User blog comment:Legionaire22/Randomized Chapters/@comment-1620907-20131028174405

The Space Hippos were founded in the 41st Millennium as part of the 26th Founding in order to counter an impending Ork threat.

They stem from the Imperial Fists but due to their late inception, their geneseed has been altered over much use they do not have a functioning Neuroglottis (therefore they are unable to track prey by taste alone). Due to their heritage they do not have a Betcher's Gland (they do not have corrosive spit) and Sus-an Membrane (they are unable to enter into a form of suspended animation).

They have a hatred for all things Xenos, in particular Orks that they take to eliminating with a heightened fervour.

Sergeant Jovian Comparoni of the First Company's Second Squad is a figure of legend amongst the Space Hippos and is remembered as the bane of the Orks, to such an extent that his name is known to the vile greenskins even to this day.

Their homeworld is the Feral World of Ranus V, which is covered with luscious jungles are far as the eye can see. This environment is home to many fierce beasts that have come to shape the society of the world in a manner that the people value martial prowess above all else. Wishing to keep an eye on their potential recruits, the Chapter Master has come to assume Stewardship over the planet in an attempt ensure a ready supply of fresh meat for the ranks of the Space Hippos while matters of ruler-ship are left to the local Planetary Governor.

The Space Hippos are a Codex adherent chapter and specialise in the use of Shock and Awe tactics. The chapter doctrine is shaped around their death cultists ways and believe it is their solemn duty to offer up the enemies of man as sacrifices to the Emperor of Mankind.

The Chapter is recovering from an accident involving a warp storm and a hippopotamus that occurred several decades ago and as a result is only six hundred strong. However, they should return to nominal strength within a decade.

Due to the close ties with their homeworld, the Space Hippos have reliable allies in the form of the Imperial Guard regiments native to the planet.