Crimson Justicars - A rough idea

[Raphiel]

A while ago I made a start with my first DIY chapter, the Crimson Justicars. As things go, I let the idea rest for a while. It kept nagging at my head for over a year, with a bunch of ideas running through my head. I guess my inner-geek won again, because I am back and determined to create a (at least reasonable) full grown IA for the Crimson Justicars.

 

So, the idea is as follows. Being a military lawyer myself, I thought it would be fun to implement certain similarities of the trade to my own chapter. I’ll try to summarize the main ideas:

 

- They are created during the eighteenth founding, using the gene-seed of Dorn.

- The chapter specializes in putting a halt to rebellions and uprisings. Above all else, they have a firm belief in justice and see it as their main task to deliver the Emperor’s judgment to whoever dares to challenge his law.

- They were involved in the Badab War, tasked with the stabilization of the region and restoring the rule of law. In addition, a detachment of Crimson Justicars is permanently tasked with bringing Huron of the Red Corsairs to justice.

- The chaplains of the Crimson Justicars fulfill a special role. They act as Chief Justicar, and take on the role of a judge. When possible, they capture the leader of the rebellion alive and bring him to justice. The chaplain is also tasked with the execution of the verdict, as he is the manifestation of the “Emperor’s Justice”.

- Their homeworld is located in the Ultima Segmentum. It was claimed by the chapter after they had halted a large scale rebellion by the planetary governor. As other planets began to sympathize and support the rebellion, the High Lords of Terra decided it was time to create a chapter specifically tasked to end these sorts of conflicts. Thus, the Crimson Justicars were created.

 

So these are basically the rough principles I had in mind for my chapter. I feel like it needs quite a lot of further exploration and detailing. For one, I am not quite sure whether the above principles really set this chapter apart from other chapters. I’d like them to be unique in their own way, but don’t want to risk creating an absolutely unrealistic (well, in the 40k universe anyway) chapter.

 

I’d much appreciate any criticisms and further ideas from all of you. When the groundwork is done, I’ll start the first draft of IA: Crimson Justicars.

[Espada Azul]

Welcome back. :) Now lets get down to the basics shall we?

 

- A specific founding in mind, and yet another Descendant of Dorn. Yeah, Liber loves Dorn. :)

- Put a halt to rebellions and uprisings is a pretty specific role, and not something a single Chapter can do for even a single sub-sector, much less a whole Segmentum. Refer to the Liber Astartes galactic map in my signature for an idea of just how BIG our galaxy is.

- Uh-oh, named conflict, and one that Games Workshop has mostly delineated the participants of. We KNOW of which Chapters sided with what party, and your Chapter can't be part of them. The same could be said of the aftermath.

- As mentioned, a Segmentum is a HUGE place (Ultima especially) and at any time there are countless rebellions, uprisings, and secessions going on, so what makes the one little fracas important enough that the High Lords of Terra would set aside a Founding for just that rebellion, when it can just throw together a Crusade made up of pre-existing Chapters, not to mention the Imperial Guard, to crush it?

[Raphiel]

First of all, thanks for the quick feedback. Much appreciated!

 

- A specific founding in mind, and yet another Descendant of Dorn. Yeah, Liber loves Dorn. ;)

Haha, you're quite right on that! I my view the stoic, unwavering character of Dorn fits the idea of the chapter I have in mind. It's certainly not the most original, I think it fits. Originality is not one of my strongest points to say the least. I do not have a really specific founding in mind however, so it could very well be another founding if this would fit better with the established canon.

 

 

- Put a halt to rebellions and uprisings is a pretty specific role, and not something a single Chapter can do for even a single sub-sector, much less a whole Segmentum. Refer to the Liber Astartes galactic map in my signature for an idea of just how BIG our galaxy is.

I am aware of the vastness of the Imperium. However, I never meant for the chapter to be dedicated to a single sub-sector. I see it as their specific role, on which they can be called upon when needed. Ofcourse, their main theatre of operations would probably be in the region of their homeworld. But they are certainly not the 'guardians' of their own sector. They can be called upon when there is a dire need, where ever that may be. I see it as a characterization, an identity for the chapter. Much as the Aurora Chapter is known for their armored assaults, or the Minotaurs for their naval combat prowess, as example.

 

 

- Uh-oh, named conflict, and one that Games Workshop has mostly delineated the participants of. We KNOW of which Chapters sided with what party, and your Chapter can't be part of them. The same could be said of the aftermath.

Ah yes, the known pitfall of named conflicts. Certainly didn't sidestep that one, did I? :)

You're completely right. However, I would like for them to be involved somehow... if possible ofcourse. As the Badab War was typical situation in which an uprising let to a conflict of apocalyptical scale. So, as we both agree, they had no part in the conflict itself. But that does not mean there is no room for the chapter to be tasked with the hunt on Huron? As there are most probably many other chapters after him, why not add a detachment of Crimson Justicars; who do specialise in rebellions and the judgment of those responsible?

 

 

- As mentioned, a Segmentum is a HUGE place (Ultima especially) and at any time there are countless rebellions, uprisings, and secessions going on, so what makes the one little fracas important enough that the High Lords of Terra would set aside a Founding for just that rebellion, when it can just throw together a Crusade made up of pre-existing Chapters, not to mention the Imperial Guard, to crush it?

Aye, this is a point I was struggling with as well. I feel like there is, at this moment, no real justification for the founding of a rather specific chapter such as this one.

In my view, the rebellion of their future homeworld would have to be a high-risk conflict in terms of possible escalation and parties involved. Let's say, for instance, the planet involved would contain high-asset resources vital for a large amount of other planets. If fallen into the hands of the enemy (possibly Chaos or Eldar (might be a bit cheesy...)?) this would mean that it would escalate into the destabilization of a vast region. However, what makes this planet so important to the High Lords of Terra is an issue that I have to think about some more... got to be original somehow eh?

Creating a single chapter for this conflict alone would seem a bit... unnecessary. But what if the High Lords decided that the world involved in particular would have to be safely guarded from any future conflicts. This could be achieved by an Astartes chapter with a strict sense of control and rule of law.

I think it would be rather foolish to think that a newly fledged chapter alone would end the uprising on such an important planet. As such, perhaps it would be an idea to bring the chapter, for this particular first engagement, under the wings of another more experienced chapter. Perhaps the Imperial Fists themselves?

 

 

Anyone has any further ideas on this concept? I'd like to make the Crimson Justicars believable within the 40k universe, which is not an easy task. So any help is definately much appreciated!

[Espada Azul]

No problem. I've found that building the 'character' of your Chapter is one of the hardest parts of DIY composition. I don't think I've succeeded well with my own 'frontier guardsman' schtick, and if you're familiar with the Ace Debonair's Stonebound, you'll see it's also possibly the most time-consuming. I mean, what makes one White Scars descendant different from the other White Scars descendant after all?

 

I think one of the problems with the theme of being dispensers of justice is, well, it's slightly overlapping with the responsibilities of another Imperial Body (the Arbites, who pretty much uphold Imperial Law). How about focusing or obsessing about a specific type or interpretation of Justice instead? Like, say, 'Absolute' Justice versus 'Moral' Justice? An example of Absolute Justice, for example, would be the Chapter deeming all relatives of the leader of a rebellion or a corsair lord within five degrees of cosanguinity to be guilty for the same sins, and thus must suffer the accompanying penalty ("There is no such thing as Innocence; just degrees of Guilt").

 

As for the issue of Foundings, something you're suggesting would have to be on the scale of the Age of Apostasy, or the massive failure that is the Dark Founding (ref: the Castigators)...

 

How about the Chapter's beliefs or customs growing into the role of dispensers of Justice? Just throwing out the idea, but I've found that in works of fiction, those who typically obsess about the minutiae of Justice often are located in very unruly places, where the reach of Law is only as far as your combat blade, and Justice is by and large...nonexistent.

Edited June 2, 2010 by Espada Azul

[Raphiel]

Some very interesting points Espada. Glad you're thinking along with me!

 

The justice I have in mind is a retributive justice. The chapter brings retribution to those who oppose Imperial Law, in order to set an example and to intimidate anyone with similar thoughts or desires. As I see it, the Crimson Justicars could be an embodiment of the judgment and retribution to any who oppose the will of the Emperor. However, this way I am taking a risk in making an unknown chapter as the Crimson Justicars appear to be one of the most important chapters ever founded. This is, of course, not the idea and goal I have in mind.

 

As for the Founding; I do not have the chapter in mind as one of the chapters founded in the Dark Founding. The Age of Apostasy might possibly be a random timeframe you came up with (or was it?), but come and think of it, it would prove a very suitable time for a chapter like the Crimson Justicars to come to life. As I quote from the WH40k rulebook: "Zeal eclipses reason, and misrule reigns supreme". There was a great need to restore order, from which the High Lords possibly gave permission for the founding of an Astartes chapter dedicated to bring order and justice within the Imperium.

 

I like the idea of the chapter growing into its beliefs and customs. This would have to do with its origins and beliefs. The possibility of a certain event which sparks the obsession with justice does appeal to me. It would give them a reason to exist, a reason for the chapter and its beliefs. As I understand, in DIYing the 'why' is one of the most important aspects of a DIY chapter. That's why I emphasize on attempting to create a believable chapter, and certainly not all too fantastic and powerful.

 

Later tonight I'll have some time in which I will attempt to write something up on the origins and beliefs of the chapter. I think there could be something to the 'oh-so-important' planet the chapter was tasked with to bring back under Imperial control, which brought the chapter to its beliefs it maintains now.

[NightrawenII]

- The chapter specializes in putting a halt to rebellions and uprisings. Above all else, they have a firm belief in justice and see it as their main task to deliver the Emperor

[Raphiel]

All fair points, and thanks for the feedback!

 

I am struggling to come up with a good reason for the Chapter to be created. Indeed, putting down rebellions is a task any Astartes Chapter can do, as they are basically the riot police of the 41st millenium, hehe! As I see it, the Chapter I have in mind have a very particular idea about "Justice". They are more radical, more zealous on this very aspect than the other Astartes Chapters. It is what sets them apart, but it definately needs more depth. I feel like they need a reason for this zealous belief in justice, for which they exist. I just can't quite get the much needed spark of insanity to come up with a good idea... yet.

 

Let me ask this question then, as you guys know a lot more about the 40k universe than I do: Is it a viable option that the Chapter was created with the intent to engage into one particular conflict? Are there examples of other Chapters created just for single contemporary conflict, which find their own place and role in further developments within the universe?

 

I realise that coming up with an original DIY Chapter is a tough thing to do, but I don't plan on giving up. That's why I'm glad with the feedback, as it helps to create a (hopefully) reasonable DIY Chapter.

Edited June 2, 2010 by Raphiel

[Espada Azul]

As far as we know Chapter Foundings were all for specific purposes (and it is hinted in Codex: Tyranids that the High Lords are planning another wave in response to the new Hive Fleets), but no example of a Chapter being founded for a specific task... Except one, but I think that it's an extreme exception.

 

The name of the Chapter? The Disciples of Caliban, founded on request by a Chapter Master of the Dark Angels in M37 with the specific task of hunting down Cypher (though the High Lords would never know this).

Edited June 2, 2010 by Espada Azul

[NightrawenII]

Well, the Chapters are usually founded to reinforce Imperial presence in the threatened region/sector/zone.

 

This being said, you don't need a specific reason for creation of your Chapter, just say your Chapter was created in xy Founding for the purpose of guarding xy sector(or fighting in the xy region) and you will be fine.

 

@Espada Azul

I can think of another Chapter: Exorcists.

[Ace Debonair]

All fair points, and thanks for the feedback!

 

I am struggling to come up with a good reason for the Chapter to be created. Indeed, putting down rebellions is a task any Astartes Chapter can do, as they are basically the riot police of the 41st millenium, hehe! As I see it, the Chapter I have in mind have a very particular idea about "Justice". They are more radical, more zealous on this very aspect than the other Astartes Chapters. It is what sets them apart, but it definately needs more depth. I feel like they need a reason for this zealous belief in justice, for which they exist. I just can't quite get the much needed spark of insanity to come up with a good idea... yet.

 

It could be something picked up from the culture of their homeworld, but this would take a long time - chapters don't change everything overnight. On the positive side, this leaves room for you to explore how those changes slowly came about, and helps define the characteristics of the CJ's homeworld.

Let me ask this question then, as you guys know a lot more about the 40k universe than I do: Is it a viable option that the Chapter was created with the intent to engage into one particular conflict? Are there examples of other Chapters created just for single contemporary conflict, which find their own place and role in further developments within the universe?

 

They could be created to protect a system and surrounding environment, or perhaps to bring a system back into the Imperial fold after rascally traitor/xeno forces take it over. I don't think one battle particularly warrants a new chapter, although it could be their first assignment. You know, "Kill these, then defend the [NAME] system." :P

I realise that coming up with an original DIY Chapter is a tough thing to do, but I don't plan on giving up. That's why I'm glad with the feedback, as it helps to create a (hopefully) reasonable DIY Chapter.

Good man.

We'll do what we can to help. :P

[Raphiel]

Alright then! Taking into account all of the comments you’ve presented me with, I believe I have made some progress in the origins of the Crimson Justicars. A fresh start, so to speak. Here’s what I have in mind:

 

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The Crimson Justicars Chapter was created during the 22nd Founding in early M37, shortly after the Age of Apostasy. The High Lords of Terra decided that there was to be no risk of any mutations within the newly found Chapter. As a result, the pure gene-seed of Guilliman was to be used in creating the newly found Chapter. Being the first founding after the 21st Founding, also known as the Cursed Founding, the Adeptus Mechanicus were determined to provide the Crimson Justicars Chapter with the purest gene-seed possible, as specifically requested by the High Lords of Terra. It was decided that the gene-stock of the Silver Skulls Chapter would provide the Progenoids for the creation of the Crimson Justicars.

As the High Lords of Terra returned to power after the Reign of Blood of Goge Vandire in M36, the need to restore order within the Imperium was greater than ever. Like many other Chapters created during these troublesome times, the Crimson Justicars were tasked with the protection of a particular system. The newly found Chapter was assigned to the Valius system within the Ultima Segmentum. Their task was to bring the Valius system back under Imperial reign, and by doing so create a solid foothold from which other Astartes Chapters could launch their crusades to the outer reaches of the Segmentum.

 

When the Chapter of the Crimson Justicars was founded, it was brought under the guidance of Brother-Captain XXXXXX (name not yet decided) of the 4th Company of the Silver Skulls Chapter. He handpicked a small group of other Astartes from the Silver Skulls to form the cadre which would train the initiates of the new Chapter.

Captain XXXXXX was given this honor as he had proven himself to be everything a Space Marine could ever aspire to be. His dedication to the Emperor was unwavering. His zeal was steadfast, as he had fought for millennia in every dark corner of the universe to spread the Light of the Emperor. However, his stern dedication to the Emperor did not always fare well with his fellow Brother-Captains. There were those who spoke of him in slight discontent, not questioning any of the feats he had achieved, but by being displeased with the over-zealous behavior he displayed when he was confronted with disloyalty and betrayal. As any Astartes would act when confronted with disloyal governors and planetary commanders, Captain XXXXXX in particular showed no mercy in his retribution. It was his firm belief that anyone who challenged the Emperor’s Will would have to be severely punished in order to restore order and to further uphold the rule of the Emperor. Indeed, records within the Silver Skulls’ fortress monastery on Varsavia tell of several occasions where Captain XXXXXX ordered his company to decimate the populace of a planet, which was under control of a rebellious governor, to a number just sufficient to rebuild the planet so that they may live by the Emperor’s Will once more.

 

Times were dark in the early years of the 37th millennium. The High Lords of Terra recognized the ambitions, beliefs and many years of honored service of Captain XXXXXX, and granted him the freedom to train a new Chapter. A Chapter shaped to his beliefs, morals and justice. A Chapter which was to deliver swift retribution to anyone who opposed the Emperor and his Law. A Chapter whose name would bestow fear unto the hearts of the disobedient. The Chapter of the Crimson Justicars.

--------------------

 

As always, criticism and comments are more than welcome!

 

I myself, when looking at the Silver Skulls Captain in particular, would imagine there could be some sort of discontent between the Silver Skulls and the Crimson Justicars. Most likely the practises of the captain would be frowned upon by many other Chapters. The High Lords would need to have a very good reason to assign him to train a newly founded Chapter. I feel like millennia of battles could not be enough to bestow this honor (and freedom) unto him. What do you guys think?

Edited June 4, 2010 by Raphiel