IA: My take on Vorpal Swords Chapter

[Thurservor]

Greetings Bolter and Chainsword users.

Content of this post is subject to change and will be edited upon further development of the story. The changes will be marked, so stay tuned for updates.

First of all I wanted to state that this is my first attempt at creating a background for a SM Chapter, therefore I hope that this is the proper place to post it. Also, Vorpal Swords are not a homebrew chapter of Space Marines, but a one just vaguely mentioned in several sources. There is not much known about them, yet some general outline has been created in official publications. I am also aware that there might have been attempts in the past to flesh them out and it might provide a problem. Therefore while i might (probably unintentionally) contradict with some fanfiction, I will most certainly not write anything that would contradict the official lore. It is the precise point of this thread to homebrew all the gaps in their background, and provide you with my idea of their history, that I will keep developing on (hopefully) weekly basis, based on the games played on the table top.

Having that said, I also need to provide a general idea of what is going to happen here. I am planing on playing Vorpal Swords, 3rd Company, as a bulk of my army, and later on add Cult Mechanicum and/or Imperial Knights allies. Also I have returned to the hobby after 12 years, so I will be posting some miniatures to provide you with the idea of my custom color scheme (not that very different from the official one though), but don't judge me to harshly

If anyone wants to compare the info or get it first hand please go to http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Vorpal_Swords and http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Abyssal_Crusade

So here we go.

Index Astartes

The Vorpal Swords, Space Marines Chapter

http://imgur.com/9kYqoW9.jpg

• Before the Abyssal Crusade, Vorpal Swords Chapter were based on the world of Aurvad III in far reaches of Segmentum Ultima. Yet, due to their absence that took 800 years, no one did take care for their belongings left behind. It is noteworthy that nearly every vehicle, tool or item of any particular worth was taken on board the Chapters fleet and taken with them into the Eye of Terror.

• After Vorpal Swords returned from the 800 years crusade, and delt with those who wronged them, they have petitioned Lords of Terra to issue another planet for them to establish a base of operations. Aurvad III was scorched to barren ruin by solar flare phenomena of disastrous magnitude. Thanks to Imperial Fists backing the petition, it was processed relatively quickly and the world of Vryreus IV was granted for eternal service to Vorpal Swords Chapter. It was located in Agramento Sector in far reaches of Ultima Segmentum, close to the Ghuls Stars.

• Vryreus IV is a massive feral world, twice the size of Holy Terra. It possesses three major oceans and enormous land masses. Both continents present variety of biomes, yet it can be stated that the bigger of them is mostly covered in steaming jungles, full of deadly beasts and other hazards, while the second continent resembles near-endless mountain ranges and muddy hillsides.
  
  Since only the jungle continent is settled with bronze age level human population, Vorpal Swords decide to carve their fortress monastery into the mountain slopes of the other continent. The construction of gigantic fortress took 49 years, and during that time, chapters flagship served as a base of operation and headquarters.
  
  Vryreus IV is inhabited with about a dozen million scattered humans organized in tribes that have degraded to the level of bronze age tribes. To the recon teams' surprise local population was fully compliant with Imperial Creed’s teachings spread on the planet’s surface centuries before by imperial missionaries. Although there were no hostilities towards the new comers (quite the contrary, as Astartes were rightfully regarded as Emperors Angels), the tribesman have developed very spiritual shamanistic approach towards the cult of the Emperor.

• As to the Agramento Sector it is noteworthy that is is located in the furthest reaches of Imperium controlled ultima Segmentum and is located disturbingly close to the Ghuls Stars. here is a map of the sector i made:

http://www.imgur.com/liofxFN.jpg

• Vorpal Swords as a Chapter is an unrelenting and unyielding persecutor of Emperors wrath upon mutants, heretics and xenos alike. The Abyssal Crusade have proven the fact that they are not only excelling at killing but their beliefs of cautiousness and efficiency over wanton glory and martyrdom, is the key to both survival and victory. For this approach, Vorpal Swords work very well with Raven Guard and their successors in combined arms deployments. Also Vorpal Swords are noted to act in concert with the Raptors Chapter on numerous occasions, achieving victory through their doctrine.

• Vorpal Swords prefer to operate surgically, hence their very common deployment method is Drop pod Assault. They also tend to use teleporter homers as a crucial element of their veteran deep striking tactics. It is truly uncommon to see Vorpal Swords deploy to the open field with Rhinos and Razorbacks riding towards enemy lines. This is both thanks to their combat doctrine and beliefs, but also thanks to their past shortages of supplies and vehicles in Abyssal Crusade that forced them to develop different operating stratagems.

• They are noted to deploy unorthodox number of Land Speeders of various patterns;

• Vorpal Swords also tend to deploy higher number of Apothecaries to the field, to have absolute certainty that fallen brothers will have their gene-seed extracted. Vorpal Swords have an obsession on this procedure, borne of the centuries spend on the Abyssal Crusade.

• Before the Abyssal Crusade, Vorpal Swords Chapter was a 100% Codex compliant space marines chapter.

• Due to the heavy loses undertaken during Abyssal Crusade (about 75% of total chapter strength), Vorpal Swords have developed more versatile organization approach towards how their Companies operate. Even though they still maintain 10 standard companies, 1st and 10th are never fielded separately. Both Veterans from the 1st and scouts units from 10th are always deployed along other Companies, thus being distributed among the eight of them. About half of 10th Company always stays in Chapter's fortress monastery (on rotational basis) to ensure that the training of neophytes is done with them learning from those already implemented into the ranks of scouts. this approach allows more fluent transition of battle expertise among newest of initiates.

• Also it is noted that Vorpal Swords are never seen to deploy as a single Company (even with attached veteran and scout detachments). The smallest operating forces are consisting of at least two companies and auxiliary units from 1st and 10th companies. Those pairs are most commonly consisting of one battle company and one reserve company. It is also noted that 2nd company most commonly works with 6th, 3rd with 7th, 4th with 8th and 5th with 9th, although this is not rule set in stone and exceptions from this general approach have been seen.

For details regarding the organisation of 3rd Company go to: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327654-ia-my-take-on-vorpal-swords-chapter/?p=4558780

• As most Adeptus Astartes, Vorpal Swords do not consider Emperor as a godly being, yet this is a subject to change in the coming future of the Chapter. The new recruits from the feral world of Vryreus IV, do in fact consider him to be a godlike being.

• Vorpal Swords veterans originating from their previous Aurvad III (a feudal world with medieval level of technology), can be considered to be knightly and honorable warriors, who see sword fight as the ultimate grounds to settle quarrels and excel at before the others to see and appreciate. Yet thanks to hard hypnoconditioning, they also adhere to the Chapters doctrine of avoiding unnecessary sacrifices and prefer to meet with the enemies of mankind from within bolter range. Thus leaving the sword fighting for honorary duels and the Feast of Blades tournament.

• Contrary to that the new recruits from feral world of Vryreus IV, despite the training and hypno-indoctrination, still prefer to meet with their foes face to face, and drive chainswords through their corpses. This breads common disagreements among new and old battle-brothers, as to the best way to prosecute the war. The conflict has not yet escalated due to the fact that none of the officers originates from the new world, yet...

• Vorpals Swords are Imperial Fists successors of 8th founding, that took place in mid-34th Millenium. Before the Abyssal Crusade they were standard Codex compliant Chapter

• Vorpal Swords Gene-seed is deemed pure as much as Imperial Fists gene-seed can potentially be. Although not tainted by any warp influence, even though they have undertook the Abyssal Crusade, Vorpal Swords inherited certain flaws from VII Legion bloodline.

• The Imperial Fists gene-seed succesors possesses two unique characteristics that are expressed in physiological and the behavioral terms. Physiologically, the Chapter has lost two of the organs particular to Space Marines: the Betcher's Gland, and the Sus-an Membrane.

• Although, the Imperial Fists are given to an obsession with conquering pain by force of will and discipline, in relation to their gene-seed flaws, Vorpal Swords did not approach this matter accordingly. Vorpal Swords' obsession is to assure that the final and lethal blow to the oponent is struck, which contradicts the deep-seated drive towards self-sacrifice or penance, common among other Imperial Fists and their successors. This attitude might have, contributed to their survival during the Abyssal Crusade, as lasting long enough to fulfill their mission (without unnecessary martyrdom) is the key feature in their philosophy.

"You shall perish, by the blades of Emperor's chosen!"



USING A VORPAL SWORDS ARMY IN WARHAMMER 40,000

<<WIP>>

_________________

So this is a start, but i'll keep developing this and expand accordingly, as well as the time line that you can find below. This will happen basing on the tabletop games results so Vorpal Swords future is as of yet a total mistery even to me.

Just for the start, and to show the color scheme of my Vorpal Swords i present you with few images of 2nd squad of 3rd Company:

http://imgur.com/4rnecdK.jpg

http://imgur.com/92nVM9U.jpg

http://imgur.com/4qkByPW.jpg

http://imgur.com/d88cApN.jpg

As I am preparing for my first series of tabletop games (against orks Bad Moons clan), I bring to you detailed timeline of my homebrew Vorpal Swords fluff so far, and also a bonus in form of Agramento Sector map.

Timeline (part 1):

Note that the events below are happening after the Abyssal Crusade and its aftermath, and those events are depicted in the links mentioned above.

• Pilgrimage to Fenris system (124.M38)

Entire Chapter undertook a two years pilgrimage to the Fenris system – homeworld of Space Wolves Chapter, in order to return strike cruiser Hoarfrost to Leman Russ descendants. The ship was boarded and retaken from renegades during Abyssal Crusade. As a form of gratitude, Great Wolf ordered Vorpal Swords resupplied and gifted with tons of precious weapons and armor from Adeptus Astartes arsenal, in order to help them rebuild their former strength.

• Granting of Vryreus IV (130.M38)

Vorpal Swords Chapter received from the Lords of Terra a new homeworld, both in recognition of their stalwart service to the Imperium, and also as a form of compensation that their previous homeworld was destroyed in a disastrous solar flare phenomena that scoured the surface of the planed and devoid it of all life and life sustaining atmosphere. The planet Vryreus IV was located in Agramento sector, which was considered a frontier region of Segmentum Ultima, in close proximity to Ghoul Stars area. Agramento Sector, upon Vorpal Swords arrival was found in complete disarray, thanks to incompetent rule of local governors. They have allowed the situation to drift into chaos, under their irresponsible rule.

Agramento’s Sector capital is located at the Fulto Prime Hive World in sector’s core region. The sins of the ruling noble cast and the sector governor consisted of completely ignoring the petitions of frontier worlds for defense, while they were under xenos onslaught. Even more damning was the fact of falsifying the reports send to the Segmentum administration, regarding the sector’s status and tithe collection. Sector governor lied about shortages and problems with tithe collection and kept the vast amount of it for himself as well as distributing portion of it to his supporters.

Chapter Master Konvak Lann and his Vorpal Swords, learned of those grievous developments from Lord Admiral Bentok – Imperial Navy commander of Battlefleet Agramento. Having evaluated the nature of the facts Vorpal Swords descended upon Fulto Prime and after pompous welcoming ceremony broadcasted to the entirety of the planet population, Konvak Lann have had the governor publicly executed. A new governor was established – Patonious, who served previously as Chapters mortal servant of high rank. Executions of several hundreds of closest supporters of former governor followed shortly after. Astartes actions were not met with any martial opposition.

• Arrival at Vryreus IV (131.M38)

After brutal but short acquaintance with sectors ruling cast, Vorpal Swords embarked on the last part of their journey to their new home. Vryreus IV is a massive feral world, twice the size of Holy Terra. It possesses three major oceans and enormous land masses. Both continents present variety of biomes, yet it can be stated that the bigger of them is mostly covered in steaming jungles, full of deadly beasts and other hazards, while the second continent resembles near-endless mountain ranges and muddy hillsides.

Since only the jungle continent is settled with bronze age level human population, Vorpal Swords decide to carve their fortress monastery into the mountain slopes of the other continent. The construction of gigantic fortress took 49 years, and during that time, chapters flagship served as a base of operation and headquarters.

Vryreus IV is inhabited with about a dozen million scattered humans organized in tribes that have degraded to the level of bronze age tribes. To the recon teams' surprise local population was fully compliant with Imperial Creed’s teachings spread on the planet’s surface centuries before by imperial missionaries. Although there were no hostilities towards the new comers (quite the contrary, as Astartes were rightfully regarded as Emperors Angels), the tribesman have developed very spiritual shamanistic approach towards the cult of the Emperor. After thorough analysis undertook by Chapter Apothecaries and accompanying Magos Biologos, the planet’s population was judged to be exceptionally pure as to their gene stock.

During the construction, Chapter veterans held a council regarding the Chapters restoration to its former strength. It was decided that remaining 281 space marines will be reorganized from their current temporary 3 battle companies into 10 companies amounting to about 30 marines each (the division was obviously uneven, for example 1st Company received 50 veterans and 10th received 11 veterans). The idea behind it was to create a framework for the future inflow of new recruit from Vryreus IV, that would need guidance from the surviving veterans

• Inventory count – rebirth of a Chapter / beginning of distress calls (134.M38)

During the period of land and population assessment as well as fortress monastery construction Vorpal Swords consisted of 281 space marines, 13 dreadnoughts 108 vehicles of various type and a fleet consisting of flagship Battle Barge Lyxaemon, four strike cruisers: Petronax, Pax Imperialis, Hammer of Llellach and Bemagus, and also two dozens of escorts, nearly half of which were granted to them by Imperial Fists and Excoriators chapters as a gift after their return from the Eye of Terror, thanks to them sharing the same bloodline.

During that time, newly appointed Captain of 10th Company – Clementes Rorg, was named a Master of Recruits and received the task to organize and implement wide range of recruitment programs from among the Vryreus IV population. Thanks to his dutiful approach and exceptional dedication, first wave of new recruits amounting 149 initiates out of 280 candidates and were considered a great success on the level of their training results and compatibility with implanted organs. They soon were divided among all of the Companies, which were in turn send out to different corners of Agramento sector to assess the nature of increasing number of pleas for help forwarded from sector capital Fulto Prime. Several dozens of those proved to be real battle engagements, furthering the expertise of new recruits. Among the threats encountered – 90% were small attempts at secessions by those supporters of the former governor and his coterie, that managed to escape the change of government enacted by Vorpal Swords some years ago. The latter 10% were numerous engagements with the growing threat of Ork Bad Moons clan roaming in the area, looking for easy prey upon undefended for centuries, human colonies and space stations.

• Siege of Helack Majoris Forge World (188.M38)

In the year of 178.M38, newly established and fully operational Vorpal Swords fortress Monastery – "The Whetstone" received an astropathic plea for help from sector’s main forge world – Helack Majoris. Rulled by Archmagos Cetrynax, Helack Majoris was the crucial world in the chain of supplies for the entire sector. Thanks to being the only forge world in the sector, capable to meet nearly any needs sector might present, Archmagos demanded horrendous prices in materials and services for the goods his domain produced.

Yet now, thanks to decades of incompetence of the sectors governor and limited supply of armaments, the Forge World could not count on any Astra Militarum help. The only bulwark against the incoming Ork menace was the Imperial Navy, who tried their best but was unable to cover all approached to the Mechanicum domain, and thus the Vorpal Swords, presented themselves as the last chance for the Forge World survival.

Chapter Master Konvak Lann gathered all his Captains but for the 5th Company commander Ozallean, who was with his forces too far to heed the call. A council was held and, even thou some Captains counseled against straightforward rush towards the enemy, Konvak Lann decided to deliver the Forge World from the green tide right away.

Entirety of eight companies (5th being too far away and 10th chosen to stay in the fortress to further train recruits and guard it) – amounting to only 546 space marines – were send to Helack Majors system to undergo biggest Chapter deployment since the Abyssal Crusade.

Upon Vorpal Swords arrival in the system, it was made clear that this was the last possible chance at driving the unending ork onslaught in the system away from the holy forges of Mechanicum. Even though Cult Mechanicum forces allied with minor Knight House Cadwig from neighboring Knight World Gerdan, did their best, they were simply too few to stand a chance against Ork armada packed with thousands of orks constantly descending upon planet surface.

Vorpal Swords did not waste the opportunity to descend upon the Orks with the advantage of surprise, and so they began boarding the main Ork ships in search of the Warboss. An individual known as Bordrakk Flashy Klaw was located and eliminated by combined elements of 3rd and 4th Companies. This stratagem allowed to gain tactical advantage upon quickly disorganizing foe and have let the Space Marines fleet together with remaining elements of Battlefleet Agramento to wipe out most of Bad Moons major warships.

With the inflow of Orks stopped, ground units of the Cult Mechanicum and Knight House Cadwig pushed the attackers back to their landing zones, and awaited the drop pod assault of Space Marines forces that followed shortly after. The battle was won after two weeks of digging Orks out of every trench they have built and every cave they have descended into.

In the aftermath of the battle known later as the siege of Helack Majoris, Archmagos Cetrynax and the head of Knight House Cadwig, Lord Dromund, have both swore oaths of eternal gratitude and alliance to Vorpal Swords Chapter. Furthermore Cetrynax swore to provide constant flow of ammunition, war gear and vehicles for the Chapter. Knight House Cadwig, on the other hand provided three Knights from among their House, to serve as auxiliary units beside Astartes forces.

The outcome of the victory could not be more satisfying for Chapter Master Konvak Lann, not only have he done his duty, spread the fame and honor of his chapter, but also secured the future of chapter’s armory, if not for the losses Vorpal Swords have taken. Out of 546 space marines that arrived in the battle zone, only 328 survived, yet for the most part they were counted from among the new recruits. There were also losses on the side of chapters fleet. Seven escorts were lost with all hands and strike cruiser Hammer of Llellach, had to undergo two decades of repairs in order to return to line duties. Rest of the fleet was also badly damages but not to that degree.

Yet contrary to what some might have done, Konvak Lann have not ordered to speed up the process of recruitment or lower the expectations that recruits had to make. Quite the contrary, he have ordered Captain of 10th Company – Clementes Rorg, to elevate the demanded results level from potential candidates, that would be recruited to the Chapter in the future.

• Proclamation of Rebirth (278.M38)

In the year 269.M38 Vorpal Swords Chapter restored its ranks to full battle readiness counting their ranks to full 1000 battle brothers, excluding the command cadre and technical specialists. This brought the Chapter back to full Codex complainant structure, and combined with nearly a century of inflow of ammunition, armor and vehicles from Forge World Helack Majoris, resulted in the event know in Chapter’s history as “Proclamation of Rebirth”. Chapter Master Konvak Lann announced that no longer will Vorpal Swords engage in defensive wars to hold their ground and secure the nearest space. They were now fully ready to take the battle to the foe, wherever they will find him, and whoever might he be…

During the ceremony called “Proclamation of Rebirth”, a new strike cruiser named adequately Proclamation of Rebirth, was admitted into the Chapter’s fleet, having it received from the shipyards above Helack Majoris, as a special gift from Archmagos Cetrynax who cherished the fact of nearly 100 years of peace in his domain thanks to the Space Marines patrol fleets protection, that have let him to further the development of Omnisiah’s will upon his worlds.

During the ceremony the Chapter structure framework was finally acclaimed and codex compliance was accomplished in its entirety. Present during the ceremony were all Chapter commanders and figures of note, among which were:

- Chapter Master – Konvak Lann

- Master of Sanctity – Chaplain Ydehoot

- Master of the Forge – Techmarine Broxan Tegor

- Master of the Apothecarion – Apothecary Bellurias

- Chief Librarian – Liorwar Claart

- 1st Company Captain – The Swordmaster (Vorpal Swords’ specific title) – Tondbert

- 2nd Company Captain - Master of the Watch – Beornric

- 3rd Company Captain - Master of the Fleet – Decius Horon

- 4th Company Captain - Master of the Arsenal – Cenhelm Tertarios

- 5th Company Captain - Master of the Marches - Ozallean

- 6th Company Captain - Master of the Rites - Veredictan

- 7th Company Captain – Regent of Vryreus IV (Vorpal Swords’ specific title) – Udo Mortagan

- 8th Company Captain - Lord Executioner - Athager

- 9th Company Captain - Master of Relics - Regnfread

- 10th Company Captain - Master of the Recruits - Clementes Rorg

For timeline part 2 go to: http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/327654-ia-my-take-on-vorpal-swords-chapter/?p=4558292

________________

Any comments would be appreciated.

Here are two further models:

Captain Horon of 3rd Company in Terminator armor

http://imgur.com/StX8iEU.jpg

and Veteran Sergeant Brazydas of 1st Tactical squad of 3rd Company:

http://imgur.com/ObY8MA6.jpg

[Fenrykus]

Nice work so far, I'm liking it! :)

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Looks good thus far. I'm surprised Capt. Horon- the Third Captain and "Master of the Fleet," by your own description- wears Terminator armor. Does he regularly expect to defend his ship from enemy boarders- a situation that justifies him keeping the Terminator armor, instead of gifting it to another Vorpal Swords member?

[Thurservor]

Nice work so far, I'm liking it!

Thanks!

Looks good thus far. I'm surprised Capt. Horon- the Third Captain and "Master of the Fleet," by your own description- wears Terminator armor. Does he regularly expect to defend his ship from enemy boarders- a situation that justifies him keeping the Terminator armor, instead of gifting it to another Vorpal Swords member?

There are quite a few reasons for him to have terminator armor. First of all, he is a boarding action specialist by his several centuries long expertise, to name one glorious action out of many on his roll of honor, he lead the assault on Hoarfrost strike cruiser that was later on returned to Space Wolves chapter. What would suit a boarding action better than terminator armor?

Also he is in constant pursuit of the threats that endangered the Mechanicum domain and surrounding space of Vryreus IV in Agramento sector (see map posted above for reference). This means he often engages in boarding actions and leads his battle brothers on board of enemy warships, be it Bad Moons Orks, Eldar corsairs or human pirates.

Another reason is that he simply can have it due to Vorpal Swords possessing enough terminator armor suits to deliver it to all needing veterans. That doesn't mean Vorpal Swords possess any specifically high number of them, but just enough (I know its rare commodity in 40k universe) to supply the ranks they have. The mutually beneficial alliance with Cult Mechanicum and nearly one hundred years of constant resupplying in the nearby Forge World, gave Chapter a chance and hope for true rebirth. I know wh40k is a grim and dark setting, but before I start actual story of Vorpal Swords (that is being developed, and will be further on after the initial games i have planned for next week), I wanted to have them fully operational. I am more than sure that they will take heavy casualties on numerous occasions and their situation might change, but for now i treat them as having the supply level befitting a standard Chapter.

Just to clarify things, I am planning for 3rd Company to have 7 terminator suits in total, among which will be: Terminator Captain (Decius Horon), 5 assault termintators, and most probably Chaplain in terminator suit. I think it is a reasonable amount of those particular armor pattern, as in 130 marines in the battle group (100 from 3rd, 20 from 1st and 10 from 10th Companies) having 7 terminators is actually not that many.

[Doctor Perils]

You've got a good deal of fluff already, well done :tu: You've done a great job of free-handing those swords I must say!

I haven't actually read anything in the article yet (shame on me!), but I saw in the comments that you plan on giving 7 suits of terminator armour to a battle company, yet you say you don't want to contradict any of the official fluff According to the Codex Astartes, only the first company have Terminator suits - after all, only veterans get the training necessary for using TDA. Have you got an explanation?

Anyway, I'll have to come back to this - once I've finished my report

[Thurservor]

You've got a good deal of fluff already, well done You've done a great job of free-handing those swords I must say!

I haven't actually read anything in the article yet (shame on me!), but I saw in the comments that you plan on giving 7 suits of terminator armour to a battle company, yet you say you don't want to contradict any of the official fluff According to the Codex Astartes, only the first company have Terminator suits - after all, only veterans get the training necessary for using TDA. Have you got an explanation?

Anyway, I'll have to come back to this - once I've finished my report

Thank you for your comment. This is a valid concern, yet as I mentioned in the Chapter organization description, 3rd Company and entire Chapter for that matter is in fact Codex compliant. Yet it is a common practices of the Chapter of Vorpal Swords, and in fact also reinforced by their cautious nature and philosophy, to deploy not as barre bones Battle Company, but rather as specifically crafted for certain purpose Strike Force. After all, Codex Astartes states that flexibility is the road to victory, am I right? So as to your concern specifically, those 7 suits of terminator armor do not belong to 3rd Company, only two of those do, the Captain's one and the Chaplain's one, all 5 assault terminators are detachment from 1st company. So all and all but it is only 2 terminators in my actual company.

Anyway thanks for the comment and enjoy the read. Also I would love your comments guys on the Vorpal Swords antagonists. Who should I put into the story. I would specifically love to see some ideas for homebrew chaos warbands and their leaders names. I would greatly appreciate that.

And here is another part of the timeline, written as a prologue to my in fact first battle on table top since 2004. I thought it will be orcs but the Chaos collecting guy is ready first. So be ready for new entry in Vorpal Swords history, basing on the events of battle that will take place on the world of Tiama V. Later on I will create a list of follow up posts in the OP post with links to them to better navigate the storyline. Also, since i am on the "promise spree" I would like to share with you detailed story and troop disposition of Strike Force Horon and 3rd Company specifically with individual character spotlight, in one or two days. Stay tuned for more, since I got quite a few plot twists prepared

· Strike Force Horon and Strike Force Tondbert depart from Vryreus IV (280.M38)

Following the ceremonious proclamation of rebirth, Chapter Master Lann have issued orders to form two major strike forces beside regular patrol fleets, to embark on two grand endeavors. First being Strike Force Tondbert, a force consisting of elements of 1^st Company and, 10^th, as well as entire 2^nd Company and entire 6^th Company. The whole led by Captain of the First Company Tondbert, bearing the title “Swordmaster”. The purpose and goal of this Strike Force was to respond to Death Specters plea for assistance with purging certain region of Ghoul Stars, recently under heavy infestation of newly discovered xenos breed. The campaign will prove successful and will see the Strike Force Tondbert forge great bond with Death Spectres Chapter, during 121 years of planetary purges and xenocides.

Contrary to that Strike Force Horon, consisting of 3^rd Company with certain elements from 1^st, 7^th and 10^th Companies, was formed to reestablish Imperial domination upon the region of space formerly known as Mordax subsector of Agramento Sector. At the dawn of 280.M38, all contacts were lost for few years with this region of space, and it was temporarily renamed to Mordax warzone. Last known reports coming from planets Tiama V, Raqkal and Antao, informed about increased Ork activity as well as Eldar corsairs taking advantage of disarray. Apart from that, former Mining World of Tiama V (now classified as War world), reported intrusion of heretic force, yet this have not been confirmed by any other source.

The situation of Mordax Warzone was a result of decades of incompetence on behalf of Sector Government, and lack regular regiments (that should have been risen from among sector population) to defend and maintain order in the region. Newly appointed governor Patonious and his successors (as of 271.M38 – Patonious III), issued recruitment programs and tithe acquisition unseen in this region of space for centuries. With acceptance of Adeptus Terra, 11 regiments of Imperial Guard have been formed on Fulto Prime, as well as 3 regiments on Viuqadd Quintus, all in order to reinforce Reconquista of the Sector from anarchy, heresy and xenos threats that have emerged.

Strike Force Horon, led by 3^rd Company Captain, titled Master of the Fleet, embarked with his forces towards Mordax Warzone and engaged in a conflict that will see his force engulfed in bloody warfare for about 100 years. Yet before arrival in warzone, Decias Horon, as befitting a Master of the Fleet, has persecuted and destroyed any and all naval forces met on the way and reported by recon forces of Battlefleet Agramento. This resulted in a dozen engagements with Ork freebooters and Bad Moons picket forces as well as destruction of space station overrun with heretics and renegade scum (all originating from local PDF regiments) in Olgom’s End system. The last of the mentioned engagements resulted in capturing several heretics that upon further investigation were forced to reveal their overlords as in fact Heralds of Ecstasy Chaos Space Marine warband, led by Lord Shtahetton. Basing on this information, first target of the Reconquista force, in the Mordax Warzone, was set for Tiama V.

[Lysimachus]

Seems like a good start, only one thing that jumped out at me immediately: you've said you're sticking with standard Codex organisation but in your list of the Captains you've swapped the 3rd/4th Company Masters' roles, just wondering if that's an error or deliberate (and if deliberate, why?)

[Bjorn Firewalker]

You've got a good deal of fluff already, well done You've done a great job of free-handing those swords I must say!

I haven't actually read anything in the article yet (shame on me!), but I saw in the comments that you plan on giving 7 suits of terminator armour to a battle company, yet you say you don't want to contradict any of the official fluff According to the Codex Astartes, only the first company have Terminator suits - after all, only veterans get the training necessary for using TDA. Have you got an explanation?

Anyway, I'll have to come back to this - once I've finished my report

Seven suits are just enough for the Captain, certain members of his Command Squad (the Chaplain he mentioned being one of them), and an Honor Guard. Of all the members of a Space Marine Chapter, only the Chapter Master is more deserving.

[Thurservor]

Seems like a good start, only one thing that jumped out at me immediately: you've said you're sticking with standard Codex organisation but in your list of the Captains you've swapped the 3rd/4th Company Masters' roles, just wondering if that's an error or deliberate (and if deliberate, why?)

 

I am thankful that you guys read what I wrote with such carefulness, as to notice the small distinctive differences from the generic Ultramarines-kind-of-Chapter. As to the matter at hand, I must say I do not consider the titles as assigned to certain companies to be a part of necessary Codex prerogative. Those titles are known to drift from company to another when compared with any different chapter, other than headstrong Ultramarine successors. Lets take a look at some of the examples provided by the official lore, while focusing on the titles for example of Master of the Fleet and Master of the Watch. 

 

In Ultramarines disposition it is stated that Master of the Fleet (MotF) is a title held by 4th Company Captain and Master of the Watch (MotW) is know to be a title relevant to 2nd Company Captain (I am Cato Siccarus!). I will use Ultramarines approach as a basic and will compare others to it.

 

In the Vorpal Swords Chapter MotF is held by 3rd Company Captain and MotW is held by 2nd Company Captain. We see a difference here,  but it is not uncommon for Chapters that are regarded as Codex compliant to follow such minor divergence as it is.

 

White Scars for example, who are roughly speaking rather a Codex compliant Chapter (that uses extreme amounts of bikes and dislikes devastators squads and dreadnoughts, but still a Codex compliant chapter), have their MotW held by Captain of 7th Company, and they completely lack MotF title.

 

If White Scars prove to be drifting away from codex too far for one's taste, lets take a look at Crimson Fists: they grant MotW to the Captain of 6th Company and again completely lack the MotF title, although I would by all means call them codex compliant chapter.

 

Even though Salamanders have dismissed the idea of having 10 Companies and rather go with 7, their MotW is in fact 2nd Company and their MotF is 4th, so they do it like Ultramarines.

 

Another codex compliant chapter for a change is Raven Guard. They grant the title of MotF to 4th Captain, just like Ultramarines, yet they completely lack the MotW. 

 

And so on. 

 

So my point is, the numbers of companies and titles attached to them are not set in stone, as I see it, and differ from chapter to chapter based on their tradition that is just another pillar supporting the dome of Chapter's organization, side by side with Codex guidelines. And why is specifically Decius Horon, the Captain of the 3rd, Master of the Fleet? This will be wholly covered in the post regarding his Company and containing his character spotlight paragraph. Coming soon^TM

[Thurservor]

Vorpal Swords 3rd Company

 

General characteristic

 

As befit a codex compliant chapter, Vorpal Swords possess 10 companies in their organization structure. Those numbered 1 to 5 are regarded as Battle Companies following the guidelines set by Gulliman’s great work. The 3^rd Company, led currently by Captain Decius Horon is also known as the “Void blades”. This pseudonym is derived from their specialization developed through out Abyssal Crusade (321.M37 – 121.M38) – void warfare. While most of the Chapter deployed on countless planetary sites to embark on wide spread purges against chaos forces, the “Void blades” were deployed to board and destroy enemy fleets and orbital stations.

 

Thanks to that deployment protocols, 3^rd company suffered least casualties for the most part of the Crusade, and as a result of that, its members were often distributed among other companies as a means to replenish the ranks of lost veterans. As of 121.M38, 70% of Chapter veterans originated from 3^rd Company and were distributed nearly equally among all the companies after the restoration of the Chapter. This in turn resulted in small number of battle brothers “native” to the 3^rd, in this company itself, since the ranks begun to swell with Vryreus born recruits, the veterans had to be distributed equally to preserve the level of expertise within all battle detachments. Significant result of this developments is the fact that Captains of 3^rd, 4^th, 7^th, 9^th and 10^th Companies were all originally members of “Void blades” Company.

 

Notable characters

Since the process of Chapter’s restoration begun, the ranks of 3^rd Company were augmented with numerous recruits from the chapter’s new homeworld. Yet they were not the only new addition to the Chapter’s structure.  Since the Abyssal Crusade took lives of nearly three quarters of Vorpal Swords, the loses were equally drastic among the dreadnought population. As a means of replenishing the ranks, Chapter Master Konvak Lann, order Ancient Kagonos to join the ranks of 3^rd Company. Venerable dreadnought Kagonos the Pure, was unbeknownst to most within the chapter (and to all outside of it), in fact an Altar Brethren member. Last loyal son of the Abyssal Crusade participant chapter, that in turn became traitor chaos warband known as the Iconoclasts.

 

Kagonos was found among the ruins of Heretec Forge World of Yonna VII within the Eye of Terror. A world assaulted by Altar Brethren 2^nd Company. When Vorpal Swords arrived in the system and picked their distress call for reinforcements, the battle was already over. Even thou overrun by the insane numbers of heretic constructs, Altar Brethren have prevailed, yet at a devastating cost. Only 7 battle brothers and Ancient Kagonos survived the siege of the planet. During the subsequent years of the crusade, Vorpal Swords were unable to locate the forces of Altar Brethren and the survivors of 2^nd Company were forced to remain with Vorpal Swords force. During the next (final) century of the crusade all Altar Brethren but for the Ancient Kagonos, have fallen in the undertaken battles with chaos forces. During the Grey Knights investigation upon the Chapter, after Vorpal Swords returned to the Imperium space, Kagonos was kept hidden, to not spark any unnecessary accusations of hosting a member of a fallen chapter. Since Agramento Sector was now Vorpal Swords domain, and there was no one to question them, Kagonos was reawaken and implemented into the 3^rd Company as one of the three Ancients among its ranks. He was obviously ordered to absorb the Vorpal Swords color scheme, yet he was allowed to retain some of the original ornaments on his dreadnought chassis, resembling the cathedral windows of main holy place of his former home world of Saint Terentius Majoris. He treats Vorpal Swords as his battle brothers and is in turn addressed as wise and renown tactician.  The only thing that makes Vorpal Swords uneasy about him is the fact that Ancient Kagonos, as all Altar Brethren once were, he is highly spiritual and religiously devoted towards Imperial Creed and cult of the Emperor, threating him as divine being. This stands in contrast with the general approach towards the matter of most of the Vorpal Swords old guard and veterans, yet it has made Kagonos one of the most respected Chapter members among the new recruits from Vryreus IV who are also very superstitious and spiritual.

Similar fate as to the secret of true origin is shared by three other battle brothers of 3^rd Company, now all members of 1^st and 3^rd tactical squads. Brother Gurao, formerly of Blades Eternal Chapter (now in 1^st tactical squad) and Brothers Xerodin and Femorus, both formerly of Clerics of Steel Chapter (now in 3^rd tactical squad), were all found and extracted during Abyssal Crusade, by Vorpal Swords forces, and have proved to be unyielding and ever loyal servants of the Emperor. Despite that fact, and complete lack of doubt towards their loyalty they were as well as Kagonos, hidden from the Inquisition interrogators during the return to the Imperium. Now again just as Kagonos, they were allowed to take to the field as loyal and proven warriors, who thirst for vengeance and redemption for the sins of their brothers. Contrary to the privilege that was granted to Kagonos, they were not allowed to keep their heraldry or any signs of their former allegiance, to not attract any unwanted attention.  

 

Regarding the true members of Vorpal Swords Chapter, three battle brothers stand out from among the ranks of 3^rd Company. First being the Veteran Sergeant Brazydas, leader of 1^st tactical squad, and de facto second in command of the company. He is embodiment of what the son of Dorn should look like and present himself, both on the battlefield and beyond it. He is stalwart and unyielding, diligent and unforgiving, vengeful blade cutting away the cancer of heresy and xeno abominations. Brazydas is a member of 3^rd Company since before the Abyssal Crusade and is its most seasoned veteran, beside Captain Decius Horon, with whom he once served in one tactical squad (noteworthy, Captain of 9^th Company – Regnfread, also served in the same squad during the same period).

 

He is proven commander and skillful tactician, and for the most part excels on different field than Horon. Since 3^rd Company Captain is exquisite expert on boarding actions and general void warfare, Brazydas is known to be extremely intuitive and skilled at prosecuting warfare on the planetary surface. Thanks to this 3^rd Company can sport very versatile spectrum of battlefield, having expertise on the level of command chain, on various potential fields of combat. What is also noteworthy Brazydas retains grand level of respect from the new recruits, being the most skilled swordsman in the Company, and in the chapter being second only to 1^st Company Captain Tondbert and 1^st Company Champion Urvar Dorton. It is unquestionable that should Decius Horon fall in battle, Brazydas is natural successor to the mantle of commander of 3^rd Company.

 

Another interesting figure among 3^rd Company is Brother Paladus currently of 2^nd tactical squad. He is Vorpal Swords member from just before the Abyssal Crusade, in which he participated as scout squad member. Later on he was implemented into the 3^rd Company 6^th tactical squad that was wiped out during the Siege of Helack Majoris in 188.M38. His squad together with the rest of 3^rd Company (accompanied by 4^th Comp.) performed a boarding action on Ork’s flagship “Gaze of Mork” housing their warboss Bordrakk Flashy Klaw. Before the leader of green tide was defeated by Captain Decius Horon in close combat, 6^th tactical squad was the first to reach the warboss’ command chamber and engage him directly. Nine members of the squad were butchered before the reinforcements came, and Paladus was the sole survivor. Upon the deck of Ork’s ship, bathed in the gore of his beloved Battle Brothers, Paladus swore an oath, that he will commit to eradicating the Ork menace until the last days of his existence, and will see them driven out of the sector. For that he swore specifically, as a means to atone for him not being able to save his Battle brothers, that he will slay 1000 Orks in close combat before he will attempt to repair his armor from the damage taken during that battle and in the future. During the departure of Strike Force Horon to Mordax warzone, confirmed kill count of Brother Paladus reached 936 Orks slain with his chainsword. He cherishes the thought of meeting them once again and finally fulfilling his oath. It is spoken in the ranks of seasoned 3^rd Company members that, upon fulfilling his oath Paladus will be promoted to the rank of vanguard veteran. Assuming that he survives the battlefields of Mordax warzone…

 

Battle Brother Elyadwyr is a Vryreus IV native, and one of the youngest additions to 3^rd Company. He serves currently in 2^nd Tacticall squad under sergeant Leram Borpo. Elyadwyr has already made a name for himself, advancing quickly through the ranks of initiates, and then scouts. He is the most promising recruit from Vryreus IV so far, and certain candidate for future sergeant. If he would manage to prove his value as responsible field sub-officer, he would become first Vryreus IV native to achieve such position in the Chapter.

 

Troop disposition and equipment

3^rd Company of Vorpal Swords Consists of:

Captain Decius Horon, Master of the Fleet,

Chaplain Adamor

3 Apothecaries: Terion, Havo and Yugnarl

2 Techmarines Forgnar and Demitian

Standard Bearer Mortain the Stonewrought

6 tactical squads:

·         1^st squad “Brazydas”

·         2^nd squad “Borpo”

·         3^rd squad “Xerax”

·         4^th squad “Estegon”

·         5^th squad “Zawraim”

·         6^th squad “Tenetor”

2 assault squads:

·         7^th squad “Yodron”

·         8^th squad “Folemnar”

2 devastator squads:

·         9^th squad “Rodgar”

·         10^th squad “Ortuz”

Dreadnoughts

Ancient Vesperon

Ancient Kagonos

Ancient Qurdamat

Rhinos, Razorbacks, Drop pods, Land speeders, and Bikes (though rarely deployed)

3^rd Company designated vessel and Horon’s flagship (in the absence of second chapter’s battle barge) is Strike Cruiser Bemagus and 5 escort vessels. During deployment as Strike Force Horon in Mordax Warzone, strike cruisers: Proclamation of Rebirth and Pax Imperialis, together with another 8 escorts were also seconded to the battle group.

_____

Alright folks, that’s it for today. Next instalment planned in the series is personal spotlight upon Captain Decius Horon. I hope you enjoyed the read, and I hope for your comments.

[Doctor Perils]

I'm confused: aren't the first company the chapter veterans?

 

Also, doesn't the Abyssal Crusade take place in the Eye of Terror? Is there even the possibility of void warfare there? <-genuine question, I don't know the answer ^_^

In 40k, boarding actions are generally considered the most killy of warfares (even worse then sieges I believe) - therefore it seems a bit bizarre that the 3rd company should take the least casualties???

[Thurservor]

I'm confused: aren't the first company the chapter veterans?

Also, doesn't the Abyssal Crusade take place in the Eye of Terror? Is there even the possibility of void warfare there? <-genuine question, I don't know the answer

In 40k, boarding actions are generally considered the most killy of warfares (even worse then sieges I believe) - therefore it seems a bit bizarre that the 3rd company should take the least casualties???

Worry not Lord Thøn, I am here to explain everything, yet even though I know some things may cause doubts, I will defend my positions like Dorn himself.

As to the matter at hand, it is not exactly true that chapter veterans are only in 1st Company. The most transparent example of it is the fact that squad members of tactical squads can be sergeants, which are in fact veterans. Notice the distinctive non-capital "V" in what i wrote. Whenever I would refer to members of Sternguard Veteran squad I would describe them as "the Veterans", otherwise, those that took place in Abyssal Crusade are described by me as "veterans". This word can be used as both name of a squad designation and as well as characteristic feature of participation in past conflicts. Therefore brother Paladus for example is "a veteran" of Abyssal Crusade, but Veteran Sergeant (tabletop upgrade of squad sergeant) Brazydas of 1st tactical squad is "the Veteran" as this is his official title among the chapter. If I did or will describe it at any point writing "V" instead of "v" or the other way around it is mistake on my side, but the general intention is as stated above.

Your second concern is that the boarding actions are costly to troops that take part in it, as to the matter of lives and equipment, and you voice your doubt as to the relatively low number of casualties in the ranks of 3rd Company. I could not agree more, that boarding actions are a true meatgrinder of troops send on them. Yet here comes a little of philosophy. I do agree with Einstein that everything is relative, since things are what they are only in given context, and when you put them in quite different context you might see the very same thing differently. By this I mean that in "normal" circumstances, the boarding action undertaken by troops in the real space would be much more costly that probably most of the ground based engagements undertaken in the real space existing planets or other celestial bodies.

Yet in the Eye of Terror as I see it, things go quite the other way around. Since in my opinion based on the lore i know, Eye of Terror is not entirely located in the warp, but rather a region of space where reality is somehow blended with the immaterium. This results in the existence of Deamon Worlds in it as well as quite ordinary planet (as to its construction). This could be exemplified basing on the Bloodquest series as well as FFG publications in Black Crusade RPG series - specifically the screaming Vortex description.

As a result of that, Vorpal Swords did engage on numerous planets that could be considered standard warzone (to a certain degree) and also numerous Demon Worlds. The latter being probably more common thanks to the nature of Eye of Terror. Demon World is a battleground where no ordinary rules apply, it is pure madness made manifest. As an example, closely related to Vorpal Swords, lets take a look at what have befallen one of the Chapters that also took part in Abyssal Crusade - The Sentinels Chapter. They have engaged their entire Chapter in a deployment on the Demon World of Oliensis, and as a result of that they have discovered that the entire Daemon World was the form of a morbidly obese man. obviously quite a huge man... They got then in turn ambushed by a force of Noise Marines, and later on they were eventually swallowed up by the planet itself. When they emerged back into reality, they had been corrupted into a cannibalistic Slaaneshi warband known as the Corpus Brethren. So if not only the opponents can kill you but the battlefield itself is your mortal enemy, we are talking about casualties of gigantic scale. Since this is legit lore story, we see that simply by landing on this planet they have doomed entire Chapter to death (and then rebirth as warp damned traitors).

On the other hand void battles that are possible only where the actually space void exists, would happen on rarer occasions, and without such hazards, and also which is quite important, based on the rules that Vorpal Swords knew, since they excelled at this kind of warfare (at least 3rd Company did). This made them loose less troops in the actual void engagements, rather than in the engagements with actual demon stuff and their bastions. I hope this makes sense.

Again thanks for the comment, as this helps me improve the actual story and keep in mind to remember about the necessary detail. Also I would love your comments upon those "leftovers" from different chapters that were implemented into the Vorpal Swords.

[Doctor Perils]

Ah, that does indeed clear a lot up ^^. I missed the non-capitalisation of veterans, and it does indeed make more sense :D

 

Also, by mentioning the corpus brethren, I believe you've found your arch-nemesis :P

[Kelborn]

Great work so far.

 

But instead of the Corpus Brethern, I would rather suggest that the Exclesiarchy would be their informal arch enemy for what it (or at least it's members) had done to them and the rest of the damned chapters.

 

Before I joined the B&C I was working on an article about the Iron Drakes, which as well were part of the Abyssal Crusade. It included a Ramilies star fort and a couple of vrothers hidden on their recruiting world, saving their chapters legacy. While they would rebuild their chapter, the Grey Death would return to their home system resulting in a brothers vs brothers fight. But I stopped working on them as I didn't found a suitable reason for leaving some brothers behind for a restart.

 

Nevertheless, I do like what I see here though I must admit that I haven't had the time to read everything by now. ^^"

Will you feature a more deamtailed version of the Abyssal Crusade as well?

[Thurservor]

Ah, that does indeed clear a lot up ^^. I missed the non-capitalisation of veterans, and it does indeed make more sense

Also, by mentioning the corpus brethren, I believe you've found your arch-nemesis

Great work so far.

But instead of the Corpus Brethern, I would rather suggest that the Exclesiarchy would be their informal arch enemy for what it (or at least it's members) had done to them and the rest of the damned chapters.

Before I joined the B&C I was working on an article about the Iron Drakes, which as well were part of the Abyssal Crusade. It included a Ramilies star fort and a couple of vrothers hidden on their recruiting world, saving their chapters legacy. While they would rebuild their chapter, the Grey Death would return to their home system resulting in a brothers vs brothers fight. But I stopped working on them as I didn't found a suitable reason for leaving some brothers behind for a restart.

Nevertheless, I do like what I see here though I must admit that I haven't had the time to read everything by now. ^^"

Will you feature a more deamtailed version of the Abyssal Crusade as well?

Again thanks for your input guys! As to the Corpus Brethren and other participants of the Abyssal Crusade that have turned to Chaos, I have made a post in a thread regarding their fate, or rather the sources covering that in different official lore installments. You guys might want to check it out here:

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/286823-vorpal-swords-and-survivors-of-the-abyssal-crusade/?p=4556453

As to the antagonists of Vorpal Swords in Agramento Sector, things are developing at a surprising speed. I have talked to few of my friends that used to collect their armies of wh40k a while ago, and they too decided to get back to the hobby. I also recruited some people from the local warhammer hobby store. This resulted in an expanding list of competitors and I am in fact considering creating a narrative campaign in the setting of Agramento sector. It will take place in Mordax Warzone and I need a proper name for it. If you guys got any ideas I would appreciate it. I thought of Mordax Crusade, but that sounds too blunt. Also apart from the real players I will be adding some antagonists here and there that will be only covered in fluff i write. As an example of it, in previous post I have mentioned a warband completely made up - the Heralds of Ecstasy, led by Lord Shtahetton. I might also add some fluff coverage of engagements with suddenly appearing in the Agramento sector, remnants of some of the Abyssal Crusade participants. For that matter Iconoclasts seem very interesting choice, since Ancient Kagonos would have a great reason to face them.

As to the idea of detailed fluff about the actual Abyssal Crusade, I do not plan it yet, as this would be too much work for now, since I got a chapter to build and Mordax Warzone engagements to cover with some plot. I might do that in the future as a separate project, yet for now I will only mention certain things out of its story line in character spotlight entries, like for example the upcoming Decias Horon spotlight post (its WIP currently).

Regarding the confirmed current antagonists of Vorpal Swords in Mordax Warzone, that I mentioned or recruited, or have at least noted down for further posts, so far I got:

Real players armies (apart from Vorpal Swords):

1. Craftworld Ulthwé

2. Bad Moons Orks

3. Necrons of yet unknown dynasty

4. Black Legion splinter force

5. Imperial Guard Catachan army

Antagonists existing in the fluff only:

1. Heralds of Ecstasy - chaos warband

2. Ork Freebooters

3. Iconoclasts - chaos warband

Allies existing in the fluff only:

1. Imperial Guard "Fultian Line Infantry" regiments from 1 to 11

2. Imperial Guard "Viuqqadian Mechanized" regiments from 1 to 3

So as you can see there will be quite a war going on in Mordax region, probably I should create a separate thread to cover it. Also I encourage you guys to take part in it. If you happen to have a homebrew chapter and would like to add them to the meatgrinder that Mordax will become, feel free to post your ideas of your forces arriving in the zone, and if you have any idea for interesting homebrew antagonists then do not hesitate to post your ideas.

Regarding the idea of Ecclesiarchy as an enemy of Vorpal Swords, I must admit that this sounds very very tempting to add to the plot. In fact this guy that wants to play Catachan army, expressed an idea that his forces will be build upon Astra Militarum codex, but in fact will be a secessionists force in the region. Think of them as some sort of followers of the previous elite ruling the sector that managed to escape the wrath of Vorpal Swords, and entrenched themselves in Mordax region. Also due to the fact of Vorpal Swords hatred for what Ecclesiarchy did to them in the past, it could be interesting to connect those two things, and lets say that the priests have some deep connections to this secessionists force and probably secretly support them. If by chance Vorpal Swords would discover this plot, they might be willing to enact vengeance upon the Shrine World of Ertamon located in the Agramento Sector (see map posted in OP). This in turn could be all a grand Iconoclasts plot (who hate shrine worlds ) to make Vorpal Swords do their job for them. I bet Ancient Kagonos would not be happy about it, not to even mention the Inquisition...

[Thurservor]

Here is the final post before the actual fight that will take place in Mordax Warzone.

 

The short story of Captain Decius Horon. 

 

Born in 203.M37 Decius Horon originates from Vorpal Swords former home world of Aurvad III. After initial tests he was admitted into the ranks of recruits and submitted into the genetic enhancements program that took 18 years to finish. In 237.M37 Horon was included into 10^th Company of Vorpal Swords scout squad. After 46 years of diligent service and exquisite kill count he was then reassigned to Devastator squad in 3^rd Company, then into Assault squad, to finally join Tactical squad in 301.M37.

 

Years have passed and Horon did what he excelled at, he proved with every opportunity that he is not only suited to kill enemies of mankind, but also to coordinate his brothers to achieve even greater results. His command prowess was quickly appreciated by Company Command, and in year 311.M37, he became one of the youngest sergeants of Tactical squad in the Chapter history. In year 316.M37 he has taken to the field for the first time as a sergeant of 2^nd Tactical Squad during bloody void warfare that took place in Gorgo Sector against human secessionist force located on several space stations and possessing numerous space vessels. During this deployment later known as Gorgo’s Purge, Decius Horon proved to possess great understanding of void warfare prosecution and boarding actions. To his credit he managed to perform several of those, while suffering minimal casualties.

 

After 4 years long deployment 3^rd Company returned to Aruvad III system for resupply and reinforcements, only to learn that the entire Chapter has been deemed unworthy and has to undergo penance crusade into the Eye of Terror itself. In 321.M37, entire Chapter embarked upon what was later known as Abyssal Crusade, without a question or second thought. The task was grievous, yet Vorpal Swords knew that since they owe no apology to anyone for their actions, and were never found lacking any valor, this time as ever before, they will prevail and further their roll of honor.

 

Since the Vorpal Swords Chapter decided to deploy as united force, 10 companies strong throughout entire Abyssal Crusade, they have avoided spreading out like several other chapter that took part in the crusade. Horon followed the orders of the 3^rd Company Captain at that time – Meneos, and deployed as a void warfare boarding spear head on numerous occasions. During the only deployment when Captain Meneos decided to deploy as the strike force commander, and lead from the front (contrary to the Chapter’s creed), he was killed in close combat duel with Chaos Lord clad in Terminator armor. The Traitor was apparently a long war veteran of 4^th Legion by the name of Torrig, and was deemed a suitable prize for 3^rd Company kill count. Overwhelmed Meneos bled out on the chaos cruiser command deck while Decius Horon took his sword “Exterminatus” and slew the Chaos Lord, who was already badly wounded after the fight with Captain.

 

Acclaimed by the company veterans and accepted by Chapter Master Konvak Lann, Decius Horon was promoted to the rank of 3^rd Company Captain, after destruction of the Iron Warriors fleet, and claiming the head of Chaos Lord. As the time in the Eye of Terror flows differently than in the Imperial space, it is hard to pinpoint certain battle to given dates, yet few of them with exquisite involvement of Decius Horon are worthy of note. First of them being the assault on cornered Night Lords vessel Tenebrous Abyss, a ship of VIII Legion, that used to be a battle barge of its 23^rd Company during Horus Heresy. Although the void battle that took place saw the majority of the Night Lords forces destroyed, the main prize was the flagship of notorious traitors. Decius Horon led the spear tip of boarding party, yet when he realized that the ship will undergo emergency warp jump and potentially take 3^rd and 4^th Company into the warp with them, Horon calmed his battle fury and ordered organized retreat that saw both Companies reach safety of their own ships. Even thou during this deployment Captain of the 4^th advised against the retreat to claim the head of enemy warlord, ultimately Chapter command saw wisdom in Horon’s decision and praised him for taking the right call, just as the careful and reasonable Vorpal Swords creed deemed more worthy over blind rage and mindless charge.

 

Another noteworthy engagement that allowed Decius Horon to show what he was made of, was the siege of Heretec Forge World of Mortago. 8 Companies of Vorpal Swords were initially deployed to the surface of the Dark Mechanicum planet, while 3^rd Company Captain and his forces remained on orbit to overwatch the surrounding space and if needed provide reinforcements. Without warning or any hint as to their arrival, massive Chaos armada entered the system to lift the siege. Horon being the most senior commander in the orbit ordered the Vorpal Swords fleet to engage incoming enemy to allow ground forces to prepare for extraction.

 

Vorpal Swords forces on the planet surface led by Chapter Konvak Lann himself managed to secure the objectives surprisingly fast and effectively decapitated the Forge World elite. The Space Marines withdrawal that followed, left the planet of Mortago as a scorched ruin. Meanwhile Horon and Vorpal Swords fleet managed to take bloody toll among the chaos armada and effectively push them off the system. This deed combined with numerous situation when he proved to possess great understanding of void warfare convinced Chapter Master Lann to name Horon the Master of the Fleet.

 

At the conclusion of Abyssal Crusade, while Chapter left the realm of Chaos and entered Imperium space, Horon was among 6 Captains that voted in favor of implementing Abyssal Crusade survivors from other chapters into the forces of Vorpal Swords, he also petitioned to put majority of them under his command.

 

In 112.M38 when Chapter after Inquisitorial scrutiny, enacted its vengeance upon traitor Saint that have sent them upon Abyssal Crusade, Decius Horon to his displeasure was the only Chapter commander who did not deploy to hunt down the arch-heretic. He was left on the planet orbit to oversee the situation and not allow any ships to leave planet surface or the system itself.  Since Horon was the embodiment of Dorn’s idea of duty and service to the Imperium’s cause, he did not question his order and performed them with utmost dedication destroying each and every civilian and military transport trying to flee from the Saint’s planet, be it packed with heretics or otherwise, the orders did not state to question, but to obliterate them all…

 

During Chapter’s restoration in Agramento Sector, Horon was the Chapter Commander to most often depart from Vryreus IV planet and undergo numerous long range patrols together with Battlefleet Agramento. Dozens of enemy vessels and seized space stations were either destroyed or retaken for the Emperor’s glory and the dominion of Imperium was restored in two sub sectors. Thanks to that Mechanicum forces, and Arch Magos Cetrynax hold Horon in great esteem for his dutiful protection of their domains, as a means to ensure the alliance between Vorpal Swords and Helack Majoris Forge World.

 

He is a seasoned commander and proven expert in the field of void warfare, yet he is far from lacking on the field of knowledge of how to perform on other battlezones, as Mordax warzone engagements will surely prove.  

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I like the details of 3rd Company's members and their history. However, Venerable Dreadnought Kagonos' origins make me wary. Games Workshop and Black Library's writers have described Dreadnoughts going senile as they age, addressing long-dead comrades as if they were alive, treating current enemies like those the Dreadnoughts faced before they were interned in the sarcophagi, referring to millennia-old events as current ones, etc.

 

Is Kagonos immune to this condition, the way Bjorn the Fell-handed is? If not, then how will the Vorpal Swords explain away Kagonos referring to his current battle-brothers as "Altar Brethren", referring to known Iconoclasts members as the loyalists they once were, etc.? Do they simply keep Kagonos FAR, FAR AWAY from those who aren't Vorpal Swords members?

[Thurservor]

I like the details of 3rd Company's members and their history. However, Venerable Dreadnought Kagonos' origins make me wary. Games Workshop and Black Library's writers have described Dreadnoughts going senile as they age, addressing long-dead comrades as if they were alive, treating current enemies like those the Dreadnoughts faced before they were interned in the sarcophagi, referring to millennia-old events as current ones, etc.

 

Is Kagonos immune to this condition, the way Bjorn the Fell-handed is? If not, then how will the Vorpal Swords explain away Kagonos referring to his current battle-brothers as "Altar Brethren", referring to known Iconoclasts members as the loyalists they once were, etc.? Do they simply keep Kagonos FAR, FAR AWAY from those who aren't Vorpal Swords members?

 

Thank you for that input. It is in fact a real concern of the Vorpal Swords Chapter command, that of all the implemented survivors of all other chapters that took part in Abyssal Crusade, the only one that might pose threat to Chapter is Kagonos. Vorpal Swords took the survivors driven by honor, and no real evaluation of future threats were given into account as reasons not to. Reasonable as they may be, Vorpal Swords are still Adeptus Astartes driven by honor codex and bound to aid their brothers. Yes Kagonos is certainly a different case than Brother Gurao, formerly of Blades Eternal Chapter (now in 1st tactical squad) and Brothers Xerodin and Femorus, both formerly of Clerics of Steel Chapter (now in 3rd tactical squad).

 

It is also true that Kagonos should with the flow of time, also degrade on the level of his sanity, especially in the circumstances of not being dormant in Chapter Fortress but rather deployed into battle so often. He is noted to address Battle Brothers as "Altar Brethren" although rarely yet often enough to be noted as loosing contact with the present situation. New recruits, not knowing of his origins, and treating him as de facto spiritual leader of those more prone to religious interpretation of the Imperial Creed, understand this as a metaphor, referring to the "Altar of War" and "Brethren" as old fashioned way of saying "Battle Brother". Old veterans know what Kagonos actually means and report each and every such incident to officers, in order to have him contained in case of potential realization of other Imperial forces, as to Kagonos' origins. 

 

And finally yes this might, and probably will attract Inquisitorial attention, unwanted and dangerous, yet Vorpal Swords would never consider of disposing Kagonos as a inconvenient burden. In their eyes, and knowing that they descend from knightly, honor bound culture of Aurvad III, it is fair to say, that they want to give him opportunity to redeem himself on the fields of battles, for the failure of not stoping his brothers from falling into chaos, 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Well said, Thurservor

[Claws and Effect]

Nice.

 

I had a bit of interest in the Vorpal Swords after reading about the Abyssal Crusade.

 

You've done a good job bringing them to life.

[Thurservor]

While preparing for the upcoming battle with Heralds of Ecstasy chaos warband, I have created a custom objective marker from spare parts.

Scout Gwerlin, last surviving member of Squad Tethor, 10th Company, Strike Force Horon, Tiama V deployment

http://i.imgur.com/S6CPumL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ynpIUo9.jpg

model needs some detail painting work, but I was too excited to not post it , what do you guys think?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

While preparing for the upcoming battle with Heralds of Ecstasy chaos warband, I have created a custom objective marker from spare parts.

Scout Gwerlin, last surviving member of Squad Tethor, 10th Company, Strike Force Horon, Tiama V deployment

http://i.imgur.com/S6CPumL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ynpIUo9.jpg

model needs some detail painting work, but I was too excited to not post it , what do you guys think?

That's an awesomely grim, dark objective marker, totally appropriate for the setting. I have to ask what the objective is, though. Combat search-and-rescue, to prevent the Scout from becoming a prisoner, or the enemy to interrogate him and learn the Chapter's secrets? Recovery of his gene-seed?

I also have to ask if Gwerlin has another role in your army, i.e, will you create a "Scout Sergeant Gwerlin" model with augmetic legs? Maybe a "Venerable Brother Gwerlin" in a Dreadnought chassis, and write a tale of how a Scout who lost his legs to a cowardly artillery barrage, forced himself to remain conscious and shot at the enemy with his bolt pistol, making the enemy think they were under sniper fire (a legless Marine will be present a low silhouette) and delaying their advance on their objective, until the Vorpal Swords could mount a counterattack to wipe out this enemy- an act of courage that allowed this Scout to earn the honor of internment in a Dreadnought chassis?

[Thurservor]

That's an awesomely grim, dark objective marker, totally appropriate for the setting. I have to ask what the objective is, though. Combat search-and-rescue, to prevent the Scout from becoming a prisoner, or the enemy to interrogate him and learn the Chapter's secrets? Recovery of his gene-seed?

In fact all of the above. As I stated earlier, Vorpal Swords are not only diligent on the gene-seed extraction, but deeply obsessive about it. Also in the mining complex on the surface of Tiama V where the battle will take place, it is confirmed that Chaos warband is known to operate. The Heralds of Ecstasy, which certainly would be interested in interrogating Scout Gwerlin. Hence their deployment before the main force landing, scouts were first to be engaged by the enemy force. Now that location of the enemy has been confirmed Strike Force Horon deploys to extract their brethren and also land the punishing hammer of Emperor's wroth upon the traitors.

I also have to ask if Gwerlin has another role in your army, i.e, will you create a "Scout Sergeant Gwerlin" model with augmetic legs? Maybe a "Venerable Brother Gwerlin" in a Dreadnought chassis, and write a tale of how a Scout who lost his legs to a cowardly artillery barrage, forced himself to remain conscious and shot at the enemy with his bolt pistol, making the enemy think they were under sniper fire (a legless Marine will be present a low silhouette) and delaying their advance on their objective, until the Vorpal Swords could mount a counterattack to wipe out this enemy- an act of courage that allowed this Scout to earn the honor of internment in a Dreadnought chassis?

Well, Dreadnought chassis would be bit too much for mere scout, let him bath in honor for a while before he goes as deep as entombment in the holy machine. In fact I want Scout Gwerlin to ascend to the rank of Veteran Sergeant of scout detachment, and later on convert model of scout sergeant Telion into Gwerlin and add the bionic legs for him. but i need to buy the model first, so in real life it is weeks in future and plot wise probably years away.

[Melmoth]

the vorpal swords and the abyssal crusade are a great choice. i enjoyed this very much.