IA: Angels of Purity

[Homiccus]

Ave.

It's me first ever DIY chapter, although it was rattling inside my skull for some time now. Please excuse any mistakes.

This is a rough idea only and I'm aware it needs some more fleshing before it's ready to field.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

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Name: Angels of Purity

Founding: 23rd

Geneseed: Roboute Guilliman (White Consuls)

Colours: Green with black shoulder pads and greaves. Golden aquila. Weapon cases are bronze or brass tinted. Shoulder pad trim and left knee-pad bear company's colour. Squad number on left knee-pad. Deacons (Veterans) sometimes wear light bronze/ochre tabards or robes.

Symbol: Winged hammer facing left, sometimes displayed with/on a wooden shield.

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/hq2.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: 8px 2px; padding: 12px 8px 12px 8px; border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-left: 0 auto; text-align: left; color: #fff; text-indent:50px; font-size:130%; width:50%;">Homeworld

Angels of Purity are a planet-bound Chapter. Their homeworld lies in Segmentum Obscurus, some way north-eastbound from the Eye of Terror. Utyia Tertius is a collective name for three similiar neighbouring solar systems of almost no importance.

Utyia A subsystem is lit by a G2 type star and sports thirteen planets. Fourth is the only habitable one although barely.

Angels of Purity are charged with protection of several star systems in northern part of Segmentum Obscurus. Although they are not actual and official governors, many Planetary Generals request assistance from them prior to informing Administratum, knowing that the response will be swift and usually acurate. At times it was a reason for some unnecessary tension between the Chapter and Adeptus Terra.

Planet's history:

Utyia IV first fell into the Imperial records during the Great Crusade. It was always insignificant world, barely habitable without any real value in minerals, human resources or production. System was ticked of as "Imperial" and left on its own. Only extensive research done by browsing through oral myths and legends revealed some truth about ancient history of Utyia. During the Dark Age of Technology it was one of bigger mining outposts since the planet was extremely rich in minerals. Utyians speak of great disaster that followed - skies rained fire and the invisible killer deceased many - probably referring to a nuclear apocalypse. Those that survived took shelter in the maze of shafts, caves and purpose-built bunkers and vaults. As time passed human society divided: some returned to the surface while others chose eternal darkness. Utyians' legends speak of the great fall, of how the 'undergrounders' (Utyians call them 'Darklings') succumbed to the Darkness and turned to beasts. Further research revealed that extensive cave and shafts system, which stretches many miles deep below the lands, is indeed home to a grey skinned, savage subspecies of human race.

The People:

It's been so seemingly forever. Light fights Darkness that crawls up from below. It's one of two pillars of Utyians' religion. The other one is technology. Legends and prophecies state, that when enough 'shiny stuff' is recovered and put together, Darklings will be overthrown and destroyed.

Life is not simple for average Utyian. He cultivates the ash-covered land or hunt some less-deadly species of Utyia's fauna, gathering just enough food to ensure survival and living in constant fear of Darklings (and other native predators), which are hunting for fresh meat every night. Average attrition rate is 45% for children up to 10 years old, and rising to nearly 60% after that. Groups of Utyians are called 'families' or 'clans' and one never stays in one place for more than a month. Average size of one clan is between 30-50 individuals.

Utyians worship technology. They recover bits of ages old electronics and plastic components from the Caves in hunting expeditions organised as a part of adultry initiation rituals. Those bits and pieces are then used as part of armour/outfit or added to small portable shrines, that every clan cherishes as its biggest treasure.

Because of extremely harsh living conditions and their naturally sharpened fighting skills, Utyians make perfect candidates for Space Marine training. Angels of Purity did everything to retain the status quo, yet it became harder to do after the Discovery.

Monastery Fortress:

It's located on Sertorus Plateau and comprises of enough buildings to accomodate at least four full companies and their servants. It has its own small spaceport, able to receive lumbering Thunderhawk Transports and smaller crafts. Chapter's armoury are located underground in a spacious caverns. Its forges are well equipped to manufacture ammunition and some spare parts for Chapter's vehicles, but little else. However, due to Adeptus Mechanicus' presence on Utyia, Angels of Purity are never short of supplies.

Combat doctrine

Angels of Purity prefer close combat to long range shooting. They depend heavily on armoured transports and outflanking scout squads to pinpoint and destroy enemy forces. They believe in methodical wipeout rather than lightning strike.

They do not shun from using newer additions to the Armoury and Razorbacks and Crusader/Redeemer patterns are a common sight. On the opposite side of the scale - it's a rarity to see any Whirlwind artillery tanks or fast units such as Landspeeders.

Due to Angels' belief in unity with machines, they are able to field huge amount of Dreadnoughts.

Names

Candidate - Initiate

Scout - Acolyte

Battle Brother - Frater

Veteran/Sergeant - Deacon

Captain - Presbyter

Chapter Master - Ordo Presbyter

Organisation

As Angels of Purity perceive the Codex Astartes as religious scripture they adhere strictly to its writings with just a few minor differencies in naming convention. Fratres are organised as a religious order: they attend sermons, eat together and perceive each other as being equal. They have their internal law, known as 'Sertorus Rule' which details almost every aspect of day-to-day life for everyone within the Chapter, be it Space Marine, Acolyte, servant or Lexican. It is based on Codex Astartes and provides the one-and-only way of explanation to it.

Beliefs

Angels of Purity perceive the world through the prism of religion. Every doing is an act of faith or treachery. Every aspect of life is related and translated to a religious terminology. Effectively everything is black-and-white.

They believe that the Emperor is a god, that ascended from petty mortality into a perfect fusion of spirit, undying flesh and machinery.

They believe that the Primarchs are His Apostles, Emperor's greatest creations and brothers.

They believe that each Adeptus Astartes is a direct descendant from the Emperor himself, God's Child. Blood of god flows through their veins, His will guides their aim and protects them from the perils of the Warp.

The Virtues

- Purity

- Obedience

- Courage

The Apothecaries are the Emperor's Priests, replicating His act of Creation with all the piety and reverence. The Geneseed is a vessel with which a human ascends to demi-godness. To experience a mutation is the most horrible thing that could happen.As the Emperor unified with the machinery of the Golden Throne, so does the Adeptus Astartes don his Holy Adamantium Mantle. Angels of Purity venerate all technology and seek unity with it. Consequently all forms of interacting with the machines are akin to religious act:

- Bionic implants are not very common, considering their rarity, yet received with much rejoice.

- Dreadnoughts are seen as the highest blessing - Adeptus becomes as the Emperor, forever unified with the glorious machine.

- Failed Initiates are (with exception of Fallen Messiahs) converted into Servitors. They are not venerated as is common with Iron Hands for example, but still treated with respect.

- Even the most damaged pieces of equipment are cautiously recovered from the battlefield and brought back to the Forges, where Techmarines attempt to repair them and if it is impossible, they incorporate them into existing vehicles or suits of armour.

The highest virtue for the Frater is purity, seen as absolute devotion to Emperor's cause in thought and doings. It is achieved through extensive meditation, rigorous training and nearly constant prayers.

Angels of Purity despise mutants above everything else - they see them as abominations to glorious human nature. They dislike fighting alongside abhumans.

Relations with other Imperial Organisations

Adeptus Mechanicus:

Mutual relationship remains quite warm in no small part due to The Discovery. Angels helped AdMech several times since then, by providing firepower, manpower and vast tactical experience during expeditions.

The Ecclesiarchy:

Tension exists, despite the Angels' acceptance of Imperial Creed. After 062:M41, Ecclesiarchy withdrew its support for Angels of Purity, but luckily didn't retaliate.

The Inquisition:

Inquisition keeps eye fixed on the Chapter ever since the Reformation.

Other Chapters:

Nothing worth of notice.

Geneseed

Angels of Purity were blessed with purest geneseed imaginable - one of Roboute Guilliman. For many centuries it remained pure and straight, nowadays things have been not-so good. Ossmodulae spontaneous mutations of yet untraced origin cause a per-cent of Initiates become twisted mockery of human - instead of high and mighty form they become midgets with overgrown musculature and ape-like appearance. They are called False Messiahs and are disposed of in a cruel way - their flesh never see the blessing of the Servitor.

More interesting Battles and Events

126:M40 - the Reformation

One of the deepest stains in Angels' history took place at the beginning of M40. A group of young Fratres led by zealous Deacon Gotius began questioning the 'Sertorus Rule' and some of its interpretations of Codex Astartes. What started as innocent attempt to further improve Chapter's tactics and performace soon turned into fierce theological dispute and kindled the flames of religious war inside the Chapter, as Gotius gained more and more followers. Ordo Presbyter Pious II tried to settle things up first by trying to persuade Gotius personally, and when it failed, by sending him on near-impossible mission, where the Deacon died glorious and honourable death. 'Strength of belief is fueled by blood of the martyrs'. Gotius' followers carried on with their demands and finally, when situation was on the brink of resolving with use of chainsword and bolter, Pious II gave up and installed a Council of Theologians. Sertorus Rule was altered and made more flexible.

All Gotius' followers were then sent on a ten years crusade into the Eye of Terror. Only a handful returned.

Ever-watchful eye of the Inquisition could safely turn away.

~520:M40 - the Discovery

Youngsters hunting in the Caves under the surface of Utyia IV brought fragments of ancient, pre-heresy power armour. Tempted by this founding, Master of the Forge immediately organised an expedition. In the deepest parts of the Caves they found unprecedented treasure from the Dark Age of Technology - working parts of STC. Word was immediately sent to Mars and it was not long before Adeptus Mechanicus vessels made their planetfall.

Ancient technology was in advanced state of decay and it simply could not be moved without destroying everything. Outpost was set up in the Caves and above it to study, copy and hopefully replicate this technology. Up to this day, AdMech's presence on Utyia is strong and the Discovery added to recollected knowledge and somewhat improved mining equipment throughout several worlds of the Imperium.

Angels of Purity benefited from the Discovery in a way of several suits of ancient armour used throughout the Chapter and treasured as precious relics.

062:M41 - Massacre in the Fortress Monastery

It was one of many attempts to increase influence on Chapter's doings made by the Ecclesiarchy, hovewer this one ended in bloody execution of several Ministorium Priests, whom tried more direct approach by preaching slightly altered Sertorus Rule to Initiates.

Up until this moment, Ecclesiarchy's presence within the ranks of Angels of Purity was tolerated.

Relations remain strained ever since.

890:M41 - Siege of Gnalr.

1st Squad from 3rd Company, under Deacon Arminus was dispatched to lend aid to Gnalr's Planetary Governor. This highly civilised world was suffering from ever growing threat of Orks. Governor requested aid from their protectors, and Angels of Purity sent one of the most experienced Deacons to help in setting the defence and eradicating the greenskins. As skirmishes escalated into full-scale war, more and more Orks, appearing seemingly out-of-nowhere, emerged from dense forests. Tides of war turned against the Imperial Forces, when single Rok crashed down in the Gnalr's Metropolis' suburbs and the city immediately found itself under siege.

Reinforcements from 3rd Company arrived few days later, only to find the Metropolis on fire, city's services desperatedly trying to control risng chaos. But the Orks were defeated - streets were strewn with greenskins and Imperial Guardsmen bodies, their highest piles could be seen, where 1st Squad took their last stand. Only one of the Fratres survived, his charred body held together only by his iron will and scraps of adamantium. As his body was recovered from beneath his last foe and spent bolter shells, Frater Orsus still chanted the Litany of Battle.

Orsus received many honours after this battle: he was evaluated to Deacon, assigned Iron Halo and blessed with artificial limbs. Deacon Orsus is an epithomy of stubborness and iron will - he was severely wounded many times after this battle which ultimately earned him the nickname of "Indestructible". If his severed body would finally give way, Orsus was promised the greatest blessing he could think of - evaluation to a glorious form of Dreadnought.

914:M41 - Battle for Tursia

Planet Tursia was one of two hive worlds in Pracia System in Segmentum Obscurus. Weeds of corruptions were slowly seeding themselves among Tursia's governing body for several years, finally bursting in flames of bloody revolution. Slaanesh followers soon turned peaceful planet into twisted feast of promiscuity, murder and cannibalism. Daemonic presence could be seen in the streets and corridors of primary Hive.

Angels of Purity arrived shortly after word of the event reached their homeworld. Deploying in force, they began the purge, not waiting for Imperial Guard reinforcements from Bursa to arrive. Their deeds were heroic and many Chaos followers met their end at the back of Angels' chainsword.

After the Tursia's Regiments were reinforced, large scale campaign could begin. Combined Imperial forces slowly edged an advantage over bloodthirsty mob and it seemed the purge will shortly end in victory.

Glitch appeared during one of major battles, where the Imperial Guard faced creatures of the Warp. Battle was won, but several units of Ogryns were summarily executed by Angels of Purity afterwards.

That event raised some complaints and even accusations of treachery thrown at the Chapter.

Battle Cry

Fratres are constantly chanting Liturgies of Battle, Psalms and Litanies when fighting.

Short cries, that are most commonly heard from them are: "Praise the Emperor!" "Let it be done!" "In the Emperor's Name!".

[Homiccus]

Sssooo... still nothing? No criticism? No patting on the back? No flame? :huh:

I'm beginning to think that my DIY is either so uber that everyone is stunned by its awesomeness or (more likely methinks) so rubbish that no one bothers to have a second look at it.

Bump anyway. :D

[Firepower]

On the nuts and bolts level, there are a number of grammatical errors and typos. It's still readable, but it is in need of a thorough editing.

 

That aside, I am sort of split on this idea. I kind of like the home-world population. The image of a bunch of roving bands picking up 3000 year old calculators and venerating it like a holy icon makes me giggle a bit (in a good way). On the other hand, Im a bit confused over the relationship of the Chapter to the Imperium's other factions. The good standing with the Ad Mech is plain and simple, no worries there, but their willingness to "mingle" with the Ecclesiarchy seems a bit off to me. I don't know of any other Chapters off the top of my head which mingle with the Imperium's every-man's religion, and more often than not they don't get along at all. Even though your chapter venerates the Emperor as a God, just like the Ecclesiarchy, they seem to do it in a way more in line with the Ad Mech's religion. While those two factions tolerate one another, they don't particularly like one another, much less share religious ideals. What I mean is, it's hard to envision a dogma for the Chapter in which they'd be tolerant of and accepted by both factions.

 

Also, seeing how the Chapter abhors mutation above all else, how do they feel about psychers? The ability to control warp-stuff is, after all, a result of mutation.

 

With the Chapter's symbol, I would spend another sentence or two explaining it, instead of simply glossing it over as something inherent in the homeworld's belief structure.

 

A good foundation over all, keep it up.

[Homiccus]

Thank you for kind words. ^_^

 

Firstly let me apologise for the faults and mistakes - English is not my first language and I did my best. Probably will hand it to someone for proof-reading...

Now on to other things:

AoP vs. Ecclesiarchy - it maybe didn't sound like that, but I was thinking of something completely another way around. It wasn't the Chapter trying to win better stance with the Ecclesia. It was the Ecclesia trying to get their sticky fingers on the Chapter. But this is compltetely optional and I'll gladly get rid of it if it's causing too much fluff problems.

Mutations - now that is something I haven't think of... Something to set my mind on during painting sessions. Thanks for bringing this up brother Firepower.

 

That's all for now. Homiccus out.

[Firepower]

Yeah, sometimes I forget there is the possibility of a language barrier when dealing with the internet :P Considering it isnt your first language, it's certainly not bad (definitely better than I could write in any language other than English).

 

As for the psycher question, some other Chapters' views might be a good reference. The Black Templars, for example, do not allow psychers within their ranks. They see it as both a mutation and a very short, dangerous path to damnation. The only exception is in that they of course have to associate with some psychers, i.e. Navigators and Astropaths, or else they wouldn't be able to travel in the warp. Most other Chapters see this view as very puritan or narrow-minded, though.

 

On the point of the Ecclesiarchy, it could be that you are being unclear, or it could be that I am simply not reading it right B) . The one thing which stands out most is that the Chapter accepts the Imperial Creed. Most Space Marines do not accept the Imperial Creed, instead following their own religious practices. In particular, very few actually worship the Emperor as a God: most simply see him as the pinnacle of humanity, but human none the less.

 

The Word Bearers saw the Emperor as a God prior to the heresy, and when he failed to live up to those expectations (i.e. demanding worship) they were very quick to turn to the Dark Gods instead. I do not mean to imply that worshiping the Emperor as a deity is a sure route to damnation, but I am suggesting that other Chapters might see the Angels that way ;) . This is a good thing- conflict makes for good story telling.

 

Also, something I forgot to mention the first time, I like the Chapter's organization into religious classes (acolyte, frater, etc.). It does a good job adding to the preachy character of the Chapter.