IA: Sentinels of Baal

[Khiros]

Index Astartes - Sentinels of Baal

Origins

The Sentinels of Baal were founded during the 13th founding, and as such, the Adeptus Terra has no gene-seed sample. The chapter was created after a reading of the Emperor's Tarot, though for what specific purpose is anyone's guess. May speculate that the Emperor foresaw the coming Occlusiad War, and that the Sentinels were created in response to it, since they participated quite extensively in the war. However, it has been noted many times since their creation the fervor with which the Sentinels pursue the Word Bearers Chaos Legion. One myth is that the chapter seeks revenge for the cause of their primarch's death.

Home World

The Sentinels of Baal are a fleet-based chapter, whose primary patrol centers around Baal and its moons. The chapter frequently recruits from various extremely hazardous worlds in the sector. The chapter's High Council have found, over the years, that such a pooling of genetic sources frequently provides the right mental and physical qualities required to become a Sentinel in the many Aspirants that live to become Initiates themselves. As such, the Sentinels' numbers have swelled well beyond the 1000-man limit instructed by the Codex Astartes.

Beliefs

in progress Revere the Primarch

Combat Doctrine

in progress Assault

Organization

The first major difference in the organization of the Sentinels of Baal is the number of Marines the chapter maintains. The high council keeps a minimum of fully half of the chapter's known forces to defend the fleet. The other half is constantly in various states of war; resupply and refit, transit, combat, and return. These are the chapter's initiated battle-brothers. What isn't reported or recorded are the many 'Training Crusades' that are constantly in progress. Each 'crusade' comprises four novice brothers under the tutelage of one seasoned brother. These seasoned instructors are traditionally chosen from among the entire chapter. However, it has become a more efficient custom to make the selection solely from those companies and squads currently with the fleet.

There are no real requirements for nomination to lead a Training Crusade, though many squads often nominate their best member, as the chance to lead a crusade is seen as a portent of favorble opportunities ahead. It is rare for a sergeant or other high-ranking battle-brother to be nominated, but when one it, it is usually by will of the council. And when the chapter master deigns to nominate a marine, all other nominations are withdrawn. Such tradition has seen many legendary heroes nominated, including Forgemaster Scipio Joerae, the Sentinels' current Master of the Forge, or Chapter Master <insert name here>.

Once an aspirant is chosen, goes through the process of being a scout, and becomes a full battle-brother, his performance is reviewed and his competence compared to the others. Groups of four are tailored together from the aspirants so that each group is as tactically balanced as possible. Once the groups have been made and are grouped together they are introduced to their new squad leader, the chosen Astartes. This squad is given a small band of ships and a few squads of Scouts and some menials, the essential equipment for their travels, and they are sent on a 10-year training 'crusade.' The four novices learn the various weapons, devices and systems they'll employ in their service in much higher detail than as a scout, while the Battle-Brother in charge of the new initiates learns how to better lead men.

These crusades are where each marine's individual disposition for a certain type of warfare comes from. The majority of the chapter prefer the brutal blur that is close, melee combat, like 1st Co. Chaplain, Captain. <insert name here>. Many others prefer the otherworldy roar produced by the use of melta weapons, while many gloves have had extra heat dissipation measures fitted to them, the heat from the Promethium-burning flamers intense from the near-constant use.

The next deviation is in the chapter's companies. Instead of the instructed composition, the battle companies contain more assault squads than tactical. However, the reserve and scout companies remain the same. In response, it seems, the Sentinels appear to experience higher instances of the Black Rage overcoming Brothers than would normally be expected. The Terran beauracracy is still trying to figure out how, despite such high numbers in the Death Company, the chapter remains at nominal strength.

Geneseed

Sanguinius via the Angels Sanguine

Flaws

:

Red Thirst:

Black Rage:

Mutations

:

Oversensitive Occulobe

:

The Sentinels of Baal's geneseed has undergone some genetic mutation, causing their Occulobes to become extremely sensitive. This can be seen on the rare occasion that a Sentinel removes his helmet; his pupils are completely dilated, causing their eyes to look like pools of black surrounded by a sea of white. When a Sentinel does remove his helm, it is only in darker settings, such as their battle barge's dimly lit passageways, or under the night sky when they descend to a planet's surface to recruit.

Betcher's Gland Malfunction

:

Due to a malfunction in or related to the Betcher's Gland, the voices of the Sentinels of Baal have a very deep, resonant quality to them. While other Astartes find nothing out of place with the Sentinels' voices, common folks and various

Xenos

species find them to be disturbing, or even outright terrifying.

Battlecry

“For the Emperor, for Sanguinius, for Baal!”

Notable Influences

The Sentinels of Baal have many various enemies and allies, though few enough of either are spoken of on a regular basis. The ones that are have helped shape who the chapter is now, and what it might be in the future.

Allies:

Blood Angels and their successors

:

Although varied depending on the chapter, the Sentinels of Baal maintain at least decent relations with the Blood Angels and their successors.

Adeptus Mechanicus

:

It is well known that the Sentinels have close ties to the Adeptus Mechanicus; indeed, a larger number of Brothers are sent to mars to become Techmarines than the average chapter. This relationship has resulted in the immaculate care given to the chapter's equipment and vehicles. After every battle, numerous Techmarines begin painstakingly soothing the machine spirits of their charges. Another visible reward of a close relationship with the Mechanicum is the availability of various normally rare weapons. < as well as the chapter's noted use of higher quantities of rarer weapons and gear.

Imperial Navy

Enemies:

Word Bearers Chaos Legion

:

The Sentinels of Baal have been noted, but have never outright confirmed, to be on constant lookout for the fleets of the Word Bearers Chaos Legion. Many sources speculate that the chapter has taken up the cause of defeating those who caused the Heresy initially, sort of as a punishment for what they did. Some of the chapter's fleet personnel have testified that they do have a special soreness with the Bearers, but nothing specific enough for certainty.

Orks

Inquisition

[Ace Debonair]

Index Astartes: Death’s Harbingers

 

1. Origins: 3rd founding

2. Home World: Bes’jin, feral planet in Segmentum Solar, between Holy Terra and Necromunda

3. Beliefs: Revere machine gods, and view Emperor and primarch as two of the greatest men to have lived

4. Combat Doctrine: Terminators are close-combat specialists that employ drop pods; Heavy use of devastator squads and special weapons

5. Organization: relatively the same as Codex Astartes; close ties with AdMech.

6. Geneseed: Roboute Guilliman through the Silver Skulls

7. Battlecry: ‘May the machine gods smile upon us, and guide our aim!’

 

So here's the skeletal outline of my DIY chapter, Death's Harbingers. I'll be working on this in Word and posting here as I complete sections of it.

 

Seems pretty solid, as outlines go.

Could use a bit of flavour, though. What's their personality like? Cold and calculating? Hotheaded and prideful? Brash and stubborn?

 

And by Holy Terra, somebody's using Guilliman's geneseed without being a mystery geneseed first. :)

That's something of a rarity in these parts. :lol:

[Khiros]

Seems pretty solid, as outlines go.

Could use a bit of flavour, though. What's their personality like? Cold and calculating? Hotheaded and prideful? Brash and stubborn?

 

And by Holy Terra, somebody's using Guilliman's geneseed without being a mystery geneseed first. ;)

That's something of a rarity in these parts. ^_^

I was actually taking some time deciding what kind of personality I wanted them to have. And that sort of plays into what I have in mind for their story, since I want them to be somewhat of an obscure chapter. Not just unknown, more like they go out of their way to stay unnoticed by all but the AdMech, Inquisition, etc.. I'm not looking for them to be quite so secretive as the Legion of the Damned, since this isn't going to be a renegade chapter, and I want them to have close ties with the AdMech. I was thinking something along the lines of a chapter who went in 'behind the scenes' and helped assure victory. Not outright 'Brothers, we are going to go in and save so-and-so's ass!" More like a 'big brother,' keeping an eye on things from afar and if they see something developing that has the potential to turn pretty nasty, they go in and prevent it.

 

Heh, the idea is in my head, I just have a hard time putting words to ideas sometimes. If you understand what I mean, let me know what you think. If not, I'll try to come up with another way to explain it. :P

[Ace Debonair]

Heh, the idea is in my head, I just have a hard time putting words to ideas sometimes. If you understand what I mean, let me know what you think. If not, I'll try to come up with another way to explain it. ^_^

 

Sounds to me like a quiet and reserved Chapter. ;)

 

Possibly you could have your Librarians trying to divine the chapter's next move ahead of time (with varied degrees of success, naturally).

[Khiros]

Possibly you could have your Librarians trying to divine the chapter's next move ahead of time (with varied degrees of success, naturally).

I was thinking either that, or possibly receiving word from the Tech priests on the nearby forgeworlds (Mars especially). I have thought about it, and I may make rather liberal use of Techmarines in my army. Being so close to Mars, it would be easier for them to send larger numbers of battle-brothers to be trained. And because of the larger numbers of techmarines they have, the rest of the chapter wouldn't have as much mistrust towards the techmarines as other chapters do.

[Ace Debonair]

Possibly you could have your Librarians trying to divine the chapter's next move ahead of time (with varied degrees of success, naturally).

I was thinking either that, or possibly receiving word from the Tech priests on the nearby forgeworlds (Mars especially). I have thought about it, and I may make rather liberal use of Techmarines in my army. Being so close to Mars, it would be easier for them to send larger numbers of battle-brothers to be trained. And because of the larger numbers of techmarines they have, the rest of the chapter wouldn't have as much mistrust towards the techmarines as other chapters do.

Makes sense, except I'm not sure how the AdMech is going to know ahead of time where the trouble's going to be.

 

Having your Librarians do the fortune-telling stuff could be quite good, although I'd have it so A: They don't get it right every time, and B: they predict trouble at system level rather than planet level.

 

So, for example, you might expect problems somewhere in the Togron system, although on which of the four planets that system contains is anyone's guess. :)

[Khiros]

Possibly you could have your Librarians trying to divine the chapter's next move ahead of time (with varied degrees of success, naturally).

I was thinking either that, or possibly receiving word from the Tech priests on the nearby forgeworlds (Mars especially). I have thought about it, and I may make rather liberal use of Techmarines in my army. Being so close to Mars, it would be easier for them to send larger numbers of battle-brothers to be trained. And because of the larger numbers of techmarines they have, the rest of the chapter wouldn't have as much mistrust towards the techmarines as other chapters do.

Makes sense, except I'm not sure how the AdMech is going to know ahead of time where the trouble's going to be.

 

Having your Librarians do the fortune-telling stuff could be quite good, although I'd have it so A: They don't get it right every time, and B: they predict trouble at system level rather than planet level.

 

So, for example, you might expect problems somewhere in the Togron system, although on which of the four planets that system contains is anyone's guess. :P

I meant that Chapter A's techmarines would be relaying information about the ongoing battle back to the forgeworlds to report the loss of wargear, tanks, etc.. Thusly, the AdMech could then relay the information that the Togron system is in distress to my chapter. From there, I could bring in your idea, and have my librarians try to discern which planet(s) require(s) assistance. Or in the case of a Tyranid invasion, or an Ork Waaagh!, or other such similar events, which location might provide the best chance at cutting the head off the proverbial snake.

[NightrawenII]

I meant that Chapter A's techmarines would be relaying information about the ongoing battle back to the forgeworlds to report the loss of wargear, tanks, etc.. Thusly, the AdMech could then relay the information that the Togron system is in distress to my chapter. From there, I could bring in your idea, and have my librarians try to discern which planet(s) require(s) assistance. Or in the case of a Tyranid invasion, or an Ork Waaagh!, or other such similar events, which location might provide the best chance at cutting the head off the proverbial snake.

Yes and No.

The Forges of the Adeptus Astartes are technically capable of producing anything short of Space-ship (and I have bad feeling that this isn't entirely true either). So, the Chapter A's techmarines have no reason to relaying the informations about lost equipment to the Admech.

 

Beliefs: Revere machine gods, and view Emperor and primarch as two of the greatest men to have lived

Machine-God is the only one, The Omnissiah, the Machine-Spirits are his children. The Titans, the God-Machines, are different kind of beast. Just saying. :lol:

[Khiros]

Yes and No.

The Forges of the Adeptus Astartes are technically capable of producing anything short of Space-ship (and I have bad feeling that this isn't entirely true either). So, the Chapter A's techmarines have no reason to relaying the informations about lost equipment to the Admech.

 

Beliefs: Revere machine gods, and view Emperor and primarch as two of the greatest men to have lived

Machine-God is the only one, The Omnissiah, the Machine-Spirits are his children. The Titans, the God-Machines, are different kind of beast. Just saying. :tu:

Well thanks for the clarification. ;)

 

Also, I'm having trouble coming up with the Chapter symbol for these guys. I was originally going to hand-paint scythes onto their shoulder pads, but my free-hand is unsteady at best. So I thought I might try using DA iconography. Any thoughts?

[Khiros]

So my fiancee's brother has my 4e BBG and C:SM, so now I can't look up the rules for making my own chapter. However, after visiting the local GW store, I found out that the new 5e C:SM did away with the section on choosing traits and flaws (Suffer not the heretic to live, etc.). However, I really like how that leads into the fluff of an army. Is that still a viable 'rule' in 5e, or do you just make your own chapter and use the rules from the C:SM or specific chapter codex, depending on what I'm looking for? ;)

[NightrawenII]

Yeah, the "Trait System" is dead, long live the "Trait System"!

 

The Codex Chapters right now are Ultramarines 2.0, the only option left to us is to use a Special Character. Or different Codex. Or Imperial Armour: The Badab War.

[Khiros]

Yeah, the "Trait System" is dead, long live the "Trait System"!

 

The Codex Chapters right now are Ultramarines 2.0, the only option left to us is to use a Special Character. Or different Codex. Or Imperial Armour: The Badab War.

So what does that mean, if I don't want to use another codex, and don't have access to the Imp. Arm.: Badab War book? That my army uses the special rules of a given special character?

[Khiros]

Is it possible to use certain models as another type of model? I was thinking of using GK Terminator models for regular Terminator units, but painting them with my chapter's colors and replacing the GK weapons with normal weapons (i.e. storm bolters, power fists, etc.) so as not to have to try and explain that my termies' psycannons are really just antiquated storm bolters or other such nonsense. (This also goes for using Legion of the Damned models as Tactical, Assault and/or Devastator units, with the corresponding backpacks and weapons.)

[NightrawenII]

Yes, It's called "count as". ;)

Also, if you want avoid confrontation with "some" players outa here, your models should be WYSIWYG (Emperor, I hate this shortcut!).

[Khiros]

Yes, It's called "count as". ^_^

Also, if you want avoid confrontation with "some" players outa here, your models should be WYSIWYG (Emperor, I hate this shortcut!).

Alright, thanks. I was curious, as I want my army's armor to look more ornate. And yea, that's usually how I played when I first got started actually playing, using a friend's army.

[Khiros]

Yeah, the "Trait System" is dead, long live the "Trait System"!

 

The Codex Chapters right now are Ultramarines 2.0, the only option left to us is to use a Special Character. Or different Codex. Or Imperial Armour: The Badab War.

So what does that mean, if I don't want to use another codex, and don't have access to the Imp. Arm.: Badab War book? That my army uses the special rules of a given special character?

 

Yes, It's called "count as". ;)

Also, if you want avoid confrontation with "some" players outa here, your models should be WYSIWYG (Emperor, I hate this shortcut!).

So would the 'counts as' rule also be in effect if I wanted to use the Blood Angels' rules for my army? Having read a bit more on them on the GW site, I think their style of combat is exactly what I'm going for.

 

Edit: After thinking about it, I have decided to change the geneseed of my chapter to Sanguinius (via the Angels Sanguine). It just makes more sense IMO. Also, the color scheme has changed. Instead of silver, it will be bone-colored.

[Khiros]

Just a note saying my DIY is/has been undergoing a major overhaul. The majority of things are still rolling around in my head, but I am set on the name and geneseed now, as well as this being a more assault-oriented chapter.

[Khiros]

I was looking through some of the finished IA's for referencing section layouts, sidebars, etc., and I was wondering; how or where do people create the images of their planets?

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

Whoah! Scale down your post! You put image instead of img in the ending tag for your second image. Simple mistake, easy to fix. :lol:

 

I can't see many problems with the sentences you have, but I dislike the vampire thing. Your call, though.

 

EDIT: Good, you fixed it while I was posting.

[Khiros]

Whoah! Scale down your post! You put image instead of img in the ending tag for your second image. Simple mistake, easy to fix. :lol:

 

I can't see many problems with the sentences you have, but I dislike the vampire thing. Your call, though.

 

EDIT: Good, you fixed it while I was posting.

Hehe, yea, I was redoing my TDA color scheme and accidentally delete the ending [/img] tag for it, then went back to fix it and put [/image] instead. :lol:

 

As for the vampire bit, they're not actually vampires (well...they're Blood Angels...of course they are, they just fight against it internally). Rather, the Flaw has begun to manifest itself physically in the Chapter, in addition to its psychological effects. Their incisor teeth become slightly elongated during their internment in the sarcophagi. I still need to change the bit about the eyes to have it happen when the Black Rage overtakes a Striga Angelus Marine.

[Khiros]

Well, I've been away from the B&C for quite a bit, but I'm back (somewhat), and I've done a lot of work/reworking on my DIY chapter. Its still definitely not finished, but its coming along nicely...at least in my opinion. As always, C&C are always welcome.

[Khiros]

I wanted to thank everyone who's helped me thus far in getting my IA to where its at (admittedly not too far). I'm currently working on fleshing it out, but its a tad slow at the moment since I lost my notes when my laptop crashed a week or so ago.

[Khiros]

Updated the Origins, Homeworld, Organization and Notable Influences sections a bit.

[CantonWC]

Hello, I believe this is the most recent version so I will review it.

 

The Sentinels of Baal were founded during the 13th founding, and as such, the Adeptus Terra has no gene-seed sample

 

Yeah... No one knows what happpened during the 13th Founding, no one knows how many or what Chapters were created. So to say your Chapter is definitively from the 13th Founding does not make a lot of sense. And don't bring up the Exorcists, because they are not particularly well explained. Although, they are admittedly pretty cool.

 

However, it has been noted many times since their creation the fervor with which the Sentinels pursue the Word Bearers Chaos Legion. One myth is that the chapter seeks revenge for the cause of their primarch's death.

 

Horus killed Sanguinius. Why do they hate the Word Bearers more than usual?

 

The Sentinels of Baal are a fleet-based chapter, whose primary patrol centers around Baal and its moons.

 

Um, why, because this is where the Blood Angels live.

 

As such, the Sentinels' numbers have swelled well beyond the 1000-man limit instructed by the Codex Astartes.

 

Why?

 

Betcher's Gland Malfunction: Due to a malfunction in or related to the Betcher's Gland, the voices of the Sentinels of Baal have a very deep, resonant quality to them. While other Astartes find nothing out of place with the Sentinels' voices, common folks and various Xenos species find them to be disturbing, or even outright terrifying.

 

Betcher's gland allows for the use of acidic spit. Why does this have anything to do with the sound of their voices.

 

Hope this helps.

[Khiros]

Hello, I believe this is the most recent version so I will review it.

 

The Sentinels of Baal were founded during the 13th founding, and as such, the Adeptus Terra has no gene-seed sample

 

1) Yeah... No one knows what happpened during the 13th Founding, no one knows how many or what Chapters were created. So to say your Chapter is definitively from the 13th Founding does not make a lot of sense. And don't bring up the Exorcists, because they are not particularly well explained. Although, they are admittedly pretty cool.

 

However, it has been noted many times since their creation the fervor with which the Sentinels pursue the Word Bearers Chaos Legion. One myth is that the chapter seeks revenge for the cause of their primarch's death.

 

2) Horus killed Sanguinius. Why do they hate the Word Bearers more than usual?

 

The Sentinels of Baal are a fleet-based chapter, whose primary patrol centers around Baal and its moons.

 

3) Um, why, because this is where the Blood Angels live.

 

As such, the Sentinels' numbers have swelled well beyond the 1000-man limit instructed by the Codex Astartes.

 

4) Why?

 

Betcher's Gland Malfunction: Due to a malfunction in or related to the Betcher's Gland, the voices of the Sentinels of Baal have a very deep, resonant quality to them. While other Astartes find nothing out of place with the Sentinels' voices, common folks and various Xenos species find them to be disturbing, or even outright terrifying.

 

5) Betcher's gland allows for the use of acidic spit. Why does this have anything to do with the sound of their voices.

 

Hope this helps.

1) Hehe, I wasn't about to bring up the Exorcists as I know next to nothing about them. I'll edit the Origins a bit to fix things.

2) Just a bit of fluff creep I didn't realize was happening, hehe.

3) It is just the area they have chosen. Its not necessarily around Baal and its moons specifically, more around the fringe areas of the system. This section is still heavily WIP. I'll be fleshing this out more, definitely.

4) Again, that is something that is still very WIP.

5) Again, fluff creep, though this time it was more intentional. It's not going where I had wanted it to, so I'll definitely be reworking it.

 

Thanks, it was very helpful. I sometimes forget to ask myself the sometimes necessary second 'Why?' for things.