rogue traders' are rumored to have vanished in nearby space, though no disappearances have ever been confirmed.  


When making a ground assault it is rare for a single company to work alone, however alone or in small fleets the Star Kraken follow a standard approach, deviating only in their exclusive use of the Razorback (for they lack completely any heavy armour) and reliance on orbital bombardment.
Most recently, the chapter has been suffering from dwindling numbers due to an incredibly high number of black carapace rejections. Their geneseed has been increasingly difficult to manage and some have called the chapter doomed for their inability to create new marines. Drokkor Droginssen, their current chapter master has led them for centuries, and seeks salvation for his chapter in the form of the Ultima Founding. While some are resistant to welcome the Primaris marines or become Primaris themselves, Drokkor has done his best to allay their fear and rebuild his forces.  


=== Special Equipment and Tactics ===
The Korath system and it's adjacent sectors have been faithfully protected by the Kraken lords for nearly 7000 years, earning them an undeniable list of achievements. It is not unheard of for them to be consulted in cases of conflict with Chaos marines, and they have personally been involved in the Imperial defenses against 4 Black Crusades.
The Star Kraken are a young chapter without access to many advanced weapons, including a notable dearth of power weapons. They have taken it upon themselves to stockpile multi-melta for their devastator squads, to the exclusion of other heavy weapons, and have benefited from a cache of Heresy-era breaching shields which were found aboard the ancient Lighthouse. Every unit in the company trains extensively with these shields, and their value during boarding actions has proven itself time and again.


Often, when boarding an enemy vessel, the marines make use of Tempest bolts. The high density spread and low range make for excellent shipboard actions.
=== Chapter Organization ===


== The Deep ==
The Kraken lords are organized quite differently from the Codex Astartes, owing to their Fenrisian cousins. They have no true librarius, and any pskyers within their ranks must work doubly so to earn the trust of their brothers. The Chapter is made up of 6 companies numbering between 100 and 150 marines, each with its own clan markings and battle tactics. Rank is earned by merit rather than length of service, and aspirants can duel the ranking sergeant or captain for their role. Though there are no wolves on Korath, fanes and totems are still commonplace; Kraken Lords marines often carry trophies from remarkable kills or ancient relics passed down from brother to brother.
[[File:Map2RoughDraft5.png|300px|thumb|right|The Phorcius Sector, where the Kraken now take refuge in the vast nebula of The Deep.]]


The Deep is a nebula stretching across most of the Phorcius Sector and trailing off into territories outside of the Astronomicon's light. It is made up of a so far unidentified compound with many curious effects; as well as severely limiting physical visibility, it renders conventional auger arrays totally inoperable and dampens communications systems, severely limiting their range. To look out of a vessel and into the deep is like looking at a black canvas, totally bereft of any detail, with even the light of the stars themselves being lost in the mire of the nebula clouds. Long exposure to this sightless, unreadable traverse can have unusual psychological consequences for those caught within, noted for inspiring an almost immediate sense of claustrophobic panic in the average man, and going so far as to eventually drive higher order Mechanicus priests temporarily mad.
The Kraken lords do not have a large fleet, so it is not uncommon for several companies to be present on Korath at once. These are quite often rotated out when reinforcement and resupply is needed, but more than half the chapter is typically on their home world at any given time. Their proximity to a nebula referred to as "The Abyss" gives them a steady supply of Chaos warbands and Dark Eldar raiding parties to fight.


==== Mobius/Huginn ====
=== Special Equipment and Tactics ===
Mobius is a collection of asteroids caught in the Lagrange point between the Phothom Sinkhole and the Icacian Eye, a black hole and a supermassive star respectively. During the withdrawal following the destruction of their homeworld the Star Kraken created a new Fortress Monastery upon the largest of these asteroids, extensively constructed around the now inoperable remains of the heavily damaged vessel Huginn, the companies only Battle Barge. From here the Star Kraken resupply their Strike Cruisers, and the old vessel itself has become something of a waystation for Imperial vessels attempting to traverse the dark nebula.
The Kraken lords are a small but fierce chapter, continuing their tradition of "Thunder and Lighting" warfare. To this end, each company is divided in half; Rapid assault troops form the 'Lightning' and can range from jump-pack-equipped assault marines to close combat equipped terminators. Assault bikes are also popular, though with limited resources, not every company has them. Many Captains prefer the use of drop pods when transporting their assaulting forces, often eschewing Rhinos or Razorbacks, though some are even more extreme and only use teleport strikes or meteoric descent. The 'Thunder' is represented by the deployment of their main body of troops, a rushing tide of tactical squads, supported by devastator marines and heavily equipped Terminators.  
 
==== The Phorcius Sector ====
Power in the Phorcius Sector is split three ways, and each has its interests in the archeotech device within the Deep.  
 
The first is the sector capital and the political seat of power in the sector, the shrine world of Marius. Were it not for the safe passage provided by the Lighthouse, the Ecclesiarchy and the Administratum would have great difficulty spreading their people, and, far more galling, collecting their tithe, from the systems scattered throughout the rest of the sector. Governance of the world is left solely in the hands of a Commandary of Sisters, currently headed by one Canoness Adela, a stern young woman with an intense distrust of the Star Kraken and their more roguish companies.


The second is the military seat of power, the Forge World of Fetillus Svel. During the great crusade to reclaim the sector a significant portion of the Navy disappeared into the dark nebula, becoming disorientated and lost before the discovery of the Lighthouse. Amongst these losses was the flagship of the fleet, a great Apocalypse-class Battleship. Recovering this ancient vessel would be a great boon to the small Navy of this distant sector, and the relatively simple task of a mere centuries work combing the deep, if only they had unfettered access to the Lighthouse. Vice-Admiral Blake is determined to set foot aboard the command bridge of this vessel before the end of his life, via any means necessary.  
Wargear is simplistic but effective, usually consisting of bolt and plasma weaponry. Outside of Devastators, flamers and any las-weaponry is incredibly rare. Whole squads of terminators are sparse, with only one terminator usually being assigned as a squad leader or captain. Lightning claws are still the preferred close combat weapons, though power swords or axes are also used. Thunder Hammers and power fists are occasionally seen, but usually reserved for the 'Thunder' forces.


The third is the economic seat of power on the idyllic garden world of Primrose. This world belongs to the Rogue Trading house of Wentworth, and successive generations of Wentworth's have built upon the previous to acquire more ships, more facilities, more resources and more thrones. The modern iteration of the family - Allary Wentworth the Fourth - rules over the sector economy with an iron first, and his cabal of traders and industrial mega-giants exert a staggering influence on many of the surrounding sectors to boot. If he managed to shut down the Lighthouse, completely cutting off Marius from the rest of the Imperium, his cabal would have free run of the sector, and could use this power base to project their influence even further afield.
== Curse of the Kraken ==


== Relations ==
Their geneseed was altered to try and rid them of the 'Wulfen' curse and has had dark twisting effects over their near 7000 years of service. Though none have ever turned to chaos or become 'wulfen', some have fallen victim to what they dub 'The Curse of the Kraken'. Victims become inconsolably enraged, so full of bloodlust they have been known to rip their own limbs off if there are no enemies to fight. There has also been an usually large number of black carapace rejections, leading to only a fraction of hopefuls actually becoming Astartes. There is hope in the form of the Ultima founding, which might repair their tattered gene stock, though many of the veterans of the chapter are wary of the Primaris marines and what might become of their chapter in the future.
 
===Each Other===
Although there are no ''recorded'' instances of two Kraken vessels ever coming to blows, many Brother-Captain's have long, tumultuous relationships with one another. Rivalries between certain ships, their crews and marine complements, are sometimes perceived as healthy, with each attempting to 'one-up' the other in their attempts to bring glory to both the Imperium of Man and the Star Kraken in particular. Every Strike Cruiser maintains a rich verbal history of its deeds, and in many cases the Captain has his acolytes carve murals of notable events onto the inner walls of the vessels meeting places, known as Great Halls, as well as making trophies of vanquished foes hull. These serve not just as morale boosters to the marines aboard, but also establish certain bragging rights amongst visiting Captains - it's almost assured that one Captain, jealous of the chitinous plating of a fallen Tyranid vessel holding the place of honour in his rival's hall, will throw himself into the next battle with fervor so that he, too, might hold such a trophy.
 
===The Varangian Guard and the Imperium===
Although the majority of Star Kraken operations are concerned with patrolling and protecting the worlds surrounding the Deep - as well as cleansing the Deep of its own internal terrors - the chapter is careful not to neglect its duty to the Imperium at large. To that end the Varangian Guard, a special company of Kraken veterans, serving aboard the Strike Cruiser ''Holdfast'', are on permanent detachment to the Segmentum Ultima. The ''Holdfast'' itself is forbidden to enter the Deep, and instead spends time every three years on its fringes, allowing veterans from any of the ten companies to join freely - or to leave freely, if they so desire. This creates an unofficial 'Eleventh Company' of veterans, sometimes only numbering a few combat squads, other times nearing a full one hundred marines, whom serve on foreign battlefields. Only the Captain and his guard are a permanent fixture, men descended from the chapters initial migration into the Deep.
The Varangian Guard have served with distinction in many of the famous theaters of war across the sector, earning the Star Krakens an outstanding reputation for honour and ferocity, and so glorifying the Holdfast that the Captain has begun etching his victories onto the outer hull, due to a scarcity of space within the vessel's great halls.
 
===The Grendel===
The Grendel are a minor species of xenos once inhabiting a tiny band of worlds on the far fringe of the Segmentum Ultima. In the late 39th millennium they took to raiding nearby Imperial worlds; stealing weapons, crops and taking imperial citizens to serve as slaves on their bastion homeworlds. Local naval patrols were confounded in their efforts to track or pursue these raiding fleets due to a local phenomena: a dense black nebula which obfuscates all attempts to scan it. The Grendel would skim the surface of this nebula, obscuring their ships from pursuit, only to emerge and strike another world once the navy had retreated.
 
An individual Grendel stands at nearly seven foot, has natural claws that can rend into ceramite and is capable of great feats of natural strength. They wield unusual weapons which combine traditional firearms with cybernetic and biological components, and each firearm seems to have a different ammunition profile: from a standard metal slug, biological components such as teeth, or even an organic cocktail of nano-particles which render the victim hallucinogenic, disorientated or even diseased. This has a devastating effect on enemy forces, making it impossible for combat medics to predict just what kind of injuries they'll see after a skirmish.


== Important Figures ==
== Important Figures ==
'''''The Ten-Flag Council:''''' After they were so lead astray by a single man in the past, no single man would ever lead them astray again. The Ten-Flag Council is formed by the Captain of each of the ten companies, who are recalled to vote on important issues, an event called a 'Convocation' - a vote must be unanimous to pass, as it was the night the original council voted to banish their previous master, with the inevitable hung votes being decided based on the cryptic words of the Ancient Mariner, a former Captain turned Oracle, who mans a single vessel which flits about the Deep at random, dipping into and out of the warp, completely lost to the Star Krakens. Were the Inquisition to catch wind that the chapter placed such reverence in the words of such an obvious warp taint a purge would quickly follow.
'''Drogin Krakenblood''', first Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords. Defeated the Khorne Daemon known as Aberraxus in M33. Killed by a Dark Eldar Wraithknight in M34 after nearly 700 years of service. The tines of his Wolf Claw, ''Murder-make'', are kept as a chapter relic in the heart of Korath's hive.  


'''''Mokoyll the Destroyer:''''' Canute Mokoyll is amongst the oldest of the veterans of the Star Krakens, having inherited captaincy from Sweyn Frok two centuries ago. He sits as the First Company's representative on the Ten-Flag Council. His right eye is a mutli-optical bionic replacement, made on his request to better aid him in the dark and lightless space-hulks he frequents. His trademark equipment includes the relic hammer which he has dubbed Alffinnur, which he retrieved from the wreckage of a world under his first command, as well as his heavily customised tactical dreadnought armour. He has adorned his armour with additional ablative ceramite plating from the numerous ships he has breached with his company, along with decorations using the detailed script-trophies that are cast of metal as adornment. Yet his armor does not carry his praises, but those of his brothers all across the chapter.
'''Drokkor Droginssen''', current Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords. At 500 years old, he is by far the oldest marine in the chapter. Drokkor has bested over two hundred of his battle-brothers in honor duels defending his postion. Perhaps most infamous for killing a Keeper of Secrets with a single blow from his power axe, ''Hatred''. He has proved a stalwart and capable leader, guiding his chapter during their darkest hour and into the hopeful redemption of the Ultima Founding.  


'''''Siewurd of Nine Nails:''''' Siewurd is the feared High Chaplain of the Star Krakens. A cold and haughty figure, he speaks with a hoarse voice and grinds on the metal teeth of his cybernetic jaw. The High Chaplain is known for his harsh expectations of faith from his fellow brothers. Siewurd's title comes from the nine runic nails he pierced into his right arm in penance for a sin he committed early in his command. He wields the mighty relic Dagonssultr, a chainfist that incorporates a Crozius Arcanum into it.
'''Kjoltor 'The Dread'''' Captain of 3rd Company. Notorious for being one of the few pskyers in the Kraken Lords, Kjoltor has proved his worth countless times, banishing warp creatures and savaging all who worship the Ruinous Powers. His magicks are not dissimilar from those of the Fenrisian Rune Priests, though he also has proved an incredibly able fighter without any warp augmentation.
 
'''''Captain Olaus The Mangled:''''' Surtr Olaus is a deeply superstitious and cynical man, known for his mistrust of his fellow Astartes. He received his name due to extensive injuries he received at the ill-fated Revolt of Zjoldus during his time in the Deathwatch. Half of his face, his left arm, his right forearm, most of his chest, and both of his legs have been destroyed and replaced with cybernetic prosthetics. He commands the strike cruiser ''Balmung'', and in battle he wields the mighty power-sword ''Levateinn''.
 
'''''Yngvarr Gangari:''''' Aptly named "the Wanderer", for out of all the Star Krakens and certainly amongst his fellow Captains he is the most widely travelled. He remains one of the few Krakens to have served with the Deathwatch, and specializes in the destruction of the Enemy Without. Despite the controversy surrounding his tenure as Captain of the Third Company, none can deny his pitiless hatred of the xeno or his devotion to his crew. He has close-cropped black hair, a scar over his left eye, and the pale skin and dark eyes of a descendant of Corax. Whether exploring the depths of a derelict ship for ancient wargear or plunging via drop pod into the heart of an Orkish horde to decapitate its warboss, Yngvarr can be found in the lead, Power Sabre in one hand, Storm Shield in the other.


== Quotes ==
== Quotes ==
"Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of captains. For there is none worthy of a name of power but our Emperor, whom Imperium, Astartes and Warp obey. This must be changed." -- Canute Mokoyll, Captain of the First Company
"''If you allow yourself to become a weapon, let your mind be the haft and your soul the blade.''" -Drogin Krakenblood, first Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords
 
 
 
“If fear is a sea, Captain, then you must be an anchor. An anchor cannot ignore the sea, just as thou cannot ignore thy fear. It defines thee. But thou can stand firm. Thou can steel thyself, and anchor thy brothers to thee. Thy example can drive thy brothers to newer and greater deeds than ever experienced before, and thy leadership can write sagas our future brothers will sing in praise. If fear is a sea, Mokoyll, then be an anchor, and hold fast.”” -- High Chaplain Siewurd of Nine Nails, to Canute Mokoyll
 
 
 
"Heavy is the heart that lives long in these accursed depths." -- Olaus the Mangled
 
== The Legacy Page ==
 
[[Star Krakens (legacy)]] - ''The original wiki contains a far greater density of information, and an abundance of writing, on this Chapter. If the above whet your appetite, this page is like a degustation complete with blowjob.''
 
==See Also==
[[Abyssal Jaws]]
 
[[Black Locks]]
 
[[Deep Ones (Tiji Sector)|Deep Ones]]
 
[[Space Sharks]]
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Star_Krakens.jpg|Earliest design, found in OP for second thread. Shows mild indications of heretical designs (horns, overly organic looking ornamentation)
 
File:Kraken Helmet.jpg|More drawfagging
 
File: Hold Fast.jpg|Master and Commander, anyone?
 
File:SK Line.png|HOLD THE LINE
 
File:SK Techpriest.png|"What's that dripping sound?"
 
File:Kraken Logo.jpg|Another potential logo design
 
File:Kraken Armor 1.jpg|Provisional armor design #1
 
File: Kraken Armor 2.jpg|Provisional armor design #2
 
File: Kraken Armor 3.jpg|Provisional armor design #3
 
File: Kraken Armor 4.jpg|Provisional armor design #4
 
File: Kraken Armor Vet.jpg|Provisional Veteran/Varangian armor
 
File:Terrible Logo IV; Return of the Artifacts.png|Legacy logo design from thread #3.
 
File: RLKraken.jpg|A proper Star Kraken, note the hazard stripe chainsword and general air of badassdom.
 
File: Termie2.jpg|Provisional Terminator armor design #1
 
File: MoarDraw.jpg|Half Star Kraken, Half Knight of the Cross, Half AWESOME
 
File:Star Kraken 3rd.jpg|Senior Tactical Marine, Third Company, Star Krakens.
 
File: AncientMariner1.jpg|The Ancient Mariner, bowed by the weight of crimes.
 
File: DeepDenizens.png|If the Deep were Cheers, then everybody would know these guys names.
 
File: GrendelWeapons.jpg|Some of the nasty proto-biotic weaponry employed by the Grendel. Do they grow it? Do they breed it? Fuck knows, but it sure is heretical.


</gallery>
"''Korath was ready for war, make no mistake. their nature is same as their hive: just below the surface.''" -Tjr Tjrssen of the Space Wolves


==External Links==
"''Not statesmen, nor merchants. No lockstep pageantry or careful watchers on siege walls. No skalds in dusty libraries or magisters in dark towers. Predators. Wild beasts. The ever hungry monsters unleashed on enemies of the Emperor. Woe betide all who face our jaws''" Kjoltor 'The Dread', Captain of 3rd Company


[[Category:Warhammer 40,000]][[Category:Imperial]][[Category:Space Marines]][[Category: /tg/ 40,000]]
"''Hate is better than fear. Fear seduces and destroys. Hate yokes the strong and fear coddles the weak. We are not afraid. Hate has burdened us with conviction. We have been given purpose and strength and our hatred has demanded the blood of the fearful in return. This isn't about being right, it's about what we have to do.''" Drokkor Droginssen, Current Chapter Master  of the Kraken Lords
*Thread 1 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27776983/
*Thread 2 http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/thread/27798163/#27798163
*Thread 3 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27813830/
*Thread 4 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27844934/
*Thread 5 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27868904/
*Thread 6 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27888730/
*Thread 7 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27920564/
*Thread 8 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27948478/
*Thread 9 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27967410/
*Thread 10 http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/27988510/
*32mm scale models of somewhat interest
http://www.beastsofwar.com/dystopian-legions/templars-samurai-aged-generals-dystopian-legions/

Latest revision as of 16:27, 21 June 2023

Kraken Lords
Battle Cry "Beware the Kraken!"
Founding Late M33
Successors of Space Wolves
Chapter Master Drokkor Droginssen
Primarch Leman Russ
Homeworld Korath (Hive World)
Strength 700
Allegiance Imperium
Colours Dark grey with burgundy arms

The Kraken Lords are a doomed chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. Named the "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake" in their tongue, the Kraken Lords hail from the hive world of Korath.

Chapter Summary[edit | edit source]

Korath is a hive world ruled by a psyker conclave. Residing aftward of the Eye of Terror, the entire system sits next to a large nebula nicknamed "The Abyss". The hive itself was divided in two, the "Star-blessed" pskyers who occupied the top quarter of the hive and the "Root-bound" working class who lived in the cavernous depths of the planet, many living and dying without seeing the surface. The Root-bound worked in large foundries, munitions depots and cargo storehouses that dotted the hive. Crime was surprisingly rare but brutally repressed by the governance of the Star-blessed aristocracy. It was common for even petty crimes to be met with severe capital punishment or psychic torture. The conclave of pskyers, however, was only nominally loyal to the Emperor. While gladly paying their tithes of lives to the Throne they ignored many of the decrees sent out by the High Lords of Terra

Sensing warp storms erupting from the fringes of "The Abyss", the Astra Telepaths on the planet warned the High Lords of Terra of a possible incoming Chaos invasion, perhaps even a dreaded Black Crusade. The Space Wolves were sent to the sector, but fearing that even the mighty founding chapter might be overrun, the High Lords also decreed that a new chapter would be formed to protect the Imperial lives who dwelled there.

Upon the arrival of the Space Wolves in the 33rd millennia, the planet was completely transformed in the chapter's wake. Ever distrustful of pskyers and especially wroth with their obvious lip-service to the Emperor, the Space Wolves did nothing to help the Star-Blessed when they were forcibly removed from power though a series of coups. Inspired by their hosts, the Root-bound established a new Meritocracy, allowing only those who contributed to the hive to flourish. From the large pool of workers, many were chosen to become Astartes. Principal amongst these was a young man named Drogin, a forgeworker who'd had his left hand removed as a child for petty theft. Given a Wolf claw to replace it, he excelled at the brutal assault tactics taught by the Wolves and was bestowed the moniker "Krakenblood" for beating a wolf guard in an honor duel.

The feared invasion came only two Terran years after the Space Wolves had reached Korath, barely enough time to tutor the new chapter in the ways of war. Rather than heaping themselves wholesale into the enemy lines, the foundlings took to the old Fenrisian tactic of "Dundyr yr Bljtssen" or "Thunder and Lightning"; savage assault forces would strike the front lines and retreat over and over until the tide of troops and heavy support could smash into the weakened and disoriented forces left. A host of World Eaters and other Khorne-devoted warbands descended on the planet, baptizing the new chapter in fire and blood.

During the first hours of the battle, the pskyers on Korath began falling to the dreaded flesh change, forcing the marines to fight on two fronts. The former ruling conclave was affected worst of all, devoting themselves to Khorne and melding into a foul Daemon Prince named Aberraxus. The new Astartes fought bravely, but were increasingly being routed by the arrival of so terrible a foe. Even bolstered by the Space Wolves, Korath seemed that it might fall.

On the 12th day of fighting, less than a third of the new chapter remained, and only a handful of Space Wolves. The warbands had been reduced by nearly half but with Aberraxus at their front, victory was assured. A fateful skirmish took place in one of the largest forge halls, with Aberraxus itself fighting against the Wolf Guard holding the location. The Wolves fought with their infamous tenacity, but seven were cast down by the beast, until Drogin Krakenblood rushed into the fray. While the Daemon was distracted, he leapt onto its foul hide and cast his Wolf claw into its heart, holding it aloft for all Khorne worshippers to see. "Behold," he cried, "the fate of those who face the Kraken!"

With Aberraxus defeated, the remaining Chaos marines were smashed by the reinvigorated might of the Imperial forces. The invasion was ended and peace returned for the time being to the system. The remaining space wolves pledged their thanks and brotherhood to the new chapter, calling them "Hrasshvalur Wyrdmake", or as they are known in low Gothic, "The Kraken Lords." Drogin was made chapter master.

Post-Founding Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Kraken Lords are the first line of defense against a horde of marauding chaos warbands, making them experts in dealing with all variety of warp-tainted beasts. As such, they are fiercely loyal to the emperor and will not tolerate any deviance from his divine will. Whispered rumors have suggested that suspected detractors, even civilians, have been summarily executed for their lack of deference. Pskyers on any planet they encounter are also not permitted to practice any warp sorcery unless they can prove unwavering and absolute devotion to the golden throne. It should be noted that multiple 'Rogue traders' are rumored to have vanished in nearby space, though no disappearances have ever been confirmed.

Most recently, the chapter has been suffering from dwindling numbers due to an incredibly high number of black carapace rejections. Their geneseed has been increasingly difficult to manage and some have called the chapter doomed for their inability to create new marines. Drokkor Droginssen, their current chapter master has led them for centuries, and seeks salvation for his chapter in the form of the Ultima Founding. While some are resistant to welcome the Primaris marines or become Primaris themselves, Drokkor has done his best to allay their fear and rebuild his forces.

The Korath system and it's adjacent sectors have been faithfully protected by the Kraken lords for nearly 7000 years, earning them an undeniable list of achievements. It is not unheard of for them to be consulted in cases of conflict with Chaos marines, and they have personally been involved in the Imperial defenses against 4 Black Crusades.

Chapter Organization[edit | edit source]

The Kraken lords are organized quite differently from the Codex Astartes, owing to their Fenrisian cousins. They have no true librarius, and any pskyers within their ranks must work doubly so to earn the trust of their brothers. The Chapter is made up of 6 companies numbering between 100 and 150 marines, each with its own clan markings and battle tactics. Rank is earned by merit rather than length of service, and aspirants can duel the ranking sergeant or captain for their role. Though there are no wolves on Korath, fanes and totems are still commonplace; Kraken Lords marines often carry trophies from remarkable kills or ancient relics passed down from brother to brother.

The Kraken lords do not have a large fleet, so it is not uncommon for several companies to be present on Korath at once. These are quite often rotated out when reinforcement and resupply is needed, but more than half the chapter is typically on their home world at any given time. Their proximity to a nebula referred to as "The Abyss" gives them a steady supply of Chaos warbands and Dark Eldar raiding parties to fight.

Special Equipment and Tactics[edit | edit source]

The Kraken lords are a small but fierce chapter, continuing their tradition of "Thunder and Lighting" warfare. To this end, each company is divided in half; Rapid assault troops form the 'Lightning' and can range from jump-pack-equipped assault marines to close combat equipped terminators. Assault bikes are also popular, though with limited resources, not every company has them. Many Captains prefer the use of drop pods when transporting their assaulting forces, often eschewing Rhinos or Razorbacks, though some are even more extreme and only use teleport strikes or meteoric descent. The 'Thunder' is represented by the deployment of their main body of troops, a rushing tide of tactical squads, supported by devastator marines and heavily equipped Terminators.

Wargear is simplistic but effective, usually consisting of bolt and plasma weaponry. Outside of Devastators, flamers and any las-weaponry is incredibly rare. Whole squads of terminators are sparse, with only one terminator usually being assigned as a squad leader or captain. Lightning claws are still the preferred close combat weapons, though power swords or axes are also used. Thunder Hammers and power fists are occasionally seen, but usually reserved for the 'Thunder' forces.

Curse of the Kraken[edit | edit source]

Their geneseed was altered to try and rid them of the 'Wulfen' curse and has had dark twisting effects over their near 7000 years of service. Though none have ever turned to chaos or become 'wulfen', some have fallen victim to what they dub 'The Curse of the Kraken'. Victims become inconsolably enraged, so full of bloodlust they have been known to rip their own limbs off if there are no enemies to fight. There has also been an usually large number of black carapace rejections, leading to only a fraction of hopefuls actually becoming Astartes. There is hope in the form of the Ultima founding, which might repair their tattered gene stock, though many of the veterans of the chapter are wary of the Primaris marines and what might become of their chapter in the future.

Important Figures[edit | edit source]

Drogin Krakenblood, first Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords. Defeated the Khorne Daemon known as Aberraxus in M33. Killed by a Dark Eldar Wraithknight in M34 after nearly 700 years of service. The tines of his Wolf Claw, Murder-make, are kept as a chapter relic in the heart of Korath's hive.

Drokkor Droginssen, current Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords. At 500 years old, he is by far the oldest marine in the chapter. Drokkor has bested over two hundred of his battle-brothers in honor duels defending his postion. Perhaps most infamous for killing a Keeper of Secrets with a single blow from his power axe, Hatred. He has proved a stalwart and capable leader, guiding his chapter during their darkest hour and into the hopeful redemption of the Ultima Founding.

Kjoltor 'The Dread' Captain of 3rd Company. Notorious for being one of the few pskyers in the Kraken Lords, Kjoltor has proved his worth countless times, banishing warp creatures and savaging all who worship the Ruinous Powers. His magicks are not dissimilar from those of the Fenrisian Rune Priests, though he also has proved an incredibly able fighter without any warp augmentation.

Quotes[edit | edit source]

"If you allow yourself to become a weapon, let your mind be the haft and your soul the blade." -Drogin Krakenblood, first Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords

"Korath was ready for war, make no mistake. their nature is same as their hive: just below the surface." -Tjr Tjrssen of the Space Wolves

"Not statesmen, nor merchants. No lockstep pageantry or careful watchers on siege walls. No skalds in dusty libraries or magisters in dark towers. Predators. Wild beasts. The ever hungry monsters unleashed on enemies of the Emperor. Woe betide all who face our jaws" Kjoltor 'The Dread', Captain of 3rd Company

"Hate is better than fear. Fear seduces and destroys. Hate yokes the strong and fear coddles the weak. We are not afraid. Hate has burdened us with conviction. We have been given purpose and strength and our hatred has demanded the blood of the fearful in return. This isn't about being right, it's about what we have to do." Drokkor Droginssen, Current Chapter Master of the Kraken Lords

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