The Raptors Chapter is a Second Founding successor of the Raven Guard, known for fighting like actual soldiers instead of ceremonial warrior-monks. They use camouflage, hit-and-run tactics, and sniper work, and they’ve been declared extinct more than once only to show up again.
Who they are
The Raptors trace their lineage to the Raven Guard and were among the first Chapters created in the Second Founding back in M31. Their gene-seed comes from Corvus Corax, though a lot of their early records were lost, so the exact origin story is a bit fuzzy.
One popular theory says they started as a Raven Guard company training on Deliverance when the Drop Site Massacre happened. That company got sent off to fight Horus’s forces in remote regions, drifted away from the main Legion, and was later reorganised into a Chapter under the Codex Astartes.
How they fight
The Raptors don’t do bright armour and massed charges. They specialise in jungle warfare, guerrilla tactics, infiltration, and anti-Ork operations. Their armour is drab green, and they repaint it to match whatever battlefield they’re on.
They usually deploy as small task forces or kill teams rather than committing the whole Chapter. A big Raptors deployment might only be four companies. They’re patient, adaptable, and they think about the situation instead of just following the book.
Homeworld and organisation
Their current homeworld is Tarrengast, with a fortress-monastery called the Accipiter. They also recruit from several other worlds, including Numina, Ra, Badwater, and Cortiz-Pol.
The Chapter Master is Lias Issodon, known as ‘The Grim.’ Their original homeworld, on the edge of the Eye of Terror, was destroyed sometime between M34 and M36, and the Chapter vanished from Imperial records for about two thousand years before reappearing in early M39.
- Founding: Second Founding, descended from the Raven Guard
- Chapter Master: Lias Issodon, ‘The Grim’
- Homeworld: Tarrengast, plus recruiting worlds like Numina and Ra
- Specialty: guerrilla warfare, infiltration, jungle fighting, snipers
- Colours: drab green with a silver aquila (originally blue and yellow)
Notable engagements
The Raptors have turned up in a lot of major conflicts. They fought in the Badab War, the Third War for Armageddon, the Taros Campaign, and the Indomitus Crusade. They also took part in the Origo Blockade, the Sulsalid Campaign, and the Jemedal action.
They made a brief appearance in the video game Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior and got proper coverage in the Imperial Armour Badab War books.
Key facts
- The Raptors are a Second Founding successor of the Raven Guard.
- Their Chapter Master is Lias Issodon, ‘The Grim.’
- They specialise in guerrilla warfare, infiltration, and jungle fighting.
- Their homeworld is Tarrengast, with a fortress-monastery called the Accipiter.
- They were declared destroyed or missing in M37 and reappeared around two thousand years later.
- Their armour is drab green with a silver aquila, and they repaint it to match the battlefield.
FAQ
Who are the Raptors successors of?
They’re a Second Founding successor Chapter of the Raven Guard, so their gene-seed comes from Corvus Corax.
What are the Raptors known for?
Guerrilla warfare, camouflage, infiltration, and surviving situations that would wipe out most Chapters. They’ve been declared extinct and come back more than once.
Who is the Raptors Chapter Master?
Lias Issodon, nicknamed ‘The Grim.’ He leads the Chapter from their fortress-monastery, the Accipiter, on Tarrengast.
Are the Raptors related to the Chaos Raptors?
No. The Chaos Raptors are assault troops in the Traitor Legions. The Raptors Chapter is a loyalist Space Marine Chapter, and the shared name is just a coincidence.