| abstract | - Another duty of Genetors is receiving and studying the required gene-seed tithes of all Space Marine Chapters for genetic corruption or deficiencies. The Horus Heresy had revealed weaknesses in the gene-seed of several Space Marine Legions. These defects had been exacerbated by the accelerated gene-seed cultivation techniques needed to keep the huge formations of the Space Marine Legions up to strength in the terrible conflicts being fought at the time of the Great Crusade. The insidious powers of Chaos had been able to manipulate this corruption to turn Horus and many of the Space Marines under his command against the Emperor. Once Horus was defeated following the Battle of Terra, it was decided that the forces of the Imperium would be reorganised so that a similar catastrophe could not be repeated. The Space Marine Legions were divided up to create one Chapter of the same name as the original First Founding Legion and many other Chapters with new names. This event was called the Second Founding, and over two dozen further Foundings have occurred in the ten millennia since. During the Second Founding, it was determined that the first objective of the Magi Biologis was to recognise and expunge these genetic weaknesses. Space Marines would be created and trained slowly. The stored gene-seed used to cultivate the Astartes implants that turn a normal man into a Space Marine would be carefully monitored, and cultivated organs would be subject to the most stringent tests of purity. Young Initiates would undergo rigorous trials of physical and psychological suitability before they were accepted, and only those of the highest calibre would be chosen. On Terra, the Adeptus Terra created genetic repositories to produce and store Space Marine gene-seed. These storage facilities were used to provide new gene-seed for newly Founded Space Marine Chapters. To prevent cross-contamination, the genetic material of each of the old Legions was isolated. Henceforth, the new Space Marine Chapters would receive gene-seed only from their own genetic stock. The remaining stocks of gene-seed taken from the Traitor Legions before their fall to Chaos was placed under a time-locked stasis seal, although many believed these dangerous stocks should be destroyed. By taking direct control of the genetic stocks, the mortal Adepts of Terra could ultimately control the Space Marines in the wake of the Heresy, for they alone now had the power to destroy or create Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes at will.
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