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IA: Crimson Sons of Vengeance V0.1


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Updated: July 22nd 2019

 

CHAPTER NAME

Crimson Sons of Vengeance

 

SUMMARY

▪ GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): Blood Angels

▪ FOUNDING: 25th founding(Late M40)

▪ CHAPTER MASTER: Commanding Chaplain Alvoro(Early M42)

▪ CHAPTER WORLD: Kavillion Secondus

▪ FORTRESS MONASTERY: Templum Luctus

▪ MAIN COLOURS: Deep Red(Primary), Bone(Secondary), Black or Gold trim

▪ BATTLE CRY:

Force Leader/Chaplain: What are you to the Angel Above?

Response: His Sons!

FL/C: What are you to the enemy?

R: WRATH AND DEATH!

 

▪ CURRENT STRENGTH: 1500 strong counting Death Company, Sanguinary Guard, Neophytes and Chapter Serfs

▪ KNOWN DESCENDANTS: None as of M41.

▪ ALLEGIANCE: Inquisitorial mistrust but loyal to the Emperor and supremely loyal to the Blood Angels and Sanguinius

 

ORIGIN OF THE CHAPTER:

The chapter was created after the warp storm which developed in the Dolchiate Sector had grown to swallow an entire solar system into it. They are to be the guardians of the sector and principally reside within the Semyon System.

 

CHAPTER HOMEWORLD:

Kavillion Secondus was a lush rural world some millennia ago. Imperial records are able to show reports of an apocalyptic level carnage which affected all of the worlds of the Sector. The only conclusions that could be drawn from this highly censored data are that all Imperial Forces were forced into abandoning the Sector and that in that absence, Xenos and Heretical Forces alike were able to move in and mold the worlds into a parody of what they once were.

Being a world twice the size of Holy Terra, with a slightly augmented gravity level compared to the homeworld of humanity, Kavillion Secondus is a world of few agri fields and many war fields. Since The Retaking it has supplied more men and women then food or resources to the war effort.

The citizens of Kavillion Secondus live in tribal villages. The most populace of these villages have been known to reach numbers of less than a hundred people. With little food, shelter or gainful livings available to them, the various inhabitants of the villages will often turn to infighting and treachery just to survive. This has the adverse effect of creating a populace of extremely selfish, sceptical and violent human beings. Where as Baal can create Angels out of the most sickly and weak of mankind, Kavillion Secondus creates them out of Devils themselves.

The homeworld of the Sons resides in the Symeon System and is the only habitable world of the system. It is neighboured by a death world and a ferro world. A shadow presides over the entire system, the husk of what remains of Kavillion Prime, a planet shattered many millennia ago by an order of Exterminatus, the reasons now censored from all Imperial Records save those of the highest Inquisitorial clearances. Prime is now considered a sanctuary world by the Crimson Sons of Vengeance.

 

COMBAT DOCTRINE:

The Crimson Sons, much like any sons of the Angel, favour close quarters fighting. But due to the high demand of assistance in the systems of the Dolchiate Sector, they have allowed the Battle Companies to operate as Fleet Based Forces. This independence permits the Sons to be at multiple locations at once and develops a specialisation within each Battle Company for the challenges that await it on hundreds if not thousands of battlefields in the Sector.

The Veteran, Specialist and Scout companies abide on Kavillion Secondus and elements of each are shared amongst the Fleet Forces as dictated by the requirements of each.

 

ROLL OF HONOR:

C.Early M41 - The Retaking Campaign

The entirety of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance Chapter completes its warp jump into the Dolchiate Sector and travels into the Semyon System aboard its massive fleet. They immediately assess the system as one ideal for a base of operations in the sector and deploy an elite vanguard force unto Kavillion Secondus, facing off against agents of Slaanesh and their traitorous Emperor’s Children allies. Many years are required to completely purge the world of Chaos’ taint but ultimately the Sons prevail and begin construction of the Templum Luctus. It is to be noted that the commander of the Chaos Warband escapes Kavillion Secondus with some kind of priceless artifact, something that Commanding Chaplain Alvoro is not soon to forget.

 

 

120.M41 - The Cleansing of Prime

With the Templum Luctus complete and total control on every world of the Symeon System, the First Captain and Sanguinary Guard focus their attention to the corpse-planet, Kavillion Prime. An elite force of 50 Space Marines arrive and, like a surgeon’s scalpel, remove all of the cancer from the remains of the world in the form of Xenos, of which Aeldari and Genestealers held a heavier presence, while efficiently preserving the relics found about the remains of the once living world. From henceforth Sanguinary Guard will often stand vigil upon what remains of Kavillion Prime.

 

150.M41 - Into The Dark

The Crimsons Sons of Vengeance replenish their Battle Companies and begin the long task set before them of reclaiming the Dolchiate Sector for the Imperium of Man. The 2nd Battle Company, known as the Merciless Specters, take on the slave raiders of the Drukhari that have been plundering the sector of it’s lives and material resources. The 3rd Battle Company, known as the Eruptors, is charged with the resource filled Deork System. The 4th Company, known as the Warp Scorned, answer the challenge of the Rott System, with a main objective to find and eliminate the Warband responsible for Kavillion Secondus’ fall. The 5th Battle Company, known as the Deceivers, are charged with the reclamation of the populace Obeliscus System. Meanwhile the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Companies replenish themselves from the efforts of the Retaking Campaign and begin to establish themselves in the Symeon System.

 

157.M41 - First Contact: Obeliscus

Captain Freytas’ message is received on Kavillion Secundus of the state of affairs in Obeliscus. Warfare is nonexistent. The people seem to go through their day to day lives without any change. The worlds seem compliant to all imperial creed and continue to fulfill their quotas to the ruling governors. Of these however, Freytas has yet to make contact. Initial Imperial estimation was that the system had been eradicated of all life, and yet the life is here and well. Chaplain Marchena is tasked with investigating the state of the hierarchy of the system. Contact with the local Imperial Guard regiments is to be made and establishment of an armed presence begins as the Deceivers seek to find what kept Obeliscus from the carnage and chaos that they found in Symeon.

 

159.M41 - Symeon Reclaimed

First Captain Diogo returns to Kavillion Secondus with his task complete. The 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th company return victorious to the now homeworld of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance having cleared the system of all of Chaos’ taint. The various reports begin to filter in from the furthest regions of the Dolchiate Sector and elements of the reserve companies begin to be sent out to bolster the efforts of their brothers across embattled worlds.

 

162.M41 - First Contact: Rott

Chaplain Cesar establishes contact with the homeworld upon entering the warp storm that now is the Rott System. The Warp Scorned expect to be mostly radio silent until their target is acquired, apprehended and dealt with. Extreme prejudice is authorised from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro.

 

165.M41 - First Contact: Deork

The furthest System of the sector is finally reached by the Eruptors. Their report back to Kavillion Secondus is one of great worry as they describe whole worlds plundered and yet worshiping the infamous Drukhari pirates. Slave ships filled to the point of bursting into the void are boarded and their human cargo freed by the Third Battle Company. They expect and welcome heavy fighting in the coming years, but with Chaplain Pireyra, Captain Rabelo & Sanguinary Priest Martel leading them, the headquarters of the Sons has full confidence in the Third’s will and ability to reclaim Deork.

 

C.Early M41 - Behind the Veil

A shadow war engulfs the Obeliscus System. The Fifth Battle Company is tasked with eliminating the heretical threat to the system, but they must keep it from the eyes of the populace who love the local puppet governors. A political and propaganda driven campaign allows the Deceivers to have each governor replaced and then executed behind the scenes. Although Obeliscus is reconnected with the Imperium of Man, those who pulled the strings are never brought to light.

 

C.Early to Mid M41 - The Elusive Prey

The Merciless Specters make first contact with the various Drukhari raiders of the Symeon System in the first quarter of the 41st Milenia. Assisted by the other elements of the Crimons Sons of Vengeance allows them to free many hundreds of thousands of human souls from the Xenos’ grasp and slave ships. It isn’t long before Symeon becomes a fruitless reaping ground for the Drukhari, but reports from Obeliscus and Deork begin to surface and so the Second Company takes the fight into those systems as well.

 

451.M41 - A Thorn By Any Other Name

Communications are received by various Astropaths on Kavillion Secondus, all originating from various points in the Rott System. Some have yet to be decoded as to their true meaning but the information that can be well received is as follows: The Fourth fights on undaunted. Casualties are many and mounting. The System is an ever changing board game of the Chaos Gods. Tzeentch has the upper hand. But hope exists, pockets of resistance are found and cultivated. The Angel Above is with us. The enemy has a name. Aruhna Requiem. Gryff’Rodh.

 

C.Mid M41 - A Costly Stalemate

Although able to free many from Drukhari slave ships and able to prevent raids on various worlds and space stations, the Second Battle Company finds itself in dire straits after more than half a millennia of hunting. The Xenos always seem to be one step ahead, pushing forward when they are expected to fall back and disappearing from sight when expected to assault. The casualties and lack of a true kill have forced the Merciless Specters back to Kavillion Secondus in the hopes of replenishing bodies and minds for the war effort against this elusive foe.

 

C.Mid M41 - The Pyres of Estonia

With the pulling back of the Merciless Specters from both Deork and Obeliscus, the Eruptors find themselves ill prepared for the Xenos’ craftiness in their system. A short and brutal campaign is fought between the Space Marines and Drukhari, with the latter seemingly being held away from their objective: the souls of Estonia’s citizenry hives. As the Third’s strikeforce consolidates on the city itself, the treacherous plan is finally revealed. Incendiary explosives planted across the lower levels of the hive are detonated doing very little structural damage but engulfing the lower levels in flames. Countless human souls are lost to the shame of the Second and Third companies. What was a glorious battle soon turns into an urgent rescue mission for the Eruptors who must silence their guns in favour of the lives still left to save.

 

705.M41 - House Lagarto Surfaces

Word reaches Kavillion Secondus from the Rott System: Allies have been found. Upon one of the Death Worlds lost in the storm, the Warp Scorned make contact with a surviving Imperial Knight Household; House Lagarto. This alliance proves fruitful to both parties as the Knights receive a mobile and informed fighting force and the Crimson Sons of Vengeance get a strong hold to launch attacks from. This point of contact also allows Commanding Chaplain Alvoro to lead reinforcements into Rott and join the hunt for the Aruhna Requiem.

 

C. Late M41 - War Comes to Obeliscus

Through pressure and information gathering, the fifth Battle Company is able to bring to light the manipulators of Obeliscus. Hiding among the populace of Somes, the Aeldari forces tear off their masks to unleash ancient fury upon the human world. The reasons for their deception remain in the shadows of the warp as these same Xenos flee the world leaving the guns of the Fifth behind. The interest of the Aeldari would not end with this confrontation however as they would use the accursed webway to harass Somes, Xanthus and Ormuz for centuries.

 

C.Late M41 - Various messages are received from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro and the Warp Scorned crusading in Rott. Accounts of skirmishes with both Traitors and Daemons across various worlds in the system. No real progress can be reported back as the warp’s fickle temperament affects this system in ways that imperial records have yet to show. The planet count itself cannot be properly recorded as whole worlds seems to disappear from existence only to reappear an undetermined time later. Time itself is relative and cannot be counted upon in or out of battle.

 

972.M41 - Deork Lost

Raids of Drukhari, riots from emerging Genestealer Cults and the sudden presence of Tyranids puts pressure on all fronts and spreads the Eruptors thin across the Deork System. With battlegrounds lost and casualties mounting, First Captain Diogo calls for a retreat of all imperial forces out the system. Deork is once again plunged into chaos.

 

989.M41 - Xenos Initiative

A Xenos fleet emerges from the eastern edge of the system and begins spreading its lies of peace as the other Xenos fall before it’s advanced artillery. They are soon identified as Tau and claim the name of the Other World Initiative Defense Command. The dwindling elements of the Third Battle Company take immense offense at this affront and charge back into the system to fight these Xenos across planets and in the space in between. They are hard pressed to find any success against the various threats that exist within Deork, but their bright flame of warfare is still something to make the Angel Above proud.

 

997.M41 - The 1025th Deceived

As the Millennia draws to a close, the Aeldari complete the ultimate deception and convince the Legion of the Astra Militarum known as the 1025th to turn upon the Crimson Sons of Vengeance on Somes, Xanthus and Ormuz. The battles are at first even as the Sons hold back in the hope of revealing the truth but soon Captain Saul Freytas must stomp out the would be rebellion to the detriment of Obeliscus' defenders. The 1025th is reduced to a shadow of its former self, and martial law is enforced by the Crimson Sons. When the fires of war are quenched, the Aeldari are nowhere to be found.

 

998.M41 - The Twilight Towers of Skiros Campaign

The Tau claim many of the worlds of Deork in a very short matter of time, and it is upon the Forge World of Skiros that they believe themselves the safest. First Captain Diogo receives the reports of the Eruptors concerning the planet, its occupation and its value to this sector and other neighbouring ones. He decides to send large elements of the 6th and 7th reserve companies to push into Skiros and remove the Xenos from its surface. The specialists tactical advantage aided by the fury that is the Third mount an assault on the Other World Initiative Defense Command’s stronghold. No siege is had as the Sons of the Angel Above wipe out the Tau to a man and establish Skiros as their point of attack going forward.

 

999.M41 - Birth of the Cicatrix Maledictum

A message is received during the last days of the 41st Millenium. Commander Dante, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels sends out his call to arms to all Sons of the Angel Above. First Captain Diogo receives the message and arms elements of the First and Fifth Battle Companies to accompany him to the home world of Sanguinius. They perform the jump into the Warp. However, it suddenly becomes a roaring sea of souls and daemons, an impossibility to navigate and a high risk to the assets within it. Diogo commands they exit the warp to assess the situation and although it kills the navigators on board, the fleet safely exits without any further damage. They find themselves staring at the husk of Kavillion Prime, but with an eerie glow set about it’s features. It isn’t long until the Crimsons Sons of Vengeance lay their eyes upon the Great Rift.

Reconvening upon Kavillion Secondus, the First Captain and the Chapter Headquarters receive a second message from Baal: The planet is safe, the Tyranids obliterated, many of their cousins are dead, whole chapters sacrificed to preserve Baal. Then the negative reports are confirmed, Terra is beyond their call, they are now cut off and alone. This is the last message the Sons receive from their parent Chapter. Reports flood in from the systems of the sector as the rift’s consequences begin to be assessed. Xenos and Chaos push forward undaunted. They strike at every world. But not all hope is lost, imperial agents arrive from neighbouring sectors to shore up the defense of Rott, and a chance at vengeance presents itself. Word is received from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro and the Fourth Battle Company. They have their eyes set on the traitor Gryff’Rodh and this time he won’t escape.

 

C.Early M42 - The Hangman’s Noose Campaign

 

(still to be played)

 

CHAPTER ORGANIZATION:

The Crimson Sons utilise the Codex Astartes to organise themselves but do have the following differences:

 

Much like the Blood Angels, they use the Baal Class variant Predator as well as the Furioso, Death Company and Librarian variant Dreadnoughts. The Death Company is also present.

 

The Battle Companies(2, 3, 4 & 5) are composed of 4 assault squads, 4 tactical squads and 2 devastator squads. This provides the Sons with added mobility on the battlefield, and reflects their desire for close quarter fighting.

 

As they prioritise, and often suffer greater casualties amongst, assault squads the 6th and 7th specialist companies are entirely composed of assault marines. The former being the jump pack mobility specialists whereas the latter are deep strike focussed. The 8th company is composed of the devastator and heavy weapon specialists of the Chapter.

 

The 9th and 10th company very much resemble the tactical reserve and scout companies described in the Codex Astartes. However the Sons diverge in how a scout becomes a fully fledged battle brother.

 

As per the Codex, scouts are evaluated on and off the field and can be assigned to the Sanguinary Priesthood, the Librarius or the Reclusiam, if they show the qualities required to succeed within these organisations. Any scout not destined for this sort of specialised duty is immediately upgraded to the 9th Tactical Reserve Company. Within this company these battle brothers are put through greater duress to test their resistance to the red thirst and the black rage, but they are also studied for career improvement and thus further allocation to one of the specialist companies or to a battle company should their mastery of the thirst and rage be acceptable.

 

Finally, the remaining divergence is in the command of the Chapter as well as of each Company. The Sons are always led off the battlefield by a triumvirate of a Reclusiarch, Sanguinary Priest and a Captain. This trinity of command has prevented much confusion during transition phases of command, should a Captain fall in combat, but also allows each company to act independently of the Chapter in its quest to protect the Dolchiate Sector.

 

The Company Reclusiarch is the Company Commander on and off the field of battle, his expertise in mastering the Black Rage has made him an essential part of all military operations. The Sanguinary Priest and Captain assist him in his duties and can overrule him if united. The trinity of command is also reflected in the Chapter Headquarters. To make this possible, The Crimson Sons of Vengeance have established an old Blood Angel Legion rank known as the First Captain. Along with the Sanguinary High Priest and the Commanding Chaplain, who is considered the acting Chapter Master as far as Codex duties are concerned, these three keep watch over the Chapter in all matters. For clarification, the High Chaplain rank is still in use and commands the Reclusiam without being overruled by the Commanding Chaplain.

 

 

HIDDEN TRUTHS

 

Like many Blood Angel successor chapters, the Sons celebrate their humanity through art. The songs and poetry that they compose have been a source of inspiration, hope and compassion to any man or woman privileged enough to enjoy it.

It has however led other Imperial eyes to question its themes and veracity. Much like any other artwork, the artist is never around to confirm or deny interpretations and so rumours have formed about the past of some of the Crimson Sons, prior to the Chapter's founding.

One of the rumours that circulates is based on the detail and amount of information revealed within these works of art about the carnage that brought the system to its knees. The official position of the Sons is that all inspiration is derived from the current state of things in the Sector and oral tradition of the tribes and villages of Kavillion Secondus. But it is believed that a link may exist between the apocalyptic level carnage and the Sons.

 

Members of the Chapter also seem to remain ageless even after more than a millennia of service in the Emperor’s name. Some speculate that the Blood Angels gene seed has allowed for this longevity, although it has never been seen in quite such a number. Others believe that the occult practices found in other of Sanguinius’ sons may have found their way into the daily lives of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance. The more radical of rumour mongers believe these everliving marines to be members of an Exterminated Space Marine Chapter from long ago.

 

The focus within the Chapter organisation to reduce any damage or loss caused by the Black Rage and Red thirst has caught the attention of Inquisitive minds. Why such precautions? Why so many details to prevent a void in leadership? Are they concerned by a mass fall to the Rage? Has that sort of Carnage ever befallen a Chapter before? Answers are non existent as asking the questions themselves could result in a swift death.

 

FLEET ASSETS:

Endovelicus - Battle Barge - Favored ship of the Commanding Chaplain.

Ataegina - Battle Barge - Favored ship of the First Captain and Sanguinary Guard and of the High Priest and Priesthood.

Neto - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 2nd Battle Company

Borvo - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 3rd Battle Company

Cariocecus - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 4th Battle Company

Trebaruna - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 5th Battle Company

Dercetius - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 6th Specialist Company

Runesocesius - Strike Cruiser - Favored by the 7th Specialist Company

 

15 Rapid Strike Vessels

33 Thunderhawk Gunships

 

BELIEFS:

The Crimson Sons of Vengeance are affected by the death of Sanguinius much like other Sons of Sanguinius. However whereas the Blood Angels impossibly seek the Angel’s beauty in art and life or the Flesh Tearers seek to tap into His fury, the Sons find themselves united in the opportunity this new life brings.

 

And so they write and sing and compose, but not grand works of their deeds and conquests, but of who they were and who they wish to become. The desire is to never forget the wretched humanity that was left behind. The belief is that in doing so they may come to understand the darkness within them and how to fight it.

 

This view of Sanguinius and His gift of near ascendant immortality has been speculated to inspire emotions of familiarity and reverence amongst many of the Crimson Sons bringing many more of them closer to serving the Death Company than most Blood Angels successor chapters. This worry amongst the Sons Headquarters has inspired a greater dependence upon the Reclusiarchy and so elevating Chaplains to a more involved Leadership role in the Chapter.

 

Other beliefs are shared amongst the organisations within the Chapter. For one, the reverence of the corpse of Kavillion Prime. Not much information is released to this effect but it is believed by many imperial scholars that the Guard will often reside upon the shards of the world in reserved contemplation and many of the Sons’ heroes and greats have been allowed to make the pilgrimage in the hopes of being enlightened to the consequences of failing the Angel.

 

RECRUITMENT:

 

 

Like all Space Marine Chapters, the Sons recruit from a selected group of 12 to 14 year old males. Unlike other Space Marine Chapters, the invitation to the Chapter's Fortress-Monastery is open to boys of all ages, regardless of physical and mental attributes, social status or cultural standing.

 

Because of this, the poorest and weakest families of the many tribes of Kavillion Secundus will often encourage their youngest to make the trip to the Templum Luctus in the hope of having them survive day to day killers such as hunger and disease, let alone the daggers concealed in the robes of their fellow man. Youths as young as 8 have been known to successfully make it and so be given the chance to be accepted into the family of the Crimsons Sons.

 

Once at the Fortress-Monastery, these youths are inducted into the Crimsons Sons of Vengeance Laity. They are then overseen by a member of the Reclusiarchy and Sanguinary Priesthood who will be taking the next few years in instructing and evaluating every member both physically and mentally. The time a youth spends in the Laity is different for each. Some spend months in their studies of the great works and analytical writings of Sanguinius but most will spend years.

 

When the boys come of age, they are guided into the labyrinthine catacombs deep beneath the Templum Luctus where each is assigned a cell. After a day and night of fasting and meditation, each recruit is given a small goblet to drink from. Just as their parent Chapter, the Blood Angels, the goblet is filled with the blood of the Sanguinary Priests mingled with the remaining vitae of the primarch. After emptying the contents of the goblet, the recruit fasts for a second day and night. It is on the third day that the visions begin, making any form of quiet meditation impossible. The boys all see Sanguinius in his ancient glory, The Angel Above in perfect, winged form, unarmored and unclothed, and how they react to these visions begins to weed out those unsuited for the Emperor's work. Confronted with such beauty and grace, purity and goodness, any man would reflect on himself, his actions, his thoughts. Any recruit who can cast his eyes on Sanguinius, then upon himself and who can admit that he is unclean, unrighteous and unworthy of The Angel's favor does not fall to madness. Those who fall, becoming ravenous scoffers seeing themselves as a god amongst men, are removed from their cells. At this point the visions dissipate but hallucinations continue for the recruits. Some claim to speak to the Angel himself, others to a knight in rust red armor, some even to a family member or village elder, but all speak of the same thing: how can any earn the Angel's favor?

Truly the recruits now speak directly to men, even if it isn't the ones they think they are speaking to. Each boy is visited in turn by the Chaplain and then the Sanguinary Priest and they are told of Sanguinius and his confrontation with Horus and then offered a second cup of blood. To drink it is to accept that The Angel Above is the only one capable of transforming a wretch into an Angel of Death. Those who drink fall immediately into a deep sleep. Those who don't suffer tremendous organ failure and eventual death.

 

The Crimson Sons now have in their possession the future servants of Sanguinius and the Emperor. The slumbering recruits are brought out of the catacombs and brought into the main chapel within the Templum Luctus. This is the first time that they enter into the inner realm of the Sons. The chapel floor is cleared beforehand to allow space for the sleeping recruits. When all is in order the Master of Recruits, known as the Viriathus Tiro, joins the Sanguinary Priest and Chaplain of the 10th company to confirm the commission of those present. He reads each remaining recruit's full name aloud, announcing his past heritage and assigning him a new surname to be known by henceforth. Should the recruit awaken at the announcement, he is brought forth and given the goblet of blood for a final time before being placed into the sarcophagus in which the surgeries and transformation into a Battle Brother can be completed. Those who slumber through the announcement are taken away once all announcements are completed and welcomed as a Chapter Serf.

 

Although unexplained in a secular sense, this process has proven its effectiveness as the Crimsons Sons boast a near faultless survival rate in the process of turning these selected youths into Space Marines. The only explanation provided is that these youths were chosen by The Angel for this task. So they proudly bring wrath and death to the enemies of Sanguinius and the Emperor.

 

LOCAL RITUALS:

The pilgrimages to Kavillion Prime is the most sought after ritual that any Crimson Son seeks to be permitted to do. Many of these pilgrimages have yielded some of the greatest works by the heroes who do spend time upon the corpse of the world. However there are some rumours of those same heroes never returning. It is believed that the Sons induct these men into the dreaded Death Company as they finally succumb to the visions of the Angel’s demise at the hands of the Archtraitor.

Aside for this great honour, the Sons do participate in sharing their artistic creations communally with their battle brothers.

 

CHAPTER BANNERS OR BATTLE STANDARDS:

The Chapter Symbol found on banners and standards is a single, stylised white feather upon a red background. The Sons have adapted this symbol as the one signifying the loss and inspiration that is The Angel Above, known to the imperium simply as Sanguinius. It also not only reflects their loyalty to their Blood Angel and successor Chapter “cousins” but also their own artistic reflective attitude towards the arts of literature and musical composition.

This symbol is reflected on each Battle Brother by a crude drawing of a black feather on the bone colored shoulder pads.

 

HONORS, RELICS, DECORATIONS AND AWARDS:

The Crimson Sons of Vengeance are still quite young in their history to have established honors beyond those of the Codex Astartes, however there are some that have begun being passed down from the respective Company and Chapter leadership groups.

One of the obvious ones is the chapter symbol found on each Sons’ shoulder pads. The symbol begins as a crude drawing of a feather but can then be added upon. Squad Sergeants have the authority of honoring combat squad leaders and weapons specialists with such a designation, so too do Captains onto the Sergeants and their personal honour guard or command squads. It is noted however that the Company Captains have been given free reign as to stylize the chapter symbol as a personal heraldry. Each of these modifications is never to be removed as it would be disrespectful to the battle brother responsible for bestowing the honor, and because of this one can trace a Crimson Son’s career. Within the Hall of Honour in the Templum Luctum one can find a collection of these shoulder pads as an equivalent to banners in other Space Marine Fortress Monasteries.

 

BATTLE CRY:

Force Leader/Chaplain: What are you to the Angel Above?

Response: His Sons!

FL/C: What are you to the enemy?

R: WRATH AND DEATH!

 

GENE-SEED:

The Crimson Sons of Vengeance share the Blood Angels gene-seed and in doing so they find themselves sharing in the same joys and pains. They are known for a very similar longevity as the original sons of Sanguinius, with some Sons only beginning to become pillars of the chapter well into their 300th year of service, while many of the revered martyrs amongst the battle brothers find themselves joining The Angel after a millennia of fighting in His name.

The Sons are also known to suffer from the Black Rage and the Red Thirst. Their view of handling these curses is particular for a Blood Angel Successor Chapter. Both are seen by this Chapter as the result of the human psyche being overpowered by a part of Sanguinius spiritual presence inhabiting a Space Marine. The legendary Death Company is therefore seen by the battle brothers of the Chapter as the group of brothers that have personally felt The Angel reach into their very souls, whereas the leadership of Company and Chapter keep a wary eye on these Sons and on the effect their presence has on the rest of the Chapter. The Red Thirst is shared amongst all Crimson Sons and the entire Chapter shares the same view of origins of this curse as they do for The Black Rage, however the act it encourages is considered more acceptable than the reverence battle brothers will have for the Death Company. Although it isn't known if the drinking of blood happens on or off the field of battle or under what kind of conditions.

 

CHAMPIONS OF THE CHAPTER:

(Currently updated until Early M42)

 

Commanding Chaplain Achilleus Alvoro

Although no information is readily available on the Commanding Chaplain’s activities prior to leading the Crimson Sons of Vengeance, which often attracts more than one inquisitor’s gaze, however since being de facto Chapter Master he has been nothing but the ultimate weapon of the Emperor and Angel’s wrath. His most notable engagement has been to lead his Chapter in The Retaking Campaign and bringing not only the world of Kavillion Secondus back to the Imperium but also ensuring the protection of the Symeon System and giving a bright hope to the entire Sector.

 

First Captain Mencius Diogo

The first Captain is also amongst those whose past is shaded in mystery. However his brilliance in combat and near symbiotic control of the famed Sanguinary Guard of the Sons during The Retaking Campaign have made his name hallowed amongst even the captains of the Sons of Vengeance. His firstmost achievement during that campaign was being first on the ground to achieve first blood even before any of the Guard had drawn their weapons.

 

Sanguinary High Priest Osvaldus Benedito

Osvaldus Benedito was still very young in his Space Marine career as a Blood Angel when the Sons were created. The Blood Angels being notified of these new cousins imminent birth had planned to send a percentage of their scouts and neophytes to aid in the quick establishing of this Successor Chapter. Benedito volunteered. Becoming a Sanguinary Priest of the Crimson Sons, it wasn't long before his meekness and faith in Sanguinius were outshone by his wisdom and the Sanguine Miracles he performed through The Angel Above’s blessing. Benedito was thus made Sanguinary High Priest before The Retaking began and quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. He is known for guarding a suicide styled sternguard squad against the gigantic explosion of a Fellblade that they downed. An explosion that left nothing but Benedito and the sternguards standings for many kilometers around. Not a scratch on any of the brothers.

 

Chief Librarian Alaricus Galharde

The nicknamed prince and known Regent of Kavillion Secondus rose to his position very quickly sometime in mid. M41. A part of the first batch of Kavilionite recruits, Alaricus’ psychic powers were quickly noticeable by the leadership of the Sons.

Galharde’s rise to the position of Chief Librarian is only the beginning of his tale. It is told that a psychic attack was detected on Kavillon Secondus, inducing murderous rage amongst the people itself, and that the elect of the Librarius reunited within the Templum Lectus to defend against and repel the attack as best as they could. However, the victims only found there situation worsening as more and more of the people of Kavillion Secondus were falling to this psychic induced rage. As time passed, the attack began to take its toll even upon the elect, each day that passed was announced alongside the death of one of these powerful Space Marine Librarians. By the 7th day only Galharde remained and the leadership of the chapter was nowhere near to finding the source of the attack. Commanding Chaplain Alvoro was ready to take matters into his own hands to preserve what was now his most powerful Librarian. He stormed into the room now filled with bleeding bodies and a lone Son sweating profusely, fighting with all his might. Alvoro stared into the eyes of Alaricus Galharde and saw a man determined not to fail. He attempted to reason with this proud brother but all Galharde would respond in a barely heard whisper was “I will not fail my people”. As time passed and the day began darkening, blood began trickling down his nose and yet still Galharde’s reply was “I will not fail my people”. Finally night fell and blood began trickling from his eyes, at the sight of this Alvoro charged at him in a hoped attempt to conserve his life. Upon making contact an explosion was felt across the planet. When the dust cleared, Galharde carried Alvoro out of the room and as reports began coming in over the vox about how the rage left the populace and all recovering could only explain the cure as a pronounced feeling of love that washed the rage away, Alaricus Galharde was heard saying to a near out of conscience Achilleus Alvoro: “I will not fail my people.”

This display of power and love made the promotion of Galharde to Chief Librarian and Regent of Kavillion Secondus a formality.

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Hi,

 

I like the general theme of your Blood Angel successors, especially this bit. 

 

 

However whereas the Blood Angels impossibly seek the Angel’s beauty in art and life or the Flesh Tearers seek to tap into His fury, the Sons find themselves united in the opportunity this new life brings.


And so they write and sing and compose, but not grand works of their deeds and conquests, but of who they were and of who they wish to become. The desire is to never forget the wretched humanity that was left behind. The belief is that in doing so they may come to understand the darkness within them and how to fight it.

It plays with the artistic traditions of their progenitors, which is good.  Immediate question arises. Who taught the chapter this, since obviously the primitive tribes that provide the recruits would not have such high culture. 

 

I have no particular issues with Chaplains being the commanders, but in canon codex the roles are separate so that the person who looks after spiritual well being of the marines does not have to worry about command and vice versa.  My juxtaposing the roles you place more burden for your commanders. Perhaps every company has a second chaplain that assists the commanding-chaplain in their duties?

 

 
Now the canon clashes.  How you deal with this is up to you.
 

 

 Not so for the Crimson Sons. Their selection process begins at a much later age, in some incredulous cases with men very close to the end of their own mortality.

 

Canon tells us

 

"Space Marine Aspirants must be adolescents or very young adults, as the implants must be able to coordinate with a human male's natural growth hormones during adolescence to stimulate the growth and development of the various unique physiological features of a Space Marine. In specific terms, the recruit must be about 10-16 Terran standard years of age, although the process has been documented to still work in recruits as old as 20 as long as they have not yet reached their full adult growth."

 

So unless you hand-wave some 'mutation' or 'superior bioengineering' the 'later age' clashes badly with known canon.

 

This bit is less controversial, depending.

 

 

 

 CURRENT STRENGTH: 1500 strong counting Death Company, Sanguinary Guard, Neophytes and Chapter Serfs

 

"The Codex Astartes states that a Space Marine Chapter should be split into 10 Companies of 100 Space Marines each, plus a Space Marine Captain, Apothecary, Company Standard and Chaplain for each company. Existing outside the Company level organization, each Chapter has an Armoury consisting of the Chapter's Techmarines, main battle tanks, and other armoured vehicles, a Librarium consisting of the Chapter's Librarians, a Chapter Fleet and the Chapter Master, plus various headquarters staff and the Chapter's Servitors and human Chapter Serfs." 

As long as most of those 'extra' 500 are serfs, this is actually fine. Some chapters get away with more than 1000 members (Black Templars) because they are so dispersed.  However this '1000' is more or less sacred number, laid down to ensure that no single man would ever command 'too many' marines - which Guilliman thought to be an issue. Guilliman being literal son of Emperor, his word became law on the matter. 

Hi,

 

I like the general theme of your Blood Angel successors, especially this bit. 

 

 

However whereas the Blood Angels impossibly seek the Angel’s beauty in art and life or the Flesh Tearers seek to tap into His fury, the Sons find themselves united in the opportunity this new life brings.

And so they write and sing and compose, but not grand works of their deeds and conquests, but of who they were and of who they wish to become. The desire is to never forget the wretched humanity that was left behind. The belief is that in doing so they may come to understand the darkness within them and how to fight it.

It plays with the artistic traditions of their progenitors, which is good.  Immediate question arises. Who taught the chapter this, since obviously the primitive tribes that provide the recruits would not have such high culture. 

 

Although not explicitly said, it is past down from battle brother to battle brother much in the same tradition as the BA. Should that be explicit?

 

 

I have no particular issues with Chaplains being the commanders, but in canon codex the roles are separate so that the person who looks after spiritual well being of the marines does not have to worry about command and vice versa.  My juxtaposing the roles you place more burden for your commanders. Perhaps every company has a second chaplain that assists the commanding-chaplain in their duties?

 

The idea is that being in command allows the Chaplains to have complete control and decide based on the spiritual status of the assembled force so as to not have the entire army fall to the Black Rage.

 

 

 

 

Now the canon clashes.  How you deal with this is up to you.
 

 

 Not so for the Crimson Sons. Their selection process begins at a much later age, in some incredulous cases with men very close to the end of their own mortality.

 

Canon tells us

 

"Space Marine Aspirants must be adolescents or very young adults, as the implants must be able to coordinate with a human male's natural growth hormones during adolescence to stimulate the growth and development of the various unique physiological features of a Space Marine. In specific terms, the recruit must be about 10-16 Terran standard years of age, although the process has been documented to still work in recruits as old as 20 as long as they have not yet reached their full adult growth."

 

So unless you hand-wave some 'mutation' or 'superior bioengineering' the 'later age' clashes badly with known canon.

 
 
I was basing myself on the Renegade Soul Drinkers who seem to recruit from prison camps and ships, which I assumed the recruits were adults.
 
If I have to switch back to boys, I would like to keep the aspect of being dead before the selection process begins. Would a literal death be too outlandish?
 

 

This bit is less controversial, depending.

 

 

 

 CURRENT STRENGTH: 1500 strong counting Death Company, Sanguinary Guard, Neophytes and Chapter Serfs

 

"The Codex Astartes states that a Space Marine Chapter should be split into 10 Companies of 100 Space Marines each, plus a Space Marine Captain, Apothecary, Company Standard and Chaplain for each company. Existing outside the Company level organization, each Chapter has an Armoury consisting of the Chapter's Techmarines, main battle tanks, and other armoured vehicles, a Librarium consisting of the Chapter's Librarians, a Chapter Fleet and the Chapter Master, plus various headquarters staff and the Chapter's Servitors and human Chapter Serfs." 

 

As long as most of those 'extra' 500 are serfs, this is actually fine. Some chapters get away with more than 1000 members (Black Templars) because they are so dispersed.  However this '1000' is more or less sacred number, laid down to ensure that no single man would ever command 'too many' marines - which Guilliman thought to be an issue. Guilliman being literal son of Emperor, his word became law on the matter. 

 

 

 

in this case I was basing myself of the BA who are recorded to being 1300 strong. I added to that number as the serfs of this chapter have a chance of becoming a full fledged battle brother, unlike the BA serfs.

 

How is that?

 

 

Although not explicitly said, it is past down from battle brother to battle brother much in the same tradition as the BA. Should that be explicit?

 

 

More like, who were the progenitors who set this tradition down? The first brothers who came up with this. We can maybe assume that it was cadre of veterans from chapter X that formed the core of the new chapter.  But was this core Blood Angels or perhaps Blood Drinkers?  How were the first commanders that shaped the Crimson Sons?  Of course you can note that the origins of the tradition are not known.  I am just curious. :yes: 

 

The idea is that being in command allows the Chaplains to have complete control and decide based on the spiritual status of the assembled force so as to not have the entire army fall to the Black Rage.

 

Canon, or more specifically 2e and 3e codexes have the chaplains check before the battle who succumbs to black rage. They have little way of preventing it (barring few individuals).  Then chaplains would lead these doomed men into combat as part of Death Company putting them far from commanding position. I am not entirely sure but the 'black rage' apparently happens as the marines prepare for battle, not so much during it.   You could poke the Blood Angels forum about this as this is where my fluff-fu gets thin. :wacko.:

 

 I was basing myself on the Renegade Soul Drinkers who seem to recruit from prison camps and ships, which I assumed the recruits were adults.

 

If I have to switch back to boys, I would like to keep the aspect of being dead before the selection process begins. Would a literal death be too outlandish?

 

18-20 is adult, but not 'near death'. Also, Soul Drinkers might not have the choice - as they take what they can get.  The 'dead before selection' is fairly easy to incorporate.  Many chapters force hopefuls to perform near impossible tasks. Space Wolves recruit natives who have fallen in combat. Both scenarios could have your Chapter's Chaplains picking up the near-dead youth and whisking them into heaves. 

 

 

 

in this case I was basing myself of the BA who are recorded to being 1300 strong. I added to that number as the serfs of this chapter have a chance of becoming a full fledged battle brother, unlike the BA serfs.

How is that?

Oh... uh about that.  Most serfs are generally people the chapter has recruited but who have failed to become marines - but for reason or another didn't die in the process.  Since they were not able to become marines, they cannot be made marines (duh)  http://warhammer40k.wikia.com/wiki/Chapter_Serf   Also, again with that you bump to the age issue.  The serfs, even if not failed applicants, would have only limited time before they would be unsuited for implantation. 

 

However, as the article notes the serfs have children, who become serfs by birthright - of course these people could become marines.  You'd just need some women hanging around your serfs to facilitate that.  :wink:   However, that near-death experience might be harder to force on the serfs... unless they were made to take the same tests the native hopefuls take.

 

 

 

  • 1 month later...

Oh, it has been a long time since I did this...

I feel old.

 

Updated: December 31st 2017


You know, I genuinely don't think I've ever seen anyone just put this at the top like this before. Good for you. So convenient.

 

Crimson Sons of Vengeance


Crimson Sons or Sons of Vengeance would both be more conventional and less of a mouthful.

 

▪ GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): Blood Angels
▪ FOUNDING: 25th founding(Late M40)


Blood Angels gene-seed was generally avoided in later foundings.

 

▪ CURRENT STRENGTH: 1500 strong counting Death Company, Sanguinary Guard, Neophytes and Chapter Serfs


...Who counts serfs?

 

▪ ALLEGIANCE: Inquisitorial mistrust but loyal to the Emperor and supremely loyal to the Blood Angels and Sanguinius


...They're more loyal to Sanguinius than to the Emperor?

HERESY!

Seriously, though, that's heresy. :)

 

ORIGIN OF THE CHAPTER:
The chapter was created after the warp storm which developed in the Dolchiate Sector had grown to swallow an entire solar system into it. They are to be the guardians of the sector and principally reside within the Semyon System which befell a massive tragedy some millennia ago.


Why would a warp storm lead to the creation of a chapter?  Concerns about chaos incursion? It swallowed the last chapter?

 

CHAPTER HOME WORLD:
Kavillion Secondus was a lush rural world prior to the tragedy. It is about twice the size of Terra with a slightly augmented gravity level. It is now a world of much warfare and bloodshed since having been reconquered in the name of the Emperor as of Early M41.
The people of Kavillion Secondus no longer remember the societies that existed prior to the tragedy that has made it such a forlorn world but no matter how dark life was, the legend of the angels flying upon flame tipped wings remained a strong oral tradition amongst the surviving human clans. As of M41, the men and women of Kavillion Secondus live in tribal villages that at most reach a population of 150. Infighting and treachery amongst families within the villages themselves is a common occurrence, creating a populace of extremely selfish, sceptical and violent human beings.
The homeworld of the Sons resides in the Symeon System and is the only inhabitable world of the system. It is neighboured by a death world and a ferro world. A shadow resides over the entire system, the husk of what remains of Kavillion Prime, a planet shattered many millennia ago by an order of Exterminatus. Prime is now considered a sanctuary world by the Crimson Sons of Vengeance.


You talk about the tragedy several times before explaining what the tragedy is (I'm assuming the exterminatus?).  If it's NOT the Exterminatus, that's just confusing and why not tell us what the tragedy was.

I like the planet. Mentioning its reconquest up here would make more sense.

 

Therefore, each battle company operates much like a fleet based force, while the specialist companies bring their expertise to the field when called upon.


Having independently-operating but highly specialized Battle Companies seems like a recipe for the battle companies ending up in places where their specializations aren't much use. The Imperium's a big place, remember, and the Space Marines are spread very very thin.

 

Many years are required to completely purge the world of Chaos’ taint


Given what you describe about the population's character earlier, I think there would be a lot of room here for you to explore whether their sneaky cranky suspicion is from being Chaos-corrupted, a result of the tactics the Chapter used to cleanse the Chaos corruption, a cover for ongoing Chaos corruption, or something else entirely.

 

It is to be noted that the commander of the Chaos Warband escapes Kavillion Secondus with some kind of priceless artifact, something that Commanding Chaplain Alvoro is not soon to forget.


Eh. Warband commanders are always doing that sort of thing, and Space Marines are always vowing eternal vengeance about it. What makes this example unique.

 

C.Early M.41 - The Assault on the Fortress of Lies.


The name is great, the battle a little dull. Is it the Fortress of Lies because it's a center for foul Tau propaganda, which had wormed its way into the hearts of Imperial citizens throughout the subsector, twisting their once-pure thoughts with odious xeno trickery?

 

With the Templum Luctus complete and total control on every world of the Semyon System, the First Captain and Sanguinary Guard focus their attention to the corpse-planet, Kavillion Prime. An elite force of 50 Space Marines arrive and, like a surgeon’s scalpel, remove all of the cancer from the remains of the world in the form of Xenos, of which Eldar and Genestealers held a heavier presence, while efficiently preserving the relics found about the remains of the once living world. From henceforth Sanguinary Guard will often stand vigil upon what remains of Kavillion Prime.


...It's a dead world. Why not just nuke it again? Space Marines are GOOD at that.

 

The songs and poetry of the Sons has been a source of inspiration to many a man or woman suffering in the Imperium but it has also caused others to want to take a closer look at the Chapter and it’s founding. One of the rumours that circulates is based on the detail and amount of information revealed within these works of art about the tragedy that befell the system millennia ago. It is believed that a link may exist between this tragedy and the Sons, even though no proof has ever been brought to light.


Being vague about the tragedy is no fun for the reader when you're THIS vague. Vague is fun when we get a picture of what might have happened. Vague is NOT fun when we just get random hints that something happened but there's no picture.

 

Members of the Chapter also seem to remain ageless even after more than a millennia of service in the Emperor’s name. Some speculate that the Blood Angels gene seed has allowed for this longevity, although it has never been seen in quite such a number. Others believe that the occult practices found in other of Sanguinius’ sons may have found their way into the daily lives of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance. The more radical of rumour mongers believe these everliving marines to be members of an Exterminated Space Marine Chapter from long ago.


Your boys already have a lot going on. Adding in the possibility of occult practices etc means things are getting pretty busy. I think it might be good to expand on the tragedy, then link other stuff in to the tragedy. If this doesn't link in to the tragedy, I think it's unnecessary.

 

CHAPTER ORGANIZATION:

The first bit could  be reduced to "The Crimson Sons generally use similar equipment and tactics to their progenitors, the Blood Angels. They heavily favour assault squads, with five in each battle company (replacing three tactical squads), and with the seventh company serving as an additional assault reserve company."

You'd have to renumber so the 6th stayed tactical and the 9th stayed devastator, but it's a slightly simpler explanation.

Your description of scout training sounds pretty standard to me...

The Captain serving as battlefield commander while the Reclusiarch is the off-field commander sounds like it would provide for slightly more interesting character dynamics, but the current way is also interesting. It would also mean the Captain had more of a purpose.

It may be worth explaining what prompted this change - surely they would have started out with a Chapter Master.

A list of ships isn't really necessary, and definitely disrupts the flow of reading.

 

Like all Space Marine Chapters, the Sons recruit from a selected group of 12 to 14 year old males. Unlike other Space Marine Chapters, all who come are accepted within the Chapter as either Battle Brothers or Chapter Serfs.


That's...pretty standard, I think. Barring recruits who die.

I quite like the last paragraph in this section.  I also rather like all the stuff I then skipped over because I'm running out of quote tags. :)

 

The first Captain is also amongst those whose past is shaded in mystery.


I will quote someone who once commented on my first IA:

"If one more chapter's shrouded in mystery, we won't be able to see around the ruddy forum."

He was wise. You're leaning on this too much. Too much shade. Explain a little more. What are the mysteries you're actually going for - you don't have to explain them in your article itself, but as-is it's not unique enough to be interesting and it's taking up a lot of time.

* * *

Neat. Your English is a little rough, but that's not something that needs a ton of worrying about right now. Normally I don't much like Blood Angels successors, but these guys were interesting for reasons I can't quite figure out. And I liked the emphasis on artistry.

 

What are you going for here? What do you want?

Oh, it has been a long time since I did this...

 

I feel old.

 

snip

 

First and foremost, thank you for the C&C. Now lets get to business:

 

The name: Its been brought up before, its long, its a mouthful, but it has been in use for the past 15 or so years. It stays. I like its uniqueness and the gravity I believe it brings to the Chapter. They may be Gaylord Fockers, but they're my Gaylord Fockers! ;)

 

The founding: I had never heard that, and I guess we could say "apart or until the Ultima Founding" ;) So I don't think its a big deal if I keep the founding as is.

 

Serf counting: originally I did it because the BA codex did it. Now with how I have the recruitment set up and a certain amount of importance placed on serfs, i think i'm just going to keep it this way as a way to show that CSoV serfs mean something to the Chapter and aren't just bags of flesh.

 

HERESY: Good point. I will reword that so I can keep playing them as loyalists!

 

Creation: I see it more as the storm becoming so large that it swallowed a whole system into it becomes a reason to have a Space Marine presence nearby. Chaos incursions and other fiends(Daemons, Eldar, Etc) could sprout from it and start attacking "valuable" imperial worlds.

 

Battle Company Specialization: This is more about targeted opponents within the Sector than space faring, going off to far out worlds, type companies. So for example the 4th company is all about Chaos and patrolling the warp storm/system. The other battle companies have similar missions in the sector. 2nd could be Tau, 3rd could be Eldar, 5th could be Nids, the 1st is spread out and the specialist companies provide reinforcement or do specialized combat.

 

The Captain Obvious Parts: You mention it a few times that I make some information "obvious". It was always my interpretation of IA articles that if you know nothing about the warhammer universe or if you know nothing about Space Marines, an IA should provide that info. Am I wrong in that assumption? Should this article be written for someone who knows enough and not for someone who knows close to nothing? I ask because my intent with IA and IT articles is that they will form the foundation on which all my other writings(battle reports, campaign reports, generic stories) will be build on. So it would be important to know what makes a better foundation.

 

Now...you picked up on the "mystery"(and rightfully pointed out that its not as shady in the article as it could be lol) and this is the important part to the article and foundation of this chapter. I've written this based on a layered concept of "truth".

 

Truth: At 12 I initially started with a gross and lame concept of a blood angels successor that became highly convoluted and was quite frankly hard to follow. But a buddy of mine used that history to write his own Chaos Warband fluff. some 5 years later when I decided to scrap the Chapter, I didn't really want to "punish" this friend and their fluff writing efforts and so began the Truth about the tragedy mentioned in this article. All you or anyone else needs to know is that the original chapter descended into the Black Rage almost entirely. Insert warp shenanigans and inquisitorial/space marine involvement and we come to the creation of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance with key members having been part of this old Chapter. Why Chaplains as leaders? Because a Space Marine Chapter falling to the Black Rage is sure to cause more than a little destruction. So they guard the entirety of the Chapter on a constant basis. This Truth is known on a fluff level by very few and forgotten by most. The individuals in the CSoV know it, a high ranking Inquisitor somewhere might figure it out and the members of the chaos warband know.

 

Perceived Truth: This is the level of vagueness I try to use when writing this article. They know something happened but not exactly what. They know Kavillion Prime was important to Space Marines because of the care with which the Sanguinary Guard clears it but they don't know why. They begin to draw conclusions on faulty information and so spread rumors about the who's who of the Chapter Leadership, but they never realize how close or how far those conclusions are from the Truth.

 

Known Truth: All anyone really knows on a Fluff level is that the CSoV take the Black Rage very seriously and so have a higher involvement from their Reclusiarchy and Priesthood. But that's about it. This level of vagueness I plan to only really use with allied imperial commanders or even some common folk should I ever decide to write about the laymen of the Sector.

 

How can I keep this layered vision of the fluff without divulging too much in the article(and thus making it as convoluted as my original fluff) but also without using it as a catch all called "tragedy" like i have...?

 

-DR


 

The founding: I had never heard that, and I guess we could say "apart or until the Ultima Founding" ;) So I don't think its a big deal if I keep the founding as is.


Sigh.  

It is and it isn't.  

The Blood Angels have, by the 25th founding, developed a reputation for having unstable geneseed that leads to them going nuts and trying to eat people.  This is generally seen as a bad thing.  These things were already trying to be fixed in the 21st Founding.  So it would be extremely odd for a Chapter to be founded using Blood Angels geneseed after that.  On top of that, if you've got some weird secret disaster in your Chapter's past, it really does make more sense for it to have happened more than two thousand-odd years ago.  That's not really that long for Space Marines.  Especially Blood Angels, who live an extremely long time.  An older founding in this case moves that stuff further into the past, making it more plausible that no one actually remembers what was going on.  


Creation: I see it more as the storm becoming so large that it swallowed a whole system into it becomes a reason to have a Space Marine presence nearby. Chaos incursions and other fiends(Daemons, Eldar, Etc) could sprout from it and start attacking "valuable" imperial worlds.

That doesn't seem like that big a warp storm, honestly.  The Imperium has more planets than it does Space Marines - I'd expect a bigger warp storm before a full Chapter of Marines were needed to police it.  

 

Battle Company Specialization: This is more about targeted opponents within the Sector than space faring, going off to far out worlds, type companies. So for example the 4th company is all about Chaos and patrolling the warp storm/system. The other battle companies have similar missions in the sector. 2nd could be Tau, 3rd could be Eldar, 5th could be Nids, the 1st is spread out and the specialist companies provide reinforcement or do specialized combat.


Most sectors likely don't face an even division of threats.  On top of that, most threats don't have the courtesy to hang around not murdering Imperial citizens for the right company to get to the right place.  Space Marines are spread THIN.  They can't afford to specialize except to the degree forced by circumstance.  Hell, even Space Marine specialists are doing five or ten different things and still have a hefty amount of generalist training.  

I can't think of a way for a company to specialize that doesn't make less sense than them NOT specializing.  Developing experience against a particular foe makes sense.  Dedicating a formation to fighting a foe that may not be what they actually end up fighting seems unwise.  

 

The Captain Obvious Parts: You mention it a few times that I make some information "obvious". It was always my interpretation of IA articles that if you know nothing about the warhammer universe or if you know nothing about Space Marines, an IA should provide that info. Am I wrong in that assumption? Should this article be written for someone who knows enough and not for someone who knows close to nothing? I ask because my intent with IA and IT articles is that they will form the foundation on which all my other writings(battle reports, campaign reports, generic stories) will be build on. So it would be important to know what makes a better foundation.


Anyone reading DIY 40K fanfiction probably knows the basics of the universe.  

 

Truth: At 12 I initially started with a gross and lame concept of a blood angels successor that became highly convoluted and was quite frankly hard to follow.


So do we all.  Well, mine were loyalist Thousand Sons, but the effect is much the same.  

 

 But a buddy of mine used that history to write his own Chaos Warband fluff. some 5 years later when I decided to scrap the Chapter, I didn't really want to "punish" this friend and their fluff writing efforts and so began the Truth about the tragedy mentioned in this article. All you or anyone else needs to know is that the original chapter descended into the Black Rage almost entirely. Insert warp shenanigans and inquisitorial/space marine involvement and we come to the creation of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance with key members having been part of this old Chapter. Why Chaplains as leaders? Because a Space Marine Chapter falling to the Black Rage is sure to cause more than a little destruction. So they guard the entirety of the Chapter on a constant basis. This Truth is known on a fluff level by very few and forgotten by most. The individuals in the CSoV know it, a high ranking Inquisitor somewhere might figure it out and the members of the chaos warband know.


This raises a couple of problems, though.  First, when a Chapter has just more or less failed utterly and given in to the Black Rage en masse, my first move (as a High Lord) would not be giving them more recruits and resources and saying "here, try again".  

Easier solution, to me, would be having them be the same Chapter (having survived this) and the dedication on Chaplains is because Chaplains are those who guard the Death Company and watch to prevent the Black Rage.  

Regardless, I would expect those succumbing to the Black Rage to be executed or something like that, and for the Chapter's attitude toward it to be extremely negative.  That's not really coming across.  

 

Perceived Truth: This is the level of vagueness I try to use when writing this article. They know something happened but not exactly what. They know Kavillion Prime was important to Space Marines because of the care with which the Sanguinary Guard clears it but they don't know why. They begin to draw conclusions on faulty information and so spread rumors about the who's who of the Chapter Leadership, but they never realize how close or how far those conclusions are from the Truth.


Who do you mean by "they"?

 

 How can I keep this layered vision of the fluff without divulging too much in the article(and thus making it as convoluted as my original fluff) but also without using it as a catch all called "tragedy" like i have...?


The ancient and glorious art of not-actually-that-subtle hint-dropping.  

So you have a Chapter.  They succumbed en-masse to the Black Rage.  This has to have happened in their home system, or it doesn't require the Chapter to cover it up beyond picking up the bodies and glassing the place.  

First, they probably overran their Fortress Monastery, slaughtering serfs, destroying infrastructure, etc.  The same thing would almost certainly happen to their fleet.  Possibly even to the population of their home world (either through bombardment (which is a little out of character for the Black Rage) or through the population all living close enough to the Fortress Monastery for the Space Marines to kill them all (or a combination of the two).  

I'd expect a small group of survivors fleeing with a small amount of resources to one of the other planets in the system while it all died down.  The good/bad news is that the Black Rage is 100% fatal.  This means that the problem would eventually take care of itself.  The bad news, of course, is that there's no reason your Chapter couldn't just wander back over to where it was and proceed with their lives (just wiser).  

So, that produces two possible solutions - there was some kind of enemy involved (which would help wipe out the people and explain why your boys can't just pick everything back up, raise some new recruits, and just be really cautious in future) OR the Fortress Monastery got blown up somehow (whether from the inside or the outside).  Such things happen, of course.  

Either way, Monastery's blasted flat and your boys need to rebuild from the ruins.  Would lead to a shortage of equipment and a cautionary view toward the former planet (which they guard to prevent anyone learning about the old fortress monastery etc).  

I would suggest an older founding for this (so people don't just remember it like it was last week - plus, a new chapter immediately succumbing to the Black Rage kind of demonstrates exactly why they stopped raising Chapters from the BA).  

Once you figure out exaclty what happened, then you can be coy about it at an appropriate level.  Until then, not possible to do well.

If you have enough of the fleet survive to flatten the Fortress-Monastery, which they have to do because it's been overrun by the enemy, that would work fairly simply and avoid some of the lack of equipment issues.

Its something ill look into. Thank you for your time O
  • 1 year later...

Hail brethren!

 

So i've been working on the roll call for my IA and wanted to give you guys a glimpse of it and ask for some opinions on it:

 

ROLL OF HONOR:
C.Early M41 - The Retaking Campaign

The entirety of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance Chapter completes its warp jump into the Dolchiate Sector and travels into the Semyon System aboard and accompanied by its massive fleet. They immediately assess the system as one ideal for a base of operations in the sector and deploy an elite vanguard force unto Kavillion Secondus, facing off against agents of Slaanesh and their traitorous Emperor’s Children allies. Many years are required to completely purge the world of Chaos’ taint but ultimately the Sons prevail and begin construction of the Templum Luctus. It is to be noted that the commander of the Chaos Warband escapes Kavillion Secondus with some kind of priceless artifact, something that Commanding Chaplain Alvoro is not soon to forget.
 

120.M41 - The Cleansing of Prime

With the Templum Luctus complete and total control on every world of the Symeon System, the First Captain and Sanguinary Guard focus their attention to the corpse-planet, Kavillion Prime. An elite force of 50 Space Marines arrive and, like a surgeon’s scalpel, remove all of the cancer from the remains of the world in the form of Xenos, of which Eldar and Genestealers held a heavier presence, while efficiently preserving the relics found about the remains of the once living world. From henceforth Sanguinary Guard will often stand vigil upon what remains of Kavillion Prime.

 

150.M41 - Into The Dark

Following the Retaking and Cleansing of Prime, the Crimsons Sons of Vengeance replenish their Battle Companies and begin the long task set before them to reclaiming the Dolchiate Sector for the Imperium. The 2nd Battle Company, known as the Merciless Specters, take on the slave raiders of the Dark Eldar that have been plundering the sector of it’s live and material resources. The 3rd Battle Company, known as the Eruptors is charged with the resource filled Deork System. The 4th Company, known as the Warp Scorned, answer the challenge of the Rott System, with a main objective to find and eliminate the Warband responsible for Kavillion Secondus’ fall. The 5th Battle Company, known as the Deceivers, are charged with the reclamation of the populace Obeliscus System. Meanwhile the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Companies replenish themselves from the efforts of the Retaking Campaign and begin to establish themselves in the Symeon System.

 

157.M41 - First Contact: Obeliscus

Captain Freytas’ message is received on Kavillion Secundus of the state of affairs in Obeliscus. Warfare is nonexistent. The people seem to go through their day to day lives without any change. The worlds seem compliant to all imperial creed and continue to fulfill their quotas to the ruling governors. Of these however, Freytas has yet to make contact. Initial Imperial estimation was that the system had been eradicated of all life, and yet the life is here and well. Chaplain Marchena is tasked with investigating the state of the hierarchy of the system. Contact with the local Imperial Guard regiments is to be made and establishment of an armed presence begins as the Deceivers seek to find what kept Obeliscus from the carnage and chaos that they found in Symeon.

 

159.M41 - Symeon Reclaimed

First Captain Diogo returns to Kavillion Secondus with his task complete. The 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th company return victorious to the now homeworld of the Crimson Sons of Vengeance having cleared the system of all of Chaos’ taint. The various reports begin to filter in from the furthest regions of the Dolchiate Sector and elements of the reserve companies begin to be sent out to bolster the efforts of their brothers across embattled worlds.

 

162.M41 - First Contact: Rott

Chaplain Cesar establishes contact with the homeworld upon entering the warp storm that now is the Rott System. The Warp Scorned expect to be mostly radio silent until their target is acquired, apprehended and dealt with. Extreme prejudice is authorised and encouraged from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro.

 

165.M41 - First Contact: Deork

The furthest System of the sector is finally reached by the Eruptors. Their report back to Kavillion Secondus is one of great worry as they describe whole worlds plundered and yet worshiping the infamous Dark Eldar pirates. Slave ships filled to the point of bursting into the void are boarded and their human cargo freed by the Third Battle Company. They expect and welcome heavy fighting in the coming years, but with Chaplain Pireyra, Captain Rabelo & Sanguinary Priest Martel leading them, the headquarters of the Sons has full confidence in the Third’s will and ability to reclaim Deork.

 

C.Early M41 - Behind the Veil

A shadow war engulfs the Obeliscus System. The Fifth Battle Company is tasked with eliminating the heretical threat to the system, but they must keep it from the eyes of the populace who love the local puppet governors. A political and propaganda driven campaign allows the Deceivers to have each governor replaced and then executed behind the scenes. Although Obeliscus is reconnected with the Imperium of Man, those who pulled the strings are never brought to light.

 

C.Early to Mid M41 - The Elusive Prey

The Merciless Specters make first contact with the various Dark Eldar raiders of the Symeon System in the first quarter of the 41st Milenia. Assisted by the other elements of the Crimons Sons of Vengeance allows them to free many hundreds of thousands of human souls from the Xenos’ grasp and slave ships. It isn’t long before Symeon becomes a fruitless reaping ground for the Drukhari, but reports from Obeliscus and Deork begin to surface and so the Second Company takes the fight into those systems as well.

 

451.M41 - A Thorn By Any Other Name

Communications are received by various Astropaths on Kavillion Secondus, all originating from various points in the Rott System. Some have yet to be decoded as to their true meaning but the information that can be well received is as follows: The Fourth fights on undaunted. Casualties are many and mounting. The System is an ever changing board game of the Chaos Gods. Tzeentch has the upper hand. But hope exists, pockets of resistance are found and cultivated. The Angel Above is with us. The enemy has a name. Aruhna Requiem. Gryff’Rodh.

 

C.Mid M41 - A Costly Stalemate

Although able to free many from Drukhari slave ships and able to prevent raids on various worlds and space stations, the Second Battle Company finds itself in dire straits after more than half a millennia of hunting. The Dark Eldar always seem to be one step ahead, pushing forward when they are expected to fall back and disappearing from sight when expected to assault. The casualties and lack of a true kill have forced the Merciless Specters back to Kavillion Secondus in the hopes of replenishing bodies and minds for the war effort against this elusive foe.

 

C.Mid M41 - The Pyres of Estonia

With the pulling back of the Merciless Specters from both Deork and Obeliscus, the Eruptors find themselves ill prepared for the Xenos’ craftiness. A short and brutal campaign is fought between both the Space Marines and Dark Eldar, with the latter seemingly being held away from their objective: the souls of Estonia’s citizenry hives. As the Third’s strikeforce consolidates on the city itself, the Xenos plan is finally revealed. Incendiary explosives planted across the lower levels of the hive are detonated doing very little structural damage but engulfing the lower levels in flames. Countless human souls are lost to the shame of the Second and Third companies. What was a glorious battle soon turns into an urgent rescue mission for the Eruptors who must silence their guns in favour of the lives still left to save.

 

705.M41 - House Lagarto Surfaces

Word reaches Kavillion Secondus from the Rott System: Allies have been found. Upon one of the Death Worlds lost in the storm, the Warp Scorned make contact with a surviving Imperial Knight Household; House Lagarto. This alliance proves fruitful to both parties as the Knights receive a mobile and informed fighting force and the Crimson Sons of Vengeance get a strong hold to launch attacks from. This point of contact also allows Commanding Chaplain Alvoro to lead reinforcements into Rott and join the hunt for the Aruhna Requiem.

 

C.Late M41 - Various messages are received from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro and the Warp Scorned crusading in Rott. Accounts of skirmishes with both Traitors and Daemons across various worlds in the system. No real progress can be reported back as the warp’s fickle temperament affects this system in ways that imperial records have yet to show. The planet count itself cannot be properly recorded as whole worlds seems to disappear from existence only to reappear an undetermined time later. Time itself is relative and cannot be counted upon in or out of battle.

 

802.M41 -

 

C.Late M41 -

 

933.M41 -

 

956.M41 -

 

972.M41 - Deork Lost

Raids of Dark Eldars, riots from emerging Genestealer Cults and the sudden presence of Tyranids puts pressure on all fronts and spreads the Eruptors thin across the Deork System. With battlegrounds lost and casualties mounting, First Captain Diogo calls for a retreat of all imperial forces out the system. Deork is once again plunged into chaos.

 

989.M41 - Xenos Initiative

A xenos fleet emerges from the eastern edge of the system and begins spreading its lies of peace as the other xenos fall before it’s advanced artillery. They are soon identified as Tau and claim the name of the Other World Initiative Defense Command. The dwindling elements of the Third Battle Company take immense offense at this afront and charge back into the system to fight these xenos across planets and in the space in between. They are hard pressed to find any success against the various threats that exist within Deork, but their bright flame of warfare is still something to make the Angel Above proud.

 

998.M41 - The Twilight Towers of Skiros Campaign

The Tau claim many of the worlds of Deork in a very short matter of time, and it is upon the Forge World of Skiros that they believe themselves the safest. First Captain Diogo receives the reports of the Eruptors concerning the planet, its occupation and its value to this sector and other neighbouring ones. He decides to send large elements of the 6th and 7th reserve companies to push into Skiros and remove the Xenos from its surface. The specialists tactical advantage aided by the fury that is the Third mount an assault on the Other World Initiative Defense Command’s stronghold. No siege is had as the Sons of the Angel Above wipe out the Tau to a man and establish Skiros as their point of attack going forward.

 

999.M41 - Birth of the Cicatrix Maledictum

A message is received during the last days of the 41st Millenium. Commander Dante, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels sends out his call to arms to all sons of the Angel Above. First Captain Diogo receives the message and arms elements of the First and Fifth Battle Companies to accompany him to the home world of Sanguinius. They perform the warp jump but something goes wrong. The warp suddenly becomes a roaring sea of souls and daemons. Diogo commands they exit the warp to assess the situation and although it kills the navigators on board, the fleet safely exits without any further damage. They find themselves staring at the husk of Kavillion Prime, but with an eerie glow set about it’s features...it isn’t long until the Crimsons Sons of Vengeance lay their eyes upon the Great Rift. Reconvening upon Kavillion Secondus, the First Captain and the Chapter Headquarters receive a second message from Baal: The planet is safe, the Tyranids obliterated, many of their cousins are dead, whole chapters eradicated to nothing. But worse still, Terra is beyond their call, they are now cut off and alone. This is the last message the Sons receive from their parent Chapter. Reports flood in from the systems of the sector as the rift’s true consequences begin to be assessed. Xenos and Chaos push forward undaunted. They strike at every world. But not all hope is lost, imperial agents arrive from neighbouring sectors to shore up the defense of Rott, and a chance at vengeance presents itself. Word is received from Commanding Chaplain Alvoro and the Fourth Battle Company. They have their eyes set on the traitor Gryff’Rodh and this time he won’t escape.

 

C.Early M42 - The Hangman’s Noose Campaign

 

(still to be played)

 
  • 3 months later...

You've struck a good balance between truth and mystery, and the battle honors tell a compelling story of their expansion and efforts. You end with a campaign "yet to be played." Does that mean that the other battle honors derive from campaigns you've played? I don't have much to critique, but I noted there are a few places where you use "populace" (a noun) where you meant "populous" (the adjective). What kind of development are you looking toward having next? What parts do you still question?

Hey there Brother Dol. Read through everything...… and I still like it a lot. Just a few observations and comments. 

 

Founding: 

 

Due to the use of BA gene-seed, it probably would be easier to explain its use if you set the founding a few thousand years earlier..... along with all the complications that come with that. However, you could explain this in terms of time and logistical problems. Perhaps the CSoV were a last minute addition to the "Bastion" Founding and BA gene-seed was the only thing available in quantity at the local pharmacy:teehee: ...... and perhaps the bruhaha in the Dolchiate Sector was fairly recent and the Administratum  was hard pressed to throw resources at it, and understood that this would be a long term problem (you might want to briefly state this in your origin story). So flawed genes are better than no genes..... and we can always have the Inquisition keep an eye on things and it's all good....right?:yes: :no:

 

So, ultimately, I don't see this as a big problem...… just needs a little 'splainin'.

 

Fleet Assets:

 

Hey, I not only name ALL of my capital ships, but my support ships as well.... and Thunderhawks, and Stormravens…… heck, I even name all my tanks:blink.: so I don't think that level of detail disrupts anything.

 

Reclusium Based Command Structure:

 

Your call....no problem. If anybody questions this, the Chapter Master just smiles, "It's none of your freakin' business."

 

1500 Strong:

 

Your probably going to have way more chapter serfs, so I wouldn't even consider them in your numbers. Even a modern army has approximately 8 or 9 support troops to each combat troop. Once again, if anyone questions the rumors of the chapter having Astartes assets in excess of Codex limits, the Chapter Master smiles, "Yes. I've heard that rumor too....ha, ha, ha,.... all untrue. We are as compliant as the day is long. Ten companies of  one hundred Battle Brothers each...….. Do I mind if you check our records.....ha, ha, ha,...… OF COURSE I MIND:furious: ..... NOW GET OUT:verymad:"..... or something along those lines. Gabriel Seth of the Flesh Tearers usually kills anyone who gets that impertinent.

 

The Hangman's Noose Campaign:

 

Sounds interesting.... I look forward to the CSoV adventures in M42.

You've struck a good balance between truth and mystery, and the battle honors tell a compelling story of their expansion and efforts. You end with a campaign "yet to be played." Does that mean that the other battle honors derive from campaigns you've played? I don't have much to critique, but I noted there are a few places where you use "populace" (a noun) where you meant "populous" (the adjective). What kind of development are you looking toward having next? What parts do you still question?

Thanks Messor!

Yes most of the battle honours are a mix of actual battles and 20 years of games having been played vs my usual opponent.

I'll proof read and repair those mistakes ;)

Well I'm not sure. It doesnt feel finished and I'm hoping other pairs of eyes and brains can point out what could be improved upon, but I am very glad for your comments!

Hey there Brother Dol. Read through everything...… and I still like it a lot. Just a few observations and comments.

 

Founding:

 

Due to the use of BA gene-seed, it probably would be easier to explain its use if you set the founding a few thousand years earlier..... along with all the complications that come with that. However, you could explain this in terms of time and logistical problems. Perhaps the CSoV were a last minute addition to the "Bastion" Founding and BA gene-seed was the only thing available in quantity at the local pharmacy:teehee: ...... and perhaps the bruhaha in the Dolchiate Sector was fairly recent and the Administratum was hard pressed to throw resources at it, and understood that this would be a long term problem (you might want to briefly state this in your origin story). So flawed genes are better than no genes..... and we can always have the Inquisition keep an eye on things and it's all good....right?:yes::no:

 

So, ultimately, I don't see this as a big problem...… just needs a little 'splainin'.

 

Fleet Assets:

 

Hey, I not only name ALL of my capital ships, but my support ships as well.... and Thunderhawks, and Stormravens…… heck, I even name all my tanks:blink.: so I don't think that level of detail disrupts anything.

 

Reclusium Based Command Structure:

 

Your call....no problem. If anybody questions this, the Chapter Master just smiles, "It's none of your freakin' business."

 

1500 Strong:

 

Your probably going to have way more chapter serfs, so I wouldn't even consider them in your numbers. Even a modern army has approximately 8 or 9 support troops to each combat troop. Once again, if anyone questions the rumors of the chapter having Astartes assets in excess of Codex limits, the Chapter Master smiles, "Yes. I've heard that rumor too....ha, ha, ha,.... all untrue. We are as compliant as the day is long. Ten companies of one hundred Battle Brothers each...….. Do I mind if you check our records.....ha, ha, ha,...… OF COURSE I MIND:furious: ..... NOW GET OUT:verymad:"..... or something along those lines. Gabriel Seth of the Flesh Tearers usually kills anyone who gets that impertinent.

 

The Hangman's Noose Campaign:

 

Sounds interesting.... I look forward to the CSoV adventures in M42.

Thanks BL!

Great points. I'll see if I can tweak the strength, but then again I quite agree with your chapter master comments haha

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