IA: Argent Shades

[Rylanor]

Name: Argent Shades

Founding: 26th

Progenitor: Raven Guard

Home world: Darkfall (destroyed) Currently fleet based on the Shadow Specter.

Origins:

The Argent Shades are believed to have been founded during the 26th founding. They share all of the physical traits of their Progenitors, the Raven Guard their Skin is White, and their hair is black. The one main difference between the Raven Guard and the Argent Shades in appearance is their eyes, The eyes of the Argent Shades are black, but also contain silvery-blue pupils. These traits combine to give them their name. Much of their past is unknown, except for one main event.

Upon this chapters creation the Argent Shades were given the planet Darkfall as their home-world. Darkfall is a planet in Ultima Segmentum. It is in constant darkness and covered by a lush tropical jungle and has many types of native fauna. The people that called the planet home were feral, and lived in tribes. These tribes fought often and due to this and attempting to not get eaten by the native fauna, Darkfall bred a strong young group of Astartes candidates. With the help of the Adeptus Mechanicus the Argent Shades constructed their Fortress Monastery know as The Citadel on the tallest peak on the planet. This fortress contained all of the chapter's relics and it was where the initiates of the Argent Shades were trained.

The Argent Shades quickly made a name for them selves fighting the many xenos threats in Ultima Segmentum. They helped in the fights against the Tau empire along with the Ork empire of Charadon. The one main event that is know of the chapter is the destruction of their home-world, which happened sometime in M.41. The Argent Shades' home-word was under attack by necrons. They had only left a small garrison on Darkfall while the rest of the chapter was fighting all over Ultima Segmentum. The Imperial Navy and Guard responded and landed on the planet to help fight the necrons but they were coming out of the planet itself. By the time the Argent Shades had come back to Darkfall the few defenders of the planet that were left guardsman and Astartes alike were fighting to keep control of The Citadel. Seeing that their world was lost the Argent Shades immediately began to evacuate The Citadel and take all of their prized possessions to their fleet orbiting Darkall. The garrison of The Citadel, and now its defenders were led by the Ancient dreadnought known only as Spectre. He had led the defenders of The Talon to fight the invading necrons out since the beginning and had killed a C'Tan in the process. He resisted the evacuation thinking that the battle could be won but he eventually allowed himself to be taken by a Thunderhawk in the last wave that left Darkfall. The techmairnes of the Argent Shades rigged the The Citadel to blow its reactors shortly before leaving. This and an Exterminatus ordered by the Ordos Xenos killed all of the necrons.

Without a home-world the Argent Shades became a crusading chapter, they now call the battle barge Shadow Specter their home. They continually crusade around Ultima Segmentum, recruiting from worlds along the way. The Argent Shades now have an extreme hatred for all xenos and seek to destroy the ones they come across. Their experience in fighting xenos along with their hatred for them has led to many members being seconded to the Deathwatch. Most of the high ranking members of the chapter have served at least one term in it.

Beliefs:

The Argent Shades believe that the emperor was a man and not a god but they do see him as an example of human purity that all members of the Argent Shades strive to emulate. This belief has led to the combination of Chaplains and Apothecaries, who see to both the spiritual and physical purity of the chapters warriors. They are simply known as the Guardians This belief in physical purity has led to conflicts with chapters like the Iron Hands that belief the human form is weak and replace themselves with bionic prosthesis. The Argent Shades will not fight along side these chapters unless absolutely necessary. The Argent Shades wear totems and trophies on their armor and also are tattooed by the Guardians to record victories and battle honors. The chapters most respected members have these tattoos all over their bodies, commemorating long years of service and triumphs.

Organization:

The Argent Shades do not adhere to the organizational doctrines of the codex. They Have four main Companies all 2-3 times the size of codex companies. Each operates independently and self-governs unless called upon by the Chapter Master. The Shadow Specter Is home to the Chapter Master and the Veteran company. It also contains the base of the chapters other commands like the Librarium and the Reclusiam. The Argent Shades only congregate for the anniversary of the destruction of their home-world, and to persecute large attacks on xenos held territory.

Combat Doctrine:

The Argent Shades use fast and brutal attacks on command structures to eliminate their enemies. To operate like this the chapter utilizes high numbers of Assault marines usually deployed from Thunderhawks/Stormravens. They have no Devastators instead utilizing armored ranged support and dreadnoughts. After the initial attack the Argent Shades adopt hit and run tactics on enemy command structures to weaken them and eventually destroy them. A favored tactic is when they come upon a world that is already being attacked or defended by imperial forces and then use a brutal offensive attack to break the siege or invasion. The Argent Shades prefer hand to hand combat above ranged and all chapter members are trained in the use of their preferred melee weapon.

Note: I am no longer linking this chapter in anyway to the Emperors Children. I would like to submit this article to the Librarium to become an official IA article so do not hold back on the C&C.

Please Give your feedback!

Rylanor

[blackoption]

Just as a heads up... you are probably going to catch ALOT of flak for both traitor legion gene seed and tying your chapter to two already established characters in the Horus Heresy timeline.

 

I'd suggest reading over the Octaguide. Though a large read, it is a huge resource on tips and suggestions for creation of a IA article.

 

As for my own personal suggestion... In every case where there is suspected (and i emphasis SUSPECTED, as GW has yet to outright state that any of the loyalist chapters are indeed decended from traitor legions) it is left as subtle hints and speculation.

 

For example: The blood ravens are known to produce more psykers then the average chapter. They have a heraldry is similiar to that of the Thousand Sons legion during the Great Crusade. The Blood Ravens' detractors warn that over reliance on pyskers is the way of Ahirman..., ect. But they have yet to actually state that they are indeed Thousand Son loyalists.

 

A big aspect of 40k lore is mystery. If you are dead set on creating a chapter from traitor geneseed, then leave it as almost a mystery. Perhaps like the Soul Drinkers, they mistakenly (or only publicly) believe they are from a loyalist primarch. Leave conflicting clues in the their history, the doctrine, and their recruitment/gene seed. Subtle clues as well. This board has plenty of sharp reviewers. Make it an entertaining challenge for them on what the real truth behind your chapter's linage is.

 

If you just outright state that "We are the loyal sons of Fulgrim/Horus/ect" you will continue to recieve such flak.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Hrvat]

Hi there and welcome to Liber :teehee:

I really like that colour scheme, what colours will you be using?

Origins: The Aurum Avengers can trace their origins to sometime around M31. They were formed shortly after the events Isstvan lll by the surviving members of the loyalist Emperor's Children. During the battle at Isstvan lll Saul Tarvitz ordered Rylanor Ancient of Rites to guard a hanger on the planets surface. It was presumed that both of them along with the rest of the loyalists died on the surface of the planet, this however is not the truth. Saul and the remaining loyalist EC fought their way to the hanger guarded by Rylanor. This hanger housed a small imperial vessel which the EC took to escape the doomed world of Isstvan lll.

Not knowing where else to go they fled to their home world of Chemos, once there Saul explained to the rest of the loyal EC what had taken place and why. Then he swore to the Emperor that he and what was left of the EC would fight to regain their legions honor. They began to recruit new members from Chemos into the legion to grow their numbers. Soon the Inquisition found out about the survivors and came to Chemos to find and destroy any trace of the EC. Saul tried to convince the Inquisition that he and his fellow EC on Chemos were loyalist survivors, but failed to do so. The Inquisition then demanded that he and his men were to put down their weapons and surrender. Enraged, Saul ordered his men to gather all of the legions possessions and geneseed from the fortress monastery, and board the legions last remaining vessel, Andronius a strike cruiser that was under repair and being refitted at the time, to escape from their doomed home world.

The last of the loyal EC were pursued around the galaxy until Saul was able to contact his old friend, and honor brother Nathaniel Garro. He asked Garro to stop the Inquisition from trying to destroy him and his men. Garro agreed to help if Saul and his men renamed their legion, as the stigma of Fulgrim's betrayal would hang over the survivors. . Saul Reluctantly agreed and thus the Aurum Avengers were born.

This is just the background, but I do plan on adding their current info once I get the chance. I would like to get my brothers thoughts on my ideas on what I have so far. Any feedback so long as it is helpful would be Appreciated!

Rylanor

What you have set before yourself will be a herculean task. Writing a good Index Astartes article is hard enough, doing the same to have your Chapter descended from the surviving traitors will be 10 times as hard.

First a statements:

Until the end of the Horus Heresy there is no Inquisition.

Now we go on.

I would advise, maybe better to say suggest that you leave the origins sectionfor a while. Now that we know you want loyal Emperor's Children (those guys were cool pre Heresy) you should focus and what your Chapter actually is rather than what it was. Write their Combat Doctrine, Organisation, Beliefs, Battle Cry but keep things murky without outright connections with the Emperor's Children. For the homeworld section you could be in luck since Chemos might still be usable;

After the lifting of the siege of Terra, and the end of the Horus Heresy, Imperial Forces set out to assault Chemos from orbit, intending to destroy the Emperor's Children fortress-monastery and eredicate any trace of Chaos from the world. Following this action Chemos was quarantined by the Inquisition, and in the past ten millennia no further information, not even a racord of Exterminatus, has appeared in the Imperial databases regarding the world.

So the planet was clensed of taint but we have no conformation that it was rendered uninhabitable or unusable. I would also suggest leaving established GW character out of the sorry unless they are really a must. Maybe better invent one of your own.

Here is a thought. The EC garinson recieves word of Istvaan III and the rebelion but the garnison breaks into loyalists and traitors. They battle each other for years until the Imperials come and kick the crap out of the traitors. Then you could have someone decide that the brave resistance on Istvaan III and years of fighting here was enough to allow the remaining Emperor's Children a chance for redeption. Now the trick would be to mask such an even into an alegorical myth in one of the sidebars.

Good luck and be ready to endure

Cheers

[Ace Debonair]

This is just the background, but I do plan on adding their current info once I get the chance. I would like to get my brothers thoughts on my ideas on what I have so far. Any feedback so long as it is helpful would be Appreciated!

 

OK. Let's see what we've got here! :)

 

 

Firstly, welcome to the Liber.

If you've not already read it, I heartily reccomend perusing the DIY guide, handily stickied at the top of the forum. It's chock-full of useful knowledge and information that comes in very handy when writing DIY chapters!

 

 

Origins: The Aurum Avengers can trace their origins to sometime around M31. They were formed shortly after the events Isstvan lll by the surviving members of the loyalist Emperor's Children. During the battle at Isstvan lll Saul Tarvitz ordered Rylanor Ancient of Rites to guard a hanger on the planets surface. It was presumed that both of them along with the rest of the loyalists died on the surface of the planet, this however is not the truth. Saul and the remaining loyalist EC fought their way to the hanger guarded by Rylanor. This hanger housed a small imperial vessel which the EC took to escape the doomed world of Isstvan lll.

 

Hmm.

 

I'm going to start with a paragraph about the 'suspension of disbelief'.

 

The trick to writing a good chapter is to write it in such a way that a reader can believe that chapter exists in the same '40k-universe' as their own. Outrageous and miraculous stuff stretches the suspension of disbelief, and the thing is that there's only a limited amount of stretch before that suspension breaks, and a reader can no longer take the Chapter seriously.

 

For me, the suspension of disbelief breaks as soon as this highlighted sentence turns up.

 

There are so many reasons that, sadly, this just won't work. Here's a few points to consider.

 

1] Chapters weren't around in the way we know them during the heresy.

 

2] There was not enough loyalists left in the traitor legions to form whole-cloth loyalist chapters, and even after the heresy, traitor geneseed won't be used on the basis that 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'. ;)

 

3] Once the Emperor's Children sided with Chaos, what with the Imperium being the Imperium, most of the EC wouldn't even get the chance to plead their case, forget being welcomed back into the fold.

 

4] Chapters are created in one of the 26 foundings, (not the 1st, though, since that's the original legions) by the High Lords of Terra, and none of that happened until after the heresy's conclusion.

 

5] You appear to be hijacking the story of characters from Black Libarary books. If they're used again, and go on to do something different from what you've written, your idea basically becomes closer to impossible. It's a pretty risky thing to do, akin to building your house on the edge of a cliff. So long as nothing happens to disturb it, then it's fine. But there's always the risk that it could come toppling down.

 

 

 

Now, you might think I'm being mean, so let me assure you; this is not any sort of personal attack or anything of that kidney, because that stuff is not on.

However, I have to say that I don't think this idea as it is now is even the least bit plausible.

 

I realise I'm basically stating everything you've written is an example of invalid background for a DIY Chapter, so I think I also owe you some constructive ideas. :blink:

 

What exactly is it you like most about the Emperor's Children? Their drive for perfection? Their 'highly superior' attitude? Something else?

Whatever your favourite aspect is, it can be worked into a chapter without having such a wildly unlikely early history.

 

Arrogance is a trait easily picked up by Astartes - one way would be to just have regular humans (the guard, f'r instance) fail them consistently.

Equally, if humanity falters in front of them, your Chapter could easily come to the conclusion they are meant to be examples for humanity to follow, and thus strive for perfection in all things.

 

It'd be also easy enough to combine the two, should you want to. :D

 

The important thing is; don't be discouraged. My first attempts at background, were, if anything, worse.

How good they are now is of course open to debate, but my point is, everyone makes a mess of things the first time round. It's by sticking at it, evolving and adapting your ideas, that you can create a truly fantastic Chapter. :P

[Rylanor]

First off, thank you for the replies. Second I was expecting some critisim but wow... But thats why you get advice. So I guess in this case it would seem that I need a complete overhaul. I would still like to use the EC geneseed. And from your advise I will need to make this a lot less obvious, and not fact. I do like the idea from the first post of the fortress monistary, but them imperium would destroy anyways. Another possibility would be to go the way of the blood ravens, but I would like to be more original than that.

 

@hrvat: skull white and gold, and I will take ot any reference to actual 40k charachters.

@ace: I like the strive for perfection, and the arrogance that comes from that.

So since I don't have access to be a computer I would like to discuss another possibility since actually writing it up would take forever on my phone.

 

First off some background. The reason the EC fell to chaos was due to the fact that they looked up to there superiors and tried to emulate them. When fulgrim was given the laer blade and became corrupted this translated down through the rest of the legion. However, before this they had some of the purest geneseed out of all of the legions. Would it be possible for a chapter to be created out of the EC genseed due to it's purityand it's legions pursuit of perfection. Obviously it would be kept a secret from everyone, including the Aurum Avengers, but does anyone think this is possible?

 

Any other ideas would be great so please share them.

 

Sorry for and typos and bad grammar

 

Rylanor

[Hrvat]

The thing about geneseed is that as far 40k univers goes geneseed was blamed for the coruption of the Legions rather than personality traits. People in the know believe it was a defect in the geneseed that caused the fall to chaos.

[Olis]

Would it be possible for a chapter to be created out of the EC genseed

 

I'd suggest making the gene-seed origins 'unknown' if you still have a penchant for them having EC gene-seed.

[hobointherain]

hmm I think this is highly unlikely, the High Lords and the Inquisition would be very reluctant to permit the use of potentially compromised or tainted gene seed. Hundreds [probably] of chapters have turned renegade over the years, I doubt the HLoT would risk losing a full chapter just because they took a chance with the gene seed.

 

BUT there is a small glimmer of hope for this idea! Have faith and The Emperor will provide :huh:

 

I'm not gonna say this is definate because its a long time since i've read the article or IA in question, but if I remember correctly it was hinted that some of the 21st founding chapters may have traitor gene seed (hollar at me if I'm wrong) and again i think the Relictors may have had some dodgy origins, I recommend reading into both of these if your dead set on using the EC gene seed!

 

Hope this has been constructive for you! :wub:

[Rylanor]

hmm I think this is highly unlikely, the High Lords and the Inquisition would be very reluctant to permit the use of potentially compromised or tainted gene seed. Hundreds [probably] of chapters have turned renegade over the years, I doubt the HLoT would risk losing a full chapter just because they took a chance with the gene seed.

 

BUT there is a small glimmer of hope for this idea! Have faith and The Emperor will provide :P

 

I'm not gonna say this is definate because its a long time since i've read the article or IA in question, but if I remember correctly it was hinted that some of the 21st founding chapters may have traitor gene seed (hollar at me if I'm wrong) and again i think the Relictors may have had some dodgy origins, I recommend reading into both of these if your dead set on using the EC gene seed!

 

Hope this has been constructive for you! :D

 

Do you know where you found that?

[Hrvat]

Up to as many as 50 Chapters turned renegade - C:CSM pg.18

 

Relictors are Dark Angles/Ultramarine mixed geneseed - IA:Relictors

[Rylanor]

Up to as many as 50 Chapters turned renegade - C:CSM pg.18

 

Relictors are Dark Angles/Ultramarine mixed geneseed - IA:Relictors

 

Interesting.... Mixed geneseed hmmmmm. You give me ideas. :P

Whats everyones opinion on mixed EC geneseed? Maybe to get the benefits from it but then mix it to help ensure that they don't turn traitor.. Like imperial fists or UM?

[Hrvat]

Mixed geneseed is also a no go unless you do a Cursed founding chapter and even then if one part was from a traitor legion would only be rumoured.

[Rylanor]

Mixed geneseed is also a no go unless you do a Cursed founding chapter and even then if one part was from a traitor legion would only be rumoured.

 

I figured that. I like this idea quite a bit. I will update my first post when I get the chance with this new back story and add in combat doctrine, traits and such. I well be going with Imperial Fists gene seed as I like them for their stubbornness and honor.

 

Rylanor

[Rylanor]

Note my first post has been edited

 

 

Rylanor

[blackoption]

The second draft is a significant improvement.

 

While I don't have time to give a full review of it at the moment, perhaps the term "Cleric" could be used for your apothecary chaplains?

 

Aurus Cleric?

[Conn Eremon]

I like what I see. Comparing what you have in your first post with what has been taken out but remain in quotes of earlier replies, I see a vast improvement. You've done well using Imperial Fists as their believed or partial progenitor. Imperial Fists are very much a morose Chapter, constantly dealing with depression almost, that they weren't "good enough." A Chapter that feels it hasn't done enough might strive to ensure that it always will do better. It might strive for perfection.

 

I'd also give a +1 to the idea of Cleric for your Chaplain-Apothecaries. But only because I'm not sure what your theme is beyond loyalist Emperor's Children. Perhaps if you pick a cultural background for your recruitment worlds, you can use a colloquial term that'll be more consistent with your fluff. For instance, in my Emerald Tigers I intend to have Chaplain/Apothecaries as well, who will be called Druids. The Librarians will have no real official title, but will be have "of the Wyrd" added onto the end of their names, to go along with their more muted, subtle purpose in the Chapter.

[Hrvat]

Great work, now write your ideas even subtler so that possible references to the Emperor's Children are like wispers carried on the wind. ;)

 

 

Cheers

[Rylanor]

Thank all of you for the feedback. Cleric sounds interesting I'll have to take more of look intro that. Other than that I will work on turning this into a fleshed out IA article.

 

 

Rylanor

 

 

Edit: I have started work on my official IA article as of 12/4/11 and I hope to have it done by the end of my week, the current one looks nice, but i am working on making it look better and adding more fluff.

[Rylanor]

As I began the IA article I found my project and ideas going in a whole new direction. Has anyone used either Void Stalkers or Sky Wardens as chapter names?

 

Thanks,

Rylanor

[Conn Eremon]

A quick search revealed a lot of threads with "Void Stalkers" mentioned, mostly about Night Lords. Seems to be either a canon or DIY Night Lord Warband.

 

However, the only thread with "Sky Wardens" mentioned is this one, so I'd say go nuts.

[Rylanor]

Okay thanks I searched as well and came to the same conclusion. Sky wardens it is!

 

 

Edit actually which do you think sounds better: Sky Lords, Sky Wardens, or Sky Talons?

 

Thanks,

Rylanor

[Conn Eremon]

It's the "Sky" part that turns me off a little. Perhaps High Wardens? Sky Talons does sound alright, though. High Lords might not be the best choice obviously, but Sky Lords sounds meh to me.

[Rylanor]

Yea I agree. I'm trying to think of a name that fits, but I am not having much luck. I would really like to use the word eagle... But many names with this are already used... do you have any good ideas here?

 

Rylanor

[Reyner]

So how does the actual IA stand at this point? Got anything to C&C?

 

As for names "Eagle" is used quite a bit but they can work, give us some info on the Chapter and we'll see what sort of name fits their characteristics.

[Rylanor]

So how does the actual IA stand at this point? Got anything to C&C?

 

As for names "Eagle" is used quite a bit but they can work, give us some info on the Chapter and we'll see what sort of name fits their characteristics.

 

Okay I've come up with some basic ideas.

1) fleet based (now) home world was destroyed by necrons

2) Raven Guard succesors

3) favor fast and brutal attacks

4) Chapter contains a lot of Assault marines that deploy from thunder hawks and fast mechanized support

5) Now they crusade around Ultima Segmentum

6) Have a special hatred for Xenos and send many members to the death watch for training.

7) culture of the chapter is honor based and they have duels often.

8) There are three main companies all of which run autonomously and are the size of 2-3 normal companies. The chapter is lead by the three captains and, their is no chapter master unless the whole chapter goes to war then on is elected.

9) Want to name them after the birds of prey on their homeworld before it was destroyed, which were much like golden eagles.