The exact origins and history of the Ebon Skulls is shrouded in mystery and a subject of much debate amongst Imperial scholars. The Chapter is certainly old, their own records stretch back 3000 years, but beyond that all historical recordings have either been lost, or if you believe other whispered suggestions, have been deleted. Other historical records allude to the involvement of a loyalist Chapter fitting their description, but rarely are they clearly referred to in name. The oldest specific mention of the Chapter by dates from a M35.678 Terra orbital traffic record, when an Ebon Skull strike cruiser escorted an Inquisitorial Black ship of unrecorded designation in system. Certainly these ties with the Inquisition continue today, though the Inquisition remains close mouthed on their relationship and has repeatedly refused to share information about the Chapter with any other Imperial organisations.
However in many ways, the Chapter shows quite the reverse and proudly displays its allegiance to the Imperial Inquisition, symbols of the various Ordos are often featured on the Chapter's suits of power armour and even on their strikecruisers and battle barges. The Chapter librarium contains a proud history of supporting the Inquisition, fighting in numerous campaigns and battles across the galaxy and it is not unknown for the Ebon Skull's Librarians to grant Adepts from the Administratum, or Imperial scholars what appears to be unrestricted access to these records.
This relationship with the Inquisition is also evident by the unusually large number of Deathwatch veterans scattered throughout the Chapter. In recent years the Ordo Xenos has made great use of Ebon Skull marines, on more than one occasion deploying a kill team made up entirely of Ebon Skulls. It is also not uncommon to see these kill teams leading detachments from their own Chapter. However any enquiries into why this is so, inevitably lead to the Inquisition and therefore abruptly come to an end.
Home World
Located on the edge of Segmentum Pacificus, between Hyrdaphur and the Cadian Gate, the Chapters' homeworld of Cuchalain is a cold, barren world of undulating, rocky terrain and mica dust oceans. Almost completely devoid of moisture, with little natural resources of note and an atmosphere constantly swirling with ferocious dust storms, life upon Cuchalain is both brutal and brief. Due to these harsh conditions and the higher gravity compared to Terra, the planets' inhabitants live in a small number of large but strongly feudal communities that vie for territory and supplies during the clearer seasons and practically hibernate throughout the tough winters. Human settlements are normally centred on one of the few deep water mines, or in areas far away from the dust oceans where moisture collection machinery is not constantly clogged by the swirling mica dust. Generally technology used is basic, the harsh conditions meaning all but the simplest equipment quickly becomes unusable.
Far to the north within a giant grey rock mesa over three miles high, lies the Ebon Skull's fortress monastery, known simply as the Tor. Its southern face is carved into a skull shape of what is best described as geographic size, whatever great device sculpted this epic image in ages past also charred the skull's rocky face black as it did so. It is a site oft visited by the Adeptus Mechanicus, the technology required to create such a marvel a topic of much discussion within their ranks. This black skull of the Tor is visible for many hundreds, if not thousands of miles around and a constant reminder to the human clans that their lords and masters are watching.
Entrance to the Tor is only possible by Thunderhawk or other flying transport. The black skull's open mouth actually houses a mile wide landing pad and is tall enough to accept all but the largest orbital landers. Other entrances may exist, but if so they are not public knowledge. Within the Tor itself the corridors and halls are defined by the carved grey rock of the mesa, decoration is limited to tapestry and banners depicting the Emperor, his primarchs and other inspirational heroes of the Imperium. Unusually for a space marine Chapter, the heroes celebrated upon their walls are taken from across the Adeptus Astartes and are not limited to those from within their own Chapter.
If rumours are to be believed, deep within the heart of the Tor a great stone door lays closed and guarded by ancient dreadnoughts. Above the door is a simple plaque "Artur". However on this subject the normally open Ebon Skulls refuse to discuss.
Appearance
The troops of the Ebon Skulls all wear all bronze armour with black shoulder guard trim and a black helm. The Chapter symbol is a black skull & iron halo design. Typical Codex Astartes insignia is used for squad and vehicle markings, but the colours used may vary from company to company.
The Chapter Veterans are known as Laochs, a name derived from the Chapter Homeworld, which is a title similar to the ancient Terran references to the knightly 'Sir' and shows the individual to be a hero of renown amongst his people. However it is not used as a prefix to the name but shows which particular type of warrior brotherhood he came from prior to his elevation to the veterans
Laoch of the Sword - Tactical & Special Weapon Squads
Laoch of the Chalice - Assault & Fast Attack Squads
Laoch of the Hammer - Devastator & Support Units
A veteran squad invariably consists of Laochs from each of these groups and they tend to display individual and/or group heraldry somewhere on their armour.
The Chapter Master, Company Captains, Librarians and Chaplains also have their own personal heraldry. This is normally painted or even sculpted upon their armour in some way. For example Chapter Master Mordred's has a great hunting spear symbol, where as Derfel, Captain of the First Company, has a Sword and Shield.
Combat Doctrine
It is thought traditionally the Chapter has rigidly followed the Codex, however at times in their history they have shown sudden and surprising changes. Recently their Chapter master Mordred after being frustrated by the Chapter's inability to eradicate a Necron presence emerging in nearby systems, has adjusted his Codex tactical squad set-up. To boost the Chapter's ability in close assault where the Necrons appear to be at a disadvantage, the Chapter's tactical squads now carry two special weapons, at the cost of the usual heavy weapon. Also the Ebon Skulls now takes to the field almost exclusively as fully mechanised units.
Mordred is a shrewd tactician, but is overly stubborn and at times has ordered the Chapter to fight on when withdrawal would be a wiser option. In recent times this has led to a great deal of flux in the number of marines within the Chapter due to excessive casualties. Also his impetuous nature has at times led to him embarking on missions best delegated and with no warning, leaving the Chapters command structure in disarray. Despite this, he is held in good standing, a tribute to his abilities as a political animal as much as a warrior.
Organisation
One notable difference in the Chapter's make up is that Chapter Master Morded also holds the rank of Master of Sanctity, effectively controlling not just the chapter's tactics and logistics, but also dominating its spiritual values. How long Mordred has been in command is uncertain. For the entire recorded history of the Ebon Skulls they are documented as being led by "Mordred", but it is generally presumed that this name is taken on by each Chapter master's successor. Yet the details of this process are not clear, the Chapter's hierarchy is a subject not discussed with those outside the Chapter and any investigations into it have been forcefully halted by high-ranking members of the Inquisition. It is rumoured that there has even been internal conflict within the Inquisition over the "Mordred Conspiracy", but this is impossible to clarify as any investigation pertaining to Mordred is violently suppressed.
The Chapter itself is grouped as per a classic 10 company Codex Astartes system, but history has shown the manner in which these companies are deployed can vary due to Mordred's seemingly erratic codex alterations, most notably the extensive use of special weapon teams.
Beliefs
The Ebon Skulls appear to see the Adeptus Astartes as one brotherhood of warriors, divided by Chapter, but united by cause and will offer their aid to other Chapters without any hesitation. This has led to them gaining many respecting allies, but also the distrust of certain Chapters, who deem their over-zealous desire to aid other Chapters as unwanted and suspicious interference. During Abaddon's 13th Black Crusade, the Dark Angels were noted to simply abandon the field as the Ebon Skulls committed, leaving them to be annihilated by an overwhelming force of the Slaanesh worshipping Legion of Darkness marines.
Gene-seed
Unknown.
Battle cry
"For Cuchalain and the Sword!"
Traits
Cleanse & Purify
Death before Dishonor