Index Astartes: Denizens of the Deep

[Minigiant]

The Void Stalker devouring the skull of an Ork, Eldar, Tau or Kroot (depending on which xeno species is the enemy) is one idea. Another is the Void Stalker using its tentacles to tear apart the Chaos symbol (I'm taking inspiration from Ragnar Blackmane's Great Company's campaign banner, which show a Blackmane wolf stomping on and shattering the Chaos symbol).

 

A Ragnar style one would be awesome!

[Minigiant]

2000 words on not Bjorn (Draft). I guess he will need some artwork eventually. Still a lot of filler [NAME]

 

Summanus, the Great Old One –

 

Summanus the Great Old One is an ancient Inquiliana Abyssi Librarian Leviathan Dreadnought. Among the Denizens of the Deep he bears many titles: "Eldest", "Old One", and "Great One" among them. He is the oldest warrior to walk the halls of Dimitar, and has been the salvation of his chapter in their hours of need time and time again.

 

The first currently recorded mention of Summanus in Imperial records is as a Librarian of the Iron Snakes engaged among the Reef Stars. Summanus was responsible for safely escorting the Lord Inquisitor [NAME] convoy around the inhabited worlds of the Reef before guaranteeing they leave unscathed. During a routine re-entry onto Iorgu they were set upon by a vicious pirate party of Primuls. Summanus directly responsible for the safety and wellbeing successfully broke [NAME], a few of her convoy, and himself out of their prison, hidden deep within the labyrinth of the Webway. 

 

Summanus is then recorded as being the first Chief Librarian of the Inquiliana Abyssi, alongside Master Proteus during their cleansing and assaults in the Ainu system. The Denizens were then summoned to the Hadalpelagic system to defend the agri-worlds from Hive Fleet Rusalka. Summanus was part of Proteus’ personal guard that landed upon [NAME], and later entered into sole combat with the giant hive tyrant, defeating it by driving his staff through its eyes; in doing so diverting the Hive Fleet safely away from the Hadalpelagic system.

 

When the Astartes were lured to [NAME] it ultimately led to the Denizens of the Deep being order to eradicate the Hrud Infestation. Summanus now wearing the symbol of the Deathwatch, was once again present as part of Proteus’ personal guard, and took part in the Reclaimation of [NAME]. It was during this battle that he is reckoned to have lost his left hand, although the precise circumstances of this event vary from account to account. Summanus also helped alleviate Master Proteus from his dilemma during the ____ Perdition, convincing the first Master to strike off the bonds of his former chapter, and forge the Abyssi their own legacy instead of being an Iron Snake lapdog.

 

It was whilst undertaking an attack on the red sands of [NAME] that events were to take a tragic turn. Proteus’ guard had till this point humbled all those that faced them, terrifying tyrants, hulking Xeno, and excommunicated Astartes; yet their greatest enemy would come from within. Brother Iacchus and Brother Kreios sort to eliminate the senior command to seize control of the chapter for their own ends. The two had learned the secrets of an ancient locket of sorts, and with a single act attempted to eliminate Proteus and his entire guard. On this fateful day they knew death, Summanus is an act of courage and bravery, summoned all of his psychic power to divert the lockets energy with his own warp force. It diverted all but a part of this attack and all but foiled the two traitors plan. As the dust and debris settled all that could be seen was Proteus laying on the ground and the traitors not to be seen. Summanus has never forgiven himself for the loss of this master, nor the fact that he lived instead. As he witnessed his master be carried away, he gave out a deafening cry, that is said to still be sundering through the grounds of [NAME]. Mourning before the body of his brother, he swore a grave oath of vengeance against his slayers.

 

To Summanus’ continued frustration, it was many long years before Iacchus and Kreios’ location surfaced once more as part of the 10^th Black Crusade. The third fleet were immediately dispatched to destroy the blight on their chapter’s legacy. Summanus was determined to personally slay them both, and avenge Proteus’ death. Yet in this goal, he was to be denied. As he tore through Iacchus and Kreios new brothers of the Word Bearer Legion towards his quarry, he was stopped in his tracks with the summoning of a Greater Daemon of Khorne. Brothers of the third fleet told of how Summanus deftly rolled beneath a thundering blow that would cleave an Astartes in half, then deftly clambered up the Daemon’s all powerful frame and tore off the foul daemons head with his force sword. In the aftermath of the battle, nothing can be found of Iacchus and Kreios, they had once again slipped out of the grasp of Summanus.

 

His heroic career as the Chief Librarian of the Inquiliana Abyssi ended during the raid against a fortress during the [bATTLE] in 026.M39, when he was so severely wounded and crippled that he was beyond the aid of the chapter's Apothecaries, and his paralyzed body was transplanted within a Leviathan Dreadnought; the oldest relic of the chapter. Over the following five hundred years he remained at the forefront of battle, forever keeping a watchful eye for news of Iacchus and Kreios. Eventually however, the long years took their toll on the warrior, and he began spending longer and longer periods dormant in stasis sleep.

 

The first particularly notable time he was awoken from stasis currently known of was during the first Defence of Nahmu at the end of M39. At this time, as part of a scheme to convert a majority of the Denizens to the ruinous powers, as well as gain a measure of revenge for the events on [NAME], the now Dark Apostles of the Word Bearers legion Iacchus and Kreios entered the Ainu system. With only a couple of fleets available defend Nahmu, the order was given to awaken all of the Revered Fallen. They would be responsible for commanding the Scout Company, while the main fleets defend from orbit.

 

Taking position as commanding officer of the rearguard, Summanus quickly discerned the Word Bearers plan of attack and planned the defence of Dimitar accordingly. His presence proved invaluable as the Word Bearers partially circumnavigated the Abyssi’ planetary blockade by deploying Cataphract robots to scurry along Nahmu’s seafloor and into the fortress monastery; these machines caused considerable havoc amongst the inexperienced neophytes until Summanus stepped in.

 

The machines primary mission however was to deploy summoning icons, allowing for a trio of Greater Daemons of Nurgle to manifest themselves in the lower depths of the Fortress, their arrival was felt by all, including an unearth shriek coming from the Vault. Summanus immediately made haste to intercept the mighty daemons. Arriving too late to stop the desecrating of the Chapel of Heroes, the Great Old One strode into battle with the rotting Daemons of Nurgle, duelling them from the ruins of the chapel out into the vast hangar bays. Inflicting endless injuries with both fire and blade yet it was not enough. With both weapon-arms in tatters, Summanus disengaged the water locks and flooded the hangar, in an attempt to drown the foul beasts. They were only prevented from finally ending Summanus great tale with the sudden arrival of the Fleet Master, [NAME]. Summanus was taken out of the fight in the events that followed, but survived the hollow victory as he watched Iacchus and Kreios once again escape justice.

 

Though not awakened for the Second War for Armageddon, Summanus was made active once more in its wake. Specifically, he was awoken by the Denizens of the Deep garrisoning Dimitar to broker peace between them, the Deathwatch, and the Night Swords, after Brother [NAME] who assaulted a brother of the Night Swords who he deemed corrupted and an infidel for speaking in his ghostly whisper. Summanus proved to be far less zealous than Phanes, as well as being an ancient warrior of the Deathwatch giving extra weight behind his words.

 

Now he is only awakened every few centuries, or when the chapter learns vital information in the hunt for Iacchus and Kreios. He is also awakened for the swearing in ceremony of every new Fleet Master, where he recounts the greatest tales of his legacy and of the Fleet Masters that preceded them. He represents the Chapter’s entire history, and is revered by all Denizens of Deep as a hero.

 

Outside the Chapter, he is scarcely less revered, as a legendry warrior and a link to the distant past. Even Lord Inquisitors, Chapter Masters are often compelled to kneel before the ancient Dreadnough when they learn of its identity.

 

According to ancient records, Summanus possessed short dirty blonde hair, and was notably sullen and wise. As a Dreadnought in M39 It is said that Summanus was inhabited into the most ancient and advanced sarcophagi available to the chapter, a prize taken for cleansing Ainu. The Leviathan Dreadnought chasss was capable of giving Summanus faster movement, reaction times, and sensory input than one would expect from such a brutal-looking construction. This allows Summanus to fight as he always has, with righteous fury and power; armed with a Dreadnought force halberd in one hand, and a power fist in the other. His guilt was only exacerbated by Dreadnough interment, Summanus is possessed of a powerful, bitter, anger at not only his Dreadnought status, but that he has still yet to fulfil the vow of revenge for Proteus.

 

Brother Summanus, the Great Old One, encased in his sarcophagus, cringed in the great crypts of Dimitar, facing two brothers in front of him. One was the Keeper of Dread, clear from the elder sign etched into his blue power armour, and the other Void stalker Neoptolemus with his blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Although Summanus did not know how, these two brothers had managed to wake him, using his psychic link like no one had ever done before. “I don’t know what you two want….” Summanus bellowed to the two relatively young brothers.

 

“What we need, brother Summanus, is information,” the Keeper of Dread said

 

“About brother Iacchus and brother Kreios” Neoptolemus quickly added

 

“Iacchus and Kreios!? The Traitors!? Summanus bellowed; loud enough to wake all that slumber, if for only a brief moment. “Down here, those names are not spoken. After the accursed dark prophets, Iacchus and Kreios are hated and despised by all Denizens loyal to the One Emperor.”

 

“Why?” Neoptolemus carefully broached

                       

“Because they led the Apostle revolution that attempted to overthrow Master Proteus and his council. I myself was one of them. Once, I was close to the Master. Look at me now, I have nothing!.” Summanus lurched towards the two brothers before him “You want my help to destroy them?”

 

“Maybe soon” the Keeper of Dread replied “Any information you have may be very useful.”

 

“I have something” Summanus said in his slow rumbling voice. “I procured a locket of sorts when cleansing ___ in the Ainu system. Iacchus and Kreois sort to use the contents of the locket against Master Proteus, to install themselves as the Dark Apostles of the Denizens of the Deep.”

 

“We know it was thwarted by your actions”, the two brother said in unison

 

“Indeed, but I believe that that same relic could now be brought to bear against the two traitorous scum” Summanus went on to describe the relic, how it worked, and what it contained.

 

“Thank you, Brother Summanus, you’ve told us exactly what we wanted to know” Neoptolemus said placing his hand on his armour to bless the oldest and most venerable of Abyssi brothers

 

“Master Phanes will take it from here” the Keeper of Dread muttered

 

Phanes? Master Phanes? No, it can’t be! It can’t! Summanus thought in disbelief as a cowled figure standing a head taller than the rest entered the crypt and came towards them

 

“You heard, Master Phanes?” Neoptolemus asked

 

“I heard,” Phanes replied, “Yes, we can use this weapon.” Phanes then turned to the silent Summanus. “We thank you for your help, however your usefulness is still not through. Rest for now old brother, you will be called upon again before long.”

Revenge for the Past

Summanus, the Great Old One

 

Love to hear your thoughts

Edited September 14, 2017 by Minigiant

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Who was Phanes before he became Fleet Master- a Denizen of the Deep-turned-Deathwatch Watch Captain, one of Proteus' Honor Guards (and someone Summanus condemns for committing "dereliction of duty" and failing to safeguard his charge), a Techmarine who dabbled with the Necrons' soulless technology in an attempt to counter the influence of the Warp, or something else? Why does Summanus distrust him?

 

And will you write your own rules for a Librarian Leviathan Dreadnought? Otherwise, it'll seem pointless to make Summanus a Librarian.

Edited September 14, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Minigiant]

Who was Phanes before he became Fleet Master- a Denizen of the Deep-turned-Deathwatch Watch Captain, one of Proteus' Honor Guards (and someone Summanus condemns for committing "dereliction of duty" and failing to safeguard his charge), a Techmarine who dabbled with the Necrons' soulless technology in an attempt to counter the influence of the Warp, or something else? Why does Summanus distrust him?

 

And will you write your own rules for a Librarian Leviathan Dreadnought? Otherwise, it'll seem pointless to make Summanus a Librarian.

Proteus is the 1st Chapter Master. Phanes currently has not been fleshed out. He is the 999.M41 Chapter Master. Risen through the ranks.

 

The distrust is the Lovecraftian degradation of his mind.

 

Summanus is indeed going to have some custom rules. Other Characters will just be rehashes of already canon characters.

[Magos Kasen]

I like the fluff for Summanus, however one minor thing I'd suggest changing is the part about him killing a hive tyrant - the first official contact between Imperial forces and anything recognised as tyranids wasn't until the second half of M.41.

[Minigiant]

I like the fluff for Summanus, however one minor thing I'd suggest changing is the part about him killing a hive tyrant - the first official contact between Imperial forces and anything recognised as tyranids wasn't until the second half of M.41.

I learn something new everyday. That is easily fixed. Ork Waaagh! it is.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

You should let us know how Summanus views Phanes, so we have context for the Great Old One's reaction in that scene. Does Summanus suffer from a form of agnosia that makes Phanes resemble a tentacle monster in the Dreadnought's eyes? (I'm taking inspiration from the visual novel 'Saya no Uta', whose player character suffers from this.) Is Summanus hearing voices that constantly whisper, "He [Phanes] is plotting against you," and other paranoia-inducing messages?

[Minigiant]

You should let us know how Summanus views Phanes, so we have context for the Great Old One's reaction in that scene. Does Summanus suffer from a form of agnosia that makes Phanes resemble a tentacle monster in the Dreadnought's eyes? (I'm taking inspiration from the visual novel 'Saya no Uta', whose player character suffers from this.) Is Summanus hearing voices that constantly whisper, "He [Phanes] is plotting against you," and other paranoia-inducing messages?

I will go with paranoia messages

[Minigiant]

So alternatives:

 

1. Phanes? Master Phanes? No, it can’t be! He only comes alone! Summanus thought in disbelief as a cowled figure standing a head taller than the rest entered the crypt and came towards them

 

2. In a silent whisper, Summanus hears that voice again "He continues to move against you" "You are nothing to him!"

Summanus in disbelief as a cowled figure standing a head taller than the rest entered the crypt and came towards them

 

3. Phanes? Master Phanes? What year is it? What heppened to Master [NAME]? Summanus thought in disbelief as a cowled figure standing a head taller than the rest entered the crypt and came towards them

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I think Option 3 works best. Option 2 would have the most dramatic impact in a scene where Summanus is psychologically isolated, e.g., fighting on the battlefield, thoughts of the past distracting him (despite his efforts) as he faces the enemy; then Phanes shouts a warning to the whole Chapter (not to Summanus alone) about enemies on their flank, drawing Summanus' attention; THAT'S when he hears the whispers.

[Minigiant]

I think Option 3 works best. Option 2 would have the most dramatic impact in a scene where Summanus is psychologically isolated, e.g., fighting on the battlefield, thoughts of the past distracting him (despite his efforts) as he faces the enemy; then Phanes shouts a warning to the whole Chapter (not to Summanus alone) about enemies on their flank, drawing Summanus' attention; THAT'S when he hears the whispers.

 

Thats fixed, along with swapping Tyranids for Orks

 

Atreus Phanes background, next. I then need to go proof read it and turn it from a draft piece to a polished section. A lot of that to do (Mainly names of individuals, planets, systems, vessels etc)

 

Atreus Phanes –

 

Atreus Phanes – Satrap of the Trident of Vengeance, Void Bringer, Warlord of the Sea, Trident of Judgement - is the current Fleet Master of the Inquiliana Abyssi Chapter. Cold and ruthless, he is a legend whose name is either revered as that of a living saint who honors the God-Emperor like none other, or damned as a senseless fanatic who has burned entire worlds to cinders at the least sign of the least of sins- there is no middle ground for how his peers regard him.

 

Phanes is best known among his enemies and allies a like for his violence; desire to slay the enemies of the Imperium, and to spread the word of his God Emperor.  The notice he received for his many violent conflicts aided his rise through the ranks and he secured a position in his companies command squad after he slew the traitorous Cardinal Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein who had risen to power on [NAME]. When his Companies commander, Captain [NAME], was killed, Phanes was elected in his place.

 

On the death of Fleet Master [NAME] at the hands of a Chaos Champion, the Fleet Captains unanimously chose Phanes in 927.M41 to succeed him after the subjugation of the [bLAH BLAH] Rebellion on [LOCATION]. He was ritually presented with the Trident of Judgement and immediately fleets to cleanse the [LOCATION] of the [NAME]. The Cleanse was cut short when requested to assist Armageddon in what was to become their second war. These commands were later rescinded over the dispute with the Night Swords chapter.

 

Lord Asterion Moloc revels in his dark reputation. The veteran of a hundred battles, his body has been heavily rebuilt with cybernetic augments and his sheer spite and malice are enough to allow him to shrug off wounds that would fell a lesser Space Marine. Moloc takes pleasure in the utter destruction of his foes, most often found in the command brig at the preliminary onsort of war, orchestrating his relentless orbital barrage, surrounded by data-feeds, tabulation servitors, and casualty reports, constantly watching people for signs of corruption and sin, like a hound for the scent of blood. In direct combat there is no difference, found slamming into the enemy’s battle lines, wearing his ornate terminator armour and wielding the Trident of Judgement, and the __ Storm Shield. He is quoted as personally slaying renegade Chapter Masters, Ork Warbosses, Corsair Princes, and Champions of the Dark Gods; all in part of being not just a brutal tactician but, also a diligent and disciplined logistician and strategist, and a master of combat.

 

Atreus Phanes personally led his Space Marine forces to the [NAME] system by request of governor [NAME] to defend it against an unknown enemy. During the [bLAH BLAH] Battle, Phanes led a boarding force into the heart of the Chaos vessel [NAME] and fought with the Chaos Champion believed to be [NAME], leader of the [NAME] Warband. They traded blows until Phanes collapsed but, instead of finishing him, [NAME] severed his left arm so he would always be reminded of the humiliation. The Denizens of the Deep retreated with Phanes, leaving the [NAME] system to their fate with the ruinous powers.

 

Five years later Phanes, aboard his Battle Barge Cetus, sought to atone for his humiliation by attacking [NAME]’s Chaos vessel [NAME] while in route to [LOCATION]. Boarding Torpedo attacks by the Inquiliana Abyssi succeeded in capturing the ship and Phanes and the [NAME] came to blows once more, but this time the Fleet Master was able to use his desire for vengeance and judgment to prevail. Realizing the battle is lost, [NAME] teleports to a nearby escort vessel to safety. In a rage that his enemy had escaped, Phanes almost destroys the [NAME] single handily with his bear hands from the inside out.

Edited September 15, 2017 by Minigiant

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I can still see signs Phanes' biography is based on the Minotaurs Chapter Master's, including references to "Moloc". You should distance YOUR character from his inspiration, e.g., replace "[Phanes'] name is a byword for destruction and ruin" and "[Phanes is] measuring the drops of blood spilt" with something original, e.g., "[Phanes'] name is either revered as that of a living saint who honors the God-Emperor like none other, or damned as a senseless fanatic who has burned entire worlds to cinders at the least sign of the least of sins- there is no middle ground for how his peers regard him," and "[Phanes is] constantly watching people for signs of corruption and sin, like a hound for the scent of blood."

 

As for the treacherous Cardinal he executed, how about naming the traitor "Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein", after the U-boat captain in The Temple?

[Minigiant]

I can still see signs Phanes' biography is based on the Minotaurs Chapter Master's, including references to "Moloc". You should distance YOUR character from his inspiration, e.g., replace "[Phanes'] name is a byword for destruction and ruin" and "[Phanes is] measuring the drops of blood spilt" with something original, e.g., "[Phanes'] name is either revered as that of a living saint who honors the God-Emperor like none other, or damned as a senseless fanatic who has burned entire worlds to cinders at the least sign of the least of sins- there is no middle ground for how his peers regard him," and "[Phanes is] constantly watching people for signs of corruption and sin, like a hound for the scent of blood."

 

As for the treacherous Cardinal he executed, how about naming the traitor "Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein", after the U-boat captain in The Temple?

 

Those are good. I am using Moloc's rules for him so started from there. Your suggestions are verry good so will incorporate them

 

Edited in your suggestions

Edited September 15, 2017 by Minigiant

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I thought I should help contribute to the Chapter's history, specifically to the incident regarding the apostate Cardinal I helped name.

918-925.M41: The Conquest of Atlantis.

 

Cardinal Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein- later known as the "Mad Prophet of Atlantis" and the "Tyrant of Germania"- was born in 829.M41 as Karl Altberg, on the planet Atlantis (one of approximately 1900 human-inhabited worlds sharing that name) in the Germania System, in the Ultima Segmentum. Son of a Germania System Defence Force (SDF) officer, he followed his father into the service in 847.M41. He transferred to the Imperial Navy in 860.M41, where he distinguished himself in the Battles for Heinrich's World (874.M41) and Ehrenstein (886.M41), earning those planets' names as agnomina.

 

In 897.M41, unknown assailants (later speculated to be Necrons) attacked Heinrich Ehrenstein as his ship transitioned from the Warp into the Vidar Sector, to answer a distress call from the Order of Our Martyred Lady. Due to the injuries he suffered, Heinrich Ehrenstein was allowed to retire from the Navy and return to his home world. He subsequently joined the Ecclesiarchy, ascending to the rank of Cardinal in 914.M41.

 

In 917.M41, the Cardinal killed Atlantis' planetary governor and seized power. He claimed the God-Emperor appeared in his dreams and granted him psychic powers, with which he is to "save the galaxy from the soulless servants of the Night Gods" (speculated to be the Necrons). Heinrich Ehrenstein then began conscripting Atlantis' men and women into his "Forces of the Faithful" (the perverted Planetary Defense Forces) and his "Starry Shields of the Soul" (the perverted SDF), violating the Decree Passive; in response, the Ordo Hereticus declared the Cardinal "Excommunicate Traitoris," and asked for aid in the Inquisition's efforts to punish the apostate Cardinal.

 

The Denizens of the Deep were the first to answer the Inquisition's call. The Nth Company arrived in 918.M41, and engaged the apostate Cardinal's forces; Capt. Phanes personally captured the Heavenly Temple (the SDF flagship, a Unicorn class cruiser) in a quick but brutal boarding action.

 

It was there the Denizens of the Deep learned the depths of the Cardinal's sins. The Heavenly Temple's bridge was flooded with radiation- not as a defensive measure against enemy boarders, not even as an unintended consequence of increasing the reactor's output to improve the ship's performance, but to make the crewmen mutate and "welcome the God-Emperor's blessings into [the crewmen's] bodies," in the words of a frog-like mutant wearing a Germania SDF uniform with rank insignia indicating it was the ship's captain. The Ordo Hereticus had to entrust the Heavenly Temple's examination to the Denizens of the Deep, for only power or Terminator armored Marines could resist the radiation's corruptive effects.

 

In the ship's chapel, the Denizens of the Deep discovered an alarming form of desecration: the Emperor's statue was replaced with that of a inhuman monster, whose octopus-like head was painted over the faces of the Master of Mankind and the Primarchs in the chapel's frescoes. Upon receipt of Phanes' report, Fleet Master [Name] summoned eight additional Companies of the Denizens of the Deep to the Germania System, to purge its planets of corruption (Tenth Company remained at Nahmu, to rebuild the Chapter if the First to Ninth Companies were wiped out).

 

Despite the best efforts of the Denizens of the Deep and their allies, it took them seven long and haunting years to complete the purge and bring the apostates to justice.

Edited September 16, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Minigiant]

 

I thought I should help contribute to the Chapter's history, specifically to the incident regarding the apostate Cardinal I helped name.

918-925.M41: The Conquest of Atlantis.

 

Cardinal Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein- later known as the "Mad Prophet of Atlantis" and the "Tyrant of Germania"- was born in 829.M41 as Karl Altberg, on the planet Atlantis (one of approximately 1900 human-inhabited worlds sharing that name) in the Germania System, in the Ultima Segmentum. Son of a Germania System Defence Force (SDF) officer, he followed his father into the service in 847.M41. He transferred to the Imperial Navy in 860.M41, where he distinguished himself in the Battles for Heinrich's World (874.M41) and Ehrenstein (886.M41), earning those planets' names as agnomina.

 

In 897.M41, unknown assailants (later speculated to be Necrons) attacked Heinrich Ehrenstein as his ship transitioned from the Warp into the Vidar Sector, to answer a distress call from the Order of Our Martyred Lady. Due to the injuries he suffered, Heinrich Ehrenstein was allowed to retire from the Navy and return to his home world. He subsequently joined the Ecclesiarchy, ascending to the rank of Cardinal in 914.M41.

 

In 917.M41, the Cardinal killed Atlantis' planetary governor and seized power. He claimed the God-Emperor appeared in his dreams and granted him psychic powers, with which he is to "save the galaxy from the soulless servants of the Night Gods" (speculated to be the Necrons). Heinrich Ehrenstein then began conscripting Atlantis' men and women into his "Forces of the Faithful" (the perverted Planetary Defense Forces) and his "Starry Shields of the Soul" (the perverted SDF), violating the Decree Passive; in response, the Ordo Hereticus declared the Cardinal "Excommunicate Traitoris," and asked for aid in the Inquisition's efforts to punish the apostate Cardinal.

 

The Denizens of the Deep were the first to answer the Inquisition's call. The Nth Company arrived in 918.M41, and engaged the apostate Cardinal's forces; Capt. Phanes personally captured the Heavenly Temple (the SDF flagship, a Unicorn class cruiser) in a quick but brutal boarding action.

 

It was there the Denizens of the Deep learned the depths of the Cardinal's sins. The Heavenly Temple's bridge was flooded with radiation- not as a defensive measure against enemy boarders, not even as an unintended consequence of increasing the reactor's output to improve the ship's performance, but to make the crewmen mutate and "welcome the God-Emperor's blessings into [the crewmen's] bodies," in the words of a frog-like mutant wearing a Germania SDF uniform with rank insignia indicating it was the ship's captain. The Ordo Hereticus had to entrust the Heavenly Temple's examination to the Denizens of the Deep, for only power or Terminator armored Marines could resist the radiation's corruptive effects.

 

In the ship's chapel, the Denizens of the Deep discovered an alarming form of desecration: the Emperor's statue was replaced with that of a inhuman monster, whose octopus-like head was painted over the faces of the Master of Mankind and the Primarchs in the chapel's frescoes. Upon receipt of Phanes' report, Fleet Master [Name] summoned eight additional Companies of the Denizens of the Deep to the Germania System, to purge its planets of corruption (Tenth Company remained at Nahmu, to rebuild the Chapter if the First to Ninth Companies were wiped out).

 

Despite the best efforts of the Denizens of the Deep and their allies, it took them seven long and haunting years to complete the purge and bring the apostates to justice.

 

 

This is pretty great, will happily incorporate it. (Tomorrow/Monday)

[Minigiant]

More great artwork

 

http://68.media.tumblr.com/f3c3b20017bc3f043232adc7139bcdd0/tumblr_inline_owgu5np7dT1tb1qq6_500.png

[Minigiant]

Update to Atreus Phanes (Moved some of the previous info to the History section). I also had to add dual powerfists, as I will be using Marneus Calgar rules for him

 

FLEET MASTER OF THE INQUILIANA ABYSSI

 

Mankind boasts many mortal heroes, men of purpose and dedication without whom the Imperium would crumble. Even amongst their ranks there is a man whose nobility overshadows all others. His triumphs are without number and his deeds the stuff of legend. His name is Atreus Phanes, Master of the Deep and Lord of the Abyss.

 

To know the deeds behind the legend of Atreus Phanes, one would have to have the doors to one of the Abyssi’ Librariums opened for them. At their heart lies a vault where the records of  the greatest heroes of the Denizens of the Deep are kept. Thus far the volumes dedicated to Phanes are only outnumbered by those dedicated to the Old Bellator, Summanus.

 

Since being unanimously appointed Fleet Master, at the death of [NAME] and the subjugation of the [bLAH BLAH] Rebellion on [LOCATION], Phanes has earned himself such titles as; Satrap of the Trident of Vengeance, Void Bringer, Warlord of the Sea, and Trident of Judgement. Cold and ruthless, a legend whose name is either revered as that of a living saint who honours the God-Emperor like none other, or damned as a senseless fanatic who has burned entire worlds to cinders at the least sign of the least of sins- there is no middle ground for how he’s regarded.

 

Though an accomplished general and admiral, the Master of the Deep’s tale is one of zeal and violence; with a desire to slay the enemies of the Imperium, and to spread the word of his God Emperor. It was Phanes who butchered the traitorous Cardinal Karl Heinrich Ehrenstein on [NAME]. They also show it was Phanes wearing his ornate [TYPE] terminator armour and wielding the ancient pair of Kraken Fist who led the assault deep into the heart of [NAME]’s Chaos vessel ‘[NAME]’of the [WARBAND]. Following his orchestrating of a relentless orbital barrage, sat surrounded by data-feeds, tabulation servitors, and casualty reports, constantly watching for signs of corruption and sin, like a hound for the scent of blood. Aboard the ‘[NAME]’ he slammed into its ruinous crew and executed all lieutenants before [NAME] escaped; who had severed Phanes’ arm off  half a dozen years prior. In a rage that his enemy had escaped, Phanes almost destroyed the [NAME] single handily with his bare hands from the inside out.

 

Overall he is quoted as personally slaying renegade Chapter Masters, Ork Warbosses, Corsair Princes, and Champions of the Dark Gods; all in part of revelling in the pleasure of the utter destruction of his foes, being a brutal tactician, a diligent and disciplined logistician and strategist, and a master of combat. A veteran of a hundred battles, his body riddled with cybernetic augments, and a sheer spite and malice; enough to allow him to shrug off wounds that would fell a lesser Astartes. In Atreus Phanes the Denizens have themselves a leader who will fight until the stars turn cold, not only for their God Emperor, but for Mankind itself.

Edited September 18, 2017 by Minigiant

[Minigiant]

With what I want to achieve with this DIY Chapter, I should probably sit down a work out a structure how to achieve it rather than just do bits and pieces here and there. Until I do that

 

I need ideas for background behind "Not Telion" and "Not Chronus"

[Bjorn Firewalker]

"Not Chronus" should have Gustaf Johansen (a seaman, his ship rammed and injured Cthulhu in 'The Call of Cthulhu') as his namesake. Naturally, his backstory should include a mention of how he hotwired a wrecked tank, rammed a Daemon Prince and pinned the monster's legs beneath the tracks, allowing Fleet Master Phanes to shoot the immobilized Daemon Prince's head and send the monster back to Hell. Edited September 19, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I considered "Rodebert Havard" as "Not Telion's" name, naming the character after Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian), whom H.P. Lovecraft nicknamed "Two-Gun Bob". I'm not sure if that's appropriate for your setting, though. See the collaborative Cthulhu mythos story The Challenge from Beyond, and the sharp contrast in the sections Howard and Lovecraft wrote, regarding man's place in the galaxy. Edited September 19, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Minigiant]

"Not Chronus" should have Gustaf Johansen (a seaman, his ship rammed and injured Cthulhu in 'The Call of Cthulhu') as his namesake. Naturally, his backstory should include a mention of how he hotwired a wrecked tank, rammed a Daemon Prince and pinned the monster's legs beneath the tracks, allowing Fleet Master Phanes to shoot the immobilized Daemon Prince's head and send the monster back to Hell.

 

 

I considered "Rodebert Havard" as "Not Telion's" name, naming the character after Robert E. Howard (creator of Conan the Barbarian), whom H.P. Lovecraft nicknamed "Two-Gun Bob". I'm not sure if that's appropriate for your setting, though. See the collaborative Cthulhu mythos story The Challenge from Beyond, and the sharp contrast in the sections Howard and Lovecraft wrote, regarding man's place in the galaxy.

 

Thank you

 

As for names, I have a lot of flexibility thanks to the Reparatory Worlds. Sergeant Havard will be from one of them

Edited September 20, 2017 by Minigiant

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Glad to be of help.

[Minigiant]

Update to Nahmu description

 

NAHMU

 

The homeworld of the Inquiliana Abyssi is Nahmu. It is situated in the galactic south of the Segmentum Tempestus at the edge of the Veiled Region, from which come the raiders and despoilers of the foul Xenos. Nahmu is thus at the forefront of the Imperium’s defence against Xenos. The Denizens of the Deep maintain a vigil that began millennia ago at the close of the Age of Redemption, and watch over a hundred worlds besides. Their domain spreads far and wide across the scattered stars that girdle the Ainu system, but it is the haunted death world at its heart that the Inquiliana Abyssi call home.

 

Nahmu is a world of light and dark, dominated by the eternal struggle of survival against corruption. It is listed in the Apocrypha of Skaros as one of the three most deadly and turbulent worlds inhabited by man – for all indicators would have suggested that life would have been wiped out in their extinction level event, and that if by some divine miracle the once proud imperial citizens survived, life could never have been maintained – and yet despite all of that, against all the odds, it did. Land once the foundation of this former agri-world now lies as the sea bed, littered with once great hive cities, now hundreds of fathoms below the surface. The massive radiation leak from the crashed Space Hulk melted the ice caps and transformed the planet into a haunted water world.

 

Descendants of those survivors live in the harsh world the impact created. Navigating around the pockets of severe radiation, and contaminated waters, on floating rigs and vessels, salvaging whatever they can from their old world. It is the only way to survive, and it is dangerous and precarious, they contend with contamination, radiation, and the merciless mutant creatures that seek to drag their souls to the depths. Life does not survive on Nahmu for more than a day without a struggle, with intensity over the ever-dwindling resources, and constantly being beset upon by that that inhabits the depths. The people have become worn, and hard. It is the only way to survive their harsh realities.

 

Those free of taint have gathered together forming makeshift communities out of necessity, to fight off that which stalks the depths. Fortified Rigs and Vessels built predominately from salvaged scraps of metal recovered from the ruined space hulk, and from their old world, litter the sea. You can find these drifting communities scattered all across Nahmu’ sea, each one differs in origin and size. With every passing night their lives become more precarious as the technology they use to defend themselves slowly degrades around them. It is fitting then that Nahmu’s lower gothic translates as ‘Old Mother’.

 

IMPERIAL CULT

 

With the slow death of hope the Imperial Creed has grown strong and has established itself in the mainstay of the Nahmunian lives. As their predicament worsens with every passing night the power of the Imperial Cult grows stronger, and with it Xenophobia. The power of the Cult and the intolerance of infidels is actively fostered by the Denizens; to loath imperfect, physical and spiritual corruption, and disease; for it moulds righteousness and zeal hardened youth. It ensures the Chapter's recruits are strong-willed, used to hardship and driven by a religious desire to seek repentance and retribution upon the infidels who shun the Emperors light.

 

Through all of this it has taught those free of taint to believe their situation is because of what now inhabits the sea, the creatures are mere manifestations of the Emperors judgement for not being devoted, and that only through absolute devotion to the Emperor as the saviour of mankind will they atone for their sins. The Abyssi have absorbed this Belief; the Abominations that inhabit the oceans are an existential manifestation of the God Emperors will, bought down upon them as a divine test of faith.

 

THE SAVAGE SEAS

 

All of the horrors of Nahmu live within the sea, and it is on those huge unforgiving grey oceans that the Nahmunians must live and fight if their species is to survive. It is not an easy life. There are many monstrous abominations that inhabit the oceans, mutants with a vaguely anthropoid outline, heads with faces of masses of feelers, scaly, rubbery-looking bodies, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, that school together to swarm unprepared vessels. The aquatic behemoth Insectoid to Toad like Squids capable of consuming entire vessels in a single swallow. Others are black, festering, amorphous masses that constantly blast and erupt violently, spewing out bits of churning lava-like material. All seek to pluck a sailor from a deck and drag them to their death in the cold waters. Still others are too uncertain in form to describe, many tentacle things with razor beaks and cold eyes like beacons that shine deep below. It is against these creatures the Nahmunians’ faith is tested against, and those that emerge alive will be delivered unto salvation.

 

To survive on such a planet as Nahmu, one must be pure of faith from the cradle to the grave. This is why the child-gift is an Aquila, and why those that will not grasp it are thrown overboard to die quickly in the depths.  Their survival depends on their faith and devotion in their God Emperor.

 

With a world entirely covered in water, Nahmunians must be masters of the waves, able to fight, navigate, and endure through great storms. Time on the brutal ocean comes to end with either a watery grave, or fighting to survive an attack from one of the dreaded lurkers from bellow. The competition for food and resources is great, and the vessel-states are often drawn into conflict over the planet’s precious and dwindling resources.

 

THE WARRING STATES

 

Of these resources the most valuable of all is clean drinking water. No one knows how much the water will change as the turning of the tides. Sometimes old clean water sources survive the changing tides, and a slither of good fortune will preserve a vessel state’s territory intact for a bit longer, but it is more likely that the water source will become contaminated. Many sources will be reduced or completely decimated so that only a few can live where before there were many. When this happens there will be all out war between communities and only those that succeed in finding new sources of clean water and re-establishing themselves will prevail.

 

Once the tide settles and a new source of water is found the Nahmunians must act quickly, for soon their supplies will run out. If they can find no clean water their only option is to resume war with vessel-states that have. So it is the life of the Nahmunians is one of continual sailing, and of constant, bitter warfare.

 

DWELLERS OF THE DEEP

 

Despite their eternal hardship, the Nahmunians understand their suffering for their penitence, for it is only souls forged by such a life that can become the greatest of the Emperor’s defenders. It is from these ___ and ____ vessel-states that the Denizens of the Deep recruit their brothers.

 

Although Nahmu is the world of the Abyssi, the chapter occupies only Dimitar, built deep into the seabed, shrouded from mortal eyes by black murky water. The remainder of Nahmu is left in its tumultuous state and the people survive the best they can amidst the endless horrors. The Void Stalkers and Apothecaries maintain a careful eye upon the warring seas, but never appear openly amongst the vessel-states. To them the Denizens of the Deep are just another haunter in the dark, that comes to drag their soul to the depths. 

 

DIMITAR

The Chapters Fortress-Monastery, is constructed deep on the sea beds surface built around the sealed vault from the ‘Curse of Nahmu’ they were sworn to protect. Its weapons more than a match for any armada that may seek to destroy them, row upon row of gun ports and sea to space lance-batteries line its outside walls. Inside can be considered one large chapel with large swathes of space are given over for each fleet to maintain its own place of worship, as well as to record the mighty deeds they befell onto the enemies of the Emperor. The bodies of those who have given their lives for the Abyssi, and the Emperor, are laid to rest in the crypts dug deep into the planet’s surface; Watched over by sleeping heroes of a bygone time, resting within the confines of their Dreadnought. Dimitar is more than a Fortress-Monastery it is also a prison, a place that transcends time as does their legacy, spanning millennia; it now holds the records and tales of the Chapters action. It protects their holy relics, provides the proving grounds upon which their fine warriors train, and continues to safely contain the vault.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The additional details are welcome.

 

By the way, are there any Orders of the Adepta Sororitas stationed on Nahmu? Maybe an Order Hospitaller that, in addition to healing the sick and wounded Nahmu colonists, examine the people for signs of mutation, sedating the newly discovered mutants for delivery to the Denizens of the Deep (who'll use the mutants in the Trial of Fire)? Is there an Order Militant to escort the Order Hospitaller members as they go about there duties, in addition to countering the Denizens of the Deep if any Marines turn renegade?

 

If such Orders exist, where do they recruit from? Nahmu itself, or from planets the Inquisition deems "free of taint"?

Edited September 21, 2017 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Minigiant]

The additional details are welcome.

 

By the way, are there any Orders of the Adepta Sororitas stationed on Nahmu? Maybe an Order Hospitaller that, in addition to healing the sick and wounded Nahmu colonists, examine the people for signs of mutation, sedating the newly discovered mutants for delivery to the Denizens of the Deep (who'll use the mutants in the Trial of Fire)? Is there an Order Militant to escort the Order Hospitaller members as they go about there duties, in addition to countering the Denizens of the Deep if any Marines turn renegade?

 

If such Orders exist, where do they recruit from? Nahmu itself, or from planets the Inquisition deems "free of taint"?

 

I honestly had not given it any thought. It would make sense for the Hospitaller

 

If they did exist, I see them there only as a relief force. Shipped in to help. Kinda like how 'we' send aid to countries after natural disasters etc

 

I have also updated Origins in OP as well as delete cult and belief system. It has been folded into one.