Sons of Poseiden

[Sun Reaver]

I have been thinking of creating my own chapter for some time now and have finally decided to embark on this long and arduous task. So without further ado, let me explain some of the ideas I have come up with.

 

Name: Sons of Poseidon or Shields of Poseidon (or something else that is synonymous of water)

 

Homeworld: Poseidon

 

The homeworld is 97% water with the remaining 3% of landmass being islands scattered about. The planet is 1/2 the size of Terra. Their are two areas on the planet in which the islands are fairly close, roughly twice the size of Hawaii. One of these island chains are run by a very civilized and technologically advanced nation with a greater emphasis on science and diplomacy. (Think Athens) The other island chain is controlled by a nation whose military might is very powerful but not as advanced. (Think Sparta) The other islands are inhabited by wild creatures and the home to pirates and mercenaries. The water is home to a host of creatures both big and small. The deadliest being the kraken, hydra, sea dragons, and sharks. (looking to expand on that more)

 

 

Geneseed: I haven't decied yet. I love the Blood Angels, but I think I will probably go with Guilliman's.

 

 

Combat Affinity: Naval (ship to ship in space) warfare and boarding actions.

 

Organization: Made up of 6 companies. 1st company is veteran. 2nd-5th are each composed of 200 marines. The 10th is scouts. Each is named after a ferocious predator on the homeworld.

 

That's all I got for now. What do you guys think?

[Messor]

Do you mean the 6th is scout, or were there previously more companies that were retired?

 

Why the large company sizes/divergence from the codex? My thinking is that if the Chapter specializes in boarding actions(and sure that's not all they'll do, but if it's their specialty) the organization would be broken down into smaller groups more capable of pursuing naval targets independently. Of course that doesn't mean that the large companies won't work or that they can't incorporate smaller divisions, just curious, especially if they were trained by an actual UM cadre.

 

What is their relation with the Homeworld. It doesn't sound like there's a lot of space for them to occupy. Are they considered rulers like actual sons of Poseidon might be in a mortal realm, or just caretakers. Do they recruit exclusively from Poseidon? Anyone they can take, or do they stick to one group?

 

I like the ocean world, I have one myself, though I had a hard time making it to my liking. I'll be interested to see how the Sons and Poseidon develop.

[EzekyleVIII]

Don't forget leviathan! Throne I love greecian history, I quite like it brother, have you done away with the devastator and assault companies completely or integrated them through the 2nd to 5th? When you make the chapter symbol bear inmind the emperors spears ( if you were going to use poseidons doesnt in any fashion that is?)

 

Be well,

ezekyle

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Name: Sons of Poseidon or Shields of Poseidon (or something else that is synonymous of water)

I'd go with "Shields of-" or maybe "Swords of Poseidon." "Sons of-" is so commonly used, it's become cliche.

Homeworld: Poseidon

 

The homeworld is 97% water with the remaining 3% of landmass being islands scattered about. The planet is 1/2 the size of Terra.

Half of what? Mass? Volume? Diameter? All suggest the planet's gravity is weaker than Terra's, which raises questions about the environment and the people living there. Is the gravity sufficient to maintain a breathable atmosphere? Would liquid water be common, or would it be found only as ice, and underground, like on Mars?

 

And what of the people? Weaker gravity means the native life forms' skeletons and muscles will be less dense, and therefore weaker- the same would apply to colonists there.

Their are two areas on the planet in which the islands are fairly close, roughly twice the size of Hawaii. One of these island chains are run by a very civilized and technologically advanced nation with a greater emphasis on science and diplomacy. (Think Athens) The other island chain is controlled by a nation whose military might is very powerful but not as advanced. (Think Sparta)

Do the colonists "reclaim land," e.g., direct asteroids into areas with shallow water, to form islands? Maybe use landfills to increase an island's surface area? How about artificial, floating islands- essentially an oversized houseboat?

Organization: Made up of 6 companies. 1st company is veteran. 2nd-5th are each composed of 200 marines. The 10th is scouts. Each is named after a ferocious predator on the homeworld.

Don't you mean, "The 6th is scouts"?

 

Overall, I think this Chapter is actually organized by someone who knows how to organize an army. (Roboute Guilliman- and by extention, the Games Workshop employees who wrote his fluff- is an idiot.) Incorporating Tactical, Devastator, and Assault squads within a company, seems smarter than keeping them separated- as the Major said in 'Ghost in the Shell', overspecialization results in a slow death.

[Sun Reaver]

Thanks for the swift responses!

Do you mean the 6th is scout, or were there previously more companies that were retired?

Why the large company sizes/divergence from the codex? My thinking is that if the Chapter specializes in boarding actions(and sure that's not all they'll do, but if it's their specialty) the organization would be broken down into smaller groups more capable of pursuing naval targets independently. Of course that doesn't mean that the large companies won't work or that they can't incorporate smaller divisions, just curious, especially if they were trained by an actual UM cadre.

Yeah the scout company is the 6th company. I just feel like having reserve companies with a single squad type is pointless. The squads that would normally be in the reserve companies are evenly dispersed into the battle companies. In regards to your second point, the chapter has a number of ships available and can be broken up into battle forces whenever deemed necessary. I also think I might have their geneseed come specifically from the Iron Snakes. The chapter master may have picked the planet because it reminded him of the beautiful seas of Ithaca.

What is their relation with the Homeworld. It doesn't sound like there's a lot of space for them to occupy. Are they considered rulers like actual sons of Poseidon might be in a mortal realm, or just caretakers. Do they recruit exclusively from Poseidon? Anyone they can take, or do they stick to one group?

The chapter will either have an underwater fortress or have a giant ship fortress that just sails about. I think the latter would be cooler. They are viewed as the spirtual protecters of the world and are extremely respected by the populace. They do not meddle with the affairs of lesser men. The only interactions occur during recruitment. They will usually watch a battle from above and select potential candidates. Others who wish to gain admittance into the chapter must do well in the yearly games held (think olympics) or must sail the waters hoping to find the fortress ship.

Don't forget leviathan! Throne I love greecian history, I quite like it brother, have you done away with the devastator and assault companies completely or integrated them through the 2nd to 5th? When you make the chapter symbol bear inmind the emperors spears ( if you were going to use poseidons doesnt in any fashion that is?)

Haha of course I cannot! The leviathan will be incorporated. I integrated them into the 2nd - 5th. I have no idea on the chapter symbol as of yet as I haven't commited fully to a name.

I'd go with "Shields of-" or maybe "Swords of Poseidon." "Sons of-" is so commonly used, it's become cliche.

I think I am leaning towards "shields of"

Half of what? Mass? Volume? Diameter? All suggest the planet's gravity is weaker than Terra's, which raises questions about the environment and the people living there. Is the gravity sufficient to maintain a breathable atmosphere? Would liquid water be common, or would it be found only as ice, and underground, like on Mars?

And what of the people? Weaker gravity means the native life forms' skeletons and muscles will be less dense, and therefore weaker- the same would apply to colonists there.

Just a smaller planet and I don't want the gravity to be weaker than Terra's. The water is liquid and only freezes on the north and south poles. The people would just be normal humans like on Terra or Maccrage.

Do the colonists "reclaim land," e.g., direct asteroids into areas with shallow water, to form islands? Maybe use landfills to increase an island's surface area? How about artificial, floating islands- essentially an oversized houseboat?

Well the populace isn't very advanced. Think about Ancient Greece and their technology. This is where the people of this planet are. The islands were formed naturally. At one point, their were very advanced, but nuclear warfare near the planets polar caps caused much of the ice to melt and flooded the majority of the planet. The people have lost most of their old way of life and have essentially had to start over. Some rare pieces of technology exist but the people have no idea on how to fix or create them. These items are coveted greatly and many pirates go searching for this loot on the many scattered islands on the planet.

Overall, I think this Chapter is actually organized by someone who knows how to organize an army. (Roboute Guilliman- and by extention, the Games Workshop employees who wrote his fluff- is an idiot.) Incorporating Tactical, Devastator, and Assault squads within a company, seems smarter than keeping them separated- as the Major said in 'Ghost in the Shell', overspecialization results in a slow death.

Haha, well thank you.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

If you don't want Poseidon's gravity to be weaker than Terra's, I suggest you make its mass equal to Terra's. Maybe you can justify the smaller size, by claiming Poseidon's mantle is of a denser material than Terra's. (Not that absurd- there's a real world planet with a diamond mantle, after all.

[Olis]

If you don't want Poseidon's gravity to be weaker than Terra's, I suggest you make its mass equal to Terra's. Maybe you can justify the smaller size, by claiming Poseidon's mantle is of a denser material than Terra's. (Not that absurd- there's a real world planet with a diamond mantle, after all.

I was just thinking of exactly all of this statement. I must concur, a smaller world can always be made of denser material to compensate the gravity. I suggest taking a look at any element heavier than iron to make up the planet's core for that to be plausible. So, say... Palladium or Cadmium or something exotic and unidentifiable. If anyone asks, just tell them aliens did it.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I think having a giant submarine as a fortress-monastery is a cool idea- maybe one resembling this 4chan creation. Just out of curiosity, was the idea behind Poseidon in any way inspired by 'Waterworld'?

[Sun Reaver]

If you don't want Poseidon's gravity to be weaker than Terra's, I suggest you make its mass equal to Terra's. Maybe you can justify the smaller size, by claiming Poseidon's mantle is of a denser material than Terra's. (Not that absurd- there's a real world planet with a diamond mantle, after all.

I was just thinking of exactly all of this statement. I must concur, a smaller world can always be made of denser material to compensate the gravity. I suggest taking a look at any element heavier than iron to make up the planet's core for that to be plausible. So, say... Palladium or Cadmium or something exotic and unidentifiable. If anyone asks, just tell them aliens did it.

Ah okay, I will look into that. Thanks guys!

I think having a giant submarine as a fortress-monastery is a cool idea- maybe one resembling this 4chan creation. Just out of curiosity, was the idea behind Poseidon in any way inspired by 'Waterworld'?

I was thinking a ship, but a giant submarine is a badass idea! The picture you linked is pretty cool, I don't know if I would want it to look like a shark. But the submarine could be called the Leviathan. Just like the Space Wolves call their mountain fortress the 'fang'.

And I have heard of the movie but have never actually seen it. Whats the plotline?

Thanks again for the swift responses. Any ideas on a color scheme? I was thinking dark blue (like crimson fists) or maybe some grey.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

And I have heard of the movie but have never actually seen it. Whats the plotline?

'Waterworld' takes place on an Earth where Global Warming melted the Polar ice caps, submerging all land except for the mythical "Dry Land." Other than its environmentalist message, it's a stupid and forgettable action movie.

 

The main point of interest are the "atolls" the surviving humans live upon, artificial islands made of scrap metal, which float upon the sea surface. I thought the Poseidon colonists might use some as habitats.

Thanks again for the swift responses. Any ideas on a color scheme? I was thinking dark blue (like crimson fists) or maybe some grey.

I was going to suggest a black and white camouflage pattern, inspired by that of a Moray eel; then I realized painting would become a pain in the rear. Personally, I prefer dark blue, but if you're willing to put in the effort, maybe gray with dark blue "tiger stripes," like a tiger shark?

[Sun Reaver]

Sorry for the thread necromancy but I believe it is time for me to renew interest in my hobby and to continue working on my beloved chapter. Let the brainstorming begin! :D

[Sun Reaver]

I wanted to add these details to what I have written so far: 

 

Chapter Name: 

 

Shields of Poseidon? Corsairs of Poseidon? (I really like the word Corsair. Maybe I can refer to the veteran squads as corsairs or something.)

 

Homeworld:

 

Despite their homeworld being smaller than the average planet mass, the chapter has maintained a safe distance from the populace. Their fortress monastery is located in an underwater base in an area of water that is very inhospitable. (It's like the bermuda triangle, no one goes there because the water is to dangerous.)  

 

Geneseed: 

 

Either UM (through the Iron Snakes) or IF (through the Celestial Lions, before Armageddon) 


Combat Affinity: 

 

Naval (ship to ship in space) warfare and boarding actions. (As a result, they marines are most effective in short ranged fire fights and close combat. I think the close combat "specialty" is a bit cliche in our Liber so I want them to be good with vehicles as well. They treat their tanks like boats or something. Just a thought.) 

 

They enjoy the thrill of the chase. (Stems from the idea that ocean predators stalk their prey and plan their attack before striking swiftly) 

Organization:

 

Made up of 6 companies. Each company has 10 tactical squads, 2 veteran squads, 4 assault squads, and 4 devastator squads. The companies rarely fight at full strength, instead, they are usually split into smaller detachments whenever required in order to facilitate rapid response and assault teams. 

 

(I want to each company to be named after a fierce predator of their home world. I just want the names of the companies to be more creative than just the predator's name.)

 

1st Company - Sharks

2nd Company - Hydras

3rd Company - Krakens

4th Company - Dragoons 

5th Company - Whales 

6th Company - Scout Company, referred to as fish by older members. 

 

Veteran Squads are known as Trident Guard. (I don't know if this title should refer to all the veterans or just the ones who protect the chapter master. Or is that too reminiscent of a primarchs body guard?) 

 

Chapter Master - High Admiral

Captains - Admirals

Veteran Sergeants - Commodores 

Sergeants - Sergeants 

High Chaplain - Reclusiarch 

Chaplain - Chaplain 

High Librarian - Grand Navigator

Librarian - Navigator

 

I don't know if the name changes were necessary but I was trying to deliver the feel of a ship based chapter. I know their were few changes but what do you all think? 

[Conn Eremon]

The Shaman seems out of place, don't you think? Why not a navigator or, if you don't want a match with something pre-existing, in 40k anyways, Windfinders?

 

And for companies, you have bigger, badder names attached to lesser companies. I mean, sharks are a first company but Hydras and Krakens are second and third?

 

Same topic, why Dragoons? Heavily armored mounted units? Forcibly pressed into service? First sounds appropriately Space Marines, but not marine. Second sounds marine, but not Space Marines.

[Sun Reaver]

The Shaman seems out of place, don't you think? Why not a navigator or, if you don't want a match with something pre-existing, in 40k anyways, Windfinders?

 

And for companies, you have bigger, badder names attached to lesser companies. I mean, sharks are a first company but Hydras and Krakens are second and third?

 

Same topic, why Dragoons? Heavily armored mounted units? Forcibly pressed into service? First sounds appropriately Space Marines, but not marine. Second sounds marine, but not Space Marines.

 

I agree the Shaman was out of place, I just wanted something different. I really like the Navigator suggestion! I think I'll use it! 

 

I don't quite understand what you are trying to say in regards to the bigger and badder names. I feel like sharks are the apex ocean predator, so I gave that to the first company. The others were randomly selected to be named after other oceanic predators. Are they not suitable? I plan on expanding on the oceanic life forms discussing their attributes and characteristics. Since this is primarily a water world, the creatures are bigger and a lot different than on ancient Terra. 

 

 

As for the Dragoons, I made a mistake with the name. I wanted something that reminded me of a sea dragon/serpent but couldn't really think of anything. Maybe call them a sea wyrm or something. 

[Conn Eremon]

Sharks are our apex sea predators, here in modern day Earth. But not in any ocean that has actual hydras and krakens. Unless you got some prehistoric megalodons that are basically Great Sharks that dwarf Whale Sharks. Then it would be understandable. And terrifying.

 

And honestly, sea serpents sound just fine.