IA: Angels of Shadow 10/01/18 - added two Heroes

[Cpt_Reaper]

GENE-SEED :- Dark Angels (via Angels of Absolution)

FOUNDING:- 790.M34: 11th Founding

CHAPTER MASTER:- Nephlyre Phantomkin

CHAPTER WORLD:- Invalice Major

FORTRESS MONASTERY:- Angel Bastion (Rahseanhiim)

MAIN COLOURS:- Black, Silver and Dark Green

SPECIALITY:-

BATTLE CRY:- By the sword in my hand! (Vaat zahkrii haali!)

CURRENT STRENGTH:- Estimated 1100 active

KNOWN DESCENDANTS:- None

Origins:

The Angels of Shadow were created during the 11th Founding from the gene-seed of the Angels of Absolution and therefore are of the lineage of the Dark Angels and Lion El'Jonson. The training cadre was led by a group of veterans from the Angels of Absolution's 1st and 2nd Companies, under the command of the then 1st Company Master.

Initially the Chapter was fleet based, the battle-brothers performing a high number of drop pod assaults and aircraft raids in conjunction with the Angels of Absolution. However it became quickly apparent that the Chapter needed a steady flow of recruits and a more stable power base if it was to thrive, especially considering that many of the supplies that were meant to go to the new Chapter were disappearing en route. The Angels of Absolution's Chapter Master demanded to know what was happening but was deflected at every turn. Even when the Dark Angels themselves requested information they were informed that the Angels of Shadow would not receive any more wargear. They would have to find their own. As luck would have it it wouldn't be long before that happened.

The Angels of Shadow were tasked with assisting their parent Chapter, the Angels of Absolution, with reinforcing Imperial presence in the far reaches of Ultima Segmentum. As the Nova Terra Interregnum took shape, the Dark Angels requested their brethren head with all haste to a system on the galactic edge of Ultima Segmentum to answer an automated signal. Apparently a Legion fortress that had been recorded as destroyed had begun transmitting that someone or something was attempting to gain access to the armoury. If anything was left the Angels of Shadow were to secure it for their brethren. If not, they were to purge the system of any interlopers.

When the initial party from the fledgling Chapter set foot upon Invalice Major they were surprised to be met with a thriving population. The people of Invalice Major were a hardy lot, their hair was like obsidian, their skin the colour of fresh snow, long-limbed and lithe. The men sported broad shoulders and both sexes had barrel chests. At first glance they looked to be as though they were rough approximations of the rest of Humanity, an artist's interpretation. They worshipped the great reptilian beasts that roamed their world, the dragons and the saurians.

Communication was difficult at first as the language of Invalice was vastly different to High or Low Gothic. However, upon receiving the all-clear, the Rock had entered the Invalice system. After some searching through the Rock's Librarium texts were discovered that provided a basis for translation between Invalicezuul, or Invalice Tongue, and Low Gothic.

Far from the eyes of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the soldiers of Invalice were armed with wargear they had developed from ancient patterns of armour and lasrifles they had taken from the fortress that the Angels sought, supplied by the same forges that had armed the Imperial Army in times past. The deeper levels, those of the Legion armoury, had been sealed. Thus the Chapter's Techmarines set to work opening the fortress and revealing what had survived since the dark times of the Heresy.

Within was contained all manner of ancient war machines and weapons, most importantly a minor Forge of the ancient Legion. While most of the items contained were handed over to the Dark Angels themselves, the Angels of Shadow were allowed to keep a supply of vehicles and weapons, in addition to being granted ownership of the fortress. It is said that a Fellblade and a Warhawk IV were kept within the fortress's vaults, but it is just as likely the ancient machines were handed over to their progenitors. The Angels of Shadow chose not to keep any Predators as in the time since their inception they had adopted the mindset that all vehicles had to pull double duty and the Predator with it's singular use as a main battle tank did not match. The fortress itself was to be handed over to the Angels of Shadow, their new home.

After settling into their new home, the Angels of Shadow set about consolidating their hold on Invalice Prime. New recruits were taken from the local populace for the first time, and the Chapter began to assimilate the local culture. The time of the Angels of Shadow had truly begun. It was then that the young Draconis Umbra would be recruited.

Umbra was unique among his fellow recruits in that he never let go of his Invalacian heritage. He practised his swordwork until it was an art-form, inspiring his superiors to learn Invalacian fighting styles. He spoke Invalicezuul often, teaching the older Astartes and working with the Librarians to refine their translations. As he rose through the ranks he encouraged the Chapter hierarchy to adopt more of Invalacian culture.

History of the Angels of Shadow:

790.M34: 11th Founding
Created from the gene-seed of the Angels of Absolution.

985.M34: The Chapter is ready

The Chapter is considered full strength for the first time. Several Inquisitorial and Mechanicum sanctioned investigations are launched due to the Chapter never receiving a single Predator tank, with the shipments always being lost in the warp or falling to pirates. It is suggested that someone may be trying to weaken the Chapter.

100.M35: Invalice Found

As the Nova Terra Interregnum begins to formulate, the Angels of Shadow make haste to the galactic edge of Ultima Segmentum after a request was made by the Dark Angels to investigate the site of an old fortress once belonging to the Legion in the hopes of supplies being found to prepare for the coming conflicts. The Invalice system is found and the fortress is in near-pristine condition thanks to the ministrations of the people. Invalice is declared the new Chapter homeworld.

116.M35: The Dragon Rises

Draconis Umbra is recruited into the Chapter.

426.M35: The Dragon Ascends

Draconis Umbra is sworn in as Master of Shadows. Under his leadership the Chapter enters a golden age, seldom losing conflicts and campaigning to great success across the galaxy. Bonds with their homeworld of Invalice are strengthened with the Chapter adopting the native tongue and many cultural practices. Umbra himself creates two swords, The Dragon's Eclipse and the Saurian's Light, presenting them to the people. Each is then placed in the nest of the Alpha Eclipse Drake and Mortisaur respectively.

682.M35: The Dragon Falls

While fighting in the Nova Terra Interregnum, a joint operation by the Angels of Shadow and the [insert chapter here] sought to bring swift retribution to a hive city full of those loyal to Obidiah Hrakon. Draconis leads the force personally, a force of nature at the head of three Companies of Angels and two of [chapter]. The leadership of the hive flee mid battle and Draconis gives chase in a Thunderhawk. On the sandstone plains to the northwest of the hive the leadership is cornered at the edge of a great cliff. In their desperation they summon a daemon prince, damning them all. The daemon prince dispatched Draconis' terminator bodyguards, forcing the Master of Shadows to face the foul being alone.

When loyalist forces found Draconis his body was badly damaged, his body unable to repair the wounds done by the accursed weapons of his foe.

975.M35: The Cataclysm of Souls

The Angels of Shadow take part in various battles, either alone or beside fellow Unforgiven. Three Dark Masters are slain during the conflict.

980.M35: The Hrud Rising

Recovering from the Nova Terra Interregnum, the Chapter is unable to assist their brethren for the most part. Invalice itself becomes threatened by the Hrud and requires the Chapter's attentions.

200.M36: The Age of Apostasy

723.M36: Abaddon's Fifth Black Crusade

901.M36: Abaddon's Sixth Black Crusade

Fighting against the Warmaster's Sixth Black Crusade the Chapter suffers terrible losses, reduced to approximately six hundred battle brothers. The Dark Angels demand to know why the requests for aid from the Angels of Shadow went unanswered and were seemingly kept from the ears of their kin. The answer is never found.

001.M37: Age of Apostasy Ends

Once again the Angels of Shadow retreat back to their homeworld, rebuilding their strength. The number of those born offworld outnumbers Invalice natives in the Chapter for the first time as the rate of recruitment from the homeworld is simply too slow.

431.M37: Serpents of Ruin

The Warband Violet Vipers raid the planets Myandias, Valos and Tyran. The Angels of Shadow respond with support from the Invalice 501st Regiment. The conflict reaches climax in a fleet battle above Tyran with Dark Master Sarandiel of the 4th Company boarding the Viper's flagship. Their leader, Botis Venomheart is slain after a lengthy duel. However Sarandiel himself would succumb to wounds caused by Venomheart's poisoned dagger. Investigations by the Company Apothecary reveals a poison of unnatural power.

811.M37: Abaddon's Seventh Black Crusade

999.M37: Abaddon's Eighth Black Crusade

226.M38: The Serpents Return

The Violet Vipers attempt to attack the Invalice system but are inexplicably forced to exit their warp jumps on the outer edges of the system. The Angels of Shadow move to intercept the attackers and the battle is brought to the planet Chokehold. The Violet Vipers release a mutagenic into the planet's water supply, sending the dark forests into a hyper-fertile state. The enemy fleet is forced to retreat but pockets of Chaos Astartes remain within the forests, hidden from most scans of the planet.

320.M38: Chokehold lost

The Chapter Council declares Chokehold to be lost and annex the planet. A virus bombing attempt ends in failure, only spurring the planet into further states of hyper-growth.

885.M38: The head is cut

Insulted that a world of their system was lost, the Angels of Shadow roam the entirety of Ultima Segmentum looking for the Violet Viper's base. It is discovered in the Ghoul Stars, a massive techno-organic battlestation. The Blade Brethren board the station while the rest of the fleet holds back any reinforcements and prevents escape. After several hours the Blade Brethren retreat and the station is bombarded into oblivion.

708.M39: After returning the the Invalice Sector, the Strike Cruiser Shadow of Intent is forced to make a Warp translation at the edge of the system. This marks the first time a Chapter vessel has suffered such a strange event. The Eighth Company Dark Master Sulln requests that the Chapter

Council organise an investigation. For the first time strange outputs are registered from the local star.

306.M40: Angels of Light arise

Eighth Company Dark Master Sulln, now the oldest of any in the Chapter, reveals that he had been corrupted by Chaos. He leads his company in revolt while most of the Chapter are away. Several Invalician regiments join him and Invalice minor is consumed by war.

425.M40: Retribution

As the war escalated the rest of the Chapter was drawn home. The newly arisen Angels of Light moved their base to Chokehold, reinforced via a hidden warp gate created by the destroyed Violet Vipers. It is said that the fury delivered upon Chokehold could be seen from Repentance. Indeed The Nameless offered assistance but were rejected.
In the end Chokehold was subjected to Exterminatus from the entire Angels of Shadow fleet. The planet was cleansed of life however the majority of the Angels of Light escaped through the warp portal.

430.M40: Repentance

Horrified an entire company had fallen and the damage it had caused, the Angels of Shadow embarked on a penitent crusade. Elements of the Chapter fleet are spotted in the Koronus Expanse, the Jericho Reach, around the Eye of Terror, near the Fenris system and the Eastern Fringe.

742.M41: Damocles Gulf Crusade

The Fourth Company under Dark Master Orias take part in the Damocles Gulf Crusade. At the crusade's end they are drawn to the Vanaheim system, however all records of that time are sealed.

745.M41: Hive Fleet Behemoth arrives

The entire Chapter is recalled to the Invalice system to defend it against the newly arrived Tyranids. The same signals that were detected from the local star flare up again and for the most part the Invalice system is ignored. It is decided to keep the knowledge secret lest their defence against the extragalactic threat be taken away.

797.M41: The Green Tide

Elements of the Angels of Shadow move to counter the rising number of Ork activity in Ultima Segmentum.

999.M41: The Great Rift

With the destruction of Cadia and the opening of the Great Rift, the galaxy was torn asunder. The Angels of Shadow received grim news in the aftermath. The entire 4th Company had been lost to the Rift, as well as a strikeforce of the 2nd Company. With them, Dark Masters Bathin and Orias were lost. A force of Consecrators attempted to find the lost Astartes but could only find the empty vessels of the strikeforce.

When Azrael summoned the collective Unforgiven Chapters to The Rock, the Angels of Shadow find themselves unable to make the journey. The Invalice system had come under attack by a massive fleet comprised of the Brotherhood of Eternity warband and the Drukhari Kabal of the Twin Blades. The only one of the Invalacian Legions stationed in the system, the 501st, help the Angels of Shadow hold the line. Once again the world of Chokehold becomes a warzone, with both sides throwing their very worst weapons at each other.

The assault force pushes deep into the Invalice System, masking it to the agri-world Pillarfield and launching attacks into the asteroid field surrounding the gas giant Eternal Watch. Stretched to the breaking point, the system defence fleet gathers for a desperate counter-attack only to be annihilated by Drukhari vessels appearing from within the gas giant itself.

When the Imperial line was broken and enemy vessels were heading straight for Invalice Minor, they were intercepted by a fleet of Dark Angels, Angels of Absolution and Lord Commander Guilliman's Indominus Crusade. Suddenly caught between the Angels of Shadow and the newly arrived reinforcements, the invaders were forced to flee the system.

In the aftermath of the Second Siege of Invalice, it was discovered that several vehicle prototypes had been stolen. Among them a Land Raider Eclipse and a Land Speeder Vengeance equipped with a Vokun projector. Both of these machines are said to utilise forbidden archeotech and xeno-tech respectively. To what ends the thieves may hope to achieve can only be left to speculation.

Chapter Home World:

The Angels of Shadow made their homeworld upon Invalice Major, the innermost planet of the Invalice System.

Invalice Major is a feudal-world by description, being covered by two vast continents. The northern continent of Avodalend (lit. Absolution) is the larger of the two landmasses. Wrapping around the northern pole, Avodalend is a land of extremes. The middle of the continent is coated in ice and is subject to high winds and blizzards that can strip flesh from bone.

To the north-west lies a great extinct volcano, the name of which has long been lost to history. Within the caldera stands the gargantuan fortress-monastery of the Chapter, Rahseanhiim (lit. the Bastion of the Deities) or Angel Bastion in Gothic. The Bastion has spread since the Angels of Shadow found the planet, being built into many of the old volcanic chambers. Several towers have since been built to watch the coast and two mountain passes heading towards the Citadel.

Local rituals:

On Invalice Major the people, for lack of a better term, worship the great reptilian beasts that roam the lands and soar the skies. The largest Saurians of the lower Continent, [NAME], are seen as divine beasts sent by the One True Light. The most accurate way of describing them would be to refer them as demi-gods. Thus when an Invalacian is able to tame one they draw ever closer to the One True Light. The pack-hunting Veredusaurs are prised as mounts for hunters and cavalry, and the massive Mortisaur is seen as a messenger of the One True Light, an omen bringer.

The Drakes that inhabit northern Avodalend are seen as higher still, literally entering the heavens if and when they please. Nine species in particular are seen as embodiments of the Nine Sons, such as the golden-scaled Stonehide Wyvern, a stubby brute of a beast that makes it's lairs in rocky mountains, or the crimson Bloodwing, a beautiful beast covered in deep red plumage. The largest of the Drakes is the Eclipse Drake, a rare creature so large it is said to be able to swallow a man whole. The appearance of the Eclipse Drake is an ill omen for whoever falls under it's shadow is said to have been denied the One True Light.

Chapter Organization:

Codex Companies - III to IX
As per the Codex Astartes, the Third through to the Ninth Company are standard Companies in terms of their style of warfare; the 3rd, 4th and 5th are Battle Companies, the 6th and 7th are the Reserve Companies and the 8th and 9th Companies are Assault and Devastator respectively.

Where they differ from the norm is that each Battle Company holds a certain Rank within. As a Battle-Brother earns experience and accolades he will progress first from the Ninth to the Eighth as per the Codex, and from there into one of the Reserve Companies.

Brothers in the 5th Company have freshly left the Reserve Companies and are awarded the rank of Knight for the first time, whereas the 3rd Company holds veterans of dozens of campaigns whose next step is to be inducted into either the Blade Brethren or Saurian Knights.

Each Company maintains a number of Neophyte squads rather than having a dedicated Company. As scouting duties usually fall to the Saurian Knights, Neophytes are usually deployed as support units, with the most junior squads being armed with sniper rifles to watch and learn from the full Brethren from relative safety and those about to earn their Power Armour are armed like a Tactical Squad and deployed in either defensive roles or to support main line units such as Devastators.

The 4th Company, following the introduction of the Primaris Astartes, is comprised solely of Cawl's creations following the complete loss of the 4th Company to the Great Rift.

1st and 2nd Companies: Blade Brethren and Saurian Knights-
For all intents and purposes, the first two Companies of the Chapter act as their analogues within the Dark Angels. Where the Blade Brethren are a veteran, Terminator-clad strikeforce backed by Land Raiders and ancient Dreadnoughts, the Saurian Knights are pilots and outriders beyond compare.

Where they differ from their progenitors is the amount of information regarding the Fallen. Upon induction into either Company, a Battle-Brother will be informed of everything known by the Dark Masters. A lack of trust is seen as the key factor for the Fallen and the Angels of Light, both mistakes never to be repeated.

Company X: The Shadow Guard
The Shadow Guard were originally a garrison force, made up of Astartes that for one reason or another were unfit for front-line combat duty. They were the recruiters, the trainers and stewards of the Chapter Fortress as well as those awaiting transfer from one company to another or those serving penitential duties. When the Invalice system was engulfed in the Chapter Schism, the Shadow Guard took on a offensive role. Taking up arms deemed forbidden from deep within the Armoury, they held back traitorous forces from taking the Chapter Fortress, then later engaged in pursuit.

Today the Shadow Guard are the final sanction of the Dark Masters. When the Shadow Guard is deployed it is against a foe that must be exterminated in it's entirety. Wielding radioactive explosives, molecular acid, chemical and even vortex weapons designed not only to kill but to render the area uninhabitable for years to come. Their tactics are particular effective against foes that prove difficult to remove such as Orks, Tyranids, Hrud and even humans that utilise underground fortified positions.

However, the Shadow Guard has one other purpose. The complete eradication of those who have witnessed the Angels of Light and the Fallen. When the order is given, their weapons are turned against the allies and even enemies of the Angels of Light, for none can live to tell the tale. It is for this reason that those inducted into the Shadow Guard are judged to be too zealous in their pursuit of the Fallen, unable to be trusted to bring back the quarry alive. These Astartes forgo all name and rank, for their craft is as unsavoury, even going to say as vile, as those they are tasked with purging with extreme prejudice.

Fleet Assets:

• Battle Barge Eclipse Drake

• Battle Barge Mortisaur

• Strike Cruiser Sword of Invalice

• Strike Cruiser Angel of Darkness

• Strike Cruiser Shadow of Intent

• Strike Cruiser Harbinger of Retribution

• Strike Cruiser Knight of Twilight

• Strike Cruiser Demise of Fear

• Escorts of various patterns numbering over 30 from the Chapter's early Fleet-based existance.

Recruitment:

Recruitment into the Chapter is a somewhat complicated process. When someone is accepted into the Chapter, their family are considered nobility until the next round of recruitment. Noble families are duty-bound to provide at least one son for the Chapter when required lest they forfeit their noble status. They are allowed three generations of genetic incompatibility before they lose noble status.

Non-noble families may offer up as many potential recruits as they wish, but to do so they must take part in a series of challenges to simply qualify for the privilege of trying out for recruitment.

The boys are all gathered in a dormitory, always built in the centre of a settlement (or in the centre of the habitation district within larger cities). When the time comes for the aspiring recruits to be collected comes a Storm Eagle with a Vokun Projector is deployed. This is always done in the middle of the day to make the most of the unnatural darkness the Vokun Projectors generate.

Once the potential recruits have been finalised they speak with the current High Redemptionist and Arch Magus of the Chapter. These two esteemed individuals watch over the recruits as they are faced with the Trial of Flesh, the Trial of Mind and the Trial of Soul.

The Trial of Flesh sees all potential recruits, now known as petitioners, dropped deep into the Nonvuloblaan forests with one goal: Return to the capitol of Nemesis in a week or die trying.

The Trial of Mind is based upon an old legend said to be from long lost Caliban. Those remaining are taken to the walls of the Chapter fortress. There they are left for a full night, which is historically the longest night following the shortest day before the winter darkness sets in. All through the night the petitioners are subjected to calls of weakness, offers of safety within the walls and threats of attack from the beasts of the night. Those that remain until the morning pass on to the final and hardest challenge.

The Trial of Soul is both the simplest and most difficult challenge to pass. One by one the petitioners are led into the fortress dungeons, to a special chamber. Within stands the High Redemptionist in full battle plate in the middle of the room. When the door closes behind the petitioner it appears as if there never was a door. To their left and right are two archways, one in pitch black and the other bathed in the warm light of glow globes.

The High Redemptionist asks the petitioner a series of questions, each answer judged by not only the Chaplain but also the High Oracle hidden from sight. The High Oracle probes the petitioner's mind looking for any weakness and passes the information to the High Redemptionist via secure vox, who then in turn attempts to use it to break the petitioner. If they pass ten questions in a satisfactory manor then they have passed and are considered a Neophyte.

Chapter Heraldry:

Tactical Squad

Assault Squad

Devastator Squad

Saurian Knights

Blade Brethren

Shadow Guard

Battle Standards or Chapter Banners (Optional):

Battle Honours/relics/decorations/awards:

Combat Doctrine:

At the core of all tactics employed by the Angels of Shadow lies a simple theory: The precise application of overwhelming firepower. Where some Chapters may deploy multiple Combat Squads backed up by Razorbacks, the Angels of Shadow always deploy full strength squads where they can. The speciality weapons squads are given will meet a singular purpose, being a counter to light infantry, heavy infantry or vehicles. At first glance this may appear to be in keeping with Codex teachings, it is the secondary tactics that show deviation.

It is generally accepted that using high-strength single-shot weapons on hordes of lightly armoured foes is a poor tactic. However the Angels of Shadow will deploy weapons such as Lascannons against such foes if with the goal of targeting leaders, special weapons wielders and other targets of interest.

In terms of Armour usage, the Chapter boasts a number of Land Raider variants considered to be uncommon in other Chapters and can deploy dozens of Storm Eagles. Additionally the Angels can deploy an unconfirmed amount of their version of the Ravenwing Darkshroud. Rarely will a deployment not be under the protective shadows generated by these arcane machines.

Like the Dark Angels, the exact number of those inducted into the 1st and 2nd Companies is unconfirmed. This is due to parts of those Companies, the Blade Brethren and Saurian Knights respectively, being deployed with the main Battle Companies. Full deployment of the 1st and 2nd, known as the Absolution Protocol, is reserved for theatres of war where Fallen are known to operate and must be approved by the Dark Masters of both Companies as well as the Master of Shadows himself.

Battle Cry:

Vaat zahkrii haali! (By the sword in my hand!)

Beliefs:

As they were created and trained from the stocks of the Angels of Absolution, the Chapter has adopted their view that their members should harbour no guilt concerning the Fallen for it is belongs to the Fallen alone, but have the sacred task of bringing every one of those traitors to justice.

Something that was introduced from their homeworld's culture is the view that the sword is the weapon of the honourable. Thus the Angels take a personal insult when they see foes such as the twisted Dark Eldar or Heretic Astartes wielding such weapons, however they view the craftworld Eldar as honourable warriors worthy of wielding the sword in battle. Even the Orks, as primitive and barbaric as they seem, have a sense of honour that the Angels of Shadow recognise.

The Angels of Shadow revere the Emperor as the One True Light, with his Nine Sons. All that the Light touches falls under His mercy, and is protected by Eight of the Sons. However, not all that dwell in the Light are worthy of His mercy, thus the One True Light fades away into Shadow, a realm devoid of His mercy and protection. It is within the Shadow that the Angels dwell, bringing down divine wrath upon those that He has deemed unworthy of mercy.

One part of their belief that has, on occasion, strained relations with other Imperial forces namely the Ecclesiarchy, certain Inquisitors and even the more hardline Chapters of Astartes is the Angels' reverence for the dragons of their world. Each of the nice species are considered to be the living manifestations of the 9 loyal Primarchs, with the Eclipse Drake being worshipped beyond all others for its relation to Lion El'Jonson.

Gene-Seed:

Dark Angels via Angels of Absolution. Slight malfunction of the Melanchromic Organ and Ossmodula resulting in brethren developing pale skin and developing into taller but leaner figures compared to other Chapters. This is especially prevalent in recruits drawn from Invalice Prime, a fact Chapter Apothecaries are unable to explain.

Champions of the Chapter:

Master of Shadows: Nephlyre Phantomkin
Widely regarded as the greatest Chapter Master since the days of Draconis Umbra, Nephlyre is regarded as a warrior with few equals. A master marksman, swordsman without peer and a tactical genius, many actions spearheaded by the Chapter have been accredited to him. He openly speaks with his battle-brothers, partaking in training exercises and leading Chapter celebrations. Nephlyre is respected and admired by his fellow Astartes, and he considers himself a superior in rank only for all Astartes are brethren in equal stature in the eyes of the Emperor and the Primarchs.

On the battlefield, Nephlyre strides forth in ancient Mark III armour. A jump pack of a design rarely seen and sporting great ornate wings, somehow it holds enough fuel to allow Nephlyre to hover for significantly longer than most jump packs.

High Redemptionist: Nosveratus

The highest ranking Chaplain in the Chapter, Nosveratus has been likened to the Dark Angels' Master of Repentance Asmodai. However, where Asmodai is famous for his fiery temper and relentless fury against weakness of spirit, Nosveratus is known for his sinister whisper and the way he is able to illicit bone-chilling fear in even the most resolute. Indeed, it is said that Nosveratus is able to instil fear within even the completely insane. The only known recorded instance of such a feat was when a detachment from the Angels of Shadow's 5th Company were cut off from allies and surrounded by Bezerkers from the Lifeslayers warband. Standing alone against a charge from a Helbrute, Nosveratus simply stared the beast-machine down. Skidding to a halt mere feet from the Chaplain, who felled the vile thing with a single shot from his plasma pistol.

High Oracle: Zormir Phantombane

Zormir is regarded with high regard within the Angels of Shadow, for within a Chapter that encourages openness within its ranks and the bonds of brotherhood, Zormir is one that could be called a literal embodiment of those ideas despite the fact that he is Psyker.

Well known for his potent psychic powers, in particular for his Cryomantic abilities, it was his abilities as a leader that gained him the rank of High Oracle. Reading the emotions and thoughts of his brethren and other allies, his words are carefully chosen to be the most useful for his ally, for a simple warrior has no use for eloquent speeches as a high lord has little patience for brutal words and roars of battle-lust. His grand wordplay is even more spectacular when one considers that Zormir has been mute since his induction as a Oracle.

Dark Master of the Blade Brethren: Valac
Since being granted the Command of the Blade Brethren, Valac has earned countless commendations as both a warrior and a leader, such as personally slaying a Swarmlord or leading his Company in the capture of no less than eight Fallen. He strikes an imposing figure in his suit of Cataphract Terminator Armour,

Dark Master of the Saurian Knights: Bathin
Bathin is a man who is often described by those outside the Chapter as brash and arrogant, even foolhardy. The truth is he knows full well the abilities of his Company, committing his forces where victory may not be even feasable in the eyes of other commanders. Never committing a force that is any less than is required to achieve that victory, at times appearing outnumbered and at others appearing to bear a needless strength of arms. A proud man, Bathin rides at the front of his force on a bright silver and emerald Mk XIV jetcycle that was a gift from the Dark Angels.

3rd Company: Kronos Nightshade
Kronos is the youngest Astartes to ever hold the rank of Dark Master within the Chapter. Other than the Supreme Dark Master, Kronos is the only other current Dark Master that was recruited from the Invalice, a fact he bears with pride. His weapons are of a quality matched by few weapons in the galaxy. His plasma pistol was crafted by the Angels of Shadow Master of the Forge when Kronos was awarded command of the 3rd Company and is widely regarded as one of the finest of it's type to be created. The sword he wields is contains large amounts of the emerald metal of Invalice, sharpened to a monomolecular edge. His commendations and awards are matched only by the Supreme Dark Master himself, and it is rumoured that Kronos is to be Nephlyre's successor. For now Kronos leads the veteran 3rd Company, warriors that many believe are on par with any other Chapter's 1st Company.

4th Company: Asteraoth
Before being elevated to the Dark Master of the 4th Company, now entire made up of Primaris Astartes, Asteraoth was the first Lieutenant to gain the rank who had not been drawn from those Primaris Astartes created by Cawl, and Asteraoth was valued by the original Master for his counsel and keen tactical sense. However, Asteraoth rarely led large strike forces and was content to command his close-knit demi-company. Only time will tell if he will be up to the task of leading a Company.

5th Company: Caim
Caim is “the calm one” of the Dark Masters, choosing to study a situation before committing his men to war. His tactical acumen is nigh unmatched, every strike he commands hitting weak spots that others might have never seen and breaking forces with a handful of squads. His lightning claw and plasma pistol combo has ended the lives of many foes, each slain in a way that baffle friend and foe alike. His most famous victory was against a Eldar Autach, where after causing a series of seemingly random incisions with his lightning claw Caim caused the Eldar warrior to lose control of his limbs and fall to the ground bleeding out from severed blood vessels.

6th Company: Ose
As commander of one of the two Reserve Companies, it is Ose's duty to make sure his warriors are practised in fighting a multitude of different foes and to employ countless different strategies. The 6th Company is the last stop before a Battle-Brother is accepted into a Battle Company, and Ose makes sure that each Astartes that received that award has earned it.

7th Company: Bune
Bune carries the shame of being a relation to a former Librarian who fell to the Ruinous Powers, and thus he seeks to expunge that shame by providing the greater Chapter with Tactical Squads that are a literal embodiment of the term. As such, Bune is renowned for his adherence to the tactics in the Codex, preferring the tried and true tactics and discouraging spur of the moment decisions.

8th Company: Asmodeus
The members of the 8th company each bear marks of shame, and yet none outside of the Chapter know of it's significance. While the loyalty of the young Assault Marines is without question, the Company has more Chaplains attached than usual. The role of the Chaplains is not to test their loyalty but to ensure the shame of their predecessors does not cause the Company any spiritual damage. Asmodeus himself has a habit of throwing himself into the most dangerous of battles, as if hoping to single-handedly remove the stain on the honour of the company with his lightning claws.

9th Company: Mastema
Mastema is a artisan in the art of ranged warfare, with but a glance he is able to determine a weapon's range and it's effectiveness against a target. He teaches his Company to never use a weapon against anything it isn't designed to combat, but at the same time to employ it against targets that have minimal defence against the weapon. He organises his squads into dedicated kill-teams, focusing on one type of target with the non-heavy Astartes in the squad being support and spotters.

10th Company: Lucifer
There is no form of combat, no style of war and no way of destruction that Lucifer has not mastered. Be it stealth ops or running at a gate all guns blazing, he can deduce a strategy for any force so that victory is highly likely when others would proclaim a waste of effort. However, Lucifer knows that victory is never ensured until it is reached and to willingly throw away the lives of men to gain ground is never a sound tactic, and that fact alone places him apart from most other Imperial commanders.

Edited January 10, 2018 by Cpt_Reaper

[Cpt_Reaper]

I have several images in the process of being photoshopped so until I post them feel free to read what I have so far.

[Cpt_Reaper]

Also feel free to C&C so I know what to add, change or otherwise. I am considering it "finished" for now.

[Cpt_Reaper]

Finally chosen a Chapter Symbol and made some SM painter images of my chapter. Besides some fortamtting issues I believe this is finished for now. So have a look and comment.

Cheers

[NightrawenII]

But the Chapter has fought the length and breadth of the galaxy, although they refuse to be acknowedged for it.

sp. error.

 

The exact reasoning that the Angels of Shadow were created, is a topic of much hearsay, a lot like many other Unforgiven successors.

Wasn't be why better than that?

The second part is not true.

 

The Chapter was founded during the 11th founding, created from the Gene-Seed of the Dark Angels and sent into service in the remote Invalice Sector, on the edge of Segmentum Tempestus and four hundred light years north of Repentance, where it took the world of Invalice Prime as the Chapter Homeworld.

--------

Roughly three centuries after the Chapter was posted in the sector, the planet Invalice Prime was selected to be their homeworld and thus the Chapter was no longer a fleet-based, although still kept a formidable fleet size.

This is confusing. Delete the sentence with homeworld from the first part.

 

Sometime after the Angels of Shadow successfully fought off a Ork WAAAGH! 800 years after the Chapter was formed, the 8th Assault Company turned to Chaos and plunged the Chapter into civil war. Numbering a mere 106 brethren, the Company mananged to not only hold of the majority of the loyalitsts but also corrupted most of the populace to their cause. In response to this the Supreme Dark Master of the time, Lucian Praetor, sent calls for help to the Dark Angels, The Nameless and the Ultramarines. But not one of the Chapter's responded at all, leaving the Angels of Shadow to quell the uprising; the Dark Angels' forces being too far flung to assist the remote planet, The Nameless' forces being engaged by the remnants of the WAAAGH! and the Ultramarines simply did not respond. By the end of the war, Invalice Prime was a lifeless rock and the Chapter was forced to go on a Penitant Crusade despite the Dark Angels stating the Chapter was undeserving of punishment due to such heavy losses and honourable sacrifices in the war.

Why the 8th Company turned to Chaos?

Is there any reason for mentioning the other chapters at all?

----

Penitent Crusade.

 

Each Company has a Strike Cruiser assigned to it as their home when the Company is not aboard one of the three Ramilies-Class starforts designated the Atrum Pugnaculum (Dark Fortress), Atrum Infinitio (Dark Eternity) and Putus Umbra (Pure Shadow).

Not a chance of your Chapter having three Ramilies-class starforts.

 

Commander of the company Command Squad of the 3rd Company.

... is too cumbersome. Sergeant of the Command Squad of the 3rd Company is better.

 

the Angels of Light (The former 8th Company)

This need some explanation.

 

The rank of Company Master in the Chapter is called Dark Master, with the Chapter Master being Supreme Dark Master.

Some reason for this tradition?

 

Quotes:

"In the name of the Lion and the Dragon I condemn you to eternal darkness!!!"

Kronos Nightshade, Dark Master of the 3rd Company

 

"Take heed, traitor, for my words will be the last you hear. By choosing darkness you invited shadows. And that was just your first mistake..."

Supreme Dark Master Link Tassadar to member of The Forsaken warband before executing him.

 

"Markus is a Brother unlike many in the Astartes. I've seen him do great things on the battlefield, and he is a master with that power fist. But it is out of war that he really stands apart from his brethren. He walks among his fellows and trains with them, despite his rank allowing him to train with the Dark Masters. He walked up to a Neophyte who had been left out of training and offered to team up in a contest of strength against other Neophytes. That Neophyte went on to serve in the 3rd Company and become Sergeant of the 2nd Squad because of the skills Markus imparted to him. Yes my brethren, I speak about myself."

Sergeant Mikhael, 2nd Squad 3rd Company

These will be better positioned under titles.

 

The house-rules and count-as are rather superfluous for IA.

Edited September 22, 2010 by NightrawenII

[Cpt_Reaper]

thanks for the feedback. I shall get cracking on fixing these issues. Finally I actually have a goal to work towards.

[Cpt_Reaper]

I have dealt with the many issues that have been brought up. Still working on it but it is looking better I hope.

[Cpt_Reaper]

added section on 11th company.

[MaleOpener]

Loving the fluff , and the extra work you did with the color schemes and icons.

 

I give you a :ermm:

[Cpt_Reaper]

Thankyou very much. That means a lot. I am hoping to have this ready for submission into the Librarium (because I need to submit an article to participate in the Librarium Painting Challenge next year...and not fail again.) Soon I will include pics of my models when I get them back from my brother-in-law

[Cpt_Reaper]

while reading through I discovered it needed massive changes which I have now completed. Please have a look to see if it is looking closer to librarium quality?

[Cpt_Reaper]

after I take some photo's of models to put in here I am submitting this to the librarium, but I would like to know if the theme of "knight-marines" has been presented clearly.

[NightrawenII]

Origins vs. History

I'm not sure if the History section is right thing to do. The Origins serves a dual purpose. It explain to us their roots and also introduce the Chapter. Yes, you somewhat managed that in the italic under the main title. But I'm still missing something.

 

These traitors were lead by the Company Librarian, Tristan, who had become corrupted after using his psychic powers to slay an Ork Weirdboy who in turn broke Tristan's psychic barrier against the Warp.

This is a little cumbersome. I suggest to relocate it to the sidebar.

 

Numbering a mere 106 brethren, the Company, calling themselves the Angels of Light, mananged to not only hold of the majority of the loyalitsts but also corrupted most of the populace to their cause. On two occasions the Chapter has suffered severe losses, the first was during Abaddon's 6th Black Crusade and the second was in the early 39th Millenium against a Tyranid Hive Fleet designated Tyrannos.

The jump is too sudden. Either continue in talking about 8th company or break the sentence.

 

Tyrannos is bad name for Hive-fleet. The Fleets are named after mythical beasts Leviathan, Behemoth a the like.

 

In response to this the Supreme Dark Master of the time, Lucian Praetor, sent calls for help to the Dark Angels, The Nameless and the Ultramarines, thinking that the close proximity of these Chapters would allow speedy response. But not one of the Chapter's were able to assist, leaving the Angels of Shadow to quell the uprising; the Dark Angels' forces being too far flung to assist the remote planet, The Nameless' forces being engaged by the remnants of the WAAAGH! and the Ultramarines simply did not respond. By the end of the war, Invalice Prime was a lifeless rock and the Chapter was forced to go on a Penitent Crusade despite the Dark Angels stating the Chapter was undeserving of punishment due to such heavy losses and honourable sacrifices in the war.

Huh? I smell a formating fail there. :P I strongly recommend to relocate the Angles of Light story either to sidebar or in other part of IA. Having it there is confusing (We, for examle, don't know what or where is Invalice Prime.).

 

Each Marine shares a bond of brotherhood with his peers in the Chapter, and they see Rank as something only of importance on the battlefield. Even a Company will fight to save a single Scout just as readily as they would to rescue the Chapter Master.

I think this need a bit of explanation. Either WHY? and HOW?.

 

... and the Chapter Planet Invalice was found, from where the first mass wave of recruits were gathered

[ironical remark]Yeah, it's always comfortable to have suitable planet lying around, when you need a new batch of recruits.[/[ironical remark]

 

While the Angels of Shadow have a slower recruitment rate and thus lower numbers of Neophytes, their Scouts can easily hold their own and are deployed in roles more befitting of their abilities rather than front-line troops like in more conventional Chapters.

Eeerm, where you get the idea of scouts being front-line troops?

 

The fact the northern ice cap was expanding posed a great threat to the greater population of Invalice, but shortly after the first fortress was lost to the northern "reavers" the Angels of Shadow Chapter fleet arived above the planet. The fifty or so Neophytes the Chapter had obtained on it's journey were sent to the planet to assist the populace in fending off the "reavers", a quest that lasted three years. After the planet was cleansed of "reavers" the Angels of Shadow were gifted the planet and were ready to truely recuit for the first time. The Angels of Shadow quickly adapted the culture's traditions of knight-warriors, said by historians of the Dark Angels to be reminiscent of Caliban. But it was not to last, the planet being razed during a Civil War which surrounded the falling of the 8th Company to Chaos.

The Angels of Shadow are now a fleet-based chapter after their home planet of Ivalice was devastated in the fall of the 8th Company.

Angels of Shadow... Angels of Shadow... Angels of Shadow... Angels of Shadow...

 

As of yet nobody has been able to explain this irregularity, something that has attracted much scrutiny from the Adeptus Mechanicus for fear of gene-seed tampering or worse.

This is a common gene-seed "failure", no need for fuss.

 

The Battle-Brothers grow their hair long, almost to shoulder length, giving them a ravaged, feral look which contradicts their warrior style.

brother Sanko [struggling with helmet]:"Uugh, uuugh. Brother Captain, I need your assistance!"

brother Captain [hiting the top of brother Sanko's helmet]: "Thud!!"

brother Sanko: "Thanks brother Captain."

brother Captain: "No worry brother, I'm here for you."

(For the ignorant 1:40)

 

The Angels of Shadow armoury hold many different types from the common Godhammer-Lascannon armed pattern to the rare Land Raider Ares, and rumours even suggest the Chapter has their own custom variant.

Phobos is the name you are looking for. ;)

 

The Angels of Shadow Chapter are a lively Chapter, each Marine seen to always be smiling even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Lol. They smoke a marihuana a lot, do they?

 

Each Battle-Brother lives by the words of the Omnibus Umbra Angelica, a great tome that includes the Chapter's history, tactics and teachings. It is this vast tome that hold many tried and true battlefield tactics, formations and detailed accounts of recorded actions taken by xenos forces and their force compositions and in this way is similar to the Codex Astartes but also deviant in the way the Omnibus teaches new ideas are welcomed and may be added providing it has three successful executions.

It IS Codex Astartes in everything, but name. The Codex is a living book, each Chapter's version is slightly different and even the Ultramarines version is not a original work of the Guilleman.

 

The rank of Company Master in the Chapter is called Dark Master, with the Chapter Master being Supreme Dark Master, a tradition dating back to the Chapter's creation. The title is partly ornamental, being derived from the mythology of the people of Invalice where a Dark Master was a person who held such power that angels themselves bowed to his will.

Nice try.

DARK is something connected with... wait for it... drumroll... darkness. Angels bowing to Dark Master is a oxymoron.

Edited October 31, 2010 by NightrawenII

[DarKHaZZ13]

The rank of Company Master in the Chapter is called Dark Master, with the Chapter Master being Supreme Dark Master, a tradition dating back to the Chapter's creation. The title is partly ornamental, being derived from the mythology of the people of Invalice where a Dark Master was a person who held such power that angels themselves bowed to his will.

Nice try.

DARK is something connected with... wait for it... drumroll... darkness. Angels bowing to Dark Master is a oxymoron.

 

by your logic the dark angels are an oxymoron, the blood angels wouldn't stand up to your logic either

 

and besides, who said angels had to be light?

 

Dark master is fine. After all, the light always shines brightest in the dark.

Edited October 30, 2010 by DarKHaZZ13

[Cpt_Reaper]

Oh dear. I was not aware of so many...issues. Thanks again guys, I shall get onto fixing these. For now I better answer some of your questions.

 

Tyrannos is the name of my friend's hive fleet, who was the first 40k army I fought. Yes it would make sense to include an official hive-fleet but I thought it would be nice to do it this way. I can change it to a Kraken splinter fleet as the colours are similar.

 

The reasoning for Angels of Shadow and the rank Dark Master is going to be explained in detail I will give a quick summary. While the Chapter name comes from the Emperor (so no argueing with it) the rank of Dark Master derives from the beliefs of Invalice, the Chapter homeworld. The people believe that there are 2 forces in the universe, light and darkness. Light is weak and can be corrupted easily by those wishing to spread their own light, such as the Imperium being currupted by the "light" of Chaos. Darkness is pure and can never be defeated, for light creates shadows.

 

The rest of the issues will be resolved in the next update. Thanks for the help.

[NightrawenII]

The rank of Company Master in the Chapter is called Dark Master, with the Chapter Master being Supreme Dark Master, a tradition dating back to the Chapter's creation. The title is partly ornamental, being derived from the mythology of the people of Invalice where a Dark Master was a person who held such power that angels themselves bowed to his will.

Nice try.

DARK is something connected with... wait for it... drumroll... darkness. Angels bowing to Dark Master is a oxymoron.

 

by your logic the dark angels are an oxymoron, the blood angels wouldn't stand up to your logic either

 

and besides, who said angels had to be light?

 

Dark master is fine. After all, the light always shines brightest in the dark.

Dark in the DA represent the Fallen issue. Part of their legion ahve fallen and they keep it as the secret from the rest of Imperium.

 

Blood in BA represent the Blood Thirst and Black Rage, they are cursed by their blood(=read gene-seed).

 

Angels following Dark master is a different matter. It makes me think about Lucifer(Horus)&Co.

[Ecritter]

Really? They were the Dark Angels before the Fallen, and the Blood Angels before the Heresy.

[DarKHaZZ13]

Really? They were the Dark Angels before the Fallen, and the Blood Angels before the Heresy.

 

my thoughts exactly

[Ecritter]

Really? They were the Dark Angels before the Fallen, and the Blood Angels before the Heresy.

 

my thoughts exactly

 

The sad fact is that GW has fallen into the same trap that most DIYers do ... name the chapter after current themes long before they happened.

[Octavulg]

That's half the fun, though! :)

 

Really, you'd think they'd have learned to name every Chapter the Acceptablemarines by now.

[Shinzaren]

Invalice, the Chapter homeworld.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't Invalice the name of the world in like 4 or more of the Final Fantasy Games? Tactics, Crystal Chronicles, Etc etc. Mostly Gameboy and mobile system I believe, but still, something that caught my eye. It has no effect on your chapter, just something that jumped out at me.

[Cpt_Reaper]

I wouldn't know, having never played any of them. Most of my Captains are named after Fallen Angels/Daemons, and Invalice is a kingdom of Hell. Yes, my loyalists are named after Fallen Angels and my Warband will be named after Angels when I get around to re-writting it.

[Cpt_Reaper]

With the latest update I have fixed the physical appearance issue and hope it makes more sense now.

[Cpt_Reaper]

updated everything up to and including organisation using the given advice. another update will take a while as I want to fix my chaos warband.

 

+edit: finished the update, simply because I was so close to the end. Enjoy Brethren of the Liber+

Edited November 13, 2010 by 11th Company Dark Master

[Cpt_Reaper]

Changed the last section on each captain to descibe either him or his company rather than how to play them on the tabletop.