Crimson Lords - Updated with Index Astartes Article

[Son of Carnelian]

Okay, he is super rough and far from finished, but I'm so excited that I can pull off this color scheme I just had to share. 

 

 

 

I'll leave you with this quote:

 

"We rule those that cannot rule themselves."

[Olis]

Strong colour scheme and heraldry, brother. Pulled off quite well, I might add. :tu:

[Son of Carnelian]

Thanks! I stole the emblem from the first video game I ever loved, Kingdom Hearts. Even better, it fits with the Chapter's theme. 

[Disruptor_fe404]

The Chapter symbol is rather awesome!

[Brother Alanticus]

nice!

[Rhetoricus]

Some more solid work from you mate, so you gonna be rolling with these bad boys now or can we expect to see more Fists? or both maybe? 

[deathspectersgt7]

You did the Quarter themed colours justice want to see more.

[Lysimachus]

The blue really pops, lovely stuff!

 

Looking forward to more fluff too.

[Son of Carnelian]

The blue really pops, lovely stuff!

 

Looking forward to more fluff too.

 

A full Index Astartes should go up by the end of tomorrow. If not then, than certainly this weekend. I've spent the whole week working on it and my enthusiasm never wavered. I also followed the advice given in this very forum! No Mary Sues here.

 

Basically, we always see Space Marines portrayed as knights. But knights were huge jerks throughout our real-world history! They bossed around the peasants and threw away innocent lives like nothing. I wanted a Chapter that reveled in Space Marines' natural superiority and their place in the Imperium as rulers over their homeworlds, but don't take it as far as the Astral Claws. The Crimson Lords are loyal through and through. But they exemplify the worst of the Space Marines' authority. 

[Son of Carnelian]

THE CRIMSON LORDS SPACE MARINE CHAPTER

http://24.media.tumblr.com/9d12f2cd132593bac49610a489f71f89/tumblr_mvyt6k8opm1s5q8d5o1_r1_400.jpg

 

 

Date:...............983501.M41
Ref:................SAM//

By:.................INITIATE SAMPSON
Re:.................Adeptus Astartes - Crimson Lords
Thought:............Ruthlessness is the kindness of the wise.

The Crimson Lords have dominion over the world of Carnelian and protect its region of space. They are both rulers and warriors in equal measure, serving the Imperium with a keen eye and steeled hand.

Origins of the Crimson Lords

Founded in the 38th millennium, the Crimson Lords draw their gene seed from the line of Dorn. Their first Chapter Master, Luthor Cerdic, believed fiercely in the natural superiority of Space Marines over the common man and argued that ordinary humans could never successfully rule each other. He argued that the Emperor knew this when he launched his Great Crusade and while he now slumbers on the Golden Throne, the Space Marines should rule in his stead. The High Lords of Terra acknowledged that the Araxes Subsector, which had so often come under attack by the perfidious Dark Eldar, required stationed defenders. Specifically, the world of Carnelian could no longer suffer under the whims of the Dark Eldar as an important food supplier to the greater sector. The first members of the Crimson Lords swiftly constructed their Chapter keep in the most formidable mountain range on Carnelian and began mounting their defenses for the Dark Eldar's inevitable return. They would not wait long. Striking only a month after the construction of the keep, the Dark Eldar began going about their usual sport of torture and enslavement at first. But soon, the Crimson Lords rushed out of the mountains and attacked the Dark Eldar wherever they showed themselves. While the Crimson Lords lacked the speed to strike a more decisive blow against the raiders, their numerous victories against the attackers made it clear that Carnelian would no longer serve as an easy mark.

The Crimson Lords quickly established the status quo of their new home. They declared that they would rule over the peasants of Carnelian instead of the established noble class of lords. Only one crucial factor kept the Space Marines from not simply disposed of the noble class entirely. They would draw their recruits from the nobility's most worthy sons. This serves the dual purpose of providing the Crimson Lords with a steady flow of recruits, but it also ensures that the strongest of the noble class are removed so that only the weakest remain. Consequently, no noble has yet challenged the Crimson Lords' right as lords over each fiefdom. But the peasants of Carnelian tell another story. The waning years of the 40th millennium saw the majority of the Crimson Lords embark on a crusade into the stars with the goal of scattering a mass incursion of Orks that threatened the subsector. Years passed and the remaining Crimson Lords in the Chapter's keep grew more and more brusque in their stewardship of the planet. Eventually, the peasants of the world saw their chance at freedom had finally come and they began attacking castles all across the countryside. Calling themselves “The Lordless,” the peasants reaped a bloody toll on those nobles who stood against them. The surviving aristocracy fled into the massive mountain range where the Crimson Lords had established their home and begged their rulers to reestablish order. Though it would have proved a simple matter for even the few Space Marines still stationed on Carnelian, the Chapter had other plans.

The Crimson Lords on Carnelian alerted their brothers afield of the peasants' mass uprising. Without ever asking, the Crimson Lords forces stationed on Carnelian found themselves reinforced by the entire rest of the Chapter as they prepared for the bloodiest purge in the subsector's history. By this time, The Lordless had swept across Carnelian. Peasants occupied the empty castles that dotted the land and had mustered themselves for a war against their betters. Yet no amount of preparation could have readied them for the coming attack. When the Crimson Lords finally struck back against the Lordless, the brutality of their retaliation beggared belief. Not wishing any damage through bombardment to the castles they so often occupied, the Crimson Lords instead deployed onto each castle's topmost parapets and slaughtered their way down. The floors ran slick with human vital fluid as the few defenders who did not run got cut down by the towering Space Marines. The many who fled at the mere sight of the Crimson Lords' assault squads found themselves running headlong into the waiting bolters of the tactical squads surrounding each castle. This grim process repeated dozens of times until word finally spread of the Crimson Lords' fury and the remaining Lordless quickly returned to their fields. This whole incident only reaffirmed the Crimson Lords' belief that the peasants could not govern themselves. Since the rebellion's end, the Chapter has increased sweeps of their feudal lands and made more brutal examples of those peasants who express even the slightest doubt in the worthiness of the Crimson Lords' dominion.

While so much of the Chapter's history remains mired in the blood of humanity, the Crimson Lords have gained much glory in their conflicts with xenos across the stars. In particular, the Dark Eldar have proven themselves a particularly tenacious enemy of the Crimson Lords. Not only did they serve as the main reason for the Chapter's founding, but they have also dealt the Chapter many grievous blows over their comparatively short history. One such insult came when the Dark Eldar of the Starving Chalice captured the Crimson Lords' Master of Sanctity, Pellarn Olwen, even as they made their retreat into the ether. The Crimson Lords had no idea of Olwen's final fate until the Blood Angel Zeruel journeyed to Carnelian nearly a century later. He recounted how he too had found himself captured by the Dark Eldar. Forced into the gladiator pits by day and tortured by night, he only kept his sanity by conferring with his cell neighbor, Olwen. After months of enduring the horrors of the Dark City, Olwen and Zeruel made a breakout attempt, tearing their way free of their bonds and charging towards the port sector. In danger of being overtaken by their pursuers, Olwen sacrificed himself in a diversion that allowed the Blood Angel a clean escape. Commandeering a defaced Imperial freighter, Zeruel piloted himself back towards Baal and vowed that he would not let Olwen go unremembered. Honoring Olwen's friendship with Zeruel and the sacrifice he made for him, the Crimson Lords swore great oaths of brotherhood to the Blood Angels and promised aid whenever the First Founding Chapter needed it. Even now, as the dual threat of Tyranids and Chaos invasion bare down on Baal, a sizeable force of Crimson Lords races to their aid. Most analysts agree that they will not arrive in time, but these are the doubts of lesser men. The Chapter knows that whenever the Imperium needs their noblest sons, the Crimson Lords will always stand at the fore.

Organization

The Crimson Lords are a Codex-compliant Chapter in all respects. They see the Codex as a tactical text that only the Adeptus Astartes can fully comprehend and follow its instruction in nearly all things, including company composition. Company markings are displayed on the shoulder trim, with all numerical references to company written in High Gothic numerals. Squad designations are commonly displayed on the right knee in Low Gothic numerals, though the display of specific squad markings remains the decision each Battle-Brother.

Homeworld

Even with the coming of the Crimson Lords, the planet Carnelian has never advanced past the classification of a feudal world. Only the ubiquitous lasgun stands out from the low level of technology otherwise present on the planet. Peasants have tilled the land since before the Great Crusade, largely unaware of the events of the greater galaxy. The planet possesses a mostly temperate climate perfect for cultivating the massive amounts of foodstuffs that form Carnelian's primary export. The exception to this comes in the form of the north and south poles, cold beyond the imagining of most inhabitants of the rest of the planet. Castles dot the landmasses of Carnelian, each one supposedly ruled by a noble and his family, but they serve only as placeholders for when the Crimson Lords combat the enemies of the Emperor across the stars.

Combat Doctrine

The Crimson Lords follow the Codex Astartes' tactics in nearly all engagements, with a noted preference for closing with the enemy so that they might better display their martial prowess. They have no noted preference when choosing their weapons, with the steadfast power sword held in no greater esteem than more esoteric weapons like lightning claws. The members of the Chapter also see the holy Bolter as a worthy form of waging war and the Crimson Lords can wield Bolters as well as any blade. They have, at times, displayed a noted preference for drop pod assaults since it further differentiates them from the ordinary human soldiers of the Imperium. When fighting traitorous elements of humanity, they will opt for a surgical strike against the leadership elements. This keeps with their beliefs that weak-willed humans crumble without leadership.

Geneseed

The Crimson Lords derive their geneseed from Rogal Dorn. As a descendant of the Imperial Fists, they have a stubborn streak that sees them rarely quit the field before spending every drop of their blood. The gene-seed also infuses the Crimson Lords with an innate sense of their own righteousness in ruling over Carnelian. Unlike their primogenitors, they let their pride reign unchecked. Battle-Brothers decorate their plate with personal honors and hold great celebrations after momentous victories.

Interaction with the Legio

The sons of Carnelian rarely cede Battle-Brothers to the Legio, as it permanently removes them from their fiefdoms. Worse, the Crimson Lords have an ill reputation among older Chapters who prize human life. Members of both the Salamanders and the Space Wolves have expressed misgivings about serving alongside Astartes with such arrogance as the Crimson Lords. Only their primogenitor, the Imperial Fists, have reluctantly stood up for them in such matters. It remains in doubt how much longer the Legio will wait before sending an inquiry to Carnelian to discern why the Crimson Lords have become so entrenched in their notions of superiority. However, the few Crimson Lords who have served with the Legio have always proved themselves incredibly versatile warriors and respectful of their Battle-Brothers, no matter what Chapter.

Motto

 

"We rule those who cannot rule themselves."

[Olis]

Couple of things:

 

The Crimson Lords derive their geneseed from Rogal Dorn. As a descendant of the Imperial Fists, they have a stubborn streak that sees them rarely quite the field before spending every drop of their blood. The gene-seed also infuses the Crimson Lords with an innate sense of their own righteousness in ruling over Carnelian. Unlike their primogenitors, they let their pride reign unchecked. Battle-Brothers decorate their plate with personal honors and holding great celebrations after momentous victories. 

 

I believe we have an unauthorised typo here. *Powers up his Volkite Caliver*

 

"We rule those who cannot rule themselves."

 

Nice. Almost has an Astral Claws ring to it. 

 

Besides that the only thing I'm concerned about is the Blood Angels name-drop in the main text. That said, they are not as jarring as most other examples and serve to further the narrative. I must say the piece you've written stands up quite well, imho. Like I've already mentioned, they seem to have shades of the Astral Claws about them - and that's not meant as a bad thing, either. Kudos.

[Son of Carnelian]

Thanks! I'm happy for any feedback, especially on the Blood Angels part. I debated cutting it, but I really wanted an instance of them being just and honorable to their peers to make it all the worse that they look down on humans. They are knights, who only respect other knights. I think that differentiates them enough from the Astral Claws who become pretty clear-cut villains by the end of the Badab War. 

[Olis]

I mulled over this BA thing at work today and I do believe I have a solution. You know, the having-your-cake-and-eating-it kind. Put the anecdote in a sidebar alongside the main article itself. :)

[Son of Carnelian]

Gotcha. I just have to get better with the B&C code so that I can actually do that! Here is more sidebar fodder concerning honor duels in the Crimson Lords:

 

Like their primogenitors, the Imperial Fists, the Crimson Lords practice honor duels between each other. However, this practice emerged not from observing their precursors but the nobility of Carnelian. Though Space Marine indoctrination often removes much of the life each boy formerly lived, the Crimson Lords contain many members who can yet recall their instruction in swordsmanship at a young age. In addition, the Astartes attend many feasts of the Carnelian nobility where honor duels figure heavily. The Crimson Lords saw the value of resolving disputes through combat and adopted the practice into their traditions. Such duels often end at first blood, with only the deepest of grievances ending with second or the whispered-of third blood. In all the Chapter’s history, only two disputes have ever resulted in a duel to third blood and such times of strife are rarely spoken of. Though no Crimson Lord has yet fallen to another’s blade in such duels, blood spilled by a brother does not fade from memory easily…

[Olis]

Gotcha. I just have to get better with the B&C code so that I can actually do that! Here is more sidebar fodder concerning honor duels in the Crimson Lords:

 

Well, if you like, I could use one later and then all you have to do is quote my post and modify the text.

 

Like their primogenitors, the Imperial Fists, the Crimson Lords practice honor duels between each other. However, this practice emerged not from observing their precursors but the nobility of Carnelian. Though Space Marine indoctrination often removes much of the life each boy formerly lived, the Crimson Lords contain many members who can yet recall their instruction in swordsmanship at a young age. In addition, the Astartes attend many feasts of the Carnelian nobility where honor duels figure heavily. The Crimson Lords saw the value of resolving disputes through combat and adopted the practice into their traditions. Such duels often end at first blood, with only the deepest of grievances ending with second or the whispered-of third blood. In all the Chapter’s history, only two disputes have ever resulted in a duel to third blood and such times of strife are rarely spoken of.

 

Not bad as flavour text. Is there anything about this tradition that sets it apart from other duel-traditions?

 

Though no Crimson Monarch has yet fallen to another’s blade in such duels, blood spilled by a brother does not fade from memory easily…

 

Say who? ;)

[Son of Carnelian]

Crap! That was the old Chapter name that just didn't quite click. 

 

More flavor text, this time about the Stromraven that's been sitting on my desk for a year and is finally getting a paint job soon.  

 

The Stormraven Acheron’s Fury has a storied place in the Crimson Lords’ armory. Requisitioned at the behest of then-Chapter Master Quinlan, the Stormraven would prove instrumental in a battle against the mad Black Legion Warsmith Darrenox. Having captured a penal asteroid not far from Carnelian, the Crimson Lords flew into battle alongside several warships of the Imperial Navy. Yet nothing could prepare them for what Darrenox had done to the space rock. When the Imperial ships closed on the asteroid, the saw that it had grown great tentacles of rock and flesh, capable of striking out at the opposing ships while cannons from the surface burnt into the warships’ shields. The combined fire from the surface proved so heavy that even a drop pod assault seemed too risky. Chapter Master Quinlan ordered insertion via Thunderhawk and Stormraven, hoping that their greater maneuverability could ensure the Crimson Lords’ successful decent. Almost all of the gunships came under fire immediately after leaving the launch bays and Quinlan ordered the entire fleet back in the face of overwhelming firepower. Yet he ordered his Stormraven’s own pilot, Gaius, into the heart of the enemy. Brother Gaius proved so able with his skills that he avoided both the asteroid’s weapons and its appendages. With the fury of lightning, Brother Gaius plowed the Stormraven straight into the central tower of the prison complex and deposited the Chapter Master and his honor guard. They rushed in and found that Darrenox had fused the former prisoners with hideous machinery in a macabre experiment. Their cries of agony only ended when the Crimson Lords slew them on their way towards Darrenox. Finding the foul Warpsmith and slaying him proved a challenge for even the storied Chapter Master, but greater peril lay still ahead. With the Warpsmith’s death, the whole complex began collapsing as the foul machinations of the traitor lost power. The fleet still lay out of range making a timely rescue impossible. Yet Brother Gaius had remained on-station and swooped in with all the deftness of a bird of prey. Rocketing away from the asteroid, the gunship only just broke free as the asteroid folded into itself in blinding flash of unnatural Warp light. For his bravery and skill, Gaius became the Master of the Forge and received the honorary designation of Bringer of Salvation. He now marches as part of the Chapter Master’s honor guard, where he now pilots his axe into the skulls of the Crimson Lords’ enemies.

[Olis]

I'd advise just sticking with the BA story, if you do do a sidebar flavour text. We can't be having sidebars all over the article now, can we? ;)

[Son of Carnelian]

I'm just outputting content at this point so I can get more feedback. Obviously this can't all go in the IA article. 

 

When Chapter Master Quinlan finally fell in battle, the Crimson Lords grieved deeply. No other Chapter Master had lead as long as Quinlan, save for Luthor Cedric himself. In his final moments, Quinlan named his successor. Out of all of the captains, he named Caius Calderon of the fifth company, otherwise known by their title as the Enforcers of Carnelian. His choice would surprise many amongst the Crimson Lords, but not the Chapter’s high command. They all knew that Quinlan had observed Calderon since his earliest days as a squire, noting both his martial skill and his eye for strategy. Some more jealous members of the Crimson Lord agree amongst themselves that Quinlan only named Calderon because he would not overrule any of Quinlan’s more controversial decisions. Some have even accused him of merely hunting glory in Quinlan’s shadow. These individuals have intelligently not made their doubts known to the Chapter Master, for he suffers no fools. Leading through both instruction and example, Caius attacks at the fore of every charge. Wielding his mighty thunderhammer, Caius has broken enemy commanders in two with a single swing. He can devastate enemies just as easily with his tactical acumen, adapting his plans at a moment’s notice to the horror of his more stagnant opponents. Still, he lacks the grace of other Chapter Masters, often coming across as snide and judgmental in conversation. His own stubborn instance that he always possesses the correct notion compounds the problem, his gene-seed from Dorn entrenching his point of view and his pride. Some note that his brusque manner may yet see the Crimson Lords entrapped in a conflict they never sought, but his defenders counter that his prowess will see them out of such a situation.

[Olis]

I see. Well, the last post seemed fine however the one about the storm raven did raise two questions - Was Gaius a techmarine? Where did the last MotF go (was he killed)? 

[Disruptor_fe404]

Storm Raven (and Storm Talon, IIRC) pilots are all Techmarines. I'm quite sure I read this in a White Dwarf, possibly the one with the Storm Talon's rules.

[Olis]

Hmm. I don't read WD anymore, so I would have missed that. I had assumed that regular marines could be pilots (landspeeders kinda point to this). Anyway. Where did the last MotF go? ;)

[Son of Carnelian]

Sorry, I'll amend that story to include the Master of the Forge dying in the first moments of the attack, before Quinlan orders the ships back. 

 

Now, time for MORE CONTENT! Again, this isn't all going into the article, it's just more flesh for the bones and I'm still looking for any critiques. 

 

Once, Vladimir Tersus’ name held great honor. An artist with all forms of ranged combat, he felled hundreds of the Crimson Lords’ enemies across dozens of battles. Even when the enemy closed, he displayed acts of heroism befitting a legend. After the Battle of Farragut Point where he held the Chapter banner aloft after the bearer fell, many saw him as one of the Crimson Lords’ very best. When he received captaincy over the tenth company, it seemed as if a new era had dawned for the Chapter.

 

But Tersus harbored terrible darkness. He saw his position as an insult rather than the honor Chapter Master Quinlan had intended. The veteran Astartes hated watching over the Chapter’s new recruits, seeing them as unworthy of serving under him. He would routinely drill them past the point of breaking and savagely beat them in his so called “sparring matches.” His cruelty seeped down through the ranks, with many of the scouts taking up a more violent demeanor toward each other and unwarranted martial pride in their deeds. This behavior disturbed many amongst the Chapter, but none suspected that it stemmed from Tersus.

 

Matters came to a head when some of the Scout Company engaged in the worst kind of target practice. A group of peasant boys had vowed they would join the Crimson Lords and had begun the climb towards their keep. They could never have known that the very individuals they would have served alongside would open fire on them. Sniper fire reigned down on the boys and the Scout’s mocking laughter filled the mountain range. When Tersus found his pupils in the midst of their savage office, he merely asked why two of the boys yet lived. Throwing one of the Scouts away from their rifle, Tersus became the vicious sniper again and cut another of the peasants down. Turning his aim to the second, he fired his rifle.

 

In the next few moments, two events happened that would shape Tersus forever. The first would shape him more personally. He missed his shot. Tersus could not remember the last time he had missed and it disturbed him greatly. He could also not remember the last time he had felt the sting of another Space Marine’s fist, but that reminder came only a second later. Chapter Master Quinlan suddenly appeared behind him and hit Tersus squarely in the back of his head and flung him from the mountain.

 

After hours spent in the darkest recesses of the valley, Tersus began the climb back to the keep. When he arrived, he found the keep’s weapons trained on him and the Chapter Master waiting for him with his honor guard. Chapter Master Quinlan roared his hatred for Tersus’ cruelty. He decried him as the least among them, his nobility and honor washed away by his vanity and cruelty. In the sight of every Crimson Lord on Carnelian he stripped Tersus of all rank and declared that he would become a scout again, relearning all that made the Crimson Lords themselves. Even more momentous, Quinlan inducted the last surviving peasant boy into the Crimson Lords.

 

Since then, Tersus has fought as Quinlan decreed, his failure that day spurring him on towards more daring and impossible shots with his Stalker-pattern bolter. He remains outraged at his demotion and his anger fuels every pull of the trigger. Worse, he feels insulted by his status as a Scout sergeant, not seeing it as the second chance that Quinlan intended it as. Current Chapter Master Caius Calderon has not promoted Tersus back to full Astartes yet and most doubt he ever will. He remains a black spot on the honor of the Crimson Lords and nearly all bonds of brotherhood have been severed with him. The Chapter has no better marksman and when Tersus takes the field, the enemy’s leaders have little hope of survival.

[Olis]

'Donned' should be changed to 'dawned'.

 

 

I was wondering where you were going with that. I would have had him serve penance in exile, personally. So, does Tersus feel bitter? Was this an injustice, in his eyes? Or did he have an epiphany as his Lord raged? At the moment it seems like he's taken his punishment in silence and meekly accepted his fate.

[Son of Carnelian]

Having him serve penance exile doesn't let me proxy for Telion.

Amended final paragraph. And here is a bit expanding on the few peasants in the Crimson Lords' ranks.

In the entire period since the Crimson Lords made their home on Carnelian, only around a dozen boys of peasant birth have joined the ranks of the Space Marines. Peasants boys must first climb the mountain range leading to the Crimson Lords’ keep, then pass through the automated defenses unscathed, and then survive the organ implementation all aspirants undergo. The first peasant who survived all the trials of a Space Marine bore the name of Oberon Gerhardt and terrible controversy erupted at his ascension ceremony. A significant number of the most senior veterans stepped forward in opposition, but Chapter Master Quinlan silenced all debate. He proclaimed that once a peasant had passed all trials on the road to inclusion into their ranks and received the holy gene-seed, his peasant status no longer applied. Quinlan found himself reminding the assembled Crimson Lords that they were no longer nobility of Carnelian they had been as boys. All became equal in their lives as Battle-Brothers and such concerns about social class indicated base humans weakness. Quinlan openly invited any who disputed his assessment the right of objection through the Crimson Lords’ traditional duels. None stepped forward. Since then, six other peasants have joined the ranks of the Crimson Lords. Their ascension goes undisputed in keeping with Quinlan’s ruling, but the tension in the Chapter over this new practice has only increased since the Chapter Master’s death.

[Olis]

So, no peasants made it in three thousand years (until recently)? Seems like quite a while if such a feat is genuinely possible...