Shaggaroth Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Starting to read Dark Apostle and planning to start Word Bearers army,but something is holding me back a bit... I understand the principle of religious zealots and spending all the time between battles in religious rituals, meditation and learning more... But my perspective on a true follower of all Chaos Glory would be a bit different. In my vision there would be Dark Apostle, who would truly follow all gods with EQUAL measure... So Slaanesh would not be forgotten, Apostle's men would have all kind of orgies, and,most importantly, being blessed by Prince of Pleasure would make the Apostle LOVED by his men, not just because he is the conduit of gods will, but also because of his charming personality and irresistible, passionate speach, and also some merit and CARE about them... The Apostle would even be kinder to human cultists, because of two reasons - first, they are faithful, too, and second, their faith in Chaos would be bolstered by an absolute admiration of the Chaos Lord, so they would be even more devout and that would make them more useful and reliable If they are needed... If not, they are always expendable, but good player always thinks before tossing away a card, for there may be some good, unexpected combination with it... Which leads to the Apostle's worship of Tzeentch, as he would always carefully elaborate his plans, use daemons, underlings, inner animosities and friendships of his men, highers, enemies.. He would study every bit of ancient text, because a higher base of knowledge always shows a wider perspective and offers more oportunities, and also because one of Apostles passions would be always to KNOW... In battle, he would be the fury of the Warp itself, tearing out enemie's skulls and drinking their blood, howling praise to the Blood God, being the very incarnation of a raging daemon, the very hammer that crushes the last hope of the Imperial dogs... He vould also value some twisted resemblance of martial honor, seeking duels with high ranking or powerful enemies, to constantly prove to Gods and himself that he is truly blessed(which would also work to impress both friends and enemies, which could be used further in his greater schemes... you got the point). And at last, to Nurgle he would owe unmatched stubborness and legendary resistance, refusing to yield until his mind sees opportunities, believing that challenge is an opportunity to separate the weak and the strong, and putting great importance into both death and survival around him. He would not scorn his own pride and wishes, believing that they are all sent by the Gods and would always pay attention to his own emotions and try to find the most important ones in them - after all, in his understanding, they are one of myriad ways of Gods speaking to him. and of course, he would have a fervent belief in Chaos as the ultimate blessing to Mankind and greatest gift humanity can hope for. His force would execute both his carefully elaborated battle plans and sudden urges (possibly guided by visions), when needed, fighting with almost the fury of World Eaters, or standing and refusing enemy advance almost as stubbornly as Death Guard... They would also have both orgies and great lections, martial training, meditations - everything in balanced doses. And they would fight, both fuelled by unshakeable faith in the Gods and adoration of the Dark Apostle as the big (battle) brother, always the best at what he does... "Look at the Lord! His speech is unrefutable and true, his wit unmatched and his mind so brilliant, he stands through deepest of perils like an ancient oak against the wind, and blade in his hand is whirlwind of death and fury, unstoppable and terrifying. Is he not the truly Chosen of us and the very proof - as if any would be needed- of the might of the Gods and the truth of the Chaos path?" That would be the thought in every soldier's head. Woul Lorgar percieve such Apostle as heretic or too unorthodox? Would he better suit another legion? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDarkApostle Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 The only things that feels like the "odd one out" to me is the orgy part. Otherwise you've pretty much nailed exactly how I envision the Word Bearers as well. After all, they're meant to be one of the, if not the, most disciplined and organized Chaos Legion. It doesn't make sense for them to be lowered to self bickering as in "Dark Apostle" as opposed to how they're painted in their Index Astartes article, which I really recommend you to read. ;) (It can be found in Index Astartes IV.) Anyway, welcome to the true path brother, may the Gods and Lorgar bless you for all eternity! TDA Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/#findComment-1979262 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaggaroth Posted May 6, 2009 Author Share Posted May 6, 2009 Well, the orgy part in my mind was as the Slaanesh part of their belief, and also a way of relaxation.. Although they are zealots, a rested warrior is a better warrior , be he a heretic or not... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/#findComment-1979391 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Argon Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 Well, the orgy part in my mind was as the Slaanesh part of their belief, and also a way of relaxation.. Although they are zealots, a rested warrior is a better warrior , be he a heretic or not... Remember, brother, Slaanesh isn't all about sex and pleasure. It's also about bettering yourself, and endless quest for perfection. Also, you'll see that the Word Bearers have ways of resting before/after a battle when you read Dark Apostle. Orgies aren't one of them. I'm not even sure Astartes "bitz" still work, (I do not plan on finding out.) so there's that too. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/#findComment-1979506 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkapostle222 Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 So Slaanesh would not be forgotten, Apostle's men would have all kind of orgies *eye twitch* Oh god...I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. :o The Apostle would even be kinder to human cultists, because of two reasons - first, they are faithful, too, and second, their faith in Chaos would be bolstered by an absolute admiration of the Chaos Lord, so they would be even more devout and that would make them more useful and reliable A Dark Apostle would never care about Cultists...first of all they are lesser beings. The Word Bearers are the only true servants off the dark gods and deserve to reap the awards. Cultists are mearly pawns in the vast schemes of things, worthy only to die in the name of the gods. Second, the Dark Apostle isn't supposed to care about anyone. He is the holy leader of the host, the representitive and spokesman of the god. The Warrior-Brothers are supposed to be in awe of him, not believe that he is one of them. He would study every bit of ancient text, because a higher base of knowledge always shows a wider perspective and offers more oportunities, and also because one of Apostles passions would be always to KNOW That is how a Dark Apostle is. He converses with the gods and their Daemons in order to learn their will and act it out. In battle, he would be the fury of the Warp itself, tearing out enemie's skulls and drinking their blood, howling praise to the Blood God, being the very incarnation of a raging daemon, the very hammer that crushes the last hope of the Imperial dogs Fighting like a blood-crazed bezerker is not something a Dark Apostle would do. Maybe the Coryphaus or First Acolyte, but the Dark Apostle is to valuable to charge into battle like a maniac. He vould also value some twisted resemblance of martial honor, seeking duels with high ranking or powerful enemies, to constantly prove to Gods and himself that he is truly blessed A Dark Apostle would probably do this, but yet again duels are probably left for his lieutenants. And at last, to Nurgle he would owe unmatched stubborness and legendary resistance, refusing to yield until his mind sees opportunities, believing that challenge is an opportunity to separate the weak and the strong, and putting great importance into both death and survival around him. He would not scorn his own pride and wishes, believing that they are all sent by the Gods and would always pay attention to his own emotions and try to find the most important ones in them - after all, in his understanding, they are one of myriad ways of Gods speaking to him. and of course, he would have a fervent belief in Chaos as the ultimate blessing to Mankind and greatest gift humanity can hope for. Nail on the head... ;) His force would execute both his carefully elaborated battle plans and sudden urges (possibly guided by visions), when needed, fighting with almost the fury of World Eaters, or standing and refusing enemy advance almost as stubbornly as Death Guard... They would also have both orgies and great lections, martial training, meditations - everything in balanced doses. And they would fight, both fuelled by unshakeable faith in the Gods and adoration of the Dark Apostle as the big (battle) brother, always the best at what he does... "Look at the Lord! His speech is unrefutable and true, his wit unmatched and his mind so brilliant, he stands through deepest of perils like an ancient oak against the wind, and blade in his hand is whirlwind of death and fury, unstoppable and terrifying. Is he not the truly Chosen of us and the very proof - as if any would be needed- of the might of the Gods and the truth of the Chaos path?" That would be the thought in every soldier's head. That is perfect!!! Over all you got a good view about how the Word Bearers are. I just had a few corrections that I believe that are in order. Still, just remember that every Host is different. The Dark Apostle can shape his Host however he wants. Do what you believe is the will of the gods! It doesn't make sense for them to be lowered to self bickering Remember that for all their holiness and superhuman abilities, Astartes are still human and they will fight each other. It is also common for Chaos Warbands to fight amongst themselves. Also you must remember that Marduk killed Kol Badar's blood-related brohter....thats not something that is easy to forgive. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/#findComment-1979561 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rain Posted May 7, 2009 Share Posted May 7, 2009 It's funny how whenever somebody brings up orgies as Slaanesh worship people yell "Slaanesh isn't all about sex and drugs!" Well yeah, true not all about but he sure isn't not about sex and drugs ;). Oh and you are spot on about Apostles thinking that Chaos is the only salvation for humanity and all that. Also, the Word Bearers like all undivided legions would be well disciplined and organized soldiers that fight according to complex plans and use advanced tactics though I would argue that Alpha Legion, Iron Warriors, and Night Lords are still more professional as it were as sometimes the Dark Apostle goes kooky and decides not to use any tanks or some other such thing, while the more secular legions would think more pragmatically. Finally I would recommend you not worry too much about Black Library as it's just one interpretation and often doesn't line up that well with other fluff, so enjoy reading it but as an army basis you really need to pick up the relevant IA. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/167870-word-bearers-and-religion/#findComment-1979732 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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