Iron Gauntlet 2020: House Harvestor very much WIP....

[Grotsmasha]

ORIGINS

House Harvestor hail from the feudal Knight World of Arrestos, a system bordering the mysterious Veiled Region beyond Segmentum Tempestus. House Harvestor form the ruling elite on Arrestos and are led by the iron will of the Council of Five, consisting of the Matriarchs of the five most powerful families on Arrestos. The Origins of House Harvestor’s Matriarchal Decree is unknown and has existed as far back as the House’s records exist. It states that the leadership of the house, both political and military, are to be led by the eldest female of each family, a tradition that has lasted these last ten thousand years.

House Harvestor was at one time the lessor of three Questoris Households on Arrestos, their Guild maintained a stranglehold on the protection of the manufacture, harvest and distribution of all food on Arrestos. The majority of House Harvestor’s warfare came in the form of small savage ork raids from the hills and forests surrounding the planets plantation sites, consisting of orks with barely more than sticks and rocks and were no match for the war-machines of House Harvestor, and were considered no more than a nuisance. Occasionally the raids would become larger, and more frequent, this in turn would lead to a hunt being called, where a larger group of Knights would assemble and forge into the forests and hills to eradicate the ork encampments that had grown out of hand. The greater houses would refuse to participate, citing that the extermination of vermin was a lowly task beneath their concern.

The Knight-Scions of House Harvestor were looked upon with scorn and disdain as lesser pilots, with lesser machines. Due to their status as civilian protectors, House Harvestor’s Knights consisted of an older, clunkier design, slower and of heavier compared to the war machines used by the greater houses. House Harvestor had never fought on any world other than Arrestos, their petitions blocked and laughed at by the greater houses. This changed with the Emperor’s Unification, and his Great Crusade.

Arrestos lays in close proximity to the Forge World Zhao-Arkhad, the home of the Titan Legion The Iron Vigil, Legio Xestobiax. As allies of Legio Xestobiax, and the demands of the large-scale conflict of the Great Crusade, House Harvestor was finally allowed off world, and for the first time, to fight among the stars. All three houses shared many battles and engagements with Legio Xestobiax throughout the events of the Great Crusade. During this time the Scions of the greater houses begrudgingly began to respect the warriors of House Harvestor, some even began to request their forces as support. It quickly became obvious that even though the older machines where of a slower, heavier design, they were more than capable of taking a beating, and more importantly, dishing it out in return.

This newfound camaraderie did not last long. At the outset of the Horus Heresy all three Houses had many Knight Lances seconded to Legio Xestobiax and their many defensive forces, including the Prosperine Vigil. When the VIth Legion assaulted Prospero, the Knightly Houses called desperately for reinforcement from Arrestos, the two greater houses committed almost their entire households to the defence of Prospero, each leaving behind a single Barony. House Harvestor, however, gave the order for their war-machines to disengage. The VIth cared not for Harvestors withdrawal, they were on Prospero, and that was enough and none were spared. Although the greater houses arrived to find Prospero already defeated, they aided in the defence of the Prosperine Vigil’s withdrawal, and in doing so aligned themselves with the Warmaster’s forces.

The order to withdraw and their actions on their homeworld was House Harvestor’s saving grace, although originally declared Traitoris Extremis, along with the greater houses and Legio Xestobiax, for their association with the Prosperine Vigil. The designation was removed from both House Harvestor and Legio Xestobiax during the era known as The Scouring due to their refusal to take sides in the Heresy and perform only defensive actions.

HOUSE ORGINISATION

Following the events of Prospero, the remaining Barons of the Greater sought retribution against House Harvestor for their perceived cowardice. Forming an alliance, the Barons believed assassinating the Queen would grant them a swift victory and allow them to rebuild their Houses with the war machines of House Harvestor. The attempt was a failure, which led to the three Houses to bring their full complement of Knights to bare against one another, plunging all of Arrestos into civil war. The war lasted for five long years, with massive losses on each side, as each of the Houses committed all manner of troops to the war effort, hundreds of thousands of soldiers fought across the many battlefields on Arrestos. After a gruelling six-month march on the Capitol, the greater houses had finally breached Harvestor’s defences and marched on the Queen’s personal province, and her Palace.

Knowing now that is was only a matter of time before the Barons reached her walls, the Queen decided on a desperate last measure. Within the palace stood an ancient and venerable Knight suit, the Monarch’s Wrath, the birthright of the Queen. It had long since ceased to operate, but with the enemy forces predicted to reach the Capitol within little over a month , the Queen sent out a call to all her provinces, whomever could repair the Monarch’s Wrath would have their family elevated to the Ruling Council if their engineers could bring the Monarchies Wrath to war once again. Many families sent their best and most skilled engineers, and for weeks no progress was made, however just six days before the enemy was expected at the city gates, an elderly man and his son arrived from one of the most distant of the Harvestor’s provinces. The man presented a family treasure, a data-slate passed down within his family. At one time his family had been the Monarchies engineers and armourers, but they had been banished from the capitol following a courtly scandal. Under the elderly engineer’s guidance, The Monarch’s Wrath was made ready for war once more. As the enemy approached the Palace, the final battle at hand, the Monarch’s Wrath took her first step in centuries. Striding from the gates of the Palace, flanked by her three loyal Marchioness’, the Queen in her Castigator pattern Cerastus-Knight, gleamed in the sunlight of Arrestos for the first time in many centuries. The sight of the Monarch’s Wrath on the battlefield caused many Knight-Scions to falter, stalling the enemies advance. Seizing the opportunity, the Queen called for a spearhead attack, directed at the heart of the enemy formation, and the two Barons. Although the Queen and her Marchioness' outnumbered the Barons two to one and unprepared for the swiftness and aggression of the Castigator, the Barons managed to momentarily hold together a stiff defence, even managing to destroy one of their counterpart’s machines. However, the two traitor’s Knights were eventually crippled and defenceless.

Dismounting from her own Knight, the Queen challenged her two adversaries to a duel for the Monarchy. Thinking the fight was to their advantage, the two dismounted and advanced confidently on the Queen, attacking swiftly, high and low, splitting side to side to split the Queen’s attention. Although skilled warriors in their own right, the Baron’s expertise lay within their war machines and were wholly unprepared for the skill and expertise of the Queen in close quarter combat, for every strike she defended, she threw two attacks back at the traitors. The first fell to a severed leg, finished with a spine-severing thrust. With his numerical advantage gone, it was all the second Baron could do to hold on to his life. In a moment of wrong footedness, he was eventually caught by surprise, as his vision filled with the view of his headless body, slowly slumping to the ground. Seeing their Barons defeated, many of the remaining Knights of the greater houses broke and scattered back towards their own homelands, others surrendered, already knowing their fate. The Queen was merciless, every remnant of the two Houses were removed from history, their palaces and fortresses burned to the ground, every member of the greater houses was killed, man woman or child.

True to her word, the Queen elevated the old Engineer’s family into the Ruling Council, and the Council of Four became the Council of Five. In the aftermath of the civil war, the new Council decreed into law organisational changes to prevent anything like the civil war from happening again. The most significant of decrees outlawed all families bar the Monarchy from maintaining stationed Knights on Arrestos, with all planetary security and policing now the remit of the Monarchy. The five families’ Knights were split into six Vigils, and each allocated a Segmentum of the Imperium and one for the Homeworld. They were restricted to engagements within that region only, with the Council given authority to grant exceptions for the gravest of circumstances. This decree has been enforced since the time known as The Scouring and has not been breached or disputed by any of the five families since.

Arrestos, and House Harvestor, are governed by the Council of Five, the five eldest Matriarchs of the five ruling families. The Council and Clan Harvestor are led by the Queen and are the hereditary rulers of Arrestos since the civil war, they control both Tempestus Vigil and the Homeworld Vigil. Baroness Aella of Clan Harvestor bears the title of Queens Blade and is responsible for training the Monarchy in armed and unarmed combat, she is also the Commandant of the Royal Guards, and Commander of the Homeworld Vigil. Aella is found no more than two paces from the Queen, either inside of her war machine or out.

Clan Sinyestros were tasked with Segmentum Pacificus, and command Pacificus Vigil, with Marchioness Sinyestros leading all diplomatic matters for House Harvestor. Her Baroness, Sabine, bears the title of Titanbane. Sabine earned her rank and title when, at the cost of her own machine, she managed to single handedly bring down a pair of Ork Stompa’s with her Knight-Gallant. After destroying the first her war machine, she became ensnared in the belly of the beast after battering and slicing her way in, setting her reactor to overload, she then dismounted and began killing the crew of the second Stompa from within. Miraculously Sabine survived the explosion, suffering massive trauma to the right side of her body. She is now more machine that woman and bares her bionics with pride.

Clan Barachius are responsible for Segmentum Obscurus and command the Obscurus Vigil. Clan Barachius have inherited the traditional role of House Harvestor and control all the farmlands and food production on Arrestos. Although the Rank is not hereditary, the title of Barachius’ Baroness is always The Master of Judgement. The tradition began with the elimination of the greater houses, and Marchioness Barachius’ Baroness acting as the Queen’s Executioner. The current bearer of the title, Baroness Myrina, strides to war in a Knight Valiant, favouring the massive firepower the daunting war machine can bring to bear.

Clan Raedeker operate the furthest from their homeworld, on the far side of Segmentum Ultima, with Ultima Vigil becoming the most self-sufficient of the Vigils out of necessity. Clan Raedeker are responsible for all construction on Arrestos and share close ties with Clan Harvelhold. Baroness Ciarrha bears the title ShieldMaster, a true master of her Knight, she is renowned for returning from battle with not even a scratch on her paintwork, such is her skill with her Ion Shield.

Clan Harvelhold operate in Segmentum Solar, with Solar Vigil maintaining a strong relationship with the Mechanicum and the skill and expertise of their Sacristans are the envy of the other families. Clan Harvelhold are the descendants of the Engineer who restored Monarch’s Wrath to operation, and along with a seat on The Council were granted the vast mines of the traitor houses, granting them great wealth and standing on Arrestos. The first Baroness of Harvelhold was given the title of Ironsmith by the Queen, in honour of her grandfather, and all Baroness’ since have born the title.

CURRENT DEPLOYMENT

Each Vigil is restricted to three full Lances, or sixty Knights, but rarely is a Vigil at full strength. The Monarchy alone has the right to maintain double this number of machines to properly secure and protect the home world, as well as their allocated Segmentum.

Segmentum Tempestus

Homeworld Vigil maintains twelve Knights for each of the five Great Marches.

15 Armiger Helverins, 15 Armiger Warglaives, 10 Knight Paladins, 10 Knight Errants, 10 Knight Crusaders, 5 Knight-Castellans.

Tempestus Vigil is currently deployed in the Uhulis Sector, on the Nine Worlds of Baatoris, as a nearby Chaos stronghold launches attack after attack into Imperial space. Tempestus Vigil is currently understrength at 42 machines

4 Armiger Helverins, 6 Armiger Warglaives, 1 Knight Preceptor, 4 Knight Paladins, 7 Knight Gallants, 6 Knight Errants, 3 Knight Wardens, 3 Knight Crusaders, 3 Knight-Castellans, 2 Knight-Valiants, 2 Knight- Cerastus, and 1 Knight Arcustus.

Segmentum Solar

With Segmentum Ultima split in two by the Great Rift, the Solar Vigil has increasingly found itself in Segmentum Ultima, assisting Imperial forces against all manner of Xenos Waaaghs, and raids, and Chaotic incursions and strongholds.

With it's close proximity to the Home world, and the core of Imperial Space, the Solar Vigil is rarely below full strength.

10 Armiger Helverins, 10 Armiger Warglaives, 5 Knight Paladins, 5 Knight Gallants, 5 Knight Errants, 5 Knight Wardens, 5 Knight Crusaders, 5 Knight-Castellans, 5 Knight-Valiants, 3 Knight- Cerastus, and 2 Knight Arcustus.

Segmentum Pacificus

Pacificus Vigil’s last known transmission indicates they were travelling to the planets of the Chinchare System, having received a distress call. They were under attack from the newly, warp storm released deamon-world of Kdask’s Labyrinth.

Pacificus Vigil has just returned to their Segmentum after repairs and resupply, and is at full strength.

10 Armiger Helverins, 10 Armiger Warglaives, 5 Knight Paladins, 5 Knight Gallants, 5 Knight Errants, 5 Knight Wardens, 5 Knight Crusaders, 5 Knight-Castellans, 5 Knight-Valiants, 3 Knight- Cerastus, and 2 Knight Arcustus.

Segmentum Obscuris

Obscuris Vigil is engaged in the Finial, Calixis, and Scarus Sectors aiding Imperial forces against a series of daemonic incursions.

Obscuris Vigil is currently near full strength with 49 active machines.

11 Armiger Helverins, 9 Armiger Warglaives,1 Knight Preceptor, 3 Knight Paladins, 6 Knight Gallants, 4 Knight Errants, 3 Knight Wardens, 5 Knight Crusaders, 3 Knight-Castellans, 2 Knight-Valiants, 1 Knight- Cerastus, and 1 Knight Arcustus.

Segmentum Ultima

The Ultima Vigil is currently fully deployed in the Voltronus System along the Eastern Fringe, aiding the Unforgiven Chapters in the Reclamation of the Inviolate Rage, Flagship of the Heralds of Devastation, a Successor Chapter thought lost.

Ultima Vigil is currently under strength at just 32 machines.

5 Armiger Helverins, 6 Armiger Warglaives, 5 Knight Paladins, 4 Knight Gallants, 3 Knight Errants, 3 Knight Wardens, 5 Knight Crusaders, 2 Knight- Cerastus, 1 Arcastus.

HOUSE LIVERY

Notable Engagements

004.M31 Battle of Prospero – Although allies of the Prosperine Vigil of Legio Xestobiax, at the outset of the VIth Legion’s assault, House Harvestor withdrew and took no part in the defence of Prospero.

544.M32: War of the Beast – During the War of the Beast, Arrestos was beset by orks of greater intelligence and weaponry than ever before, and waged a hard fought war of attrition against the orks, eventually securing the safety of Arrestos.

344.M33: The Re-conquest of the Blackstar System – With the clearing of Warpstorm Korinthus, the Blood Angels used House Harvestor as a defensive line to protect the ground the Blood Angels had taken against the Traitor Legions of the Night Lords, Death Guard, and Work Bearers. The Blood Angels eventually drove the traitors back into the warp, and secured the Blackstar System once more for the Imperium

777.M34: The Battle of Rasilena – When the Eldar of the Biel-Tan Craftworld swept down upon Rasilena, intent on recapturing their maiden world, House Harvestor was amongst the Imperial reinforcements, also consisting of two Imperial Battlefleets, and 10 Space Marine Chapters. House Harvestor once more performed defensive duties, protecting the populace whilst they attempted escape once it became clear Biel-tan would succeed in recovering their world.

303.M35: The Battle of Geminex – House Harvestor fought alongside House Raven in a series of engagements against Eldar raiders on the Paradise world of Geminex

980.M35: The Hrud Rising – During the Imperial campaign to purge the galaxy of a massive Hrud infestation, House Harvestor allied with the Dark Angels to clear three sectors of space. However, after clearing the first two sectors, the Dark Angels withdrew with no warning, or explanation, leaving House Harvestor alone in the third sector. Upon receiving the House Harvestor's request for support, the Ultramarines Chapter Master became enfuriated, officially submitting a formal complaint to The High Lords of Terra.

378.M36: The Age of Apostasy – During the Age of Apostasy, House Harvestor found themselves fighting alongside a Space Marine flotilla consisting of the Imperial Fists, Black Templars, Soul Drinkers, and the Fire Hawks. When these chapters choose to assault Goge Vandire on Holy Terra itself, House Harvestor remained in orbit and took no part in the battle, much to the ire of the Space Marines.

836.M36: The Quietus Campaign – Participating in an assault with the Annihilators Space Marine Chapter against an unknown Xenos threat, House Harvestor lost three full Lances of Knights when the Annihilators fell to blood lust and turned upon their allies.

538.M38: 9th Black Crusade - The Starving of Cancephalus - House Harvestor arrived as reinforcements to the Lamenters Chapter of Space Marines, alongside the White Scars, Ultramarines and an Imperial Battlegroup to the Hive World of Corilla beset by Abaddon and his Black Legion.

755.M38: The Siege of Balle Alpha – Supporting the Blood Angels and Imperial Fists against Warboss Gogard, House Harvestor once again defended the civilian population from the Ork Waagh!!

770.M38: The Great Malagantine Purge – Compelled by an Inquisitorial Edict, House Harvestor participated in the extermination of the entire population of the Malagant Sector.

029.M41: The Battle of Exhubris II – Whilst receiving repairs aboard a Martian fleet, the fleet received a ditress call from the Mechanicum forces of Stygies VIII, they had come under attack from the Eldar Craftworld Ulthwé whilst excavating hidden portals on Exhubris II.

742.M41: Damocles Crusade – House Harvestor fought along the Black Templars on Dal’yth during the Crusade.

775.M41: The Fourth Quadrant rebellion – In time of great discontent, the larger populace of Segmentum Solar rebelled against their corrupt governors and commanders, leading to Xenos attacks, and Chaos cultists causing wanton destruction. Among many Imperial forces, House Harvestor were called upon to quell the uprisings within the Segmentum.

830.M41: The Tyros Gulf Campaign – The Imperial Fists led a crusade to regain a series of worlds lost to the during the events of the Horus Heresy. The crusade included several lances from both House Hawkshroud and House Harvestor.

894.M41. The Betalis Campaign – House Harvestor had been contracted to protect mining operations on Betalis III when Eldar forces invaded the world in search of armour belonging to a fallen Phoenix Lord.

941.M41: Second War for Armageddon – House Harvestor participated in the defence of Hive Tartarus in support of Legio Metalica.

998.M41: Third War for Armageddon – Once more House Harvestor fought alongside Legio Metalica, this time in a search and destroy mission along Hemlock River, taking care of any Ork Roks that were found.

Edited April 25, 2020 by Grotsmasha

[Trokair]

The partially cut/obscured scythe in top left of the coat of arms feels weird. Also, and this might just be me again, but the scythes on the coat of arms appear to be a different design to the two that flank the head and wings.

 

So how much is this household taking on Grimm Reaper aspects and how much is hard working caring for the people farmer (metaphorically speaking) bringing in the harvest before winter?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

This website uses a white background when displayed on smart phones and other mobile devices, meaning the white letters you use are invisible unless I highlight them, or use the "Full Version" of the website.

[Grotsmasha]

The partially cut/obscured scythe in top left of the coat of arms feels weird. Also, and this might just be me again, but the scythes on the coat of arms appear to be a different design to the two that flank the head and wings.

 

So how much is this household taking on Grimm Reaper aspects and how much is hard working caring for the people farmer (metaphorically speaking) bringing in the harvest before winter?

 

Adjusted the height of the Scythes :tu:

 

So I basically "stole" the Scythes of the Emperor's colour scheme, and decided to carry over the Scythe too. I see them more in the Grim Reaper view, but do have ideas on the harvest front too.

This website uses a white background when displayed on smart phones and other mobile devices, meaning the white letters you use are invisible unless I highlight them, or use the "Full Version" of the website.

 

Should be better now :tu:

[Trokair]

 

The partially cut/obscured scythe in top left of the coat of arms feels weird. Also, and this might just be me again, but the scythes on the coat of arms appear to be a different design to the two that flank the head and wings.

 

So how much is this household taking on Grimm Reaper aspects and how much is hard working caring for the people farmer (metaphorically speaking) bringing in the harvest before winter?

 

Adjusted the height of the Scythes

 

So I basically "stole" the Scythes of the Emperor's colour scheme, and decided to carry over the Scythe too. I see them more in the Grim Reaper view, but do have ideas on the harvest front too.

 

Sorry, I obviously wasn’t precise enough. I meant the top left in the red field on the shield itself and how the blade is cut off.

 

With the two large scythes extended, compared to the previous version, it now feels that threshold be something above the head and not leave such a void. Maybe lower them a tad but not all the way.

[UtariOnzo]

Very cool livery, looking forward to seeing more on the basis of why they've adopted the Reaper's scythe as their motif. Maybe they're just really into traditional horticultural methods? :D

[Bjorn Firewalker]

As "Harvester" makes me think of farmers, i.e., peasants, does this Knight House have a humble origin and/or a close relationship with those it rules over? Maybe Rome inspired Arrestos' culture more than Medieval Europe, with its rulers taking inspiration from Cincinnatus?

 

Will you kitbash reaper chainswords into war scythes- maybe use the rapid-fire battle cannon as the war scythe shaft, the latter serving as a bayonet-like weapon?

[Grotsmasha]

Very cool livery, looking forward to seeing more on the basis of why they've adopted the Reaper's scythe as their motif. Maybe they're just really into traditional horticultural methods?

As "Harvester" makes me think of farmers, i.e., peasants, does this Knight House have a humble origin and/or a close relationship with those it rules over? Maybe Rome inspired Arrestos' culture more than Medieval Europe, with its rulers taking inspiration from Cincinnatus?

Will you kitbash reaper chainswords into war scythes- maybe use the rapid-fire battle cannon as the war scythe shaft, the latter serving as a bayonet-like weapon?

TL;DR version, the Harvester Guild is the last remaining from several. The Scythe comes from both their historical profession, and their use for capitol punishment...

As the (for the moment) is primarily for Adeptus Titanicus, I'm not sure, with the scale, that the conversions would be worthwhile. I'll think on it. I'm using what on Thingyverse is called "Lucius" Pattern Knights.

Hidden Content

Edited March 30, 2020 by Grotsmasha

[Kelborn]

Awesome livery. Eager to see more.

 

May I ask, are the similarities in terms of livery and color scheme between House Harvestor (or Harvester 'cause there's a difference between your livery and the threads name) and the Scythes of the Emperor? Is there a link between them although they are in different Segmenti?

 

Come to think of it, the farmer aspect is another common ground between them.

[Grotsmasha]

Ok, 1st proper update with information for Origins, and Notable Engagements. I've also tweaked the Livery a little and am much happier with it :tu:

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The additional details are good and welcome.

The order to withdraw was House Harvestor’s saving grace, although originally declared Traitoris Extremis, along with the greater houses and Legio Xestobiax, for their association with the Prosperine Vigil. The designation was removed from both House Harvestor and Legio Xestobiax during the era known as The Scouring due to their refusal to take sides in the Heresy and perform only defensive actions.

I strongly doubt the declaration "Traitoris Extremis" is easily lifted, or that neutrality will be seen as anything other than cowardice. The House will need a high-ranking supporter and advocate to avoid getting exterminated during the Scouring, and be seen performing acts of loyalty- including killing family members whose loyalty the Imperium finds suspect.

 

Maybe the House can pledge itself to Jaghatai Khan, the White Scars Primarch, who went to Prospero in the aftermath of the Space Wolves' scouring of the world, seeking answers to what happened to his friend Magnus? The Legion launched hit-and-run attacks on the traitors supply lines during the Heresy, meaning House Harvestor can be seen performing acts of loyalty and valor, without participating in the Siege of Terra (and thus, making other board members declare House Harvestor one of "Mary Sues" for writing itself into history books it has no business being in).

[Lysimachus]

I guess if Legio Xestobiax is official(?) then you can get away with also staying neutral.

 

I'm not sure that feels very... Knightly though? I'd be more inclined to say they went full out the other way to prove their loyalty? Maybe there has never been any question over them like there has over their allies in the Legio? Maybe even though the Imperium has forgiven the Legio, Harvestor is still unsure? Could even be that despite the Legio's greater size (both in physical form and power), House Harvestor secretly looks down on them for not doing enough to prove what side they were on?

[Grotsmasha]

The additional details are good and welcome.

The order to withdraw was House Harvestor’s saving grace, although originally declared Traitoris Extremis, along with the greater houses and Legio Xestobiax, for their association with the Prosperine Vigil. The designation was removed from both House Harvestor and Legio Xestobiax during the era known as The Scouring due to their refusal to take sides in the Heresy and perform only defensive actions.

I strongly doubt the declaration "Traitoris Extremis" is easily lifted, or that neutrality will be seen as anything other than cowardice. The House will need a high-ranking supporter and advocate to avoid getting exterminated during the Scouring, and be seen performing acts of loyalty- including killing family members whose loyalty the Imperium finds suspect.

Maybe the House can pledge itself to Jaghatai Khan, the White Scars Primarch, who went to Prospero in the aftermath of the Space Wolves' scouring of the world, seeking answers to what happened to his friend Magnus? The Legion launched hit-and-run attacks on the traitors supply lines during the Heresy, meaning House Harvestor can be seen performing acts of loyalty and valor, without participating in the Siege of Terra (and thus, making other board members declare House Harvestor one of "Mary Sues" for writing itself into history books it has no business being in).

The Traitoris Extremis bit is official FW canon for Legion Xestobiax, and since I'm strongly aligning my House to them, I decided they would share that part of their history.

[Brother-Chaplain Kage]

Really like the livery and the Thingyvers knights look great!

[Ace Debonair]

You know, reading the origins section...

 

The first thought that jumps out at me is that it'd be neat if House Harvestor was spared from being declared Traitors because they can prove they were off stamping out feral orks on another world instead of helping out at Prospero.

 

It'd be a nice nod to their earliest history, and be very narratively satisfying for the houses that sneered at the dutiful Harvestors to be damned in part because of their pride.

 

You could go further and have it so House Harvestor is spared from damnation because they mostly dealt with xenos all the way through the Heresy - somebody's got to keep all the orks and eldar off our planets while the Imperium self-destructs, after all. Not neutrality because they didn't take a side, but neutrality because their duty to safeguard the worlds of the Imperium came first.

 

I'm also curious as to which (if any) of the vigils are led by the descendants of the engineers that restored the Monarchy's Wrath.

[Grotsmasha]

You know, reading the origins section...

 

The first thought that jumps out at me is that it'd be neat if House Harvestor was spared from being declared Traitors because they can prove they were off stamping out feral orks on another world instead of helping out at Prospero.

 

It'd be a nice nod to their earliest history, and be very narratively satisfying for the houses that sneered at the dutiful Harvestors to be damned in part because of their pride.

 

You could go further and have it so House Harvestor is spared from damnation because they mostly dealt with xenos all the way through the Heresy - somebody's got to keep all the orks and eldar off our planets while the Imperium self-destructs, after all. Not neutrality because they didn't take a side, but neutrality because their duty to safeguard the worlds of the Imperium came first.

 

I'm also curious as to which (if any) of the vigils are led by the descendants of the engineers that restored the Monarchy's Wrath.

 

I'll think on the Prospero piece, and see if I can get something I'm happy with :tu:

 

The descendants of the engineer form the Solar Vigil, and will be fleshed out in the coming weeks

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The first thought that jumps out at me is that it'd be neat if House Harvestor was spared from being declared Traitors because they can prove they were off stamping out feral orks on another world instead of helping out at Prospero.

 

It'd be a nice nod to their earliest history, and be very narratively satisfying for the houses that sneered at the dutiful Harvestors to be damned in part because of their pride.

 

You could go further and have it so House Harvestor is spared from damnation because they mostly dealt with xenos all the way through the Heresy - somebody's got to keep all the orks and eldar off our planets while the Imperium self-destructs, after all. Not neutrality because they didn't take a side, but neutrality because their duty to safeguard the worlds of the Imperium came first.

Good ideas!

[Harlan Skorus]

 

In history long past, two of the five ruling families formed a hidden alliance, and attempted to assassinate the High Queen. The attempt failed, leading the two families to bring their full compliment of Knights to bare against the remaining three families. The civil war lasted for decades in a long war of attrition, as each of the families called their deployed forces back to the home-world in a bid to claim victory. After a grueling two-week march on the Capitol, the secessionists had fought all the way to the Queen’s mighty palace. Believing victory to be at hand the Marchioness’ led the assault themselves.

 

Not sure if I've grossly misunderestimated how many Knights each family would have at their disposal, but if we're talking about the big gribbly mechanical knight things, I don't see how a civil war for one house would last decades. Wars of attrition generally involve lots of lots of numbers to be attrition'd.

 

 

It was then that the Queen revealed her Ace. Within the palace stood an ancient and venerable Knight suit, the Monarchies Wrath, the birthright of the Queen. It had long since ceased to operate, but with the enemy forces approaching, the Queen offered in desperation to elevate any family to the Council of Five if their engineers could bring the Monarchies Wrath to war once again. Many families sent their best and most skilled engineers, and for weeks no progress was made, however just mere days before the enemy was expected at the city, an elderly man and his son arrived from one of the most distant provinces on Arrestos.

 

So the enemy are just weeks away but some old guy and his kid arrive from one of the most distant provinces? This seems a little geographically off, or warrants an explanation as to what exactly held up the enemy for long enough.

 

 

Monarchies Wrath

 

I think it'd be 'Monarchy's Wrath'? Or better yet - 'Monarch's Wrath'?

 

 

The two families were cast out from the council in shame

 

After plunging the world into civil war, why were they only cast out and not razed to the ground?

 

 

The five families’ Knights were split into Vigils, and each allocated a Segmentum of the Imperium and restricted to engagements within that region only, the could however grant exceptions for the gravest of circumstances.

 

I think you mean the ruling house have the power to grant exceptions, but it's probably worth stating that outright.

 

 

CURRENT DEPLOYMENT

 

Just as a numbers check, and I'll admit it's a subject I'm not super familiar with: you're running at around 360 knights for the house? House Raven is stated as being the largets with 'hundreds' of Knights, so I kinda think you're pushing the upper end on the size for a house. Just to check if it's intended.

 

 

980.M35: The Hrud Rising – During the Imperial campaign to purge the galaxy of a massive Hrud infestation, House Harvestor allied with the Dark Angels to clear three sectors of space. However, after clearing the first two sectors, the Dark Angels withdrew with no warning, or explanation, leaving House Harvestor alone to deal with the third sector.

 

How did one knightly house (or not even that, depending on if they'd been split into Segmentum forces at this point) manage to clear a whole sector by themselves?

 

 

836.M36: The Quietus Campaign – Participating in an assault with the Annihilators Space Marine Chapter against an unknown Xenos threat, House Harvestor lost three full Lances of Knights when the Annihilators fell to blood lust and turned upon their allies.

 

This is entirely possible given the context of the Quietus campaign but I'm struggling to imagine how many bloodlusted marines would have to throw themselves at 3 lances of knights to dent them? I don't quite feel the numbers work.

 

 

538.M38: 9th Black Crusade.

 

Just pointing out that this is really odd as the only notable engagement that doesn't have a note on it - I wanna know what they did!

 

It's very cool to see an all-female (or predominantly-female) Knight House, I think A general thing I'd want to know more of is a bit about doctrines/philosophy/tactics - what do they do well? There's a lot about a specific moment in history, but it takes up enough of the piece that it kinda obscures the House's character. Maybe something else to consider.

[Grotsmasha]

Cheers for the detailed feedback :tu:

 

 

 

In history long past, two of the five ruling families formed a hidden alliance, and attempted to assassinate the High Queen. The attempt failed, leading the two families to bring their full compliment of Knights to bare against the remaining three families. The civil war lasted for decades in a long war of attrition, as each of the families called their deployed forces back to the home-world in a bid to claim victory. After a grueling two-week march on the Capitol, the secessionists had fought all the way to the Queen’s mighty palace. Believing victory to be at hand the Marchioness’ led the assault themselves.

 

Not sure if I've grossly misunderestimated how many Knights each family would have at their disposal, but if we're talking about the big gribbly mechanical knight things, I don't see how a civil war for one house would last decades. Wars of attrition generally involve lots of lots of numbers to be attrition'd.

 

This event predates the Crusade, and involves troops other than Knights. I'll think on how to better convey that.

 

 

It was then that the Queen revealed her Ace. Within the palace stood an ancient and venerable Knight suit, the Monarchies Wrath, the birthright of the Queen. It had long since ceased to operate, but with the enemy forces approaching, the Queen offered in desperation to elevate any family to the Council of Five if their engineers could bring the Monarchies Wrath to war once again. Many families sent their best and most skilled engineers, and for weeks no progress was made, however just mere days before the enemy was expected at the city, an elderly man and his son arrived from one of the most distant provinces on Arrestos.

 

So the enemy are just weeks away but some old guy and his kid arrive from one of the most distant provinces? This seems a little geographically off, or warrants an explanation as to what exactly held up the enemy for long enough.

 

Again, poor explanation on my part. I'll word it better, but the call went out well before (months) the final push. "Distant province on Arrestos" will change as I name the Families to "distant province of Families March"

 

 

Monarchies Wrath

 

I think it'd be 'Monarchy's Wrath'? Or better yet - 'Monarch's Wrath'?

 

I like Monarch's Wrath :tu:

 

 

The two families were cast out from the council in shame

 

After plunging the world into civil war, why were they only cast out and not razed to the ground?

 

I definitely could go into more detail here. 

 

 

The five families’ Knights were split into Vigils, and each allocated a Segmentum of the Imperium and restricted to engagements within that region only, the could however grant exceptions for the gravest of circumstances.

 

I think you mean the ruling house have the power to grant exceptions, but it's probably worth stating that outright.

 

Copy paste error from my draft Doc, but yep, correct 

 

 

CURRENT DEPLOYMENT

 

Just as a numbers check, and I'll admit it's a subject I'm not super familiar with: you're running at around 360 knights for the house? House Raven is stated as being the largets with 'hundreds' of Knights, so I kinda think you're pushing the upper end on the size for a house. Just to check if it's intended.

 

Yep, intended. They maintain higher numbers due to operating so far from the homeworld, without regular resupply or repairs.

 

 

980.M35: The Hrud Rising – During the Imperial campaign to purge the galaxy of a massive Hrud infestation, House Harvestor allied with the Dark Angels to clear three sectors of space. However, after clearing the first two sectors, the Dark Angels withdrew with no warning, or explanation, leaving House Harvestor alone to deal with the third sector.

 

How did one knightly house (or not even that, depending on if they'd been split into Segmentum forces at this point) manage to clear a whole sector by themselves?

 

I will expand on this, as their are additional details I an add. This was going to be a sub-plot to pull on later.

 

 

836.M36: The Quietus Campaign – Participating in an assault with the Annihilators Space Marine Chapter against an unknown Xenos threat, House Harvestor lost three full Lances of Knights when the Annihilators fell to blood lust and turned upon their allies.

 

This is entirely possible given the context of the Quietus campaign but I'm struggling to imagine how many bloodlusted marines would have to throw themselves at 3 lances of knights to dent them? I don't quite feel the numbers work.

 

I'll have to double check, but I believe it was the full Chapter

 

 

538.M38: 9th Black Crusade.

 

Just pointing out that this is really odd as the only notable engagement that doesn't have a note on it - I wanna know what they did!

 

It's very cool to see an all-female (or predominantly-female) Knight House, I think A general thing I'd want to know more of is a bit about doctrines/philosophy/tactics - what do they do well? There's a lot about a specific moment in history, but it takes up enough of the piece that it kinda obscures the House's character. Maybe something else to consider.

 

The source I was using to find the events didn't have any specific details for the 9th Crusade, and I forgot to find some prior to posting. I have since found those details, and have them in my draft Doc to transfer over.

 

[Trokair]

Following the events of Prospero, the remaining Barons of the Greater sought retribution against House Harvestor for their perceived cowardice.

 

Missing Houses after Greater I think.

 

This has certainly expanded since last I read it, though I note that parts still suffer from ‘wall of text’ issues where a break or two would aid readability. Additionally, and it might just be me, but having the text centered leads a slightly awkward reading experience as the lines do not all start in the same place.

 

Anyway, I gather from your replies to Harlan Skorus that further updates are to come.