IA: Night Vipers - Alpha Legion and the Cursed Founding

[Minigiant]

Index Astartes: Night Vipers
""

Origins

P

art of the disastorous twenty first founding of the Adeptus Astartes, and prior to their fate that befell them; The Night Vipers earned a reputation as upholding the upmost secrecy as well as being masters in manipulation for the good of the galaxy and the honour of the emperor.

The nascant chapters geneseed had been selected by the Adeptus Mechanicus to be the legacy of the Iron Snakes. Chosen for having the minutest flaws for repair.

However as their fellow cursed chapters flaws began to reveal themselves and the Adeptus mechanic began to realise the extent of the damage they had done. The Night Vipers geneseed samples remained at a remarkable level of purity. These were some of the darkest days in the Mechanicus and the Vipers offered a small glimer of hope. No one asked the important questions though, why, how.

It is only after you become aware of their truth and greatest secret do you realise the signs of their demise was their from the beginning.

Important records relating to this tumultuous event have long since been eradicated or lost within the labyrinthine bureaucracy of the Imperium, leaving behind only supposition and fevered assumption. Those few individuals aware of exactly what transpired during those dark days would seem unprepared to divulge their secrets or are long since dead. Whatever exactly occured, it is clear that the myopic focus upon genetic purity clouded the vision of the truth.

Little is known of the Chapter's first Master except that he was supposedly an Iron Snake and went by the name of Typhon. He was known by his men as 'the Viper', and we cause to believe that he would have answered to the name 'Alpharius' in another time. His persona exemplified a fervent desire to be the saviour of the Imperium and a hero to the Emperor. When given command of the newly found Chapter, he bestowed the name 'Night Vipers' upon it, knowing their fight will be striking in and from the dark.

During the Vipers' first centuries of service, the Chapter had almost disappeared from the memory of the imperium. No engagements of note, and numerous data files unexplainably expunged all across the galaxy. Apart from the regular monitoring of their geneseed, the chapter would have been considered to all purposes, lost.

http://cliparts.co/cliparts/qTB/Xk7/qTBXk7x7c.jpg

Chapter Badge'

Homeworld


Recruitment

[/captionright]


Battlefield Doctrine

E

xtensive preparations are made before actually attacking an imperial target, including using spies and corruption to weaken an enemy's resolve. Not only is an enemy attacked from every angle, but every attack is often coordinated to achieve the most destructive results. Many actions are planned to utilise and support local insurgency activity. These insurgents loyal to the emperor go to considerable effort to spread propaganda, perform sabotage, and carry out acts of unrest and rebellion, providing a distraction and weakening the enemy before the [CHAPTER NAME] kill team strikes.Furthermore, the Chapter has been known to ally themselves with anti-imperial forces particularly Xenos.

The [CHAPTER NAME] does not fight like any other Adeptus Astartes Chapter . They prefer to avoid direct combat, using subterfuge, infiltration, sabotage, brainwashing, and meticulous multi-year plans to destroy their enemies as opposed to a simple attack. The very identities of [CHAPTER NAME] brothers is the subject of mystery. Their supposed identities are frequently aliases which are shared by squad members, meaning the name and identity of one [CHAPTER NAME] marine could refer to many. Genetic face-changing technology is utilized to change the appearance of Brothers to confound their enemies as to their real identity and to protect it from local contacts. Due to this habit of shared aliases, members of one squad often refer to themselves as part of a greater collective identity. When they do present themselves, [CHAPTER NAME] Marines prefer to let their insurgents and supporting PDF absorb most of the combat while they wait for the decisive moment to strike or make their escape.The final overwhelming push by the massed forces of the Chapter at the precise moment the enemy is at its weakest from subterfuge is known as The Harrowing.

Echidna informant'

Chapter Organisation

W

While the nominal fighting strength of the chapter is kept at the Codex-approved 1,000 marines, the [CHAPTER NAME] do not appear to use the Codex's Company structure, instead seem to rigidly follow the structure of the Iron Snakes, basing their organisation around that of the simple 10-marine squad.

Each squad, named after its first-ever squad leader, is treated as an individual tactical formation held equal in placement in the line of battle with almost all of the other chapter units. Only those squads referred to as the [NAME] are seen as elite, and even then the [NAME] do not properly represent a pooling of veteran Marines. This is due to the way in which the [CHAPTER NAME] field their new recruits. Neophytes, do not appear to take to the field solely as Scouts; instead they often seen fighting in preparation in becoming full Brothers. Casualty replacements in the [NAME] are incorporated in the same way as in other squads, which means that the [NAME] are just as likely to have new recruits in their ranks as they are to have hardened veteran marines. Of course, the recruits that are selected to a place in a [NAME] squad are likely to be the best of their generation.

When a squad is completely wiped out, it is reconstituted under the original name, with its new squad-leader being promoted from the ranks of the elder and more veteran Battle-Brothers of the other squads. Each squad-leader is expected to eventually nominate a successor from within his squad, who will be chosen to accompany him to officer-level briefings and take over command in the event of his death. This Brother will likely remain tied to his squad until his own death; as such 'seconds' are not promoted out to command other squads. Each squad will also contain a standard-bearer, who fixes the squad colours to a special mounting upon his armour, and a pair of support weapon troopers. The [NAME] squads also appear to customarily/ceremonially include both a marine trained in the use of a servo-arm and an Apothecary as one of their number, and such specialist Marines are a common feature of other squads as well; the number of trainee techmarines and field-Apothecaries in the [CHAPTER NAME] appears likely to be higher than that of a Codex chapter.

Ancient Rhetoricus, Bearer of the '

Librarians


Techmarines


Chapter Cult and Belief System

[captionright=Brother Renatus']

Brother Jonas'

Gene-seed

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I am looking at creating an Alpha Legion esq loyalist chapter IA that fight in kill team esq units. I have no idea how to write in a blackshield founding.

I have attempted a kill team chapter IA before and every time it gets an inch closer but never complete. Try try, try again

This is what I am comfortable with



Ideas

Homeworld is unknown other than the sector of space, with multiple habitable planets. The [CHAPTER NAME] have been successfully identified acting on each one

What do people think? Give up now?

[Minigiant]

In addition, I am thinking possibly going down the route of a cursed founding, with Alpha legion swapping the gene seed stocks for their own. As well as impersonating the training cadre

[Zhiv]

In addition, I am thinking possibly going down the route of a cursed founding, with Alpha legion swapping the gene seed stocks for their own. As well as impersonating the training cadre

 

Issue with that is that

 

...every Chapter's gene-seed is required to be monitored for mutations and genetic purity by the Tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus and why every Chapter is required to tithe 5% of its gene-seed stocks at regular intervals to the Mechanicus on Mars.

Failure to do so tends to mean an inquisitorial visit. Of course the gene stock is compared to existing stocks (for mutations). Alpha Legion geneseed would likely differ a lot from the other presumed gene pools. Now, of course alpha legion could have infiltrated Mars data banks, but if they could do that, why stop at creating single space marine chapter. Why not corrupt the entire data base.

[Minigiant]

Maybe they dont do the gene seed thing. Instead just trained by Alpha Legion

 

Or they do the geneseed thing, get caught and excommunicated.

 

Or they continue to grow the original geneseed for the sole purpose of monitoring

[Zhiv]

Maybe they dont do the gene seed thing. Instead just trained by Alpha Legion

 

Or they do the geneseed thing, get caught and excommunicated.

 

Or they continue to grow the original geneseed for the sole purpose of monitoring

 

Works, of course.

 

Get caught and excommunicated, this is the most plausible outcome. Such a group of marines would have to scavenge its gear from field of battle and/or raiding small forge worlds. Lots of worn armor, mishmash-equipment. 

 

Original geneseed would of course work too.

[Minigiant]

So thinking of this idea, a few questions needed to be sorted that I would appreciate help answering

 

1) Why would the Alpha Legion need a Space Marine Chapter?

 

My thinking so far is

 

Write the IA as a Inquisitor Report into the [CHAPTER NAME]

 

Story begins at the start of the Cursed Founding

Alpha Legion infiltrate gene seed stock, probably by capturing a Mechanicus ship. Clue #1 Ship arrives late at destination having being delayed by a "Warp Storm"

Alpha Legion destroy Iron Snakes training Cadre and begin impersonating them. Clue #2 Iron Snakes Captain is found dead many years later

 

Having made full strength, chapter disappears for a few years

 

Thats all I got so far really

[Minigiant]

Origin

Part of the disastorous twenty first founding of the Adeptus Astartes, and prior to their fate that befell them; The Shadow Vipers earned a reputation as upholding the upmost secrecy as well as being masters in manipulation for the good of the galaxy and the honour of the emperor.

 

The nascant chapters geneseed had been selected by the Adeptus Mechanicus to be the legacy of the Iron Snakes. Chosen for having the minutest flaws for repair.

 

However as their fellow cursed chapters flaws began to reveal themselves and the Adeptus mechanic began to realise the extent of the damage they had done. The Shadow Vipers geneseed samples remained at a remarkable level of purity. These were some of the darkest days in the Mechanicus and the Vipers offered a small glimer of hope. No one asked the important questions though, why, how.

 

It is only after you become aware of their truth and greatest secret do you realise the signs of their demise was their from the beginning.

 

Important records relating to this tumultuous event have long since been eradicated or lost within the labyrinthine bureaucracy of the Imperium, leaving behind only supposition and fevered assumption. Those few individuals aware of exactly what transpired during those dark days would seem unprepared to divulge their secrets or are long since dead. Whatever exactly occured, it is clear that the myopic focus upon genetic purity clouded the vision of the truth.

 

Little is known of the Chapter's first Master except that he was supposedly an Iron Snake and went by the name of Typhon. He was known by his men as 'the Viper', and we cause to believe that he would have answered to the name 'Alpharius' in another time. His persona exemplified a fervent desire to be the saviour of the Imperium and a hero to the Emperor. When given command of the newly found Chapter, he bestowed the name 'Shadow Vipers' upon it, knowing their fight will be striking in and from the shadows.

 

During the Vipers' first centuries of service, the Chapter had almost disappeared from the memory of the imperium. No engagements of note, and numerous data files unexplainably expunged all across the galaxy. Apart from the regular monitoring of their geneseed, the chapter would have been considered to all purposes, lost.

[Guest Mordray]

Problem is the number of chapters that don't know their own geneseed origins. If the Admech could tell whose geneseed it was then they could have informed the chapters. That these chapters don't know lends some serious credit to the idea of an Alpha Legion swap out.

[slitth]

As an Alpha legion fan, I would recommend not using the Alpha legions modus operandi too openly in a sparatoi chapter.

A chapter like this would most likely attract the attention of the Inquisition, and it they are acting like the Alpha Legion, they would most likely be purge.

 

But fighting in squads and using guerrilla warfare, that's something the Raven Guard would do.

Perhaps you could find a reason why the chapter is not company based.

Like it was always spread too thin over too many battlefields to be able to use company based tactics.

An Alpha legion trained chapter should be able to survive and excel under such trying circumstances.

Nor would a chapter that is push to the limit because of mass over deployment be on the Inquisition watch list.

They would more likely be considered heroes because they are seen to choose service to the Imperium over chapter survival.

[Minigiant]

As an Alpha legion fan, I would recommend not using the Alpha legions modus operandi too openly in a sparatoi chapter.

A chapter like this would most likely attract the attention of the Inquisition, and it they are acting like the Alpha Legion, they would most likely be purge.

 

But fighting in squads and using guerrilla warfare, that's something the Raven Guard would do.

Perhaps you could find a reason why the chapter is not company based.

Like it was always spread too thin over too many battlefields to be able to use company based tactics.

An Alpha legion trained chapter should be able to survive and excel under such trying circumstances.

Nor would a chapter that is push to the limit because of mass over deployment be on the Inquisition watch list.

They would more likely be considered heroes because they are seen to choose service to the Imperium over chapter survival.

The Chapter Organisation has been directly lifted from the Iron Snakes. I see the Alpha Legion using it to maintain their cover

[Minigiant]

So I am thinking of making them do something that gets them into trouble. Maybe insert 'programmed' 'conditioned' recruits into another chapter. Maybe even the Iron Snakes.

 

Make a big deal out of that

[Claws and Effect]

If the Alpha Legion can swap a newly founded chapter's geneseed with their own, what is stopping them from faking the tithes using the original geneseed?

 

That is the simplest explanation, and it nicely explains why their tithes are strangely pure while all the other Cursed Founding geneseeds went berserk with mutation. It's because the geneseed they are sending to Mars was never actually used.

 

Hell, if you want to get really tricksy, have them swap out the originally planned geneseed with what they stole from the Raven Guard during the Heresy. ;)

[Minigiant]

@RealityBurn: That was my thinking. I am thinking another thing that undoes the lie is if the Mechanicus use the original geneseed and the Night Vipers successor chapter goes mad like the other cursed founding chapters.

 

Trying to come up with as many realistic events that uncover the truth

 

At the moment with whats in my head is that I am writing an IA equivalent to a 40k spy novel

 

Struggling with recruitment and homeworld. Maybe they occassionally recruit informants they use that have impressed them. Maybe a hive world where gangs make great recruits

[Minigiant]

Timeline:

1. This Chapter creation is approved

 

2. Chapter creation is started towards the end of the 21st founding

 

3. Alpha Legion hijack geneseed ship and replace them for there own

 

4. Iron Snakes assigned as training cadre

 

5. Iron Snakes training cadre is ambushed on route by Alpha Legion.

 

6. Alpha Legion impersonate training cadre. First Chapter Master seemingly unaware of being recruited directly out of the ...... scions.

 

7. While other cursed founding chapters begin to fall apart, Night Vipers remain at 100% purity

 

8. Iron Snakes learn that the training cadre intended to return have been 'lost in the warp'

 

9. In their investigation, they learn and become concerned of the Night Vipers mode operati. And report them

 

10. 22nd Founding, Night Vipers only successor chapter begins to succumb to the curse that befell the 21st founding chapters

 

11. Wreckage of Iron Snakes fleet carrier is found and reveals parts of the truth

 

12. Night Vipers insert recruits into the Iron Snakes to learn how much they know.

 

13. Tensions are at all time high, conflict is only prevented with intervention of Calgar.

 

14. Whole thing blows up, Chapter ordered to go on enternal crusade.

 

15. Disappear

[Minigiant]

So Chapter symbol

 

http://cliparts.co/cliparts/qTB/Xk7/qTBXk7x7c.jpg

[Claws and Effect]

Cool symbol, but it would probably look better facing left so the snake is looking forward.

[Badass_Spaz]

Though I'm always a fan of the idea of potential loyal traitor successors, this one seems a bit too on the nose; especially if they're the Alpha Legion. To me, being an Alpha Legion loyal successor shouldn't be so blatant.

I'd personally ditch the whole facial reconstruction and code name idea's; considering most Chapters are relatively independent. I doubt they'd have much interaction with other chapters unless in larger scale conflicts, and even then I doubt names would hold much weight.

What I would suggest is implimenting their freedom of expression in officer rank, similar to how Omegon was in the audiobook The Serpent Beneath. Your chapter could value outside opinions, work in unison with other offices but on a more covert level.
For instance, one Astarte's could aid an Arbites on a cult investigation while a kill team could kidnap highly suspected government officials... Just food for thought.

Sorry if I seem a little on the rude side and I hope some of my suggestion helped.

[Minigiant]

I dont know how to write this anymore without either writing a chapter that is clearly Alpha legion descendants or writing a chapter that is so unclear I might as well ditch the Alpha Legion part (That then removes what I want from them)

[Badass_Spaz]

Okay lets no go over board here and ditch the idea entirely. The key premise behind the Alpha Legion is their secrecy and discretion, which you can easily capitalize on.

The idea that your Chapter instigates rebellions on different worlds is a beautiful idea you need to keep. You usually have Astarte's dropping down on Hive Cities, mauling the populace, and leaving. So this addition of subterfuge is an excellent on.

Another idea is to have your Chapter a bit more involved with the politics that transpire in the systems, sub-sector, or sector. The Astarte's themselves don't have to be directly involved but agents, akin to Alpha Legion cultists, could play the middle man. This allows them to have a better understanding of what's actually transpiring instead of, again, dropping in and mauling everyone because Space Marines. This leaves your Space Marines free to focus on more immediate threats, like piracy and xeno's raids while keeping a firm set of eyes on those around them. The Hydra does have many heads... But I'm pretty sure you cleared that up in the description presented, but just in case I felt the need to elaborate a little more to jog your imagination.

Oh, and don't forget pirates... You could have certain pirates working in tangent with your Astarte's. This may appear counter-productive to the Imperium at large but the Alpha Legion looks towards the end goal. As such, pirates working under them could open a network of connection other Astarte's and Imperial forces might otherwise not have access to. These connections could eventually lead to cultists, xenos, or worse case; traitor marines.

You don't have to be identical to the Alpha Legion but me focused on securing information. Of course these are all idea's and food for thought but I really don't want you ditching the idea entirely.

Take me for example, I'm revamping my entire Boar Chapter from top to bottom. It's a bitch and a half and not saying you should do it but that's kinda the point- creativity.

[Minigiant]

Okay lets no go over board here and ditch the idea entirely. The key premise behind the Alpha Legion is their secrecy and discretion, which you can easily capitalize on.

 

The idea that your Chapter instigates rebellions on different worlds is a beautiful idea you need to keep. You usually have Astarte's dropping down on Hive Cities, mauling the populace, and leaving. So this addition of subterfuge is an excellent on.

 

Another idea is to have your Chapter a bit more involved with the politics that transpire in the systems, sub-sector, or sector. The Astarte's themselves don't have to be directly involved but agents, akin to Alpha Legion cultists, could play the middle man. This allows them to have a better understanding of what's actually transpiring instead of, again, dropping in and mauling everyone because Space Marines. This leaves your Space Marines free to focus on more immediate threats, like piracy and xeno's raids while keeping a firm set of eyes on those around them. The Hydra does have many heads... But I'm pretty sure you cleared that up in the description presented, but just in case I felt the need to elaborate a little more to jog your imagination.

 

Oh, and don't forget pirates... You could have certain pirates working in tangent with your Astarte's. This may appear counter-productive to the Imperium at large but the Alpha Legion looks towards the end goal. As such, pirates working under them could open a network of connection other Astarte's and Imperial forces might otherwise not have access to. These connections could eventually lead to cultists, xenos, or worse case; traitor marines.

 

You don't have to be identical to the Alpha Legion but me focused on securing information. Of course these are all idea's and food for thought but I really don't want you ditching the idea entirely.

 

Take me for example, I'm revamping my entire Boar Chapter from top to bottom. It's a bitch and a half and not saying you should do it but that's kinda the point- creativity.

All great ideas and what I would like. I just physically dont know how to write it

[Badass_Spaz]

System/Sub-Sector/Sector Involvement. Create a whole new category that extrapolates their activity outside of cramming their size 30 boots in corrupt politicians backsides. Space Marines are soldiers, that's a given, but that doesn't mean they can't be more. Hate to use this as an example but Rawbutt Girlyman was preparing the Ultramarines for roles outside of soldiers after the Crusade was done. (Such is my understanding from forum lurking, so take with a grain of salt)

Anyway, there's that solved. You could further explore by stating their extensive involvement in Sector wide governance (Steeples fingers in Fortress Monastery) creates a more independent Chapter that operates on its own accord as oppose to waiting for distress signals. Yea, you could still answer distress calls and all that jazz but at the end of the day, you're following to further the Chapters own agenda. The Space Marines are humanities greatest defence against the galaxies many predators and fight them in different fashions- yours does from the shadows and the light in equal parts.

Dammit man don't give up, you're onto something truly amazing!