Index Astartes: Sable Skulls (WIP)

[Zubbiefish]

I'm submitting this, unfinished, as I'm at a point where I need some other pairs of eyes to look at it.

Please take a read through, and be as brutally honest as you like. I'm putting it out there because I might be too close to it, and also because there are a couple of things I haven't settled on, and could use some ideas. 

 

I'm using the skull in a circle transfer on the SM transfer sheet, and the colour scheme is my user image.

 

Here goes nuttin'

 

Index Astartes

 

The Sable Skulls Space Marines Chapter

 

Origin

When – 23^rd founding around 600.M37 (Move to later, 26^th perhaps? Earlier 8th? Maybe not known...)

Why – Raised as a crusading chapter as part of the “Sentinel Founding”. Sable Skulls cut their teeth battling Xenos, and Chaos threats. If not Sentinel founding, then why? 22^nd to 24^th linked?

 

Shortly after their founding, took part in the Taninim Crusades, and were very nearly decimated. By the close of M37, less than 1/3^rd of the chapter was left. A short period of rebuilding was undertaken. Once the chapter reached 700 battle brothers strong, Chapter Master (Dude Mc Duderton) declared the Sable Skulls fully recovered, and ordered his battle companies dispersed to support ongoing conflicts in the (Blank) sector of the Segementum (Blankeyblank). Meanwhile the reserve would continue to grow until they had successfully rebuilt to a full compliment.

Maybe not that crusade... if founded later, couldn't happen. Basically, they've never been full strength.

 

However, after several millennia (or centuries only maybe) of near continuous crusading in several parts of the galaxy, the Sable Skulls chapter never successfully rebuilt their numbers. Their recruitment had been relatively low, and barely covered their loses over time.

In 963.M41, the call came for aid in the XXXXX sector. (time/place to be determined) XXXXX system had declared the Emperor dead, and independence from the Imperium. The Skulls were the only reliable Imperial forces available, and an old enemy had re-emerged.

A generation previous, a similar rebellion had risen. Centred on the Hive World XXXXX, a psychic being describing itself as the XXXXX Oracle began assimilating the population. The method it used was to psychically implant the Oracle's "truth" on those brought before it. Over time, the Oracle's reach extended to figures in the planetary governance, and from there, out into the wider sector.  It became a well known "truth" that the Emperor of Mankind was no longer sustained by the Golden Throne, and that they were on their own with no Imperial support. So, sector governor person guy XXXXX, a puppet of the Oracle, did what needed to be done, and declared them independent, and self sufficient. By then the heresy had swept up several systems, including in their number, XXXXX, a Forge World, and XXXXX, a Knight World allied to them, and these too joined the new empire.

This, of course, was a lie. Imperial forces were marshalled to return the XXXXX sector to Imperial rule, and after a bloody, but successful campaign, did just that. Impressing upon the population that the Imperium was in fact alive, and well. The Oracle was dispatched by a Deathwatch Kill Team, and its psychic controls broken.

After 30 years, rumors began circulating in the XXXXX system that the Imperial forces, which had returned them to the fold, were rebels themselves. They had been subjugated by the False Imperium, and the Emperor was dead. A creature calling itself The Oracle Reborn had been building its influence in secret. Hive World XXXXX, and a couple of neighbouring planets in the XXXXX system, were actively in defiance of Imperial rule. In order to bring them swiftly to heel, the Sable Skulls were called in to supress the budding rebellion.

With very little other Imperial support, Chapter Master (Current Duderinio), mustered the full might of the chapter. The fierce fighting took its toll on the Sable Skulls. The heaviest fighting at Hive World XXXXX, resulted in huge losses. The Oracle Reborn itself assumed a mind control over several battle brothers, and succeeded in crashing the flagship (Battle barge blah blah) into a moonlet within the planet's ring. Ultimately, exterminatus was declared on (one or two) of the hives, the Oracle Reborn was destroyed, and its followers purged. In the end, only 200 Sable Skulls remained. Their fleet, along with the majority of their heavy equipment, and much of their gene-stock, was all but destroyed.

Master (Current Duderino) re-structured the chapter to include Vets in each Company, and set about rebuilding, again. Maybe they were this way for a long time instead...

 

Due to their great sacrifice, many brothers and flagship lost, the Sable Skulls were granted dominion over Hive World XXXXX, and tasked with security of the area. Crashed ship on moonlet became their Chapter Monastery. 

 

Now under strength, and rebuilding, they’re very busy battling Orks, Necrons, Eldar, Etc… (Not sure where to park these guys, so Xenos threat isn't settled).

With the launch of Robute Guiliman's Indomitus Crusade, the Sable Skulls sent two full battle companies (3^rd & 4^th) to support. The 2^nd co is tied up fighting (someone in the local area), leaving the reserve co.'s on patrol, and garrison duty. Recruitment was ramped up (but probably a little too slowly).

The addition of Guiliman’s Primaris Marines would likely be a welcome addition to their forces, but as an unknown quantity they might be treated with some suspicion until proven useful.  

 

 

Homeworld

Yes – after quashing rebellion granted Hive World. 

Fortress Monastery – Was flagship of fleet. Now remains of battle barge crashed into moonlet above Hive World XXXXX formed the basis for the new Chapter Headquarters.

Where – Not sure yet

What is it like – Hive world at centre of original uprising. Links to nearby systems, nearish Knight World, (determine other resources).

How affected chapter – They are not from here. Planet is a responsibility. Oversight on governance, and recruit from here. Informs personality in that Sable Skulls primary responsibility, and main reason for existing has changed. They would prefer to continue crusading in the Emperor’s name. As a consequence, they’re more than willing to send contingents out to aid in whatever fighting there is.

 

Combat Doctrine

How – Close, in. Precision Bolter Fire. (Melta affection? Good for breaching…) Highly flexible organization, where battle brothers are reassigned squads and wargear often in order to meet operational needs at any given time.

Why – Experienced in close quarters (Hive Worlds), and ship boarding. Prefer to see enemy die up close to make sure they're dead... (not sure)

Heavy armour is sparingly employed. They have lost a large amount of heavy equipment which has not been replaced. Massive losses, early on, have made them supremely flexible individually.

Examples in battle history – Rebellion. Actions in nearby systems. Support in another campaign where space hulks were involved. 

 

Organization

Codex Chapter – Largely - Deviation in organization primarily due to not having been full-strength for centuries. Also, being fleet based crusaders for most of their existence, it was a practical necessity that each company be largely self sufficient. Although they honour the tenets of the Codex, with each passing year the Sable Skulls drift a little farther away from it's precepts. 

Chapter at around 60% strength at the moment. 5 companies of marines, total, organized into oversize companies.

Battle companies - 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th

Mixed reserve - 5^th

Training co - 6^th

Veterans don’t form own company, but are permanently attached to Battle Companies.

No 1^st company, per se. Chapter master + honour guard, and highest ranked Chaplain, Techmarine & Librarian make up the command.

 

Chaplains, Techmarines & Librarians are attached to the battle companies.

The reserve is primarily tactical, but does have assault and devastator squads.

The training company, 6^th, is an even spilt of full fledged battle brothers and scouts. At any given time a number are distributed to the other companies. On the battlefield, battle brothers operate in their regular role. They take on the role of trainers and mentors to the scouts between engagements.

Might re-work this to alternate organization all together.

Not very mechanized. Few vehicles/bikes. Lost a large amount of equipment early on, so have had to make due without much heavy armour. Assault Marines as likely as not to forgo Jump Packs.

Under strength still, but rebuilding.

Chapter Markings:

Helmet colour blue for sergeants, silver for veterans, blue with silver stripe for veteran sergeant.

Both shoulder guards display chapter icon for the majority of marines.

Sergeants display the squad icon of the squad type they lead, while veterans typically show a Crux Terminatus to indicate their status even when not fighting in terminator armour.

Other specialists are typical of their type. Chaplains with black armour and skull motif and blue armoured Librarians. Apothecaries display the Prime Helix and Techmarines are in the red of Mars.

More senior battle brothers are not strictly required to adhere to this model. Battle honours, devotional scripts, and personal heraldry are all seen.

Co. Colours are and Squad numbers are not displayed.

 

Beliefs

What are they – Sable Skull Marines are very keen in their founding mission to crusade for the Empire. While not as zealous as the famously, ever crusading, Black Templars, they nevertheless possess a distinct urge to be fighting the enemies of mankind. Be they Xenos, or Heretics, or Mutants, the Sable Skulls take the fight to the enemy, never resting for long.

Consequently, being granted XXXXX as a chapter world, and building their fortress monastery there grates upon their restless nature. Sable Skulls tend to respond to every request for assistance from an Imperial authority whether they can “afford it” or not. Often, they will send large detachments great distances even if a smaller force might have been sufficient. This has meant that they’re chronically over extended, and under strength. 

 

Geneseed

Unknown – Some suggest that their similarities in drive, and temperament, to the Black Templars points to them being an Imperial Fists successor. Whether or not they have the full set of 19 organs is unknown, but testing on Mars has not turned up any serious deviations.

 

Recruitment: Traditionally from any nearby worlds in the zones in which they have been operating, but relatively selective. The Sable Skulls’ apothecaries are hesitant to use what few stores they have on any but the most promising recruits.  

More initiates need to be selected to even begin rebuilding into full strength.  

 

 

Relationship with other Imperials

Echlesiarchy – Neutral-bad (why?) Incident in which they lost most of their heavy equipment was related to Echlisiarchy matter they were supporting.

Ad-Mech – Neutral (Sort of default level)

Inquisition – Neutral Except Ordo Xenos. Have a good relationship with the Deathwatch, and some high ranking Sable Skulls are Deathwatch veterans. (Expand This, or not, maybe not, I like the Deathwatch shoulder guards)

 

Battlecry

Let's repeal some legislation!… No, that’s terrible, and left over from old Abrogators name I was using.  

 

[Predator-joe]

Surprised no one else has replied yet so I will be happy to be the first. From the way you set out your chapter I think keeping it as the 'sentinel founding' is your best bet with it being a fleet based chapter in its beginning. 

 

It would be good to know why they took such heavy losses so early, was it some sort of failed campaign, just attrition over the years or something else? Could be a good gate way to why the chapter is the way it is today. 

 

I think more of an explanation of the oracle is needed, is it chaos inspired or maybe xenos influenced or is it something else. I feel a little more detail on the battle for the hive world is need as well as what caused the battle barge/flagship to crash, it could be a heroic act by the captain of the vessel? (just pitching ideas)

 

I really love the transition from fleet based to acquiring a home world as well as the reasons for their doctrines and organisation. 

 

Will re read it a couple of times to see if there is anything else I feel needs mentioning 

[Zubbiefish]

Thanks for the look, and the comments. 

 

The idea behind the heavy losses early on was that, essentially, one of their first major undertakings was to flay off into a little known part of the galaxy and start blowing stuff up, in the emperor's name. The losses would likely have occurred over a fair amount of time, but being somewhere that resupply/recruitment wasn't all that easy, it whittled them down to much less than full strength. 

 

Eventually they made their way back to imperial space, rebuilt somewhat, but being restless sorts hared off to start blowing things up again. 

 

The Oracle is some kind of psychic, Xenos being. 

 

I've worked up something for the ship crash. I"m glad you pointed that out. Those things just don't happen by accident usually. 

 

There's a version of this where they are a much younger chapter, and its this last indecent that is the one which caused them to suffer the losses. In that version, they don't gain a base of operations. Instead remaining fleet based. 

 

Food for thought; it seems throwing out the change from fleet, to world based, chapter might be throwing out what is the most interesting part.

 

Thanks Predator-joe.

[Predator-joe]

For the heavy losses, it seems like attrition and lack of recruitment is the best way to go about it. 

 

More development on the oracle and the battle of the hive world would really bring this Chapter out. Maybe looking at genestealer cult or chaos in general may give you some more ideas about how the oracle works. 

 

I think for your chapter, if you focus on how their transition from fleet based to world based affected their battle doctrines etc, I think you could make a very unique chapter. Also having a 'vanilla' chapter is not a bad thing in the slightest, its the lore behind it that counts and how you want the chapter to be. 

 

In terms of founding, 23rd gives a good reason to why they were fleet based and to why they were 'isolated' for so long in constant warfare. 

 

With your organisation, I know your chapter is under strength but why is it the 6th company the training company. Does your chapter divert away from the codex to have its own structure? If it is stricter to the codex you could state for example that the 6th to 9th companies are yet to be filled and have the 10th as the scout/marine mix company? (just spitballing with this one) 

 

Happy to help 

[Zubbiefish]

Alright, I've had some time to ruminate.

I've decided that a little mystery is not a bad thing, and that I could kill two birds with one stone. 

So, instead of being around for a long while, and under strength for most of that time, I've decided to shorten up the timeline, and tie it to the indecent I'd already described. 

 

 

 

 

 

Index Astartes

 

The Sable Skulls Space Marines Chapter

 

Origin

When – Not precisely known. A very recent founding, possibly as late as the 26th. There are no known records before mid-M41. The earliest records are mostly reports of Sable Skulls supporting various Imperial actions. Many reports indicate that they are often one of the first to arrive, and last to leave a given war zone.  

 

In 963.M41, the call came for aid in the XXXXX sector. (time/place to be determined) XXXXX system had declared the Emperor dead, and independence from the Imperium. The Skulls were the only reliable Imperial forces available, and an old enemy had re-emerged.  

  

A generation previous, a similar rebellion had risen. Centred on the Hive World XXXXX, a previously un-encountered xenos creature, describing itself as the XXXXX Oracle began assimilating the population. This particularly powerful being psychically implanted mind controlling suggestions called “The Oracle's Truth" on those brought before it. Using brainwashed human agents, it cultivated a significantly large cult. These cultists would seek out well-placed individuals, and arrange for them to meet with the Oracle in person. Over time, the Oracle's reach extended to figures in the planetary governance, and from there, out into the wider sector. Pilgrimages were being made by any who could arrange travel to XXXXX. 

  

It became a well-known "truth" that the Emperor of Mankind was no longer sustained by the Golden Throne, and that they were on their own with no Imperial support. So, sector governor person guy XXXXX, who was not himself a puppet of the Oracle, but was convinced by the overwhelming evidence, did what he thought needed to be done. He declared the sector independent, and self-sufficient, with himself as it’s King. By then the heresy had swept up several systems, including in their number, XXXXX, a Forge World, and XXXXX, a Knight World allied to them, and these too joined the new Kingdom.  

  

This, of course, was a lie. Imperial forces were marshalled to return the XXXXX sub-sector to Imperial rule, and after a bloody, but successful campaign, did just that. Impressing upon the population that the Imperium was in fact alive, and well. The Oracle was dispatched by a Deathwatch Kill Team, and its psychic controls broken by its death.  

  

After 30 years, rumors began circulating in the XXXXX system that the Imperial forces, which had returned them to the fold, were rebels themselves. They had been subjugated by the False Imperium, and the Emperor was dead. Something calling itself The Oracle Reborn had been building its influence in secret. Evidently the Xenos creature, from a generation previous, had spawned dozens of offspring. Its young, though numerous, were not nearly as powerful or intelligent as their adult predecessor. Consequently their reach was less widely felt.  

  

Regardless, Hive World XXXXX, and a couple of neighbouring planets in the XXXXX system, were found to be actively in defiance of Imperial rule. In order to bring them swiftly to heel, the Sable Skulls were called in to supress the budding rebellion.  

  

With very little other Imperial support, Chapter Master (Current Duderinio), mustered the full might of the chapter. The fierce fighting took its toll on the Sable Skulls. The heaviest fighting at Hive World XXXXX, resulted in huge losses. Some of the Oracle spawn assumed a mind control over several battle brothers, and succeeded in crashing the flagship (Battle barge blah blah) into a moonlet within the planet's ring.  

  

Outnumbered and overextended, the Sable Skulls looked to be in their final days. Finally, after months of fighting, help arrived. Ships from the Imperial Navy, and the Knight houses of XXXXX, backed up by several regiments of the Imperial Guard arrived and relieved the Sable Skull forces. 

Determined to see the campaign through to its conclusion, the Sable Skulls continued the fight alongside their newly arrived relief. 

  

Ultimately, exterminatus was declared on hive six, birthplace of the rebellion. The entire city was bombarded into rubble from orbit. The remaining Oracle spawn were hunted down and destroyed, and their followers purged.  

  

In the end, roughly 200 Sable Skulls remained. Their fleet, along with the majority of their heavy equipment, and much of their gene-stock, was all but destroyed.    

  

Due to their great sacrifice, many brothers and flagship lost, the Sable Skulls were granted dominion over Hive World XXXXX, and tasked with security of the area. Crashed ship on moonlet became their Chapter Monastery.    

  

Master (Current Duderino) re-structured the chapter to include Vets in each Company, to make the most of their very limited resources, and set about rebuilding.

 

Now, under strength, and rebuilding. They’ve spent the last number of years just getting to a point where they can truly be able to fulfil the duties they’ve been tasked with. 

  

With the advent of the scar thingy, the Sable Skulls have seen increased activity in their home system, as well as receiving several calls for aid in nearby systems. They have attempted to respond to as many requests as they can, but it has spread them thin. 

  

With launch of Robute Guiliman's Indomitus Crusade, the Sable Skulls have sent a contingent to meet up with the main bulk of the crusade. The addition of Guiliman’s Primaris Marines would likely be a welcome addition to their forces, but as an unknown quantity they might be treated with some suspicion until proven loyal.   

 

 

Homeworld

Yes – after quashing rebellion granted Hive World XXXXX.    

  

Fortress Monastery – Was flagship of fleet. Now remains of battle barge crashed into moonlet above Hive World XXXXX formed the basis for the new Chapter Headquarters. 

  

How affected chapter – They are not from here. Planet is a responsibility. Oversight on governance, and recruit from here. Informs personality in that Sable Skulls primary responsibility, and main reason for existing has changed. They would prefer to continue crusading in the Emperor’s name. As a consequence, they’re more than willing to send contingents out to aid in whatever fighting there is. 

 

Combat Doctrine

How – Close, in. Precision Bolter Fire. (Melta affection? Good for breaching…) Highly flexible organization, where battle brothers are reassigned squads and wargear often in order to meet operational needs at any given time.  

  

Why – Experienced in close quarters (Hive Worlds), and ship boarding. Prefer to see enemy die up close to make sure they're dead... (not sure)   

  

Heavy armour is sparingly employed. They have lost a large amount of heavy equipment which has not been replaced. Massive losses, early on, have made them quite flexible individually.  

  

Examples in battle history – Oracle Reborn’s Rebellion. Actions in nearby systems. Support in another campaign where space hulks were involved (needs more detail). 

 

Organization

Codex Chapter – Largely - Deviation in organization primarily due to not really ever having been full-strength. Also, being fleet based crusaders it was a practical necessity that each company be largely self-sufficient. Although they honour the tenets of the Codex, with each passing year the Sable Skulls drift a little farther away from its precepts.    

  

Chapter at around 60% strength at the moment. 5 companies of marines, total, organized into oversize companies.   

  

Battle companies - 2nd, 3rd, 4th   

  

Mixed reserve - 5th  

  

Training co - 6th   

  

Veterans don’t form own company, but are permanently attached to Battle Companies.   

  

No 1st company, per se. Chapter master + honour guard, and highest ranked Chaplain, Techmarine & Librarian make up the command.  

  

Chaplains, Techmarines & Librarians are attached to the battle companies.  

  

The reserve is primarily tactical, but does have assault and devastator squads.   

  

The training company, 6th, is an even split of full-fledged battle brothers and scouts. At any given time a number are distributed to the other companies. On the battlefield, battle brothers operate in their regular role. They take on the role of trainers and mentors to the scouts between engagements. 

  

Not very mechanized. Few vehicles/bikes. Lost a large amount of equipment early on, so have had to make do without much heavy armour. Assault Marines as likely as not to forgo Jump Packs.   

  

Under strength still, but rebuilding.   

  

Chapter Markings:  

  

Helmet colour red for sergeants, white for veterans, red with white stripe for veteran sergeant.   

  

Both shoulder guards display chapter icon for the majority of marines.   

  

Sergeants display the squad icon of the squad type they lead, while veterans typically show a Crux Terminatus to indicate their status even when not fighting in terminator armour.  

  

Other specialists are typical of their type. Chaplains with black armour and skull motif and blue armoured Librarians. Apothecaries display the Prime Helix and Techmarines are in the red of Mars.   

  

More senior battle brothers are not strictly required to adhere to this model. Battle honours, devotional scripts, and personal heraldry are all seen.  

  

Co. Colours are and Squad numbers are not displayed. 

 

Beliefs

What are they – Sable Skull Marines are very keen in their founding mission to crusade for the Empire. While not as zealous as the famously, ever crusading, Black Templars, they nevertheless possess a distinct urge to be fighting the enemies of mankind. Be they Xenos, or Heretics, or Mutants, the Sable Skulls take the fight to the enemy, never resting for long.   

  

Consequently, Sable Skulls tend to respond to every request for assistance from an Imperial authority whether they can “afford it” or not. Often, they will send large detachments great distances even if a smaller force might have been sufficient. This has meant that they’re chronically over extended, and under strength.  

 

Geneseed

Unknown – Some suggest that their similarities in drive, and temperament, to the Black Templars points to them being an Imperial Fists successor. Whether or not they have the full set of 19 organs is unknown, but testing on Mars has not turned up any serious deviations.  

  

Recruitment: Traditionally from any nearby worlds in the zones in which they have been operating, but relatively selective. Now they are able to use XXXXX. However, the Sable Skulls’ apothecaries are hesitant to use what few stores they have on any but the most promising recruits.    

 

Battlecry

Let's repeal some legislation!… No, that’s STILL terrible. 

[Zubbiefish]

Oh, forgot to mention that the 6th being the training co. is basically a "just how we do it here" thing.

They're slowly creeping away from the codex, and this is one way in which it is happening.

Others being with the absence of co. colours and squad markings, oversize battle companies, and distributed veterans.

So, they're close to the codex still, but in time could slip into something else. Not as extreme as Space Wolves, or Black Templars, but they're not what they were created to be.

Day 1 - Fleet based, codex chapter, roaming the stars fighting the enemies of man.

Time and circumstances have conspired to make them short handed, ill equipped, and tied to a planet. But hey, they'll find away, because it's what they do. 

[Predator-joe]

Good to see you're still working on your chapter. 

 

These are my thoughts, not criticisms, love the direction you are going with the chapter, just want to spitball a couple of points/ideas your way. 

 

With the Oracle, is there a reason you have two separate events with the main 'daddy' oracle then another with the off spring, just curious? 

 

Mind control over their battle brothers could easily make the whole chapter be classed as traitorous by the inquisition and the Imperium so be careful how you phrase/mention it (unless you want them to be classed traitors despite being loyal to the Imperium).

 

Does the chapter feel ashamed for its shortcomings of being unable to deal with the threat on their own? Like it could be another reason to add to why they always send aid to everyone they can even when its not viable for their already stretched out forces. 

 

This previous point could also be used to why they are diverting from the codex, you could point out that the traditional approach is what caused their heavy casualties in the first place and feel it is not a viable approach to continue in such stratagems in conjunction with their heavily damaged forces. 

 

 

As I said before, these are just my thoughts and ideas, you don't have to listen to any of it haha. 

[Zubbiefish]

Good point on the mind control. I hadn't considered that particular angle. My thinking was to explain why their flagship would be smashed into some random moonlet. 

 

Your question on why they send aid, even when they probably shouldn't is a good one. It's a behavior that causes their numbers to remain low, but why they do it is something I haven't managed to work out yet. I have notes in my original draft that ask a similar question.

 

The moving away from the codex idea; it's to fit the fluff to what I expect to be actually modelling, and putting on the table. In this case it's that I'm a tiny bit obsessive when it comes to making sure that my marines are marked correctly. I had a Dark Angels force where I had 14 models for a tac squad so that there were options for the special, heavy weapon, and sergeants. I wanted them to all be in the third. Similarly, I had a Blood Angels army where I re-painted a bunch of helmets to move some models from a tac squad to a dev squad. Then I never used them again. So, it's me saving my own sanity, and a little work. You're right though, it does bear reasoning a little stronger than just, hey we're short on staff, so let's just not use the codex so much.

 

The Oracle idea was that there was a big, big problem a while ago that the Imperium thought they'd taken care of. It turns out that they didn't do a thorough a job as they thought, and my guys had to clean it up. They didn't encounter a problem of the same magnitude, but were not quite enough to deal with it alone. That didn't stop them from trying, because if these guys are in, they're all in. It cost them dearly, but they were "rewarded" with a home world, so that's something I guess.

 

I am thrilled that someone is looking at my ravings, and asking questions. Before I posted this, I had no clue as to whether any of it even made sense. I tried to run it by my 4yr. old, but he just looked at me like I'm nuts.

 

WIP still, I need names, and places now. Going to think on motivations, it's a weak point for sure, and I'm glad you pointed it out.

Maybe back in few day with a further revision, and hopefully some pictures of a model or two.

 

Thanks again. 

[Predator-joe]

For the flagship side of things, you can always have an epic space battle where the battle barge sacrifices itself to take out the 'oracles' fleet or his moonbase or something. Either that or your chapter could have been ambushed by oracle forces or maybe taken out by the planets orbital defences. Boarding actions could also be an option where the oracle sends countless waves of mind controlled forces onto the chapters flagship and the only way to get rid of all the enemies is to crash it. 

 

Going back to mind controlled marines, its not impossible to have this happen and you could class your chapter being damned or something, a good example are the death korps of kreig (imperial guard). They betrayed the imperium or failed them (cant remember) centuries ago and in order to redeem themselves they send millions of their soldiers to every worst warzone imaginable across the galaxy where most/all die on the battlefield. They are reckless in their attacks and its either they win or they all die. 

 

This previous point could also link to their doctrine, organisation etc as I mentioned in my previous post. Seeing the traditional way failing them and adopting new approaches to warfare as well as the fact they are undermanned and ill equipped. The being damned part could easily be rephrased as the chapter being ashamed of their previous failures and want to make up for it.

 

As for the naming thing I cannot help you with that, with the chapter i made most of the names of places etc from googling planet name generator etc and I'm still not happy about all of the names I have chosen, hopefully someone else will post on here with suggestions.

 

So my summary for motivations could be: ashamed of their past failures, a damned chapter wishing to redeem itself due to some being mind controlled, practical senses of being undermanned or a mixture of the three. 

 

I think as long as you remain consistent and are happy with your chapter, it will turn out great. 

[Zubbiefish]

Interesting, I should read up on the Death Korps. There may be something there I can use.

 

I read recently about the Vostroyan First born (IG), where they didn't send help to Terra during the Horus Heresy, so they conscript all of their first born into service with the Astra Miltarum as a form of penance.

 

Planning on a mini "hobby blitz" this week, so maybe I'll get some of this sorted out.