u/Iggy0fTheWest — reddlx

I've been working more on my chapter and have managed to delve a little deeper into their story and structure...

Historical Update

In the early years following 21^(st) founding, the chapter was nearly “Excommunicate Traitoris” due to gene-seed flaws that severely affected their appearance; however, the Death Penitents’ performance on their missions, along with their contribution in fighting corrupt chapters and traitors from their own Founding—such as the Blood Gorgons—ensured their continued existence within the Imperium of Man. Despite this victory, the Astartes’ morale was shaken—both because they had to fight their traitorous brothers and, more importantly, because of their genetic flaws and the discovery of their genetic lineage (which they keep strictly secret among themselves). All of this left them depressed and even suicidal, but then the Wakemaster appeared
“Wakemaster” is the title used to refer to the Chapter Master of the Death Penitents, and it was he who stood before his despondent brothers and delivered the speech that motivated them to rise once more, continue serving the Imperium, and begin their eternal crusade of redemption for their genetic impurity. It was the Wakemaster who first shouted the warcry that still drives the chapter: >For the honor that has been taken from us! It was also the Wakemaster who appointed the Guardians, who serve as captains or commanders in each of their crusade fleets; however, they are chaplains and are also tasked with maintaining the morale of the Astartes and warding off any influence from the Warp, since the chapter experiences frequent mutations among its Space Marines.
The Wakemaster’s true identity remains unknown, but after organizing the chapter and dividing the fleets for the crusade, he was the first to set out aboard the Battle-Barge “Redeemer” (which was gifted to the chapter following the retaliation against the Blood Gorgons) and since that moment his whereabouts have been uncertain; he generally only appears to make important announcements regarding the chapter’s operations, but every Death Penitent firmly believes that in the most difficult battles, where the odds are against them, he will emerge with his guard to take the front line and fight side by side with his brothers, giving his life for victory.

Tactical Update

The Death Penitents don’t have as many resources or a wide variety of weapons as other chapters, so there are very few specialized units, and most of the equipment is shared among everyone and used as needed—so basically, all the battle-brothers know how to use a little bit of everything... Armored vehicles or tanks are rare among the companies, so they rely heavily on a solid infantry force, banking primarily on the resilience of their Astartes and their versatility in combat.
In addition to the essential Techmarines, Librarians are the rarest among the Death Penitents, yet they do exist... Due to their genetic lineage and mutations, Psykers are viewed with great suspicion among these Astartes, since Psykers possess an intimate connection to the Warp, and this represents a great risk of corruption for them; however, if an individual survives a grueling training regimen administered by the Guardians and proves to have absolute and incorruptible faith in the God-Emperor, then he is approved and sanctioned as a Librarian, and for this reason, there are few who manage to attain this rank. Due to a shortage of state-of-the-art equipment in the chapter, Terminators are uncommon, and those that are available are prioritized for the Wakemaster’s fleet, so few companies actually have them.

Recruitment Method

They don’t have a home world of their own, so on every planet they successfully help, they set up a small base for training Neophytes—a place they always return to over time, both to recruit new members and to assist the planet as a gesture of gratitude. The Death Penitents view humans as pure beings, in contrast to themselves, so they seek to protect the citizens, even though these Astartes clearly lack eloquence, charisma, or good communication skills... They revisit planets they have conquered or aided in order to recruit new members, but not so much to offer assistance out of goodwill.

Public Opinion

Most of the Imperium views them with suspicion; after all, they belong to the Cursed Founding, and rumors that they are hideous mutants are rife (despite their oath never to reveal their appearance to those outside the chapter), yet they carry out their missions zealously and efficiently; moreover, the populations of the planets under their influence hold a much more positive opinion of them, even though the chapter avoids socializing despite their good deeds

The Death Penitents are a fleet-based successor chapter of unknown origin...They emerged late in the 36th Millennium and were most likely founded during the Cursed 21st Founding. The Death Penitents have sworn never to remove their helmets in the presence of anyone outside their chapter, yet some claim to have seen the face of a Death Penitent and describe it as horribly disfigured... The entire Chapter holds the belief that they are genetically impure and unworthy, and that the only way to redeem themselves is by dying in battle or fulfilling their duty; because of this strong belief, the Death Penitents deliberately choose the most difficult and brutal missions so that they may achieve redemption according to their beliefs. They view humans as pure beings who must be protected, but the Astartes of the chapter do not usually get very close to other people because they do not see themselves as worthy of attention or glory; this is also reflected in other relationships—for example, they sometimes refuse help or resources because they do not consider themselves worthy of them either... They don't have many armored vehicles or heavy machinery, so their combat tactics rely on heavy infantry and attrition

That's all about them! I hope you all like this!