The Hellstones

The Hellstones
The Hellstones are supposedly daemonic artefacts of Khorne that are highly sought after by the forces of chaos. Especially those of the Crimson Slaughter, who believe these stones to be the possible cure for their curse.

Background
The object described as the Hellstone of Khorne is first mentioned in the tales of the fall of the Crimson Sabres. These most ambitious of Astartes were tricked into slaughtering a supposed cult on Umidia, who were apparently attempting to perform of Khorne. What actually happened is a subject of debate, especially since there is Tzeentchian involvement.

Either way, the Crimson Sabres left Umidia different. Haunted and driven mad by the whispers and images of those they had slain, the Sabres found that only in more carnage could the voices be silenced.

After several such atrocities, the Imperium finally caught up with them, rendering them Excommunicates Traitoris, forcing them into the Eye of Terror. There they went from seeking a noble death killing Traitor marines, into become them, changing into the Crimson Slaughter of today.

A Hellish Cure?
In their many trials their leader, Kranon the Relentless, learned of an object of great power: The Hellstone, which could cure them of their curse. However, the Dark Angels, vengeful for the deaths the Crimson Slaughter had inflicted on them, interfered with the rite. With victory within their grasp, the Hellstone was destroyed and the Crimson Slaughter left cursed.

One Becomes the Many
During the stirrings of the 13th Crusade, Kranon hears of another such stone, hidden within the Gehenna Systems. Bringing as much of the full might of his warband as he can, he seeks to find the stone and finally be free of the Curse.