IA - Red Drakes [IronGauntlet2017]

[Doctor Perils]

Okay then, here's the first scratches of my Iron Gauntlet entry - this is mainly for placeholder purposes, don't worry, I've got a good amount more in my head that just needs to be written down.

Author's Foreword

This article is written in the context of the Iron Gauntlet, a "DIY" or "Fluff" contest meant to challenge participants in several parts of this hobby, namely writing, painting, and rule's creation.

For me, this is an opportunity to test myself, and try to surpass my usual limits - I often have many different projects on the go (read "always") and I never seem to manage to stick to a single one until it is finished: following the Iron Gauntlet will hopefully help motivate me to actually finish something for once.

In addition, the Chapter I am writing about will be rather important (for a short while at least) in the history of the sector of Imperial Space I am currently developping (the Sarment Sector) - by finishing these challenges for this chapter, I will not only prove to myself that I can actually finish something well if I put my heart to it, the finished object will become another brick part of a larger wall of projects in the 40k setting.

Oh, and also I want to write an awesome article, win the contest and hear the praise of generations to come...

INDEX ASTARTES

CHAPTER SYMBOL

CHAPTER NAME: .............. RED DRAKES FOUNDING: .................. 26TH (738.M41) CHAPTER MASTER: ............ N/A CHAPTER WORLD: ............. ELITRAEA FLAGSHIP: .................. PYRE OF REBELLIONS MAIN COLOURS: .............. MAROON, PHOSPHEX GREEN, BRASS COMBAT SPECIALITY: ......... PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE, TACTICAL BOMBARDMENTS GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): ... SALAMANDERS (disavowed) KNOWN DESCENDANTS: ......... NONE CURRENT STRENGTH: .......... N/A BATTLE CRY: ................ "BURN THEM ALL!"

Still a young chapter, the Red Drakes are known for their use of psychological warfare against both the enemies of Humanity and the Imperium's own citizenry, but also for their disavowal by their supposed progenitor chapter, the Salamanders. They are thought to currently be engaged in the Azuryne Reclamation Campaign against the forces of the Archenemy in the Sarment Sector.

Origins

The chapter later known as the Red Drakes was created during the 26th Founding, in the last half of the 41st Millenium. Then known only as Chapter 893, the Astartes chapter was entrusted with the planet of Elitraea as a homeworld - there, its Space Marines were to build a large fortress-monastery and begin recruiting from the local population.

Revolt of the Elitraeans

Alas, it was not to be: a mere decade into the construction of their great citadel, a major part of the Elitraean people rose up in revolt against those they saw as invading giants from across the void and a threat to the status quo of their existence. Overnight, mining crew and hive-gangers alike took up arms and attacked those that would be their overlords: only through the heroic tenacity of the chapter's Master of Sanctity were the vastly out-numbered Space Marines able to shut their doors of their unfinished fortress to the howling hordes.

Despite the power of the Chapter's warmachines, the population of Elitraea had long had a well equipped PDF force themselves, and the Astartes realised that they were incapable of defeating the screaming insurgents by conventional means. His hearts heavy, the Chapter Master ordered the use of chemical weaponry against the populace: mortars were loaded up with phosphex shells, and pyrophoric acids were added to the promethium in the reservoirs of the chapter's flamers; and then they were turned on the Elitraeans.

Claiming that Chapter 893 was only truly born on that night may be an exageration, but it is undeniable that watching the green flames consume their homeworld irredeemably stained the souls of those Space Marines for the centuries to come. As the ashes cooled and drifted in the dead wind, Chapter 893 had already started lifting their eyes to the stars, in order to find new populations from which to draw recruits - at the same time, plans were being formulated in order for this scale of revolt could never again happen.

Inquisitorial investigations

When word of the Burning of Elitraea reached the High Lords of Terra, they were understandably aghast, and immediately sent a delegation of the Ordo Astartes to investigate any potential corruption of Chapter 893.

Initial meetings between the Inquisitors and Chapter Master Se’Ghan did not go well: the Inquisition were overtly hostile to the Astartes and did not trust the word of the burners of Elitraea; whereas Se’Ghan, already betrayed by the people over which his chapter rightfully ruled, felt insulted and humiliated that his loyalty be put into question. However, both parties eventually came to an agreement: it had become clear that the Chapter had acted out of necessity, not out of allegiance to any dark powers.

Nonetheless, when Se’Ghan requested a new homeworld for his Chapter – after consultation with the commanders of the Segmentum, the High Lords of Terra, and even the Tarot of the Emperor – the Ordo Astartes were obliged to refuse: Chapter 893 would only be granted partial recruitment rights to a handful of worlds from the sector. Despite their outrage, the Space Marines knew they could only bow down to this decision, in the hope that it may be reversed in several decades with a council of the High Lords more favourable to their plight.

In the mean time, the Astartes needed a solution to the recruitment of neophytes: their partial recruitment rights indicated that they could only choose ten potential candidates per year from each of the four planets included in the agreement. What’s more, they were warned that they would be held accountable for any further rebellions, despite being denied any executive power over these worlds.

The chapter's solution was the creation of a specialised corps of Astartes, known as the Brandknechten: these Space Marines would have the twin duties of recruiting potential neophytes and of ensuring Imperial Law was upheld by acting both as judges and executionners.

By the time the Brandknecht corps could be deployed to their new worlds, word of the plight of the Elitraeans had spread throughout the sector: far from complicating the integration of the specialists as the chapter had been wary of, the local peoples made sure to respect the power of the Marines – after all, no one wanted to be burnt at the stake as had been suggested by the rumours that told of the wrath of the grey giants.

Homeworld: Elitraea

<<Information on the Chapter’s home world/homeworld>>

Combat Doctrine

<<Information on the Chapter’s combat doctrine>>

Organisation

<<Information on the Chapter’s organization/organisation>>

Beliefs

<<Information on the Chapter’s beliefs and warrior cult>>

Geneseed

<<Information on the Chapter’s gene-seed/geneseed purity/mutations/lost organs>>

Appearance

Physical

With a fault in their melanchromic organs, Red Drakes have grey-tinged skin and bright red eyes – their skin however gradually darkens with exposure to radiation, finally becoming the same coal black as the Salamanders’ after about a century from initial geneseed implantation.

Unlike the Salamanders, who are ashamed of their daemonic appearance, the Red Drakes use it to their advantage when dealing with mortals, in order to better intimidate them. They often enter battle wearing no helms, which is said to make heretic and rebel alike tremble with fear. When they do wear helms, these are painted the same colour as their skin: as such, the darker the Red Drakes’ helm, the more experienced he is.

Red Drakes tower above even most marines, as the geneseed defects they share with the Salamanders induce higher growth levels, which are not hindered by the high-gravity of Nocturne – they are neither as strong nor as sturdy as their Nocturnean cousins.

Red Drakes often have different brands covering their skin, which can alternatively symbolise acts of heroism or infamy – one of the most important of these is the sigil of the Brandmeisters, ritually placed upon the face of new Brandmeisters, so that they may understand the responsabilities that they will endorse.

Armour

The deep maroon of the Red Drakes’ power armour is often said to represent the scorched flesh of the Red Drakes’ enemies – in reality, it is meant to represent the chapter’s shame over the destruction of the people of Elitraea at their hands.

Green flames are often painted as honour markings on a Red Drake’s armour – these progressively obscure the armour’s red as each marine performs acts that he believes absolve him of a part of his dark deeds on Elitraea and other planets of the Imperium – they are in essence a symbol of an individual marine’s penance, burning away his sins.

Chapter Symbol

A Bronze Dragon’s head, breathing green fire.

Battlecry

<<The Chapter’s battle-cry or motto>>

[Kelborn]

Looks solid.

I especially like the fact that you leave most of the stuff open for our suggestions.

Just kiddin'. I'm eager to read your entry.

*edit*

spelling

*double-edit after seeing that color scheme*

Damn! That looks neat! O.O

[joschlumpf]

 

*double-edit after seeing that color scheme*

 

Damn! That looks neat! O.O

 

Holy golden throne-potato, that looks insane! Can´t wait to see that scheme on a mini!

 

Fleet based, bombardements, salamanders.....you´re making a Hellhound driving through space, right?

[Olis]

Curious colour scheme, brother. Personally, I usually like symmetry, so the unsymmetrical nature of that example doesn't seem quite right to me. Have you tried a symmetrical version? 

[LancsHotpot90]

Echoing everyone here, that colour scheme looks great, definitely interested to see it in the flesh (plastic?)

 

Great stuff so far :)

[Doctor Perils]

Thanks for the compliments about the colour scheme ^^

 

Curious colour scheme, brother. Personally, I usually like symmetry, so the unsymmetrical nature of that example doesn't seem quite right to me. Have you tried a symmetrical version? 

I understand where you're coming from, but the flame motifs are actually "honour" markings for different battle brothers, so they won't all have the same green parts.

Also, I purposefully wanted an asymetrical and un-uniform design, as most of my other DIY Colour Schemes are symetrical (heck, even my DIY chaos warbands are generally symetrical!) and I wanted to break from that effect, while still keeping a coherent design - I believe such flame motifs can look good even without the symetry, in the same way as the Salamanders' flames, and the diverse "honour" markings will be able to reinforce the self-sufficient nature of these marines (they will follow the Promethean Cult, or at least a variant thereof, so marines can rely on themselves, yet are not "loners")

[Olis]

Curious colour scheme, brother. Personally, I usually like symmetry, so the unsymmetrical nature of that example doesn't seem quite right to me. Have you tried a symmetrical version? 

I understand where you're coming from, but the flame motifs are actually "honour" markings for different battle brothers, so they won't all have the same green parts.

Also, I purposefully wanted an asymetrical and un-uniform design, as most of my other DIY Colour Schemes are symetrical (heck, even my DIY chaos warbands are generally symetrical!) and I wanted to break from that effect, while still keeping a coherent design - I believe such flame motifs can look good even without the symetry, in the same way as the Salamanders' flames, and the diverse "honour" markings will be able to reinforce the self-sufficient nature of these marines (they will follow the Promethean Cult, or at least a variant thereof, so marines can rely on themselves, yet are not "loners")

 

Aha. I look forward to seeing the explanation in the article, then. :tu:

[Halandaar]

Very much enjoying the look of that colour scheme, and while i too usually go for symmetry, I enjoy the more sporadic style of the flame markings. Makes me think along the lines of White Scars or Carcharadon tribal markings, that wouldn't necessarily be the same on each marine.

[Badass_Spaz]

LORD THORN, MASTER OF DRAKES, TYRANT OF WYRMS, AND IMMOLATOR TO HERESY! Don't change that color scheme. Yes yes, symmetry is all the rage BUT! you got something neat working out for you, here. Unless you're going to add a touch more green flame, then I advise against it. Your ever so OCD enemies will rage as if suddenly suffering from a mass affliction of rabies, and you're look awesome purging them in glorious Phosphex Throwers. (Flamer but Phosphex... I can dream. )

 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Looks promising. I also wish to see a scene in which the Red Drakes and Salamanders Chapter Masters interact, to better understand why the Salamanders disavowed their successor.

 

By the way, was the Alpha Legion in any way involved with the insurrection that ultimately devastated Elitraea? Paranoia regarding Chaos infiltrators- possibly leading to the Red Drakes shooting at the Salamanders when the latter arrive at Elitraea, offering aid- may explain the breakdown in relations between the Chapters.

[Olis]

Looks promising. I also wish to see a scene in which the Red Drakes and Salamanders Chapter Masters interact, to better understand why the Salamanders disavowed their successor.

 

Maybe it was their use of Phosphex on their own population. Salamanders are (in)famously humane after all.  

[Doctor Perils]

 

Looks promising. I also wish to see a scene in which the Red Drakes and Salamanders Chapter Masters interact, to better understand why the Salamanders disavowed their successor.

Maybe it was their use of Phosphex on their own population. Salamanders are (in)famously humane after all.

It's more or less this - however, I'll be trying to insert another element of grimdark by (hopefully) showing that the red drakes are still feel just as much empathy as the salamanders, and feel ashamed about their actions against citizens of the imperium

 

For that reason, no, the rebellious eletraeans will not turn out to be chaotic or genestealers or anything - in all other aspects, they were still loyal citizens with no taint to speak of, which makes the red drakes pariahs and criminals in the eyes of many

 

EDIT: auto-correct :(

[Olis]

It's more or less this - however, I'll be trying to insert another element of grimdark by (hopefully) showing that the red drakes are still feel just as much empathy as the salamanders, and feel ashamed about their actions against citizens of the imperium

 

Shame is one thing. What they do about their shame, that's where we can get grimdark about it. How about they consider themselves irrevocably guilty, "sins of the father" and all that. Guilty enough to brand themselves upon initiation (on the face sounds pretty painful). Guilty enough to practice flagellation, scarification and other acts of self-harm/penitence. 

[Doctor Perils]

 

It's more or less this - however, I'll be trying to insert another element of grimdark by (hopefully) showing that the red drakes are still feel just as much empathy as the salamanders, and feel ashamed about their actions against citizens of the imperium

 

Shame is one thing. What they do about their shame, that's where we can get grimdark about it. How about they consider themselves irrevocably guilty, "sins of the father" and all that. Guilty enough to brand themselves upon initiation (on the face sounds pretty painful). Guilty enough to practice flagellation, scarification and other acts of self-harm/penitence. 

 

There will be ritual branding (despite the danger of over-theming), but I'm unsure about routine self-flagelation (which could be wandering onto Imperial Fists/Excoriators territory) or the sense of irredeemable guilt (Dark Angels territory it seems to me).

However, their penitence will be performed on an individual basis: in a sense, they view their chapter's honour as irredeemable (as you suggest), but the honour of each  individual marine may be saved through a combination of both ritual branding and through battle-field deeds.

 

EDIT: I'm also not sure about Phosphex being used in the 41st millenium - since it's not used in official books, I'm afraid it has been banned, in which case I'm going to need to find terms that describe weapons that are still horrific, but not quite as bad as Phosphex (a-they wouldn't have them in their fortress monastery, b- Big I is watching)

Also, a recent post by NightrawenII in another thread has me doubting some bits and bobs:

 

The name of Chapter is chosen at its inception, along with the heraldry and colour.

Also, the Chapters are numbered in normal way. Grey Knights are Chapter #666, Mentors are Chapter #888.

Now, I'd seen that the name and colour scheme of a chapter were left to the discretion of the first chapter master (though I can't remember where, so source is dubious) - in which case a chapter master can decide to name and paint his chapter possibly several years after their founding: what do other liberites think of the matter?

And on the numbers thing: if there are 1000 chapters, but the Mentors are only the second chapter to have been numbered 888 (26th founding) after the star scorpions (25th founding), how does the numbering work? would there really be 665 chapters founded in the 2nd founding (incl progenitor chapters)? If that is indeed the case, I think the Apocrypha of Skaros is completely out as Conn suggests... The question this really leads to is, what number should I assign to the fledgling chapter?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Suggested battle cry: "The flames of faith will cleanse us of sin!" or "Burn for your sins!"

[NightrawenII]

 

would there really be 665 chapters founded in the 2nd founding (incl progenitor chapters)?

Ask Matt Ward....

 

 

 

The question this really leads to is, what number should I assign to the fledgling chapter?

As you can see the numbers are recyclable, which means if there is gap after 4th Founding Chapter during the current Founding it would be filled.

 

 

~ NightrawenII

[Olis]

There will be ritual branding (despite the danger of over-theming), but I'm unsure about routine self-flagelation (which could be wandering onto Imperial Fists/Excoriators territory) or the sense of irredeemable guilt (Dark Angels territory it seems to me).

However, their penitence will be performed on an individual basis: in a sense, they view their chapter's honour as irredeemable (as you suggest), but the honour of each  individual marine may be saved through a combination of both ritual branding and through battle-field deeds.

 

EDIT: I'm also not sure about Phosphex being used in the 41st millenium - since it's not used in official books, I'm afraid it has been banned, in which case I'm going to need to find terms that describe weapons that are still horrific, but not quite as bad as Phosphex (a-they wouldn't have them in their fortress monastery, b- Big I is watching)

Well, the flagellation thing was purely an example. The point was that they would be keen to punish their own bodies for past trespasses. The idea that they can seek redemption through service to the Emperor (and the odd sizzle of flesh) seems like a fairly solid concept. Penitence and repentance, basically. Not that they, presumably, will be considered fully absolved until they die, of course. 

 

As for Phospex, I believe simply isn't used in the 41st millennium (for whatever reason) because of the fact that it's new to the 40k universe and only seen so far in the Heresy setting. I suppose simply napalming the natives instead would be an easy alternative, narratively. It'd be just as horrific, if you think about it.

 

Also, a recent post by NightrawenII in another thread has me doubting some bits and bobs:

 

The name of Chapter is chosen at its inception, along with the heraldry and colour.

Also, the Chapters are numbered in normal way. Grey Knights are Chapter #666, Mentors are Chapter #888.

Now, I'd seen that the name and colour scheme of a chapter were left to the discretion of the first chapter master (though I can't remember where, so source is dubious) - in which case a chapter master can decide to name and paint his chapter possibly several years after their founding: what do other liberites think of the matter?

And on the numbers thing: if there are 1000 chapters, but the Mentors are only the second chapter to have been numbered 888 (26th founding) after the star scorpions (25th founding), how does the numbering work? would there really be 665 chapters founded in the 2nd founding (incl progenitor chapters)? If that is indeed the case, I think the Apocrypha of Skaros is completely out as Conn suggests... The question this really leads to is, what number should I assign to the fledgling chapter?

If I recall correctly, Chapters can and do change their colours (presumably in minor ways). A good example would be the Ultramarines 2nd company - who have been depicted at times with yellow trim and others with gold trim. Obviously this is an out-of-universe thing but it can easily be used to justify small changes in heraldry. That said... the Raptors had a major colour change - from yellow and blue to olive-green - which leads to two theories: 1) It's not the same Chapter or 2) They changed their colour scheme at some point. Until explicitly said otherwise, we won't know which theory is correct (which means we can assume either is plausible).

 

For the Chapter number, I suggest something like using the numbers corresponding to the letter on a telephone number-pad. Using the initials of The Red Drakes and looking at a number-pad we see the following: 8, 7 and 3. And, as Nightrawen has just said, the numbers are recyclable. You could go for something in the low hundreds if you liked.

[Doctor Perils]

Suggested battle cry: "The flames of faith will cleanse us of sin!" or "Burn for your sins!"

Thanks for the suggestions :)

 

 

 

would there really be 665 chapters founded in the 2nd founding (incl progenitor chapters)?

Ask Matt Ward....

 

 

 

The question this really leads to is, what number should I assign to the fledgling chapter?

As you can see the numbers are recyclable, which means if there is gap after 4th Founding Chapter during the current Founding it would be filled.

 

 

~ NightrawenII

 

Haha, indeed ^^

 

Yeah, I suppose I could just use a random number :)

 

 

There will be ritual branding (despite the danger of over-theming), but I'm unsure about routine self-flagelation (which could be wandering onto Imperial Fists/Excoriators territory) or the sense of irredeemable guilt (Dark Angels territory it seems to me).

However, their penitence will be performed on an individual basis: in a sense, they view their chapter's honour as irredeemable (as you suggest), but the honour of each  individual marine may be saved through a combination of both ritual branding and through battle-field deeds.

 

EDIT: I'm also not sure about Phosphex being used in the 41st millenium - since it's not used in official books, I'm afraid it has been banned, in which case I'm going to need to find terms that describe weapons that are still horrific, but not quite as bad as Phosphex (a-they wouldn't have them in their fortress monastery, b- Big I is watching)

Well, the flagellation thing was purely an example. The point was that they would be keen to punish their own bodies for past trespasses. The idea that they can seek redemption through service to the Emperor (and the odd sizzle of flesh) seems like a fairly solid concept. Penitence and repentance, basically. Not that they, presumably, will be considered fully absolved until they die, of course. 

 

As for Phospex, I believe simply isn't used in the 41st millennium (for whatever reason) because of the fact that it's new to the 40k universe and only seen so far in the Heresy setting. I suppose simply napalming the natives instead would be an easy alternative, narratively. It'd be just as horrific, if you think about it.

 

Also, a recent post by NightrawenII in another thread has me doubting some bits and bobs:

 

The name of Chapter is chosen at its inception, along with the heraldry and colour.

Also, the Chapters are numbered in normal way. Grey Knights are Chapter #666, Mentors are Chapter #888.

Now, I'd seen that the name and colour scheme of a chapter were left to the discretion of the first chapter master (though I can't remember where, so source is dubious) - in which case a chapter master can decide to name and paint his chapter possibly several years after their founding: what do other liberites think of the matter?

And on the numbers thing: if there are 1000 chapters, but the Mentors are only the second chapter to have been numbered 888 (26th founding) after the star scorpions (25th founding), how does the numbering work? would there really be 665 chapters founded in the 2nd founding (incl progenitor chapters)? If that is indeed the case, I think the Apocrypha of Skaros is completely out as Conn suggests... The question this really leads to is, what number should I assign to the fledgling chapter?

If I recall correctly, Chapters can and do change their colours (presumably in minor ways). A good example would be the Ultramarines 2nd company - who have been depicted at times with yellow trim and others with gold trim. Obviously this is an out-of-universe thing but it can easily be used to justify small changes in heraldry. That said... the Raptors had a major colour change - from yellow and blue to olive-green - which leads to two theories: 1) It's not the same Chapter or 2) They changed their colour scheme at some point. Until explicitly said otherwise, we won't know which theory is correct (which means we can assume either is plausible).

 

For the Chapter number, I suggest something like using the numbers corresponding to the letter on a telephone number-pad. Using the initials of The Red Drakes and looking at a number-pad we see the following: 8, 7 and 3. And, as Nightrawen has just said, the numbers are recyclable. You could go for something in the low hundreds if you liked.

 

Yes, the penitence/repentence themes are some of the ones I'd like to look into.

 

Also, I thought phosphex and napalm were essentially the same thing - interestingly enough, the village in which I live in France was the first place where Napalm was used in Europe.

 

And thanks again for that suggestion :)

[Olis]

Also, I thought phosphex and napalm were essentially the same thing

 

Goodness gracious me no. I mean, the overall concept of being burned by clinging flames that you can't put out are the same but Phosphex has one fundamentally differing characteristic: Napalm burns at around 2,750 degrees Celsius while Phosphex has been described as having a sub-zero burning temperature. Phosphex also burns through solid materials like rock and ceramite. While napalm is environmentally harmful, Phosphex dials that up to eleven - the residue is even more toxic (and enduring) than nuclear fallout. 

[Doctor Perils]

 

 

Also, I thought phosphex and napalm were essentially the same thing

Goodness gracious me no. I mean, the overall concept of being burned by clinging flames that you can't put out are the same but Phosphex has one fundamentally differing characteristic: Napalm burns at around 2,750 degrees Celsius while Phosphex has been described as having a sub-zero burning temperature. Phosphex also burns through solid materials like rock and ceramite. While napalm is environmentally harmful, Phosphex dials that up to eleven - the residue is even more toxic (and enduring) than nuclear fallout.

Ooooh, that does change stuff... well, if you think that phosphex is OK in the 41st millenium I'll still stay with that - it is after all an established technology in the wider setting whereas napalm isn't

[Kelborn]

Thanks, Olis.

 

I always thought the same way as Thorn. ^^

 

Now I know, why it is studiosly avoided by so much Legions.

 

@Thorn: It still looks solid. :) But overall, does every chapter have Phosphex armament? I always thought that such things were banished after the Heresy, leaving the Exterminatus as the sole, ultimate weapon of mass destruction.

[Draakur]

You've not got much yet, but what you have is very cool so far - great start. Love the idea of the overwhelming evidence saying they're of Salamanders stock, but the Sallies disowning them out of disgust. And the planet populace revolting and not being willing to become Astartes stock is novel, and quite interesting, too. Typically I think we assume, and are always shown, that any Imperial populace would be honoured to be chosen for such a role and have the opportunity to join the Emperor's Angels of Death... the idea of the planet's people being proud of their heritage and unwilling to comply is quite evocative. Keep it up!

 

(Actually makes me think a halfway measure could be workable... the planet that the Chapter recruits from hates and fears them, but they do not make themselves known to them or living amongst them/have their fortress monastery there to rebel against. Fly in from the skies to take them away, people think they will be turned into "daemons" or something... Mind if I riff on this a bit?)

[Claws and Effect]

@Olis:

 

The Raptors are the same chapter. They chsnged their color scheme after an event in their history that left the majority of the chapter stranded on a jungle Death World for seven years. Like Catachan but meaner.

 

The Red Drakes look and sound awesome so far.

[Olis]

@Olis:

The Raptors are the same chapter. They chsnged their color scheme after an event in their history that left the majority of the chapter stranded on a jungle Death World. Like Catachan but meaner.

At the risk of derailing this topic, are you referring to the Jemedal thing? If this is what you're talking about, it isn't mentioned that they changed their armour colour after that in that entry, so if you have a quote (sourced, of course) I'd like to see it. Incidentally, the Jemedal event happened after Badab - a conflict where they have been depicted in their Olive drab, iirc.

[Doctor Perils]

Physical

With a fault in their melanchromic organs, Red Drakes have grey-tinged skin and bright red eyes – their skin however gradually darkens with exposure to radiation, finally becoming the same coal black as the Salamanders’ after about a century from initial geneseed implantation.

Unlike the Salamanders, who are ashamed of their daemonic appearance, the Red Drakes use it to their advantage when dealing with mortals, in order to better intimidate them. They often enter battle wearing no helms, which is said to make heretic and rebel alike tremble with fear. When they do wear helms, these are painted the same colour as their skin: as such, the darker the Red Drakes’ helm, the more experienced he is.

Red Drakes tower above even most marines, as the geneseed defects they share with the Salamanders induce higher growth levels, which are not hindered by the high-gravity of Nocturne – they are neither as strong nor as sturdy as their Nocturnean cousins.

 

Red Drakes often have different brands covering their skin, which can alternatively symbolise acts of heroism or infamy – one of the most important of these is the sigil of the Brandmeisters, ritually placed upon the face of new Brandmeisters, so that they may understand the responsabilities that they will endorse.

 

Armour

The deep maroon of the Red Drakes’ power armour is often said to represent the scorched flesh of the Red Drakes’ enemies – in reality, it is meant to represent the chapter’s shame over the destruction of the people of Elitraea at their hands.

Green flames are often painted as honour markings on a Red Drake’s armour – these progressively obscure the armour’s red as each marine performs acts that he believes absolve him of a part of his dark deeds on Elitraea and other planets of the Imperium – they are in essence a symbol of an individual marine’s penance, burning away his sins.

 

Chapter Symbol

A Bronze Dragon’s head, breathing green fire.