IA: The Stonebound

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

Actually, yes.

 

On the tabletop the sheer number of guardsmen can really be a pain for any CC marine force.

 

In the fluff you're constantly seeing examples of Guardsmen charging across no-mans-land after an Artillery bombardment. The Guard predominantly uses WW1 tactics for static warfare and WW2 'blitzkrieg' tactics for more fluid operations when they have the benefit of arial support.

 

The Imperial Guard, while being nowhere near the same level of ability and skill that the marines have are still soldiers and trained for different scenarios. One of those is CQB and Hand to Hand. Typically, the training would only really deal with how to fight another humanoid opponent given they don't have a lot of access to Tyranid creatures and Daemons for training purposes.

 

No a Guardsman is much less likely to attack someone with a sword than a marine, but he'd likely be trained for close-quarters warfare much the same way a WW1 soldier would.

 

Don't discount the guard just because they aren't marines CJJ. When you are using artillery the main tactic is to follow up with your own infantry to take advantage of the shellshock of the barrage. This typically involves some extremely vicious close-range encounters.

 

Also don't judge the Guard by their tabletop abilities. Human soldiers would be just as skilled and effective as some of the armed forces present today. Cadians, Catachans, Elysians, Vostroyans. You name a famous regiment and you can find a worthy and skilled relative in real world history.

 

The reason I write such a large post is because, as skilled as the Astartes are, people shouldn't discount the Guard simply because they are 'mere humans'. The Guard are in many ways far more heroic than any Space Marine. The fact that they can even will themselves to close upon such horrific and alien enemies as they are sure to face even after their Artillery has done their best is a supremely couragous effort.

 

As much as I love marines, I love the Guard too.

 

*Edit*

 

Sorry to derail your thread Ace. :D

Edited March 14, 2010 by Grey Hunter Ydalir

[Ace Debonair]

You have to be careful to differentiate them from the Imperial Guard, given how they are now beginning to share strategic attitudes.

 

I think that "reduce them to itty bitty pieces by artillery, then mope up whats left with Assault or X Squads" is sufficiently different from the Guard to be ok... Ever seen a Guard army counterattack with CC? :lol:

 

Doesn't the name "Red Lords" mean anything to anyone but me yet? :P

 

The Stonebound will be different somehow, though. I'm thinking use of predators or other tanks, along with devastators or dreadnoughts to force open enemy defences, then an implacable advance of serious firepower. Thoroughness will be the key word. I'll keep the assault marines as they are, but have them stay close to the tactical or devastator squads until the opprtunity to get in and crack some skulls comes along.

 

I always pictured dwarves in combat as thorough and disciplined until the melee hits, then fury takes over. After the skirmish, discipline again. I think I'll write them like that, if I can.

 

Sorry to derail your thread Ace.

Not a problem. You've raised some interesting points for me to consider vis-a-vis the Red Lords, anyway.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

D'oh!

:lol:

[Ace Debonair]

Hmm.

 

You know, this is going to be one big, difficult re-write. :lol:

 

I need to work out what needs doing and start from the biggest problems.

The only problem is, I think I need to change nearly everything. ;)

 

 

 

Needs more dwarfy, basically. Especially in the history - get the dwarfiness in, and get it in good. Then expound.

 

See, this is going to be the big problem.

The History, as it is, deals with the Stonebound before they are named or have a homeworld. Without the homeworld, there is very little to influence them into having anything Dwarvish. I could, however, have some influence from the Red Sabres, who could be quite like the Stonebound are right now - that'd give a starting point. (Ah, the benefits of making up your own parent chapter too.)

 

The Homeworld probably needs reworking altogether too. More Dwarfy means more underground, regrettably.

Although, just possibly, I can get away with Kagara as it is and just change that the Stonebound stay under the ground 99% of the time. The only problem there is justifying why.

 

The Beliefs section, I'm quite prepared to go the whole hog and have a short saga about the Emperor, showing how the Stonebound view him.

The problem is, this is a sixth founding chapter. If they have a distant, semi-mythical view on the Emperor, how the heck do I justify that given that twenty foundings later most other chapters know more about the Big Guy as an actual, existing fact?

 

Combat Doctrine is going to be such a pain in the brain. Here's why.

Fast attack to be replaced by siegebreaking specialty and lots of stalwart, heavy firepower. Ok, cool. But the Red Lords rely on artillery, so to make the Stonebound different, I need to take that out of the equation. This leaves me with the other heavy weapons of the chapter, the Land Raider and the Predator. However, my almost-forgotten Iron Hands successor the Steel Dragons, who I do want to write again one day, also rely somewhat on the agressive use of these particular vehicles. Arrgh.

 

Consequently, I am at a loss. I can't exploit the artillery angle, nor the furious deployment of tanks and heavy weapons to break defences, 'cause my other chapters are going to do that anyway, and copying my own ideas is just a few steps away from total madness. :lol:

 

Organisation, I need to kill the bikes and maybe any mention of jump-packs, and play up the big guns. I think the rest of it, such as all captains come from the first company and the Ironbound, can probably stick around, likewise the affinity for Techmarines and the adjusted roles for Chaplains.

 

Geneseed is pretty straightforward. I don't really think anything here needs altering, since the Stonebound will still be White Scars successors for the aggro factor.

 

In principle this all should be fairly easy. I should probably just mythic up the chapter's early days and their views on the Emperor. In practice, the problem with that idea is that the early days of the chapter would be recorded somewhere in the Imperial database and not really be so mythic. And the IA should probably be the view of an outsider-reading-a-historical-account rather than what the chapter thinks of itself. B)

 

On the plus side, I think we can all agree that the battlecry section doesn't need any work, can't we? :lol:

 

EDIT: Man, you can just sense the frustration, can't you?

Ah well. Probably best to get it out of my system. :P

Edited March 15, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[Lysimachus]

Sorry Ace, took me a while to get back on again!

 

The History, as it is, deals with the Stonebound before they are named or have a homeworld. Without the homeworld, there is very little to influence them into having anything Dwarvish. I could, however, have some influence from the Red Sabres, who could be quite like the Stonebound are right now - that'd give a starting point. (Ah, the benefits of making up your own parent chapter too.)

 

I'd keep the origins fairly simple, pretty much unchanged actually. You're right, it's their homeworld that makes them dwarfy, not the Sabres. Also, I would keep them as they are, as it's a nice contrast and highlights how they change.

 

Homeworld doesn't need a lot either to my mind. If you changed this paragraph:

 

It was half a year later that the Orks came, attacking Kagara and the Stonebound in their thousands. Countless people, caught during their migration to the caverns, were slaughtered by the greenskins. The Stonebound responded quickly, rising from under the earth itself to spread vengeance and fury. Although the chapter sustained heavy losses, they triumphed over the Ork invaders, slaying their Warboss. As the Orks tried to flee into the depths, the Stonebound followed on foot, taking civilian guides to lead them to the deepest parts of the caves where the Gor'da made their lairs. They pushed the diminished group of Orks into battle with the Gor'da, watching in satisfaction as the numerous 'dark lizards' tore the greenskins apart. From that day forward the people of Kagara and the Stonebound have shared a common bond of victory in the face of mankind's enemies, and every ten years a feast is held outside the Fortress Monastery itself for all of Kagara's peoples to come and celebrate the honour earned that day

 

for something like this:

 

It was half a year later that the Orks came, attacking Kagara and the Stonebound in their thousands. Countless people, caught during their migration to the caverns, were slaughtered by the greenskins. The Stonebound responded quickly, rising from under the earth itself to gather as many of their people into the safety of the Ka’hagul as they could. Finally, just before the Orks could attack, the great gates of the Fortress Monastery were shut and the Siege of Kagara began.

 

For many months, the enemy ruled the surface of the Stonebound’s homeworld, their numbers simply too great to challenge. The Chapter defended their people within their underground stronghold, holding the Orks back with nothing more than determination and disciplined firepower. As their ammunition stocks became more and more depleted, all seemed lost; but finally Kagara itself turned against the invaders. The planet’s ferocious winter pummelled the defenceless Orks, breaking their strength and leaving their host a shadow of its former self.

 

One the first day of spring, Baines led his men forth from the Ka’hagul to exact vengeance against their foes. Although there were still many Orks and the Chapter sustained heavy losses, they triumphed over the invaders, slaying their Warlord. As the Orks tried to flee into the depths, the Stonebound followed on foot, to the deepest parts of the caves where the Gor'da made their lairs. They pushed the diminished group of Orks into battle with the Gor'da, watching in satisfaction as the numerous 'dark lizards' tore the greenskins apart. From that day forward the people of Kagara and the Stonebound have shared a common bond of victory in the face of mankind's enemies, and every ten years a feast is held outside the Fortress Monastery itself for all of Kagara's peoples to come and celebrate the honour earned that day.

 

 

Adding a siege right at the start shows straight away how they could be forced to change their tactics?

 

Other bits:

 

Combat Doctrine

At their inception, the Stonebound, like the majority of White Scars successor Chapters, favoured quick, hard-hitting assaults over ranged combat and many of their tactics focussed on the use of Astartes bikes and jump packs. However, these very tactics often played into the hands of the brutal Orks and after several early losses, the Stonebound resignedly saw the wisdom of sometimes adopting a more defensive posture. Therefore, since that time, the Chapter has reformed itself into a more balanced and flexible fighting force; often using armoured vehicles and heavy weapons to protect their flanks while the main Stonebound battle line advances or holds objectives.

 

could be a bit more heavy-focussed, like:

 

At their inception, the Stonebound, like the majority of White Scars successor Chapters, favoured quick, hard-hitting assaults over ranged combat and many of their tactics focussed on the use of Astartes bikes and jump packs. However, these very tactics often played into the hands of the brutal Orks and after several early losses, the Stonebound resignedly saw the wisdom of adopting a more defensive posture. Therefore, since that time, the Chapter has gradually reformed itself into a more steadfast fighting force; often using armoured vehicles and heavy weapons to protect their flanks while the main Stonebound battle line implacably advances or holds objectives.

 

This might give a bit more of a static feel, or on the attack a slow but implacable advance of infantry and tanks. I think the impression you want to give is using tanks and heavy weapons, but it's not a blitzkrieg, it's more like a steamroller. Grind forward a bit, stop, destroy anything in range, grind forward a bit more, and so on. Would that work to be different from your other Chapters?

 

 

Finally this paragraph in the Org section needs less bikes:

 

For example, the Stonebound Armoury maintains a much larger than average number of Space Marine bikes, and all brethren are well trained in their use. Further, much like the original Legion from which they descend, the Stonebound always break up recruits taken from the same tribe and induct them into different Companies, thereby promoting a strong sense of unity throughout the Chapter - irrespective of which Kagaran tribe a Marine comes from, he is now Stonebound, evermore. Finally, the White Scars attitude regarding internment within a Dreadnought continues to hold much weight among the Stonebound, and many Chapter brethren see the hulking machines as nothing more than walking tombs. However, this is not to say that the Stonebound have no Dreadnoughts. Over the course of many centuries, a not inconsiderable number within the Chapter have become more comfortable with the ancient weapons, and see the opportunity to continue to serve the Emperor as one of ‘the Ironbound’ as a great honour.

 

Easy enough, just cut it altogether:

 

For example, much like the original Legion from which they descend, the Stonebound always break up recruits taken from the same clan and induct them into different Companies, thereby promoting a strong sense of unity throughout the Chapter - irrespective of which Kagaran clan a Marine comes from, he is now Stonebound, evermore. Also, the White Scars attitude regarding internment within a Dreadnought continues to hold much weight among the Stonebound, and many Chapter brethren see the hulking machines as nothing more than walking tombs. However, this is not to say that the Stonebound have no Dreadnoughts. Over the course of many centuries, a not inconsiderable number within the Chapter have become more comfortable with the ancient weapons, and see the opportunity to continue to serve the Emperor as one of ‘the Ironbound’ as a great honour.

 

Everything else works fine, I think you do need to add some more dwarfy character, but I'm less sure about how to go about that. Maybe the beliefs section needs more added to it? Just had a thought, what about adding something to the Sages, not just Saga stones but some kind of 'Grudge' stones, recording when an enemy has hurt them, the stone can't be destroyed until the debt of blood is repaid. That's proper dwarfy, to my mind. ;)

 

 

Also, this quote:

 

"When the time comes to do battle, The Emperor cares not which weapon you wield, as long as you wield it well and slay as many enemies as He puts before you."

Sergeant K'ahl Rocma of the Stonebound tenth company instructing recruits.

 

Octavulg is right, it does slightly contradict the axe thing. I was brainstorming last night, what about something like:

 

"You must be like the mountains of Kagara in the winter storm. Be patient. Endure. Once your enemy has expended his strength, then is the time to strike."

 

Again, that sounds proper dwarfy to me!

 

Finally, again I'd go through and change 'tribes' to 'clans', and also Redshields is much better than Redwings, simple thing but it does give a more solid, static feel.

 

 

just a few thoughts, hope it helps!

 

 

IG PC 35/40

Edited March 18, 2010 by Strike Captain Lysimachus

[Wildfire]

I'm lazy and just read the IA and skimmed the last page or two. So if I missed anything relevant, forgive me.

 

Regarding making the combat doctrine dwarfy: maybe it's just me but I don't see dwarves as being artillery monsters except in WFB. I would suggest making them more classically dwarfy (if there is such a thing). For me, that would be more of an emphasis on tactical squads making slow, implacable progress into the face of the enemy. Emphasize stubborness and resiliance over clever tactics. Maybe they like to fortify strategic assets and wait for the enemy to come to them. The bit about starting out trying a more White Scar-esque style before being forced to change by the Ork invasion is something I like, tho.

[Ace Debonair]

Nice.

In fact, very nice.

 

Grudge Stones are much better than Saga Stones. I can just see the Librarian shattering one of those stones during the post-battle celebration to wild applause. :D

I might keep both, though, since I also really dig the idea that all their holiest books are actually carven slabs of stone.

 

I'll sit down later on and sort something out for the beliefs. If I'm going to re-write the chapter, I'll darn well do it in one sitting, editing the whole lot and then eradicating anything that doesn't fit.

 

I've done some research on the dwarvish from LOTR, and there's a fair bit more to them than my first research shows. I always thought the Dwarves in LOTR, like the Discworlders, weren't really so big on Gods and Demons and all that. Boy, was I ever wrong. :lol:

 

I'm thinking a section from an epic saga-poem-thing about the Emperor needs to be in a sidebar, if not in beliefs itself as a summary of what the chapter thinks of the Big E.

 

Steamroller tactics, you say? ;) Why, why, why didn't I think of that? :P

I guess I went past my idea limit for the day. :sweat:

 

As a side note, I am thinking the Red Sabres might be a bit more like the Stonebound as they are at the time of writing - solemn and grouchy fast-attack-based guys. That might be a good foundation to develop into full-scale Dwarf-esque behaviour. Realistically, very little (if any) of that change will actually feature in the IA, but I think it might help me set the tone better.

 

Oh, and before I forget:

Lysimachus, you are the man.

That's the fourth time I've said that on this thread. :lol:

 

Aha, I just spotted Wildfire's post too.

Improvised fortifications is something I like - I'll work in a short bit about that. ;) Thanks for reading!

[Ace Debonair]

OK, here's something.

In the end I just brutally butchered that poem that Octavulg posted.

 

-=-=

 

In Terra's halls of ancient days,

Amidst a shining golden haze,

The Emperor, whose will alone

Survives within the Golden Throne.

 

The Emperor, who walked alone,

Unto an ever-distant goal.

He raised his gaze up high, afar,

And forged a crown to rule the stars.

His sons he birthed, to glory bring,

To Him, our everlasting King.

 

But then the darkness spread afar,

Gripping nine from eighteen hearts,

The Emperor cast His grief aside,

His Holy will would not be denied.

In battle brave against false Gods,

The Emperor defied the odds -

Striking down his traitor sons,

But at once He lost what He had won.

 

Interr'd within the Golden Throne,

Sealed in halls of steel and stone,

In Terra's halls of ancient time,

A ruler, fair and just and wise,

The Emperor, who by will alone

Will rise again from the Golden Throne!

 

And we, descended of his line,

His legacy, for all of time,

The sons of Khan, the sons of war,

We, the Stonebound - Evermore!

 

We will answer to your call,

Hail Emperor! The King of all!

 

-=-=

 

It's destined for a sidebar, even if it gets into the IA at all.

 

I guess I could re-jig it to be less of a 'history of the heresy' and more of a 'The Emperor is awesome and Chaos can't kill him' sort of thing.

 

Any good?

[Octavulg]

Needs more rhyme scheme. Right now it's kinda inconsistent with the rhymingness.

 

I like the last bit a lot. ;)

 

How about:

The word was young, the stars were clean

No stains upon the sky were seen

Our Lord sat not on Golden Throne

But boldly strode the Earth alone

His lightning sword did strike his foes

His power and his banner rose

He brought together tribe and clan

To help reforge the worlds of Man

With potent seed and twisted gene

He then brought forth the Space Marine

And twenty Sons, great warriors all

In the golden times, before the fall

 

Titans marched, and armies clashed

In the dark of space, foul xenos gnashed

Their horrid fangs, and did despair

For the Emperor brought his lightning there

And with it struck a cleansing spark

That lifted Man up from the dark

And writ large upon the sky

That the realm of man would never die

Under lord eternal bright

The Emperor, bringer of light

 

But shadow flickered past the glow

As forces Man should never know

Did twist and plot and cast their schemes

And whisper to the Sons in dreams

That they would be used and cast aside

Used to build the Emperor's pride

To make a realm for him alone

To dictate to from golden throne

While those who that realm had wrought

Would wither, die and be forgot.

 

They took these whispers deep to heart

And with help of Chaos tore apart

The works that took so long to make

Took little enough to break

Foul Horus, once his son most dear

Betrayed him out of treachery's fear

And Son fought Son on Terra's soil

Those who once had been most loyal

Had destroyed all that they had kept

And on his throne, the Emperor wept

 

But grief could not stay his might

Nor darkness hide the Emperor's light

His mighty sword did sweep away

The treacher of his Sons, and they

Did flee in terror through the sky

And hide in places low and high

To escape the wrath of Space Marine

Who sought and cleansed out the unclean

But hiding did avail them nought

And so they reaped what they had wrought

 

Interr'd within the Golden Throne,

Sealed in halls of steel and stone,

In Terra's halls of he guides us still,

A ruler, strong of mind and will,

The Emperor, who by thought alone

Will rise again from Golden Throne!

And lead us to a future bright

And bring to Man eternal light!

 

And we, descended of his line,

His legacy, for all of time,

The sons of Khan, the sons of war,

We, the Stonebound - Evermore!

We will answer to your call,

Hail the Emperor! Lord of all!

 

EDIT: Eh...it's a little long, now that I look at it.

 

Another option would be what I just wrote, but change as following:

 

...And twenty Sons, great warriors all

In the golden times, before the fall

And his light shone into the night

From man's lord eternal bright

 

But shadow flickered past the glow

As forces Man should never know...

 

Cuts a stanza, still flows.

Edited March 18, 2010 by Octavulg

[Lysimachus]

Very nice, both of you!

 

Agreed with Octavulg, you could cut most of the second stanza quite easily. If it's still too long after that, I think most of the fifth stanza could probably come out without spoiling the flow as well.

 

Any more updates on the rest of the article?

Edited March 19, 2010 by Strike Captain Lysimachus

[Ace Debonair]

Not yet, regrettably.

 

Real life weighs heavily upon me, and promises to do so for a good while.

My efforts are once again outclassed by Octavulg's awesome skills. I suppose that's more saga-like than my one, but I was haunted by the thought of having a sidebar that's longer than the rest of the IA. :P

 

I'll be sure to get back to this once I get the opportunity, though. ;)

[Ace Debonair]

OK, so here's the first batch of changes.

 

I've played with the Redshields a bit, and the combat doctrine. Apart from that it's pretty much just been a copy-and-paste of Lysimachus' ideas. :P

The beliefs are giving me some headaches, I must admit. They'll be posted seperately, once I've sussed out exactly what I want.

 

-=-=

 

History:

"...They called us 'Stone Angels', for nothing their weapons could do could hurt us. Had we come to wage war, I would think nothing of it, and slain them like any other enemy. But the name has... appeal. We Astartes, bound in armour as enduring as the stone on which we stand..."

From the saga of Alar Baines, Grand Captain of the Stonebound.

 

Created in the Sixth Founding from the gene-seed of Jaghatai Khan via the Red Sabres, the Chapter that would come to be known as the Stonebound were assigned to the Segmentum Pacificus to combat the threat of ever increasing Ork incursions. A cadre of Red Sabres veterans would train them for a time, overseeing the maturation of their first five generations of recruits, then return to their home Chapter. Alar Baines was the leader of this cadre, but would not claim the position of Chapter Master, insisting that his role was only to mentor the Chapter for a short time. He instead took up the title of Grand Captain.

 

Baines’ first task as leader of the fledgling Chapter was to find a world that they could call their home. This search lasted for several decades, but soon after his Marines made planetfall on the world known to the Imperium as Kagara, Baines knew that his quest had finally ended.

 

Homeworld:

 

 

"In the Kagaran caves at winter, the only light is faith in Him. Darkness surrounds, and we endure."

Oruc Be'scar of the Redshields Company speaking to an officer of the Imperial Navy two years after the battle at Kagara.

 

To understand the Chapter called the Stonebound, one must understand the world with which they are associated. Kagara lies in the east of the Segmentum Pacificus, not far from the borders between the Segmenta Tempestus and Solar. Kagara is a world of wildly differing climate - the world's summers are often warm and pleasant, and the people there are able to farm all manner of produce to sustain them through the best part of the year. When the leaves begin to fall, however, the clansmen harvest quickly and efficiently, and begin preparations to leave their villages until the spring. This is because the winters on Kagara are extremely harsh - nothing human can survive the cold weather, and many of the dwellings made in the spring and summer are damaged or destroyed by the violent weather. The clansmen, in the later part of autumn, head underground to avoid these devastating, season-long storms, taking with them as much livestock and harvested food as possible. Such provisions are scarce in the vast labyrinth of underground tunnels, short of hunting and killing the deadly Gor'da, or 'dark lizards'. The Gor'da are large, dangerous creatures that dwell in the warmth of the underground passages. They usually lurk far underground, at deeper levels than those used by the people of Kagara, but are known to come hunting for an easy meal of human flesh. To ward off possible Gor'da attacks, the clans have built stone fortresses within the caves, in which they spend the coldest part of the year. Once the spring arrives, however, two things force them to leave and return to the surface - firstly, the lack of sustainable food, and secondly, the Gor'da become too warm in the deeps, and come closer to the surface, meaning a greatly increased number of attacks on the population.

 

When the Chapter first arrived on Kagara they saw that, for the people of a feral world, the populace showed great innovation in their lifestyles. Many of the underground tunnels were linked, mostly by natural occurrences, but sometimes by the industrious toil of the Kagaran people. This meant that clan interaction often took place away from sunlight, in the dark of the deep places. Everything from trade to warfare was conducted in the stone caverns beneath the surface. With the arrival of the Astartes, many Kagarans tried to fight, but after facing the fearsome 'stone giants' with their unbreakable armour and terrifying weaponry, each clan quickly agreed to meet with Grand Captain Baines. From their words, he learned much of the world, and in return he spoke of the Adeptus Astartes, The Emperor, and the threat posed by the Orks and other foul xenos.

 

Within two decades, the Chapter had built their Fortress Monastery, the Ka'hagul, or 'World-Fortress', deep in one of the largest stone caverns, and Baines had named them the Stonebound. The Chapter, by the end of its twentieth year on Kagara, had adapted to the world marvellously, and had taken in their first generation of recruits with acceptable levels of losses.

 

It was half a year later that the Orks came, attacking Kagara and the Stonebound in their thousands. Countless people, caught during their migration to the caverns, were slaughtered by the greenskins. The Stonebound responded quickly, Astartes rising from under the earth itself to gather as many of their people into the safety of the Ka’hagul as they could. Finally, just before the Orks could attack, the great gates of the Fortress Monastery slammed shut and the Siege of Kagara began.

 

For many months, the enemy ruled the surface of the Stonebound’s homeworld, their numbers simply too great to challenge. The Chapter stubbornly defended their people within their underground stronghold, holding the Orks back with nothing more than determination and disciplined firepower. As their ammunition stocks became more and more depleted, all seemed lost; but finally Kagara itself turned against the invaders. The planet’s ferocious winter pummelled the defenceless Orks, breaking their strength and leaving their host a shadow of its former self.

 

One the first day of spring, Baines led his men forth from the Ka’hagul to exact vengeance against their foes. Although there were still many Orks and the Chapter sustained heavy losses, they triumphed over the invaders, slaying their Warlord. As the Orks tried to flee into the depths, the Stonebound followed on foot, to the deepest parts of the caves where the Gor'da made their lairs. They pushed the diminished group of Orks into battle with the Gor'da, watching in satisfaction as the numerous 'dark lizards' tore the greenskins apart. From that day forward the people of Kagara and the Stonebound have shared a common bond of victory in the face of mankind's enemies, and every ten years a feast is held outside the Fortress Monastery itself for all of Kagara's peoples to come and celebrate the honour earned that day.

 

When Grand Captain Baines left Kagara to return to the Red Sabres, he made Jorn Fellis, Captain of the First Company, the first true Stonebound Chapter Master. Under his leadership, and those who came after him, the Stonebound have waged war against the foul Orks ever since. The Chapter has developed a fierce love of close combat tactics, and in a salute to Kagaran tradition, each marine carries an axe with him into battle. The axe, to the Stonebound, symbolises the role of a space marine - to brutally and irrevocably destroy the enemies of makind.

 

The Chapter recruits from the clans during every season other than the winter, challenging aspiring warrior youths by flying them to the top of Kagara's highest mountain ranges and forcing them to survive the month-long climb down with no equipment or help. The difficulty of this task is magnified greatly by the bitter cold, as well as lack of shelter, and made even worse by attacks by the ferociously territorial V'or, a species of flying, carnivorous lizard distantly related to the Gor’da and only slightly smaller than a grown man.

 

 

Combat Doctrine:

 

"Let the enemy expend his strength in trying to break you. When he fails, strike. You must learn to be like the mountains of Kagara - strong and tough enough to weather any storm."

Sergeant K'ahl Rocma of the Stonebound tenth company instructing recruits.

 

At their inception, the Stonebound, like the majority of White Scars successor Chapters, favoured quick, hard-hitting assaults over ranged combat and many of their tactics focussed on the use of Astartes bikes and jump packs. However, these tactics often played into the hands of the brutal Orks and after several early losses, the Stonebound resignedly saw the wisdom of adopting a more defensive posture.

Therefore, since that time, the Chapter has gradually reformed itself into a more steadfast fighting force; often using armoured vehicles and heavy weapons to protect their flanks while the main Stonebound battle line implacably advances or holds objectives. Another trait prevalent within the ranks of the Stonebound is an ability to defend well, even while advancing. Enemy counter-attacks, launched at what appears to be the weakest part of the slowly advancing line of Astartes are often met with sudden, devastating firepower or brutally overwhelmed by an assault squad.

 

 

Nonetheless, individual Stonebound warriors continue to pride themselves on their proficiency in close quarters combat, becoming particularly skilled with the axes they each carry. Chapter Marines train almost constantly with these weapons, many learning to hurl them with deadly strength and accuracy in the event that a bolt clip should run empty at an inopportune moment.

The Stonebound Assault Squads number among the finest of the Chapter's axe wielders, many of them carrying heavy two-handed blades with which to annihilate their enemies. Although it is not unheard of for such squads to utilize jump packs, these are typically employed only for battles in difficult terrain. Generally, Assault Squads in the Chapter prefer to rely on their Rhino transports to get them into the thick of battle and provide cover.

 

 

Whilst Orks are still the foremost enemy of the Stonebound, they have also crossed blades with marauding Chaos warbands, put down heretical planetary rebellions, and in more recent times fought against a Tyranid Splinter Fleet believed to be a part of Hive Fleet Leviathan. The tactics used by the Stonebound change to suit the terrain and the enemy, but one thing is always placed above all others - ferocity.

 

Organisation:

 

"The Great Khan saw in the tome written by his brother Primarch words of true wisdom. Who are we, then, to doubt those words?"

Chapter Master Jorn Fellis of the Stonebound.

 

For the most part, the Stonebound follow the pattern of Chapter organization laid out in the Codex Astartes, fielding ten Companies of around one hundred Space Marines. As one might expect, these Companies are structured into Veteran, Battle, Reserve and Scout formations respectively. However, although the Stonebound follow the Codex Astartes, there are still many similarities in their structure with their parent Chapter, the Red Sabres, and by extension with their primogenitor Legion, the White Scars.

 

For example, much like the original Legion from which they descend, the Stonebound always break up recruits taken from the same clan and induct them into different Companies, thereby promoting a strong sense of unity throughout the Chapter - irrespective of which Kagaran clan a Marine comes from, he is now Stonebound, evermore. Also, the White Scars attitude regarding internment within a Dreadnought continues to hold much weight among the Stonebound, and many Chapter brethren see the hulking machines as nothing more than walking tombs. However, this is not to say that the Stonebound have no Dreadnoughts. Over the course of many centuries, a not inconsiderable number within the Chapter have become more comfortable with the ancient weapons, and see the opportunity to continue to serve the Emperor as one of ‘the Ironbound’ as a great honour.

 

 

In homage to their parent chapter, the Stonebound named their First Company the Redshields. Members of the Redshields are usually ancient marines; long-bearded, grizzled warriors who combine the wisdom of countless battles with ferocious skill-at-arms. Marines in the 1st Company paint their pauldrons a dull red and each Veteran is gifted a finely crafted red shield. These shields are commonly decorated with personal heraldry, as well as badges and honours recognizing a Marine’s individual achievements. When a member of the Redshields dies his shield is hung on the outer walls of the Fortress-Monastery; from a distance it appears that the Ka’hagul is anointed in the blood of these heroes.

 

Entry into the 1st Company is marked by a test of skill - a Marine wishing to enter the Redshields must walk alone under the earth until he can claim a tooth from the moouth of a Gor'da. Hunting and stalking the beast in the pitch-dark caverns is difficult enough; and fighting a Gor'da alone is a true test even for the highly skilled Astartes. The badge of the Redshields is therefore a stylized red fang that is carved onto their armour, as well as onto any vehicles assigned to the 1st Company. Each Company Captain in the Stonebound is always promoted from the ranks of the Redshields.

 

Any campaigns outside of the Sector in which the Stonebound are based receive the attention of one of the Chapter's two Battle Barges, the Ni'halm (Black Shield) and the Arn (Axeblade). When on campaign in a Battle Barge, the Stonebound seldom deploy less than two Companies to any engagement, reckoning that overwhelming an enemy with as much force as possible is always the best way to proceed.

 

 

-=-=

 

And that's it up to now. Much of it is the same, actually. I'll need to play with the 'Broken Sabre' sidebar a bit, to emphasize the new combat style of the Stonebound and also the attitude of the Red Sabres a bit.

 

Then it's just the beliefs to take care of. :P

 

Any opinions or ideas much welcomed!

[Lysimachus]

good work, Ace. (sorry, i'd missed this update!)

 

Like the changes, good idea on the shields rather than tabards, would work better with the being hung up on the walls, more survivable!

 

"Let the enemy expend his strength in trying to break you. When he fails, strike. You must learn to be like the mountains of Kagara - strong and tough enough to weather any storm."

 

Honestly I like mine better :rolleyes: Having said that, this works fine too, it just feels a little wordy. Maybe just cut it down a tiny bit, something like:

 

"Let the enemy expend his strength in trying to break you. When he fails, strike. You must be like the mountains of Kagara - strong enough to weather any storm."

 

Edit: Looking at that again, maybe also change either 'strength' or 'strong' for something else as well. Possibly 'strength' -> 'power/forces'?

 

Lysimachus

 

IG PC 36/40

Edited March 25, 2010 by Strike Captain Lysimachus

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Let the foolish enemy expend his strength; when he is weak you strike. Become like the mountains of Kagara - hard and fierce in the face of any storm.

 

How about that?

[Ace Debonair]

Both good ideas.

 

I'll screw the ol' thinkin' cap on and see if I can come up with something better - failing that I'll flip a coin and see which one to steal. :D

 

The Beliefs are turning out to be a real pain to write, and real life has not done anything to help my cause recently. So, in short, I can't guarantee an update any time soon. ;)

I figures I may as well take my time and post something worth reading, instead of the jumbled mess I'm looking at right now. :D

Edited March 25, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[Captain Juan Juarez]

To be honest, I only really really like the end part of mine RE: the mountains ;)

[Ace Debonair]

Right. This is something I refuse to give up on, real life or no real life. :unsure:

 

Problem is, it's the proverbial brick wall against which I have beaten my head for about three weeks. I now have a severe headache, obviously. So, in the spirit of goodwil and generosity, I present to you the same wall. Do with it as you will. :rolleyes:

 

Beliefs:

"Look after your armour, brother. You will find nothing else that so effectively keeps the Ork's fangs from your throat."

Attributed to Techmarine Rha’kol.

 

One of the most notable details of the Stonebound's chapter cult is the way in which the chapter reveres The Emperor, which varies slightly within some of their rituals. Some portray The Emperor as the true first Space Marine, a guiding hero and king whose goal was to reshape the galaxy to his vision. Others place him closer to a true creator - a man of awesome power and wisdom who literally shaped worlds with his Godlike power. Whether or not they truly deify Him is something the chapter will not be drawn on, and the few who have spoken to others about their personal beliefs over the centuries have each painted different pictures of The Emperor.

 

Librarians in the chapter are referred to as Sages, and during daily ceremonies will read from the Sagas - accounts of fabled heroes and tales of bravery and courage in the face of the enemies of Mankind. Their other duty is to maintain the Chapter's Grudge-Stones. These stones are taken from the walls of same cavern in which the Ka’hagul stands, and are only used to record losses and dishonours that each company has suffered. The company must bear these heavy stone until such time as they triumph over the enemy that has incurred the grudge, or undertaken sufficient penitence via combat. After battles, celebrations to honour the victory and the memories of brothers fallen in battle are held. These celebrations consist largely of impromptu feasts, and Librarians or Chaplains will write and sing songs of the battle fought, or of the heroic actions of those who died. It is only during these celebrations that Grudge-Stones can be broken - usually by the company Librarian - and such an occurence is cause for true celebration amongst the chapter. The feasts can last from anywhere between an hour to several days, depending on if there are other battles to be fought immediately. The Stonebound hold that to not properly recognize a victory or a death will bring misfortune to the Chapter.

 

The beliefs of the Stonebound have been heavily influenced by the attitudes of the Kagaran people. In Kagaran society, two abilities are prized over all others; skill in battle and craftsmanship, whether in carving stone or forging steel. Both of these traditions are held dear by the chapter. From a very young age, all Kagarans are taught these skills and in Kagaran warrior tradition, a man is only truly a man when he has forged his own chain-mail and his own axe, and is ready to use them in the defence of his people. Each Marine learns to lovingly care for his own weapons and armour, but also to create other pieces, statues and sculptures in metal and stone, ornately decorated to commemorate victories or other notable events.

 

Among the many practices adopted from the Kagaran population, the one that most often draws questions from other Imperial servants is the tradition of Stonebound Marines wearing mail sections over their power armour. Considering the remarkable protection already provided by Astartes power armour, the function of this chain-mail is far more decorative than practical, yet a Marine of the Stonebound would be as likely to leave his bolter behind as he would to forsake his mail. The Stonebound say to not show the proper respect to the holy armour of The Emperor's Space Marines would be to invite misfortune and failure. Veteran Marines often make even more extensive use of mail links, sometimes covering the shoulders, arms and upper legs of their armour, and many of the Chapter’s fighting vehicles are similarly adorned.

 

Given the skills and devotion to craftsmanship among the Stonebound, it is unsurprising that the Chapter is able to maintain a higher than normal number of older suits of power armour. Many Marines within the Chapter wear their Mark VI armour with pride, while some veterans can boast of acquiring even older Marks. The Stonebound have an almost spiritual relationship with their arms and armour and it is therefore also unsurprising that Techmarines are figures of some stature within the Chapter. Not only do they take care of more complex repairs and maintain the well-being of the Chapter’s machine spirits, but often Battle Brothers approach them when they have a need for spiritual advice.

 

For this reason, the functionality of the Chapter Reclusiam is somewhat altered as well; their role more closely approximating the one held in other Chapters by a Master of the Recruits. Chaplains of the Stonebound focus much of their time on the 10th Company, instilling fierce pride, unbending belief and cold fear into their recruits. This fear is vital, as conquering it is a key part of the recruit's training, making them ready to face the innumerable terrors of the dark galaxy around them.

 

-=-=-=-=-=

 

That's it for now. I'm not sure if the sort of stylized maybe-a-mortal-maybe-a-God view on the Emperor even works, but it's the best I can come up with for trying to equate the Emperor to Durin from the LOTR dwarves.

Naturally, if there's another way I hadn't considered, I'd be very, very happy to hear it.

Any opinions, criticism or what-have-you will be muchly appreciated.

 

Oh, and apolgies for the delay in getting this posted. Real life and illness are sadly preventing the level of activity I was hoping to achieve.

[Brother_Kaelgrim]

I love it. I could picture the chapter as I read those beliefs, huge feats, breaking of grudge stones, forging their chainmail, I could easily visualize this and the marines behind the scene from just the beliefs section. Very well done B)

[Ace Debonair]

Hey, thanks.

 

'Twas an extremely awkward bit to articulate, so I'm glad it doesn't come across as clumsy.

After another opinion or two I'll consider compiling a genuine, actual, honest-to-Emperor update for post #1. B)

[Lysimachus]

Morning Ace, sorry not had a chance to give this a proper look over yet. Looks good, maybe needs a few things moved round a bit, but the material seems sound to me. I'll try to have a more in-depth look over the next couple of days!

[Ace Debonair]

Cheers buddy.

I'm still hopeful of finishing this in time for the Iron Gauntlet. Optimistic, I know.

On the other hand it just says you have to finish and sumbit an article to the Librarium for the challenge... It doesn't say anywhere it has to make it into the Librarium! :)

[Lysimachus]

On the other hand it just says you have to finish and sumbit an article to the Librarium for the challenge... It doesn't say anywhere it has to make it into the Librarium!

 

:D Think SP missed that one?

 

"And lo, at the genius words of Ace Debonair, did countless challengers of the Iron Gauntlet breathe a collective sigh of relief!" :P

 

 

 

Don't worry mate, I'm sure you'll get there before the deadline! Had a look through again, few little bits on the latest drafts of the sections:

 

History and Homeworld both look good.

 

Combat Doctrine:

 

Another trait prevalent within the ranks of the Stonebound is an ability to defend well, even while advancing.

 

This sentence sounds a little off on second read through, what about:

 

Even in assault, the Stonebound’s skill in defence comes to the fore, as they stubbornly grind their way forward from position to position.

 

Organization:

 

typo

tooth from the moouth of a Gor'da

 

all I could see there. Good

 

Beliefs:

 

I like the bits you've added, although there are a few bits that didn't seem to flow quite right and I think the order of the paragraphs worked better how you had it. A particular point that stood out was that it seemed a bit odd for each Company to have its own Grudge-Stones; what if a different Company came across an enemy that had defeated another Company, and killed them. Could the Stone be smashed or would it not count? Might be better to have them belong to the Chapter as a whole, and then have Companies take the appropriate Stone with them if/when they go to campaign against an old enemy?

 

 

How about:

 

Beliefs:

 

The beliefs of the Stonebound have been heavily influenced by the attitudes of the Kagaran people. In Kagaran society, two abilities are prized over all others; skill in battle and craftsmanship, whether in carving stone or forging steel. From a very young age, all Kagarans are taught these skills and in Kagaran warrior tradition, a man is only truly a man when he has forged his own chain-mail and his own axe, and is ready to use them in the defence of his people. Both of these customs are held dear by the Chapter. Each Marine learns to lovingly care for his own weapons and armour, but also to create other pieces, statues and sculptures in metal and stone, ornately decorated to commemorate victories or other notable events.

 

Among the many practices adopted from the Kagaran population, the one that most often draws questions from other Imperial servants is the tradition of Stonebound Marines wearing pieces of mail over their power armour. Considering the remarkable protection already provided by Astartes power armour, the function of this mail is far more decorative than practical, yet a Marine of the Stonebound would be as likely to leave his bolter behind as he would to forsake his mail. The Stonebound say to not show the proper respect to the holy armour of The Emperor's Space Marines would be to invite misfortune and failure. Veteran Marines often make even more extensive use of mail links, sometimes covering the shoulders, arms and upper legs of their armour; and many of the Chapter’s fighting vehicles are similarly adorned.

 

Given the skills and devotion to craftsmanship among the Stonebound, it is unsurprising that the Chapter is able to maintain a higher than normal number of older suits of power armour. Many Marines within the Chapter wear their Mark VI armour with pride, while some veterans can boast of acquiring even older Marks. The Stonebound have an almost spiritual relationship with their arms and armour and it is therefore also unsurprising that Techmarines are figures of some stature within the Chapter. Not only do they take care of more complex repairs and maintain the well-being of the Chapter’s machine spirits, but often Battle Brothers approach them when they have a need for spiritual advice.

 

For this reason, the functionality of the Chapter Reclusiam is somewhat altered as well; their role more closely approximating the one held in other Chapters by a Master of the Recruits. Chaplains of the Stonebound focus much of their time on the 10th Company, instilling fierce pride, unbending belief and cold fear into their recruits. This fear is vital, as conquering it is a key part of the recruit's training, making them ready to face the innumerable terrors of the dark galaxy around them.

 

Librarians in the Chapter are referred to as Sages, and during daily ceremonies will read from the Sagas - accounts of fabled heroes and tales of bravery and courage in the face of the enemies of Mankind. Their other duty is to maintain the Chapter's Grudge-Stones. These heavy tablets are carved from the walls of same cavern in which the Ka’hagul stands, and are used to record all of the losses and dishonours that the Chapter has suffered. When one or more of the Stonebound Companies go to fight against the enemy that has incurred this debt of vengeance, they will carry the Grudge-Stone with them until such time as they triumph over their foe, washing away the Chapter’s dishonour in the blood of their enemies. It may take centuries, or occasionally even millennia, for such debts to be repaid, but the Stonebound never forget and never forgive.

 

After battles, celebrations to honour the victory and the memories of brothers fallen in battle are held. These celebrations consist largely of impromptu feasts, and Sages or Chaplains will write and sing songs of the battle fought, or of the heroic actions of those who died. It is only during these celebrations that Grudge-Stones can be broken - usually by the Company Sage - and such an occurrence is cause for great celebration amongst the entire Chapter. The feasts can last from anywhere between an hour to several days, depending on if there are other battles to be fought immediately. The Stonebound hold that to not properly recognize a victory or a death will bring misfortune to the Chapter.

 

One unusual detail of the Stonebound's Chapter Cult is the way in which the Chapter reveres The Emperor, which appears to vary slightly within some of their rituals. Some portray The Emperor as the true first Space Marine, a guiding hero and king whose goal was to reshape the galaxy to his vision. Others place him closer to a true creator – a being of awesome power and wisdom who literally shaped worlds with his Godlike power. Whether or not they truly deify Him is something the Chapter will not be drawn on (unsurprising, given their reputation for grim introversion), and the few who have spoken to others about their personal beliefs over the centuries have each painted wildly different pictures of The Emperor.

 

 

 

 

I think that way it ends the section better. Anyhooow, as always, feel free to ignore me if I'm going off in the wrong direction! ;)

 

 

 

IG PC 37/40

Edited April 12, 2010 by Strike Captain Lysimachus

[Ace Debonair]

On the other hand it just says you have to finish and sumbit an article to the Librarium for the challenge... It doesn't say anywhere it has to make it into the Librarium!

 

;) Think SP missed that one?

 

"And lo, at the genius words of Ace Debonair, did countless challengers of the Iron Gauntlet breathe a collective sigh of relief!" :P

Maybe I oughta kept that quiet for another week or so. :P Build up the tension more.

History and Homeworld both look good.

I didn't change much for either of 'em, honestly. Maybe three sentences between them.

 

Another trait prevalent within the ranks of the Stonebound is an ability to defend well, even while advancing.

 

This sentence sounds a little off on second read through, what about:

 

Even in assault, the Stonebound’s skill in defence comes to the fore, as they stubbornly grind their way forward from position to position.

Ooh, better. Much better.

typo

tooth from the moouth of a Gor'da

 

all I could see there. Good

 

I had to leave in at least one typo to make sure you were reading properly. :)

 

I like the bits you've added, although there are a few bits that didn't seem to flow quite right and I think the order of the paragraphs worked better how you had it. A particular point that stood out was that it seemed a bit odd for each Company to have its own Grudge-Stones; what if a different Company came across an enemy that had defeated another Company, and killed them. Could the Stone be smashed or would it not count? Might be better to have them belong to the Chapter as a whole, and then have Companies take the appropriate Stone with them if/when they go to campaign against an old enemy?

 

Put like that... I suppose that makes more sense. Although I can imagine, back in the Ka'hagul...

4th company librarian: "Oh yeah, we killed that Farseer you guys were after."

3rd company librarian: *Breaks grudge stone in the next chamber with psychic power and a smug grin* "Party time, brother!"

 

I think that way it ends the section better. Anyhooow, as always, feel free to ignore me if I'm going off in the wrong direction! ;)

 

IG PC 37/40

 

I see you were testing me, also. :D

I guess maybe the beliefs section does look better the way you had it. I sort of wrote 'em in in order of changes made, I think. I'll get cracking on sorting out the first post later, Emperor and time willing.

Edited April 12, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[Brother Argent]

Nope he didn't miss it at all, actually. Although I beleive it states an 'article of Librarium quality' submitted to the Librarium. Of course although I haven't throroughly read through this IA yet (its coming, dont worry) from what I've seen this would qualify.

[Ace Debonair]

Nope he didn't miss it at all, actually. Although I beleive it states an 'article of Librarium quality' submitted to the Librarium. Of course although I haven't throroughly read through this IA yet (its coming, dont worry) from what I've seen this would qualify.

 

Ah. Well, I was the one who picked up on your intentional loophole first. ;)

 

Incidentally, I've updated the IA on page 1. Including shiny awesome new pictures from the new marine painter - the Redshields in particular look much better now!

 

I tried to work in Octavulg's epic poem thing, but even cutting lines out it's a bit long. Well, OK, more than a bit long. Which is a damn shame, 'cause it's awesome. :lol:

 

Lastly, next on my 'to-do' list is Dwarvish the character names up more, except for Alar Baines on account of him basically being a standard-issue-ho-hum White Scar with flashy red-and-white armour. Although in fairness, I quite like the names being slightly more generic as it helps to not ram the theme down the throat of the reader.

 

Anyone like my chances of getting this 'up-to-scratch' in time for the gauntlet to end? :woot:

Edited April 13, 2010 by Ace Debonair