IA: Swords of Caliban (WIP)

[Brother Karael]

SWORDS OF CALIBAN

 

 

It's a work in progress, but I'm beginning to see the end of the tunnel regarding my vision for these guys. Feedback is appreciated!

 

SUMMARY:

▪ GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): Lion El’Jonson

▪ FOUNDING: 4th Founding. 

▪ CHAPTER MASTER: The Lion’s Champion (Master Karael).

▪ CHAPTER WORLD: Fleet based.

▪ FLAGSHIP: Battle Barge Caliban’s Blade.

▪ MAIN COLOURS: Bone white with dark green backpacks and shoulder plate trim. Chest insignia in blood red.

▪ BATTLE CRY: “By the edge of our Swords, the Lion shall have his vengeance!”

▪ CURRENT STRENGTH: 1000-1200.

 

ORIGIN OF THE CHAPTER:

 

 

The Lion’s Champion

When the time to perform the 4th Founding was decided upon, the High Lords of Terra saw the need for chapters that could retake the many worlds still lost to the Orks of the Beast and those conquered during the Second Black Crusade. The Angels of Absolution were chosen to train and assign a chapter master for one if these chapters. After a council of the Inner Circle, Master Arioch was chosen to lead them. 

 

Upon his ascension, Arioch had a vision. In his vision he stood on the battlefield of Caliban during that fateful day. A battle of brothers rivaled only by the Great Heresy. Under a dark sky lit up by orbital bombardment and burning defences the Deathwing displayed a merciless resolve as they emerged from the aether firing their mighty weapons and beginning their advance upon the Tower of Angels. Among the traitors he saw Dark Angels twisted by chaos. But also some who were less obvious traitors, hesitant in their defence against the righteous assault lead by the Lion. Lastly, he saw Caliban ripped apart by warp storms leaving only a small chunk of bedrock upon which the Tower of Angels still rests. 

 

“You are my Sword. Avenge Caliban and the brothers lost.” 

 

Arioch heard in Lion El'Jonson's voice as he came to from his entranced state. On that day Arioch swore an oath. He would renounce his name and accept no honors bestowed upon him for he would be the Lion’s Champion, acting only on the will of their Primarch and the Emperor of Mankind. 

 

Brother Tyriar

The Lion’s Champion told the Inner Circle of his vision and the words the Lion had spoken to him, looking to find guidance amongst his peers. The Librarians among them agreed it was necessary for the Champion to be assigned a brother of great wisdom. A brother whose age and experience even surpassed their own. Someone who had fought alongside the Lion himself. An ancient dreadnought, Brother Tyriar, once an esteemed warrior of the Deathwing of the 1st Legion was now awoken from the deep vaults of armoury on the Rock. Tyriar would guide the Lion’s Champion in his duties and provide insight on the Lion that may shed some light on his vision. 

 

COMBAT DOCTRINE & CHAPTER ORGANISATION:

 

When organising the chapter, the Lion’s Champion took great inspiration from Brother Tyriar’s experience of the Great Crusade and the Hexagrammaton of the First Legion. Instead of forming 10 companies of 100 Marines each like the Codex Astartes dictates, he organised the chapter into the Six Swords of Caliban. Each Sword would consist of 200 battle brothers led by a Swordmaster supported by a command staff of Chaplains, Librarians and Apothecaries as well as two voted-lieutenants chosen by the battle brothers. While every Sword is a fully capable fighting force on their own, strike teams are commonly assembled with a mix of units, with every Sword contributing their own expertise. Each Sword also holds a varying amount of recruits and neophytes ready to replace the losses of the chapter with the exception of the 1st and 2nd Swords who recruit from the other Swords upon entry into the Inner Circle. 

 

1st Sword, Sword of the Lion. They are the chapter’s elite and all members of the Inner Circle. Much like the Deathwing of the Dark Angels they are clad in mighty terminator armour. The 1st Sword also has a small number of Dreadnoughts, some of which are likely to be older than the chapter itself. Deployed when the chapter needs to end a battle in swift stroke.

 

2nd Sword, Sword of Eagles. The 2nd Sword are relentless hunters, stopping at nothing to claim their prey. They are also members of the Inner Circle due to their involvement in the hunt for the Fallen. Organised similarly to the Ravenwing with bikes, Land Speeders and aircraft. Their tasks are to hunt for the Fallen and to serve as a powerful hit-and-run force.

 

3rd Sword, Sword of Devastation. The chapter’s mightiest and most terrifying weapons are brought to bear by the Sword of Destruction. They are responsible for fielding Devastator Squads, Whirlwinds, Vindicators as well as a large number of Dreadnoughts.

 

4th Sword, Sword of Steel. When the chapter needs to perform an armoured assault, the Sword of Steel is called upon. Fielding Predators, Rhinos, Razorbacks, Dreadnoughts and Land Raiders. They are experts of mechanised warfare, their Tactical Marines are well-versed in storming out of their transports and rapidly take objectives while the armour clears a path. Many foes have perished under the treads of the Sword of Steel.

 

5th Sword, Sword of Resolution. The 5th Sword is a very adaptable formation with the courage and tenacity to adapt to any battlefield just like their progenitor. It is here the mainstay of the battleline troops hail from. Whether their task is to defend a flank or storm a hill, the marines of the Sword of Resolution will find a way.

 

6th Sword, Sword of Storms. Assault Specialists with a penchant for close combat. Their main tasks are to perform airborne assaults and ship boarding. The 6th Sword has provided the Swords of Caliban with many skilled champions.

 

ROLL OF HONOR:


BELIEFS:
Luther’s betrayal at Caliban was a tragedy beyond words. Brother turned against brother, their homeworld destroyed and the Lion believed to be dead. The Swords of Caliban’s spiritual purpose is to avenge the brother’s Luther had led astray and the death of their Primarch. The Crusade of Vengeance shall avenge them both.

CHAPTER FLEET:
A large fleet of smaller ships, with the Battle Barge Caliban’s Blade as their flagship.

PRESENT ACTIVITIES:
The Swords of Caliban are currently on chapter-wide crusade along the northern edge of the rift.

 

 

Battle Brother Wren

 

Brother Sergeant Gavial

 

 

Sword Veteran Raegon

Edited January 20, 2018 by Brother Karael

[Cpt_Reaper]

First of all, welcome to the B&C. Secondly, welcome to the Liber.

 

The idea of the Swords is certainly an interesting one. I know a few DiY successors have, in one way or another, revived or sought to emulate one of the old Wings. So actually recreate the Hexagrammaton in its entirety is not something I've seen done. So good job for surprising me.

 

One thing to think about, that in the days of the 4th founding the Heresy would have been still fresh in judging eyes. A 3rd Generation chapter would not be making many friends within hardcore Inquisitors and the like by so dramatically shunning one of the biggest parts of the Codex: The limit on size. 

 

 

On an unrelated note, good to see another Unforgiven Chapter from the Angels of Absolution. Mine doesn't appear until the 11th founding so I expect many glories for the Swords of Caliban in that time.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

A good start, overall. I take issue with the idea the Champion is an "unknown Brother"- not only is it pointlessly edgy, but given the Imperium's experience with Alpha Legion infiltrators (and the Dark Angels' own experience with the Fallen), it seems too risky to let an unidentified person command a Space Marine Chapter.

 

Better state the new Chapter Master is someone who renounced his old name in favor of the title "The Lion's Champion," reminding himself to focus on his new mission. (For comparison, see how Cardinals choose a new name when they're elected as Pope.)

[Brother Karael]

First of all, welcome to the B&C. Secondly, welcome to the Liber.

 

The idea of the Swords is certainly an interesting one. I know a few DiY successors have, in one way or another, revived or sought to emulate one of the old Wings. So actually recreate the Hexagrammaton in its entirety is not something I've seen done. So good job for surprising me.

 

One thing to think about, that in the days of the 4th founding the Heresy would have been still fresh in judging eyes. A 3rd Generation chapter would not be making many friends within hardcore Inquisitors and the like by so dramatically shunning one of the biggest parts of the Codex: The limit on size. 

 

 

On an unrelated note, good to see another Unforgiven Chapter from the Angels of Absolution. Mine doesn't appear until the 11th founding so I expect many glories for the Swords of Caliban in that time.

 

Thank you! 

 

I am particularly fond of the Six Swords, and it was a bit challenging at times given how little information I've been able to find on the Hexagrammaton Wings. 

 

I see where you're coming from regarding size, and then again 2nd founding chapters like the Black Templars exist which are way bigger. I will take a look at how to rationalise their size in coming revisions. 

 

A long roll of honor is planned, don't worry 

 

 

A good start, overall. I take issue with the idea the Champion is an "unknown Brother"- not only is it pointlessly edgy, but given the Imperium's experience with Alpha Legion infiltrators (and the Dark Angels' own experience with the Fallen), it seems too risky to let an unidentified person command a Space Marine Chapter.

 

Better state the new Chapter Master is someone who renounced his old name in favor of the title "The Lion's Champion," reminding himself to focus on his new mission. (For comparison, see how Cardinals choose a new name when they're elected as Pope.)

 

Very much agreed about the everything! To be honest, the whole unknown brother known as the Champion is more of a placeholder name until I could come up with something better. BUT, I like your idea about the Chapter Master renouncing his name to be "The Lion's Champion". Might steal that 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

BUT, I like your idea about the Chapter Master renouncing his name to be "The Lion's Champion". Might steal that

Go ahead. I'm glad I helped inspire someone. (See my many threads in "Homegrown Rules" and its "Apocalypse Datasheets" subsection for my other attempts.)

[Cpt_Reaper]

The Black Templars are 2nd founding so can get away with more. Also they may have been retconned to having closer to 1000 than 6000 Astartes.

 

Now if the Swords started with less than 1000 marines and ended with closer to 1200 and someone asked why, a good reason could be they are expecting heavy losses via the Emperor's Tarot.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Suggested lore:

 

"The First Grand Master of the Swords of Caliban was Captain [insert name] of the Angels of Absolution. Upon his ascension, former Captain [insert name] renounced his name in favor of the title 'The Lion's Champion,' intending to focus on his duty of persecuting enemies of the Imperium; accusations the title was vainglorious, were assuaged when the Lion's Champion refused honors Imperial allies offered for valor, claiming all his accomplishments were by the Primarch's will- in one fabled incident, a planetary governor invited the Lion's Champion to a feast in his honor, but the latter only entered the dining hall to seat a statue of the Primarch at the governor's right hand.

 

"Thus began the Swords of Caliban ritual of Grand Masters renouncing their name in favor of the title 'The Lion's Champion,' as well as all honors they received while serving in that position; their original name and the honors they previously received will not be returned until a new Lion's Champion must be chosen, whereupon the previous Champion's name and hard won honors are engraved upon his coffin."

Edited January 11, 2018 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Brother Karael]

Yeah, it's somewhat along those lines I'm working on right now :)

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Another idea: Install statues of Lion El'Jonson with psychically sensitive crystals hidden within, at potential problem spots. (One example of how and where, is the incident in which the Lion's Champion had a statue of the Primarch take his place at a feast in a planetary governor's mansion- a feast intended to honor the Champion.) If Chaotic energy is detected at these problem spots, e.g., psychic energy from a Fallen Angel who turned to the Ruinous Powers- the statue's integral psychic transmitter will send a warning to the Librarium of the Swords of Caliban.

[Zhiv]

Hello and welcome to Liber where we kindly tear up your hard work by comparing to what is generally known / has been written before.

 

When the time to perform the 4th Founding was decided upon, the Supreme Grand Masters of the Unforgiven saw the need for a chapter that could retake the many worlds still lost to the Orks of the Beast and those conquered during the Second Black Crusade. To lead this new chapter an unknown Brother of the Angels of Absolution referenced only as the Champion is chosen to lead them.

As far as the canon goes, foundings (before Ultima) are done only and only by High Lords of Terra and they decide where and how chapters are deployed, requesting the required materials from their primogenitors. So basically High Lords were the ones that saw the need and then requested the Dark Angels / Unforgiven to 'get stuff done' which then followed by Unknown Brother setting things up as he saw fit.

 

Your company structure comes with a small clash with known canon - namely the abidance of terminator armor.  If the first sword is 200 strong and they are all clad in terminator armor - you have more terminator suits than most 1st founding chapters. You might say 'well, we got them made.'  Issue is, they are not really made-made anymore. 

 

From one of the wiki's

"However, as the Horus Heresy devoured the Imperium's resources, and the Mechanicum divided into separate factions during the Schism of Mars, Terminator suits became increasingly rare, for they were exceptionally difficult to create and maintain."

 

"In the late 41st Millennium it is a rare thing to see a "new" suit of Terminator Armour. If an additional suit is required, it is usually cobbled together from refurbished parts salvaged from the remains of Terminators killed in action."

Simple solution to this is to note that first sword is smaller or that you *gasp* have power armored members of the first circle. 

 

"Each Sword also holds a varying amount of recruits ready to replace the losses of the chapter’s crusade against the enemies of the Imperium."

This bit is also bit contradictory with the whole inner circle and how it recruits people.  You might want to mention that the first is not quite like the others? Well, same ought to apply to the 2nd since Ravenwing doesn't traditionally take in new recruits either.

[Brother Karael]

Very good points, Zhiv! It's precisely these sort of pointers that I was looking for when I posted this Index Astartes :)

 

The first revision is well under way, and the continous feedback has helped a lot.

Edited January 15, 2018 by Brother Karael

[Brother Karael]

First update is here!

 

Changes:

• Redone the origins
• Reworded the Chapter organisation to be a little bit more codex friendly and look less like legion-building. (No need to try to create a legion when you're already part of one  )

Next up: 

• Roll of Honor
• Beliefs and Rituals

In the future: 

• Pictures of my tabletop army. 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Arioch's backstory is well done. Did you intentionally name him after the Lord of Chaos from Michael Moorcock's novels, patron of Elric of Melniboné, father of Stormbringer and Mournblade?

[Brother Karael]

Arioch's backstory is well done. Did you intentionally name him after the Lord of Chaos from Michael Moorcock's novels, patron of Elric of Melniboné, father of Stormbringer and Mournblade?

 

Nope, looked at some hebrew names as Dark Angels have a tendency to have hebrew-inspired names. Among those I found Arioch, which supposedly means "like the/a lion". It seemed fitting for the Lion's Champion.

[Dosjetka]

The idea of basing the Chapter's organisation on part of the 1st Legion's own organisation isn't one I've seen before so good on you for being somewhat original. :tu:

 

Regarding the paragraph concerning the 4th Sword, I'd recommend not adding Dreadnoughts to it as they are slow machines which couldn't keep up with a fast-moving armoured assault (and are already very much at home in the 3rd Sword).

 

A suggestion I'd like to make is to try and find another name for the "Swords". I think it would be better if you didn't have the Swords of Caliban being organised into Swords with their preferred weapon being swords, etc.

 

Anyway, keep up the good work. :tu:

[Brother Karael]

The idea of basing the Chapter's organisation on part of the 1st Legion's own organisation isn't one I've seen before so good on you for being somewhat original.

 

Regarding the paragraph concerning the 4th Sword, I'd recommend not adding Dreadnoughts to it as they are slow machines which couldn't keep up with a fast-moving armoured assault (and are already very much at home in the 3rd Sword).

 

A suggestion I'd like to make is to try and find another name for the "Swords". I think it would be better if you didn't have the Swords of Caliban being organised into Swords with their preferred weapon being swords, etc.

 

Anyway, keep up the good work.

 

Thank you! 

 

I'm inclined to agree with your sentiment on the name for the Swords. I've found it to roll off the tongue poorly from the beginning but haven't quite made the effort to come up with something else. It will likely change in due time. I'm open to suggestions to spur my imagination :)

[Dosjetka]

You could perhaps go with a Blade, a Lance, a Spear, an Edge, a Strike, a Thrust, an Onslaught, a Stab, a Blitz, a Horn, an Antler, a Point. Or something else entirely. :) Edited January 25, 2018 by Chaplain Dosjetka