Dominators

History
The first records mentioning the Dominators date back to the 36th Millennium, more specifically to the Age of Apostasy. Initially neutral on the matter, the Dominators joined the forces opposing Vandire shortly before his fall. Many hold them in somewhat ill contempt for their late decision-making.

Afterwards,the Chapter returned to patrolling the galaxy, dispatching Marines to various battles and campaigns. These operations were conducted all over the Segmentii Obscurus, Solar and Ultima, centered around the Cinnabar Sector.

Culture & Beliefs
Appearing as stoic, almost indifferent on the battlefield, few have visited the Chapter's fleet. Those few describe the Dominators as silent, reclusive Brothers, engaging little with each other outside of prayer or combat training. The interior of their ships is spartan with little in terms of artwork regarding their history.

They do not openly worship any specific Primarch, though it remains unclear if they keep their lineage a secret on purpose or if they have no knowledge about it. Statues or paintings found in their possession usually depict the Emperor at their center, occasionally accompanied by one of his sons.

==Gene-Seed=

Possible Origin
A dysfunctional Betcher's Gland and Sus-An Membrane lead some scholars to link the Dominators to the Imperial Fists and Rogal Dorn, though there exist no documents proving that. Others point out that the failure of these organs might be linked to the overall heavily modified gene-seed of the Chapter.

Modifications & Flaws
Examinations of the Dominator's gene-seed have revealed that it has been modified and exhibits certain deviations from the norm. This shows especially in the Ossmodula and Larraman's Organ, resulting in the Marines' extraordinary resilience to physical traumata and enhanced self-healing. Furthermore, changes in their nervous systems greatly limit a Dominator's ability to feel the sensation of pain. This modification seems unstable however, as it affects a Marine's general perception with proceeding age and affects their mental capabilities negatively.

Fleet-Based
Operating from their Battle-Barge 'Atlas', the Chapter traverses the Imperium on a steady route leading them through the Segmentii Solar, Obscurus and Ultima over the course of several centuries. This roughly circular route orbits the Cinnabar Sector and the Chapter partakes in campaigns and answers calls for help along their course.

Organization
Adhering to the basics of the Codex Astartes in terms of organization of their companies, the Dominators numbers have reportedly never exceeded 5 full companies. This is a result both of the Chapter's preferred modus operandi and the low number of successful recruits. The gradual degradation of their Marines' mind has also lead to a shortage of officers, resulting in Squads larger than what the Codex dictates. It is not uncommon for Squads of 20 or even 30 Marines to be commanded by a single Seargeant.

Chapter Recruitment
Lacking a Home World, the Dominators usually recruit from the planets they fight on. Both the natural population and recruits of the Astra Militarum are scanned for potential initiates, desired traits being strength, endurance and intelligence. The selected are brought aboard the 'Atlas' in order to undergo more detailed screening and further training.

As the Chapter is known to suffer heavy losses during their operations and few of the selected initiates becoming full Battle Brothers, the Dominators Apothecarii recruit on a constant basis. Fully elevated Marines are assigned to the Squads with the most recent losses instead of going through different roles.

Trials of the Body
The Chapter's Apothecarii focus on the phsyical performance of the recruits, putting their resilience and combat prowess to the utmost limits. This is exclusively done by putting the recruits against each other in a variety of scenarios, from bare-handed brawls to long range fire fights. Those who fail or suffer critical injury are put to service as serfs or servitors while the bodies of the deceased are disposed of.

Combat Doctrine
Given their extraordinary resilience, the Dominators excel and have put themselves in the role of siege troops, whether on the offense or the defense. Their core tactics revolve around large numbers of Tactical Marines lead by Terminator Squads advancing on the enemy, which is kept down by supportive fire from Devastator Squads, Vindicators and Dreadnoughts, of which the Dominators possess a great amount.

On the defense, Tactical Marines form a defensive gun line, covered again by the Chapter's heavier wargear and situationally assisted by Assault Squads. In either cases, the Dominators form an insurmountable wall of Ceramite, either advancing relentlessly until they crush the enemy under their boots or holding a line with the bodies of their enemy as their cover. Some generals report that a fortress surrendered by the time the Dominators reached their walls after witnessing the Marines advancing onto them through artillery and barrages of suppressive fire.

While these blunt tactics often prove effective, it leads to a, for Astartes, high amount of casualties. However, it seems that with the proceedingly decreasing mental abilities of most Battle Brothers, such simple tactics are all they are able to still comprehend.