The Stalwart Host

[Gfitz]

Hello all,

I am recently returning to 40k after a several year hiatus thanks to graduate school. With the 25th Birthday of the game fast approaching I've decided to take a turn with the Glory-Boys of the game the Emperor's Space Marines. After a bit of looking I decided I wanted a chapter I could put a stamp on rather than play one which had been written extensively about or had the chance of being expanded on pulling the nice fluffy carpet I've developed right out from under me.

So I present to you The Stalwart Host, a chapter who's fifth Iron Company I hope to be fielding the the near future.

I'm still developing the fluff to its fullest but I have a scheme, a theme, and a general direction laid out.

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The Chapter In Brief:
The full name of the chapter is: The Stalwart Host of Saint Achillea

The name is shorted to The Stalwart Host for operational purposes as well as to distance the chapter from the Ecclesiarchy who successfully petitioned the High Lords of Terra for the chapters founding in honor of the Miracle at Ingeran in the late 40th Millennium a great victory for the Imperium of Man over the forces of the Word Bearers, their cult, and the summoned Deamon Prince which is rumored to only have been made possible by the intervention of a small battle force of space marines and the rise and eventual martyrdom of Saint Achillea.

While the Emperor is viewed by the chapter as the father of all Space Marines Saint Achillea is viewed as the Mother of the chapter and is depicted in Iconography as a radiant tree of 1,000 leaves.

The Stalwart Host is a Fleet-Based Chapter which patrols the Angelus Sub-Sector. The Host recruits from all the planets they protect but hold a special recruitment feast on Ingeran every five years to commemorate their founding. This feast is equal parts holy observance, tournament of trials, and festival. Ingeran becomes an important site of pilgrimage for the sub-sector during the month long celebration.

Chapter Name: The Stalwart Host
Chapter Master: Leon Alkandros
Founding: 25th
Gene-seed:
Progenitor Chapter:
Protectorate/Home: Angelus Sub-Sector, Scarus Sector, Segmentum Obscurus
Flagship-monastery: Tears of the Saint

-----------------------------------
Organization:
Though the High Lords granted the Ecclesiarchy's petition for the Founding of the Stalwart Host they made it clear that any connection to the Saint or the Cult of the Emperor would be an honorific one at best. The High Lords first stripped the purposed chapter of the Saint's name, ostensible due to the cumbersome length. The lords then decreed that the chapter would not receive Ingeran as their homeworld but rather would be commissioned a fleet and dutied with the protection of the entire Angelus Sub-Sector, and support of the greater Scarus Sector. The entire sub-sector would then be used to swell the ranks of this new chapter. Ingeran was first subjected to a planet wide purity trial to root out any lingering taint of the ruinous prophets. After a half century of Inquisitorial scrutiny Ingeran was granted the rite to tithe it's men to the chapter. This process was viewed as a grave insult to the Ecclesiarchy who declared the planet a holy site.

Recruitment:
When the Chapter Master began searching for suitable new recruits for the Host he knew the process of indoctrination would strengthen their resolve as much as their body. He knew that for these men valor would be learned, honor earned, and skill drilled into their very fiber. What he could not teach, and what the many gifts of the Emperor could not provide was instinct. He needed men who could not simple read the lay of the land but feel it, and taste it. The Chapter Master wanted men who could sense in the wind the ebb and flow of conflict and shift with it as natural as they drew breath. To this task he sent his most veteran scouts in teams to each of the Angelus planets. there they sought out the most naturally gifted candidates warriors, woodsmen, urchins, poachers, wardens, any man who seemed to have an uncanny sense for survival and tactics. For this pool of prospects a trial was arranged. On each prospect was challenged to a three night hunt. If they accepted the prospect had one day to prepare, and at the beginning of the planet's night cycle the scout team would pursue him doggedly until death, capture, or the end of the third consecutive night cycle. Upon presenting himself by mid-day of the fourth day to the scouts the aspirant would be accepted for indoctrination into the brotherhood.

The first trials have been remembered to the histories of the chapter and it's protectorate as the Great Seeking. since then the trials have varied little, and proven to provide exceptionally talented battle-brothers. After the ending of the Ingeran purity trials the still developing chapter began the construction of it's first cathedral upon the site of the deciding victory where Saint Achillea's sacrifice saved the day and enabled the slaying of the Word Bearers and Deamon Prince which were the backbone of the planet's uprising. in commemoration of the victory and the celebrate the completion of the cathedral Ingeran hosted a grand feast day in honor of Saint Achillea and her Stalwart Host. The feast has been held every five years since, and has expanded to a month long celebration. A growing center piece to the feast is the Tournament of Trials held for Battle-brothers and Aspirants alike. As the need for replacing brethren has been thankfully low in recent decades those who best the scouts on their home planet are invited to compete against their peers in the tournaments in hopes of being singled out for indoctrination.

Each planet has come to call the yearly trials by a different name and typically welcome the arrival of the scout teams with a befitting fanfare and celebration. Flint for example knows the trial as the Hunting Moon as it has ceremonially been held during the three nights of full moon the planet experiences every lunar cycle.

Chapter Companies:
1st Company - Adamant Brotherhood - Veteran Battle Company - Silvery White
2nd Company - Gold Company - Battle Company - Gold
3rd Company - Silvery Company - Battle Company - Silver
4th Company - Bronze Company - Battle Company - Bronze
5th Company - Iron Company - Battle Company - Dark Iron
6th Company - Azure Company - Reserve Tactical Company - Light Blue
7th Company - Verdant Company - Reserve Tactical Company - Dark Green
8th Company - Crimson Company - Reserve Assault Company - bright Red
9th Company - Black Company - Reserve Dev. Company - Black
10th Company - Neophyte Company - Scout Company - White

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Battle Doctrine:
Since the incident which gave birth to the chapter through to the modern era the Stalwart Host has made a name for itself through their ability to stand firm against odds even considered overwhelming for the mighty Astares. This is not to say however that the Host throws itself against great odds lightly. The chapter's unquestioned valor is matched and tempered by an tactical efficiency which has allow the them to survive long campaigns, and rise victorious against greater forces. The Stalwart Host view themselves as the blood kin of the Emperor and the spiritual scions of the Saint such a legacy must be guarded dearly and so the forces who stand apposed to the light of the Imperium must be made to pay a great price for the life of each battle-brother.

The Host favor a balanced approach of key tactical strikes, and rapid assault to harry and unfoot the enemy before brutal offenses sweep in and crush the backbone of an unbalanced foe. The Host favors shadow-feints and counter-offensives when the aggressor in an engagement. When defending the Host attempt to maximize the environment, conditions, and terrain to their advantage. Scouts and information assets play a vital role in any Host engagement, tactical awareness is the highest praised virtue of a Host battle-brother; strength and courage amount to nothing if it is applied feebly. For this reason so to are the chapter's few Dreadnaughts revered for the ageless tactical acumen they have developed through the observance of countless battles.

A typical Host Battle force organization will consist of: Two scout combat squads supported by a squadron of land-speeders used together for recon and enemy harassment. 1-2 Assault Squads ready to draw the enemy into combat. They, in turn, are supported by additional tactical squads often assisted by Rhino transports to rapidly take advantage of developing enemy weaknesses. Those commanding the engagement are typically doing so from a command vehicle taking advantage of the communication tech within to orchestrate the attack, or rushing to engage and support as needed themselves. The 1st company veterans rarely being called into service unless facing great odds or terrible foes such that their expert skills and analysis may be required to win the day.

The Stalwart Host, blessed by the backing of the Ecclesiarchy in their founding lay claim to a robust armoury, but rarely field more than a few Rhino variants such as the Predator or Razorback for engagements which require less than a full company's strength.

Common Chapter Inscriptions:
Sagittari - Steadfast
Nunquam Cede - Never Yield
Persta Atque Obdura - Be Steadfast and Endure

Battle Cries:
"In the Emperor's light we stand!"
"With the Emperor's might we strike"

Chapter Colors:
Ivory Armor
Pauldrons decorated over a scarlet field
Battle Companies decorate with designated metallic trim.
Reserve Companies use color trim.


Much more to come, but please comment on what you see so far. Thanks![>

[Andrew J]

Like the color scheme. If I am not mistaken you pretty much follow the codex when it comes to company colors only substituting metallics in for the first 5 companies.

 

Not too much else to go on. You might want to check out the IA Guide at the top of the liber and Octaguide 2.0 if you get a chance. They will help you flesh out your chapter.

[Gfitz]

Yes they will be pretty close adherents to the Codex.

 

I have read over the guides and am working on a full write-up. you might view this as the wire-frame phase. Still I'd very much appreciate input before I start spinning off in to tangents of fluff.

 

I'm really debating on who I want the Chapter they were grown from to be. The command will be what remained of the Space Marine Battle-force which fought along side Saint Achillea.

[Andrew J]

Its hard to give you much advice or ideas when you really just gave us the basics. Really helpful stuff for the Liber would be things like the theme to your army? A culture? Russian? Eastern European? Something more substantial than names and events that you have made up for your chapter. The only difference I see for your chapter would be the dual worship of the Emperor and this saint Achillea. That is not too out there so it could fit in the 40k universe. Its when you really start deviating from established fluff that people will often critique things more.

 

If you are going to be pretty codex, then I would say UM of IF or successor chapter. Those are probaby the best for you.

[Gfitz]

Battle Doctrine:

Since the incident which gave birth to the chapter through to the modern era the Stalwart Host has made a name for itself through their ability to stand firm against odds even considered overwhelming for the mighty Astares. This is not to say however that the Host throws itself against great odds lightly. The chapter's unquestioned valor is matched and tempered by an tactical efficiency which has allow the them to survive long campaigns, and rise victorious against greater forces. The Stalwart Host view themselves as the blood kin of the Emperor and the spiritual scions of the Saint such a legacy must be guarded dearly and so the forces who stand apposed to the light of the Imperium must be made to pay a great price for the life of each battle-brother.

 

The Host favor a balanced approach of key tactical strikes, and rapid assault to harry and unfoot the enemy before brutal offenses sweep in and crush the backbone of an unbalanced foe. The Host favors shadow-feints and counter-offensives when the aggressor in an engagement. When defending the Host attempt to maximize the environment, conditions, and terrain to their advantage. Scouts and information assets play a vital role in any Host engagement, tactical awareness is the highest praised virtue of a Host battle-brother; strength and courage amount to nothing if it is applied feebly. For this reason so to are the chapter's few Dreadnaughts revered for the ageless tactical acumen they have developed through the observance of countless battles.

 

A typical Host Battle force organization will consist of: Two scout combat squads supported by a squadron of land-speeders used together for recon and enemy harassment. 1-2 Assault Squads ready to draw the enemy into combat. They, in turn, are supported by additional tactical squads often assisted by Rhino transports to rapidly take advantage of developing enemy weaknesses. Those commanding the engagement are typically doing so from a command vehicle taking advantage of the communication tech within to orchestrate the attack, or rushing to engage and support as needed themselves. The 1st company veterans rarely being called into service unless facing great odds or terrible foes such that their expert skills and analysis may be required to win the day.

 

The Stalwart Host, blessed by the backing of the Ecclesiarchy in their founding lay claim to a robust armoury, but rarely field more than a few Rhino variants such as the Predator or Razorback for engagements which require less than a full company's strength.

[Gfitz]

A bit more progress adding to the character and organization of the Chapter

--------------

Organization:

Though the High Lords granted the Ecclesiarchy's petition for the Founding of the Stalwart Host they made it clear that any connection to the Saint or the Cult of the Emperor would be an honorific one at best. The High Lords first stripped the purposed chapter of the Saint's name, ostensible due to the cumbersome length. The lords then decreed that the chapter would not receive Ingeran as their homeworld but rather would be commissioned a fleet and dutied with the protection of the entire Angelus Sub-Sector, and support of the greater Scarus Sector. The entire sub-sector would then be used to swell the ranks of this new chapter. Ingeran was first subjected to a planet wide purity trial to root out any lingering taint of the ruinous prophets. After a half century of Inquisitorial scrutiny Ingeran was granted the rite to tithe it's men to the chapter. This process was viewed as a grave insult to the Ecclesiarchy who declared the planet a holy site.

Recruitment:

When the Chapter Master began searching for suitable new recruits for the Host he knew the process of indoctrination would strengthen their resolve as much as their body. He knew that for these men valor would be learned, honor earned, and skill drilled into their very fiber. What he could not teach, and what the many gifts of the Emperor could not provide was instinct. He needed men who could not simple read the lay of the land but feel it, and taste it. The Chapter Master wanted men who could sense in the wind the ebb and flow of conflict and shift with it as natural as they drew breath. To this task he sent his most veteran scouts in teams to each of the Angelus planets. there they sought out the most naturally gifted candidates warriors, woodsmen, urchins, poachers, wardens, any man who seemed to have an uncanny sense for survival and tactics. For this pool of prospects a trial was arranged. On each prospect was challenged to a three night hunt. If they accepted the prospect had one day to prepare, and at the beginning of the planet's night cycle the scout team would pursue him doggedly until death, capture, or the end of the third consecutive night cycle. Upon presenting himself by mid-day of the fourth day to the scouts the aspirant would be accepted for indoctrination into the brotherhood.

 

The first trials have been remembered to the histories of the chapter and it's protectorate as the Great Seeking. since then the trials have varied little, and proven to provide exceptionally talented battle-brothers. After the ending of the Ingeran purity trials the still developing chapter began the construction of it's first cathedral upon the site of the deciding victory where Saint Achillea's sacrifice saved the day and enabled the slaying of the Word Bearer's and Deamon Prince which were the backbone of the planet's uprising. in commemoration of the victory and the celebarte the completion the the cathedral the Ingeran hosted a grand feast day in honor of Saint Achillea and her Stalwart Host. The feast has been held every five years since, and has grown to a month long celebration. A growing center piece to the feast is the tournament of trials held for Battle-brothers and Aspirants alike. As the need for replacing brethren has been thankfully low in recent decades those who best the scouts on their home planet are invited to compete against their peers in the tournaments in hopes of being singled out for indoctrination.

 

Each planet has come to call the yearly trials by a different name and typically welcome the arrival of the scout teams with a befitting fanfare and celebration. Flint for example knows the the trial as the Hunting Moon as it has ceremonially been held during the three day full moon cycle the planet experiences every lunar cycle.

[Sun Grilled Bacon]

You can edit posts btw, would help if you had all the added information on the first post, just more coherent ^_^

[Gfitz]

Thank you SGB. I do realize that, and you are right it should make it's way up to the top. I was using the posts to show readers what had been developed, possibly since the last time they looked, in hopes of drumming up some feedback. I'll migrate the info on up to the top soon to make it easier and more cohesive to look over. I'm hoping to have the Beliefs section written up by the end of the day as well, and I will post that information both at the top and as it's own post.