[IRON GAUNTLET 2017] +Index Astartes: Elysian Phoenixes+

[Lephisto]

INDEX ASTARTES: ELYSIAN PHOENIXES

http://i.imgur.com/kq7kDwD.png

CHAPTER NAME: ..............ELYSIAN PHOENIXES FOUNDING: ..................3RD [M.32] CHAPTER WORLD: .............NEPHIHAH SHANG-GUO FORTRESS MONASTERY: ........HEAVENLY PIERCER GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): ...RAVEN GUARD MAIN COLOURS: ..............BLUE, CREAME AND GOLD COMBAT SPECIALITY: .........JUMP PACK ASSAULTS AND BOARDING SIEGES KNOWN DESCENDANTS: .........NONE CURRENT STRENGTH:...........10 COMPANIES STRONG "For what purposes hath ye sold thy souls?! To whom is it that ye ignorantly serve? Those insidious beings that ye call gods are nothing more than mere fodder The Emperor himself shalt slay. The hour of thy judgement has cometh. Endless punishment is The Emperors' punishment. Eternal Punishment is the Emperors' punishment. He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword. We are The Emperors' Swift Sword!" - Titus Zi-Xu, the First Chapter Master to Nemendor, Night Lords Chaos Warband Leader

Origins & History

Brother Respa Tai-Shi of the Elysian Phoenixes

The Elysian Phoenixes are a Loyalist Third Founding Space Marines Chapter derived from the Raven Guards' gene-seed and their Primarch, Corvus Corax. They are a Codex Astartes-compliant Chapter and maintain strict structure and Chapter culture as prescribed in the sacred tome. Following the later reorganization of the Space Marine Legions into the Third Founding Chapters after the end of the Horus Heresy, the Raven Guard Legion split into several chapters, The Elysian Phoenixes were one those newly created Chapters. Due to the low numbers of the Raven Guard Legion, the newly created chapter were few in number, only around 200 Astartes' ; also known as the 101st company of the former Raven Guard Legion, were assigned to this chapter and responsible to replenish their numbers. This company went on to serve with distinction against the remnants of the Forces of Chaos and was later granted the honour of full Chapter status after Roboute Guilliman's reforms of the Space Marine Legions .

During the Great Crusade the 101st company brought Nephihah, found in the Segmentum Tempestus, into compliance under the rule of the Imperium. When the 101st company of the Raven Guard legion landed on Nephihah for the first time, they were warmly welcomed by a small party of consulates. The consulates escorted them to meet the government. Most of the officials sung praises when these Astartes arrived. For the people of Nephihah they were the beacon of light they needed to face against the many threats that endangered them. The inhabitants saw this arrival an answer to their prayers. However, the Astartes would soon learn that their arrival did meet with resistance. There were few splintered ethnic groups who saw these soldiers as nothing more than threats to their own existence and took into their hearts to resist against their rule.

The majority of the population were known as the Hanite’s, they had a prophecy concerning the arrival of warriors coming from a distant galaxy to come claim them back to humanity. They thought that these warriors were sent of god to protect them and bring them to the true knowledge of their origins. However many ethnic minorities ignored this preposterous prophecy disregarding it as a fairy tale. Tentions between the Hanite’s and the ethnic minorities grew more intense when the Hanite’s were able to claim control over the planet.

The ethnic minorities did not agree with the Hanite’s decision to hand control over of their home to these distant aliens. Soon rebellions started to arise in small pockets of the populace. This led to the outbreak of the insurrection. Many innocent civilians were harmed by these radical terror groups. The government of Nephihah pleaded for help from the Astartes. The 101st company under the command of Praetor Titus Eracio swiftly ended the insurrection in a matter of days. His tactical prowess of using Jump pack assaults gave him the advantage in the war. Soon after, all rebels were put to death and all those that were sympathetic to their cause. Peace was now all over the land once again. The swift victory of the Praetor gained the respect of all the inhabitants of the planet.

When the third founding had occurred, the 101st company were given Nephihah as their homeworld. They adopted the name and are now known as The Elysian Phoenixes. Due to the respect won by the earlier victory in the inssurection, many families sought honour in having their sons inducted into the ranks of the Astartes. Though the newly founded chapter struggled to increase their ranks, it was now easier as the people were willing to offer their sons for recruitment. It is only now in recent history, the Elysian Phoenixes have been able to be at full strength. In recent times the Elysian Phoenixes have been involved in various campaigns against the threats that beset the Imperium on all sides.

Notable Campaigns

• The Hunt (ca. 598.M39) - In the early 39th millennium (c. 598), the Elysian Phoenixes had discovered a thorn in their sides. A small scout party was sent away for a preliminary training exercise. The area they were to scout was an abandoned area after the revolt of the early ethnic minorities in the early compliance of the planet. After surveying the area, they quickly discovered that a small band of rogue psykers had inhabited the area. The scouts reported immediately to the Chapter Master ,Lephisto Yuan-Hua. The newly appointed Chapter Master was surprised to learn that small pockets of rogue psykers inhabited the area. Only one thought crossed the mind of the Elysian Phoenixes: They must be eradicated immediately. A dispatch of Vanguard Veterans and 2 Assault squads were sent to swiftly end the lives of these heretics. They further analysed that there was a secret network of rogues’ planning to undermine the Nephihaian government. It seems as though they were inspired by the revolt in the early days of the arrival of the Astartes. To this day the Chapter are still cleansing their home world of rogue psykers that have given themselves to the worship of Chaos. However, the threat has not interrupted the daily lives of ordinary citizens as the majority of the population are live behind protected walls.
• The Defence of Agartha (ca.788-798.M39) - A distress signal was alerted on a planet called Agartha by Inquisitor Hawk. The Elysian Phoenixes were requested immediately for aid as they were the closest in the proximity of the sector. The Chapter was to investigate the piratical raids of a Chaos warband which named themselves the Enlightened Slayers. According to the reports, this warband was an offshoot of the Night Lords legion. Agartha was full of rich minerals which were being mined and collected for use for the Imperium. The planet also contained relics left behind from the Great Crusade. The Enlightened Slayers wanted to gather to relics to corrupt it to use against their enemies. If they were to get hold of this relic Agartha would risk being destroyed.
  
  Unfortunately this wasn’t the first time the Elysian Phoenixes had come face-to-face with the Night Lords. Their first Chapter Master Titus Zi-Xu was heavily wounded in combat against a Warband leader of their Legion. However, the Chapter saw this as an opportunity to seek out vengeance for what they had done in the past. At first only the fifth battle company with elements from the first and eighth companies were deployed. The conflict between the Elysian Phoenixes and the Warband grew weighed heavier. Upon further discovery the warband Omphuthal was planning his ascension to daemonhood, which was able to call upon daemons from the warp.
  
  Initially the conflicts started from investigating Chaos activity to a full blown Chaos invasion, later several other chapters were called to aid the Elysian Phoenixes Chapter. A coalition was formed with the following Chapters: Thunder Consuls, Imperial Griffons, and the White Wolves. Together with the Elysian Phoenixes they were able to purge Agartha of the daemon invasion and thwarted the plans of Omphuthal. Eventually the four Chapter Masters were able to strike down Omphuthal completely annihilating his remains. As a result of this conflict, The Elysian Phoenixes periodically send forces to watch over Agartha. The relationships of the coalition have remained strong to this day. Even answering each other’s call for help if requested.
• The Excomunication of Herectics (ca. 200.M40) - The Chapter Master Seraphiel Kytus of the Imperial Griffons requested the aid of the Elysian Phoenixes to exterminate the heretics of Forge World Azurelious. The Imperial Griffons have a strong relationship with the Fabricator General Theoderic, it was the General who asked the Imperial Griffons to investigate an incident that had occurred. Small spawns of daemons were appearing on the planet’s surface. At first the Theoderic gave it very little thought as these Daemons were dealt with quickly. However more sudden appearances of Daemons were getting more sporadic. It was no mere coincidence.
  
  Theoderic didn’t want the Inquisition to be involved as things could escalate very quickly. Instead, he called upon the Imperial Griffons whom they have trusted over the millennia. Kytus himself personally attended to the investigation. Several scout squads were deployed to perform a recon mission. The findings brought great grief for the Fabricator General Theoderic. The sporadic spawns of Daemons were a result of Chaos corruption. A body of priests had begun worshipping a strange false god after their own imaginations. It was later revealed that they were tricked into worshipping Tzeentch. The priests who had worshipped the strange god had their minds slowly corrupted to chaos. Soon they will willingly pledged their allegiance to Tzeentch. Theoderic and Kytus had no choice but to exterminate these traitors. Unaware of how deep the corruption was within the world of Azurelious a new group of priests took their place and openly declared war on Theoderic. Half of the Azurelious had sided with the priests and ensued a civil war lasting several years. The corrupted priests and those that sided with them called themselves the “Ezthors” and changing their dress to blue and white, to show their dedication to Tzeentch. Kytus understanding the strength of the opposing forces knew that he would need the aid of a fellow brother chapter : The Elysian Phoenixes. The Elysian Phoenixes were eager to stand side by side with their brothers. They were tasked with reconnaissance’s and boarding assaults which were vital to the strategies to overcome this war.
  
  The civil war took a toll on both sides. Although victory was granted , it did not come without a hefty sacrifice. Millions were dead and both Chapters had a high amount of losses. More than half of the planet had been completely obliterated. the atmosphere was covered in heavy debris making it near impossible to live above the surface. The tech priests of Azurelious now had to rebuild their world and live underground. It was a hard fought war that shall never be forgotten in the annals of the Imperium.
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  The Coaltion - The Imperial Girffons, White Wolves and the Thunder Consul's remain strong allies of the Elysian Phoenixes
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Organization
  
  The Elysian Phoenixes conform to both the structural and squad-level pattern of the Codex Astartes in terms of broad organisation. But at a tactical level this Chapter differs significantly in its general approach to warfare. The Elysian Phoenixes prefer to operate as a whole, or at least in as few divisions of its forces as possible in any given theatre of war, concentrating and thereby maximising its destructive power. This strategy has allowed the Chapter to excel at siegecraft and in combat against monstrous opponents, which they can overwhelm by sheer weight of numbers if need be.
  
  Like all Codex Astartes-compliant Space Marine Chapters, the Elysian Phoenixes are divided into ten companies of 100 Space Marines each when at full strength. A tradition which the Elysian Phoenixes adopted they adopted from their progenitor, each company is led by an officer with the rank of Shadow Captain who is a hero of the Elysian Phoenixes. Each Shadow Captain -- in addition to his company command -- is in charge of a particular aspect of the Chapter's logistics.
  
  Apart from minor slight deviations from the Codex Astartes, The Elysian Phoenixes adhere strictly. Unlike most chapters, Librarians are welcomed and honoured above most of their battle brothers. They are considered to carry the mind and will of the Emperor in their minds. For this reason the chapter has a high amount of Librarians than most chapters. Due to a larger amount of Librarians in the Chapter than most other complaint Chapters’, the Elysian Phoenixes companies usually have a Librarius Conclave attached. These Librarians also assist the company’s’ Captain in planning battle strategies.
  
  
  
  Homeworld
  
  
  During the Great Crusade the 101st company of the Raven Guard brought Nephihah, found in the Segmentum Tempestus, into compliance under the rule of the Imperium. When the 101st company of the Raven Guard legion landed on Nephihah for the first time, they were warmly welcomed by a small party of consulates. The consulates escorted them to meet the government. Most of the officials sung praises when these Astartes arrived. For the people of Nephihah they were the beacon of light they needed to face against the many threats that endangered them.
  
  
  
  

  Native Inhabitant Appearance
  
  It was Titus Eracio the Praetor of the 101st company of the Raven Guard that led the campaign to bring Nephihah to compliance. After the Horus Heresy, the Raven Guard splintered off into smaller chapters’ as demanded by the dictates of the Index Astartes. One of the Chapters formed was the Elysian Phoenixes. The 101st company were given the honour to be the training cadre to raise the newly formed Chapter. Titus Eracio chose the iconography, colours and the name which their chapter would adopt. When examined closely it can even be seen that the culture are heavy influences over the Chapter.
  
  When the planet was discovered the Imperium named the planet Nephihah. Eracio out of respect renamed the planet Nephihah Shang-Guo, loosely translated as the Celestial World of Nephihah in the tongue of the natives. It is written in the records of Nephihah that the first people to migrate to this new planet were from the planet Terra during The Stellar Exodus (M.3). With them they brought over their customs and language. Although their customs and traditions have been kept mostly intact, their language has differed slightly from the original language. An example of a steady tradition that has remained intact is the way that males style their hair. Males on this world have the front half of their head shaven while the back is gown long and tied into a pony-tail. Since these people have settled on this planet, they have flourished and established civilised societies. When brought into compliance the world Nephihah was classified as a civilised world.
  
  Nephihaha has a high proportion of psychically gifted people. It is not known what conditions cultivate the growth of Psykers on this planet.
  
  Nephihah Shang-Guo is a planet roughly the same size as Terra, however all the land mass is gathered in one central location. This makes it easier for the different ethnic groups to maintain diplomatic relations. Nephihah's natural environment is much like Terra's was millennia ago, with a large ocean covering 70 percent of the planet's surface. The land mass that does exist is divided between incredibly thick pine forests and Rocky Mountains. The planet is slightly warmer than most human-settled worlds but not to the point that it adversely affects growing conditions.
  
  
  Combat Doctrine
  
  The Elysian Phoenixes generally follow the dictates of the Codex Astartes, though they do not view it as a sacred tomb like other chapters do, but view it as a well-rounded guide to the art of warfare. Similar to their predecessors, the Phoenixes specializes in guerrilla tactics behind enemy lines using precisely coordinated attacks. However unlike their parents, they have adopted a frontline battle siege tactic also. This tactic was utilised during the early days of The Scouring, they would board onto the heretic legions ships and performed brutal assaults. The Elyisan Phoenixes have mastered the art of siege warfare and prefer to use a frontal attack to distract their enemies’ main forces, which allows their jump packs to assault behind the enemies’ defences. The Chapter also has most of its tactical squads equipped with boarding shields which can create a devastating frontal attack.
  
  Although the Chapter relies heavily on their tactical squads siege assault, they rely just as heavily as they do on the rapid manoeuvre engagements of their assault squads. They are key to the Chapters tactic and success on the battlefield. Most of the Elysian Phoenixes strike forces are seen to have large amounts of assault marine squads supported by air support. They main few and field even fewer armoured fire support vehicles such as Predators and Land Raiders, preferring like to make use of an infantry heavy force. The Elyisan Phoenixes force commanders and even veteran units are usually seen wielding different variety of close combat weapons. They believe that mastering all kinds of close combat weaponry will benefit them more on the battlefield dependent of their enemy.
  
  Another strategy that distinguishes this Chapter From their parent and even other Chapters is their large amount of Librarians they maintain. Due to the cultural environment which praises Psykers, they have adopted to use large quantities of Librarians in the Chapter. The Elyisan Phoenixes value their Librarians and believe they are vital in strategically planning. They are seen as a symbol of intelligence which is an important virtue of the Chapter. Although there is a high proportion of Psykers on the planet, not all adhere to the standards which are put into place to safeguard against the temptations of Chaos. One of the main focuses of the Chapters’ Librarium is hunt down these rogue Psykers and to put them to death without question.
  
  
  Beliefs
  
  Like many other Chapters, the venerable Elysian Phoenixes maintain long-standing rituals and beliefs assimilated by the cultural beliefs of their homeworld. A tradition which the Chapter have adopted is taking upon them a Nephihaian name. When a recruit is selected promoted to the rank of Astartes, he is given time to adopt a Nephihaian name. He is also to tie his hair in a queue-like braid. This reflects the submission to the service of the Emperor and to the Imperium.
  
  The Elysian Phoenixes do not venerate the Emperor with the fervour or zeal of many other Astartes Chapters, although they do view the Emperor as the master of humanity. They see it a pleasure to serve him and to fulfil his crusades across the galaxy . Their Primarach Corax is viewed as a mighty leader capable of making tough decisions when the need was great. The Elysian Phoenixes still follow the path that Corax set for them, reviewing the data collected from each battle to learn its lessons and a great deal of the tactical doctrines of the Elysian Phoenixes were learned and laid out from such examinations.
  
  One belief that sets the Elysian Phoenixes apart from the other successors of the Raven Guard is that they believe they must prove themselves worthy to see the return of their Primarch. This Chapter has fought zealously across the stars of the universe in the hopes of finding their lost Primarch. It may be strange to some, but the Elysian Phoenixes have faith that the Primarch is still alive fighting against the forces of Chaos to keep humanity safe from its clutches. This belief has led the Elysian Phoenixes to crusade aggressively against the forces of Chaos.
  
  Another belief which The Elysian Phoenixes adhere to strictly is protecting of all human life. They believe that life itself is sacred and they must do what they can to ensure that all human life is defended and protected.
  
  
  
  Notable Elysian Phoenixes
• Chapter Master Titus Zi-Xu - Former Praetor of the 101st company of the Raven Guard. Zi-Xu was responsible for bringing into compliance the planet Nephihah Shang-Guo. He was also one of the few surviving terrans that endured the Istvaan dropsite. Eracio was given the honour to train the newly formed chapter along with his remaining men in his company. Upon receiving Nephihah Shang-Guo as his Chapters' new homeworld, he dictated that the Chapter should adopt the natives culture and customs. As a result, the inhabitants gained much respect for the Astartes and formed strong bonds. It became a tradition for the Elysian Phoenixes that after they were inducted into the ranks as Astartes that they would adopt an Elysian name like their Chapter Master. This tradition has remained until today. Zi-Xu was well known for his great strategical plans often losing very minimal casualties. He was seen often striding into battle with a pair of lightning claws ripping through the enemies frontlines with ease, something that he and his Legion shared in common. Not long after the Horus Heresy, he was honourably interred into a dreadnought using the Leviathan Siege Pattern. His fight against Nemendor, a Night Lords Chaos warband leader, was a gritty fight to the death. Killing the heretic nearly costed his life but a needed sacrifice to protect his beloved people on his homeworld of Nephihah Shang-Guo.
• Chapter Master Lephisto Yuan-Hua - The newly young appointed Chapter Master of the Elysian Phoenixes. Yuan-Hua's history is full of rich battles and honour gained by his family. It was recorded in ancient history that his family aided the Astartes against the rebellion. Since the days of his youth he sought to join the ranks of the Elysian Phoenixes, never did he thought he would gain the great responsibility to overlook the whole Chapter. The Chapter Master is well known for his dedication to knowledge and is often seen in the grand libraries of Nephihah Shang-Guo studying about his enemies or even past Imperial history. Yuan-Hua is also the responsible to institutionalise the tactic to deploy as a whole Chapter when confronting the Imperiums' threat. This has lessen the amount of casualties on the battlefield and has gained a large number of success in a number of campaigns.
• Captain Eldarion Sun-Jian Captain of the Elysian Phoenixes fifth company. He led his battle company in the defence of Agartha under the direction of Chapter Master Lephisto Yuan-Hua. Sun-Jian is well known for his swordsmanship. He is often seen charging through the enemies frontlines providing a path for his fellow Astartes to decimate the rest of the foes.
• Chapter Appearance
  
  The Elysian Phoenixes Chapter wears dark blue-coloured Power Armour. Their Chapter iconography consists of a large white phoenix, a native mystical bird of their home world, painted on their left shoulder plate. Veterans are often signalled by having their left arm painted in white, while Sergeants and other officers are seen wearing white helmets as well. A distinguishable feature that the Elsyian Phoenixes have both of their arms painted in gold. This gold colour to them represents royalty, perhaps it is linked to the Emperor representing their lineage from him.
  
  The Elysian Phoenix Chapter badge is a stylised white phoenix centred on a field of blue.
  
  
  

  

  Veteran Sergeant of the 7th Company
  
  

  

  Veteran Terminator of the 1st Company
  
  

  

  Tactical Marine of the 5th Company
  
  
  Colour Scheme Hues:
  Blue: #09167A
  Gold: #E6B830
  Silver:#B5B6BD
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[Lephisto]

ORIGINS
The Elysian Phoenixes are a Loyalist Second Founding Space Marines Chapter derived from the Raven Guards' gene-seed and their Primarch, Corvus Corax. They are a Codex Astartes-compliant Chapter and maintain strict  structure and Chapter culture as prescribed in the sacred tome. Following the later reorganization of the Space Marine Legions into the Third Founding Chapters after the end of the Horus Heresy, the Raven Guard Legion split into several chapters, The Elysian Phoenixes were one those newly created Chapters. Due to the low numbers of the Raven Guard Legion, the newly created chapter were few in number, only around 200 Astartes' ; also known as the 101st company of the former Raven Guard Legion, were assigned to this chapter and responsible to replenish their numbers. This company went on to serve with distinction against the remnants of the Forces of Chaos and was later granted the honour of full Chapter status after Roboute Guilliman's reforms of the Space Marine Legions .
 
During the Great Crusade the 101st company brought Elysia V, found in the Segmentum Tempestus, into compliance under the rule of the Imperium. As a reward they were granted this planet as their homeworld when the second founding later occurred. When the 101st company of the Raven Guard legion landed on Elysia V for the first time, they were warmly welcomed by a small party of consulates. The consulates escorted them to meet the government. Most of the officials sung praises when these Astartes arrived. For the people of Elysia they were the beacon of light they needed to face against the many threats that endangered them. The inhabitants saw this arrival an answer to their prayers. However, the Astartes would soon learn that their arrival did meet with resistance. There were few splintered ethnic groups who saw these soldiers as nothing more than threats to their own existence and took into their hearts to resist against their rule. 

 

Soon rebellions started to arise in small pockets of the populace. This lead to the outbreak of civil war. Many innocent civilians were harmed by these radical terror groups. The government of Elysia V pleaded for help from the Astartes. The 101st company under the command of Praetor Titus Eracio swiftly ended the civil war in a matter of days. His tactical prowess of using Jump pack assaults gave him the advantage in the war. Soon after, all rebels were put to death and all those that were sympathetic to their cause. Peace was now all over the land once again. The swift victory of the Praetor gained the respect of all the inhabitants of the planet. 

 

When the third founding had occurred, the 101st company were given Elysia V as their homeworld. They adopted the name and are now known as The Elysian Phoenixes. Due to the respect won by the earlier victory in the civil war, many families sought honour in having their sons inducted into the ranks of the Astartes. Though the newly founded chapter struggled to increase their ranks, it was now easier as the people were willing to offer their sons for recruitment. Since then the Elysian Phoenixes have been at full battle strength. Very few times in history have they had to recruit more than they needed. In recent times the Elysian Phoenixes have been involved in various campaigns against the threats that beset the Imperium on all sides.

 

With the news of the recent revival of the Primarch Roboute Gulliman , the Elysian Phoenixes are eager to fight along side with the Primarch against the Emperors foes.

 

* * * * * * *

 
* This is what I have so far, but will add more to it. The idea is that the inhabitants prophesied about the coming of the Astartes to help them defend against the Chaos incursion. However minority groups resisted the Astartes and started an uprising which caused a civil war. The majority with the help of the 101st Company of the Raven Guard put an end to the uprising in a matter of days. Elysia voluntary complied with the Emperors' orders.

[Zhiv]

Much debate has been had about 2nd founding DIY's, mostly due to this which has led to  this.

 

 

Don’t claim your chapter is part of the second founding
GW has the second founding locked, bar the missing seven Ultramarine successors which have never been named. Whilst it has been known for Black Library to crowbar a chapter into the second founding, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea which should be repeated.

 

3rd Founding chapters are almost as old as the 2nd and have never ALL been listed in the official fluff. So, if you want to align your writing along the known GW canon without pulling 'Black Library' I'd suggest you'd amend this part. You don't really need to change the fluff that much as it's possible that the planet was part of the worlds Raven Guard liberated and thus was granted to one of their 3rd founding chapters.

[Lephisto]

Much debate has been had about 2nd founding DIY's, mostly due to this which has led to  this.

 

 

Don’t claim your chapter is part of the second founding

GW has the second founding locked, bar the missing seven Ultramarine successors which have never been named. Whilst it has been known for Black Library to crowbar a chapter into the second founding, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea which should be repeated.

 

3rd Founding chapters are almost as old as the 2nd and have never ALL been listed in the official fluff. So, if you want to align your writing along the known GW canon without pulling 'Black Library' I'd suggest you'd amend this part. You don't really need to change the fluff that much as it's possible that the planet was part of the worlds Raven Guard liberated and thus was granted to one of their 3rd founding chapters.

 

 

Oh...Thank you! I didn'tknow that. I will edit that now.

[Conn Eremon]

Keep in mind that the older belief of the inviabiliity of 2nd Founding DIYs is based upon the Apocrypha of Skaros, an in-universe copy of the Codex Astartes whose accuracy and/or legitimacy is, again in-universe, disputed. At this point, it is also well and truly buried under more relevant evidence to the contrary. The older Liber Guard's adherence to this, in my opinion vastly misunderstood, piece of lore was rather a bit of contention for me.

 

 

So the issue is not that the 2nd Founding is closed to your DIY, it in absolutely zero way is.

 

The issue is only that a reason is needed, as Foundings such as the 2nd/3rd, 13th, 21st, 23rd and 26th all come with additional baggage that begs justification.

[Lephisto]

I will have more reading to do. As you said, I probably need to justify the 3rd founding origin.

 

Anyways I have the main part of the Origins written up. Although there are a few details to go in there.

[Ferrus Manus]

I'm reading this on my phone at the moment, so I'll come back tonight for proper feedback. BUT, you know Elysia is already a famous imperial guard recruitment world right?

[MysticTemplar]

I'm reading this on my phone at the moment, so I'll come back tonight for proper feedback. BUT, you know Elysia is already a famous imperial guard recruitment world right?

 

Based on the information in Lexicanum, it looks like there isn't any information on the Elysian system outside of that one planet - So I think it could work as another planet in the Elysian system without stomping on the Guard too hard, though if you wanted to go that route, it'd probably be wise to have their homeworld named something else, with it clear that they're named after the system its in rather than the planet itself.

[LancsHotpot90]

Hey man great start on your Chapter so far, love the colour scheme and chapter symbol looking forward to how it looks on a mini

[Lephisto]

@ Ferrus Manus: Wow, I had no idea. Maybe if I changed it to the Elysian System and renamed the planets? Looking forward to your feedback.

 

@LancsHotpot90: I have some minis done and I will post photos up soon.

[Zhiv]

 

I'm reading this on my phone at the moment, so I'll come back tonight for proper feedback. BUT, you know Elysia is already a famous imperial guard recruitment world right?

 

Based on the information in Lexicanum, it looks like there isn't any information on the Elysian system outside of that one planet - So I think it could work as another planet in the Elysian system without stomping on the Guard too hard, though if you wanted to go that route, it'd probably be wise to have their homeworld named something else, with it clear that they're named after the system its in rather than the planet itself.

 

 

Also well... as far as canon goes, space marine home worlds are not required to tithe guard regiments from their pdfs. However, for example Ultramar does raise guard regiments from their pdfs to show their dedication to the Emperor. So, Elysium COULD have marines on it regardless of the guard regiments. However, it's perhaps better to avoid name drops.

[joschlumpf]

I like your idea of a revolt on their homeworld, but why kill it completely? It could be a great plottwist for your chapter. While some companies are out helping Guilliman in his crusade, the chapter has to face a cult on his own planet, survived in the darkest corners and still full of hate because of the shame they received (hundreds of) years ago.

[Lephisto]

I like your idea of a revolt on their homeworld, but why kill it completely? It could be a great plottwist for your chapter. While some companies are out helping Guilliman in his crusade, the chapter has to face a cult on his own planet, survived in the darkest corners and still full of hate because of the shame they received (hundreds of) years ago.

 

Great Idea, after you said this I was thinking maybe the chapter thought they killed off all the rebels but some survived. Perhaps those rebels turned into a chaos cult worshipping Tzeentch? Would a small pocket of Chaos cultist deem the planet as non-compliant?

 

Here are some photos for you guys to look at. The only things I'm mostly missing are decals. I am however in the process of getting some custom made. Hope you enjoy.

 

Storm Raven- On the wings are Chinese mythological drawings of the phoenix.

http://i.imgur.com/6Ua13bIl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7mCvaLEl.jpg

 

 

 

Honor Guard - Squad of 10, I use them as Vanguard Veterans though.

http://i.imgur.com/JFr6Z91l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Fhy9Pr9l.jpg

 

 

Assault Marine- 5th Company Assault squad marine

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

[joschlumpf]

I like your idea of a revolt on their homeworld, but why kill it completely? It could be a great plottwist for your chapter. While some companies are out helping Guilliman in his crusade, the chapter has to face a cult on his own planet, survived in the darkest corners and still full of hate because of the shame they received (hundreds of) years ago.

Great Idea, after you said this I was thinking maybe the chapter thought they killed off all the rebels but some survived. Perhaps those rebels turned into a chaos cult worshipping Tzeentch? Would a small pocket of Chaos cultist deem the planet as non-compliant?

Here are some photos for you guys to look at. The only things I'm mostly missing are decals. I am however in the process of getting some custom made. Hope you enjoy.

To be honest, i didn´t even think about Chaos, when I wrote this, but why not?

I guess as long as the planet is important for the Imperium, and the Chaos is battled, the planet will not be deemed as non-compliant. Just look at Armageddon or the planets of the Sabbat Crusade.

By the way, the drawings look incredible, are they freehands?

[Lephisto]

I like your idea of a revolt on their homeworld, but why kill it completely? It could be a great plottwist for your chapter. While some companies are out helping Guilliman in his crusade, the chapter has to face a cult on his own planet, survived in the darkest corners and still full of hate because of the shame they received (hundreds of) years ago.

Great Idea, after you said this I was thinking maybe the chapter thought they killed off all the rebels but some survived. Perhaps those rebels turned into a chaos cult worshipping Tzeentch? Would a small pocket of Chaos cultist deem the planet as non-compliant?

Here are some photos for you guys to look at. The only things I'm mostly missing are decals. I am however in the process of getting some custom made. Hope you enjoy.

To be honest, i didn´t even think about Chaos, when I wrote this, but why not?

I guess as long as the planet is important for the Imperium, and the Chaos is battled, the planet will not be deemed as non-compliant. Just look at Armageddon or the planets of the Sabbat Crusade.

By the way, the drawings look incredible, are they freehands?

Sweet, I guess I can add that into the fluff of the origins.

Yes, those are freehand paintings.

For those who are interested: I need to write why this chapter does boarding assaults or utilities this method of warfare often, any ideas? I plan on modelling all my tactical squad marines x 21 to be equipped with bolters and boarding shields bought from forgeworld here : https://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-NZ/Space-Marine-Boarding-Assault-Upgrade-Set

For my custom decals,I am using these guys: http://www.fallouthobbies.com/custom/

[Badass_Spaz]

Gonna say it right now; if anyone says the Angel jetpacks are for Blood Angel and Successors only, I will personally fight them in Mortal Kombat. With that color scheme, your Astarte's literately appear to embody the Emperor's Angels, the very thing many Imperial citizens believe the Astarte's to be. Kudo's for embracing the rule of cool and truly being cool. Hehe

[Lephisto]

@Badass_Spazz: I completely agree with you I really enjoy some of the blood angel models. I especially like the jumppacks with the wings as I think it adds character to my models and suits the name of my chapter very well.

 

Anyways the things I have in plan to write are the organisation, beliefs and notable battles/campaigns. For notable campaigns and battles, I have a forgeworld my chapter is taking on. my friend created a Admech painted in colors of rd-d2. They haventturned to the chaosgods but have turned against the. Imperium starting to worship a different god. Soon I have a battle report and photosfor you guys.

 

Anyways. In the mean time, enjoy the combat Doctrine bit, this was written usingmy ipad so please excuse my bad. Spelling or punctuation because of my fat fingers:

 

Combat Doctrine

 

The Elysian Phoenixes generally follow the dictates of the Codex Astartes, though they do not view it as a sacred tomb like other chapters do, but view it as a well rounded guide to the art of warfare. Similar to their predecessors, the Phoenixes specialises in guerilla tactics behind enemy lines using precisely coordinated attacks. However unlike thier parents, they have adopted a frontline battle seige tactic. This tactic was adopted when in the early days of The Scouring, they would board onto the heretic legions ships and performed brutal assaults. The Elyisan Phoenixes have mastered the art of seige warfare and perfer to use a frontal attack to distract their enemies main forces, which allows their jump packs to assault behind the enemies defences. The Chapter also has most of its tactical squads equipped with boarding shields which can create a devastating frontal attack.

 

Although the Chapter relies heavily on their tactical squads seige assault, they rely just as heavily as they do on the rapid maneuver engagments of thier assault squads. They are key to the Chapters tactic and sucess on the battlefield. Most of the Elyisan Phoenixes strike forces are seen to have large amounts of assault marine squads supported by air support. They main few and field even fewer amoured fire support vechicles such as Predators and Land Raiders, perferring like to make use of a infantry heavy force. The Elyisan Phonexies force commanders and even veteran units are usually seen wielding different variety of close combat weapons. They believe that mastering all kinds of close combat weaponary will benefit them more on the battlefeild dependant of their enemy.

 

Another stragety that distinguishes this Chapter From their parent and even other Chapters is their large amount of Librarians they maintain. Due to the cultural environment which praises Psykers, they have adopted to use lare quantities of Librarians in the Chapter. The Elyisan Phoenixes value their Librarians and believe they are vital in stragetic planning. They are seen as a symbol of intelligence which is an important virtue of the Chapter. Due to this, the Librarians are assigned as Sergeants in the Chapters' tactical squads.

 

Spoiler: I will posting my tactical squads soon, each tactical squad has 7 equipped with boarding shields, 1 heavy, 1 special and 1 Librarian.

[LancsHotpot90]

The models so far are looking great and the freehand on tbe stormraven is downright beautiful, looking forward to seeing more!

[Dizzyeye01]

Personally, I would take a look at the Blood Ravens if you're wanting to see how a chapter does librarians on a larger scale. They have more librarians attached to their companies and have their own order who go out and search for artifacts and such however cases of having librarians in leadership roles such as a captain is low even with the Blood Ravens, much less having them replace Sergeants. Still have them play a big part in planning (Say they can see the future through visions and try interpret them as well as they can) however replacing every Sergeant with them? That's a bit overkill in my book.

[Zhiv]

Personally, I would take a look at the Blood Ravens if you're wanting to see how a chapter does librarians on a larger scale. They have more librarians attached to their companies and have their own order who go out and search for artifacts and such however cases of having librarians in leadership roles such as a captain is low even with the Blood Ravens, much less having them replace Sergeants. Still have them play a big part in planning (Say they can see the future through visions and try interpret them as well as they can) however replacing every Sergeant with them? That's a bit overkill in my book.

 

This. Ultramarines (a normal ass normal chapter) have 25 or so Librarians. Having one for each squad would equate to 100 librarians, four times the 'regular' number. Additionally, there is a reason why librarians are not (usually) part of the regular chain of command. 

 

a ) They need to focus on harnessing powers of the warp 8and countering enemy psykers) and have thus less time to focus on the tactical situation. Commanders / officers only need to command. This is why Codex Astartes notes that their actual place in the order of battle is always with the Librarium.

b ) They might become... compromised by warp entities, causing the chain of command to become unreliable.

c ) Librarians are often estranged from the other members of his Chapter. This is usually because the psychic abilities he possesses are what his brother Space Marines are often expected to abhor and purge in most other beings.

[Conn Eremon]

I would say look to the Silver Skulls over the Blood Ravens for a psyker-centric Chapter.

 

The Silver Skulls place great importance and even reverence on the workings of their Librarians, particularly those they call prognosticators, to the point that the Chapter relies upon their counsel for the majority of actions they take. And yet, their role as Librarians remains unchanged. They're still a part of the Librarium only. Their scrying abilities may counsel officers but the officers still lead.

 

Not saying copy that, but to me that's a much better model to emulate than the Blood Ravens.

[Lephisto]

@LancsHotpot90: Thank you! I really appreciate your complements on my models, means a lot to me! There will be more models to come.

 

I was thinking maybe on having the tactical squads of the 4 battle companies having Librarians as Sergeants. That's only 20 + the 25 normally in the Librarium, which only means I'm just less than double the original amount. Which I suppose is a reasonable amount and not over the top. Do people understand what I mean by the Chapter tactic using the boarding shields?  (Just wondering if my writing was good enough to explain).

 

So the immediate plans are now:

Flesh out the origins and also reconfigure how chaos cultist evolve within the rebellion that uprise against the arrival of the Astartes

[LancsHotpot90]

Having librarians as the sergeants is a neat idea, it's not strictly unprecedented either with the Red Scorpions using Apothecaries on their Tac squads.

 

Your description of the Chapters use of bording shields Comes across just fine :)

[Lephisto]

Hey everyone, here is the Organisation part of the Index Astartes. There are also some photos for you to enjoy.

 

Organisation 

The Elysian Phoenixes conform to both the structural and squad-level pattern of the Codex Astartes in terms of broad organisation. But at a tactical level this Chapter differs significantly in its general approach to warfare. The Elysian Phoenixes prefer to operate as a whole, or at least in as few divisions of its forces as possible in any given theatre of war, concentrating and thereby maximising its destructive power. This strategy has allowed the Chapter to excel at siegecraft and in combat against monstrous opponents, which they can overwhelm by sheer weight of numbers if need be.

 

Like all Codex Astartes-compliant Space Marine Chapters, the Elysian Phoenixes are divided into ten companies of 100 Space Marines each when at full strength. A tradition which the Elysian Phoenixes adopted they adopted from their progenitor, each company is led by an officer with the rank of Shadow Captain who is a hero of the Elysian Phoenixes. Each Shadow Captain -- in addition to his company command -- is in charge of a particular aspect of the Chapter's logistics.

 

Apart from minor slight deviations from the Codex Astartes, The Elysian Falcons adhere strictly. Unlike most chapters, Librarians are welcomed and honored above most of their battle brothers. They are considered to carry the mind and will of the Emperor in their minds. For this reason the chapter has a high amount of Librarains than most chapters. The Elysian Falcons also prefer to appoint lower ranking Librarains as sergeants in tactical squads.The Chief Librarian can be relieved of his duty and can serve as a Chapter Master if appointed to do so.

 

 

2/3rds of my Storm Wing Formation

 

http://i.imgur.com/x7rSy4Il.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/iwd2aRyl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/O0DxYbYl.jpg

[Lephisto]

Here is more of what I have written. As I continue to write this IA please provide feedback, I know in some areas I have not written enough or perhaps explained enough. I need your help

Homeworld

During the Great Crusade the 101st company of the Raven Guard brought Elysia V, found in the Segmentum Tempestus, into compliance under the rule of the Imperium. When the 101st company of the Raven Guard legion landed on Elysia V for the first time, they were warmly welcomed by a small party of consulates. The consulates escorted them to meet the government. Most of the officials sung praises when these Astartes arrived. For the people of Elysia they were the beacon of light they needed to face against the many threats that endangered them.

It was Titus Eracio the Praetor of the 101st company of the Raven Guard that led the campaign to bring Elyisa to compliance. After the Horus Heresy, the Raven Guard splintered off into smaller chapters’ as demanded by the dictates of the Index Astartes. One of the Chapters formed was the Elysian Phoenixes. The 101st company were given the honour to be the training cadre to raise the newly formed Chapter. Titus Eracio chose the iconography, colours and the name which their chapter would adopt. When examined closely it can even be seen that the culture are heavy influences over the Chapter.

When the planet was discovered the Imperium named the planet Elysia V. Eracio out of respect renamed the planet Elysia Shang-Guo, loosely translated as the Celestial World of Elysia in the tongue of the natives. It is written in the records of Elyisa V that the first people to migrate to this new planet were from the planet Terra during The Stellar Exodus (M.3). With them they brought over their customs and language. Although their customs and traditions have been kept mostly intact, their language has differed slightly from the original language. An example of a steady tradition that has remained intact is the way that males style their hair. Males on this world have the front half of their head shaven while the back is gown long and tied into a pony-tail. Since these people have settled on this planet, they have flourished and established civilized societies. When brought into compliance the world Elysia V was classified as a civilized world.

Elysia Shang-Guo is a planet roughly the same size as Terra, however all the land mass is gathered in one central location. This makes it easier for the different ethnic groups to maintain diplomatic relations. Elysia's natural environment is much like Terra's was millennia ago, with a large ocean covering 70 percent of the planet's surface. The land mass that does exist is divided between incredibly thick pine forests and Rocky Mountains. The planet is slightly warmer than most human-settled worlds but not to the point that it adversely affects growing conditions.

Side note: I need to figure out how to code in the pictures into boxes with captions.