The Shadow Falcons

[Ekim_Trub]

Right, here i go again with the Shadow Falcons and a big thank you goes out tothose who have helped get them to where they are presently (especially Necronpheliac and NightrawenII).

However, it appears that they come across as merely "Raven Guard V2.0". Which is a problem i cannot seem to find a way around, yet at the same time, i am reasonably happy to put up with.

The rough theme i was aiming for is a Chapter who are more pragmatic than religous and very mission focussed.

All comments/critique is greatly appreciated, especially any that would allow this IA to develop further.

R

aised as part of the Fifth Founding from the geneseed of Corax, taken from the stocks of the Revilers Chapter, The Shadow Falcons were created to combat the ever increasing number of Ork and Chaos Warbands assailing Segmentum Pacificus.

The Chapter was guided through its infancy and early history by Lucius D'Ken, former Captain of the Revilers 2nd Company, who had led the initial training cadre provided by both the Revilers and Raven Guard. It was under his decisive leadership and expert tutelage that the Shadow Falcons established themselves as surgical strike specialists, famed for their high use of air assault tactics. A speciality that was to serve them well, for a lot of their early operations consisted of supporting other Chapters and the many Explorator Fleets of the Adeptus Mechanicus operating within the Segmentum.

The Shadow Falcons favoured method of warfare was best demonstrated during the liberation of the research moon, Sylvaan, by the 5th Company under Captain Trajan after it fell to the forces of Chaos. Faced with superior numbers but blessed with the element of suprise, the 5th were able to use the speed and precision they are famed for to quickly ensure Imperial rule was restored.

After deploying the entire Company quickly to secure key positions, the Companies Thunderhawks provided close fire support and destroyed carefully selected targets saw the enemy thrown into a state of confusion and disarray which enabled their mission to be accomplished quickly.

However, the Chapters history is not all famous victories and glorious battles, for in M.35, upon the world of Sesharrim the Shadow Falcons suffered their worst defeat to date. Both the 6th and 9th Companies were deployed alongside elements of the Angels Of Redemption to eradicate the Ork menace that plagued the planet. After a long and ardous campaign came what would of been the decisive battle to achieve the worlds freedom, without any notice or explanation, the Angels Of Redemption withdrew from both the battlefield and system. This left the Shadow Falcons at the mercy of the enemy, and although they fought valiantly, both Companies were utterly destroyed, leaving no survivors. Which has led to the Chapter to refuse to take to field alongside any Chapter bearing the geneseed of Lion El'Johnson, and has even seen them remove themselves from any Imperial Campaigns in which these forces, who they view as unforgivable, has joined.

It was only through the strength and resolve that the Adeptus Astartes are known for, was the Chapter able to recover from this devastating and horrendous loss and continue on in their duty to the Emperor and the Imperium.

Over the millenia since their creation, the Shadow Falcons have proven themselves to be true sons of Corax, excelling in their application of stategy and tactics, and with their ability to adapt and overcome any changes to the battlefield in order to achieve victory.

T

he Shadow Falcons are very similar in appearance to their parent Chapter, the Revilers, but paint their left arm, right kneepad and helmet white in order to show they are not one and the same. As to be expected, a Falcons head is used as the Chapters badge.

It has also been noted that the Chapter does not make use of Company colours, but instead distinguishes between them with the use of roman numeral upon their right kneepad.

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ver since their creation, the Shadow Falcons have been a fleet-based Chapter operating solely within Segmentum Pacificus. Whilst other Chapters would view this as a disadvantage, for they have no permanent gene-pool to recruit from, the Chapter has instead turned this to an advantage. Instead they will select the best recruits from the many Feral and Feudal worlds throughout the Segmentum, drawing upon the hardy stock that they are home to provide genetically pure and strong recruits. However, this does pose a problem in itself, for there with so many recruits hailing from so many different cultures, there is inevitably clashes. But, this is overcome through the use of education and the common bond they all share- their upbringing as warriors and their knowledge of war. Ideals that are further developed within the training barracks aboard the Umbra Additum, where they will undergo the long and ardous training programme required to become an Astartes.

Cmdr. Orius addressing new recruits

As I look upon you, all I can see are mere men. An men gathered from across several worlds. But rejoice! You have been judged worthy to join the ranks of Adeptus Astartes, the Emperor's Finest! Look around yourself. You shall call these your new family, your long-lost brethen. From now until death, you shall call yourselves the Shadow Falcons! You will fight together! You will bleed together! And you WILL die for each other! This all for our father, the Emperor of Humankind.

And althought most will succeed and join the Chapter's ranks as a Battle-brother, there are those who will fail, be it to injury or other reasons. However, this need not be the end of their service to the Chapter, for most will go on to become Serfs and serve the Chapter in a support role. Those that do, will take up a position that they showed promise in during their training. Amongst those who fail are those unfortunate enough to suffer serious injury, these poor souls shall go on to become Servitors, but only in the direst of cases- for it is the Chapter's belief that a trained man is equal in worth to ten Servitors. The lack of homeworld also allows the Shadow Falcons greater strategical flexibilty to respond to threats, but does not hamper them by giving their enemies a static target to attack.

Most fleet-based Chapters are forced, through neccessity, to spread their forces across numerous ships, however the Shadow Falcons are fortunate enough to possess the vast Battle Barge, Umbra Additum, which is capable of housing the entire Chapter if so required and is believed to date back to the Great Crusade itself. Yet, as vast and powerful as the Umbra Additum is, they are known to possess at least four Strike Cruisers, (all of which are permanently allocated to each of the four Battle Companies) and numerous other smaller Escort ships.

A

s with almost all of the older Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Shadow Falcons do not view the Emperor as a god, but instead regard him as the greatest man to have ever lived and offer him due reverence as both the founder of the Imperium and master of mankind. Reverence is also offered to the Primarchs, for they are seen as the pinnacle of mankind and the standard to which allAstartes should look to attain to. The base ideals of the Great Crusade are also held in high regard by the Chapter, for they still believe that it is mankinds destiny to rule the stars and theirs alone, thus all Xenos species should be eradicated in order to achieve this goal.

A very pragmatic and realist Chapter, the Shadow Falcons view the hours spent by their more zealous brethren in worship or ritual as time wasted, for this time would be better spent improving their martial training or furthering their knowledge. For it is their belief, that the best way to truly serve the Emperor is to the greatest warriors possible and to be found taking the fight to the enemies of the Imperium- for that is the sole reason that they were created. As a result of this, the Codex Astartes is not seen as a holy tome to be adhered to, but instead, a guide to warfare open to both interpretation and expansion- a view that does not sit well with some Chapters, notable the Ultramarines and their many successors.

The brothers of the Shadow Falcons are known to be disdainful of their more zealous brethren, regarding them as less dedicated to their duties than themselves. And as such, they take very little to do with the Ecclesiarchy, for they regard their duties as more important than them. Yet, any who have seen the Chapter in battle cannot question their loyalty, but this has not stopped some calling for Inquisitorial investigation.

Whilst the Chapter is regularly found to operate alongside other Imperial Forces, they will often remain independent, carrying out the missions assigned to them without any support, unless it is from other Astartes. Although their assistance is greatly welcomed by Imperial Commanders, for it vastly strengthens their forces, there are some who see their attitude as disrespectful and dismissive.

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nlike most Chapters that trace their genetic legacy back to the Raven Guard, the Shadow Falcons very rarely make use of stealth or guerilla tactics. Instead they are masters of air assault tactics, heavily utilising the high number of Thunderhawks they possess to deploy (and re-deploy if neccessary) their forces, as well as to provide close air support.

Typically, Infantry is deployed ahead of any other units in order to secure a landing zone that will allow for safe delivery of other units to the battlefield. These Infantry Squads will usually deploy via one of two options, either via Jump pack from low altitude or via airlandings, which sees the Thunderhawks land for mere seconds while the Squads within deploy with well-drilled precision. Once a secure perimeter is established, vehicular support is then delivered by Thunderhawk Transports. This enables the Chapter to engage their foes quickly, without having to fore-go support and thus, eliminate the risk of isolation.

Due to their pragmatic nature, the Shadow Falcons undergo many extensive training programmes in the attempt to hone their skills to a level above that of other Chapters, which results in greater mission efficiency and minimal collateral damage, something the Chapter strives to due when operating upon Imperial worlds.

As another result of their pragmatic attitude, Bolter-based weapons are highly favoured for their reliabilty, their need for less maintenance than other technologies and because they can be easily produced by the Chapter's Forges. These factors and because Ork hordes are a common foe, has led to the Heavy Bolter being the first choice heavy weapon amongst the Battle-brothers- althought the Missile Launcher is close second due to its ability to fulfil dual roles.

Vehicle Variants

Although not amongst those Chapters who possess a large Armoury, such as the Aurora Chapter, the Shadow Falcons are still able to draw upon a well equipped Armoury that contains almost all of the many vehicle variants used by the Adeptus Astartes, even stretching as far as owning a Land Raider Ares and a copy of the Baal Predator.

How they came to possess so many of these variants is a mystery to all but those within the Shadow Falcons themselves, it is rumoured to be the result of good relations with the Adeptus Mechanicus, however other more sinister rumours also exist.

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s laid down in the Codex Astartes, the Shadow Falcons are structured into ten Companies with the only minor divergence applied to the four Battle Companies, with each now possessing a Veteran Squad and two Scout Squads, thus turning them into self-contained battle forces. Each Company is also allocated their own armoured units aswell as a number of Thunderhawks, which enables them to operate independently without additional support for longer periods of time, thus allowing then greater scope to respond to any threats that arise without delay.

Interestingly, the First Company, often referred to as the "Shadow Company" has been noted as favouring the role of Sternguard, relying heavily upon their trusty Bolters and bayonet attachments to deal death to the Emperor's enemies. It has also been noted that the Chapter only has limited access to Tactical Dreadnought Armour, owning as few as only 15-20 suits. As such, the suits of TDA they do possess are only ever used in close-quarter fighting and boarding actions as Assault Squads, this is done to maximise the killing power of these powerful relics, but also to prevent them being lost to the big guns of the enemy.

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s bearers of the geneseed of Corax, they too suffer all the problems associated with it, However, due to reasons unknow, the mutation of the melanchromic Organ has become more advanced, leading to an Initiates skin turning as white as snow, and both his hair and eyes turning jet black within hours of implantation. Yet this is not seen by the Chapter as a curse, but instead a blessing, for it lends them the appearance of their revered Primarch.

This advancement in the organs mutation has caused some concern amongst other Factions within the Imperium over their millenia long history, most notably the Imperial Guard and the Inquisiton. It was found that their "ghostly" appearance left any Guard Regiments the Chapter served with more afraid of them than the enemy. This led to strained relations for a few centuries until a ruling was past that no member of the Chapter shall remove his helmet in the presence of someone from outwith the Chapter. However, this in its own way has led to many wild rumours circling in regards to their appearance under the helmet, some even going as far to say they appear as corpes and that they have no face to see.

Understandably this has raised some concerns amongst some members of the Inquisition and eventually led to an investigation, but having passed strenous checks, the purity of their geneseed is without question- however, both the Ad Mech and Inquisition continue to monitor the Chapter for any sign of further mutation.

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he Shadow Falcons are known to use a two-part battlecry representing their fundamental view of war , with the first spoken by the Commander or Squad Leader and the second by the assembled Battle-brothers.

"Kill quick, Kill clean".

[NightrawenII]

Right, here i go again with the Shadow Falcons, who it would appear to some come across as merely "Raven Guard V2.0".

Which is a problem i cannot seem to find a way around, yet at the same time, i am reasonably happy to put up with.

Lol, so lets put it simple. If you don't want them the same, then don't tell us how they are the same, ie:

The Shadow Falcons are very similar in appearance to their parent Chapter, the Revilers, but paint their left arm and helmet white in order to show they are not one and the same. Interestingly, they have chose to adopt the same Chapter badge as the Raven Guard as a tribute to their genetic legacy.

 

With this in mind, look here and change the colour scheme a little. 2nd, their badge is falcon, not the raven. ;)

 

Homeworld.

Description of what happens to recruits is rather pointless. Most people here knows this.

I think, you have to give us more depth-look on the recruitment. What cultures/worlds they prefer? What are the conditions of acceptation? What is the Chapter's stance to the recruit's original beliefs and customs?

 

Utilising the idea that they are now part of one of the greatest armies in all of the Galaxy allows a sense of kinmanship to develop.

You should add here some kind "Opening speech for the recruits at the beginning of their service".

 

Here, they are drilled and schooled in every form of warfare known to the Chapter, and although many succeed, some will fail.

Meaningless, the Chapter warfare is airborne assault.

 

The lack of homeworld also allows the Shadow Falcons greater tactical flexibilty to respond to threats, but does not hamper them by giving their enemies a static target to attack.

Strategical.

 

Beliefs

How do they view Corax? After all, he destroyed their very own gene-seed.

 

A very pragmatic and realist Chapter

So what?! Give us examples of their pragmatism. Also, What is the source of this pragmatism?

We know, they are all business, no holiness. But how they view the Imperium and their fellow Astartes? What about Ecclesiarchy? What others think about them? ::Ateismus is form of heresy.:: ;)

 

Combat Doctrine

Don't forget the RG's gene-seed is damaged, therefore their recruitment is difficult and troublesome. This somewhat dictate the RG's tactic and strategy. How do your Chapter adress this problem?

 

Due to their pragmatic nature, the Shadow Falcons undergo many extensive training programmes in the attempt to hone their skills to a level above that of other Chapters. This approach has led them to become highly renowned for their marksmanship.

Why marksmanship? From chapter who prefer airborne-assaults one would expect "chainsword-into-face" rather than "bolter-them-to-death".

 

The Shadow Falcons take very little notice of the Imperial Creed.

Like any other Chapter. Imperial Creed is teaching of Ministorum. The Astartes follow their own docrtines and cults.

 

Organisation

Once again, some mentioning of the effects of damaged gene-seed are in place.

Why are the veterans and scouts part of the Battle Company?

 

Gene-seed

It was found that their "ghostly" appearance left any Guard Regiments the Chapter served with more afraid of them than the enemy.

Heh, someone here hasn't seen attack of Flesh Tearers. :P

[Ekim_Trub]

Thanks for the reply, as you have brought my attention to things i now see need addressed.

In response to some of your questions, i have my own.

 

With this in mind, look here and change the colour scheme a little. 2nd, their badge is falcon, not the raven.

 

I have changed their badge (the RG badge was the wrong choice), but am puzzled on the inclusion of the link and the need to change the scheme (i really like it)- could you explain please?

 

Description of what happens to recruits is rather pointless. Most people here knows this.

I think, you have to give us more depth-look on the recruitment. What cultures/worlds they prefer? What are the conditions of acceptation? What is the Chapter's stance to the recruit's original beliefs and customs?

 

I shall work to expand on this, thank you for giving me insight as to what i needed to include.

 

You should add here some kind "Opening speech for the recruits at the beginning of their service".

 

I had thought of this also, but thought it would of came across as "cheesy".

 

How do they view Corax? After all, he destroyed their very own gene-seed.

 

I hadn't really thought to much on it. I presume i shall go with, they still offer him some reverence, for he is their Primarch and made a difficult choice in what was an extremely difficult situation.

 

But how they view the Imperium and their fellow Astartes? What about Ecclesiarchy? What others think about them?

 

This is something i shall look to expand upon also.

I had thought of them seeing more zealous Chapters as "needing to get on with it" (with a few exceptions, e.g the BT) and them having very little to do with the Ecclesiarch (even going so far as to avoid them).

 

Don't forget the RG's gene-seed is damaged, therefore their recruitment is difficult and troublesome. This somewhat dictate the RG's tactic and strategy. How do your Chapter adress this problem?

 

Hmmm...something i shall have to think on a little more.

 

Why marksmanship? From chapter who prefer airborne-assaults one would expect "chainsword-into-face" rather than "bolter-them-to-death".

 

Is it not more combat effective to kill your enemy before he can assault you or react?? Plus it cuts the risks of suffering injuries/losses by engaging a foe that you could of already have killed and also allows them to move onto to securing further objectives more quickly.

 

Why are the veterans and scouts part of the Battle Company?

 

Now addressed- it is to allow each Battle Co. to function as a self-contained battle force (which is how i reckon each Co. should be.)

 

Heh, someone here hasn't seen attack of Flesh Tearers. tongue.gif

 

Lol, i know what the Flesh Tearers are like, however, i don't feel think they're the only scary Chapter out there. And seeing as my Chapter operates solely in Pacificus, the Guard units in question may never have even seen an Astartes.

 

 

 

Thanks again, and i look forward to more responses.

[NightrawenII]

I have changed their badge (the RG badge was the wrong choice), but am puzzled on the inclusion of the link and the need to change the scheme (i really like it)- could you explain please?

The colour scheme is... grey. Every time I see it, I think colour-blind marines. B) The link here is to give you some insight into colours of falcons. If you don't want to change the scheme, fine.

 

Is it not more combat effective to kill your enemy before he can assault you or react?? Plus it cuts the risks of suffering injuries/losses by engaging a foe that you could of already have killed and also allows them to move onto to securing further objectives more quickly.

It is the opposite. The ranged fights tend to be more prolonged than c-c.

2nd, the marine has (huge) advantage in cc over most opponents.

 

Now addressed- it is to allow each Battle Co. to function as a self-contained battle force (which is how i reckon each Co. should be.)

Why would the companies fuction as self-contained force?

[Ekim_Trub]

I see the point in regards to the colour scheme, however having reviewed many species of Falcon, i am content with this scheme- using the birds as inspiration would result in brown marines.

 

Yeah, i suppose your right. A marine does have the upper hand against almost everything in CC, but seeing as the basis of a Company is their Tactical Squads, i feel its something i shall have to ponder on for a little while yet.

 

The reason i have the the Battle Co's functioning as self-contained forces is down to how i personally see them operating, especially as they're Fleet based. Each of the four Battle Co's is each allocated their own Strike Cruiser, thus allowing them to act quickly and also increases the reach of the Chapter as they permanently have at least 5 "Armies" in the field.

[NightrawenII]

I see the point in regards to the colour scheme, however having reviewed many species of Falcon, i am content with this scheme- using the birds as inspiration would result in brown marines.

yellow and black. :blush:

 

Yeah, i suppose your right. A marine does have the upper hand against almost everything in CC, but seeing as the basis of a Company is their Tactical Squads, i feel its something i shall have to ponder on for a little while yet.

Codex company.

Take the fight to them :P

 

The reason i have the the Battle Co's functioning as self-contained forces is down to how i personally see them operating, especially as they're Fleet based. Each of the four Battle Co's is each allocated their own Strike Cruiser, thus allowing them to act quickly and also increases the reach of the Chapter as they permanently have at least 5 "Armies" in the field.

What did the Reserve, 1st and 10th companies do all the time?

[Ekim_Trub]

Yeah, black and yellow could work, but i have to agree with Octavulg- black schemes are overdone. (I myself was guilty of wanting one.

 

Taking the fight to them could still involve high use of Bolters, but i reckon you could be right and i shall have to make them more assault orientated.

 

What did the Reserve, 1st and 10th companies do all the time?

They effectively are the "5th" Army. Reserve Companies operating jointly under the supervision/support of the 1st Company to accomplish their missions.

Although i do see them operating without the 1st Company, and likewise, the 1st undertaking more dangerous missions alone.

 

 

I have been pondering the Recruitment section again, and i had the thought of using the idea that Recruits would be taken at birth (or very young age) from their societies, that way they know only the Chapter. Which would instill a greater sense of loyalty and kinmanship.

 

I am also reconsidering the "no religion" aspect, mainly because i am not a good enough writer to pull it off, but also i feel that they have no real chance of remaining alive with that attitude as many would soon take offence. (SoB, Inquisition, the Black Templars to name but a few.)

 

Does this sound more feasible/workable??

[NightrawenII]

They effectively are the "5th" Army. Reserve Companies operating jointly under the supervision/support of the 1st Company to accomplish their missions.

Although i do see them operating without the 1st Company, and likewise, the 1st undertaking more dangerous missions alone.

The Reserve companies are used to reinforced the Battle comp's.

Why do the SF use them s Battle comp's?

 

What do you mean "jointly"?

4 Reserve companies + 1st company = ~500 marines, half of Chapter.

 

I have been pondering the Recruitment section again, and i had the thought of using the idea that Recruits would be taken at birth (or very young age) from their societies, that way they know only the Chapter. Which would instill a greater sense of loyalty and kinmanship.

The Red Scorpion use this method of recruitment.

[Ekim_Trub]

The way i see the Reserves being used to support the Battle Co.'s when required, but also used to perform missions themselves utilising Squads from each to form small Battleforces- thus gaining experience in the field.

 

I thought i'd heard of it before. ;) Would it be too cheesy to also use this method??

[NightrawenII]

I thought i'd heard of it before. :devil: Would it be too cheesy to also use this method??

No, but I think it's waste of time and effort.

[hummus]

nice paint scheme kinda reminds me of the death spectres

[Ekim_Trub]

hmmm.....i don't see that myself- the Death Spectres have black armour with white helmet and shoulderpads, don't they??

[Ekim_Trub]

Homeworld and Beliefs both edited and expanded.

 

All c&c appreciated!

[NightrawenII]

Hm, so no reply at all. :D

 

Cmdr. Orius addressing new recruits

As i look upon you's now all i see are mere men, however we will change that, as you are among the blessed few who have been deemed worthy enough to join the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes- the greatest military force ever known. And from now until death, you shall call each other brother and forever be Shadow Falcons!

- This is too choppy for inspiring speech.

 

I'm not very good at this either, so I can't help. But don't call the Astartes the greatest military force ever known, call them the Emperor's Finest.

 

After some thinking:

As I look upon you, all I can see are mere men. An men gathered from across several worlds. But rejoice! You have been judged worthy to join the ranks of Adeptus Astartes, the Emperor's Finest! Look around yourself. You shall call these your new family, your long-lost brethen. From now until death, you shall call yourselves the Shadow Falcons! You will fight together! You will bleed together! And you WILL die for each other! This all for our father, the Emperor of Humankind.

 

+++++

To repeat myself:

Homeworld.

Description of what happens to recruits is rather pointless. Most people here knows this.

I think, you have to give us more depth-look on the recruitment. What cultures/worlds they prefer? What are the conditions of acceptation? What is the Chapter's stance to the recruit's original beliefs and customs?

 

Organisation

- There is no mentioning of Reserve Companies.

- 1st Co. still emphasise the markmanship.

 

Rarely do they take to the field equipped with Terminator Armour, but when they do, they do so almost always as Assault Squads. This is done to maximise the killing power of these powerful relics, but also to prevent them being lost to the big guns of the enemy.

- The TDA is used in the close-quarter fighting and boarding actions, this is done to maximise the killing power of these powerful relics, but also to prevent them being lost to the big guns of the enemy. :)

[Ekim_Trub]

Cheers for taking the time to help me bud, highly appreciated.

 

Speech now stolen. I still need to go over the role of the 1st Co. and as for the Reserves, i see them deployed as part of task forces, but not against the same degree of danger as the Battle Co's or Veterans.

 

As for homeworld, with the Chapter not incorporating any of the beliefs or customs of their recruits, i didn't see the need to flesh out their worlds. I mean, everyone knows the types of people/cultures that exist on Feral & Feudal worlds. (Don't they??)

 

I am seriously considering using the idea that the Chapter only possesses around 20 suits of TDA, and as such are only used in said actions.

[Ekim_Trub]

Anyone else able to help me by passing critique?

[WingsOfTheFalcon]

Very interesting, your take on airborne assault is very different to mine!

 

I really like the monochrome colour scheme, if done correctly I think it would be really impressive.

 

So far I think it reads well, though some phrases i.e. 'the big guns of the enemy' could do with a little rewording.

 

Keep it up though, do you have any minis painted up in the scheme?

[Ekim_Trub]

Yeah, i agree some of it could do with a re-wording- any ideas as i suck?

No models yet, but they are at the top of the list for my New Years to-do list!