Part 5 of 5 in Soul Drinkers
The Soul Drinkers: A Chapter’s Turbulent History
The Soul Drinkers, a Space Marine Chapter, have walked a fine line between loyalty and rebellion. Their tumultuous past is marked by numerous conflicts, heavy losses, and a penchant for challenging the Imperium’s authority.
Early Conflicts and Losses
The Chapter’s troubles began after they discovered the Space Hulk known as the Brokenback, which became their base of operations. However, this newfound home came at a cost: the loss of their remaining fleet vessels, scuttled in the aftermath of their occupation.
Key vessels lost during this period include:
- Sanctifier (former flagship)
- Carnivore (Battle Barge)
- Glory (Battle Barge)
- Leuctra (Battle Barge)
- Mare Infernum (Battle Barge)
Notable Members and Events
Several notable Soul Drinkers have shaped the Chapter’s history:
- Euclydeas (Chapter Master in 544.M32)
- Grigorus (Member of the Deathwatch in the War of the Beast in M32)
- Argurath (Chapter Master in M36)
- Daenyathos (Philosopher-soldier & Dreadnought, author of the Catechisms Martial)
- Sarpedon (Current Chapter Master and Chief Librarian, first to break ties with the Imperium)
Rebellion and Civil War
The Soul Drinkers’ break with the Imperium led to a series of devastating conflicts, including:
- The 1st Chapter War and the battle of Ve’Meths planet
- The fighting on Stratix Luminae
- The 2nd Chapter War, sparked by Eumenes’ revolt against Sarpedon’s leadership
These wars took a heavy toll on the Chapter, reducing their numbers from approximately 700 to a mere 100.
Recent Developments
In the Age of the Dark Imperium, the Soul Drinkers were refounded and bolstered by an influx of Primaris Space Marine recruits. This new generation of Soul Drinkers continues to forge their own path, separate from the Imperium.
Key members of this new era include:
- Quhya (Captain of the refounded 3rd Company)
- Tiridates (Sergeant, 3rd Company)
- Phraates (Intercessor Sergeant, 3rd Company)
- Cyvon (Intercessor)
- Oxyath (Epistolary)
The Soul Drinkers’ future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: their legacy as a rebellious and unyielding Chapter will continue to shape the grim darkness of the far future.
