Libators - DIY Development

[Welcheren]

[skullheader#ffec34]Index Astartes: Libators[/skullheader]

Primarch: Roboute Gulliman

Founding Chapter/Legion: Ultramarines - Legio XIII

Founding: Second Founding in the 31^st Millenuim

Known Successors: The Judicators (http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?81016-Index-Astartes-Judicators)

War cry: For the glory of the Primarch! or Ave Imperator!

Homeworld: Plataea (Located just beyond the bounds of the Ultima Segmentum, northwest of the Ghoul Stars)

Current Chapter Master: Timoleon V

Number: Unknown

Speciality: Deep striking

Fortress Monastery: Domum Fortis (beneath the Deadhall Mountains)

Company markings: Company is designated by the colour of the left knee plate

When the hour of our death is come we shall see the Shrine of the Primarch. And the Primarch will shield our souls from the enemy, for the purity of our sacrifice will please him. And we shall see the line of our Order, back to the Founding, ranged at the side of our gene-father. Until that moment we shall not falter, we shall not yield. - Verse from the Litany of Mori

[Welcheren]

[skullheader#ffec34]Chapter origins[/skullheader]
 
 
We the are sons of Plataea - we the are sons of Guilliman - and though our order endures, it is our destiny is to die for the Emperor: mired in the blood of his foes. - Line from the Litany of Mori
 
 
With the utter ruin of the Horus Heresy averted, Roboute Guilliman of the XIII Legion set about a re-organisation of the Legiones Astartes that he believed would preserve the Imperium. To exhibit his conviction of the efficacy this new system and continued devotion to vision of the Emperor, Guilliman immediately set about the process of dividing his own legion into chapters. Despite the ravages of Calth and the untold number of other battles, the XIII Legion must have retained great strength of arms, and replaced much of its losses with prodigious speed, for many new chapters were sired by the Ultramarines.
 

One of these was the Libators chapter: taciturn in demeanour - steadfast and dependable in war. The first Chapter Master of this brotherhood was Heraklios Mori. A warrior of doubtless loyalty, courage and battlefield acumen, Heraklios was a close friend and companion of Lucretius Corvo, who had been selected as the first Chapter Master of the Novamarines. During the Heresy, Heraklios and the survivors of his company had been at Corvo's side when the great champion defeated the traitor Titan Fellghast on Astogar (Guy Haley, Death of Integrity: p. 210).
 

The death of the Warmaster did not signal the end of the Imperium's ordeal or the cessation of bloodshed. Though the scales had begun to turn, the stern trial of the Scouring lay ahead. Armed with both the cold logic of the recently penned Codex Astartes, and the smoldering ire of loss and retribution, the Libators set out to participate in the brutal counter-offensive that heralded a new epoch in the lifespan of the Imperium. Among the many battle honours won during this time, one of the greatest was the Battle of Tsagualsa, where all the Primogenitor chapters of the XIII Legion made war upon the Night Lords (http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/241816-void-stalker-by-adb/page-2).

 

 

Some time after the Battle of Tsagualsa, the Libators set a course for the northern reaches of the Ultima Segmentum, nigh to the Ghoul Stars, and undertook the reconquest of entire systems that had fallen to opportunistic xenos during the Heresy. Heraklios Mori guided his chapter in this endeavour for 98 standard years. But then he took a course of action that would lead those few who became appraised of subsequent events to question the wisdom of his selection as Chapter Master.

 

 

What records remain of his conduct during the Heresy paints a picture of a calculating man, dour in demeanour, though of piercing intelligence. This seemed at variance with his actions in the 99th year after the death of Horus. While engaged in the final crucial stages of a campaign against xenos-held worlds, which saw every company in his chapter operating under strength from continuous fighting, Heraklios departed. After summoning half the number of his most experienced veterans he made for that section of the Ultima Segmentum patrolled by the Novamarines and Lucretius Corvo (in the regions surrounding Honourum). All remaining forces were left under the command of the First Company Captain, advised by the Chief Librarian and Chaplain. No account of Mori's motivations, or that of Corvo's, has been divulged by either Chapter. No Brother has disclosed the nature of the threat these two Chapter Masters intended to meet, or why the presence of Mori and half his veterans was considered important. The Libators are loathe of speak of it, for they will brook no criticism of their first Chapter Master, but neither will they reveal more evidence. And thus, how long Heraklios intended to remain away from his chapter remains unknown.

 
Whatever end they had departed to achieve, the Libators soon received news that thousands of pilgrims were imperilled. A small moon within the Ultima Segmentum, home to a cathedral of obeisance to the Throne on Earth, had became isolated by the sudden emergence of a xenos race - never recorded before or since. The Libators shared their Primarch's disdain for the Lectitio Divinitatus and any deification of the Emperor, having sworn adherence to the Imperial Truth. Moreover, they were loathe to be distracted from their original mission. Nevertheless, duty demanded their intervention on the moon.

 

 

The xenos attack on the cathedral struck at a most inopportune moment, for the Libators and their Novamarine allies had already divided their forces into numerous strike forces in order engage whatever threat it was that had initially moved Mori to join Corvo. Only three squads of the Novamarines and three veteran squads of the Libators - all low on supplies - were in the vicinity. These were led by Mori himself, while Corvo and other strike forces were engaged elsewhere.

 

 

The force under Mori's command diverted from their original mission, and deployed to the moon, landing around the many-tiered structure of the cathedral. The xenos rushed on in droves, and there is some indication that they were led by shape-shifting abominations and metallic creatures - vaguely reminiscent of daemon engines. The Astartes countered the rapidity of the assault with calculated charges and disciplined flanking actions, saving just over half of the pilgrims from death. Eventually the Novamarines held perimeter on one end of a flat-topped pyramid, located at the centre of the cathedral complex, with the Libators ranged on the opposite edge, backs to their brothers. Both teams held tactically advantageous positions and should have been victorious without further loss.
 

What followed is uncertain, but when further elements of the Novamarines and Libators arrived under Corvo, everything was still. Victory had been achieved, but the pyramid was shattered on the Libators' side. Among the heavy mounds of xenos dead, the sensoriums of the new arrivals discerned the corpses of the shape shifting creatures, boiling and crumbling into dust so that no further study could be made of them, or the exact kill-ratio calculated. Among the heaps thus created stood Heraklios, dead within his artificer armour, legs locked so that he remained unbowed at the end. Etched on his face was a wry grin - as if smiling at the confirmation of a bitter suspicion. Of his retinue only six survived, five destined for Dreadnaught sarcophagi. The other, Veteran Sergeant Timoleon, had been anointed with the dust of the temple as Heraklios' successor.
 
 
Corvo never spoke of the reason for Mori's decisions, and none dared ask, but as wergild for their sacrifice, the Novamarines presented the Libators with a sacred relic: a chalice. Although it belonged to Corvo, it had been in Heraklios' hand when the two companions first received news of the Warmaster's betrayal. The metal cup had been dented by Mori's outrage before he restrained himself. Much of the red wine had spilled over his gauntlet, as if in prediction of the test awaiting Ultramar and the Imperium. Later when the Primarch tasked him with leading a new successor chapter, Mori selected the chalice and omega as their symbol in remembrance of that moment. With the blessings of Guilliman, he named the chapter the Libators (the Novamarines have 15 relics according to Haley's Death of Integrity: 209; and this cup would have been the 16th).

 

 

The Libators accepted this chalice from the Novamarines and also took with them much of the cathedral ruins. In future the dust and fragments of rubble were dispersed among the largest task forces of the chapter, along with fine copies of the chalice. In preparation for battle, following the ritual renewal of their oaths to the Primarch and hymns of devotion to duty, a portion of wine would be poured over a stone container housing shards of the cathedral that witnessed Heraklios' last stand, while Chaplains lead their brothers in the litany of Mori. Only when the entire chapter assembles for war, is the Chalice of Mori retrieved from its vault. 

 

 

Upon induction into the chapter, each brother is gifted a chalice in similar fashion upon which his name is etched. As his service continues, the Brother records the tally of his deeds. This practice predates the death of Mori, echoing a tradition of the warriors of his company before the heresy. To this day the brothers of the Libators often spend time meditating over the words etched upon the chalices of long dead brothers, at the end of which the meditating warrior pours a libation of wine from his own cup, in honour of his fallen comrades' memory and as a silent vow to uphold the virtues of their order. 

 

 
 
 
[skullheader#ffec34]Recruitment[/skullheader]

 
Following these events, the chapter was reunited in the region of space assigned to their protection, located beyond Imperial boundaries, outside the Ultima Segmentum and to the north of the Ghoul Stars.
 
 
The remainder of the chapter had arrived over the feral world Plataea, drawn there by the acute senses of their Chief Librarian, who had detected a strong Chaotic presence on the planet. However, owing to a unique electromagnetic field - the precise nature of which was impermeable even to the superior science of that bygone age - augur scans were ineffective and the Libators could recover no accurate information on the landscape of the planet. But the Chief Librarian discerned other forces on the world besides that of Chaos. A strong psychic signal offered guidance to the Libators. They responded with caution. Through the Librarian, named Chios, the chapter made planet fall in good order. The enemy had already advanced on their position, but Chios provided the First Captain with uncanny knowledge of the foes' disposition. When the forces of Chaos charged the high ground where the Libators had dig in, they were repelled with loss. The Libators pursued and - still guided by the Chios' insights - routed the warband of Word Bearers and discovered their lair. Here they discovered more than Chaos Marines and heretics. The enemy ranks had been bolstered by a plague of mutants resembling the minotaur of Terran legend, referred to in the Plataean language as cretan bulls.
 

The details of the highly successful campaign that liberated Plataea is related elsewhere. Since then, the youths of the feral clans not only compete for the honour of joining the Emperor's Angels of Death. In addition, great festivals of lyric poetry are held, commemorating the liberation, and the most accomplished singers pray to be selected as choir serfs aboard the Libator ships.
 
 
Immediately after the liberation, when the final Word Bearer lay dead, Librarian Chios made contact with the psychic source that had guided him:
 
 
In the centre of Plataea's greatest landmass, is an immense inland sea. A chain of islands made of hard grey rock toward the north is known as the Labyrinth. Creatures still affected by the Word Bearers' genetic experiments live, hunt and die here to this day. One way of becoming a Libator, is to sail through these islands and seek out the centre isle and the Pythian Spire (traditionally under a black sail). As the route is plagued by mutated monsters and wracked by storms, only the strongest survive. Once an Aspirant has reached the island, he travels to the Pythian Spire and ascends the stairs to the top. There he is met by a Libators Librarian, who assesses his worth and either accepts him for training as an Astartes, a chapter-serf, or casts him from the Spire to die. This is the journey that Chios himself made, and since then the Libators harbour a secret that is only revealed to those that reach the Spire. Apart from the Librarian who teleports to the Spire upon the arrival of an Aspirant, the island and the Spire is inhabited by a sisterhood of unsanctioned psykers, known among the Libators as the Conclave. The women of the Conclave aid in the selection of future Brothers, and are considered a vital ward against corruption - including the threat of corruption from the mutants that Aspirants are forced to battle of their route to the Spire. The origin of this practice reaches back to the day when Chios met them. Although no written record of the meeting remains, the tradition passed down among the Libators is that the sisters not only sensed the power of the Emperor through the Astronomicom, but displayed uncanny knowledge of their Primarch. Although prone to speaking in symbolic and allegorical language, the Libators ascertained that the sisters concur with those upon Macragge who assert that Guilliman's wounds are slowly healing within his statis field. Following the fall of Mori, the second Chapter Master, Timoleon met with the Conclave and although the content of this meeting has also never been recorded, the secret alliance is honoured by every Battle-Brother. Both Chaplains and Librarians have been known to visit the Spire whenever their extensive duties permit.
 
 
The sisters of the Conclave live extraordinarily long lives. When one of their number is close to death, they cast among the inhabitants of the planet, searching for suitable candidates, and beckon to these with psychic messages to make the journey across the Labyrinth. The existence of the Conclave is a closely guarded secret, not only among the Libators, but all the inhabitants of Plataea whose superstitions preclude them from speaking of it openly. In addition, Librarians among the Libators have sometimes received visions from the sisters of the Conclave, even when operating far away from Plataea. Although often opaque and difficult to understand, some of these visions have guided the Libators to victory during their 10 000 year history. If some sinister danger lurks behind the unique abilities of the Conclave, it has yet to reveal itself.   
 
 
The native clans of Plataea do not wage war with each other. They are linked not only by close ties of language, culture and oaths of allegiance, but the kinship of bitter necessity and the politics of mutual dependence. The widespread fishing communities, foresters, valley-farmers, mountaineers and miners, are all beset by the myriad predators of their world - creatures that hunt with a keen intelligence and a wide array of natural weapons, which had originally attracted the attention of the Word Bearers.

 

 

 

Though the Libators keep watch over the slow evolution of these beasts and the tally they reap among the human settlers, the Brothers will not exterminate them. For the martial strength, intelligence and resourcefulness stimulated by such harsh conditions are vital to producing suitable recruits for the service of the Emperor.
 
 
 
[skullheader#ffec34]Fortress Monastery[/skullheader]

 
Plataea is a densely forested world, split by many rivers, and fed by regular rain seasons. Its boasts two major landmasses of which the eastern body is dominated by a massive mountain range. The Fortress Monastery of the Libators is entirely subterranean, carved beneath this range, and is the subject of elaborate myth among the native Plataeans. Thought its precise location is unknown to them, they call the range that cover it, the Deadhalls Mounts. Its defences against orbital attack are artfully concealed. Once accepted as neophytes, new members are only permitted into the Monastery after a ritual named the Cleansing, or alternatively the Rebirth. In the vaults of a deep cave, the new member is given a flask of oil and covers his body with it. A special servitor approaches with a hooked instrument, called a strigil, and cleanses the supplicant of the vestiges of his previous life.

 

 

Owing to the distant location of Plataea, the Libators have been isolated from many key events in Imperial history. This does not imply that the chapter has been idle. Instead, the order has often had to battle great threats with little support, ranging from large-scale pirate raids into Imperial space to concerted xeno invasions and waves of mutant hordes. In some of these endeavours the chapter has rushed to the aid of other chapters in the region, such as the Death Spectres and the Novamarines. On many other occasions they have fought alone, and have become especially adept at maintaining military equipment, even by the standards of Astartes who are expected to be capable of independent operation.

 

 

 

 

Plataea - Home world of the Libators

http://www.wallpaperup.com/uploads/wallpapers/2013/09/12/147083/203c72a754fe0acc742c97ce78dd0c6c.jpg

[Welcheren]

[skullheader#ffec34]Chapter beliefs[/skullheader]
 

 

Soon or late: to every brother among our order, death reaches out. And for what nobler end can a warrior wish: than to fall in the face of tremendous odds, in the spirit of the founder, for the memory of the Primarch, and in the name of the Emperor. - Verse from the Litany of Mori (and shamelessly based on the Lays of ancient Rome)

 

 

The Libators are hard-line adherents of the Imperial Truth. Although their battle cries, litanies and canticles bear a pious quality to the hears of those who are unfamiliar with this adherence, the words are intended to activate hyno-training, and does not betoken worship.

 

 

Moreover, taking their cue from those on Macragge who believe that Guilliman's wounds are inexorably healing within his statis chamber, the Libators still cling to the hope that the Primarch will one day rise from the shrine, his body hale.

 

 

This in turn has fueled a belief that the Emperor - far greater than even the Primarch - might also be healing within the confines of the Golden Throne. Therefore, they hope that the day might yet come when the Father of the Imperium shall gather to him all the faithful chapters, on a scale to dwarf the legions of old, and instigate a new Crusade against the pernicious foes of mankind. It is therefore the fondest wish of all battle-bothers to kneel by the Shrine of the Primarch on Macragge to renew vows of fealty to the Primarch and the Emperor.

 

 

Despite this devotion to the Truth and an abiding distaste for the Ecclesiarchy, the Libators stoically defend any routes of pilgrimage within the territories assigned to them, accepting the defence of relics and civilian pilgrims as part of their charge.

 

 

Prior to battle, Chaplains of the Libators lead their brethren in the rite of Mori. A replica of the Cup of Mori is brought out to perform a ritual libation. Sanctified wine is poured on an altar containing a portion of the ruins that bore witness to the death of the chapter master. During the ritual, each battle brother approaches the altar, bearing his own personal cup before him. Once he has ascended the stairs before the altar, he emulates the Chaplain by offering his own libation to the memory of Mori. While doing so, each brother whispers a request for guidance - not in the manner of a praying Ecclesiarch, but as a warrior speaking seeking advice from a superior and beloved officer.

 

 

Upon these personal cups, each Libator records his deeds in minuscule laser-etching, along with personal reflections upon the meaning of duty, loyalty and honour. These ruminations are often rendered in allegorical language in order to preserve space. When death finally takes them, the chalice of each fallen brother is retained in the Hall of Memory, deep within their Fortress Monastery under the roots of the mountains, so that brothers (both novice and veteran) may frequently meditate upon the character and legacy of their forebears. Hours of sombre meditation are ended by drinking a sip of wine and pouring a small libation at the feet of the pedestal that holds the chalice in question. In this way, they vow to emulate the sacrifice of past heroes. In order to preserve this tradition during long campaigns, the Libators have managed to create special chambers aboard their battle barges and even some of their strike cruisers that mimic the atmospheric conditions of the vales of Plataea. Growing from synthetic soil within these chambers, the grapes are harvested by the Vine Masters among their chapter serfs. The majority of the ritual wines, however, are still drawn from Plataea itself.
 
 
To guard against the vagaries of the Warp, the chapter maintains a tradition of providing each battle-brother with a hypothetical set of tactical problems while in transit, to which he must compile a solution. The time allowed to compile a strategy and the number of solutions required vary according to the orders of the Chaplains, Librarians or Captains who rotate the task among them while traversing the Warp. Companies may choose to collect the works deemed worthy and store them in record chambers within the Fortress Monastery, near the crypt of Heraklios. These may also be submitted for judgement by the five venerable Dreadnaughts housing the survivors of Mori's retinue. One of the most profuse authors of such works was Eusebius. Both his writings and an extensive list of battlefield honours bore testimony to keen judgement and strategic flexibility. Intensely concerned over the future of his chapter, he was instrumental in selecting and training worthy recruits. The Libators reluctantly parted with Eusebius when he and a hand-picked following set off to forge the Judicators chapter. But their duty to the Imperium was clear, and so they passed the much decorated battle barge Tyrannus and other vessels into his care (see http://www.librarium-online.com/forums/40k-army-fluff/93795-ia-judicators.html).

 

 

The Libators also harbour an abiding mistrust of any Astartes chapter whose lineage and Primarch is in doubt, believing that they need this information to interpret the history and judge the character and predilections of the chapter in question, especially if the Libators might be required to co-operate with them. This level of distrust emanates mainly from reports of the apparent capriciousness of some Astartes chapters - reports which the Libators have gleaned from brothers returning from the Deathwatch. However, this bias was put to the test during a joint operation with the Black Dragons, and appears to have been ameliorated when the conduct of the Dragons won the Libators' respect. 

 

 

Finally, the Libators have demonstrated an eagerness to volunteer its veteran brothers to the Deathwatch, and brothers display the honour badges won on such campaigns with solemn pride.
 

 

[skullheader#ffec34]Chapter organisation[/skullheader]

 

 

As befits one of the primogenitors of the Ultramarines, the Libators are a Codex-Compliant chapter in the main. They possess a sufficient number of sacred Tactical Dreadnaught Armour to equip the entire first company and the command squads of all battle companies, should the need arise. They are also blessed with a high number of capital ships, among them the Battle Barges Tyrannus (which has been gifted to the Judicators chapter), the Blood of Plataea, Relentless Duty and the Unyielding.
 

 

 

[skullheader#ffec34]Combat doctrine[/skullheader]
 
 
In matters of strategy, the Libators are dedicated to upholding the spirit of the Codex Astartes, and the premium this great work places on assessing the particulars of each situation before devising strategy. As such, they never fail to consider its teachings (often memorised).

 

 

However, following a long history of combating hit-and-run tactics from marauding pirates, rebellious human civilisations, and xenos strike forces, the Chapter has developed a wide variety of tactical responses to this particular style. Most notably, the Libators favour the deployment of one force to withstand attacks (designated Shield Force - often consisting of, for example, Dreadnoughts, Terminators, Tactical squads or Devastators), combined with warriors dedicated to assaulting enemy lines of retreat (designated Spear 1, 2, 3 etc. - for example with forces delivered by drop pod, Thunderhawk or jump pack). Following many campaigns that have required such strategies, they have become particularly adept at combining Tactical and Assault marine squads and at performing Terminator-led deep strikes.

 

 

More recently, patrolling fleets have observed, tracked and engaged several waves of hideously altered mutant hordes. The rank and file of these hordes are clearly composed of human mutants, but the original form of the most formidable abominations have yet to be ascertained. Other hosts have included masses of undead xenos. The Libators conjecture that these fleet-mounted mutants and xenos-undead are being mobilised against the Imperium from a range of human and xenos worlds - somewhere beyond the known stars, that have fallen under the thralldom of Chaos.

 

 

One idiosyncrasy originating from the cultures of their home world, involves using the names of gods from the pantheon of ancient Plataean religion as battle cants that are used to co-ordinate tactical maneuvers. Examples include:
 

 

Mycale dips her eyes
Eurymedon stirs the wind
Salamis breaks the shore

Epaminondas turns
 

As mentioned earlier, owing to the distant location of Plataea, the Libators have often been forced to operate without direct support from other arms of the Imperial war machine. One repercussion is that they have become less attuned to the emotions and behaviours of unaugmented humans - a deficiency that is liable to strain relations with Imperial Guard and Navy forces when co-operation is required.
 

 

[skullheader#ffec34]Gene seed[/skullheader]
 
 
Stemming from the esteemed lineage of the Ultramarines, the Libators exhibit no mutations and possess all organs in fully functional order.
 
 

[johnyocum]

Only issue with your fluff is that the Ultramarines were Legio XIII, not XVIII.

 

Other than that, very nice.

[Welcheren]

OH THE SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I promise I really was thinking 13, even while I was typing XVIII (18). Will see a chaplain straight away.

 

Correction made.

[Welcheren]

I have received some critique over the close ties with the Novamarines. Does anyone find that problematic?

[Brother Tyler]

Since this is DIY development of a canon Chapter, the appropriate forum is Liber Astartes. I've split this topic from the Libators! And other Easter eggs topic in the Ultramarines sub-forum.

 

As for the question about a relationship with the Novamarines, conceptually, there is no problem whatsoever. It is logical that two (or more) Primogenitors may have established a firm relationship over the millennia, dating back to when Guilliman broke the Legion into the Chapters.

 

The only real issue I have is the re-naming of the Chapter. Death is an expected outcome of the life that the Space Marines lead. Even the Chapter Masters die. I can't recall anyone else re-naming their Chapter just because a Chapter Master has died, including those led by the Primarchs (though it might be argued that no one would dare lose the names of the Legions from those Chapters that bore their names). Also, it seems likely that the Primarch himself approved of the Chapter's original name and subsequently changing that name would appear to go against the wishes of the Primarch. I just don't see the plausibility or value in saying that the Chapter once had a different name.

[Welcheren]

Thanks for moving the topic to the correct forum.

Yes. I see your point. Since the act of libation has religious connotations, and often associated with death, dying and the taking of oaths among some ancient cultures, I wanted to give the Libators something special to mourn and settled on the early loss of their first chapter master. As far as I know, many of the other Astartes chapters spent far more time with their first chapter masters.

But, although this may still be a central part of their identity and culture, I take your point that it should not go quite as far as resulting in a change of name. I'll do some re-thinking.

 

Perhaps something to the following effect: The cup was dented with Mori's outrage before he restrained himself. Much of the wine had spilled over his gauntlet. Later, when the Primarch tasked him with leading a successor chapter, Mori selected the chalice and omega as their symbol in remembrance of that moment, and named the chapter the Libators.

 

Thanks again.

[Argent aquila]

i see plenty good coming along here, i am not the most well spoken on canon, so have nothing i could add to help there. as an ultramarines direct decendant chapter, it makes sense on how you laid out their combat and organization tactics, the only comparison i could have would be the lesser adherent chapters that claim lineage to the ultramarines, so, overall, very good stuff!

only questions i have:

do you have a set color scheme as of yet? posting one would be great!

do you plan on taking up the name of the chapter? because if you did, you should most definitely add some more campaign honors and notable battle brothers, even if it sort of steps on canon. or you could leave them blank, it is entirely your choice

hope i helped a little

[Welcheren]

Thanks. I appreciate it. Since the Libators were approved as a canon chapter, their colours and symbol were laid down along with a few other UM successors including the Patriarch of Ulixis. Another thread entitled "Libators and other easter eggs" has some pretty good art for them. I'll post it soon. 

 

Thanks again. I'll try to come up with some battle honours. I am thinking of penning a short story on them soon. 

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/279658-libators-and-other-easter-eggs/?hl=%2Blibators+%2Bother+%2Beaster+%2Beggs&do=findComment&comment=3601148

[Welcheren]

Any criticism, polite or harsh, welcome.

[Brother Tyler]

Here's the color scheme:

I'll try to provide some feedback later (chores to do, Imperial Knights Companion to pick up from my local GW Hobby Center, etc.).

[That Guy Matt]

I got to this eventually.

 

I looks good to me. My usual skepticism with home brew fluff is how over the top and disconnected from the setting it can be. This though is grounded in the history and I think their beliefs and organisation fit well for a second founding Ultramarine Chapter.

 

I don't see any issue with having a close relationship with the Novamarines. Their founders would have been battle brothers before the second founding, that relationship continuing is logical.

 

That's it for now.

[Welcheren]

Thanks a bunch Asmodai. Feel free to add to it.

[Welcheren]

Added some new details in terms of recruitment in order to flesh out their culture.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

Because I'm irritated I can't print off some stuff that has nothing to do with my job, I'm going to go through this now during work hours - take that employer!

Once sufficient stability had been restored after the Heresy...

Overall the Origins sections reads very well, with it containing a lot of information but in a very concise manner. However, the line quoted above feels very much like you've marginalised the Scouring - itself a massive event in the wake of the Heresy and despite how well the rest of it reads I keep coming back to this.

The Delphic Circle..

That feels, despite the fact I know what you are trying to do, rather heavy handed.

In addition, they are implacably convinced that one day the Emperor will rise from the Golden Throne, his body hale. At that time the Primarch also will rise from his shrine and gather the faithful successors of the Ultramarines together into a great legion that will initiate a new Great Crusade against the pernicious foes of mankind.

Where does this certainty come from and what exactly makes them so certain?

Despite this devotion to the Truth and an abiding distaste for the Ecclesiarchy, the Libators stoically defend any routes of pilgrimage within the territories assigned to them, accepting the defence of relics and civilian pilgrims as part of their charge. However, this devotion has coloured the Libators' interactions with a string of newly-encountered human civilisations at the very edge of the Ultima Segmentum. Diplomatic missions revealed that these worlds had once been part of the Imperium, and that a legacy of hatred for the Emperor had been fostered by wildly heretical folklore painting him as a daemon and his servants as oppressors. Such blasphemies, coupled with evidence of genetic mingling with xenos, resulted in war and the complete depopulation of at least three worlds (the exact circumstances remain unknown, with some claiming that Exterminatus was pronounced, and others asserting that the enemy instigated a scorched earth policy thus destroying their own worlds). A sizeable force of religious fundamentalists who survived the destruction of these three worlds remain at large in a nearby system, from which they have launched three unsuccessful crusades of retribution against the Libators and other Imperial servants within their portion of the Ultima Segmentum (evidence suggests that the enemy have been aided by unidentified xenos; Imperial Guard troops facing these fundamentalists have named them the Blasphemers in reference to the anti-Imperial slogans painted on their ships).

I keep rereading this section over and over again and it strikes a discordant tone in my mind but I can't pinpoint exactly why. There is a disturbance in the Force, if you will.

Contradicting the above-mentioned portrait of the Libators' faith, rumours persist that they protect a secret conclave of exclusively female psykers on Plataea, and that they revere this group as blessed interpreters of the Emperor's will. Although no evidence has emerged that either the Libators or the feral inhabitants of Plataea harbour such a cult, Inquisitorial agents remain active in the area.

But I thought this was a closely guarded secret? The only way for someone to know would be to be betrayed by one of their own surely? Rumours are fine but to have a rumour that is actually the truth doesn't work well, in my opinion.

Especially when in transit through the Warp, the chapter maintains a tradition of providing each battle-brother with a hypothetical set of tactical problems, to which he must compile a solution that adheres to the tenets of the Codex Astartes with the greatest efficiency.

Why during Warp transit especially? I would ask "what is so special then?" except I know but the first question remains; is it seen as some kind of mental armour?

They are also frequently submitted for judgement by the five venerable Dreadnaughts housing the survivors of Mori's retinue.

I wouldn't suggest 'frequent', as older Dreads tend to be kept in sleep-mode more and more as the years pass. Old Dreads = crazy Dreads, quite a bit of the time.

The Libators also harbour an abiding mistrust of any Astartes chapter whose lineage and Primarch is in doubt. However, this predilection has recently been put to the test.

This is a classic writers error; an idea out of nowhere with no real information or explanation and then on to the next thing! Why that kind of mistrust and why has it been put to the test?

Within the Combat Doctrine section, I have a minor quibble regarding the whole Shield/Arrow premise and that it that it doesn't sound right. I believe Shield/Spear would sound better but that is purely a minor issue of style. (I am right though! )

One idiosyncrasy originating from their home world, is the use of the names of gods from the pantheon of ancient Plataean religion as battle cants that are used to co-ordinate tactical maneuvers.

This is cool. I have seen this, or rather the premise of it, before somewhere else but I cannot think where.

The First Company Squads are named:

Less-to-Not cool. Feels a little like detail for details sake, doesn't add to the feel of the article as a whole.

The Campaigns bit is hit-or-miss; some people don't like them and others do. I have no issues either way.

That's what I have and now I should go work for a living.

[Welcheren]

Thanks Captain. This is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for.

Once sufficient stability had been restored after the Heresy...

Overall the Origins sections reads very well, with it containing a lot of information but in a very concise manner. However, the line quoted above feels very much like you've marginalised the Scouring - itself a massive event in the wake of the Heresy and despite how well the rest of it reads I keep coming back to this.

Good point. I removed the "Once sufficient stability" clause. I might change it later to reflect the Scouring more appropriately, but I don't want to distract from the main information that follows.

The Delphic Circle..

That feels, despite the fact I know what you are trying to do, rather heavy handed.

Hmmmmm... Good point. Will do some thinking on that one. There's bound to be a superior alternative. Perhaps Sybaline Conclave and Pythian Spire.

In addition, they are implacably convinced that one day the Emperor will rise from the Golden Throne, his body hale. At that time the Primarch also will rise from his shrine and gather the faithful successors of the Ultramarines together into a great legion that will initiate a new Great Crusade against the pernicious foes of mankind.

Where does this certainty come from and what exactly makes them so certain?

Honestly, it mainly appeals to me on account on the kinds of prayers it allows me to out in the Libators' mouths. My initial source for the idea was that some Ultramarines believe that Guilliman is actually healing inside his statis chamber (even though it is medically impossible as current 40k knowledge goes). Will think of an appropriate way of accounting for this belief. Thanks so much for pointing this out.

Despite this devotion to the Truth and an abiding distaste for the Ecclesiarchy, the Libators stoically defend any routes of pilgrimage within the territories assigned to them, accepting the defence of relics and civilian pilgrims as part of their charge. However, this devotion has coloured the Libators' interactions with a string of newly-encountered human civilisations at the very edge of the Ultima Segmentum. Diplomatic missions revealed that these worlds had once been part of the Imperium, and that a legacy of hatred for the Emperor had been fostered by wildly heretical folklore painting him as a daemon and his servants as oppressors. Such blasphemies, coupled with evidence of genetic mingling with xenos, resulted in war and the complete depopulation of at least three worlds (the exact circumstances remain unknown, with some claiming that Exterminatus was pronounced, and others asserting that the enemy instigated a scorched earth policy thus destroying their own worlds). A sizeable force of religious fundamentalists who survived the destruction of these three worlds remain at large in a nearby system, from which they have launched three unsuccessful crusades of retribution against the Libators and other Imperial servants within their portion of the Ultima Segmentum (evidence suggests that the enemy have been aided by unidentified xenos; Imperial Guard troops facing these fundamentalists have named them the Blasphemers in reference to the anti-Imperial slogans painted on their ships).

I keep rereading this section over and over again and it strikes a discordant tone in my mind but I can't pinpoint exactly why. There is a disturbance in the Force, if you will.

I think it's just overdone for an IA. Simply listing this as one of their conflicts would suffice. There's no reason to make such a big deal of it. I've cut down the description. Having thought about it, it seems to me that this is the kind of topic that should be reserved for a short story rather than an IA.

Contradicting the above-mentioned portrait of the Libators' faith, rumours persist that they protect a secret conclave of exclusively female psykers on Plataea, and that they revere this group as blessed interpreters of the Emperor's will. Although no evidence has emerged that either the Libators or the feral inhabitants of Plataea harbour such a cult, Inquisitorial agents remain active in the area.

But I thought this was a closely guarded secret? The only way for someone to know would be to be betrayed by one of their own surely? Rumours are fine but to have a rumour that is actually the truth doesn't work well, in my opinion.

Um... Yes. Oversight on my part. At first it was just an unfounded rumour. Then it became the truth, and I neglected to reflect on how such rumours could possibly leak without treachery. I've removed this.

Especially when in transit through the Warp, the chapter maintains a tradition of providing each battle-brother with a hypothetical set of tactical problems, to which he must compile a solution that adheres to the tenets of the Codex Astartes with the greatest efficiency.

Why during Warp transit especially? I would ask "what is so special then?" except I know but the first question remains; is it seen as some kind of mental armour?

Exactly. I've made this more explicit.

They are also frequently submitted for judgement by the five venerable Dreadnaughts housing the survivors of Mori's retinue.

I wouldn't suggest 'frequent', as older Dreads tend to be kept in sleep-mode more and more as the years pass. Old Dreads = crazy Dreads, quite a bit of the time.

Done.

The Libators also harbour an abiding mistrust of any Astartes chapter whose lineage and Primarch is in doubt. However, this predilection has recently been put to the test.

This is a classic writers error; an idea out of nowhere with no real information or explanation and then on to the next thing! Why that kind of mistrust and why has it been put to the test?

My initial idea here was to leave it open and invite other members to offer ideas. I'd like the idea of an IA (especially on an obscure canon chapter) turning into a community project. Right now, however, it has become part of the premise for a short story. My thoughts (and I am open to critique against its viability) were that they feel that they cannot judge the persona the chapter in question. Of course, this is not always true. Not all UM chapters think the same way (compare Doom Eagles with Iron Snakes), but I thought that if a chapter only had access to some records, they might be excused for thinking that they can predict how a chapter will think if they know its Primarch. But the feasibility of this assumption has been jeapordised by their co-operation with the Black Dragons in a story that I'm writing. This experience might convince them to think otherwise.

Within the Combat Doctrine section, I have a minor quibble regarding the whole Shield/Arrow premise and that it that it doesn't sound right. I believe Shield/Spear would sound better but that is purely a minor issue of style. (I am right though! )

One idiosyncrasy originating from their home world, is the use of the names of gods from the pantheon of ancient Plataean religion as battle cants that are used to co-ordinate tactical maneuvers.

This is cool. I have seen this, or rather the premise of it, before somewhere else but I cannot think where.

It's quite unoriginal. The White Scars use pretty cool (to me) battle cants (all about winds and hawks and what have you). All I did was add "gods". But instead of something like "Zeus twiddles his beard", I went for important but obscure Greek battles.

The First Company Squads are named:

Less-to-Not cool. Feels a little like detail for details sake, doesn't add to the feel of the article as a whole.

Yes. It's overkill.

The Campaigns bit is hit-or-miss; some people don't like them and others do. I have no issues either way.

I think I'll scratch this out. I felt compelled to add something. But the fact of the matter is that those who play the Libators regularly will have their own ideas on what their campaign log should be like. I love the idea of making suggestions as to the culture and origins of a chapter, but I don't want to go quite this far (it's not like I own them). Perhaps short stories work better in this regard.

That's what I have and now I should go work for a living.

Thanks a million again. This has been very useful.

[Welcheren]

Under the section on Recruitment, I have tried to deal with obscurities - hope it seems sensible.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

My opinions:

 

Focus should be on the Scouring, which is the majestic era where the Chapter would have been involved. Don't forget that really, the Scouring never really ended.

 

Their task, most like, would have been to take part in the Scouring, rather than any other goal as the Imperium of Man was still reeling at this point.

 

 

But at this time Heraklios took a course of action that would lead some outside the chapter to silently question the wisdom of his selection as Chapter Master.

 

Some? Is this the magical "they"?

 

He chose to remain with the Novamarines alongside the Libators First Company but I can't reconcile that no one knows why because in essence, as the first Chapter Master his role is to build, guide and ensure that the Chapter becomes the full force it should be - remember, we have no idea from your article what state the company that formed the Libators was in at the time of the Second Founding. By the away I am assuming it would have been one company rather than disparate elements of several.

 

Personally, I'm not sure "dour" and "forward-thinking" work together.

 

 

...illustrious temple of obeisance to the Throne on Earth...

 

I'm unsure about this point, what with how contentious 'temples' are but also i am aware by this point the Lectio Divinitas - at least i think that is how you spell it - would have been a real force by then. I know I'm making a big deal about a small point but you need to consider that Marines of that era particularly didn't revere the Emperor as a god - remember Ullanor (again, spelling!?).

 

Also, what's with the three squads? Where were the rest and who was commanding them? The point about the commander is purely for my own reference.

 

I think, in terms of name, simply callling it "the Conclave" is best as anything else referencing that culture is going to set alarm bells rining to nerddom. Also, instead of them going and finding candidates to replace them i think you should mirror - cleverly, the Chapters way and have them psychically summon those who are suitable; this means they have proven they are also tough and worthy to serve their world and masters.

 

Still not understanding how the foes can survive Exterminatus so you'll need to either clarify one way or t'other.

 

Why does the Chapter need to interpret the history of their allies, or understand their predilictions? They are Astartes, brothers in arms after all.

 

Why does the oil and scalp-massage play such a large role in things pre-battle? Rituals I understand but why that one?

 

Ok, so that wasn't as quote-y as my first skinning of the article but it is Saturday and I'm being lazy, unorganized and stuff.

[Welcheren]

My opinions:

Focus should be on the Scouring, which is the majestic era where the Chapter would have been involved. Don't forget that really, the Scouring never really ended.

Their task, most like, would have been to take part in the Scouring, rather than any other goal as the Imperium of Man was still reeling at this point.

But at this time Heraklios took a course of action that would lead some outside the chapter to silently question the wisdom of his selection as Chapter Master.

Some? Is this the magical "they"?

He chose to remain with the Novamarines alongside the Libators First Company but I can't reconcile that no one knows why because in essence, as the first Chapter Master his role is to build, guide and ensure that the Chapter becomes the full force it should be - remember, we have no idea from your article what state the company that formed the Libators was in at the time of the Second Founding. By the away I am assuming it would have been one company rather than disparate elements of several.

Personally, I'm not sure "dour" and "forward-thinking" work together.

As I have it dour means gloomy. I was thinking of a man who is gloomy and taciturn, but worth listening to when he does speak.

"They" here was intended to refer to anyone who heard that Mori was dead and wondered it occurred. I was hoping to ascribe an untoward action to him. Something that would make others question his suitability, since it does seem as though he reneged on some of his most vital duties.

My initial reason for stating that very few knew about Mori's motives was that I like gaps in existing records, especially since it feels in sync with the 40k universe. I could state that no one outside the Novamarines and Libators knew?

With regards to the state of the First Company, I must admit (to my embarrassment) that I assumed that as a Second Founding chapter, enough of the XIII Legion would have survived to divide into full chapters, with Brothers assigned to company based on experience.

...illustrious temple of obeisance to the Throne on Earth...

I'm unsure about this point, what with how contentious 'temples' are but also i am aware by this point the Lectio Divinitas - at least i think that is how you spell it - would have been a real force by then. I know I'm making a big deal about a small point but you need to consider that Marines of that era particularly didn't revere the Emperor as a god - remember Ullanor (again, spelling!?).

I felt a bit awkward about the word "temple" after posting it, but since no one brought it up, I left it unchanged. I am sorry if it comes across as though the Marines worshiped the Emperor here. I meant to imply that normal mortal pilgrims did.

Also, what's with the three squads? Where were the rest and who was commanding them? The point about the commander is purely for my own reference.

Thanks for pointing this out. I meant that Mori was in command. The others were otherwise engaged with other foes. Will add it.

I think, in terms of name, simply callling it "the Conclave" is best as anything else referencing that culture is going to set alarm bells rining to nerddom. Also, instead of them going and finding candidates to replace them i think you should mirror - cleverly, the Chapters way and have them psychically summon those who are suitable; this means they have proven they are also tough and worthy to serve their world and masters.

Good point. Initially I thought that a great deal of direct persuasion would be required since membership in the Conclave is not an easy life. But this way is neater. Ditto on the name, and avoiding nerddom... wouldn't want that

Still not understanding how the foes can survive Exterminatus so you'll need to either clarify one way or t'other.

Will add that they were off world at the time, which was my intention.

Why does the Chapter need to interpret the history of their allies, or understand their predilictions? They are Astartes, brothers in arms after all.

Not if some of your Brothers are liable to leave you in the lurch in search of Cypher (not that non-DA's know what the reason is), or if some are going to be more casual about civilian deaths than you are comfortable with (read Marines Malevolent), or if some of them are prone to mutation and corruption (read Blood Ravens... ok maybe I'm being a bit harsh on the BRs), or if some of them might neglect previously agreed-upon strategy.

Why does the oil and scalp-massage play such a large role in things pre-battle? Rituals I understand but why that one?

It ties in with their name and is an existing ritual from Plataea - as is the case with the Novamarines' tattooing. Will be sure to clarify that point.

Ok, so that wasn't as quote-y as my first skinning of the article but it is Saturday and I'm being lazy, unorganized and stuff.

I'm still in your debt and very thankful. Will reflect on the Scouring comment.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

See, pouring a libation I get, it's a tradition in many cultures throught the history of the really bad MMO Real Life, but something strikes me as off poruing wine and oil over the head to massage it in.

 

Purely as an aside, it feels like it should be irony that I've been reading about Bacchus.

 

 

NOTE: Please feel free to mock me for any typos in future - my typing is betraying me worse than Horus did the Emperor.

[Welcheren]

Quite. I wonder whether I didn't add it (subconsciously) just to add more to their culture. Will think about it... but I feel I should strike it.

[Captain Juan Juarez]

I have another idea for the libation, borrowing slightly from DA's Iron Snakes books.

 

The Marines imbibe some form of wine - whether be a regular kind or does something special - with a portion poured away to honour those who went before them.

[Welcheren]

I like it. I think a mention of it should go with the litany of Mori under the Origins section. 

 

Thanks. I am currently reworking the bit on Mori's death, trying to clarify that the Libators and Novamarines know what the mission was all about (i.e. why Corvo asked Mori to join him and bring some of his veterans along), but are not telling. I am also simply stating that Mori took half his veterans along, without stating First Company.  

[Welcheren]

Prior to battle, Chaplains of the Libators lead their brethren in the rite of Mori, during which a replica of the Cup of Mori is brought out to perform a ritual libation on the a portion of the ruins that bore witness to his death. Each brother follows the Chaplain with his own cup. Although each brother's chalice will eventually be destroyed upon his death and added to the dust used during the rite of Mori, holographic projections are retained. As each Libator records his deeds upon the cup, brothers frequently meditate upon the legacy and character of their forebears, ending by drinking a sip of wine and pouring a libation as a vow to emulate his greatness.