IA: Dragon Claws

[Master Exorcist]

EDIT: go to post 16 for the current IA

 

These are my initial ideas for the chapter: They use the salamanders geneseed and have close ties to the chapter. They once lived on Atheum, a frozen death world. They took their name from the sea wryms that live under the frozen planets surface, around M37 the planet had been struck by an enslaver plague, causing the populace and several marines to become enslaved, including the Chapter Master, who sent dozens of marines to certain death.

 

When the Enslaver's hold broke, something awoke from the sea depths, buried in the ice.All records are lost as to the exact nature of this threat, but after bitter fighting, the Dragon Claws had to destroy their homeworld. The bitter and wounded chapter master drak'sr was interred in a dreadnought sarcophagus and the chapter became sterner and more emotionless because of their beloved homeworld's destruction. A century later, the chapter came across the Pillar of Fire, a capital ship and a relic from the great crusade thought lost, which becomes their fortress monastery.

 

The chapter is reorganised into 2 sub-factions, the dragonkin(?) and the wyrmkin(?), so that one individual may not hold the entire power of the chapter as this had proven risky due to the enslavers. Drak'sr intended it to be temperamental untill he awoke from hibernation, however in 3 millenia this has not occurred.

 

M38 the chapter comes across the planet of pyre, which contained creatures remarkably similar to the sea wryms of Atheum, and dragons of ancient Terran mythology. the chapter settles on this world, the dragonkin took the firey north and the wyrmkin took the southern polar region.

 

The Dragon Lord and Wrym lord of each respective sub-group each take 100 year turns to lead the chapter as chapter master, with the promethian guard acting as an honour guard. The promethian guard are veterans on the path to becoming chaplains, who preach the chapter's version of the cult of prometheus and are not part of any sub-group. in disputes between chapter leaders, it is a council of the chaplains who decide the outcome. Reclusiam is located aboard the Pillar of Fire.

 

Organisation:

 

Dragonkin:

Dragon lord (current chapter master)

4 independent (battle) companies

the shoulder trim on the left shoulder is red, they tend to wear red-orange scale cloaks, dragonkin are more hot-headed.

 

Wyrmkin:

Wyrm Lord (using lysander rules)

4 independent (battle) companies

shoulder trim is blue, tend to wear white-blue scale cloaks, known to be more sombre and unemotional.

 

Scout Company: the scout company moves between the two planetary chapter fortresses and the fleet to gain experience training in different environments.

 

Librarium: Located on the Pillar of Fire's tower of ash, the librarians ranking higher than lexicanum are considered to be separate from the sub-groups

may include He'stan as Avatar of Vulkan(?),or as hestan himself (im guessing the chapter would help him locate the seven items) mainly for the sally chapter tactics, not to be a power-gamer but because of the chapter's close ties to the sallies.

 

there are around 500 marines in each group, they are still a chapter so the group without the chapter master would be commanded by the chapter master of the other group, untill he dies or 100 years has passed.

The cult of the promethian is strong within the chapter their version is slightly different as would be norrmal in a succsessor chapter. They have heavy use of flame and melta weapons.

they are craftsmen, like the salamanders before them so they do not have a shortage of tactical dreadnought armour and tanks. Due to drak'sr interred in a dreadnought sarcophagus they revere dreadnoughts. They have links with the adeptus mechanicus, they also prefer shooting over close combat, however they do rever the teachings of the codex and there are several assault squads, though significantly less than a strict codex chapter.

they hail from an unknown founding.

 

 

Any constructive comments would be apreciated.

thanks,

ME

 

EDIT: the chapter will have an african/draconic theme, the colour scheme is scorpion green primary and brown secondary in the astral claws badab war scheme ( green with brown stripes)

[Hubernator]

So in essence - your chapter has a frozen deathworld as a home. A plague hits the planet and sends many to die. SOmething freaky happens, causing the chapter to flee and blow their lovely frozen deathworld to pieces. They then found a relic ship which acted as their homeworld until they found another named Pyre. Also the Chapter is divided into 2 groups...

 

 

Okay then. Questions:

- What Founding?

- Why 2 groups and not like a Council instead of CHapter Master?

- I'm assuming, sticking with the 2 group idea, they have 500 marines each, yes? The same as 5 companies a piece. So what praytell does the other leader do when the first is currently in power?

- How similar are they to the Parent chapter exactly? Do they take most of the current themes and stick to them? Any variations?

- Comabt style? What tactics do they employ?

[Master Exorcist]

thanks, ill answer those questions edited in the first post

the 2 leader thing was just something to characterize the chapter, they could be an elected representative of the 2 groups, essentilly the ancient dreadnought is still in power, but has not awoken from hibernation. Not sure if i should stick with it or go council.

there are around 500 marines in each group, they are still a chapter so the group without the chapter master would be commanded by the chapter master of the other group, untill he dies or 100 years has passed.

The cult of the promethian is strong within the chapter their version is slightly different as would be norrmal in a succsessor chapter. They have heavy use of flame and melta weapons.

they are craftsmen, like the salamanders before them so they do not have a shortage of tactical dreadnought armour and tanks. Due to their chapter master interred in a dreadnought sarcophagus they revere dreadnoughts. They have links with the adeptus mechanicus, they also prefer shooting over close combat, however they do rever the teachings of the codex and there are several aussalt squads.

they hail from an unknown founding.

[The emperors chosen]

So was the chapter master a Librarian, because the Enslaver Plague only affects psykers. Overall though, pretty good, just fix some spelling mistakes, like "the chapter CAME across the Pillar of Fire"

[Master Exorcist]

thanks ill change that

 

I wasnt aware that they only affected psykers, in chapter approved creature feature they can affect any unit, if this is not the case then he will have to be a psyker.

 

 

ME

[Hubernator]

-Two leaders that still follow under a Dreadnought? Hmmm normally dreads aren't left in power like that, since as you say they'd be asleep most of the time. Think Homer Simpson in the Nuclear Reactor Plant :rolleyes: A council of sorts would work better methinks. SUre you can have the dread as part of the council, but not the leader.

- For these groups, are there like Captains leading 100 men or is that non-existant? Like you have the group leader, then would there be 5 men below him?

- An unknown founding? Hmmm could be 13th since that's the Dark Founding, ie nobody's sure how many Chapters were created then.

[Master Exorcist]

haha good comparison.

 

the dreadnought has been hibernating for a good 3 millennia, as such he is more of a spiritual figurehead than an actual leader.

 

there are 3 captains under the leader of the group, as the leader has command of 1 himself.

 

The leaders of the groups could be elected by a council of chaplains.

 

ME

[Master Exorcist]

a good name for the sub-groups could be kindereds? sound too kroot-ish or is it generic enough to work?

[Marshal Renatus]

There is a precedent for having a dreadnought chapter master...though not necessarily a popular one. In one of the Blood Angel books from the BL on of the BA's successors was governed by a dread (can't remember which). You could still do that, and maybe have a 40K version of Star Trek TNG's "#1." Personally chosen by the chapter master (when he's awake), this guy acts as a regent or steward for the position until the dreadnought chapter master finally dies/falls in battle and a new one can be chosen. Just a thought...trying to let you have your cake and eat it too. :lol:

[Master Exorcist]

thanks for the idea, I was actually trying to have the dread hibernating far longer than intended i.e. he hasnt woken up yet, and the chapter cult referring to their 'endgame' when he would finally awake to lead the chapter once more, not sure if this is the way to go or use your idea. The idea of creating a slight rift within the chapter was me trying to make my chapter not perfect.

 

for instance there is no long-term (for space marines anyway) chapter master due to the dread being driven to near insanity due to enslavement, reckoning that if a chapter master ruled for too long he could make like lufgt huron and split from the imperium.

 

 

C + C on my ideas welcome, anyone think that this would be a good chapter idea? would you play against it happily?

 

ME

[Angelfire]

Awesome start. I see some good creativity.

 

I would love to see more explanation and thought on everything, though.

 

For example, the organization is conceptually very interesting organization. How does this partisanship affect their combat doctine? Their beliefs? The mentality of the chapter? Has the chapter fought against *each other* in the time since the schism has happened? Why haven't they just split off from each other completely in the full millennium (or however long; you say it's been at least a few centuries) since the loss of their homeworld?

 

This is a good chapter idea, but needs more refinement. I would happily play against it on the table!

 

-Angelfire

[Master Exorcist]

thanks for your comment angelfire, ill see if i can answer those questions and make a revised version of the original post, then if i have a chunk of spare time ill start writing the IA.

 

before that happens im conflicted as to what pattern of colour scheme to use, i was heading for light green with brown secondary in either tiger stripes or the astral claws pre-badab war scheme. would light green be the way to go?or would it be more original if the chapter had dark brown as a primary colour as far as im aware no official canon chapters use brown.

 

 

any ideas guys?

 

thanks for your comments,

 

ME

[Master Exorcist]

This is the colour scheme im currently thinking of using, with bone-coloured scale cloaks and tabards, the different kindreds could be determined by helmet colour, i havent updated the original post yet, when i have some more free time ill get onto it.

swapping the bone for the brown would also look good, any ideas on which one to choose?

C+C welcome,

ME

Edit: im not seeing it here... ill give the hyperlink here

[Master Exorcist]

--bumps the thread into life--

[NightrawenII]

When the Enslaver's hold broke, something awoke from the sea depths, buried in the ice.

- Ehm, I'm not sure if is this possible. The Enslaver eat the mind of his victim, so hmm... hmm...

 

A century later, the chapter came across the Pillar of Fire, a capital ship and a relic from the great crusade thought lost, which becomes their fortress monastery.

- Such fortunate coincidence... Of course the relics from the GC are lying all over the place.

 

The chapter is reorganised into 2 sub-factions, the dragonkin(?) and the wyrmkin(?), so that one individual may not hold the entire power of the chapter as this had proven risky due to the enslavers.

~

The Dragon Lord and Wrym lord of each respective sub-group each take 100 year turns to lead the chapter as chapter master, with the promethian guard acting as an honour guard.

- Why are they divided into two groups? What is the difference between these groups outside of living in different places?

 

... with the promethian guard acting as an honour guard. The promethian guard are veterans on the path to becoming chaplains...

- Why?

 

chaplains, who preach the chapter's version of the cult of prometheus

- And this version is...?

 

dragonkin are more hot-headed.

~

Wyrmkin: known to be more sombre and unemotional.

- Reason?

 

- they are craftsmen

- They have links with the adeptus mechanicus

- they also prefer shooting over close combat

- they hail from an unknown founding

- Why?

 

Due to drak'sr interred in a dreadnought sarcophagus they revere dreadnoughts.

- Unnecessary, ALL SM revere the Dreads.

 

++++++++

Homeworld

What does the Pyre looks like? ie. landscape and weather, 2nd The Pyre is Chaos Warband. Is there anything interesting about the people of Pyre?; don't forget that most customs, traditions and beliefs came form Chapter's homeworld. How do they recruit the neophytes? For what traits the DC look when seeking suitable recruits?

 

Organisation

See above. Why don't they follow the codex organisation? How are scouts inducted into Battle comapanies? Where is or what substitute for the 1st Co.? What is the role of Techmarines in the Chapter? Explain the Promethean Guard and their role in the Chapter.

 

Combat Doctrine

How? What? and Why?; elaborate. The Codex, elaborate.

 

Beliefs

The version of the Promethean Cult in your Chapter, elaborate and explain. What do the DC admire or revere? Elaborate and explain. What do the DC loathe and seek to destroy? Elaborate and explain. How do they view the Vulkan and the search for Vulkan's relics? How do the DC view the Imperium and their brothers Astartes?

 

Gene-seed

Any quirk or mutation? Elaborate and explain.

 

+++++

Few words on the end.

It's better to leave the tabletop out of the writing of IA. As Ace said:

From all the ones I've seen that have tried to do this, it tends to result in bad writing, mostly because it looks like an obvious 'Oh, and this chapter can use the BA codex, and the BT codex, and...' Well, you get the idea. :(

 

It's the literary equivalent of having Space Wolves and Blood Angels wearing thick spectacles with fake moustaches attached, putting on dodgy accents.

[Master Exorcist]

okay guys here is the start of the IA, its by no means finished, a couple sections, chapter colours, and some little box things to go. Sorry for the time its taken, ive had quite a bit going on recently, i would take this time to thank everyone who has helped me through the initial ideas.

 

Dragon Claws

The kindred lords of pyre

 

Origins:

The Dragon Claws, part of the 4th founding of the adeptus astartes, are a chapter renowned throughout the imperium of man for their superhuman endurance and determination to exterminate the enemies of vulkan and the imperium. These warrior-smiths of pyre have achieved a great number of victories in the emperor’s name, including the siege of Teryan IX and the purging of the Almageist conclave. There are few who can claim to be greater protectors of the imperium.

Unlike most Astartes chapters, who can trace their lineage to Guilliman and the XIII legion, the Dragon Claws hail from the Salamanders gene-seed. This is an unusual source of gene-seed for there are notable mutations, such as deep red eyes and charcoal-black skin. Although there are physical mutations in body, in mind they are the epitome of self-reliance, self-sacrifice and loyalty.

From the ancient forge-ship Pillar of Fire, the Dragon Claws seek out the alien, the heretic, and the daemon, bringing with them a fiery retribution in the memory of Drak’sr, Vulkan and the Emperor.

 

Homeworld:

 

The legacy of the Dragon Claws is not without tragedy. The chapter had once called another world home, Aetheum. A cold, unforgiving death world, The Dragon Claws took their name from the great sea wyrms that inhabited the planet’s vast oceans. However, in late M37 the chapter master Drak’sr returned from a lengthy campaign bearing the blade of eternal flame, an ancient relic crafted by vulkan himself that forever smoldered with the fires of the forge.

Current Imperial records are then scarce in details as to what happened next. This lack of details is due to the chapter severing contact from the imperium for several decades. It is apparent that a number of suspicious deaths occurred on Aetheum, along with increasing signs of warp activity in the surrounding system. It is unsure what led the chapter to cut themselves off from the imperium, several have speculated some form of chaos worship within the chapters recruits, others speculate that the blade of eternal flame was somehow tainted, although none of these rumours are proven, all agree that Aetheum was torn apart as the result of these “disturbances”

In M38, after the mysterious destruction of their homeworld, the chapter re-entered imperial records coming to the rescue of the beleaguered Kantus system. In their possession was the Gargantuan relic from the great crusade, the Pillar of Fire. They then proceeded to crusade as a fleet-based chapter, seeking out the enemies of the emperor and putting an end to them.

Pyre

Two millennia after the loss of aetheum, the Chapter came across the world of Pyre. A Verdant death world wrought with unstable volcanoes, the Dragon Claws saw a reflection of Aetheum’s cataclysmic last days within the constant cycle of destruction on Pyre.

The people of pyre live as wandering hunter-gatherers, hunting the great predators one season and fighting the world itself the next. Its people revere the drake creatures that seem to thrive in the season of destruction. It is because of these echoes of a world they thought they had lost, that they chose to remain on pyre.

 

Organisation

The Organisation of the Dragon Claws differs vastly from codex doctrine. After the events on Aetheum, Drak’sr, now entombed within his adamantium sarcophagus, appointed 2 predecessors: the Firebrand Valthek of the 3rd, and the cold-hearted Gorgon of the 1st. This, as Drak’sr explained, was to ensure no one being held complete control of the chapter.

Since then, the chapter has split into two factions or kindreds as they are known. The Dragonkin and Wyrmkin both seek to embody the aspects of their first leaders, Valthek and Gorgon, respectively. These kindreds have known to argue, and on rare occasion, has led to outright war.

Although there is a major schism within the chapter, They still revere Drak’sr, who is technically, still the Chapter Master, and the current council of chaplains, who act as the voice of Drak’sr in settling internal disputes.

A veteran warrior who displays significant reverence for the chapter’s holy rites, above and beyond what is expected from them will be singled out to join the esteemed ranks of the dragon guard, keepers of the teachings of vulkan and drak’sr. The Dragon guard form the honour guard to the incumbent chapter master, to advise him in times of war, and to prevent the emnity between the two kindreds sparking a chapter war. Those who further prove themselves may be seconded to the command of a kindred company, or advance to the venerable rank of Chaplain-councillor, however, the decision is made unanimously by the other council members. Only those who emulate the lessons of the prometean cult, and who are willing to put aside all bonds of brotherhood in their parent kindred, are considered for such a vital position to maintain the internal status quo within the chapter.

 

Battlefield Doctrine

Although they revere the codex as a great document on warfare, The Dragon Claw’s unique organisation leads to differing ideas on the battlefield, the Dragonkin prefer close assaults, where they can bring the flame of vulkan to their enemies. The Wyrmkin, ever the staunch protector, prefer to fight wars of defence, where the foe is smashed upon their unbreakable shield. These kindred’s specilalities can prove a great boon in the times of unison, however on several occasions the difference of opinion has even led to fatalities. As would be expected of descendants of vulkan, the chapter armoury houses a great number of tactical dreadnought armour, and weapons of the finest craft. In battle, the chapters utilise this to their advantage in the form of a massed counterattack, or a pre-emptie strike into the heart of the enemy.

 

so what do you think? Is this original idea being fleshed out properly?

[fivepointedstar]

haha good comparison.

 

the dreadnought has been hibernating for a good 3 millennia, as such he is more of a spiritual figurehead than an actual leader.

 

there are 3 captains under the leader of the group, as the leader has command of 1 himself.

 

The leaders of the groups could be elected by a council of chaplains.

 

ME

if you going with the whole dreadnought chapter master route instead of using C:SM try using C:SW as Bjorn is an (chapter master= wolf lord) put into a dreadnought. much of your dragon lord, dragon kin, ie sound more (SW) than vanilla. second as your battle groups are divided much like space wolfs operate more like your dragon lord, or wyrm lord runs the buisness his generals go to town to handle the buisness. that sounds like wolf guard, grey hunters, and the hot headed blood claws. plus your fellas lved on a frozen death world space wolves lve on a frozen death world. you dont have to paint or play SW to use codex just use there rules and wargear. hope that helps

 

so all in all go get space wolves codex, and read up! your style and story will fill in the rest.

[Master Exorcist]

haha good comparison.

 

the dreadnought has been hibernating for a good 3 millennia, as such he is more of a spiritual figurehead than an actual leader.

 

there are 3 captains under the leader of the group, as the leader has command of 1 himself.

 

The leaders of the groups could be elected by a council of chaplains.

 

ME

if you going with the whole dreadnought chapter master route instead of using C:SM try using C:SW as Bjorn is an (chapter master= wolf lord) put into a dreadnought. much of your dragon lord, dragon kin, ie sound more (SW) than vanilla. second as your battle groups are divided much like space wolfs operate more like your dragon lord, or wyrm lord runs the buisness his generals go to town to handle the buisness. that sounds like wolf guard, grey hunters, and the hot headed blood claws. plus your fellas lved on a frozen death world space wolves lve on a frozen death world. you dont have to paint or play SW to use codex just use there rules and wargear. hope that helps

 

so all in all go get space wolves codex, and read up! your style and story will fill in the rest.

 

 

DeathKnight, that sounds like a pretty good idea, ill get round to a decision after the IA has been completed. Im going by NightrawenII's suggestion and keeping the tabletop out of the discussion for now, but it could well be a possibility. Is there anything in the IA that you liked (or didn't like for that matter)?

 

ME

[Olis]

What I'm curious about are these rare occurrences of civil war. Do they follow certain rules? Has the conclusion to such events become ritualised? Is the warfare spread to the entirety of the chapter or is it confined to the belligerent parties? Do outside influences intervene or meddle, ever?

 

Just a few questions off the top of me 'ead. :P

[Master Exorcist]

thanks olisredan, im cooking up something good in regards to your questions, an all out chapter civil war would be an 'endgame' of sorts. Im going to include a small description of a campaign where the differences have led to defeats. I would say that honour duels would be commonplace, although im not sure whether it would be to the death (the cooler option :cuss ), in a brutal sort of survival of the fittest. Its a good question, its got me thinking on things...

 

For an example of a campaign, big scary alien race #1 is set to consume sector, all boils down to decisive battle, Dragons Claws fight each other while Guard regiment 13 from the planet of unluckiness gets caught in the crossfire. big scary alien race laughs while it overruns the rest of the forces left unsupported when the Dragon Claws sort out their differences. (not ACTUALLY what im going to write, but you get the idea...)

 

 

btw, is there any DIYers out there who would like their chapter to hold a grudge against mine, rather than me just picking a random chapter?

 

ME

[Master Exorcist]

double post....i hate NZ internets....

 

anyways...what does the liber think of the current IA sections as they stand? (yes i know the IA has a section or 2 to go) Is the theme not too close to anything else, any specific things that are notable? things that need to be added etc...

 

ME

[Olis]

A thought just struck me - Have there been exiles resulting from civil conflict (it'd be kinda cool to have that kind of sword explicitly hanging over particularly zealous brothers)?

[Master Exorcist]

A thought just struck me - Have there been exiles resulting from civil conflict (it'd be kinda cool to have that kind of sword explicitly hanging over particularly zealous brothers)?

 

That would be a really good idea...some form of Ventris-style quest of penitence to atone for purposely inciting conflict at an inconvenient time. That would keep most of the brethren in check in key situations, while still allowing for little skirmishes to weed out the weak in times out of combat.

 

maybe some sort of repenting company to be assigned to? or....OOH forcibly interred within a dreadnought :cuss

 

thoughts?

 

ME

[NightrawenII]

Hello again,

 

Homeworld

However, in late M37 the chapter master Drak’sr returned from a lengthy campaign bearing the blade of eternal flame, an ancient relic crafted by vulkan himself that eternally burned with the fires of the forge.

- eternal flames... eternally burned with fires - repetitive.

 

It is unsure what led the chapter to cut themselves off from the imperium, several have speculated some form of chaos worship within the chapters recruits, others speculate that the blade of eternal flame was somehow tainted, although none of these rumours are proven, all agree that Aetheum was torn apart as the result of these “disturbances”.

- Eh, I'm sure the Inquisition, especially the Ordo Hereticus, will be very interested in these 'rumours'.

 

In M38, after the mysterious destruction of their homeworld, the chapter re-entered imperial records coming to the rescue of the beleaguered Kantus system.

Inquisitor, "So why did you blown up your homeworld, again?".

DC Chapter Master, "Uhm... There was cockroach on the floor!"

;)

 

In their possession was the Gargantuan relic from the great crusade, the Pillar of Fire.

- And suddenly relic from Great Crusade appears... -_-

 

Organisation

Since then, the chapter has split into two factions or kindreds as they are known. The Dragonkin and Wyrmkin both seek to embody the aspects of their first leaders, Valthek and Gorgon, respectively. These kindreds have known to argue, and on rare occasion, has led to outright war.

Although there is a major schism within the chapter...

- Wyrmkin...

- And as nearly every fantasy story teaches us, the internal dispute and feud leads to the darkness. Really, this is literal equivalent of Chaos' Invitation at the doors of your Fortress Monastery.

 

A veteran warrior who displays significant reverence for the chapter’s holy rites, above and beyond what is expected from them will be singled out to join the esteemed ranks of the dragon guard, keepers of the teachings of vulkan and drak’sr. The Dragon guard form the honour guard to the incumbent chapter master, to advise him in times of war, and to prevent the emnity between the two kindreds sparking a chapter war. Those who further prove themselves may be seconded to the command of a kindred company, or advance to the venerable rank of Chaplain-councillor, however, the decision is made unanimously by the other council members. Only those who emulate the lessons of the prometean cult, and who are willing to put aside all bonds of brotherhood in their parent kindred, are considered for such a vital position to maintain the internal status quo within the chapter.

- I don't quite understand, what is the root of the problem. :huh: Either the Chapter follows two different (We have just your word on this one.) doctrines or has one united belief. It seems to me like you have both. :rolleyes:

- The Chaplains are caretakers of Chapter traditions, rituals and doctrines. In order to have spiritual schism in the Chapter, then you have to divide the office of Chaplain itself, otherwise the Chaplains don't follow their traditional role in the Chapter.

 

Cheers, NightrawenII.

[Master Exorcist]

Hello again,

 

Homeworld

However, in late M37 the chapter master Drak’sr returned from a lengthy campaign bearing the blade of eternal flame, an ancient relic crafted by vulkan himself that eternally burned with the fires of the forge.

- eternal flames... eternally burned with fires - repetitive.

 

yeah theres a few errors like that in there, i will fix them all once i finish the draft.

 

It is unsure what led the chapter to cut themselves off from the imperium, several have speculated some form of chaos worship within the chapters recruits, others speculate that the blade of eternal flame was somehow tainted, although none of these rumours are proven, all agree that Aetheum was torn apart as the result of these “disturbances”.

- Eh, I'm sure the Inquisition, especially the Ordo Hereticus, will be very interested in these 'rumours'.

 

remember they essentially disappeared after the destruction of Aetheum, im sure there will be more pressing issues for the ordo hereticus than chasing a ghost story for a few milennia...

 

In M38, after the mysterious destruction of their homeworld, the chapter re-entered imperial records coming to the rescue of the beleaguered Kantus system.

Inquisitor, "So why did you blown up your homeworld, again?".

DC Chapter Master, "Uhm... There was cockroach on the floor!"

:geek:

'Twas a very big cockroach at that...

In their possession was the Gargantuan relic from the great crusade, the Pillar of Fire.

- And suddenly relic from Great Crusade appears... -_-

i might change that to a battle barge previously belonging to them.

 

Organisation

Since then, the chapter has split into two factions or kindreds as they are known. The Dragonkin and Wyrmkin both seek to embody the aspects of their first leaders, Valthek and Gorgon, respectively. These kindreds have known to argue, and on rare occasion, has led to outright war.

Although there is a major schism within the chapter...

- Wyrmkin...

- And as nearly every fantasy story teaches us, the internal dispute and feud leads to the darkness. Really, this is literal equivalent of Chaos' Invitation at the doors of your Fortress Monastery.

 

not every chapter is completely perfect. Its the instruction of their famed chapter master to divide leadership, plus, the iron hands skirmish on a clan-company level to "weed out the weak". The names are better than DC faction #1 and #2, if there are any other suggestions for names i will be listening intently.

 

A veteran warrior who displays significant reverence for the chapter’s holy rites, above and beyond what is expected from them will be singled out to join the esteemed ranks of the dragon guard, keepers of the teachings of vulkan and drak’sr. The Dragon guard form the honour guard to the incumbent chapter master, to advise him in times of war, and to prevent the emnity between the two kindreds sparking a chapter war. Those who further prove themselves may be seconded to the command of a kindred company, or advance to the venerable rank of Chaplain-councillor, however, the decision is made unanimously by the other council members. Only those who emulate the lessons of the prometean cult, and who are willing to put aside all bonds of brotherhood in their parent kindred, are considered for such a vital position to maintain the internal status quo within the chapter.

- I don't quite understand, what is the root of the problem. :huh: Either the Chapter follows two different (We have just your word on this one.) doctrines or has one united belief. It seems to me like you have both. :P

- The Chaplains are caretakers of Chapter traditions, rituals and doctrines. In order to have spiritual schism in the Chapter, then you have to divide the office of Chaplain itself, otherwise the Chaplains don't follow their traditional role in the Chapter.

 

Cheers, NightrawenII.

 

1 the chapter has one doctrine, but two ways of interpreting it.

2 im not sure how to go about this, the alternative i to have two separate offices, or to have chaplains part of the kindreds, while something else takes their place, this could simply be a new rank of my invention (Councillor-master or something), or have another specialist rank take their place, such as techmarines or such...im not sure which would fit better. Thoughts?

 

Cheers for the helping hand NightrawenII,

 

ME