The Lamenters are a Blood Angels successor chapter from Warhammer 40k’s Cursed Founding, famous for their staggering bad luck and unshakable nobility. They fought on the losing side of the Badab War, survived a penitent crusade, and were nearly wiped out by Hive Fleet Kraken.
Who they are
The Lamenters are a fleet-based Space Marine chapter created during the 21st Founding in M36, also known as the Cursed Founding. They’re descended from the Blood Angels, but they’ve largely avoided the worst gene-seed flaws that haunt other successors of Sanguinius. That said, the Black Rage has reportedly returned with a vengeance after their attempts to purge it.
Their chapter master is Malakim Phoros, and their colours are yellow with black and white checks. They don’t have a homeworld, operating instead from their battle barge, the Mater Lachrymarum.
Why they matter
The Lamenters stand out because they’re genuinely good people in a setting full of grimdark antiheroes. They serve the Imperium with honour and compassion, yet they’ve suffered more last stands and desperate defences than almost any other chapter of their era.
Their story is a tragic irony: the more they try to do the right thing, the worse things get. Even the Emperor’s Tarot predicts their misfortune will only worsen. That combination of virtue and suffering makes them a fan favourite.
The Badab War and its aftermath
During the Badab War, the Lamenters sided with the rebel forces, a decision that nearly doomed them. After the conflict ended, they were granted the Emperor’s forgiveness, but only on the condition that they undertake a penitent crusade.
That crusade eventually threw them into the path of Hive Fleet Kraken. The encounter brought the chapter to the brink of extinction. By the end of the Badab War, their strength was estimated at just 311 marines, though they’ve since been reinforced with Primaris Space Marines.
Connection to wider lore
As Blood Angels successors, the Lamenters share the genetic legacy of Sanguinius, including the threat of the Black Rage and the Red Thirst. Their Cursed Founding origins also link them to other ill-fated chapters from that experiment.
Their penitent crusade and near-destruction by Hive Fleet Kraken tie them directly into two major events in Warhammer 40k history: the Badab War and the Tyranid invasions. They’re a grim reminder that even the noblest defenders of humanity can be broken by the galaxy’s cruelty.
Key facts
- The Lamenters are a Blood Angels successor chapter from the 21st (Cursed) Founding.
- They’re fleet-based and known for their yellow armour with black and white checks.
- They sided with rebels in the Badab War and were later sent on a penitent crusade.
- That crusade brought them into conflict with Hive Fleet Kraken, nearly wiping them out.
- They’ve been reinforced with Primaris Space Marines in recent lore.
FAQ
What is the Lamenters’ battle cry?
Their battle cry is unknown, but it’s possibly ‘From Blood Born; to Blood Evermore Consigned.’
Are the Lamenters loyalists?
Yes, despite siding with the rebels in the Badab War, they were forgiven and continue to serve the Imperium, though they had to undertake a penitent crusade.
What happened to the Lamenters after the Badab War?
They were sent on a penitent crusade that led them into conflict with Hive Fleet Kraken, which nearly destroyed the chapter.