Index Astartes: Raven Templars

[samueldmjr]

"Before seeking victory, first make yourself invulnerable to defeat"
Primarch Corax, Meditations upon War and Shadow.

The main idea is a fleet based chapter in a crusade to gather knowledge and artifacts. They are a Raptors successors, so the crusade probably originates on the destruction of the Raptors home world and the loss of all their relics and knowledge.

They specialize in intel gathering, misdirection, and sudden and swift strikes. Units of stealth space marines synergize well with the concepts of ambushes and assassinations.

They prefer ranged warfare, and use deep strikes for heavy support.

In the tabletop this would mean Scout Tacticals (Raptors Chapter Tactics) with deep striking terminators and dreadnoughts. Some land speeder's also fit well in the theme.

They are Reasonable Marines, but taken more seriously. A mix of Raven Guard and Thousand Sons, with a bit of Blood Ravens and Alpha Legion in the mix. The theme of the army is Elite Special Ops Forces. These are examples of chapters with the same overall theme, but slightly different execution of the idea.

Now that the basics have been laid, let's develop the concept a little more.


Name: Raven Templars.

Warcry: None, as the Chapter doesn’t utilize frontal assaults, preferring to strike from the shadows.

Founding: 14th founding (36th millennium).

Successors of: Raptors.

Successor chapters: Unknown.

Primarch: Corvus Corax.

Chapter Master: Cassius Berhtram

Homeworld: Fleet Based Chapter.

Colors: Camouflage suitable for the mission. Blue and Gold are the official colors. (It should be noted that their colors, blue and gold, were the original Raptors colors. And also the Thousand Sons, Space Marines that value forbidden knowledge. And still the colors for the Ultramarines second company, giving them e-bay ability).

Chapter History: Founded on the 36^th millennium, as part of the 14^th founding, in the chaotic period following the Reign of Blood during the Age of Apostasy. They were made as a fleet based chapter intended to roam the stars and crush the fires of rebellion that burned in the galaxy. Thus, they had to make the most of themselves, knowing that to fight such a challenge they would need to inflict the maximum of damage while receiving little or no damage in return. And so they started the Assassin Crusade, aimed at destabilize the rebel forces encountered so that Imperial Guard armies could win the wars.

 

Sometime after, it came the end of the Raptors, at the end of the Age of Apostasy. This was a heavy blow to the Chapter, which returned to its parent chapter home planet and found it destroyed.

 

Since them the Chapter has been crossing the galaxy committed to its original mission, to hunt the enemies of the Imperium and destroy them.

 

As a nomad fleet based chapter the Raven Templars soon became adepts of salvaging what they can of their enemies, gathering weapons, armors, artifacts, ships and worth youths. Over time they have amassed a sizeable fleet and a great collection of powerful artifacts, to the point that Raven Templars marines wage war relatively well equipped, with rare weapons and armors, even without having a forge world to supply themselves.

This search for powerful artifacts has brought them together with Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Fleets over and over, usually cooperating with one another (especially if the items recovered aren’t of martial inclination) but at least once ended with the complete destruction of a small Explorator Fleet.

 

The Chapter willingness of using proscribed methods (as taking direct control over Astra Militarum forces and to parlay with xenos, with recorded episodes involving Eldar and Tau) to achieve its objectives has brought the attention of the Holy Inquisition, and, although the chapter has been warned, apparently it hasn’t “crossed the line” yet, for there has been no public persecution.

 

Chapter Organization: The Raven Templars adhere to the broad organizational patterns laid down in the Codex Astartes, but as a chapter they see the Codex as a highly effective and proven set of strategic guidelines rather than inviolable dogma to be obeyed without question. To the Raven Templars flexibility is paramount, and they favor ambushes and hit and run tactics and avoid wars of attrition.

Chapter Combat Doctrine: Raven Templars operate with efficiency. Heroism and a thirsty for glory are frowned upon. As elite forces they are trained in all forms of warfare, but based on efficiency, they forego the thrill of the close combat and prefer the clean kill from afar with ranged weapons. Like their predecessors, the Raven Guard and the Raptors, the Raven Templars make extensive use of their scout marines dispersed throughout their taskforces.

A very analytical Chapter, the Raven Templars target weak points in enemy defenses and launch lightning strikes deep into enemy territory, using sniper fire to eliminate the leadership and them moving in for the kill, with an assault spearheaded by deep-striking terminators and dreadnoughts, followed by tacticals revealing themselves and closing the grip on the disorganized targets.

Flexibility and willingness to adapt to their situation represents the core of the Raven Templars combat doctrine. When needed, these Battle-Brothers may choose to take measures that others might consider dishonorable. For members of the Raven Templars Chapter, the only important standard is success. Honor and glory are noble notions, but a clear victory is worth far more than any amount of either. Most of the distinctive combat tactics that the Raven Templars employ are tied into this notion.

In keeping with their willingness to make use of every available resource, the Raven Templars Chapter often takes direct charge of any Imperial Guard units available in a given theatre, just like the Raptors Chapter. Rather than deferring to the organization intrinsic leadership, these Space Marines deploy their members among the merely human forces and then take a direct hand in their disposition and tactics, therefore maximizing the impact each Space Marine can have in the conflict.

During the course of an engagement, there are two favored elements to any plan of the chapter. The first is a supreme reliance upon their marksmanship. The second core strategy is the use of the hit-and-run tactic. Whenever possible, these Space Marines favors the use of guerrilla tactics and ambushes to deplete enemy forces prior to a more traditional engagement.

 

Chapter Beliefs: Like the Raven Guard, The Raven Templars do not venerate the Emperor with the fervor or zeal of many other Astartes Chapters, viewing him as a the greatest tactician ever, and the rightful master of the galaxy, but as a distant figure.

The leaders of the Raven Templars emphasize initiative and tactical skill as much or more so than personal martial prowess. Throughout the Chapter, blind obedience is strongly discouraged. All of these Space Marines are expected to act upon their own initiative at the appropriate times. However, such actions must fit within the context of the larger battle scheme. Battle-Brothers consider unorthodox tactics during their preparation for any conflict.

Chapter Gene-Seed: Like the other sons of Corax, Battle-Brothers of the Raven Templars Chapter gradually attain an ever paler skin tone as they age. After just a few standard centuries of service, some have skin that is very nearly translucent. At the same time, their hair colour darkens, so that the Chapter's Veterans are easily identified by their black hair and pale complexions. Again, like their progenitors, the Raven Templars also lack a functional Mucranoid implant. However, they do have a fully functional Betcher's Gland.


And that's it for my chapter. And look, people are reading my post, who would guess?

[Komrk]

Sounds like a good start, can't wait to see how you flesh it out. Plus it's always good to see another son of Corax

[samueldmjr]

And here is my Raven Templars list!

 

Dark Angels+Raptors

 

Raven Templars (Dark Angels + Raptors) (1760/1850pt.) 

http://hq-builder.com/shared/44185

 

 

@HQ [ 1 ]

 

Belial (190pt.) Terminator armour; Iron halo; Teleport homer; Storm bolter; Sword of Silence; 

 

@Elites [ 2 ]

 

Venerable Dreadnought (160pt.) Smoke launchers; Searchlight; Multi-melta; Power fist; Storm bolter; Deathwing vehicle; 

> 1x - Drop Pod (35pt.); Storm bolter; 

 

Venerable Dreadnought (160pt.) Smoke launchers; Searchlight; Multi-melta; Power fist; Storm bolter; Deathwing vehicle; 

> 1x - Drop Pod (35pt.); Storm bolter; 

 

@Troops [ 3 ]

 

5x - Deathwing Terminator Squad (230pt.) 

> 1x - Deathwing Terminator Sergeant (44pt.); Terminator Armour; Power sword; Storm bolter; 

> 3x - Deathwing Terminator (44pt.); Terminator Armour; Power fist; Storm bolter; 

> 1x - Deathwing Terminator (54pt.); Terminator Armour; Power fist; Heavy flamer; 

 

5x - Deathwing Terminator Squad (240pt.) 

> 1x - Deathwing Terminator Sergeant (44pt.); Terminator Armour; Power sword; Storm bolter; 

> 3x - Deathwing Terminator (44pt.); Terminator Armour; Power fist; Storm bolter; 

> 1x - Deathwing Terminator (64pt.); Terminator Armour; Power fist; Assault Cannon; 

 

5x - Scout Squad (100pt.) Camo cloaks; 

> 1x - Veteran Scout Sergeant (27pt.); Power armor; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Sniper rifle; Bolt pistol; Melta bombs; 

> 1x - Scout (27pt.); Scout armor; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Missile launcher; 

> 3x - Scout (12pt.); Scout armor; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Sniper rifle; 

 

@Secondary Detachment [ 1 ]

 

@HQ [ 1 ]

 

Librarian (140pt.) Psychic hood; Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Force weapon; The Primarch's Wrath; Auspex; Melta bombs; Digital weapons; Teleport homer; Mastery Level 2; 

 

@Elites [ 1 ]

 

5x - Sternguard Veteran Squad (170pt.) 

> 1x - Veteran Sergeant (42pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Special issue ammunition; Bolt pistol; Combi-melta; 

> 4x - Veteran (32pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Special issue ammunition; Bolt pistol; Combi-melta; 

 

@Troops [ 2 ]

 

10x - Tactical Squad (185pt.) 

> 1x - Veteran Sergeant (39pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Chainsword; Bolt pistol; Melta bombs; Teleport homer; 

> 1x - Space Marine (29pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Missile launcher; 

> 1x - Space Marine (19pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Flamer; 

> 7x - Space Marine (14pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Boltgun; 

 

10x - Tactical Squad (185pt.) 

> 1x - Veteran Sergeant (39pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Chainsword; Bolt pistol; Melta bombs; Teleport homer; 

> 1x - Space Marine (29pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Missile launcher; 

> 1x - Space Marine (19pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Flamer; 

> 7x - Space Marine (14pt.); Power armour; Frag grenades; Krak grenades; Bolt pistol; Boltgun; 

 

@Created by Head Quarters - online roster builder

[Quozzo]

Army lists have no place in the Liber, your best posting it in the other forum where people go to see lists.

[Brother Scythe]

"Before seeking victory, first make yourself invulnerable to defeat"
Primarch Corax, Meditations upon War and Shadow.

The main idea is a fleet based chapter in a crusade to gather knowledge and artifacts. They are a Raptors successors, so the crusade probably originates on the destruction of the Raptors home world and the lost of all their relics and knowledge.

 

Raptors successors huh. Interesting I can honestly say they are a chapter I have not seen used as a parent. I look forward to see how this evolves.

They specialize in intel gathering, and scout missions. Units of stealth space marines also synergize well with the concepts of ambushes and assassinations.

 

Intel is important. Some chapters do value it more than others, but to specialize in it is odd. Chapters are created to seek and destroy. Not study. Now obviously some do this (Blood Ravens) but they are first and foremost an attack force and spending that much time seems off. Stealth Space Marines? Marines in general don't really do stealth. I mean they do, but they prefer to use stealth as an attack fast without warning from where the enemy is weakest. Again some chapters do the stealth more than others, and the Raptors being their parents makes sense, but do not go overboard on that idea. They are still regular marines at the end of the day.

They prefer ranged warfare, and heavily use deep strikes for heavy
support.

 

Why? Marines are trained in all forms so why do they prefer this style?

They are Reasonable Marines, but taken more seriously. A mix of Raven Guard and Thousand Sons, but not so focused on the warp.

 

Okay. Try and create your own chapter though. It is always good to take ideas, but mixing two well established chapters can create something that doesn't often work.

Name: Raven Templars.
 

I honestly dislike this name. But hey your chapter. The mix of names just I don't think works, but then again I have seen several GW chapters that have weird names that I dislike so yeah.

Warcry: None.
 

Why?

Founding: 10th founding (35 millennium).
 

Okay. Interesting, just out of curiosity why the tenth?

Successors of: Raptors.


Successor chapters: Unknown.


Primarch: Corvus Corax.
 

Okay, many chapters don't have successors so don't worry about listing that. Also these guys are "third" generation. While they will likely respect Corax you don't need to list him much. He would be a VERY distant figurehead to the chapter generally, unless you have something in mind.

Chapter Master: ...
 

?

Homeworld: Fleet Based Chapter.

 

Do they have a recruitment world? Some fleet based chapters do have a world of their own still.

Allegiance: Imperium of Man.
 

Again...not needed.

Colors: Camouflage suitable for the mission. Blue and Gold are the official colours.
 

So they actively used camo? Interesting. Why?

Chapter History: ...


And I have to run, but I will focus my thoughts on the second half soon.

[samueldmjr]

"Before seeking victory, first make yourself invulnerable to defeat"
Primarch Corax, Meditations upon War and Shadow.

The main idea is a fleet based chapter in a crusade to gather knowledge and artifacts. They are a Raptors successors, so the crusade probably originates on the destruction of the Raptors home world and the lost of all their relics and knowledge.

 

Raptors successors huh. Interesting I can honestly say they are a chapter I have not seen used as a parent. I look forward to see how this evolves.

 

Hey, first of all, thanks.

They specialize in intel gathering, and scout missions. Units of stealth space marines also synergize well with the concepts of ambushes and assassinations.

 

Intel is important. Some chapters do value it more than others, but to specialize in it is odd. Chapters are created to seek and destroy. Not study. Now obviously some do this (Blood Ravens) but they are first and foremost an attack force and spending that much time seems off. Stealth Space Marines? Marines in general don't really do stealth. I mean they do, but they prefer to use stealth as an attack fast without warning from where the enemy is weakest. Again some chapters do the stealth more than others, and the Raptors being their parents makes sense, but do not go overboard on that idea. They are still regular marines at the end of the day.

 

Here you have a point. I'll probably change their focus to artifact gathering. Intel is important, but looking now its weird to be their main focus. Nevertheless, the idea is to make an extremelly analytical chapter. You see, the main idea here is to make an actual elite force. No matter how good is their training or armour, I believe that any marine that just charges against gun lines yelling FOR THE EMPRAH will end up dead pretty soon.

They prefer ranged warfare, and heavily use deep strikes for heavy
support.

 

Why? Marines are trained in all forms so why do they prefer this style?

 

As elite forces they are trained in all forms of warfare, but as history taught us with the advent of fire weapons melee became an increasingly rare occurrence. Actual Marines would shoot things much more often than they would stab things. In real life even extremely powerful melee weapons, like power fists, would be used more as tools than weapons.

They are Reasonable Marines, but taken more seriously. A mix of Raven Guard and Thousand Sons, but not so focused on the warp.

 

Okay. Try and create your own chapter though. It is always good to take ideas, but mixing two well established chapters can create something that doesn't often work.

 

The theme is actually how could they be real life greatest Elite Forces. These examples are of chapters with the same overall theme, but slightly different execution of the idea.

Name: Raven Templars.
 

I honestly dislike this name. But hey your chapter. The mix of names just I don't think works, but then again I have seen several GW chapters that have weird names that I dislike so yeah.

 

Raven is a tribute to Raven Guard. Templars because they are a nomad chapter, with a mission (from now on, artifact gathering).

Warcry: None.
 

Why?

 

Because it hardly makes any sense to charge screaming against gun lines, and it is much more reasonable to wait and ambush. And start firing unexpectedly.

Founding: 10th founding (35 millennium).
 

Okay. Interesting, just out of curiosity why the tenth?

 

No particular reason, just don’t want a chapter with a long history. It’s just one among many chapters in the universe.

Successors of: Raptors.


Successor chapters: Unknown.


Primarch: Corvus Corax.
 

Okay, many chapters don't have successors so don't worry about listing that. Also these guys are "third" generation. While they will likely respect Corax you don't need to list him much. He would be a VERY distant figurehead to the chapter generally, unless you have something in mind.

 

Another good point. There’s actually no need to have an strong Primarch in the chapter.

Chapter Master: ...
 

?

 

Still haven't thought of one. Probably Roman inspired names.

Homeworld: Fleet Based Chapter.

 

Do they have a recruitment world? Some fleet based chapters do have a world of their own still.

 

They don’t have any recruitment world. As a crusading chapter that travels the whole galaxy they don’t any single area of actuation in the galaxy.

Allegiance: Imperium of Man.
 

Again...not needed.

 

True. Just following the model of site that I don’t really recall which. 1d4 chan probably.

Colors: Camouflage suitable for the mission. Blue and Gold are the official colours.
 

So they actively used camo? Interesting. Why?

 

Again, the idea is to make an elite real life force. With so small numbers every Marine counts. They have to maximize their effectiveness, or they wouldn’t be able to do any real difference.

Chapter History: ...


And I have to run, but I will focus my thoughts on the second half soon.

[Quozzo]

Raven is a tribute to Raven Guard. Templars because they are a nomad chapter, with a mission (from now on, artifact gathering).

Why artifact gathering? It sounds like you just spun a wheel and chose the back-story of an already established chapter that has no connection to the Raven Templars. It is possible to have a fleet base chapter without needing to give an explanation, although one would further establish the character of your chapter.

 

Again, the idea is to make an elite real life force.

You mean a real-life military? I suppose you could but Space Marines have almost nothing in common with soldiers, as Brother Scythe points out. The imperial Guard would probably be more suited but if your inclined on creating a Space Marine chapter that acts like the real-life military then they're not really Space Marines.

[Olis]

All right, this is my first post, 

 

Hail and well met, brother. It is good to see a new face in the Liber. With any luck, we'll be able to help you construct and polish this idea into a shiny new IA article. ;)

 

The main idea is a fleet based chapter in a crusade to gather knowledge and artifacts. They are a Raptors successors, so the crusade probably originates on the destruction of the Raptors home world and the lost of all their relics and knowledge.

 

Anyway, let's focus on one thing here (it stood out to me from the off) - this sounds like the chapter would be very well suited to being bedfellows with Mechanicus Explorators. Often Explorator Fleets are on a mission to retrieve relics and find knowledge (in the name of the Omnissiah, of course). Sounds very... convenient, shall we say. ^_^

[samueldmjr]

Well, I just like the idea of artifact gathering. But I agree that it sounds like an secondary objective, not a primary one. So, I am accepting good suggestions.

 

And a real life military would be better represented by the Tau. They are the closest we have of modern military tactics. You know, I don’t want my marines to be real life soldiers. But I want them to be soldiers. Chapters like Space Wolves just sound silly to me. It doesn’t matter how much manly malyness you have, you still need tactics, organization and discipline to win. It doesn’t make sense for a resource so rare as Space Marines to be wasted because they just don’t accept defeat and don’t retreat.

 

And I’ve already noticed the proximity with the Adeptus Mechanicus. That is a great topic to develop. That, and the kind of attention it would draw from the inquisition. And the distrust they would receive from other chapters. But it does sound like the natural development of the idea. Not just because of the intelligence and artifact gathering, but because of the logical and methodical approach to warfare. Not just warfare, to life.

 

And thinking of it, this approach brings them closer to radical inquisitors (which are the minority), what would earn them some problems with the inquisition in general.

 

Ok, so I have a lot of ideas to develop a chapter that makes sense, and the kind of problems that would cause in a universe that doesn’t make too much sense. Time to edit the first post.

 

And thank you new guys for participating.

[Olis]

In regard to radical Inquisitors, there are several different stripes to consider, if you wish to involve the Holy Inquisition in the IA. There are those that utilise artefacts and methods of the enemy, Chaos,  for their own ends. There are others who follow what could be considered divergent beliefs regarding the Emperor. And there are some who think the struggle for survival (and the survival of the fittest) is not only of paramount interest but it is the one thing that is keeping the Imperium alive (a distinct opinion opposite to other Inquisitors who think the status quo must be preserved at all costs) - these will often deliberatly pitch Imperial factions/forces against one another to 'weed out the weak'.

[samueldmjr]

Added the Chapter History today.

 

Quick question: are there, besides the Black Fortress, ships that can destroy stars? I was planning to end the history like this:

In the 41th millenium, they destroyed a tendril of Hive Fleet Behemoth. The tyranids attacked planet ???, a mining planet in close orbit to it's sun. The Imperium forces, led by a Space Wolves Strike Team, fought valliantly, but were rapidly losing ground. The imperial forces retreated to the great mines and caves, and the Tyranids dominated the surface. So, the Hive Fleet aproached the planet to feed while the war was still raging deep underground. In this moment a Raven Templars fleet takes the oportunity and destroys the star, destroying themselves, the planet and the Hive Fleet.

So the Space Wolves bear a grudge against the Raven Templars, for a Space Wolves Fleet was inbound, and they believe they still could have saved the Wolf Brothers and the millions of soldiers fighting on the planet.

 

Chapter History: Founded on the 36^th millennium, as part of the 14^th founding, in the chaotic period following the Reign of Blood during the Age of Apostasy. They were made as a fleet based chapter intended to roam the stars and crush the fires of rebellion that burned in the galaxy. Thus, they had to make the most of themselves, knowing that to fight such a challenge they would need to inflict the maximum of damage while receiving little or no damage in return. And so they started the Assassin Crusade, aimed at destabilize the rebel forces encountered so that Imperial Guard armies could win the wars.

 

Sometime after, it came the end of the Raptors, at the end of the Age of Apostasy. This was a heavy blow to the Chapter, which returned to its parent chapter home planet and found it destroyed.

 

Since them the Chapter has been crossing the galaxy committed to its original mission, to hunt the enemies of the Imperium and destroy them.

 

As a nomad fleet based chapter the Raven Templars soon became adepts of salvaging what they can of their enemies, gathering weapons, armors, artifacts, ships and worth youths. Over time they have amassed a sizeable fleet and a great collection of powerful artifacts, to the point that Raven Templars marines wage war relatively well equipped, with rare weapons and armors, even without having a forge world to supply themselves.

This search for powerful artifacts has brought them together with Adeptus Mechanicus Explorator Fleets over and over, usually cooperating with one another (especially if the items recovered aren’t of martial inclination) but at least once ended with the complete destruction of a small Explorator Fleet.

 

The Chapter willingness of using proscribed methods (as taking direct control over Astra Militarum forces and to parlay with xenos, with recorded episodes involving Eldar and Tau) to achieve its objectives has brought the attention of the Holy Inquisition, and, although the chapter has been warned, apparently it hasn’t “crossed the line” yet, for there has been no public persecution.

[Olis]

Quick question: are there, besides the Black Fortress, ships that can destroy stars?

 

Short of warp trickery or very ancient tech/relics, no, I don't believe there is. There is, however, Exterminatus, which comes in a variety of planetary population killing flavours, such as breaking the entire planet in half to simply stripping it's atmosphere by a global firestorm. Orbital bombardment and virus bombs also work.

[samueldmjr]

Well, i do believe that Tyranids have some excuse to avoid exterminatus, otherwise they wouldn't be such a threat.

Because, you know, in the grim dark of the far future everything is so grim dark that blowing entire planets or "just" wipping them clean of life isn't such a big deal.

For the same reason I was thinking on something more "special".

Anyway, if I just exterminatus the planet them the Hive Fleet wouldn't die. And I don't think it would starve either. Not on the first planet, at least...

[Olis]

Well, i do believe that Tyranids have some excuse to avoid exterminatus, otherwise they wouldn't be such a threat.

To my knowledge, they don't. It is often (well, as often as anything of this magnitude happening, which isn't very) the final go to answer for stopping a Tyranid invasion from getting the resources from a particular planet. But, I could be mistaken and there is fluff out there where 'nids have survived an exterminatus - care to enlighten me, brother?

Because, you know, in the grim dark of the far future everything is so grim dark that blowing entire planets or "just" wipping them clean of life isn't such a big deal.

Actually, it depends. It's usually a fairly big deal as the Imperium prefers not to blow up it's own planets. Planets that aren't part of the Imperial fold (and never will be)? Not so much of a problem. There's a reason why an Exterminatus command is restricted to very few individuals (Chapter Masters, Inquisitors, Lord High Admirals and Lord Commanders) - we cannot just have this sort of power dished out willy nilly.

Anyway, if I just exterminatus the planet them the Hive Fleet wouldn't die.

The Hive Fleet itself wouldn't, as it isn't on the planet. All the 'nids on the planet would, though (barring any developments in the fluff that I am currently unaware of). The investment of resources into an invasion force would mean that if the Fleet couldn't recoup it's resources (because of an Exterminatus) it's much less threatening to the Imperium. It would still be dangerous and still need to be destroyed but all those Tyranid organisms being turned to ash would be a bad day for the Hive.

[Harlan Skorus]

 

Well, i do believe that Tyranids have some excuse to avoid exterminatus, otherwise they wouldn't be such a threat.

 

To my knowledge, they don't. It is often (well, as often as anything of this magnitude happening, which isn't very) the final go to answer for stopping a Tyranid invasion from getting the resources from a particular planet. But, I could be mistaken and there is fluff out there where 'nids have survived an exterminatus - care to enlighten me, brother?

 

I'm sorry, I can't help myself. I think I have a problem.

 

The 5th ed Tyranid codex mentions two ways of this happening - through smaller organisms like Ripper Swarms burrowing deep enough to survive and going in to hibernation, or through Carnifexes being Carnifexes. I do think that this is obviously subject to the type of Exterminatus - obviously literally tearing the planet apart St. Josmane's Hope style is pretty not survivable, but apparently certain methods are. In particular, the Ripper Swarm method is noted as having somehow produced enough Nids to retake the planet afterwards (not that there was much left to retake, but they killed an AM Explorator Team).

 

However, there would be nothing left to eat presumably, so the net result would still be a loss for the gribblies. Also, by waiting until the Tyranid Hive Ships descend into the atmosphere to suck up all their nutrients, a potentially severe blow could be dealt to a small splinter fleet. Maybe. Perhaps.

[Olis]

Not a problem at all, Skorus. You've given me a source to go check it out for myself. Thank you.

[Teetengee]

Instead of blowing up a star (which is not really believably feasible) they could declare exterminatus on every planet in the system to starve the nids. If you want a noble sacrifice, have the nids disable this in such a way that the fleet has to fly their ships directly into the last planet in order to wipe it of life.

Also, I will echo the thoughts that the Raven Templars sounds like a strange name, especially so because your chapter is decidedly not super faithful. The Templars were a faith based order of knights, perhaps moreso than they were crusaders.

[Lord-Captain Cepinari]

This doesn't feel like a cohesive whole to me, it just seems like you took stuff you thought were 'cool' and smashed them together into a lump.

[Resarys]

This doesn't feel like a cohesive whole to me, it just seems like you took stuff you thought were 'cool' and smashed them together into a lump.

Wasn't that pretty much everybody's first Chapter, though? I know my Obsidian Ghosts on a 5000 year quest to recover a feather of Sanguinus, a battle standard taken from the Raven Guard on Istvaan, and an STC sure didn't have much going for them.

Instead of trying to do the Reasonable Marines+, you could have a Raven Guard successor that shunned the Raven's Way and embraced the Codex. In an ensuing war, a traitor warband who makes a point of dismantling Codex tactics took the Chapter apart. (Or they faced a never-before encountered xenos, for which the Codex was totally unprepared. The point is, the Codex needs to fail them somehow - which is itself a rather difficult thing to make work. Maybe a Night Lords force used ambush tactics against them to devastating effect.)

With reduced numbers and the painfully slow rebuilding process of the sons of Corax, the Raven Templars would have been forced back into the teachings of their Primarch, and to an extreme degree. They now view his writings as more holy than the Codex. Instead of looking for the perfect weakspot to apply the perfect amount of force - when available - that has become the ONLY way they fight. The Templars have retreated so deeply into shadows that other Imperial organizations question if they were not destroyed outright, only to appear, striking from the darkness at a single target regardless of Imperial commands, and fading away once again as the enemy crumbles and local forces are left to mop things up.

Assassin-monks, instead of warrior-monks.

[samueldmjr]

Resarys, I'm impressed that someone could write such a better history for my own chapter. But instead of change the "zeal" of the chapter I think it's best to change the name and get rid of the Templars.

 

Anyway guys, accepting suggestions for a new name. You already know the basis of the Chapter, so which name would fit it?

 

Raven seems right, considering they are sons of Corax. And they are a wandering chapter.

 

So, suggestions?

[Tiberius Cato]

Black Ravens

Ravens Oscurus

Night Ravens

are a few that include Raven off the top of my head.

You could go for other common conventions by including shadow or dusk aswell

Shadow Warrios

Dusk Fighters

Shadow/Dusk Lords

 

I hope these will be help steer you in the direction you want to go for the name of the chapter :)

[Resarys]

Ravens Penitent. While they aren't penitent in the traditional sense, they may feel a certain sense of "Wow dad you were right we're sorry we listened to Uncle Guiliman instead." Quite fond of using "Dusk", too.

 

And, I thank you, brother samueldmjr. But it's not "better", it just comes from a different perspective! A fresh set of eyes can do wonders.