IA: The Blood Dragons

[Kabuse]

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he Blood Dragons chapter was born during early M32 as part of the 4th Founding. They were created to replace a chapter lost on the Eastern fringes of the Ultima Segmentum to patrol against invading Ork hordes and Eldar Pirate raids. However the infant chapter had barely stepped foot into the universe when they intercepted a distress signal from an Imperial Garrison under siege; it warned Imperial forces of a new type of Ork weaponry they called the 'Mega-Rok' and advised that none should approach without an entire sector fleet. The young and rash stand-in Chapter Master (A Blood angel captain was set to take command after they arrived at Duraga, the world they were given as their own) of Chapter 501 (as they were known at that time, the naming ceremony was to take place on Duraga) Ordered his chapter to respond immediately, the first of many mistakes in his short career.
As the Chapter fleet entered the system they encountered the Mega-Rok, an asteroid much lager than that seen previously and armed with a giant make-shift laser cannon. As the weapon fired it tore through 3 Rapid strike vessels and crippled the Battle-barge 'Tears of Blood' before the chapter could react. The insuring battle was disastrous as the chapter tried to make planet fall, losing more ships in orbit to the 'Lazer-Beem'. The ground forces didn't fare much better once the beam was turned on them, destroying whole cities and annihilating scores of Marines. To make things worse it seemed the stresses of being so badly defeated during their first days as a chapter had been too much for the Chapter master who was overcome by the Black rage and was said to have fallen in combat.

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In the end it was only by the timely intervention of the Black Templars that the chapter survived at all, making a daring rescue attempt and assaulting the rock with combined laser batteries while it was distracted with firing on the planet, forcing it to break off its attack. Although it was never destroyed, the two chapters survived the battle, with only 340 surviving marines of Chapter 501 and a single Battlebarge remaining. The Chapter looks back on this battle, now known as the 'Morning War' with great humility and vowed never again to let their pride dictate their decisions, Battle-Brothers also sometimes wear Blood-red robes over their Power armour as a reminder of those lost during the battle.


The Re-birth of the Chapter

For 25 years the chapter fought at the side of the Black Templars, learning their ways and gaining respect for their sense of honour and zeal. One of the Templar Marshals, Uthus Pendraig, soon became a stand-in Chaptermaster. After many battles together the two chapters came across the Homeworld given to Chapter 501, Duraga; and after helping them get settled the Black Templars moved on, leaving Uthus as Chapter master to re-build his Chapter and establish their own place in the Imperium. The Blood Angels were waiting for their successor's arrival, not wanting to give up on one of their own, they had brought gifts of armour, weapons and wargear only to find these gifts were urgently needed. The Blood angels donated a small amount of geneseed and some more equipment (many of which are still in use today), while requesting more be sent from Mars, it was not long until the Chapter was back on its feet, now named The Blood Dragons after the red dragon of Uthus' heraldry and the Noble Dragons of Duraga's past. Over the Millennia since, the chapter has grown back to full strength and has made a name for itself as a protector of the people by saving the citizens of the local systems from raids and patrolling the borders with the utmost vigilance, while keeping a look out for any clues to the whereabouts of the ancient A.I core. Every Chapter master has since taken the rank Marshal and the name Pendragon in honour of Uthus, although none remove their helmets, and none save the Praetorian Guard know his identity.

BELIEFS

The Sword of Pendraig

Not long after Arturius' mysterious promotion to Marshal (noone within the chapter had heard of him previously, much like all later Marshals) he made a pilgrimage into the Dragon Peak mountains and after a few uncertain days retuned with an artefact, striding alongside a Dragon. The artefact was revealed to be a blade, it is said he could cut a tank in half with ease. When not in direct battle, the Sword is encased in the deepest vault of the Reliquary, locked away by 5 keys each given to a member of the Praetorian Guard. The blade itself has only been seen by a select few warriors and they have said only that a single word is carved into the blade, although mostly worn away the letters EX......L...B... were still visible. The Dragon was the last of the Dragon lords and soon became a companion to the Marshals of the chapter, always by their side, during counsel and war.

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uraga is a feudal world and its peoples keep sacred the many legends of its ancient past. Although many traditional tales have been supplanted by the Imperial cult, one has survived the indoctrination into the Imperium and forms the core of the Blood Dragon’s beliefs. It is said that in the time before man, great winged serpents roamed the world of Duraga, ruled by an infallible queen. The all knowing monarch was never seen, confined within a tower of ice, but she reigned for ten thousand years. During a storm more ferocious than any the planet had suffered before, a golden man fell from the stars.
The Serpents gathered at the fiery pit and, taking him for a god, began to worship him but he waved them aside making a path to the Ice tower, for he sought only the presence of the queen. He told the queen he had crossed the heavens in search of her beauty and wisdom. At first the queen resisted the advances of the golden stranger but he was persistent, patient and she saw that her subjects loved him, so one night when he came to her to profess his love she took him to her bed and their offspring became the people of Duraga.

As their influence across the world grew, the children of the golden man feared retribution from the serpents for they had taken their place. Though the serpents were silent, the children imagined the great beasts jealously plotting against them and decided to act first. The persecution of the serpents all but wiped them from the face of the planet and even now the few that remain to this day live in the deepest, darkest places within the Dragon Peak Mountains, shrouded in mist, cloaked in darkness, awaiting the return of the queen that had forsaken them. When the queen and the golden man learned what their children had done they left Duraga vowing never to return until man learned to respect their serpent brothers as equals. The people were ashamed of what they had become and looked to the heavens that they may be forgiven.
When Marshal Arturius of the Blood Dragons returned from the mountain with an ancient Powersword and a great winged serpent he called friend, he gathered his brother Techmarines and Chaplains to him and bade them hear the creature’s council. As the serpent cast reflection upon the ancient tale, they learnt that the golden man was in fact the Emperor of mankind who was on an expedition to uncover an ancient and powerful A.I. built before the age of man by a powerful and wise race of beings that discovered the secret to immortality. Upon discovery of the Fortress known as the Tower of Ice, the Emperor’s retinue turned on him, seeking the life giving secrets of the A.I. for themselves. Enraged by this treachery he stranded the crew on the planet, taking the A.I.’s memory core with him so it wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. The Blood Dragons believe he hid the core, keeping the secrets of eternal life away from mankind until it was ready to accept the responsibility of the power it brings; and that it is their duty to find it, so they can revive the Emperor and bring glory to the Imperium once again.

FIGHTING STYLE AND ORGANISATION

Emperor's Champion

Often before long campaigns a battle-brother is given a vision of things to come; Librarians from the Blood Angels beleive this to be a side effect from the power of Sanguinius. The Blood dragons believe it is a sign from the Emperor, as told to them by the Black Templars, and elect this Marine as the Campaign's champion. They have also had a sword and suit of armour forged for the Champion known as the Red Sword and the Crimson Armour. Siding with the Black Templars over the Blood Angels has lead to feelings of betrayal among the ranks of their Primogenitors.

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he Blood Dragons favour the use of Flame and Plasma weapons as well as Jump-packs and Stormraven gunships. This has lead to a very offensive fighting style and an often zealous charge into close-quarters possibly inspired by the Black Templars, although they do not lack ranged weaponry as the majority of the chapter follows the codex astartes albeit more close range centric. This has lead to the Blood Dragons having an unusual amount of Land Raider Redeemers and after seeing their extensive use by the Templars, Crusaders aswell.
The biggest divergence from the Codex Astartes is within the First company. The chapter's veterans are divided into 2 groups known as the Order of the Sword and the Order of the Phoenix. The chapter's Sternguard and Vanguard veterans are inducted into the Order of the Phoenix, created at the birth of the chapter. The order was formed to honour the survivors of the 'Morning war' as they were all inducted into the 1st company on arrival to Duraga. The sign of the Phoenix was chosen from Terran history as a creature born from the ashes of its flaming demise much as they were and is under command of the Captain of the 1st company. The warriors in this order treat combat as an art, training in marshal discipline, either assault (Vanguard) or range (Sternguard) and are rarely seen outside the training grounds or great hall. The order of the Sword was formed years later when Arturius Pendragon discovered the Sword of Pendragon in the Duragan mountains to protect it from falling into the wrong hands. The chapter's Terminators are 'Knighted' and inducted into this order when they are chosen for exceptional valour and loyalty, this is the greatest honour a Blood Dragon can achieve and these warriors serve as the custodians of the chapter's reliquary and the keepers of the Dragon Prophecy. It is from these warriors that the 5 Praetorian Guard are selected, the holders of the 5 reliquary keys and the bodyguards of the Marshal himself.
As Blood Angel successors they still keep a formation of Sanguinary Guard, but the Blood Dragons have a second purpose for them. During their time with the Black Templars The Blood Dragons were offended by their hatred of Psykers, seeing them as equals and very useful individuals themselves, but some part of the Templars extreme hatred lingered after they had moved on; and when a high ranking Librarian went berserk and seemingly murdered the Marshal (his body was never recovered) and half his honour guard in M34 A law was passed that the Sanguinary Guard (Now named Sanguine Templars) were to watch Librarians at all times and if necessary terminate an immediate threat, Command duties were also forbidden to be undertaken by any Librarian. The current Marshal, Mikaelus Pendraig, has since given command rites back to the Librarians, but the chapter as a whole is still distrusting and it remains to be seen whether Mikaelus' ideals will catch on.

HOMEWORLD

Tears of Blood

Duraga was recently invaded by the Inquisition on charges of heresy after a Battlebarge called "Tears of Blood" lead by a Marine, claiming to be the leader of the Blood Dragons now worshipping Khorne, invaded an Imperial garrison. After it was established that the Marine in question was not acting for the chapter, the Inquisitor ordered Mikaelus to bring this man to justice. The 2nd company was immediately dispatched to put an end to this traitor and solve the mystery of their re-emerging Battlebarge thought lost during the 'Morning War"...

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uraga is the forth planet in the Jörmungandr system, located at the far east of the Ultima Segmentum. The Homeworld of the Blood Dragons is a semi-industrial paradise that contains its own shipyard, although the chapter’s fleet is fairly small. The weather is often dark and wet around the main capital but remote, untouched mountainous areas and tropical Rainforests exist and are home to the large predators known only as Dragons to the local populace. Baby Dragons are often fought by Blood Dragon Neophytes as part of their initiation, the fight is not to the death but instead an honour duel, once both participants reach a stalemate they are considered worthy to become warriors among their respective peoples. The society is mainly medieval (which influenced the culture of the chapter greatly) with a modernised primary city near the equator known as Drakon, which is home to 'The Lair', the Blood Dragon's Fortress monetary. The Lair is an underground network of tunnels spanning the entire city. Cargo lifts allow transportation of vehicles and supplies to the surface, while a Castle-like structure resides above it serving as a meeting place between the Government and the Chapter as well as a defensive hub for the City. The planetary governor has control but often looks to the Blood Dragons for advice. Duraga is fairly peaceful and has only been attacked twice in the years since the Blood Dragons arrived, once by the forces of Chaos and once by the Inquisition. New recruits are selected once a month (often once a week during wartimes) at the conclusion of the 'Grand tournament', the adapted form of an old Duragan tradition. Potential recruits are selected from neighbouring villages and pitted against one another in a series of tests and challenges, which are often made public events and are cause of great celebration. Once 3 winners are decided they are put through the trails and training of the Chapter and joins the Blood Dragon's scout company.

GENESEED

Golden Sarcophagi

The Initiates of the Blood Dragons do not hibernate in the Sarcophagi as their Primogenitors do, instead they sleep for a few days while their augmentations take place, the only side effect of this divergence from their brother marines is that they do not gain the 'beautifying' quality of their Primarch's blood.

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he Blood Dragons use the Geneseed of Sanguinius and as such suffer the Red Thirst and the Black Rage the same as their brothers, albeit slightly less being an early founded chapter. They do not however have a dedicated Deathcompany as they treat the Black rage in a slightly different manner. During wartimes, any brother who succumbs throws himself at the enemy and is usually slain on the field of battle, if he survives or succumbs during peacetime he 'takes the long walk' into the Dragon peak mountains, home of the true Dragons of Duraga and fights them until death. No Battle brother has ever returned from this journey but it is believed that the one who does will hold the cure to the rage and bring the chapters salvation. Out of direct fighting the Brothers of the chapter practise an style of meditation taught to them by the Drakonian Monks of their Homeworld, it supposedly keeps back the rage and even allows them to control it in battle. Whether this is true or just superstition is unconfirmed.

FAMOUS HEROES AND QUOTES

- Marshal Uthus Pendraig, First Marshal of the chapter and founder of the Blood Dragons.
- Marshal Arturius Pendraig, Uther's direct successor and the finder of the Sword of Pendraig.
- Chief Librarian Isriah, Has served as Chief Librarian since the founding of the chapter, was entombed in a Dreadnought during the 'Morning war' and as such is the only Librarian trusted by the Sanguine Templars.
- Knight-Commander Gregor Ironheart of the Sanguine Templars, Insisted on and first enforced the 'Psyker Custodial act'.
- Marshal Mikaelus Pendraig, Current Marshal and first to loosen the laws regarding the 'Psyker Custodial act'.
- Brother-Captain Aurellius Shepard, Current captain of the second company, recently promoted after the death of Captain Lucius. In command of the current mission to investigate the Battlebarge 'Tears of Blood'.

Battle chant of the Drakonian monks, inherited by the Blood Dragons:

Mikaelus Pendraig

Marshal Mikaelus Pendraig, current Marshal of the chapter, was once held in high esteem by the Blood Angels and was often given as an example of what all leaders should aspire to be up until he was the only Chaptermaster to deny the request for aid by Dante. The impending Tyranid invasion of Baal would side-track and possibly hinder the completion of Mikaelus' oath to retrieve the 'Dragoness', whatever it may be, fulfil the prophecy and save the Emperor.

Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an. - One indomitable heart, Brothers all.
Duraga a'den mhi, Vode an. - We, the wrath of Duraga, Brothers all.
Bal kote, darasuum kote, - And glory, eternal glory,
Jorso'ran kando a tome. - We shall bear its weight together.
Sa kyr'am Nau tracyn kad, Vode an. - Forged like the saber in the fires of death, Brothers all.

Motir ca'tra nau tracinya. - Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a. - Our vengeance burns brighter still.
Aruetyc runi solus cet o'r. - Every last traitorous soul shall kneel.

Motir ca'tra nau tracinya. - Those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a. - Our vengeance burns brighter still.
Aruetyc runi trattok'o. - Every last traitorous soul shall fall.

"We haven't been abandoned brothers...he is with us..he commands we kill in his name..do not give up hope..BLOOD FOR T.."++ transmission dissolves into static++, Last words of the first Chaptermaster of Chapter 501.

"In the name of Uthas, Sanguinius and him on Earth, FROM THE SKY BLOOD DRAGONS!" - Blood Dragons Battlecry

[Espada Azul]

First off, the DIY Guide is your friend. Secondly, the Octaguide is your other best friend.

[Ace Debonair]

MY advice would be pick a founding (I'd pick 4th, nobody ever picks 4th), and cut out the Templar involvement.

 

Just have a Blood Angels successor that is a bit... crusadey. Write them like a basic BA successor as far as equipment goes, but try to put a Templar spin on how they operate and their personality.

 

most brothers that sucome either die in battle or 'Take the long walk' exiling themselves from the chapter to hunt the mighty Dragons of the mountains till their deaths.

 

That is an epic idea.

 

I'd like to see them fleshed out a bit. How do their templar ideologies meld with the traditions of the BA?

How do other BA/successors view them?

[Kabuse]

First off Thanks for the feed back! :P

 

@ Espada Azul - I checked out the guides, good stuff! very helpful

 

@ Ace Debonair - 4th founding it is! wasnt sure id there was anything conflicting there :P The Templar involvement was because I love the Black templars, and I needed a way to get the Blood dragons to shift a bit from being rigid adherants to the BA way of things, I might tone down they time they stayed together to make it more realistic.

I was thinking about haveing the mistrust of psykers carried over, and having the Templars (sanguinary guard ones) as a force that 'keeps an eye' on the librarians of the chapter. The chapter master's Honourguard are also his council (like the Marshal's household) and when a chaptermaster is killed his honourguard meet in secret to decide the replacement.

The Emperor's champion is also another tradition carried over, chosen from the force before a long campaign in a similar way to the BT.

 

The BA accept them (as they do with all descendants) but other successors frown on the mix of traditions, seeing it as polluting the legacy of Sanguinius, this often leads to arguments (and once a full battle almost broke out with Flesh tearers) when the chapters come together.

 

what do u think?

[Tutteman]

I'm liking quite a bit here.

 

I also think the Dragon/Long Walk idea. Love to see it fleshed out, I presume no one has ever returned? Perhaps they could be waiting for the first.

 

While I think the Templar connections in the first post were a bit strong I'd love to see if you can carry over the links without being obvious :P Main question, is this Sanguinary Guard Psyker watcher force internal. Because for some reason I just like the idea of a chapter so paranoid of psykers they have a dedicated force to watch their own Librarians.

 

Keep up good work.

[Kabuse]

yea the Psyker watching Sanguinary guard is an internal force, sort of a secondary role for them, they fight as the vanguards and honourguards of their chapter but also watch the Librarians out of the corner of their eye and are empowered to 'deal the Emperor's mercy' to any Librarian that is deemed a threat to their brothers. More subtle Templar influences are the increase of Crusaders and the more Zealous close combat fighting style.

[Ace Debonair]

More subtle Templar influences are the increase of Crusaders and the more Zealous close combat fighting style.

 

Aren't Blood Angels infantry generally pretty melee-orientated in the first place?

 

Or am I getting the wrong end of the stick?

[Kabuse]

haha yes you're right they are, I didnt explain very well. I meant they view Closecombat as a more honourable form of combat and strive to fight face to face eith their opponants as opposed to the BA who just rush in out of blood lust. If you know what I mean

[RagingGriffon]

I see their symbol as a open dragon maw with a blood tear drop in it.

 

Have you read the Deathwatch short story in one of the Space Marine short story collections? I see your Sanguinary Guard always with, and only with psykers. You need to make a compelling reason why they don't like psykers. Maybe one got possessed and whacked a bunch of your guys. Maybe they have a more than higher chance of going all Blood Thirsty/Black Rage so they need to have body guards to take them down if necessary. Just throwing ideas out. Just don't do the "My Chapter doesn't like psykers because they are best friends with the Black Templars" or something like that. Remember: Consistent and believable.

 

If your guys have been around since 4th Founding then I would imagine their distrust of psykers has been long standing.

 

And.... GO!

[Ace Debonair]

haha yes you're right they are, I didnt explain very well. I meant they view Closecombat as a more honourable form of combat and strive to fight face to face eith their opponants as opposed to the BA who just rush in out of blood lust. If you know what I mean

 

Ah, gotcha.

I take it that's true until the black rage rears it's head, at least.

 

I see their symbol as a open dragon maw with a blood tear drop in it.

Or possibly a badge a bit like the salamanders' one, but with a blood-drop for the eye.

 

Griffon also beat me to what I was going to say about the psyker-hate - making it something to do with your chapter instead of the Templars would be pretty cool. :o

 

Take it slowly, and build your ideas up.

If you get stuck or aren't sure about something, there's a whole Liber-full of folks who can answer your questions. :)

[Kabuse]

Thanks for all your help so far guys!

 

Good ideas for the Psyker hate, I might tie the 2 together (crazy possesed psyker kills chaptermaster, Black Templars put him down and say "seeee" kinda thing) and yea I saw the Templar/guard always being around the Librarians, guarding the chapter Librarium etc in my list my Librarian is attatched to a squad of them :pinch: I was also thinking it might have tonned down over the years, still there but psykers are far more trusted than they used to be...or are they?

 

For the logo I was thinking of the Dragon age logo if any of you have seen it, tho I like your ideas they are simpler which is always good haha

 

There is one thing im stuck on, what alien race could reduce a chapter to 300 men? Necrons maybe? ive heard their ships are super killy. Or a hive fleet perhaps?

[RagingGriffon]

When do you want your Chapter reduced to 300 men? If it is longer than several hundred years ago then 'Nids are out of the question. Orks messed up the Crimson Fists. Your guys could have been decimated by my favorite war, The Dominion of Fire. It is all up to you.

[Kabuse]

thats an awesome idea, im not good with dates, would that coincide around the 4th founding sort of time? because their decimation was on their way to their posting after being created.

 

and the 300 marines was just a good number i thought, not too small that they couldnt rebuilt but not so big they wouldnt need help rebuilding.

 

Also just added some fluff for their current state: Marshal Mikaelus (current chaptermaster) has been working to get psykers more accepted within the chapter during the time of his command, although still not accepted Librarians are being given a wider role in the chapter and even some command positions (much to the disgust if the Templar guard, not that they would say it). His plan is to strengthen the chapter so they can crusade against those that shamed them so long ago, leading his brothers to annihilation or to glory in a war of vengance, one that the BA and their successors see as a waste and a betrayal as the Blood dragons will not come to Baal's aid (against the nid invasion) until their oath is fulfilled (another BT legacy beginning to show)

 

thoughts?

[RagingGriffon]

Interesting. I like your guys dismissing the Blood Angels to pursue their own goals.

 

M38 is 23rd Founding. 4th Founding is M32. Time Line

[Kabuse]

Yea I'm thinking of makin it an Ork waaagh (my company captain is a Tycho 'counts as' so it fits in with that) now all I need is a name for my Homeworld.

 

Their Fortress monastery is in the centre of the massive city on a raised hill, although unknown to everyone else the monastery is underground in a labyrinth of caves (giant bat cave kinda thing) with Cargo lifts carrying supplies/vehicles/aircraft to the surface. On top is a fort and the primary defences for the monastery/city and is the centre of meetings between the planetary governor and the Chapter.

 

The Fortress monastery is known as 'The Lair' to the Chapter but i dont know what to call the planet...hmmm

[Kabuse]

I've been busy painting, can't find my stupid camera so no picks yet haha. Almost ready to start writing all the stuff up together in a rough draft, I might do it when I get home from work this evening, Just wondering if anyone can help me with the Homeworld name, Im looking for something gotic/dragon themed but anything that sounds cool would do, I'm at a bit of a loss :P anyway cheers for all you're advice so far! Looking forward to collecting it all together!

[RagingGriffon]

Yea I'm thinking of makin it an Ork waaagh (my company captain is a Tycho 'counts as' so it fits in with that) now all I need is a name for my Homeworld.

 

Don't let game rules dictate your fluff. If you want your Company Captain to be severely injured by a Khornate Warlord you can do that. Maybe his infernally forge-hot sword bit into your shoulder severing nerves and now your face is all strokey. I dunno. Just don't let a character in the game dictate how you want your character to be run. I mean, it is very lazy if you are going to take someone exactly like Tycho and use him in your Chapter.

[Kabuse]

I meant his Ork hunting rules haha his fluff is totally different, he hasnt even been badly hurt, infact hes a newly promoted captain trying to prove himself. And i meant the rules fit in with my fluff, not i was making the fluff for the rules if you know what I mean haha sorry i should have been more clear

[Kabuse]

Just updated the first post and put it all together, Thank you all for your comments so far, I hope you continue to offer your helpful advice! :D

[Kabuse]

now added Homeworld section :D

[Kabuse]

Now added a new quotes and heroes section, and an awesome picture painted by my father :P more comments are welcome :P

[Espada Azul]

Looking good so far. I'm wondering about your Chapter's relationship with the rest of the Imperium's organizations. Barring that little incident with the Inquisition, are they on good terms with the forces of the Imperial Guard they join with during campaigns? What is their relationship with the other Sons of Sanguinius, or other Chapters descended from other gene-lines? Aside from Orks, do they hold a personal sort of grudge with any major Xeno races, like how the Crimson Fists used to detest the Scythians pre-Rynn's World?

[PorridgeMeister]

Sorry to be picky but the date for the chapter's creation is a bit early - the Horus Heresy was barely even over by then

[Kabuse]

its the date of the 4th founding, 2 foundings after the Legions were split into chapters :lol:

[Kabuse]

added new fluff today!