Index Astartes: Sanguine Gargoyles (v2.0)

[Fenrykus]

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My noble and revered cousins of the Legio,

Attached for your consideration, you will find a datafile containing the summation of the honorable and resolute Astartes Chapter, the Sanguine Gargoyles. It is a most esteemed honor to have been entrusted with compiling this Index, with the hope of inclusion in the Liber Astartes. Within the datafile you will find my own annotations; please forgive my additions, but I do not feel my Librarium staff quite captured the soul of my beloved Chapter, and I felt the need to elaborate and explain certain aspects I felt were noteworthy. Once again, I humbly thank you for the opportunity to honor my Brothers in blood and arms of the Sanguine Gargoyles. May the Emperor ever watch over you.

Your humble servant,

Azkael

Chief Librarian of the Sanguine Gargoyles

+++Begin Datafile+++

Index Astartes Chapter Datafile

CHAPTER NAME: .............. Sanguine Gargoyles

GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): ... IX^th Legion (Blood Angels)

FOUNDING: .................. 21^st, 991.M35; Ultima, 999.M41 [Rebirth]
CHAPTER MASTER: ............ Lucian, Master of the Crag
HOMEWORLD: ................. Fleet-Based
SEGMENTUM: ................. Obscurus/Solar/Ultima
FORTRESS MONASTERY: ........ The Crag, Battle Barge
COLORS: .................... Dark gray w/ crimson right shoulder pad
SPECIALTY: ................. Lightning Strikes, Stealth
KNOWN DESCENDANTS: ......... None
STRENGTH: .................. Nominal (estimated)
BATTLE-CRY: ................ "For the Unremembered!"

T

he steadfast warriors of the Sanguine Gargoyles Chapter stand amongst the ranks of the Emperor's finest, ever ready to deliver His wrath and justice upon those that would seek to subvert the Imperium.

HOMEWORLD

The Aerie

- Where Segmentums Solar, Obscurus, and Ultima meet

- Gothic Sector

-

Looking to Roost

Voidborne

Livery of the Saviors of the Chalice

HISTORY

The First Millenium

- 21^st Founding

- Founded as the Saviors of the Chalice

- Training Cadre permanently seconded to Saviors

--- Sanguinary Priest, Chaplain, Librarian, Blood Angels Captain, five Veterans (with TDA), Veteran Scout Sergeant, ten Marines

- Building strength

- Auxiliary/support force

The Mutant

- Genetic mutations cripple the Chapter

- Changes progressed slowly at first, almost naturally

- 5^th Black Crusade appeared to exacerbate mutations

Death of a Chapter

- Already weakened Chapter decimated by Black Legion forces

- Reduced to less than 200 brothers

From the Ashes

- Gene-seed stabilized

- Slow recruiting

- Ultima Founding

--- Primaris reinforcements

--- Rubicon Primaris

Notable Engagements
ca. XXX.MXX:


ca. XXX.MXX:

ca. XXX.MXX:

ca. M42:

Genetic Mutation

Data archives list the known, stable, gene-seed mutations the Sanguine Gargoyles currently suffer from. No known cure or treatment for any of them has been found thus far:

Melanchromic Organ Malfunction

[some Astartes' skin bears grayish discoloration; severe cases have stone like growths over large portions of their bodies.]

Mutated Catalepsean Node

[Essentially this causes what is effectively extreme insomnia; all members of the Chapter suffer this mutation.]

Non-Functioning Betcher's Gland

[All members of the Chapter suffer from this mutation, as well as calcification of the vocal cords, which appears to be one side effect of the mutation. However, the severity of calcification varies widely from one Astartes to the next. One might be unintelligible when he talks, nothing but the sound of cascading rocks issuing from his throat; another might simply have a rich baritone voice; a third might offer a barely audible whisper.]

The Apothecarion and the Ordos Biologis have been unable to decipher why only some members of the Chapter suffer certain mutations while others don't. But hope still remains that a solution might be found, for once every few generations, a battle brother suffers none of the Chapter's genetic mutations.

GENE-SEED

The Line of Sanguinius

- IX^th Legion Gene-seed; direct descendants of the Blood Angels

- Altered gene stock; fewer cases of Red Thirst/Black Rage

The Gargoyle's Touch

- Librarium prays over every generation of recruits; every few generations, one or rarely two aspirants receive some sort of minor vision or "memory" from the days of the Heresy (not so profound and enthralling as the Black Rage)/(or perhaps there is a benign minor physical manifestation, like a faint halo or wreath of light); such aspirants are named Untouched by the Chief Librarian, for it is immediately known they will bear none of the mutations their brothers suffer from.

Bloodlust

At first, the warriors of the Saviors of the Chalice seemed better able to resist or control the urges of the Red Thirst. Even so, some of their number still fell victim to the bloodlust felt by all sons of Sanguinius. Most brothers recovered from the Thirst, but there were still those who didn't. Those few unfortunate souls would be placed in stasis until such a time as they could be delivered to the Blood Angels' Tower of the Lost. Though unorthodox, this arrangement was made due to the space-faring nature of the Saviors.

After the genetic degradation of the Chapter, the Gargoyles saw far higher numbers of brothers falling to the Red Thirst. Many of those affected flew into an even more berserk fury than normally seen, and consequently this lead to more Astartes unable to break free of its grip. With the Chapter rebuilding itself after its decimation, pilgrimages to Baal became far less practical, and the Gargoyles instead retrofitted The Crag with an expanded cryo-stasis deck. Here the first of the Unremembered would be kept, and the stasis deck became known as the Catacombs, where the damned and the almost-dead slumber until roused for war.

The Rage Within

While the genetic alterations intended to "fix" their gene-seed appeared to have given the Saviors of the Chalice a modicum of control of the Red Thirst, it didn't appear to have any effect on the frequency with which the Black Rage overwhelmed them. The Saviors often fielded only a small Death Company in a given battle, unwilling to unleash the full fury of those given over to the Black Rage in all but the most dire situations. Such a decision was made for two notable reasons; first, it was to shield those not of the Chapter or its enemies from the brutal savagery of the Death company. The second was to protect the Saviors from excessive scrutiny by agents outside of the Chapter, and of the Adeptus Astartes as a whole.

The Sanguine Gargoyles field a much larger Death Company, termed the Unremembered, than the previous incarnation of the Chapter. It is presently unknown whether the genetic mutation suffered by the Gargoyles affected their susceptibility to the Rage, or if perhaps the confrontations with Abaddon's warbands and his heinous deeds during the 5^th Black Crusade triggered the change. Currently, the Unremembered confined to stasis in the Catacombs number around Company strength, though this fluctuates with every new engagement. The largest formation of the Death Company in the Chapter's history, past or present, was marshalled during the climax of hostilities with Abaddon's forces, when the Saviours of the Chalice fell.

Revenants

After the mutation of the Chapter's gene-seed, and with the chapter in near-ruin, a glimmer of salvation appeared. It took the form of a small number of brothers, seemingly untouched by the ravages inflicted upon their brethren. These warriors formed the core of the Chapter's forces during its dark years of recovery. After the Chapter had rebuilt its numbers enough to venture on its own once more, the Sanguinary Guard changed its name, to honor the warriors who brought the Chapter back from death.

Just as with all Chapters descended from the IXth, the Revenants stand apart from the structure of the Chapter's main force. They are the most highly skilled and venerated of the Gargoyles' brothers, each a Chapter legend in his own right, surviving innumerable battles against all manner of foe. There are no specific requirements to become a Revenant; instead, spots are awarded based on merit and skill, regardless of rank within the Chapter.

Like all iterations of the Sanguinary Guard, the Revenants each bear a Glaive Encarmine and Angelus Boltgun. Unlike the others, however, the Revenants eschew the golden armor of their forebears; instead they color their armor and matching tabard a ghostly gray, with a dark bronze helm and chest emblem. Additionally, only the Praetor and his squad wear the iconic winged jump packs; the other Revenants wear a modified version of the Mk.VII pack.

[it is a curiosity worth noting that, throughout the millennia, a high percentage of brothers unmaligned by the Chapter's gene flaws have gone on to become Revenants. It remains to be seen if there is a correlation between these two occurences, or if they are merely coincidental.]

CULTURE

Neither he Sanguine Gargoyles, nor their precursors the Saviors of the Chalice, have ever had an actual 'homeworld.' Though the latter had begun the final deliberations on claiming Bowden IV, it was ripped from their grasp. Before and since, the Chapter has relied on periods of piecemeal recruitment,

Chapter Demeanor: See But Don't Be Seen

Chapter Flaw: We Stand Alone

Chapter Beliefs: Revere the Primarch

Special Equipment: Blessed wargear, Modified Jump Packs, Rare Weaponry (plasma)

Codex Adherence

Though the Sanguine Gargoyles diverge from the path laid out by the Codex Astartes, they do so more out of tradition born of necessity rather than an outright choice to forge their own way. The Chapter diverges in two main ways; its chain of command, and its troop and fleet organization. The former came about due to the impromptu restructuring required after nearly being wiped out. The latter is a more current change, stemming from the integration of Primaris Astartes into the Chapter. Both aspects conjoin to form a potent fighting force, lead by dual Commanders dedicated to the Emperor and the men in their charge.

The Gargoyles' Wings

- Firstborn Wing; Commander Lamonte

- Primaris Wing; Commander Bellon

--- The two Captains share equal rank in the Coven; only by dint of experience and length of service does Captain Lamonte hold any real seniority. The two leaders maintain a very open discourse with each other, working alongside one another for the prosecution of their foes, and to supreme effect

- Each Wing is responsible for its own brothers, but both Commanders have authority to step in on either side if the need were to ever arise.

The Gargoyles' Talons

- No Scout Company; newly inducted Firstborn recruits are immediately placed into 7th Flight, where they train in all forms and manners of combat. They remain there until, through death and promotion, spots open within the 3^rd through 6^th Flights that need to be filled. 7^th Flight Commander Captain Pheron, the rest of the Chapter's Flight Captains, and an individual's squad Sergeant all discuss the talents, strengths and weaknesses of a candidate, before assigning him to his new Flight. In times of need, this discussion is forgone, and candidates are placed at the needs of the Chapter

- Primaris Marines; newly inducted Primaris recruits are immediately placed and train in squads of the 2^nd through 6^th Flights chosen for them based on the needs of the Chapter

- Each Flight designed around one specific focus of combat, rather than each Flight being its own microcosm. Demi-companies, called "strikes" by the Gargoyles, are created ad hoc to better suit the nature of each engagement, and may draw upon the brothers of several Flights to complete their task. Others may simply require the specialized handiwork of a single Flight.

Flight of the Gargoyles

The Unremembered

ORGANIZATION AND TACTICS

Chapter Leadership, "The Conclave"

- Chapter Master; Lucian, Master of the Pandemonium

- Sanguinary High Priest; Armand the Anointed [Master of the Apothecarion]

- Primus; Philippe the Benevolent [Master of Sanctity, and Lord Executioner]

- The Gargoyle; Azkael [Chief Librarian]

- Firstborn Wing Commander; Captain Lamonte

- Primaris Wing Commander; Captain Bellon the Young

- Praetor of the Revenants; Praetor Damascus

The mantle of leadership falls to the battle commanders, heads of the High Offices, and the Chapter Master; the Conclave. They decide the way war is waged by their battle brothers. The when, the where, the how. Sometimes several of these war councils are held before a decision is made, arguments and counter-arguments mulled over and compromises considered. The Master of the Pandemonium has the authority to override the voting if it otherwise stands tied, if not enough votes are or can be cast, or when certain actions be taken upon request of an outside authority. Such choices are well measured, not made lightly or given to frivolity. Members of the Conclave are permitted to wear robes of cream over their armor. To aid in the efforts to make war in the name of the Emperor and Mankind, the Conclave is supported by the Prefecture, the Sanguine Gargoyles' Masters of the Chapter.

Chapter Council, "The Prefecture"

- Master of the Forge; High Prefect Solarus [Chief Techmarine]

- Master of Reconnaissance; Prefect Zaphiel [2^nd Flight Captain]

- Master of the Marches; Prefect Mercutio [3^rd Flight Captain]

- Master of the Fleet; Prefect Namora [4^th Flight Captain]

- Master of the Arsenal; Prefect Valenti [5^th Flight Captain]

- Master of Relics; Prefect Ithakus [6^th Flight Captain]

- Master of Recruits; Prefect Tovaani [7^th Flight Captain]

The Prefects are the Conclave's council of advisors. In this circle, everyone is equal, except the High Prefect. The Chief Techmarine bears this title through honor-ties with the Adeptus Mechanicus, and though the role does confer a small measure of overall leadership, it is often used to bring certain aspects of the Chapter to the Conclave's attention in a timely fashion. Each Prefect is the head of his department, reporting on its readiness for the upcoming battle as their expertise is required. Those Prefects chosen to make war may then nominate a proxy to act for them, or choose to have their position vote in abstention. Those Prefects not called to war join the Conclave in the war council. Members of the Prefecture are permitted to wear robes of deep crimson, though the Chief Techmarine will undoubtedly wear the trappings of his own vaunted station.

Chapter Disposition

The Chapter's strength is divided into seven Flights. [Flights are similar to the Great Companies the Wolves of Russ prefer. I've edited the datafile to include a sublist containing the breakdown of each unit, so that it may be skipped over by those who choose to do so.]

1^st Flight ["Stonekin"]

- Veteran company

- Commanded by Captain Lamonte

- Second in Command: Captain Grakkus

- Composed entirely of Firstborn Astartes

- Matte gold pauldron trim

2^nd Flight ["Watchers"]

- Primaris Vanguard company

- Commanded by Captain Bellon

- Second in Command: Captain Zaphiel

- Composed entirely of Primaris Astartes

- Pauldron trim matches armor

3^rd Flight ["Nightwalkers]

- Strike company

- Commanded by Vanguard Veteran Captain Mercutio

- Second in Command: Primaris Captain Laertes

- White pauldron trim

4^th Flight: ["The Murder"]

- Battleline company

- Commanded by Sternguard Veteran Captain Namora

- Second in command: Primaris Captain Fiorenze

- Blue pauldron trim

5^th Flight: ["The Molten"]

- Close Support company

- Commanded by Vanguard Veteran Captain Valenti

- Second in command: Primaris Captain Odyssean

- Red pauldron trim

6^th Flight: ["Sentinels"]

- Fire Support company

- Commanded by Sternguard Veteran Captain Ithakus

- Second in command: Primaris Captain Cadoccio

- Yellow pauldron trim

7^th Flight: ["Untouched"]

- Reserve Company

- Commanded by Veteran Captain Ephraem

- Second in Command: Veteran Lieutenant Balluu

- Composed entirely of Firstborn Astartes

- Matte silver pauldron trim

The Unremembered

- [Death Company of the Sanguine Gargoyles]

Revenants

- [sanguinary Guard of the Sanguine Gargoyles]

- Led by Praetor Damascus

Combat Doctrine

Infiltration, Recon, and Stealth

Lightning Strikes

RECRUITMENT

- Only recruit from feral and death worlds and penal colonies; may recruit from a hive world in emergency

- "Kidnap" recruits in the cover of night; numerous local myths and legends spawned by practice

- Recruit in "phases": each world is only subject to recruitment every so often, perhaps generations, but the chapter is always recruiting; myths and legends have sprung up on tribal/fuedal worlds about the Gargoyles

RELATIONS

Noteworthy Allies

- Order of the Shrouded Martyr

- Penal Legion Theta-Delta-Beta; "Coe's Irregulars"

- Adeptus Mechanicus; [non-standard hierarchy within Chapter]

Hated Enemies

- Abaddon and the Black Legion

--- Valorous Host Warband

- Ka'Bhanda

Livery of the Sanguine Gargoyles

APPEARANCE

Livery

Prior to their rebirth as the Sanguine Gargoyles, the Saviors of the Chalice wore alabaster white armor with crimson pauldrons and gold detailing and decoration. Following the traditions of their brethren, helmets identified a warrior's squad type, with individual squad markings worn on the right knee pad. The Chapter Badge was worn on the left pauldron, while company markings and personal heraldry were worn on the right. Veteran status was denoted by a golden helm and pauldron trim.

After the Ultima Founding and the rebirth of the Chapter, the Sanguine Gargoyles bear new colors. Their armor is a dark, stone gray, with the right pauldron painted crimson, but they still retain the gold decoration and detailing of their former colors, albeit in matted and subdued hues. Members of the Librarium, Reclusiam, and Sanguinary Priesthood follow their orders' traditional coloring, with the right pauldron painted the same dark stone gray as their battle-brothers' armor. Squad types are still identified by helmet color, however squad markings and personal heraldry are no longer worn. Instead. brothers take to engraving their armor with various designs of personal meaning and importance, and many suits of armor worn by veterans are covered in gold and silver filigree. Flights are announced on the pauldron trim, and veteran status is once more denoted by golden helms.

Chapter Badge

White wings, outstretched behind a golden chalice, was the original badge of the Saviors of the Chalice. Since their transformation, the Sanguine Gargoyles' emblem bears only a small resemblance to their original; instead of angel-like wings, black bat-like wings spread open, with a blood drop replacing the chalice. It is most often worn on the right pauldron, though some brothers wear it on the left instead. Members of the Reclusiam, the Librarium, and the Sanguinary Priesthood wear the Chapter Badge, as well as the Chapter's suits of Terminator armor, bear the Badge on the right pauldron.

CHAPTER ARSENAL

Dreadnoughts

Carmine, Librarian Dreadnought

- Dreadnought Force Weapon

- Blood Fist with Storm Bolter

Verson, Furioso Dreadnought

- Frag Cannon

- Blood Fist with Heavy Flamer

Venerable Quintus; Venerable Hellfire Dreadnought

- Paired Twin-Linked Lascannons

Liones, Ironclad Furioso Dreadnought

- Paired Blood Talons, with Heavy Flamer and Meltagun

Zice; Death Company Dreadnought

- Paired Blood Talons, with Storm Bolter and Meltagun

Venerable Derceus; Venerable Death Company Chaplain Dreadnought

- Plasma Cannon

- "Stonefist"

Chapter Fleet

As a Crusading Chapter, the Sanguine Gargoyles possess a larger fleet than other Chapters might, though not its vessels all are commanded by Astartes. Though not nearly a match in scale, it is reminiscent of the vast fleets of the Great Crusade in regards to its composition. The Gargoyles' fleet is a blend of the Astartes' flotilla, the remnants of Penal Legion Theta-Delta-Beta's troop fleet, a few Explorator vessels from the Adeptus Mechanicus, and a permanent detail from the Order of the Shrouded Martyr (including their Dominator-class Cruiser, the Dominus Irae), plus the swarms of the fleet's attendant ships. The Gargoyles command the battle barges and strike cruisers while the rest of the fleet, with the exception of the Sororitas vessels, is commanded by Imperial Navy personnel. This arrangement between the Chapter and the Navy ensures the Gargoyles can prosecute their enemies as they desire, and the Navy gets to do its job, without either side getting in the other's way.

The fleet of the Sanguine Gargoyles is split into three smaller fleets. The Main Fleet makes war, wherever it may take them. Up to five separate, flight-strength campaigns could be supported individually, though it is most often the case that numerous small-scale operations are taking place around one or two larger scale engagements. Additionally, The Rook heads a small splinter fleet, a fast strike force intended to neutralize the most dangerous threats present, or to offer Flight-strength support as rapidly as possible. The last of the fleets, the Fledgling Fleet, traverses the trail of outposts the Gargoyles have set up in their region, termed by the Chapter the "Aeyrie." The members of Seventh Flight see to the Chapter's recruiting as part of their training duties, and they draw aspirants from a handful of such outposts.

[Once again, I have added a sublist beloew containing the breakdown of the Sanguine Gargoyles' fleet disposition, for your perusal.]

The Main Fleet

1 Battle Barges

- The Crag [Extensively modified, this battle barge is half again as big as most of her contemporaries. It has been outfitted with additional armor plating and a more robust shield system, and additional crew quarters and holding decks. Though she is slower than other ships of her class, she can withstand punishment that would annihilate lesser vessels. The Crag is home to First, Second and Fourth Flights, and also contains the Catacombs, a vast stasis deck given over to the Unremembered, where its members are interred until they are needed on the field of battle.]

5 Strike Cruisers

- Angel of Stone [Fifth Flight]

- The Gargoyle's Nest [sixth Flight]

- Roar of Vengeance [Assigned to Strike force Alpha]

- The Wraith [Assigned to Strike force Beta]

- Prowler in the Dark [Assigned to Strike force Delta]

9 Vanguard-class Light Cruisers

8 Rapid Strike Vessels

5 Gladius Frigates

2 Nova Frigate

4 Hunter Destroyers

The Hunter Fleet

1 Battle Barge

-The Rook

[The Rook has also been extensively modified. However, whereas The Crag was retrofitted with additional armor plating and crew and troop quarters, The Rook had extra room repurposed in order to make room for a larger main drive and additional weapon batteries. Due to the speed with which she can reach their targets, Third Flight calls The Rook home.]

1 Strike Cruiser

- Defiant Heart [Third Flight divides into strikes as necessary; often it is Captain Mercutio commanding the Defiant Heart, while Lieutenant Laertes helms The Rook.]

2 Gladius Frigates

2 Rapid Strike Vessels

2 Hunter Destroyers

The Fledgling Fleet

1 Battle Barge

- Light of the Angel [A standard battle barge, the Angel of Stone berths Seventh Flight.]

1 Vanguard-class Light Cruiser

2 Gladius Frigates

2 Rapid Strike Vessels

Reliquary

- Angel's Light [Ryza pattern "Sunspite" plasma pistol; badge of office of the Gargoyle}

- Aza'zel [Relic force sword; badge of office of the Gargoyle]

- The Dread Spear [A relic spear of unknown origin, made from a xenos metal with a marble-like appearance; badge of office of the Master of the Pandemonium]

- Stonefist [A Blood Fist crafted using the shattered remnants of Brother Derces' Crozius Arcanum, with a built-in meltagun]

- Death Masks [i think everyone with clearance to read this will already have knowledge of the death masks worn by those of the Angel's line.]

+++End Datafile+++

+++Closing Thought: The Emperor protects.+++

+++End Message+++

Edited January 28, 2021 by Fenrykus

[Fenrykus]

Space saved for notes and miscellanea.

• 1st Company's 1^st and 2^nd squads, Lamonte and Grakkus respectively, form the "Grotesques," the Chapter's veteran elite and the Master of the Crag's personal Honor Guard
  • Vanguard Squad Lamonte bears the honor of wearing the Chapter's ancient suits of Tartaros-pattern Terminator Armor
  • Command Squad Grakkus wears Cataphractii-pattern Terminator armor
• 3^rd Squad, Sternguard Squad Achyon, wears Indomitus-pattern Terminator armor
• 4th through 10th Squads do not have Terminator armor; four Vanguard and three Sternguard squads

 

Notes to work on posted by Gamiel:

Suggest working on the culture part a bit more since often that's what makes a Chapter stand out:

+ How do their "Revere the Primarch" take form?

• Chapter Demeanor: See But Don't Be Seen - Armor not adorned with ostentatious decoration; armor is matte, appears chiseled from stone rather than forged of metal; overall appearance of statues when standing still
• Chapter Flaw: We Stand Alone - Will only request support from other descendants of the IXth Legion except in the most dire of circumstances; will offer aid to those in need, but will not fraternize with anyone outside the Chapter, even other Chapters of Sanguinius' line
• Chapter Beliefs: Revere the Primarch - 

+ What would other Space Marines visiting them notice?

• They never remove their helmets in the presence of anyone outside of the Chapter (Unremembered excluded)

+ Do they follow the Angelic Graces and/or the Warrior’s Virtues? Have they changed some of them or just focused on one aspect of them? 

•  

+ How do their naming traditon look like?

• None; Recruits come from many different worlds, and so the Gargoyles have many differences in naming conventions among their brothers, even within groups of those from the same world

Some thoughts based on their name:

+ suggest making stone working part of their culture, both as sculpturing and as masonry

• Masonry could be the Chapter's 'humanitarian effort,' a la the Salamanders, in building a relationship with a world they wish to recruit from

+ maybe some/many of them have their crafted into the shapes/masks of animals, demons and/or learing human(?) faces

• I was already planning on this before I made my return, so definitely yes

Easy culture points to make are:

+ just how they look out of armoured (having them in togas say another thing from robes, that say another thing from tunic, that say another thing from kilts and nothing more, etc.);

• When not training: Leather jerkin with linen tunic and trousers leather boots and bracers, stonemason's belt and tools, half face mask

+ their internal lingo (what do they call their different ranks, squads, specialists, etc.); 

•  

+ how do their faces look when not helmeted (eye of Ra eyeshadow and braided long hair and beard; red headbands and teardrop tattoos; crew cut hair and honours as earrings; warpaint; very scared faces but well-maintained hair in ringlets; etc.);

• fair-skinned, but some have patches of stone-like growths; hairstyles vary based on tribe or planet recruited from

+ do they wear hats when not helmetd and if so what kind (skullcap, biretta, jaapi; kofia; cavalier hat; baseball cap.)

• half face masks worn around neck, used when working with stone

+ how do they decorate their armour (they don't have any notable decorations; classic BA style with lots of gold, blood drop jewellery, muscle armour, decorative wings; claws n' teeth of xenos, and carved jade charms; skulls and leering faces sculpted into the armour)

• all surfaces are matted to diminish reflectiveness; retain Blood Angels' style of decoration, though not as widespread/only on venerated units

Since gargoyles are water-casters do it feel like they should have something with rain/flowing water going on. Maybe they come to their recruitment world during rain-season; or water filled channels crisscross the Chapter's ships, used both for water storage, aquafarming and transport; maybe many of the Chapter's ships’ corridors and chambers are flooded with water, maybe just ankle deep or maybe the whole area is under water; or maybe their ships are equipped with systems similar to the water system in Philip Sibbering's hives on Albion: "As part of the water recycling system, recovered water is distributed via a sprinkler system, so in Britanium it ‘rains’ a lot. (Even in 40K we still have the great British weather! Best take a brolly ;-) ). The sprinkler system is also part of the fire suppression and control system."

•  

How do they deal with the insomnia from their mutated Catalepsean Node?

•  

 

Notes to work on posted by Bjorn Firewalker

Let's use water more dramatically, instead of mundane rain, flooding, and pools. Say the Chapter uses water jet cutters with snarling gargoyles framing the muzzles, in place of meltaguns- in-game, let's count it as meltaguns that inflict PERMANENT -1 Toughness penalties upon its targets. Let's give Librarians the title "Rainmakers" and the ability to control weather, which, in-game, counts as a psychic power that forces all enemy models to take Dangerous Terrain tests on the gaming table, like Njal Stormcaller. Let's have the ship's sprinklers be part of the onboard security system, i.e., they're not leaking, but intentionally left running, to continuously disinfect the ship's interior- a countermeasure adopted after a Death Guard boarding party attempted to corrupt one of the Chapter's ships.

 

Notes to work on posted by gripschi

I could Image, that they Cover themselves as stautes. Waiting to ambush the enemy.

Maybe they add riles on there armours, to allow a better water flow.

 

 

Legends of the Chapter

Master Cervis; First Chapter Master of the Saviors of the Chalice

 

Master Lucian, "Master of the Crag;" Current Chapter Master of the Sanguine Gargoyles

[First Ascended Primaris of the Sanguine Gargoyles]

 

Armand the Anointed; Current Sanguinary High Priest

[First Untouched to become Sanguinary High Priest]

 

Chaplain Angelo, "Shepherd of the Unremembered;" Chaplain of the Unremembered

 

Praetor Zuriel; First Praetor of the the Revenants

[First Untouched]

 

Perseus Bellon "The Young;" Primaris Wing Commander

[One of the Unnumbered Sons]

 

Venerable Derces; Venerable Chaplain Dreadnought of the Unremembered

[Fell to the Black Rage during the Battle of Bowden IV in single combat with Hellbrute of the Valorous Host Chaos Warband, it was a victory, but at the cost of the destruction of his Crozius Arcanum]

Edited February 6, 2021 by Fenrykus

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The IA has great potential; the additional details are good.

 

I noticed you didn't name a Master of the Forge or Chief Techmarine among the HQ. Will you do so later, or will the Chapter Armory have a council of Techmarines lead them, instead of an individual?

 

I have a suggested source of recruits: Considering the Chapter has close ties with the AdMech, maybe the latter can donate a portion of workers tithed from AdMech mining worlds, or criminal youths captured on forge worlds? The Chapter may have keeps on such worlds, to help defend them and to serve as supply depots.

[Fenrykus]

The IA has great potential; the additional details are good.

 

I noticed you didn't name a Master of the Forge or Chief Techmarine among the HQ. Will you do so later, or will the Chapter Armory have a council of Techmarines lead them, instead of an individual?

 

I have a suggested source of recruits: Considering the Chapter has close ties with the AdMech, maybe the latter can donate a portion of workers tithed from AdMech mining worlds, or criminal youths captured on forge worlds? The Chapter may have keeps on such worlds, to help defend them and to serve as supply depots.

I haven't decided fully on how I want to handle Techmarines at the moment. Partially because I've changed some things up in regards to my Chapter's relations. I've decided against having them be buddy-buddy with the AdMech, in favor of the Adeptus Sororitas. I have something I particularly like in mind, I'm just refining and revising it.

 

In my original thread (which is what's quoted in the second post here), a couple ideas were mentioned for how the Gargoyles could get their recruits. I'm not going to go into details just yet, but I do have something worked out for their recruiting.

[Fenrykus]

Things are moving along. Only really got started in some sections, but everything has at least some notes in it.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I think mineralizing the Marines' vocal chords is too extreme a gene-seed mutation, but the additional do demonstrate original ideas, making the Chapter MORE than just "[insert Chapter name] after filing off the serial numbers." I commend your efforts.

[Fenrykus]

I think mineralizing the Marines' vocal chords is too extreme a gene-seed mutation, but the additional do demonstrate original ideas, making the Chapter MORE than just "[insert Chapter name] after filing off the serial numbers." I commend your efforts.

What about it makes it seem too extreme?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Fossilization while the fossilized subject is still alive?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Suggestion regarding the Gargoyles' vocal chords: Instead of having the Betcher's gland mineralize into uselessness, have it be overactive to the point the acid it produces would eat away the vocal chords, like those of Naoki the curseblood 99's Silent Hunters. If the Betcher's gland doesn't work, why bother implanting it?

[Brother Lunkhead]

Lots of good ideas for this chapter.... my compliments to you Brother.

 

Perhaps the term "calcification" rather than "fossilization" would be more appropriate.

 

No Death Company....... that could pose several problems. The Sanguinary Chaplaincy is trained to deal with those suffering from the various rages to a degree that a squad sergeant could not. Placing these cursed brothers in an Assault Squad could prove disasterous, as without expert guidance they are as likely to attack their squad mates as not. Also, without sufficient numbers to perform a "forlorn hope" assault, they would be at best be wasted. They could be placed in stasis or under confinement under the watchful eye of the Chaplains until sufficient numbers are built up.

 

Overall this looks very interesting and I look forward to seeing more.

Edited April 5, 2020 by Brother Lunkhead

[Fenrykus]

Suggestion regarding the Gargoyles' vocal chords: Instead of having the Betcher's gland mineralize into uselessness, have it be overactive to the point the acid it produces would eat away the vocal chords, like those of Naoki the curseblood 99's Silent Hunters. If the Betcher's gland doesn't work, why bother implanting it?

The Betcher's Gland not functioning is a separate mutation from the vocal cords. I like the vocal cords' effects how they are, but maybe I can find something better to call the mutation. The Betcher's Gland is something I haven't completely covered yet, but there's a reason. I'll get to it, it'll just be in a different section.

 

While I have the majority of my notes now typed into my Index, I essentially have two seperate sets of pen-and-paper notes that I'm still collating and compiling into one master set. The first set was what my original IA was based around, while the second set is in turn based of the first set plus feedback from that original IA. Some things have changed, some things haven't, and there's still topics I hadn't included originally that I've now begun to think about (the Chapter's vehicles, for example). With all this, there is still plenty I have yet to transcribe here.

 

Lots of good ideas for this chapter.... my compliments to you Brother.

 

Perhaps the term "calcification" rather than "fossilization" would be more appropriate.

 

No Death Company....... that could pose several problems. The Sanguinary Chaplaincy is trained to deal with those suffering from the various rages to a degree that a squad sergeant could not. Placing these cursed brothers in an Assault Squad could prove disasterous, as without expert guidance they are as likely to attack their squad mates as not. Also, without sufficient numbers to perform a "forlorn hope" assault, they would be at best be wasted. They could be placed in stasis or under confinement under the watchful eye of the Chaplains until sufficient numbers are built up.

 

Overall this looks very interesting and I look forward to seeing more.

Thank you for the compliments.

 

I had used the terms mineralized and petrified, to follow in line with the whole stone/gargoyle theme.

 

Thank you for the consideration on the Death Company. It was something that struck me as well, after the fact. I need to add in a bit where a Chaplain joined the squad whenever one of their brothers fell to the Black Rage. 

Edited April 6, 2020 by Fenrykus

[Messor]

Finally got around to reading this, and quite enjoyed it. I really like the theme and the Blood Angels are a great choice of the several First Founding Chapters that a theme like this would most logically come from. Am I correct in guessing at a Castlvania reference (I don't know much about the series other names) between the Wing Captains?

 

 

I dig the execution of the flaws as they relate to the theme, but I would say that it feels too coincidental that a Chapter founded as "Gargoyles" would unexpectedly develop mutations that are so precisely on theme, unless the mutations were the result of an outside force. My suggestions in that case would be either to introduce such a force, perhaps a Chaos entity that employs a sorcerous attack on their gene-seed during an attack on their home system, OR for them to have been founded under another name, and adopt the Gargoyles moniker after the onset of their mutations. The issue I see with the first suggestion is that it really kind of undermines their position as part of the Cursed Founding.

 

My only other feedback right now is just a matter of flow; I think it would benefit the Homeworld section to name the system early on. Right now it feels as though it's just suddenly there, rather than being introduced.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I dig the execution of the flaws as they relate to the theme, but I would say that it feels too coincidental that a Chapter founded as "Gargoyles" would unexpectedly develop mutations that are so precisely on theme, unless the mutations were the result of an outside force. My suggestions in that case would be either to introduce such a force, perhaps a Chaos entity that employs a sorcerous attack on their gene-seed during an attack on their home system, OR for them to have been founded under another name, and adopt the Gargoyles moniker after the onset of their mutations. The issue I see with the first suggestion is that it really kind of undermines their position as part of the Cursed Founding.

Good points.

 

My suggestion: The Chapter was originally named "Sanguine Sentinels". They changed the name upon claiming a Chapter planet whose inhabitants decorated their homes with gargoyles to ward off evil (see the bixie), a sign of how the Chapter planet's culture influenced the Chapter's own.

[Fenrykus]

Finally got around to reading this, and quite enjoyed it. I really like the theme and the Blood Angels are a great choice of the several First Founding Chapters that a theme like this would most logically come from. Am I correct in guessing at a Castlvania reference (I don't know much about the series other names) between the Wing Captains?

 

 

I dig the execution of the flaws as they relate to the theme, but I would say that it feels too coincidental that a Chapter founded as "Gargoyles" would unexpectedly develop mutations that are so precisely on theme, unless the mutations were the result of an outside force. My suggestions in that case would be either to introduce such a force, perhaps a Chaos entity that employs a sorcerous attack on their gene-seed during an attack on their home system, OR for them to have been founded under another name, and adopt the Gargoyles moniker after the onset of their mutations. The issue I see with the first suggestion is that it really kind of undermines their position as part of the Cursed Founding.

 

My only other feedback right now is just a matter of flow; I think it would benefit the Homeworld section to name the system early on. Right now it feels as though it's just suddenly there, rather than being introduced.

No references, no. I've never actually played any Castlevania games.   I've watched the first season of the Netflix show, though.

 

Thank you for the ideas. While my instinct is definitely to go with the first choice, I feel you're right. I think the second choice would make for the better story.

 

As stated earlier, I'm still working a lot of things out. But you're right about using the system and planets' names earlier in the section.

 

 

I dig the execution of the flaws as they relate to the theme, but I would say that it feels too coincidental that a Chapter founded as "Gargoyles" would unexpectedly develop mutations that are so precisely on theme, unless the mutations were the result of an outside force. My suggestions in that case would be either to introduce such a force, perhaps a Chaos entity that employs a sorcerous attack on their gene-seed during an attack on their home system, OR for them to have been founded under another name, and adopt the Gargoyles moniker after the onset of their mutations. The issue I see with the first suggestion is that it really kind of undermines their position as part of the Cursed Founding.

Good points.

 

My suggestion: The Chapter was originally named "Sanguine Sentinels". They changed the name upon claiming a Chapter planet whose inhabitants decorated their homes with gargoyles to ward off evil (see the bixie), a sign of how the Chapter planet's culture influenced the Chapter's own.

Thanks for the ideas. I'll think on the matter. 

[Messor]

 

No references, no. I've never actually played any Castlevania games.   I've watched the first season of the Netflix show, though.

 

Ah, I thought for sure Bellon and Lamonte was some sort of reverse portmanteau of Belmont.

[Fenrykus]

 

Ah, I thought for sure Bellon and Lamonte was some sort of reverse portmanteau of Belmont.

 

Oh, haha, no. I'm not that clever. Most of the names were made up on the spot, some are names taken from my original list of names and tweaked or changed, and a few are "real" names that I don't feel are too "bubble-popping."

[gripschi]

I Like your Idea.

 

To your Gene Sees. Dont force it, the Pertification is rather dire.

 

My Suggestion, due to there Homeworld Radition, there Skin grew Grey. And the older the Marine, the more He slow down.

 

Greets

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I Like your Idea.

 

To your Gene Sees. Dont force it, the Pertification is rather dire.

 

My Suggestion, due to there Homeworld Radition, there Skin grew Grey.

Good idea. That will help prevent the Grey Knights and the Inquisition from ordering the Sanguine Gargoyles purged, the way the Flame Falcons were purged.

 

Alternatively, the gray skin is due to the immune system's reaction or overreaction against certain pathogens (see greyscale in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones), which also grant your Marines the "Feel No Pain" special rule.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Fenrykus]

I feel like grayed and hardened skin and a change in vocals is far less of a reason for the Inquisition to come knocking than, say, the Blood Drinkers' flaws. Now yes, there's the argument that the Inquisition has issued Excommunicate Traitoris status for less, and my response would be: so? Forgive me if this comes off as closed-minded, but I really don't understand the resistance my idea has garnered; it's not a critical implant, it offers no major ability or real tactical advantage, and it is not balancing-altering in the least. Is it simply based on the word(s) I have chosen to use, or is it the actual changes in vocals?

[gripschi]

One Problem Lore Wise is, the Inquisition is very wary and rather extensive in Watch and Censure Chapters from the Crused Founding.

 

They destroyed nearly all Chapters from These Founding. Even slight Mutaiins could lead to the Destruction of those Chapters.

 

Something you should consider.

[Fenrykus]

I haven't ever seen anything stating the Inquisition had most of the Chapters from the 21st founding destroyed. Yes, a lot of them have been destroyed in one way or another, but most of the ones I've seen intentionally put down by anyone in the Imperium are those who turned traitor, or had the very worst genetic mutations.

[Fenrykus]

I've made various minor updates, reworked or removed some stuff, and reordered the format (for now at least; it may get reordered again later).

 

Also, I need some help from my fellow Liberites. There's a post somewhere around here (at least I think it's on the B&C) that tells of the general threats found in each Segmentum. Would anyone be able to point me to it? I want to be sure I'm properly addressing the threats found in the area I wish to locate my Chapter in.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The additional details are good. I wonder what allowed some Marines to free themselves of the genetic degradation their brothers suffered from. Do all Revenants claim to have a vision of Sanguinius when they're "cured"?

[Fenrykus]

The additional details are good. I wonder what allowed some Marines to free themselves of the genetic degradation their brothers suffered from. Do all Revenants claim to have a vision of Sanguinius when they're "cured"?

I hadn't thought about it much, but that is an excellent idea. It would probably be something that happens shortly after Insanguination, while they're in the sarcophagi cooking.

And sorry to double post, but what are the Liber's thoughts on the Legion of the Damned?

[Brother Lunkhead]

The Lexicanum is a good source for detailed information on each segmentum.It's very research friendly and the folks over there do a decent job of keeping things up to date.

 

With regards to your cursed founding origins, and the bit of pummeling you've gotten, don't worry about it. Your are free to design as you see fit. Many fraters genuinely want to help while some just like a good pile-on. Sometimes it all gets jumbled together and it's hard to distinguish. Just go with what you think is best.

 

You're quite right about how the Inquisition judges chapters. There are still a few mutie chapters out there far stranger. It's all story driven stuff anyway.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Brother Lunkhead