The Lions Stand

[Company Master Holden]

Good afternoon everyone! I have been a long time fan of the site and finally decided to join up. I am excited to be a part of such an active community. 

 

I recently had an idea for a custom Dark Angel Successor Chapter that I wanted to share with you. Well, not necessarily a new Chapter, rather a remaking of an already established one: The Lions Sable. I was intrigued by their story and I couldn't help but wonder, what if they actually survived? If they did, how did they do it? How would this affect the Lions organization and relationship to the Dark Angels? Above all, how can I make them unique enough where they are simply not another Dark Angel chapter with a different paint scheme? With this in mind, I developed the following lore following the structures on Lexicanum and the 40k Wiki page. I will link some images to this topic and add lore as I develop it. I am in the last year of my graduate program, so that might end up being few and far between.

 

I would appreciate any and all feedback! 

 

Also, please forgive me if the formatting isn't nice or I did something wrong. I looked for guidelines on posting lore on the Bolter and Chainsword forums and didn't find anything beyond advice on how to develop a chapter. 

 

Chapter Information

War Cry: "The Lions Stand!"

Successors Of : Dark Angels

Successor Chapters: None

Number: 1,000

Primarch: Lion El'Jonson

Chapter Master: Michael

Homeworld: Fleet based, formely Nachwald

Fortress Monastary: Fleet based, The Fury of Caliban

Allegiance: Imperium of Man

Colors: Black, crimson highlights on head and chest armor plate, bone white tabards

 

Overview

 

During the Forgotten Wars (580.M31-632.M32), the Lions Sable joined a strike force consisting of the Dark Angels, Angels of Vengeance, and the Angels of Redemption to assist in the hunt for the Fallen Angel Cypher. Their trail led them to the planet of Cocytus I, a planet located within the Eye of Terror. On this planet the Lions Sable discovered a great tower covered in the symbols and livery of the Dark Angels, a vertiable den of Fallen Angels. Requesting reinforcements, the Unforgiven descended in force upon Cocytus I to deal death to their traitor brethren. The Lions Sable committed their entire chapter to the attack alongside half of the Dark Angels forces and the Angels of Redemption and Vengeance. After committing to the battle, it was revealed that the planet of Cocytus I would be consumed by a massive warp storm. All of the forces of the Unforgiven retreated except for the Lions Sable, who insisted on staying and destroying the Fallen. Purson, the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, stayed behind with the Lions Sable. The warp storm swallowed Cocytus I, and that was the last anyone ever saw of Purson or the Lions Sable. To cover up their debacle, the Dark Angels staged an accident that destroyed any records of the Lion Sable or the Forgotten Wars.

 

Little did the Dark Angels know that Lions Sable actually survived Cocytus I. During the cosmic event of the Great Rift, Cocytus I was vomited back into real space. Rather than making contact with their parent chapter, the Lions contacted Imperial authorities. It was agreed upon that the Lions Sable would join the forces of the Imperium during the Indomitus Crusade as soon as they were back to full strength. Slowly but surely their numbers grew with the influx of Primaris forces, armor, equipment, and regular Space Marines. The Lions set about their task of cleanising the enemies of the Imperium with zeal, purging the traitors with the bolter and the chainsword.

 

However, the Lions Sable harbor a dark secret. Though the stock of the Lion had long carried a terrible burden, the Lions Sable carried one that could tear apart the 1st Legion and drive a wedge betwen them and the Imperium they served. During a battle on Cocytus I known to the Lions as the "Death of Pride," the chapter was shattered. It was only through the intervention of an unexpected ally that they were able to survive and eventually overcome their enemies. In truth, it was members of the Fallen who saved them, those who turned their back on the Lion unknowingly and unwillingly, led astray not out of corruption of soul but by the lies of Luther. Seeking redemption, they took pity on their brethren. Together they fought against the nightmares of the Warp and the forces of the Fallen that had embraced Chaos completely. It was through the crucible of battle that the Lions and the members of those still loyal Fallen created an unbreakable bond, and once they emerged victorious the Lions inducted them into their chapter and recognized them as their leaders. Thus the Lions fight not only against the forces of darkness but against time itself, as they know their secret can only last so long. Yet as long as one Lion still stands, they will give their all for the Imperium. And there is no doubt: The Lions Stand.

 

"Death of Pride"

 

Crucial to the history of the Lions Sable is the event known as the "Death of Pride." Half whispered in the halls of their newly rebuilt and recommissioned fleet-based Fortress Monastery The Fury of Caliban, it is a tale of sorrow, unimaginable loss, and a grim reminder of the price of hubris. All Lion Sable recruits must memorize the battle as it unfolded and the names of the Lions who fell upon Cocytus I, for it is only through the understanding of the past can the Lions secure their future.

 

After the Lions Sable issued their refusal to retreat despite the oncoming Warp Storm, Supreme Grand Master Purson of the Dark Angels ordered the rest of the Unforgiven forces to leave Cocytus I. Purson, however, stayed behind with the Lions, taking with him a retinue of his finest forces. As the scarlet trails of the retreating Thunderhawks faded upon the foul wind of the corrupted planet, Purson and the Lions Sable began forming a battle plan to destroy the Fallen forces. Purson and Zarachael, the Chapter Master of the Lions Sable, knew that the Warp storm would soon engulf the doomed planet, bringing with it the nightmarish hellscape of the Empyrean. However, they noticed that the Tower of Fallen Angels seemed to have Gellar Fields built into its foundation. It seemed that the Fallen predicted the Warp storm and planned on riding it out in their fortress. If the Lions Sable could capture the Tower and activate the Gellar Fields, they would be safe from the storm. Additionally, it would also allow the Lions the chance to crush their traitor brethren once and for all.

 

It was decided that the battle for the fate of the Chapter would be fought on the plains in front of the Tower of Angels. Tactical Marines, Heavy Weapons Teams, and Lions Sable armor would form a battle line directly in front of the fortress with Assault Marines positioned behind the lines in case the enemy succeeded in penetrating the formation. The Ravenwing would be tasked with protecting the battle line's flank, striking the enemy where they were weakest and pushing them back towards the middle of the field where they could be decimated by bolter and heavy weapons fire. Lastly, it was the Deathwing that would administer the killing blow. They, led by Purson, Zarachael, and the Chapter's Librarius, would fall upon the center of the traitors forces and cut their leadership down. The enemy, pinned by the anvil, would be crushed by the hammer.

 

The battle commenced as disciplined fire erupted from the Lions' battle line. Bolter rounds cut through the Fallen as Plasma and Lascannon weaponry lanced through the air, destroying fortifications and reducing enemy armor to ash. Predator turrets swung from side to side, annihilating priority targets while Whirlwinds dropped barrage after barrage of death dealing munitions on the traitors. On the wind came the roaring of engines, signalling the Ravenwing's charge. Landspeeders flew across the battlefield, fire pouring from their cowling. Ravenwing bikes jinked and bounced their way into the opponent's lines, appearing in one spot only to disappear and strike at another position, leaving nothing behind but mangled bodies and clouds of rust colored dirt. Faced with such fury, the Fallen battle line began to buckle under the Lions onslaught.

 

Now was the time for the killing strike. The air crackled and smelled of burning ozone as the elite of the Lions Sable, the Deathwing, appeared amongst the midst of the traitors in the shadow of the Tower of Fallen Angels. At the head of their forces were Purson and Zarachael, their banners snapping in the foul wind, their weapons held high. From the accounts of those that survived, they said that in that moment they truly saw a semblance of The Lion in these two champions. With warcries upon their lips, the Deathwing set to the work of purging the heretics. Storm bolters roared, power weapons crackled, and powerful psychic attacks ripped across the ramparts as the battle came to its climax. It seemed then and there that the Lions' battle plan would succeed in glorious victory.

 

However, that outcome was not meant to be. Rumors circulated after the Forgotten Wars, before the Lions Sable were recovered, that the chase for Cypher and the disaster at Cocytus I was actually an elaborate trap set by Tzeentch for the Dark Angels and their successors. Though this was dismissed by some at the time, the Lions Sable discovered in the ruins of the Tower of Fallen Angels that the rumor was all too true. Just as they were about to claim victory, a Keeper of Secrets named Kyroth the Seer manifested itself before Purson and the Deathwing. With it came a host of Thousand Sons Rubric Marines, gibbering Horrors bounding along in their wake. Raising its head high, Kyroth unleashed a soul rending screech and the automata of the Thousand Sons opened fire. Purson, realizing the tide was turning against him and the Lions, launched himself at Kyroth. Purson was one of the greatest warriors of the Unforgiven, a peerless swordsman and brilliant strategist. During his long life he had defeated and banished many demons. Yet, because Kyroth was a creature of the Warp and Cocytus I located within the Eye of Terror, he was more powerful than he would have been in the mortal realm. With a flick of its apian hand, Purson's ceramite armor cracked and bent, crushing him like a tin can. In a blink of an eye it was over; the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels lay twisted and mangled on the ground, the Sword of Silence and the Lion Helm at his side. Howls of joy erupted from the traitors lines as they renewed the attack. It was then that the slaughter truly began.

 

Zarachael and the remaining Deathwing were stunned by Purson's death. Yet they knew that if they failed to kill Kyroth the Seer, it could mean the death of their Chapter. Roaring in defiance, the Deathwing struck back. Maces hummed with violent energy as they slammed into the Thousand Son's armor with crackling discharges. Assault Cannon barrels glowed the color of boiling blood as round after round found their target. Librarians dealt swift death with their Power Weapons while searing the minds and souls of their enemies with the power of the Warp. However, it was not enough. One by one the champions of the Lions Sable fell, blasted apart by traior fire or scoured by the sorcery of Kyroth. When the smoke cleared, Zarachael, the Librarius, and the entire 1st Company lay broken in the ruins and ramparts of the Tower of Fallen Angels. With the spear blunted and the head of the legion cut off, Kyroth now prepared to rip the heart and soul out of the Lions Sable.

 

The Lions battle line first got wind that something was amiss when the traitor forces, which were previously retreating, renewed their attack with sudden ferocity. When they attempted to raise the Deathwing strike force on the Vox, all they could hear was static. Suddenly, flashes of brilliant blue light erupted up and down the Lions battle line. When the light faded, in their place stood Scarab Occult Terminators, the elite of the traitorous Thousand Sons. In eerie silence they reaped a harvest of flesh and blood, cutting down their prey like so much chaff. Bolts of Warp energy seared through the air as Thousand Son socerers joined the fight, reducing their targets to ash on the winds. Within minutes the Lions battle line began to crumble as their forces were slaughtered wholesale and their armored legions reduced to smouldering wrecks. Conducting a desperate fighting retreat, the Lions tried to raise the Ravenwing forces on their flanks for reinforcements. Their help would never come.

 

The Ravenwing, emboldened by their success, had allowed themselves to be drawn away from the main battle lines. When the garbled requests for reinforcements came from their battle-brothers, they gunned their engines and raced back to help. They would never make it back in time. Horrors appeared on all sides, spewing balefire and dark magiks into their ranks. Landspeeders disappeared in fiery explosions, bright as stars. Darkshrouds lay ruined, their relics of old Caliban broken and cast upon the ground. Ravenwing bikers and Black Knights dodged and evaded the rounds as best they could, but even they could not hold out forever. One by one they were destroyed, until there remained nothing left but a graveyard of burnt out vehicle husks and corpses to mark the final resting place of the Ravenwing of the Lions Sable.

 

In that dark hour, all hope seemed lost. Surrounded and best on by all sides, the Lions Sable prepared to sell their lives dearly. It was at this moment, in the jaws of defeat, that the Lions themselves were delivered. Bolter fire streamed from unknown vectors, decimating the Fallen and Thousand Son infantry. Cataphractii and Tartaros Terminators appeared, striking down the Scarab Occult Warriors. On the horizon, Fellblades and other arcane machinery from an archaic past rained death and destruction upon the forces besieging the Lions. And, perhaps most magnificent of all, a lone figured appeared in front of Kyroth, clad in black terminator armor and wielding a massive greatsword and stormshield. With a mighty roar, the two launched themselves at each other.

 

With the unexpected reinforcements, the Lions were able to fall back to rallying points, saving the chapter from utter annihilation. Though there were a few Deathwing and Ravenwing that managed to survive, most of the ones that survived the event that would later become known as the “Death of Pride” were regular line troops. As they dug in, they couldn’t help but wonder who their saviours were. Rumors circulated wildly. Was this the Legion of the Damned? Had the Angels of Vengeance Returned? Or was this the work of a rival Chaos warband? With these questions in the back of their mind, they prepared for the inevitable counterattack. It wouldn’t be until the next day that their answers would be provided, answers that would forever change the course of the Lions Sable.

 

"The Valley of the Shadow"

 

All through the night, the Lions arrived at the rally point. Sometimes they came in pairs or small groups, but many came alone. Their sable colored armor was cracked, bent and chipped, purity seals and company banners naught but blood and dirt encrusted rags flapping in the breeze. At very rare times the Lion lookouts would see the hulking form of a Deathwing terminator emerge from the darkness, or the low growl that heralded the arrival of a Ravenwing and his mount. Never did they see the rank and heraldry of a Company Master or Librarian. Of the 1,200 Lions that joined the assault, only 150 remained.

 

The highest ranking member of the Lions Sable left, Brother Sergeant Lydios, gathered together a council of 8 to decide what to do next. Without their armor, the Deathwing, the Ravenwing, the Librarius, or the Chaplaincy, they were crippled. Furthermore, the impending Warp Storm that would swallow Colcytus I threatened their existence. They did not have the numbers nor the resources to launch another frontal assault, but they also could not bleed the enemy dry with precision strikes as it would take too long. It was then that the idea was put forward to infiltrate the keep and banish Kyroth back to the Warp. Without the Librarius it was going to be a longshot, and Lydios wasn’t quite convinced that it would be the best way to sell the remaining Lions’ lives. Much like their parent chapter, the Lions took a vote with black and white marbles. Black votes meant infiltrate the keep, white meant that they would attempt to draw the enemy out and conduct a heroic last stand. When the results came in, the Lions’ fate was sealed; the black marbles outweighed the white, and they would infiltrate the keep.

 

As they dispersed to ready their wargear, Lydios caught a glimpse of a figure in the corner of his eye. The rest of the council saw it too, bringing their bolt pistols to bear and activing chainswords and power weapons. The figure was wearing black armor, remarkably similar to the Lions own heraldry. Lydios ordered the figure to step forward, and when it did Lydio’s hair stood on edge. The figure was clad in relic Tartaros Terminator armor which, while beaten and scarred, was the color of blackest night, seemingly drawing in and cancelling all the light around it. The remains of his tabard were bone white, though not much remained un-tattered or un-burnt except his hood. Upon his back rested a greatsword, its hilt stylized like that of an outstrectched eagle’s wings, and the pommel was a roaring lion. His storm shield displayed his heraldry; a large tree bisected in two with a green robed figure standing in front of the tree. On the right side of the tree was a Lion roaring defiantly, below it a world of unknown origin with a background the color of the old forests of Caliban. On the left side was the same Lion, but the world was cracked and burning, its background a searing red color. But, perhaps of most interest to Lydios and his brethren, on his shoulder stood, in the color of dried blood, the sword and wing sigil of the Dark Angels.

 

Lydios knew that he was staring at a member of The Fallen. Prior to his role as a Sergeant, he served as a Huntmaster of the Ravenwing. A plasma cannon shot 80 years ago took his left leg and arm, and although the prosthetics were top quality, he could never ride again. Rather than be relegated to clerical service, he demanded a position leading the footsoldiers of the Lions Sable. The rest of the council were not so well informed. The Lions had, much like their parent chapter, kept the secret of The Fallen from their soldiers, shielding them from the truth and furthering their ignorance. A hot wave of rage washed over Lydios; he drew his chainsword and charged The Fallen Angel in front of him with a shout of pure hatred.

 

The Fallen sidestepped his attack with contemptuous ease. Lydios, off balance, whirled around and aimed his chainsword in a broad, sweeping ark at the Fallen’s head. The storm shield came up fast, the chainswords teeth bouncing off the surface. With a quick motion, the Fallen slammed the shield into Lydios, sending him tumbling backwards. In that moment, to Lydios’ eternal shame, he lost his grip on his chainsword. When he got back on his feet, the Fallen had snapped the chainsword over his knee, tossing the pieces over his back. By then the rest of the council had produced their weapons out of instinct to defend Lydios. Before they could charge, the Fallen spoke in a low, raspy voice. “In the name of The Lion, still yourselves and listen to what I have to say.” With these words, the rebirth of the chapter began.

 

The Fallen removed his hood, revealing a face burned by the light of a thousand suns, scars crisscrossing its features. Brother Nemah, an Assault Marine whose squad was killed in the opening battle on the plains of Colcytus I, spoke first. “Who are you, and what is your purpose?” Lydios, getting his bearings again, growled. “A damned traitor and a liar is who he is.” The Fallen slowly turned his face to look at Lydios, his broken face cracked into a grin. “A liar? Your hypocrisy is as amusing as it is disturbing.” Nemah, puzzled, looked at Lydios. “What does he mean, Brother Sergeant?” “His intent is irrelevant,” Lydios barked, “his death is the only useful thing he can provide us.” The Fallen shook his head and turned to the council. “It would seem that you don’t know about your history, about our history. How your leaders,” at this he gestured violently toward Lydios “are the one ones who wrought this terrible fate upon you. How their sins and blindness landed you here upon Colcytus I.” At this he looked Lydios in the eyes. “And how, by their actions, they put your brothers in an early grave.”

 

Lydios was a blur of sable colored armor as he charged The Fallen. To Lydios’ surprise, Nemah intervened between the two, knocking Lydios to the ground. “Fool!” Lydios spat. “This man, this, thing is nothing but a self-serving thrall of the Dark Gods.” “He may be,” Nemah said, “but we do things as a council. And, if I remember correctly, you are not the sole member of it.” Lydios’ eyes widened in shock. He pushed Nemah off of him and looked at the rest of the council. “If that is what you want, take a vote and I shall abide by it.” Lydios shot a vehemous look at The Fallen. “Though I warn you, brothers, to tolerate this scum invites evil into our chapter.” The council all nodded their agreement and took a vote; black in favor of listening to The Fallen, white against. And of all of them, Lydios was the only one who voted against. The Fallen, seeing the results, sat his sword and shield down at the edge of the table. “Let me tell you of the Fall of Caliban, and the death of the Lion.”

 

As the story unfolded, the council members shock could be felt in the air. Unbelief turned to confusion and confusion turned to anger. Lydios was familiar with the story of the Fall, and he too felt the anger the others were experiencing for the first time. However, the story The Fallen told became different when it came to the final battle, the ultimate betrayal. “I was there when the Lion died,” The Fallen said. He closed his eyes as if in a trance, and his voice dropped even lower. “They looked magnificent, the Primarch and his Father. Both of them giants amongst men, legends amongst us mortals. Their fight had all the fury of a warp storm, their clash as primal as the beasts of Caliban legend.” He opened his eyes again, looking out amongst the council. “When the Lion bested Luther, I felt a wave of dread. I tried to hack my way through my enemies to get to him, but a squad of tactical marines tied me down. It was then that I saw it.” The Fallen’s eyes grew soft, his features softening. “The Lion had him. Luther was defeated. He should have struck him down. Luther always made it seem like the Lion was a tyrant, a cold blooded, conniving killer. Yet, he spared his hand, out of love for his father. The moment took my breath away.”

 

The Fallen got up and paced back to the end of the table where his weapons lay, his back to the council. “Luther did not feel such reservations. When he struck down the Lion, I saw him for what he truly was; a liar, a coward, and a traitor.” He turned back to the council, hands on the table, eyes gleaming with fire. “As my world fell to pieces, cracked and sundered by the arrogance and hubris of a man that I trusted with my life, I realized the gravity of my mistake. As my Primarch, my father, lay broken upon the ground, I realized the damnation that I had wrought upon my soul. The gibbering cries and insane ramblings of that bastard Luther was the crescendo of my fall, the death knell of everything I held dear. As the Warp Storm consumed me, I made a vow that I would right this wrong, that I would find my way back to salvation, and that I would bring retribution to those who stained the honor of my legion.” The air grew silent; even Lydios was drawn in by the Fallen’s oratory. “Since then I have done nothing but serve the Lion and the Emperor. When I came back to real-space, I tried to contact the Dark Angels. It was to my surprise that they arrived, green-armored warriors bearing the heraldry of my legion, ivory clad terminators, and black knights upon black steeds, with nothing but my death in mind. I fled, joining up with like-minded individuals, including the man you call Cypher. We helped where we could, striking at different points, furthering different ends. All of which were meant to help the Imperium. It was Cypher who brought us here, fearing that you would fall into the trap laid by our more traitorous brethren and Tzeentch. And fall for it you did. We led the charge when all seemed lost, we were the ones who saved you. And it is our hope that we can cooperate to see your chapter survive the long night.”

 

With that, The Fallen pushed back from the table. “All I ask is that you allow my brothers and I to serve once more amongst the forces of the Lion.”

 

The council sat unmoving. Nemah looked at Lydios. “Brother, is this true?” Lydios turned to him. “Yes, Caliban was destroyed by our Fallen brethren, and yes, Luther struck down the Lion. The rest of it, however,” Lydios said, his voice rising, “is the lies and manipulation of one trying to save his own skin!” The Fallen opened his hands in a conciliatory gesture. “Brother Lydios, you have a stout heart, and I cannot fault you for your suspicion. I have said my peace, and I offer no more in the way of my defense.” “That is as I figured,” Lydios said, “now, let us reject this offer and give him and his kin the ending they deserve.” Lydios stood up, expecting the others to rise, instead turning to find all of them still sitting. “You cannot be serious!” Lydios exclaimed. “This man is a threat to our legacy! Every moment that he draws breath is an affront to our legacy! Condemn this man!” Nemah rose from his seat. “We will do nothing until we vote.” Lydios stalked over to Nemah, inches away from his face. “I will not tolerate such heresy!” Lydios spat. Nemah’s look hardened, matching Lydios’ anger. “You do not decide, Lydios. I have spent my entire life serving this chapter, this legion. I have watched worlds burn as we abandon them for a different target. I have left brothers on countless battlefields before victory was achieved, their deaths meaningless sacrifices upon an altar that you, and others like you, constructed for us. Not anymore. We will vote our conscious, and we will be the masters of our future, not the slaves of our past.” With that Lydios left the council, and the vote was cast. 

Edited October 14, 2017 by Company Master Holden

[Company Master Holden]

 

Here are the images and descriptions pertaining to the Lions Sable.

[Lhorke The First]

Fantastic work my friend, really looking forward to seeing this take shape.

[Phoebus]

I would bring up two areas of concern:

 

1. Per your storyline, the Librarians and Interrogator-Chaplains of the Dark Angels understandably put the surviving Lions Sable through doubtlessly incredibly scrutiny. How did something so crucial as the Lions' rescue to the Fallen, their subsequent alliance with them, and their integration into the Chapter's structure escape the Dark Angels' notice?

 

2. It feels too convenient that the Lions Sable have returned in the waning years of the 41st Millennium. Why not one of the nine that preceded it?

[Company Master Holden]

Phoebus,

 

Thanks for the feedback! I'll answer your questions with what I have in mind so far. 

 

1) That is something that I am currently working on and hope to flesh out in the next section when the Lions and Fallen start working together. In the Dark Angels Omnibus Sammael is really grilled hard by Azrael and Ezekiel to determine if he is worthy of being the leader of the Ravenwing. Ezekiel combs through his memories using his psychic powers and even projects a "reality" into his head to see what he would do in a given situation. It is only after that the he is elevated to Grand Master of the Ravenwing. Without a doubt, few could stand up to this level of scrutiny. What I sort of have bouncing around in my head right now is the idea that, as far as Interrogation tactics go, Sammael's interrogation was a more in-depth tactic and not standard practice. Sammael was being elevated to a prestigious office and they had to be sure he was up to the task. Thus it might be possible that the examination of the Fallen in the rank and file of the Lions would not be as strenuous as Sammael's and they could keep their secrets hid/avoid discovery. With that being said, I will have to think long and hard about how Michael, a Fallen elevated to Chapter Master status, would have survived the interrogation intact as well as do some research on standard interrogation tactics in the Dark Angels and other chapters to give a more convincing argument on how the Fallen escaped discovery. I am open to any suggestions you might have on that aspect!

 

2) As far as when they returned, I kind of oscillated back and forth on that decision. I thought about having their Strike Cruiser reemerge from the Warp earlier than the events of Dark Imperium, but I felt that was too convenient  because 1) everyone uses that and 2) there was no explicit mention of the Fury of Caliban still being operable or staying with the Lions. And because Cocytus I was swallowed by the Warp and all efforts to find it failed, I felt it would be sort of odd that it just kind of popped out of the Eye of Terror on a Tuesday. I picked the events of the Dark Imperium because I felt it was more plausible that Cocytus I would reemerge into the material realm with the formation of the Great Rift than at any other point in between the Forgotten Wars and the Indomitus Crusade. When I wrote it I kind of pictured a hole in a pocket with a marble in it. It would be hard for the marble to pop out of the hole without forcing it, but if the pocket was ripped open wide it would fall out fairly easily. In addition, I also felt that it would allow the Lions Sable to return without garnering too much attention from the entire Imperium. Their death and records were covered up by the Dark Angels after all, and a lost chapter suddenly appearing claiming to be Successors of the Dark Angels might raise some uncomfortable questions about what they were doing there in the first place.

 

I hope that answers your questions! But yeah, there is definitely a lot to work on with this project. My friend and I were talking yesterday at the gym about how the Lions could defeat Kyroth the Seer, who literally crushed Purson like a tin can, without having excessive amounts of plot armor and Mary Sues everywhere. 

[Phoebus]

To the first point, I think you're right that the Inner Circle would expend a great deal of effort to ensure the loyalty of a brother they sought to raise to the rank and station of Grand Master. Consider, however, that the Lions Sable emerged from the Eye of Terror after ten thousand years, and that they were thought to have been lost in battle against the Fallen. Besides, remember reception the survivors of Cocytus I received from the Inner Circle in the Cypher Dataslate:

 

“As for the survivors of Cocytus that did eventually return, they were spread out amongst the Unforgiven Chapters so their sudden influx would not be noted. For the rest of their lives, each was closely monitored by Company Chaplains to ensure the prolonged Warp exposure had not contaminated them in any way.”

 

Excerpt From: Workshop, Games. “Dataslate: Cypher - Lord of the Fallen (Enhanced Edition).” v1.4. Games Workshop, 2013. iBooks.

This material may be protected by copyright.

I think it's fair to say that mind-probing would be the order of the day, making it difficult for deception to succeed. In either case, the default position of the Inner Circle seems to be dividing survivors and watching them closely. So the question becomes, in what way could Michael and his cohort defeat the talents of the Dark Angels' Librarius? How would they convince the Inner Circle to not simply split them up and spread them out across the many Chapters of the Unforgiven?

 

To your second point, that sounds like good reasoning

 

Something else: just to be sure, you don't have to use the Fury of Caliban as the Lions' flagship. The Fury was merely the first vessel sent in by the Unforgiven, and happened to belong to the Lions Sable; the rest of the Chapter followed, and one must presume that their fleet did as well. Not all Chapters use the traditional pattern of battle barge as their flagship, true, but there would need to be something special about this strike cruiser for it to be picked over more capable vessels.

[Company Master Holden]

Phoebus,

 

Excellent points on each one. I completely forgot that they divided the survivors up and watched hem. Additionally, I will need to figure out why they weren't distributed amongst the other chapters.

 

I wanted to run something by you real quick. Could a strong enough psyker resist the interrogation tactics? If they could, what level of psyker would it take to resist an interrogation and project a different reality into the interrogators head? Or is that even possible, as I imagine they would be aware that the subject was resisting.

 

Secondly, is there an equivalent to a mind wipe in 40k?

 

Sorry for the rough formatting on my phone instead of my lap top.

[Phoebus]

Could a strong enough psyker do what you're asking? Yes, I suppose. Tread with caution, though, since now we're getting into "Could you fool Ezekiel?" territory. Besides being incredibly powerful, the Grand Master of Librarians is the signature Unforgiven psyker. Much of his background lore centers on his ability to root out truth; a third of prospective candidates for the rank of Master or Grand Master simply refused to ascend for fear of being found wanting under his scrying eye, with one Sergeant committing suicide after Ezekiel's probing. Basically, you just need to make sure that the basis of your Chapter doesn't undermine a central character by getting around what makes him special.

 

Please understand, I'm not trying to be negative or contrarian for the sake of it. I truly believe there is a way to achieve what you're looking for, conceptually speaking.

 

To your other question, yes, mind wipes do exist in 40k.

[Company Master Holden]

I don't get the feeling that you are being a contrarian at all! My profession centers around constructive feedback and collaboration. Other people catch your mistakes or bring up points that you miss. And I truly hadn't thought out how the Lions Sable avoided detection, so this is perfect. I want this project to be my crowning achievement in the hobby, so I need to make sure it is a polished product and not something slapped together with more plot holes than a cheese grater. 

 

As for Ezekiel, I understand exactly what you are saying. My thought process for the post last night is that Michael could be a disciple of Zahariel, who is the last mentioned person in the lore to assume the role of Lord Cypher. I have also heard rumors that Cypher is indeed Zahariel, although I was under the impression that he got nommed by the Ouroboros. Regardless, Zahariel is a potent psyker and I thought that if Michael was his disciple, he would also be very powerful. Building on that, when the Warp storm cleared and the Lions were awaiting the arrival of the Dark Angels, Michael realized that the rank and file Fallen would never be able to withstand the interrogation tactics. Thus he initiated a mind wipe of the remaining Lions a la Grey Knights so that they could pass inspection. Then it would simply be whether or not he and a few other Lions could somehow make it through rigorous inspection.

 

Even as I am typing this I realize how shaky the argument is. Because, like you said, Ezekiel is the man and I do not want my chapter undermining one of my favorite characters of my favorite faction. In addition, I am sure that the Lions lack of memory about what happened would set off MAJOR red flags and invariably lead to them being split up and put in the other Unforgiven Chapters, if not worse. Lastly, what I think makes my chapter unique is the fact that the Lions know exactly what happened with the Fallen and the results of their own hubris. If they are mind wiped, then that is over and I might as well just write out the entire Fallen story line out of my plot and make them a regular Successor chapter, which there is nothing wrong with but is not something that I am willing to do. 

 

Sorry for subjecting you to my stream of consciousness right then lol

[Phoebus]

It's quite alright; I enjoy reading well-thought out perspectives on Chapter creation! Also, I think you're hitting the crux of the matter now, with regards to the importance of the Lions Sable and their knowledge of the Fallen. With that in mind, allow me to ask you a pointed question. How important is it to you that the Lions Sable be an integrated part of the Unforgiven?

[Company Master Holden]

Good question! It is not terribly important to me that they remain part of the Unforgiven command structure. When I created the idea for this Chapter, I wanted them to be part of the Imperium, Successors of the Dark Angels, and have the rules of the Dark Angels on the tabletop. In addition, as far as the modelling goes, I thought it would be a nice touch to have individual Fallen characters or sergeants dressed in Horus Heresy Dark Angels equipment or for some of the Dark Angels Knights to be kitbashed with Tartaros or Cataphractii armor. Granted, their rules would still be the same because for some reason GW doesn't think Dark Angels should have access to older marks of Terminator armor, but it would give the Lions some flair and a unique look/vibe. 

 

If the Lions were not part of the Dark Angels command structure, what kind of implications could that have for their relationship to the Unforgiven chapters? Especially if word of their Fallen leaders got out? 

[Phoebus]

I think if you're willing to have the Lions Sable reborn as a Chapter outside of the Unforgiven structure, it gives you a great deal of flexibility. I mean, consider the monumental changes The Gathering Storm III: Rise of the Primarch have announced for the setting. The days when the Fallen were hiding in the shadows or the Eye of Terror are done. Cypher and the Fallen helped Guilliman himself get to Terra. The Unforgiven don't even have the dubious choice of conducting the Hunt, given that the Traitor Legions have been loosed upon the Imperium. They would, of course, be chomping at the bit to catch up with them, just as the Inquisition would eventually turn their gaze on the mysterious Chapter on which there are no records.

 

The other extreme, of course, is to try to come up with a scenario in which Ezekiel is convinced that letting Michael and his Lions Sable go free is in the best interests of the Unforgiven. That sounds crazy, I know, but consider that until The Unforgiven the idea that ...

 

... the Inner Circle would let Cypher go free multiple times ...

... would've been also have been thought of as insane.

[Company Master Holden]

Phoebus, I love the way you think! While it would be interesting to write a story on why Ezekiel lets the Lions Sable exist after discovering the truth of the Fallen, I think your first suggestion is a winner. I think the tension between the Lions Sable, Inquisition, and the Dark Angels/Successors would make for some awesome plots and still add depth to the story, especially if the Dark Angels have to work alongside them during a campaign.

 

I am going to start drawing up an outline that incorporates that idea within the next week and hopefully (fingers crossed) will have the next part of the Lions narrative fleshed out within the month.

 

I really do appreciate the feedback Phoebus, so please be sure to check back every now and then as your continued insight is much appreciated. I am also developing the first Lions Sable character as part of the Paladin/Knight challenge on the B&C. Though I have no pretensions that it will be done before the challenge closes, I will make a point to post it here so you can see the first Lions Sable mini!

[Phoebus]

It was my pleasure. I'm looking forward to seeing your work!

[Company Master Holden]

So I managed to get caught up with some coursework today, so I kitbashed the first Lions Sable character that I am sort of envisioning. It meets the Paladin II Competition requirements, but I am really excited overall about how this turned out as it is literally my first shot at any conversion. I used some Stormcast Eternal Judicator bits and Dark Angels Command Squad bits. It doesn't scream Dark Angels, but I like the subtle references it makes while not being too gaudy. His name is Rykar Jezeriah. 

 

 

If I can get my hands on a Dark Angels upgrade pack I will probably add some more. But then again, fixed incomes make that questionable. Oh well. What can you do. 

[Company Master Holden]

I have completed my first Lions Sable mini. I stayed up way too late and am going to have to play catch up all week, but man I don't regret it. 

 

Behold, Rykar Jezeriah. 

 

[Company Master Holden]

Alright everyone, I have made my first round of edits. Phoebus' advice has been crucial to my understanding of the Lions Sable and the Dark Angels, so the Overview and subsequent plot has been changed. Rather than being reintegrateed by the Unforgiven, the Lions Sable will operate as an independent chapter. Don't worry; they will still have a Dark Angels command structure and units. Furthermore, they will still be a part of the Hunt, although it will be a different Hunt that what we are used to. 

 

In addition to edits on previous material, I have started advancing the storyline. The newly added narrative is the scene where the Fallen finally make bridges with the Lions Sable, offering an alternative view on the Fall of Caliban and the role of the Fallen in the universe at large. It is my first attempt at writing actual dialogue, so once again, please feel free to comment or criticize. Without the guidance of this amazing community I wouldn't have gotten this far. So please, enjoy!

[Matt_149]

I like it the story was better than some 40k novels I've read so well done! Model looks awesome and good choice combining stormcast models and 40k should give a nice variation whilst still being obviously a space marine :)

[Company Master Holden]

Thank you Matt! It makes me feel a lot better that my work is being received positively. Everything sounds good when you are writing it, but as we all know that doesn't translate that well all the time!

 

I find myself in need of guidance yet again. It is no secret that the Lions Sable will indeed accept the Fallens' help, but now I have backed myself into a corner. The Lions Sable and the Fallen will need a force that is large enough, or at least powerful enough, to succeed in taking the Fortress where the Lions Sable failed. So I guess my question is, what is the largest concentration of Fallen to have ever existed? Would the Fallen have access to heavy armor support? Is it feasible that Imperial Guard would defect to join the Fallen?

 

Thanks in advance you guys!

[Steel Company]

HH era fallen would likely have access to all the HH era toys, so Bassies and other have ordnance.

 

My own chapter has a simular standing with the rest of the Unforgivin, though in their eyes it is the Lion's fault for the rift between them and their cousins.... So the Dragons of Caliban could be counted as allies of yours.