Index Astartes: Doom Guard

[The Normish]

Oops. Fixed. No other comments?

[The Normish]

I'll need a little bit more feedback from the community.

 

First let me elaborate the idea of the 63rd Slodian.

 

This Imperial Guard Regiment was present at the Battle of Slodia and is effectively the only remaining loyalist Guard Regiment from the planet. The Doom Guard have taken them under their wing, and since that battle, the 63rd Slodain recruits on the smae worlds as the Doom Guard (though it has a larger segment of the population to work with), and occupies the worlds that the Doom Guard conquers as part of the "conquer and defend" policy that the Chapter has.

[The Normish]

Okay, the Histroy section is taking longer than I thought. Perhaps I shall not go into too much detail on the Battle of Slodia.

Otherwise, I would appreciate more comments.

[The Normish]

Index Astartes: Doom Guard

The Doom Guard is one of the Imperium’s youngest Space Marine Chapters. They are eager to earn their place at the Emperor’s side, and despite their short and tumultuous history, they have proven themselves worthy of the title of the Emperor’s Finest. Their fleet-based tactics are renowned throughout the Ultima Segmentum, where they scour hundreds of worlds in zealous crusades, claiming them in the name of Mankind and the Golden Throne.

ORIGINS

Issued from the 28th Founding (748.M41), the Doom Guard were created as a result of an augmentation of Ork activity in the Initialis Sector of the Ultima Segmentum. The numerous regiments of Imperial Guardsmen stationed in the area seemed unable to discourage the audacity of the Greenskins. Following a long and bloody purge of a planet named Protos, the Black Templar Crusade “Apprehension of Faith” requested permission from the Adeptus Terra to found a new Chapter specially adapted to conquer and defend worlds, so that the Imperium could grow and protect itself without the need of constant shielding by the Space Marines. They proposed to use the gene seed of the ancient and glorious Imperial Fists, stoic and resolute in defense; however, this new Chapter was to be trained by the legendary Black Templars themselves, in order to encourage an aggressive fleet-based behavior.

After permission was obtained from the High Lords, the precious gene-seed was transferred and implemented on the first of many recruits by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Following this, a select number of Black Templars joined the new Chapter in order to supervise and train the new Space Marines, turning them from a fledgling Chapter into a force worthy of Rogal Dorn himself.

HISTORY

Since the Doom Guard does not have a home planet, it has always found recruitment difficult, especially in its early stages. The development of the ten battle-companies was a long and arduous process, but ultimately the numbers of the new Chapter were sufficient to allow the Black Templar mentors to rejoin their own Crusade.

Before leaving, however, they appointed a Chapter Master from among the ranks of the Doom Guard. His name was Aggadus Kaska, cool-tempered and pragmatic. It was he who chose the name Doom Guard and the Chapter Colors. He appointed the ten Captains, most notable of which was Ulysses Haart, his second, who was made First Company Captain.

The Doom Guard began their illustrious career near the center of the Galaxy, and worked their way outwards from there. Several minor battles such as the Battle of Redwaalk and the Hunt for Dorros Daemonblood earned the Chapter its laurels, as well as respect from other Chapters and Imperial forces. The Doom Guard left lasting legacies on each conquered planet, as part of their doctrine mandates superior defensive complexes on each taken world.

Rare were the defeats of the Doom Guard, but one is remembered above all others. The infamous Battle of Slodia. This battle was a defining moment of the Chapter’s recent history, and is therefore honored as a rallying cry, used when the Chapter faces its darkest hours (for a narrative account of the battle, see “Heart of Darkness” – in progress – located at: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.p...p;#entry2391549).

Initially the battle began as a conflict between a Tau expeditionary force and the Imperial Guardsmen stationed on the world. However, it soon degenerated into a tale of deceit, betrayal, and murder, resulting in the slaying of chapter Master Aggadus Kaska and the destruction of a planet. The unexpected presence of Daemonic forces and the traitorous Legions contributed to the corruption of 1st Company Captain Ulysses Haart, whose name is now spat upon in anger and zealous fury.

The death of Kaska and the failure of Haart left the Chapter leaderless and confused, and many feared that this would be the end of the Doom Guard. However, at the recommendation of 2nd Company Captain Varas Uller, the Chapter Council elected Kaska’s Champion Conrad Halden to the post of Chapter Master. Though he was initially expected to appoint a new 1st Company Captain, he decided to merge the position with his own, giving him a more solid power base from which to control the Chapter and earn the respect of his troops.

Since those fateful events, the Doom Guard is eager to avenge the battle-brothers fallen at Slodia, and to regain its honor. As such, they never pass up the opportunity to confront the forces of Chaos.

Currently, the Doom Guard is believed to be operating in two separate forces, one headed by Chapter Master Halden, and the other by 2nd Company Captain Uller. Halden is combating vile heretics and traitors in a world that is on the very edge of a Tyranid hive fleet, while Uller confronts a combination of treacherous Eldar and foul Orks. Both campaigns appear to be going well, and many believe that they will be won, and that several worlds will be brought into Imperial control by the end of the millennium.

HOME WORLD

The Doom Guard does not have a home world, instead preferring to be a fleet-based Chapter. This stands with the general policy of many Imperial Fists successor Chapters, who believe that the Space Marines were created to conquer new worlds, not to stand around waiting for an attack. The Doom Guard fleet contains hundreds of ships, of a variety of sizes and classes. The flagship “Glory’s Hold” is also the Chapter Master’s personal barge, as well as that of the First Company. Other companies tend to be spread about the remaining ships in an even fashion.

BELIEFS

The Doom Guard, unlike many Chapters, actually believes that the Emperor is a God. As such, their Chaplains adhere to the Imperial Cult faithfully, and have found it easier to communicate with and relate to other Imperial Forces. However, as a result of this, they also believe that they are partly Gods themselves, seeing as they are given the gene-seed of the Emperor’s son Rogal Dorn. They aptly refer to themselves as Angels of Death, the holy messengers called upon by the God-Emperor to defend Mankind. Other Chapters and some Imperial organizations (notably the Inquisition) have called the Doom Guard vain and haughty, though in reality they aim to be austere and monastic.

Unusual as this is for a Chapter trained by the Black Templars, it is largely due to the teachings of the first Chapter Master, Aggadus Kaska, who attempted to reconcile his own rational and pragmatic beliefs with the zealous fury of his Brothers. The result has been that the Doom Guard is known for taking solace in its faith, while not letting it cloud their judgment.

GENE-SEED

The Doom Guard uses the gene-seed of Rogal Dorn, and as such, lacks the Betcher’s gland and the Sus-an Membrane implants, though this is not really a hindrance to the Chapter. No mutations have so far manifested themselves in the Doom Guard’s history.

Similarly to many Imperial Fist successors, the Doom Guard make use of the Pain Glove, though not as often as might be expected. This is largely due to their beliefs and the way they reconcile their sins with the Emperor (see Beliefs).

COMBAT DOCTRINE

The Doom Guard combat doctrine is fairly standard, though they tend to employ tanks in large formations (though the Chapter is not necessarily vehicle-heavy). Scouts are encouraged to remain in the Tenth Company in order to provide assistance to younger brethren, and as such, the other Companies grow at a reduced rate. To compensate for this, scouts often play large roles in battles, mainly in flanking and reconnaissance, but also in spearhead missions.

The Doom Guard expects its campaigns and battles to be swift and decisive. They also rely heavily on the support of nearby Imperial forces, especially following the events of the Battle of Slodia. Otherwise, they prefer to adopt defensive firebases and allow strike teams to take down the enemy from their flanks or from within.

ORGANIZATION

The Doom Guard is divided into ten companies, largely following the standard Codex Astartes force organization. A few minor differences are present however. Firstly, the Chapter Master is also First Company Captain, following the events at the Battle of Slodia. Secondly, each Company Command Squad contains a Company Doomsayer (see Battle Cry).

Of interest is the way the Chapter is run. The Chapter Master presides over the Chapter Council, a council in charge of making the decisions that will affect the Chapter the most, as well as appointing Marines to senior positions. It consists of:

• The Chapter Master (currently Conrad Halden).

• The ten Company Captains.

• The Reclusiarch (currently Bartimeo Faïd).

• Senior Chaplains.

• The Head-Apothecary (currently Setis deMaude).

• The Chief-Librarian (currently Broderick Strange).

• Senior Librarians.

• The Master of the Forge (currently Gordon Scarback).

• Senior Techmarines.

Shown, left to right, 2nd Company Trooper, 2nd Company Sergeant.

Chapter Colors consist of a black body recalling the Black Templar colors, red shoulders indicating the Emperor’s sacrifice for the salvation of man, golden hands to remind them of their paragons the Imperial Fists, and gold trimmings so that the flash of their bolters would be reflected into the eyes of the enemy. The Chapter Badge depicts a volcano erupting, signifying the fury of the Emperor as well as the devastating force of the orbital strikes which the Doom Guard favors.

Trooper schemes are all the same, with knee pad variations for different companies, and squad insignia differences. Sergeants follow the same rules, but have golden helmets. All veterans, troopers or sergeants, have white vertical stripes on their helmets. Terminators, as they are veterans, by default have a black helmet and white stripe, while the sergeant has a gold helmet and white stripe. Captains have their personal heraldry instead of a squad insignia, and tend to wear personalized helmets. The Chapter Master can choose to use any armor and any type, but usually wears Artificer or Terminator armor. Chaplains, Librarians, Apothecaries, and Techmarines all wear their distinctive colors (black, blue, white, and red respectively) all over their armor, with their left shoulder pads being black with red trimmings, along with the Chapter badge.

BATTLE CRY

The Chapter’s Battle Cry is “For Dorn and the Emperor!”

Each Company has a designated Battle Cry, usually associated with its past exploits or function. A unique feature of the Chapter is that each Company has a Doomsayer, the Marine in charge of deciding upon the Battle Cry to be uttered at each battle. The Doomsayer may choose between any prepared Battle Cries, or may construct one of his own that suits the particular circumstance. All new Battle Cries are later recorded in the Chapter’s Librarium.

Chaplains all use the Battle Cry “Our faith is your doom!”

Newly updated. Ret-conned the whole 63rd Slodian thing, and fleshed out some short bits.

[Phytrion]

Hi there - just some thoughts/feedback.

 

You mention that scouts are more important. Is this because they are a younger chapter? Although you don't mention it, I assume your chapter does not have dreadnoughts or terminators yet because they are so young.

 

I like that a defeat is a defining moment for the chapter, it reminds me of some Balkan cultures. Keep it up!

[The Normish]

I suppose that I should specify that although they are young, the Scouts play a large role due to their tactical flexibility, as opposed to their larger numbers. There are a few dreadnoughts and TDAs, but not too many.

[RagingGriffon]

I like it... except two things. I think you should mention in the intro that they believe the Emperor is actually a God and they are a faith based Chapter. My alarm flags start raise when I see "Black Templars" but they lowered to at least half staff when you mentioned how they see the Emperor. I see the BTs as fanatics, and if they "raise" the Doom Guard they are going to have a significant impact on your Chapter. In fact, many other Chapters do not like the Black Templars. Think about that some.

 

I don't like the incorporation of Imperial Guardsmen into your Chapter. It... lessens your Astartes. I don't know if you put that in there because you play an army of IG in real life, but I would strike them out. They would never, ever, under any circumstances have equal say as the Astartes. The only thing I can think of is that the Space Puppies felt sorry for some IGs after they got mopped up by the most glorious of all skull-takers: Angron. That's all it was, he felt sorry for them and he felt they deserved better. In the end, he let them get sterilized and imprisoned. That is from the Chapter Master of one of the original 18 Legions.

 

Other than that, pretty decent.

[The Normish]

Hmm. You certainly make a good point about the Black Templars. I'll have to do a bit more research on them.

The thing is, I really want an Imperial Guard Regiment to be heavily involved with my Chapter. Are there any suggestions on how to do that without committing fluff heresy?

[RagingGriffon]

My opinion: Say they intervened, and after they war, they honored them with some sort of award, and then they parted ways. However, you can still play the game with IG and the Doom Guard, but fluff wise I'd say no. IG and Astartes work together, then they part ways. That's just how it is. Astartes are more than man, and for the most part, they keep themselves pretty seperate from the rest of humanity.

[The Normish]

Perhaps you are right. Maybe they exchanged symbols of friendship and honor. Banners and weapons, possibly.

 

I'll make the necessary changes.

[The Normish]

Okay, a new update. Have a look at the above version, it has been changed. Comments and Criticism very much appreciated.

[RagingGriffon]

requested permission from the Adeptus Terra to found a new Chapter specially adapted to conquer and defend worlds, so that the Imperium could grow and protect itself without the need of constant shielding by the Space Marines.

 

That is contridictory. Why would they create a Chapter so they wouldn't need shielding by a Chapter. Do you mean, they wanted to create a Chapter that would erradicate threats for good, therefore allowing the Guardsmen to maintain order?

 

Other Chapters and some Imperial organizations (notably the Inquisition)

 

I'd leave the =I= out. Whenever the =I= gets involved with a Chapter things tend to go poorly. Ref. Celestial Lions. I like the idea that they think they are demi-gods and that can cause friction with other Chapters. Kudos on that piece of fluff.

[The Normish]

requested permission from the Adeptus Terra to found a new Chapter specially adapted to conquer and defend worlds, so that the Imperium could grow and protect itself without the need of constant shielding by the Space Marines.

 

That is contridictory. Why would they create a Chapter so they wouldn't need shielding by a Chapter. Do you mean, they wanted to create a Chapter that would erradicate threats for good, therefore allowing the Guardsmen to maintain order?

 

Other Chapters and some Imperial organizations (notably the Inquisition)

 

I'd leave the =I= out. Whenever the =I= gets involved with a Chapter things tend to go poorly. Ref. Celestial Lions. I like the idea that they think they are demi-gods and that can cause friction with other Chapters. Kudos on that piece of fluff.

Concerning your first point, I will say that you are inferring correctly. Should I make it more clear? The Doom Guard conquer worlds, destroy threats, and construct massive defenses, allowing local forces to properly defend themselves. Then, they move on to new conquests.

 

Concerning your second point, I think I see what you mean. I have noticed that Inquisition involvement tends to end badly as well. But doesn't this seem like the sort of thing the Inquisition would say if they were involved?

 

Thank you for the help.

[RagingGriffon]

Just a quick response. It doesn't fit into your Chapter that they build the defenses. If anything I would see them building monestaries. Aside from a few Chapters, I don't think of many Chapters building fortresses (to the best of my recall of course).

[The Normish]

Just a quick response. It doesn't fit into your Chapter that they build the defenses. If anything I would see them building monestaries. Aside from a few Chapters, I don't think of many Chapters building fortresses (to the best of my recall of course).

Perhaps Monastery-Fortresses?

Well, there must be some way I can rework that...

[The Normish]

Well, I've been re-reading some Black Templar fluff, and it seems that they establish fortresses on the planets they conquer.

So I don't think I'll change that bit, seeing as the Doom Guard are quite similar to the Black Templars, in terms of Beliefs and because we were trained by them.

[The Normish]

Updated as of tonight, hopefully the final version. See the first post, I hope you enjoy, and feel free to nitpick and criticize as you will! It will only serve to improve it.

Thanks in advance.

[Brother Rathul]

Honestly, I really liked it. There was a lot of work and effort put into this. There is one thing though.

Quote:

Rare were the defeats of the Doom Guard, but one is remembered above all others. The infamous Battle of Slodia. This battle was a defining moment of the Chapter’s recent history, and is therefore honored as a rallying cry, used when the Chapter faces its darkest hours. Initially the battle began as a conflict between a Tau expeditionary force and the Imperial Guardsmen stationed on the world. However, it soon degenerated into a tale of deceit, betrayal, and murder, resulting in the slaying of chapter Master Aggadus Kaska and the destruction of a planet. The unexpected presence of Daemonic forces and the traitorous Legions contributed to the corruption of 1st Company Captain Ulysses Haart, whose name is now spat upon in anger and zealous fury.

I would think it would be kinda cool for the first company captain instead of being tainted, should have been captured along with some of his retuine, tortued, and put on display for the Doom Guard to see, much like the battle with the Ultramarines of the fourth company against the night lords on that one bridge....This, in my opinion, would make their hate for chaos stronger and more resilient. But, that's just my opinion.

Keep up the good work :)

[The Normish]

Brother Rathul, you make an interesting point, but I have plans for the corrupted Captain. He makes an appearance in several more instances of fluff which I am still developing, and is the main antagonist for my Chapter.

 

I take it that no-one else thinks anything needs changing?

[RagingGriffon]

Hey, Normish! Back again to help!

 

Origins section:

- "were created as a result of an augmentation of Ork activity..." The word-choice "augmentation" doesn't quite fit. "Increase" or "steadily rising" etc.

- I feel like the Black Templars wouldn't request a new Chapter, but the High Lords would create and then task the BTs to train. I just don't see Chapters requesting more Chapters. To me, it seems like the bravado inherrent in all Space Marines Chapters would prevent them, in essence," saying "help! we an't do this by ourselves! make more Marines!"

 

History setion:

- I think it is a little out of order. I think Chapter colors would be picked first, then the Chapter Maser, then the rest of leadership.

 

Homeworld section:

- I don't know if it is " general policy of many Imperial Fists successor Chapters" to be fleet based. I can only think of the Black Templars being like that. It is ok if you are fleet based, but I wouldn't broad bush all of Dorn's lineage that way. I think it would be better to say "The Dom Guard believe that the Space Marines were created to conquer new worlds, not to stand around waiting for an attack."

 

Battle-cry section:

-If the rever the Emperor as a God, then don't put Dorn before Him in your battle cry.

 

Still going strong, Normish! Keep it up.

[Ace Debonair]

28th founding?

We've only had 26 up to now, haven't we?

 

I also reccomend using the 25th, 24th or even 23rd - the 26th founding is very heavily populated with DIY chapters.

 

RangingGriffon is right about the chapter creation - the High Lords would authorize the founding of a chapter, and are fairly unlikely to designate Templars as a training Cadre, since they don't like the Black Templars much.

 

That said, if they're being assigned to near a current crusade, some Templars might take their new brother chapter under their wing and teach them the ways of the Templars. I'm not really up to speed on how the BT themselves would feel about such duties, though.

 

Apart from that, they're a good, enjoyable read.

Good stuff!

[The Normish]

Origins section:

- "were created as a result of an augmentation of Ork activity..." The word-choice "augmentation" doesn't quite fit. "Increase" or "steadily rising" etc.

- I feel like the Black Templars wouldn't request a new Chapter, but the High Lords would create and then task the BTs to train. I just don't see Chapters requesting more Chapters. To me, it seems like the bravado inherrent in all Space Marines Chapters would prevent them, in essence," saying "help! we an't do this by ourselves! make more Marines!"

Well, I think the word augmentation works quite well:

augmentation: the act of augmenting; state of being augmented.

augmented: to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance.

Perhaps I'll change the thing about the Black Templars. But how would the High-Lords know about this?

 

History setion:

- I think it is a little out of order. I think Chapter colors would be picked first, then the Chapter Maser, then the rest of leadership.

Well, I read somewhere that the Chapter Master chooses the colors. Besides, I'm going off the assumption that they used Black Templar armor, and then when the Chapter Master was chosen, he changed the colors.

 

Homeworld section:

- I don't know if it is " general policy of many Imperial Fists successor Chapters" to be fleet based. I can only think of the Black Templars being like that. It is ok if you are fleet based, but I wouldn't broad bush all of Dorn's lineage that way. I think it would be better to say "The Dom Guard believe that the Space Marines were created to conquer new worlds, not to stand around waiting for an attack."

Well, the Imperial Fists themselves are fleet-based (though they have a "homeworld" on Terra), so it seems pretty standard.

 

Battle-cry section:

-If the rever the Emperor as a God, then don't put Dorn before Him in your battle cry.

Ah, but which sounds better when you scream it at the top of your lungs? "For Dorn and the Emperor!" or "For the Emperor and Dorn!"? Personally, I favor the first choice.

[The Normish]

28th founding?

We've only had 26 up to now, haven't we?

 

I also reccomend using the 25th, 24th or even 23rd - the 26th founding is very heavily populated with DIY chapters.

I could have sworn that I changed that. I did mean 26th. Perhaps you are right though, and I will move it back a few foundings.

 

RangingGriffon is right about the chapter creation - the High Lords would authorize the founding of a chapter, and are fairly unlikely to designate Templars as a training Cadre, since they don't like the Black Templars much.

 

That said, if they're being assigned to near a current crusade, some Templars might take their new brother chapter under their wing and teach them the ways of the Templars. I'm not really up to speed on how the BT themselves would feel about such duties, though.

I thought I'd explained that somehow. I'll check up with some Black Templar players.

[Ace Debonair]

28th founding?

We've only had 26 up to now, haven't we?

 

I also reccomend using the 25th, 24th or even 23rd - the 26th founding is very heavily populated with DIY chapters.

I could have sworn that I changed that. I did mean 26th. Perhaps you are right though, and I will move it back a few foundings.

 

RangingGriffon is right about the chapter creation - the High Lords would authorize the founding of a chapter, and are fairly unlikely to designate Templars as a training Cadre, since they don't like the Black Templars much.

 

That said, if they're being assigned to near a current crusade, some Templars might take their new brother chapter under their wing and teach them the ways of the Templars. I'm not really up to speed on how the BT themselves would feel about such duties, though.

I thought I'd explained that somehow. I'll check up with some Black Templar players.

 

Then let me add that I might be wrong - it wouldn't be the first time.

I also probably owe a couple of folks an apology if that turns out to be the case. ^_^

 

But, I don't think that the HLoT would willingly nominate the highly-divergent Templars to be a training cadre.

Even so, whoever you replaced them with could be highly influenced by the Templars after fighting alongside them earlier in their history, so it'd be easy to fix. ^_^

[The Normish]

Well, I've made a new version. I scaled back the founding to after the Age of Apostasy, as that supports the choice of belief-system of the Chapter. I've alsoa ttmepted to address the Black Templar problem.

I'm not entirely happy with the new history, I think I'll move the Battle for Slodia up to a more recent date, as I like the idea of the veterans of the Battle being personally driven and vindictive towards Haart.

 

Anyway, what do you all think now?