Index Astartes - TEMPEST SONS

[moi_a_mania]

Tempest Sons

Origin and History

“Civil war devastated the Jiminex System for more than a hundred years. Clans from each planet attempted to rule the entire system. There was no peace. Then he arrived. Out of the sky he blazed. His landing could be seen for miles. Each clan journeyed to find the mysterious light. Each of them instead found Salvation.

For who was it that came? He spoke his name – Abrakus. He wore armor of a different hue than that of the Callaspean Sea. He stood head and shoulders above us, but yet spoke to us in a manner in which we all listened.

He warned us of the impending danger that was coming and that we needed to save our “fight” for them. He described these Creatures as so unimaginable that they would steal your very breath. He taught us about them. He taught us how to fight them. He taught us how to beat them. He gave his life for us. He is our savior.” – Reverend Grimnarch Foa.

Legend states a Dark Angel crashed landed on Ekadra in the Jiminex II System. Met by numerous clans and their leaders, he united them in time to fight off a Splinter Fleet Tyranid Invasion. Outmatched, outnumbered, and outgunned, the natives and this lone Dark Angel fought bravely. When they were about to be overrun, an Unknown Space Marine Chapter mysteriously appeared and provided reinforcements until the threat had been defeated. Then they disappeared.

During that Battle on Manapusa, Abrakus died. His efforts to defend the people inspired the Natives with unity and collective pride. He instilled the ideals and values of both the Emperor and the Lion. They buried him as an honored member in a tomb on Ekadra.

Following a tip, the Dark Angels arrived at Ekadra. They were amazed at the raw killing skill of the natives. They also recognized tactical characteristics that were Dark Angel-like in their attack patterns. The Dark Angels were surprised that the natives’ zeal for knowledge about the Lion and his ways were insatiable. Their dedication to the Emperor was equally impressive.

Initially, the Dark Angels wanted to recruit and train the natives. Not one native would be recruited. The natives sought to honor their savior’s request and become a unified force defending their home worlds instead fighting each other to rule it. Joining an “outside” race wasn’t an attractive option. Finally after much debate, Supreme Grand Master Azrael requested that the Lords of Terra create a new Chapter to protect the border lands between the Segmentum Pacificus and Segmentum Tempestus. “It is better to have them as allies than to not have them at all.” Azrael told the High Lords.

Notable Battles:

During a Scouting Mission on the destroyed Gryphonne IV System, The Tempest Sons encountered a Chaos war band led by Chaos Champion, Lord Refutus. Refutus, a Fallen Dark Angel, was looking for a lost Chaos artifact, a Chain sword. Led by the Reverend Palamon Syth, the Revered Dreadnought Dravus the Seeker, Master Magnus Syth and the Gemini (III) Company, Refutus and his war band were defeated. Refutus was then brought to the Dark Angels for repentance.

In 999.m41 Ork Warboss Thuga KrunchFist and his Boyz were detected at Stygies, an Imperial world. The Imperial Naval base at Bakka responded with several fleets. The Tempest Sons, although small in number, sent the entire chapter to intercept the Green Menace. A large battle ensued over the skies of Stygies. A small force invaded the planet where they were met by the Tempest Sons. Hive City Ramadan falls under siege from the Orks. The Tempest Sons sink in and hold off the Ork attack for 56 hours. Behind Thuga, the Ork forces rally and push for a final assault. Depleted in number, but not in spirit, the Tempest Sons hold fast against the threat. When defeat seemed inevitable, Grand Master Poe rose above his troops and faced Thuga. Using his Staff of Righteousness, he was able to slay the War Boss. The Orks retreated and the city was saved.

Home world

http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/how-planets-lose-their-atmospheres_1.jpg

Jiminex System (Ekadra, Manupasa, and Torr). These three planets orbit the star Jiminex II.

The Planet Torr is closest to the star. It is a planet almost completely covered by one large continent. The planet rotates around the star, but doesn’t rotate on its axis. One side of the planet is always facing the star while the other is always covered in darkness.

Torr’s Dark side is a barren ice-like wasteland. It is inhabited by unspeakable creatures who have no love for the light. Some creatures are believed to have psychic powers.

Torr’s Light side is a large desert. Vast and brutal, it is a hostile land filled with untold horrors awaiting under the sand.

Both sides make it ideal for training. The Tempest Son’s Training Base, Olefalesa, is located there.

Many of the Hive Cities are near the Northern coast of the Callaspean Sea. The Hive Cities border the lands of dark and light and serve as trading posts for the rest of the system and the Segmentum. Novices’ first jobs are to serve as security for the Hive cities.

Ekadra and Manapusa are twin planets who rotate around each other and orbit the star. The gravitational pull between each of those planets is so strong that natural disasters are common.

The stormy season or “Tempests” yield hurricanes, quakes, tsunamis, and floods. Many lives have been taken by these annual events.

Ekadra is 98 percent covered with water. There are Ten Thousand Island chains surrounding the Equator. There is only one continent, Maota, located near the southwest area below the equator. This is where most of the Space Ports, Hive Cities, and the Capital (the Triple Towers) are located. The Tempest Sons stronghold, Faletamamalo, is near the Capital.

Manupasa was once a lavish Agricultural planet filled with fertile soil, gardens, and farms. It is believed that this is what lured the Tyranids. After the invasion, it was ravaged by the insidious creatures. The planet is now a desolate wasteland. Serving more as a monument, Manupasa has been left almost uninhabited except for the only remaining Hive City, Largent. This Hive City serves as a research facility and base of operations for training. The hope is to re-establish the planet as it once was.

Gene seed

The Tempest Sons use the Dark Angels’ Geneseed. From all indications, it appears to be pure.

Combat Doctrine

Tempest Sons believe in Men. This ideal holds true to their preferred method of combat – overwhelm the enemy with troops. No matter the type of attack, Tempest Sons prefer to use “Sets” or Squads rather than machines.

Due to this belief, Tempest Sons use Rhinos, Razorbacks, and Land Raiders as dedicated troop transports. The Tempest sons do not use Vindicators or Predators. Heavy Support choices can be substituted as troop choices.

Limited in their Fleet composition, Tempest Sons choose not to use Drop Pods. Thunderhawk Gunships transport Land Raiders, Razorbacks and Rhinos near the forefront of Battle.

Land Speeders and Bikes are common amongst the Second Company. Some of the clans are natural riders and their affinity to strike fast is impressive. Thus, when the Second Company is sent out as one force (The Dreadwind), Fast Attack choices can be used as Troop choices.

Librarians

There is only one Librarian allowed in the Chapter at a time. The Tempest Sons hatred/fear of psychic power is the reason. The Tempest Sons will never ally with another Space Marine Chapter’s force if it is lead by a Librarian. This fear/hatred comes from the beginning of the Natives’ history, It is recognized that the chapter must have someone with a psychic ability.

The current Librarian handpicks his possible successor from a group of psychic neophytes. The neophytes must survive, endure, and be of strong mind when in consideration for the post of Librarian. Many "quests" are given to possible replacements. One quest includes living on the Dark Side of Torr for a period of time where their psychic and mental prowess will be put to the test by the creatures there. There are many other quests, but none as important as "The Challenge". When a Neophyte is ready, he must test his mettle against the Chapter's current Librarian in a psychic duel. If successful, he becomes the new Librarian and is welcomed amongst "The Chosen". The former Librarian disappears. If the Neophyte loses, he too disappears and is never heard from again. Speculation is that they are terminated, but only the Grand Master knows for sure.

Chapter Ascension

Chapter Ascension is based on “Rites of Passage”. From the beginning where they “try out” for the chapter to their induction into “The Chosen”, each Son must prove himself worthy before ascending into the next level.

It starts with new recruits. When a young male from a particular clan wishes to join, he is subjected to a series of tests. If successful, he is then put through the arduous medical procedures. If he survives, he becomes a novice (scout).

As a Novice, he sent on different missions ranging from security to espionage to sabotage to Assassination. If he proves his worth, he is included in the “Draft”. The “Draft” is an annual event where Novices are chosen to join a particular Set (Tactical Squads). The object of this is to fill an open position lost in battle. If recruited by a set, the Novice earns his battle armor and becomes a Brother.

If a Brother performs well, he can earn his “Black Robe”, a symbol of honor amongst the Chapter.

Most recruits show an affinity to one type of particular skill. These brothers can be sent to join either a Devastator, Assault, Bike, Land speeder, or Mechanized Squad. Recognizing this, the Masters encourage Brothers to hone in on their natural skill while they are in Sets.

“The Chosen”

The Tempest Sons organizational chart is similar to that of the Codex astartes. One of the major exceptions is it differs with “The Chosen”.

“The Chosen” is the first company comprised of the most veteran, honored, and skilled Brothers.

All Chaplains and The Librarian are members of ‘The Chosen”.

Deacons

Upon selection into “The Chosen”, the Brother is now called a Deacon and earns his white tabard (Another honored symbol of the Tempest Sons). He is recruited into one of the many Storm Wind Sets, where He is awarded his Terminator Armor.

Each Storm Wind Set has its own design using the three main colors of the Chapter. This represents the different Clans prior to their Imperialization.

The Deacon may choose to fight either with the Storm Wind Full time or chose to fight with his original company as a veteran. When needed to return to the Storm Wind, All Deacons and Masters must report.

Here the newest member of ‘The Chosen’ learns the Story of Grand Master Poe and the mysterious space marine chapter.

“A scream came as the creatures moved closer to our line. Our leader told us to hold against them. “Shoot them in the eyes”. As Poe stood there to encourage his men, a large creature loomed before him and swung its claw. Poe was knocked back. Blood streaming down his face near his left eye. It was gone. Poe picked up his pistol and shot repeatedly at the monster. Then, they came: Space Marines in black armor engaging the alien host. Abrakus called them the Lost Legion. Others know them as the Legion of the Damned. Regardless of what they are called, they saved us that day.”

Deacons are taught that the Inquisition had started an investigation into the possible heretical acts of the Tempest Sons. These accusations include harboring a possible fugitive, protecting a renegade Space Marine Chapter and allowing an Imperial planet to be consumed by Xenos species.

Only by mimicking the Lost Legion’s actions against other threats to the Imperium can restore honor to the chapter. Chaos Space Marines are a specific threat and their eradication will lift the taint of the Inquisition’s accusations from the Chapter and prove that the Tempest Sons are loyal.

When “questioned” by the Inquisition about the incident above, Poe removed his right eye to show his and his fellow natives’ loyalty to the Emperor. The Dark Angels and their successor chapters found that act of loyalty to be so inspirational that the Watchers in the Dark began following Poe around to serve as his eyes.

Masters

If they fight beyond valor and honor, the Deacon may ascend to the second level of “The Chosen” and become a Master. He earns his Teal Tabard and leads one of the mighty companies of the Tempest Sons.

A master’s main purpose is to protect the homeland from all affronts, including those from within the Imperium. He must use his companies’ strengths to gain victory and to restore honor to the chapter.

Grand Master

The final level of “The Chosen” is that of Grand Master. As in other Unforgiven Chapters, the Grand Master answers to the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels. In the Tempest Sons, the current and only Grand Master is Poe.

It is at this level alone that the awful truth is revealed: Abrakus was a Fallen Dark Angel. His last journal entry is used to verify this fact:

“In an effort to reform for my past wrongs, I have given up all I hold sacred to me – my life. in order to earn the Emperor’s forgiveness, I gladly give my life. The perils of the Warp are not more powerful than the Emperor. Instead, chaos is a way for the corrupt to make puppets out of men.

I hope that by teaching these Natives the Doctrine of the Lion and prepare them for the incoming Tyranid Invasion, I can be redeemed. May my former brothers forgive me.” – Abrakus.

Following tips, the Dark Angels traced Abrakus to Ekadra. They hoped to capture and “convince” him to repent. When they arrived, they were disappointed that the Fallen had died. They were surprised at the “repentance” of Abrakus though. This fact led them to believe that not all of the Fallen continued to worship Chaos. But alas, this lone act was not enough in the eyes of the Dark Angels to redeem him.

Azrael spoke with Poe in regards to this. Both struggled with it, but agreed to keep it secret. When the Inquisition came to interrogate Poe, Poe refused to tell them that Abrakus was a Fallen Dark Angel. Nor would Poe describe the mysterious Space Marine force that came to assist them during the Tyranid invasion. When Poe removed his eye out of loyalty for the Emperor, that act seemed to satisfy the Inquisition’s questioning – for the moment.

Knowing that Poe knew the truth and didn’t say anything to the Inquisition, Azrael allowed The Watchers in the Dark to serve as Poe’s eyes. They also serve as spies for him.

If Poe exposed what he knew, the Dark Angels’ secret would be no more. “To eradicate Poe at this point would bring a lot of unwanted questions from the Inquisition” Azrael had thought. Since the natives didn’t have knowledge of Abrakus’ past and since they refused to be recruited, Azrael deemed it necessary to request the Tempest Sons become a successor chapter. This way, he could maintain the Dark Angels’ secret fight against the Fallen, keep tabs on Poe, and gain a powerful ally in the fight against the enemies of the Imperium.

Beliefs and Customs

A Tempest Son tattoos his face upon induction and every time they reach the next level of the chapter. The most senior members have tattooed their entire faces and are proud to show their artwork. This goes back to their warring days amongst the clans.

Tempest Sons have a strong respect for wildlife. On Ekadra, there are creatures in the oceans such as the Patu (100 foot shark) or the Fe’e (Giant Octopi). In the Deserts of Toor, Giant Loi (Scorpions) and Janus (venomous snakes) hunt unsuspecting Novices. On once beautiful manupasa, the feared Eku (Ghost Hounds) await the most eager challengers.

To honor these creatures, some Tempest Sons have adorned their armor with their images. This type of personalization is welcomed and encouraged.

In every culture covering all three planets, there is one common thread: Protect the Homeland. That is what the Tempest Sons believe is their destiny. They have adapted that ideal to most of the planets in the Segmentum Tempestus.

Battle Cry

“Protect the Homeland!.”

[Cpt_Reaper]

Oh wow. Is this a first draft or have you worked on this? It is so in depth, and the detail on history of the chapter is interesting. Good job.

[moi_a_mania]

Thank you for the compliment. It's cool to have your work acknowledged in a positive manner.

 

It has taken since the end of the 2nd Edition, countless versions, multiple changes of colors and insignias, and alot of "helpful" comments from our brothers in arms across the 40K Universe to assist me on this. I'm not done yet, but I do appreciate where it's going.

[Cpt_Reaper]

going...since...2nd edition? Oh wow. No wonder it looks so polished. I started mine at the middle of 4th edition and I can easily see a difference between ours. Again, good job and can't wait to see some pics of them.