The Penitent

[happe]

This is just an idea I have been playing with that I think is slightly original, at least for Space Marines. this is just the bare bones idea for the "Chapter" but I think its enough to get the idea across. Let me know if you like it or even if you hate it. If anyone wants me to add to it, or wants to contribute please let me know.

 

 

 

Origins:

 

The Penitent are a group of damned Brothers of many Chapters, outcasts all. For failures that would should have had them executed or worse, they instead have been given a chance for redemption in the eyes of their Chapter and more importantly The Emperor.

 

Homeworld:

The Chapter has no homeworld and is based out of the Strike Cruiser “Redemption”.

 

Combat Doctrine

 

The Penitent fight in the manner of a codex chapter.

 

Organisation

 

The Penitent are around one company in size at any given time there may be more or less. Since they are not technically a Chapter. They do not recruit but rather take in Marines from other Chapters. When a damned brother is first brought to them, they are clad in the colors of their old Chapter but are not allowed to repaint their armor ever again, eventually through battle the armor will be as bare as it was when first made. Their original Chapter will also send them with their wargear. Of course, any rank or position they had in their original Chapter does not go with them, all start as a battle brother.

 

While there is no official rank, over the centuries it has been a clear understanding within the group that the most senior Marine is their leader.

 

 

 

Beliefs

 

The Penitent believe that through their deaths, they will receive absolution in the eyes of the Emperor and their Chapter.

 

When a brother has finished his service (the only way out is death), The Penitent ensure that his body and wargear are sent back to his parent Chapter along with tales of their prodigal kinsman’s deeds proving he is worthy to be welcomed back into the arms of his true brothers.

 

 

Geneseed

 

There is no particular geneseed for The Penitent. However, it’s importance is not lost to them. When a brother dies the geneseed just like the rest of the fallen brother is sent back to his parent chapter.

 

Battle Cry

 

“Redemption awaits”

[Ferrata]

I have seen a number of similar chapters like this over the years (doesn't mean you cannot do it), but the same questions do come up:

 

The Imperium is a big place, the chances of finding random, roaming marines attempting to kill themselves in battle is going to be difficult.

Chapters will probably not want to send their bad apples to one place so everyone can look at them. I know there is a grey area between bad enough to be be killed, not bad enough just to be let off with being demoted, so they get kicked out. But it is like listing all your mistakes so everyone can read them. Some chapters would never, ever allow marines to leave (those of Dark Angel and Blood Angel) whilst others might be too proud to tell everyone one of theres failed.

 

My question is, what is the aim of this idea? Is it the "Death brings about Redemption" feel or is it the Deathwatch-esque nature of the build up?