GC/HH Markings

[Leif Bearclaw]

While we wait for FW to bless us with more detailed VI Legion fluff and pictures, I've decided to crack on with heresy-era Wolves of some description. but I've been stuck on one thing, While Russ was still around, did the individual Great Companies use Jarl-specific compnay markings on their should pads, like thier 40k descendents, or did everyone wear the Wolf That Stalks Between Stars? Is there any information on that? Or if not, speculate away.

[Squark]

I believe each wolf lord has always taken his own marking, so if you aren't doing Russ's great company, feel free to use one of your own design. Or use an existing one- They have been passed down on occasion, so if you like an existing design you could always use that one.

[Leif Bearclaw]

I believe each wolf lord has always taken his own marking, so if you aren't doing Russ's great company, feel free to use one of your own design. Or use an existing one- They have been passed down on occasion, so if you like an existing design you could always use that one.

But did Russ have his 'own' Great Company? Before the HH series I would've said yes. but Prospero Burns lists Gunnar Gunnhilt as Jarl of Onn, the 1st Company, which I would have assumed to be Russ'. Which then made me wonder whether as Primarch, Russ didn't directly command a company, and functioned more like a 40k Chapter Master, the ultimate authority, but without his own dedicated command, except prehaps for a small group of Honour Guard/Huscarls/the inevitable VI Legion 'Terminaotr Elite'.

 

Which then begs the question, if Russ didn't command a Company directly, who wore the Wolf That Stalks Between Stars icon?

[Squark]

Well, we know he has Wolf Guard, at least.

[Valerian]

Russ wore the Wolf That Stalks the Stars, because that is his personal heraldry.  Others didn't start the tradition of wearing it until he was gone, as a way to honor him.  It's basically the elected Great Wolf's way of saying, "I'm just standing in until Russ returns and takes over again," much like a Regent would do. 

 

Russ wouldn't have personally commanded a Great Company, as he is above that - he commanded the entire Legion, so wouldn't and couldn't be bothered with also directing the tactical action of a subordinate formation, as well.  That's what lieutenants (subordinate commanders) are for.

 

It's different for the Great Wolf's, and Logan Grimnar, for example, as again he is really just "first among peers" of the various Wolf Lords, and serves as a regent in charge of the Chapter until Russ' return.  So, he doesn't abdicate leadership of his Great Company when he assumes the new role of Chapter Master.

 

Instead of a Great Company, Russ would direct the operations of the entire Legion, but would be accompanied by his hand-selected retinue, of which Bjorn was the most famous.  The retinue, likely, would have worn their own personal heraldry, as well - we know what Bjorn's looks like (his Lightning Claw in one hand and other hand around the serpent's throat).

 

Best,

 

V