Initial ideas I could use your help on: +IA sections begun+

[Draakur]

So I've been interested in the hobby again (the DIYing side specifically) for about 6 weeks now and, try as I might to start strong, I've been well and truly undone by idea saturation. I've forgotten how difficult building a quality chapter can be! A little disheartened and frustrated, I've decided I need to discard/set aside a lot of what I've been working on, strip things back to bare bones, and largely start again with some basics. I've decided some of my ideas are too heavily in conflict with each other and that I'll probably need to separate them and create two chapters, but for now that's neither here nor there - I'll be focussing my attentions on this one. My goal eventually, like many of us here, is to create a chapter worthy of our community and the universe we've all come to love. The following are the ideas I want to set the character and thematic tones for my chapter:

 

 

- DREAMS. By way of a confirmed but not fully understood mutation of the catalepsean node, all marines regularly experience vivid, abstract dreams while sleeping, which the marines treat as vaguely prophetic. Seen by the chapter as the Emperor's guidance and favour, and thus see themselves sometimes as more important than others. Marines found to 'need' to sleep a bit more often than other chapters to maintain mental health and perceived purity, or at least feel a compulsion to do so. Can create difficulties for obvious reasons

 

- Dreams used to decide which arms of a marine's personal armoury he will use, what to look out for, how to go about certain parts of their days, etc. Marines will often group together to sleep forming 'dream choirs' before battle, after which the collective content of their dreams is interpreted by librarians to make decisions on how to approach their general movements, coming battle, field tactics etc.

 

- marines fairly superstitious overall, somewhat eccentric. Known to sometimes imbue weapons with a particular animus or spirit, keep a noteworthy/legendary weapon in stasis until called upon in dreams to be used for certain battles/campaigns. Have a dream that a brother chapter must wield weapon X in a coming battle or they will fail, travel to give it to them. A dream that a certain weapon must be 'retired' from duty and never to be used again, etc etc. Some chapters have no time for this sort of thing, so...

 

- not always well-received by other chapters due to their weirdness and occasional sense of self-importance. I would like maybe one significant direct battlefield clash with another chapter who either was suspicious of them or who was perhaps abandoned due to an action the chapter took based on a dream interpretation. However very strong ties with others who they've helped, who share philosophies, or who have seen greatness in the chapter (maybe another prognosticating chapter has also seen their favour in the Emperor's eyes)

 

- librarians (possible alternate title) celebrated and honoured amongst the chapter for their gifts and the role they play in the chapter, and the perceived closeness the psyker gene brings them to the Emperor. Highly valued individuals and quite common (even expected?) for them to be interred in Dreadnoughts so the chapter can benefit from their help for as long as possible

 

- GIANTS. I want a very physical, martial side to the chapter, a counterweight to the other stuff, and would perhaps like 'Giants' in their name. Savage, brutal weapons often favoured (morning stars, power fists, etc). There's a 'slumbering giant' concept of some sort tying in the two main themes here too, though I can't see it yet. The 'huge, even for a space marine...' stereotype is kind of over-used and sometimes seems a pretty amateur way of awesomeing-up a marine, and yet I somehow want to still use this. Maybe they're not really taller than normal marines, but unusually broad or something? Or similar to the untouched Sons of Antaeus, abnormally resilient?

 

- if I go with the resilience, would like to glorify the role of apothecary somehow, who A) are charged with keeping their 'extra-special' geneseed safe and B) keeping marines operational as long as possible on-field, facilitating the durability they so strongly embody and identify with. If I do this there would be more Apothecaries in the chapter and they would hold more station than usual, but not sure about this concept generally

 

- Strong reputation amongst brother chapters for outstanding wrestling and grappling skills, wrestling culture built up around this, used in honour disputes etc. Maybe choreographed wrestling matches used to tell legendary tales of the chapter and Imperium (Astartes version of interpretive dance :p)

 

- chapter employs less fast attack overall, prefers to keep their feet on the ground. Less hit and run, more implacable advance that moves forward and crushes the enemy or single all out blitzkrieg

 

- Go out of their way to try to fight rebel and traitor astartes, strange new xenos species, etc. crave the battlefield and all war experience, always supported by a strong sense that they are especially favoured by the Emperor

 

- not sure on founding, gene seed, predecessors - Mortifactors and Silver Skulls obviously make sense (so Ultra stock), though I very much like the White Scars these days and I'm interested in what I could do with that, possibly turning them in a slightly feral direction and... what else? Not sure. Dorn's seed would make sense for a few reasons too, depending.

 

 

There's more, lots of potential ideas sprouting off other ideas, but for now this will do. Any and all thoughts, expansions on my ideas or straight up critiques you can offer would be very welcome - I could really use a hand to make all this intelligible and coherent. Help me take this to the top guys! :)

[paulJam]

i like some of the ideas in there.... says a zany chapter maker.

the choreographed wrestling story telling kind of has a corroboree feel to it. think it would suit the warrior 'feral direction' you mentioned.,

giants? are they 'just big marines' or like double the height? do they fit into 'regular armour' or need their own custom suits?

and why are they so big?

sleep circle. ha. interesting concept.

though the first thing that came to minds was half a dozen all nested down head to tail like puppies

looking forward to seeing how it develops.

[Lysimachus]

Maybe reference the dreams in the name somehow? Perhaps use the name of a god of sleep/dreams as a homeworld name? So the Chapter could be Giants of Morpheus/Somnus/Hypnos/Oneiroi for example? (Or another name depending if you want to reference a particular culture other than Greek/Roman?)

 

Just an initial idea, will try to add more later.

[Lord Pariah]

hmn.... sound like they would move away from codex approved actions, such as over extend them selves in high-risk, high-reward actions...

but what would happen if the chapter had two conflicting dream? who would they dream right? What if they dream of betrayal.. will they respond ala minority report: obliterate the one that supposedly going to betray them before they even consider it?

 

It does sound like chaos would get a foot hold in the chapter if they rely too heavily on these dreams...

just a thought.

[Conn Eremon]

You can replace giants with titans, for a bit more warlike name. Titans of Somnus sounds like a good name.

[Draakur]

Whoa replies, joy!

 

@paulJam: really appreciate the response, cheers :)

 

Sorry, I should maybe have been clearer on the giants thing - I didn't mean to suggest I wanted double-height marines or anything. Was more trying to convey a sense of physical presence and stature in a way that I'm not sure how to go about yet... the broader physique is something I'd like to play with, but as you say, the 'Why?' is all important. Homeworld population having an abnormal physicality is an easy fix, though I was also thinking I could look at the ossmodula implant and a possible mutation as well? They're starting to look like a strong candidate for a Cursed Founding chapter heh...

 

Lol had not intended the pile of puppies imagery :p is anyone else getting this?! I pictured them more sitting upright in individualised throne type constructs, decorated in fetishes and personal heraldry etc. all in a circle. I feel like the sleeping is similar to meditation in some ways and treated as important and ritualised, the marines don't just bugger off to bed for a kip on the ground. Does this work?

 

I REALLY like the orchestrated wrestling story-telling being similar to a corroboree concept, hadn't considered this, would love to develop in this direction if you're cool with it??

 

@LySiMachus: Hadn't thought of this. Not a bad idea really. I find I'm usually more a fan of the Adjective Noun style of naming, but this is something I think I'll consider. Thanks :)

 

@Lord Pariah: This was the sort of thing I had in mind when I came up with this idea. I don't honestly have answers for your questions yet, but it's the potential for crazy story lines, when dreams conflict or lead the chapter to strange behaviour, that I think I like the most about this. Because there's so much subjectivity and interpretation inherent in their practises, they're bound to clash in various ways. HUGE potential for Chaos involvement, agreed. I had Tzeentch in mind. Still not sure about any of that yet though.

 

@Conn Eremon: Been toying with this too yep, only thing that made me unsure was the fact that Titans made me think of actual Titans of the Titan Legions. I really do dig the name though, I feel Titans probably conveys the feeling I want them to have more than Giants. Thoughts?

 

Appreciate everyone's time very much, please keep it coming. Does this set of ideas feel like it has legs/potential so far? Anything that just sounds like pure bad juju and hard to use/not worth following up on?

[Stercus]

If you like the concept of giants, maybe rather than making the actual stature of the marines themselves excessively large you could make them regard the use of centurion suits a s a high honour? The concept of a pack of assault centurions wrecking their way through an enemy line is somewhat evocative.

[Conn Eremon]

Titans do exist already in the lore, such as those Mechanicum monstrosities and the home world of the Grey Knights, but I would still think there's plenty of room for that word to still be used in other contexts. If you like titans over giants, go for titans.

 

I would recommend not doing anything to make them greater or bigger than is typical of Space Marines, because that would feel too forced. They are already giants. Space Marines are giants.

[paulJam]

Homeworld population having an abnormal physicality is an easy fix, though I was also thinking I could look at the ossmodula implant and a possible mutation as well?

beware the mutant...

 

could it be written off as low-gravity planet evolution? less gravity, more oxygen, bigger dudes? like the old giant dragonflies of permian era.

 

corroboree concept, hadn't considered this, would love to develop in this direction if you're cool with it??

all yours brother. won't be heading that way myself.

 

good luck.

[Draakur]

@Sercus: I'll be honest, being away from the hobby for as long as I have, I didn't even really know what a Centurion suit was. I'd noticed them in passing during research and had told myself to go back and read up on them properly, but hadn't got to it yet - your post prompted me to do so. I love them! Right up my alley. So are they hard to make even with authorised STC templates, and thus particularly rare? Is it too much to want a chapter to have a few more than average? Any restrictions here? I will definitely tie them in somehow, they very much embody the feel I want, thanks for this!

 

@paulJam: Nice, thanks :)

 

@Conn Eremon: Ok glad it feels that way, may well use Titans then.

 

I feel you on the increased size, I think you're right in needing to lay off it... I just really want a feel of emphasis on physical presence and mastery/dominance. The Centurion suits idea helps, but it's not enough. One thing I could pretty seemlessly add is a dislike/mistrust for augmentic enhancement, big believers in humanity and its natural form. But still, I need more...

 

I may just place a particularly strong martial feel and admiration/striving for physical prowess. Will routinely request to train/'spar' with brother chapters whenever involved with them, maybe defer to a chapter in a scenario where they know they are the superior combatants (eg. Alongside the Imperial Fists in a siege and respect the Fists' reputation and track record with sieges in these scenarios, so step aside and let them command for the conflict). They could honour duel (wrestle) at the drop of a hat, that kind of direction. Is the duel to the death for chapter master position a bit too overdone...?

 

Changes and new ideas on the dreaming (need a cool name for this heh): After some thought and discussion with a friend, I feel I've been too heavy-handed with the sleep culture too. Considering dropping it back from being 'celebrated' as constant, direct contact from the Emperor and a big part of the chapter cult, to something a lot of the chapter is less comfortable with.

 

Not used for divination nearly as much. Some brothers would be at peace with the dreaming and don't feel it is dangerous, but there is overall a constant fear within the chapter that they are in fact touched by chaos. Normal to carry out warding rituals etc before sleep and see this as critical - wary of brothers who have not done so, or who have been knocked unconscious without a chance to properly prepare themselves for the dreaming and what it may bring. Librarians routinely screening and (alongside Chaplains) spiritually cleansing, so Librarians still held dearly.

 

What do people think? Any thoughts?

[Olis]

In regards to size/resilience, a mutation of the ossmodula sounds reasonable but what exactly would the mutation entail? The organ itself alters the bone structure of a marine and it's pretty standard fare for an astartes to have bones strengthened with ceramic compounds. So, perhaps the mutation does something else, rather than lace the bones with ceramic. Maybe it makes the bones ultra-high density, instead. Or something else. I dunno. Just spitballing.

 

Anyway, if you go with these Dream Giants (it's a sucky name, I know) that means they will have two mutations on top of whatever else depending on lineage*. Question is - are these mutations going to be from the outset or will they occur at some point in the Chapter's history? Perhaps the apothecaries of this chapter are, shall we say, a little bit backward? Maybe they're using sub-standard methods which have resulted in these mutations.  

 

 

*You should totally make them Imperial Fists successors - gene defects everywhere! Well, two gene defects, as the Sus-an Membrane and the Betcher's Gland simply aren't there anymore. ;)

[Draakur]

Thanks for the interest, Olis :)

 

Gene defects everywhere is ok with me ;) all depending, of course. I'm not afraid of making them a Cursed Founding lot, and it's statistically highly likely anyway. To answer your question, if I use a mutation like this I think I want the mutation to be present from the start, not something introduced by the chapter. If I do go the mutated ossmodula route, I expect I would go with more general durability, yes. It sounds... pretty weak as an idea, when I say it like that :p I don't want to go the extreme direction of, say, the Black Dragons, where they can be visually aberrant and immediately of questionable purity (have definitely ditched the idea of 'big marines' now).

 

Idea: Maybe as they age, the skeletal structure grows denser/more durable, meaning the older a marine is the hardier and thus more badass he gets... but there's a tipping point where it becomes restrictive. The process can't be stopped, they become less and less mobile and it eventually takes them over, ultimately killing them somehow (skull thickens inwardly and crushes the brain, maybe). Great warriors of the chapter who survived the rigours of war and mankind's enemies long enough to be taken, instead, by their mutation, would be immortalised in the chapter halls or chapels. Their whole skeletons (which might be common considering how hard they are to break) would be stood like statues and surrounded by manuscripts detailing their achievements, etc. I actually think there are some really interesting themes and imagery in there, what do you think?

 

I feel like Apothecaries don't get enough good press and that there's a lot of potential coolness regarding their role and the possible applications of their skills, if played with a bit. They could definitely be tied in here somehow (maybe necessitating dropping the Librarian focus, for balance?). I can't figure out how, though...

[Olis]

I think if the Ossmodula is going to cause issues, I believe a plausible early indicator would be seizing joints, assuming the defect causes an even dispersal over all of the skeletal structure. As the bones accrue more and more material, they'll slowly stiffen the joints before causing them to seize entirely. Which means... arthritis-like symptoms in your veterans. Which'll be odd. :huh:

I suppose one solution would be to simply replace the limbs. Another could be the surgical removal of the Ossmodula itself. Either of which could thrust your Apothecaries into a more central role in the culture of your chapter, as they would be responsible for keeping the chapter from crippling itself.

New thought: With the whole stiff joint idea, it occurs to me that the jaw would be affected at some point, making the marines all but unable to speak after a certain age as the muscles and sinews fail to move the lower jaw (what with the jaw hinge seizing). So... you get to have a silent first company? Kinda cool, but then it would also mean your officers would be silent too. That's a problem...

[paulJam]

the skeleton-statue hall... what a great image !!

[Draakur]

The can of worms >< It hath been opened!

 

I hadn't considered the jaw at all. Very good point. I could restrict the problem to specific body parts, but that almost feels a bit convenient, I think... what do people say?

[Olis]

Short of a good reason to not have it affect the whole skeleton, I think it's an either/or choice: Either use it fully or not all. 

 

Here's something to think on - If your astartes have an affliction that will eventually kill them, will that make them more reckless? Would it push them to seek an end in combat rather than die in agony, regardless of how honoured the (skeletonised) heroes of the past are?

[Stercus]

Hang on now, I may have an idea....

If you make them Fists successors, who have a non functioning sus-an membrane, maybe the dream state that they use for their meditations is caused by this implant trying to switch itself back on. Also, if you go with the idea of the ossmodula overacting to slowly 'solidify' the marine's skeletons, perhaps you could tie in use of centurion suits as being used to allow veterans who are in the process of losing mobility to fight on for longer.

It might make sense to weave them both together, say perhaps whatever makes the bone building implant go nuts is the same thing that brings the sus-an membrane partially back online.

[Olis]

Isn't the Sus-an Membrane simply not present at all in the Imperial Fists? You can't turn something back on if it hasn't been implanted in the first place...

[Stercus]

That's a good question. I thought it just didn't work. Have to check up on that one.

[Draakur]

I'm fairly sure it's missing altogether. Thanks for the thought Stercus, I'd considered trying to integrate it with the Sus-An and the fact that it's missing (and the resulting potential interactions) too somehow, but I think that track is going to be hard to follow.

 

To answer your question Olis, yes, that is definitely something I'd thought of! :) Would marines stoically endure their genetic legacy, allowing themselves to succumb to the pain and impotence of ossification? Or like you said, maybe some would seek their earlier and what they see as 'more honourable' deaths? Maybe some would go mad, being unable to decide and torn apart by a 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' decision? And how would all this place marines in relation to one another? Some philosophical conflict seems inevitable.

 

Is there even a possibility of making them an IH successor here... who has grown to hate their lineage's bionic tendencies, but is forced towards replacing bones/limbs one by one for augmetic counterparts or die early and unable to carry out the Emperors wishes etc? This would definitely cause internal conflict within the chapter, some seeing this as a symbolically dishonourable act and dodging the fate set before them, others seeing it as the true way of the Gorgon. There's more to this somehow, I just can't see it yet. Might keep digging...

 

Re: Centurion suit idea, which I really like by the way Stercus - is the suit linked into the Black Carapace in the same manner as TDA and Power Armour? Or is it more of a very light vehicle? Apologies for my ignorance here. If the latter is true then this would definitely be a possibility and something I'd like to run with, but if it's the former I'm not sure how much difference it would make, they'd still be unable to move locked up limbs :(

 

A few questions...

Being Too Uber: I'm a little worried about the mechanism of making them super durable and thereby pushing the envelope a bit as far as believability is concerned - is this wanting too much for my Chapter? At first I thought so, but then I considered how powerful other marines can get under what are considered allowable circumstances (eg. Death Company) - even stronger marines really are everywhere in the fluff, and it seems more contingent on how it's explained and the cost that dictates whether it seems reasonable/allowable or not. What do people think?

 

Also, Conflict For Conflict's Sake: basically, am I pushing too hard to create issues within my chapter, just for intrigue? I feel like they need to have SOME good things/successful relationships going for them.

[Draakur]

Ok! So as always I've been spending too long thinking and not enough doing, so I've put together some initial 'formal' text for my IA draft. I won't rabbit on about it, here it is - any and all thoughts or ideas on the writing and concepts are highly sought after - if you've got anything to say please pipe up!

 

Note: name is a placeholder for now.

 

++++++++

ORIGINS

As the Imperium was finding its strength again after the tolls of xxxx, the 21st Founding of Space Marines was announced, with numerable trials ahead that required the might and conviction only the Adeptus Astartes could bring. Amongst the Chapters to be created were the Titan Guard, tasked as they would be with journeying into areas of space at the edges of Segmentum Tempestus, once claimed but now lost to the Imperium of Man, and reclaiming them in His name.

 

Like many Chapters born of the ill-fated 21st Founding, the Titan Guard were created with unique intentions. Foremost in the minds of the High Lords when planning the founding was the desire to purify existing genetic mutations present in certain Space Marine Chapters - the Titan Guard were no different, the intent for them to draw their lineage from that of the Doom Warriors Chapter. Boasting an exceptional military history, an unshakeable faith in the Imperium and honour beyond question, they were marred only by their mutated Catalepsean Node, which denied their brothers the peace of any form of sleep and carrying with it associated difficulties. It is recorded that the researchers responsible for attempting to eliminate this malfunction believed their efforts a success at first - all tests run suggested the deviance had been eradicated and that the Titan Guard would soon enjoy the advantages of completely untainted geneseed and every opportunity to carve their deeds into the Imperium's annals unhindered.

 

The truth, however, would all too soon make itself known, throwing the Chapter into turmoil and a series of trials that would come to shape the Chapter they have become today.

 

 

EARLY YEARS

Once adequately armed and manned, the Titan Guard set out aboard their newly forged and donated fleet crafts into their designated territory beyond the borders of Segmentum Tempestus, intent on blooding themselves in the vast horrors of space and earning themselves a name as they reclaimed the Imperium of Man.

 

The Chapter had been ordered to initially venture towards those planets who had lost contact for the comparatively least amount of time. With this charge in mind, they began to embark on what would be a series of minor and ultimately undemanding actions, reclaiming various Feral and Agri worlds, either peacefully or with immediate and brutal force. Minor Ork forces were happened upon and crushed, along with conflicts with various minor Xenos races, providing mild distractions between liberating actions and the boredom of administrative duties inherent in reporting such 'victories' to the Imperium. But no true threats presented themselves, and the Chapter's martial strength remained largely untested for the first 20 years of their journeys.

 

Restless and frustrated at the dullness of their orders, the Titan Guard set out even further, now utterly alone and far from all Imperial contact, in hopes of finding challenges worthy of Space Marines. Finally their hopes surged, as they soon discovered a series of previously colonised but now utterly destroyed planets that had clearly come under fire from forces of great magnitude. The nature of the devastation made it clear only one culprit could be responsible - the Eldar.

 

In anticipation the Chapter moved swiftly onwards, and were soon rewarded, their scanners showing an enemy Xenos fleet ahead. Surrounding areas were barren, and the opposing fleet was of a formidable but not insurmountable size, and with blood rising the Chapter Master ordered all craft to approach and engage when able. But what was hoped to be an opportunity to finally cut its teeth and truly test its mettle, and potentially even fight the Titan Guard's first true campaign, proved to be anything but.

 

As the forces met, huge areas of real space opened up to allow immense fleets of Eldar warships through the Webway. An ambush of terrible consequence was sprung, and within hours the Chapter had lost fully one third of its fleet...

 

- planning to have them escape and fight decades of running battles, being whittled down etc. too far from any real help, mostly alone

- eventual confrontation between Chapter Master and an Eldar Farseer who tells him that the Chapter cannot live, for it is "fated to do terrible things" and "if it values its precious Imperium, will fall on its own sword immediately"

- in same scenario, battle erupts and Harlequins bust in, killing all Eldar. Harlequin Shadowseer appears who explains to CM the Chapter must be careful, that its fate is not as set as many but that it is entwined with a series of events both past and to come that could be either of great value to the Galaxy as a whole or of grave consequence

- still unsure of a lot of this, what order it happens and how, etc

 

Continuing...

It soon became clear that the Chapter had changed and, according to initial Apothecary research, potentially permanently. It is thought that this trial by fire and the subsequent stresses of such fierce warfare acted as a sort of trigger - a catalyst that instigated the Chapter geneseed's first mutations that, contrary to initial beliefs, had never been eliminated and instead simply stayed dormant. The resulting impact of this harsh reality would ultimately shape them forever.

 

GENESEED

The Titan Guard are bearers of a cursed genetic profile. Specifically, they endure an as yet not fully understood malfunctioning of the Catalepsean Node, alongside a potent but ultimately fatal physiological process resulting from a mutated Ossmodula gland.

 

- the dreams. Decided they will often be of death and great suffering. This grants them a somewhat morbid attitude and outlook (possible dealt with by developing a death worship?)

- Not used for prognosticating as much as I'd originally planned. No other major changes, still to be determined fully though

 

- ossification. Physical durability still in, fatal results still in. Still to be worked on, as per previous discussions...

 

It has been found, in the piecing together of salvaged documentation through the centuries, that names of various specific and noteworthy Biologis officers and researchers responsible for work done in developing the Adeptus Astartes Black Dragons genetic stock were found also in records pertaining to the Titan Guard's development. The implications of similar research goals, perhaps to develop hardier and more durable Astartes warriors, is clear but as yet unsubstantiated.

 

- chapter spends a lot of time working on this as time goes on, digging up past hidden info. They are sometimes in trouble for moving away from duties and searching for info

- apothecaries learn a lot and become prominent in chapter. Become famed for expertise in geneseed matters

- will have them contact Black Dragons and ally with them, then go to contact other cursed founding chapters and create a network of friendships. Help them in some mysterious fashion via apothecary skills or knowledge

+++++++

 

And there we have it! Still so very WIP but feels good to get something proper down. What does it all bring to mind, brothers?

[paulJam]

attempting to eliminate this malfunction believed their efforts a success at first

like it.

 

Titan Guard

i know you said it was a place holder but Titan Guard sounds like they guard Titan.

titan hammers, titan fist, titan mauls? soemthing that implies a smashing attack from fussed bones. no fantastic suggestions, sorry.

like the titan part :)

 

 

is the chapter beyond tempestus 'border'? no real reason.

i put mine deliberately outside the border to keep them out of mainstream imperial activity.

i know the border is effectively the edge of the influence of the beacon and the galaxy goes on from there obviously.

so question, is it common for imperial activity to occur beyond the border?

i would guess that perhaps the 'edge' of the beacon would shrink if the emperor's power dwindles? no enough psychers scrificed on any given month etc.

 

 

i like the ambush. do they ultimately win? do they settle down somewhere? if they keep running where do they resupply or do they die out galactica style?

i gotsta know !

 

 

re the ossification, i was thinking that they could either replace parts and end up iron hands-esque, or be strong in the dreadnought department. alternately what uses are there for semi-cripple marines? gunners, tank drivers, perhaps gear toward a strong mechanised force. a bad ass-tartes zimmer frame if you will :)

 

can their apothacaries remove the excess calcification from 'vital' areas? perhaps leaving the warriors with lots of scars but still keeping thick bones in useful areas, i.e. arms, legs?

can the dream come when the marines are under the knife, part of a ritual surgery?

being unable to sleep the dreams or 'halucinations' are understandable. i wouldn't give up on the dream idea.

it's not unprecedented with i.e. a marine dreams of victory and becomes champion etc.

perhaps they don't realise they're foreseeing events until sometime after as it takes months/years for the events to happen, so they eventually make a 'future diary'

perhaps is a branch of librarian have a 'soothsayer'? possibly a bit witchy and heading toward heretical when put that way...

 

overall i think you have an interesting premise and am keen to see when you take it.

 

so much better then, 'there was a warp strom with chaos marines... we needed more marines'  :)

 

cheers brother

[Draakur]

Hail, brother! Thanks for the thoughts :)

 

Re: "beyond the border" - I hadn't considered this to be beyond the light of the Astronomicon, I meant more past Imperial controlled space, touching base with planets that had slipped from the Imperium's grasp as forces were assigned elsewhere etc. I wanted them on reclaiming actions to begin with, so I feel by necessity this needs to be out past where normal operations are taking place? It also served the dual purpose of putting them beyond help when the Eldar were finally encountered and the ambush was sprung. 

 

As for the ambush - I'm not even sure yet! Well, they certainly survive, and through cunning and strategy do reasonably well, but are dwindled down over time etc as they play the running firefight game. They won't be wiped out obviously, but after this all goes down they will have a lot to think about while they rebuild and potentially "re-purpose" themselves when ideals and beliefs have changed. 

 

With regards to the ossification, I really can't make up my mind yet. There are missing pieces here, I can feel it, stuff that's semi-important to how this is going to play out, but I can't put my finger on any of it yet. It will come. I'm less inclined to make them IH-ish, and would prefer to Dreadnought and Centurion them up (especially with the Titan/Giant theme I've got running). 

 

Glad someone likes the dream idea :P I get the feeling people don't want to touch it heh. The concept of not realising they actually foresaw something is pretty awesome actually, I may well run with that. Adds a bit more haziness to it, it's certainly not reliable but it's not necessarily all bad either. Thanks. 

Really appreciate the feedback man, I'm going to keep developing this and if you've got more to add as I go on please feel free. Definitely hearing what you and others are saying.

 

I'm frantic busy at the moment but as soon as I'm able I'll be over in your thread as well. Cheers!