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For space marines as science fiction characters in general, see space marine
In the table-top wargame, Warhammer 40,000, the Space Marines are easily the most played force in the game. This is because the troops are generally individually effective, with above-average firepower, close-combat ability and powered armour (which is very baroque).
The Space Marines are enhanced human beings with new organs placed into them that make them better fighters than a normal human. Space Marines are divided into Chapters, with approximately 1,000 members when the Chapter is at full strength. Chaos Space Marines have unlimited numbers - they are Legions, not Chapters. The Space Marines are called in during an extreme emergency.
One could make a comparison between the Space Marines and various knightly orders in medieval Europe. The Black Templars Chapter bears more than a passing resemblance to the late Knights Templar, an order of Christian Knights that fought in the crusades.
There is a large fanbase for the Space Marines. The good points are that they are tough individually, but they are expensive points-wise. Other than that, they generally have a good story base, etc. Quite a few of the more popular Chapters are close-combat oriented, as close combat can make or break a game in Warhammer 40,000 (enjoyment to some, a flaw to others).
Examples of Space Marine chapters:
First Founding Chapters
The First Founding Chapters are the heirs of the original 20 Space Marine Legions. Of the original legions, nine turned to the forces of Chaos, and two are either destroyed or lost.
Loyalists
Traitors
Successor Chapters
After the Horus Heresy, it was determined that the Legions were too powerful, and they were broken up into Chapters. Subsequently, the Imperium created new Chapters of Space Marines, using gene-seed sampled from existing ones. Many of these successor chapters still keep the memory of their progenitor legion or chapter, and maintain their methods of operation and battle.
Examples of Successor Chapters include:
- Black Templars
- Crimson Fists
- Blood Ravens
- Raptors
- White Consuls
- Howling Griffons
- Storm Lords
- Flesh Tearers
- Relictors
- Angels of Vengeance
- Scythes of the Emperor
- Sons of Guilleman
- Deathwatch
- Scions of Dorn
- Vultures
Unknown origin
There are two other chapters of unknown origin in addition to the first founding chapters and their successors, these are:
Helpful Links
Bolter and Chainsword (http://www.bolterandchainsword.com) - Space Marines discussion board
Liber Astartes (http://www.thewarp.net/war/liber/Index.html) - Space Marine chapter listings
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