Index Astartes: The Bloody Pride

[Sirrus]

This is a work in progress.

Name: The Bloody Pride

Founding Chapter: Marauders

Founding: 36th Millennium

Chapter Master: Kosoko Osebo

Homeworld: Kundu

Fortress-Monastery: Mount Motobo

Colors: Lava red, jonquil yellow, cadmium green, black

Specialty: Ranged combat; decisive engagements

Strength: 400-500

Battle Cry: We Stand Alone

HISTORY: In the distant southern reaches of the Segmentum Tempestus, the High Lords of Terra established the Bloody Pride to bolster the inadequate defenses for that quadrant of the Imperium. Created sometime in the 36^th Millennium, shortly before the Age of Apostasy, the chapter for several centuries served as a rapid-response force for the frontier of the galaxy, its Strike Cruisers deploying companies wherever needed. Although records of the chapter’s early history are scarce, what sources are extant suggest the chapter was considered a bulwark of honor and piousness in a lawless and profane sector.

Despite their devoted service, however, the Pride often went overlooked by the lords of the Imperium. The worlds under their control remained underdeveloped, rarely securing investment from Terra, although no shortage of ships arrived to extract the rare minerals the planets possessed. Although tasked with protecting humanity against barbarian xenos, the Pride could not help but feel that the Imperium did not have the best interest of its regular citizens at heart. Of course, they knew their duty was to fight, not to question the decisions of their superiors. Yet, in time, they came to mistrust the intentions of most Imperial institutions (save the exalted Emperor), regarding themselves as the only dependable protection that the people of their systems could rely on.

After a particularly brutal defensive campaign against the Biel-Tan Craftworld, the Pride found itself directly on the frontline when Hive Fleet Leviathan attacked in 997.M41. The chapter survived the assault and saved several worlds, but the victory was Pyrrhic at best. Many planets that the swarm did not consume became Dead Worlds due to the intervention of the Eldar, who obviously placed their own preservation over the lives of human inhabitants of worlds whose populations numbered in the billions. The Pride blamed themselves intensely for their own failures, while also wondering how they might have fared had the leadership of Terra provided them with better technology and equipment prior to the Tyranid onslaught.

More recently, the future of the chapter has become endangered due to major mutation in the Pride’s gene-seed. Replicating Progenoid zygotes has always been difficult for the chapter, but since the onset of the last century, it has become impossible. Without these necessary glands, no additional Space Marines can be created with the Pride’s genetic stock. The Apothecaries of the chapter have been racing for a cure, but without success. The chapter is presently already under-strength and, unless future neophytes are recruited, the Bloody Pride faces certain doom.

For its part, the Inquisition views the Pride with mistrust. In addition to their failing gene-seed, the Pride also merit the attention of the Witch Hunters for their sometimes feral appearances. Veterans of the chapter begin taking on animal features and disfigurements decades into their service, manifesting as anything from a full and dark mane around the neck to sharp talons on the ends of their fingers. If the Pride were not so needed in safeguarding the Imperium from myriad threats, it is unlikely that the Pride would presently be testing the already limited Inquisitorial good will.

HOMEWORLD: Many of the planets under the Pride's protection are feudal, feral and agri-worlds, although there is a smattering of hive and forge worlds, as well. The Pride homeworld, Kundu, has long had a history of producing fierce and stalwart warriors in its particularly primal conditions. Life everywhere on Kundu is difficult because of preponderance of wildlife that, while typically harmless to a Space Marine, perpetually preys on the native human population. Over the centuries, the Pride's top leadership have been drawn from the top scions of the Kundu warrior clans, to the extent that many battle brothers are also related biologically as well. Further deepening these tight bonds is the communal nature of Kundu society, where there is little concept of private property. Since food and shelter are so scarce, it is necessary to share resources. This primitive communism means Pride recruits already believe in depending on their comrades.

The Pride also has strong relationships with beasts captured in the wilds of Kundu, broken and trained by Pride members. Such animals range from the avian Hottas to the reptilian Royal Weller, notable for its tough hide. These pets do not feature in official operations, but are reserved for everyday life to fill the role as a sort of spiritual guide. When not in worship to the Emperor or engaged in the battlefield, Pride members spend their little time not training hunting in the Kundu savannahs or jungles with their personal beasts in tow, often protecting the civilians in their care who lead short, brutal hardscrabble lives.

The Pride is one of the few chapters to rule over their homeworld via direct rule, not that the modest human civilization there requires much in the way of prosaic administration. Sustenance and survival are the only priorities in Kundu society. The fortress-monastery on Mount Motobo is regarded as a dwelling-place of guardian-gods, sealed off to those not Space Marines or chapter serfs. Just as the extreme conditions on the planet harden the men of Kundu into exceptional warriors, so too does the Pride use Kundu to hone their skills in war and maintain their devotion to protecting the human race, whatever the cost.

CULTURE: The Pride values the virtue of self-reliance. There is no mercy on Kundu, and so a Kundu warrior asks none from the universe. They have fought so long on their own against the enemies of humanity that they no longer expect rescue or relief when faced with xenos invasions or Chaos excursions. All human beings deserve protection, but Pride members only trust their brotherhood. This makes them difficult fits in elite groups like the Deathwatch, which is unfortunate given their many skirmishes with alien raiders. A Pride member only really feels a sense of contentment when fighting alongside their own chapter comrades, because then he knows for sure he will be supported when he needs to be.

The Pride heavily encourages introspection and the personal growth of members by solitary forays with their animal companions. The sharing of emotions in a public manner is frowned upon at all levels of Kundu society and considered an act of weakness. Members are judged by their honor and their integrity rather in addition to their abilities in combat. As part of their highlighting their bonds as brothers, Pride squads go into battle chanting cries in their native Kundu language.

SPECIALTIES: The Pride puts an emphasis on ranged combat, preferring to stalk and attack their prey from afar. They tend to forgo overly aggressive assault tactics and instead heavily utilize reconnaissance and devising effective strategies. For them, the battle is like the hunt, but waged with more advanced weapons. They have extensive libraries on various xeno races, their strengths, their weaknesses (which only deepens Inquisitorial suspicion of the chapter). In truth, this is only because they believe in researching their enemies thoroughly in order to defeat them quickly and efficiently.

The Pride foregoes camouflage and most outright stealth tactics, however. Proud of their identities, they do not believe in hiding their presence or their power armor. This means they cannot depend on snipers and skirmishes; they must take on the enemy directly and defeat them in one overwhelming battle. As such, the Pride never goes into battle except in force.

LEGENDS: A chapter master of the Pride and its most famous member, Mukuru Odibo, led the Pride for several centuries. He distinguished himself for valor and brilliance in major victories against the Biel-Tan Craftworld, saving several vulnerable human colonies on the border of Imperial space. He led from the front-line, leading his captains into battle and personally directing the firing of chapter artillery. Young for his rank, he died before realizing his full potential, an early victim when Hive Fleet Leviathan first reached the Imperium. "Mukuru died on his feet" remains a common saying repeated within the chapter, a phrase meaning to face challenging odds head-on without compromise or surrender.

The current chapter, Kosoko Osebo, is an elder veteran who did much to repair his battered chapter while weathering Hive Fleet Leviathan. He sees his battle brothers as closer to kin, and their falling number means he is even more protective of them than he has been in the past. This well-meaning caution has actually served to hurt him among those captains would prefer to see the chapter be more assertive in its duties. Still, no one disputes Kosoko's courage and martial prowess, as he has proved himself time and time against the chapter's foes. He has a deep distaste for the Inquisition, who he sees as content to ignore Imperial citizens unless they are burning unsanctioned pyskers or massacring accused heretics.

[utilityzero]

Good start so far. I liked what I read. Honestly my biggest concern so far is, have you tried painting a marine in that scheme yet? Better yet a squad? That's a lot of work from the looks of it.

 

The hint that they might be from the cursed founding? Other than rampant geneseed failure is there any other 'curse' to suggest that might be the case? How do their mutations effect them beyond not being able to recruit?

 

Can't wait to see what else you are working on for them.

[Zhiv]

So, regarding mutations and unknown progenitor, how does that work with...

 

 

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.

Original records of the founding might be lost but a ) the chapter itself would know its origins and b ) Adeptus Mechanicus would know its origins.

 

Also, failure to send tithe (and corrupted tithe) usually resorts to Inquisitorial visits so you might want to address that point somewhere in the fluff.  I don't know if this requirement is lifted when chapter gets devastated, which is entirely possible. However, there was a time when the chapter was at full strength and would have paid its tithes as proper. 

[Sirrus]

The paint job is difficult but I based it on the flag of Ghana since I am drawing on West African culture for this chapter and because yesterday was the anniversary of the country's independence.

 

The "curse" of their Founding is manifest in their extreme genetic flaw as well as the heavy losses they've suffered defending their segment of space from multiple xenos attacks, with very little care or investment from the Imperium. I am going to develop this more, but basically their corner of the universe is underdeveloped and the Imperium takes way more wealth out of the worlds than it puts back in. The Pride does and dies as is this duty, but they have long asked "Why?" even if they are not supposed to... hinting at a possible renegade future and them becoming Excommunicate Traitoris. So, yeah, they have pretty ill fortune.

 

As to their origins and tithing their gene-seed... We don't have great records of what happened in the Middle Ages, so it's not surprising that records from between the 36th millennium to the 41st millennium are lost, especially since tech and communications in 40k is in some ways less reliable and secure than our own universe. The chapter doesn't know, but its reasonable to assume the High Lords of Terra know, and perhaps the Priesthood of Mars, but they're not saying. In terms of their genetic flaws, I would wager that the Imperium is pretty tolerant of flaws in Space Marines, considering the Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Black Dragons, even though they are all on a razor's edge. In some ways the Pride is more likely to commit the heresy of rebellion than "too much" mutation. But I'll mention that the Inquisition is, as ever, watching intently!

 

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

[Badass_Spaz]

I always appreciate reading a homebrew that endures the reality of the 40K universe instead of being the oh-so glorious champions without fault. Murder on, Brothers!

Anyway, on a more serious note, I'm going to agree with Zhiz on this one regarding their chapter history. That said, seeing as how they're neglected by the wider Imperium I can see how other Chapter and other higher offices might ponder their origins. Only Holy Terra and Mars can release that information but considering how busy they are and neglected your Chapter is, it can easily be edited and chalked up to that.

Silver Skulls, Space Sharks, those guys have mysterious albeit questionable background regarding their founding only the top echelon could know, so it stands to reason your Chapters history could be similar. Still, a small edit and a few hints to tease the reader never hurt anyone.

Mutation wise, and if they're implied to be first founding, in my opinion should go beyond skin pigmentation. Look at the Black Dragon, those ugly mugs are sprouting horns and getting their Baraka on. (Epitome of badassery, by the way. )

Perhaps your Astarte's has forked tongues, spinal protrusions, a glorious lions mane. (Very hairy like a Space Wolf) Maybe they've discovered a new way to cultivate their missing gene-seed but in doing so have been riddled with mutations. Feral behaviorism, sudden organ failure, talon-like hands. The Black Dragons get away with walking around wearing devil horns and wrist blades, and don't forget your Chapter is kinda backwater, so there's a good bit of room to explore.

I hope this helps or inspires you in some way or another.

[Zhiv]

 

As to their origins and tithing their gene-seed... We don't have great records of what happened in the Middle Ages, so it's not surprising that records from between the 36th millennium to the 41st millennium are lost, especially since tech and communications in 40k is in some ways less reliable and secure than our own universe. The chapter doesn't know, but its reasonable to assume the High Lords of Terra know, and perhaps the Priesthood of Mars, but they're not saying. In terms of their genetic flaws, I would wager that the Imperium is pretty tolerant of flaws in Space Marines, considering the Blood Angels, Space Wolves, Black Dragons, even though they are all on a razor's edge. In some ways the Pride is more likely to commit the heresy of rebellion than "too much" mutation. But I'll mention that the Inquisition is, as ever, watching intently!

 

Thanks for all the feedback so far.

Why Mars would refuse this information? Also, what's going on with the chapter's Librarium where all the records of the chapter's history are maintained? Even if the Librarium was destroyed by orbital bombardment the remaining marines would likely still remember thing or two and would likely write down things. 

 

It's true that we've lost things written in middle ages, but marines can digitize any and all information they deem worth maintaining, meaning that copying said information is also trivial (unlike dark ages when books were copied by hand). 

 

Unknown founding is a cliche that pops up here and there in GW's own fluff, mostly when chapters are mentioned without a mention of their progenitor. This is why most chapters listed in various wiki's have 'unknown' geneseed. GW came up with the name and left the chapter there for someone to pick up. Meanwhile fleshed out chapters (and their respective Index Astartes articles / Black Library books) tend mention the progenitors. 

[Beta galactosidase]

The important thing is that this starts out with just a sentence of setting. That's good, it's information and characterization that I can understand without knowing much about it having a preexisting attachment to space marines. The location is remote and the resources are poor, that's great.

 

Then it shows up in more parts of the article. There is Pyrrhic victory, they grow manes, they have trouble inducting new members because they have a defect. I like that their name is a little bit on point - they are a pride, which refers a little bit to their being a self contained group. It's more relevant than being the x angels, the x warriors, or the x cats, it's good that you chose a name that refers to them as a group, like the dark brotherhood or the brotherhood of a thousand. The Pride is appropriate, but it's not too on the nose, as if you had called them the outcasts or the abandoned or the scavengers etc.

 

These are all elements that are descriptive of the chapter itself. It's good to describe these things because they are what it's like to be in the chapter or around the chapter. It's all about getting to know or experience the chapter.

 

The worst thing to do at this point is talk about whose gene seed they have. It's totally off topic. If I meet these guys, i don't need to know that the physically discrete parts of them that are made of marine DNA were cloned a long time ago from these other sets of internal organs belonging to guys that the might not have seen for 5000 years. It just isn't important.

 

There are lots of scenarios where the original legion/pro march is relevant, but unless it comes up organically, I think you should skip right past or through the ancestry part. It not novel or interesting. I know that there are first founding legions and I heard of them elsewhere. It's not particularly edifying to see that one of the nine/eighteen/20 legions was chosen out of the pile.

 

If you can write an interesting chapter as though you had no idea of whom the founders were, and as you are writing it just happens to come up, then I think you should embrace that tool. Until then, it is only hurting things to give it much thought.

[Sirrus]

Finished! I changed the color scheme because indeed it was too difficult to paint.

 

I also took on what others said and got rid of the founding chapter talk entirely. Instead, they're descended from another successor chapter, simple as that.