Darkcommander Posted February 11, 2020 Share Posted February 11, 2020 (edited) Monastic Ascendants Legion Numeration: The VIIth Legion Primogenitor: Tenzin Cognomen (Prior): TBD Observed Strategic Tendencies: Guerilla Warfare, Technological Supremacy, Inter-Agency Diplomacy Noteworthy Domains: Ganden (Homeworld), Seran Cloud (Home Solar Systems) Allegiance: Seperatist Legion Symbol: TBD Legion Colours: TBD Inspiration: Tibetan Buddhism Tactics: Extensive use of technological information-gathering and deliberation will happen before, during and after any Ascendant operation, so it can be poured over afterwards. Legionnaires will work in adaptable cells, usually with human auxilia to carry out their plans. Overall the mantra of 'Using the least amount of effort to achieve the greatest result' holds true through their tactical doctrine. While there are elements of the legion that focus on this more asymmetrical style of warfare the extensive technological advantage the legion has is rarely ever held back. Through the ubiquitous use of jamming, shield arrays and energy weaponry they are well equipped to blind their enemies before delivering the killing blow. Personality of the Legion: Legionnaires of the Monastic Ascendants tend to be calmed and mindful of their surroundings and circumstances. Their thirst for knowledge and self-reflective nature mean that they can be slow to react to situations (relatively speaking of course) but when they do act it is with conviction in themselves and their calculations. The overall goal of the legion's hierarchy is to reach the end of the path of harmony, becoming one with themselves, the machine and their fellow man. This is done through a number of methods that involve improving the marine's own mindset or affinity with the machine while trying to help lift up those around him as well, be they mortal or augmented. Geneseed: Extensive testing has proven that the VIIth legion's gene-seed has adapted to their Primarch's genetic material in several odd ways. The Catalepsean Node in particular is doubled in size compared to legionary standards, resulting in an expanded ability to shut down specific parts of the brain to allow them to rest. This has been capitalised on thanks to the legion's tendency to meditate for extended periods of time while conversing with the machine. Conversely the Omophagea appears to suffer thanks to the Catalepsean Node's overgrowth, resulting in a lack or complete loss all together of the abilities granted. At most it has been reported that individuals experiences vague flashes of memory so fleeting as to be impossible to understand. Edited April 4, 2020 by Darkcommander walter h and TrajantheGreat 2 Back to top Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
talos402000 Posted February 11, 2020 Share Posted February 11, 2020 Welcome to the club. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5475722 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 12, 2020 Author Share Posted February 12, 2020 (edited) Ah but you forget, I was a part of the club the whole time!!! But thanks, going to throw out some more information about the legion's structure and beliefs. Still working on Tenzin's homeworld story as of now. Legion Structure: -Throughout the companies and legion as a whole there will be two specific groups of marines who are on separate levels in terms of their spirituality and connection to the machine that is determined by their progress on the path to harmony. Those soldiers who are considered 'Harma-Synched' have achieved a deep and complex connection to the machine and machine-spirits. This has been achieved through extensive meditation as well as having completed many tests of their mind and body. Playing the part of high-ranking officers, Librarians and Gauss Scholars (The Legion's tech-specialist marines who act as guides for marines attempting to strengthen their connection to the machine.) they act as guides for their fellow Monastic Ascendants on their own journey to become one with the machine, diplomatic parties to other legions and branches of the Imperium and a veteran force of marines capable of taking on almost any battlefield role. The majority of the legion however, while able to act in much the same capacity as their Synched seniors, have a fare wider role within both their legion and it's various sub-formations. As the Monastic Ascendants doctrine of 'using the least amount of effort to achieve the greatest result' is reflected in their formation they have adopted a flexible structure of sub-groups or 'Matrices' that can individually be assembled to create a specific response to a threat, or adjust their tactics on the fly to adapt as necessary* *the Matrix groups are a start, I've yet to determine how many individual marines are in a Matrix, their loadout and equipment, or how many Matrixes fit into a Legionary Company. This will likely be calculated once a solid number has been reached for the amount of marines in the Legion itself. Expansion upon Legionary Tactics: In terms of tactics and armoury the Monastic Ascendants will make extensive use of both energy weaponry, lighter vehicles for transportation, mobile weapons platforms and their (yet to be designed variants) The emphasis is on the ability to hit the weakest parts of an enemy formation and withdraw to reposition themselves, weathering an enemy down strategically. That is not to say that they will lack 'shock and awe' as most other legions will display, or 'staying power' as they will draw upon heavier units and better technology to destroy any foe that they deem to be a significant enough threat. Throughout most of their operations there will frequently be some kind of auxilia force accompanying the Legion to help augment both their intelligence-gathering capabilities and militaristic power. If the auxilia are specifically from the home systems of the Seran Cloud they will be well-versed in combined operations with their augmented masters, using decoys, jamming and firepower to help enact ther master's strategies. This interaction between agencies has been perfected to a point by Legionary Gauss Scholars working as part of an attaché to other legions, helping augment their tactics to a whole other level by covering for the gaps usually found in other legion's doctrines. And just for fun I've decided that I'm going to have some large analogue of the Tibetan Mastiff breed of dog that lives on Ganden that marines often take as personal pets or even outfit for use in combat, because they look fluffy and deadly at the same time! https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffawndog121dogtraining.co.uk%2Fmost-unusual-dog-breeds-tibetan-mastiff%2F&psig=AOvVaw3qTP0Aa75ElfHDyDgBswJl&ust=1581560043351000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCICPsLf4yucCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD Edited February 12, 2020 by Darkcommander walter h 1 Back to top Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5475789 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Apologies for the lack of updates, between my birthday, my hermity writing style and the pandemic I've been squirriling away work without making it public. Today here is a chunky lot of information to change that. The notes below are somewhat messy as they are directly taken from my work, so you'll have to forgive the occasional swear word or WIP message in brackets. While Tenzin and his initial story are still under scrutiny I have made decent progress on the legion and it's beliefs in the meantime, but as a start here is the weaponry and some Implants used by Tenzin. -Primarch Main Weapons & Equipment: -'The Inner Truth' Power-Spear- Taller than the primarch, made with a special metal (scavenged metal from the underground superstructure) It's blade can be heated, electrified or have the power field overcharged by Tenzin’s internal power supply (as long as he’s touching it) Able to be blade can be thrown and recalled thanks to powerful micro-magnetics to draw the ‘special metal’ it’s made of back to his hand. When the spear is thrown it can activate an electricity AOE that drains the battery arcing electricity around itself in a 2 metre radius dissuading enemies from trying to pick the spear up themselves. This ability requires the spear be returned to Tenzin’s hands and recharged from his internal power storage before being activated again. -'Sunburst' Implant Coils. Implanted in the primarchs hand’s are a pair of plasma coils that can emit energy and siphon it like a set of electoo inductors. These can be weaponized by Tenzin by wearing either a set of minimalistic gloves (see stargate gua’ould gloves for reference) allowing him to emit blasts equal to that of a plasma gun, or his power armoured gauntlets that allow him to focus energy on the scale of a plasma cannon through his palms. -Archeotech Volkite Pistol. (possible gift from friendly primarch) -Multi-layer Iron Halo. Built in the form of a sun disk that sits behind the primarchs head in full plate, it allows him to suffer through tremendous amounts of ranged firepower before taking a shield down. While one layer has been defeated and the secondary layer is protecting him, the first layer is recharging from his power pack. It can even run on his internal potentia maxima coils for a limited amount of time. This is only used once all other guerilla tactics have been exhausted and direct combat is necessary. -Potentia Maxima Coils. A system of interlinked miniaturized plasma generators housed in the rear of Tenzin's chest-cavity, they can be used to generate power that can be used in a number of ways, whether it's powering his augmetics, giving said power to other machinery or acting as a backup system for his power-armour's generator. -'Spirit Vein' Implants. Covering the length and breadth of the primarch's body, these heavily shielded wires and cables are implanted subdermally to transfer power from one system to another. Thanks to the nature of their design they also act as a faraday cage (find a 40k version for this name) that negates electrical interference with internal augments. Legionary numbers have also been calculated for both pre-primarch and at the end of 30th Millenium, thanks to a largely stable gene-seed the Monastic Ascendants boasts one of the largest legion sizes of the project so far. -Legion Numbers Pre-Primarch: 46.6k -Legion Numbers Post-Primarch (Start of M31): 208.1k While I'm planning on using this numerical advantage in several ways, I have yet to work on pre-primarch stories for the legion itself, it's on my already extensive 'to-do' list. As part of the Legionary Beliefs & Personality category below is a rough timeline for MA recruits going through training. Note that throughout the ability to commune with machine spirits and technology in general is held in high regard. This particular familiarity with technology in unorthodox ways is bound to cause a clashing of ideologies with the Mechanicum and I have emphasised this with the end scenario. While this scenario is not the only one recruits are put through it is meant to instill a sense of caution about the Mechanicum and their methods compared to technological exploration. -Recruit Training Timeline: When recruiting initiates they are tested in a number of ways, primarily to draw out those amongst the initiates who are cunning, work well in a team and display selflessness on the battlefield. While this does list the stages of their training it does not list the points at which they receive the appropriate genetic implantation. The process proceeds as follows: -Initial induction and training in various methods of exercise and classes necessary for their advancement. -Being given basic MIU links and being forced through mental exercises to make contact and integrate with a machine spirit as a group -Introduction and application of legionary tactics and weapons handling, including team vs team combat scenarios with stun-rounds. -Advanced legionary tactics classes and weapons use classes. -Survival on mountainous terrain with little tech and supplies and pushed to their limit, all the while being hunted by their training officer and legion serf squads. To pass, they must evade and deter the pursuing forces for several weeks. -The final section of testing involves a mixture of physical and mental training as the trainees are forced to run through combat drills daily as well as group meditation with their machine spirit (the machine spirit stays the same throughout the training period) before facing their final exam. -The final exam is a no-win scenario (unbeknownst to the trainees, who will believe they are being put in charge of a real-life scenario) that is placed before them. They are told to plan around and then solve ongoing physical problems in the field. Once they have committed to their course of action in the field they will be judged on their selflessness and combat ability despite the overwhelming odds. -The scenario itself consists of the trainees being told to muster as they are being given a mission. They are told a rogue mechanicus magos has taken control of a facility on one of the nearby peaks and is jamming the local comms and info networks while stealing information housed within the facility. He is likely not working alone as they are told that there are planet-wide instances of this happening, pointing to a coordinated attack by the AdMech against the legion. Since they are the nearest active combat unit they are given the task to retake the facility, save the information and those human researchers inside before the magos can do lasting damage. The trainee’s Officer stays with them for a bit to help initially plan but quickly steps back citing ‘work needed elsewhere’ leaving the squad to themselves to plan and make a move. As soon as the trainees have gotten ready and enter the battlefield they will be faced with a scenario designed to guarantee that they will not win, escape, negotiate or even survive the encounter planned out by the Officer back at base. It is during this scenario that they will be assessed on all aspects of their training and their fortitude to face an unwinnable scenario. During this time the enemy magos will be using stun rounds to take out the recruits while the recruits will be mainly killing servitors and dummy-controlled skitarii and a magos should they reach that deep into the facility. -If the initiates pass, they are sent off for their final gene-seed implantation and induction ceremony into the legion. -Initiate Implants As an extra element of the legionnaire's induction into being a fully-fledged astartes, they are fitted with basic implants that allow them to commune with the machine properly and prepare them for the future. These are usually added through initial surgery on an initiate to allow their bodies to integrate or later on once they have finished their physical growth. -Cranial Circuitry Cranial circuitry is a series of linked processors, implants, and cortical circuits that enhances mental capacities. Most sit within housing bolted onto the skull, whilst others nestle within the brain itself. Implanted early on during the third round of implantation surgery alongside the Catalepsean node in the skull, allowing for limited communication with the machine when linked in sequence. Later on in a marine's life it is used as the framework upon which other implants will be able to communicate with their brain. -Cyber Mantle The Cyber-mantle is a framework of metal, wires, and impulse transmitters bolted onto the spine and lower ribcage. As the initiate has reached physical maturity, this mantle acts as a sub-dermal anchorage point upon which many other implants can be attached and linked in sequence with one another. As a fully-matured body is needed before implantation of this array of connections, it is attached during the final surgery alongside the black carapace, so that both can be linked together. -Mind Impulse Unit These devices, also known as sense-links, allow the owner to directly interface with a machine or technological device. MIU's see ubiquitous use among the Monastic Ascendants legion as it allows an individual to properly interface and meditate with machines. A basic MIU implant involves a single spinal or cortex connector which is implanted in conjunction with the Cyber Mantle in the final phase of an initiates training. Advanced implants are in the works that link into legionary culture, but need to be fully fleshed out before I will talk about them. In terms of legionary beliefs and practices communion with machines and machine-spirits is at the heart of the Monastic Ascendants culture, believing that through this communion they can learn and grow to benefit both themselves and all of humanity. -Communion with the Machine -The greatest element of a Monastic Ascendant's time within the legion is his ever growing connection with the machine, learning to become one with it in mind and body over his superhuman lifetime. Starting out as a group when in the initiate stage, astartes are asked to link together as a group, partially for safety and partially to help ease them into the particularly cold mind of a machine. This procedure learned from when Initial experiments of single initiates were left mostly brain-dead after linking with machine-minds. The base idea of machine-spirits is one refuted by Tenzin and his legionaries, much to the Mechanicum's chagrin. Through their own experiences they have understood that the machine-minds that reside within most complex machinery are fragmentary forms of life unto themselves. These remnants of 'great lamas past' are conversed with if possible, picked apart, unravelled or destroyed if not. To the Monastic Ascendants, these pieces of technology are not only a link to the past, but a link to all of humanity, allowing the experiences and knowledge of the past to be used to uplift the species as a whole. Equipment and Weaponry While there are numerous types of specialists within the leigon their roles are still being fully fleshed out, their equipment however, has been summarised. Each of these pieces of weaponry and equipment will have full profiles in time but for now these will suffice. -Specialist Equipment -automatic mine/trap-laying attachment for demolition specialists as a backpack as well as full remote control over detonation of mines and traps laid by the marine. -heavy ordnance mine made up of some kind of super-explosive that wrecks :cuss with the power of an artillery shell -grav-mines for anti-fortification work and significantly impeding enemy movement within their radius of effect. -anti-personnel plastic charges -anti-personnel traps like the bear-jaw trap seen in R6 Siege -anti-infantry flak mines -anti-tank krak mines -a single, small-yield nuke-mine per demolition squad for dire situations. -autocannon converted into a space-marine sized sniper rifle, still retains it’s full-auto functionality from the standard heavy weapon used by devastators, but has limited ammo. Specifically having upgraded the barrel with electromagnetic coils to accelerate the round they have markedly increased range, though they are somewhat easier to spot through infrared as the assembly heats up quickly. The ammo specifically used by sniper specialists comes in a wide variety of munitions that can be picked to suit the job. -the sniper's weapons would be fine in either desert or cold environments as they would either blend in with background heat or be able to cover the barrel in snow respectively to hide their position. Remember this as a trick veteran marines teach younger ones. -decoy turret used by legionary sniper specialists. Controlled by the squad sergeant/officer, the turret covers for the sniping marines so they can pick off targets with impunity. Made up of a basic servitor brain, weapon system and a turret mounting. Can be easily packed up and moved by a single marine. -armour-mounted mine/grenade deployable launchers. Several tubes mounted on an ambush/ assault marine, usually on the backpack or pauldrons, can throw out a variety of munitions as they launch themselves into battle to sew confusion amongst enemy formations. Mountings should have a quick-release function so they can simply be shrugged off once all munitions are spent. -Multi-cogitator Vox-Sensor backpack used by electronic warfare marines is both a signal booster for jamming and antennae for receiving enemy communications. It’s pretty bulky and requires battery refreshes every X hours while in full jamming mode, that limits its capability significantly compared to larger arrays used in Monastic Ascendants bases. -Sun Disc Iron Halo. Mounted as an ornamental sun behind a marine’s head the sun disc iron halos are a technology from Gedan only handed out to specialists, officers and command staff of the legion. Only handed out to veterans and Hama-Synched marines, it is capable of shrugging off most small arms fire for a significant period of time, vaporising incoming ballistic projectiles and partially absorbing/redirecting energy projectiles. Part of the energy absorbed by laser and plasma projectiles can be converted back into usable energy by the device and power the marine through his implants. Through this system the energy expended against the marine can be fed back into the shield system but is dangerous as the eventual burnout of the systems that support this can cause significant internal damage to the marine. A significant honour and a formidable defence it is used when the Monastic Ascendants have been forced from their normal guerilla tactics into open warfare. -Reflex Field. Used only on spaceships as any attempt to miniaturize or adapt the technology has failed, the Reflex Fields became a staple of Monastic Ascendant warships and star-bases. It is used to help manoeuvre ships into place to attack and ambush enemy vessels when engaging in void warfare. Though the shields take up a decent amount of power the void-shields have also been upgraded to be able to take a beating when uncloaked. The gene-seed of the legion has also been mapped out, though that was relatively easy due to the more stable nature of the Monastic Ascendants. Legion Gene-Seed Extensive testing has proven that the VIIth legion's gene-seed has adapted to their Primarch's genetic material in several odd ways. The Catalepsean Node in particular is doubled in size compared to legionary standards, resulting in an expanded ability to shut down specific parts of the brain to allow them to rest. This has been capitalised on thanks to the legion's tendency to meditate for extended periods of time while conversing with the machine. Conversely the Omophagea appears to suffer thanks to the Catalepsean Node's overgrowth, resulting in a lack or complete loss all together of the abilities granted. At most it has been reported that individuals experience vague flashes of memory so fleeting as to be impossible to understand. And finally for now, the Legionary colour scheme. While chosen to mimic the orange and yellow robes of Tibetan Monks the grey of the armour is meant to be clean ceramite ready for covering with terrain-appropriate camoflague, with the upper parts of the armour left for austentation as it can easily be covered by cameleoline cloaks worn by almost every marine in the field. And here are the resultant Hexidecimal colours for the colour scheme should anyone feel they need them. Light Grey: 605b5b, Dark Grey: 464141Light Orange: d53415, Dark Orange: a82b13 Gold: d7b614, Eye Colour: 282322 While there are a few more scattered elements that are finished I'd rather save for now, though I promise to not wait a whole 2 months before posting again. If anyone has feedback or thoughts they'd be greatly appreciated. TrajantheGreat 1 Back to top Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5502200 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrajantheGreat Posted April 5, 2020 Share Posted April 5, 2020 All looks great! Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5502203 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted May 8, 2020 Author Share Posted May 8, 2020 (edited) Well it's only been one month, so that's an improvement from the previous post lol. Hope everyone is doing well and safe with all this epidemic . Either way lovely friend Algrim was kind enough to throw together some mockups for my Monastic Ascendants. Below is the general ideal of a Monastic Ascendant marine, along with the Legionary Symbol. Above is a Monastic Ascendant, with the upper parts of the armour in Legionary colours, and the bottom left bare ceramite, ready for battle-field appropriate camoflague to be painted on. As part of their geurrilla warfare style of combat he represents a specialist sniper class, equipped with a modified autocannon, which allows it to function as a long-range anti-material rifle. And here we have the Legionary Symbol, a Starburst on top of a wheel, with the 8 points of the star acting as the spokes of the wheel. Acting as a mirror of the real-life Bhavacakra used in Tibetan Buddhism the wheel represents the founding ideology from Tenzin's home-planet of Ganden. In it the use of the Wheel represents many things, but in particular the many different stages of life that someone goes through as well as the cycle of reincarnation and the constant movement of cosmic order. Hence a starburst has also been planted at the centre to imply the birth of the legion, and the hopeful birth of a new ages for humanity as rulers of the galaxy. The major thing I have been working on though, are some of the more advanced elements of leigonary customs and beliefs. More specifically, how to incorporate cool cybernetic implants into them. To this end I have chosen to use the Paramitas as a vehicle for this idea. Normally understood as 'transcendant actions or attitudes devoid of an egocentric drive' the Paramitas or 'Virtues' (as explaind to those outside the legion) are aspects of legionary life that, when performed and assessed by the Gauss Scholars (Techmarine/Chaplain's) prove to be ture to a particular virtue, and the Legionary is gifted a specific type fo cybernetic as recognition of this fact. But enough rambling, here are the Transcendat Virtues. -Transcendent Virtues (Advanced Cybernetic Implants) -While on Ganden itself, the transcendent virtues were goals that could be achieved by members of the monk's society through acts of great bravery, sacrifice or meditation. Since then they have evolved when being adopted by the legion itself. Where before monks would be allowed to weave specific coloured patterns into their robes upon attaining such virtues, astartes now weave microwire and metal into their flesh, achieving harmony between the two. When an astartes attains a ‘Transcendent Virtue’ either through actions or meditation with the machine, specific cybernetics are integrated into a legionnaire's body to augment it or replace functions entirely. While there are a loose set of rules as to how a marine achieves each of these virtues, their actions are put forward by others to be reviewed accordingly by a Gauss Scholar before any relevant implants are given. As these new machines are implanted they are linked through microwire and the cyber mantle already placed within their bodies. Electoo tattoos are also common, signifying those achievements gained, they are placed underneath the skin to link augments together with flesh. While this function is mostly cosmetic, several marines have taken to using it to display their recent thoughts and feelings while meditating with the machine. For the purpose of maintaining secrecy however, they can be turned off at will. The list of the major virtues and their associated augments may vary slightly, but are generally as follows: Dana Paramita -Through achieving 'Dana Paramita' or the virtue of ‘generosity’ a marine has a set of Electro Inductors implanted within the entirety of his arms, allowing him to siphon off energy from machinery and power sources and store it. Conversely they can emit stored energy, either as a basic energy attack (given the right combat implant) or to power machinery from his own internal power. While there are many in the legion who receive such a gift it is particularly prevalent amongst those of the legion's Gauss Scholars and senior marine ranks as they have shown particular generosity towards their allies both mortal and post-human over their long lifetimes. Sila Paramita -The 'Sila Paramita' denotes morality in a legionnaire's duties both on and off the battlefield. The Signum Link is a useful tool that allows a marine to link their the auto-sense and input feeds of a squad or several squads into networked whole. While astartes officers normally have access to some information feeds from their troops they pale in comparison to the sheer magnitude of information and ease of access provided by the Signum Link. This is a virtue often gained by officer candidates before they are given a command position, though it isn't a prerequisite. Mostly it is seen as a sign of reliability for those troops under them. Not exclusive to officers however, the virtue has also been achieved by other marines, usually sergeants and veterans. Allowing them to connect the squad as a whole, monitor the battle-space and communicate quickly with other Signum Links. Virya Paramita -Marines who have shown particular diligence and effort above and beyond their duties are said to have achieved 'Virya Paramita', the virtue of energy. Upon achieving this goal they can have an array of potentia-wafers and kinetic generators implanted through their body, linked up to a central Chakra Potentia Reservoir. With the energy built up through normal bodily movement the Reservoir can be constantly topped up with energy and fed into other systems such as augments, integrated weaponry or even a marine's power-armour. Though less efficient than the power generator packs of astartes armour, a fully charged Chakra Potentia can power a suit of power armour for 48 hours if necessary. Whereas some of the Paramita are particularly hard to achieve the Virya is considered slightly easier by comparison due to the inherent nature of Monastic Ascendants marines, who are particularly determined already. As a result many of the legion's members have Chakra Reservoirs, potentia-wafers or kinetic generators as a part of their system of augments. Dhyana Paramita -Exertion of the mind or body in a singular and challenging task or contemplation is once again very common amongst the trans-human legionaries. To achieve the 'Dhyana Paramita' then, is to show a strength of purpose and will worthy of accolades in any other legion. By showing this level of focus a marine would be given an Augur Array implant giving him the ability to inspect any number of chemical and biological materials in great detail or maximum situational awareness. One of the rare examples of openly displayed cybernetic implantation amongst the Virtues, the Augur Array is implanted as a small box on the rear of the skull. Adornments or customized sensor tines, usually arranged as a wreath made of wires. The array does serve well, with some able to link together to for a powerful albeit limited sensor array. A rarer sight amongst the legion, the actions required to qualify for such a boon are carefully considered before being submitted to the Gauss Scholars for review. Marines that have shown such focus have helped turn the tides of battle, or quieted vicious machine-spirits with their digital-chants. Some have even been judged worthy after their deaths, receiving instead a adamantium crown of circuitry to signify their strength. Prajna Paramita -The mental and tactical ability to understand situations innately and navigate the many hazards between a marine and his intended goal perfectly, is a skill that has to be honed over centuries of diplomacy or war-making. To have insight necessary to mould a situation to benefit the most people possible is a rare skill, and one rightfully understood and rewarded by the Monastic Ascendants. The 'Prajna Paramita', or Virtue of Insight, is a recognition of this ability and allows a marine to further increase their efficiency when calculating and considering how best to serve the Legion and Mankind as a whole. To help in their increased responsibility, the marine receives a Calculus-Logi implant to exponentially increase the information available to them. Whether implanted within the chest or brain, the cybernetic is a shrunken cogitator array with crystalline wafers, to help better store and access vast amounts of information at will. Whether negotiating trade deals or assessing an enemy's strength the Logi can have swathes of data accessible in the blink of an eye. Though it is a particularly hard task, some have been known to fill the capacity of the logi, choosing to be masters in their own right of a particular field. Other recipients choose to have the wafers regularly purged, choosing to only take on data relevant to any one task at hand. Despite the obvious link to the Legion's own Sect of Insight, which itself focuses on the philosophy and mental development of the legion, there are a number of marines from various Sects who achieved Prajna Paramita. There are however, the most famous examples of those who have become virtuous, most of which are veterans of the Sect of Insight such as it's Guru, Braytak Isolah. Ksanti Paramita -In keeping with the ability to understand others perspectives, the 'Ksanti Paramita' is a virtue that denotes one's ability to come to terms with their situation, and endure even the worst that the galaxy has to throw at them. Acceptance, adaptation and endurance are all major factors within any marine's life, no matter the legion. To show that one has control over themselves to the point of being able to shrug off catastrophic damage, or implicitly grasp another's viewpoint no matter how radical it might seem, is to be as water. The ability to move and flow with the push and pull of the galaxy's many tides and survive and adapt is a major feat. A unique cybernetic compared to the rest of those awarded as part of achieving a Paramita, the Cuirass of Forbearance. Upon placement within the marine, it serves as a monitor and support for their already formidable internal organs. Specifically the heart and lungs are protected by the large armoured metal covering implanted in the chest and supported by a system of pumps and enclosed medical systems. This allows both sets of major organs to work even after their wearer has experienced catastrophic damage to their person allowing them to fight for significantly longer than even astartes-normal. The only downside is that such a large and comprehensive system requires constant maintenance and energy to keep functioning properly. This limits those recipients majors, if they do not already have a Chakra Potentia Reservoir implantation, they must remain connected to their power-armour generator at all times. This however, is seen as a negligible tradeoff to those who have received such a boon Edited May 8, 2020 by Darkcommander Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5518891 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted May 17, 2020 Author Share Posted May 17, 2020 Short story time. A Shared Victory The procession was long, as victory parades often are. The high-sided buildings of the main boulevard loomed impressively into a clear sky, carrying the jubilant cheers of humanity. In their shadow strode the victors, ranks upon ranks of Guardsmen, marching in lockstep. Their engines growling as tanks passed by, the crowd cheered louder, waving as one to the commanders in their cupolas. Military bands played music through vox speakers throughout the city for all to hear, letting the shadow over their world and hearts lift in unison, until, silence. As the sounds of marching faded away a great peal of horns sounded, and the crowd held it's breath. A forest of tingling bells and drums beat out in rhythm as the Tripa Ganden an his sons strode forth. Swathed in bright red, orange and yellow robes the astartes still towered above the crowds, even bereft of their armour. Digital light playing across their tanned bodies as they chanted, the lights seeming to pass from one individual to another. At their head, standing head and shoulders above them all, was Tenzin, barefoot and dressed in simple robes mirroring his sons. Mesmerised, some in the crowd began to bow as the astartes walked past, others, simply staring in wonder as the cacophony of noise overwhelmed them. Tenzin's bright smile seemed serene, calming all those who looked upon it with a warmth rarely felt in their old, dark past. Partway down the boulevard though, through the jubilant cheering, horns, thanks and the small shout of a mother, the world seemed to quiet completely as a single girl ran into the path of the Primarch. Having squeezed through the barrier she stared in wonderment and excitement at the veritable giant that stood before here, though the tensed marines at his side and worried shouted of her parent seemed entirely lost on her. The city watched as Tenzin, the Usurper of Rukarr and Son of the Emperor, was confronted by a child no older than ten, and simply laughed. Swapping the spear in his hand over, he knelt down and offered a hand to the girl. The palm given to her dwarfing her own several times over she beamed a toothy grin back at him and took it. With a great heft she was lifted up, and planted firmly on one of his broad shoulders, before motioning to the Arbites to let her mother through. With a shockingly embarrassed parent in tow, the collective breath the crowd had held for almost a minute rushed back out as they cheered and the horns, bells and drums pealed out once more as the Monastic Ascendants strode forth. Not just for their lord, but for humanity. TrajantheGreat 1 Back to top Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5522577 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 So, apologies for a year's worth of radio silence. I'll admit that I let B&C take a backseat to the wiki in general, so if you want to immediately see a bunch of what I've been working on in the last year, feel free to browse there as I update on there far more frequently: https://the-five-ruins.fandom.com/wiki/The_Five_Ruins_Wiki In the mean time I'll lead with one of the more bombastic sub-goals I've finished. the Legacy Pattern Dreadnought Monastic Ascendant - 'Legacy' Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought The only dreadnought chassis operate by the VIIth Legion during the Great Crusade, the Legacy Pattern stands as a monument to the versatility and ingenuity among it's kind. As a result of several slights by the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Monastic Ascendants were left with no way to house those honoured marines who gave their bodies for the Imperial Truth. To fill this gap both the knowledge and expertise of the Legion's finest Gauss Scholars and their Terran heritage lead to the Legacy's creation, proving itself far and above those of it's Martian-built counterparts. “Throughout my life I have followed the path passed down to me, weathered it's storms, felt the bite of the rocks underfoot, even lain down and prepared to die on it, all for that halcyon light on the horizon, but I was refused. Today I stand taller, faster and hardier so that I may help shepard those behind me, so that I may pass the path onto them, until the day comes when we may all rest our weary feet in the light's glory” -Valak Nolos, 63rd Company Dreadnought, Sect of Structure “Omnissiah bless me so that I never find myself under the claw of this monstrosity” -Chief-Cybernetican Garik Phi-La, Legio Cybernetica History Though little is known of the Legacy's development it is speculated to have been a half-century-long process in the making, and for good reason. Dating back to before even the master of the VIIth was found the 'incident' between the Martian Mechanicus and the then-named Thunder Knights saw relations slow to a standstill between the two. While the exact details are debated the Legion's proliferate flaunting of the Martian's rules when it came to technology was a long-standing tradition thanks to their Albian heritage. This had often irked the Magos, up until the point that they had chosen to cut the VIIth off almost entirely. Even managing to live through such a harsh time and rediscovering their primogenitor the legion would not be free from their scrutiny as the Failure of Delegation 59 would prove to be yet another wedge driven between the two that would prove to be the final straw. Leaving the Sol system with an unfinished Gloriana and no dreadnought chassis whatsoever, the lord of the VIIth resolved to continue the Crusade just as his sons had before him. More than a century later during the the opening skirmishes of what would later be known as the Barghesi Submission War, Legacy's would be first brought into the light as they tore their way through the monstrous xenos. Their power an versatility made them wonders to behold, seeming metal avatars of destruction that afforded their users far more flexibility than their cousins. Standing amongst the Monastic's lines as the full might of 3 legions were called to war, they first caught the attention of the IIIrd primarch who, while mulling over troop deployment was simply noted as saying “They look sturdy” with a smile. While the combat prowess of these new fusions of transhuman and machine carved their own bloody paths, their existence eventually reached the ears of the Martian cabals. Disturbed by what they heard and fearing that their previous censures had created a threat they immediately set out to make it their own. Relying on the greed of the Mechanicus though, the Martian envoys were rebuffed several times over the next few years, after all, the Master of the VIIth was heading up a campaign on the western-most fringes of the galaxy. Instead for several years the Adepts found themselves bogged down in administrative minutiae. Their initial missives were replied with confusion, as the Monastic Ascendants had already sent the STC back to Mars. It had been deemed so valuable though, that they had sent it in several dozen coded pieces, by as many different star-routes for 'security' reasons. Proving their claims with appropriate reams of Adeptus Administratum paperwork, they posited that if Mars had not received it, then it could be any number of problems with the ships or shipping lanes themselves. The final overture to the Martian's attempts culminated several years later as they visited the forge-moon of Verya-Primus, but it would prove to be their demise. As the campaigning continued against the Barghesi, Tenzin finally submitted the moon of the dreadnought's rebirth to an inspection. It was on the semi-molten surface of Verya-Primus that the Mechanicus attaché was brought to the deep magna-forges. Powerful relic-machines forged armoured plates and pistons, cuirasses and cogs all brought together to forge a powerful machine, but the end result was nothing of the sort. A particularly clunky and slow machine, the attaché were shocked to find the formidable chassis to be barely equivalent to their own and even Legionary standards. As was their mission though, they received a gift of goodwill and the STC before departing back to Mars, where it is believed the Mechanicus swiftly lost interest. From there on out the Monastic Ascendants continued their production unhindered, keeping a small, but well-supplied fleet of Legacy Pattern Dreadnoughts, building upon the original design for millennia to come. Design A veritable powerhouse of the Great Crusade era, the Legacy class is a versatile platform from which many a Monastic Ascendant veteran has carved out whole systems with. As tall as it's Leviathan cousin and weighing just as much, it is vastly different in build and stature. Where other dreadnoughts present a unassailable bulwark slowly marching over the battlefield, the Legacy Pattern is a stocky predator, always a moment away from exploding into action. From it's segmented armoured chassis, it's humanoid hands and juxtaposed digitigrade legs it is the culmination of over a century of quiet care and relentless work made manifest. To even reveal a thing such as this would be enough to call for censure from the adepts of Mars, but thanks to the tireless efforts of their lord, the Monastic Ascendants are given the chance to have a second life from which they can bring the galaxy into balance. Holding to it's predecessors the Legacy is mostly human in design, in some ways both more so and less so that those venerable patterns. With a large and angular torso, the central section of the dreadnought is aggressive in it's design, with the head protected on either side by the armour blocks as well as a small. The helmet itself appears to be an upscaled Mk4 design to mirror their tactical battle-brothers. Mounting a set of large pauldrons and well armoured vambraces, the arms are a slightly slimmer design, but most notably end in a set of clawed, 5-fingered hands. Foregoing the more clunky and box-shaped fingers of the Contemptor Pattern, the fully-articulate design allow for complex tasks to be easily undertaken and have been battle-tested to efficiency during their initial combat in the Barghesi Submission War. As the opposite of this more human-centric design, the dreadnought's legs are a digitigrade formation, separated into two well-armoured sections with a solid connecting lower leg joint in between. Supported by 3 front talon shaped toes and a heel-mounted one for support, the inhuman design has allowed for an marked increase in speed to the overall design, mirroring the manoeuvrability and swiftness of it's legionary occupants even in their second life. With the most important structures of the dreadnought hidden away by armour plates, the space marine within is housed in a sturdy and well-connected cradle with enough protection to survive multiple anti-tank hits and carry on unhindered. It has been noted that the marine within has a bit of a different experience from his cousins in other legions once implanted. In particular their post-battle experience of dreams or periodical signs of movement from there are completely lacking, this, however, has been attributed to the pilots merely emulating their kin in meditating with their body to such a degree that they lose all perception of the outside world. Equally strange in this avenue is the occasional reports from allied forces of 'outbursts' during a battle. While usually spoken of in great reverie as the individual in question has gone on to complete great feats thought beyond even their augmented might the frequency of the phenomena has brought some scrutiny. Whether leading charges while seemingly avoiding all return fire, defeating brutal xenos monster with ease or duelling multiple opponents simultaneously, those who fight alongside rest easier for it's presence. Armament As with any dreadnought chassis there is little that isn't available in the way of weaponry when arming the Legacy, from hull-mounted weaponry to newer methods they are equipped to put down those xenos horrors that stand against it. Innate to the dreadnought itself and it's most basic method of inflicting damage are the razor tipped talons in the end of each finger. Made from the same archeotech metal as the rest of the rest of the beast it has been honed down to razor-sharp talons, allowing it to cut through armour as easily as it can perform minute tasks normally beyond the capabilities of other dreadnoughts. The real trick however is buried within the layers of metal, a power field generator is buried within the palms of each hand. Able to activate and deactivate at the user's command it significantly increases the armour penetration to the point that some Monastic Dreadnoughts have been able to punch clean through superheavy tank armour and rip out the enemies within. With a mounting column on the rear of the torso, the dreadnought can mount a number of indirect or miscellaneous weapons that help expand it's killing capacity dramatically. Usually mounting a rocket pod, missile pod or dual mortars, the use of such weapons can slow down the Legacy's speed somewhat thanks to the the missile pod, but the tactical advantage gained from having such weapons is seen as a worthy tradeoff. A tertiary weapon mount is situated underneath the central torso, jutting out from the underside of the central chest segment. With a gimbal mounting it houses a single heavy weapon, usually consisting of a heavy flamer or heavy bolter. The need for such a system has been made clear as it allows the dreadnought to still retain some direct, ranged firepower should they choose to use both power-claws. The main armament of the dreadnought though, is perhaps it's best and most diverse solution to any problem by virtue of it's creation. A set of grips and heavy railings with multiple locks -both magnetic and mechanical- as well as digital links allow this array to mount one of a number of dreadnought-sized weapons. The clamps are able to be locked and unlocked at any time while feeding electronic information back to the Monastic Ascendant within. Taking up both hands due to the sheer weight, this negates the use of the power claws as it has to hold the weapon, but with a ammo or energy feed keeping it supplied, it more than makes up for it. See main article ''Mk25 MRS' for more information Much in the same manner of the larger rifle a single, or pair of 'pistols' with the same modularity can be used. Mirroring the loadouts of the Contemptor Pattern they mainly consist of a pair of heavy weapons or a single weapon of formidable technology or power. See main article ''Mk14 MPS' for more information Defence A comprehensive suite of defensive measures are installed within the dreadnought's frame as part of the efforts to deal with the initial limited production of chassis. Without these measures the VIIth would seldom risk those precious marines that had suffered greatly in the first half of the Great Crusade. For their experience would prove pivotal in the application of these deadly new platforms. The staple protection method of humanity for thousands of years, armour is a major component in any military design, and the Legacy is no different. Made from a strange metallic composite it's dark grey hue has been noted to shine a dull red when exposed to certain types of radiation. Though the exact nature of this metal is not known it's durability is formidable, weathering the thundering fire of Barghesi Shudder Guns during it's initial deployment during the Great Crusade and emerging unscathed. While there are a mixture of other more typical metals within the Legacy's construction such as adamantium, the composite has yet to be named but it has proved itself within the fires of war to the satisfaction of the VIIth lord. Using the same power of atomantics as their contemptor counterparts, the multiple shield projectors housed within the dreadnought's chassis have been boosted by and improved in this new iteration. Through the power generators and specific calibration of the projectors the overlapping fields have been strengthened and layered to displace large volumes of incoming fire. Though this allows for greater protection overall, it was decided to redirect this energy to protect the interred brothers, rather than empowering the reactor upon death, and thereby lose both an experienced soldier and irreplaceable machinery. Miscellaneous Though it may seem like a simple idea, the ability to have fully dexterous hands as part of the Legacy's design allows it to complete a number of tasks that are otherwise impossible. With these clawed hands able to complete complex tasks and the Modular Weapon System, the ability to adapt to tasks of the battlefield has increased the dreadnought's effectiveness. Should a weapon run dry, or the dreadnought need to engage in melee, they can simply drop any handheld weapons and activate their power claws to do so. While the weapons themselves are discarded they are usually to large to be used by an enemy, let alone get past the electronic locks in place. While discarding your main weapons would leave other patterns defenceless the Legacy can adapt easily. The only problem is reattaching said discarded weapons, as their ammunition or power feed cables are disconnected when discarded. To reattach such things requires a degree of expertise usually reserved to Gauss Scholars and their apprentices, making such a decision a heavy one to make. Wargear As standard the Legacy Pattern is armed & equipped with: A pair of Dreadnought Power Claws Chin-Mounted Heavy Weapon Smoke Launchers Searchlight Any Legacy Pattern can fit one of these heavy weapons on the chin-mount: Heavy Bolter Multi-Melta Heavy Flamer Any Legacy Pattern can fit one of these weapon systems onto the back-mount: 'Seran' Pattern Mortar Havoc Missile Launcher Spicula Rocket System Boreas Anti-Air Missiles Any Legacy Pattern can wield one of the following Mk25 MRS configurations in exchange for the use of both Dreadnought Power Claws: Mavor Accelerator Autocannon Array Spearhead Megabolter Volkite Falconet Plasma Destroyer Flamestorm Cannon Magna-Melta Graviton Charge Cannon Scorpius Launcher Any Legacy Pattern can wield one or two of the following Mk14 MPS configurations in exchange for the use of one or both Dreadnought Power Claws: Twin-linked Lascannons Twin-linked Heavy Bolters Heavy Plasma Cannon Twin-linked Multi-Meltas Kheres Pattern Assault Cannon Heavy Conversion Beamer Scourger Firebrand Twin-linked Autocannons Legacy Pattern Dreadnoughts may also mount a variety of vehicle equipment such as: Augury Scanner Armoured Ceramite Infrared Targeting Extra Armour Auxiliary Drive Technical Specifications Type: 2nd Generation Dreadnought Vehicle Name: Legacy Pattern Forge World of Origin: Verya Primus Known Patterns: N/A Crew: Interred Space Marine Powerplant: Unknown Weight: 21.7 tonnes Length: 3.7m Height: 5.4m Width: 3.5m Max Speed: On Road: 18km/h (11mph) Off Road: 11km/h (7mph) Main Armament: See Mk25 MRS, Mk14 MPS Secondary Armament: 'Seran' Pattern Mortar, Boreas Anti-Air Missiles, Spicula Rocket System, Havoc Missile Launcher Main Ammunition: Variable Secondary Ammunition: Variable Armour: Hull: 75mm Superstructure: 70mm Variants TBD Notable Legacy Pattern Dreadnoughts -Brother Palden - 100th Company, Sect of Lineage -Brother Jamphel - 39th Company, Sect of Structure -Iron Yuthok - 12th Company, Sect of Structure Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672125 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 In an adaptation from one of the previous project's designs, the Heaven's-Fall, and all originators and progenitors of the Barrage design (now belonging to our friends over in the Soul Forger's legion) have been re-homed and adapted to their new origins. As the idea of a light-artilley support platform fits very neatly into the stealth and harrassment side of their doctrine. 'Heavens-Fall' Monastic Ascendants Mortar Vehicle History With the insight of some of their most prominent Gauss Scholars of the Sect of Structure at the time, the Monastic Ascendants saw the Barrage as an opportunity to expand their vehicular arsenal in a new, but familiar avenue. Negotiating with their brothers in the Soul Forgers after the final conclusion of the Red Sand Disgrace, VIIth Legion Gauss Scholars were invited to commune with several of their cousins in the XIth Legion. It was during these talks that a rapport grew between them, the shared spirituality of both parties helping to bond the two together. Through time and those Monastic Ascendants that had been loaned to Alianaktuk's Expeditionary fleets performing great deeds in the service of their cousin's campaigns, they gained a great deal of respect. So much so that the Eleventh Legion, through their comradeship with those Gauss Scholars, bequeathed a gift from themselves, to the Seventh. Through hard-fought battles with the Soul Forgers an appreciation for their hit and run tactics, and in particular their Barrage light attack vehicle, a joint project had formed and produced something wholly new. The 'Heavens-Fall' as it had been dubbed, was an amalgam of the powerful speed of Kinak with the accurate and deadly diversionary tactics of the Monastics. Mounting a large, self-sufficient mortar and extra armour to the archeotech chassis, they had created a marvel of hit-and-run capability. Presented to Tenzin upon the return of the Gauss Scholars from their exchange with some of Alia's own sons to show their appreciation. Upon seeing the marvel that had been birthed by a mutual understanding between his sons and those of the eleventh, Tenzin ordered their immediate production. Alongside this he took the Soul Forgers by surprise, showing his gratitude personally through a ancient Kinaki warriors embrace, clasping each arm in turn with his own welcoming the newly forged bond between their disparate legions. Design Choosing to heavily armour the Barrage chassis, the driver and gunner are encased in a command compartment to shield them, partially from enemy fire and partially from the shock wave of their main weapon firing. Mounted on the rear is an entire weapon assembly, including guidance servitor, autoloading system and various ammo racks to allow it to provide extensive, rapid-fire rounds on target, all these systems supply the Heavy Mortar Cannon. While categorised as 'light artillery' the Heavy Mortar is anything but light, requiring the vehicle to deploy two hydraulic ram arms into the ground when firing. The recoil from the weapon system firing is so powerful that, if unsupported it might break the suspensor supports for the rear chassis. To support the hungry beast an internal storage and autoloader system holds 42 rounds, while the remaining spare ammunition is kept in 2 large storage bins attached to the back of the vehicle. The exception to this is a single round stored inside the crew cabin in a armoured compartment, this being the single round with an atomic warhead for use in times of dire need. A small black cross on the right pauldron It is often used to denote amongst crews If they have ever had to use an atomic round, as it is seen as a failure to both their teachings and the part of the world they've destroyed. While the armoured crew compartment does offer significant protection along with the heavy ceramite armour covering the vehicle the problem of being attacked by anti-vehicle munitions is still a great one. To this end the Heavens-Fall is equipped with two Electronic Counter-Measure launching pods coupled with a set of smoke-grenade launchers it serves to make the vehicle a very hard one to pin down. Used as a light artillery platform the Heavens-Fall supports fast-moving or armoured forces with accurate and continuous indirect fire, able to mow down waves of infantry with withering salvoes of high explosive shells. By using it's speed advantage it can keep up with these forces or even support them with direct fire, never staying in one place for too long before moving. The combination of sheer firepower, speed and amour has allowed the Heavens-Fall to prove itself multiple times over, bringing the sky down upon the enemies of mankind. Armament The Heavy Mortar Cannon is a piece of siege artillery normally reserved for Imperial Army use as a towed system, wheeled into pre-prepared bunkers and set to fire for days at a time. As with most other applications of post-human thinking and ingenuity, the Monastic Ascendants saw the Ajax as an opportunity to provide assaults and harassment actions with artillery support, without the need for the complex maintenance and resupply lines needed for their larger Whirlwind cousins. With a fully articulated mounting and integrated autoloader the mortar can not only lay down artillery fire up to 20km away, it can also engage with light vehicles and infantry directly out to 2.5km. The autoloader, filled with 42 rounds can be loaded with a variety of munitions, and supply the weapon with enough ammo to fire continuously for 5 minutes before the system needs to be reloaded. With an integrated control system that allows the gunner to take direct control or designate a target area, the mortar can reliably place rounds within 3m of their target, able to be fired in patterns to cover more or specific areas. Backing up the mortar is a single turret mounted on the top of the crew compartment, in an articulated mount much the same as them. A combi-bolter with it's own targeting system has a commanding view in a 360º arc around the vehicle. Used to suppress and eliminate lightly armoured infantry it can also be controlled remotely from the gunners position with a manual input in the event it is needed. Defence Using ceramite plating the Monastic Ascendants choose the concentrated protection of a stronger material over a compromise as seen in other designs. The heavy plates cover the vehicle, even encasing the driver and gunner in a crew compartment that keeps them free from small arms fire. The unfortunate downside to such effective armour is it's weight, and the effect that has on the vehicle itself. While Heavens-Fall is slower than it's Kinaki brother, it still manages to maintain an impressive speed, able to outrun most astartes vehicles despite the combined weight of weapon, ammunition and armour. Sporting a set of two ECM launchers, the Heavens-Fall can protect itself from guided munitions such as missiles and targeting equipment by firing off reflective chaff and small flares out to confuse and distract any electronics aimed at their vehicle. This serves to blind and confuse the systems allowing the crew time to withdraw from an unfavourable battle. Technical Specifications Type: Light Self-Propelled Artillery, Infantry Fighting Vehicle Vehicle Name: Heavens-Fall Forge World of Origin: Known Patterns: N/A Crew: 1 Driver, 1 Gunner Powerplant: Twin MkV Thermic Combustor Reactors Weight: 9 tonnes Length: 6.3m Height: 4.6m Width: 4.2m Range: 650km Max Speed: On Road: 105km/h (65mph) Off Road: 74km/h (46mph) Main Armament: Heavy Mortar Cannon Secondary Armament: Combi-Bolter Turret Main Ammunition: 64 High Explosive Mortar Rounds (6 Smoke, 6 Flare, 1 Atomic) Secondary Ammunition: 400 Rounds Armour: Hull: 74mm Superstructure: 96mm Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672127 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Taking a quick break from tech for a moment we have the profile of the Monastic Ascendants home world itself. Ganden is a mountainous world with many secrets to it's past that the Legion are more that happy to explore in secret. Ganden Class: Civilised World, Legion Homeworld Segmentum: Pacificus Sector: Seran Cloud Sub-Sector: Unknown Affiliation: Separatist Ruler: Tenzin System: Cadence Orbital Order: 2nd Planet Name: Ganden Gravity: 1.2x Terran Normal Population: 7Million Description And old world having made the journey through the Long Night like so many others, the mountainous world of Ganden has calmly carried on through the millennia. Though covered in vast mountain ranges the world does have extensive lowlands and several seas, they are however, inaccessible. At some point in it's long history, a fog seeped over the world, settling into it's lower regions. While the cause is as of yet unknown it proves itself deadly to all living things, suffocating the life from them should they enter. It is because of this fog then that an exodus to the mountain plateaus forced the then population to abandon their old, glittering cities to carve a new life, leaving the spire-tops to only ever be seen again. With the millennia pressing on the people of Ganden adapted to their new lifestyle, working the rougher ground, raising livestock and building new cities out of the rock of the mountains themselves. These initially disparate and desperate survivors connected with one another over time, creating the winding paths of the Great Roads. As the millennia have worn on and society having regressed somewhat from its previous technological heights, the inhabitants recovered a measure of their former glory. Building small, but numerous settlements throughout the lands they live a simplistic lifestyle. Already fostering a deep sense of spiritualism naturally a religion focused around the ideas of building up one another and cleansing one's self of earthly desires to reach enlightenment. When the peoples of Ganden had to build their entire civilisation from scratch if helped build a sense of community and purpose that they saw as essential to life. Monasteries became places of culture and learning and while all could join the monks that dedicated themselves to enlightenment, few did out of reverence for the position, happy to support them as they could. It would be within these same temple walls that the young Primarch would learn of selflessness, duty and to let go of mortal desires for the sake of all and in time, they would come to revere him as an embodiment of what humanity could achieve through those same means. Once brought into the Imperial fold the world was changed very little, specifically on the orders of the VIIth primarch. The culture and way of life Ganden had provided would be improved in certain areas, industry, medical technology and the like, but as the same people's that had raised their Lord, he too would raise them to better themselves while retaining their identity from the voracious monster that was Imperial society. History Throughout it's trails in the past Ganden has gone through many changes, and faced challenges from raiders, the most significantly though has to have been the arrival of the Emperor's son, Tenzin. After extensive storms racked the western continent for weeks a final crescendo struck the highest mountain in the land. Having prayed to quiet the mountain, the local monastery in Lhasa sent a group of monks lead by a Guru by the name of Braytak to enact a final appeasement ritual the spirit of the mountain, heading for it's peak. It was worrying then, that it was a month before the monks returned, the gruelling journey normally taking half as long. Their questions were answered however when they returned to the city with one more member than they had started with. Clad in simple robes given to him by Braytak, the hazel eyes of the young primarch first took in what would become his new home. It was in Lhasa that Tenzin would grow, learning everything he could from the wizened masters as he grew at a superhuman level. It would be here that he would repel the Pre-Eminent Ruling Confederation (PRC) and first take the fight to the off-world raiders, and it would be here that he would meet both his father, and his new sons as they set off to conquer the stars for humanity. All throughout the Primarch's life he and his sons would visit frequently, holding seminars with the locals and discussions on philosophy, but most often he would disappear into the mountains of his birth, sometimes for weeks on end. Though the legion has set up several stations at mountain peaks little is known about them, though rumors have since spread that it may have something to do with the frequent and incessant moans, grinding and lightning emanating from the inhospitable zone below. Local Customs & Events -Guran Par 'Winter Pinnacle' As one of the many cultural festivals and rites that take place amongst the monks of Ganden, Guran Par -roughly translating to 'Winter Pinnacle' in Low Gothic- sees the planet celebrate the longest period of night on the planet, believing it to be a time of great import. As part of this celebration the individual towns and cities that litter the peaks and high plains arrange a fireworks display. Each town takes it's turn from the southernmost to the northernmost, setting off it's display of fireworks from ornately crafted sets of double-barrelled firing tubes creating unique percussive sounds that is said to represent the heartbeat of Ganden people. Secret Shenanigans The entirety of the sect of Artifice present on the planet and the fact the world is actually built on top of a seemingly endless superstructure, with the gas covering the bottom of the world being a by-product from some strange machine within it's depths. This alongside the innumerable passageways, portals and rooms that continue seemingly down to the planet's core. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672128 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 As a follow-up to the Legacy Dreadnought itself are two weapon systems able to be mounted on their adaptable weapon mountings. As a project I plan to use these as the basis for far more modular designs in the future to allow for commonality, making supplying and maintaining larger inventories of weapons and ammunition far easier. Modular Weapon System Initial broached as part of Tenzin's reforms of the Thunder Knights into the Monastic Ascendants, a one of the first tasks given to the newly organised Sect of Structure was a complete inventory of material assets. Alongside this came the call for several higher-ranking techmarines -now newly dubbed 'Gauss Scholars'- to put together initiatives for the research of more efficient methods of war It was from among these projects, that the Modular Weapon System was created. History Starting early in the Legion's new life under their Primarch, of the multitude of projects created, the MWS was the quietest and most rocky. From what little records and accounts remain available to outsiders there were difficulties with the project from the offset, causing it to be mothballed and re-started several times over. After a final period of long silence reaching into the 900's of M30, it suddenly reappeared, alongside the newly christened 'Legacy' Pattern of dreadnought. Though the Great Crusade had given it new life, it also meant attracting the baleful eyes of Mars, which the Legion seemed to have mysteriously slipped through by the end of the Submission War. While there are several variants listed, it is by no mean the full list as the modular nature of both Legion and technology will prove it is not just a singular system. It will eventually prove to be a host of chassis' upon which the Pacificus Segmentum would used to banish the Old Night and defend itself in equal measure. Description Roughly described as a system of grips, locking mechanisms, support rails and ammunition feeds, the general premise behind the early MWS platforms was the ability to host a number of weapon systems effectively, while making it as easy as possible to wield for Legionnaires and Dreadnoughts alike. Of the many features it would allow for customizations and even upgrades to weaponry, through the use of things like energy dissipater fins or recoil suppression buffers. These would carry over from one weapon to another, the commonality of both weapon mount and weapon meaning that the individual effectiveness of each could readily be increased, and swapped out. This also meant a boon in terms of logistics as individual mounting systems, upgrades and weapons could easily be replaced should they become damaged or lost. Through the immense efforts of the VIIth Legion's more secretive elements, the project would flourish, with the Mk25 and Mk14's adaptability proving a great asset on the battlefield. With dreadnoughts able to switch their weapon loadout in hours instead of days they could readily respond to appropriate threats and wipe out xenos resistance. Known Patterns/Variants Mk25 Modular Rifle System As the main weapon system for the Legacy Pattern Dreadnought, the simple set of grips, feeds and targeting systems allowed such heavy weaponry to be wielded relatively easily. Consisting of a heavy rail frame, several mechanical and magnetic locks and a front and rear grip, the Mk25 could very easily be handled by it's gargantuan user. Over the rifle itself are several hardpoints upon which upgrades and other mechanical elements can be added. With the foregrip and ammunition/ power feed system both able to pivot from the underside of the gun, to horizontal positions on either side, it could be customised to any configuration necessary to the interred marine's liking. The weapon variants for this modular system are as follows: Mavor Accelerator Autocannon Array Spearhead Megabolter Scorpius Launcher Magna-Melta Flamestorm Cannon Volkite Falconet Plasma Destroyer Graviton Cannon Mk14 Modular Pistol System The smaller alternative tot he Mk25, the Mk14 is more in line with the Contemptor Pattern of Dreadnought in it's weapon arrangement. With a suite of heavy weapons each individual 'pistol' can be armed in much the same way, with it's magnetic and mechanical clamps able to hold a variety of ordnance. With several hardpoints upon which to add other elements it can help bring an extra punch, while lacking some of the customization in terms of grip placement and ammunition feed placement the Mk25 has. The weapon variants for this modular system are as follows: Scourger Firebrand Twin-linked Lascannons Twin-linked Heavy Bolters Heavy Plasma Cannon Twin-linked Multi-Meltas Twin-Linked Illiastus Pattern Assault Cannons Heavy Conversion Beamer Twin-linked Autocannons Spearhead Megabolter Description The Spearhead Megabolter is a devastating and rapid-firing weapon used in conjunction with the technology of the Monastic Ascendants Legion. Mostly known for it's 'rifle' variant used by the Legacy Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought, it can lay down thundering hails of megabolter rounds onto enemies, outright destroying infantry and shredding light and medium vehicles. A distant cousin to the Imperial Army's Avenger Megabolter, the 4 barrels of the Spearhead have been known to even knock aircraft out of the sky by Legacy pattern veterans. Having proven itself against the monstrous Barghesi in the South-West of Pacificus, they have a track-record of making sure all but the most heavily armoured enemies are annihilated. While it has only been used with the Mk25 MRS as of the middle of the Great Crusade, it is no doubt that it will be adapted to other platforms given time and the continued ingenuity of the VIIth. Mavor Accelerator Autocannon Array Description As a modification of the existing Accelerator Autocannon weapon, the Mavor has taken the rapid-firing capability of the weapon in a new direction as one of the main armaments for the Legacy Pattern 2nd Generation Dreadnought. Specifically adapting the Herakles pattern for their new weapon, the Monastic Ascendants Gauss Scholars of the Sect of Structure resolved to increase the rate of fire even further from it's original intent. To do this without overheating the barrels to the point of warping they linked 3 in sequence while mounting them on a spinning central column. This way only one out of the 3 barrels would fire at any one time before spinning out of place and being replaced by another, leaving the first to cool off while the other 2 cycle around. Despite being a formidable weapon the main problem proved to be the recoil of constant firing for extended periods of time, leading the Gauss Scholars to shelve the design for later use. It was half a century after then, with the advent of the Legacy being developed by the Sect of Prosperity, that it came back into the light. The new dreadnought proved more than capable of handling the massive recoil, keeping the weapon on target long enough for the heavy slugs to annihilated armoured targets with ease. From here it was developed alongside the Mk25 MRS chassis as one of the multitude of options available, giving the Legacy one more feather in it's expansive cap. Sourger Firebrand A most volatile weapon, the Sourger Firebrand is a heavy flame weapon created by the Monastic Ascendants and in use by several legions by the end of the Great Crusade. As a pair of flame projectors with a sizeable projection chamber and fuel tank, the Scourger is a little lacking in it's base design. As is it has been calibrated to project promethium out at ranges beyond normal flame weapons, but thanks to this fires in a much tighter cone and uses more fuel as a result. To help counter this problem a leaf was take from some of the other weapons systems developed for the Modular Weapon System as the projectors were mounted on a rotating column. With both projectors spinning and the high pressure of the projection, they manage to spread themselves out in a wider arc more akin to their handheld and vehicle-mounted counterparts. While the ammunition proves to be a problem it has been lauded amongst those marines interred in Legacy Dreadnoughts that the sheer volume of promethium fired easily allows them to put up flame curtains to help defend a position. It has been decided as a result that the weapon's performance is satisfactory, and has been corroborated by those Legions that have chosen to adopt it into their service. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672132 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Some examples of wargear now, we have a variety of elements, I tried to put a spin on some existing tech such as changing suspensors into those cool weapon support arms for heavy weapon you see people use in movies and games. Other elements are focusing on the more technological side of the Legion's doctrine, specifically the use of electronic warfare which, while I admit does have represenation through scrapcode and the occasional use of the phrase 'Data-Djinn' was nowhere near enough for my tastes. Monastic Ascendants – Mantra Ghost Gear As part of the legion's newfound method of war-fighting changed along with their Primarch, so to did their equipment, evolving into the newfound avenues that left enemies blind to the executioners axe dangling above their necks. Allowing marines to effect not only the physical battlefield the Mantra Ghost Gear allowed them to turn the every wavelength of light and even the electromagnetic spectrum to their advantage. Though potent in it's ability to infiltrate and wreak havoc on the electronic systems an enemy may use -at least in the case of human-made technology- there is a certain level of guilt that the Mantra Ghost's users feel when using it. As they have been taught the ways of their Primogenitor, they have come to understand and work with machines similar to the ones they are particularly designed to infiltrate and sabotage. While this guilt weighs upon them it does not stop them from carrying out their duties. It is tradition however, that after a battle is done the marines are usually found deep in meditation with their own machines or effecting some measure of repair on any technology nearby in a perceived act of penance. Design The Legion's morals on machinery aside, the pack has shrunk larger arrays into a single, marine-sized unit, able to be easily manoeuvred under the cover of stealth. The Mantra Ghost Gear has managed to pack a host of complex machinery into a single backpack roughly the same size as those used by Devastator marines to house ammunition. Doubling as the standard power source for the armour itself, the reactor within is used to feed the esoteric cogitators with more than enough power to let them do their invisible work. While the exact specifications of the pack have only been noted to Legionary command staff and allied Mechanicus, there are a number of features that can be assumed thanks to the inherent design and post-battle reports from allied Imperial Army and Naval units. Within the backpack itself seem to be several heavy-duty cogitator arrays, what their specific purposes or manufacture are is unknown but they have been used to devastating effect. Mantra Ghost units feeding back comprehensive amounts of enemy intelligence, enemy machines and defences being blinded, forced to destroy themselves or worse, turned on their owners as the shadow of a Monastic Ascendant squad moves through the area. Adding to the exotic and dubious nature of the device is the baleful eye mounted on top of the backpack. It can be seen aggressively searching the battlefield with seeming autonomy from it's user. Through multiple augur arrays for both visual and electromagnetic detection the device feeds entire libraries of information back to their user through a set of mounted sights that fit over the normal astartes helm. With an unerring accuracy enemy communications, heat signatures and even the magnetic signatures of tank columns can be parsed and fed back into the Imperial network, though it is not entirely passive in it's function. Part of the function of the eye appears to be an offensive laser weapon from eye-witness reports. Auxiliary forces stating enemy augurs were blinded by a 'near invisible thread of light', allowing them to advance unmolested, their eyes blinded to the approach. As a defensive measure, a set of several tubes are mounted to the side. Able to fire off their contents into the air, a mixture of reflective particulate and augur beacons are used to spoof any guided attacks against the unit or allies nearby. The last and most curious element of the whole design is a set of several vents on the underside. These spew out trickle of super-cooled air that soon becomes a small mist that tends to gather at a marine's feet. Though the specific purpose remains unknown the eerie miasma lends a ghost-like nature to the marines, specifically when combined with the cameleloine cloak normally worn by those in the VIIth Legion. This has led to those allied forces sometimes referring to them as augur ghosts, even jesting that they like to keep tabs on mortal forces through their augur arrays when a guardsman isn't looking. Monastic Ascendants - Cresting Sun Disc A shining example of the Monastic Ascendants' mental fortitude, the Golden Sun Disc is an artefact given to those officers and specialists of the legion who have proven themselves singular of mind and focus in completing their duty. History Brought into service as the middling stages of the Great Crusade, the Cresting Sun Disc proved to be a powerful augmentation to those marines within the seventh legion. First implemented amongst the Westernmost Expeditionary Fleets of the Legion, it was first used in the purgation of several systems infested with Dark Eldar hideouts and pirate coves which had taken to terrorizing and enslaving the local human populace. As the individual pirate bands were wiped out and the last bastion of the foul xenos lay waiting in a densely packed nest of an asteroid belt, it was decided that the normal seventh legion tactics would be forgone for the sake of ending their tyranny all the quicker. Deploying a hammer-blow force into the next the Monastic Ascendants lay waste to the slavers in quick order, marching from tunnel to tunnel breaking them with the sheer might of bolter and blade. The aliens seemed particularly taken aback by the ferocity of the legion, and the lack of effect their weapons seemed to have on those monstrous terminators leading the charge. The splinter weaponry they fired at the walking monoliths simply stuck in their armoured plating, unable to pierce deep enough to bother the marines inside. The disintegrator weapons they levelled at them, meant to punch holes in tanks, had their darkened energy simply coalesce against the Sun Disc's shield array, before it merged with the shield itself and they were cut down in a barrage of plasma fire for their efforts. Within the day the complex had been cleared fully, what little xenos left scurrying through a rift reality, presumably to crawl back to whatever dark hole of the galaxy spawned them. Upon returning from the raid it was noted the lack of losses on the hammer-blow force was in part thanks to the innovative design of the Sun Discs in protecting their vanguard forces. Saving them in several situations where the xenos' eldritch weaponry would have otherwise injured or even felled them. Design Like most Iron Halo shield technology, the Cresting Sun Disc is a mountable piece of wargear that can be added to either normal power armour or terminator armour relatively easy. Moulded into the form of a half-circle with intricate sun-patterns and flame spine calligraphy it is an ornate piece of metalwork all of it's own, to say nothing of the technology encased within. When mounted onto a set of power armour, the Sun Disc generates several fields that surround the wearer, general observed outwardly as a 'pair of red shimmering halos'. These fields have proven powerful in their ability to negate ranged attacks against the user, with small arms fire relatively useless against it. The miracle of this systems however, is it's ability to defend against energy-based attacks. When the shield is under fire from energy-based weaponry, it functions much the same in that it blocks those shots from reaching the wearer, but it also absorbs some of the energy of those same shots. This energy is then fed back through the Sun Disc, usually into the marine himself, his power armour or to the shield itself to be redistributed to whatever he sees fit. This is the reason the use of the Sun Disc is limited to those veterans and specialists of the Legion. Only those who have walked the Monastic Ascendants path for a certain amount of time, and achieved certain Paramita's have been allowed access to the augmentations necessary to store and control the energies absorbed into the Sun Disc itself. While a marine without these augmentations might be able to give his power armour a small boost in strength with the energy fed back into it, he will be able to do little else. Compare this to a veteran who has the ability to not only absorb and store the energy stolen from enemy fire, but able to redirect it by feeding it into weapons or electronic systems and the combat potential skyrockets in comparison. While this energy harvesting system is mostly meant for energy-based weapon attacks it has also been shown in testing to absorb some of the energy generated from a kinetic projectile when launched at hyper-velocity impacting with the shield, usually leaving a rapidly cooling mass of molten metal left over that falls to the ground harmlessly. The system, while extremely potent, has been proven to have a flaw in it's design, that being the very energy absorption system that makes it so valuable. Should the shield be suddenly impacted with an extremely large amount of energy at once, the feedback of such a large amount of power being absorbed, and fed back into the marine and any systems he is using can prove catastrophic. For this reason several users have taken to adding blowout plugs on the Sun Disc so that, should it receive such extreme stresses it will simply shut itself off and leave the marine, shieldless, but alive. Monastic Ascendants – Heavy Arm-Assist (HAA) A basic and versatile support-arm for Devastator units to alleviate some of the burden of the heavy weaponry they carry, while at the same time allowing for easier stowage, and support actions not possible without it. Description Adopted as a method of improving weight distribution among Devastators, the HAA evolved into a cornerstone of heavy weapons gear within the VIIth Legion. Formed from plasteel bracing, a small servo arm and a independent locking system, the arm can allow for a full range of movement by a devastator as well as absorbing some recoil and steadying aim by acting as a makeshift bipod. This incredible range of capabilities does come at the cost of the extra space needed to mount the arm, but this is seen as a easy tradeoff for those who have used it. Fitting into the legions modus operandi, the simplicity and ease of maintenance mean that it is not a risk on the battlefield, as other similar options like suspensors give off an electrical and faint heat signature, which may be used to detect them. It is also capable of, in experienced hands such as Legionary Veterans, able to act as a mounting point from which to fire their heavy weapons one-handed, leaving the other hand free to complete any number of tasks that may face the marine. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672136 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Short story about a certain secret sect. The Devil You Know In a darkened underground of the of a Terran Hive-Spire, clicks and mechanical beeps gently fill the air as a small dataslate slowly transcribes data to text. Meanwhile the heavy black cabling and tunneller cogitator mix in with the hum of energised machinery. An errant cable snakes it's way across the room to fit snugly into a cranial socket. Shockwaves of data play out over machine-eyes in digital waves as they focus and unfocused on the different screeds of information.Suddenly the previously calm body tenses slightly, the eyes begin rapidly scanning, seemingly close to some goal before a small flash of red light interrupts their vision. It starts as one spot, and quickly spreads over the feed as security systems engage, ancient data-djinn scrambling to find the intruder, occasionally being blocked by defence skeins before tearing through them voraciously. This needed to end quickly. As the last of the data screeds are cut off a final query returns something. Ripping the cranial cable out and engaging the cogitator cutoffs the light in the room immediately dims. As the whine of cogitators slowly winds down the glowing eyes focus on the dataslate, the confirmation message pulsing gently confirming a successful transfer.Placing the dataslate within his robes a light flicks from green to red and small timer begins ticking. Leaving the room the stranger dons his hood and recedes into the depths of the underhive. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672145 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 (edited) Some Legion structure, reminds me that I need to expand upon the Sects far more in terms of their operation, drive and ideologies. Sect Structure Sects are specific groups marines belong to, they can change between them if they wish but they must focus on the overall furthering of the Sect's goals as a sub-set of their own progress as a marine and the overall progress of humanity. Known Sects Sects that are openly known to all those within the legion and those within the overall Imperial autorities. These are considered the 'face' of the legion and with the bulk of the legion's numbers within their ranks, they are focused towards the furthering of humanity through their efforts. -Sect of Lineage -Leader: Jinpa Sorth. -Focus: With the most marines at their command, the Sect of Lineage seeks out all methods to help prolong the Legion and humanity as a whole. Charged with this sacred task, the study of warfare and healing are held paramount above all. The guerrilla tactics first used by Tenzin and the monks of Ganden have since been adapted and refined, turning into the adaptive system of Legion structure it is today. In keeping with the entire legion's doctrine, they act as small cells of marines filled with a variety of specialists and support elements. Knowing how to study their enemies and react to the probing attacks of gunfire and sabotage, looking to whittle them down, ready to be smashed by the final strike. As healers the Apothecaries choose to study the various forms of humanity, astartes and mortal alike, to hone their skills accordingly. Their task also sees them lead disaster relief efforts of stricken worlds, as well as researching methods by which they can help humankind at large achieve harmony through technology as their Primarch has. -Strength: As the largest Sect in the Legion, Lineage commands over 110,000~ marines within their ranks. -Sect of Insight (focuses on meditation, philosophy, psyker studies and mental development) -Leader: Braytak Isolah. As the overall Guru of the Insight Sect Braytak has been with Tenzin since his days as at the northern Temples of Ganden, teaching the boy and others like him in their ways. Now ascended to transhumanism, Braytak helps guide his new students within the Legion through their development into a selfless bastion for humankind. -Focus: Dedicated to the paths of enlightenment through meditation with the machine and through uplifting their fellow humans, the Sect of Insight represent both the philosophical and moral heart of the Legion. Instilling knowledge, ideals and duty into those young and old within the legion they are a pillar of it's identity, helping those both internal and external come to understand the need to support one another as a species. While in charge of the Librarius arm of the legion this is a lesser branch as those VIIth Legion marines have generally had little inclination towards their particular skills. Partially in charge of the education and training of Gauss Scholars, the Sect shares this duty with the Sect of Structure, helping to mould the Legions unique form of specialist who is not only adept at working with technology, but with the moral guidance as well. -Strength: As the spiritual guides of the Legion they are the smallest known sect at 20,000~ marines in their order. -Sect of Structure (focuses on technology i.e. technological integration and maintenance within the legion) -Leader: Dorje -Focus: The beating heart of the Legion's technological spirit, ever since it's days as the Thunder Knights the mechanical branch of the VIIth has been a well trained device capable of great work. With the Monastic Ascendant's armoury's breadth a fair amount of manpower is required to maintain, supply and pilot such equipment. Part of the reason why it is the second-largest Sect within the Legion. Much like their brethren within the Sect of Lineage, the Structure Sect likes to have it's marines operate in groups, specifically units of 2 or 3 depending on the vehicle, as a measure of safety, with one person being able to cover the other. This level of redundancy is said to be part of the reason their armouries remain so well-stocked despite frequent Mechanicum interference. Working as both infantry in their Legion's trademark guerrilla warfare and as part of the armoured hammer-strike when an enemy is sufficiently weakened they are an adaptable and industrious lot. For their part in the training of the Gauss Scholars extensive testing is done through both direct work and less-well-known testing methods to properly assess their ability and compatibility with the various mechanical problems they may face at any time. -Strength: The second largest Sect, Structure helps keep the entire legion maintained with it's 60,000~ marines. Secret Sects Made up of a number of legionnaires of specific talent or disposition, the hidden sects of the Monastic Ascendants are specifically built up as the hidden blade of the legion, whether mental or real. As a being of supreme understanding Tenzin aknowledges that as all humans do, there are some ugly and nasty threats that can only be taken on by equally ugly and nasty methods. This is the reason for the two following sect's smaller headcount compared to their open brothers, as they must be singular of will to complete these strange deeds and condemn themselves for the good of humanity as a whole. -Sect of Artifice -Leader: Turhesh. Overall Guru of the Sect of Artifice Turhesh's position is a secretive one, carrying out his Primarch's wishes to keep tabs on the multifaceted aspects of the Imperium. As Guru he reports directly to the Primarch much of the time, remaining unknown to the majority of the legion as he and those under him carry out their surveillance. Acting as commander of the many undercover operations the Sect undertakes, he maintains absolute secrecy over their works from the legion and Imperium at large. -Focus: The legion employs a highly secretive cabal of tech-infiltrators that are sent ahead of MA forces as pathfinders to spread chaos and disarray within enemy formations, or to infiltrate any allied factions such as the Mechanicus or other legions to gather intel or allow smooth operations between the two. Known only to the other Sect Guru's and the Primarch, this covert unit is focused on gathering as much intelligence as possible, on enemies and allies for use in battle-calculations as well as to acquire appropriate knowledge on routines, hidden technology and plans others might be making. This group will consist of those marines who are suited for deep undercover work, and be expected to operate for months or years at a time alone or in small teams to complete an objective. Given some of the best technology, both from Imperial armouries and those artefacts found in Ganden’s superstructures, they carry out their task in complete secrecy for the betterment of their legion and humanity. -Strength: The Artifice Sect comprise a minutely small number of astartes compared to the legion as a whole, only having 5000~ within their ranks. -Sect of Prosperity -Leader: Yangtso. -Focus: A sect entirely focused on the acquisition, study and development of technology, those marines within it's ranks are composed of more forward-thinking marines who will be able to turn technology to their whim. While the mainstay of the this group's marines are composed of Gauss Scholars and reside on Ganden studying the mysterious superstructure hidden below the planet's surface, many members are marines with an equally voracious appetite for knowledge. The only part of the Sect's operations that are conducted beyond Ganden itself are the field-testers given special permission to assess a technology's worthiness against their enemies. Several great strides have been made by the sect since the start of the Monastic Ascendant's joining the crusade, but they have remained relatively mundane, pertaining to logistical devices rather than weapons of war. -Strength: As another secretive part of the Legion, the Prosperity sect maintains a lower profile, in keeping with their brothers in the Sect of Artifice. They maintain 10,000~ marines overall. Trainees Around 3000 trainee's are in various stages of their Ngondo Initio at any point. This is to maintain the Legion's healthy numbers, over-recruiting to more than make up for lost brothers in battle by order of Jinpa Sorth. Edited February 27, 2021 by Darkcommander TrajantheGreat 1 Back to top Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5672146 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkcommander Posted April 28, 2021 Author Share Posted April 28, 2021 Some short stories I've been working on while building up Tenzin's origins on Ganden The Cycle Continues It was in that mountain cave that another human first laid eyes on him, rather than huddled up in some corner barely clinging to life, the pilgrimage found him chanting. Sitting next to a small glowing orb set into the floor he was surrounded by a set of five floating metal blocks seemingly amorphous in shape, but made up from the same iridescent metal that covered the walls of the cavern. Seemingly changing their shape in response to his chanting they all turned to face Braytak and his fellow monks. Some chose to kneel and pray in the sight of such a scene, others simply stared dumbfound, but as Braytak stepped nervously forward he couldn't help but stare in wonder. This enigma of a child in a place that no child should not be, speaking to the air and seemingly the mountain itself which thrummed along with his chanting, but which suddenly was still. Having stopped the boy stood, reaching out to grab something as he did so, facing these new creatures which he knew to be his fellow man, perhaps not in genetics, but in spirit. He smiled, feeling the heft and geometry of the rock in his hand as he hid it behind his back. As Braytak reached out a shaky hand to greet him he whispered with reverence. “The Mother-God's child...Boddhisattva...” Looking momentarily confused, he took a moment to grab at some deepened knowledge within his memory before responding in the same language, reaching out his empty hand to grasp Braytak's in a grip far too firm for his stature. The sound of the rock clattering to a halt on the floor was lost in the moment. “I know not my true nature, it is a fractious thing, I wish to find peace, for myself and the world, will you help me?” Labrang Diplomacy Braytak sat beside him in the middle of a meeting hall as they argued back and forth, the boy is a omen, he is the reincarnation of their deity, he is a spy sent among them to test their faith, every accusation flew back and forth until a clear divide began to emerge. What everyone could agree on was that this was likely a good thing, he was a boy born on their goddess' mountain after the worst storm any of them had ever experienced abated, that much seemed to confirm it, but the sticking point was what specifically to do with him. Most pointed to his origin and assigned it reverence, which he failed to understand, saying that he was the next Boddhisattva and should be treated as such. At this Braytak noticed the boy becoming uncomfortable, his green eyes darting around the room as if he was expecting danger from any of the adults well aware that the heated discussion might end violently. As Braytak was about to stand up and interject a sudden banging from one side of the room quickly hushed any debate as they looked over to see the monastery's master standing up with sandal in hand on the desk. As he looked about the room to the stunned faces his gaze finally settled on the boy seeming to bore into him before he pointed his sandal at the man beside him. “Does the boy have a name, Braytak?” Suddenly aware that the pressure of the room had switched to him in that instant Braytak replied. “He does not, Lama Tsarong.” He said, bowing his head “Though we managed to speak with him a little on the descent he has not interacted much, he seemed happy to listen” Tsarong continued staring at the boy, who stared directly back. For over a minute nothing was said before he brought his sandal down once more. “It is decided! The boy will enter the monastery as a monk, if he is a reincarnation or not he is sharp, and it would do well to not besmirch this blessing. Once I have taught him sufficiently we will reconvene to decide on the matter his holiness, but until then he is my pupil.” This seemed final as the rest of the officials and monks nodded their assent, muttering as Tsarong cast his gaze about the room. Most seemed agreeable for now, some clearly weren't happy with the decision but lacked the ability to ignore the master monk's proclamation. Turning back to the boy he addressed Braytak again without making eye contact. “Braytak, you will also study under me while acting as the boy's mentor, as the one who found him I want you to help integrate him properly, this will be a good test of your own abilities” Nodding in agreement Braytak bowed his head in thanks as Tsarong continued. “And you, boy.” He paused for a moment in thought. “Tenzin” He said simply. “That shall be your name, and I will see you live up to it, boddhisattva or not.” The boy thought himself for a moment before smiling, bowing his head in the same manner Braytak had a moment before but not saying a word. With that Tsarong seemed pleased and the meeting concluded as the monks and towns-people shook hands and slowly filed out, Braytak took a hold of Tenzin's shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. “It is an honour to meet you Tenzin, I look forward to our time together” With another easy smile spreading across his face the boy, now Tenzin responded for the first time since his descent from the mountain, seeming to glow as he did so. “I look forward to our future together my friend. I'm sure we will reach immeasurable heights together” Every River Reaches The Sea It had taken 3 days to reach the summit, and seven long days of mourning before that, and yet Tenzin still couldn't come to terms with the melancholy in his heart. The world curved out to the horizon under him as the group around panted in the thin air. The deep sucking breaths evened out as he waited, and they began unloading instruments and boxes necessary for the next brutal step. “You're too damned idle boy, what have I told you!” The memory came bursting back with vivid clarity as he stared at the distant mountain ranges, their snow-covered peaks piercing into the heavens above the cloudy layer that settled between them. The monastery main hall, busied murmurs and bustling robes surrounded him like giants at the time, light of thousands of candles converging on the decorated ceiling creating a dance so complex it had stunned him, until Tsarong had noticed, that is. “the ceremony begins soon, you have duties to attend to, if you don't feel like completing them you know damned well that you'll be running laps of the city again, now move it!” A smile broke over Tenzin's face as he looked over the snowy mountain top, but it never reached his eyes. Turning to the others he helped them unpack everything and see to it their gear would get them back down the mountain. He had insisted that he could carry everything up here himself, that it would be an extremely dangerous journey there and back but the monks would hear no objections. The group, Braytak included, had simply donned their gear and met him outside the city gates ready to go. Now they were descending again, some worse for wear considering the journey, but nothing too serious. The main problem was the air, the thinness of it would barely be able to feed them enough oxygen to remain alive, but not him. This Tenzin somehow knew instinctively, in no way could he explain it but it simply was. That made him chuckle for a moment, it was these 'immutable laws' seemingly ingrained into him that Tsarong had so often bounced off of in an attempt to teach him the many paths and virtues of their order. They would argue for hours back and forth in Tsarong's study with no end in sight, Braytak often in the middle trying to work out a compromise or often, taking Tsarong's side on the matter. The man would eventually dismiss them, having grown 'weary of the argument' but Tenzin knew the old man was just tired. Even then he still had a faint smile on his face as he and Braytak left the room. A bird screeching high in the air brought him back from his reminiscing, watching the backs of the others finally disappear over the crest of the hill he turned to the mountaintop, the black shadows already starting to gather above him. Unravelling the body of his old master from the cloth the stink reached his superior senses first, sticking in the back of his throat despite the thinned air carrying it. Laying him on a mat he opened the ornate boxes that had been brought with them, the shelves folding out ornately to expose an array of blades that would make a murderer balk. Selecting a broad knife from it's place he drew out a grindstone and began sharpening, unable to entirely banish the sight or memory of his dear master the entire time. When the blade's edge was keen and glimmering in the fading sunlight, he would begin the Sky Burial. He would spend the next 16 days with the remnants of his master on that mountaintop. 16 days contemplating the life he had lead up until that point, happy to learn and to be lead along. His entire life spent with whispered prayers and reverence lavished upon him no matter his protestations, his dedication to living the proper life of a monk. Even when he had grown twice as tall as any other man, and as barrel-chested as a Harla Moose he had done his best to use his gifts for others. But even the mightiest men are tempted by the most base of things. He had wanted to show off, perhaps even fight, every wondering if his stature would be better suited to the city guard. He had enjoyed the hushed reverence, the look of awe in people's eyes as they beheld the giant born of the mountain, all-but a demi-god to them. The thirst for knowledge that had been fed by the giant libraries of the city and the monastery, unlocking pathways to concepts and ideas that he had no right to know about, but on some deep level he knew with the conviction of a judge. Through it all Tsarong, Braytak and the other monks had been there to help him, to show him strength, though powerful, was nothing without discipline. When he had been scolded by them for coming back to the monastery covered in offerings the people had given him. Too easy was it to take advantage of other's kindness and not give in return, being marched back through the streets to offer willing help to the downtrodden in repentance. Being told no when he asked for access to the monasteries more sensitive relics and scripture, or having his deep-rooted conviction challenged and foiled by Tsarong after hours of discussion. All those memories playing out as Tenzin sat there. Time blurred as he remembered every aspect of his life up until this now, days flickering as the sun rose and fell, the blanket of stars at night shining down, the slow pecking and whirling of carrion as they landed to feast on his former master before taking flight again after having their fill. As he became aware of his surroundings again the fresh white of bone stood out on the bloodied patch of snow and the monolith of a man moved for the first time in over a week. From here Tenzin stood, gathering the bones and wrapping them up along with the other supplies before descending the mountain, he would not however, descend the entire way. Walking into the cave that had saved him all those years ago a familiar tone rung through the air as the primarch began chanting. Almost immediately the floating metallic shapes whizzed to his side, surrounding him in a lazy circle as he made his way to the centre of the chamber. With another tone, they sunk into the floor, amorphous shapes solidifying as they plugged into hidden sockets and with a small hiss the piece of floor beneath Tenzin gave way. Rather than plummeting into the mountain however, the section of floor glided gently down, a low frequency hum resonating through it much the same as the one sung moments before. This may take a while, but it would be worth it. Miles and miles of metallic rock would scream past as he sunk deeper and deeper into the mountain. Never changing in design as it did so. He could feel electrical energies shift and warp as fields overlapped one another as they did so, infrequent at first but then slowly increasing, they built and built until the hair on his body stood and occasional arcs of lightning would fire over the metal, threatening to reach out with it's grasping white claws until suddenly, everything stopped. The whirlwind of rock suddenly disappeared as the roof began to speed away, giant stalactites stretched down in a forest, their points menacingly aimed into the depths below. Underneath him however, was his true destination. Metal skyscrapers, blocks, necropolii stretched out in every direction as far as his superhuman eyes could see, energy infusing every element of its structure. If he focused hard enough, he could even see that it, and the cavern itself stretched over the horizon, monolithic energy-towers, glowing pools of molten metal, plasma and a million different devices and factories of unknown name or origin built in a seeming patchwork over its entire length. Pillars of stone three times as tall as his Mother Mountain and over ten times as thick dotted the metal-scape seemingly holding up the entire world above them with their titanic bulk. While Tenzin had never understood why he knew how he could put words to the strange buildings and processes he knew with conviction that they were true. “Heh... Conviction” Tenzin muttered to himself. He turned inward again, ignoring the view as he felt the weight of the bones on his back before reciting a short mantra and waiting for the platform to descend. From here it would be a long trek, through miles of thoroughfares, service tunnels and pipework he would walk, finally arriving at the bridge. The bridge, while unassuming in name, would be a master-stroke of civil engineering even in advanced societies, over 20km long it's support struts glowed as the maglev couplings kept the platforms millimetre-accurate. Each platform in its own right was half a kilometre across, their shimmering surfaces unfolding from the pillars below as they assembled themselves before Tenzin. At the side of each platform were two heavy plinths, each sporting sculptures of long-dead warriors and kings caught in their moment of triumph. The metal facades sculpted to such precision that they might come alive at any moment, they embodied joy, happiness, the fruits of one's labour, but today Tenzin was not looking at them. He would walk past the sculptures of men, perhaps real or not at one point, all the way to the end, coming to a stop at a titanic metal structure, stopping to rest and unpacking his things. The rhomboid before him stretched high into the cavernous space above, and so deep below it was lost in the encroaching darkness, the front Tenzin had arrived at was bare save for a single console with a plinth at it's centre. While he may want to interact with it again soon, he needed to focus. Taking out the final remnants of Tsarong, the ornate box was opened again as he searched for the correct tools. Laying out a hammer, mortar and pestle in a row he steeled himself for this final process, some part of him not willing to start for fear of completing it. With a long sigh he began. As the bones were broken, sharp quick snapping when the hammer came down each time, Tenzin's mind grew more and more distracted, memories were flooding him now and he could not seem to dam them with all his mental fortitude. Flashings of the storm that had given birth to him, memories of the monastery, it all swirled in a roiling mess until each hammer strike brought sparks as they struck the metal of the floor. He felt tears start to well up as he was caught up in the waves of emotion, so much so that it took him a moment to recognize the distant humming that reached his ears. Soothing and warming all at once demi-god knelt for a moment, feeling a warmth in him spread as he let the feelings wash over and through him. Staring down at the hammer in his hands he took a deep breath before releasing it and raising the hammer once more, before the hammering continued muttering one short acknowledgement “Thank you Mother” And with that, he began again. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5692892 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrajantheGreat Posted June 30, 2021 Share Posted June 30, 2021 Amber Heralds It is little surprise that a Legion whose gene-sire imbued with strong ideological motivation would then become a body of stubborn ideologues. As with most Legions, the Monastic Ascendants would look upon Tenzin's vision and be in agreement. However, this unity was not total. There existed disagreement along a spectrum. Some of Tenzin's sons believed violence against the Imperium was unbecoming and unnecessary of their Primarch in his quest for perfection. Others believed he did not go far enough. They feared yoking themselves to any of the current political bodies would only spoil their Primarch's grand experiment and would be far better off establishing themselves independent of anyone else. Yet, action always speaks louder than words. Much of this disagreement would do little more than offer fodder for intellectual discussion, both within the Ascendants and with their closest allies. However, there were a number of Seventh Legionaries who would place their own principles into action, for duty and corruption. The Amber Heralds took their place among the former. Led by their founder, Desi, they had struggled long to maintain a beacon of Imperial unity; their efforts coalesced and intensified after the Vanishing. Desi himself was often a quiet critic of Tenzin as he carefully sculpted Pacificus into something he believed ideal as opposed to what had been established by the Master of Mankind. Before Tenzin announced his independence, he gathered the many facets of the legion, including Desi to Ganden. There, they would retreat into the centre of their temple-fortress for over 7 days as they debated, every Legionary saying his piece with no perspective being admonished. When the great doors to the meditation chamber opened again a number of Ascendants, under a small guard, departed with sorrow in their hearts. Desi and his band would form the largest faction to leave at this time, though the future-Heralds were not the sole ones. When Tenzin formally announced his independence, they and the other defectors would be given their ships as their own to go where they saw fit. The Amber Heralds, and one other group of Ascendants, made for the Dominion of the Crimson Lion, where Hectarion had promised shelter for those spurned by the Seventh Primarch's plan for the future. There they would settle, not forsaking all of their colours, but branding themselves anew under the Imperial banner. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/361863-il-vii-monastic-ascendants/#findComment-5715527 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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