Return of the Void Rangers - Still WIP but improved

[Minigiant]

 

Chapter Recruitment

 

This section seems to contradict what you have said earlier, I know what you mean but it needs some tidying up.

 

"The Void Rangers draw recruits from wherever they may find them, but as they predominantly patrol Hasiks Path a large percentage have been drawn from the fuedal worlds in the region."

 

A small shift in tone but it does have a different connotation.

 

Also electric scaring is very grimdark but where has that developed from? Potentially another case of less information would be more

[Minigiant]

 

Gene-seed

 

 

Umm this section seems mislabelled. Its content is probably better suited for a Chapter Cult and Belief System (Which you have divided further). The Gene-seed section usually refers to the physical state of the gene-seed. Does it have any mutations? If it doesn't it points towards Ultramarines descendants. Even if you are not going to say who they are the successor of, keeping their mutations is a cool clue to give.

 

 

Chapter Character

 

Your current gene-seed section finishes with them being all about civility, and then you start this section with 'savagery', there seems to be a dictomy here that could be better addressed

 

 

 

[Minigiant]

 

Belief

 

A Chapter obsessed with Eclipses is a really cool idea. I just don't understand where that has come from

[Commander Nicky]

 

Still working on it:

 

 

History

 

That was absolutely huge to read. A few poins

 

1. Formatting - Leave a space between paragraphs, it helps its readability

 

2. As they are "mysterious" I would suggest a later founding. 7 thousand years from the est.7th founding of being hidden could be considered a little inconceivable

 

3. Remember the show me don't tell me. You have an Inquisitor as part of your story which could be cool. Write it from their perspective.

 

E.g instead of this

 

 

The Inquisitor is confident that the Void Rangers originated as a Fleet Based Chapter that was utilized as a rapid deployment force.

 

Try this

 

"Inquisitor Saulan during his investigation was able to correlate production records with some identification numbers within the Rangers fleet to not only suggest X amount of years in service but, that the configuration and quantity suggest they were intended for rapid deployment."

 

 

1. Is it too much?

 

2. I have reconsidered that they might not know where they are from, or care: Put the past behind them

 

3. Hmmm I will try to fresh it out when I have been given all feedback...

 

 

Still working on it:

 

 

Home region

 

 

I know you start off with saying the Inquisitors welcome was against type but it seems so alien from everything else that is written about them, I definitely think they would be improved with coming up with a different way to approach it.

 

And again using the show me don't tell me, you could write something along the lines of "While tracking the Void Rangers, Inquistor Saulan managed to map a pattern of sightings regarding the chapters 10th company, with each coming from within X distance from the fragments of Edo. It was only upon further investigation was she able to locate the fortress monastery and where she was invited in for the Chapter Master to learn of how they were found"

 

just an idea

 

 

 

Alright, will try to do...

 

 

Still working on it:

 

Organization

 

Apart from the size of each warhost (company) they seem to be entirely codex compliant. I'm sorry but I do not understand what it brings to the IA. You have so many other things going on what do you think it brings? I am old school when it comes to 'Organization' I see absolutely nothing beneficial it can bring.

 

Techmarines, do they forgo their pacts with the Omnissiah?

 

Secondly, Clans seem to be really confusing. So a Warhost can be comprised of brothers from different clans? Or are clans different entities from Warhosts. You say the Inquisitor cannot determine their purpose, then I would suggest leaving it at that and not expanding. It could just be a tidbit 'Brother X of the Z Warhost and the Clan of Y, received commendations for his heroics in doing Q'. Allow the reader to try and fill in the gaps. Less is more in this aspect I think.

 

 

I know... In my mind, I wanted them to be a little more like the Black Templars: Each Warhost being like a crusade force sailing forth...

 

The Techmarines do not forgo their pacts with the Omnissiah but have their own "social club" and are kept at arms length by the other Rangers...

 

The Clans are confusing. I was aming at that. They are a like the Reclusium or Apothecarion: An organization or shine dedicated to a specific thing, but, at the same time, not exclusive to one another and spred out amoung the Chapter's forces. Also I was considering making a Clan Council which each Clan Leader having a seat, with power to elect each new Warleader and each new Lord Commander, and deciding when to unlease Clan Maito...

 

 

 

 

Chapter Recruitment

 

This section seems to contradict what you have said earlier, I know what you mean but it needs some tidying up.

 

"The Void Rangers draw recruits from wherever they may find them, but as they predominantly patrol Hasiks Path a large percentage have been drawn from the fuedal worlds in the region."

 

A small shift in tone but it does have a different connotation.

 

Also electric scaring is very grimdark but where has that developed from? Potentially another case of less information would be more

 

 

Oh... Sorry for making it confussing... I was thinking of having a constant influx of recruits/tributary domains from Hasiks Path, and if an oppertunity/emergency arrise, select from the areas they are in...

 

Electric scaring is cool... at least in my eyes

 

 

 

Gene-seed

 

 

Umm this section seems mislabelled. Its content is probably better suited for a Chapter Cult and Belief System (Which you have divided further). The Gene-seed section usually refers to the physical state of the gene-seed. Does it have any mutations? If it doesn't it points towards Ultramarines descendants. Even if you are not going to say who they are the successor of, keeping their mutations is a cool clue to give.

 

 

Chapter Character

 

Your current gene-seed section finishes with them being all about civility, and then you start this section with 'savagery', there seems to be a dictomy here that could be better addressed

 

 

 

 

Hmm you are right... I will fresh it out...

 

 

 

Belief

 

A Chapter obsessed with Eclipses is a really cool idea. I just don't understand where that has come from

 

I will let that be a pussel to solve later...

[Minigiant]

 

 

 

 

 

Belief

 

A Chapter obsessed with Eclipses is a really cool idea. I just don't understand where that has come from

 

I will let that be a pussel to solve later...

 

Actually...I think that could be a unifying force. Something that explains the entire Chapter.

 

1. A Deathworld homeworld with many moons and scorched by the sun. The population are only able to comeout a scavenge during the planets frequent eclipses. An eclipse is considered sacred to them

 

2. The Chapter continue this tradition, and keep to themselves, only engaging in battle during an eclipse, or in the void where there is no sun.

 

3. They prepare for battle on a planet by ceremonisally cleaning their weapons and armour

 

4. They have upset other chapters by leaving once the eclipse has finished

 

*You could even have their geneseed mutate causing Heliophobia

 

I know... In my mind, I wanted them to be a little more like the Black Templars: Each Warhost being like a crusade force sailing forth...

 It is quite feasible and possible for a Chapter to be crusading and Codex compliant. I don't see it bringing anything. The Clan social organization sort of sits on top of it

 

The Clans are confusing. I was aming at that. They are a like the Reclusium or Apothecarion: An organization or shine dedicated to a specific thing, but, at the same time, not exclusive to one another and spred out amoung the Chapter's forces. Also I was considering making a Clan Council which each Clan Leader having a seat, with power to elect each new Warleader and each new Lord Commander, and deciding when to unlease Clan Maito...

 

 It can be confusing for the Imperium, it can be confusing for the Inquisition, but it really shouldn't be confusing for the reader.

 

"Upon investigation Inquisitor XXXX identified a intricate social class and organization present within the Rangers. Each Brother would identify as being from one clan, but what each clan meant was different to each brother making defining them difficult. Observations showed that clan members mix freely, and squads incorporate clan members freely. Whatever the clans are, the Void Rangers are reluctant to expand up openly."

 

This is just an idea but is the 'less is more principle'. The more you give away the more plot holes appear, as well as the more you write overall the more criticism you will face. Easier to critise something written out than just an idea bt seriously well done for keeping it going and getting this far.

Edited May 12, 2022 by Minigiant

[Commander Nicky]

Got more working on it, hope you enjoy

+++++++++++++++++++++

CHAPTER NAME: .............. ...Void Rangers

FOUNDING: ............................??? [M.34 a least]

CHAPTER WORLD: ...............Edo Major

FORTRESS MONASTERY: ....Darkwell and The Shogun (Barrack world and Flagship/Fortress monastery res.)

GENE-SEED: …………...........White Scars (speculated)

KNOWN DESCENDANTS: .....NONE

 

Allegiance: Imperium of Man

Chapter Master: Date Harumune

Current Size Estimate: +900 (Post-Great Rift)

Specialty: Void warfarer and anti-raiding

Colours: Gold, blue, green and black

Symbol: A dark circle with an halo around (like a solar eclipse)

Battle Cry: "The Emperor Uses All"

 

 

 

Intro

Roaming the edge of space and the Imperium’s borders, The Void Ranger Chapter of the Emperor’s Space Marines is a relatively Enigmatic if not unknown Chapter. A non-codex Chapter, relatively little information is available on them, and the informaion available are from questioning sources. This is not only a byproduct of the Chapter's aloof relation with other Imperium bodies, but also, so it seems a lack of insight and strained relationships with the rest of the Imperium. The Void Rangers are relentless in pursuit of the enemies of the Imperium with a tendency for the Chapter’s various detachments to move from war zone to war zone as they will. They seem to always be on the warpath to a new conflict, traveling almost exclusively from one warzone to another. They seem only to be stopping for resupplying, rearming, and recruiting which they do almost undiscriminating. Though spread thin after the Great Rift, the Void Rangers remained a sizable force, mostly due to the opportunistic recruitment patterns practiced by many of the Warhosts of the Chapter to offset the relative scarcity of reinforcements received from Edo Major. The Void Rangers have indeed a habit of recruiting from conquered populations en mass or, in extreme cases, taking in emergency influx of recruits from the induction pool Astra Militarum Whiteshield cadets and even fellow Chapters recruitment grounds. Their practice has caused no little friction between Segmentum Command and fellow Chapters, like the Invaders and the Sons of Medusa.

Reinforcement from the Indomitus Crusade has improve the Void Rangers combat ability and they are now sending strike forces to other battered Imperial worlds. Despite this, many Chapters still view The Void Rangers with disregard the Void Rangers hav several ongoing conflicts with other Chapters. The Chapter has even face censure by the Adeptus Terra for these action and also by other Chapters like the Ultramarines. Theses grudges seems to be one-wayed. The Void Rangers seems not to bother as they appear to approve the honor duels that sometime are demanded and view the competition with these chapters as a way of proving their skills at arms. To the Void Rangers survival against impossible odds are the challenge they faced, one they always defeat with a cold pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice everything in the name of victory.

 

Always wandering and patrol the outer edge of know space they seem to prefer the Segmentum Pacificus, more specific the area of space known as the Hasark's Path, a region the Chapter is suspected to claim as fieldoms and protect. The Chapter almost nomadic habit has made it difficult for most adepts to keep track with them and identify if the Void Rangers have a base of operations. The only known base service only as a rally point, proving ground for its recruits, and resupplying center for its fleets. Unofficial reports requested and interviews made by the inquisition has confirmed that the

Void Rangers referer to this base as a "barrack". and it remains to be seen if there exists a world they call home.

 

The Chapter is known for its loyal tendency to the Imperium and once they have committed themselves to a campaign, they will, it seems, fight on till whatever end. Be it their death or that of their foes.

 

 

History

As with many Astartes Chapters of obscure origin, much of the details pertaining to the Chapter's history and the early disposition of the Void Rangers have been lost to the official Imperial record. Such teachings and lore the Void Rangers themselves retain on the matter have become so intertwined with myth and dense allegory as to be almost useless in divining certain facts. This difficulty of determining the Void Rangers' history and origins should come as no surprise for a Chapter that seems to value solitude and autonomy.

It would therefore come as little surprise, that the exact date of the Void Rangers founding has long since been lost or forgotten. What information can be gathered suggests they belong to the 6th or 7th founding. The best information available is from the treaty “A study on the obscure Astartes”, writing by Inquisitor Van Der Saulan who has been one of the primary investigators into the Chapter and has had the most dealings with it. According to the Inquisitor the Void Rangers first appeared sometime after 001.M34 and certainly after Abaddon the Despoiler’s 4th Black Crusade. It is known that it was after that onslaught that the High Lords of Terra declared a new Founding to recup the untold damage inflicted across the Imperium and further strengthen for the inevitable next coming of hellish forces out of the Eye of Terror. The many ancient relics of highly advanced technology would suggest they are of an early founding perhaps the 2nd or 3rd Founding, but this seems unlikely as the Inquisitor have point out, that the Chapter is not mentioned in any report before the 34th millennium and therefore suggest the Void Rangers to be of a later founding who could have been blessed with several "gifts" by their founding Chapter, however giving their role as anti-raiders and void explorers it might simple the opportunity to scavange whatever vessel they may have come across for technology and either kept it themself or given it to the Adeptus Mechanicus.

Inquisitor Saulan during her investigation was able to correlate production records with some identification numbers within the Rangers fleet to not only suggest 6 milleniums of active service but, that the configuration and quantity suggest they were intended for rapid deployment.

 

Predominantly through Imperial territory but also, as pioneers or raiders on the Imperial frontier against xenos domains, lost human realms or separatists’ planetary commanders who had declared independence. This gave rise to the inquisitor's postulation that that the basis of the Void Rangers' mastery of surgical strike warfare was established in these times by the necessity of their missions. It would mean that they rarely would be more than a few dozen warriors in each war zone, pitted against the empires and armies beyond and within the edge of the maps, the brave few standing against the terrors of the outer dark or the horrors from within, far from aid and support. They would first strike without warning, raiding, and killing, drawing out the foes of the Imperium, be it xeons or traitors, testing the enemies’ defenses and tactics, always watching and learning. They were the wind, everywhere and nowhere, insubstantial, and yet forceful, and they took to the duty they were given with a passion, taking joy from the thrill of battle and the hunt across the stars. Not until the enemy was reeling from this foe did they made their surgical strike, one decapitating meant to crush the enemy’s capacity for continuing the fighting.

It was noted by the inquisitor that where other Chapter would seek to prosecute a war with stern discipline and careful planning, conquering with implacable might and securing those domains they seized, the Void Rangers would descend upon the foe like a storm from clear skies. They would enveloped and overrun the enemies positions where they were weak or exposed, striking without mercy, using speed and fury to overwhelm any defense, a trait perhaps from their founding chapter. Where The enemy’s defenses were strong or well-emplaced, they harried the enemy until it was weak, leaving it vulnerable to the Battle Groups that followed the trail of destruction they wrought.

Several interview revieled that the Void Rangers thought that to fight and to feel the wild rush of unceasing war against enemies too numerous to count was the completeness of being alive.

The Inquisitor believe that the many tales of their exploits which spoke equally well of their ferocious skill-at-arms and the strategic insight of their commanders, which were different in style to that of other Chapters, wilder and more direct, but no less effective reviled that Void Rangers did not lack discipline. They might be wearing the cloak of the savage, they are not the same wild killers as more infamous chapters. Their nature is untamed, but still bound by the chains of duty and honor as defined by the Chapter’s code of honor.

They might be merciless and sometimes cruel on the attack and are often seen as insolent or fractious, but such rumors seem to be founded on misunderstanding. To the Void Rangers themselves, they would grant no mercy to their foe, but would so not for the joy of simple slaughter, but in honor of the valor shown them, they would hold nothing back just as had a worthy foe. It seemed to the Inquisitor that when they failed to respect the policies and plans of others, it was because their own ways served them better.

The inquisitor reported that she was witness to several ceremonies which included oral tales and stories about the Chapter and it’s origin in the cluster known as Hasisk’s Path. The inquisitor researched on the Chapter which revealed, that their appearing in Hasisk's Path could have been no later than the 38th millennium due to the newly made Akohon sector's creating in that millennium. The research also revealed, that they started to permanently settle in a single sector around this time.

 

The worlds in the Akohon sector had for many millennia been difficult to navigate through for the Imperium after The Howlingin in 401.M34. Although once a thriving sector consistent with dozens of inhabitant planets and vast industry, the sector was cut off, and all contact with the wider Imperium was lost with the disruption of the Astronomican. Continuing Warp storms and star nebulas in and around the sector did not make it any easier for the Imperium to contact it, and as time passed by, the Imperium lessened their hope of receiving contact with the sector.

This changed in the early 38th millennia. The Warp storms which had frequently plagued the region started to calm down and a stable warp route to and from the sector became clear. Thereby it was possible for the first time to make voyages to and from the sector’s worlds. The Imperium spent no idle time exploring what had happened with the inhabitants in this isolated realm. What they found was a realm claimed by xenos, traitors and chaos worshippers.

The High Lords of Terra’s strategic command had initially considered the sector of space of little value and had left it undefended during several incursions. The region had, however, suffered a series of brutal and devastating wars and conflicts alongside famine, widespread insanity, daemonic possessions, and inter-human wars as the region had fallen into anarchy shortly after the sector was isolated. The Imperial tryed initially to hail the worlds but many of these worlds did not respond to the Imperial authority and many more growled that the Imperial did not hold sway here. Many even replied that The Dark Gods would be the only once to command them. The Akohon sector was one of the few sectors left capable of replenishing the wider Imperium, and as such it was declared of strategic importance.

The Imperium had never intended to abandon the worlds in the Akohon sector and the High Lords wanted to be known that their authority still held sway in this area of the Imperium.

Initially a single Battle group was formed with the object of bringing the Akohon sector back into the Imperial fold and, at first, made good progress at the outer systems as the defenders stood little chance. However, the attacking force was underestimated from the beginning, and the Battle Group was soon bogged down on several fronts.

When it became clear that the estimated Imperial forces were not sufficient to handle the task, a request for reinforcements was made. This was answered by several Knightly Houses, significant Adeptus Mechanicus forces from 3 different Forge Worlds, including Titans, and elements from half a dozen Chapters of Adeptus Astartes, including the full strength of the Void Rangers.

At first, this was both a celebration and renewing for the Void Rangers: The Chapter had rarely gathered its full strength in one place and the last time it occurred was several millenniums ago. It was therefore a celebration for the Chapter Master (or Lord Commander to the Void Rangers) Nathaniel Redford to call a muster on the plain world of Asora. However, the force that finally assembled in the skies above Asora was not a unified Chapter. Each company kept to their own, looking on those who should have been their brothers with suspicion and no little disdain, a gathering of strangers in a strange land. It was a Space Marine Chapter in name only. In reality, it was several autonomous companies, each of which had had few links to any of their brethren and had operated entirely independently over many long centuries. This independence of operation and command had both been a necessity due to the size and mission of the early Chapter and a legacy of the fierce spirit of its original recruits. However, over the millenniums, these companies had continuously deviated from the standard organizational pattern of the Codex Astartes, in part due to the increasing difficulty of resupplying. Each of the Chapter’s companies had operated as an augmented battle company, comprising perhaps 100 Marines and a varying array of specialist detachments, with each unique in its exact configuration and total fighting strength. Now they were gathered for a campaign of conquest. As the tales goes, internal rivalry soon started to take rout even as the battle group prepared to sally ford.

 

The fighting against impossible odds was the challenge the Chapter had wanted but each company fougth their own battle, neither lending their support not content with other outdoing them. This went very real for their brothers who were bearing the same livery as them. For the next years the Battle Group waged a cruel war of attrition against the worlds in the sector. Although not a unified force, the forces of chaos would provide the stiffest and fiercest foe for the Battle Group. Several worlds deemed to be unattainable were subjected to orbital bombardment and billions were killed through the act of Exterminatus. The innocent died with the guilty. No quarter was given, and none were asked for either of the combatants. On and on the war would rage with the end never seemed to be in sight.

The inquisitor reports, that as The Void Rangers raged their wars, how bravely they may have been, their tactics changed. None of them would retreat form a foe, lets some other snatch the victory. None of them would sit idle while the enemies of the Imperium were still alive. But they gave battle without remorse and without regard for their own life. At Naniwa elements of the 2nd, 5th and 7th company took the citadels of the Black Legion in a single night at the cost of a third of their own, all to outpace an Imperial Fists strike force meant to reinforce and take it. At Yomei Alpha, a force of 50 Void brothers and 100 neophytes battled an alien race commanded tanks impenetrable to most Imperial arms. They prevailed but at enormously price in life.

The Void Rangers did not fight as a unit, but as individual champions, each trying to outcompete the others. Slowly they were being eroded by the pressures of war and their own stubborn dedication to prosecuting it in their own way. They had been pathfinders in both a tactical and strategic sense, amongst the keenest and most proficient breed of the Adeptus Astartes created by the Emperor, but the intern rivalry and slow attrition were starting to take their toll. The Chapters many battered forces were more concern with outdoing their own and jealously guarded their small fragments of glory. The Chapter began to turn in upon itself as each company struggled for primacy and each battle led them further down the path of arrogance.

The lowdown and blow for the Chapter’s fragile pride finally came at Quarter-Dunan, the former seat of the Sector Lord. Here the Chapter lost not only 2 full companies, but also Chapter Master Redford and most of the Chapter's officers and aids. This was an overrose to take the planet before the main force. This vain attempt was declared a waist as little had been gained, and even as much of what happened during this conflict is unclear due to the inquisition sealed most of the information concerning this conflict, it is known is that when the main force arrived, the Chapter was reassigned to rearguard duties for fear that they would not back away from the conflict if not ordered to redraw. It was only after the breaking of the Quarter-Dunan system, that resistance to the Imperium collapsed across the entire sector.

However, by this time, Void Rangers had finally realised their folly: their lose of cohesion and morale was at an all time low. demoralized and broken, they were a shadow or their former self. Ashamed that they had failed in the war that should have united them, They has waged on their own. Independent without unity. In the Akohon sector, they had hope to find glory, but were labeled as reckless glory-seekers.

 

What was left of the Chapter Council gatered to discuss their situation. Initally The Council was unable to choose a successor to the deceased Redford. At first it would appear, that another could not been chosen. As tension ran high it seemed that the Chapter was at the brink of civil war, when the Chapters librarians in psychic communication, found a solution. The Void Rangers, had always had a great respect for their librarians, for it was their responsibility to uphold and teach the core beliefs of the Void Rangers relented and compromise was made, which was to change the fortune of the Chapter dramatically.

Many Chapters have marines serving with the Deathwatch for an extended periode of time and the Void Rangers are no exception. One of the Void Rangers', a marine, a prominet member name Koretada, had been serving with the Deathwatch for several years. He had been out of contact with the rest of the Chapter since before Asora and therefore not enmeshed himself within any of the Chapter's numerous factions and groups. This simple fact would allow Koretada to be accepted by the different factions in the Chapter; both in its upper echelons and by the rank and files. Upon reunion he was declared the new Lord Commander and with his new rank, his first task was to unify and rejuvenate the Chapter.

Koretada had been a student of lore and knew the history about how the different Primarchs. Of the primarchs, Jaghatai Khan, the Great Khan, had at one time united the people of the steps on his homeworld of Chogoria. In a similar move, Lord Commander Koretada called together the fractious elements of his chapter at the base of where it all started: Asora.

When the Chapter Master brought them all together on the wide plains of the Asora, he beheld different heraldry on warriors of a hundred different worlds bound together only by the tenuous strands of their shared genetic legacy. The Lord Commander would wed those genetic ties to not only the culture of Asora but the the whole of Hasisk’ Path, making this the glue to unify his Chapter.

The gathering on Asora saw the first occurrence of a ritual that would give a new meaning to the social conscious of the Void Rangers’ and seal the various members in the chapter in a bond as a unified host. Adapted from the traditions of the Asora feudal clans, this “Marking," also known as "the Ascension," was a simple ritual, dispensing with much of the shamanistic pageantry of the original people. It would comprise three parts; a challenge, a scar and a name.

The challenge would be no different than those set for aspirant. Such ceremonies were fairly common among the various warrior societies which maded up much of the Imperium's vast armies. The warriors of the Void Rangers would however have to depending on the success of the unit as a whole, rather than individual warrior to accomplish this challenge; The success of each one, and even their survival would depend on the ability to accomplish this and fight together as units. It would require both intelligence and cooperation to overcome, so that no single member might alone survive them. The challenge would be in groups with name, rank, company, or any other association with a certain group deferred. Seasoned warriors would accompany neophytes and warriors of different companies and worlds would have to overcome their animosity. This was employed as a tool to enforce solidarity and loyalty among the most brutal of warrior societies, those tasked with the most omnerous of duties and the harshest of sacrifices.

The second part of the ritual, conducted on that first day with the blood and sweet of their challenge still bright on the first Void Rangers' skin, was to mark themself both in body and soul as new, as warriors of the Void Rangers, discarding the lives and sins that had gone before. This, the mark, a ritual scarification, they wouls make a practice of. Later generations would build futher on this ritual, inlaying their deep scars with electoo circuitry or adding drier to their scars.

The third and final ritual, the naming was also conducted the first day. The first generation on the fields of Asora named themselves for their challenges. Later generations would follow in their footstep secured by the trials of blood and pain they had undergone and the oaths they had sworn.

The Lod Commander encourage his brothers to do this and more than that. He encouraged the study of the "Noble Pursuits," as they were known on ancient Terra -- such things as calligraphy, hunting and the telling of ancient tales. The old ways of Asora were made the Truth of the Chapter, a strange blend of practicality and superstition. Only by working as a Chapter would they prevail.

The first part of the Chapter master's strategy secured, in the wake of the games and ceremonies conducted on Asora, Koretada led the combined ranks against the outlawed region in The Akohon sector known as Hasisk’s Path to reclaim it for the Imperium. There they fought the last renegade bastion on the planet of Edo Major, for tradition alone would not be suffice to unit the Chapter. In the baptism of fire and blood that followed the division in the Chapter was healed as the bonds between the survivors were stronger than any simple oath.

With the worlds in Hasisk’s Path secured the Chapter began to rebuild. The sector had served to bind the Chapter together in blood and war, and would in turn serve to rebuild it in the centuries to come. From the wide plains of Asora, to the rugged systems in Hasisk’s Path and Edo Major's many void camps, the Chapter replenished its ranks. Koretada would reorganize the Chapter, ensuring that unity would remain even after his passing.

Snce then, the Void Ranger’s has emerged from the Hasisk’s Path campaign as a Chapter reborn.

The inquisitor found several restricted files in the archives of the Deathwatch about this Koretada. However, these showed him to be the chapter’s initial founder. Koretada is believed to have been a long serving watch captain of some renowned from an unknown lineage. He was, on his return from his vigilance, made Chapter Master of a new founding, but upon his journey to the inauguration of his new command, the ship he was traveling aboard was cast of in the Warp. Upon reentering real space, his ship encountered an ancient ship. Some say it was the remains of a powerful ancient warship of forgotten design, others that it was a mighty battleship of the Great Crusade and some even whispers that was a Terran relic from before the Old Night. When the ship carring Koretada return, they came with this warship in towe. The better part of the Chapter was to send to board and investigate the hull, given that the Chapter were to receive salvaged right of the ship. The Adeptus Mechanicus took certain relic-technologies as payment for refitting the ship, along with free access to the knowledge stored in the vessel's data-tabernacle and the ship was cleansed, technorcised, rechristenedt by the inquisition and Adeptus Mechanicus.

The inquisitor choose not to mention the Deathwatch files to the Chapter when visiting them which she believes could have provoked the Chapter.

 

 

Home region

While tracking the Void Rangers, Inquistor Saulan managed to map a pattern of sightings regarding the chapter's recruitment, with initiates coming from within the nearby sub-sectors of the fragments of Edo. It was only upon further investigation was she able to locate their fortress and where she was invited in for the Chapter Master to learn more about them.

When meeting The Void Rangers Inquisitor Van Der Saulan was meet with much courtesy and forthright honesty. This was different from the usual protocol and rigid adherence to rules the Adeptus Astartes shows. The Chapter's delegate told her that they believed it was ill-suited to follow protocols but did not punish those who transgressed the rules they set themselves. The inquisitor had thought the Chapter as a Fleet Based Chapter as they operate from the Relic ship The Shogun, a hybrid lance attack-fleet carrier. If rumors are right the Shogun was salvaged by the Void Ranger before being re-commissioned after an extended refit and entered the service of the Void Rangers as their Flagship. It now serves as their Fortress Monastery. Definitely the ship played host to the inquisitor visit and where she was meet which more fanfare than exspected. She was meet by “Warleader” Sasanki, a senior officer of the Chapter who revealed that the Void Rangers called Edo Major their home.

To most, an existence on Edo Major would be too harsh for a colonization. Eons ago, two of Edo's worlds had collided, shattering into countless fragments, and leaving the system a broken, desolate place, choked with shards of dead rock, and blasted by cruel, radioactive Solar Winds, without natural resources and far from habitable space.

Difficult to navigate it would come as no surprise that this isolated region of space had in time become a pirate haven, a base and a home for every criminal, miscreant, heretic, and rebel that existed in the sector before the Void Rangers conquered the region. Afterward the caverns and hollowed out catacombs were expanded. Ii time, a fixed fortress/base of operation was built upon the world. Named Darkwell, the base is the Chapter’s barrack and proving ground for new recruits shipped in from other part of the Imperium. When regarding the base from orbit, it consists of twisted spires of ebon rocks which rose from the surrounding wasteland. From low orbit, there are no visible structures and no evidence of human artifice. Only the uneven rock faces, crags, and crevasses, gave it away. All around the base, and in the cracks and shards of dead rock in the voids lay all manner of hidden defensive batteries and sally ports. Darkwell is like a lonely outcrop on a lonely world. It would have seen as a bleak or desperate decision for anyone enter the Edo System, which served the Chapter: To keep the base hidden. In the void around Edo Major passed the remains of captured and looted ships previously belonging to smugglers, criminals, outcast or other “unfortunate” humans foolish or desperate enough to enter restricted area. These ships have been looted for parts and rebuild to serve the Chapter or were used as quarters for the Chapter’s serfs that works extra hard to produce all that the Chapter needs. The Chapter possed a large number of warships and the Void Rangers are known to have a very extensive and diverse fleet possibly due to this. In addition, a battle station build into the asteroid 12-Kappa-alpha orbiting around Edo Major serves the Chapter too; called Old Spike, this orbital space station functioned as a relay-, space- and defense station against incoming spacecraft, often the Chapter’s own vessels returning for refit and repair.

 

Organization

 

The Void Rangers’ Chapter are through and through a non-codex chapter even though they, on the surface seems to follow several of its tenders. The brothers of the Void Rangers are divided into a number of “Warhosts” and consitute a fieldom or "Han" in Hasisk's Path who the Warhost protects. As such, each Warhost is not uncomparable to a Great Company found in the Space Wolves or the Salamanders. The Warhosts are a mixture of warriors of differing origins and service time together with new recruits, either brought in for training from Hasisk's Path or recruited on the march that will constitute a Warhost. The inquisitor figured the number of Warhosts at five, although she suggests later, that the number may have been as high as seven.

The Warhost are the basic formation of the Void Rangers but the exact strength of the Warhosts were difficult to assess due to the irregular size of the Warhosts. Each Han is at least equal to the fighting strength of a Codex Astartes company and each of these Warhosts operates out of a small flotilla headed by a commanding Flagship and is fully autonomous, but the Warhosts could vary wildly in size, with the smallest numbering little more than a dozen warriors and the largest as many as several hundered.

The differences in size did not appear to indicate any tactical or strategic specialty but were rather tied to the will of the Warhost's commander, known in the Void Ranger’s dialect as a Captain or “Warleader". This disparity was not directly linked to the tactical role of the Warhost but rather to the preferences and charisma of the Warhost leader. These various Warleaders, the commanders of these divisions/Warhost that made up the bulk of the Chapter's battle force, exercised a remarkable amount of personal authority and most often operated independently of their Lord Commander.

Indeed, the various Warhosts often fluctuated wildly in size during the transition from one Warleader to another, with warriors transferring between Warhosts, or even splitting off to form new Warhosts at the whims of The Lord Commander. As the original Warhost and those Warhosts that would come to be will varied wildly in size, the process was, it seems, to been intended to allow each individual commander to operate efficiently within the bounds of their ability and strategic preferences, rather than enforcing a strict organizational system upon them. Also, not unlike the Space Wolves Chapter, rather than using the company markings as laid down in the Codex Astartes, the Void Rangers use a number of different symbols to denote the Warhost or Clan affliction that make up the Chapter. These symbols were chosen by a new Clan Lord or "Clan Father" upon his election or promotion and are adopted by all of the Void Rangers within the Clan or Warhost as a mark of fealty. Thes symbols would also be woven onto the various Warhost- and Clan banners, The symbols would remains with them until the Warleader or Clan Lord would pass away, or upon the Warhost or Clan splits up, where the badge changes again.

As the Void Rangers are known to be grim starfarers, prowling the void as a hunter force and prefering sudden mobile operations to prolonged campaigns, they, to accommodate such prolonged operations, maintain a number of clandestine outposts in a number of strategic systems. These lairs are often shrouded or veiled by terrain, weather, or other means and allow the Void Rangers to re-arm and plan their next excursion.

The only other main organizational unit in the chapter, were the Clans. A non-standard organisational divisions the Clans were created as an informal network of specialists within the Void Rangers that were dedicated to a singular focus of war. Over the years, there had been numberous clans, and clans would rise and fall during the course of wars with some merged into others while some were wiped out in battle, Membership of a clan was irrespective of a Warhost or other organisational distinction and based solely upon an individual's chief talent. Each Warhost was therefore made up of marines from all the clans, although some clans did tend to dominate certain Warhost.

As each clan varied quite widely in size, with some being formed of less than a handful of warriors and other up to several hundred it was impossible to tell how many clans there had been and were. However by the the of the Indominus Crusade it was estimated to be a few dozen Clan, some with as few as a dozen members.

Most clan maintained a sanctum chamber or headquater of some kind, usually aboard a warship or at an outpost, where knowledge specific to the clan's area of expertise was kept and relevant training was carried out.

Just like the Warleader It seems to the inquisitor, that the average Clan father was not incomparably to a senor specialists or officer.

It seemed that the Clans were a society of expert in a particular field or skill and spread out among the Warhosts so as to give the Chapter operational depth and strategic flexibility.

However a Clan father would keep a record of it's members and their service time, campaign badges, ranks, level of experience, induction pool, number of kills, celebration of victories, mourning, marks of censure, weapon familiarty or some other form of raiting to demonstrate its success. Beneath the surface of this simmered other relationship, not easily visible to the inquisitor, relationships of blood and origin, comradeship, irresectable of rank or specialty if they could be.

Clan Fathers were elected by peers rather than nominated by superior, and while it was unusual, some Void Rangers, especially the senior once, were members of multiple Orders while others would leave one for another or constitute their own clan.

Warleader Sasanki suggested, that the It might be the corps-de-spirit, which was what glued a clan together, since the individual Void brother's role and position within a Warhost could change as frequently as tactical need demanded, and perhaps to some deeper system of purpose. Each Clan was a military formation, unquestionable, but to what end they served could not be deduced. The exact number of Clans were also difficult to ascertain, but an expected position in the order of ranks, squads, Warhosts and Clans, was observed. This came down to a Void Rangers being seeming ready to take up a new position should it be required. This would make a Warhost of the Void Rangers a considerably force ready to combat any threat head on or, after splitting up, to deal with individual threats before reassembling again.

Beside this, there was an unofficial links of respect for tradition and for the clans. The clan fathers usely made up the chapter's most venerable and wisest warriors as well as the Chapter's specialists such as the Chaplains, librarians, Techmarines and the Apothecarium, These, the Clan Fathers, would group themselves together as the "Clan Council." The Clan Council would not only advises the Warleaders and the Lord Commander, it keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and apothecarion as to ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel. Furthermore they had the power to promote a new Warleader and a new Lord Commander in addition to strippe them of their command if .

In addition, several bodies outside the clan- and Warhosts structure did exists and would be continuously referred to as “Temples” by Warleader Sasanki. What these were and to what purpose remain an enigma. Certain references are made to the "Oniwaban” which may have referred to either the Chapter's Librarians or the Chapters Vanguard units and may possibly encompass a wider intelligence gathering apparatus. Another Temple was the “Metsukes” suspected to be the Chaplaincy and a secret police force.

The Oniwaban, and the Vanguard squads, are in general shunned. Those that joined the Vanguards have to leave their name, clan affiliation and honours marks behind. While serving they will forsake their "old" name, rank and idendity, and take up both a new name and combat role, as well as ritual tittles to symbolise their role as the hidden knife in dark. The Vanguards and scouts also cover their heads to hide their idendity. Upon leaving the Vanguard , they return for their original role and clan; thereby removed the cover. This is so that they may distant themself with the shame of during uncontroversial or "honourless" warfare.

Several units that might be described as penal units by outsiders did also exist. These would all belong to Clan Maito. The most notorious unit of Clan Maito where the "Redeemers", a temporary body of warriors assembled whenever the need for diversionary or shock assault tactics occurred. Though assigned duties considered near suicidal by many observers, the Redeemers never lacks for volunteers, with those seeking to expunge some perceived sin equally matched by those seeking advancement through the honour attached to serving with the Redeemers and surviving.

Redeemers were the only units, with the exception of the Lord Commander’s honour guard, the Clan Fathers and the most venerable of the Extraordinaries (the Chapter’s name for Chapter’s Veteran members) to make routine use of Terminator armour. The Redeemers were expected to use their heavy armour as shields for others. In doing so, they atoned for their perceived sins through not only martial glory, but also the protection of their brothers. If they survived their service in the Redeemers, they would often return to their previous posts, be transferred to a new unit, or sometimes to other roles fitting them. Clan Maito Answered directly to the Clan Council It was only the Lord Commander and the Clan Council could command them.

Specilist unit/Greater Clans included:

Clan Maito:

Clan Maito or Death's Cry is a warrior-brotherhood or clan within the Void Rangers, One if the largest and the only clan where members are commanded to be assign to the clan. To be a member of Clan Maito is unofficial considered an act of censure or punishment. It is reserved for members of the Chapter that failed to achieve what was asked of them. Either for breach of honour/acts of dishonour, failer to ophold the standards and codes of battle or being unable to cope with their situation, either as lone surviviors or outcast. These unstable members would recieve a chance for glory, deployed where the battle is the fiercest and the risk of survival smallest, and hopefull find a new purpose for their exsitence... or the death they crave. Outside of battle their duties would be to the take care of unclean matters and certain ritualistic roles during campaigns where large forces of the Chapter are present.

The Clan are only deployed when the utter annihilation of the enemy is need. Most of the clan are on loan to one or another warhost for a periode of time or campaign. The Clan's most famous unit is the "Redeemer" Terminator squads whose armour paint is yet black and who rarely leaves any witness of their deeds. Other units exists too as with the introduction of the Primaris, Clan Maito now also consists of several squads of ebon-coloured Hellblasters and Reiver squads. Usually a member who redeem himself will return to his former role, keeping a sigil of censure or campaign badge with them as the only reminder of their past with them, though there remain a few battle brothers willing to be remain part of the clan, having found a new purpose as one of these eboncladed warriors. As per command, clan Maito contain a large number of judiciars who must "look after" these lost souls and install dicipline as they see fit...

Clan Imagawa:

Clam Imagawa or the clan of numbers is a Greater Clan within the Void Rangers. The members are the learned, most knowledgeable and experienced in the application of mathematic, calculation and organization. These logics analyse and formulates logistics maneuvers, be it battle and campaigns plans or warships navigation. Many of its members are Techmarines but the clan also boost a large number of space combat officers and students of siege craft.

Clan Takegawa:

A fraternity of less renown Clan Takegawa dicuss and caretake the diplomatic relations with the other Imperium institute including other Chapters. It is most focused on practical matters instead of any moral principle and stresses political and diplomatic tactics, debate, and lobbying skill. It training program include the practical applied use of the act of oratory, debate, misdirection and treat of force, and its members are usually members of a Command squad, chaplains-in-traning or the first to be seconded to Deathwatch service, to better understand the dealings of the wider Imperium.

Clan Yamaoka:

As a clan the Yamaoka or "Storm Blades" are proud linebreakers and vanguard warriors as well as experts in honour-duels. They are the dueling-masters of the Chapter and those who have proven themself in hand-to-hand combat. Unuseally the clan has no Clan Father, being lead by a council of Elders with the Chapter Champion being it cermonial head. Offen seen as the largest clan, Its members are also taught to reflect in different ways upon their duties as Space Marines while working to expand their knowledgebase of combat techniques.

Clan Amago:

A Clan of renown, Amago compose most of the Void Rangers heavy assault biker squadrons and each of its members are superlative skilled riders. This Clan excelled in mobile warfare but its warriors are also known for being shock assault infantry, shipboard assault cadres, and aircraft pilots.

 

Armoury and Fleet

In terms of access to wargear and star-faring vessels, the Void Rangers are well equipped, as their alliance with the Forge World of Lenaroda means that all but the most distant Warhosts possess what would be expected or war machines, ammunition, and materiel from a Adeptus Astartes Chapter. The Chapter are in the possessing of many of the most modern forms of Adeptus Astartes equipment, as well as older and rare armours types. Their Armoury includes Mk VIII, void-modified Mk III Power Armour, as well as several Terminator Armours, including some of the rare Cataphractii Pattern Terminator Armour, enough to equip the majority of their Veterans. In addition, The Void Rangers seem able to field squadrons of Gunships and extensive stocks of plasma and Conversion Beam weaponry. Impressive as it is, the Void Rangers Chapter seems to be severely lacking Battle Tanks such as Vindicators and Predators. The Void Rangers are therefore often force to fight under-strength, particularly in terms of the use of heavy vehicles like Predators and Land Raiders, of which they possess very few. The Chapter was noted to only possess six Land Raiders of different sub-types as well as a single Sicaran Battle tank. Also, few Dreadnoughts has been sighted in the field.

The Void Rangers are also known to have a very extensive and diverse fleet, although lacking in large numbers of heavy capital ships and planetary siegecraft in comparison to most other Chapters. The main strength of the Void Rangers’ fleets was found in a plethora of different intermediate-class and Escort vessels, with range and speed being their primary focus.

 

 

Chapter Recruitment

 

The Chapter make regular visit to several federal worlds clasified as their fieldom or "Han" in the severely dense Hasisk’s Path where they recruit the youngest and strongest youths as potential Aspirants. The steady supply of recruits from these world has, at time however, not been sufficient to meet the demands reinforcements the Chapter has been in need of to prosecute their campaigns. As such, the Warleaders are free to recruit as they see fit provided that the wishful aspirants test for any form of corruption.

This ad-hoc recruitment pattern has been a nesessarity due to the inability for the convoys of supply and reinforcement to keep up with the Warhosts rate of advance. Unusally the Chapter's scouts are not used for guerrilla warfare. Instead their main task is to gathering intelligence, for the Warhost. It seems to the Inquisitor, that the Void Rangers Neophytes do not carry a name (just a number or pseudo-name) and that to the their battle-brothers, their tasks seemed underhanded and unworthy.

 

All Void Rangers bear long, ritual scars except the neophytes. Not only does is this a mark of welcomst as they receive it when they are fully accepted into the Chapter as full brothers, but it also represents the powers of the Librarians who hold a similar role not unlike that of the White Scars' Stormseers.

As the Chapter’s Marines live for the honour of battle, and it is almost certain that the younger battle-brothers will abandon a standard tactical structure in favour of simply rushing headlong at the enemy. Some have observed neophytes to occasional excees into a wild ferocity which has lead them to cross the line into outright bloodlust. The teachings of the Chapter state that each warrior must face this trial at some point in his service, and learn to master the savagery within.

Only when he has done so can a warrior truly know himself, and do his duty. What has been observed by some as a precursor to genetic instability is regarded by others as a positive trait, and one vital to the Void Rangers' countless battle honours.

 

Combat doctrine

The achievemetns of the Void Rangers have often unnoticed by others, their battles originally fought on the far egdes of the Imperium where few have been able to observe the heroism they display in the name of the Emperor. Speed and strategic manoeuvrability are the cardinal virtues of their campaigns, and flexibility and the ability to adapt to circumstances swiftly are the hallmarks of their finest strategists. They meet brute force with emptiness, flowing around the foe to strike at his weakest points before falling back to strike again. In this regard they are not different from the White Scars Chapter. Tactically they operates almost eclusively s a rapid-strike force, as their expertise in void warfarer and anti-raiding has been lauded far and wide. They seem to disdain any kind of protracted engagement whenever possible, preferring to approach their targets either with extreme speed or strealth, with element of surprise on their side if possible.

Though they seem both competent and familiar with armoured vehicles, the core of their tactics rely on large detachments of mobile Space Marine heavy infantry. In this way, the Void Rangers make use of the bloody prowess and speed of their combat brethren to carry the day in battle. They often endeavour to be the initiator of combat actions and prefer not to fight on the defensive.

 

 

Gene-seed

The gene-seed of the Void Rangers appears to be stable and initially displayed no aberrations or mutation. Whether it is the introduction of genetic material from the fedual clansmen in Hasisk's Path, or mutation in the gene-seed, the warriors of the Void Rangers contain a wild savagery and thirst for war. The Chapter's librarian therfore assist the Apothercarium with right Gene-seed for the right candidate.

Cleanliness is general highly important for the Chapter, both real and symbolic. Bathing is likely done daily and, when possible, battle-brothers’ armour and weapon is likely cleaned as often. This is even more so facing unclean enemies, as both before and after there will be purifications rites.

Chapter Character

The Void Rangers' character has always been a fundamentally aloof one, uninterested in what was happening in the wider Imperium save for when it intersected with their own affairs or the affairs which could affect the Chapter.

 

Unlike other more wilder Chapters, the Void Rangers’ savage hearts are tempered by a streak of dark mysticism, their training and role dictated as much by the superstitions their original ancestors had as by the standardized training coda of the fledgling Adeptus Astartes and their own obscure rites. Many Void Ranger battle-brothers carry abstract scrimshaw talismans or decorate their armour with intricate and abstract line-work. It is even said, that they prepare a poet when knowing when to entering a battle, he knows he will not return from. This expectation by a battle-brother that he written his final words and feelings in this "death poem", is so that he may have cleaned his soul and gene-seed before death takes him.

 

Facial markings are widespread among the inhabitants in Hasisk's Path, less so amongst the settled populations. It is said by some that the facial scars given to the Void Rangers, which are self-inflicted on initiation into the Chapter, is a rite carried over from the days when the inhabitants of Hasisk's Path prayed for the return of Emperor; a blood offering. The Void Rangers' scars are given to extensive modifications, reflective of warrior prowess, achievement, and ritual events.

Typical scarification patterns include those reminiscent of hunting fauna. Permanent resin-based dyes have been added to prominent figures, producing hybrid scars and tattoo forms. Other inlaying their deep cuts with electoo circuitry that causes them to glow like caged stars. Vivid results have been noted, yet their chemical composition is not yet fully understood by Imperial savants.

 

Shortly after being reunited with his Chapter Lord Commander Koretada quickly adopted the customs of the scarification used by the native in sector. This practice has turn out to be most efficacious on the young, prior to the implantation of the Space Marine Progenoid Glands, the development of the basic Astartes are bias towards rapid dermatological regeneration.

 

Despite their individualism the Chapter and its battle-brothers seem deeply, almost incredibly, loyal, with many also make a habit of carrying devotional items such as prayer scrolls on their wargear. They place a great importance in tradition and oath-making and make solemn vows and carve kanji representation of them into their weapons and armour. When several Void Rangers are pledged to a similar cause, they will sometimes be given permission to form into squads dedicated to these shared oaths, such as hunting down the killer of one of their leaders or to destroy a fortress used by an enemy. These Oathbound drink together in halls and salute their common purpose.

 

Yet the Void Rangers also value learning and knowledge highly, many among them are skillfully as artificers, philosophers, and artists and they gathered wisdom as other Chapters gathered weapons, to be kept at the ready until the time came to unleash them upon the foe. The Chapter expects its battle-brothers not to just master the arts of war but also learn at least the basics of rhetoric, poetry, and calligraphy.

 

In character with their basic aloofness and desire for autonomy, the battle-brothers of the Void Rangers have an uncommon streak of individualism and self-reliance, for each one is born a survivor, a killer from the shadows, and the inheritor of a warrior lineage. Each Void Ranger also maintains his own wargear with a singular reverence, to a higher degree than in most other Space Marine Chapters. Individual weapons and suits of power armour are handed down from generation to generation. Every ward will in turn add his own embellishments to such an extent that each weapon and suit of Power Armour becomes a treasured and storied relic in its own right. This level of individualism is further evidenced by a high degree of customization in insignia, kill markings and other form of personal adornment. This includes prophetic sigils and warding prayers engraved onto their armour or written on Purity Seals.

 

The Inquisitor would note the exception of almost complete lack of any kind of position dedicated to the enforcement of military law. The Void Rangers maintains a complex code of honour which would keep the brothers in line, however the Inquistor believed that this has more to do with the Void Rangers' insular nature and unwillingness to properly report their activities. The result, however, is that there exist many instances of rivalries, and some of these are outright hostility towards different members of the Chapter.

 

 

Belief

 

The Void Rangers regard the “soul” of an Astartes as his Gene-seed, and view themselves as both a fusion of the current owner and the reincarnation of the previous owner of the Seed within them. A pure "souled" warrior will, upon his death, sit at the right hand of the Emperor.

The Emperor, the Void Rangers beliefs, is venerated as the Ultimate Uniter of Mankind and as the Perfect, complete Being, but not as a God and they do not hold the Imperial Creed as their faith and have little regard for the Ecclesiarchy.

To the Void Rangers, the Solar eclipse that serves as their Chapter badge is a potent and important symbol, representing both the Void Rangers’ link to Ancient Terra, and its arrival as being a good omen for their allies. Their duty to destroy the enemies of the Emperor is in preparation for the day when He will rise from the Golden Throne to begin a new Great Crusade to unify the galaxy – The final darkness before a new bright dawn. On that day, their unkown Primarch will return from the void to lead the Adeptus Astartes once more into a new golden age.

 

 

Notable members

Date Harumune: Lord Commander Date Harumune is the current Chapter Master or Lord Commander of the Void Rangers. He took command after the death of his pressesor Tokugawa Hirotada who was killed by Orks in the Invasion of Gon-Yuk in 968.M41. A mysterius if diligent and disciplined strategist Lord Commander Date is a master of void warfarer. It is said he is an extremly active individual, always seeking new battlefield for his Chapter to prove their merit. It is also said, that after many long centuries of battle, Lord Date is more machine than human. However, he engender fierce loyalty from the warriors who served him and is an inspiring figure. Post-Great Rift, he is overseeing the deployment of half of the Chapter strength in the defence of Hasisk' Path where the Void Rangers is bogged down against multiple Traitor Space Marines forces while attempting to contact the rest of the Chapter which is deployed elsewhere.

 

Okeda Hideyoshi: Warleader Hideyoshi is The Lord-Regent to Lord Date and Prime Warleader of the Void Rangers. As such he is entitle as Arch Commander of the Void Rangers. In addition, he in the Head of the Okeda, Takegawa and Konoe Clans. Commonly regarded as the most proficient of the Warleaders within the Chapter, his combat record includes excellent performance in sieges, holding actions and rapid assaults. Stated by Lord Date to be his most capable Force Commander and regarded as Date's most likely successor, he is frequently described by the other Warleaders as one of the most formidable warriors of the Chapters, having mastered swordmanship at a young age. When he takes to the battlefield he acts as a force of nature, with a fury and strength behind his aggression that while apparently barbaric is tempered by a keen intelligence and sense for the ebb and flow of battle. Currently the Lord-Regnet is leading a Battle Group consisting of the elements from multiple Warhosts in the fight to halt the rampaining of the orks in sub-sector Tyranon.

 

Sasanki Yoshimoto: Warleader Sasanki is a commander of a Warhost in the Void Rangers Chapter. As he function as the Fleetmaster to the Lord Commander Date it is speculated that he would be equil to 4th company captain. In addition to his role as Fleetmaster, he is the Clan Father of the Sasanki and Imagawa clans. A proud warrior, Sasanki's pleasure is said to be that of battle and the destruction of his enemies. He is said to know the hearts and minds of the battle-brothers under him, and be a skilled duellist. His most hated foe is the Death Guard due to their boarding and capturing of the Void Rangers' strike cruiser The Void Blade and the destruction of its escorts. These ships were crewed by Imagawa clan members and Lord Sasanki is determind to avenge them. Currently in persuite of a Red Corsairs force in Hasisk's Path.

 

Sanada Tadakatsu: Warleader Sanada was one of the first Primaris Greyshield to be introduced into the Void Rangers. As such, he is the youngest promoted Warleader of the Chapter, having taken the name Sanada after the planet where he, and the rest of the Greyshield host, where meant to meet the Void Rangers Chapter. Warleader Sanada has already conducted several brilliant campaigns against the Orks in the Valian, Relugorian and Fevek systems. Currently leading a Warhost compose mostly of Primaris, his Warhost is currently fighting in the Tyranon sub-sector and is trying to preventing the Orks from the Wusan system from spilling into the Fevek system, potential unify the Orks to a single Waaagh!.

 

Maito Nubunaga: Maito also known as Lord Maito or the Black Thunder, is a ranked sergeant under the command of Lord Date and Clan Father of the notorious Maito clan. As head of Clan Maito, Nubunaga has little regard for honour or ideas of civilized warfare, being content with a simple objective: utilizing the most terrible weapons on the battlefield to annihilate the enemy and crush their spirits entirely, using terror as a weapon. Maito has precluded himself from ever rising further above the rank of sergeant, the association of his clan with the taint or death is shunned and seen as dishournable by the other members of his chapter. Nevertheless, Maito is as skilled a tactician as any other officer of his Chapter and has been seen leading muliple strike forces thoughout his years.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Commander Nicky
Outdated

[Commander Nicky]

Hey Guys. So now I think I have figured it out, and want to introduce you to a newly freshed out artcle. I hope you enjoy.


+++++++++++++++++++++

CHAPTER NAME: .............. ...Void Rangers

FOUNDING: ............................??? [M.34 a least]

CHAPTER WORLD: ...............Edo Major

FORTRESS MONASTERY: ....Darkwell and The Shogun (Barrack world and Flagship/Fortress monastery res.)

GENE-SEED: …………...........Unknown (White Scars speculated)

KNOWN DESCENDANTS: .....NONE

 

Allegiance: Imperium of Man

Chapter Master: Date Harumune (last known)

Current Size Estimate: +900 (Pre-Great Rift)

Specialty: Void warfarer and anti-raiding

Colours: Gold, blue, green and black

Symbol: A dark circle with an halo around (like a solar eclipse)

Battle Cry: None - fight in silence

Motto: The Emperor Uses All"

 

 

 

Intro

Roaming the edges of space and the Imperium’s borders, The Void Rangers of the Emperor’s Space Marines are a relatively enigmatic group. They are non-codex, and little information is available on them. Questions about the reliability of the information available are also unknown, perhaps a byproduct of the Chapter's aloof relations and a lack of insight from Imperial bodies.

Though scattered and spread thin after the Great Rift, they appear to still be of a sizable force. the Great Rift, visable from Hasisk's Path, must, however, have force them to be even more active, putting them on the defences and out of their hidden. Even now they must be lending their forces to other Imperial bodies, hopinng for aids or helps from the embattered Imperium.

 

If words are true, their influx of recruits has skyrocked, and their Warhosts are now opperating more opportunistic in terms of recruitment. This is supported data. This remarkeable flexibility is not unseen in Chapters under pressure.

It might be, that the scarciry of reinforcements from Edo Major has been offset after the Great Rift, and their demands for more marines have outphased what their own realm can provide.

The sparity of their realm has been reported beforehand, as it is not unfamiliar for them to recruit from conquered populations en mass. Indeed reports of them tells of a habit where they, in extreme cases, takes in influx of recruits from the induction pool Astra Militarum Whiteshield cadets, to repleninsh their ranks. It is not known if this is only in emergencies.

Even fellow Chapters have not been spared. The Void Rangers have decended on worlds already ceased to more estabilished chapters for recruits in times of crisis. This practice has not caused little friction between both Segmentum Command and fellow Chapters, like the Invaders and the Sons of Medusa.

With the introduction of Primaris marines and general reinforcement sent from the Indomitus Crusade's battle groups, the fortune may have improve for the Void Rangers. They should now have the combat ability to send new strike forces to battered Imperial worlds.

 

The Void Rangers was, before the Great Rift, noted for their relentless pursuit of their enemies and had a notorius tendency for its detachments to move from war zone to war zone as they see fit. Savage in style and outlook, they was continously on the warpath, engaging in conflicts, traveling exclusively from warzones, stopping only for resupplying, arms and recruits, a tendency they have done undiscriminating, before moving on.

 

Despite their loyality and willingness to sacrifice everything in the name of Imperium, many fellow Chapters still view The Void Rangers with disregard and they have several ongoing conflicts with other Chapters.

Even the Adeptus Terra has censured them for these actions - stirring conflicts and further isolating them. Many, like the Ultramarines have made it a virtue to keep their distance to them. These grudges towards them seem to be one-wayed. They, on the surface, do not bother with who they fight, and appear to approve the honor duels that sometime are demanded. This is a way of proving their skills at arms, which has only deeping the rift with other chapters. Perhaps they trife on conflict. That they see the survival against impossible odds and the challenges they are facing as something constant in the existing. Something for which they always have triumfed over. Defeated it with either a cold pragmatism or a willingness to sacrifice everything for victory.

 

They have for long times been wandering and patroling outer space, and they have, beforehand, been identied as a crusading/nomadic Chapter. Last indications are, however, that they prefer or inhabbit a region the Segmentum Pacificus, known as Hasark's Path. This region is suspected to be the Chapter's unofficiel fieldom, despite that they do not hold stewardship in it. None the less, it has been observed to maintain a serious concentration of Void Ranger forces. Forces which keep vigilance and a presence here.

Since the formation of the Great Rift, it has been troublesome to keep track with their strike forces or contact their base of operations in Hasisk's Path. Last report from Shield-Captain Eltio was that his Torchbearer strike force was able to succesfull make contact with elements of the Chapter, delivering 3 companies of worth of Greyshield Primaris to them but notting else is known.

 

On behave of the administation and the Inquisition, Inquisitor Tuern, pupil of the late Inquisitor Van Der Saulan, has been sent to Hasisk's Path, to tract down the last  known base of operations. To his mentor, this seemed to be Edo Major which serves as a rally point, proving ground, or resupplying center for the Chapter. It will be the most likely place to renew contact get an overview of their current disposition.

The Void Rangers has referer to Edo Major as a "barrack". Whether that serves as thier homeworld is unknown. It is not known ether if they maintain a major present on a single inhabbitant world in Hasisk's Path now.

The Chapter is known for its loyal tendency to the Imperium and to have committed themselves to campaigns. Here they have fought on till whatever end. Be it their death or that of their foes.

 

History

The Lone Hunters

 

As with many Chapters of obscure origin, much of the details pertaining to the Chapter's history and the early disposition of the Void Rangers have been lost to official Imperial records. The teachings and lore the Void Rangers themselves retain on the matter have become intertwined with myth and dense allegory as to be almost useless in divining certain facts. The difficulty of determining the Void Rangers' history and origins should, however, come as no surprise for a Chapter that seem to value solitude and autonomy.

 

Therefore with no surprise, the exact date of the Void Rangers founding has been lost long since or forgotten. What information can be gathered suggests that they belong to the 6th or 7th founding. The best information available on them is from the treaty “A study on the obscure Astartes”, writing by Inquisitor Van Der Saulan, in the early 40 millenium. This treaty is the result of the most resent investigation into the Chapter and she, her treaty, the primary source on the Void Rangers. Inquisitor Van Der Saulan, deceased long ago was known to have the most dealings with the Chapter.

According to her investigation, the Void Rangers first appeared sometime after 001.M34 and certainly after Abaddon the Despoiler’s 4th Black Crusade. It is recorded that it was after this onslaught that the High Lords of Terra declared a new Founding to be made, to recup the untold damage inflicted across the Imperium and further strengthen the Imperium for the inevitable next coming of hellish forces out of the Eye of Terror.

The many ancient relics, highly advanced technologies, would suggest they are of an early founding or successor of an early founded Chapter, perhaps the 2nd or 3rd Founding, but the inquisitor deduced this to be unlikely. The Chapter is not mentioned in any report before the 34th millennium which would have raised questions about an earlier founding.

Neither it is known, if, on their founding, they were blessed with several relics by their founders. It might be, that they have accured them later, but how? Giving their role as anti-raiders and void explorers they may have come across the technology and relics, which would be the best explanation.

The inquistor did not knew how the Chapter was treated by the Adeptus Mechanicus or what how sollid their relationship was at the point. It could be that the Chapter had kept or traded with them. Providing them with scavanged techno relics for arms, weapons and ships. It is however, left for the imagination. Alternative, they could have kept and incorporated anything worthy into their own armoury. The questions remains.

 

Despite this setback, the Inquisitor did learn of their fleet capacity. She was able to track and correlates the production records on some of these ships which revieled mixed service time. Some had 6 milleniums of active service, others were resently new. Many were of different designs and some were of very old and rare designs. A few, including their Flagship the Shogun were of an unknown but design. As the ships had  been configurated, their state quality were impossible to know. As for the quantity, the inquisitor suggest they were intended for rapid deployment.

Her records go on to suggseted that Void Rangers had in the past been deployed predominantly through Imperial territory. Also, but later, they were deployed as pioneers or raiders on the Imperial frontier against xenos domains, lost human realms, separatists’ planetary lords or other secessionists. The Void Rangers was once masters in the use of surgical strike warfare, and the inquisitor's postulation that it was in these times that the Void Rangers became used to it. It should have been established in these times by the necessity of their missions, as it meant that they had rarely been more than a few dozen warriors in each war zone. Spreed thin, they may have been pitted against the empires and armies beyond and within the edge of the maps, the brave few standing against the terrors of the outer dark or the horrors from within, far from aid and support. How they survive would be due to tactics, their bravery and their strike-first dogma. Striking, without warning, raiding, and killing, drawing out their foes, be it xeons or traitors, they must have tested the enemies’ defenses and tactics. Watching, always, and learning before going in for the kill. They must have been like the wind, everywhere and nowhere, insubstantial, and yet forceful, and they must have had to take the duty they were given with a passion, taking joy from the thrill of battle and the hunt across the stars. For what else was their in their exsisting? They may have taking the fight in a trill of wild abandoning, but not with a glean, psychopathic smile, but as warriors who took the fight and feelt the wild rush of unceasing war against enemies too numerous for they acted as though they felt their fighting was the completeness of being alive.

Not until the enemy was reeling from their wounds did they make a final strike, a final decapitating blow meant to crush the enemy’s capacity for continuing fighting.

 

Where many other Chapter seeks to prosecute a war with stern discipline and careful planning, conquering with implacable might and securing those domains they seizes, the Void Rangers will descend upon the foe like a storm from clear skies. They will enveloped and overrun the enemies positions and where they are weak or exposed, they will strike without mercy, using speed and fury to overwhelm any defenses, a trait perhaps from their founding chapter. If the enemy’s defenses would be strong or well-emplaced, they would redraw, harring the enemy until he was weak, so as to leave him vulnerable to Battle Groups followed the Chapter's trails.

Interviews performed by Van Der Saal on some of the Void Rangers gave basis for these thoughts, these exploits which spoke equally well of their ferocious skill-at-arms and the strategic insight of their commanders. The brothers, she describe, were rather different in style and manners to that of other Chapters, wilder and more direct, but no less charming or effective. Athough the Void Rangers did not lack discipline or pose, they walked and wore a cloak which many would identify as that of the savage. Many might thought them as wild killers, not unlike other more infamous chapters like the [redacted]… Their nature might be untamed, but they were still bound by chains of duty and honor… defined by the Chapter’s code of honor.

They might have be merciless and perhaps cruel on the attack and would rather be seen as insolent or fractious, but this is rumors which seem to be founded on misunderstanding. To the inquisitor, the Void Rangers would grant no mercy to their foe, but they would do so not for the joy of simple slaughter, but in honor of the valor shown them. They would hold nothing back just as as worthy foe had and it seemed that if they failed to respect the policies and plans of others, it is because their own ways served them better… in their own ways.

 

The Then and The Now

 

The inquisitor was witness to several ceremonies, included oral tales and stories about the Chapter's change of fate, an important concept for in the Chapter's idendity. The tales told was about thier origin in Hasisk’s Path.

 

The Chapter own appearing in Hasisk's Path, according to themself, started in 38th millennium in the Crusade of Akohon. This was confirmed by the Inquisitors sources as they could certainly had been there before due to the newly creating and christianzed Akohon sector in that millennium. Going on, the stories told explained how and why they settled, for the first time, in a single sector and why this sector.

The worlds in the Sulen, later Akohon, sector had apparently been difficult to navigate through. They had, for many millennia, been dificult and even worsned after The Howlingin in 401.M34. this was confirm with official reports. Although the sector was once widely thriving, consistent of dozens of inhabitant planets and vast industries, the sector was suddenly cut off, and all contact with the wider Imperium lost with the disruption of the Astronomican. Continues Warp storms and star nebulas in and around the sector made it impossible for the Imperium to make contact, and as time passed, the Imperium lessened their hope of receiving contact with the sector.

A change happen in the early 38th millennia. The Warp storms which had plagued the region started to calm down and stable warp routes to and from the sector became clear once again. It was thereby  possible, for the first time in milleniums, to make voyages to and from the sector’s worlds.

The Imperium went not idle, sending several envoys into the sector, to make contact and discover what had happened with the inhabitants in this former isolated realm.

What these envoys reported was a realm claimed by xenos, traitors and chaos worshippers.

The High Lords of Terra’s strategic command had initially considered the sector of space of little value and, due to the difficulty of traveling in this area, had left it undefended during several incursions. In its isolation the region had suffered. Civil wars, brutal and devastating, widespread famine, insanity, daemonic possessions, and inter-human wars had taking place as the region had fallen into anarchy shortly after the isolated began. The Imperial envoys tried, initially, to hail the worlds but where meet with silence. Those that did respons did either not recognize or accept the Imperial envoys authority, growling that the Imperial did not hold sway here. Some even replied that the doom of mankind was approching and only The Dark Gods could safe them - not the Imperial Light.

In effect, the Akohon lost.

This sector was, at that time, one of a few sectors capable of replenishing the wider Imperium. It was the Imperium intentions to reclaim these abandon worlds and as such it was declared of strategic importance. The High Lords of Terra, deciding to make an example of might, wanted it retaking. To be known that their authority was not to be trivled with, be it in this or any other area of the galaxy.

Initially a single Battle Group, under Lord General Akohon, was formed with the object of bringing the sector back into the Imperial fold and, at first, made good progress at the outer systems, the defenders stand little no.

 

 

Brothers-in-arms

 

The attacking force had, however,  been down priotized. Understrengthen with an overconfident Lord General, from the beginning of the campaign this went from good to bad then to the worse. As the battle group was became bogged down on several fronts, it became clear that the estimated Imperial forces were not sufficient to handle the task at hand.

Much to his regret, Lord General Akohon made (some say forced) to request additional forces. This call for reinforcement was answered by several Knightly Houses, significant Adeptus Mechanicus elements from 3 different Forge Worlds, including Titans, and companies from half a dozen Chapters of Adeptus Astartes, including the full strength of the Void Rangers.

 

As told, this was, at first, both a celebration and renewing for the Void Rangers. Since it founding, the Chapter had hardly gathered its full strength. The last time it was several millenniums ago. It was therefore a celebration for the Chapter and their leaders. Now was the time to prove their merit and value.

However, when the Chapter's various scattered forces, answering the call for the grand muster made by their Chapter Lord Nathaniel Redford, finally arrived for the muster on the plain world of Asora it was not of a unified something was different. Each company kept to their own, looking on those who should have been their brothers with suspicion, envy and no little disdain. It suddenly seemed like a gathering of strangers in a strange land. They were all Space Marine of the Void Ranger Chapter. But they where unifed in name only. In reality, they were several autonomous companies, each of which had had few links to any of their brethren in other companies and had operated entirely independently over many long centuries. This independence of operation and command had of course been both a necessity due to the size and missions of the early Chapter and was perhaps a legacy of the fierce spirit of its original founders. However, over the millenniums, these brothers and companies had continuously deviated from the standard organizational pattern of the Codex Astartes, partly due to the increasing difficulty of resupplying and regroup. Each of the Chapter’s companies had operated as an augmented battle company, comprising perhaps 100 Marines and a varying array of specialist detachments, each unique in its exact configuration and total fighting strength. Now they were gathered for a campaign of conquest. As the tales goes, internal rivalry and eminity started to take rout even as the Chapter prepared to sally ford.

The fighting against impossible odds was the challenge all the brothers of the Chapter had wanted but each company fougth their own battle, neither lending their support not content with other outdoing them. This went very real, and worse for fellow brothers from other Chapters who where joining the crusade. Those who were bearing a different livery.

 

For the first years the Battle Group waged a cruel war of attrition against the worlds in the sector. Although not a unified force, the forces of chaos would provide the stiffest and fiercest combadant for the Battle Group. Several worlds deemed to be unattainable were subjected to orbital bombardment and billions were killed through the act of Exterminatus. The innocent died with the guilty. No quarter was given, and none were asked for. On and on the war would rage with the end never seemed to be in sight.

All this fueled the Void Rangers zeal for victory. However, the Void Rangers raged their own wars. Despite fighting bravely they began to lose. No matter how they sought and fought, something were different. Where beforehand, they had fought coordinated and with purpose, they now began to change tactics. The brothers would lose patient with each other, and none of them would retreat, lets some other snatch the victory.

While none of the brothers would sit idle while "the others" claimed "their rightfull" share of the glory none knew what they were fighting for. While the campaign went on and the enemy still fighting the warriors of the Void Rangers began to give battle without remorse, without stratigic aim, and without regard for their own life.

Perhaps a cleaver mind would admit they were in need of help. But them. Not like this. And they refuse to give up. At Naniwa elements of 3 of their companies took a citadel of the Black Legion in a single night at the cost of a third of their own, all to outpace not only each other, but also an Imperial Fists strike force meant to reinforce them. At Yomei Alpha, a force of 50 Void brothers and 100 neophytes battled an alien race commanded tanks impenetrable to most Imperial arms. They prevailed but at enormously price in life.

Gradually, as moral took a hit, the Void Rangers ceaced fighting as a unified force. Instead they would fight as individual champions, each trying to outcompete each other. Slowly they began to be eroded by the pressures of war and their own stubborn dedication to prosecuting it in their own way. Where once they had been pathfinders in both tactical and strategic sense, their slow attrition was confusing them and bringing them down. Where they once had been amongst the keenest and most proficient breed of the Adeptus Astartes created by the Emperor, their internal rivalry blinded them. As the Chapter's many battered forces became more concern with outdoing each other and jealously guarded their small fragments of glory, they began to turn upon each other for blaim. No matter how much each and every company struggled, they where led further and further down a path. A path of arrogance.

More and more they were loosing and more and more they were in need of help.

 

A Turning Point

 

The final lowdown and blow for the Chapter’s fragile pride finally came at Quarter-Dunan, the former seat of the Sector Lord. At Quarter-Dunan, the Chapter lost not only 2 full companies worth of brother marine, but also Chapter Lord Redford and most of the Chapter's officers and aids. This was in an overrose; to take the planet before the main force. This vain attempt was declared a waist by the Crusade's High Command and Lord General Akohon was harsh in his critic of them, as little had been gained. The inquistor, in her report, doesn't indulce in the full details of the war or of the tales tolds, leaving out what horrors the Chapter went through at Quarter-Dunan. She does, however makes it clear, that much of what happened during this conflict was sealed by the inquistion and that the Void Rangers were ordered to stand down until the main force arrived. When the main force arrived, the Chapter was reassigned to rearguard duties for fear that they would not back away from the conflict if not ordered to redraw. It is unclear, wheater the death of several senior officers, including Chapter Lord Redford, where the action of enemy combatants. The inquisitor suggested that [redacted] may have been to blaim for [redacted] death and that  only after [reeddited…] did they retreat. What is clear is that after the breaking of the Quarter-Dunan system, resistance to Imperial forces collapsed across the entire sector.

As dawn broke across the sector, so did realization for the warriors of the Void Rangers.

They had come seeking glory, and found only shame. Realisation finally hit them. Their lose of cohesion, their internal fighting, their abandoning of their allies, all of this and more. It became clear. What was left of fighting morale disappeared. Demoralization and shame took hold. They were a shadow or their former self. Ashamed that they had fallen so short in a campaign that should have united them. As irony would befall, they were now ina  union of shame. Where before they had known victory, they were now labeled as reckless glory-seekers.

Those officers still left, gatered the Chapter to discuss the further. Initally The Council which was later known as The Council of Reasoning was initially unable to choose a successor to the deceased Redford. Tension soon rose as blame when forth and back, amoung the loudest was Daric Ledron, honour guard to Chapter Lord Redford and one who had fought fircest and most reckless for glory during the campaign. It soon appeared, that another infight would boil out and the fight Chapter had brought ruin to them would bring them down unless they unable to restrain themself. As the Chapter was at another brink of civil war, the Chapter's librarians, in psychic communication, found a compromise - and a solution.

 

The Comming of Koretada

 

What the librarians propose was both radical and unheard of: Reconstruct the Chapter, renew it by make creatting a permemant settlement in the Askohon sector and, finaly, elect the unknown Koretada Iga as the Chapter Lord.

This came as a supprise for most. The Chapter had always been spacefarers, reconstructed the Chapter outside of the Codex Astartes was unheard of and as for Brother Koretada Iga, he had been serving in the Deathwatch since before the campaign to take the Akohon sector. Few of the brothers left knew of him, and even fewer knew him in person.

The librarians resoned: As a sessoned leader who had been out of contact with the  Chapter, brother Koretada had not been enmeshed with any of the Chapter's numerous factions and groups. As for the reconstruction, the chapter was fractionize it needed recontruction for it to survive. It was both a sourse of their strength but also a weakness of their individuality. A reconstruction could and should be to strengthen the bond between the different fractions and make the sum of all more potent than each on their own.

All of this and more would allow Koretada and the reforms he should carry out to be accepted by the different factions in upper and lower echelons of the Chapter.

The Void Rangers, always having a great respect for their librarians, for they were does who had kept the contact between the various strike forces. It was they who were responsible for upholding the teaching the core beliefs of the Void Rangers and it was they who knew the lore of the Chapter.

As the Council came to an agreement, messengers were sent out, and within long, Koretada Iga was reunited with his Chapter and declared the new Chapter Lord of the Void Rangers.

 

Upon meeting his Chapter, Koretada Iga beheld different heraldry on warriors of a hundred different worlds bound together only by the tenuous strands of their shared genetic legacy. Many of them where new faces to him, many of them had learned their warriors craft in the campaign for the Akohon sector.

Upon the assending day, he made three requists: the first was a test of arms. The leader of each fraction, group, company or anyone else who thought high of himself would step forward and have their mettle tested against their new Chapter Lord in a duel.

Many where the pridefull at this challenge. Some saw it as arrogance on the new Chapter Lord's behave. The same which had befallen them before, and had brought them down. Yet none refuse. Fircest of his duels was with Daric Ledron. The Chapter Lord only won due to a low blow which infuriated some of Daric Ledron supporters. Daric Ledron say notting. Declaring if this was how the Chapter was to fight in the further, so be it. Another close competitier was Araton Nivton, Koretada's former right hand man.

However, as Koretada fought each contester in turn, it became appearent, that the true purpose for the duels was not to measure each contentant, but to learn from the other and not only skills at arms but also respect. Something that has been laking between the various fractions.

Having tested their mettle, Koretada named each fraction a clan, and made their leader Clan "Father". He then asked that each and every clan invites other clan members into their circle, to let them test their skills-at-arm as well as their wisdom in the art of war. This was part of his reform. In return, he would let the Clans chose, to him, a representant for the clans, and a naysmith for his Warcouncil. The two would question his logic and reasoning for his decisions and be a voice of reason for all of the Chapter. The first representant for the Clan, the one he named the Grandmaster, would become Malban Somax, the Chief Librarian who has propose the compromise. He was later to be known as Minomoto Hajime. The first Naysmith, the one who would be named his Lord-Regent, would be Araton Nivton. Upon his dead, Araton Nivton would succed Koretada as Chapter Lord, at that time he was known as Kasekura Nakono.

He then made his second requist: That any and all who felt they had something to confess, admit it now or forget it. If the had shamed, let it be the pass, they would be giving a change later. However, were their transgrassion to deep, to grim or dark, left them gather in into one clan. It was up to each Chapter brother to decide himself if this would be where he should be. This clan, Koredata said should forever be associated with the Chapter's sins and honour. The clan would be the bringer of vengeange against any who would question their honour, their intrigity loyalty to each other. However, in doing so, this clan would be shunned and never treated with rightfull honour, for they would do everything in the name of victory for the Chapter.

The first volentere was Daric Ledron. He would later be known as Maito Ukon and became the first member and first Father of this, the sinners' clan.

 

Koretada Iga was not done. As a student of lore, Koretada knew the history about the different Primarchs. Of all the Primarchs, Jaghatai Khan, the Great Khan,  was his favoured as he sence that they may have been of a similar mind. Jaghatai Khan had at one time face the same problem as Koretada: Uniting people of different background into a force of purpose. This he had done before being reunited with the Emperor and again when united with his Legion. In a similar move, Chapter Lord Koretada first decision was for the fractious elements of his chapter to meet, together, at the base of where it all started: Asora.

 

A New Begining

 

By the time the Chapter's ships arrived over Asora, they were meet by a strange site. Upon the planet, several barrack had been set up, each housing dozen aspiring initiates

The Chapter's warriors who saw these young braves realised, that they had been taken from all over the Sector and Asora itself. The Chapter Lord had sent words out in advangenge. It was at Asora, that he made his final requist: That the Chapter, new and old join him in rituals to celibrate the new recruits into their brotherhood.

The gathering on Asora saw the occurrence of these rituals for the first time. They would give new meanings to the social conscious of the Void Rangers, for generations to come, and seal the various warriors of the chapter into a unified bond - as a host.

 

Adapted from the traditions of Void Rangers and blended with the costumes of the feudal clans in Hasisk' Path. The most important ritual was known as the “Marking," or "the Ascension". For some of the Void Rangers, it was not unlike rituals they themself had had on their original planet. The "Ascension" was a simple ritual, dispensing with the shamanistic pageantry of it naitive people - at Akohon or abroad. It itself compose of three parts; a challenge, a scar and a name, all conducted on the same day.

The challenge would be no different than those set for aspirant. Such ceremonies were fairly common among the various warrior societies which made up much of the Imperium and it's vast armies. These trials-by-fire were differnt. Rather than fighting as individual warriors or aspirants as was costume, they would have to accomplish these challenge as groups. They were forced to depend on each other to succed. For some this was different from what they were used to. Be they in pair or as a unit, the success of each one, and even their survival would depend on all of their ability to accomplish this and fight together. It would require both intelligence and cooperation to overcome. No single member might alone survive them and the challenges would be in groups. No names, ranks, company, or any other association with a certain group where permitted. Their idendities deferred, they where all warriors of the Void Rangers now only. Seasoned warriors would accompany neophytes and warriors of different companies and worlds would have to overcome their animosity. This techniques  has always been employed, as a tool to enforce solidarity and loyalty among the most brutal of warrior societies, those tasked with the most omnerous of duties and the harshest of sacrifices.

 

The second part of the ritual, with the blood and sweet of their challenge still bright on their skin, was for the warriors to mark themself. They were to be renewed, both in body and soul as reborn warriors of the Void Rangers, discarding the lives and sins that had gone before them. This, the mark, a ritual scarification, would become a practice. Later generations would build futher on the ritual, inlaying their deep scars with electoo circuitry as done by the slum gangs on the Hive World of Refulan or adding drier to their scars as the nomatic clans from Sertyn.

 

The third and final ritual, the naming was something the older generation bestow upon the younger and visa-verse. Some did name their brothers for thier character. Others for their bravery. The younger would most likely named the older for the value they had shown during the challenges. Names often spoken in a different tongue or dialects, would blend and become a meaning in the ears of the Void Rangers.

 

Later generations would follow in their footstep, secured by the trials of blood and pain they had undergone and the oaths they had sworn.

The Chapter Lord announce that they would wed and blend in the new initates with the old. Using their genetic line to tie the warriors together and to a shared culture. This culture was not to be of Asora, or to any single world in the Akohon sector, but to whole of Hasisk’ Path, making it the glue to unify the Chapter. Encourage, his brothers began to do this learn from this culture and more. The study of the "Noble Pursuits," as they were known on ancient Terra -- such things as calligraphy, hunting and the telling of ancient tales began to be fostered. The old ways of Terra and the ways of Hasisk's Path were made the Truth of the Chapter, a strange blend of practicality and superstition. Only by working as a Chapter, they learn, would they prevail.

The first part of the Chapter Lord's plan was thereby secured. In the wake of the games and ceremonies conducted on Asora, Koretada led the combined ranks against the outer edges in The Akohon sector, the outlawed regions, to reclaim it for the Imperium. There they fought the last renegade bastions on the planet of Edo Major, for tradition alone would not be suffice to unit the Chapter. In the baptism of fire and blood that followed the division in the Chapter was healed as the bonds between the survivors were stronger than any simple oath.

When the final worlds in Hasisk’s Path was secured the Chapter began to rebuild. The sector which had served to bring them down would now, in the following generations, serve to rebuild it. From the wide plains of Asora, to the rugged systems in Hasisk’s Path and Edo Major's many void camps, the Chapter replenished its ranks. The Chapter wold ensure that they would remain united even after Koretada's passing.

As the tales goes, since Koretda's passing, the Void Ranger’s has emerged from the Akohon as a Chapter reborn.

 

Van Der Saulan made an inquirery into several restricted files in the archives of the Deathwatch about this Koretada. These files describe him, however to be the chapter’s initial founder. Believed to have been a long serving watch captain of some renowned from an unknown lineage. He was, on his return from his vigilance, made Chapter Master of a new founding. Upon his journey to the inauguration of his new command, his ship was cast of in the Warp. Upon reentering real space, his ship carried, in towe, an ancient warship of unknown design. Some say it was the remains of a powerful ancient warship of forgotten design, others that it was a mighty battleship lost during the Great Crusade and some even whispers that it was a Terran relic from before the Old Night. When the better part of the Chapter were send to board and investigate the hull, they were giving the salvaged right to the ship. The Adeptus Mechanicus took certain relic-technologies as payment for refitting the ship, along with free access to the knowledge stored in the vessel's data-tabernacle and the ship was cleansed and technorcised by the inquisition and Adeptus Mechanicus before it was rechristenedt as The Shogun .

Van Der Saulan did not mention the Deathwatch files to the Chapter when visiting them as she believed it could have provoked them.

 

 

Home region

 

In her files, the Inquistor managed to map a pattern of sightings regarding the chapter's recruitment, with initiates coming from within the nearby sub-sectors of the fragmented Edo. It was only upon further investigation was she able to locate their fortress and where she was invited in by their Chapter Lord to learn more about them.

In her files, she writes, that  she was meet with much courtesy and forthright honesty, which was different from usual protocol adherence and to the rules the Adeptus Astartes shown. The Chapter's delegate, Lord Sasanki, believed it was ill-suited to follow protocols as did the rest of his Chapter. They did not punish those who transgressed these rules however, they themself set. Records show that the Chapter which was at that time thought of as a Fleet Based Chapter, was operation from the strange Relic ship The Shogun, a hybrid lance attack-fleet carrier. Rumors was, that the Shogun was salvaged by the Void Ranger and re-commissioned after an extended refit before entered their service as their Flagship. Now serving, it is their de-facto Fortress Monastery, the largest respiratory of their gene-seed. Defintily the ship served as host ship to the inquisitor. It was here, with more fanfare than exspected, she meet the Void Ranger delegation. Lead by “Warleader” Lord Sasanki, a senior officer of the Chapter she was informed, that the Void Rangers considered their both The Shogun their main war camp and home, while Edo Major serve as their spiritual home.

To most, an existence on Edo Major is too harsh and no major colonization has been made. Eons ago, two of Edo's worlds collided and shattered into countless fragments, leaving the system a broken, desolate place, choked with shards of dead rock, and blasted by cruel, radioactive Solar Winds, it is without natural resources and far from habitable space.

Difficult to navigate it was once a haven for pirates and smuggler, a base and a home for every criminal, miscreant, heretic, and rebel which existed in the sector before the Void Rangers conquered the region. The Void Rangers had initally based their headquaters on Asora, but as it became clear that the plant's core was unstable, they moved their base to Edo Major, expanding the caverns and hollowed out catacombs, and in time, a creating a fixed fortress or base upon the world. Named Darkwell, the base servive as the Chapter's barrack and proving ground for the new recruits shipped in from other part of the sector and beyond. The base, as described from as from Oldspike a battle station above the base, as consisting of twisted spires of ebon rocks which rises from the surrounding wasteland. From a low orbit platform, there are no visible structures and no evidence of human artifice. However, the uneven rock faces, crags, and crevasses, is also what gives it away. All around the base, and in the cracks and shards of dead rock in the voids lays all manner of hidden defensive batteries and sally ports. Darkwell was like a lonely outcrop on a lonely world. It would have been seen as a bleak or desperate decision for anyone to enter the Edo System, which was how the Chapter liked. It served to keep the base hidden. In the void around Edo Major passed the remains of captured and looted ships previously belonging to smugglers, criminals, outcast or other “unfortunate” humans foolish or desperate enough to enter restricted area. The ships, have been looted for parts, had been rebuild to serve the Chapter, either as quarters for the Chapter’s serfs, or as training ground. The Chapter possed a large number of warships and the Void Rangers were known to have a very extensive and diverse fleet. This was possibly due to this oppertunistics behavior and their habbit of trying to be self reliant by the Chapter. In addition, a small battle station, called Old Spike, had been build into the asteroid 12-Kappa-alpha which orbits Edo Major. This battle station, had several function, served both as an orbital space docking, as a relay-, space- and defense station. This was against incoming spacecraft, who were often the Chapter’s own vessels returning for refit and repair.

 

 

Organization

 

The Warhosts

 

The Void Rangers’ Chapter are through and through a non-codex chapter even though they, on the surface seems to follow several of its tenders. Operation in a semi-fedual system, The brothers of the Void Rangers are divided into a number of “Warhosts”, who are claim to protects a fieldom or "Han" in Hasisk's Path.

Each Warhost is a band of warriors, a mixture of new recruits of differing origins and service time,  together with more experienced warriors. The recruits may have been brought in for training from Hasisk's Path which provide a steady influx of warrior. Alternative the recruits may have been choosen by a Warhost on the march, either due to good perfomance or out of emergencies.

A Warhost was not uncomparable to a Great Company as found in the Space Wolves or seen in the Salamanders. The number of Warhosts figures to be between five and seven.

That the Warhosts are the basic formation of the Void Rangers was unquistionable but the exact strength of the Warhosts were difficult to assess due to the irregular size of the Warhosts. Each Warhost was more or less equal in fighting strength to a Codex Astartes company… properly more. Each of the Warhosts operated out of a small flotilla headed by a commanding Flagship and was fully autonomous. This meant that the Warhosts size could vary wildly. The inquisitor believed  the smallest Warhost numberws little more than a dozen warriors and the largest as many as over two hundered.

These differences in Warhost size did not seem to indicate any tactical or strategic specialty but were rather more tied to the will of the Warhost's commander, known in the Void Ranger’s dialect, as a Captain, Commander or more precise  “Warleader". The disparity the Warhost had was not  linked directly to a tactical role but rather to the preferences and charisma of the Warhost leader. The various Warleaders, the commanders of the divisions that made up the bulk of the Chapter's battle force, exercised a remarkable amount of personal authority and could be considered a Warlord in their own rights as they were most often independent from their Chapter Lord.

Also, the various Warhosts often fluctuated wildly in size during the transition from one Warleader to another. Warriors would be transferring between Warhosts, or even splitting off to form a new Warhost at the whims of their own wish or that of the commander if given permission. Having to do more with fraternal warrior bond and the standing and fealty to the Warleader, the Warhosts that may come follow the original Warhost could as mentioned vary wildly in size. The process was, it seems, to been intended to allow each individual commander and warrior to operate efficiently within the bounds of their ability and strategic preferences, rather than enforcing a strict organizational system upon them. Also, not unlike the Space Wolves Chapter, rather than using company markings as laid down in the Codex Astartes, the Void Rangers use a number of different symbols to denote the Warhost or Clan affliction. These symbols would be chosen by a new Clan Lord or "Clan Father" upon his election or promotion and would be adopted by his followers within the Clan or Warhost as a mark of fealty. The symbols would be woven onto the various Warhost- and Clan banners, and these symbols would remain with them until the passing of the Warleader or Clan Lord, or upon the Warhost or Clan splits up. Here the badge would change again.

As grim starfarers, the Void Rangers, have prowled the void as several hunter forces, where they has operated as lone forces, prefering sudden mobile operations to prolonged campaigns. To accommodate such prolonged operations, outside of their territory, they must maintain a number of clandestine outposts in a number of strategic systems. The Inquisitor does not states where and how many outposts there were if she knew at all. These lairs would often be shrouded or veiled by terrain, weather, or other means and would allow the Void Rangers to re-arm and plan their next excursion in peace.

 

The Clans

 

The other main organizational unit which differ from other chapters, is their Clans. This non-standard organisational division of the Clans have been created as an informal network of specialists amount the Void Rangers. These specialists dedicate themself to a singular focus of war.

Over the years, there had been numberous clans, and clans have risen and fallen during the course of wars before being raised again. Some may have been merged into others while others have been wiped out in battle. A membership of a clan seemed to be irrespective of a Warhost or other organisational distinction and his membership is based solely upon his individual chief talent. As such, each Warhost is therefore made up of members from all the clans, although some clans do tend to dominate certain Warhost.

As each clan vary quite widely in size, some are formed of less than a handful of warriors and other up to company strong. As such, it was impossible for the inquisitor to tell how many clans there was at the time of her arrival or how many had been during the Chapter's existen. By the close of the Indominus Crusade, when contact was made with the Chapter, a represent of the Chapter estimated there to be a few dozen Clans, each with a dozen or more members, although this could be a lie.

All the Clan would maintain an open sanctum chamber or headquater of some kind, usually aboard a warship or at an outpost. Here the clan's specific knowledge, its area of expertise, was kept for storeage and traning for relevant aspirants carried out.

It seemed to the inquisitor that an average Clan father was not incomparably to a specialist or officer.

The Clans has the appearing of a society of expert in a particular field or skill, and were spread out among the Warhosts so as to give the Chapter operational depth and strategic flexibility.

Clan Fathers would, keep records of it's members and their service time, campaign badges, ranks, level of experience, numbers of marine in thier induction pool, number of kills, celebration of victories, mourning, marks of censure, weapon familiarty or any other form of raiting or skill to demonstrate the clan's success.

Clan Fathers were elected by peers rather than nominated by superior, and while it was unusual, some Void Rangers, especially the senior once, were members of multiple Clans. Some Clan members would, at some point, leave one Clan. This will not be out of disrespect, but having deemed they have mastered the knowleagde the Clan holds, they would leave for another or constitute their own clan should they believe their skills good enough. ([retrived from the her log] "Could it be a corps-de-spirit which glued a clan together..?")

 

Beneath the surface simmered, there were other relationship, not easily visible to a common imperial citizen. The Inquistor personal notes tells of relationships of blood and origin, comradeship, irresectable of rank or specialty if they could be described, but does not mention how she knew this in her report.

 

As individual Void Brother's role and position within a Warhost could change as frequently as tactical need demanded, or perhaps to some deeper system of purpose, each warriors was more that ready to response and form a new unit. As each Clan is a military formation (unquestionable!) they could serve as specialists squads. The ranks inside the Clans were difficult to ascertain, but an expected position in the order of ranks, squads, Warhosts and Clans, was observed. It seems to come down to a Void Rangers being seeming ready to take up a new position should it be required, making a Warhost a considerably force ready to combat any threat head on or splitting up, to deal with individual assigments before reassembling again.

 

The Clan Council

 

Beside the Clans, there was an unusually amount of respect for tradition, both for the Clans but also for the Chapter cult. Clan Fathers usely made up the chapter's most venerable and respected warriors ans would group themselves together in what was known as the "Clan Council". The Clan Council would not only advises the Warleaders and the Chapter Lord, it will keeps direct control over essential chapter resources such as the forges and apothecarion, to ensures chapter unity in focus, philosophy and materiel. Head of the Clan Council was the Grandmaster, a figure the inquistior found controversal.

The Clan Council, with the head of the Grandmaster would have the power to challange the Chapter Lord on his internal decisions in addition to passe jugdement on the brothers who errored if the Chapter Lord was could not pass jugdement.

Other bodies outside the clan- and Warhosts structure did also exists. Continuously referred to as “Temples” which purpose remain an enigma. The inquisitor does not mention them, but other references are made to the "Oniwaban” lead by "the Shadow Lord". This unit which may have referred to either the Chapter's Librarians or the Chapters scouts (or both) may have encompass a wider intelligence gathering apparatus. Another Temple mentioned is the “Metsukes” suspected to be the Chaplaincy and a secret police force.

Both the work of the Oniwaban, and the intilligence squads, was shunned. The Void Rangers seem to treat them as a dishourable but practical weapon. Those that joins may have to leave their name, clan affiliation and idendity behind. The individuals also cover their head and face, to hide their idendity. Therefore, while serving, the individuals will forsake their "old" name, rank and idendity, and take up both a temporary new name and combat role, including ritual tittles. This is to symbolise their role as the hidden knife.  When discharged from this service, they return for their original role and clan; removed the cover. This act is done, so that they may distant themself with their role.

 

In additional to the Oniwaban, one particular Clan was unusal. The Clan named Maito held a reputation as a rather terror indusing clan for the rest of the Chapter. The name which could be descibed as "dreadbringer", Sinner's hands" or "Death's cry" was a formation of penal units. The Clan or the formation was famous/notorious for its Terminator amoured squads known as the "Redeemers". With the exception of the Chapter Lord’s honour guard, the Clan Fathers and perhaps some of the most venerable of the Extraordinaries (the Chapter’s name for Chapter’s Veteran members) the Redeemers are the only formation who make routinly use of Terminator armour.

As a penal unit, they are a temporary body of warriors assembled whenever the need for diversionary or shock assault tactics occurred. Though their duties assigned would be considered near suicidal by many observers, the Redeemers never lacks for volunteers. Those seeking to expunge some perceived sin equally matched by those who has trasgressed their laws as to those who seeks advancement through the honour attached to their service.

The Redeemers were expected to use their heavy armour as shields for others. In doing so, they atoned for their perceived sins through not only martial glory, but also the protection of their brothers. If they survived their service in the Redeemers, they will often be returned to their previous posts and Clan. Alternative they could be transferred to a new unit, or sometimes to other roles fitting them. Clan Maito and their Clan Father answered directly to the Clan Council and the Chapter Lord. The only one to command them.

Specilist unit/Greater Clans included:

 

Clan Maito:

Clan Maito or Death's Cry is a warrior-brotherhood or clan within the Void Rangers, The most notorious clan, its the only clan where members are commanded to attest or to be assign to. To be a member of Clan Maito is unofficial considered an act of censure or punishment. It is reserved for members of the Chapter who would have failed to achieve what was asked of them. Breach of honour, acts of dishonour, failer to ophold the standards and codes of battle, inability to cope with ones situation, or outcasts, all would servive in the Clan. These warriors, unstable and prone to rage, will be giving a chance for glory and deployed where the battle is the fiercest and the risk of survival smallest. It was the hope of the Chapter, that these Redeemers perhaps would find a new purpose for their exsitence. Alternative they would die with honour.

Outside of battle their duties would lie in the care of unclean matters and ritualistic roles reserved for them during campaigns where large forces of the Chapter are present.

The whole Clan are only ever deployed when the utter annihilation of the enemy is need. Most of the time, clan members are on loan to Warhosts for a periode of time or campaign. The Maitos fights in  yet black armour. Few battle brothers are willing to remain part of the clan after discharge, but some finds a new purpose as one of these eboncladed warriors. As a precurser, Clan Maito contain a large number of chaplains who "look after" these lost souls and insure dicipline is as it should be.

As this report is before the introduction of the Primaris into the Chapter, it is unkown if Clan Maito now also consists of several squads of ebon-coloured Primaris space marines, but marines who would have a percetant for using suicidal weaponry (Hellblasters) or use terror as a weapon (Reivers) has been observed.

 

Clan Imagawa:

Clam Imagawa study the way of the numbers and is a large Clan within the Void Rangers. The members are logics, analysing and teach their craft which is the application of mathematic, calculation and organization. They are the most knowledgeable and experienced in formulating logistics maneuvers, be it battle plans, campaigns or warships navigation. Many of its members are Techmarines but the clan also boost a large number of space combat officers and students of siege craft.

 

Clan Takegawa:

A Clan of less renown Clan Takegawa did apparently dicuss and caretake the diplomatic relations with the other institute including other Chapters. It was most focused on practical matters instead of any moral principle, stressing political and diplomatic tactics, debate, and lobbying skill. Its achives include konwledge on the practical application and use of oratory, debate, misdirection and treat of force. Due to it advantages, it is not unusually for members to be assign to a Command squad. Chaplains-in-traning or the marines seconded to Deathwatch service, are also present in large number, to better understand how to deal with who they met.

 

Clan Yamaoka:

As a clan the Yamaoka or "Storm Blades" are proud linebreakers and vanguard warriors as well as experts in honour-duels. They are the dueling-masters of the Chapter and those who have proven themself in hand-to-hand combat. Unuseally the clan has no Clan Father, being lead by a council of Elders with the Chapter Champion being the cermonial Clan Father. Offen seen as the largest clan, Its members are also taught to reflect in different ways upon their duties as Space Marines while working to expand their knowledgebase of combat techniques.

 

Clan Amago:

A Clan of renown, Amago compose most of the Void Rangers heavy assault biker squadrons and each of its members are superlative skilled riders. This Clan excelled in mobile warfare but its warriors are also known for being shock assault infantry, shipboard assault cadres, and aircraft pilots.

 

 

Armoury and Fleet

 

In terms of access to wargear and star-faring vessels, the Void Rangers was well equipped, eiher having fostered good relationsship with their alliance on the Forge World of Lenaroda or, in some other way, have accuired huge stocks of arms and accesery. All but the most distant Warhosts was said to possess, in terms of war machines, ammunition, and materiel, what would be expected from a Adeptus Astartes company. Combined with their wish to be self reliant, the Chapter has amassed many of the most modern forms of Adeptus Astartes equipment, as well as older and rare armours types.Their Armoury includes Mk VIII,  and many void-modified Mk III Power Armour, as well as  Terminator Armours, including some of the rarer patterns which, all in all, would make them able to equip the majority of their Veteran company with. In addition, The Void Rangers seem able to field squadrons of Gunships and extensive stocks of plasma and Conversion Beam weaponry. Impressive as it is, the Void Rangers Chapter did not seem contain many Battle Tanks. In fact they be severely lacking, especially Vindicators and Predators. They may therefore have been forced, in these instances, to fight under-strength. This must be particularly true in appliying the use of heavy vehicles like Predators and Land Raiders, of which they possess very few. The Chapter was noted to only possess six Land Raiders of different sub-types as well as a single Sicaran Battle tank. Also, very few Dreadnoughts was sighted.

As the Void Rangers are known to have a very extensive and diverse fleet, they seem to be lacking large numbers of heavy capital ships and planetary siegecraft in comparison to most other Chapters. Their strength of their fleets however, is to be found in a plethora of different intermediate-class and Escort vessels, with range, flexibility and speed being their primary focus.

 

Chapter Recruitment

 

The Chapter seems to make regular visit to nearby federal worlds. These worlds or "Han" in the severely dense Hasisk’s Path is were the Void Rangers recruit the youngest and strongest youths as potential Aspirants. It should not be unexpected that they somehow interfere with the naitive population. The steady supply of recruits from these worlds has, at time however, not been sufficient to meet their demands for reinforcements and the Chapter has been, in order to prosecute their campaigns, been forced to look elsewhere for asipirints. As such, each Warleader are free to recruit as they see fit provided that the wishful aspirants test for any form of corruption.

This ad-hoc recruitment pattern has been a nesessarity due to the inability for convoys of supply and reinforcement to keep up with the rate of advance. Unusally the Chapter's scouts are not used for guerrilla warfare. Instead their main task is to gathering intelligence, for the Warhost. The Inquisitor noted, that the Neophytes of the Void Rangers do not carry a name (just a number or pseudo-name) and that their battle-brothers see their tasks as underhanded and dishonourable (See Oniwaban abbove).

All Void Rangers bear long, ritual scars except the neophytes. Only upon promotion to full battle brother does the neophyete recieve their scars. This is not only a mark of welcomst as they receive it  as when they are fully accepted into the Chapter as full brothers, but it also represents the powers of the Librarians who could hold a similar role to the Void Rangers not unlike that of the White Scars' Stormseers.

As the Chapter’s Marines live for the honour of battle, it is not uncertain if the younger battle-brothers will abandon a standard tactical structure in favour of simply rushing headlong at the enemy. Some have observed neophytes to occasional excees into a wild ferocity which has lead them to cross the line into outright bloodlust. The teachings of the Chapter state that each warrior must face the trial of seen his own beast at some point in his service, and learn to master the savagery of this beast within.

Only when he has done so can a warrior truly know himself, and do his duty. What has been observed by some as a precursor to genetic instability is regarded by others as a positive trait, and one vital to the Void Rangers' countless battle honours.

 

Combat doctrine

 

The achievemetns of the Void Rangers have often unnoticed by others, their battles originally fought on the far egdes of the Imperium where few have been able to observe the heroism they display in the name of the Emperor. Speed and strategic manoeuvrability are the cardinal virtues of their campaigns, and flexibility and the ability to adapt to circumstances swift are the hallmarks of their finest strategists. They meet brute force with emptiness, flowing around the foe to strike at his weakest points before falling back to strike again. In this regard they are not different from the White Scars Chapter. Tactically they operates almost eclusively s a rapid-strike force, but their expertise in void warfarer and anti-raiding has also been lauded far and wide. They seem to disdain any kind of protracted engagement whenever possible, preferring to approach their targets with extreme speed or strealth, the element of surprise on their side if possible.

Though they seem both competent and familiar with armoured vehicles, the core of their tactics rely on large detachments of mobile Space Marine or spaceborn heavy infantry. In this way, the Void Rangers make first use of the bloody prowess and speed of their combat brethren and then for their heavily armoured infantry get up close to to carry the day in battle. They often endeavour to be the initiator of combat actions and prefer not to fight on the defensive.

 

Gene-seed

 

The gene-seed of the Void Rangers appears to be stable and initially displayed no aberrations or mutation. Whether it is the introduction of genetic material from the fedual clansmen in Hasisk's Path, or mutation in the gene-seed, the warriors of the Void Rangers contain a wild savagery and thirst for war. The Chapter's librarian therfore assist the Apothercarium with right Gene-seed for the right candidate, seeing through the warp for guidence so the potential candidate is correctly reborn as an Astartes.

Cleanliness is highly important for the Chapter, both real and symbolic. Bathing is done daily and, when possible, battle-brothers’ armour and weapon is likely cleaned as often. This is even more so facing unclean enemies, as both before and after there will be purifications rites.

Chapter Character

 

The Void Rangers' character has always been a fundamentally aloof one, uninterested in what happens in the wider Imperium save for when it intersects with their own affairs or their Hans. In character with their basic aloofness and desire for autonomy, the battle-brothers of the Void Rangers have an uncommon streak of individualism and self-reliance, for each of its warriors is a born survivor, a killer from the shadows, and the inheritor of a warrior lineage.

 

Often thought of as savages due to their wild and ferousious assault they launch on their enemies, The Chapter is too, deep down, unlike other more wilder Chapters, as their savage hearts are seemingly tempered by a streak of self-control or some dark mysticism. Their training doctrine dictates self-control as do the the people in the fieldom from whom they recruits, however even so, their feriousity seems ad odd when combined with the standardized training coda of the fledgling Adeptus Astartes and these, thier own obscure rites. It is as they were a tempered storm, ready to be unleashed.

In according with this, the Chapter expects its battle-brothers not to just master the arts of war but also learn at least the basics of rhetoric, poetry, and calligraphy. 

They say themself, that for one of its Chapters warriors to be fully trained, he must have learn the art of being patient, that he is required to know the art of poetry and write such one on the eve of a campaign, or  battle he believe he will not return from. This is supposely to give way for a singular focus for the warrior, one that he may have need of during this, perhaps, most important battle. A battle-brother that has written his final words and feelings in this "death poem", is said to have cleaned his soul and gene-seed; somthing that is very essential for the Chapter: that when death takes him, he is ready and ready to let another take his place.

 

It is therfore not uncommon for many Void Ranger battle-brothers to decorate their armour with intricated and abstract line-works or carry abstract scrimshaw talismans. Each Void Ranger also maintains his own wargear with a singular reverence, to a higher degree than in most other Space Marine Chapters.

Individual weapons and suits of power armour are handed down from generation to generation. Every ward will in turn add his own embellishments to such an extent that each weapon and suit of Power Armour becomes a treasured and storied relic in its own right. This level of individualism is further evidenced by a high degree of customization in insignia, kill markings and other form of personal adornment. This includes prophetic sigils and warding prayers engraved onto their armour or written on Purity Seals.

 

Facial markings are also widespread among the Chapter's many warriors, although this seem to be common amounts all the people in Hasisk's Path, with some of the more nomadic inhabitants showing extrodinary modifications. The facial scars, given to the Void Rangers' new initiates, are self-inflicted and carried out in rites from the days when the loyal inhabitants of Hasisk's Path was isolated from the Imperium and prayed for the return of the Emperor's light; a blood offering if you will. These scars are given to extensive modifications, each a reflection of a warrior's prowess, achievement, and ritual events.

Typical scarification patterns include those reminiscent of hunting fauna. Permanent resin-based dyes have been added to prominent figures, producing hybrid scars and tattoo forms. Other inlaying their deep cuts with electoo circuitry that causes them to glow like caged stars. Vivid results have been noted, yet their chemical composition was not yet fully understood to the inquisitor.

Shortly after being reunited Chapter Lord Koretada quickly adopted the customs of the scarification used by the native in sector. This practice has turn out to be most efficacious on the young, prior to the implantation of the Space Marine Progenoid Glands. This is due to their development in into an Astartes which it is normaly bias towards due to rapid dermatological regeneration.

 

Despite their training as a unit, the chapter revere the individual warrior's ability. The Chapter and its battle-brothers seem deeply, almost incredibly, loyal to each other, but also to themself, with many making a habit of carrying devotional items such as prayer scrolls or jest from their fallen battle-brothers on their wargear.

The Chapter place a great importance on tradition and oath-making and make solemn vows and carve kanji representation of these into their weapons and armour. When several Void Rangers are pledged to a similar cause, they will often be given permission to form their own squad, dedicated to the shared oath, be it hunting down the killer of one of their leaders or to destroy a fortress used by an enemy. These Oathbound feast together in their own ships or halls and salute their common purpose.

 

Many who has label the Void Rangers savages, have often misundertood them. They value learning and knowledge highly, many among them are skillfully as artificers, philosophers, and artists and they have gathered a respitory for wisdom as other Chapters has gathered weapons, to be kept at the ready until the time came to unleash them upon the foe.

 

The Inquisitor noted the exception of almost complete lack of any kind of position dedicated to the enforcement of military law. The Void Rangers maintains a complex code of honour which keep the brothers in line, however it was believed that it also has something to do with the Void Rangers' insular nature and unwillingness to properly report their activities or document them. The result is, however, that there exist many instances of rivalries, and some of these have proven to be outright hostility towards different members of the Chapter, at least in the past.

 

Belief

 

The Void Rangers regard the Gene-seed as his core or “soul” of an Astartes. Where this view sterm from is unknown, but they do view themselves as both a fusion of the current owner and the reincarnation of the previous owners of their Gene-seed. A warrior's focus, his will is an important part of him and, upon his death, he will sit at the right hand of the Emperor should his "core" be pure of thoughts.

The Emperor, in the Void Rangers beliefs, is venerated as the Ultimate Uniter of Mankind and as the Perfect, complete Being, but not as a God. They do therfore not hold the Imperial Creed as their faith and have little regard for the Ecclesiarchy.

To the Void Rangers, the Solar eclipse that serves as their Chapter badge is a potent and important symbol, representing omens, the linking to Ancient Terra, their arrival in their home sector and the heralding of new dawn for the Imperium. Their duty is to destroy the enemies of the Emperor in preparation for the day when He will rise from the Golden Throne to begin a new Great Crusade to unify the galaxy – This, the final darkness before a new bright dawn, is perhaps the most important meaning. On that day, their unkown Primarch will return from the void to lead the Adeptus Astartes once more into a new golden age.

 

 

Notable members

 

Date Harumune: Chapter Lord Date Harumune was the last known Chapter Master or Chapter Lord  of the Void Rangers. He took command after the death of his pressesor Tokugawa Hirotada was killed by Orks in the Invasion of Gon-Yuk in 968.M41. A mysterius if diligent and disciplined strategist Chapter Lord Date was a master of void warfarer, and an extremly active individual, who was always seeking new battlefield for his Chapter to prove their merit. It was said, that after his many centuries of service and battles, Chapter Lord Date is more machine than human. However, he engendered fierce loyalty from the warriors who served him and was apparently an inspiring figure. Post-Great Rift, reports are, that he, still as Chapter Lord, is overseeing the deployment of half of the Chapter strength in the defence of Hasisk' Path. The Void Rangers has been  bogged down against multiple Traitor Space Marines forces while they have attempted to hail the rest of the Chapter currently deployed elsewhere.

 

Okeda Hideyoshi: Warleader Hideyoshi was The Lord-Regent to Chapter Lord Date and Prime Warleader of the Void Rangers. In addition to this, he was the Head of the Okeda, Takegawa and Konoe Clans. Commonly regarded as the most proficient of the Warleaders within the Chapter, he was frequently described by the other Warleaders as one of the most formidable warriors of the Chapters, as he had mastered the art of swordmanship at a young age. Combined with his combat record which included excellent performance in sieges, holding actions and rapid assaults, he was stated by Lord Date as his most capable Force Commander and most likely successor. In addition he may have felt like a force of nature. This when he took to the battlefield, was facinating as he acted with a special fury and strength behind his aggression that while apparently barbaric was tempered by a keen intelligence and sense for the ebb and flow of battle. His current status is unknown, but last report of his whereabout and destination was in sub-sector Tyrano, leading a Battle Group consisting of elements from multiple Warhosts in the fight to halt the rampaining of the orks there.

 

Sasanki Yoshimoto: Lord Sasanki was a Commander or "Warleader" of a Warhost in the Void Rangers Chapter. As his function reminded of a Fleetmaster of his Chapter, could be speculated, that his role was comparibly to that of 4th company captain in other Chapters. In addition to his role as Fleetmaster, he was the Clan Father of the Sasanki and Imagawa clans. A proud warrior, Sasanki's pleasure was said to be that of battle and the destruction of his enemies. He knew the hearts and minds of the battle-brothers under him, and was apparently a skilled duellist. His most hated foe was the Death Guard due to their boarding and capturing of the Void Rangers' strike cruiser The Void Blade and the destruction of its escorts at the Battle of Ulen. These ships were crewed mainly by the Imagawa clan and as Head of said Clan, Lord Sasanki was determind to avenge them. He is currently believed to be in persuite of a Red Corsairs warband marudering the Hasisk's Path.

 

Sanada Tadakatsu: Coroan Kasier, now known as Sanada Tadakatsu or Warleader Sanada was the first Primaris Greyshield to be introduced into the Void Rangers. As such, he is perhaps the newest Warleader of the Chapter, having been giving the name Sanada after the planet where his Torchbearer force and his Greyshield host where meant to meet Void Rangers for the first time. Warleader Sanada has already conducted several brilliant campaigns against the Orks in the Valian, Relugorian and Fevek systems and is now leading a Warhost in the fighting for the Tyranon sub-sector. Warleader Sanada and his Wahost has proven critical as they have prevented the Orks from the Wusan system from spilling into that of the Fevek system, which could have unified the Orks into a single Waaagh!.

 

Maito Nubunaga: Maito also known as Lord Maito or the Black Thunder, was a senior officer under the command of Lord Date himself and Clan Father of the notorious Maito clan. As head of Clan Maito, Nubunaga had little regard for honours or ideas of civilized warfare, being content with a simple objective: utilizing the most terrible weapons on the battlefield to annihilate the enemy and crush their spirits entirely, using terror as a weapon. Lord Maito in during so, would precluded himself from ever rising further in ranks as the association of his clan with the taint or shame was both shunned and seen as dishournable by the other members of his chapter. Nevertheless, Maito was as skilled a tactician as any other officer of his Chapter and had been seen leading muliple strike forces thoughout his years. It is unkown if Nubunaga remains the head of the Maito clan or if he has been displaced.

 

Edited July 10, 2022 by Commander Nicky
Spelling misstake.

[Codex Grey]

Hi there.

A few notes and suggestions that I hope you'll find helpful. Sorry if this has been said by others already.

I read through the intro and skimmed the rest, so I didn't get deep into the themes and character of the Chapter, but it looks good at a glance. I have some writing suggestions though.

It's a bit hard to read when its mostly large blocks of text. It would be nice if you could space out the paragraphs of each section.

On the whole the word count seems to be a bit higher than it needs to be, which may partly be due to some repetitive writing. Repetitive in the sense of content, using several sentences to basically say the same thing, but also in use of words. Take the following sentence, the first of the article.

Quote

Roaming the edge of space and the Imperium’s borders, The Void Ranger Chapter of the Emperor’s Space Marines is a relatively enigmatic if not unknown Chapter. A non-codex Chapter, relatively little information is available on them, and questions about the reliability of the information available are questioning.

Emphasis mine. The word Chapter is used three times, very closely together, same with the word relatively. Repeating words here and there is not a problem, and you can go overboard with trying to avoid it, but when it's done as much as the above it becomes a bit clunky. So it would be good to mix it up a bit, use synonyms or describe the same thing differently. A little variation goes a long way.
The use of the words questions and questioning is similar, but also makes it hard to understand what you mean with that sentence. 

These sorts of issues pop up several times, so keep a lookout.

 

 

Quote

Colours: Gold, blue, green and black

From the pictures you posted, I don't really see these as the main colors of the Chapter. I see purple. Is this supposed to be the blue, or a purple-ish blue? I see yellow and orange/brown, do both represent the gold? 

 

EDIT: Also, I suggest you update the original post with the latest version of the article as well.

Edited July 9, 2022 by Codex Grey

[Machine God]

Walls of Text.

Please separate the paragraphs and it would read a lot better