LASC - The Vanquishers IA

[Brother Cambrius]

Brother Veneo of the Fourth Company, Fifth Tactical Squad

Chapter: Vanquishers
Founding: 4th
Homeworld: Caeron
Geneseed: Imperial Fists (Crimson Fists)
Organisation: Codex
Chapter Master: Coras Brenen
Chapter Symbol: Silver Clenched Fist

 

 

Against All, We Endure

The Vanquishers are a chapter that live and fight under the tenets of endurance and vigilance, taking the trait of stubbornness and purity from their Primarchs legacy. Masters of urban warfare, fighting in the treacherous conditions of densely built battlezones are their forte in combat, such as Hive Cities, industrial facilities and to a smaller degree, in the cramped conditions of void warfare. Renowned for rarely retreating until the last glimmer of hope for victory is lost, the Vanquishers always seek to find a weakness to exploit and turn the tide of a battle. Endurance is the tenet above all else the Vanquishers strive for, ensuring that they outlast their foes through superior firepower and combat skills, no matter how long or protracted the campaign. This has sometimes led to the chapter receiving shocking losses in ill-fated campaigns, including their near annihilation in 398.M35 to WAAAGH! Gullzag on the Hiveworld, Azura Secundus, with only two hundred and twenty Vanquishers emerging from the apocalyptic clash, which ended the Orks systemwide rampage. But the amount of victories snatched from the jaws of defeat by this tenacity has provided the Chapter's greatest victories, such as the sundering of the Red Surge in 501.M38. The battle brothers of the Vanquishers maintain a supremely high level of discipline both on and off the battlefield, it is regarded by some that their level of discipline is only matched and surpassed by their primogenitors, the Imperial Fists.

Legacy and History
 
A byword for urban combat and endurance across the Segmentum Solars southern region, the Vanquishers were forged from the Crimson Fists in latter years of 32nd Millennium, replacing the heavily depleted forces from the galactic wide rampage of the Orks after the War of the Beast. The chapter were dispatched to the Southern fringes of the Segmentum Solar to defend and eradicate the lingering Ork presence still left from the brutal warfare centuries prior. Captain Vasperon of the 5th Company was placed with the honour and responsibility of building the new chapter, ready to counter the Greenskin threat that was making its presence more felt through the Fidel Sector. Vasperon was a warrior who prided himself and his Company on pure will and unyielding vigilance for incoming threats when on and off the battle field. This would be a major part in the creation of the Vanquishers personality and combat doctrine, as they grew in number and capability over the early years of the 33rd Millennium.
 
Having successfully ended the threat of the Ork presence and building Waaagh! within the systems of the Fidel sector, the Vanquishers sought to find a planet on which to settle and build their forces to become a fully grown Astartes chapter. Located in the heart of the sector, the chapter settled upon the planet of Caeron, which was once a vibrant Hiveworld that served as a mustering point for the Expeditionary Fleets during the Great Crusade. When the Horus Heresy and subsequent events of the Scouring took place, the planet fell to the hands of the traitor Legions, until the Imperial Fists retook the planet in a cataclysmic campaign that rendered the planet a husk of its former habitability. A single Hive named Blackring, built after the Scouring now circles completely around Caerons equator, which remains the only viable area for humanity to survive with relative ease upon its surface; as to the north and south of Blackring, vast irradiated tundra wasteland spreads to Caerons poles, with long abandoned and crumbling hive cities and infrastructure scattered across the hemispheres, almost impossible to reach by conventional means due to the violent storms and lethal environment created from the apocalyptic fighting during and after the Heresy. It is from these crumbling metropolises that the Vanquishers train their recruits to become the masters of tight combat in urban environments. Astartes of the Vanquishers often exceed the standard level of marksmanship with their firearms as a result of the drills performed within the ruins and environment beyond Blackring as sniper and breaching teams. The Vanquishers Fortress Monastery, named The Perpetual Sentinel is based upon Caerons singular moon, Derev, which also serves as the planets shipyard for trade and military repairs and deployment.
 
The Fidel sector and surrounding space has been an active region for the Vanquishers to constantly protect from incursions, as Ork empires slowly rebuild in a perpetual echo from the War of the Beast. The constantly hidden threat of the Agonys Lash kabal of Drukhari have also notably persisted across the edges of the sector, where the twisted Xenos have conducted repeated raids over the millennia on Imperial worlds and vessels within the region, despite the ferocious counter-attacks led by the Vanquishers when they receive their distress calls. The Fidel Sector is populated by a number of key worlds on the southern edge of the Segemtum Solar, including a handful of Forgeworlds that the Vanquishers hold pacts of honour to protect when requested and thus the chapter hold a cordial relationship with the Martian forces, including the Titans of Demi-Legio Fluctus. The sector also contains vital shipping lanes, including the relatively calm crossing of the Cinder Gap, located in between the colossal asteroid fields of two shattered planetary systems, created millions of years prior from an unknown force. The Gap provides a stable thoroughfare for resources to be transported towards Terra and the inner planets of the Imperium and it is the Vanquishers duty to protect it. In the 39th Millennium, a fresh chapter of Astartes were created in reinforcing the Vanquishers in protecting the Cinder Gap from raiding pirates of Drukhari and other threats. Forged from Sanguinius sons, the fleet based Emerald Tears became a closely bonded brother Chapter to the Vanquishers, the Tears aggressive close-combat oriented warfare complimenting the methodical practices of the sons of Caeron.
 

The Galactic Schism

 

 

As the final years of the 41st Millennium waned out and the Astronomican grew weaker, the Vanquishers found themselves severely hard pressed as Ork empires grew in power within and beyond the Fidel Sector, notably WAAAGH! BlakkHamma, requiring a major splitting of their forces to multiple war zones, including the deployment of their Tactical Reserve Companies to stem the growing green tide. The Cicatrix Maledictum's tear across the galaxy only added a nuclear payload into the fire as uprisings, dangerous psychic awakenings and Chaotic incursions sowed the seeds of outright warfare and anarchy across the many systems the Vanquishers protected. As the attrition of these campaigns began to wear the Fidel Sectors Imperial forces numbers down, rebellions and uprisings began to appear from the desperation of the citizens being forgotten and Xenos incursions became increasingly prevalent. Requests for reinforcement fell upon deaf ears on Terra as the madness of the Warps new tear split the Imperium in half. As the Blood Angels called for aid at Baal, the Emerald Tears sought to answer; but as the tides of the Greenskin overwhelmed the Vanquishers forces, leading to dire casualty numbers, the Tears chose to send only two squads to Baal. Seeing the value of keeping the Fidel Sector safeguarded due to its proximity to Terra and the supplies travelling through, the rest of the Emerald Tears remained to reinforce and aid the Vanquishers. 

Fall of the Emerald Tears

 
In spite of their heroic and selfless decision to remain and protect the Fidel Sector alongside their beleaguered brother Chapter, the fate of the Emerald Tears ended in tragedy. In a cataclysmic scenario of a dangerously weaponised Ork Space Hulk, dubbed Krump Krooza heading for the vast population centre of the Hurst Cluster, the Tears fought to the last on the Hulk to prevent its true power ruining the region. It became a bitter irony that the Indomitus Crusade would arrive scant years later, too late to reinforce the honoured fallen sons of Sanguinius, but the Vanquishers honoured their passing in carrying marks of the emerald teardrop upon their armour for those who had fought beside them, carrying their name in memory and in the wargear recovered in the wreckage of the Krump Krooza.

 
When elements of the Indomitus Crusade finally arrived to relieve the beleaguered forces of the Vanquishers, the reinforcement and introduction of the Primaris marines and new vehicles and weaponry initially was seen as an affront to the proud chapter that emphasised and holds strong on the tenets of endurance. The Primaris were perceived as a replacement and a concern that the first-born Astartes were now being forgotten and seen as no longer worthy to carry their duties. But over time and through counsel with the Primaris that were tasked with reinforcing the Vanquishers, it became abundantly clear that this was an enhancement to the chapter and the displays of fortitude and sheer will of their new brethren proved they were true sons of Dorn and the Vanquishers. Over time the numerous threats began to reduce in the Fidel Sector and a fresh chapter of Primaris marines, the Viridian Angels took up the burden of the fallen Emerald Tears. At the current era, the Fidel Sector has much left to cleanse and purify from the Great Rifts formation and Noctis Aeternam, but the Vanquishers continue to look ahead to face the challenges and endure all that the enemies of the Imperium can muster.

 

 

Combat Doctrine and Organisation

Command Retinue

Chapter Master Coras Brenen - Lord Protector of Caeron
Captain Marek Tarren 1st Praetorian Company
Master of the Crusade
Captain Sontor Arral 2nd Perpetual Company
Master of the Fortress
Captain Fernann Cohr 3rd Tenacious Company
Master of Arms
Captain Elias Draeg 4th Resilient Company
Master of the Fleet
Captain Valdor Antana 5th Dauntless Company
Master of the Marches
Captain Synas Castor 6th Steadfast Company
Master of the Rites
Captain Deinar Orhon 7th Resolute Company
Master of the Trials
Captain Kaspar Gehr 8th Relentless Company
Master of the Breach
Captain Argus Salazar 9th Perennial Company
Master of Bombardment
Captain Martel Kydio 10th Hidden Company
Master of Recruits

"Urban warfare is the ultimate test of a warrior's skills. To fight in the claustrophobia of ruined buildings, where danger waits around every passage, every corner, from above your head and beneath your feet. An Astartes must be as vigilant as his spirit can muster. His weapons must be gripped tighter, always ready to strike. His reaction times must reach a point rivalling the preternatural. We have been raised to fight in this environment. In the ruins of Ashenhive, Skyreach and Tridenthaven, every son of Caeron has honed their skills against each other and the cruel monsters within the shadows of the once almighty buildings. The battles of legends may be imagined upon open fields, but we fight the reality of the ultimate test of combat." - Veteran Sergeant Alato Karvan of the Resilient Company to a White Talons veteran, during the defence of the Felwinter Hive Complex.
 
 
A staunchly Codex chapter, the Vanquishers loyally follow its tenets and rarely divert wildly from its teachings, with exceptions to the name of certain ranks and a Captains title in some of the Companies befitting their style of warfare. The Vanquishers prime talents in prosecuting urban warfare or combat in similar confined environments will often see them deployed wars and campaigns that desperately require their expertise. In more protracted campaigns, the chapter will often seek to ensure that the enemy is forced or directed into combat within such environments to increase the Vanquishers advantage over them. But when called for, the chapter are more than capable of fighting in the open battlefields beyond their favoured urban confines, some of their finest victories in combat have been executed in these moments, such as the Second Sunrise Assault during the Lauss Rift Campaign. With the advent of the Ultima founding, the Vanquishers adapted to the newer armour and armaments quickly. The Chapter now ensure that within their Company structure, the Lieutenants are one Primaris and one First-Born Astartes to keep stability and balance and share the capabilities of both styles.

Wallbreaker Formation

The Vanquishers utilise a number of unique formations to breach well-fortified enemies in urban campaigns. One that has become synonymous with the chapter is the Wallbreaker Formation to breach bunkers and buildings. Company Veterans carry vast storm shields, first used for ship to ship campaigns during the Great Crusade and wield storm bolters and special weapons to clear out the enemy, after having been breached an entrance from a heavy weapons squad or vehicle. In recent decades, Hellblasters have been a very popular option for breaching, with their veteran brothers leading them in to clear the enemy out, with the Hellblasters ensuring no heavier resistance stems the oncoming wall of ceramite. In the tight confines of these urban environments, none can escape their wrath.

Having moulded their combat style to capitalise on fighting in the cramped and unpredictable nature of urban and industrial environments, alongside dealing with the Ork menace that constantly threatens the Fidel sector as it rebuilds; the Vanquishers often deploy weaponry designed for this purpose, including the use of flamers, meltas for breaching buildings and combi variants there-in. The chapter boasts a high number of heavy vehicles as well, designed to aid them in their campaigns in combat on industrial and hive worlds, this includes a plethora of Vindicators and Land Raider Redeemers.
 
The newer Phobos pattern of armour for their brethren has been greatly accepted and utilised strongly to befit their tight confined of urban warfare and the use of Infiltrators and Incursors has become a norm for the newer Primaris sons of Caeron alongside their Scouts to gather intelligence and commit more covert operations before attacking in full force with their armoured might. Whilst they do possess the exotic and powerful plasma weaponry, it is not fielded as often, due to the nature of the Vanquishers more prevalent combat campaigns in the tight confines of urban conflict, where plasma weaponry can pose a danger to the wielder and his brethren should it overheat. But for Astartes that carry the responsibility or choice to wield plasma weaponry into combat is seen with a wary respect by their kindred. With the addition of the Hellblasters to their formations, the view on Plasma weaponry remains the same, but the level of respect for their newer brethren to wage war with such powerful and dangerous weaponry continues to be looked upon with great respect. To wield such destructive power at your own risk, to ensure that the enemies of the Vanquishers are eradicated is a sacrifice worthy of Dorns legacy.

Astartes of the Vanquishers typically eschew adorning their armour with overtly ornate decorations, viewing them as hindrances in the tight confines of urban warfare. Some exceptions are however included, such as the Iron Halo and cloaks of Office for Captains. Typically, a battle-brothers honours are laser-etched and painted into their armour as an honour shield, which can be placed wherever they deem fit. Veterans who wield Storm and Combat Shields place the honours onto their weapons instead, displaying their honours without hindering their armours movement.
 
Having been founded in the earlier millennia of the Imperium after the Horus Heresy, the Vanquishers still hold a large amount of older marks of weaponry, armour and vehicles that were gifted to them by their primogenitors and the Mechanicum. Some very rare, near singular examples of the ancient super-heavy battle tanks from the Heresy and Scouring, such as the Sicaran and Fellblade also reside within the armoury deep beneath the soil of Derev. These sacred armaments and relics are suitably revered by the Techmarines and chapter at large and the choice to deploy them into campaigns is typically only sanctioned by the Chapter Master or Master of the Forge. The Vanquishers possess a fair amount of the newer Mark VIII Errant power armour from the Adeptus Mechanicus Forges, with their other armour often including up-armoured additions to aid them in combat. Often, they also add additional sensors and scanners to their armours systems, to ensure they have the best upper-hand in urban combat. The Mechanicus sometimes rankle at the adjustments made to the sacred suits, but the Vanquishers history in saving Forgeworlds from destruction and the reverence they hold for their older relics from their founding era have stayed the Mechanicus abhorrence to such changes.


+++++

Additions required to update for completion:

 

• BELIEFS
• FURTHER PRIMARIS TACTICS

Well, here's my first submission into the Swap Challenge, as somehow these guys have never graced the halls of the Liber previously, despite being around for nearly 10 years! As mentioned, still bits to update to deem it complete since I first wrote it aeons ago.

As always, input/suggestions/critiques/fluff-maulings are as welcome as ever!

Cambrius

Edited June 27, 2022 by Brother Cambrius

[Bjorn Firewalker]

A good start. I presume they use modified Leman Russ Demolishers in place of Vindicators? As the threat can come from all directions in urban warfare- including above, i.e., upper floors- a Leman Russ' turret and sponsons are vital to covering potential vulnerabilities.

[Ace Debonair]

Vanquishers!
It's about time.
 
Their combat doctrines are interesting - how do the Vanquishers cope when faced with more open battlefields? Do they adapt to the terrain, or stubbornly stick to their guns?
 
The article could use a 'beliefs' section - that's where a lot of the Chapter's personality comes through. You'd have room to explore why the Vanquishers place such a high value on endurance, and why they persist even after disastrous losses.
 
C&C Time, anyway:

This has sometimes led to the chapter receiving shocking losses in ill-fated campaigns, including their near annihilation in 398.M35 to WAAAGH! Gullzag on the Hiveworld, Azura Secundus, with only two hundred and twenty Vanquishers emerging from the apocalyptic clash, which ended the Ork’s systemwide rampage. But the amount of victories snatched from the jaws of defeat by this tenacity has always emerged stronger in number from their prowess and stubbornness to call a retreat.

 
I have no idea what the bolded sentence is trying to say.

 

As best I can tell you're trying to tell me that coming close to Chapter-Level extinction was good for the Vanquishers somehow? 

 

 The "Perennial" company sound like they only take action once a year.  Perhaps instead the "Unyielding" company? Sounds pretty appropriate for a Company whose leader is the Master of Bombardment.

[Brother Cambrius]

A good start. I presume they use modified Leman Russ Demolishers in place of Vindicators? As the threat can come from all directions in urban warfare- including above, i.e., upper floors- a Leman Russ' turret and sponsons are vital to covering potential vulnerabilities.

Thanks Bjorn!

 

Surprisingly, they don't utilise Leman Russ MBTs, as despite their superiority for that combat, the Vanquishers' streak of Dornian pride means they honour the Wargear they have within the rules of the Codex and make do. Naturally they do up-armour their Vindicators etc though and being an older Founding, they possess a small amount of very rare Super Heavies like the Fellblade and similar.

 

Vanquishers!

It's about time.

 

Yes, indeed it is about time. :D

 

Their combat doctrines are interesting - how do the Vanquishers cope when faced with more open battlefields? Do they adapt to the terrain, or stubbornly stick to their guns?

 

The Vanquishers can hold their own in open battlefields as well, but the tighter confines are where they truly shine. Typically they would seek to force the battles to take place in more covered areas, but if the need requires, they will fight toe to toe across the open fields.

 

The article could use a 'beliefs' section - that's where a lot of the Chapter's personality comes through. You'd have room to explore why the Vanquishers place such a high value on endurance, and why they persist even after disastrous losses.

 

A beliefs section is a very good idea, I'll add that to my list. :tu:

 

C&C Time, anyway:

*snip!*

I have no idea what the bolded sentence is trying to say.

 

As best I can tell you're trying to tell me that coming close to Chapter-Level extinction was good for the Vanquishers somehow?

Ah, that's what you get for writing at 2am... :P I've slightly tweaked it on my lunch break now so hopefully it reads better.

 

The "Perennial" company sound like they only take action once a year. Perhaps instead the "Unyielding" company? Sounds pretty appropriate for a Company whose leader is the Master of Bombardment.

Tempting. Although I think you have mixed up Perennial with Annual, as Perennial means eternal. Like those flowers in tje garden that live all year around are called perennials. ;)

 

Thanks for the feedback, Brothers! I'll adjust some more tonight when I get home from work.

 

Cambrius

Edited September 5, 2019 by Brother Cambrius

[Dolchiate Remembrancer]

Hey Cambrius!

 

Seconded on the beliefs section, especially if it helps differentiate them from the other Fists.

 

LOVE Caenor! Fantastic world!

 

I would love to know more about the more common honours that end up laser etched into the armour.

 

-DR

[Messor]

Mm, really cool chapter, Cambrius! I dig the colors, I dig the personality, the history is very appropriate, and I enjoyed the particular shout-out to Mark VIII armor. Love the stuff. I'd be curious to learn about some of the revered relics alluded to, at some point, but aside from the things you already have lined up to add, this covers the gamut pretty well.

[Brother Lunkhead]

Looks like you're off to a good start with your Vanquishers I'll be interested to see how you integrate the Primaris into your forces. Given the chapter's forte for urban warfare, I imagine that certain formations will be quite useful. Looking forward to reading more.

[Archivist Thaddeus Kryptem]

Strong start, looking forward to seeing the sections still yet to come 

[Brother Cambrius]

-blows the dust off-

Well as I have bee overwhelmed by Moderati duties and other factors beyond this forum, I've finally managed to get some fresh stuff up for the Vanquishers to bring them into the 42nd Millennium!

 

Still more to come over the next day or so. As always, all feedback is welcomed. :D

 

Cambrius

[Ace Debonair]

So far so good, brother!

The only thing I'd maybe alter up to this point is the bit about Hellblasters.

If the Vanquishers don't use plasma weapons much in urban combat, it might be worth saying Hellblasters are mostly used in other scenarios, such as sieges.

That said, the mental image of a bunch of plasma-wielding Primaris marines blasting a new door into whatever building the enemy thought safe before other Vanquishers rush in to clear the place out is quite a fun one.

[Brother Cambrius]

So far so good, brother!

 

The only thing I'd maybe alter up to this point is the bit about Hellblasters.

 

If the Vanquishers don't use plasma weapons much in urban combat, it might be worth saying Hellblasters are mostly used in other scenarios, such as sieges.

 

That said, the mental image of a bunch of plasma-wielding Primaris marines blasting a new door into whatever building the enemy thought safe before other Vanquishers rush in to clear the place out is quite a fun one.

Thanks Ace!

 

The Hellblasters was a last moment addition after seeing how much fun they are at WHW. I'll likely fix it up more and update their role as Breaker squads, alongside the first-born Veterans who carry the FW style of Breacher Shields and Storm Bolters.

 

Cambrius

[Brother Cambrius]

Some fresh updates added, including the addition of the Wallbreaker Formation that the Vanquishers have become well known for.

 

Cambrius

[Berzul]

Brother, I am tasked by fate, then, to honor you with a model from this chapter. The Vanquishers.

 

I will be re-reading the lore in detail in the following days, so as to come up with an idea for a model that befits this army. But, if already there are any ideas or requests you may have in terms of what model should be painted, or how it should be equipped, please, do not hesitate to tell me. In fact, if you want me to share with you my idea for a model before I start painting it, I'd be happy to.

 

I vow to do my very best to paint a model worthy of the Vanquishers.

 

AGAINST ALL, WE ENDURE!

[Brother Cambrius]

Brother, I am tasked by fate, then, to honor you with a model from this chapter. The Vanquishers.

 

I will be re-reading the lore in detail in the following days, so as to come up with an idea for a model that befits this army. But, if already there are any ideas or requests you may have in terms of what model should be painted, or how it should be equipped, please, do not hesitate to tell me. In fact, if you want me to share with you my idea for a model before I start painting it, I'd be happy to.

 

I vow to do my very best to paint a model worthy of the Vanquishers.

 

AGAINST ALL, WE ENDURE!

 

I am honoured. All I ask is you create a miniature that befits what you see the Vanquishers as.

 

Good luck, Brother!

 

AGAINST ALL, WE ENDURE!

 

Cambrius

[Berzul]

Brother, I am happy to tell you I have finished the challenge. Check the main thread for pictures.

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

A good start. I presume they use modified Leman Russ Demolishers in place of Vindicators? As the threat can come from all directions in urban warfare- including above, i.e., upper floors- a Leman Russ' turret and sponsons are vital to covering potential vulnerabilities.

 

You'd think that, but not particularly. Urban environment is particularly hazardous for armoured vehicles of any stripe. Having a rotating turret is the only thing that can possibly help and even then, that's not fantastic as due to various environmental factors and the construction of the turret and hull of the vehicle itself, gun depression and elevation are limited at best. A turret is not able to bring it's weapons to bear in a full arc around itself. The verticality of urban environments is the biggest issue to armoured vehicles, with the second being the ease of cover and movement between cover points that are not within the firing arc of fixed hardpoints such as sponsons. If anything, sponsons limit a vehicles mobility in such environments significantly, making it both heavier and as such less maneuverable, while also widening it's footprint and making it less able to traverse areas of limited space.

 

I'd much rather take a vindicator and use it tactically, bringing it up to a secure vantage point to the target, demolishing it, then withdrawing it. That said, most imperial vehicles are abysmally designed from a basic level, even worse when considering urban warfare. The best Imperial vehicles for urban warfare are Chimeras.

 

I may have rambled off topic here....

 

 

 

 Astartes of the Vanquishers often exceed the standard level of marksmanship with their firearms as a result of the drills performed within the ruins and environment beyond Blackring as sniper and breaching teams.

 

I quite like what I've read for these guys, however this sticks out early on as a bit.... eeeh. I understand the mentality and what you're getting at, but I don't like the implication of superiority like this. Urban combat really is not any more or less based on accuracy like this than any other. What makes an urban combat specialist shine is their ability to think and move tactically in their chosen environment. The difficulty and success in this regard is the ability to orient, outflank and outmaneuver their opponent in a vertical and virtually 360 degree environment. Given how close range and a lot of CQB takes place in, it's not accuracy so much as speed and violence of action that wins the day.

 

If you've ever run a kill-house scenario you'll know what I'm talking about. Accuracy is king when hostages are in play, but this isn't hostage rescue, this is brutal door-to-door war fighting.

 

Snipers are a different kettle of fish. Sniping in urban environments is all about sight-lines and approaches, rather than wide areas to cover. They also rely on, again, maneuverability unless they're instructed to lock down a particular area, even then they will likely operate in teams to be able to relocate as needed unless covering a specific advance.

 

 

To bring it back to the line in question, putting your marines up on a pedestal in terms of abilities always hits the nail the wrong way when trying to speak to the skills of the chapter. Talk about where they succeed overall, how they train and where they fight for sure, but make it relative. "They practice CQB so often that it's second nature" is better than "They are more accurate than other Astartes", for a basic example.

 

Perhaps balance it with a statement how they will avoid open field warfare where they can, since it's not their strength. They can fight like that, but it's not what they'd choose. The same as the Raven Guard would likely prefer not to engage in a grinding war of attrition if they can avoid it.

 

Overall I like the chapter. I will wait for Beliefs to be put up though before offering any other C&C.

[Brother Cambrius]

 

 Astartes of the Vanquishers often exceed the standard level of marksmanship with their firearms as a result of the drills performed within the ruins and environment beyond Blackring as sniper and breaching teams.

 

I quite like what I've read for these guys, however this sticks out early on as a bit.... eeeh. I understand the mentality and what you're getting at, but I don't like the implication of superiority like this. Urban combat really is not any more or less based on accuracy like this than any other. What makes an urban combat specialist shine is their ability to think and move tactically in their chosen environment. The difficulty and success in this regard is the ability to orient, outflank and outmaneuver their opponent in a vertical and virtually 360 degree environment. Given how close range and a lot of CQB takes place in, it's not accuracy so much as speed and violence of action that wins the day.

 

If you've ever run a kill-house scenario you'll know what I'm talking about. Accuracy is king when hostages are in play, but this isn't hostage rescue, this is brutal door-to-door war fighting.

 

Snipers are a different kettle of fish. Sniping in urban environments is all about sight-lines and approaches, rather than wide areas to cover. They also rely on, again, maneuverability unless they're instructed to lock down a particular area, even then they will likely operate in teams to be able to relocate as needed unless covering a specific advance.

 

*snip!*

 

Thanks for the feedback, GHY! Good to see you back fluff mauling once again. :D

 

Now that is an old original part of my writing so it hasn't aged as well, you're spot on with CQB and the combat styles required when pulling a FIBUA. I've only ever experienced a Kill House scenario and urban warfare environment twice in Paintballing and that sticks pretty clear in my head. I'll look into updating it a little better with the wording and emphasize on their CQB abilities in urban conflict. I do want to keep something on their bolter accuracy and discipline, as it links in well with their lineage from Dorn, just maybe adjust accordingly with them having a very strong knack of getting their bolter rounds in the right place almost every time by predicting the enemy's movements from their constant drills when going into urban room to room assaults, despite the hazardous and chaotic environment of such warfare.

 

With the new Infiltrators addition to the Space Marines' ranks and arsenal in the new Codex, I might focus on that instead on the Chapter having already held a good number of Vanquishers that already befitted the role when Guilliman introduced them, so the change wasn't too difficult. It might be that a specific number of brother Astartes who display the more calmer mind than others tend to be moved into the ranks of the sniping teams in the new Vanguard formations, as their long range accuracy and scouting skills are far better fitted for those roles over the more CQB aspects when opportunity presents itself.

 

Beliefs still do need to be constructed, I'm having a tough time describing them as they very much are the same as most Chapters. The eschewing of honour markings and overtly frivolous decoration is something I want to tie in as they or of the belief that actions are louder than ornament.

 

Thanks again for the feedback!

 

Cambrius

[Grey Hunter Ydalir]

 

With the new Infiltrators addition to the Space Marines' ranks and arsenal in the new Codex, I might focus on that instead on the Chapter having already held a good number of Vanquishers that already befitted the role when Guilliman introduced them, so the change wasn't too difficult. It might be that a specific number of brother Astartes who display the more calmer mind than others tend to be moved into the ranks of the sniping teams in the new Vanguard formations, as their long range accuracy and scouting skills are far better fitted for those roles over the more CQB aspects when opportunity presents itself.

 

 

Having it described as an especially smooth transition to me is interesting in a time where everyone seems to want to have conflict in their IA because the introduction of Primaris has been so clunky, even if they couldn't do it many other ways.

 

 

To play devils advocate, in any situation where you're having to fight without the option to walk away, a calm mindset will do more than an emotional one. It allows you to control your actions more precisely as the adrenaline dump has your body shutting down fine motor control and attempting to force your awareness to 'tunnel' in to what you're fighting over/with. This is why training under-stress is such a force-multiplier for anyone who has to go hands on, or on the sharp end of any profession.

 

I know it's the minutia of the lore but this is one of the reasons why to me the Astartes should be so powerful on the battlefield. They aren't suffering from the same physiological and psychological drawbacks that high-stress situations and locations bring about in 'mortal' humans like us.

 

 

I digress, though, that this makes perfect sense.

 

 

Beliefs still do need to be constructed, I'm having a tough time describing them as they very much are the same as most Chapters. The eschewing of honour markings and overtly frivolous decoration is something I want to tie in as they or of the belief that actions are louder than ornament.

 

 

I think that's really fitting, makes sense and is something to be able to draw upon for incidental friction points between them and other chapters or organisations in the Imperium, given how nutty it is. Perhaps even have them mocked or criticised on the sly by other chapters of 'faith' or 'honour' for example. Great stuff.