Golden Vipers

Chapter History
The Golden Vipers were a chapter of unknown succession, with a doctrine built around causing strife and mayhem in Xeno-controlled worlds, often spreading their forces too thin between the Vipers and a bigger Chapter who would mount a much more orthodox assault. Although this tactic proved rather successful the Vipers rarely got credit for it due to their small size and cloak-and-dagger strategies. Despite this they soldiered on, fighting through many crusades. One day however it turns out their lack of fame would be put to good use...

The High Lords of Terra and the Golden Crusade
The Golden Throne was a flawed device, needing thousands of Psykers daily to keep it powered. This obviously proved to be a problem for the High Lords of Terra and the Imperium as a whole as they were no closer to bringing the Emperor back. In a fit of desperation the High Lords took in two Chapters, enlisting one as body guards to keep the other Space Marine Chapters in check (The Minotaurs) and using the other one as a covert-ops group who would fly deep into Xeno territory and scour every planet, every civilisation and every faction for technology to upgrade the Golden Throne and maybe one day ressurect the God-Emperor. To this day the Golden Vipers are on their Golden Crusade, their names and history stricken from the records to make sure that noone besides themselves, the High Lords and a select few others know of this high-stakes mission.

Unique Units

 * Flash Marines - These Marines carry modified, lighter armour and Jump Packs along with Dual Storm Bolters in squads of 5, called "Flying Columns". These are the most guerrila of the Chapter as their main tactic is to jump in, shoot whatever buggers they can then jump out when they have to reload.

Wargear
Due to the isolated nature of the Vipers their gear is a little bit more outdated than most. This is offset by the fact that they have no qualms and are proficient in using Xeno tech. While many of the Vipers don't carry such gear all the time (atleast not using them above their own bolters and chainswords.) It isn't an uncommon sight to see a Strike Marine with a Pulse Blaster on his hip in case his Bolters jam or he's disarmed. Or a Dreadnought ripping a Grot Bomm Launcha off its vehicle and firing it into the Greenskin Hordes.

Deathwatch Service
Because of the Golden Crusade the Vipers are in a minority of Chapters who are forbidden from having Deathwatch members. This is quite a shame due to the knowledge all Marines have of Xeno tech which could prove invaluable to the Deathwatch.

Notable Members
Chapter Master Set Amar - TBA

Chapter Symbols and Iconography
Chapter Symbol- A black or white simplified rune representing a Viper.

The Headless Aquilla - A representation of the Golden Crusade. The lack of heads represents how as long as the Emperor is trapped on the Throne there is no future for the Imperium. Often worn on the opposite shoulder to the Chapter Symbol.

Chapter Relics

 * The Twin Cities - A twosided weapon, one side an Imperium Chainaxe and the other an Ork Big Choppa with a stripped down Bolt PIstol on the hilt. The Big Choppa belonged to a War Boss who the Vipers sieged upon for months in order to obtain a piece of Necron technology. He was killed in a one-on-one battle with Chapter Master Set Amar who stated that the Ork had "gained his respect in his final moments." The weapon is currently still wielded by Set Amar but would presumably be passed down to any future Chapter Masters.