The Crimson Fists are a Space Marine chapter born from the Imperial Fists during the Second Founding. They’re best known for clawing their way back from the brink of annihilation after an Ork attack nearly wiped them out.
Who they are
The Crimson Fists are a Second Founding chapter, created when the Imperial Fists Legion was split after the Horus Heresy. Their first Chapter Master was Alexis Polux, a hero of that war.
Their name comes from an old Imperial Fists ritual: a new Chapter Master and the Primarch would cut their palms and share blood in a warrior’s handshake. That bond stuck as the chapter’s identity.
They’re known for stubborn, unbreakable defence and a special hatred of Orks. Their homeworld is Rynn’s World, and their fortress-monastery is Arx Tyrannus.
- Founding: Second Founding, from the Imperial Fists
- Homeworld: Rynn’s World
- Current Chapter Master: Pedro Kantor
- Specialty: anti-Ork warfare
- Colours: dark blue with crimson red
The disaster on Rynn’s World
An Ork Waaagh! led by the Arch-Arsonist Snagrod hit Rynn’s World hard. A faulty defence missile destroyed the chapter’s fortress-monastery, killing most of the Crimson Fists in one blow.
The survivors, fewer than a hundred battle-brothers, fought on. The chapter came so close to extinction that it risked being disbanded altogether.
Since then they’ve rebuilt, and they’ve been reinforced with Primaris Marines. Their numbers are back near full strength, but the memory of that near-death still shapes them.
How they fight and what they believe
The Crimson Fists embody the defiant valour of the old Imperial Fists Legion. They hold the line when everything’s falling apart, and they don’t quit.
Their battle cry sums it up. The Chaplain calls, ‘There is only the Emperor,’ and the brethren answer, ‘He is our shield and our protector.’
They don’t use company colour markings on their armour. That’s a small detail, but it fits their no-frills, practical streak.
Where you’ll see them
The Crimson Fists appeared on the cover of the original Rogue Trader rulebook, fighting Orks, so they’ve been part of Warhammer 40,000 since the very start.
Black Library has a whole shelf of stories about them. Steve Parker’s novel Rynn’s World covers the siege, and Mike Lee’s Traitor’s Gorge continues the fight. There are also short stories like ‘Culling the Horde’ and ‘Legacy of Dorn’ that follow individual Marines.
If you like last-stand stories and underdog chapters, they’re a good pick.
Key facts
- Second Founding chapter descended from the Imperial Fists
- Homeworld is Rynn’s World, fortress-monastery is Arx Tyrannus
- Current Chapter Master is Pedro Kantor
- Specialise in anti-Ork warfare
- Nearly destroyed during the Invasion of Rynn’s World by Snagrod’s Orks
- Battle cry: ‘There is only the Emperor / He is our shield and our protector’
FAQ
Who is the current Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists?
Pedro Kantor leads the chapter. He took command during the Rynn’s World crisis and has overseen their recovery.
What happened to the Crimson Fists at Rynn’s World?
An Ork Waaagh! led by Snagrod invaded, and a faulty defence missile destroyed their fortress-monastery. The chapter was reduced to fewer than a hundred Marines and nearly disbanded.
Are the Crimson Fists a Second Founding chapter?
Yes. They were created from the Imperial Fists Legion during the Second Founding after the Horus Heresy.
What’s the Crimson Fists’ battle cry?
The Chaplain says, ‘There is only the Emperor,’ and the battle-brothers reply, ‘He is our shield and our protector.’