Thorn Heralds

Having their origin in the 26th founding from the Imperial Fists' gene-seed, the Thorn Heralds were initially created as a quick response force to deal with immediate threats. After uneventful but diligent years of service, the Chapter was nearly annihilated during the Pernicum Campaign. Afterwards, the Chapter underwent profound structure and organization changes, straying from their former strict Codex following. Now, the Thorn Heralds have gained a reputation to be experts in rescue and exfiltration missions.

History
Initially designed as a mobile strike force based on a fleet, the Thorn Heralds received the Imperial Fists' gene-seed due to their purity as well as the unforgiving and stalwart mindset of the Fists'. Operating from the Hand of Deliverance, the Chapter's battle barge, the Heralds succeeded in a number of operations in the Segmentum Obscurus, aiding different worlds and calls against Chaos invaders.

The Pernicum Campaign
Main Article => The Pernicum Campaign

During the Night of the Thousand Rebellions in 999.M41, the Central Imperial Command received a plea of help from the Pernicum system and dispatched the Thorn Heralds deal with the situation. It turned out to be a trap laid by the Scourge Knights, leading to the annihilation of roughly half of the Thorn Heralds right at the start.

During further events, the Chapter was split into three main battle groups that fought independently from each other for almost a century before reinforcements arrived. After the traitor forces were driven back and the system secured, the Chapter was reunited and rebuilt.

Organization
During the war in the Pernicum system, the battle brothers developed a strong sense of companionship and loyalty to each other. Cut off with no resources, each of the groups considered them to be the possible last survivors of their Chapter. Lacking reinforcements, the Marines took great pride and effort in rescuing imprisoned brothers, retrieving the bodies of the fallen as well as close combat in order to save ammunition.

According to these three groups, the Thorn Heralds now organize their 10 companies in 3 Grand Companies, each consisting of the 3 companies that fought together in Pernicum, now dubbed 'division'. As the 1st company was wiped out almost entirely and imprisoned for most of the Campaign, it was refilled with veterans from the other divisions.

Each Grand Company developed their own color pattern over the time of the campaign and was allowed to keep it after the Chapter was reunited, with the exception of the first company that keeps the original Thorn Heralds pattern to this day.

Heraldry
The Thorn Heralds symbols is spiked gauntlet, resembling that of the original imperial fists. Laurels are the most common decorations among veterans or for Marines that show great virtue or talent.

1st Division
The 1st Division usually serves as the spearhead of an attack, leading the initial advance or securing the retreat if necessary. Their creed is to be the 'first and the last ones' on the battlefield, regarding themselves as a shield to protect their brothers.

1st Grand Company
During their time in the Pernicum Campaign, the 1st Grand Company was quickly depleted of ammunition, in consequence developing a fondness for close combat. They're often the first ones to be called upon when it is time to drive an enemy out of their position or break it's resistance with a direct, bloody assault, not to mention their efficiency when it comes to warfare within narrow surroundings.

2nd Grand Company
Most of the Marines serving in one of the 3 divisions have developed great skills in scavenging both information and resources as well as ambushes, sabotage and disinformation. Their bonds with the Scout divisions are tight and most of the battle brothers are excellent when it comes to reconnaissance or pre-emptive strikes.

3rd Grand Company

With an unexpected bit luck in the Pernicum Campaign, the 3rd Battle Group had been able to follow the footsteps of their progenitors, the Imperial Fists, and led a heroic defense. Even now, they are the Chapter's experts when it comes to holding off the enemy and delaying their advance with traps and well placed death zones. They were also the group with the most surviving chaplains after the campaign.

Heraldry
The Thorn Heralds symbols is spiked gauntlet, resembling that of the original imperial fists. Laurels are the most common decorations among veterans or for Marines that show great virtue or talent.

(This Article is still under construction by BacaloV and will completed as fast as possible.)