The Astral Dragons

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

The Astral Dragons

"Talos guides us, Brothers!”

Angelos Dracos, First Chapter Master of The Astral Dragons

 

Origins

 

Formed in The 23rd Founding, The Astral Dragons originated from The Dark Angels, The new chapter trained until a few companies were established. Soon after, The Astral Dragons took their fleet and chapter and headed for the stars, becoming a fleet based chapter.

 

The Astral Dragons moved among the Stars, bringing death to any form of Traitor, Xeno or Heretic.

 

The Origin of Talos

Angelos Dracos ,The 1st chapter master of the Astral Dragons was told the deep and dark secrets of The Fallen, Angelos Dracos realised to be fully forgiven by the Emperor, he would have to be helped by those who whose closest to him, his Sons. Of course, he only knew the teachings of The Lion, so Dracos set his chapter on a quest. Seeking out other chapters, Angelos gained understanding of the other teachings of the Emperors Sons, from the wisdom of Vulkan, to the Craftsmanship of Ferrus Manus and the courage and honour of Sanguinius. When all the teachings of the primarchs were learn by Dracos, he withdrew deep into his flagships chamber. Time passed, and eventually, Dracos emerged, with a huge tome in his hand. Gathering all the marines of the chapter, Dracos gave a speech.

“Brothers, as you know, we are Unforgiven. We repent for our Sins. Through fire, ice, water, wind, the cold of space, we fight on, and so it shall be until we find the last of the Fallen, and he pays for his sins. But, on the quest for forgiveness, guidance is needed. And guidance is what we shall have. As you all know, we have travelled throughout the galaxy, meeting new chapters, and gaining new battle brothers. You have trained with them, fought with them, and honoured them. Now, we shall learn, not from them, but from their forefathers, their founders, the beloved Primarch’s. In my hands, I hold a tome, within which lies the teachings, the legacy of the Primarch’s. Brothers, we will follow these teachings. Talos will guide us! We shall let the Sons of the Emperor, praise his name, guide us on the path of forgiveness. We shall be pure of heart; we will be a flaming light in the darkness! We shall purify with boltgun, flame, sword, claw, fist The Enemies of the Imperium will fall! We shall descend on our enemies, and when we do, Dragons will roar! We will be forgiven!”

 

Thus, the belief of Talos was created, the chapter would pray to the Primarchs before any act; these prayers helping The Astral Dragons eventually achieve forgiveness. This Pantheon represents the iron will of The Astral Dragons, and some can dedicate themselves to certain teachings of a Primarch. All are expected to now the first five teachings of Lion El’Jonson, but then a marine is free to choose what teachings he wishes to learn. A marine still prays to all the Primarchs, but certain teachings can help with a marine’s position.

 

For example, A Assault squad member would usually learn the Teachings of Leman Russ and The Great Khan, as Attack and Speed is vital factors in a successful assault whereas a Techmarine would usally learn The Teachings of Ferrus Manus and Vulkan. Chaplains might learn the teachings of Gulliman and Sanguinius, and Librarians the teachings of Vulkan. Scouts would learn Corax's teachings, Devastators Rogal Dorn's teachings. Tactical squad marines might learn the teachings of Guilliman. A limited form of the teachings of Sanguinius, Ferrus Manus and Vulkan is taught to all battle brother during the time they learn the chapter's prayers and rites of maintenance. Captains learn the teachings of the Lion while the chapter master, who has mastered or has at least some knowledge of all previous teachings, would learn the teachings of the Emperor, who teaches both self sacrifice and guidance.

 

After the Belief of Talos was created, the chapter went through a massive time of learning, in the art of War, due to the Wars with both the Word Bearers and Eldar and craftsmanship. At this time, the entire chapter learnt the teaching of Talos, and The Order of The Nine was created, a collection of All the Captains, Librarians, Chaplains, Techmarines, and of course, the chapter master himself.

 

Haciman

In 292.M41The Astral Dragons, held off Ork assaults on the world Haciman, near Badab. Huge amounts of Orks surged on the world, overwhelming the Marines. Within three months, 2 companies of The Astral Dragons were totally destroyed.

 

Outraged with the loss of two mush honoured companies of his chapter, Chapter Master Jace Draconius led a Spearhead assault on the Orks Leader, Graza Irongutz. Fighting against a force that outnumbered their own 30 to 1, The Astral Dragons fought with valour, punching a hole through the Ork horde. Reaching the huge brute that was Irongutz, Draconius engaged the beast. Finally, after a gruelling and pitched battle, Draconius delivered the killing blow, cleaving The Ork Warlord’s head from his shoulders.

 

All Ork forces were broken, the death of their leader causing civil war within the ranks as Warbosses fought for Irongutz position as Warlord. Whilst the remaining Astral Dragons mopped up the disarrayed Orks, The Dragons Fleet engaged the Orks craft, annihilating the Ork’s fleet. Within the month, enough Ork presence was destroyed on the planet to leave in the hands of The Imperial Guard.

 

Battered, The Astral Dragons limped away from Haciman, half of the Chapter dead. Travelling, The Astral Dragons found a world, Called Valkra, located in The Segmentum Tempus, within the Orion Arm. This world seemed ideal to The Astral Dragons and they set off to their new home world.

 

Establishing their presence on the volcanic world, The Astral Dragons built The Crimson Citadel, a huge armed fortress where the chapter is based. Weirdly shaped stone pillars littered the landscape of Valkra, but ignoring their presence, The Astral Dragons began to reinforce themselves. Soon, the chapter was fully reinforced, 10 companies made.

 

A series of great victories followed, The Astral Dragons winning hundreds of victory wreathes. Returning to Valkra in honour, their presence adored by the nearby worlds to Valka.

 

The World Eater War

In 378.M41, the 7th Company, led by Captain Thor was called the Arichius, a planet in the Segmentum Obscurus, to quell a small outbreak of Cultists. Leading the 7th into the cultists headquarters, Thor made a terrible discovery. The cultists were mining deep into the ground, for a artefact of great power to the forces of chaos. Thor immediately destroyed the cultists, and tunnelled in the mines the cultists had created. Leaving the planet in peace, the cultists quelled, Thor headed back towards Valkra.

 

Later, the planet was invaded. Alerted by a emergency signal, Thor headed back towards Archius. From his ship, he saw the damage the planet had taken. Entire settlements were burnt in unholy flames, and an entire fleet of World Eater ships surrounded the planet. PDF forces tried to hold off the flow of Chaos Marines, but were swiftly being destroyed. In a daring move, Thor escaped the fleet following him, and called for reinforcements. 7 monthes later, Flame’s Embrace and the Impertor Dragon, the flagships of the 4th and 1st companies arrived, accompanied with a small fleet. By this time, the World Eater control of the planet was total, all resistance crushed.

 

Led by the Impertor Dragon, the small fleet pushed through the World Eater fleet, and got their forces onto the planet. However, once the force was deployed, the fleet of The Astral Dragons had to retreat, or be destroyed by the World Eaters. The 7th, 4th and 1st were stranded on Arichius, with no retreat possible. Quickly taking over a remote city near the mountains of Arichius, the 3 companies hastily made fortifications. 4 monthes later, with the Dragons repelling all the attacks from cultists, The World Eaters themselves attacked, the feral force led by a potent and powerful Warlord called Kain, and his lieutenant Ferrox. For a month, The companies held off the assaults from Kain and his horde. However, the defences were weak, and Kain finally broke through. With a feral cry, Kain cleaved through the ranks of the Astral Dragons. Then, in the dark, chaotic sky, and huge fire roared. All stopped fighting and looked up to see what caused it. Then, streaks appeared in the sky, burning down towards the planet. Draconius had arrived. Alerted to threat by the returning ships, Draconius had brought The Redemptor, The Astral Dragon’s flagship, the elite Talos Guard and the 6th and 2nd companies. With the element of surprise and the sheer power of their force, The Astral Dragons overwhelmed and destroyed the Chaos force. Thor slew Kain, and Xenan, a assault squad sergeant, wounded Ferrox. However Ferrox was reported to have escaped with the small amount of survivors. Also, the artefact which had attracted the World Eaters, A Daemon Axe named Ka’Zeel was reported missing.

 

The Chaos threat gone, Draconius left the planet with the survivors of his force. Rumours have also arisen that Ferrox is a Fallen, although there is no proof to support that claim.

 

 

The Battle for Valkra

In 898.41M, The darkest days of The Astral Dragons occurred. The weirdly shaped pillars that Draconius ignored began to glow an ominous green. Rising from deep within the Planet, The Necrons rose.

 

The Astral Dragons were taken by surprise; The Necrons cutting thought their defences. Monoliths rose, and the iron grip of The Necrons held Valkra in its deathly fingers, The Astral Dragons powerless against their might.

 

Eventually, the Necron host, named The Vampyr Legion by The Astral Dragons, began an assault on The Crimson Citadel. The sky was black, and all around, once dormant volcanoes now erupted with murderous force. The Astral Dragon fought and fought, but the host never seemed to end. Monoliths massed outside the Fortress Monastery, and laid waste to the great fortress.

 

The turning point came 4 months after the Necrons rose. Lead a Spearhead assault on The Necrons. Together with the 4th Company, led by Lucas Raziel, the 2nd Company led by Captain Kain and the 1st Company led by Captain Iyr, The Chapter Master Siegfried Ra cut a bloody swathe through the force, slaying The Necron Lord, plunging his Blade straight through the fiend’s chest.

 

The Necrons were leaderless, and Ra led many hit and run attacks on the Monoliths surrounding the Crimson Fortress. However, more and more of the unnatural host rose, their desire to destroy humanity driving them.

 

The Astral Dragons were desperate, their numbers low and morale even lower. Many

Marines thought this was the last stand of the Astral Dragons. then from the sky, came a rain of flames. Most of the Dragons despaired, thinking this a new Necron weapon. They were wrong. Like their namesake, The Dark Angels came from the sky, like Angels descending from Heaven. The Vampyr Legion was taken by surprise, and the elite Deathwing punched a hole through the Necrons, destroying all in their way.

The Necrons had to retreat from The Crimson Fortress. For the first time in months, The Crimson Fortress was not surrounded by the unholy Necrons. The Master of The Deathwing, Lord Belial was led to Ra, and together they came up with a tactic to destroy the Necron horde. The Deathwing, together with The Talos Guard and Ra attacked first, using their superior armour and weaponry to punch a hole into the centre of the horde, where they held their position. Then, the remaining Astral Dragons formed a circle, and moved in, surrounding the Necrons and forcing them in towards the Deathwing and Talos Guard. Then, The Deathwing and Talos Guard pushed out, forcing the Necrons out into the surrounding Dragons. Most of the Horde was destroyed, stuck between the elite Deathwing and Talos Guard and the stubborn and fierce Astral Dragons.

 

By many acts of heroism, such as The Last Stand of Astral Dragons 6th Company, and The Destruction of The Seven Towers by the Astral Dragons 2nd and 4th companies with The Deathwing, The Astral Dragons and Dark Angels eventually began to take back the volcanic land of Valkra. By destroying all the unnatural towers which littered the landscape, the Necron host eventually was decimated. The entire war took ten years.

 

Again, The Astral Dragons went through a huge time of reinforcement. At present day, the chapter stands tall, their numbers once again equalling 1100, including the Talos Guard.

 

Homeworld The Astral Dragons are based in the volcanic planet, Valkra. Once a Necron home planet, one of the main landmarks is The Falls of Heroes, a waterfall of Lava. Because of the extreme climate of the planet, The Astral Dragons are used to fighting in extremely hot places, such as deserts.

 

Combat Doctrine

The Astral Dragons, Favouring Close Combat, due to many engagements with Orks and The followers of Khorne, use extremely aggressive tactics, using hit and run tactics and Spearheads to great effects.

The Astral Dragons will try destroy an opposing force, by starting with hit and run raids on the vanguards of the army. Then, a Spearhead will be launched, destroying the army leader. Then with the force in disarray, the Dragons will lead an all out assault on the army, totally annihilating it. However, if this prefer tactic is no viable, such as against Tyranids etc, The Dragons will engage using aggressive and close tactical movements.

 

Organization

The Astral Dragons mainly follow the teachings of Gulliman, maintaining each company of 100 battle brothers. With the first being the veteran company and the tenth being the scout company. However, the 2nd and 4th companies are held in high esteem, for their parts in The Battle for Valkra, and other notable engagements. As well as that, The Death and Raven Wing do not exist in The Astral Dragons instead; The Dragons have The Talos Guard.

 

The Talos Guard

To be a veteran in the 1st company does not make you the elite in The Astral Dragons. Any Marine from every company is viable for recruitment into The Talos Guard. The Talos Guard are a separate company, the best and most combat efficient Marines in the Chapter. Their is two different ways to become a member of The Talos Guard.

 

1) The Chapter Master suggests him to The Captains, where a vote then takes place. If any captain refuses the suggestion, The Marine does not become a member. The Marine will not know he has been elected until he has been informed.

 

2) 5 or more Captains suggest a Marine. The same style vote then takes place, however if the Chapter Master does not approve, then vote is not passed.

 

When accepted, The Marine will undergo a huge amount of training, much of which is life threatening. When the training is completed, The Marine is told The many Secrets of The Unforgiven and Fallen.

 

The Talos Guard have one objective, to hunt and force The Fallen to repent. All will fight for the Chapter normally, but when a link or lead to A Fallen appears, they will quietly disappear and hunt the Fallen down. The will capture the Fallen, and secretly drag them back to Valkra. Then they will lead them into a hidden chamber within The Dragonfires, underneath the statue of Lion El’Jonson. Then, The same procedures as The Dark Angels occure, with Chaplains trying to make The Fallen repent.

 

The Order of The Nine

This is The Astral Dragons Inner Circle, the nine referring to The Primarchs. The Talos Guard, The Captains, Librarians and Chaplains are the members of The Order.

 

 

Recruitment

The Astral Dragons draw their recruits from a variety of planets. Representatives of the Astral Dragons visit each recruiting world once every 5 years and take the strongest or fittest from the population. Each recruit is thoroughly tested, and from the moment he is accepted into the Chapter as a Space Marine, his honour becomes his weapon. Once the recruit is accepted he will undergo the normal rites to become a Space Marine.

 

When the Novice wishes to prove his worth, he will journey to The Falls of Heroes, a giant lava fall north of The Crimson Fortress. There he will kill a Wyvern, dragon like creatures which can breath fire, with nothing more then a axe, spear or sword. If he kills a Wyvern, he must then cut off the head, and travel back to The Crimson Citadel, and present it to their teaching Marine.

Beliefs

The Astral Dragons, although they are from Dark Angel gene-seed, revere all the Loyalist Primarchs, each representing a different aspect of the chapter:

 

Lion El'Jonson: First amongst the equals, prayers to him are not only part of daily ritual for the Astral Dragons, but also to encourage clarity of thought and the strength to uphold honour.

 

Ferrus Manus: The Forger, the Dragons pray to Manus when crafting weapons or repairing vehicles, but also to grant insight and learning.

 

Jaghatai Khan: The Horseman, The Dragon’s bikers will pray to the Great Khan before they get on their bikes, asking him to guide them. The Khan also represents swiftness and sureness of foot.

 

Leman Russ: The Beast, The Dragons will pray to The Wolf before an assault. The Wolf represents Strength and ferocity.

 

Rogal Dorn: The Defender, the Dragons will pray to Dorn when making fortifications, fortresses and when defending against an enemy. Dorn represents endurance and zeal.

 

Sanguinius: The Knight, the Dragons will pray to Sanguinius before any battle to give them greater courage in battle, and to watch over and protect their battle brothers. However, no one ever prays to Sanguinius to watch over them personally, only to watch over their brothers. Sanguinius represents courage.

 

Roboute Gulliman: The Paladin, the Dragons pray to Gulliman before they discuss tactics, and when they are in dark and hopeless situations. Gulliman represents discipline and valour.

 

Corax: The Shdaow, the Dragons pray to Corax before any infiltration and behind lines missions. Corax represents cunning and competence.

 

Vulkan: The Warrior Monk, the Dragons pray to Vulkan before they forge armour, and for understanding. Vulkan represents understanding and faith in humanity.

 

Together, the Pantheon is called Talos. So, Their Battlecry, For Talos!!!, means for the Primarchs. Of course, The Dragons worship the God-Emperor at all times, and see him as the Father of the Pantheon. However, they do not view The Emperor as a member of Talos, they believe him beyond it, so they worship him separately.

 

The Dragonfires, also referred to The Temple of Talos, is the Dragons place of worship. It is a round shaped building, with a statue of The Emperor of Mankind in the middle. Around the end of the room is statues of The Primarchs, which surround the room, and all face towards the Emperor. It gets the name Dragonfires, due the dragonhead laturns which are placed throughout the Temple.

 

Like all Unforgiven, the truth of the Fallen is known, however, unlike most other successors, The Astral Dragons have an entire company of Veterans dedicated to hunjt and capturing the Fallen. The Astral Dragons show an abnormal hate for they Fallen, close even to the hate displayed by The Dark Angels. Many a time, their precise and disciplined nature has swiftly changed to reckless if a Fallen takes to the field, all the marines trying to hunt the traitor/s down.

Gene-seed

As they have the geneseed of the Dark Angels, it is pure and unadulterated, with no flaw.The Astral Dragons proudly state that they are El’Jonsons breed, and like their founders are abnormally stubborn.

 

Battle Cries

 

“For Talos!”

 

“We Descend!” “Dragons shall Roar!”

 

“Talos guides us, Brothers!”

 

Captain "Talos watches over us, Brothers!"

Marines "For the Emperor!"

All "For Talos!"

 

Colours

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Maybe Im dense, but are not the Astral Dragons referenced in the Salamander literature? If I remember rcorrectly it is, so is this a fleshing out or have I ruined your day? :lol:

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

Maybe Im dense, but are not the Astral Dragons referenced in the Salamander literature? If I remember rcorrectly it is, so is this a fleshing out or have I ruined your day?

 

:rolleyes: no idea. these guys have been around in one form or another since i joined the BnC. ;) so no, these guys arent the salamanders guys. although, if you could show me these references, i'm interested to see it :lol:

[Captain Juan Juarez]

I swear they are Astral Dragons.. I hope i'm not wrong, but..

 

In either Salamander or one of the short stories,

the Captain who Da'kir "fails to save" is killed by the Dragons - this is why the rivalry with his fellow Sergeant steps up a notch as I recall.

 

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

Hmm.......ah well :rolleyes: any C&C?

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Too many extraneous details, is my first thought.

 

The Primarch pantheon is a nice idea, but when you speak of Attack and Speed it's like you're talking about a card game. Plus, learning from other Chapters seems anathema to the secretive Dark Angels and their Successors.

 

The wars and battles I skipped over - no offence, I always do - because they add little to an IA and any of the important details can usually be slot in elsewhere.

 

The Talos Guard can probably be made much more simple; A Captain/Chapter Master must propose someone for elevation, candidate needs X amounts of votes to ascend. I wouldn't make it unanimous, could lead to an interesting internal rivalry if you don't.

 

Final thought currently, mainly because I've just done a massive C&C on another IA and my eyes hurt :rolleyes:, aggressive tactics agains two of the most aggressive foes that the Imperium might face, Khorne and Orks, seems a tad... Rash.

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

The Primarch pantheon is a nice idea, but when you speak of Attack and Speed it's like you're talking about a card game. Plus, learning from other Chapters seems anathema to the secretive Dark Angels and their Successors.

 

yeah, i do need better words for that. and with the secretive nature, they still are, after all, a entire company is secret in The Talos Guard.

 

The Talos Guard can probably be made much more simple; A Captain/Chapter Master must propose someone for elevation, candidate needs X amounts of votes to ascend. I wouldn't make it unanimous, could lead to an interesting internal rivalry if you don't.

 

Noted ;)

 

Final thought currently, mainly because I've just done a massive C&C on another IA and my eyes hurt , aggressive tactics agains two of the most aggressive foes that the Imperium might face, Khorne and Orks, seems a tad... Rash.

 

No, its that they've become aggressive in their tactics due to the fights with Khorne and Orks. after all, figthing them all the time would make me a bit more aggressive :rolleyes:

[Espada Azul]

I swear they are Astral Dragons.. I hope i'm not wrong, but..

 

In either Salamander or one of the short stories,

the Captain who Da'kir "fails to save" is killed by the Dragons - this is why the rivalry with his fellow Sergeant steps up a notch as I recall.

 

Nope, that's a different Renegade Warband -- the Dragon Warriors. So far, the only reference I've seen ANYWHERE of the Astral Dragons is as an army list on Librarium Online.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

I swear they are Astral Dragons.. I hope i'm not wrong, but..

 

In either Salamander or one of the short stories,

the Captain who Da'kir "fails to save" is killed by the Dragons - this is why the rivalry with his fellow Sergeant steps up a notch as I recall.

 

Nope, that's a different Renegade Warband -- the Dragon Warriors. So far, the only reference I've seen ANYWHERE of the Astral Dragons is as an army list on Librarium Online.

 

I knew someone was going to disprove me.. Glad someone out there is smarter than me! :)

 

 

Captain you have a nice basis, but it needs alot of polish.. I do actually like the Chapter name, how you derive other features of the Chapter from that will be quite interesting.