Grey Hunter

Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof!

Because the Space Wolves don't like to be associated with those generic plebians, the Space Wolves have their own special form of Tactical Squad to make them feel 'special'. Grey Hunter is the second rank of the Space Wolves Chapter. These Space Marines make up the majority of a Space Wolf Great Company.

Overview

After surviving their initial service as Blood Claws (a process that can be summed up as not drunkedly going mano-a-mano with an Ork Stompa), Space Wolves are promoted to the ranks of the Grey Hunters, and allowed to trade in their bolt pistols for the venerable boltguns that are the mainstay of a Space Marine's armory.

The Grey Hunters are as hungry for battle and wolves as their Blood Claw brethren, but their aggression is tempered with experience that has taught them the value of patience and cunning. Grey Hunters excel at both attack and defense, and moreover are able to determine which approach best fits the tactical situation at hand. When on the offensive, they exhibit the pack skills of true hunters, advancing with deliberate suppression fire and flawless coordination, until they draw close enough to the enemy to unleash their savage charge.

As a Space Wolf grows older and more experienced, the Canis Helix - the unique aspect of the Space Wolves geneseed - causes more extreme physical changes. By the time they have attained the status of Grey Hunters, their hair has literally turned grey, their fangs have lengthened, their hides have toughened, and, in some extreme cases, their eyes may turn yellow, until their resemblance to the wolves of Fenris is greater than ever.

It is usually from Grey Hunter packs that a brave, skilled warrior will be chosen to join the Wolf Guard. For this to happen is a great honour to both the individual marine and his pack. The pack may well compose a saga to commemorate the warriors deeds and relate them to future battle-brothers. These sagas both impart battle knowledge to younger marines, and inspire their courage and bravery, causing them to try to outdo their predecessor.

Wargear

A standard Grey Hunters pack numbers 5-10 marines, armed with boltguns, close combat weapons, and frag and krak grenades. Select members of the pack may arm themselves with a meltagun, flamer or plasma gun, or specialized close combat weapons, such as a Power Weapon or even a Power Fist. Interestingly enough, they seem to wear a mixture of the standard Mark VII: Aquila Armour and the more stealthy Mark VI: Corvus Armour for some reason (Compatability? Mix stealth team? An excuse to wear a wolfier beakie helm? Who knows...).

In addition, one of the Grey Hunters may be entrusted with carrying the Wolf Standard.