The Marines Malevolent are a Space Marine chapter famous for being the Imperium’s worst neighbours. They’re brutal, arrogant, and treat civilian casualties as acceptable costs, which has earned them enemies among other chapters and repeated calls for Inquisitorial investigation.
Who they are
Founded in M32, the Marines Malevolent are a chapter defined by aggression and a total disregard for innocent life. They don’t just accept collateral damage, they plan around it.
Their battle cry is ‘Hate is the surest weapon!’ and they mean it. They’ve been known to beat civilians and withhold aid, which is why other chapters keep their distance.
Why they matter
They’re the go-to example of what happens when a chapter’s pragmatism curdles into cruelty. Their feud with the Salamanders is the clearest case of Space Marines fighting Space Marines over ethics, not territory.
The Marines Malevolent show that the Imperium’s defenders aren’t all noble heroes. Some are just better-armed bullies.
- Feud with the Salamanders is legendary
- Multiple calls for Inquisitorial investigation
- Used Whirlwind artillery on a refugee camp held by Orks
Armageddon and the refugee camp
During the Third War for Armageddon, Orks overran the Emperor’s Deliverance Refugee Camp and took over 12,000 refugees and nearly 1,000 Ministorum members hostage. The Marines Malevolent bombarded the camp with Whirlwinds anyway.
Nearly 4,000 refugees died. When Colonel Destrier Celestine complained, Captain Vinyar spat on him and gave a speech about the camp’s population not being worthy of life. Salamanders Chapter Master Tu’Shan publicly rebuked him for betraying those he was sworn to protect.
Feud with the Salamanders
The bad blood goes back to a standoff over salvage on the derelict Mechanicum vessel Archimedes Rex. The Marines Malevolent backed down when the strike cruiser Vulkan’s Wrath showed up, but later saved Salamanders survivors only in exchange for the weapons they wanted.
They even turned up on Nocturne to face the Salamanders again. Tu’Shan eventually gave them what they sought, but he hasn’t forgotten.
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Archimedes Rex standoff | Marines Malevolent back down, later trade rescue for weapons |
| Third War for Armageddon | Bombard refugee camp, kill thousands, spat on a colonel |
| Nocturne confrontation | Tu’Shan hands over weapons but feud continues |
Colors and assets
They wear yellow with a black torso, backpack, and weapon receivers, plus a silver aquila. It’s a striking scheme that makes them easy to spot, which is probably the point.
They deployed two companies to Armageddon, a small commitment, but brought Whirlwind artillery support. They’ve also been involved in the Macharian Crusade, the Siege of the Fenris System, and the Fourth War for Armageddon.
Key facts
- Founded in M32
- Known for brutality, aggression, and disregard for civilian life
- Feud with the Salamanders is their most famous conflict
- Used Whirlwind artillery on a refugee camp during the Third War for Armageddon
- Battle cry: ‘Hate is the surest weapon!’
- Colors: yellow with black torso, backpack, and weapon receivers, silver aquila
FAQ
Why do the Salamanders hate the Marines Malevolent?
The Salamanders value civilian life, while the Marines Malevolent treat it as expendable. Their feud peaked during the Third War for Armageddon when the Malevolent bombarded a refugee camp full of hostages.
What are the Marines Malevolent’s colors?
Yellow armor with a black torso, backpack, and weapon receivers, and a silver aquila.
Are the Marines Malevolent traitors?
No, they’re a loyalist chapter, but their brutality and arrogance have led to multiple requests for Inquisitorial investigation.