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-Except from Administratum database: Index Astartes- -Clearance Level: Inquisition- -Access: Granted; Limited- The Praetorians (Chapter) The Praetorians are a Chapter believed by the Imperium to have been created in the Thirteenth Founding. They are noted for daring strikes at the heart of the enemy and precise disruptions of enemy infrastructure. They have been declared Lost twice and have been brought to the brink of annihilation on innumerable occasions, but have endured due to the resourcefulness and pragmatism of the Astartes. Colours and Chapter Symbol http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e319/Kelbeef/Praetoriantactical-1.jpg http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e319/Kelbeef/ChiRho.jpg Origins Records Lost The early history of the Praetorians has been lost to all but themselves. This is not an uncommon occurrence, especially for Dark Founding Chapters, but also due to the Age of Apostasy, which resulted in the loss or destruction of many records. The loss of records regarding the Void Stalkers Chapter and its demise may not have been caused by the Age of Apostasy, but rather a result of deliberate intent. It is believed by members of the Ordo Scriptus that only one Chapter was involved in their destruction and that the Chapter was the newly-formed Praetorians. Solid evidence still eludes them, but why this would be the case remains to be discovered. They suspect that the revolt was a much more serious affair than the limited Inquisitorial reports suggest. Like all of the Chapters founded during the Dark Founding, the reason for their founding have either been deleted from Imperial records or have been lost in time. The only hint to the reason being an early incident regarding the destruction of the renegade Void Stalkers Chapter not long after the Praetorians Founding. The records of the forces involved in the conflict do not name the Astartes Chapter that was present, but the Praetorians own records state they were involved in the conflict. The equipment and fleet of this 4th Founding Chapter vanished after this event, with only past Gene-Seed tithe and scant records of their past remaining to substantiate their existence. Homeworld Byzantium is a Feudal World that is located in the centre of a major cluster of systems that form the Byzas Subsector. Aside from the period which trapped the Praetorians in the Sector it is one of the few relatively safe routes for Warp travel in the Northern Segmentum Obscuris. It is a planet where fortified city-states and republics constantly rise and fall across the habitable regions of the planets equator. The planets population is focussed on the main continent, with a large inland sea where the most powerful city-states and republics reside along the coast. This inland sea is dotted with large volcanic islands, the home of port-cities and pirates. This sea is almost divided by a peninsular into two seas. Historically, the city-state or republic who controlled the city built on the peninsular was the most influential (and wealthy) on the planet. The Byzantines have a classical warrior culture, with the greatest ambition for every boy being to be granted command of their city-state or republics military. However soldiers are almost useless against the sophisticated fortifications of the major towns and cities on the major continent. The generals must rely on subterfuge, sabotage and assassination to allow their armies any chance of occupying these fortresses. As such, each State and Republic have extensive spy networks, as well as highly trained assassins that are recruited from orphans as soon as they can stand to be brilliant, but silent killers. These methods are the only way to have any chance of taking these fortresses without destroying the military, as losing excessive numbers of troops will result in the generals own rapid replacement and disappearance. The population is renowned throughout the Sector as ruthless and cut-throat, happy to murder anyone if it would help to improve their social status. The population is therefore constantly fighting each other, either for the honour of their city-states and republics or for social promotion. As such a strict code of honour has been necessary in the prevention of assassinations, with no-one allowed to go within an arm's length of each other. This has resulted in forging a scheming, deceptive and politically-minded population, very happy to get their hands dirty but also very good at not being caught doing so. To rule in the City-States or Republics is to live a hard and fast existence, with the entire nobility constantly looking for ways to gain greater privileges, usually via a well-placed knife in the dark. The Byzantines view the Praetorians the same way they view each other; with great suspicion, but with a general acknowledgment that their presence provides long term protection against a Galaxy of horrors. Finding a population with similar ideals that the Chapter upholds, the Praetorians established their Fortress-monastery; Castra Praetoria. The Fortress and city that surrounds it is situated on the peninsular which forms a bottleneck of the major inland sea, allowing the occupant of the city to control all trade between the major city-states and republics. The location was formerly controlled by the rebels of the planet when the Praetorians arrived, and thus received their highest level of attention. Castra Praetoria is now viewed by the Byzantines as a reminder of who holds supreme power over the population, but also of the glories and majesty of the Imperium. Early HistoryThe Praetorians built a reputation as a ruthless fleet-based Chapter, famed for their flexibility and on destroying their opponent's leadership structures rapidly. The first know Imperial record of the Chapter in action being the cleansing of Nerus, a rebel Forge World in the Segmentum Obscurus. In this they won great renowned for their rapid assault on the Ad Mechs headquarters early into the campaign, disrupting the rebel Skitarii legions, resulting in a fast conclusion and surrender of the rebels. Prior to this, there are Imperial reports that suggest they took part in the conflicts revolving around the Age of Apostasy and Plague of Unbelief. Another notable campaign in their early history was a crusade into the Halo Stars region. They wished to bring the Halo Stars region into the Imperium, and hopefully re-discover lost human colonies. Here they lost contact with the Imperium for two centuries, only to resurface below half-strength to declare only the dead reside in those stars, giving no other explanation for their absence or heavy losses. The reason for abandoning their fleet-based past was due to the events now remembered as the Pacification. The Praetorians were requested by Lord Solar Theodosius to spear-head the assault on the Byzas Sector; only infamous for being a hotbed for Xenos, rebels and pirates on the Northern edge of the Galaxy. The campaign was a drawn out affair due to the sheer number of different rebel factions, but ended with great success for the Imperial forces. However during the campaign, the Chapters Librarians and Astropaths felt great turbulence in the Warp, which was confirmed by a Warp storm erupting into existence, engulfing the entire sector, cutting them off from the rest of the Galaxy. Undaunted, they continued their mission until completion. This period of isolation from the Imperium was to last for over a Millennia. What exactly transpired during this period of isolation, just like the Halo Stars incident remains a complete mystery to the Imperium, and is never openly discussed by this reserved Chapter. Upon the Warp storm abating, the Inquisition moved into the Sector and assessed the Chapter. Finding the Chapter to still be completely loyal despite their isolation from the Imperium, the Inquisitors recommended that the Praetorians be gifted the Byzantine System formally and charged with garrisoning the Sector. This the Chapter were granted and to this day the Praetorians now garrison one of the few reliable routes through the Northern reaches of the Segmentum Obscuris. Since the end of their isolation, to continue their tradition as a fleet-based Chapter the Prefect Heraclius started a two-Company crusade to last for a century a time. This has resulted in their involvement in conflicts all across Imperial space, but in particular the conflicts surrounding the Eye of Terror, including the Gothic War. Details of the conflicts these Crusades fight in are fragmentary at best, at worst result in the disappearance of two whole Companies for a whole century before returning to Byzantium. Recent History Centenary Crusade The Chapters past is a strong source of pride for the Praetorians, and their past as a fleet-based Chapter is of particular importance. Indeed if it was not for the fact that they were granted the planet and had resided among their population for over a Millennium, they almost certainly would have taken to their old ways again. They still retain a particularly large fleet, alongside the Imperial Navy stationed in the Subsector. To not be found idle, each Century two Companies from the Chapter, alongside the entire Scout Company take part in a Centenary Crusade. In this they feel they can send aid to other Sectors, or even different Segmentum when the need is particularly dire elsewhere, such as during the Macharian Crusade, and also the ensuing Heresy. The greatest threat to the Byzas Sector in the last century was a revolt against Imperial rule, believed to have been instigated by the Alpha Legion two solar years after the Justinian Plague ravaged the Sector, resulting in the death of the Guard Stratagos Justinian. Initial conflict led to substantial losses, mainly due to the rebels hitting simultaneously on many different key planets throughout the Sector, which overwhelmed the Praetorians and Guard Regiments. Captain Apollyon of the 3rd Company was elected to the position of Prefect, mainly due to his Company getting results against the uprising. The Prefects more patient hit and run policy, designed to probe the rebels bases for weaknesses soon put the rebels onto the back-foot. This resulted in a swift conclusion to the conflict, however in the final days of the campaign, the Alpha Legionnaires escaped the battle and the Sector. In the final years of the M41, the Praetorians have been charged by the Ordo Hereticus and Xenos with the pacification of the neighbouring Pergamus Sector, since it has largely fallen into rebellion. Upon hearing that this rebellion is fronted by a Chapter located in the Sector, Prefect Apollyon has issued the mobilisation of six of the Chapters Companies with the intention of destroying the rebel Astartes in this Sector, supported by the regiments of Guard raised on the planet Thassalos, the other inhabited planet in the Byzantine system. At the same time, as is tradition within the Chapter two Companies are on a century long Crusade. This is a tradition to remind the Praetorians of their past as a fleet-based Chapter. Currently the IV and V Companies are en-route to the Eye of Terror to help the desperate defence of the Cadian Gate from the 13th Black Crusade. Timeline M36 Early M36 - War of Brothers: The Praetorians records state involvement in the renegade Void Stalker Chapters destruction. All Imperial records remain classified regarding the conflict. Early M36 - Age of Apostasy & Plague of Unbelief: Conflicting reports suggest Praetorians took part in these conflicts. 516.M36 - Nerus Rebellion: Forge World Nerus revolts, Praetorians commit the II Company. Rebel leaders killed in there first assault. First known engagement of Praetorians to the Imperium. M37 209-513.M37 - Halo Crusade: Entire Chapter deployed to search the Halo Stars for human occupation. Contact is lost with the Imperium for two centuries; Chapter declared lost 342.M37. Praetorians re-emerge from the Halo Stars with only four Companies remaining. Contact re-established with Imperium. Praetorians report that the Halo Stars are only inhabited by the dead. Despite the losses, they immediately offer aid to the Iron Knights Chapter, with their howeworld under siege by an unknown Xenos threat. 550-560.M37 - Occlusiad Wars: Chapter played some part in the war against the Apostles of the Blind King. Exactly what role remains a mystery. M38 101.M38 - The Watch: Chapter spends several centuries patrolling the Eye of Terror, aids in the defence during 9th Black Crusade. 877.M38 - The Pacification: Lord Solar Theodosius requests Praetorians aid in purging the Byzas Sector. When the campaign is near completion, a Warp storm erupts, trapping Imperial forces in the Sector for over a Millennia. Declared Lost to the Imperium. M39 M39 - Insolation: The Chapter is not seen or heard from for the entire M39 due to the Warp storm. What transpires in the Sector remains a mystery to the Imperium. M40 131.M40 - Isolations End: Warp storm abates, and reveals the Praetorians in control of the Byzas System. Formally gifted Byzantium as a Homeworld for remaining loyal. 139.M40 - Crusaders Legacy: Prefect Heraclius declares century long fleet action on the boarder of the Eye of Terror. The V & VIII Companies are the first dispatched. 619.M40 - Wraagh! Gorgotha: Ork invasion sweeps the Byzas Subsector. It is halted and crushed on Byzantines moon, Constance II, but not before the II & IX Companies were wiped out. M41 139.M41 - Gothic War: Companies III & IV take part in the Gothic War against the Despoiler. Heavy losses suffered during the battles in the Schindlegeist system. 979-981.M41 - Insurrection: Revolts break out all across the Byzas Subsector, two years after the start of the Justinian Plague. Heavy initial losses. Captain Apollyon declared Prefect. Tide turns against the rebels. Finally beaten above the planet Megara, but Alpha Legion cell responsible escapes. 997-present day.M41 - Pergamus Purging: Beginning of a crusade against the Pergamus Sector, after it fell to revolt and xenos invasion. Conflict on-going. 999-present day.M41 - 13th Black Crusade: IV & VI Companies dispatched to aid in the defence of the Cadian Gate. Gene-Seed The Gene-Seed is stable and exceptionally pure, with the only mutation being to the Occulobe, causing the iris of all Marines to turn orange or red. The Neophytes produced by this Chapter are renowned for their relatively rapid development into Astarte form, and the quality of the Marines that are produced. This is at complete odds with the Praetorians claimed descent from Corax, the Primarch of the Raven Guard, with a Gene-Seed that is known to be deteriorating. As such, there Gene-Seed has been analysed on numerous occasions by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Their findings have publicly concluded that the Gene-Seed is indeed descended from the Raven Guards, but the actual reports have never been made available. The Raven Guard themselves have never acknowledged the genetic link to the Praetorians. Whether this is because they just do not want any link to be known, or because they do not believe there is a link remains a mystery. Beliefs Like most Astartes, they do not view the Emperor as a God, but as the greatest example of Humanity, a pinnacle whose example all should strive towards. As with most Chapters who share this view, this puts them at odds with the Ecclesiarchy, but there is little ill-will between the two organisations. They maintain strong contacts with the Mechanicum, despite finding the worship and hoarding of technology distasteful. Reports suggest that the Praetorians secured a working STC in their reclamation of the Byzas Sector and gifted it to the Mechanicum upon the end of their isolation. These reports remain unsubstantiated, but it would explain there armoury being particularly well-stocked even after extensive periods of isolation. The Praetorians have always been renowned throughout the Imperium as being ruthless and efficient, even before their isolation. Recruiting from the Byzantine population has only heightened this sense of identity and their secretive nature. They were greatly influenced by the Chapter Master Scapula, who adopted Byzantium as there Homeworld, and with it adopted many of the Byzantines cultural practices, such as the Byzantine code of honour and the local language. Organisation The Praetorians broadly follow the tactics presented in the Codex Astartes, though like the Raven Guard they do not see the Codex as infallible and emphasise more flexibility in interpretation to suit their own fighting preferences. The Chapter deviates from the Codex in the structure of its Companies; most notably that there Battle Companies have there own Veterans. The I Company are specialised in boarding actions, so still maintain the Tactical Dreadnaught Armour and most of the Centurion War suits, though its members are not considered "Veterans." The X Company is a standard Scout Company, however when the Neophytes are close to completing their training and development they are selected by a Company to finish training alongside there future Battle Brothers depending on their mentality and skill set. This is a legacy of their isolation, with all Companies being required to fight on multiple planets and systems with no hope of outside support. To honour their past as a fleet-based Chapter, two Companies are launched into a Century-long crusade which has seen the Chapter fight all over the Galaxy. The two Companies selected also take the Scout Companies entire collection of Neophytes with them to maintain there numbers during the Crusade, meaning that once every Century the X Company has to be completely replaced with fresh recruits. Titles also differ from Codex Chapters, the Chapter Master being referred to as the Prefect though their function is usually identical, other titles for Codex units are referred to by the Byzantine languages interpretation, such as the Honour Guard being the famed Varangian Guard. The Kataphraktos make up the land vehicles of the Chapter, including Bikers, tanks and Land Speeders. Recruitment Each Company is responsible for completing the training of Neophytes. This is done to allow the Companies to focus on there specialty, and recruit appropriately. As the population of Byzantium is in a state of constant war among themselves, they make for brilliant recruits for the Astartes. Those that reside among the city-states where most recruits originate from, are trained as soon as they are able to fight. The only time the Byzantines will trust another being when they are marching to war together. Hypnotherapy is only utilised to ingrain trust for their fellow Battle Brothers to temper the populations cutthroat nature. The most notable quirk of there recruits is the speed with which they mature into their Astartes form, and the individual quality of the neophytes. The reason for these quirks are unknown to all outside of the highest ranking members of the Adeptus Mechanicus considering the Chapters claimed descent from the XIX Legion. Combat Doctrine The Codex Astartes is viewed with high regard by the Praetorians, even if they do not follow it to the letter. They see the Codex as a great guide, but not infallible and thus open to interpretation and change if the situation demands it. Many speculate this unpredictability originates from there conflicts with renegade Chapters and Traitor Legions, who are either ingrained with the teachings or have experience fighting against its teachings. The Praetorians put greatest emphasis on eliminating command and supply structures, resulting in the rapid collapse of the opposing military. More emphasis was put on this maxim during their periods of isolation, where they had no hope of reinforcements or resupplies and therefore had to plan every use of resource with meticulous detail. Thus their attacks initially involve stealth and reconnaissance, followed by rapid insertion of forces to key positions. When on the back-foot, they utilise sorties, hit-and run tactics, though this is usually intended to be a precursor to getting back on the offensive. They are known to have the uncanny ability to hit an opponent where they are most vulnerable, which is achieved through the diligent work of their Scouts. The Praetorians take the lessons they learn while Neophytes very seriously, allowing them to approach an enemy without alerting them. Usually the first moment the enemy notices the Praetorians is the flash of their Bolters at close range. Equipment Due to their periods of isolation from the Imperium, the Praetorians do not count on being resupplied for long periods of time. This has resulted in the recycling of armour, weapons and vehicles, and with the loss of most of their Land Raiders. Only a single Land Raider Redeemer, Byzantines Flame is still in service. The Prefect himself must sanction its use; such is its importance to the Chapter. Notable Members of the Praetorians Prefect Apollyon - Current Chapter Master, formerly Captain of the III Company. Ended the Cultist insurrection in the Byzas Sector, currently leading the Pergamus campaign. Known for being calculating, patient and resilient; he was seen as the best option for leadership during the insurrections. Prefect Heraclius - Former Chapter Master. Began Century long crusading tradition after Isolation period. Chapter Master Scapula - Former Chapter Master. Reorganized the Chapter after the Pacification events. Codicier Garro - Librarian, earning distinction in the 13th Black Crusade. Notable Elements of the Praetorians Megara - Flagship and former Fortress-monastery. Details as to when the Praetorians acquired this Battle-Barge is unclear, it was first sighted in the Nerus Rebellion. Byzantines Flame - Land Raider Redeemer, earned distinction during the period of Isolation in the Byzas Sector. Blade of Valens - Polearm that dates back to the Chapters campaign in the Halo Stars, this has been the Prefects symbol of office since there return to Imperial space. Motto Per ardua. (Through adversity).

Hi all, thought I would post my latest project, a Revilers Retribution Force. Led by Epistolary Lasalle, the retribution force is a strike force drawn from the Third Company but supported by different elements of the Chapter. Army Roster (1850pts-ish): Epistolary - Lv2, no extra equipment. Master of the Forge - Armour Indomitus and Grav-Gun Tactical Squad (x10) - Veteran Sergeant, Combi-Plasma, Power Fist, Heavy Bolter, Meltagun Tactical Squad (x10) - Veteran Sergeant, Power Sword, Storm Bolter, Missile Launcher, Grav-Gun Tactical Squad (x10) - Combi-Flamer, Plasmagun, Plasma Cannon Assault Squad (x10) - Veteran Sergeant, Twin Lightning Claws, 2x Flamer Land Speeder Typhoon (x2) Bike Squad (x5) - Veteran Sergeant, Power Fist, 2x Meltagun Storm Raven - Multi-Melta Centurion Devestator Squad (x3) - Missile Launchers x3, Grav Cannon x3, Omniscope Ironclad Dreadnought - Hurricane Bolters My fluff revolves around the idea of the Revilers as an urban-warfare version of the Raptors, using stealthy infiltrating Tactical Squads to set up ambushes and then applying overwhelming force to a point to crush high value targets and pockets of resistance. The MoF, Dev Centurions and Ironclad all go in the Storm Raven to be dropped on an appropriate target and to blast it from the face of the earth. MoF can supercharge the Armour Indomitus for a turn to tank wounds aimed at the Centurions. Bringing a MoF also allows me to max out the Elites slot on the next wave of reinforcements (plus some scouts). Tactical Squad loadout can be switched between units to maximise effectiveness. Not the most optimised list, I am aware, but one that I am happy with to build a fluffy force around. I am looking to tool up the elites to kill CSM as the lore suggests the Chapter was formed from the survivors of Istvaan. Test Scheme Tactical Marine: Each Tactical Squad will be outfitted as if for a long engagement, so plenty of extra ammo, pouches, etc. Also, my fluff idea is that the Tactical Squads contain a number of specialists (Sniper, Demolitions, Communications, etc) and this will be reflected in the modelling. Also, I will have various initiates sequestered into the Tactical Squads (Apothecary, Medic, Chaplain), none of which will have any in-game value, I just like the idea that these Marines develop into their future command roles whilst serving time in the Battle Companies. C&C always welcome, plus a cookie for where the Epistolary's name comes from.

We agreed upon 1500 points and rolled for an Eternal War mission, ended up with "The Relic". For deployment we rolled "Hammer and Anvil". No "Night Fighting". My List: Shrike Tactical Squad - 5 additional SM, Melta Gun, Combi-melta, Rhino Tactical Squad - 5 additional SM, Plasma Gun, Combi-plasma, Rhino Scout Squad - 5x Camo Cloaks, 5x Sniper Rifles Vanguard Veteran Squad - 5 additional marines, 10x Jump Packs, 3x TH, 3 SS Assault Squad - 2x Flamer, Power Sword + Melta Bomb Assault Squad - 2x Flamer, Power Sword + Melta Bomb Devastator Squad - 4x Lascannons Devastator Squad - 4x Plasma Cannons Opponent's list Chaos Lord - fully-kitted out (Lightning Claw, Power Fist, 2+/3++) Chaos Sorcerer - forgot the powers Chaos Terminators - 5-man grouped up with the Chaos Lord Noise Marines - sonic blasters and blastmasters mixed in Havocs - 4x Auto-cannons Land Raider - carrying the Lord & Terminators Obliterators - a 1-man & 2-man squad, both DS I think that's all he had... The board is a mirror image on both sides so there was no advantage to which side I picked but I was the one going first at least. The relic was placed in the center of the map where there just happened to be a large ruin, 6x12 inches in size. Since I was able to use my scout move and go first I was on top the relic right away. I had my Plasma Cannons cover the left side of the board and the Lascannons covering the right, so once course his Land Raider came at me on my left side. Shrike's VV unit deployed directly behind the ruins in the center of the map, there wasn't too many good place to infiltrate closer to his back lines. The 2 Rhinos moved up the board and ended up behind his main force and the center ruin with the relic. Granted he glanced them both to death but the Tactical Squads were able to disembark into the ruins. The big mistake my opponent made was upload his Chaos Lord & Terminators right in the middle of my 2 destroyed Rhinos. Tons of bolter fire were able to soften them up until Shrike's VV squad came in with HoW blows and massive attacks. The Land Raider was still and annoyance as the one melta gun I had was unable to hit it's mark. The combi-melta I had blew it as well. Not to mention the one attempt I made with a melta bomb whiffed. The Plasma Cannons were able to take out most of one of the Noise Marine squads. The Lascannons were just picking off a unit here and there, nothing too great, a real waste of the high strength shots. The Sniper Scouts were a waste of point this game, since there were objectives to secure they didn't do all too much. A few kills but very much "meh". Once Shrike's VV squad was done with the Terminators they just swept across my opponent's backfield and was able to take out another 2 units before Shrike was killed and 2 VV units were left. The squad performed great, totally worth it. Once his Obliterators came in from reserve into my battlefield both of my Devastator Squads bit the dust. They were left unsupported so not a big surprise. By turn 5 it was just a game of keep away. It was truly and bloodbath on both side. I had a handful of Tactical Squad guys left and a few ASM but I had the Relic. He was left with an immobilzed Land Raider and just 2 Obliterators. So when the game went on to turn 6 I had ran away just enough to be out of sight/range of the Land Raider. I had the Relic, I had the win! (/end rambling)

I'm away from the hobby for a long time again, and after years my taste and motivation changed. Due to that change, I decided to forget about the old IF's army and start from the scratch again. I leave in Brazil (as you should note 'cus the poor English) and around me there are no players ... and has been like that since I first met WH40K 28 or 29 years ago on a trip (yes I still have a Rogue Trader mint rules book) but unfortunately not the miniatures any more. So... after almost a year looking to some nice amount of sealed boxes of GW minis and reading about WH40K history and painting blogs I decided to go with the Raven Guard, and again I got caught when I was reading a painting guide from GW and saw the Black Guard chapter. And after one or two weeks of researching there is nothing about them ... only some really really few lines talking about one battle moment in particular and its done. Owhhh and a nice colour scheme (my taste is not in discussion). This was perfect, 'cus I was really wanting to paint something close to the original legions, and a 2nd founding chapter with no background was perfect. I don't have anyone to play with so fluff and nice models is all I can get ^^ Well with that small introduction I would ask for opinions about my idea for the chapter history. http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Black_Guard That link has everything I could found about them in one place... so it is my reference. What I'm going for.... starting from the background I could found: Background "The Black Guard is a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and a rare Raven Guard Successor Chapter of the Second Founding. Much of this Chapter's history has been lost to the passage of time." I'm assuming the Black Guard as the purest of the successors, they carries the most close from the original gene seed of the XIX Legio Astartes. Why that, it came with the name they chose when the Legio was split in chapters ... they were the guards of the abominations at the Raven Spire during Heresy Wars, and because the close relation with the Raven Guard apothecaries they kept the white colour on their power armour. They are strong in temper and consider themselves the true sons of Corax once their gene seed wasn´t touched since the raising of the 19th legion. This should be the core of my background for the chapter. To be improved with time and new ideas to grant more details. Gene seed They keep their gene seed stocks with the most pure material around all other successors, even from the Raven Guard itself. They did not suffer with Istvaan losses nor had their ranks exposed to the accelerated process that brought disgrace upon the legion during the Horus Heresy. They carry the pale skin and black hair from the Primarch, they carries the flaw of the Betcher’s Gland but with the aid of their ancient Apothecary the Mucranoid functionality was restored and made their companies able to operate under extreme circumstances. The drawback of the Mucranoid restoration was the speed up of the skin whitening process that became almost instantaneously after the gene seed inoculation. Chapter Organization The chapter adhered to the Codex Astartes each company of the chapter can be independent counting with all kind of resources available to them. There are 7 companies of Black Guards, each one leaded by a captain and counting with their own scouts, Black Guard companies can have from 120 to 150 Space Marines. The command structure is based in a counsil of war, know as Birds Nest, composed by the captains of each company, and represented by the chapter master into the Imperial affairs. The lack of faith in superior powers may have been inherited from the long time they spend assisting the abominations created by Corax during the Horus Heresy as an desperate try to replenish the ranks of the XIX Legio in time to aid the loyalists in battle. After years watching their brothers twisting in pain and agony, waiting for someone to put an end to their misery, praying for the heavens to have mercy of their souls, they only answer they got ware the loud noise of their Primarch bolter giving peace to that poor souls. That feeling can be notice at Black Guard by the lack of religious rites and also but not less important by not seeing the Emperor as God, but as the rightful and just ruler of the Galaxy of Man. Combat Doctrine The Black Guard always served the XIX Legio as guardians, keepers of fortresses and legion relics. Their training was hard in the ways of their legion focus in fast and precise attacks, guerilla and sabotage. And they mastered their training as their brothers and specialized in combat in close places, mastered the manoeuvres of a power armour in closed space. Being a sublime strike force to conquer and occupy important facilities from the many enemies of the Emperium. The scouts delivered into the battlefield and not recruits, they are Black Guards, no distinctions are made not by skills not by position, between them and their battle brothers. They just wear lighter armour to accomplish their jobs in battle. The recruits train at there fortress in a moon <<yet to decide where>> for many years before their gene mutations are totally in place and the chapter combat techniques are mastered, then they are elevated to the rank of a Astertes and join one of the 7 companies. Chapter Colours As described in GW material, I will keep the scheme but adding a lot more of Raven iconography to their colours, to demonstrate how close they are to the original XIX Legio. Still need to think on sergeant and veteran markings.

Hello! Departed for the farthest reaches of our Galactic Cluster, the armies of the Carcharodon Astra split from the XIX legion before the time of the Horus Heresy. Spread across the Galactic plane and reaching far into the nearby galactic clusters, Carcharodon Astra have become a thing of myth and misunderstanding. Spread into Nomad Predation Fleets, each Company has evolved into an independent fighting force capable of fielding huge numbers of warriors. Human recruits forced into caged deathmatches and augmented against their will are conscripted into Scout platoons capable of overcoming even highly trained PDF or Xenos soldiers. Only after proving their loyalty and skill will a Scout be elevated to the position of Battle Brother Marine of the Carcharodons. Casualties are high for these Scouts as they are used to prepare worlds for the appearance of their Carcharodon brothers. When brothers are fitted with their Power armor, they are originally assigned to Devestator squads and drill endlessly on using heavy weapons. They are then promoted to Tactical squads and can choose to learn to use Jump Packs and Bikes as their skill increases. The role between Tactical and Assault brothers blurs with these warriors as each and all wields a panalopy of chainswords, knives, Bolters and close combat weapons. As the brothers achieve greater victories, they might be chosen to join the ranks of the Terminator armored warriors of the chapter. Each fleet keeps its own supply of Terminators and has its own special lineage of honor. The Red Wake assigned to Chapter Master Tyberos is just one such Honor Guard. http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2016/5/28/803102_md-.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2016/5/28/803103_md-.JPG

I'm creating a homebrew chapter which runs the RG chapter tactics. The chapter is the remnants of a task force optimised for boarding actions, drawn from 2 chapters who historically worked together and came from the same geneseed line. The mission went disastrously wrong and the taskforce was out of contact and assumed detroyed. When they turned up again, one of their parent chapters had been destroyed, the other had turned traitor. The remaining 350 marines amalgamated - as after 200 years of working together so closely they already had been forced to pool resources and command structures, and also to protect those marines from the traitor chapter. The veterans of the mission wear the metallic green of the Ananta, while the colourscheme is quartered, drawing it's colours from the parent chapters. It is veteran heavy and scout heavy, and I have recently started work on the concept of them running an auxiliary made up from failed aspirants (probably counts as scions) and a force made up of the marines who are working off the shame of their chapters disgrace and are a sort of perilous mission force (probablty a counts as Legion of the Damned). Anyway, I've loved the process of getting to know the Ravenguard formations and CTs, and have had reasonable success so far. Anyway, here is a gallery of my forces so far - I've got 1500pts painted, and counting! This is Chaplain Adis Shanga and magnetised with the Power Fist option

Hey guys, I had an idea the other day regarding a potential complete overhaul of my DIY Chapter's origins- but I wanted to run the general idea past everyone to make sure it fitted in with the established background or not before trying to write it all up. My idea is to have my Chapter born from the remnants of one of the Nomad-Predation Fleets that Corax exiled before the Dropsite Massacre at Isstvan V, and here's the rough plan for how I envision it to work. The fleet began to use the name 'Sable Hawks' to distinguish themselves from the old XIXth Legion & from the Raven Guard from which they were exiled. (General feeling amongst the fleet after the Battle for Gate 42 was that Horus saw the XIXth as nothing more than a disposable tool to further the glory of his own Legion, whereas Corax viewed them as nothing more than a constant reminder of his traumatic past.) They drew the name from an ancient Terran myth that spoke of ominous "Black Hawks" that would descend upon the enemies of the old Tyrants to deliver their wrath. These mythological creatures were said to bring with them the Tyrants most elite warriors, highly trained hunters from which escape was almost impossible. (This ties into the XIXth's role prior to the great Crusade as the Emperor's hidden hand of vengeance, tasked with hunting down those who would rather flee than bend the knee.) The fleet was formed from the remnants of an Assault Company noted for their use of gunships to launch lightning assaults upon the enemy. Although originally made up entirely of Terrans, battlefield losses had seen about 40% of their number replaced with Deliverance-born Legionnaires. Reason for exile: Corax saw them as a reminder of the regime he had overthrown, due to their wholesale slaughter of the enemy and their refusal to accept any surrender once hostilities had began as well as their casual disregard for the lives of civilians on the battlefield. When the news of Horus' betrayal reached the fleet, it was brought by to them through a chance encounter with a Mechanicum fleet when they were forced to seek refuge in the Kasio System from warp storms. The Mechanicum Priests had declared for Horus and sought to turn the fleet to the Warmasters cause, however, they had no intention of being involved in any war between a Father & his Son(s). This was until they heard the details of the massacre at Isstvan V. Hearing how their brothers had been deceived, butchered then hunted like animals by those they had once called friend & ally enraged the fleet. Rage soon became action, and the Sable Hawks attacked the Mechanicum fleet without warning, leading to a swift and decisive capture of their ships. With emotions running so high, the ships were scoured clean of all life save for the most high ranking Priests who were captured for interrogation. Upon investigation, the data-stacks & holds of the ships would divulge a horrific secret- the traitor Mechanicum had created heretical creations that fused both machine & warpborn flesh. Furthermore, there was details of numerous Forge Worlds practising this blasphemous work. The news of their Legions demise and the discovery of these heretical creations led to a massive debate amongst the fleet, one that almost led to open war, for some of the Sable Hawks wanted to rush back to Deliverance to aid their brothers in their darkest hour, whereas others wanted to launch a campaign against the corrupted Forge Worlds before they could unleash their foul creations upon the Imperium. ​​ This leads me to a point where I could go several ways with them: Idea 1- The fleet decides they must go to Deliverance to aid their brothers, for even in exile, they are XIXth Legion! Idea 2- They decide to honour their exile, but remain loyal to the Imperium & the Emperor, so launch a campaign to destroy corrupted forge Worlds & hunt the heretic Mechanicum Priests. Idea 3- They decide that they need to strike for Terra and take orders from the Emperor himself. Whatever path I decide to take them, will see them set upon the path of relic hunters who seek out the lost & ancient tech from the Great Crusade and before to prevent the forces of Chaos using them against the Imperium. As always, all thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated. Hopefully this all makes some sort of sense and can be the new beginnings for my Chapter. Thanks in advance.

Hey, Im currently building an RG succsessor on the liber astartes board but have come up with a couple of questions. You see dear brothers, this chapter 'the Gene Waderns' have made it there goal to keep the shame of Corax's cloning and his degenerative seed a secret that only coraxs line should be privy to. so my questions: Does the allseeing Inquisition know of Corax's secret clones? Do all RG and Succsessors know? Ic the =][= didnt know what would they do if they found out my chapter was holding info from them and grenally being an inconveniance to their case?

I have decided to set myself a challenge to only play games with the models I have painted. The result of this is that I constructed a list that has getting on for 40 tactical marines in it, and using the Raptors chapter tactics I've played a couple of games. Here's my list at 1500pts HQ Lias Issodon *And They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics: Raptors, Cunning Strategist, Independant Character, Infiltrate, Isolate, Destroy, Shrouded, Warlord Bolt Pistol, Malice (^), Power Sword Elites Sternguard Veteran SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads 4x Veteran RazorbackTank Twin-Linked Assault Cannon Space Marine SergeantBoltgun, Melta Bombs, Power Weapon Troops Tactical SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads 9x Space Marine Space Marine SergeantBolt pistol, Bolter, Melta Bombs Tactical SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads 9x Space Marine Space Marine SergeantBolt pistol, Bolter, Melta Bombs Tactical SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads 8x Space Marine Space Marine SergeantBolt pistol, Bolter, Melta Bombs Tactical SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads Meltagun, 9x Space Marine Drop PodDeathwind Missile Launcher Space Marine SergeantBolt pistol, Bolter, Melta Bombs Fast Attack Bike SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads Plasma Gun, 5x Space Marine Biker Attack BikeMulti-Melta Biker SergeantBolt pistol, Melta Bombs Bike SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads Plasma Gun, 5x Space Marine Biker Biker SergeantBolt pistol Heavy Support Devastator SquadAnd They Shall Know no Fear, Chapter Tactics, Combat Squads 2x Lascannon, 2x Missile Launcher, 4x Space Marine Space Marine SergeantBolt pistol, Bolter Lots and lots of scout, infiltrate, rending bolters. People are intimidated when they see just how many men I get out of my case. It's glorious. Anyway, I've played two games with this list, one against space wolves where the only difference was the Sternguard were in the pod and tacticals in the razorback, and one against chaos space marine where it was as it is now. Game One: Space Wolves He had Krom Dragongaze in a unit of terminators, another unit of terminators, some grey hunters in a razorback, an axe and shield venerable dreadnought, a bastion with lascannon longfangs and a stormwolf with Grey Hunters in (I think this was all) I infiltrated three of the tactical squads all around the board, essentially camping on all the objectives, since we were playing the mission where you get cards for the number of objectives you hold each turn. He went first and killed just a few of my marines. The highlight of the first couple of turns was Issoden doing three hull points to the bastion with Isolate, Infiltrate, Destroy. :) I managed to rend off one of the squads of terminators and my bikes were harassing the dreadnought, keeping it away from my tacticals. When the Stormwolf came on I thought I was done for but by that point I had so many objectives thanks to the number of squads I had and the speed of my units, that he had to table me to win, which he almost managed to do as I was left with two devastators and two bikes at the end, having destroyed all of his army apart from the stormwolf and the longfangs in the bastion. This was a great game, and I feel that the rending on the bolters, whilst it doesn't kick in all that often, makes bolters just that bit more tactically flexible. Final score 17-4 to the raptors. My second game was against a Slaanesh and Tzeentch themed CSM list. He had a Ahriman, a level three sorcerer, a unit of terminators, a unit of slaanesh marines in a rhino, a unit of slaanesh bikers, a forgefiend and some thousand sons. Again I infiltrated and scouted really close, and took two hull points off the forgefiend with isolate (such a good ability). In my first turn I destroyed the forgefiend with my assault cannon, and took off nine out of ten of the thousand sons with the tacticals nearby and the drop pod squad. Highlight of the first part of the game was my tactical marines killing one bike which left him off the objective I needed allowing my bikes to turbo boost onto it. :) The game pretty much went my way from there, I was able to tie up his terminators with a squad of bikes, shoot off everything else, then mob the terminators with everyone at the end. Final Score 16-1 to the Raptors. Raptor chapter tactics are amazing. Taking Issoden, giving a bunch of units infiltrate and scout, which you use to get into a good position, then open up and rend things all the way to the bank. Simply stunning. I feel like if I'd gone up against more mech i'd have struggled, and I'm thinking of swapping out a bike squad for a stormtalon. Anyway, that's my short defense of the humble bolter, thoughts?

'Ello people. I'm working on a Carcharodon force at the moment and I plan (of course) to include the lovely goremachine Tyrberos in it. So Tyberos have some nifty rules, giving the whole army Furious Charge and also allows you to replace any bolter with a close combat weapon for free. Now I'm working on a Tactical Squad at the moment, and as you can see in my blog (Link will follow) I've armed four of them with Bolters and one with a Special Weapon. I'm far from a gamer as I've only played a single (!!) test game in a store, despite being into the hobby for about 15 years. So I'm not really sure how to build an effective army around Tyberos rules. Should I give the rest of the squad Close Combat Weapons and Bolt Pistols? Or should I just go all Bolters (Maybe a Heavy Weapon as well) and make another Tactical Squad that's all armed with CCW's? I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to armour on my Carcharodons meaning that I have to convert the arms wielding the Bolt Pistols and Chainswords to match the armour of the wielder. So I guess I got my work cut out for me if I chose to include some close combat Tactical squads :( Some input would be great. Here's my Carcharodons

Well, I decided my Lamenters could use a little more love, and while I'm waiting for more of their arrive, I decided I may as well try my hand at the Carcharodons/Space Sharks. I already have a small force I was building up for a miscellaneous marine army, and plenty of bitz to work with, so these two are just the start of it all! First off is Captain Mokarran, who's still PIP! http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k175/megamarines/1300065438836.jpg (The red helmet crest/stripe is a simple homage to the classic Space Shark scheme and style) Next is Epistolary Mustelus, who I just finished building moments ago out of boredom. Still needs a bit of cleaning. :mellow: http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k175/megamarines/IMG_0730.jpg http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k175/megamarines/IMG_0731.jpg http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k175/megamarines/IMG_0732.jpg -Matt

A Loyalist Space Marine project? Eww! I'll be honest, I've been eyeing up a Primaris army for a good while now. I'm a big fan of Phobos armour, I love the special forces vibe and the way they look. The idea for this force is that it's entirely Phobos armoured, I don't like Gravis or any of the units that use it so I won't have to worry about them. Units that are normally MK10 like Bladeguard, Suppressors and Hellblasters will be converted into Phobos armour. The background of the chapter is that they are on the outer rim of Imperium space, fighting with the dregs of resources they have against the hordes of Xenos running rampant. Orks, 'nids, 'crons and small scale Chaos Excursions/mostly human revolts. They receive a distress beacon from a nearby ship with the Custodes seal but find it empty. It's the Torchbearer ship meant for another chapter somewhere else in the galaxy so decide to take the Primaris amrour, upgrades, tech etc for themselves as they're essentially running on fumes as a Chapter. They have to be smart with their deployments, only using small scale forces to drop in and complete specific missions, ie: Kill a warboss, destroy a 'nid gesstation pool etc. Even with these new Resources, they're very stretched across a large expanse with no real help. This can lead to long deployments and battered armour, not receiving reinforcements or resupplys for some time. I picked up the Phobos killteam as a great dip of the toe and loved painting these guys. This is the scheme I'll be going with going forward, I like the Asymmetrical colours being a nod to the other chapter that the Carrion Lords pilfered from. They're suitably battered of course:

Founding: 27th (Ultima) Gene Line: Raven Guard Specialisation: Void Combat/Anti-Insurgency Origins: "It is a thankless, lonely task I set you men. There will be little glory out in the darkness between the stars, few grand wars to be fought. But it is a true purpose, vital to the Crusade, to Humanity and to the Emperor Himself." - Roboute Guilliman. Born of Guilliman's Ultima Founding, the War Dogs were formed from a portion of the fleet elements of the Unnumbered Sons Of Corax. Assigned by the Lord Commander to operate behind the battle lines of the Indomitus Crusade, the War Dogs were originally missioned with protecting Imperial supply lines and eliminating pirates and insurgents, whether Chaotic, heretical or Xenos in origin. The Chapter took to this task with a vengeance, ranging out across the stars in the swiftest vessels they could find, eager to harry and destroy the enemies of the Imperium wherever they could be found. By the end of the Indomitus Crusade, with some small measure of stability returned to the Ultima Segmentum, the Chapter has refocused a sizeable part of its attention on the Cicatrix Maledictum. All along the edge of the Great Rift, the War Dogs track and hunt those traitor vessels that attempt to slip quietly across its borders and target unsuspecting Imperial worlds. Chapter Organisation: "A hundred Space Marines? Hah! I'll do it with thirty-four!" - Captain Maric, 18th Patrol, 'Iron Raptors'. Although the War Dogs were organised according to the strictures of the Codex Astartes at the time of their creation, in the centuries that followed they have adapted to better fulfil their purpose. The primary division of force within the Chapter is now the Patrol. Each Patrol consists of around thirty Primaris Space Marines, led by a Captain. The Chapter uses this higher rank because each Patrol leader is also commander of one or more of the many ships of the Chapter Fleet. This fleet is primarily made up of squadrons of Gladius-class frigates and Hunter-class destroyers, supported by deadly Nova-class frigates, though Patrols have been seen using repurposed Navy escorts and light cruisers. While entirely non-standard, this organisation is perfectly suited to War Dogs' role, allowing their forces to act with far greater flexibility and cover a vastly larger area than an average Chapter. The War Dogs Patrols are typically built around a solid core of Mark X Tacitus armoured Intercessor squads, ably supported by a mix of Phobos and/or Gravis units. Inceptor and Suppressor squads are rarely seen, their jump packs proving far less useful within the cramped environs in which the War Dogs usually operate. Likewise, the Chapter maintains very few vehicles other than void-capable transports such as Stormravens or Caestus Assault Rams. However, mobile fire support is provided by a variety of Dreadnought platforms deployed by modified Boarding Torpedoes, which are able to keep pace with the War Dogs fast moving infantry. While many Ultima Founding Chapters have been supplied en masse with the new Redemptor Dreadnoughts, the War Dogs have continued to favour and request the older Contemptor and Castraferrum Patterns, as their smaller chassis are often better suited for fighting within the relatively narrow corridors of many space vessels. Unsurprisingly the War Dogs Patrols and frigates need a great deal of support, both technical and medical. In an ideal Galaxy, each frigate would have aboard an Apothecary and at least one Techmarine. However, given the sheer number of such vessels within the Chapter Fleet, it is sometimes the case that a Patrol must rely on experienced Chapter serfs in these roles. Combat Doctrine: "Fourteen minutes. Fourteen stinking minutes! That's all the time it took for them to board us, hit the bridge and warp drive, cripple the life support, and leave us to choke... Astartes basta..." - Raun Trenchard, former Captain of the Grand Cruiser 'Ruination', awaiting execution for piracy. The War Dogs are furious close quarter specialists, their equipment and tactics focussed almost entirely on the maelstrom of ship-to-ship combat and boarding actions. Chapter frigates operate alone across the breadth of the Ultima Segmentum, patrolling shipping lanes and searching out the vessels and bases of raiders and corsairs. Brutal boarding torpedo assaults hammer such heretics, delivering squads into the very heart of their defences. In combat, the War Dogs are aggressive and yet tactically precise, channeling their fury into a coldly efficient and effective fighting style. Few renegade Captains are ready to face the physical or strategic power of these highly professional gene-hanced soldiers and are quickly defeated, their crews executed and their ships scuttled. Picapt.ref.WD-221.1+VCM.M41- Sgt Zdravko, 28th Patrol, 'Hellborn'. When heretics are discovered in strength beyond the capability of the Marines of a single frigate or squadron to crush, a Company gathers for the kill, forming a coursing pack consisting of as many as a dozen Rapid Strike Vessels. Any of these ships would be no match for a cruiser or battleship on their own, but as a precisely coordinated fleet, darting in to target key systems or launch boarding parties, they are more than capable of dragging down a far larger foe. On occasion, however, the War Dogs far ranging Patrols will encounter a vastly larger enemy force, an entire Battle Fleet or invasion force. Under such circumstances, the Chapter feels no compunction to engage in a foolhardy or suicidal attack and will instead shadow the enemy, picking off scouts or stragglers even as they send an urgent call for other Imperial forces to prepare a suitably heavy handed response. Homeworld: "For three days it darkened the skies, hiding us from the Emperor-Sun's blazing sight. Then the giants came, clad in iron that turned away arrow, blade and stone, to carry off the youngest of our kin." - Elder Cha'tima, Shaman of the Bison Clan. Given their assignment, it is unsurprising that the War Dogs have never claimed any single world as their home. Instead they operate from a Chapter Barque, the Canis Domum, a huge vessel that travels the stars behind the War Dogs' frigates. It visits all manner of worlds; civilised Hives to feral Deathworlds, primitive Feudal planets to high tech Forgeworlds. From these the Chapter requisitions, trades or simply takes whatever it needs to continue in its mission, whether it be supplies, weapons and ammunition, or young fighters to join their ranks. Within its vast hull, the Barque holds the Chapter's Forges, the Apothecarion where new initiates are transformed into mighty warriors and, at its deepest heart, the stasis-locked vaults that hold the Chapter's precious Geneseed. The vessel's outer edges contain the Labyrinth, a maze of mile after mile of twisting corridors, dead ends, choke points and bastions. This maze forms a part of the Canis Domum's defensive measures, but more importantly also provides the training ground in which the War Dogs learn their skills in short-ranged combat and boarding actions. While the Canis Domum is not a dedicated warship, being too slow to hunt beside the rest of the Chapter Fleet, it is nevertheless fully able to defend itself. Massively thick armour, dozens of void shield generators and countless weapons batteries and torpedo tubes protect its gargantuan hull, not to mention an ever-present and numerous shoal of smaller ships, frigates returning to resupply or awaiting new patrol routes to be assigned. The crews of these vessels would willingly give their very lives to defend the Canis Domum, for it carries within its halls and cavernous holds the future of the Chapter itself. Beliefs: "We are gathered from a hundred different worlds. Tall and short, light and dark, noble men of God and savage hunters. But we are united. United by duty, by training, by purpose. We are the War Dogs, the faithful hounds of the Emperor, and what greater honour could any man ask for?" - Chaplain Acanthio. The cosmopolitan nature of the War Dogs recruits, gathered as they are from countless different worlds and cultures, means that they have no common level of education or unified system of belief. The Chapter considers these differences as of minimal importance. Their Cult is very much a secular organisation, focussing purely on the Marines' duty to the Imperium, the Chapter and their shipmates. Those Initiates gathered from worlds of a religious disposition are permitted to worship the Emperor in their own time as they see fit, with the simple caveat that it must not interfere with either the fulfilment of their battlefield roles or their ability to work together with their brethren as a united force. Hence, Chaplains have become less religious, mythic figures within the Chapter and more morale and cultural integration officers. As such, they are most commonly found aboard the Canis Domum, working closely with the Chapter's recruiting Sergeants. The training given by these stern and dutiful veterans instills in the Chapter's diverse warriors an attitude of professionalism and humility. The War Dogs, as their name implies, see themselves as nothing more than simple, loyal servants of the Emperor and Mankind. While Marines are sometimes boisterous and boastful with their squad mates, like any band of soldiers, there is generally little concern among the brethren for such a nebulous concept as personal glory or any kind of self-aggrandisement. Honours won in battle are nevertheless treasured, but these tend to be kept with a Marine's personal effects rather than emblazoned across their armour. In fact, the Chapter seems to view such decorative adornments as overly ostentatious and ill-befitting for true soldiers of the Emperor. Geneseed: "...Implantation Success: 79%... ...Genome degradation: 0.06%... ...Status: Acceptable..." The War Dogs hail from the Unnumbered Sons of Corax. Unlike that of the inheritors of the Raven Guard since the dark days of the Horus Heresy, the Geneseed of the Primaris Marines created by Belisarius Cawl appears to have been cured of all degradations and losses. The War Dogs thusly have a full complement of working implants, though only time will tell whether these will continue to function on a permanent basis. Like all the sons of Corax, the skin tone of the Chapter's warriors tends to pale over time, even as their hair and eyes darken, though this does vary somewhat depending on the planetary origin and genetic makeup of each Marine. War Cry: "Kill! Kill! Kill!" - Captain Jabari, 22nd Platoon, 'Dragon Axes'. The diverse cultural origins of the War Dogs Marines, compounded by their Patrols' propensity for working alone for lengthy periods of time, has resulted in a vast variety of battle calls and chants among the brethren. It is often the case that these cries are tied in with the preferences and experiences of their Captains, ranging from the devout to the barbaric. However, some appear to be common to most battle groups, 'For the Emperor!' or 'For Corax!' being unsurprisingly ubiquitous. ***** Discussion Link

Well ...i tried to paint RavenGuard, then i tried Raptors (not too bad attempt) but then that dropped by the wayside... I still really love the RavenGuard chapter and all it's sneakiness so when the new dex dropped and the idea of a raven guard supplement coming with decals etc it rekindled some of the embers that were on the back burner... but what to do well along comes Paul Norton of GW's Eavy Metal team with a smashingly good Raven Guard successor chapter that is surprisingly easier to paint than i thought here's a model i'd already started with a Leadbelcher armour layer and just added his extra colours to it... Cheers, Mithril

What if one of the Terran-bred Crusades Corax sent off to the Eastern Fringe got lost in the Warp and subsequently ended up crash-landing their Battle-Barge on a random planet? What if they got reduced in number through attrition on that planet and decided to enter stasis pods for a few thousand years? And what if they were subsequently discovered by one of the successor chapters in the area, like the Death Spectres or Knights of the Raven? How different from modern Raven Guard would those guys be? Would there be enough divergence to justify splitting them off into a separate chapter? Just a random idea I had that seemed like a cool thing to explore. As far as I'm aware none of the other original Legions have any splinter groups that could potentially still exist other than the 13th Company of Space Wolves. I'm just spitballing ideas here. Feel free to chime in if you have any helpful insights or ideas as to how something like that might happen.

Well for years i've painted several colours of marines but never truly been happy to make a full force from any of them (ultra's was the closest) but recently i was painting some Death Watch and painted up one of my stalkers with the pad in Raptors colours and suddenly it was a keanu Reeves moment "Like Woah Dude!" when i saw how cool the pad looked....i thought what does a marine look like...suffice to say i painted one up and I'm hooked and actually Wanting to paint up a force!. The History/Fluff of the chapter really grabs me and i like the no nonsense get the job done approach of em and i'm looking forward to really getting into them and having a table full of olive drab. I will be starting with a standard marine squad and rhino transport and attempt to see if i have any scouts(really shouldn't have sold those storms i used to have ) followed by a couple of FA units standard MM speeder and a bike unit (from my failed to finish Ravenwing army).* i saw on here "The Yak" had done an awesome job on his MM speeder with his 2 never die crew members= inspiration overload !! I also have had a Stormraven tee'd up in a black basecoat for about 2 years ready for the colour of whatever army i was going to commit to (will be dusting that off soonish). I have been trolling the forum for info on army comp etc etc but would like feedback on what people have found we're absolute must haves for a "Themed" Raptors force and any advice they could give will be greatly appreciated ++ Pic to be Added of First raptor test Marine++ cheers, Mithril

I have only posted a few things but I am a serial lurker - like the Raven Guard version of a forum user... I thought I would post some of my army. I chose to use the Dark Eagles - who are briefly mentioned in Imperial Armour as potentially being a successor of the Raven Guard. They are meant to wear dark green, but as I already had some green marines (Dark Angels), I decided to use grey. This fit with my regular gaming table - a city scape. I made the lore decision that they would (being RG successors) be happy to repaint in order to fit their environs. Hence they repainted themselves to be grey. The red trim denotes them as being third company and there are other codex markings (squad designation/number etc) on them. One lore based divergence is the marking for a sergeant - they wear something red. It could be an elbow pad, a gauntlet etc. I have a bunch of notes about background for them but I will add those later by editing it into this post... Now I know my painting isn't the best and the photos make them look worse *sigh* but I wanted to get something up to motivate me to do more... Edit: Inquisitorial Report: Clearance codified as Alpha - Titan - Sigma 234: Astropath signal received clearly. The Chapter known as the Dark Eagles are, allegedly, scions of the vaunted Raven Guard chapter. They appear to be compliant with the Codex Astartes and are willing to cooperate with Inquisitorial presence. However, they have only given me limited access to their records and limited presence amongst their fleet. I have been following the 3rd Company of this Chapter for 6 Terran months and I can attest to their battlefield acumen. I have not been granted access to their armouries or the sites of battle - instead being given time to observe training and battle rites. In battle they appear to talk in some form of battle cant - a dialect they refer to as 'Hraafn'. It seems to be based on the language of their home planet - Mororium. Their combat doctrine follows that of many of the Astartes - balanced combat groups that are supported by specialists. Following their claims to be related to the Raven Guard, their focus is on rapid deployment and stealth assaults - jump infantry supported by scouts and fast moving recon units. According to their own records, their genetic make-up is that of Corvus Corax, but research has revealed that they lack many of the impurities linked to that Chapter - as a result there is some debate as to the specific origin of their gene-seed. This is further compounded by their recruitment - although my questioning of this was completely dismissed. The Marines of the Dark Eagles are shorter, squatter than those of other chapter and seem to be built to be more compact. This, when coupled with the fact that I have not been given access to their recruitment information, raises more questions regarding their lineage. The 3rd Company refer to themselves as the 'Driifan' which translates loosely into the 'Hunt'. Their specialism seems to be urban warfare and close assault - they prefer to insert away from a battlefield and infiltrate before assaulting - exchewing the typical Drop Pod tactics of other Chapters. Their colouration is also a feature of note - having been repainted grey, despite their Chapter's colours as being listed as green. When pressed about this, the only answer I received was a shrug and the brief response of 'Cities and their shadows are grey. So are we.' This seemed to cause great mirth amongst the other Marines present and I did not continue the line of inquiry. They appear a very pragmatic group - willing to withdraw to avoid losses if needed, to strike at a later date. In my time with them, I have noted an interesting camaraderie amongst the Marines. They are quiet and calm, but they seem to have an unshakeable bond with one another and a fervent belief that they are the protectors of humanity. Each marine, when not in combat or training, is also tasked with completing a civilian task - be it artistic, lingusitic or musical. When I asked about this, the answer was profound. 'How can we defend humanity, if we do not see as they do?' It appears that behind the training and genetic alterations there are some secrets I need to investigate more. I will report further. Inquisitor P.A. Dreag ------- Captain (I play with Relic Blade and Shield Eternal, but I built him before that option...if anyone whinges about WYSIWYG, I blutack a shield on...) http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1379.jpg First Tactical Squad and their Razorback http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1358.jpg Second Tactical Squad and their Razorback (called Contempt - purely as I brought it second hand in an awful state and contempt sums up how I felt about it as I tried to fix it). http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1363.jpg Third Tactical Squad and their Razorback http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1362.jpg 1st Devastator Squad and their Razorback http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1364.jpg 1st Assault Squad http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae184/CordovaBiconis/DSCF1365_2.jpg There will be more, but that is the Demi-Company as it stands.

Alright, I'm a BA and occasional AdMech player, but I've been working on a codex chapter lately. I foolishly made both my BA and AdMech similar paint schemes so I wanted a change. I had settled on a color scheme but not a parent chapter, but the more I read into the Raven Guard the more intrigued I am, so here I am. Before I get into the messy details, here's pics of my first tac squad (and so far only painted unit). It's really overcast right now which apparently is screwing up my camera so I adjusted the brightness after which isn't the most faithful, but it's close enough. I'm working my way towards a Pinion Demi Company to start with (though I do have a handful of other vehicles/models already) and I'll expand beyond that when I get there. I'm not sold on a name yet, or a "theme" for the army, but I do have some background settled. I almost exclusively play against Xenos so I wanted to have that reflected in my fluff. What I have so far is that they have an error in their brainwashing part of their recruitment (possibly an intentional experiment to ensure loyalty, possibly just a mistake) which leads them to always feel that they must prove themselves. As a result, they try desperately to get marines into the Deathwatch and to do things that will earn themselves and the chapter acclaim. Also, I had some DW bits I wasn't going to use... As a result, many of the chapter's higher leaders have served in or alongside the Deathwatch, and they will gladly send more when the opportunity comes up. I'll devise more backstory once I'm firm on a theme. I could go for something raptor-inspired but haven't thought of anything catchy and dangerous sounding yet. I was also (before settling on Raven Guard) toying with taking themes from Greek mythology, which I think at least lends some good grimdark soldier names if not a clear chapter name. I think Knights of Cronus (which would be their home world if I went with that) was lingering in my mind. I suppose I could mix the two, and take a taxonomical name for a bird of prey, 40kify it and make that their home world. I have a lot of unconvincing ideas bouncing around, at the moment. Feedback welcome, thanks for reading!

Hope this one is ok. Kind of felt discussing minor things here was better than cluttering up the threat with non-story parts. I've pulled everything together so far and added a little extra ;) lol. Is this something you would like me to do, periodically? Just to keep everything updated in a quote bubble?