Steel Wings redux

[Aqui]

Having read Octavulg's 2.0, I decided to reread my last attempt. There are some things I like about it, but there are a lot of things that need to be taken out. It didn't help that it had the original "Blood Angel incarnation" at the very beginning either. So I decided to lay down a few things here mainly as a list to work out what the Steel Wings are, their motivations, history etc.

 

So, to start I'll list a few basics.

 

Suspected to be a Chapter created in the 14th Founding, but records about specifics are lost.

 

Homeworld is Defluo, in Segmentum Pacificus between Hydraphur and Colcha.

 

Chapter has petitioned AM to give an indication from which Chapter/Legion they originate, but the AM has not given an answer. (Ultimately, I think due to them having no especial lack of Implants or other "Marks" they are from Ultra Marine Geneseed... but as I said - they don't know for certain.) In recent times some elements of the Chapter have petitioned the Chapter Master to devote more time to find out what was lost. The other elements are more pragmatic and have generally accepted that what is lost, is lost. I was going to try to give their origins and their lost History a mysterious edge to it, but the general gist is: The Steel Wings were one of five Chapters that were sent to stop a Chaos incursion on a Planet. The Planet was deemed unsalvageable and the order was given to retreat. One Chapter - The Bahltimyr Rayvens (Later to be known as the Bahltimyr Reavers) were not sent the signal due to a communications failure and were thought to be wiped out through orbital bombardment. The Reavers had destroyed the others and had managed to take a significant portion of the Steel Wings, but thus far have avoided further confrontation. The current Marines of the Chapter have no idea of who the Reavers are and of their involvement in their lost history.

 

The Chapter was severely devastated a long time ago and are still recovering. 6 Companies in total (5 Companies at full Strength: Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and tenth) and the remnants of the First. The Second Company has taken the role of the First in that they are the ones who take most of the missions. The First act as an honour guard to the Chapter Master and in battle act as figureheads for various units often leading them in battle. The reason for this is that the Chapter would rather elect those who have truely proven themselves worthy of promotion to the First than to just shoehorn Marines in. The Steel Wings also feel that to do the later would be a huge disrespect to the Marines of the First who had fallen in the battle that had laid the Chapter low. The explaination is long winded and I'll find a more elegant way of telling it. Eventually.

 

The Chapter is with regard to most things, cautious. To the point of paranoia. After having their butts handed to them, they think and rethink nearly everything they do. But once the plan is in place, they act swiftly, efficiently and brutally.

 

Steel Wings are a Codex Chapter, with the exception of the above Organisation. To compensate they do have a few more vehicles than normal. The Chapter has few working TDA suits, but are slowly repairing and reconsecrating those that are repaired. Another difference to other Chapters, is the low numbers of Librarians. The few that they have are treated with awe and respect.

 

Right then. C+C welcome

[Ecritter]

First and foremost, a Chapter just doesn't lose their history. Its something every marine knows, its a matter of pride or regret

 

Second, the AdMech aren't going to lose the record either, neither would they have any reason not to tell the chapter or any other chapter asking about them.

 

If you want to do this, you have to come up with a viable reason for them not knowing, and trust me it isn't easy.

[Aqui]

First and foremost, a Chapter just doesn't lose their history. Its something every marine knows, its a matter of pride or regret

 

Second, the AdMech aren't going to lose the record either, neither would they have any reason not to tell the chapter or any other chapter asking about them.

 

If you want to do this, you have to come up with a viable reason for them not knowing, and trust me it isn't easy.

 

I had meant to say that the specific origins of their Gene line was lost,not their battle history, but as it was late last night and I've been in bed all day ill, I hadn't explained it well enough :(

 

The AM knows full well whom the Steel Wings are descended from - they haven't replied. Haven''t decided as to whether they are deliberately keeping it to themselves or the request was lost amongst all of the others they get.

 

Thanks for the post :)

[Hrvat]

Well as far as it can be seen from official IA AM is not able to diferentiate geneseed unlees they have preknowledge of its origins. We know that from IA: Relictors and Blood Ravens.

[Shinzaren]

Suspected to be a Chapter created in the 14th Founding, but records about specifics are lost.

 

Homeworld is Defluo, in Segmentum Pacificus between Hydraphur and Colcha.

Needs more explanation. I can believe it, but I'd like to know a bit more about these missing records, since they seem fairly integral to the chapter.

 

Chapter has petitioned AM to give an indication from which Chapter/Legion they originate, but the AM has not given an answer. (Ultimately, I think due to them having no especial lack of Implants or other "Marks" they are from Ultra Marine Geneseed... but as I said - they don't know for certain.) In recent times some elements of the Chapter have petitioned the Chapter Master to devote more time to find out what was lost.

Not to mention that Ultramarines are pretty much the go-to for gene-seed since they are the vast majority of donors.

 

The other elements are more pragmatic and have generally accepted that what is lost, is lost. I was going to try to give their origins and their lost History a mysterious edge to it, but the general gist is: The Steel Wings were one of five Chapters that were sent to stop a Chaos incursion on a Planet. The Planet was deemed unsalvageable and the order was given to retreat. One Chapter - The Bahltimyr Rayvens (Later to be known as the Bahltimyr Reavers) were not sent the signal due to a communications failure and were thought to be wiped out through orbital bombardment.

Tying it into your IT?

 

The Reavers had destroyed the others and had managed to take a significant portion of the Steel Wings, but thus far have avoided further confrontation. The current Marines of the Chapter have no idea of who the Reavers are and of their involvement in their lost history.

So the records are lost at some point between the attack which took on the Reavers, and the current time?

 

The Chapter was severely devastated a long time ago and are still recovering. 6 Companies in total (5 Companies at full Strength: Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and tenth) and the remnants of the First. The Second Company has taken the role of the First in that they are the ones who take most of the missions. The First act as an honour guard to the Chapter Master and in battle act as figureheads for various units often leading them in battle. The reason for this is that the Chapter would rather elect those who have truely proven themselves worthy of promotion to the First than to just shoehorn Marines in. The Steel Wings also feel that to do the later would be a huge disrespect to the Marines of the First who had fallen in the battle that had laid the Chapter low. The explaination is long winded and I'll find a more elegant way of telling it. Eventually.

So the same explanation as the Ultramarines First then? After the Battle of Macragge?

 

The Chapter is with regard to most things, cautious. To the point of paranoia. After having their butts handed to them, they think and rethink nearly everything they do. But once the plan is in place, they act swiftly, efficiently and brutally.

Caution is a tough aspect to exemplify for the Adeptus Astartes. Caution doesn't really work for them, as their nature is to attack suddenly, swiftly, and without care to their own concern for the most part.

 

Steel Wings are a Codex Chapter, with the exception of the above Organisation. To compensate they do have a few more vehicles than normal. The Chapter has few working TDA suits, but are slowly repairing and reconsecrating those that are repaired. Another difference to other Chapters, is the low numbers of Librarians. The few that they have are treated with awe and respect.

Good/Bad relations with AdMech? Are they recovering their gear quickly or slowly?

[Aqui]

Shinzaren:

 

Suspected to be a Chapter created in the 14th Founding, but records about specifics are lost.

 

Homeworld is Defluo, in Segmentum Pacificus between Hydraphur and Colcha.

Needs more explanation. I can believe it, but I'd like to know a bit more about these missing records, since they seem fairly integral to the chapter.

 

I'm in the middle of deciding when the loss happened and how, but at the moment, I'm thinking that their original records were lost during a battle on their homeworld (I need a believable explaination of this)

 

Chapter has petitioned AM to give an indication from which Chapter/Legion they originate, but the AM has not given an answer. (Ultimately, I think due to them having no especial lack of Implants or other "Marks" they are from Ultra Marine Geneseed... but as I said - they don't know for certain.) In recent times some elements of the Chapter have petitioned the Chapter Master to devote more time to find out what was lost.

Not to mention that Ultramarines are pretty much the go-to for gene-seed since they are the vast majority of donors.

 

I would have liked to hint at another Gene line, but most have some specific characteristic that makes them stand out, hence the above.

 

The other elements are more pragmatic and have generally accepted that what is lost, is lost. I was going to try to give their origins and their lost History a mysterious edge to it, but the general gist is: The Steel Wings were one of five Chapters that were sent to stop a Chaos incursion on a Planet. The Planet was deemed unsalvageable and the order was given to retreat. One Chapter - The Bahltimyr Rayvens (Later to be known as the Bahltimyr Reavers) were not sent the signal due to a communications failure and were thought to be wiped out through orbital bombardment.

Tying it into your IT?

 

Yes. In my IT, I needed a motivation for them to turn to Chaos and one that was believable. Revenge on those whom you perceive have wronged seemed to be a valid choice. After I had made a few "Lampoons" of American Football teams to tie in with the "Rayvens/Reavers", I decided to add a serious one, and the 'Wings seemed to fit.

 

The Reavers had destroyed the others and had managed to take a significant portion of the Steel Wings, but thus far have avoided further confrontation. The current Marines of the Chapter have no idea of who the Reavers are and of their involvement in their lost history.

So the records are lost at some point between the attack which took on the Reavers, and the current time?

 

For that to be effective, it would have to have been some time ago, as in 1000 years plus. Thing is, if I go with that, I need to explain why it's taken that long for the Reavers to find them again and attempt to finish the job, unless the Reavers needed time to recover losses etc themselves.

 

The Chapter was severely devastated a long time ago and are still recovering. 6 Companies in total (5 Companies at full Strength: Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and tenth) and the remnants of the First. The Second Company has taken the role of the First in that they are the ones who take most of the missions. The First act as an honour guard to the Chapter Master and in battle act as figureheads for various units often leading them in battle. The reason for this is that the Chapter would rather elect those who have truely proven themselves worthy of promotion to the First than to just shoehorn Marines in. The Steel Wings also feel that to do the later would be a huge disrespect to the Marines of the First who had fallen in the battle that had laid the Chapter low. The explaination is long winded and I'll find a more elegant way of telling it. Eventually.

So the same explanation as the Ultramarines First then? After the Battle of Macragge?

 

Whilst I have the Space Marine Codex I haven't read it properly yet. It's a genuine co-incidence, rather than a rip off/history repeating itself.

 

The Chapter is with regard to most things, cautious. To the point of paranoia. After having their butts handed to them, they think and rethink nearly everything they do. But once the plan is in place, they act swiftly, efficiently and brutally.

Caution is a tough aspect to exemplify for the Adeptus Astartes. Caution doesn't really work for them, as their nature is to attack suddenly, swiftly, and without care to their own concern for the most part.

 

Very true. But I want to convey that they were teetering on the brink, and whilst they are in a far better position now, after they had been attacked there were only a small cross section of the entire Chapter left, the First Company being the hardest hit (hence the reason why the First is still understrength....) They've taken so long to rebuild as they don't want to make the same mistakes they made in the past. But, they over think and second guess themselves (which I know is over stretching credability regarding Marines in general)

 

Steel Wings are a Codex Chapter, with the exception of the above Organisation. To compensate they do have a few more vehicles than normal. The Chapter has few working TDA suits, but are slowly repairing and reconsecrating those that are repaired. Another difference to other Chapters, is the low numbers of Librarians. The few that they have are treated with awe and respect.

Good/Bad relations with AdMech? Are they recovering their gear quickly or slowly?

 

It's not bad relations with the AdMech. It's again to do with the Mindset of the Chapter. Check, check and Check again. One mistake could be the downfall of the Chapter - at least to them.

 

 

 

Thanks Shinzaren :)

[Captain Juan Juarez]

What does the mystery actually add to the Chapter? Also, the training cadre of the Chapter they originated would be known and from that a gene-heritage could be extrapolated.

 

The fact is that Ecritter is more correct than maybe he knows or intends to be; battle honours are just as important as a physical - in this case gene - heritage.

 

 

I will aslo disagree that the Adeptus Mechanicus cannot differentiate between geneseed; they kept the largest stock of all types of geneseed anywhere; by comparison alone they could make even an educated guess.

 

The Reavers had destroyed the others and had managed to take a significant portion of the Steel Wings, but thus far have avoided further confrontation. The current Marines of the Chapter have no idea of who the Reavers are and of their involvement in their lost history.

 

- This dog don't hunt I'm afraid; to have lost a portion of the Chapter to a foe you don't know or recognise? Ridiculous is what I consider it to be, unless they lose their records every X years.

 

The Chapter was severely devastated a long time ago and are still recovering. 6 Companies in total (5 Companies at full Strength: Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and tenth) and the remnants of the First. The Second Company has taken the role of the First in that they are the ones who take most of the missions. The First act as an honour guard to the Chapter Master and in battle act as figureheads for various units often leading them in battle. The reason for this is that the Chapter would rather elect those who have truely proven themselves worthy of promotion to the First than to just shoehorn Marines in. The Steel Wings also feel that to do the later would be a huge disrespect to the Marines of the First who had fallen in the battle that had laid the Chapter low. The explaination is long winded and I'll find a more elegant way of telling it. Eventually.

 

- All of that just makes me think "No" quite resoundingly.

 

Generally speaking the First Company stiffen the backbone of the other Fighting Companies, so saying that the Second take on the missions the First would makes no sense because if the mission requires a Company of Veterans, how would the Second suffice?

 

Steel Wings are a Codex Chapter, with the exception of the above Organisation. To compensate they do have a few more vehicles than normal. The Chapter has few working TDA suits, but are slowly repairing and reconsecrating those that are repaired. Another difference to other Chapters, is the low numbers of Librarians. The few that they have are treated with awe and respect.

 

- Why? To all of that

Why more vehicles if they have too few troops? Surely there are not enough to pilot/drive them and fight?

Why so few Librarians?

[Aqui]

What does the mystery actually add to the Chapter? Also, the training cadre of the Chapter they originated would be known and from that a gene-heritage could be extrapolated.

 

The fact is that Ecritter is more correct than maybe he knows or intends to be; battle honours are just as important as a physical - in this case gene - heritage.

 

 

I will aslo disagree that the Adeptus Mechanicus cannot differentiate between geneseed; they kept the largest stock of all types of geneseed anywhere; by comparison alone they could make even an educated guess.

 

The Reavers had destroyed the others and had managed to take a significant portion of the Steel Wings, but thus far have avoided further confrontation. The current Marines of the Chapter have no idea of who the Reavers are and of their involvement in their lost history.

 

- This dog don't hunt I'm afraid; to have lost a portion of the Chapter to a foe you don't know or recognise? Ridiculous is what I consider it to be, unless they lose their records every X years.

 

The Chapter was severely devastated a long time ago and are still recovering. 6 Companies in total (5 Companies at full Strength: Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and tenth) and the remnants of the First. The Second Company has taken the role of the First in that they are the ones who take most of the missions. The First act as an honour guard to the Chapter Master and in battle act as figureheads for various units often leading them in battle. The reason for this is that the Chapter would rather elect those who have truely proven themselves worthy of promotion to the First than to just shoehorn Marines in. The Steel Wings also feel that to do the later would be a huge disrespect to the Marines of the First who had fallen in the battle that had laid the Chapter low. The explaination is long winded and I'll find a more elegant way of telling it. Eventually.

 

- All of that just makes me think "No" quite resoundingly.

 

Generally speaking the First Company stiffen the backbone of the other Fighting Companies, so saying that the Second take on the missions the First would makes no sense because if the mission requires a Company of Veterans, how would the Second suffice?

 

Steel Wings are a Codex Chapter, with the exception of the above Organisation. To compensate they do have a few more vehicles than normal. The Chapter has few working TDA suits, but are slowly repairing and reconsecrating those that are repaired. Another difference to other Chapters, is the low numbers of Librarians. The few that they have are treated with awe and respect.

 

- Why? To all of that

Why more vehicles if they have too few troops? Surely there are not enough to pilot/drive them and fight?

Why so few Librarians?

 

After reading yours, Ecritters and Shinzaren's comments, it really does seem that the "Lost Heritage" plot isn't workable. Or at the very least, I can't think of a way currently to make it so. However, to answer the bit about the lack of Librarians, I had thought I'd added that the Planet(s) they recruit from tend to have a lower psychic ability than other Planets, so they few they do have tend to be held in higher regard, with a healthy amount of wariness that most Chapters have for psychics. I still have a few days off work, so I will be trying to plough through what has been said and take it all into account when making amendments.

 

As I've posted in the 'Reavers thread - thanks CJJ B)

[Captain Juan Juarez]

*inane comment about living to give*

[Ace Debonair]

Well, some interesting ideas here, but I'm not really sure what you want from this chapter.

 

Can you some them up in a single sentence?

 

I know it sounds silly, but if you can manage it then it's usually a great point to expand from. :lol:

 

Hmm, I'm aware that others have brought this up, but how could the Steel Wings not make any connection between the Bahltimyr Reavers and the Bahltimyr Ravens?

It's hardly a generic chapter name. :)

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Bahltimyr Ravens?

 

It's Rayvens.. otherwise I'm forced to ask if their Chapter Master is called Ray Lewis :lol:

[Ace Debonair]

Bahltimyr Ravens?

 

It's Rayvens.. otherwise I'm forced to ask if their Chapter Master is called Ray Lewis :)

Actually, I'm just surprised you didn't quote or otherwise swipe my Amusing Typo Alert. :lol:

Perhaps I'm just too used to hanging around Shinzaren. :lol:

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Bahltimyr Ravens?

 

It's Rayvens.. otherwise I'm forced to ask if their Chapter Master is called Ray Lewis :)

Actually, I'm just surprised you didn't quote or otherwise swipe my Amusing Typo Alert. :lol:

Perhaps I'm just too used to hanging around Shinzaren. :lol:

 

Not that this is helping this IA, but I couldn't resist the American Football joke!

[Aqui]

Bahltimyr Ravens?

 

It's Rayvens.. otherwise I'm forced to ask if their Chapter Master is called Ray Lewis :P

Actually, I'm just surprised you didn't quote or otherwise swipe my Amusing Typo Alert. ;)

Perhaps I'm just too used to hanging around Shinzaren. <_<

 

Not that this is helping this IA, but I couldn't resist the American Football joke!

 

I did consider putting a nod to at least one member of the Ravens, but alas I couldn't find anything subtle :pinch:

 

With regards to the Steel Wings not getting the Rayvens/Reavers - since the "Incident" they haven't encountered each other.....yet. As for summing them up in one sentence, I can barely do it in a dozen, so I think I'll be going back to the drawing board, at least with a few points.

 

Bear with me ;)

[Ecritter]

After reading yours, Ecritters and Shinzaren's comments, it really does seem that the "Lost Heritage" plot isn't workable. Or at the very least, I can't think of a way currently to make it so. However, to answer the bit about the lack of Librarians, I had thought I'd added that the Planet(s) they recruit from tend to have a lower psychic ability than other Planets, so they few they do have tend to be held in higher regard, with a healthy amount of wariness that most Chapters have for psychics. I still have a few days off work, so I will be trying to plough through what has been said and take it all into account when making amendments.

 

As I've posted in the 'Reavers thread - thanks CJJ :P

 

I never said it wasn't a workable idea, just a difficult one ... but can be worth it if done correctly.

 

And CJJ ... I did know I was right. Every SM knows his gene history, so just whiping out the records wont cause them to 'forget' whose geneseed they have. Geneseed is a source or pride or shame in every chapter.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

And CJJ ... I did know I was right.

 

I said more right than you might have meant to be :P