I’ve been diving into Warhammer 40k lore, particularly the Second Founding, and I tried explaining it to a friend. We got a bit mixed up! I know that when the Legions were around, they could have up to 100,000 members under one Primarch. After the Second Founding, it seems like there were 10 Chapters formed from a single Legion; one kept the name and the others were given new titles.
My confusion arises with the gene-seed situation. I understand that the Adeptus Mechanicus is responsible for gene-seed tithe, but since all these Second Founding Chapters were created using the gene-seed from the Legions with a direct connection to their Primarch, how do they end up being unique?
If I were to create a homebrew chapter during the 25th Founding, would it still use gene-seed from a particular Primarch, like Ferrus Manus? At this point, would its uniqueness just come from its homeworld? Or do the AdMech somehow mix gene-seed from different Chapters, say Blood Angels and White Scars, to create something entirely different?
3 Answers
Your question about unique successor chapters is interesting! Essentially, when they create successor chapters, they don’t combine gene-seeds; instead, they harvest gene-seed from the original Chapter, which remains distinct. While it’s true that most successors come from well-established Chapters like the Ultramarines because of their stability, it’s not accurate to say they are all clones.
For instance, the new Chapter will have the basic traits from the gene-seed of their parent Chapter, but over time, they develop their own culture and practices based on their founding and homeworld influences. It’s not unusual for newer Chapters to adopt unique traditions, which showcases their culture rather than their gene-seed origin.
Also, it’s not true that all gene-seed is equal among successors—there can be variations as each Chapter’s lore unfolds over time!
Great points! While some Chapters may seem similar gene-wise, their adaptability and circumstances lead to unique identities. While gene-seed provides a foundation, the variances in traditions, doctrines, and even experiences can dramatically shift how a Chapter operates.
Take the Mortifactors, for instance—they have some incredibly unique practices that stem from their culture rather than their gene-seed. They may share a biological legacy with the Ultramarines, but their experiences and environment have shaped them into a completely different force!
To clarify, the original Space Marine Legions had close to 100,000 members, not just 10,000! As for gene-seed, you’re right that new Chapters start with the gene-seed from their founding Legion, but they don’t mix them together; that’s not how it works. Each successor will take purity samples and ensure they maintain the integrity of the gene-seed over time.
However, there is a fascinating aspect where some successors could, at times, develop variations or traits influenced by the Chapter they train with or are mentored by. So, while the gene-seed is the same, the uniqueness often stems from cultural elements and the specific struggles the new Chapter faces. It’s more about the traditions and practices they cultivate over time!
Exactly! It’s these cultural influences that shape their identity. For example, The Mortifactors have unique practices compared to their Ultramarine kin, thanks to their homeworld’s feral background.
Yeah, exactly! Successors have their roots in their parent Chapters, but their practices can vary greatly from one generation to another, especially with the influences from their homeworlds.