A Lost Company?

[maligncomedy]

As a new member of the Space Wolves (well closeted member for quite some time due to being scammed), I have been going through ways of doing a DIY style Army of the Wolves when I came across the Lost Companies. It was an interesting read to say the least. And due to my undying hatred of the Space Wolves color scheme (sorry grey just doesn't cut it) it seems very appealing in nature. Which is why I am putting this up. I intend to design a Lost Company, and generally post it and its progress in this forum. But, due to my lack of Fang in a sense, I would humbly request some help as to putting together a very "fluffy" Lost Company.

 

So to sum it up, my reasons for creating a "Lost Company" are as follows: dislike of the Space Wolves color scheme, general interest in DIY, general love for Space Wolves, and difference in tactical use.

 

To start this off, I'll quote Aurelius Rex:

 

If such a group was to be considered, the following questions would have to be addressed, many of which are the same as for any other group of renegade Astartes:

What motivation do they have for splitting away?

When did this occur?

How do they keep off the Imperial radar?

Are they large enough to be self-sustaining, or are they in a slow but inevitable decline?

How has the above affected their character or combat approach compared to ‘normal’ Space Wolves?

 

To answer these:

 

1. What seems to be the motivation so far, is a difference of morals. The current Wolf Lord of the Company I would say prefers a more reserved approach (those who know me well, know that I play typically Water style armies as my recklessness has subsided, eg. Grey Knights, Noise Marines, Ultramarine Successors). Furthermore, the Space Wolves don't seem to have a strong link to the Inquisition, and this would be something that bothers him as he feels they are quite possibly powerful allies. But he is not one to bow down to the Inquisition or accept the Codex Astartes. Just respect them more. More of this difference in morals will be detailed in the 5th question response.

 

2. This question is one I need help on. The Warhammer 40k Timeline has always confused me greatly. I would like it to be more recent. Preferrably under the time of Logan Grimnar.

 

3. As for keeping off the radar, I wouldn't say it seems necessary. If hypothetically, a Lost Company is seeking to work on a relationship of mutual respect with the Imperium/Inquisition, keeping off the radar seems to be a rather defeatist ideal. Furthermore, due to the split from the Great Company, the Lost Company may need some help in terms of resources.

 

4. I would not say they are self-sustaining. In all actuality, I would place them as declining at a moderate to moderately slow pace. Andante Moderato, as a musician might say.

 

5. In terms of Character and Combat Approach, I see some differences.

 

I view this "Lost Company" as very Balanced, or as said before reserved warriors. Vetran in a sense really (as that would be all that is left). So I'll probably make extensive use of Grey Hunters with Bolters (most likely a No Bloodclaw Army List if possible). Due to their special rules, I feel Space Wolves can be used as a very compatible army for a Water Style of play. Will Not Teleport, helps me wonderfully, as I in generally fail almost 95% of my Deep Striking rolls. Furthermore, Counter-Attack, True Grit, and Acute Senses, make for a very reactive and adaptable army. If possible, I may add in Allied Grey Knights. My standard kit for wargear often will go along the lines of Frostblade/Combi-Bolter or Storm Bolter on the Wolf Lord (Allowing him decent Close Combat and Long Range, which in turn makes him adaptable), and I'll probably use a Wolf Priest (since Feel No Pain increases the survivability factor) or Rune Priest (If they have a Force Dome equivalent power as it would synergize well with the GK's Shrouding if possible). Due to the new theme of movement spouted in the rumors, it seems that my idea of a static army is gonna be a little off. But I do this for a number of reasons. If an army has good movement/close combat, turning it into a somewhat long range army would help balance that out and allow them to exploit their opponents weaknesses at any given time rather then being situational.

 

Furthermore, for fluff I can see said "Lost Company" devoting themselves more to a different cause. Think of them like dragonslayers in a sense. They would be the Wolves who take the journey out to acquire the Kraken fangs needed for the creation of a Frostblade, or to undertake a mission that is aimed at slaying a tyranid menace, chaos daemon threat or similar epic beast. Sagas also help (if the rumors are true), as it gives a sort of legendary status to those who have participated in these hunts.

 

Also, I want to include different "rites" in a sense. Secret societies, rituals, and rites of passage have always been a major interest to me. This interest is further accentuated due to the strong familial ties to the Freemasons (grandfather was a high up Master Mason). As such, I would like to pay homage to his passing, by mimicking (as mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery) such rites of passage involved in the secret societies and similar groups as a way to detail and describe the passage of Grey Hunter to Long Fang for example, or from Wolf Guard to Wolf Lord in my "Lost" Company's fluff.

 

 

 

Well guys there it is. CONSTRUCTIVE Criticism is well appreciated, as is any form of help in terms of fluff knowledge and/or suggestions. I have finalized on one idea though. That this will be a Space Wolves army regardless. I am no longer switching anymore.

[Warhorse47]

This is a question of tactical use of your forces brother. Design your forces around counterattacking and response, so you rely more on GH than BCs. Land Raiders are your chariots instead of Rhinos, and Typhoons and Tornadoes for your support on the flanks. As far as why they left, the Company Master and Grimnar had a familial argument, and due to both their pride, the Pack left. They are still Wolves and will respond with all the fury they posess if a Wolf Brother needs help, but it's a family issue [in other words, if you weren't involved, stay out].

[maligncomedy]

This is a question of tactical use of your forces brother. Design your forces around counterattacking and response, so you rely more on GH than BCs. Land Raiders are your chariots instead of Rhinos, and Typhoons and Tornadoes for your support on the flanks. As far as why they left, the Company Master and Grimnar had a familial argument, and due to both their pride, the Pack left. They are still Wolves and will respond with all the fury they posess if a Wolf Brother needs help, but it's a family issue [in other words, if you weren't involved, stay out].

 

So I take it this seems feasible/possible?

[Luc O' Luck]

Fluff-wise, not really...

 

Logan Grimnar could not be said to be Reserved by Space Marine standards. As the over all commander of the Space Marines during the Black Crusade, he was anything but reserved. The Inquisition and the Space Wolves don't get along because the Space Wolves have Genetic deviancy which leads to a mixture of supsiscion on both sides of the divide. Another reason for the Great Wolf's dislike of the Inquisition would come from the First War for Armageddon, where Logan Grimnar lead the defense of the planet. He held off the attack of a Daemonic Primarch, with his great company and the human defense forces, holding out long enough for the Grey Knights to finish off the monsterous Angron. For their acts of heroism, the human populace of Armageddon was exterminated, despite Logan Grimnar's protest. The Space Wolves' whole Noble Savage aspect means that they have these Noble principles, that the Inquisition often flouts. The Space Wolves like charging around and being upfront, something the Inquisition dosen't do.

 

If the Great Company left the Fang, it would have been for pretty monumental reasons, and even then, it stretches Credibility that the whole Great Company would leave. Whilst the Wolf Lord would possibly take a personal warband, there's no garuantee that he could just take the warriors along with him, when they might feel greater loyalty to the rest of the Space Wolves than their commander.

 

Just; "I don't like the boss" dosen't quite cut the mustard for such a massive departure from the rest of the Pack.

[Legatus]

When did this occur?

2. This question is one I need help on. The Warhammer 40k Timeline has always confused me greatly. I would like it to be more recent. Preferrably under the time of Logan Grimnar.

It would have happened within the last 500-600 years then, since that is the time when Grimnar became the current Great Wolf. So at some point between 400.M41 untill now (999.M41). That would also help with one other issue, one that was missing in the questions you posted as your guide: Do your Marines have the capability to create new Marines? Harvesting geneseed off the fallen is one thing, but the process to create a Space Marine out of it is described as a complicated process with intensive medical and psychological care. I am not sure, but I doubt that Space Marine cruisers are equipped with the necessary facilities to create Space Marines. So unless a force can desert or go missing with a substantial amount of specialised equipment they will simply be roaming the galaxy for the remainder fo their lifetime, so about 200-300 years, untill the last one of them has died. If your lost company has gone "rogue" within the last 100 years or so they would still be around and kicking. But that would in itself pose the minor question on why a so recently lost company has not been refered to in the official fluff.

 

If it absolutely has to be Space Wolves, perhaps you can make it work somehow. But there is allways the possibility to chose a Chapter of a different geneseed with a wolf theme. Perhaps a White Scars or a Raven Guard successor.

[maligncomedy]

When did this occur?

2. This question is one I need help on. The Warhammer 40k Timeline has always confused me greatly. I would like it to be more recent. Preferrably under the time of Logan Grimnar.

It would have happened within the last 500-600 years then, since that is the time when Grimnar became the current Great Wolf. So at some point between 400.M41 untill now (999.M41). That would also help with one other issue, one that was missing in the questions you posted as your guide: Do your Marines have the capability to create new Marines? Harvesting geneseed off the fallen is one thing, but the process to create a Space Marine out of it is described as a complicated process with intensive medical and psychological care. I am not sure, but I doubt that Space Marine cruisers are equipped with the necessary facilities to create Space Marines. So unless a force can desert or go missing with a substantial amount of specialised equipment they will simply be roaming the galaxy for the remainder fo their lifetime, so about 200-300 years, untill the last one of them has died. If your lost company has gone "rogue" within the last 100 years or so they would still be around and kicking. But that would in itself pose the minor question on why a so recently lost company has not been refered to in the official fluff.

 

If it absolutely has to be Space Wolves, perhaps you can make it work somehow. But there is allways the possibility to chose a Chapter of a different geneseed with a wolf theme. Perhaps a White Scars or a Raven Guard successor.

 

So in other words, you are suggesting being a successor of another chapter? yet running by the Space Wolf codex to best simulate rules?

[Legatus]

I don't think anyone would object if you wanted to use the Codex Space WOlves for your DIY Chapter. And there are already a few official "Wolf" themed Chapters. For example the Red Wolves who are mentioned in the current Codex Space Marines. The Codex Chaos Space Marines mentions the Dark Wolves who may or may not be related to teh Space Wolves (I would personally prefer if they weren't).

 

The question is whether you would be ok with your wolf themed DIY Chapter not really being related to the Space Wolves, or if you want to have the connection.

[maligncomedy]

I don't think anyone would object if you wanted to use the Codex Space WOlves for your DIY Chapter. And there are already a few official "Wolf" themed Chapters. For example the Red Wolves who are mentioned in the current Codex Space Marines. The Codex Chaos Space Marines mentions the Dark Wolves who may or may not be related to teh Space Wolves (I would personally prefer if they weren't).

 

The question is whether you would be ok with your wolf themed DIY Chapter not really being related to the Space Wolves, or if you want to have the connection.

 

Well, personally I would prefer the connection which is why I am reading up on Lost Companies as much as possible. The Space Wolves and Russ exhibit alot of qualities that I feel are appropriate for this army.

 

To quote White Dwarf:

 

‘Amongst most Space Marine Chapters such behaviour would be viewed as a fatal breach of discipline, those involved would be declared renegade and mercilessly hunted down. However, the Space Wolves Primarch, Leman Russ, was always renowned for his independence and impetuosity and I believe these traits remain predominantly with the Chapter. The oaths of fealty undertaken by the Wolf Lords of the Space Wolves Great Companies declare their allegiance to Russ and the Emperor but do not stipulate servitude to the Great Wolf.

 

It appears that in some cases a Wolf Lord and his Grand Company separate from the main body of the Chapter, undertaking their own quests and missions for a variety of reasons. […] This may be related to the Space Wolves’ ancient quest to find their lost Primarch.

 

As to the long term viability of these ‘lost companies’ it is difficult to say. Given sufficient geneseed and technical competence it is entirely possible for such a company to maintain is strength over a protracted period, inducting and training new recruits in the same way as a normal Chapter. Less well-supplied companies might have to resort to training ordinary humans to fill their ranks or face the prospect of gradually dwindling numbers until the company ceases to exist.’

 

So I would assume, that it is possible.

[Schertenleib]

Some of the Lost Companies have just not returned to the Fang due to the distance they have traveled away or duties in that region of space. Basicly some long ranged picket duty on the edges of SW controlled space. "If we leave we might lose control of this system."

[maligncomedy]

Thanks for the information guys. Further question, besides the article on Lost Companies posted here on B&C, as well as the White Dwarf, and Space Wolf codex are there any more resources for which I can find information on the Lost Companies?

[Warhorse47]

The Eye of Terror Codex has the stuff on the 13th Company.

[maligncomedy]

The Eye of Terror Codex has the stuff on the 13th Company.

 

As does a Chapter Approved I am sure. Thanks for the info. I have Eye of Terror, so I'll take a look in it.

[maligncomedy]

I think I'll post a few pics here if possible this weekend Xd.

[maligncomedy]

Hate to thread necromance, but this Lost Company shall be updated at a fairly nice pace soon. After taking a good look at the codex I have developed an army list/theme. As stated before the army will be based primarily on the idea of monster slayers. So Saga of the Bear/Saga of the Beastslayer become very key in my eyes. Also, the Lone Wolves embody both this, the vetran status ideal and the decline of the Company's forces. Enough dawdling. Here is the Prospective list:

 

HQ 1:

 

Wolf Lord

+ Belt of Russ

+ Frost Blade

+ Storm Bolter

+ Wolf Tooth Necklace (if possible)

+ Runic Armor (if possible)

+ Saga of the Bear

~ I may talk my friends into allowing this one char a second Saga for homegames (for fluff and partially because the list is useless against any of them anyways), in which case it would be Saga of the Beastslayer

 

Rune Priest

+ Plasma Pistol

+ Wolf Tooth Necklace (if possible)

+ Runic Armor (assuming he doesn't have it)

+ Stormcaller Psychic Power (assuming he can take it)

+ Psychic Power that makes Difficult Terrain

 

 

HQ 2:

 

Ulrik the Slayer (counts as)

+ I heard a rumor he may have Beastslayer

+ Mentor used on the Lord

 

Wolf Guard Battle Leader

+ Power Fist

+ Storm Bolter

+ Wolf Tooth Necklace (if possible)

+ Runic Armor (if possible)

+ Belt of Russ/Invul save Item (if possible)

+ Saga of the Warrior Born

 

 

Elites 1:

 

Lone Wolf

+ Frost Blade

+ Plasma Pistol (I'm assuming these equips are possible)

 

 

Elites 2:

 

Lone Wolf

+ Power Fist

+ Storm Shield (once again, assuming this is possible)

 

 

Elites 3:

 

Lone Wolf

+ Frost Axe

+ Storm Shield (once again, assuming this is possible)

 

 

Troops 1:

 

Grey Hunters

+ 9 Hunters

+ Plasma gun (if possible)

+ Power Weapon (if possible)

+ Wolf Guard Pack Leader

- Storm Bolter

- Power Weapon (assuming this is possible)

+ Rhino

 

 

Troops 2:

 

Grey Hunters

+ 9 Hunters

+ Plasma gun (if possible)

+ Power Weapon (if possible)

+ Wolf Guard Pack Leader

- Storm Bolter

- Power Fist (assuming this is possible)

+ Rhino

 

If I have points left over I will add a third squad of Grey Hunters. So now to the next part. Modelling. My army is gonna be very clean. To say the least. I'm using Black Templar bits and removing all iconography. Every model shall have a tabbard. Now alot of you may say that is unwolfy, but wait till I continue. Pelts and trinkets of dead creatures are to remain a symbol of vetrancy in this army. Therefore, it will only be seen on my higher "rank" models. And as such, you can only wear it if you kill it.

 

The Wolf Lord, is currently awaiting bits. A lion pelt + lion head for his shoulder. Meanwhile the Rune Priest is using a Torquemada body. For the Wolf Guard Battle Leader, will be made from a converted Pedro Kantor/Possibly legs from the new sprue with a wolf pelt backpack (probably off of Lukas the Trickster or the Khorne Lord). And finally the Ulrik will be converted out of a Space Marine Chaplain with the addition of a scaled pelt/dragon motif. I intend to get some WIP pics up this weekend. Unfortunately I wasn't home on Friday so it will be a late start.

[Vassakov]

Allow me to way in - "Lost" Companies and Renegade companies are two totally separate issues. A Wolfs loyalty is to Russ, Emperor and Imperium. In that order. They still fight for the Emperor, just not necessarily for the Great Wolf. This might be due to differences of opinion or personal pride (though in this case he is likely to have a far smaller force at his disposal, as fewer Wolves would join him.)

 

The other, more realistic option is that they have departed on a mission that transcends the orders of the Great Wolf, perhaps a crusade or a Hunt for a particular foe. In this case, few if any are expected to return and so the Company is deemed "lost," as casualties of war.

[clanfield]

id like to add that from the fluff the only way to represent a desendant unit from the space wolves is from ether a lost company or a vile renegade unit such as the ones that joined the red corsairs

 

lost is interesting though it can cover a few quirks a change of color scheme could be due to a specific campaign need or a single minded focus to a mission or cause "we went red to symbolise our......"