Index Imperialis: Order of the Iron Tower - Article, Draft 2

[Lysimachus]

Lovely stuff Ace, I really like the idea of more pragmatic, soldierly Sisters! I would definitely agree with altering the role of Repentia to something more subtle, maybe you'd even find that less Sisters (because of their more practical nature) would put themselves forward to serve a penance?

On the point of Fleet based Sisters, I found this pic, which I think (I haven't got it yet) is from the newest dex:

If you look at the box next to the 2nd Preceptory bit, it says they have orbital assault vessels and landers, but not their own interstellar craft? Not sure if that affects what you're doing, as it does say that some IN ships have been assigned for such a long time that it's really a moot point/technicality who they belong to?

[Ace Debonair]

How faithful or corrupt is Cardinal von Lochlane? From your description I am leaning towards the corrupt power hungry side. If you want it to be otherwise maybe have him find the robe first and then have the cathedras erected.

Good question.

I don't intend for von Lochlane to be corrupt, exactly.

 

I do intend for him to be a little dishonest and something of a schemer, but with ultimately noble goals... that just happen to include giving him more power and reputation.

 

I've started a draft of the "Origins" section in notepad, and just the bit talking about von Lochlane is nearly 800 words long already, and he's turned out to be more of a complex character than any of the actual battle sisters up to now.  He was only meant to be a throwaway character to excuse the existence of the Order - perhaps I've gotten a bit carried away!

 

 

Lovely stuff Ace, I really like the idea of more pragmatic, soldierly Sisters! I would definitely agree with altering the role of Repentia to something more subtle, maybe you'd even find that less Sisters (because of their more practical nature) would put themselves forward to serve a penance?

That makes sense.

I like the Repentia as a concept (it's just so 40k), but I can see how the Iron Tower sisters wouldn't be so quick to embrace such drastic penance.

 

...Probably won't stop me getting a squad of them at some point since I really like the new models, though.

 

 

On the point of Fleet based Sisters, I found this pic, which I think (I haven't got it yet) is from the newest dex:

 

-- *big, interesting picture* --

 

If you look at the box next to the 2nd Preceptory bit, it says they have orbital assault vessels and landers, but not their own interstellar craft? Not sure if that affects what you're doing, as it does say that some IN ships have been assigned for such a long time that it's really a moot point/technicality who they belong to?

That'll help, actually.

Even the parts of the Order assigned to the Rogue Trader fleet or Valstrax's Cathedral-factory ship could do with a few naval escorts to explain how they've survived so long.

 

Looks like Battlefleet Albanastra is going to be a very important ally for the Order of the Iron Tower!

[Ace Debonair]

UPDATE! (and how, that took so much writing)

 

I've added a few bits, like the entire 3,500 word article.

 

It's probably complete trash, but I thought it better to post what I had than keep trying to refine it behind the scenes.

I can refine it here later, after all!

 

If anyone spots any obvious mistakes, typos or other stupidity that needs correcting, let me know.

This is all still rough-draft stuff, there's bound to be a few screw-ups or missing details or something.

[Lysimachus]

Very nice! One thing that strikes me as interesting is the choice of Sacred Rose as founders? I only know because I've used them myself and been reading up, but apparently they're the most 'miracle-y' Order of the big 6. It's interesting to have them start that way, but then end up with more or less the opposite attitude? Maybe that section could do with a touch more explanation of how this change happened? (Or as a more simple alternative, switch to another, less miraculous, founding Order?)

 

Edit: With a bit more research, how about Argent Shroud? Their belief in 'deeds over words' could lead in well to the Iron Creed, plus the silver scheme fits nicely too?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The additional details are well done. I'm surprised he took the robe from the saint's long-lost tomb, instead of directing his followers to it. Assuming the robe was

a fake, was it that hard to have a Techpriest ally (someone he can trust to keep his or her mouth shut) direct some servitors (whose memories may be erased) to dig a tomb and transfer an anonymous corpse's skeleton to it

? Edited April 7, 2020 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Ace Debonair]

The additional details are well done. I'm surprised he took the robe from the saint's long-lost tomb, instead of directing his followers to it. Assuming the robe was

a fake, was it that hard to have a Techpriest ally (someone he can trust to keep his or her mouth shut) direct some servitors (whose memories may be erased) to dig a tomb and transfer an anonymous corpse's skeleton to it

?

 

Probably not, but I hadn't thought of that.

 

As much as the extra preparation makes sense, I like the idea that the robe was found in extremely dubious circumstances - it makes von Lochlane seem more scheming, even if it might have been a legitimate discovery.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

As much as the extra preparation makes sense, I like the idea that the robe was found in extremely dubious circumstances - it makes von Lochlane seem more scheming, even if it might have been a legitimate discovery.

My main issue with the circumstances of the discovery of the saint's robe, is the scheming cardinal's apparent laziness. If he's willing to put in the effort to fake it, he should also be willing to put in the effort to make the fake seem believably real to the greater Imperium.

 

There should be ways to HINT the robe is fake, without putting up the words "IT'S A FAKE" on a giant neon sign. Say other Ministorum priests (the Cardinal's rivals) "rediscovered" lost tombs that may have been the saint's, on other planets, only for them and their "discoveries" to be incinerated in suspected Chaos cultists' attacks, strengthening the cardinal's position that an Order Militant was necessary to protect so vulnerable a sector? An AdMech techpriest who specializes in archeology, stating his instruments couldn't confirm the authenticity of the skeleton and the robe found within the "saint's tomb," only for this techpriest to die in an "industrial accident," and another techpriest (the cardinal's ally) affirming the position the cardinal's discovery was true?

[Llagos_Tyrant]

I love the lore behind this Order. The way they grow out of the pilgrimages and the Cardinal feels very organic, and the Iron Creed - as well as their history with Masuyo - really help to show their evolution and sets them apart as a distinct Order in what (as a non-Sisters player) seems very uniform fanaticism and martyrdom across most of the faction.

 

I'd be really interested to see an expansion of their relations with the Silver Circle - which Chapters do they get on best with, who do they have the most tense relations with?

 

I'd also be really interested to see some more information on their battles with the Blades of Atracia - it sounds like there could be some massive (in scale or complexity) struggles to explore.

[Ace Debonair]

My main issue with the circumstances of the discovery of the saint's robe, is the scheming cardinal's apparent laziness. If he's willing to put in the effort to fake it, he should also be willing to put in the effort to make the fake seem believably real to the greater Imperium.

 

There should be ways to HINT the robe is fake, without putting up the words "IT'S A FAKE" on a giant neon sign. Say other Ministorum priests (the Cardinal's rivals) "rediscovered" lost tombs that may have been the saint's, on other planets, only for them and their "discoveries" to be incinerated in suspected Chaos cultists' attacks, strengthening the cardinal's position that an Order Militant was necessary to protect so vulnerable a sector? An AdMech techpriest who specializes in archeology, stating his instruments couldn't confirm the authenticity of the skeleton and the robe found within the "saint's tomb," only for this techpriest to die in an "industrial accident," and another techpriest (the cardinal's ally) affirming the position the cardinal's discovery was true?

Let me preface this by saying that I value your opinion and I don't mean to come across as rude.

 

That said, hinting at the robe being *potentially* fake is precisely what I've already done.

 

Reading the article again, there isn't actually anything suggesting the robe is fake in there - there's a line suggesting von Lochlane might not have had a vision from The Emperor, but nothing about the robe's authenticity.

 

Furthermore; if von Lochlane was smart enough to fake the robe, and smart enough to make it look like an authentic discovery, why would the sordid details about his fiendish plot be in any official records?

 

 

 

I love the lore behind this Order. The way they grow out of the pilgrimages and the Cardinal feels very organic, and the Iron Creed - as well as their history with Masuyo - really help to show their evolution and sets them apart as a distinct Order in what (as a non-Sisters player) seems very uniform fanaticism and martyrdom across most of the faction.

 

I'd be really interested to see an expansion of their relations with the Silver Circle - which Chapters do they get on best with, who do they have the most tense relations with?

 

I'd also be really interested to see some more information on their battles with the Blades of Atracia - it sounds like there could be some massive (in scale or complexity) struggles to explore.

 Many thanks!

 

I'm not actually a sisters player myself (yet). In truth, while I like the whole "zeal and fire" thing, it does seem to be universal amongst existing Orders, and might be one of the reasons I find it so hard to get into the faction.

 

Of the Silver Circle, the Order of the Iron Tower mostly gets along with the Warminds, a psyker-heavy Chapter who are pretty adept at rooting out chaos cults in the area of space they safeguard. The other five Chapters.... well, not so much.

 

I'll have to make mention of a Campaign alongside the Warminds somewhere in the recent history bit.

 

As for the Blades - I'm yet to write their IT up properly, it always winds up much, much too long.

Mind you, after this article I think maybe the Blades will have some competition!

[Ace Debonair]

Forgive the Double Post, brothers, but I've added another update.

 

There's a couple of bits of minor polish, and I've added some quotes to the start of the sections to try and breathe a little more life and character into the article.

 

 

EDIT:

 

Also, added a couple of battles into the Recent History, showcasing the Order scuppering the recent plans of the Blades of Atracia.

Probably a little wordy, but that's nothing new.

Edited April 18, 2020 by Ace Debonair

[Lysimachus]

Very nice! One thing that strikes me as interesting is the choice of Sacred Rose as founders? I only know because I've used them myself and been reading up, but apparently they're the most 'miracle-y' Order of the big 6. It's interesting to have them start that way, but then end up with more or less the opposite attitude? Maybe that section could do with a touch more explanation of how this change happened? (Or as a more simple alternative, switch to another, less miraculous, founding Order?)

Edit: With a bit more research, how about Argent Shroud? Their belief in 'deeds over words' could lead in well to the Iron Creed, plus the silver scheme fits nicely too?

Either this post got missed or ignored. Since I can't believe in any universe that the gentleman that is Ace would ignore anyone, I'm gonna throw it out there again :lol:

Especially having seen the lovely painted example of Iron Tower sister, really nice, neat (and super quick!) paint job sir!

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The additional details are welcome. Are the Blades a Word Bearers warband? An Alpha Legion warband? A joint project of Lorgar and Alpharius' sons?

[Ace Debonair]

 

Very nice! One thing that strikes me as interesting is the choice of Sacred Rose as founders? I only know because I've used them myself and been reading up, but apparently they're the most 'miracle-y' Order of the big 6. It's interesting to have them start that way, but then end up with more or less the opposite attitude? Maybe that section could do with a touch more explanation of how this change happened? (Or as a more simple alternative, switch to another, less miraculous, founding Order?)

Edit: With a bit more research, how about Argent Shroud? Their belief in 'deeds over words' could lead in well to the Iron Creed, plus the silver scheme fits nicely too?

Either this post got missed or ignored. Since I can't believe in any universe that the gentleman that is Ace would ignore anyone, I'm gonna throw it out there again

Especially having seen the lovely painted example of Iron Tower sister, really nice, neat (and super quick!) paint job sir!

 

 

Ah? I didn't see anything about them being more miracle-y when I did my research, but it wouldn't be the first time I'd missed a key detail!

I'd gotten the impression Sacred Rose were the closest in temperament to the Iron Creed, although perhaps I've mixed up the orders somehow.

Again, that wouldn't be anything new!

 

In any case, I'm not sure what I'd really need to add, to be honest. There's already a section talking about how they witnessed no miracles save for human courage in the face of annihilation, leading to the belief that courage is a miracle in and of itself.

 

What sort of extra details do you think are needed?

 

The additional details are welcome. Are the Blades a Word Bearers warband? An Alpha Legion warband? A joint project of Lorgar and Alpharius' sons?

You're right with the first guess, they're initially a group of Word Bearers who lean more into subterfuge and stealth as a means of survival.

The quickest description (although it's not 100% accurate) is saying they're Word Bearers with a very Alpha Legion modus operandi.

 

I'll be writing up an Index for them once the Iron Gauntlet's over and I've given all my existing Chapters another once-over.

[Lysimachus]

 

 

Ah? I didn't see anything about them being more miracle-y when I did my research, but it wouldn't be the first time I'd missed a key detail!

 

I'd gotten the impression Sacred Rose were the closest in temperament to the Iron Creed, although perhaps I've mixed up the orders somehow. 

 

Again, that wouldn't be anything new!

 

In any case, I'm not sure what I'd really need to add, to be honest. There's already a section talking about how they witnessed no miracles save for human courage in the face of annihilation, leading to the belief that courage is a miracle in and of itself.

 

What sort of extra details do you think are needed?

 

 

Admittedly, I haven't got the latest dex, I'm just working from 40k wiki! But it says about the Sacred Rose:

 

 

The order teaches that victory comes from faith and faith alone. If a warrior has enough faith, she can command the stars to consume her enemies, and the Emperor will make it so. The Sisters act on this belief in every battle, war and crusade they wage, trusting that the triumphal slaughter of their foes has been preordained...

 

These beliefs give the sisters of the Sacred Rose an air of devout serenity that approaches that held by their Matriarch, Arabella. She was renowned for her calm nature in the face of horror, and was known among Alicia Dominica's guard as being the most even-tempered...

 

Though a formidable combatant, her true strength sprang from the abundance of miracles that are said to have happened in her presence. There are stories of Heretics imploding into lumps of smouldering flesh as her gaze fell upon them, crushed by the weight of their own wickedness, or having their eyes melt from their face as they beheld her glory.

 

This is backed up by the Order Conviction rules that let them get a chance of getting used Miracle Dice returned, meaning they get more miracles than other Orders. (While we don't care about rules, it's interesting that extra miracles is the gimmick chosen to fit with their fluff?)

 

 

So, the Sacred Rose seem very calm, 'what will be will be' and expect miracles will happen?

 

That, to my mind, just seems quite the opposite to the more pragmatic, 'work out your own salvation' feel that the Iron Tower presents?

[Grotsmasha]

That was a great read Ace, and I have nothing to suggest :tu:

[Ace Debonair]

So, the Sacred Rose seem very calm, 'what will be will be' and expect miracles will happen?

 

That, to my mind, just seems quite the opposite to the more pragmatic, 'work out your own salvation' feel that the Iron Tower presents?

 

I'm open to suggestions, in that case.

All the stuff I'd read emphasised patience and discipline over 'faith-and-faith-alone' stuff.

 

 

That was a great read Ace, and I have nothing to suggest

Many thanks!