The Cultural Warriors of the White Scars
In a departure from their savage reputation, the White Scars chapter of Space Marines is steeped in culture and refinement. These warriors are expected to be well-versed in the linguistic, historical, and artistic heritage of Chogoris, their home planet. Their interests extend far beyond the battlefield, encompassing poetry, stoicism, philosophy, and self-reflection.
Noble Pursuits
White Scars Battle-Brothers engage in various “noble pursuits” that reflect their sophisticated nature. These include calligraphy, hunting, storytelling, wine-making, archery, horse-taming, throat singing, astrology, painting, crafting, weaving, and mastering the intricate Chogorian language. These activities are complemented by more primitive practices, such as ritual scarring, which signifies loyalty and brotherhood among the Space Marines.
Ritual Scarring
The ritual scarring practiced by the White Scars mimics the traditions of Chogoris’ tribes. Using sacred Jaalod’ag daggers, the chosen shape is cut into the flesh, and ash is applied to raise the tissue and whiten the ridge, creating the distinctive “white scar” that gives the chapter its name.
Symbolism
The White Scars’ armor is adorned with symbols that represent battles, years of service, kills, Chogorian mythology, oaths, memories, battlefield roles, philosophical concepts, and more. These symbols are often indecipherable to outsiders, adding to the mystique of the chapter. The symbol of the White Scars, a red lightning bolt on a white plain, has multiple meanings, reflecting the chapter’s emphasis on freedom, preciousness, and the swift and furious nature of war.
Notable Symbols
Other notable symbols within the White Scars include the Ulzi, a knotwork representing the Eternal Labyrinth; the Moderg’haan, the Tree of Knowledge; and the Daeleivot, the Ocean of the Grasslands, which represents the vast plains of Chogoris and the concept of freedom.
Successor Chapters
The White Scars value their connections with successor chapters, as reflected in the tradition of the Rite of Blooding. This rite involves champions from various Successor Chapters dueling to determine which warrior will join the White Scars for a full cycle to learn from the Founders. The current holder of this position is Thursk of the Dark Hunters.
Gene-Seed
The Gene-Seed of the White Scars is stable, but it has inherited the wild savagery and thirst for war of the steppe tribesmen of Chogoris. Despite the teachings of the Khans and Stormseers, tribal feuds can flare up between Battle-Brothers, and instances of bloody rampages have occurred. However, it is unclear whether this is an inherent trait of the White Scars’ gene-seed or a result of integrating Chogorian genetic material.
Notable Chapter Elements
Prominent members of the White Scars include Jaghatai Khan, Primarch of the White Scars; Qin Xa, Master of the Keshig; Targutai Yesugei, Chief Stormseer; and Kor’sarro Khan, Captain of the 3rd Company and Master of the Hunt. Unique troops within the chapter include the Keshig, Golden Keshig, Ebon Keshig, Falcon’s Claws, Karaoghlanlar, and Kyzagan Assault Speeder.
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