Templar of the Crocodyle

[Krymson86]

Can an admin delete this topic since its a duplicate of another one. Somehow it got posted twice.

[Krymson86]

So lately, I've been fielding my army as Black Templar and wanted to come up with some Fluff so that I had a reason to have Templar with blue and bright green armor. So here is my fluff for The Templar of the Crocodyle. Please let me know any changes you might make, suggestions etc.

 

Thanks.

 

Templar of the Crocodyle

Inquisitor Thesseus had long waited for an opportunity, his loyalty to the Imperium was beyond reproach, and his ambition to prove himself to the leadership of the Inquisition had driven him to this moment. As he so staunchly and rigidly served the Imperium, so too would all others, even the mighty Astartes that so brazenly defied the will of the Imperium.

 

The Black Templar crusade lead by Marshal Kaizen consisted of a vast fleet, their support arriving just in time to spare the populace of Lorkas III from massive Ork incursions. The Imperial Guard that had been the first responders were grateful for the support from such phenomenal warriors as the Black Templar, at first so too was Inquisitor Thesseus as he watched events unfold from afar, observing the workings of the Imperium within the sector, his eye secretly fixed on the Templar fleet that poured out of the Warp, bringing with it scores of warriors whose soul purpose was to enact righteous judgement on all enemies that would stand before the Imperium.

 

As the fighting on the world of Lokas III waned, the Ork utterly crushed under foot of the Astartes of the Black Templar, Thesseus had all of the information he would need to enact his plan, enforcing the rules of the Imperium on a Crusade of Black Templar. Such action would surely achieve the notice of the leadership of the Inquisition. The fleet of the Crusading Black Templar in the Lorkas Sector were ordered to cease all activity, and were declared to be under investigation for violating the Codex Astartes, the sacred laws that all Astartes were supposed to be bound by. Thesseus risked much, the outright challenge of the Inquisition casting its judgment unto an Astartes Chapter (in truth, only a portion of a Chapter) could result in any number of nightmare scenarios. It could also pave a pathway to achieve rank and power beyond his years. Thesseus’ careful planning, the years of waiting would pay off.

 

Marshal Kaizen had sent the first Interrogator back to Thesseus in a coma, the rage of a thousand men concentrated into a single being at the thought of being under the eye of the Inquisition. The exact details of how Interrogator Lukas had received the wrath of Marshal Kaizen would never fully be revealed. Kaizen would however agreed to meet with Thesseus to discuss the matter at hand after several weeks of stalemate, the Inquisition fleet arranged ponderously surrounding the Black Templar battleships. Kaizen agreed only to terms of a meeting when threatened with sanctioning and the potential for being labeled as ‘renegades’ for non-compliance with the Ordo Hereticus. To bring such shame onto the Templar would be unforgivable, and Kaizen vowed to follow the example set forth by their Primarch, Rogal Dorn and at least entertain his supposed allies in their ideas of how to uphold the laws of the Imperium.

 

“Marshal Kaizen, you must be well aware of why I am here,” began Inquisitor Thesseus, an Interrogator named Calshan standing just behind him, a retinue of elite soliders organized in rank and file standing at attention. The nerve, to think that an assembly of 20 hardened soldiers and an Interrogator would act as some form of intimidation almost amused Kaizen. “I am. I see an Inquisitor who would seek to mettle in the affairs of his allies, rather than punish the unclean, the traitors and the xenos filth that still inhabit this sector of Imperial Space.” Kaizen’s tact with words was much like his subtly on the battlefield. In so much as there wasn’t all that much subtlety at all, his words drove like an infuriating dagger into Thesseus. Despite all of his augmentations, and his well polished, ornate brass colored armor still stood almost a foot shorter than the Marshal and was forced to look up to Kaizen, while attempting to dominate their ‘discussion.’ It at first proved most discouraging. “Hhhmmm, Marshal Kaizen, it would seem you have some rather,” he even managed to pause with arrogance “Interesting views of the Inquisition’s role here, don’t you?” The momentum was his, and he could ill-afford to allow Kaizen to answer his rhetorical question. “Some of my colleagues might take exception to your comments,” Thesseus smiled inwardly as he saw Kaizen clench his massive jaws in muzzled anger, “I however, will allow them to remain ‘off the record’ as I have more important grievances with you.”

 

Kaizen glared down at the man before him. Thesseus was just that, a man, and despite his service to the Inquisition, Kaizen could unmake him in an instant, the Interrogator Calshan and the 20 odd troopers behind him could all be easily taken care of. That would however leave the matter of escape from the Inquisition flagship Emperor’s Judgment and the resulting labels of “Heretic” and “Renegade.” It was a thought that Kaizen allowed to occupy his thoughts a moment longer before allowing it to simply fade from his thoughts. “Inquisitor Thesseus, I would have you stop wasting my time with your ill-conceived dramatics and rather lacking displays of power and get to these official grievances of yours.”

 

Inquisitor Thesseus seethed at the remarks from Kaizen. To be challenged in such a way, in front of his own men nonetheless! Thesseus maintained his façade of cool, calculated nobility and proceeded. “Marshal Kaizen, the Lorkas Sector greatly appreciates the arrival and support of your contingent of Black Templar,” Kaizen caught the devilish grin of a hyena cross Thesseus’ face “However, it has come to my attention that you have with you fully 2,400 or so Astartes…Initiates as you would call them and a cadre of around 450 neophytes.” The power and confidence returned to Thesseus even as he turned his head upwards to address the massive Astartes Marshal. “You are aware Marshal Kaizen, that you are bound to the Codex Astartes are you not?” The Inquisitor gave Kaizen no time for a reprieve, continuing with his well orchestrated delivery. “No Astartes Chapter may exceed 1000 in number, and yet here you are in the Lorkas Sector with 2,400 Astartes. Well in excess of the number that your Primarch Rogal Dorn agreed to.” Kaizen was infuriated at the mention of Rogal Dorn, deeming that any Inquisitor was unworthy of even speaking the name of their great Primarch. "You will never speak the name of Dorn again you arrogant-" Thesseus cut him off. "But I am a reasonable man Marshal Kaizen. Were I to insist upon a full investigation into the entirety of your Chapter, it might be revealed that your numbers rival those of some of the smaller Legions of old. However, I am not seeking a full investigation into all the Black Templar spread across Imperial Space. I am merely seeking to enforce proper law and order as decreed by the Emperor and the Imperium within the realm of Space that I am charged with 'protecting'."

 

Marshal Kaizen’s eyes fixed with those of Inquisitor Thesseus, a cold, hateful gleam in them as he spoke. “Inquisitor Thesseus, the number in my Crusade has grown, perhaps because we fight with the righteous blessing of The Emperor to deal death in his name to those unclean, traitors and xenos that would threaten the Imperium that you claim to be protecting.”

 

“Marshal Kaizen, your options are simple, either your Crusade comply with the Codex Astartes and divide your forces to adhere to it, or I shall request a full investigation into all Black Templars crusades in the entirety of Imperial Space, regardless of how long such an investigation takes. Regardless of the outcome you and your battle brothers would be shamed by publicly having the eyes of the Inquisition so fixed upon you." Kaizen seethed at the levels this Inquisitor would stoop in order to write his name in history. It had been clear from the start that this was less about enforcing the rule of the Imperium and the Emperor above all else and more about one Inquisitor seeking recognition and power.

 

For weeks on end the two forces seemed on the precipice of war, but under the council of his Castellen Ullrich and Chaplain Ikanos, Marshal Kaizen let his decision be known to both his crusade of Black Templars, and the Inquisition. He would take with him the bulk of his forces and leave the Lorkas Sector, however his forces would be split, the remaining warriors would form a new Chapter and make the Lorkas Sector their base of opertions. Castellan Ullrich was named as the Marshal of the new Chapter.

 

The Eve of Divide it was remembered as. For the past 70 years Lorkas III, and the other two habitable planets of the Lorkas System were used to reinforce the Templar that had been forcefully severed from Marshal Kaizen’s Crusade. The populations of the Lorkas worlds had proven hearty enough for the implantation of gene seed and the rigorous training required to become Astartes and as a result those battle brothers who were selected to form the new Chapter were stationed in the Lorkas sector. Their numbers had been too few to continue on the great Crusades that were the holy vow of the Black Templar, but they had been told that their first vow would be to rise up to full battle strength. When Marshal Kaizen had acquiesced to Inquisitor Thesseus’ demands that his Crusade adhere to Codex Astartes he appointed his Castellan, Ullrich to be the Marshal of this new Chapter. Chapter, that was the wording forced upon them by Inquisitor Thesseus. This would not simply be a new Crusade to continue the righteous work of The Emperor under the banner of the Black Templar. This would be a new Chapter, lead by newly appointed Marshal Ullrich, along with 600 battle brothers who would never don the black and white of the Black Templar again.

 

Over the years, as they recruited enough neophytes and eventually enough fully matured battle-brothers to begin full scale operations they set out to cleanse their small system of all remaining Xenos filth. Cleansing the jungle moon Lorkas Minas of Ork infestation. As they became more familiar with the flora and fauna of the System they became intertwined with the Crocodyle. The Crocodyle was a reptilian ambush predator that had somehow managed to find itself in various incarnations on all of the habitable planets and moons of the Lorkas Sector. Known for their durability, a Crocodyle could be known to pursue and kill a hunter after being shot and suffering grievous wounds. The Templar of the Crocodyle, like the progenitor’s the Black Templar are well known throughout the Imperium for their durability and dedication to exterminating the enemies of the Imperium. The tactics and brute ferocity of the newly minted Chapter seemed in many ways to mimic those of the Crocodyle. The Chapter’s signature was close quarters combat, brutal, violent assault for it was the purest way to deal death to enemies of the Emperor. As the Crocodyle was a beast with a terrible penchant for ambush and trapping its prey before dragging it to a watery, bone crushing, teeth gnashing death so too were the Templar of the Crocodyle savage in their dealings of righteous judgment.

 

Imperial Guardsmen who reported back from the front lines of the early operations spoke of the scenes from the battlefields left in the wake of The Crocodyles as pure butchery. The Crocodyles spoke of these same battlefields: shattered remnants of once vibrant cities turned renegade, eerily elegant xenos fortresses and burned Ork encampments all in the same manner- The Just Work of The Emperor.

 

From the Crocodyle they borrowed their colors, a deep blue, with various plates painted a bright green, some more veteran battle-brothers and commanders have various markings in gold.

 

One major difference from the Crocodyles and their Founding Chapter the Black Templar is that the Emperor’s Champion is not selected by having visions of the Emperor, as seemingly none of the Crocodyles have visions similar to those of their Black Templar brethren. Instead, the Emperor’s Champion in the Crocodyle Chapter is chosen from the most skilled battle brother as it is believed that his superior skill in combat is blessed upon him by the Emperor and he serves in his duty as the Champion until he dies in service to the Emperor. The Champion may never remove his helmet, nor may he interact with his battle brothers when not in his battle plate. As a result of this, there is some overlap between the duties of the Crocodyle Champion and the Chapter’s Chaplains, as both are meant to be seen as faceless, undying warrior-talismans that inspire their battle brothers in combat.

 

However, where a Chaplain is service bound until he meets his death, the Emperor’s Champion in the Crocodyle’s Chapter may be challenged in a private duel overseen by the Chapter’s High Marshal Ullrich and at least one of the Chapter’s Chaplains.

 

The Templar of the Crocodyle are all very untrusting of the Inquisition and their motives throughout the galaxy as such they are openly hostile (not violent) and unwelcoming to the members of the Inquistion they have met and had dealings with. Many members of the Inquisition, including the infamous Inquisitor Thesseus believe the Templar of the Crocodyle continue to operate as an auxiliary force to Marshal Kaizen’s Crusade of Black Templar, as Kaizen’s Crusade has sent ships to the Lorkas Sector on several occasions over the centuries, sometimes his ships being loaded with supplies, other times with neophytes in full combat gear.

 

The Templar of the Crocodyle make use of both the Black Templar cross iconography, albeit in green, blue or gold depending on the surface it is on, but also make use of their own iconography, the skull of a Crocodyle with a sword through it diagonally.

 

As far as the Inquisition can tell, the Tempar of the Crocodyle are fully adherent to the Codex Astartes in so far as the total numbers of their Astartes. However, they do seem to have a much larger than normal contingent of neophytes and their fighting forces often seem larger to unobservant Guardsmen who see full squads of 20 Templar of the Crocodyle (10 Initiates with 10 neophytes) and sometimes misquote seeing 20 ‘Full Astartes’ to a squad etc. In brief exchanges with the Inquisition regarding the composition of his Chapter, High Marshal Ullrich has been observed to be rather ‘intelligently vague’ in his responses. When recently asked by Inquisitor Thesseus about the numbers within his Chapter High Marshal Ullrich was noted as replying “My good Inquisitor, we are within the Codex Astartes limit for 1000 battle brothers and while you need not know the full extent of our Chapter strength, I assure you, we are well equipped to eradicate the enemies of the Emperor.”

 

Battle Cry: “Deal Righteous Death, In the Name of the Emperor!”

 

Chapter Special Rules:

 

Templar of the Crocodyle refuse to fight alongside an army fielding a Librarian. Should the need arise for the Templar to fight with an allied Chapter that possess a Librarian, ALL Templar of the Crocodyle units must remain at least 12” away from said Librarian for the entirety of the game.

 

High Marshal Ullrich: Same rules as Helbrecht.

 

Emperor’s Champion: Same as BT Emperor’s Champion

 

Vows: May only take Accept All Odds No Matter the Challenge, such is their desire to enter close combat that they will charge any and all enemies, regardless of being outnumbered, facing a monstrous creature and such is their proficiency that they are often extremely skilled against any variety of enemies of the Imperium in close combat.

 

Righteous Zeal/Crusader Seals: Every Crusader Squad must have at least one Initiate or Attached Independent Character with Crusader Seals so that through their Righteous Zeal they may close the distance to the enemies of the Imperium.

[Shinzaren]

From Codex: Space Marines:

Page 7:

Though Chapters have often exceeded their basic fighting strength of one thousand souls during times of prolonged war, the desired effect was achieved.

Page 9:

The Adeptus Terra has never felt it necessary to enforce the Codex absolutey. Indeed, it is doubtful it ever could.

 

Codex: Black Templars:

Page 8:

Certain members of the Inquisition have expressed concern over the potential size of the Chapter, but since there has been no evidence of disloyalty in their long history, and none have found evidence to challenge the Chapter on its numbers, the Chapter's true size remains a mystery.

 

The idea of your Crusade breaking off to form a new Chapter because an Inquisitor called em on having to many guys is a little thin. Not to mention that picking on one Crusade of the Templars would have huge and far reaching consequences.

[Krymson86]

Yeah, I suppose the numbers of the original Black Templar crusade would need to be much larger to warrant extra attention from an Inquisitor. That being said, from what I've read about Inquisitors and then Inquisition in general, its not beyond the realm of possibility to think one Inquisitor would want to do something brash and flashy, like enforcing the Codex Astartes to the letter for the simple reasoning that the BT are in violation of the Codex Astartes, and that in of itself is grounds for forcing them to separate. I'm not looking at this as a widesweeping Inquisitorial investigation against all Crusades of the Black Templar, only an instance where one was met with a rather ambitious, self-serving Inquisitor and rather than be dragged through the mud of any form of trial they begrudgingly comply. Even Rogal Dorn opted to split his forces rather than start a war and tarnish the name of his Legion.

 

Also, in the BT codex it basically says that all the varying Crusades in the Black Templar chapter operate predominantly on their own and are more or less their own Chapter in terms of how they operate unless they are called upon by High Marshal Helbecht. However I can't find a single instance where the entirety of the Black Templar have been summoned together.