Content
Stories: War-Beast Origins
The Beast-Master's Tale
Let me share with you the tale as it was told to me by my own master, in the days before I entered this sacred sarcophagus. They say our war beasts came from the death world of Fenris Secundus, where the first of our brothers were recruited. Ancient texts speak of massive ice wolves that ruled the frozen wastes, creatures that could smell corruption in a man's soul. The tribal shamans had formed bonds with these beasts through rituals that caught our founders' attention. Through careful refinement of both their genetics and our own blood rituals, these creatures were elevated into something greater. While I cannot verify the truth of these specific details, the resonance of their blood with our own speaks to ancient connections.
The Chapter Geneticist's Record
The truth of our war beasts lies buried in generations of genetic manipulation. According to the oldest gene-records in our vaults, the original specimens came from our first recruitment world. These creatures possessed natural warp-sensitivity, used by the native population as 'witch-hunters.' Our predecessors saw the potential immediately. Through careful application of our chapter's gene-craft and multiple generations of selective breeding, we enhanced these traits. The current generation represents the culmination of centuries of refinement, though certain genetic markers suggest possibilities I dare not record even in these private logs.
The Chaplain's Version
The Emperor's hand guides all things, even the creation of our faithful companions. The sacred texts speak of the first recruiting world, where great shadow-stalking beasts hunted those touched by the warp. The tribal elders spoke of these creatures as guardians against dark spirits, but we recognized them as tools of the Emperor's will. Through sacred ritual and the application of blessed technology, we elevated these creatures to serve His purpose more directly. Many see our war beasts as mere animals - they do not understand that these are living weapons forged in both faith and science, their very blood sanctified by generations of service to the Emperor.
The Chapter Scholar's Analysis
My research into our war beasts' origins has revealed troubling inconsistencies. While their base genetic structure clearly shows signs of enhancement from natural canid stock, certain qualities defy standard Imperial genetic science. The neural architecture controlling their warp-sensitivity bears curious similarities to certain classified specimens I encountered during my service with the Deathwatch. Our chapter's official explanation of 'natural evolution' seems designed to prevent deeper questioning. Yet their absolute loyalty and resistance to corruption suggest whatever their true origin, the Emperor's blessing rests upon them.
The Tribal Legend
The old ones of the ice tribes tell a different tale. They speak of the Shadow Wolves, great beasts that hunted evil spirits through the endless night. These creatures were not mere wolves, but the children of Old Night itself, born in the time when reality ran thin and the stars sang songs of madness. The tribes learned to bond with these creatures not through dominance but through sharing the burden of their holy duty - protecting humanity from the things that lurked in the spaces between thoughts. When the Sky Warriors came, they recognized these creatures as kindred spirits, fellow guardians against the dark. The bond was immediate and inevitable, blessed by whatever gods or powers watched over that frozen world. Some say the war beasts chose us, not the other way around.
Press Play to Start