The Lamenters are a Blood Angels successor Chapter from the 21st ‘Cursed’ Founding, famous for their relentless misfortune and noble sacrifice. They sided with the rebels in the Badab War, were forgiven, and sent on a penitent crusade that nearly wiped them out against Hive Fleet Kraken.
Origins and the Cursed Founding
Created during the 21st Founding in M36, the Lamenters were long seen as a rare success from that doomed project. They showed no mutation or madness, yet other Chapters shunned them simply for being part of the Cursed Founding.
Rather than fight for acceptance, they quietly relocated to the western fringe and launched a self-imposed crusade against the Imperium’s enemies. That crusade lasted about 1,500 years until the High Lords of Terra reassigned them.
The Badab War and penitent crusade
During the Badab War, the Lamenters sided with the rebel forces, a decision that could have meant their destruction. Instead, they were granted the Emperor’s forgiveness on one condition: undertake a penitent crusade.
That crusade led them straight into Hive Fleet Kraken. The encounter nearly annihilated the Chapter, leaving them with an estimated 311 Marines afterward. They’ve since been bolstered by Primaris reinforcements.
Gene-seed and the Black Rage
As Blood Angels successors, the Lamenters carry Sanguinius’s gene-seed. They managed to control its flaws better than most, but they still succumb in extreme circumstances. Recent stories suggest the Black Rage has returned tenfold after their attempts to cleanse it.
Their ill fortune is legendary. They’ve fought in more desperate last stands than any Chapter of their age, and the Emperor’s Tarot predicts their luck will only worsen.
Appearance and organisation
The Lamenters wear yellow power armour with black and white checkered patterns, and company affiliation is shown by knee colour. They’re a fleet-based Chapter, formerly operating from the battle barge Mater Lachrymarum.
Their Chapter Master is Malakim Phoros. Their battle cry is unknown, though one possibility is ‘From Blood Born; to Blood Evermore Consigned.’
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding | 21st (Cursed) Founding, M36 |
| Gene-seed | Blood Angels |
| Chapter Master | Malakim Phoros |
| Homeworld | Fleet-based |
| Colours | Yellow with black and white checks |
| Strength | ~311 Marines post-Badab War, plus Primaris |
Key facts
- The Lamenters are a Blood Angels successor Chapter from the 21st ‘Cursed’ Founding in M36.
- They sided with rebels in the Badab War but were forgiven and sent on a penitent crusade.
- That crusade led them into Hive Fleet Kraken, reducing them to roughly 311 Marines.
- They’re fleet-based, wear yellow with black and white checks, and are led by Chapter Master Malakim Phoros.
- They’ve been reinforced with Primaris Marines, but their legendary misfortune continues.
FAQ
Why are the Lamenters called the Lamenters?
Their name reflects their tragic history. They’ve suffered extraordinary misfortune and accept it with symbols of grief and lamentation.
What happened to the Lamenters after the Badab War?
They were forgiven for siding with the rebels and sent on a penitent crusade. That crusade brought them into conflict with Hive Fleet Kraken, nearly destroying the Chapter.
Are the Lamenters immune to the Black Rage?
No. They controlled the gene-seed flaws better than most Blood Angels successors, but they still fall to it in extreme circumstances. Recent lore suggests the Black Rage has returned even stronger.