Tyranids will eat absolutely anything, but over the years they’ve developed a particular taste for Space Marines. And while the Scythes of the Emperor and the Blood Angels are among the Chapters who’d most love a bit of vengeance against the Hive Mind, the Ultramarines have a real bee in their bonnet about these hungry xenos.
It was during the First Tyrannic War that two particularly historic events transpired: the naming of the Tyranids* and the Battle of Macragge. Fortunately for all concerned, the Lord Macragge Marneus Calgar received a “they’re on the way” message from the renegade Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Kryptman more or less in time for the Ultramarines to prepare the defences of their home world.
While the veteran 1st Company was sent to enjoy the Northern Lights (and to defend the northern polar fortress), Calgar led the defence of Cold Steel Ridge. Even with his forces being bolstered by a mighty Baneblade, the defenders were eventually overrun and Calgar himself was cut down by a Swarmlord.**
From there, the route to the northern polar fortress was clear.*** In orbit, the Ultramarine fleet destroyed the Tyranids' armada, but if the polar fortress fell, the alien hordes on the planet would still consume their home.
While the 3rd Company rushed to reinforce the beleaguered ground forces, the 1st Company fell back into the fortress, selling their lives to buy time. By the time the relief force arrived, the Tyranids had wiped out the 1st Company – the Astartes may have perished, but their glorious last stand had saved the planet.
With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Ultramarines 1st Company has beef with the Tyranids.**** Eventually, Commander Dante and the Blood Angels helped cleanse Ultramar of the xenos invaders, but the scars still run deep in the Ultramarines.
Surviving Ultramarines were formed into units of Tyrannic War Veterans by Chaplain Cassius while the 1st Company rebuilt its strength. These grizzled alien-killing experts were the forerunners of the Lieutenant in Phobos Armour, while with new Terminators inbound, the Ultramarines 1st Company will look better than ever as they seek their revenge.
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* Named after the planet they were first discovered – Tyran. We’re fortunate they’re not called the Fenrisids, the Badabids, or the Armageddonids.
** He recovered from his injuries and got revenge in a rematch on Ichar IV.
*** If you’re ever on Macragge, GPS will tell you the fastest way to the northern polar fortress is via Cold Steel Ridge.
**** Meanwhile, the Tyranids just see the Ultramarines 1st Company AS beef. Or chicken. Or lamb.