ETL - The Blades Are Drawn - 1st Vow 3k - W.I.P.

[Brother Captain Arkley]

Welcome one an all to my ETL WIP, I will be revisiting my Blades of Alaric (was Altena) Chapter.

I will be posting my IA here as well as a origin story.

TRANSITION

by

Olis (I did help a little honest )

Distant light reflected off of the starship hull cruising in-system. It had been a journey of some months and many perils, the navigator routing and re-routing the battle barge through the turbulent warp all the way to the Caliban system itself. It had been a miracle for them to pass through the remains of the Ruinstorm without major incident, of that Grand Master Becke was certain. Many ships had been lost to that cursed abomination, torn asunder or otherwise lost without trace. It would not do to have a vessel as grand as the Herald of Caliban to succumb to a warp peril after all it had been through in the five-hundred worlds.

The bridge crew, however, were unsettled. All attempts to hail the homeworld since they emerged from the warp had fallen on deaf ears. The worried expression from the comms chief had not lessened when Becke ordered the astropathic choir to try and make contact with anything in-system. If there was something capable of answering, they promised, they’d find it.

Worst of all, the long-range sensors had not yet found Caliban. This could not be. Given where the planet should be in its own orbit, even the short-range sensors would have found it by now. As a final, comical report came in, it appeared that the cartographae were declaring errors in the star field. That was all that Becke needed.

The Grand Master wearily regarded his men. Karsten, the residing psyker among the 27^th, had been Becke’s confidant for a long time. Much longer than the civil war by quite a margin. Wolfram was a much larger figure, well suited to the terminator plate he wore. A Terran, and an old one at that, was the voice of experience Becke needed in his inner circle. Regardless of whether the man was a brute or not, he had the scars to prove he knew what he was talking about. Torsten, the last of the three, was Becke’s paladin. His champion. Perhaps not as vaunted as Corswain or Artur but he had his own reputation. The ‘Axeman of the 27^th’, or so he had been called back on Macragge. Swords break too easily, he claimed, and hatchets could be thrown. Others had alluded to his former life as a forester. He was an axeman, through and through, regardless of justification.

They all looked at him expectantly.

“Make a sweep of this quadrant. Use the Thunderhawks and the Stormbirds to fill the void where our escorts cannot. We need to find out where Caliban went.” Becke ordered. It was better for his men to be doing something, rather than nothing.

“Are we sure we have not mis-jumped, sir?” Wolfram asked quietly.

“We have not mis-jumped, Wolfram. Look at the star.” They glanced at the pict relay of Caliban’s sun. “That is our home star, no doubt.”

“Still,” Wolfram turned to undertake his orders, “it would be best to be certain, aye?”

Becke considered the notion. He nodded. The cartographae will be hearing his wrath if they did not give him answers.

In the hours that passed, there was no sign of Caliban. No sign except for the string of asteroids that by all accounts, used to be Caliban. At first Becke had raged at the destruction of the Dark Angels’ home world. Whoever was responsible would pay, he had vowed. But who could it have been? The Iron Warriors? They’d killed their own planet so that at least gave them precedence.

His lip curled as he thought of the Iron Warriors. Siege masters and logistical maestros, they may be, but they were also callous. Becke knew this from personal experience. They had grown to be flinty and bitter, a by-product of cruel strategems and unflinching obedience. Yes. It could very well have been the Iron Warriors, of all of the legions.

Torsten had remained at his commander’s side for those long, fruitless hours. He was there when the choir had established a contact with loyalist forces. Two ships on the far side of the system, plus escorts. The exchange had been... strange, or so had been reported. They had been ordered to stand down and prepare for boarding by a supreme grand master.

Alloken had been his name, apparently. Becke did not know an Alloken. The title also worried him – who and what was Alloken in charge of? Where was Luther? Where was the Lion?

It had taken several days for the rendezvous to occur. The ships, the ‘Black Sword of Vengeance‘ leading them, travelled many billions of kilometres before standing station ten clicks to port. Spitting distance. The 27^th had not been idle in that time, readying defences and donning battle plate in preparation of an ambush. They had heard tales of the Alpha Legion’s treacherous methods of war. This would not be outside the realms of possibility.

The Thunderhawk that ventured from the Black Sword was like the strike cruiser - deep green in colour, much like the forests of Caliban. The thought made one of Becke’s eyelids twitch, his imagination getting the better of him. It still twitched as the landing gears deployed and the Thunderhawk landed.

From the ramps strode several figures, some garbed in heraldry unfamiliar to Becke. It was certainly Dark Angels in origin but that’s where the similarities ended. The first man across the threshold was Alloken, of that there was no doubt. Again, that forest green.

“Permission to come aboard?” His voice had a leonine rumble. Becke didn’t expect that.

“Granted.”

The supreme grand master crossed the space between the Thunderhawk and Becke quickly. Behind him marched an honour guard and behind them, came others – several looking for all the galaxy as if they belonged to the Legion proper. Alloken had noticed the attention his allies were getting.

“That, on my right, is our Interrogator-Chaplain Garviel and in the black is Jaraxtes, of the Angels of Vengeance. It was he and his men who first received your messages.”

“Angels of Vengeance?”

“Ah. Yes. I have some bad news.” Alloken’s face hardened.

“The cartographae have assured me that we were indeed late for our scheduled arrival at Aldurukh. They say it’s been a quite a few years. Can you tell me what-”

Alloken cut him off.

“Two thousand.”

The number struck Becke numb. Two thousand... years? That hardly seemed likely. Decades he could live with. Centuries would be a shock, of course. Millennia? That could not be, surely.

“Two... thousand?” Was all that he could venture. The words stuck to the roof of his mouth.

“Yes, brother. Thousand.” Jaraxtes said. His tone was sympathetic. He carried his helm under his arm and an ornate cloak billowed behind him, fluttering in the disturbed air as the Thunderhawk’s engines cycled down.

“But what of the Lion?”

“Gone.” Said Alloken. Wolfram muttered a curse as he heard this. A glance from Becke stilled his tongue. The old dog needed to be reigned in from time to time. He was not one for ‘airs and graces’.

“Caliban?”

“Gone.” Repeated the Supreme Grand Master. Silence. They had all heard the news by now. Not really that much of a surprise now, regardless of the other emotions this provoked.

“The Legion?”

“Gone.”Jaraxtes spoke. A collective gasp fluttered through the air. It wasn’t the assembled astartes of the 27^th who had spoken, but rather the menials working further down the bay that had reacted.

Becke could scarcely believe his ears.

“How...” He began, attempting to make sense of it all.

“Let us retire, brother. A docking bay is hardly the place to come to terms with these... revelations.” Suggested Garviel. Becke held his gaze before assenting. There was something... unsettling in Garviel’s eyes. A coldness of heart, Karsten would call it.

Far above the docking bays, the delegation and the 27^th’s command cadre sat in the briefing room and waited for the supreme grand master to speak. The Golden Hall, as the chamber was known, was an amphitheatre in its own right, capable of seating the entirety of the 27^th Order if necessary. Above the dais where Becke had stood so many times before was a banner bearing the iconography that they had marched under since before Becke’s time – a golden sword on a field of deep red.

Alloken stood there now, facing the assembled astartes. Even Becke had taken a seat amongst the cadre, awaiting the news.

“I will be succinct, brothers. Before any more information can be divulged, Garviel must... interview each of you. This is as much for security as it is your own safety.” The assembled officers muttered discontentedly. Becke stood, as did Wolfram and Torsten.

“You’re going to have to do better than that, brother. This is my ship and you are not the Lion. You will be lucky if I recognise your authority.”

The interrogator-chaplain unlimbered his shackled plasma pistol, a move that drew several of the 27^th to point their own sidearms at him, and calmly lined it up to Becke. Alloken’s honour guard clustered around their master, bolters aimed and ready. Officers of the 27^th moved to do the same. Jaraxtes and his men proceeded to join Alloken. A plasma weapon whined to full power. The numbers seemed roughly even. Even enough for neither side to assume it would walk away from a fight.

“You shall obey, grand master. Now is not the time for petty defiance or shows of strength.” He strode carefully towards Becke. “If needs be, our own ships will destroy the Herald and all on her.”

“You would be killing your own men if you do.” Countered Torsten.

“Aye, that’s true.” Garviel stopped. “Think on this from our perspective. Vessels long thought lost reappear in the home system of the Legion. It is not outside of possibility that this is a clever attempt to bait and infiltrate Imperial forces.”

“What are you keeping from us?” Calmly asked Becke.

“Aldurukh.” Alloken said, over his guardians. “We will not negotiate, brother. Submit and the Rock will be open to you.”

The thought galled him. Submit. This was not what the legiones were for. The problem was, his hands were tied. If he refused, his men would die. Garviel likely would, too, as would Alloken’s bodymen if not the supreme grand master himself. Principles and bloodshed or submission and shame. Wolfram and Torsten would choose principle, regardless of cost. Becke had learned otherwise. Blood and ammunition was Death’s coin. Shame could be forgotten. Karsten, of all of them, knew that.

“Stand down.” Becke ordered. A look silenced Wolfram, and Torsten knew better than to bicker. Bolt pistols lowered, bolters hung at hips. Garviel pointed his pistol at the deck.

“Does the 27^th submit to interrogation, grand master?” The Chaplain spoke in a level tone. Danger still hang in the air, even if the crisis had been averted.

“Let it be done. I want this over with. I wish to see Aldurukh.” Becke relented.

The idea that Aldurukh still existed led to Becke to assume that Caliban still existed, despite any previous evidence. He had felt cheated when he first laid eyes upon the Rock. The interrogations had been fierce, Garviel employing all means to ascertain the loyalty of the 27^th. Throne damn him, he had even killed Reveron and Futhark in the process, masters of their own companies. Seven other ‘casualties’ had occurred to the men of the 27^th Order and Becke had not forgiven the chaplain for his brutality.

However, the truth was revealed there. On the Rock, Alloken had divulged to him alone of the Fallen, of the betrayal by Luther. Of all the unbelievable things that had happened so far, the fact that the 1st Legion harboured a traitor in its highest echelons was a hammer blow. As was the fall of the Emperor in battle. Terra and the Imperium had been saved at an extreme cost, Horus had been cast down and the traitors had been driven to the Occularis Terribilis.

The breaking of the Legions, by comparison, was easy to swallow. Which led to a last revelation by Alloken. The 27^th, surely, would have to be turned into its own Chapter. It had the resources to be self-sustaining and, just by numbers alone, could not simply fold into the current Dark Angels Chapter. Until the petition to the High Lords returned, the 27^th were under stewardship of Jurgen Becke, who in turn was tied to the Rock and Supreme Grand Master Alloken.

For a time, Becke was at a loss as to what to do. Training took precedence, of course. Even minor deployments on desolate moons granted the 27^th little reprieve of the limbo they occupied. It was on the Rock during this period that Karsten spoke to his commander. His visions had returned, strong as they ever were. The Ruinstorm had temporarily blinded his prognostication, although at the time it seemed like a permanent effect, much to Karsten’s chagrin.

Prognostication, at least to Karsten, was a not an exact science. Words and ideas came and went, often on the fading motes of dreams. He had dreamt of the ‘ashes of manticores’, of ‘third-born sons under the sword of damocles’ and the ‘twenty-seven blades of Alaric’. Little of it made sense to Becke, save perhaps the twenty-seven blades. Obviously it alluded to the 27^th Order, or what was to become of it. Alaric, as far as Becke could recall, was an ancient Terran knight from a time almost as old as civilisation itself. When pushed for more, Karsten had no further recollections to give. The grand master ordered his librarian to look into this ‘Alaric’ and gather more information, if possible.

Years passed before word of a purge drifted through the ranks, first the serfs and then the brothers of the 27^th spoke of a rogue Chapter – the Manticores. When pressed for knowledge, it was Jaraxtes who finally relayed the news – his peers deigning silence in the face of Alloken’s orders.

By candle-light the master of the Angels of Vengeance told his tale. The Manticores, chiefly led by their command cadre, had become corrupted by obscene artifacts. A collection of marines bearing Manticore iconography and pass codes, had sought out the Rock having escaped from the Chapter on a Frigate – the Elucidation of Eumines – with the intention of bringing the scandalous news to the rest of the Lion’s sons.

Jaraxtes, leading a combined fleet that even gave Becke pause when told, had descended upon the Manticores in fury. The fleet action that followed crippled the wayward sons of the Lion, their own squadrons and capital ships greatly outnumbered and all but surrounded. Master of the Manticores, Lord Cassiel, fell to a boarding action headed by Jaraxtes. The fight had not been easy – indeed, Jaraxtes sported new scars and fresh augmetics since Becke had last seen him.

Cassiel proved difficult to slay, swollen with foul magicks and warp power. The deluded fool believed to be chosen of the gods, one of the few. In truth, he was a mediocre strategist and an accomplished axeman. Slain by sustained plasma fire, the traitor burned before Jaraxtes’ very eyes. The Manticores had been slain to a man and their fleet reduced to wreckage. What elements of the Manticore flotilla that was still capable of flight were brought back with Jaraxtes’ armada.

Becke looked at Jaraxtes. He had spoken where all others refused. No reason was asked or given, even as Jaraxtes left. They both knew what was to come. Becke, with Karsten’s dreams, and Jaraxtes, privy to the machinations of the upper echelons of the Rock, were not surprised when Alloken convened the officers present.

“You are no longer ours to fetter, brother.” Alloken began. “The petition reply from the High Lords has been long in coming to us.”

Becke straightened somewhat, the long years dropping away. No longer was he or his men all-but-prisoners within Rock. Alloken nodded to Jaraxtes, Becke’s confidant.

“Grand Master Becke,” Jaraxtes intoned, “it is my pleasure to present you to the emissaries of the High Lords. The 27^th will become a Chapter of their own.” Clasping Becke’s hand, Jaraxtes congratulated him. Those assembled roared their approval. Long had this last shard of the Legion reminded them of their failures. No longer was this the case – a new Chapter was to set forth from the rock, to assume the duties of the fallen Manticores.

Contrary to popular belief amongst the descendants of the first legion, the Blades of Alaric did not set sail with a mighty fleet under their boots. The long years in isolation had bled the 27^th of their ships – distributed to other Chapters for use in war – leaving them with just the trophies of the Manticores to call their own. Long since tech-exorcised and re-dedicated, the ships performed well enough. However, it would be several centuries before the Blades could claim a properly sized fleet.

This, along with the detention or their forebears, led to growing distrust of the Dark Angels by successive generations of Blades. Of the Angels of Vengeance, the Blades are more forgiving. They remember Jaraxtes and the trust he placed in Becke. They remember the Manticores he crushed so that the Blades as a Chapter could live.

And, most of all, they remember that they are the last link to the Legion of old, the time before betrayal, before Luther fell.

Index Astartes

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Chapter20Badge_zps4cuzl5kv.jpg

GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR):- DARK ANGELS

FOUNDING:- 3rd [005.M32] [iron Manticores] 5th [523.M33] [27th]

CHAPTER MASTER:- LOTHAR Von MITTE

CHAPTER WORLD:- MANNHEIM

FORTRESS MONASTERY:- THE KRAKEN (Water going Leviathan)

MAIN COLOURS:- RED - STONE ROBES

SPECIALITY:- TERMINATOR VETERANS - 2ND COMPANY BIKES/SPEEDERS - FALLEN HUNTERS

BATTLE CRY:- CHAPLAIN 'In the name of the Lion!' - REPLY 'We are his Blade'

CURRENT STRENGTH:- 800+, 4th & 6th Company rebuilding from extreme losses.

KNOWN DESCENDANTS:- NONE KNOWN

The Blades of Alaric Space Marines Chapter

[imageright][/imageright]

Origins

At the time of the Iron Manticores creation the High Lords were not as suspicious as they are now so they were created without much issue, originally designated to patrol systems near the Ghoul Stars, The Unforgiven provided the officer cadre to take control of the Chapter as was requested in the mandate over four hundred Astartes were already waiting, it is noted that they might have been cloned or vat grown, they were very inexperienced for Astartes

They proved themselves to be very capable once they were battle ready slowly earning the respect of the rest of the Unforgiven as they learned their warcraft. The Chapter was eventually able to fight on its own with no support, with their new fleet they were about to set out to the Ghoul Stars when Inquisitor Cythro Darvoto of the Ordo Herecticus had requested the Unforgiven to provide support in his campaign, even though the Dark Angels and most of the other Unforgiven were skeptical Cassiel was eager to once again prove his worth as the Grand Master and in extension the Iron Manticores. So with that the whole Chapter mobilised for war.

What was unknown to Cassiel at the time was Darvoto was using the Chapter for his own ends to recover a set of five artefacts corrupted by Chaos, what these artefacts did was not fully known. The campaign went well to begin with, Chaos cults in the Brast system were wiped out to a man, the first artefact was recovered, it proved to be the catalyst of the Chapters downfall.

The second and third artefacts were found in quick succession, the influence of Chaos becoming more and more apparent, local casualties from war started to rise exponentially, the Inquisitor did his best to encourage the Iron Manticores to shed blood. The first step over the line came when the Master Chaplain questioned the Inquisitor and Cassiel in private only to be killed in cold blood. Cassiel has used the Blade given to him by Darvoto, it howled as it took the Chaplains life.

As the fourth artefact when found most of the Chapter had fallen to the worship of Chaos any that did not accept this were killed in rituals to the Warp, it took so little time to corrupt the Chapter. Unknown to Darvoto and the Iron Manticores a group of three Inquisitors had informed the Dark Angels of this Inquisitors crimes and his heresy.

Over half of the Unforgiven mobilised with Jaxartes the Supreme Grand Master of the Angels of Vengeance taking overall command. Jaxartes took this very personal considering Cassiel used to be the Master of his 3rd Company. With a fleet of ten Battle Barges, 17 Strike Cruisers and various escorts the Fleet when searching for answers.

Once the Task Force has caught up with the Iron Manticores, Jaxartes demanded Cassiel to transport to his flagship, he refused and ordered his fleet to open fire on the Blade of Vengeance, with his fall complete Cassiel started to fight a losing battle his fleet would not stand a chance.

Jaxartes was not interested in killing him in a Void battle so steps were taken to disable Cassiels Battle Barge and board it, upon boarding the ship the corruption of Chaos was more apparent, the two met in combat on the bridge.

Cassiel swelled with power from the warp proved to be even match for Jaxartes but he fell to his former Master, over the next few days nearly all of the remaining Iron Manticores were killed, the group of Inquisitors ordered Exterminatus on the planet below where Darvoto was completing his ritual. The Unforgiven were never told what the Artifacts could do and it would be guessed they were more concerned with the Iron Manticores destruction given the knowledge some with privy to. All records of the incident were wiped from Imperial records only the Unforgiven have knowledge as the three Inquisitors met with drive failure jumping into the warp.

With records of the Iron Manticores being expunged by the Inquisition, there is very little to prove they even existed. The Blades can use this to their advantage. There probably exists some documentation with the Manticores that survived the fall to corruption. The Blades would then say they are the few Manticores that fought against their corrupted brothers but were not slain in a ritual. Having been deemed free of taint by the Unforgiven chapters involved in the conflict. They were given permission to rebuild. They changed their name and colors to purged that reminder of their past and to avoid any complications when an Inquisitor remembers there was a kill order for the Manticores. The 'reminted' Blades would have been under close contact with the Unforgiven (which is true as the Blades were probably scrutinized heavily upon their return) and as such they rebuilt quickly with the Unforgiven looking on. The Blades have since kept in contact with the Unforgiven to prevent another Manticore Incident and have served with distinction ever since.

Sixty three years after the incident The ships of the 1st Legion carrying the 27th Order transitioned back to normal space in the Caliban System after being missing for over two thousand years.

The Strike Cruiser Black Sword of Vengeance was the first to make contact with their lost brothers. After initial suspicion and given the recent history of the Iron Manticores, the Unforgiven were rightfully wary. But this time it was a reason for celebration they were indeed the lost 27th Order, they disappeared after jumping from Macragge during the Heresy. It took them some time to adjust to being out of their own time. Alloken the Supreme Grand Master along with Jurgen Becke came up with the plan of the 27th taking over the Iron Manticores history and provide the tithes due to the Chapter, as first Jurgen was against this, He thought it was the 27th's right to lead the Dark Angels themselves, it was not until his friend Karsten the main Librarian of the 27th explained to him that their place was not at the Rock or as Dark Angels, but as long as they were Sons of El'Jonson their name did not matter.

So it was after this the 27th Order became a member of the Unforgiven with the full knowledge of what that entailed, but even Jurgen was not told everything, even Alloken did not know all. This fateful meeting also started a deep brotherhood with the Angels of Vengeance in particular with Jaxartes and Jurgen, Both recognising a common ground between them, Whereas Jaxartes was impetuous, Jurgen was patient, were Jaxartes was outspoken, Jurgen was diplomatic.

They consider themselves part of the Unforgiven and will pursue the Fallen to the ends of the galaxy. But they do not do this for the reasons that the Dark Angels do. They follow more closely to the Angels of Vengeance they are fanatical in the destruction of Traitors of any kind.

Sixty three years after the incident The ships of the 1st Legion carrying the 27th Order transitioned back to normal space in the Caliban System after being missing for over two thousand years.

The Strike Cruiser Black Sword of Vengeance was the first to make contact with their lost brothers. After initial suspicion and given the recent history of the Iron Manticores, the Unforgiven were rightfully wary. But this time it was a reason for celebration they were indeed the lost 27th Order, they disappeared after jumping from Macragge during the Heresy. It took them some time to adjust to being out of their own time. Alloken the Supreme Grand Master along with Jurgen Becke came up with the plan of the 27th taking over the Iron Manticores history and provide the tithes due to the Chapter, as first Jurgen was against this, He thought it was the 27th's right to lead the Dark Angels themselves, it was not until his friend Karsten the main Librarian of the 27th explained to him that their place was not at the Rock or as Dark Angels, but as long as they were Sons of El'Jonson their name did not matter.

So it was after this the 27th Order became a member of the Unforgiven with the full knowledge of what that entailed, but even Jurgen was not told everything, even Alloken did not know all. This fateful meeting also started a deep brotherhood with the Angels of Vengeance in particular with Jaxartes and Jurgen, Both recognising a common ground between them, Whereas Jaxartes was impetuous, Jurgen was patient, were Jaxartes was outspoken, Jurgen was diplomatic.

They consider themselves part of the Unforgiven and will pursue the Fallen to the ends of the galaxy. But they do not do this for the reasons that the Dark Angels do. They follow more closely to the Angels of Vengeance they are fanatical in the destruction of Traitors of any kind.

Origins of the Order of the Golden Blade

The Order of the Golden Blade was a small Order on Caliban, it had existed for thousands of years, but its original roots can be traced back to ancient Terra, They were a small offshoot of the Teutonic Knights. When man went to the stars some Old Orders seen this as chance to create in their eyes an ideal world. There are few examples of this still alive in the Galaxy, New Mannheim is one example, how some of the Order ended up on Caliban is lost in time but its more likely a colony ship got lost in the warp only to appear near the planet.

When the Lion became the Supreme Grand Master of the Order all others were given the chance to swear fealty to him every Order with one exception pledged their loyalty. When the Emperor found his lost Son and was given command of his Gene Sons the 1st Legion, recruitment from Caliban began in earnest, the 27th Order was one of the first Calibanite Space Marine Orders created the only exception to this was a Terran Chapter Master who took the 27th to shape them in battle.

After their return and subsequent rebirth they were to finally take the name of the Blades of Alaric, this was is in reference to the original Teutonic Knight who founded the Order of the Golden Blade on Terra over thirty nine millennia ago.

Home World

When the new “Iron Manticores” followed the path Karsten said was the Emperors will even though the 27th were not superstitious Jurgen did not doubt Karsten. So began a journey to their new homeworld that would take them fifty six years. But it became clear why the 27th were drawn to the planet. The population is descendants of Germanic Tribes that went to the stars during the Dark Age.

The planets original name was Javadar, but once the 27th declared the planet their homeworld they changed the name to the ancient Germanic town of Mannheim in honour of their ancestors from Terra who ended up on Calibans southern continent during the Dark Age of Technology.

Mannheim is located located close to eastern most point in Segmentum Obscurus, in the Uhulis Sector, Dimmamar would be considered the nearest Imperium planet.

Mannheim is an ocean world over eighty percent of the world is water. One land mass cover the north eastern part of the world. This area is formed into three countries.

Mitte

Fertile grasslands cover most of the continent of Mitte, the people of the country are well known for their artistic endeavours, their works of art have been distributed all over the Imperium. Mitte was also the landing site where the Blades of Alaric made planetfall. A memorial to this event was made and placed at the site.

Sandhofen

The continent of Sandhofen is situated north of Mitte, Sandhofen took the full force of a volcanic natural disaster rendering the vast majority of the land uninhabitable. It was estimated that over five hundred thousand people lost their lives in the disaster. The people of Sandhofen were stubborn and they chose to rebuild their Towns instead of abandoning Sandhofen, A new capital of Sandhofen was created near the site of the extinct Volcano, New industry was established in mining the Obsidian made from the disaster. The Blades of Alaric also use this continent as well as Mannheim's Moon to train the Chapter scouts.

Ketsch

The mountainous Ketsch is the home of the current King of Mannheim, Industrious and hard working people are a stark contract to a more medieval world. The capital has become very technological signs of change are seen more so in Ketsch, the Kings Palace is situated in the capital Friesenheim. The Knight orders have been slowly dying out over the past few millennia, although the Blades of Alaric have adopted a lot of their traditions in to the Chapter, The orders may die out on the planet but with the Blades they will survive forever. With this the Military of Ketsch has adopted to a more modern way of warfare, Mannheim's first Astra Militarum regiment was created in 091.M37. Military service of a period of six years from the age of eight is mandatory in Ketsch, Mitte and Sandhofen have been known to send their children to the Military Academies.

Fortress Monastery

The Blades of Alaric do not use any of the continents as a base instead they sail the great ocean known as the Golden Meer, in what can only be described as a water-going Leviathan/submersible, The Kraken.

The Kraken is a marvel of human creation, it can be compared to the Raptorus Rex Star Fortress of the Fire Hawks. A relic of the Dark Age of Technology the Kraken was purposely made for water, how this Leviathan ended up on Mannheim is a mystery never to be known. It was discovered submerged in the Northern Golden Meer by the Chapter when they were surveying for a suitable locations for the Chapters Fortress. Jurgen declared Rites of Acquisition and claimed the ancient Leviathan. It took over fifteen years to make the vast Fortress battle ready. When the Priesthood of Mars found out about the discovery of the Submersible they requested the Chapter to allow a permanent team led by a Magos Explorator to study the Relic. An agreement was made given the Blades access to various wargear including four Dreadnoughts, Suits of rare Terminator Armour and some Rare Tanks. Over the past seven thousand years the Blades of Alaric have benefited extremely well with this agreement.

Combat Doctrine

Like the Dark Angels, the Blades of Alaric share a stubborn streak on the battlefield, but this is tempered even they know when its time for them to leave. They prefer to use assault vehicles like Land Raiders.

The Chapter will use overwhelming fire-power in the form of Whirlwinds and Thunderhawk Gunship bombing runs once the enemies are reeling from that the 2nd Company will scout ahead for ripe targets to allow the 1st Company Terminators to finish the enemies Command structure.

In battles where the assets of the 1st and 2nd are not always available Battle Companies will rely on the Predator Spearheads backed by Vindicators. Always at the forefront are the Battle Company Veterans.

The Blades keep some of the tradition the 27th were famed for in the Great Crusade, the backbone of their Armies are the Tactical Squads.

Organization

The Blades of Alaric are set up like a Codex Chapter with the exception of the 1st and 2nd Companies like the Dark Angels.

The Chapters Inner Circle also functions in a similar way Dark Angels but not as convoluted. The Chaplains and Librarians will be the ones to interrogate Fallen caught. They have no knowledge of Luther being on the Rock.

All Knight Commanders, Chaplains, Librarians, All of 1st Company and all First Knights of the other Companies have knowledge of the Fallen.

Another unique formation in the Blades of Alaric are the Twelve, also known as the Knight Protectors, they are the Grand Cross's Honour Guard. There is never more than Twelve, it is rare for these mighty warriors to take to the field as a full unit and it only happens when the Chapter takes to the field as a whole for the most part The Grand Cross is accompanied by at least two of these one of them is always the Master Protector. Membership of the Twelve is limited to 1st Company only but as always exceptions are made. The Chapters Paladin usually comes from this formation too, were as the Paladin seeks out the enemy Champions the Twelve's only concern is their Liege.

The 1st Company are known as the Gefallen Jäger (Fallen Hunters), a name they adopted when the elements of the fate of Caliban was told to them this name is not common knowledge to the rest of the Chapter its only upon induction to the 1st is the name revealed. The original Master of the 27th's 1st Company swore vengeance on his traitorous Brothers , the Fallen Hunters like the Deathwing and 1st of the Angels of Vengeance are ruthless and relentless in their pursuit of the fallen willing to take on even the most suicidal mission. Although the Grand Cross will not throw is most elite veterans on a fools errand.

Like the Deathwing of the Dark Angels the 1st Company of the Blades of Alaric operate only in Terminator Armour, unlike the Deathwing, the Blades of Alaric do not have the Knights as part of the structure, instead they are the Knight Sergeants of each squad, these veterans have lived through centuries of war next to the Masters of the Chapter they are the future leaders of the Chapter, nobody becomes a Knight Commander or even the Chapters Grand Cross without at least a few decades as a Knight Sergeant in the 1st Company.

The 1st Company have kept their original legion markings, although they were no longer Dark Angels some felt they could not fully abandon their origins.

The 2nd Company will pursue their quarry with relentless determination, it was this that Seppel the first Knight Commander of the 2nd to name his company the Höllenhund (Hell Hounds). In ancient mythology on Terra one of the duties of these fearsome mythological beasts was to hunt for lost souls which given their duty it seems the suitable name. Each Grand Cross has come to rely heavily on these zealous warriors, its not unknown for the 2nd to be used as a forward scout force when the 10th Company are not available.

The 3rd Company are also known as Vengeance Blades after The Angels of Vengeance & The Blades of Alaric fought in a twenty five years crusade to find three Fallen from the Heresy. The then current Angels of Vengeance Grand Master commended the remains of the 3rd Company with the sacrifice they made in capturing the three, This action further solidified the close Brotherhood both Chapter shared from the start. All survivors were awarded their Crux Terminatus for their steadfast duty and their sacrifice.

The remainder of the chapter is organised exactly like a Codex Chapter, with the 3rd, 4th and 5th companies being Battle Companies, the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th being Reserve Companies. The 10th is the Scout Company.

Standard organisation of a Battle Company is as followed.

Knight Commander

Command Squad (Knight Champion, Company First Knight (Veteran Sergeant), Standard Bearer, Apothecary and Weapon Specialist.) Land Raider or Droppod

Chaplain

Librarian (All Companies will have a Librarian attached to them)

Company Veterans (Numbers vary per Company)

Six Tactical Squads + Rhinos or Droppods

Two Assault Squads + Rhinos, Droppods or Jumppacks

Two Devastator Squads + Rhinos, Droppods

Fleet Assets

The Blades of Alaric have been fortunate and have an impressive fleet they employ in the defence of their Homeworld and local systems.

In the current fleet they boast four Battle Barges, eleven Strike Cruisers, various Escorts.

Herald of Caliban - Battle Barge - Flagship

This venerable vessel has saw action all the way back to the Great Crusade, most of the time it is stationed near New Mannheim, it only goes to war when the Chapter are united in conflict. The Chapter are loath to use it otherwise.

Mannheim’s Pride - Battle Barge

This is the personal ship of Knight Commander Johan the Chapters void war specialist, as well as the standard Bombardment Cannons the ship is fitted with Fusion Beamers.

Golden Blade of Alaric - Battle Barge

This Battle Barge is the newest vessel in the Blades fleet, it was commissioned just over one thousand years ago, it was given to the Blades as payment for the Chapters sacrifice when defending an Adeptus Mechanicus Titan Transporter and its escorts. The Magos of the Forge World considered the price a pittance compared to the God Machines.

Jaxartes Revenge - Battle Barge

Named after the Supreme Grand Master of the Angels of Vengeance, during the time the 27th returned they thought with Angels of Vengeance in numerous battles, when Jaxartes fell in battle the Blades honoured his memory by naming this ship after the legendary Master.

Recruitment

Most of the Chapter's recruits used to come from the Knight Orders that served the King, As the world adopts a more modern way of life the Knight Orders have been slowly dying out. Recruitment has been focused on the Military Academies. It has been noted by the Chaplains of the Chapter that it has provided a greater flux of suitable recruits compared to the Knightly Orders which in turn has led to the Scout Company being of a considerable size more so that standard Codex traditions.

However a few brave individuals have swam out to The Kraken earning a place in the Chapter and its rich history. One such individual is the current Grand Cross Lothar.

Appearance and Iconography

The main colour of their armour is dark red, it is considered unique among the Green, Bone and Black of most of the members of the Unforgiven. But there is no mistaking their lineage. The chapter icon has been changed from the Dark Angels standard icon to the single winged Sword used by the Ravenwing Order. Company markings are as standard Unforgiven. Icons such as Skulls and Crux Terminatus are usually in gold. Chest Eagles are painted bone. The robes of the Chapter are usually in a Cream/Stone colour with yellow or green trim. The 1st Company use the original icon of the Dark Angels Legion.

Each marine will also have on his armour a small golden yellow sword as a symbol of their past origins. Robes are worn mostly as a ceremonial thing but some Officers will wear them in battle.

As the Iron Manticores they used the head of the mythical beast and their symbol, Green Chest Eagles. Robes where Ice Blue in colour.

Beliefs

The Blades of Alaric like most Space Marine Chapters venerate the Emperor as the father of all marines, and the Lion as his most gifted son. With these beliefs and the Monastic order of Knights that serve as the New Mannheim Knight Orders . But one might wonder how the Chapter will be shaped in years to come with the decline of the Orders as the planet becomes more advanced.

The Imperial Creed has never fully caught one with the natives of Mannheim, There are pockets of people who worship the Emperor as a God, but it is rare these are accepted into the Chapter.

They have a deeply stubborn streak and prideful. They work very well together with Angels of Vengeance and will fight to the bitter end with their fellow Unforgiven brothers.

Gene-seed

To the outside observer the Blades of Alaric are descendant from the Angels of Vengeance, but the truth being that they were a Lost 1st Legion Order they have Dark Angel Gene-Seed and that is considered some of the purest.

Battle-cry

Pre Heresy - “Never Falter, Never Fail... We are the 1st”

CHAPLAIN 'In the name of the Lion!' - REPLY 'We are his Blade'

Selected Battles

678.M33 March Home

The first battle the Chapter faced after leaving the Rock was a small moon in the Dectus Sector, an Ork Warboss known as Grimkilla. After three months of combat the Chapter Champion Mathias met the Warboss in personal combat and slaying the Warboss. So began the Chapters eternal war.

984.M33 The Grudge of Dogs

During a combined force assault on a Chaos held world near Cadia, the Blades of Alaric 4th Company fired on a Space Wolves encampment after the Wolves commander ordered Imperial Guard artillery to fire on a chaos held location Scout elements of the 10th Company where present and killed. The Blades of Alaric refuse to help or fight with the Space Wolves.

“The Arrogance of these dogs and I will put them down like dogs, My Chapters losses mean nothing.” Knight Commander Moritz of the 4th

829.M35 The Sheran Rift

The 5th Company's Battle Barge (Obsidian Blade) under the Command of Knight Commander Rainer were caught under a surprise attack by a small Chaos force led by a Chaos Battle Barge known as the Ecstasy of the Soul. After losing most of her escorts the Obsidian Blade was able to score a kill shot on the Ecstasy's engines crippling the ship. Seven suits of the rare Cataphractii Terminator Armour were salvaged and have been restored to its former glory by the Techmarines of the Chapter and sanctified by a Magos Techpriest of the local Forgeworld.

771-774.M37 The Rage of the Unforgiven

Five Companies representing the Unforgiven launch an all out assault on a renegade Imperial world, rumours are abound as sighting of the greatest traitor himself Cypher. It was noted Cypher himself was not present but there was a Fallen Angel instigating riots. Arakiel was captured and died during his interrogation at the hands of Unforgiven.

101.M39 The Culling of Hathre

The Blades of Alaric are asked to provide backup to Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Yeth Bandt in his mission to prove Dark Eldar had infiltrated the Imperial World of Hathre, The Inquisitor orders exterminatus on the planet. The 5th Company and elements of the 2nd and 9th are wiped out to a man. The Battle Barge Mannheim's Pride escapes the system to report to Grand Cross Dietrich.

203-206.M39 Dietrich's Vengeance

Dietrich the 58th Grand Cross calls upon a Angels of Vengeance fleet that was in a nearby system, The Angels of Vengeance proved to be instrumental in capturing the rogue Inquisitor. After a three year chase the Inquisitor is cornered and captured. Dietrich gave him no quarter as he killed the Inquisitor with his bare hands. Bandt's skull was cleaned and polished, Dietrich engraved the names of his dead brothers into it. It is now considered a relic.

054.M40 Traitors Game

The 5th Company’s first battle after Hathre comes in the form of a Crusading Black Templar force giving chase to a Black Legion splinter fleet led by Karatos the Reaper. The battle comes to the fore on the bridge of the Black Legions command ship. Marshal Arnfried and Knight Commander Jurgen kill Karatos. Both chapters earn each others respect and exchange gifts.

910.M40 Space Hulk Theoculus

The Theoculus space hulk turns up in the Uhulis Sector, swarming with Orks, with the combined might of the whole Chapter the Orks are defeated and the Hulk destroyed, but the Blades of Alaric suffered losses in the effect of the 4th, 5th and 7th companies being virtually wiped out.

559.M41 All Records Deleted

743.M41 Record deleted at request of Ordo Xenos

972-997.M41 Crusade of Three

The combined force of the 3rd Company of the Blades of Alaric and the 4th Company of Angels of Vengeance respectively scoured the Laeth Trinary system for twenty five years to find three of Fallen. Heavy loses were inflicted on the Blades of Alaric but the 3 were caught. As a result the remaining Veterans were given their Crux Terminatus marking them for future promotion to the 1st. Thirty two Marines survived.

982.M41 Massacre on Geath Prime

Considered the darkest day in the long history of the Chapter. Grand Cross Lothar answered the pleas of a local Imperial World under attack by sending the 4th, 6th and elements of the 1st. A Chaos Battlegroup under command of a Thousand Sons Sorcerer Lord simply known as The Occulus. One hundred and sixty two marines died in one night sacrificed to the warp. Twenty seven Brothers of the 6th spat on their oaths. The thirty one survivors have sworn bloody vengeance on the traitors.

It was noted this had been the second time in a thousand years the Blades have taken heavy loses.

995.M41 Hunt for The Occulus

After the massacre on Geath, the Blades of Alaric 1st, 2nd & 3rd Companies & along with elements from the Angels of Vengeance 1st 2nd & 4th Companies, Launch a devastating attack on Cyuinse IV suspected location of The Occulus. The Sorcerer Lord and his elite cadre escape his forces take overwhelming losses. Three Oath-breakers confirmed dead.

999.M41 Game of Shadows

Mannheim's Pride under the command of Johan and the 3rd chase down a damaged Eldar Cruiser of some unknown Craftworld. On closer inspection Tyranids are discovered. Knight Commander Johan with the help of Revered Knight Kilian kill the Hive Tyrant. This is the first recorded encounter of Tyranids by the Chapter. Minimal losses taken.

Heroes of Antiquity

Jurgen Becke - 1st Grand Master, Known as The Grand Cross. Bearer of the Golden Blade

Jurgen was a Grand Master in the Great Crusade, he was the Commander of the 27th Order of the 1st Legion, He was known for his tactical ability, diplomatic skills he was truly a Son of the Lion.

He was present as a child when his Father took a knee to pledge to the Lions new Order on Caliban. He developed a great hatred for Orks most especially an Warboss known as Grimkilla. He was also the one who had chosen to use the Ravenwing iconography after they settled on New Mannheim. He also amended the titles of his Masters to be more in line with his original Order on Caliban. Jurgen died at the hands of Dark Eldar after three hundred and thirty five years of leading the Blades of Alaric upon their return from the Warp.

Torsten – Paladin of the 27th – The Axeman of Alaric

Torsten would be the first to admit he would never be a Master of his chapter, or even a Sergeant. His talent lay in combat. He was never seen on the battlefield without his custom Power Axe a relic from the Great Crusade. Torsten's life was cut short when he fought a Chaos Space Marine known as Kyrax the Bloodied a foul Champion of Khorne.

Anton - 1st Grand Interrogator – Grand Master of the Chaplains

Anton was one of the oldest Marines in the 27th before the Heresy, he was known as a plain speaking man, only saying what was required. He was known for his ability to inspire his fellow Brothers. He would be known as the main architect in integrating Mannheim's traditions into the chapter. He was over six hundred years old at the time. But this grizzled old veteran lived for another two hundred and thirteen years. Giving his life to save a young scout.

Karsten - 1st Grand Seeker – Chief Librarian

Karsten was given the honour of becoming the youngest Chief Librarian of any of the Unforgiven, His main talent was his visions he was the one who spoke up about their fateful warp jump, he also led the 27th to their new Homeworld. his prescience was almost legendary he has saved so many lives of his brothers with his forewarning and precognition. His legacy to the Blades of Alaric has been in form of predicting each of his successors to his position from Malte (his direct Successor) to the current Chief Librarian Konrad and beyond.

Nico Volk - 1st Master Surgeon – Chief Apothecary

Nico was another Great Crusade Veteran originally from Terra he had been a member of Jurgens Command Squad/Bodyguard. After the return he was the only choice to become the Chapters Chief Apothecary.

Wolfram - 1st Knight Commander of Gefallen Jäger (Fallen Hunters) – Voice of New Mannheim

A giant of a man was Wolfram, but was soft spoken. He was given the title of Voice of New Mannheim due to his skill in diplomacy, but as with every Astartes his talent was in war. Always to be found at the vanguard of a battle. He carried his huge two Handed Mace a relic of the Great Crusade. He was chosen to succeed Jurgen.

Seppel - 1st Knight Commander of Höllenhund (Hell Hounds) – The Huntsman - Hound of Alaric

If Jurgen is the Mind and Wolfram is Diplomat, Seppel is the Rebel he was very unorthodox in his way of waging war, Seppel was considered very zealous, he knew most of the secrets of his chapter and holds no guilt but he stopped at nothing to hunt down any and all members of the Fallen. He was given the title of The Huntsman after his capture of the Fallen had risen to over ten.

The title of The Huntsman is only given to the Knight Commander of the 2nd Company, and only seven have ever earned it.

Masters of the Chapter

Grand Master - World Protector

Grand Cross Lothar (64th Grand Cross)

Lothar has been the Grand Cross for over two hundred and twelve years, he became a scout in 512.M41. He was fourteen when he swam out to the Kraken, he survived more to his quick thinking in making himself a suit made from Seatiger skin. His quick thinking and tactical acumen seen him rise up the ranks faster than most. After his years as a scout he was promoted straight into the 4th Company. It was not long before he attracted the attention of the Master Bastian. Within sixty years he was Bastian's First Knight. Then he became the Knight Commander of the 4th by 703.M41 then Grand Cross by 787.M41

When Manfred the 63rd Grand Cross died, Most Masters expected Bastian to succeed him to the surprise of other Masters Bastian and Manfred had already chosen Lothar to be the new Grand Cross. A task he has proven time and time again he was made for.

Chief Librarian – Scion of Karsten – Keeper of the Book of Antiquity

Grand Seeker Konrad

Like all his predecessors Konrads fate was predicted by the chapters first Chief Librarian Karsten. He also knows who will replace him and when. But this one constant continues to give the chapter hope that in the future the Blades of Alaric will be there to hunt the traitors of the Unforgiven.

Konrad given his fate can be considered reckless, but his skills and talents in war make him indispensable. Forever at the forefront of battle, Lothar has relied on Konrads talents over the years. He is also the Keeper of the Book of Antiquity, this contains the name of every Brother of the chapter.

Grand Master of Chaplains – Master of Traditions

Grand Interrogator Gerhold

Gerhold has only been the Grand Interrogator for seven years after the previous Grand Interrogator spat on his oaths at the Battle of Geath Prime. Gerhold was the Chaplain of the 4th Company. On promotion to Grand Interrogator he begged Lothar for vengeance against his old Master. His vengeance was granted thirteen years later when Gerhold killed Kolman who had become a Champion of the Changer of Ways. With vengeance stated Gerhold turned back to his duties as the Master of Traditions to make sure the ancient ways of the people of Mannheim are honoured to this day.

Chapter Standard Bearer - Voice of Alaric

Sacred Lukas

Lukas has been the bearer of the Chapters Standard for over two hundred years, he was the the First Sergeant of the 5th Company during a battle supporting Naamans Vengeance. He slayed two Ork Nobz one of which had killed the previous 5th Company Standard Bearer, He carried the 5th Company’s banner for the rest of the war. Not once did his beloved 5th Company’s banner touch the earth again.

The honour to carry the Chapters Sacred Banners was given to him by Lothar after the previous bearer was killed. Whenever the chapter deploys en-mass Lukas can always be seen stood at the side of Lothar, his stern features unmoving like the statues of the chapters heroes of old as the Chapters Banner stands proud in his hands.

Master of the Forge

Grand Creator Markus

Markus is the oldest living marine of the Blades of Alaric, more machine than man now, at nine hundred and thirteen years old. He has been the Grand Creator of the Forge for six hundred and seventy two years. His greatest work has been the making of the Dreadnought chassis he has called Legion it took over three hundred years of work, this chassis has never been occupied. He says only one of the Chapters mightiest heroes can ever be considered to be entombed in it.

Chapter Champion – Master of the Sword

Paladin Lanzo

One of the most unique things about the Blades of Alaric is the Rank of Paladin, this can be traced back to the days on Caliban and as far back as Ancient Terra. Lanzo is the current Paladin of the Chapter and he as been for over three hundred years after Bastian was made the Knight Commander of the 1st, he has never been bested by any of his Brothers. Some say he has been the greatest Paladin the Blades ever had. He answers to the Grand Cross only.

He is a Paragon of Virtue & Honour, many enemy Champions have fell to his Sword. Every fifty years since he ascended to this position he will take one scout to be his pupil, only the best swordsman will ever be chosen. Lothar in his youth studied under Lanzo, but was still unable to best the Swordmaster.

Master Protector – Shadow of the Cross

Brun Vosberg

Brun has been Lothars Master Protector for over one hundred and thirty years when his Mentor died protecting Lothar from a Dark Eldar Dark Lance, Brun was given the honour of becoming the next Shadow, this has been a duty he was born for. It was no mistaking his star was on the rise, he would have been a Knight Commander at the earliest opportunity if he regrets his path it does not show, over the years he has prevented a number of attempts on Lothars life when the enemies of the Chapter have tried to assassinate him.

Armed with a Storm Shield and Power Sword and an Ancient Suit of Power Armour, Brun is ever at the Grand Cross's side, many times has an enemy fell to a swift sword strike of this Hero. He is one of the few in the Chapter that can fight Lanzo for any great amount of time before the Paladin wins the duel. Brun has joked that Lanzo is more like an Eldar with his speed.

Master of the 1st - Gefallen Jäger (Fallen Hunters) Grand Knight of New Mannhei/b]

Knight Commander Bastian

If there was ever a Hero of the Blades of Alaric to signify the honour of the Chapter Bastian is it, he has been the Master of the Fallen Hunters for three hundred and forty eight years, he is humble, stoic and patient. He stands as a giant in his Terminator armour, his huge weapon the Axe of Mannheim gripped firmly in his hand as a symbol of office as the Grand Knight of New Mannheim. The weapon was made by Markus himself.

Before his ascension to the 1st Company he was the Paladin for over one hundred years. He is instrumental in Lothar becoming Grand Cross an act he is proud of as a father is to a son.

Master of the 2nd – Knight Commander of Höllenhund (Hell Hounds) – The Huntsman - Hound of Mannheim

Knight Commander Kaspar

If Bastian shows the stoic side of the chapter, Kaspar is is opposite. He is brash, impetuous and hotheaded, it has been joked he is more like an Ork of the Evil Suns than an Astartes of the Emperor. It seems that the rebellious streak of the Master of the 2nd is a common trait going right back to Seppel.

And this is a reputation he plays into, he usually takes to battle on his custom bike, tearing head-on into the enemy chasing them down like dogs. His behaviour has been questioned by other Masters of the chapter but nobody can deny his unorthodox tactics can and do win battles. He is also the Grand Champion of the Hunt, an event where other members of the The Dullahan compete hunting down one of the rare predators of Mannheim.

Master of the 3rd – Master of the Fleet – Vengeance Blades

Knight Commander Johan

Johan was the First Sergeant of the 3rd Company when his mentor and friend was killed during the Hunt of the Occulus, his promotion was never in doubt. He is also the chapters pre-eminent Master of Void War even his mentor would ask for his opinion in Void War. He like all the Masters of the Chapter carries a Weapon from the Order of the Golden Blade. His weapon is a Thunder Hammer dating back into ancient times.

Johan's company was the first Company of the Chapter to come into contact with the Tyranids, during a battle with a Hive Tyrant Johan scored the killing blow after Revered Brother Falkenrath broke the creatures back with his power fist.

Johan's personal ship is the Mannheim's Pride

Master of the 4th – Master of the Arsenal

Knight Commander Franz Haas

Franz is one of the new Masters to come into Command after the Massacre of Gaeth he has taken an Oath of Vengeance against his former brothers. He denies himself any accolades until the the last twenty three traitors are dead.

A stubborn man he has come to blows with Master Eckhart when the former commented on his tactics during a recent war-game with the 5th Company it was only by the interruption by Bastian that stopped the disagreement becoming fatal.

Bastian could not fault Franz the betrayal of some of his closest brothers has hit him hard. But his bitterness could cause more issues later and for how long Bastian can prevent Franz from being stripped of command is anyone’s guess.

Master of the 5th – Master of the Marches

Knight Commander Eckhart Haas

As the Master of the Marches it is Eckhart's responsibility to make sure the territory of the Blades of Alaric is secure. A task he is well suited to, the 5th Company spends most of its time on the Star Fortress orbiting New Mannheim. Recently he has came to blows with Franz, he worries for his brother as not only are they brothers in arms but brothers by blood, both were accepted into the Chapter when they were fourteen and fifteen respectively. He can only hope his vengeance comes soon before hatred consumes him.

Master of the 6th – Master of the Watch

Knight Commander Merten

Merten is another new Master to the Blades of Alaric, he was the a Knight Sergeant in the 1st Company for numerous years. Promotion to the 6th Company Knight Commander was given to him as he was considered a man of vision. He has taken to rebuilding the 6th Company with all his talent. It has been remarked he has the makings of being a Hero of Legend in the Chapters history.

Master of the 7th – Master Victualler

Knight Commander Dietmar

Dietmar was given the duties of the Master Victualler after a Eldar plasma grenade destroyed most of his body, he has lost both his legs, most of the left side of his body, he refused to be put in a Dreadnought he still wanted to serve the chapter, his body was wrecked but his mind was sharp as ever. The chapters Master Surgeon Vinzent was able to save him. He is not considered a front line Master any more. His 1st Sergeant Alexis is the Knight Commander in all but name.

Master of the 8th – Master of Alban

Knight Commander Keller

Alban is the moon that orbits Mannheim, it is also the home of the 8th & 10th Companies. Keller is the Master of Fortress Alban. Keller is known to be a staunch supporter of the Codex Astartes and with his talent in tactics he makes war games for the other companies to hone their skills whether its in close combat or tank tactics Keller has a plan.

Master of the 9th – Master of the Kraken – The Reapers

Knight Commander Gerhard Roth

As the Master of the Kraken Gerhard spends most of his time on Mannheim the grizzled old veteran has been in the 9th Company for over four hundred years. He is one of the most unorthodox commanders as he carries a Heavy Bolter as his main weapon, his Weapon of the Order of the Golden Blade is a Combat Knife named The Reapers Edge.

He has refused any promotion to any Battle Company, his answer is always he belongs with his brother Devastators. His current command squad has been together for over two hundred years.

Master of the 10th – Master of the Recruits

Knight Commander Henrike

Eamon has been the guiding hand in his chapter for over one hundred years, he is known to be one of the finest marksmen of the chapter only other to be better is his protégée Lars. Between Henrike and Keller the Chapters future is in very good hands.

apparently I wrote too much for 1 post

Weapons of the Golden Blades

Like the Heavenfall Blades of the Dark Angels and the other Unforgiven ancient weapons the Blades of Alaric do have their own versions of this weapons.

Each weapon is remade to suit the Master of the Company with the exception of the Grand Cross who will only use the Blade of Alaric.

The Blade of Alaric – Grand Cross Lothar

The Manticores Claw was give to the 1st Grand Cross Cassiel by the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels on creation of the chapter. After the Chapter was destroyed the weapon was sundered and remade to suit Jurgen the 1st Grand Cross of the Blades.

The Axe of Mannheim – Knight Commander Bastian 1st Company

The weapon of choice of Bastian, where most of his contemporaries use blades Bastian prefers the brutal power of his axe.

The Huntmans Blades – Knight Commander Kaspar 2nd Company

Kaspar requested two daggers be his weapons, his skill with the short blades is known within the chapter, he is one of the best weapon-masters of the Chapter. He was Lanzo's second pupil.

The Hammer of Alaric – Knight Commander Johan 3rd Company

This huge thunder hammer was used by the previous Master of the 3rd, Johan refused to reforge the great hammer.

The Traitors Doom – Knight Commander Franz Haas 4th Company

This Mace is Treasach's answer to the brothers who spat on their oaths, He has the Mace blessed by his company Chaplain every battle.

The Spear of Ketsch – Knight Commander Eckhart Haas 5th Company

Eckhart requested his weapon to be a Spear, an unusual weapon for a Space Marine but well suited to the young Commanders fighting style when he takes to the air on his jumppack.

Kraken Blade – Knight Commander Merten 6th Company

Kelan's sword is in the typical style of the Unforgiven it is 2 handed but Kelan has learned to use it 1 handed.

The Obsidian Halberd - Knight Commander Dietmar 7th Company

Dietmar's weapon is one of the most unique within the Chapter, A 2 Metre Halberd. It is currently used by his First Sergeant Alexis.

Hammer of Sandhofen - Knight Commander Keller 8th Company

Keller's hammer is a huge 2 handed power hammer, considered to be Techmarine Kelan's finest work.

The Reapers Edge - Knight Commander Gerhard Roth 9th Company

Due to Roth's use of the Heavy Bolter he wanted his first combat knife as a Scout remade so the Reapers Edge is born. Enemies have underestimated Roth's skill with a such a simple blade.

Claws of Mannheim - Knight Commander Henrike 10th Company

Since his time in the 1st Company, Eamon was a master with Lightning Claws so when he was promoted to Master his weapon of choice was not in doubt.

Special Units & Addendum

The Fallen Hunters

Like the Deathwing of the Dark Angels the 1st Company of the Blades of Alaric operate only in Terminator Armour, unlike the Deathwing, the Blades of Alaric do not have the Knights as part of the structure, instead they are the Knight Sergeants of each squad, these veterans have lived through centuries of war next to the Masters of the Chapter they are the future leaders of the Chapter, nobody becomes a Knight Commander or even the Chapters Grand Cross without at least a few decades as a Knight Sergeant in the 1st Company.

The 1st Company have kept their original legion markings, although they were no longer Dark Angels some felt they could not fully abandon their origins.

Special Character

Paladin – Other honorific titles are usually shunned with the exception of Master of the (Weapon)

This ancient title goes back to the Great Crusade, each 1st Legion Order would have its own Paladin or Champion as it was known in other Legions, the most famous of these stalwart warriors was Corswain. The Blades of Alaric keep this tradition alive, but its not unknown for other members of the Unforgiven to nominate a Paladin for a particular campaign. Paladins are the Chapters Honour, they fight with purpose and fervour, they are Veterans of countless battles, When a Paladin offers counsel it is foolish to ignore their advice. It is not unknown for these warriors to refuse any battle accolades, deeds are what makes them not rewards.

The current Paladin of the Blades of Alaric is Lanzo. He is also known as Master of the Sword.

Special Unit

The Twelve – Knight Protectors

When the 2nd Grand Cross fell in battle the rest of the Knight Commanders issued a decree to create a unique unit with the sole responsibility of protecting the Grand Cross in battle, it was argued this was the job of the Paladin but as it was pointed out the Paladin was to single out enemy Champions, and not to protect the Grand Cross. After Emmerich was given the honour of being the Chapters third Grand Cross he would be the first to be guarded by these Protectors, at any one time there are always two of these stalwart Knights close to the Grand Cross, one of them will always be the Master Protector.

In the entire history only two Master Protectors failed in their duty to protect their Grand Cross, Gero the first to fail gave his life in a heroic last stand protecting the body of his Lord his honour restored in his sacrifice. Lambert was the second, dying seconds after. When a new member is inducted to the Twelve they first learn of these two Heroes and the weight such a position carries in the Chapter, some consider the 1st Company and eventual promotion to possibly a Grand Cross the highest honour, however to the Knight Protectors there is no greater honour.

When they are not protecting the Grand Cross as a whole, it is not unknown for a Knight Protector to be assigned to a Knight Commander from the Battle Companies, they can take on duties such as Body Guard, Commanders of elite forces usually the Company Veterans, they offer sage council, their other duties include guarding the Geneseed Vault deep inside the Kraken permanently and oversee the Librarians to make sure none fall to possession or anything worse, thankfully there is only one record in the Chapters history of this.

One thing of note even though each member of the Twelve have knowledge of the Fallen their duty as Protectors comes first.

Knight Commander Johan - Master of the 3rd - Vengeance Blades - Alternative Wargear Loadout
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Master_zpsmrtrnlhx.jpg

Brother Kord - 3rd Company - 1st Tactical Squad

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Tactical_zpsdeviws41.jpg

Knight Brother Manfred - 1st Company - Squad Unknown

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Terminator_zpsxpxrlzmy.jpg

Neophyte Vester - 10th Company

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/scout_zps7ts1q7me.jpg

Paladin Lanzo - Alternative Wargear Loadout

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Paladin_zpsa8semhr3.jpg

[Interrogator Stobz]

That's a lot of reading Bro, will do it later but it looks epic!

[Brother Captain Arkley]

OK so I'm not a total slacker...

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Warhammer%2040K/IMG_20150603_223707_zps8o9lpmen.jpg

 

WIP on the first 5 marines of my first tactical squad I hope to have finished them this weekend.

[Interrogator Stobz]

SLACKER!!!

 

What pads did you decide upon?

[Brother Captain Arkley]

SLACKER!!!

 

What pads did you decide upon?

Not sure I really like that idea I said about 1st and 2nd Companies. The upgrade sprue make it so much easier to get a hold of shoulder pads.

[Interrogator Stobz]

Oh well, I'm sitting with a nice glass of beer waiting to see what you deliver :P

[Brother Captain Arkley]

A small update... going slower than I hoped but there is nothing I can really do about that. Xenos for scale.

 

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Warhammer%2040K/IMG_20150610_010150_zpswre0rzyl.jpg

[Abdaziel Magron]

An interesting read. Looking forward to seeing more of The Blades

[Epher]

Great intro narritive and origin!  The plan is to read the rest of it but will have to wait until later.  I am liking the paint scheme and bases.

[Brother Captain Arkley]

OK first 5 man Tactical Squad done The bases need touched up around the side but that can wait.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Warhammer%2040K/IMG_20150613_214049_zpsvelczd8o.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Warhammer%2040K/IMG_20150613_214010_zpspgpjjhhh.jpg

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/Warhammer%2040K/IMG_20150613_213950_zpsye0a4a1v.jpg

Work begins on the last 5. Luckily my eye is behaving so hopefully my speed will pick up.

[Epher]

They turned out great!  I like the poses. They are very dynamic, especially the sergeant.

[Interrogator Stobz]

Nice work so far..... good luck with the eye mate

Nice work so far..... good luck with the eye mate

[Brother Captain Arkley]

Did you type twice by mistake? :)

[Bryan Blaire]

(If you accidentally double post within a certain time window, the board software automatically merges the two posts)

 

Looking good as always, sir! Do I see a few of the new molded DA pauldrons from the upgrade Sprue in there?

[Brother Captain Arkley]

(If you accidentally double post within a certain time window, the board software automatically merges the two posts)

Looking good as always, sir! Do I see a few of the new molded DA pauldrons from the upgrade Sprue in there?

You do :) I bought 4 sets I want more :)

[Brother Captain Arkley]

OK I have returned from the Apothecary, over 3 months since I painted.

I have finally done the 10 man Squad, yeah the Flamer guy needs a hand .

Tactical Squad 6 of the 3rd Company.

http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k574/jetpaczx/IMG_20151109_224328_zps9zk8xzbo.jpg

Hope you like.

[Father Mehman]

The colour, the colour! I love this colour scheme !

The yellow Chapter Symbols on the red is just striking.

Keep up the good work !

[Grand Master Belial]

Still the undisputed master of the RED Unforgiven. Love the most recent work and it looks like the Apothecary did good work to get you back to the paint table. 

[Interrogator Stobz]

Slacker Puleeeeeeeze!!!!

 

Seriously though, great to see you back with some great new toys :tu:

[Isiah]

And he's back and painting splendidly once again. So, what's it like having GW 'borrow' your colour scheme ;) But remember folks -- the ​Blades of Alaric came first :yes:

 

Cheers

I

[Brother Captain Arkley]

IF and I mean IF I have influenced that Successor Chapter I have to say I am pretty happy :). But I am not that vain :)

[Father Mehman]

Great, now I have to figure out what you guys are talking about...

[Brother Captain Arkley]

Great, now I have to figure out what you guys are talking about...

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/315662-suspiciously-unforgiven/

The Red DA in the LE Codex.

I have been painting Red DA for over 3 years.

[Punk possum]

I'm ashamed to say I've only just read through your fluff. I wish I'd done so earlier its fantastic! Your new tacticals are pretty top notch too

Having read your fluff I was wondering would you mind if I put a Blades of Alaric veteran in my Angels of Vengeance command squad as a sort of inter chapter observer? It'll be a while till I get round to doing the command squad but still I thought it would only be polite to ask.

[Brother Captain Arkley]

I would be honoured Punk :P