Authors note: Did I just make an entire space marine chapter based off of the armor Titus wore at the beginning of space marine 2? You're damn right! Also, this song actually got me to make it
Chapter Name: The Oathsworn
Battlecry and Motto: "A steadfast heart, A loyal mind, No fear, No Mercy, No Forgiveness."
Origins and History
The Oathsworn are a unique and enigmatic chapter, originally created as an Astartes force bound entirely to the Deathwatch and the Inquisition. Unlike traditional Space Marine chapters that answer to the High Lords of Terra or a homeworld, the Oathsworn exist solely under the auspices of the Inquisition. Their origins are shadowed by secrecy, and even within the chapter, few know the full details of their creation. Some theorize they were born during a moment of crisis when the Inquisition required a legion of Deathwatch marines capable of adapting to any foe, any battlefield, and any enemy—whether xenos, heretic, or daemon.
Unlike most chapters, which train their marines to serve the chapter as a collective, the Oathsworn were shaped by an ancient directive to serve the Inquisition first, Emperor always. This eternal service to the Inquisition, known as the Oath of Vigil, binds every marine who joins the Oathsworn to a lifetime of duty and secrecy. They are warriors without home or personal identity, soldiers without rank or title beyond what the Inquisition requires. This undying bond makes them a feared and respected presence in the Imperium, regarded by some as myth, by others as ghosts.
Their numbers are deliberately ambiguous, known only to select Inquisitors and chapter leaders, but estimates place their strength anywhere between 8,000 and 20,000 marines. They operate out of hidden fortresses, mobile fleets, and even clandestine bases on Inquisitorial planets. The Oathsworn are a fleet-based chapter that roams the galaxy, striking where the Inquisition deems necessary, eliminating threats, and vanishing as quickly as they arrive.
Despite their servitude, as a chapter they are granted a shocking level of autonomy. Similar to the gray knights.
Strangely enough, they are often cold and ruthless. They are protective of other loyal space marine chapters in their own cold, ruthless way.
Appearance and Symbolism
The Oathsworn's appearance is intended to strip them of individual identity while solidifying their eternal pledge to the Inquisition.
Heraldry and Armor: Each marine wears the iconic Deathwatch silver left pauldron and arm plating, which marks them as Deathwatch eternally. However, unlike other Deathwatch marines who return to their chapter, the Oathsworn retain this heraldry for life. Their right pauldron is draped in black cloth, covering any symbol of personal origin or chapter. This black cloth symbolizes the erasure of their former identities, representing their singular dedication to the Inquisition.
Bronze Skull and Crossbones: At the center of their chestplate, each marine bears a welded bronze skull and crossbones, a crude and haunting emblem. This symbolizes their role as the Emperor's executioners and the tools of the Inquisition. It is a reminder of their grim duty, a visual manifestation of their sacrificial purpose.
Chains of the Inquisition: Each Oathsworn marine wears a chain around their right arm, signifying their bound allegiance to the Inquisition. Hanging from this chain is a medallion bearing the sigil of the Inquisition itself. This medallion and chain serve as both a symbol and a reminder of their lifelong bond to the Inquisition's will, without question or condition. These chains are earned after a marine completes the first ritual of the Oath of Vigil and remain with them until death.
