The Howling Griffons are a loyalist Space Marine chapter, descended from the Ultramarines. They’re known for their unwavering dedication to the Codex Astartes and their unbreakable oaths, especially their vendetta against the daemon prince Periclitor.
Origins and doctrine
The Howling Griffons were founded sometime around M33 as a successor of the Ultramarines. They follow the Codex Astartes closely, viewing it as a tactical guide rather than a holy text. They don’t specialize in any one type of warfare, instead maintaining a balanced force across all disciplines.
Their homeworld is Mancora, and their fortress-monastery is called The Proud Eyrie. The chapter’s colors are quartered yellow and red, a striking scheme that makes them stand out on the battlefield.
- Founding: Unknown, circa M33
- Successor of: Ultramarines
- Homeworld: Mancora
- Fortress-monastery: The Proud Eyrie
- Colors: Quartered yellow and red
- Specialty: Codex-compliant, balanced tactics
The weight of oaths
Oaths are central to the Howling Griffons’ identity. Before battle, they swear new vows, some personal and some for the chapter. Once an oath is taken, it’s pursued relentlessly, sometimes for decades. Completed oaths are a badge of honor, often inscribed on armor or parchment.
The most significant oath came after the events of 220.M38, when the daemon prince Periclitor killed their Chapter Master, Orlando Furioso. Since then, every battle-brother has sworn to avenge him, and the chapter as a whole has dedicated itself to destroying Periclitor, no matter the cost.
- Oaths are treated as eternal conflicts until fulfilled.
- Completed oaths are inscribed on armor or parchment.
- The chapter is sworn to destroy the daemon prince Periclitor.
- Daemon Prince Jago and his warband, the Raptorous Flayhost, are sworn enemies of the Griffons.
Notable campaigns and figures
The Howling Griffons have a long and glorious history, earning renown quickly and placing themselves among the most honored chapters. They’re almost always on campaign, which has earned them the right to recruit from multiple worlds.
Their most famous member was Chief Librarian Mercaeno, who vanquished Periclitor but was later killed by Eumenes. Current Chapter Master is either Alvaro or Kenot Friche (sources conflict). Other notable members include Captain Falchian of the Fifth Company and Apothecary Tarben Hovak.
- Chapter Master: Alvaro or Kenot Friche (conflicting sources)
- Chief Librarian Mercaeno: vanquished Periclitor, later killed
- Orlando Furioso: former Chapter Master, killed by Periclitor
- Notable captains: Falchian (5th), Borganor (10th), Darion (9th)
Relations with other factions
The Howling Griffons have a particularly bitter hatred for the daemon prince Periclitor and his forces. They’ve also clashed with the Daemon Prince Jago and his warband, the Raptorous Flayhost, who collect Griffon helmets as trophies.
They maintain strong ties with the Deathwatch, seconding members like Alvarax, Courlanth, and Cruad to the alien-hunting organization.
- Sworn enemies: Periclitor, Jago, Raptorous Flayhost
- Members seconded to Deathwatch: Alvarax, Courlanth, Cruad, Malegran
Key facts
- The Howling Griffons are a Codex-compliant Space Marine chapter descended from the Ultramarines.
- They were founded around M33 and hail from the world of Mancora.
- Their fortress-monastery is called The Proud Eyrie.
- They wear quartered yellow and red armor.
- They’ve sworn an eternal oath to destroy the daemon prince Periclitor.
- Their battle cry emphasizes honor and oaths to Guilliman and their fallen brothers.
FAQ
Who are the Howling Griffons?
They’re a loyalist Space Marine chapter descended from the Ultramarines, founded around M33. They’re known for their strict adherence to the Codex Astartes and their oath to destroy the daemon prince Periclitor.
What colors do the Howling Griffons wear?
Their power armor is quartered yellow and red, a distinctive and bold scheme.
Who is the Howling Griffons’ Chapter Master?
Sources conflict: some name Alvaro, others Kenot Friche. Both are cited as current Chapter Master in different sources.
What is the Howling Griffons’ battle cry?
Their battle cry is a series of questions and affirmations honoring Guilliman and their oaths, ending with ‘Howling Griffons, what say you to the oath sworn by your brothers long dead? Honour them!’