Index Traitoris: Prophets of Change

[Ferrus Manus]

Here's my efforts at an IT. These guys sort of mutated out of the Unborn, some of you guys might remember, and I think are better thought through. Of course, I did seek a little help from Ace Debonair, who seems to be the poster-boy of the Liber these days :)

 

Anyway, C&C welcome. You might notice some sections aren't written in yet - simply cause I haven't got round to it yet.

 

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Index Traitoris: Prophets of Change

 

Origins

The Pact

'The room was impossibly dark, unnaturally so. Human eyes would be unable to pierce the shadows; fortunately for the occupiers they were not entirely human, anymore. Two figures stood in the centre; the first mailed in blue and green-grey plate, the second in purple and white. Whilst they wore similar marks of armour, the two suits were anything but similar. The first’s seemed to warp and change constantly, its form never settling, whilst the other’s was embellished with stars of chaos and parchment.

 

“What do you want, follower of Change?” The question was dripping with malice. The warrior of the changing armour smiled. “What do I want? I want vengeance. Me and my brethren were hounded from our world by the bastard sons of Gulliman. My master asks for your aid in this matter, Rift Lord.” The Rift Lord laughed, mockingly.

“Hah! You cannot even defend yourselves, how could Firstblade Maluk trust you to defend his borders as well? Why should we help you? You and your brethren are weak.”

“Careful with your words, else the Great Changer may seek to alter your fortunes and you may find yourselves in the position we find ourselves now. We ask for a small commitment of force on the world suggested. A total of two hundred Astartes are gathered there, of the Arctic Lions – Tzeentch curse them – and the Infinity Knights. We both are in a position to gain something.” The Rift Lord gave pause after hearing this new piece of news. A thin, malicious smile crept slowly across his face. “Interesting. I will consult with my masters. Firstblade Maluk will judge the worth of your words.”

 

The warband has never displayed a name they call themselves, so have been classified as CW183k-delta in Imperial records. However, they have earned many names by those who have had the unfortunate pleasure of their wrathful hands: the Prophets of Change, the Fiends of Ajhan, Consuls of Destruction, the Green Plague, the Brotherhood of the Changer and many more. All these are whispered with when the beating drums of war carry the warband to battle…

 

The exact origins of the Prophets are not known and it is difficult to separate fact from fiction when discussing their fall. After decades of investigation by various members of the Inquisition, it is believed that the Prophets of Change were originally the Astral Swords; a chapter known for their rigid devotion to the Codex Astartes and Imperial creed.

 

The Swords’ problems started when the Ork menace invaded a nearby system in large numbers. Ordinarily, they would have responded in rapid time; however, at the time of the invasion the Swords’ forces were stretched dangerously thin across the galaxy. All that was available was the garrison of their paradise homeworld of Fidilia IV, however, such was the love for their homeworld that the Swords’ law commanded that at least two companies must be present on their homeworld at any one time. In the time it took for them to marshal a force the Orks had rampaged through the system and had moved on; causing the death and destruction of half a dozen worlds. Needless to say, the Imperium did not look kindly on their failure to act.

 

After a short trial, in which the Astral Swords were accused of dereliction of duty, the Chapter was sentenced to a Penitence Crusade indefinitely. Thus, with broken hearts and shame filled souls, the Astral Swords were forced to abandon their homeworld. For the next few centuries the Swords were forced to crusade throughout the galaxy watching as their numbers slowly whittled away; to cope with this, the Chapter began diverging from their Codex ways. Not only this, the quality of their armour and weaponry slowly declined, forcing the Swords to make makeshift repairs and modifications to allow them to continue in their duty.

 

After centuries of such attrition, the Astral Swords were granted the chance to return home and begin replenishing their numbers. With great joy, they returned to Fidilia IV with all speed. However, such elation didn’t last long. The Swords arrived home, only to find a burning sphere in place of their beloved homeworld. It seemed that Fidilia IV had been destroyed after a ‘taint’ had been discovered. Such a claim seemed ridiculous to the brethren of the Swords, who had nothing but happy memories of their paradise world. So, needless to say the Astrals Swords were angry.

 

Even after the irrefutable evidence was put before their Chapter Master’s eyes, the Swords were adamant that the Imperium was in the wrong. Metrovica, the lord of the Chapter, declared that the Imperium was too adherent to ancient dogma and scriptures; that the Imperium needed to change in order to become anything like the power that it once was. He declared that only with the death of the High Lords, and the removal of the Emperor from his throne that the Imperium could begin anew.

 

Knowing that his claims were beyond heresy, Metrovica and the Chapter fled and were not seen for nigh on a millennium. The next time the Chapter was seen, they were warped beyond all recognition. Their armour had turned a sickly grey, and had begun to warp. Everywhere they went, the very earth changed and mutated. It seemed they had become living conduits of change, disciples of Tzeentch. It was only after staunch Imperial resistance that they were driven into the Shroud Stars.

 

 

Homeworld

 

The homeworld of the Prophets resides in the area of space known as the Shroud Stars; an area known as a graveyard by many ship crewman, and as haven for heretics and traitors by the Inquisition. Unfortunately, for the Imperium, the Shroud Stars are a dangerous, and unknown region of space; a place where Warp Storms seem to birth into existence frequently and randomly. To add to this, the region is littered with wreckage of dead ships and stars, making it a seemingly impenetrable fortress for the time being. Despite this, the Prophets of Change are constantly looking over their shoulders watching for potential threats from their so called allies.

 

The exact location of the warband’s homeworld is unknown by all except, of course, the Prophets themselves and their closer neighbours. Despite not knowing the exact co-ordinates of their cradle world, the Imperium is all too aware of the planet’s status as a minor daemon world. It is a world which has felt the full touch of Tzeentch’s blessings. It is a world that has no true form, it shifts and changes constantly – lakes dry up, mountains form and die within minutes and forests crumble into dust.

 

It is surprising that such a world could bear life, and yet it does. The world is home to creatures that are just as varying as the planet itself, they are the spawn of Chaos and they are many. As well as this, the planet is home to a human populace; or at least a populace that used to be human. Like their world they have mutated beyond all recognition, and are used by the Prophets of Change as nothing more than slaves and sacrifices.

 

Like many renegades, the Prophets recruit from the worlds they assail; taking only the strongest and most able warriors to join them – freely or not. Not only that, the warband takes a small intake of recruits from the worlds around them that are less blessed by the touch of Chaos. These recruits are not immediately taken to the Changeling’s fortress, instead they thrown onto the ever-changing planet and left to fend for themselves for a period of time, typically nine days. Those that survive are deemed worthy, and favoured by Tzeentch, enough to join their ranks.

 

It is then that they are taken to the Changeling’s Fortress-Monastery, built on one of the planet’s moons to prevent its destruction by the volatile nature of the world below. The Fortress itself is another bastard fusion of science and the raw power of Chaos, to the naked eye it seems as if the Fortress has latched itself onto the moon, like a parasite clings to its host. Mighty tendrils bore into the rock, absorbing all the natural resources for use by the warband.

 

The fortress itself is a maze, built to mimic the domain of Tzeentch; its layout is never set. The rooms never in the same place twice and the corridors never lead to the same destination as they did before. To enter such a place uninvited is to invite madness. Only those who have felt the touch of their patron god may enter and have the ability to navigate their way.

 

Organisation

 

Like every other aspect of the Warband, the Prophets of Change seek to pay respect to Tzeentch through their organisational structure. Each Battle-Cadre, of which there are nine, consists of a multiple of nine units, each containing nine warriors. This is something that the Prophets religiously strive to maintain, going through extraordinary lengths to ensure that each squad’s numbers are satisfactory. Unlike most warbands, the Prophets of Change lead through virtue and ability rather than strength or skill in battle. They strive to maintain the rigid discipline that is commonplace in most loyalist Chapters.

 

Uncommonly, the Prophets don’t label their ranks – believing that such a label prevents change, as once the labelled thing changes it no longer fits the label. This extends to their Battle-Brothers as well; whilst they have their birth names, these are often mutated over time. Depending on the whims of a particular warrior, his name may get bigger, smaller or simply consist of different syllables; this makes it extremely difficult for outsiders to communicate with the Warband for long periods of time.

 

Combat Doctrine

 

As befitting worshippers of the Great Changer, the battle doctrine of the Prophets of Change is totally unpredictable by all but the greatest tactical minds, often because the warband’s tactics are always changing and mutating into something different. They implement many complex strategies all at one time, intending to confuse and hinder the enemy. To their prey, their attacks may seem wild and totally random, but there is always clear reason behind every move they make. Their strategies are often designed to prevent their enemy from organising any strong resistance, whilst slowly bleeding them and their resources dry.

 

Like many other traitor warbands, the Prophets are noted to have used large amounts of cultist allies and heretical Guardsmen regiments in their wars. The warband uses such units as meat shields and sacrifices to their god. They are simply there to use up the enemies ammunition and courage. As well as human allies, the Prophets of Change have been known to summon daemons, most commonly those designated ‘Horrors’ and ‘Screamers.’ In one instance, the Prophets managed to summon a Lord of Change; resulting in the loss of several Imperial worlds. These daemonic allies are used with more honour than their mortal warriors, most likely because of the effort the summoner must go through to procure such alliances.

 

Beliefs

 

Geneseed

 

Due to the mix and match nature of the Astartes within their ranks, there is a strong likelihood that warriors of all the loyalist bloodlines are united under Lord Finn. Despite this, all geneseed captured from the corpses of dead Prophets of Change that has been examined has mutated and corrupted beyond the point of recognition. It is a wonder that these warriors can still live with their diseased blood.

 

Battle Cry

 

“For Change!” or some such variation. Also, declarations of their lords’ name is often a common battle cry.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Ace as poster boy is because he's the only one that really seems to stay the course - but don't tell him :angry:

 

Now..

 

 

I will say I'm disappointed by the Origins section, but given that if they don't even know the name of the Chapter it's going to be hard to speculate on any history.

 

That said, have you considered dropping in a bit of the Consuls' history? Even if they are not realted, if data points towards the possibility then surely even a tiny bit about their previous operations might be included?

 

 

These recruits are not immediately taken to the Changeling’s fortress, instead they thrown onto the ever-changing planet and left to fend for themselves for a period of time, typically nine days.

 

Empahsis mine.

 

I see what you did there, very clever!

 

 

To enter such a place uninvited is to invite madness. Only those who have felt the touch of their patron god may enter and have the ability to navigate their way.

 

Not considered that it is simply impossible to even find the Fortress if uninvited? That stops any other followers of the Lord of Change from entering - as they would be touched and immune to its effects.

 

Plus think of the psychological effects of such an edifice appearing at the behest of its controllers!

 

 

Uncommonly, the Changelings don’t label their ranks – believing that such a label prevents change, as once the labelled thing changes it no longer fits the label.

 

Clever, very clever, but take it a step further -It is not that a label is discarded, it is that they hold the belief that any such label in anaethema to change and prevents it, which would go against the almost religous reverance they hold change in!

 

"For Change!”

 

Surely that would change? <_<

[RagingGriffon]

Good solid base. I felt like it started off as a =I= report, then you switched to saying stuff like "blessed touch of Chaos." Now I think you need to get more into what makes them different than a regular Tzeentchian warband. Right now all you have is they are 9's and they don't use titles. I WANT MOAR!!! How did they procure a Fortress Monestary? How do they maintain it from other Warbands trying to take it, etc? Oh, and I just want to caution what you and Ace got going on. It feels like to me you are making the Shroud Stars your bastion. I can only think of certain times Chaos Warbands work "well" together and that is during Black Crusades.

[Ferrus Manus]

I will say I'm disappointed by the Origins section, but given that if they don't even know the name of the Chapter it's going to be hard to speculate on any history.

 

That said, have you considered dropping in a bit of the Consuls' history? Even if they are not realted, if data points towards the possibility then surely even a tiny bit about their previous operations might be included?

Apologies, I should have been clear. This section is very WIP, I do intend to explore the reason for the Star Consuls fall.

 

Made clear in article.

 

Clever, very clever, but take it a step further -It is not that a label is discarded, it is that they hold the belief that any such label in anaethema to change and prevents it, which would go against the almost religous reverance they hold change in!

Hrmm, good point - looks like I didn't go far enough. Thanks.

 

Surely that would change?

Hah. I did think of that, hence 'some such variation.' :angry:

 

++++++++++

 

Now I think you need to get more into what makes them different than a regular Tzeentchian warband.

This will (hopefully) become clear in the Beliefs section. Chiefly, it will be that these guys focus on the change aspect of Tzeentch rather than the sorcery angle. Ironically, I might have them take the view that sorcerers aren't to be trusted but are a necessity for warp travel and daemon summonings.

 

I WANT MOAR!!! How did they procure a Fortress Monestary? How do they maintain it from other Warbands trying to take it, etc? Oh, and I just want to caution what you and Ace got going on. It feels like to me you are making the Shroud Stars your bastion. I can only think of certain times Chaos Warbands work "well" together and that is during Black Crusades.

I'm glad you like it, and thanks for those questions - that'll give me something to flesh out the Homeworld section.

 

And I know the danger of the shared DIY verse that is appearing in the Shroud Stars - as it stands I think it's workable. However, if that ever changes (see what I did there? <_< ) I can easily move them to the Maelstrom.

 

+++++++

 

Thanks for the quick replies and comments. You have both given me something to think about.

[Tyrannicide]

Your writing has improved very much since the last time I read your work Ferrus. But I have to say, I really like what you've developed here. Writing traitor Marines can be so difficult. I failed horribly when I attempted long ago. :lol:

 

That said, I do want to see more focus on the levels that make up the Warband's foundation. I want to see more of their character and the core of their beliefs. Yes, they like mutations, transforming, and destroying. All things that Chaos is generally associated with. I think a possible route you could play with is making them slaves to change. They feel that change brings them a sense of self-worth and a form of bastardized pride. On all levels. Mentally, physically, spiritually. Change fills the voids of their essence. That almost feels more Slaanesh-like, but I see no reason why you can't make the change have more than one facet. Use it as a dependence in some cases; change for changes' sake.

 

 

God, I've been away from these parts for far too long. It's difficult to give advice that has any cohesion and is understandable at the same time.

[Ferrus Manus]

God, I've been away from these parts for far too long. It's difficult to give advice that has any cohesion and is understandable at the same time.

Your writing has improved very much since the last time I read your work Ferrus. But I have to say, I really like what you've developed here. Writing traitor Marines can be so difficult. I failed horribly when I attempted long ago. :lol:

Firstly, welcome back to the Liber Darth! It's nice to hear from you again; and, I'm glad you like it. ^_^

 

That said, I do want to see more focus on the levels that make up the Warband's foundation. I want to see more of their character and the core of their beliefs. Yes, they like mutations, transforming, and destroying. All things that Chaos is generally associated with. I think a possible route you could play with is making them slaves to change. They feel that change brings them a sense of self-worth and a form of bastardized pride. On all levels. Mentally, physically, spiritually. Change fills the voids of their essence. That almost feels more Slaanesh-like, but I see no reason why you can't make the change have more than one facet. Use it as a dependence in some cases; change for changes' sake.

I know exactly what you mean, and I have thought about it - but I'm unsure where to go with it. My one idea was that to go along with their ever changing armour and bodies, the Changelings occasionally opt for Spawnhood akin to the Word Bearers and Black Legion and their possessed - except they can't go back.

 

The second was to play on the ever-changing aspect of them. Perhaps whilst in battle the change resulted in a handicap; for example, as they went to rip the throat of a Guardsman out with their bare teeth, the teeth mutated into Jelly Babies. :P Ok, it's a poor example but it's all I could think of and it serves the prpose of explaining what I mean.

 

So, thoughts?

[Aqui]

God, I've been away from these parts for far too long. It's difficult to give advice that has any cohesion and is understandable at the same time.

Your writing has improved very much since the last time I read your work Ferrus. But I have to say, I really like what you've developed here. Writing traitor Marines can be so difficult. I failed horribly when I attempted long ago. :)

Firstly, welcome back to the Liber Darth! It's nice to hear from you again; and, I'm glad you like it. ;)

 

That said, I do want to see more focus on the levels that make up the Warband's foundation. I want to see more of their character and the core of their beliefs. Yes, they like mutations, transforming, and destroying. All things that Chaos is generally associated with. I think a possible route you could play with is making them slaves to change. They feel that change brings them a sense of self-worth and a form of bastardized pride. On all levels. Mentally, physically, spiritually. Change fills the voids of their essence. That almost feels more Slaanesh-like, but I see no reason why you can't make the change have more than one facet. Use it as a dependence in some cases; change for changes' sake.

I know exactly what you mean, and I have thought about it - but I'm unsure where to go with it. My one idea was that to go along with their ever changing armour and bodies, the Changelings occasionally opt for Spawnhood akin to the Word Bearers and Black Legion and their possessed - except they can't go back.

 

The second was to play on the ever-changing aspect of them. Perhaps whilst in battle the change resulted in a handicap; for example, as they went to rip the throat of a Guardsman out with their bare teeth, the teeth mutated into Jelly Babies. ;) Ok, it's a poor example but it's all I could think of and it serves the prpose of explaining what I mean.

 

So, thoughts?

 

Of all four of the Ruinous Powers, I like Tzeentch the least, however, I do like the over all theme The Changlings have (plus in my eyes is a little nod to the "Founders" in Star Trek DS9 :P [Not sure if that is intentional or co-incidence] ) With regards to the two options you have in mind, I feel that the second is definitely the way to go. The Thousand Sons have the Rubric to contend with, The Changlings could have this :devil:

 

A possible name to use for this could be Vicissitude - Definition: something made different; alteration

[Ferrus Manus]

Of all four of the Ruinous Powers, I like Tzeentch the least, however, I do like the over all theme The Changlings have (plus in my eyes is a little nod to the "Founders" in Star Trek DS9 :D [Not sure if that is intentional or co-incidence] ) With regards to the two options you have in mind, I feel that the second is definitely the way to go. The Thousand Sons have the Rubric to contend with, The Changlings could have this :)

 

A possible name to use for this could be Vicissitude - Definition: something made different; alteration

Afraid it's co-incidence, but I did look them up, just to see what you were on about.

 

I see what you mean, and the change works against them angle I like. But I like the first idea just as much - I mean converting themselves to spawn just to be living conduits of change I think is pretty cool.

 

The thing is, until I've solved this I can't really write their beliefs section as it will affect them. Does anyone else have any thoughts - either way? This is slightly important.

[RagingGriffon]

Well, Tzeentch is my second favorite Chaos God, so I might try and weigh in on this discussion.

 

There are two stereotypical characterizations of Tzeentch followers: strategians, and sorcerers.

 

Now you are looking at the "pure" aspect of Tzeentch and that is "change" and "mutation." So, you have to ask yourselves a couple questions: how did they come to these beliefs, how do they follow these beliefs (which you have touched on), and how do they implement these beliefs.

 

I think you should formulate some answers and then we can start nudging in the right direction. I look forward to helping you with this.

[Aqui]

Of all four of the Ruinous Powers, I like Tzeentch the least, however, I do like the over all theme The Changlings have (plus in my eyes is a little nod to the "Founders" in Star Trek DS9 :P [Not sure if that is intentional or co-incidence] ) With regards to the two options you have in mind, I feel that the second is definitely the way to go. The Thousand Sons have the Rubric to contend with, The Changlings could have this ^_^

 

A possible name to use for this could be Vicissitude - Definition: something made different; alteration

Afraid it's co-incidence, but I did look them up, just to see what you were on about.

 

I see what you mean, and the change works against them angle I like. But I like the first idea just as much - I mean converting themselves to spawn just to be living conduits of change I think is pretty cool.

 

The thing is, until I've solved this I can't really write their beliefs section as it will affect them. Does anyone else have any thoughts - either way? This is slightly important.

 

I understand the first option a lot better now after reading this and can see where you are coming from.

 

However, thinking about it, I can't see why both options can't be included. How about the Marines in the first option are those who truely "See" what Tzeentch is about and is "rewarded" by him - i.e. Spawndom. The Marine affected by option 2 are ones who don't comprehend Tzeentch properly and mistakenly "look down" those in the option 1 category. Because of this Tzeentch is unhappy, but allows them to think this way, but when the opportune moment arises (as it does often...) sees to it that something goes wrong as in your previous example:

 

The second was to play on the ever-changing aspect of them. Perhaps whilst in battle the change resulted in a handicap; for example, as they went to rip the throat of a Guardsman out with their bare teeth, the teeth mutated into Jelly Babies. Ok, it's a poor example but it's all I could think of and it serves the prpose of explaining what I mean.

 

Hope that makes sense.... :sweat:

[Heru]

The thing that concerns me is the fact they are called The Changelings and are Tzeentchian just like "The Changeling" from Codex Daemons.

[RagingGriffon]

The thing that concerns me is the fact they are called The Changelings and are Tzeentchian just like "The Changeling" from Codex Daemons.

 

Maybe that is an angle he can play?

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

I do like these guys as I see lots of character potential. The writing is good so far and the set up for the rest of the IA is good too. However, it feels a little... undeveloped, of which it most certainly is and I can see that. However what I mean is that you don't seem to be drawing out who the changelings are in what you have already.

 

At the moment they seem a lot like a very tzeentchian warband, but just that. I know where you want to go with the changelings, in so far as I am an outsider looking in, but that you need to draw on more of what makes them different from other tzeentchian warbands. In a forum where being 'too' unique is a cause for concern, I think you need to step it up a little bit.

 

Maybe document some disagreements with other warbands for not being 'dedicated' enough to tzeentch? Perhaps this is what endeared them to the Rift Lords who are themselves raging chaos zealots to rival the Imperial Church.

[Ace Debonair]

Here's my efforts at an IT. These guys sort of mutated out of the Unborn, some of you guys might remember, and I think are better thought through. Of course, I did seek a little help from Ace Debonair, who seems to be the poster-boy of the Liber these days

Ace as poster boy is because he's the only one that really seems to stay the course - but don't tell him

 

Poster boy, eh? :down:

With my rugged good looks and cool blue and white quartered armour, it was only a matter of time. :tu:

 

Maybe document some disagreements with other warbands for not being 'dedicated' enough to tzeentch? Perhaps this is what endeared them to the Rift Lords who are themselves raging chaos zealots to rival the Imperial Church.

 

Actually, the Changelings are the exception to the norm - mostly the Rift Lords only allow undivided or unaligned warbands into the Shroud. The Changelings buy their way in and earn their keep with some choice nuggets of information, such as prime targets and warnings of unexpected Imperial activity, as well as being prepared to contribute troops to Maluk's battles.

 

If the name of the warband does present problems because it links to an existing bit of background, how about 'The Altered' as an alternative?

[Dark Apostle Thirst]

You ask for the Rift Lords help and not the Wraiths? Bah! :lol:

 

I also want to suggest a name change - When I read the name, my first thought was a chapter of Tzeentch daemons. Tzeentch was in their up to his mutating knees, and your marines seem to be somewhat daemonic in nature (Being Tzeentch Chaos Marines). The Unborn would be a great name for any Chaos Warband, I don't know why you dropped it.

[Ferrus Manus]

I understand the first option a lot better now after reading this and can see where you are coming from.

 

However, thinking about it, I can't see why both options can't be included. How about the Marines in the first option are those who truely "See" what Tzeentch is about and is "rewarded" by him - i.e. Spawndom. The Marine affected by option 2 are ones who don't comprehend Tzeentch properly and mistakenly "look down" those in the option 1 category. Because of this Tzeentch is unhappy, but allows them to think this way, but when the opportune moment arises (as it does often...) sees to it that something goes wrong as in your previous example:

That seems like a good idea... a mixture of both it is!

 

At the moment they seem a lot like a very tzeentchian warband, but just that. I know where you want to go with the changelings, in so far as I am an outsider looking in, but that you need to draw on more of what makes them different from other tzeentchian warbands. In a forum where being 'too' unique is a cause for concern, I think you need to step it up a little bit.

 

Maybe document some disagreements with other warbands for not being 'dedicated' enough to tzeentch? Perhaps this is what endeared them to the Rift Lords who are themselves raging chaos zealots to rival the Imperial Church.

Ok, more unique. Hopefully that will come through with the beliefs section. As for the documents, that could work as a sidebar or something.

 

The thing that concerns me is the fact they are called The Changelings and are Tzeentchian just like "The Changeling" from Codex Daemons.

Concern in what way, Heru?

 

If the name of the warband does present problems because it links to an existing bit of background, how about 'The Altered' as an alternative?

I also want to suggest a name change - When I read the name, my first thought was a chapter of Tzeentch daemons. Tzeentch was in their up to his mutating knees, and your marines seem to be somewhat daemonic in nature (Being Tzeentch Chaos Marines). The Unborn would be a great name for any Chaos Warband, I don't know why you dropped it.

My problem with 'the Unborn' is that it's quite an awkward name to explain its use, without going into lots of tedious detail anyway. If anyone has a good idea for this then perhaps I can be swayed.

 

You ask for the Rift Lords help and not the Wraiths? Bah!

Way I see it, you get accepted by the RLs you get accepted by everybody. :P

 

+++++

 

Thanks for the comments... an update is on its way, honest.

[Ferrata]

I hate it...sorry, am I meant to read the article before I make my comments? :D

 

I am not sold on the name of the warband, especially since it is given by the Imperium. I've always known that traitor chapters are more difficult to do, as most IAs are done from an Imperial point of view but it can't really have the insight into the chapter if they have gone bad. Unless the warband does not have a name it calls itself, then I would suggest saying something along the lines of:

 

The warband has never displayed a name they call themselves, so have been classified as CW183k-delta in Imperial records. However, they have earned many names by those who have had the unfortunate pleasure of their wrathful hands. The Changelings, The Fiends of Ajhan, Consuls of Destruction, The Purple Plague. All these have been whispered when the beating drums of war carry the warband to battle.

 

Like others have commented, I think this has the potential to be a great warband but at the moment I feel like you just aren't quite putting out. You are giving us all the signs, you are being suggestive that you've got good ideas, but you are not quite there yet. This could be purely due to the shortened nature of the article at the moment, or the lack of a defined idea about what the chapter is.

 

The love change, but do they love change for changes sake or is it more about revolution instead of rebellion? Revolution would be changing something for the better, and if it is good keeping with it. Rebellion is changing something because you want a change. I think the latter might be more interesting, that they've intentionally harmed themselves just to change things :P

This would work nicely with a random set of core things that they keep the same - nine men in nine squads in nine companies. Which men are in which squad in which company doing which job changes constantly - but as long as it is 9x9x9 they are happy.

 

You talk a lot about their homeworld but it seems to have nothing to do with the chapter really. They don't recruit from there. They don't live there. The only thing they do is send people down there for nine days. Maybe you could show that this planet is the centre of their faith - the planet that is every changing no matter how beautiful it gets. This planet embodies everything they believe in and it has become a shrine in itself.

[Ferrus Manus]

I hate it...sorry, am I meant to read the article before I make my comments? :)

See this is why I'll never be a mod. Unlike Ferrata, I'm not good with the jokes :P

 

I am not sold on the name of the warband, especially since it is given by the Imperium. I've always known that traitor chapters are more difficult to do, as most IAs are done from an Imperial point of view but it can't really have the insight into the chapter if they have gone bad. Unless the warband does not have a name it calls itself, then I would suggest saying something along the lines of:

 

The warband has never displayed a name they call themselves, so have been classified as CW183k-delta in Imperial records. However, they have earned many names by those who have had the unfortunate pleasure of their wrathful hands. The Changelings, The Fiends of Ajhan, Consuls of Destruction, The Purple Plague. All these have been whispered when the beating drums of war carry the warband to battle.

 

Fair point. To be honest, I agree. I couldn't ever come up with a name for these guys, and I didn't want to stick to the phrase 'the Warband' throughout the article. So really I only need one to avoid some serious repetition.

 

Like others have commented, I think this has the potential to be a great warband but at the moment I feel like you just aren't quite putting out. You are giving us all the signs, you are being suggestive that you've got good ideas, but you are not quite there yet. This could be purely due to the shortened nature of the article at the moment, or the lack of a defined idea about what the chapter is.

 

The love change, but do they love change for changes sake or is it more about revolution instead of rebellion? Revolution would be changing something for the better, and if it is good keeping with it. Rebellion is changing something because you want a change. I think the latter might be more interesting, that they've intentionally harmed themselves just to change things :D

This would work nicely with a random set of core things that they keep the same - nine men in nine squads in nine companies. Which men are in which squad in which company doing which job changes constantly - but as long as it is 9x9x9 they are happy.

These guys are definitely 'rebellion.' They are slaves to change and change because they must; not necessarily cause they want to. I mean one of them could create the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, but he would have to constantly change it by warp magic or by hand - even if that meant making it no more powerful than a lasgun. But then that works the other way to. But it does seem that the common denominator of feedback is that the ideas aren't fully developed enough.

 

You talk a lot about their homeworld but it seems to have nothing to do with the chapter really. They don't recruit from there. They don't live there. The only thing they do is send people down there for nine days. Maybe you could show that this planet is the centre of their faith - the planet that is every changing no matter how beautiful it gets. This planet embodies everything they believe in and it has become a shrine in itself.

Hrmm, interesting. They could potentially gather there every so often for rituals etc... perhaps they even anoint new brethren with dirt from the world - an ever-changing mark?

[Ferrata]

See this is why I'll never be a mod. Unlike Ferrata, I'm not good with the jokes

No, the reason you will never be a mod is because of the dance you did at the Librarium Christmas Party :)

 

Fair point. To be honest, I agree. I couldn't ever come up with a name for these guys, and I didn't want to stick to the phrase 'the Warband' throughout the article. So really I only need one to avoid some serious repetition.

Agreed, and a code number isn't that interesting. I would suggest coming up with a name for them as you would a normal warband but state it is only what the Imperium calls them (like you have) but something better than the Changelings. To be honest, I am a fan of more traditional names like the Sons of Change or the Warriors of the Changer.

[Ace Debonair]

If the name of the warband does present problems because it links to an existing bit of background, how about 'The Altered' as an alternative?

I also want to suggest a name change - When I read the name, my first thought was a chapter of Tzeentch daemons. Tzeentch was in their up to his mutating knees, and your marines seem to be somewhat daemonic in nature (Being Tzeentch Chaos Marines). The Unborn would be a great name for any Chaos Warband, I don't know why you dropped it.

My problem with 'the Unborn' is that it's quite an awkward name to explain its use, without going into lots of tedious detail anyway. If anyone has a good idea for this then perhaps I can be swayed.

 

So, what about the Altered? :P

You ask for the Rift Lords help and not the Wraiths? Bah!

Way I see it, you get accepted by the RLs you get accepted by everybody. ;)

 

Probably not. :D The Rift Lords aren't that powerful.

Warbands in the Shroud that don't like each other won't often be asked to work together, since it'd be less efficient.

[Aqui]

If you aren't sure about "The unborn" how about "The remade" or "The reborn" (or something similar) due to the fact that their bodies have been/are constantly changing?

[RagingGriffon]

Brainstorming right meow:

 

The Infernal Changers

Etheral Prophets

Prophets of Change

Spiral Lords (I LIKE THIS ONE)

 

Now that you mentioned these guys are obsessed with change, I see these guys raiding planets and just turning it into a giant rock of twisted mutations and insane geography. Powerful sorcerers, daemonologists, and just crazy mo-fos.

[Ferrus Manus]

Ferrata

 

No, the reason you will never be a mod is because of the dance you did at the Librarium Christmas Party ;)

Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't we swear to never speak of that again? :P

 

To be honest, I am a fan of more traditional names like the Sons of Change or the Warriors of the Changer.

You really do have a thing about names with of in the middle. Slightly off-topic but do you announce yourself as Ferrata (or your real name, which ever floats your boat) of Derbys? That said, I do like Sons of Change.

 

Ace

 

So, what about the Altered? ;)

I've had about a hundred million names thrown at me, I guess I have some thinking to do. A shame cause I do like several of them. On the subject of names, I'm re-naming their pre-fall Chapter - I like the 'Star Consuls' and I have an idea for a Chapter.

 

Warbands in the Shroud that don't like each other won't often be asked to work together, since it'd be less efficient.

I thought that as soon as I posted. Just couldn't be bothered to edit it. Lazy Ferrus.

 

Aquilanus

 

If you aren't sure about "The unborn" how about "The remade" or "The reborn" (or something similar) due to the fact that their bodies have been/are constantly changing?

As I said, I got some thinking to do.

 

Raging Griffon

 

Brainstorming right meow:

 

The Infernal Changers

Etheral Prophets

Prophets of Change

Spiral Lords (I LIKE THIS ONE)

Same as above. Though I do like the first two.

 

Now that you mentioned these guys are obsessed with change, I see these guys raiding planets and just turning it into a giant rock of twisted mutations and insane geography. Powerful sorcerers, daemonologists, and just crazy mo-fos.

I like the first idea. The second I agree with, but ironically for Tzeentch worshippers I want them to be mistrustful of psykers - but use them as a necessity.

 

+++++++++++

 

As usual, thanks for the comments and thoughts - keep them coming. Also, I have my last free day for a while tomorrow so I'll get the final two sections done and perhaps edit the existing ones if I get time.

[RagingGriffon]

Cool, "Spiral Lords" is now mine. Off-shoot of the Word Bearers. Prophets of Tzeentch, Master Psykers, and Daemonologists. Hooray!!! New warband created in your thread!

 

 

I like forward to your work. Just thought of something... if these guys are obsessed with change, then I don't see them working well with Ace D's peeps.

[Aqui]

I look forward to seeing more too ;) Especially as it's given me a hankering to do my own IT now....although I should finish my IA first ;)