++ Death or Dishonour ++ Deathspeaker WIP 02/01/15

[Spaced Hulk]

What is our purpose? Is it to rule or to protect? Should we forge an empire of our own, like the Sons of Guilliman? Or do we stand sentinel, patrolling the borders as our forefathers once defended the walls of Terra itself. Are we the lords of humanity, or merely it's most potent guardians?

 

The answer is simple, my brothers, for we are neither kings nor watchmen. Do not judge our cousins, for each man must choose his own path to glory, but their road is not our own.

 

We are warriors of the Imperium. The headsmen of the Emperor himself. We are vengeance and retribution made manifest, judgement cast in flesh and blood and steel. We are His chosen weapons against the darkness, killers unsullied by either mercy or conscience, and our task is clear. To seek out our enemies, to drive them before us, to hear their lamentations even as we cut them down and take their heads for the tally.

 

This alone is our true purpose. Let none stand in our way. Honour, and glory, demand nothing less.

 

 

 

 

 

- Attributed to Hakon Strom, Deathspeaker of the Company of the Sundered Shield.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/fb8a0a99-b82a-4d3b-85e9-47c53e14d83e_zps8cf986c2.jpg

Remember the dead, but do not mourn them. For their saga is now complete, and it is an end both fitting and glorious. They have given the coins of their lives in honourable battle against a worthy foe, and they can rest easily now in the Halls of our Ancestors.

 

If we are fortunate we will join them there. It is a fate which is far preferable to the shame and infamy that awaits us should we survive.

 

 

 

 

 

- Thulsa Kane, High Mortiurge of the Executioners, recorded in the aftermath of the battle of Corcyra.

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/ChapterSymbol_zps4f3f5a27.jpg

[GrandMagnus]

This is going to be good.

[ElectricPaladin]

An excellent beginning; I'm looking forward to more!

[The_Chaplain]

....that chaplain conversion is perfectly executed, well done. 

[That Guy Matt]

Good conversion there. I'll look forward to more.

[Brother Excedis]

Yes!!

[disease]

an interesting start for sure, keen to see how this pans out

[deathspectersgt7]

A Great start Brother .

[Spaced Hulk]

Thanks guys! I have quite a bit planned for this project although updates might be a bit sporadic to begin with.

Couple more pics for now:

Dathan Krall, the Slaughter-Master, Captain of the Executioners 5th Battle Company, Warlord of the Sundered Shield:

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/CIMG7547_zps6c1eb91c.jpg

And this is my first test mini. Still a bit of work to do but fairly happy with the paint scheme so far:

Veteran Sergeant Borus, Commander of the Hyborian Reavers, First Company Vanguard Squad

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/CIMG7623_zps2a81326a.jpg

[deathspectersgt7]

Great additions have you considered pads yet.http://images1.sw-cdn.net/model/picture/625x465_669379_533232_1345221100.jpg

[Spaced Hulk]

Cheers brother Tempted by the Shapeways pads, but I think they might work out a bit expensive. I found a tutorial online for freehanding the Chapter symbol, so I'll probably try that first.

Some more WIP:

Helhunter Sternguard Squad, Veterans of the Sundered Shield, Executioner's Fifth Battle Company

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/CIMG7619_zps652f7994.jpg

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/CIMG7616_zps2b4777be.jpg

http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag344/mat_at/Executioners%20Space%20Marines/CIMG7618_zps53a48d83.jpg

[Studio Silvernale]

Awesome! I'm also doing the Executioners' 5th company.

[deathspectersgt7]

Dang you are really pumping them out. 

[Spaced Hulk]

** Prologue **

 

He found him on the observation deck, overlooking the station's cavernous main hanger bay. In the gloom beyond, viewed through a glass portal nearly a metre thick, an armada of sleek, skull-prowed behemoths settled into their moorings. It had been a long time, Khotan mused, since the Chapter's fleet had last assembled in such numbers.

 

As expected, the warrior he had come to find was the chamber's only occupant. The observation decks were usually a hive of activity, a popular meeting place for both the station's human serfs and their trans-human masters. But today, perhaps as a mark of respect, the warrior stood alone amongst the shadows, his towering form silhouetted against the dim light of the hanger as he silently watched the slow, graceful ballet of the warships below.

 

Despite the darkness, it was impossible to mistake the warrior's identity. Tall even for a Space Marine, the familiar bone-sewn cloak and baroque artificer plate signified his long-held rank within the Chaplaincy. In contrast, the massive, ebon bladed power axe clutched tightly in both armoured hands served as an obvious reminder of his new responsibilities. Thulsa Kane, Lord Speaker of the Dead and new found Regent of the Darkenvault was still as imposing a figure as Khotan remembered.

 

“Welcome home Seer.” The High Chaplain greeted him without turning away from the view port, his voice deep and thunderous through the vox grill of his death mask. “Your arrival is timely, as always. There is much to be done.”

 

“It's true then, you bear the Master's axe. Hakkon has indeed left us?” The Librarian nodded towards the relic blade as he spoke, his own voice hoarse and halting. The many months spent amongst his own kind had left him more accustomed to communicating with his mind, not his tongue.

 

“Aye. He has made the Long Walk into the outer dark. A penance for the sins we are about to commit.”

 

“A noble effort, but a futile one. The High Lords will not be so easily appeased.” Khotan sighed. “What news from Badab?”

 

“Hostilities are escalating quickly. The Errant Sons have joined the Fire Hawks, and they will not be the last. Terra will unleash every force at their disposal to crush the Tyrant and his rebellion. The entire Maelstrom Zone is about to become a battlefield, the like of which has not been seen for nearly ten millennia.”

 

As he paused, the Death-Speaker finally turned away from the hanger, reaching up with a single claw-like glove to unseal his helm at the collar. Like the rest of his ancient war plate, the gauntlet was a unique fusion of bone and ceramite, forged from the skeletal remains of a long dead xenos monstrosity. There was a sudden hiss of releasing air as the suit de-pressurised, before Kane continued once more. “Vanir Hex and his brethren have already arrived and made our presence, and our intentions known. They have contacted the Tyrant and begun raiding operations against the enemy's supply lines. Once the Chapter has fully assembled and all preparations are complete, we will depart for Badab without further delay.”

 

“How goes the muster?” Khotan tried not to stare as the High Chaplain slowly removed the skull helm. Beneath it, the old warrior's face was twisted into a permanent grimace, his right eye withered and blind, sunken into it's socket. It was ironic, the Librarian thought, that Kane's own features were far more unsettling to behold than any death mask of the Chaplaincy. It had been several years since Carrion Deep, where the Death-Speaker had received the horrific injuries, but he had never once requested either treatment or a bionic replacement. It was widely rumoured, although of course never within his earshot, that Kane actually preferred his new appearance.

 

“Slowly. Our warriors are dispersed across the entire Segmentum. It will take several months, at least, before they all return and re-arm. What of the Kindred? Are they still fit for combat?” Kane gestured towards the Librarian's battle damaged armour, the azure ceramite battered and painted with blood, much of it his own.

 

“The Eldar witches were a demanding foe, and many of us sport fresh injuries to both mind and body, but the Doom-Seers will fight as we always fight. However, I suspect you will wish to divide us once more amongst the Chapter?” As Khotan glanced at the Death-Speaker's ruined features, he was conscious of his own optical implant, the bionic replacement that marked his initiation into the secretive order. Another irony, the Librarian thought to himself. The High Chaplain had half his sight stolen from him but was content to endure the disability, whilst he had willingly torn out his own eye and then immediately replaced it with an augmetic.

 

Kane nodded, ignoring the scrutiny. “Indeed. Although there is no questioning your combined effectiveness, the Battle Companies will benefit greatly from your skills. You will rejoin the Fifth, I presume?”

 

“Yes my Lord. I will serve in the shadow of the Sundered Shield.” Amongst the Librarium, Khotan was not alone in personally favouring a particular Battle Company. When they did not serve together as the Kindred, each Doom-Seer always accompanied their own chosen brotherhood of warriors.

 

There was another long pause, and Khotan sensed the High Chaplain carefully selecting his next words. It was unusual for any Death-Speaker, let alone the High Mortiurge himself, to be reticent, and the Librarian found his curiosity rising. For a moment, he considered utilising his gift to peer into his companion's mind, but knew from past experience that such an intrusion would be far from welcome.

 

“It is of the Sundered that I wish to speak.” When he finally broke the silence, Kane's voice was clear and measured, and without hesitation. “Or rather, a former member of their Company.”

 

Unconsciously, Khotan's face twisted into a scowl. “The exile? What of him?”

 

“He could be a useful asset in the days ahead.” The Death-Speaker's single eye remained fixed on the Librarian, gauging his reaction.

 

“He was always an asset. He was also treacherous, dishonourable, and, depending on your perspective, a murderer. The sentence he received was both just and necessary.”

 

“Ambition was always his greatest weakness, as it is with us all. Regardless of his transgressions, there are many amongst the Sundered who would welcome his return.” Kane replied simply.

 

“Aye, and there are also many who would kill him on sight. Including Krall. A Company can have but a single Master.”

 

“Their rivalry existed long before the Kin-Slayer earned either his title or his punishment. Besides, I have no intention of re-instating his former rank.”

 

“Then what are you suggesting, High Chaplain?”

 

The Death-Speaker looked away, his ruined features suddenly distant and unreadable. “We are soon to face a challenge unlike anything we have endured before. There is no return from the path we have started on, and we will need whatever advantage we can find. The exile, for all his faults, was a fine warrior and general. His knowledge of the region alone would be invaluable.” Kane sighed. “In the days ahead, we will all bear the sinner's mark. His dishonour will be no greater than our own. And if this is to be our end, then perhaps all the brothers of the axe should stand together for the final reckoning.”

 

“What do you require of me, my Lord?” Khotan asked, although he already knew the answer. Regrettably, but as always, he could see the sense in the Death-Speaker's words.

 

“There is still time before we depart for Badab. Go to the Sunless worlds and find him, if he still lives.” Kane turned and began walking back along the observation deck, the hanger lights outside gleaming along the edge of the ebon blade on his shoulder.

 

“If he still lives, and if I can find him, what then?” Khotan called after the High Chaplain, his voice echoing throughout the gallery.

 

The Death-Speaker stopped and looked back, somehow twisting his mutilated face into an equally malevolent grin. “Tell him that Old Night wishes to speak to him.”

[deathspectersgt7]

Great Fluff. !!!! as always.

[Brother Excedis]

Oh boy. This is promising.

[Spaced Hulk]

++++ DATA ARCHIVE ACCESS REQUEST

++++ CLEARANCE LEVEL INQUIS OMEGA ONE

++++ PERSONAL IDENT KEY = ******************

//++ ACCESS GRANTED

++++ SEARCH: DATAFILE IA10.3.00000021356

++++ INITIATE AUTHENTICATION PROTOCOLS

//++ SEARCH COMPLETED (DATA STREAM INTEGRITY 88%, ESTIMATED FILE CORRUPTION 0.0098%)

//++ COMPILING

//++ DOWNLOAD BEGINS....

REFERENCE: IA10.3.00000021356

SOURCE: ORDO HERETICUS CENTRAL ARCHIVE

CATEGORY: BADAB SECESSION: POST CONFLICT INVESTIGATION

SUB-CATEGORY: SECESSIONIST CHAPTERS, NOTABLE PERSONAE

DISCLAIMER

As expected, it has proven highly difficult to obtain accurate information regarding the actions and dispositions of the various Secessionist forces during the Badab conflict. This is particularly true of the Executioners Chapter, who even after their surrender retained a great deal of freedom and autonomy, with several battle groups simply returning to their home-worlds without first submitting themselves into the custody of Loyalist forces. As a result, much of the information we have collated is based on secondary sources and pre-war official records, and must therefore be considered incomplete and, in some cases, speculative.

THE DOOM-SEERS, LIBRARIANS OF THE EXECUTIONERS

Like the majority of Space Marine forces, the Executioners maintain a fully functioning Librarius division, consisting of battle brethren gifted with a varying degree of psychic ability. However, as one might expect from this highly individualistic Chapter, there are a number of unique characteristics which further define their role and tactics.

As with most Astartes psykers, the Librarians of the Executioners practice a wide spectrum of psychic disciplines, with Pyromancy and Telekinesis especially favoured, presumably for their ability to boost the wielder's own offensive capabilities. Divination is also used, although it appears to manifest in a particularly unique way. Every Librarian, or 'Doom-Seer' as they are called within the Chapter, is known to experience highly detailed visions of their own, eventual demise. These visions are said to be unerringly accurate and persist throughout the psyker's life span, becoming more and more vivid as the moment of death draws near. That these warriors continue to operate effectively, without becoming afflicted by either madness or melancholia, is perhaps a testament to both their strength of spirit and the innate resolve of the Chapter as a whole. Whilst all Executioners Space Marines are known for their stubborn reluctance to retreat regardless of the odds against them, their Librarians are renowned for being particularly fearless, often using the precise knowledge of their own mortality to gain an advantage in combat.

Although the cause of this phenomena has never been identified, it has been suggested that it may be linked to the Chapter's home-worlds, specifically the macabre beliefs and traditions of the infamous Stygian death cults. Unlike the nomadic wanderers of Aquilon, who display almost no evidence of psychic mutation, the warring tribes of Stygia have an unusually high proportion of emergent psykers, and as a result all Executioners Librarians are recruited from this morose and savage population. It is theorised that despite their subsequent training and indoctrination, each warrior's subconscious is shaped at an even earlier stage by the morbid customs of their birth-world, which somehow induces the visions as their psychic abilities develop.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these premonitions have become entwined within the Librarius' own traditions and culture, with each psyker assuming the title of 'Doom-Seer' from the moment the visions start. At this point, they also perform the so-called 'Soul Blinding', an act of gruesome self mutilation which involves the removal of a single eyeball from it's socket. An advanced bionic optic is then immediately implanted, restoring and presumably enhancing the individual's sight. Although cybernetic augmentation is far from uncommon amongst the Adeptus Astartes, it is employed primarily through necessity rather than by choice, and only amongst the Successors of the Tenth Legion are such modifications usually voluntary. The exact reasoning behind the 'Soul Blinding' have never been disclosed, and any Doom-Seer questioned about the practice invariably replies, with the Chapter's usual grim humour, that they always keep one eye on the present and one eye on the future.

The ways in which the Executioners utilise their psychically gifted brethren illustrate a further deviation from the dictates of the Codex Astartes, albeit a relatively minor one. In most Chapters, Librarians are dispersed throughout the various Companies and strike forces, providing battlefield support and intelligence gathering abilities wherever they are most needed. However, the Executioners regularly deploy their entire Librarius as a single unit, a psychic assault squad whose combined powers are incredibly potent. Known simply as the Kindred, they are allowed to operate with a great deal of autonomy, specialising in actions against rogue psykers, Xenos witches and the myriad forces of Chaos. Although many Space Marine Chapters have been known to utilise these 'psychic choirs', few do so with the same frequency and commitment as the sons of Stygia-Aquilon.

Whilst most Librarius Divisions are organised into a strict hierarchy of ranks, all Doom-Seers are considered equal within the Kindred, regardless of their ability or experience. This may be a result of the visions which afflict each Librarian, as the knowledge of their own deaths is said to create exceptionally strong bonds of brotherhood between them. Indeed, it is only amongst their fellow Doom-Seers that the exact details of their premonitions are shared. Amongst their number, a single warrior is elected to act as the so called 'Voice' of the Kindred, roughly the equivalent of a Chief Librarian, whose role is to represent the Librarius in the Executioners' war councils and co-ordinate their actions with the rest of the Chapter.

During the Badab conflict, little is known for certain of either the Kindred's role or disposition. However, circumstantial evidence suggests that they were deployed in a more conventional manner amongst the Chapter's forces, presumably to aid communication between the various War Companies as they operated independently throughout the Maelstrom Zone. Immediately prior to the rebellion, the 'Voice' of the Doom Seers is listed in Imperial records as a notable warrior named Arva Khotan.

CASE STUDY: ARVA KHOTAN, VOICE OF THE DOOM-SEERS

Vid Capture 1.0: 'Doom-Seer'. Recorded by Loyalist 'Howling Griffon' Space Marine (footage retrieved post mortem) during the battle of Khymara, 907.M41. Subject's identity is unconfirmed, but suspected to be Arva Khotan, Doom-Seer of the Executioners.

As usual with the Executioners, information regarding the most prominent Librarian in their recent history is scarce, with almost all data originating in pre-Badab War Imperial records. Since the conclusion of the conflict, Investigation teams dispatched to the Darkenvault have been unable to decipher the station's vast central data-crypt or gain access to it's supposedly cavernous Hall of Records. As a result, the Adeptus Mechanicum forgeworld of Gryphonne, whose long standing pact with the Executioners is well known, has repeatedly proven itself to be the best source of information regarding this enigmatic and troublesome Chapter.

Recruited from the volcanic death world of Stygia, the individual known as Arva Khotan exhibited signs of psychic mutation early in his implantation process and was quickly transferred into the Chapter's Librarius. Once his training was complete, Khotan became a fully sanctioned Librarian, assuming the title of Doom-Seer and undertaking the 'Soul Blinding' ritual. He served honourably and with distinction for over a century before the events of the Moroth Incursion in 877.M41. This long and costly campaign against the forces of Chaos would eventually lead to a confrontation between the Kindred and [REDACTED BY THE ORDO MALLEUS], Greater Daemon of Tzeentch. Over half of the Doom-Seers were slain during the banishment of this foul creature, and those who survived were left physically and mentally scarred by the ordeal. In the aftermath of this epic battle Khotan was unanimously elected as the new Voice of the psychic brotherhood, a duty he would perform admirably as the Librarius slowly recovered it's strength and numbers.

Unfortunately, no definitive visual evidence of Khotan's participation in the Badab Conflict has so far been retrieved. The most recent confirmed images of the Librarian were recorded immediately prior to the Executioners' involvement in the rebellion, during the Wreath-World Purges of 903/904.M41. This ten month campaign was a combined action by the Kindred and Adeptus Mechanicum against Eldar occupation forces from the hostile Biel-Tan Craftworld. The Executioners withdrew from the conflict immediately after it's resolution in early 904.M41 and returned to Stygia-Aquilon, presumably to begin preparations for their subsequent journey to the Maelstrom Zone.

Vid Capture 2.0: Arva Khotan. Recorded by Skitarii Observation Drone during the combined Mechanicus/Astartes Wreath-World Campaign, 904.M41.

Vid Capture 2.1: Khotan's power armour appears to be an unusual artificer crafted combination of Mk IV, VI and VIII plate. Note the integral psychic hood and the absence of a battle helm. Many Astartes psykers appear to prefer fighting bare headed whenever possible, citing the common but unsubstantiated belief that an enclosed helm is detrimental to the use of their powers.

Vid Capture 2.2: Engraved into the greaves of his armour are the words “Mortis Daemon”, a battle honour reputedly earned during the Moroth Incursion, possibly even during the climatic combat with [REDACTED BY THE ORDO MALLEUS].

Vid Capture 2.3: The Doom Seer's primary weapon is a force sabre of the Chapter's own manufacture, based on the traditional duelling swords of his Stygian home world. Finely balanced and honed to a mono-molecular edge, these blades can be wielded with either one or two hands with equal effect.

Vid Capture 2.4: His secondary weapon is a rare Phobos bolt pistol, an ancient pattern of the firearm that dates back to the bygone days of the Great Crusade, and is renowned for both it's accuracy and stopping power even at extreme range.

Vid Capture 2.5: As a prominent figure within his Chapter, Khotan has adopted the emblem of a skull inlaid into a steel halo as his personal heraldry, represented on both his left pauldron and as an icon crowning his armour's power pack. This ancient symbol is said to pre-date the Imperium itself, and is believed to have been first used by the proto-Legion Astartes during the Unification Wars.

Vid Capture 2.6: Note the severed head of an Eldar warrior (Ref: Ordo Xenos Archive, File No: 907456622: 'Aspect Warrior') tied to the Librarian's armour by it's own hair. The taking of battlefield trophies is reputed to be endemic amongst all members of the Executioners Chapter.

CONCLUSION

To date, we have been unable to recover any detailed information regarding Arva Khotan's role or activities during the Badab Wars. Unlike the Executioners' other high ranking officials, the Doom-Seer was not taken into Imperial custody following their surrender, nor does he appear in the Inquisitorial Census undertaken prior to the Chapter's penitent crusade. It is highly probable that Khotan was killed in combat, especially as the Fifth Battle Company, which the Librarian is known to have served alongside frequently during his career, had suffered extremely heavy casualties by the conclusion of the conflict. Nevertheless, the lack of a confirmed death certificate, combined with the Chapters own reticence to discuss the fate of one of their most renowned warriors, is obviously the cause of some concern. The reports of an unidentified group of Space Marines, observed during the final siege of Badab, make Khotan's apparent disappearance even more ominous.

Investigations remain ongoing.

//++ DOWNLOAD COMPLETE.

[deathspectersgt7]

Some more outstanding Fluff and nicely done kitbash on Khotan.

[Spaced Hulk]

Cheers brother Sorry about the pic quality, unfortunately it's as grey and miserable as a sober Long Fang round here today

[Barabbas Sogalon]

This is awsome! I love the colours.

[Spaced Hulk]

This is awsome! I love the colours.

Thank you mate! Your Death Guard are awesome btw

[Drunes]

Uuuuummmm Executioners, good good good !

Excellent start brother, looking forward to see more

I'm building some characters from the Badab War, including a wild bunch of executioners, and inspiration is always good ! Come check mine if you have time !

[Flint13]

Very pretty so far. That metallicy blue/black is particularly attractive.

 

I love all the tiny details, both in your models and the well executed fluff.

Keep it up!

[Drunes]

Very pretty so far. That metallicy blue/black is particularly attractive.

 

I love all the tiny details, both in your models and the well executed fluff.

Keep it up!

 Exactly, how do you obtain this metallicy color please ?

 

Thanks !

[Brother Excedis]

And I forgot to comment on Khotan. Darnit. Well, what can I say that I don't keep saying about your work?