Specters of Caliban

[Brother Darkover]

      The traitor hangs on the iron cross awaiting his torturers.  His capture was inevitable, he had been too vocal against local Imperial authorities, too eager to spread the word of his master to the weak and ignorant.  He wanted to grant them enlightenment, to raise them out of darkness, but the Imperium consumed him.  Even now he thinks about the Governor and his cronies laughing at the capture, waiting to dangle his corpse as an example to those who dare to dream.  

   

    He hears footsteps in the hall, his doom approaching and is calm.  The Master promised him eternity in the afterlife as recognition of his service.  His followers would rise up and create havoc on this world.  His work is complete.  He smiles as he hears the door open and speaks to his captor.  "There is nothing you can do now.  My death at your hands will only be the beginning.  This world will cast off the darkness of the Imperium of Man and rise up to towering heights that your kind cannot even dream of."

 

   "I do not think you have the slightest idea what exactly my kind is," comes the response in Low Gothic.  The voice isn't anything the damned man expected.  It is too deep, too resonant for a mere man.  It reminded him of the Master's.  The figure walks into the vision range of the traitor.  It is huge, shrouded in darkness and menacing.  It had the same aura of death the Master wrapped about himself like a shroud. "M-master?"

 

   "Not really, but he is why I am here. I think it is time we have a chat, you and I." The figure pulls up a chair takes a seat and stares.  The traitor has the sensation he is being dissected by the eyes hidden beneath the cowl. Abruptly, it stands, kicking the chair out behind it and grabs the traitor's head by its black gauntleted hand, examining the features.  A black pauldron bears the emerald symbol of a winged-blade, framed by a lantern on it

 

   "You know, you remind me of a Space Wolf I once served with in the Deathwatch.  That bastard was so light on his feet tearing through xenos we used to call him 'Dancer.' He absolutely hated it" It releases its grip and moves the hand out of sight.  "Not any physical resemblance, he could tear you a part without a second thought.  No, you two found yourself very similar positions"  It walks closer and closer, until it is just inches away.  "Do you want to know what happened to Dancer wretch?" The traitor certainly did not want to find out what happened to Dancer.  This marine was too uncanny, too talkative.  It threw him off.

 

   "Dancer found a way to get himself captured by the Dark Eldar.  We thought he was dead, but lucky for us they wanted a trophy.  We found Dancer tied to the front of a Raider, his own spear impaling him right here."  With a movement faster than the traitor could see, the Marine stabs him in the side with a knife.  The pain nearly makes him pass out.  "They also took one of his eyes for fun." As the Marine takes his left eye out of the socket, the traitor can no longer remain conscious, it was too much.

   

  He comes to slowly, still strapped to the cross, the Marine still in front of him.  "Look who's awake!  Now, where were we?  Oh right, you know how he got free?  Lucky bastard started shooting lightning everywhere, rambling about the "Spirit of Fenris" or some such nonsense coming awake.  I swear some people get all the luck."  The marine leans in close and speaks barely above a whisper.  "Dancer lasted a week, how long do you think you will?"

   

   He steps back picks up the seat, dusts it off and sits down, the steel structure groans under his weight but holds.  "Now that we have established exactly where we stand, tell me; where is your Master?"

***

 

   Hello!  So that little scene is my sort of introduction to the successor chapter of Dark Angels that I want to start!  I have been watching too much Blacklist in my spare time, so I wrote that whole thing with the voice of James Spader in my head.

 

  The vibe I want for my Specters of Caliban is sort of a Dark Angels version of the Alpha Legion running along the Maelstrom zone keeping an eye out for the Fallen.  I was particularly fortunate this Christmas to have gotten several GW goodies, so I will also be using this space to physically build the tiny plastic space men for the table top.  I must warn though, I have the unfortunate combination of a severe lack of skill in painting and modelling, and a wildly overactive imagination, so the stories and ideas posted will not match with the quality of the paint, but I will still have fun with it!

[Chaplain Lucifer]

You have a nice story for starters! Just one minor detail.. Marines have high pain tolerance, so being stabbed and getting the eyes gouged are still well within the pain limit and they don't pass out... They can even lose limbs and still remain conscious and combat ready. Just a heads up for future fiction you may write.

 

Welcome aboard the DA Forum!

[Isiah]

Spectres of Caliban - great name :tu:

[Dark Rage]

Maybe he was using a Knife or tool similar to the blades of reason which caused more pain. I did like that little intro into the chapter and the name is very cool as well.

[Spaced Hulk]

I'm pretty sure the traitor is just a mortal cultist who's 'helping' an Interrogator Chaplain with his enquires. 

 

Nice little story mate and it is a really cool Chapter name. Do you have a colour scheme for them yet?

[Brother Darkover]

Thanks for the positive responses everyone! 

 

The colour scheme I want to go for is black armour, with a bone face plate on the helmets, and Dark Angel's green robes and chapter symbols.  Part of the theme I am developing in my head is that for official Imperial records, they are the most generic Unforgiven marines with a mediocre combat record, and nothing really noteworthy about them/  So, I decided to go for the most Dark Angel-y colours I could think of!

 

Their unofficial record plays to the "Specter" part of the name.  I was really inspired by the Alpha Legion fluff for the HH books with the "ghost legion" carrying out black back missions long before they were officially founded.  I wanted my chapter to do something similar except in a smaller area, the Maelstrom zone, and for the hunt for the Fallen. So although they look average for Space Marines to the wider Imperium, their true skills lie in unconventional warfare.

 

 

[jbaeza94]

I really like your ideas, and the intro to your chapter, better than my attempt at an interrogation.

 

I'm looking forward to reading a bit more about your Specters, I really liked "Legion", and if you can pull off any crazy "just as planned" shenanigans just like the Alpha Legion with your Spectors, then... well I don't know what then, but it'll be awesome

[Phoebus]

I would urge you to be careful about crossing into what makes another Legion "special".

 

Remember, at the end of the day, the Unforgiven Chapters are defined by an Inner Circle. That body ensures the uninitiated rank-and-file adhere to monastic warrior ethos that are influenced by the ancient Legion's ways. They monitor them, and those who are found worthy are initiated into what is essentially a Calibanite order of knighthood willing to do terrible deeds in order to redeem the honour of their ancestors.

 

That forces you to ask yourself: who within the Specters of Caliban is responsible for unconventional warfare? If it's everybody, then you really have to think about why this Chapter became so radically divergent from their forebears. Even if it's only the Inner Circle and their initiated warriors (e.g., their Deathwing and Ravenwing equivalents), you have to think equally hard as to why the heirs to Caliban's legacy have decided to fight in a way that is so different.

 

Look at it from a different perspective: would the reverse work? What if I were to tell you about a Chapter founded from the Raven Guard (or one of their Successors) whose First Company were knightly, and whose entire force was very stalwart, stubborn, and refused to give up any ground to the enemy? That's not to say that either concept is impossible, or that a tale that is both interesting and plausible can't be crafted from it. It will be challenging, though.

[Isiah]

Just to say -- I prefer the English style 'Spectre' rather than Specter ;)

 

Just sayin' :whistling:

[ElectricPaladin]

I like where this is going, and I'm not normally a big fan of Dark Angels. Keep it up!

[Brother Darkover]

@Phoebus that is a very good point. I was thinking of having the Inner Circle controlling the flow of information by following the Order's circle motif where advancement within the Chapter is called "walking the Circle" or something similar. The closer to the middle, the more access to knowledge

 

@Isiah I may actually change it to Spectres, I am still debating

[Punk possum]

Cool intro fluff. I've seen too much Blacklist lately as well so I liked the James Spader angle

So the Specters (sorry I'm a Brit and in agreement with Isiah) are a black bag, deniable ops out fit?

Or is it the evasion and infiltration aspect you want to pursue?

Maybe they were gifted some ancient Calibanite volumes on hunters lore?

Or did they suffer from some kind of disaster early in their existence? That could have lead to them relying heavily on the 10th company for an extended length of time and developed a more covert/insurgency type doctrine then?

[Brother Darkover]

I think I will switch it to "Spectres" it may be British movie villain syndrome but the letter switch makes them seem more sinister. As a side note, I also enjoy the subtle differences between British and American English. I bet I can amuse/mortify many British people by talking at great length about my pants while wearing a fanny pack haha.

 

Back on topic, I think I am going more for the black bag operations. There is a certain degree of infiltration and evasion with that, but too much treads on the toes of the Raven Guard.

 

Quick question though. Does anyone have any tips for painting black armor? My first attempts look a little too grey for my liking. Any help would be appreciated!

[Bryan Blaire]

Some of my musings on painting black and highlighting.. That thread also has some more discussion in it. You should also be able to find some black painting tutorials down in the Painting Tutorials forum.

[HsojVvad]

Here is my version of Specters of Caliban.

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/hsojvvad/Mobile%20Uploads/20150412_161911_zpso4ymvmvy.jpg

 

I haven't fleshed out their fluff much yet but here is my start. I guess it just shows great minds think a lot, at least with names. :)

[Brother Darkover]

"... The choice of Chapter Master for the nascent must be noted.  Although Master Uriel of the Angels of Absolution Eighth Company had an impeccable combat record, his unconventional tactics and acerbic humor isolated him somewhat from his brethren.  Under his tenure, the Eighth transformed from a mailed fist pummeling the enemy to an executioner's axe delivering the finishing blow.  It is estimated their sabotage and counter attack operations during the [REDACTED] campaigns, shortened the length of that conflict by months..."

-Excerpt from The Sons of the Lion: A Primer on the Scions of the First Legion

 

   "Brother Uriel, you will be accompanying Chief Librarian Cyrus, High Interrogator Abidan, Grand Masters Azel and Enoch, and myself to the Rock.  The Supreme Grand Master has called a Conclave" The command from his lord still resonates through him as he walks down the corridors of the Rock.  The request is unusual, most contact with the parent chapter usually had the heir apparent, Master Daniel of the Fourth Company, escorting the Master of Absolution.  

 

The remnants of the Legion's homeworld almost seemed to call out to him, as if it recognizes the blood of the one who raised it out of the darkness of Old Night only to become the hand of its destruction as Uriel walks along side his brothers.  Their bone armor stands out among the sea of green and black.  No wonder others think us morose, he thinks to himself, the gallows humor his chapter is famous for coming to the fore, we are here to discuss the foundation of a new chapter and we all look like we are about to face a firing squad. A Chief Librarians of another of the Unforgiven looks over at him sharply and frowns, disapproving of any hint of levity for the occasion. The retinues of the other lords of the Unforgiven seemed to be made up of a similar group to theirs; the Master of each chapter, with the key members of the Inner Circle accompanying them. They reach a chamber deep within the heart of the vast edifice, its vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a cathedral, the floor a mosaic forming a pattern of circles and circles spinning within each other, each path leading toward the center of the chamber where a figure stood.  The assembled representatives took their assigned places within their own circles forming concentric rings around the figiure.  

 

  "Brothers,"  the voice is quiet yet full of authority.  It eminates from the central figure and fills fills the room without any apparent effort, it is a voice which is used to command.  Each of the members present unconsciously falls to a knee, giving proper respect to the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, he deserves no less.  "The conclave has begun"

 

  Hours pass and each party seeks the honor of providing the foundation for the new chapter.  Uriel watches as words fly across the room like bolt rounds; arguments and counter arguments sparring to establish dominance.  Throughout it all the Supreme Grand Master remains silent, weighing and assessing the verbal combatants, giving the occasional nod at a particularly skillful riposte.  Uriel notices that his own master stays silent throughout the proceedings, and more than once catches him watching the figure in the middle.  The other Second Founding Chapters also remain silent, waiting for their younger cousins to say their piece.   "Brothers if I may."  The room quiets as the Master of Absolution speaks...

To be continued

 

So this is how I picture the Dark Angels and successors would pick a Supreme Grand Master for any new founding.  The Codex references how the Unforgiven all have close ties with each other so I felt that for such a huge decision they would meet.  Ultimately, the choice is the Supreme Grand Master's but, who wouldn't want to bicker about it?  The latter half of the story will likely deal with the actual selection of Uriel as Supreme Grand Master of the Spectres, but I felt like the post was getting a tad long already.

 

Comments and concerns as always are welcome, and how do you picture the creation of a new chapter going?

[ElectricPaladin]

Here is my version of Specters of Caliban.

 

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/hsojvvad/Mobile%20Uploads/20150412_161911_zpso4ymvmvy.jpg

 

I haven't fleshed out their fluff much yet but here is my start. I guess it just shows great minds think a lot, at least with names. :)

You've got to tell me how you did that… that's pretty much exactly what I want to do with the Legion of the Damned.

[jbaeza94]

I'm not sure if that's his it works, but from my knowledge it seems plausible :) you, my friend, are a very talented writer. When I read to be continued I was genuinely disappointed that it was over :( I can't wait for the part 2

[HsojVvad]

You've got to tell me how you did that… that's pretty much exactly what I want to do with the Legion of the Damned.

Base coat white primer, then painted it white then I used Nihilakh Oxhide. It's labelled as a technical. I believe it's a fancy name for wash. Hope this helps.

[Brother Darkover]

"Grand Master Uriel was famously impatient with the more outwardly eager members of his company.  He designated these squads as koeder squads, which is derived from a dialect of speech used on one of the recruiting worlds of the Angels of Absolution.  The knights of the northern continent referred to the impetuous knights errant of their orders as koeder, which can be translated to roughly mean "headstrong young warrior."  However, the nomadic tribes have an almost identical word with a different inflection they applied to their young warriors as well.  In that dialect, koeder means "bait"...

 

 "Brothers if I may."  The room quiets as the Master of Absolution speaks.. Uriel's eye twitches involuntarily at the tone.  His master managed to create a vocal inflection which does not outright challenge anyone, but it somehow causes the subconscious to bristle and demand to reply.  He uses it to great effect when he needs to gauge the temperament of his Inner Circle over a course of action. Uriel has accused him of using it simply to stir up trouble.  He cannot argue with the effectiveness, but a side effect is often more bickering.

 

   " I feel as if I must speak on behalf of our parent chapter.  We all know our own individual merits, but should we not consider the Dark Angels as a potential source as well?  Use it as a way to tie tradition in with this new Founding?"   There is blessed silence for half a moment.  Uriel knows it will not last.  He sighs and waits for the inevitable.  The debate renews in earnest.

 

  Uriel begins to speak before he even recognizes  what he is doing.  He has had enough.  "My lords," he begins, then stumbles as several of the most powerful men in the galaxy all turn to regard his outburst.  "Although it is refreshing to show the fire that one of my koeder squads would," Uriel can almost hear the wince of the High Interrogator at the term.  "If you notice, neither the Supreme Grand Master  nor any of the elder cousins, minus my own lord, have deigned to speak.  Ultimately, it is the Supreme Grand Master's choice as to which of us carries the honor we all seek."  Uriel turns to the figure in the center of the room and bows. "My lord, although it is certainly refreshing to see such passion in such dour company I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.  If I may, I feel that you walked into the chamber today knowing exactly which chapter you were going to choose."

 

 Everyone in the room holds their breath, aghast at the break in tradition, but curious to see what happens.  A dry chuckle emanates from the cowl in the center of the chamber.  "I was waiting to see when the Naysmith would finally speak up. "  He nods towards the Master of Absolution. "Again and again your wisdom shines through."  He casts his gaze across the rest of the room.  "Master Uriel is correct.  I came here today knowing what my decision would be.  The Angels of Absolution will have the honor of creating the new chapter."  His eyes lock onto Uriel's, "Brother Uriel here will be the one to lead it"

 

So, my thoughts behind the black bag nature of the chapter are that it began with someone like Uriel (who is a Dresden Files reference by the way), who was a non-conformist within the chapter, but not so bad that he would be refused any sort of command.  Then over the millennia, they slowly deviate more and more until they reach their present state.   

[Augustus]

Subscribed! Awesome stuff

[Brother Darkover]

So life kind of got in the way, but I am back! Sorry for the threadromancy but  I am gearing up to actually build my army so that means yet another fluff update in the mean time,

 

      After the stunned silence following the Supreme Grandmaster's proclamation, the various players try to speak at once.  "Enough," the harsh voice cuts through the clamor silencing the commotion.  The Master of Redemption steps forward, his reproving gaze scanning the chamber daring anyone to speak out.   He looks like a disappointing older brother who just caught us doing something naughty, Uriel thinks to himself.  The Librarian accompanying the Angels of Redemption scowls in his direction as his master continues.  "Our lord has made his decision. We are duty bound to honor it.  Our voices have been heard," he pauses for a moment before continuing, "They may be considered the next time our conclave meets." 

 

   He steps back as another chuckle echoes through the chamber.  The Master of Absolution speaks, "I agree with my brother," he nods toward the Master of Redemption. "Any more of this gabble is wasted time.  Plus," he grins," I would like to remind my brethren that some of us breathe oxygen, and if this futile argument continues the subsequent lack thereof may prove to be lethal to even our pulmonary capabilities." The Master of Vengeance nods his agreement.  The elder siblings  side with their lord.  All debate ends.

...

 

   They descend deeper into the Rock.  Uriel follows the Supreme Grandmasters of the Unforgiven into the most ancient sections of the fortress.  The walls seem to resent their presence, as if the sound of their footfalls disturbed some sort of contemplation.  As they travel longer more Watchers in the Dark emerge and follow in silence.  They come to a stop before an ornate door.  Iconography dating back to the Legion adorns it.  The Supreme Grandmaster steps forward and pushes it open.  "Enter Brother Uriel." The command reverberates through him and he obeys unthinkingly.  He steps into an arming chamber, ancient banners adorn the walls, framed by arms and armor dating from before the Heresy.  "Kneel brother.  You are in the personal arming chamber of the Paladin Corswain himself, who represented the best of us."  The Supreme Grand Master circles behind the prone kneeling form of Uriel.  The other Masters take up positions around the room.  "We bring the newest members of our Order here, to remind them of the glory we used to hold, of the honor now lost to us."  His voice turns hard, "Look upon the remnants of what we once were, of where we could be again.  You are now tasked with bearing the weight of our shame."  He pauses and Uriel sees the Master of Absolution flinch before the Supreme Grandmaster continues, "Well the weight of what most of us believes to be our shame.  It is your responsibility to continue the Hunt, your responsibility to keep our secrets safe until your dying breath. Do you accept this burden?" Uriel nods and whispers "I do."  

   

The Supreme Grandmaster steps back before speaking again. "Brothers, attend him." The Masters of the Unforgiven step forward, pieces of unadorned power armor clasped in their hands.    "Through your life you have sought further knowledge.  As a novice you were given only the barest hints of what was to come." The leg plates are in place, Uriel is unused to their unpowered weight. "Through the ranks you rose and we deemed you worthy to discover more of the mysteries of our Order." The chest plate is in place and Uriel holds out his arms to his sides for the gauntlets and arm armor.  "Then you were allowed to discover our greatest secret, that we almost Fell.  Remember what you felt then, was it uncertainty, doubt, perhaps fear?"  The pauldrons are in place and the powerpack mounted. "Yet you persevered, you took that knowledge and molded it, found purpose in it."  The Master of Absolution stands before Uriel, winged helm in hand.  He causes Uriel to kneel again holding the winged helm out, waiting.  "We have watched and found you worthy.  Are you prepared to face what lies in the Darkness and drive it back?"  "I am." The Master of Absolution places the helm on Uriel's head, its systems coming online as it connects with the armor.  "Then rise Supreme Grandmaster Uriel and take your rightful place among us."

 

 

Well that is all I have there.  Again any ideas about how you picture a tight knit group like the Unforgiven would chose a new  Supreme Grandmaster are appreciated!  The next post may have actual miniatures with it!