The Sons of Sanguinius are a Blood Angels successor chapter, raised in the Second Founding from the Blood Angels’ gene-seed. They’re one of the Imperium’s most aggressive chapters, and their story is tied tightly to the Flaw that runs through Sanguinius’ bloodline.
Who they are
The Sons of Sanguinius trace their lineage to the Blood Angels, and they were created during the Second Founding alongside other successors like the Flesh Eaters and Blood Drinkers. Their gene-seed was cultured from the Blood Angels’ 6th company, which is a detail that shows up in the records but isn’t treated as a big deal in most tellings.
They’re bloodthirsty zealots, devoted to Imperial doctrine and eager to kill in Sanguinius’ name. The Lexicanum notes they’d happily disembowel a child if their Chaplains ordered it, which tells you how far their obedience and brutality go.
- Founding chapter: Blood Angels
- Founding: Second Founding (some sources disagree on the exact timing)
- Colours: terracotta red
- Specialty: close assault
- Gene-seed source: Blood Angels’ 6th company
How they fight
They close with the enemy fast, using jump packs and bikes to get into melee. Because of that preference, most of their battle companies only keep two Devastator squads around. They do lean on Tactical squads a lot, though, since those give them the steady advance they like.
The chapter does have Terminator armour, but only about a dozen working relic suits exist and they rarely see battle.
Armour and heraldry
Their power armour is terracotta red, a grim look meant to match their nature. Yellow trim on the shoulder pads and bone or yellow chest Aquilas break up the colour.
Like the Blood Angels, they mark squad type by helmet colour. Tactical Marines wear white, Assault Marines wear bone, Devastators wear light blue, and Veterans wear black. No one in the chapter wears a red helmet, but Sons who show extreme brutality in battle get bright red mouthpieces as a reward.
Every Son also wears at least one black armour plate, usually a shoulder pad, as a mark of mourning for Sanguinius. Those haunted by visions of the Horus Heresy, seen through Sanguinius’ own eyes, often go further and wear black leg armour, knee pads, or even full black suits. These visions leave them longing to meet their Primarch, something that can never happen, so they end up morose and bitter.
Chaplains, the Feast, and the Flaw
The chapter recruits its Chaplains from those bitter, vision-haunted Sons. That sadness is part of what makes them suitable for the role.
The Sons share the Blood Angels’ genetic curse, including the Red Thirst, and they maintain a Death Company for those who fall to it. They also observe a ritual called the Feast, which fits the chapter’s blood-soaked character.
Key facts
- Second Founding successor chapter of the Blood Angels
- Gene-seed cultured from the Blood Angels’ 6th company
- Terracotta red armour with yellow trim and bone/yellow Aquilas
- Specialises in close assault using jump packs and bikes
- Recruits Chaplains from brothers haunted by visions of the Horus Heresy
- Every member wears at least one black armour plate in mourning for Sanguinius
FAQ
Are the Sons of Sanguinius a Second Founding chapter?
Yes, they’re generally listed as a Second Founding successor of the Blood Angels, though some sources conflict on the exact founding details.
What makes them different from other Blood Angels successors?
Their terracotta armour, their extreme zeal and brutality, and the fact that every member wears black in mourning for Sanguinius set them apart.
Do they suffer from the Red Thirst?
Yes. As a Blood Angels successor, they carry the Flaw, including the Red Thirst, and they keep a Death Company for brothers lost to it.