Red Guard - IA in progress

[Midgard]

This is a placeholder post until I write more of the IA. For now, it will contain items that I have decided on, and will be updated as more details are generated. The progress will be slow (I have numerous other creative projects, full-time job and a family, which allows for little time to work on this), but it will happen.

 

 

The Red Guard Chapter of Adeptus Astartes

 

Red Guard Color Scheme

http://counter-factual.net/Red_Guard_Final_Scheme.jpg

 

Chapter Name: Red Guard

Founding: 4th

Gene-seed: The Lion

Homeworld: Selgard

Specialization: Entrenchment/Defensive Warfare

Chapter Colors: Forest green with red trim and white pauldrons

Chapter Symbol: Solid red five-pointed star

Battle Cry: Imperator e Patria!

 

 

Far from the Imperial core worlds, the Red Guard rule the Crimson Stars in the name of the Emperor with an iron fist. Stalwart and unforgiving, the Chapter is as harsh and severe as the worlds they protect, as many enemies of the Imperium had learned to their misfortune.

 

 

To My Conclave Brethren:

 

We live in troubled times, and the lack of information often separates friend from foe. In light of the recent events in Segmentum Pacificus, it is necessary to perform full review of Imperial assets in the Segmentum to ascertain their loyalties and reliability. Even now, thousands of worlds once basking in His light are embracing rebellion and heresy, and communication with the loyal souls is fraught with difficulties.

 

And yet, our resources are stretched thin. Vile xenos rise in the Galactic East, and the traitors are once again pouring out of the Eye. The Imperium is beset with enemies on all sides, and the crises follow one after another. If we of Ordo Hereticus are to aid in reasserting the Imperial control over the Segmentum, we must take stock of factions holding sway in the Galactic West, and reach out to any who would answer the summons of Terra.

 

The below report summarizes my findings on a reclusive Chapter of Adeptus Astartes known as the Red Guard. While they are notoriously secretive even by the standards of the Lion’s progeny, I fear we may have little choice but to attempt enlisting them in our efforts to restore the Emperor’s light to Segmentum Pacificus. It is my hope that the Lords of the Conclave approve the Ordo mission to remind these wayward warriors of their oaths to Him on Terra, for the need of their aid has never been greater.

 

Inquisitor Darien Xert, Ordo Hereticus

Omega Tauri Prime

12.M42

 

 

Origins and History

 

The details of the Fourth Founding of Adeptus Astartes are lost to history with the Thirty Second Millennium, and very few things can be discerned about it with any certainty. The Red Guard Chapter claims to have been founded during that mostly forgotten era from the gene-seed of Lion El’Jonson, by the way of Angels of Absolution. While their gene-seed markers do indeed point to the former First Legion, the truth is impossible to ascertain, as the Red Guard maintains only minimal contact with the Imperial authorities at large, and severely limits access to its archives to outsiders.

The Canticle of Truth

“Recite the Canticle of Truth.”

 

The voice barked in Yermak’s ear, loud and commanding, yet the Scout did not flinch. That way was weakness, and weakness was not allowed to one of the Lion’s chosen. His thoughts were fluid and focused, amplified by the genetic enhancements of his post-human physiology and morphing into the narrative. In his mind’s eye, the former Angels of Absolution and their untried recruits were bonded together as warriors can only be, in the fires of battle that freed the Crimson Stars from heretical domination.

 

“…And then, as Oleg and his charges slew traitor Askold, the Chapter Master had received a vision from the Lion. He had gathered his Sergeants and spoke of the great conflict in the future, and of a need to build up an impenetrable bastion.”

 

“A bastion of what?” the harsh voice bellowed.

 

“Of… sanctity… in face of the storm.”

 

It is surmised that the Crimson Stars, then a thriving sub-sector within the Segmentum Pacificus, was the location of a large xenos insurrection, necessitating the assignment of an Adeptus Astartes Chapter. The sub-sector had largely disappeared from Administratum records until M35, by which time it was described as being at the very edge of Imperial space. Whatever the truth, the Red Guard stood watch over the Crimson Stars since at least that time and possibly earlier, only rarely venturing outside of the area under their immediate protection.

 

Separate Destinies

“Brother Timofey,” the Chaplain intoned, laying his hands upon the closely-cropped hair of a kneeling warrior. “If you are not prepared to take on this burden, then speak. Do you wish to turn back?”

 

“No,” the kneeling warrior whispered with steely resolve in his voice. “My life and honor are the Chapter’s to command. I am ready to do my duty in the Druzhina.”

 

“Very well,” the Chaplain said with the air of solemnity. “You have knelt as one of the Fourth Company,” the black-clad warrior said with ceremonial slowness.” Now, Timofey, arise as one of the First.” The Chaplain paused, taking in the innocence of the warrior's ignorance for one last time. “Do you recall the Canticle of Truth?”

 

“Yes, Brother-Chaplain,” Timofey replied.

 

“You recall the tale of traitor Askold, slain by our first Chapter Master. There are, however, things about Askold’s nature that you were not yet told…”

 

On the rare occasions the Red Guard personnel were willing to discuss the Chapter origins, they had related stories of a purging campaign lasting several centuries and bringing the Crimson Stars into the Emperor’s light. The Chapter was noted as unwilling to discuss any further details of the campaign, or to disclose the identities of its original leadership cadre. The records of the Dark Angels merely acknowledge the Red Guard as a successor, but state neither the founding nor the reason for that Chapter’s existence and assignment.

In the intervening years, the Chapter was rarely seen outside of the Crimson Stars, with the notable exception of Company-strength expeditions lending strength to Valtar Crusade, Kaysen Suppression, and several other Imperial military actions in the nearby sectors (see REF.1425.FG.Alpha-Zeta-Cignus in the Inquisitorial archives on Oradus IV for more detail). During those occasions, the Red Guard Marines were noted to prosecute war with determination and zeal expected of Adeptus Astartes, however, the Chapter’s forces generally remained outside of the regular chain of command, and typically left campaign after accomplishing the agreed-upon objectives.

 

In addition, the records indicate several unconfirmed sightings of vessels bearing the Red Guard iconography throughout Segmentum Pacificus, most recently in 994.M41 (see REF.98.12.Gamma-Kappa-34.KST in the Oradus IV archives for sighting detail). There are no records of any communications with such vessels, or of what their missions might have been. On almost all occasions, the vessels were described as Frigate-class, or as being of designs not normally associated with the Adeptus Astartes. All inquiries submitted to the Chapter’s home world of Selgard did not receive a response.

 

 

The Crimson Stars

 

The Red Guard govern the sub-sector of Imperial space known as the Crimson Stars. As of the most recent census, the Crimson Stars included six inhabited worlds spread over four systems of dim, red stars, and a number of minor settlements, mining bases, and other installations. The manuscript attributed to Haro, a one-time Ecclesiastic servant from early M32 (Ref: Haro of Ophelia Prime; also ref: Haro the Accursed), reports that the sub-sector included as many as thirteen worlds with significant populations, however, the accuracy of the manuscript is suspect in light of Haro’s subsequent conviction and execution for heresy.

 

The six major worlds of Crimson Stars (Selgard, Drevas, Rigas, Nihilus, Seber, Vostok) share several characteristics in common. All are at a civilized world level of technological development, and all possess cold and hostile environments only marginally suitable for human life. The Red Guard maintain that the worlds remain closed to outside visitors without direct permission of the Chapter. The reasons for such isolationist attitude are not known, although Interrogator Garvin speculates that the Adeptus Astartes seek to stop undesirable and corrupting external influences from reaching the worlds under their protection. Consequently, the available information on the worlds in Red Guard’s realm is limited, and is often outdated by thousands of years.

The Crimson Domain

That place? Gives me the creeps, if you know what I mean. They will search every centimeter of the ship, and woe to those who have anything on board they don’t approve of. Shore leave? Forget about that. You’d think even the whores are watching you. No one would even say a word to you if they can tell you’re not from there. By the Emperor, every time we land at Selgard, I cannot wait to leave. But… The money’s good, I suppose.

 

Kral Ricken, Rogue Trader

 

Significant natural resources were reported on Rigas and Seber by an Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator mission in 614.M38 (see REF.24564.11.Zeta-Three, Report on the loss of Explorator Fleet Mars-6142965). Both Drevas and Vostok were recorded in M36 as sparsely populated and recommended for agricultural use, however, it is not certain if these assertions still hold true. Nihilus is known to possess heavy levels of industrial development, although the nature of such development and its production capabilities at the present are not known.

 

Selgard is the most heavily populated of the Crimson Stars planets, and serves as an administrative capital of the sub-sector. It is the only world consistently open to outside visitors, and is the source of most current information about the Crimson Stars and the Red Guard. A cold and uninviting planet, it is largely covered by tundra and kilometer-thick glaciers. Most of Selgard’s population resides in the narrow temperate zone near the planet’s equator, although large tribes of primitive hunters and bands of mineral prospectors are known to eke out their existence outside the hive cities. The hive cities are heavily industrialized, and produce much of the Red Guard’s equipment and munitions.

Escape

Dinyar prayed to God-Emperor, trying to still his racing heartbeat. His hand slid to a stolen laspistol hidden in his jacket. If he was discovered, the mere fact of possessing a weapon would warrant his immediate execution.

 

The cargo lifter was almost within reach. Dinyar remembered the underhive, where dreams and hopes got broken under the weight of starvation and unending labors. There was no justice under the Emperor’s Angels, he thought bitterly.

 

Perhaps, he could get lost and never be found on Vostok, he thought and smiled. He was still smiling when a well-placed shot from a Security trooper blew out his brains, scant meters from freedom.

 

The people of Selgard (and, presumably, of other Crimson Stars worlds) are hardy and used to deprivations of their existence. While being suspicious of outsiders is a healthy Imperial virtue, the Selgardians are notable for being extremely distrustful of other folk. It is not known whether the observed wary and cautious behavior was the Selgardian response to outside Inquisitorial observers, or if it is a part of the planet’s culture.

 

As far as the reports gather, Selgardian culture is inward-looking, prone to more expressive forms of Emperor worship, and places high value on obedience and loyalty. Self-sacrifice and martyrdom are the virtues held in high esteem by the planet’s population, as reflected in the prominence of Redemptionist cults.

 

The Red Guard maintain a Fortress-Monastery known as the Star Tower on the surface of Selgard. Unusually for Adeptus Astartes, the Star Tower is surrounded by a hive city, which provides for some of its immediate logistical needs. Due to this proximity, the Red Guard appear to take an active role in the planet’s governance, and are a common sight on Selgard. The Chapter Master serves as Selgard’s governor in deed as well as in name, and may delegate official responsibilities of ruling the planet to other high-ranking warriors of the Chapter present on the planet.

 

 

Combat Doctrine

 

As befits a Chapter of Adeptus Astartes, the Red Guard employed a flexible approach to warfare in their observed engagements. Though the Chapter’s forces were seen employing a variety of tactics from the venerable Codex Astartes, they were noted for employing human auxiliaries in higher than normal numbers, usually using them to draw fire or in attrition warfare while the Chapter’s Marines completed their battle objectives. Detailed analysis performed by Magos Zubkin suggests that the human auxiliaries and allied Imperial Guard regiments had likely suffered greater rate of casualties than average in joint operations between Adeptus Astartes and non-augmented forces.

 

To the Slaughter

“We did our part. Now you do yours,” the Space Marine said.

 

Colonel Raikin sighed. “With all due respect, sir, you are asking us to commit a suicide.” His fists clenched as he surveyed the tactical map, where the Ork positions brimmed with heavy weapon emplacements. “My men will get slaughtered before they get to their trenches.”

 

“Then make their deaths good ones,” the Space Marine replied impassively. “The Emperor will know His own.”

The Red Guard appeared to favor the use of fortifications wherever possible, utilizing their human auxiliaries to draw the enemy into attacking fortified positions, where the Chapter’s superior training and weaponry could turn the tide, while the Red Guard scouts, armor, and assault elements harassed the enemy flanks. Like their progenitors in the Dark Angels, the Red Guard appeared to utilize a fast attack bike formation operating largely as an independent scouting or raiding force, while units of Space Marines clad in Tactical Dreadnaught (Terminator) armor were utilized to strike the enemy critical positions.

 

 

Beliefs

 

Warfather Grigorias

The squad advanced through the shrieking hail of Eldar fire, trusting in their armor to keep them alive. Sergeant Konstantin felt the pang of an enemy projectile penetrating the joint, then suppressed the pain. He was one of the Lion’s progeny, warrior of the Emperor, and he knew no fear.

 

The hail of fire had stopped without warning, and Konstantin let out a burst of bolter fire in the direction of the aliens. A bright flash of light followed, and his helmet optics had instantly adjusted to present a robed figure rising above the din of battle. Multicolored witchfire played around the figure like a halo, illuminating his wild hair and beard against the blue ceramite.

 

“Brothers!” Konstantine shouted, finding encouragement at the sight of the psyker. “Warfather Grigorias is with us! Let us do him proud!” A roar of nine throats answered him as the Red Guard pressed their attack.

The Space Marines of Red Guard are notoriously tight-lipped about the Chapter’s beliefs. Inquisitorial Envoy Tersch had surmised that their actions indicate heavy focus on the area under their protection, at the expense of concern with the Imperial affairs at large. She pointed in particular at the Chapter’s battle cry, and at their extreme reluctance to appear in strength outside of the Crimson Stars, or to remain in a theatre of operations any longer than necessary.

 

While the Chapter’s actual stance on ecclesiastic matters is unknown, the Chapter officers encountered by the Inquisitorial personnel did not appear to share the religious enthusiasm of Selgardian folk. The sole unconfirmed interview with a Red Guard Chaplain, purportedly taking place during the Moskal Pacification of 311.M40, had produced notes of dubious veracity indicating that the Chapter paid proper respect to the Emperor, but their actual stance on His divinity was far more ambiguous. It is, however, noted that all Red Guard task forces encountered so far outside of the Crimson Stars included both Librarians and Chaplains, perhaps indicating elevated interest in the matters of the spirit. Whether this indicated increased status of Librarians within the Chapter, or if the Librarians were present for some other, as of yet indiscernible purpose, we cannot say.

 

Magos Zubkin had cogitated that based on the relative positions of conflicts involving the Red Guard outside of the Crimson Stars, the Chapter must have deemed the external events to be a threat to its realm, even when it had no prior notification from the Imperial authorities. It is unclear whether it indicates a successful network of informants, or a degree of foresight employed by the Chapter’s Librarians.

 

 

Organization

 

Fate of the Fallen

As the Red Guard surrounded him, Karander could barely hold the smile. He had little to fear from these thin-blooded cousins with their games, interrogations, and ideals. It was only a matter of time before he had a chance to make good on his escape.

 

The Red Guard ranks parted, revealing a skull-faced figure. Karander shook his head in an imperceptible motion. His cousins were too easy to predict. “Get on with your questions,” he sneered. These “successors” have always liked their speeches and morality.

 

For a second, the Chaplain stood still. Then, he drew his plasma pistol. Karander’s blood ran as cold as his gene-forged psyche would allow. This was not supposed to happen. “Traitor to the Lion,” the Chaplain intoned calmly, aiming the weapon and, without warning, firing. “Back to the mission,” the Chaplain motioned his warriors, not even sparing another look at the dead marine.

.

The forces of the Red Guard observed in action appeared to largely conform to the Codex Astartes Company organization. The Companies were commanded by Captains, with larger than normal ratio of Chaplains and Librarians assigned to them. It is unclear if the Captain’s authority was limited by the presence of these officers, or if they were deployed in support of a Captain. The Red Guard squads were commanded by Sergeants equipped in a manner similar to other Codex-adherent Chapters.

 

The scouts operated separately from main forces, and their Company markings were sufficiently different to assume the Red Guard operates a separate Scout Company. Based on the allied force observations, the Red Guard scouts were all young recruits in various stages of implantation, with the exception of full Marines in carapace armor serving as Sergeants.

 

On several occasions, the Red Guard had deployed the entirety of their forces in Terminator armor, similar to the practices employed by their Dark Angels forebears. The Syrus Campaign had also marked notable deployment of an all-bike formation supported by Land Speeders during the Purging of Da’qal.

 

The Chapter possesses sizeable fleet assets, including at least one battle barge, the Valor, and at least three strike cruisers, with a larger number of frigate-class vessels. In addition, the Red Guard operates a number of heavily converted vessels likely of civilian origin. Interrogator Biria had suggested that such vessels are probably spoils of war, which is not unknown amongst the Chapters of Adeptus Astartes. Since the Crimson Stars sub-sector is not known to possess any facilities to build larger spacefaring vessels, the Chapter might have adopted the practice of seizing captured vessels for its own use as a counter to its relative isolation.

 

 

Gene-Seed and Recruitment

 

The Red Guard Chapter is of the gene-line of Lion El’Jonson. As such, their gene-seed remains pure, with tithes submitted to Adeptus Mechanicus displaying no signs of degradation.

 

New Recruits

Ten thousand boys lined up in unforgiving cold, shivering as the frost bit into their exposed skin. As far as Andres could see, unwashed faces and malnourished bodies blended into a shaking, fearful mass of humanity. As far as he could tell, many were not from Selgard; the boy next to him had the features of a Vostokian, and the ragged overalls worn by another had the insignia of Rigas mining operations.

 

He forced himself not to look at the giant figure clad in green power armor. There were thousands of promises of suffering inherent in the warrior’s posture, and Andres did not wish to invite trouble. This was what got him here in the first place.

 

“Ten thousand four hundred and one,” the giant said in a rumbling basso voice. “Good. We might yet find enough for a squad.” Andres felt colder all of a sudden, and it had nothing to do with the wind chill. The giant looked at them, looked straight at him. “There are only a hundred places in the transport, and they belong to the last hundred still breathing.” The warrior shook his head at the dumbfounded looks, as understanding began to sink in.

 

Andres slowly eyed the boy next to him, carefully evaluating the distance. He was only going to get one chance at this. With a savage cry, he leapt, fists clenched and teeth bared.

.

The Chapter’s recruitment policies are presently unclear, but it can be inferred from variety of phenotypes observed during Red Guard’s actions that the Chapter recruits from a variety of sources. Visitors to Selgard had remarked that the Red Guard had been known to recruit from both hive city denizens and the wilder tribal folk, but the exact proportions resulting from these sources of recruitment are unknown at the present. It is possible that some of the Red Guard recruits originated on the other words of the Crimson Stars, but, as with many other things pertaining to the Chapter, there is no definite proof.

 

 

Battle Cry

 

The Red Guard go into battle with the cry of "Imperator e Patria!"

 

 

Notable Chapter Personnel

 

This is a placeholder for several DIY characters to be described in more detail later:

 

Chapter Master Nicolaus - As the current leader of the Red Guard Chapter, Nicolaus is every bit the Space Marine warrior one would expect. He seems to rarely leave Selgard, however, on few actions where his presence was recorded, he was a fearsome warrior, and a tactician of some ability. Of note is Nicolaus' defense of Garrea Septima from a Dark Eldar raid, during which his strategic control of orbital assets proved critical in luring the xenos to open ground, where the orbital strikes had obliterated their command structure. Casualties in the refugee camp adjacent to the strike location were said to be limited to no more than 70% of the refugees.

 

Chaplain Acacius - Black-clad Acacius has been noted as a prominent spiritual figure in the Chapter, although his presence did not appear to carry the same air of authority as is usually expected from Space Marine Chaplains, and his relationship with other Red Guard officers was observed to be more equitable, and at times even subordinate. Acacius appears to be quite proficient at directly leading the Chapter's assault elements, and bears multiple scars, all evident of being in the thick of fighting. On all occasions where Acacius was observed outside of combat by reliable sources, he was accompanied by two humans whose garments indicated them as members of Ecclesiarchy, however, the exact nature of relationship between them was not clear. It is possible that Acacius' spiritual authority extends to human population of the Crimson Stars; if so, it bears watching for signs of possible heresy.

 

Warfather Grigorias - Wild-haired, heavily bearded Grigorias is not only the Red Guard's foremost battle psyker, but also appears to have authority well above that of most Space Marine Librarians. The Red Guard warriors treat him with deference usually reserved for Chaplains or other figures of spiritual authority, and follow him into battle without question, as evidenced by the honorific of "Warfather" bestowed upon him by his battle-brothers. In war, Grigorias is an awe-inspiring sight to allied forces, using his powers primarily to directly damage the enemies in rather unsubtle ways. Outside of battle, he is present at all war councils, where his words always carry the gravitas even other Chapter officers heed. It is unknown if this authority is due to his position as a Librarian or due to his personal prestige, but if it is the former, then the Red Guard might need to be watched closely, for one should not forget the dangers of relying on the esoteric.

 

Captain Pitirim - As a Captain of the Third Company, Pitirim is the face of the Red Guard presented to most outsiders. Most psychological profiles of the modern Red Guard were at least partially using him as an example, as his is the Company most often engaged in collaborative actions with the other Imperial forces. That said, Pitirim is a competent, if sometimes unimaginative soldier, whose battlefield tactics appear to have direct origins in the fabled Codex Astartes. His interactions with the Imperial Guard assets have been more troubling, as he seems to exemplify the Chapter's typical disregard for allied casualties, going so far on several occasions as to personally threaten the human officers to conform to his plans.

 

Scout-Sergeant Ioann - While many Imperial Guard commanders consider Pitirim's presence an ill omen, they are considerably more at ease when dealing with Ioann, the Red Guard's foremost Scout specialist. Ioann is still one of his Chapter, and should not be considered a humanitarian by any stretch of imagination, but his skills at covert infiltration and assassination had cut more than one campaign short, eliciting gratitude from the allied commanders. As the Chapter's foremost sniper and sabotage specialist, Ioann's presence is usually known by a trail of dead enemy commanders and destroyed critical locations rather than through blunt-force tactics.

 

 

Captain Nico of the VIth Company, image source unknown, circa 985.M41

http://counter-factual.net/Red_Guard_Captain_1.JPG

 

 

Using the Red Guard in Your Games of Warhammer 40,000

 

This is a placeholder for eventual discussion of tabletop applications of this force. Notably, the DIY characters will be designed for use with several codices, representing the different officers often adopting different tactics and styles of battle when the situation calls for it. For example, one character could be using Codex: Space Marines (as counts-as, or as a codex-legal build), while another could be using Codex: Dark Angels in the same manner. Multiple characters from competing codices will be used as allowed by the rules, i.e. if characters are from two codices, one will be leading the main detachment, and another will be HQ choice for allied army.

 

At the present time, the Counts-As for the characters are as follows:

 

Chapter Master Nicolaus - Codex: Space Marines counts-as Marneus Calgar

Chaplain Acacius - Codex: Space Marines Chaplain with Jump Pack

Warfather Grigorias - Codex: Space Marines Epistolary

Captain Pitirim - Codex: Space Marines Captain

Scout-Sergeant Ioann - Codex: Space Marines counts-as Torias Telion

 

Please note that I do not have several Codices, and if Dark Angels are getting a new Codex, some of these characters may also get DA-specific upgrades in terms of rules (i.e. Librarian, Scout-Sergeant - if they have any skills/powers similar to the theme I was going for). The goal is not to create an overpowered list, but to get the "feel" for these characters, and give them the powers that best fit their stories/theme.

 

Specifically, Nicolaus is modeled somewhat on the more autocratic Russian Tsars (Nikolai I, Aleksandr III); Acacius is modeled after the Russian Orthodox Patriarchs after political subjugation of the Patriarchate to the monarcy; Grigorias makes me think of Rasputin (not very subtle, I know), and so on.

[sal of manders]

I'd definitely go with the 2nd color scheme (the red and gold). The green makes me think less USSR, and more People's Republic of China. You might give them White Scar's geneseed, since the White Scars are pretty much Cossacks in space.

[Olis]

Crimson Kings (might not work because of Magnus allusions - they are not Thousand Sons loyalists, and not heavily psychic, so it is highly questionable)

 

Didn't you know Crimson King was a prog rock band? :)

 

(The Crimson King is also a Stephen King character, too.)

[Captain Juan Juarez]

What's wrong with "The Red Army"? ;)

 

Crimson Guard would get my vote, of those mooted - it flows well off the tongue has the right amount of "Marine-ness" within it.

[Hrvat]

How about "Red Stars" Chapter, with red star as their symbol.

 

Green Armour, with white shoulder pads and red symbol would look quite striking on the battlefield.

[Lysimachus]

I like Hrvat's suggestion, something like this, colours that give a military feel, but with a bright white pad with a red star as the badge to make it stand out?:

[Haywire]

You could call them the Crimson Boyars? One of the closest versions you'll get to a Russian knight of the middle ages. Among the highest ranking of the Russian nobility, as far as I know.

[Midgard]

Thank you for your replies!

 

My only concern with using the name "Crimson Guard" is an existing Chapter mentioned by name in "How to Paint Space Marines", whose color scheme (IIRC quartered or halved yellow and red) and symbol (two crossed red axes over yellow field) are both beyond my painting skills, and not what I was going for. Otherwise, I like the name a lot. Another alternative I have so far is Crimson Legion - it is the only other alternative that sound sufficiently Marine-like in my opinion, and could fit with the XIXth-XXth century Russia/USSR inspiration (hence I did not use Boyars, Bogatyrs, Vityazi or other terms indicating medieval knights/champions/princes).

 

Darvell: Boyars (singular "Boyarin" for male, "Boyarina" for female) is just essentially an archaic term for a landed noble. While sometimes it was synonymous with military service (as in any feudal system), by the Time of Troubles (XVIIth century) the primary meaning had more to do with one's standing as a member of landed aristocracy, and the word was used as a description, not as a title. I might end up using it in the backstory though, even if it is a bit outside of the timeframe I was going for as an inspiration.

 

Olisredan: are you thinking of King Crimson? I believe in both Stephen King's works and in WH40K the actual origin of "Crimson King" term is with William Blake, which would make sense, considering the mystical nature of the characters utilizing it. That reference probably makes it unsuitable for a more conventional (i.e. less psyker-heavy) Chapter, although it would be an interesting concept to develop if I were ever to make an ambiguous Chapter/Traitor warband (if so, they will HAVE to be Tzeentchian!) :P

 

Some other thoughts on the Chapter.

 

I am going to use some Russian terms in the naming of their formations, but not go overboard. For example, the Terminator-armored First Company elite will be known as the Druzhina (an archaic Russian term for a prince's warrior retinue - roughly similar to Huscarls in Western Europe, but usually indicating medium-heavy cavalry instead of infantry, and generally of higher social standing than many Huscarls would have been); the human auxilliaries (Imperial Guard levies serving in support of the Chapter - in game terms, gives me an excuse to build a Guard force some day) will be known as the Rat' (which is an archaic word indicating a warrior host - not just the nobles and their knightly escorts, but the massed army).

 

That said, the Chapter's overall outlook will be more pragmatic than knightly, with a bit of martyr complex (i.e. they have a tendency for self-sacrifice), aptitude for technology (even if they are a bit on the conservative side to adopt new things - they are not Iron Hands, but they do come from a civilized world background with all the understandings that entails), bit of a dour attitude (almost to the edge of fatalistic and introspective at times), and organization based on professional military chain of command rather than feudal fealty. Think of them as modern-day military elite digging deep into the traditions and legends of their nation to develop certain symbolic, but at the end of the day, they are still very modern in their outlook - these guys are closer to Spetsnaz than they are to the medieval Russians in how they see the world and their place in it.

 

This more or less tells me that perhaps I should seriously consider Imperial Fist gene-seed (probably through several successors). The traits I have just described appear to be more common with Dorn's line, which also does not present any major drawbacks that would impact their combat effectiveness.

 

As far as the color scheme, I have also posted the two schemes on my own forum, and, just like here, the feedback is very split. I do think the green scheme might be a bit more challenging to pull off (remember, I am pretty mediocre at painting), but could look really good with the symbol I am thinking of (red star with white edge on green field). It definitely makes me think Red Army.

 

The red with yellow trim scheme is far easier for me to pull off (it is basically two colors, I am thinking Blood Red for red with Sunburst Yellow for the trim, and perhaps Chaos Black for the cables, mouth grille, etc, with Boltgun Metal as the primary color for weapons), but it a bit closer to Blood Angels than I would normally expect. That said, I am not a very good painter, and might be able to get a tabletop-ready force finished quicker with this scheme.

 

Ah, decisions decisions!

 

Thank you all for your input, any further feedback is greatly appreciated!

[Hrvat]

Since you are allready using Druzhina for the elites why not use Zdrug insted of Rat. Though the original meaning is undisputable any slavic speaking person might find it odd for a group people to be called "war" since that is the current menaning. On the other hand Zdrug means "with others" in its original meaning while today it is sinonim for Bojna = Battalion. Or you could use the Puk/Polk which originaly means "people gathered for battle", today it just stands for "pople", but is the root for the words Pukovnik/Polkovnik = Colonel and the word Pukovnija/Polkovnya = Regiment.

 

 

edit@ as far as painting is concerned, painting green is much easier than painting red and I tell you that from personal experience of being a mediocre to bad painter

 

Cheers

[Midgard]

Since you are allready using Druzhina for the elites why not use Zdrug insted of Rat. Though the original meaning is undisputable any slavic speaking person might find it odd for a group people to be called "war" since that is the current menaning. On the other hand Zdrug means "with others" in its original meaning while today it is sinonim for Bojna = Battalion. Or you could use the Puk/Polk which originaly means "people gathered for battle", today it just stands for "pople", but is the root for the words Pukovnik/Polkovnik = Colonel and the word Pukovnija/Polkovnya = Regiment.

 

Actually, "Rat'" ("рать") is similar to a warrior host in Russian, which is the base language for this (I am a native Russian speaker). In Russian, "war" is "voina" ("война"), which is a root of "voiny" ("воины"), meaning "warriors". I do, however, like the idea of "polk" ("полк"), which is a regiment in Russian, and is still used as a military unit designation in modern Russian army (and is indeed a root of "polkovnik" - Colonel). So I might use "polk" as a designation for auxillary units, Imperial Guard units attached to the Chapter, or even Chapter's own companies.

 

Thus, the Chapter's Marines may call their gathering the "rat'", their companies "polki" (plural of "polk"), and, perhaps, their squads "otryad" ("отряд"), which is literally a translation of "squad". It is interesting though to see how some similar words have different meanings between Russian and (I presume) Croatian?

 

edit@ as far as painting is concerned, painting green is much easier than painting red and I tell you that from personal experience of being a mediocre to bad painter

 

Cheers

 

Hmm, I might end up following on that advice. As long as I use slightly brighter green than Dark Angels (perhaps Snot Green or Orkhide Shade), it should give the Chapter a distinct look.

 

Thank you for your help! ;)

[Hrvat]

Yes I am Croatian and war is still sometimes called Vojna in Croatian but is mostly used in historic texts and for poetry. Actualy the word Bojna orginiates from Vojna and even today the shout "u boj - to battle/war" is used when you are fighting in a war which is in Croatian either "vojevati" or "ratovati". It came to pass due to different evolution of the b/v and g/h sounds. For example how Croats say Huni while Russians say Guni, and Croats say Grad while Czechs say Hrad etc...

 

 

As far as green is concerned here is a recepy for a good looking dark green that is lighter and more army looking than Dark Angels green. One is to use Catachan green which gives you a very nice army green (Yugoslav Peoples Army used a colour very, very similar to that) or you paint the model Orkhide Shade and than wash the model with Thraka Green, but a really light was just covering all the areas that are green to slightly darken the undercoat and give it more lustre. I am currently painting a test Chaos Space Marine in Snot Green that will be washed in Thraka Green and will report back how that goes.

 

 

Cheers

[ShadowSong7007]

From *Aerion-the-Faithful deviant art page. I just happened to check it right before I came here lol. They are called Red Legion but it gives a good example of how green could work for your marines.

 

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/320/5/3/5389940ad12f65d67597aad1ced0d0eb-d4gck1e.jpg

[Midgard]

From *Aerion-the-Faithful deviant art page. I just happened to check it right before I came here lol. They are called Red Legion but it gives a good example of how green could work for your marines.

 

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/320/5/3/5389940ad12f65d67597aad1ced0d0eb-d4gck1e.jpg

 

This is one awesome picture, and is indeed not too far off from where I was heading! Thank you for sharing! :P

[Gailbraithe]

Crimson Sentinels would be a good alternate name.

 

You should definitely go with the green color scheme, and I like the idea of a white shoulder pad with red trim and a red star. That would look sweet, and make the Soviet theme more obvious.

[PyronusSouria]

You could call them the Crimsom Tsars or Tzars, whichever spelling fits. That is pre-USSR though.

[Midgard]

Hmm, so I think I am down to the following names:

 

1) Crimson Legion

2) Crimson Sentinels (thank you Gailbraithe!)

3) Red Guard (I don't think this one is taken by a canon Chapter yet... if I am wrong, please let me know)

 

I really like "Crimson Guard", but since there is already a canon (if barely documented) Chapter, I might have to think of alternatives.

 

Any votes on what you guys like best? I think it will probably be a choice between 1 and 2, but I would definitely appreciate some input!

 

That said, I think I am going to settle on green paint scheme - might have to try it out on a few models to see if I can make the symbol look good in my original idea, or if it might be better to have white shoulder pad with red trim and red star for the symbol. I know the former Chapter symbol would be much harder to paint, which, considering my skill (or lack thereof) could be the decider.

 

Also, definitely going to have Imperial Fist descendant gene-seed for them, as it seems to fit with the overall Chapter personality I am going for.

 

Then, the final two questions to settle are the age of the Chapter, and the homeworld. From there on out, it should be possible to write more detailed history, background, tactics, characters (they will be treated as "counts-as" individuals from C:SM), full-on order of battle, etc.

 

As far as Chapter age, I have mentioned earlier that I would like for them to be either very young (i.e. 24th-26th Founding, probably under 1000 years old, which could explain their initial lack of armored assets), or very old (i.e. 3rd-6th Founding, which should explain their by now very ingrained ideology, worldview, culture, and give them some long-standing rivalries and arch-enemies). Right now, I am probably leaning toward very old, which should probably work well with the setting of a rather conservative mindset in the Chapter, and with having somewhat of a synergy with the homeworld culture. Any thoughts on that?

 

With respect to the homeworld, I am thinking a heavily industrialized, heavily polluted hive world with major ash wastes, where all sorts of strange mutant creatures stalk - not quite a forge world, but capable of providing both a recruitment base, and an industrial base to support a Chapter's operations. The underhives will be typically brutal and unpleasant, while the upper hives will have much more liveable conditions; the upper hives will be rough analogue for Soviet/Russian cities (relatively developed, cosmopolitan, with population containing middle class and many educated professionals), while the mid- and lower hive will be an analogue for countryside (dirt poor, oppressed, and in thrall to the smaller elite - think quasi-feudalism of pre-Revolution Russia and USSR, and you won't be very far off). Naturally, this undercurrent may find its way into the Chapter's beliefs about how a social order should work. Does that sound good?

 

As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you all! ;)

[NightrawenII]

As far as Chapter age, I have mentioned earlier that I would like for them to be either very young (i.e. 24th-26th Founding, probably under 1000 years old, which could explain their initial lack of armored assets), ...

This excuse doesn't work. The mining output of feral world is enough to build a Imperial Cruiser in eleven years and both RH1N0 and Land Raider are STC vehicles.

[Midgard]

As far as Chapter age, I have mentioned earlier that I would like for them to be either very young (i.e. 24th-26th Founding, probably under 1000 years old, which could explain their initial lack of armored assets), ...

This excuse doesn't work. The mining output of feral world is enough to build a Imperial Cruiser in eleven years and both RH1N0 and Land Raider are STC vehicles.

 

I am only thinking of it in terms of more advanced technologies - Terminator armor, Dreadnaught sarcofagi, etc. The fluff is a bit self-contradictory at this. It is possible to build an Imperial Cruiser with a feral world industrial base... but your typical Marine Chapter will only have a few Tactical Dreadnaught Armor suits because of how difficult they are to produce? You would think that either an Imperial Cruiser is far more low-tech than we have come to believe, or Marine armor is more difficult to build than a battleship (!). :)

 

In game terms, I am thinking of this as a possible excuse to justify the fact that I will probably take long time to build up this Chapter from the very basic tabletop-ready force. Currently, the vehicles I have for it are literally limited to a single Predator (Annihilator pattern - built but not painted) and a single Attack Bike (with multi-melta). As my next several purchases for this project will probably include Tactical squads and an HQ choice (or, perhaps, another AOBR set, which should help build a Troops core in a more cost-effective way), the vehicles, Terminators and Dreads will probably be given much lower priority for the time being (other than those that come in AOBR set).

 

It is a bit of a personal quirk - I am highly interested in the background aspect of the Chapter, and the storytelling aspect of the game, as opposed to more purely competitive mindset. Therefore, I am trying to fit the story to what I am able to present on the tabletop at a given moment, so that there is synergy between the two. Of course, if I were to play an "ancient" Chapter with relatively low complement of vehicles, Dreadnaughts and Terminators, I might be able to justify it with either setting the campaign during much earlier timeframe than the "current" M41-42, or coming up with a fluff excuse for why they are not as well supplied as a truly old Chapter should be.

[ShadowSong7007]

Quick and ugly ideas to explain the lack of toys for your marines.

 

Maybe they were on an extended crusade/mission/holiday whatever and the world revolted? Marines had to retake the world and so now supplies are slow coming. Perhaps draw from real world Soviet history and your world was invaded and you finally drove off the invaders so now you have to rebuild the factories etc. Being of Imperial Fists stock I could see them being on the defensive and being stubborn enough to gain their world back.

[Hrvat]

Lack of vehicles/dreadnoughts could be explained with something like 4th edition traits such as Aspire to Glory and Flesh over Steel.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

My brain suggested the name "Red Tide" - the Soviet army was famed for its manpower - but my brain then suggested "Crimson Tide" and I was sad.

 

I figure I come in the "knowing minority" here, but "Crimson..." with green armour makes me cry deep within my - extremely shriveled - artists soul.

[NightrawenII]

I am only thinking of it in terms of more advanced technologies - Terminator armor, Dreadnaught sarcofagi, etc. The fluff is a bit self-contradictory at this. It is possible to build an Imperial Cruiser with a feral world industrial base... but your typical Marine Chapter will only have a few Tactical Dreadnaught Armor suits because of how difficult they are to produce? You would think that either an Imperial Cruiser is far more low-tech than we have come to believe, or Marine armor is more difficult to build than a battleship (!). :D

Eh, seems like I'm causing confusion here. :)

The materials needed for starship were provided by feral world, the actual construction was done in orbital dockyard.

 

It is a bit of a personal quirk - I am highly interested in the background aspect of the Chapter, and the storytelling aspect of the game, as opposed to more purely competitive mindset. Therefore, I am trying to fit the story to what I am able to present on the tabletop at a given moment, so that there is synergy between the two. Of course, if I were to play an "ancient" Chapter with relatively low complement of vehicles, Dreadnaughts and Terminators, I might be able to justify it with either setting the campaign during much earlier timeframe than the "current" M41-42, or coming up with a fluff excuse for why they are not as well supplied as a truly old Chapter should be.

Personal opinion: Well, I do understand your intentions, but what do you field on TT is most likely 1/10 of the overall military might of Chapter. Heck, a single battle company is hundred marines strong +/- and I have yet to see such number of marines in regular battle.

 

It's far easier to write the TT army as story of one particular strike/task force, rather than *die-hard* representation of Chapter.

 

 

Have a nice day, NightrawenII.

[Midgard]

In all fairness, Red Scorpions have a green color scheme - so there is a precedent of a Chapter color not matching the color of their armor (although, perhaps, matching the color of the Chapter symbol).

 

That said, I think I am going to go with the older Chapter - 3rd to 6th Founding, perhaps 3rd so that I can justify a certain penchant for considering the Codex as more of a guideline than a strict order. In this scenario, the Chapter would be descended from Imperial Fists through Crimson Fists (who themselves were formed IIRC from younger, perhaps less fanatical but maybe more open-minded warriors of the former Legion), and the initial Chapter Master may be one of the last Marines alive recruited into the original Imperial Fists Legion, prior to Dorn's retraining of the Legion to be a strict Codex Chapter.

 

As such, the first Chapter Master will understand the wisdom of the Codex and organize his Chapter accordingly, but allow for some lenience in how the Captains run their companies, and perhaps with some additional (minor) modifications similar to Iron Hands and Raven Guard (i.e. more self-sufficient companies, more Battle companies and less Reserve companies, companies responsible for their own recruitment, etc). The underlying reason for this is, in case I ever want to try out one of the other Marine codices, I may have a "fluffy" reason to represent a more "deviant" company rather than a completely different force. That is, of course, far into the future - right now I would be more focused on building a reasonably sized strike force representing maybe 30-40 Marines of a Codex company, with a few auxillary personnel from the First and the Tenth companies, and some mechanized assets.

 

This brings out another question - recruitment. Presently I am in favor of a more Codex-standard Tenth Company recruitment practice rather than companies being responsible for their own recruitment, but if there are any thoughts on this, I am open to them!

 

Thank you all for your feedback!

[Hrvat]

and the initial Chapter Master may be one of the last Marines alive recruited into the original Imperial Fists Legion, prior to Dorn's retraining of the Legion to be a strict Codex Chapter.

 

There is 979 years between the 2nd and the 3rd founding so the Marine in question would be very old, in either case he would be at that moment either Crimson Fists Master or one of the top three guys in Chapter and I wouldn't be suprised if everyone else in the Chapter was expecting for the old geezer to kick the bucket at any moment. In my personal opnion not really Chapter Master material for a newly founded Chapter.

 

 

Cheers

[Midgard]

and the initial Chapter Master may be one of the last Marines alive recruited into the original Imperial Fists Legion, prior to Dorn's retraining of the Legion to be a strict Codex Chapter.

 

There is 979 years between the 2nd and the 3rd founding so the Marine in question would be very old, in either case he would be at that moment either Crimson Fists Master or one of the top three guys in Chapter and I wouldn't be suprised if everyone else in the Chapter was expecting for the old geezer to kick the bucket at any moment. In my personal opnion not really Chapter Master material for a newly founded Chapter.

 

 

Cheers

 

Oh. Good point - even with Marine longevity, it would be hard to do without making it gimmicky. Perhaps a Chapter Master obsessed with the Imperial Fists Legion prior to the Second Founding, then? It is reasonably recent for him to have heard the story (perhaps an ancient Marine preserved in a Dreadnaught sarcophagus is responsible for over-romanticising the Legion as it was), or maybe extended contact with the Black Templars (who basically care very little for the Codex)... but also enough time to make sure the Codex is the main guiding principle for the Chapter, and that the Chapter will always remain largely Codex-adherent, with a few occasional deviations (usually single Company under a specific Captain developing different organizations/tactics for the duration of a campaign).