The Riven- an Ultima chapter

[Lord_Ikka]

"You are the will of the Emperor. You are the bitter hate of the Lord Commander. You are the fire that the Primogenitors keep close, unleashed upon the enemy. You are the quick blade, the sniper's shot, the hidden hunters. You are the Riven- and worlds will tremble beneath your feet." - Commander Morrigar (later Chapter Master Morrigar), at the battle of Novus Neptu

 

 

<<<Astropathic duct ready....
Receiving....
....WARNING...Inquisition Eyes Only...>>>

 

Adeptus Astartes Chapter: The Riven
Founding: Ultima
Geneseed: [ERROR- Data corrupted]
Chapter homeworld: Fleet-based, currently thought to be in Imperium Nihilus 
Chapter colors: Dark green, bronze trim
Chapter emblem: A broken shield
Chapter tactics: Urban combat specialty, infiltration/elimination of command elements

 

 

Summary of Chapter-
The Riven are an Ultima Founding chapter, comprised entirely of Primaris Space Marines. Presumed to be descended from the Ultramarines (records are inconclusive/corrupted), the Riven have fought alongside the Ultramarines throughout the Indomitus Crusade. The chapter specializes in urban combat, sending out first wave attacks comprised of infiltrators and saboteurs to destabilize and destroy enemy command posts and defensive emplacements. After the first wave has accomplished its goals, the second wave descends on the target. Infantry-heavy attacks are lead by melee specialist and backed by marine-portable heavy weaponry.

The Riven have shown some variance in codex structure, though not enough to be considered fully divergent. Their companies utilize Vanguard specialists in an equal ratio to traditional infantry squads like Intercessors. The Riven's heavy armour is limited (note- possible issues with Mechanicus?), so their heavier weaponry is generally regulated to squads such as Eradicators, Aggressors, and light vehicles such as the Invader ATV.

In keeping with their long associations with the Ultramarines, many members of the Riven have received Ultramarine honour badges and commendations. The Riven also contribute to the legendary Victrix Guard of the Ultramarines, sending off the finest members of their veteran honour guard to serve with their brother chapter.

Edited July 10, 2022 by Lord_Ikka

[Lord_Ikka]

1st Company Captain Jovan Chovacs
"The Breaker lead us. Normal men, fighting side by side with the Emperor's warriors! Deadly he was, crushing the traitors' tanks and shooting down the cultist rabble. Never seen such a mighty warrior." Guardsman Liv Stillen, 12th Morr PDF, battle of Morr Secundus

 

[Lord_Ikka]

1st Company Lieutenant (Bladeguard) Edvar Locatum
"A superb swordsman, Locatum is in charge of the 1st Company's Bladeguard contingent. Having specifically requested them for my mission on Requiem, I was well pleased with their performance. In fact, I doubt that I would be alive to send this report without the intervention of their skills against the Aeldari foe." Inquisitor Uli Reven

 

[Lord_Ikka]

Chief Librarian Tellus Karien

"Lord of Nightmares, student of the great Tigurius, Karien is a powerful telepath on whome the Riven depend. His mastery of psychic defense protects his brethren from Chaos and Xenos witchery as they charge into battle."

 

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Noice.

[Lord_Ikka]

Noice.

Thanks!

[Lord_Ikka]

Since I finished off all of my current Haunted Legions of Sarkon Necrons, I now have time to start painting up the Riven. Got quite a bit to paint before the US Imperium starts up- 2 Chaplains, 15 Intercessors, 11 Assault Intercessors, 1 Apothecary, 1 Judicar, 1 Bladeguard Ancient, 6 Bladeguard, 3 Inceptors, 3 Eliminators, 1 Redemptor. Looking to paint at least a couple squads and a character each month, want to get all of this done before Jan, so that I can start up Imperium fresh- the plan for that is since I'm getting the mailed subscription, I'll get all four issues at the same time and I'll try to paint all of the contents (Necron and SM, going to sell off the SoB/AdMech/Terrain) before the next month's subscription gets in.

 

Anyway, here's the first installment of the Riven.

 

 

Eradicators squads Terco and Illuminis

The backbone of anti-vehicle weaponry for the Riven, Eradicator squads are common in all Riven taskforces.

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by Lord_Ikka

[Lord_Ikka]

Intercessor Squad Gias

Intercessors armed with assault-pattern bolt rifles are used frequently by the Riven for their speed and firepower.

 

Edited September 16, 2021 by Lord_Ikka

[Lord_Ikka]

Chief Apothecary Avar Illidan
"Chief Illidan has served the Riven with distinction throughout the Indomidus Crusade. His skill with blades serves to protect his brethren and perform the sacred task of recovering the geneseed when needed."

 

 

 

Eliminator Squad Nihillan
"Riven Eliminators, and their other Phobos-armored brothers, are the eyes of their commanders in the field. Selective targeting of enemy leadership cadres provide an excellent distraction for the following assault wave.

Squad Nihillian, the Wraiths of Neu-Venix. Seventeen confirmed kills of targets grade Alpha and Beta, forty of Gamma and lower grade targets within seven hours of deployment- the resulting command confusion allowed the follow-up infiltration and assault to commence without enemy interference."

 

[BLACK BLΠFLY]

Love the saw bones !

[Lord_Ikka]

Love the saw bones !

Thanks- the funny part is that I wondered why the original model didn't have a chainsword option when the book loadout did, so I converted him. Then I realized I was looking at the Firstborn Apothecary, who has a chainsword, rather than the Primaris, who just has the two pistols. So he now has a chainsword just for rule of cool looks.

[Lord_Ikka]

Intercessor Squad Tryvhpan
A veteran of the Indomidus Crusade, Tryvphan leads his squad with a stern demeanor and calm eye. They are experienced warriors, providing their brothers with excellent supporting fire.

 

 

Assault Intercessor Squad Jaralt
Sergeant Jaralt and his squad of Assault Intercessors were instrumental in the destruction of the hive-cults of Dornan IV. The squad were the point of the spear for the urban assault, charging through the cults' firepower to deliver the Emperor's fury with chainsword and bolt pistol.

 

[Lord_Ikka]

Intercessor Squad Levros

Considered to be among the finest of the Riven's dedicated battle-line squads, squad Levros has proven time and again that fire superiority is devastating in close quarters.

 

 

Assault Intercessor Squad Dekkard

Sergeant Dekkard is a competent leader and experienced fighter. His squad are known for their determined assaults on enemy strongholds.

 

 

Assault Intercessor Squad Serran

Sergeant Serran is the lone surviving member of Strikeforce Xamsu. His reinforcing squad members will meet him at the musterfields of Gettam.

 

[Lord_Ikka]

Bladeguard Squad Tician

"Trained by veteran Ultramarines during the Indomidus Crusade, the Riven Bladeguard members are deadly warriors with both pistol and blade. Several of them have been seconded to the Ultramarines for promotion to the Victrix Guard.

 

Squad Tician is the premiere Bladeguard squad in the Riven's 1st Company. Currently attached to Lieutenant Edvar Locatum as a close assault unit, Squad Tician seeks out and destroys enemy elite units."

 

 

Redemptor Dreadnought Yassin
"Missing in the midst of the Storming of Nihlon, sergeant Yassin was found amidst a plethora of Ork bodies. Riddled with bullets and missing both legs, the sergeant barely clung to life. Riven apothecaries placed him in the sarcophagus of a Redemptor dreadnought and now fights on against the Emperor's foes."

 

Edited February 14, 2022 by Lord_Ikka

[Lord_Ikka]

Reclusiarch Arven Y'gen
"The dread Reclusiarch Arven, known as the Heirarch. The right hand of the Master of Sanctity, Arven is a dedicated teacher of younger Chaplains and an even deadlier warrior. Fighting through the entirety of the Indomidus crusade, Reclusiarch Arven leads many a Riven strikeforce."

 

Chaplain Orras
"Chaplain Orras can be found in the fiercest of battles, bellowing inspirational quotes and tactical advice from the Codex Astartes. He made his mark by leading a hand-picked Phobos strikeforce that destroyed the Chaos leadership in the Belvin incursion."

 

 

Judicar Riv Bellas
"The Judicar is a position of silent, inspiring fury. Judicar Bellas has taken up this duty with enthusiasm, wielding his executioner's blade against many of the Emperor's enemies."

 

Bladeguard Ancient Linian
"His presence is a constant reminder of our oaths and duties- following the standard into battle is an honour." Veteran Sergeant Tician

 

[Lord_Ikka]

10th Company Captain Theod Hadren
"We are the blade in the night, the hunters that stalk the enemy before the storm. Be silent, be still, strike without hesitation or mercy. You are the Emperor's chosen, the Lord Primarch's sons, the Angels of Death!"
- Captain Theod Hadren addressing the Vanguard contingent of the Riven 10th Company before the Scouring of Deflin IV

 

2nd Company Lieutenant Havvason
"Under Captain Syl Finnas, Lieutenant Havvason has been forged into a veteran tactical and strateic aide- predicting enemy movement and deploying the correct assets to counter any assault with utter efficiency.."

 

Victrix Guard
"Taken from the best of the 1st Company, the members of the Riven's Victrix Guard have spent years as part of the Ultramarines Victrix detachment, serving as bodyguards and tactical deputies to the elite of Ultramar. Their shields bear the Ultramarines own symbol to show the dedication of the owner."

 

Inceptor Squad Belfor
"Descending on screaming jets, the Inceptor marines of squad Belfor supply pinpoint firepower with devastating effect. They are frequently sent to harry the enemy heavy support elements, disrupting supply lines and artillery emplacements to allow their fellow Riven to assault the distracted enemy with ease."

 

Impulsor Transport
"Standard transport for Ultima-Founding chapters, the Impulsor is a workhorse vehicle that can traverse difficult terrain with ease and deliver its deadly cargo in optimal condition."

[Lord_Ikka]

Assault Intercessor Squad Korsic
"Sergeant Korsic and his squad are prime examples of the Riven's dedication to close-in action. They will frequently be assigned to lead the assault on dug-in enemy emplacements."

 

Aggressor Squad Yevvn
"For the fires we bring purify the earth, for the fury of our fists we destroy the unclean! For the Primarch and the Emperor!
- Sergeant Yevvn, battle of Pilgrim's Rest

[Lord_Ikka]

Infiltrator Squads Korril and Vannik, Eliminator squad Extto

 

The Riven prize the abilities of Phobos-equipped squads to silently scout and identify high-value targets for the inevitable assault wave. Typical Riven tactical doctrine will insert varieties of the "Vanguard" squads into a target operational zone- Infiltrators to locate and mark enemy headquarters units, Eliminator squads to target the enemy's "middle-management" ranks, captains and battalion leadership that will not have the advanced protection of general-level officers but will have an outsized effect on enemy morale and coordination. 

 

 

Lieutenant Bel Sannus

A veteran Infiltrator marine, Lieutenant Sannus has lead many excursions into enemy-occupied territory and survived. His inherent skill in blending into shadows and moving without sound was first noticed when the recruiting Chaplains took him from his death world home. Moving quickly and quietly allowed the initiate to survive in the dark jungles and those abilities were honed in the fight against the Imperium's foes.

 

Edited July 28, 2023 by Lord_Ikka

[Lord_Ikka]

While the previous entry shows the advanced recon specialists that the Riven heavily utilize, this entry shows a standard complement of their assault wave- veteran commanders leading squads of troops such as Aggressors, Outriders, and Terminators supported by heavy weapons squads of Suppressors and light mobile Firestrike servo-turrets.

 

Chaplain Nerva Tellar

A soft-spoken orator, Chaplain Tellar frequently leads the chapter's veteran assault elements into battle. His quiet but stern lectures fill the other marines with certainty and strength even in the most desperate fights. 

 

Ancient Modez

Modez carries the chapter banner of the Riven and has for nearly fifteen years. Originally a member of an Assault Intercessor squad, Modez was recognized by chapter command when he took up the 3rd Company standard after the previous Ancient was gunned down by devious Aeldari snipers. Holding the banner high, Modez rallied the beleaguered company as Captain Finnas lead them to an eventual victory. 

 

Terminator Squad Delfus

The longest-serving veterans of the Riven will wear terminator armor. These ancient suits of armor, gifted by a grateful Rogue Trader, turn aside masses of fire as their wearers lumber into battle. Delfus and his brethren provide a deadly force that teleports down to crush the enemy.

 

Aggressor Squad Rolliv

Unlike their flamer-bearing brothers, squad Rolliv sends waves of bolts and blasts of shrapnel into cultist hordes, xenos cannon-fodder, and traitor Marines. The deadly fire is only matched by the brutal fists that smash and rend the enemy.

 

Outrider squad Nerros

Outriders are used by Riven assault squads as mobile reserves, frequently speeding into flanking positions or reinforcing stuck advances with a flash of motor-driven aggression. Driven by the best that the Riven produce, these squads treat urban rubble and twisting canyons as no more than simple distractions to overcome as they close into the fight.

 

Suppressor Squad Mortis

Fast, deadly, and able to quickly displace from one firing point to another, Suppressor squads provide the Riven with needed weaponry to counter enemy heavy infantry and dug-in positions. Using their jump packs the Suppressors can leap from building to building to find new firing angles and punish the enemy while their brothers move the attack closer.

 

Firestrike Servo-turrets

Considered by many chapters to be nothing more than a stationary gun emplacement, the Firestrike servo-turret is widely used by the Riven as a combat utility piece. While slow compared to many of the chapter's other units, the anti-tank capabilities of the Firestrike more than make up for its lack of speed. Typically fielded with a las-talon, Riven Firestrikes paired with emplaced Eliminator squads can cover a wide swath of the battlefield and lock down the enemy while other units push the advance. 

 

[Lord_Ikka]

Infernus squads Huron and Erris

Equipped with pyreblaster flamers, Infernus squads provide the Riven with much-needed support. Especially useful in the tight confines of urban combat- the Infernus squads have found themselves increasingly called upon to assist their brothers as the Riven battle Tyranid swarms and hordes of traitor Guardsmen.

 

Sternguard Veteran Squad Althais

"Brimming with might they came,

Clad in the bold green and brass.

Lines of fire and flame they drew,

Breaking the back of the enemy attack."

- Lieutenant Ian Macclin, 15th Taurus Guard, commenting on the intervention of squad Althais in the battle of Nev're

 

Venerable Brother Uvvan, Ballistus Dreadnought

Brother Uvvan was formerly a sergeant known for commanding some of the Riven's best heavy weapons units. When he fell before the might of Waaagh BrokTekk, he gladly chose to return to the battlefield in the chassis of a dreadnought suited to his tastes- the terrible Ballistus-class.

 

 

[Lord_Ikka]

Members of the Chapter Command

 

Chapter Master Morrigar, the Shining Flame

Morrigar has lead the Riven since their Founding during the Indomitus crusade from the battle barge, the Last Light. Fighting side by side with legendary warriors like Marneus Calgar, Nisk Ran-Thawll, and even the Lord Commander himself, Morrigar soaked up their collective knowledge and used it to forge the Riven into a deadly fighting force. Of late, he has lead many of the chapter's veterans and Librarians in a quest to seek their true gene-sire, whomever that may be.

 

3rd Company Captain Syl Finnas

Once a simple Greyshield, Syl Finnas possessed a knack for small-unit tactics and rapid-strike warfare above the norm. His instinctive grasp of enemy vulnerabilities have lead to multiple Imperial victories, as he and the 3rd smash into and destroy enemy headquarters units.

 

Codicer Yuv Killieran and Epistolery Illic Killieran

Brothers taken in a recruitment effort during the Crusade, Yuv and Illic are powerful warriors and deadly psykers. Yuv shows great aptitude with telekinesis, warding his fellows from enemy blows and crushing armor with his mind. Illic's talents lie in biomancy, the art of empowering one's flesh. Wreathed in steam and rage, he shatters enemies with his force-axe in a series of terrible blows. 

 

Codicer Alaric Bors

Codicer Bors is a mental manipulator. He weaves tricks and traps in the psyche of the enemy, never letting them see where he and his hand-picked squads will be. Then, in a rush of blades and bolts, the Phobos marines attack the target and fade away, looking for another enemy to hunt.

 

Apothecary Biologis Joran Tellert

As his brothers repair the Riven's wounded and guard the precious gene-seed Biologis Tellert aims to find the best weapons and tactics to counter Xenos foes. Collecting specimens and samples, he works to counter the various poisons and maladies that the seek to harm and delay the Riven.

 

Lieutenant Sevyr Romt

A lone wolf in nature, Sevyr Romt is most at home seeding destruction and terror behind the enemies lines. Appearing like a phantom, he will strike down a sub-commander or unit head and then disappear. As the enemy frantically search for him, more Riven deep-recon specialists slink in and begin to pick off the searchers, creating more and more confusion as the panicking enemy opens itself up for the Riven's assault units.

[Brother Christopher]

Cool stuff! You work at an admirable pace. I love the little pieces of lore. It's so cool when people do that - it really adds a lot of flavour.

[Lord_Ikka]

1 hour ago, Brother Christopher said:

Cool stuff! You work at an admirable pace. I love the little pieces of lore. It's so cool when people do that - it really adds a lot of flavour.

Thank you. I'm a fairly fast painter, though also forgetful in updating my stuff so some models (like the Phobos Libby) have been complete for months and I forgot to give them their fluff/moment in the sun. Looking forward to painting a couple of Primarchs in October, after a bunch of SoB in Sept. 

[Raziel-TX]

First time stumbling upon this thread. Love the background text for each unit. Solid painting and modeling!