Help me brainstorm my custom chapter

[space wolf]

So, I got inspired by the new Emperor's Champion model that was coming out.  So I'm going to base this chapter on the BT rules...however, they won't be BT.  I want to pay homage to The Thundercats.  For those of you perhaps to young to know this, the Thundercats was a cartoon that came on in the 80s and early 90s.  The trick is, I don't want to be heavy handed with is. I want it to be subtle.  The other problem is I'm not sure what direction to go in several places.  So, taking Bro T's suggestions, I've come to you all for assistance.  Here is what I've come up with so far. Taken from the Moderati Cedo forum:

 

You guys have been very helpful...you've provided me with a lot to ruminate on.  Lets start with what I definitely plan to incorporate:

 

Thundercats symbol -- I planned on using this as the chapter symbol

 

Sword of Omens -- The chapter master will wield the so called sword of omens.  I'm not entirely sure whether this sword is just an ancient relic (perhaps rumored to hold part of the emperor's spirit)...xenotech that has been converted, a "tamed" demon weapon, or perhaps a reforged version of one of those famous eldar blades (don't know what they're called, but those deep into 40k lore can educate me, I think Commander Farsight, has one....?)

 

Great Cat Motif: Furs, teeth, claws...kind of perhaps a tribal feel (how heavy handed this motif is, is up for debate)

 

Xenos Contact:  I'm pretty attached to the idea of using Necrons as the main antagonist to the chapter.  I admit, if I used some sort of Traitor Warband...then the Demon Prince Mumm-Ra would get his power from the 4 "ancient spirits of evil."  But I think that's a little heavy handed, so I like the idea of a Necron Overlord.  But maybe a Dark Mechanicum villain, WOULD be easier to do...more original...?

 

Ruleset:  I planned on using black templar rules  (when they come out) to base the chapter on.  I've played space wolves (obviously) and I wanted something different enough from my ultramarines.

 

Things I'm not sure of:

 

 

Here was my first attempt at a paint scheme.  The advantage of this, is that its not too complicated to paint, the down side is that I feel like I would just be painting paler ultramarines...which I think I've had enough of.  I don't need two blue armies.  I don't want to do tiger stripes, I agree with Bro T too reminiscent of the Tigers of Veda. Plus, I want something simpler to paint (which honestly leaves the cosmic star theme out...which is a shame, but maybe for a different kill team).

 

Naming conventions:  I've come to the conclusions, that baring any other suggestions, I've narrowed it down to: Astral Cats, Void Tigers (maybe panthers), Savage Cats (honestly, I'd go with the Lightning Claws, if that wasn't already taken).  But I'm leaning toward Void Tigers or panthers...not sure.

 

Origin:  I've been toying with the idea of being related to the Celestial Lions (they rebranded themselves, after their planet was conquered by chaos, in order to avoid the inquisition).  But I feel like this might be a bit derivative.  But I do like the idea of them either being IF successors.

 

Homeworld:  Not sure here.  I could go with Terra Tertius, a planet named because of its supposed similarity with Terra before the dark age of technology. The difference being its really a deathworld due to the abundance of megafauna.  Or perhaps, if I go with "Void whatever" maybe they are based in space. Perhaps an asteroid fortress, or some sort of a fortress based in a nebula.

 

What do you guys think?  It's a fine line I'm trying to walk....something that makes the inspiration recognizable...but subtly so. 

 

++EDIT++ Oh I also like the idea of a minor knight motif.  left pauldron would be the thundercats logo, right would be knightly personal heraldry on the right pauldron.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

The ThunderCats DEFINITELY use psychic powers- remember the many times Lion-O said, "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight!"- so I'm unsure if it's appropriate to use Black Templars Chapter tactics, as the latter Chapter has no Librarians and, in earlier Editions, VERY LITTLE tolerance towards those who used psychic powers. The Imperial Fists are famous for sieges (see the Siege of the Imperial Palace, and the Iron Cage), which do NOT reflect how the ThunderCats give battle; Space Wolves Chapter tactics may be more appropriate.

 

For a ThunderCats-inspired name, how about "Bronto Panthera" (plural) and "Bronto Pantherum" (singular) in High Gothic, "Thunder Panthers" in Low Gothic, after the genus Panthera, which includes lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and cheetahs?

 

I STRONGLY advise giving your Chapter a ThunderTank equivalent- maybe a Land Raider with the overcharged engines the Blood Angels had in earlier Editions, allowing the Raiders to keep up with Baal Predators?

[space wolf]

Bjorn: Thanks for the reply! To address your points.  I agree, they don't/shouldn't have a reason to hate psychers.  However, for simply game play reasons, I wanted them to use the BT rules.  I wanted something different from regular marines, and I've played space wolves ;)  I was planning on having the chapter master represent Helbrecht...so the sword of omens could represent his combi-melta (you know when the sword spits lighting and stuff)  As for being of IF gene stock...that matters little, there are plenty of Ultramarine chapters that DON'T follow the CODEX, so I don't foresee that being a problem.  And don't worry, there WILL be a thundertank ;)

 

So, I've been playing around with the color scheme, and took brother Xenith's idea and based the scheme on this:

 

 

So here is what I came up with.  Obviously the Lunar Wolves logo is just a place holder, but you get the idea....I'm toying with the idea of making them a bit grimey like my Ultras, to bring in a little more grimdark.

 

 

 

So which do you like better?  Do you think the red pauldron trim, could be used to ID the sergeant?  Is the color scheme too light for a chapter like the Void Panthers? (slowly becoming more attached to that name)

[Bjorn Firewalker]

IIRC, pauldron trim colors are used to identify which Company a Marine is assigned to, in Codex Chapters; Sergeants and Veteran Sergeants are identified via their helmet colors. If you don't want to use Codex identification markings, you should make up new markings to replace them, e.g., identify Companies via the color of the Aquila (winged skull, in the model shown).

 

The Cat's Lair colors look surprisingly good on the Marine.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Just had an idea for another enemy for the ThunderCats-inspired Chapter to fight: The Cult of the Horned Rodent, a Genestealer cult whose Patriarch took up a Daemon sword that allowed him to break free of the Hive Mind's control, and now seeks to make himself a Daemon/Tyranid hybrid god powerful enough to challenge the Emperor and the Chaos Gods. (I'm taking inspiration from the Mutants of Plun-Darr and their former leader, Ratilla, whose sword was directly responsible for destroying Thundera.)

Xenos Contact: I'm pretty attached to the idea of using Necrons as the main antagonist to the chapter. I admit, if I used some sort of Traitor Warband...then the Demon Prince Mumm-Ra would get his power from the 4 "ancient spirits of evil." But I think that's a little heavy handed, so I like the idea of a Necron Overlord.

The "Ancient Spirits of Evil" can also be C'tan shards which Necron Overlord Mumm-Ra uses to empower himself. Edited September 7, 2021 by Bjorn Firewalker

[space wolf]

I like where your head is at, I'm thinking of doing a small chaos warband that lives on the dark site of one of the moon's (like the lunattacks) and I think the warband name cult of the horned rat is perfect!

 

And I like your idea of the ctan shards. Stolen!

[Graceless]

The Thundercats is such an awesome reference point, I really like that idea.

 

The second colour scheme (Cats lair) is very good. In terms of company/squad/rank markings, rather than follow the codex directly, you can always take the standard markings a skew them slightly: eg it's still white for first company, yellow/gold for second etc but it's the right knee pad not the pauldron trim. I think it's a tricky one to get right though when you have a good colour scheme (and you *do* have a good scheme here) as you don't want to take away from that design with too much or too obvious "other" colours. One of the other things I like is when there's a chapter history reason why the codex has been ignored or moved on from. Eg maybe originally all your chapter followed the codex company colours on the pauldrons but millennia ago at the Great Siege of Blah-blah, the chapter command all died doing something suitably heroic and the 3rd company captain took command and won the day. In honour of that the entire chapter painted their pauldrons red as they'd all, sort of, been under the 3rd company command. etc. etc you get the idea.

 

I like Void Panthers too. I'd initially like tigers not panthers but I think you're right and panthers works better.

 

Final point, your painting is very good and super controlled/steady.

[space wolf]

Thanks for the feedback! I can't take credit for the painting...its a program called Impcat.  That is all digital. lol.  

 

I think I'm going to depart a bit from the thundercats theme, as I want it to be very subtle, and still fit in to 40k.  Some mayhaps may not even recognize the thundercats references...but for those that do, I think it'll work out nicely.  more to come soon.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

How about using cat skin patterns on the right pauldron, to ID a Marine's role, instead of relying on Codex symbols? ID Devastators/Hellblasters with tiger stripes on the right pauldron (for Tygra), in place of the Codex starburst; Assault Marines with leopard spots (for Cheetara), in place of four arrows; HQ with a lion's head (for Lion-O), in place of the Codex skull.

[space wolf]

Well it's been quite a while and ideas have been percolating. 

 

I've gone with a completely different scheme as you can see below. And I've completed the chapter master and a crusader squad of which the Sgt is shown. The fluff is currently evolving, but I'll share what I have tomorrow.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Excellent work on the officers. Is the wielder of the Sword of Omens named "Lion-O," or will you give him a Gothic name, e.g., "Leon Rex" (the Japanese word for "king" is transliterated as "o" or "oh," hence the suggestion Lion-O have a kingly name)?

[space wolf]

Chapter Organization:

he Void Panthers have a much looser organization that most Astartes Chapters. Due to the almost complete isolation, many brothers move back and forth between roles depending on what the situation dictates. Because of this the Panthers are broken up into a set of Lodges that denote experience.  This can be seen on the marines right pauldron, which is personally designed by the Astartes himself as a means of self expression.  Each marine's pauldron is unique, each follows a similar motif dedicated to the lodge they belong to.

 

The Lodge of the Void: the first lodge, used to reinforce the lessons learned during their aspirancy, these Astartes typically serve the standard Infantry role. This allows them to gain experience in all manner of fighting situations, and perfect the skills of the predator. They are guided by a much more experienced seneschal from the Lodge of the Eclipse.

Iconography: The lodge of the void is denoted by a black starfield held together with chains. Often yellow or red stripes are included.

 

The Lodge of the Moon: After a brother has spent a sufficient amount of time in the Lodge of the Void, they move to this Lodge. Having perfected the skills of the Predator, these Astartes serve as stealth recon and close quarters assault specialists. The Lodge of the Moon, symbolizes the protection of night when a hunter can truly come to grips with his prey.

Iconography: Denoted by a white or silver half or crescent moon on a black field

 

The Lodge of the Sun: This lodge signifies the most difficult step in a hunter's journey: killing one's prey out in the open, without the benefit of darkness. Moreover the sun is a symbol of immense power and destruction if approached too closely. The Void Panther's heavy weapons teams and vehicles units typically serve under this sigil.

Iconography: symbolized by a red sun on a white or yellow backdrop. Red and white or yellow triangles are also common.

 

The Lodge of the Eclipse: An amalgamation of the other symbols, members of the lodge are truly veterans of the great hunt. They are the apex predator; deadly in all cycles of the day, and with all weapons. All of the Void Panthers' leadership core belongs to this lodge. Many serve to mentor less experienced "predators" as a seneschal to a host belonging to another lodge.  Others seek out more specialist positions, such as shaman of Steel, or in the case of the Chapter Master, he is the chieftain of the lodge. 

Iconography: This lodge is symbolized by the a conglomeration of chains, sun, and moon, with similar color motifs of the the other lodges.

 

Beliefs:

"Scarcity begets need.

Need begets necessity.

Necessity begets tenacity.

Tenacity begets strength.

Strength begets victory."

-Chapter Master Arslan Bataar, Chieftan of the Eclipse Lodge, Bearer of the Horns of Power, Wielder of the Sword of Portents, and Master of the Wheel.

 

The Wheel of Pain:

Like the razor edge of a knife honed by the sharpening wheel, so too must a warrior be sharpened.  All aspirants of the Void Panthers, must undergo this "sharpening."  What sharpens a warrior most is struggle, toil, and pain.  Thus all warriors will either be sharpened by The Wheel of Pain, or broken by it.  The Wheel of Pain is the path that a young adolescent must walk in order to become a full fledged predator of the Void Panthers. It is symbolized by a wheel with ten spokes which represents the ten great milestones. Notable milestones are The first spoke: selection.  The acts that require a a prospective aspirant to be selected prove their devotion to walking the wheel before they even know of it.  The 8th spoke: the Belisarian Furnace.  The arduous nature of this procedure is very well known.   The 10th spoke: Trial of Battle. Before the aspirant is finally admitted as a full brother, they must complete the trial of battle.  There they serve the Lodge of the Void under the guidance of a Void Host Seneschal, who will ultimately decide when they have proven themselves.

 

The Master of the Wheel of Pain:

The current master also serves as the current Chapter Master.  In the role as Master of the Wheel, he devises the various training drills and exercises that the Aspirants must undergo.  Each Aspirant must undergo a personal interrogation by the Master of the Wheel as part of their rites.  This interrogation can come in many forms, from a conversation with a smile, to a staredown context, to even a contest of strength.  Each interrogation is tailored to the Aspirant to seek out any remaining weakness before the rites of brotherhood are performed.  In devising new training regimes and mentoring the Aspirants the Master of the Wheel, is assisted by the Eclipse Lodge. The title of Master of the Wheel is open to any member of the Eclipse Lodge.  This is only the second time in Void Panther history that the current Chapter Master has also held that title.

Edited October 28, 2023 by space wolf
spelling

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Your Chapter Organization demonstrates good imagination.

Quote

The current master also serves as the current Chapter Master...

This is only the second time in Void Panther history that the current Chapter Master has also held that title.

 

If so, then why? Did the Void Panthers recently suffer heavy losses- maybe a cunning enemy subjected them to a decapitation strike- forcing the Chapter Master to take on additional responsibilities? Did Alpha Legionnaires or other Chaos cultists infiltrate the Void Panthers and then instigate a Chapter War, and after purging the Void Panthers of the infiltrators' corruptive influence, the new Chapter Master felt he must take on these additional responsibilities to ensure no trace of heresy or treason remains?

Edited October 27, 2023 by Bjorn Firewalker

[space wolf]

Ah, I'll edit the above. It's simply because the master of the wheel, must have the right temperament. Arslan does, so he was chosen. It is an additional duty to whomever has the title.

[space wolf]

The Void Panthers

 

Founding: Ultima Founding

Geneseed: Unknown (In my head canon they are actually World Eaters successors.  An example of what could have been should Angron not have had the Butcher's Nails. Don't quite know how to introduce this though)

 

System Background:

The Void Panthers guard the unstable bridge that crosses the Cicatrix Maledictum in the galactic south. It is only open for about 9 months out of every decade. The Primordus system is located within that "bridge," whereby, when it is closed, the entire system is cut off by intense warp storms. Surprisingly due to a staggering amount of Blackstone of unknown origins, located on all of the major planets in the system, the system itself seems to be protected; even when completely surrounded by the Warp. Because of this the Void Panthers were put there to protect this tenuous foothold, with a sizable contingent of Adeptus Mechanicus, in order to study the stone and see if it is possible to make the opening permanent. Such a thing would ease the pressure off of Vigilus and be a great strategic boon to the Imperium.

 

 

 

There are a few adversaries in the system, that seek to control it.  It is suspected that a Necron Dynasty lays dormant among the ancient ruins located on most of the system's planets.  Additionally, there are whispers of aberrant lifeform readings detected on Oscillus. Because of how often the system is isolated the Void Panthers have to spend much of their time unsupported by the rest of the Imperium, literally surrounded by the Void that is the Warp. 

This is one reason why the Void Panthers avoid having librarians. Additionally, due to their prime recruitment stock spending their lives surrounded by the warp nullifying Blackstone, there is an unusually high occurrence of the warp pariah gene, in their bloodline. Thus the Void Panthers are unusually resistant to warp taint.

 

They have a saying:  "When we stare into the Void too long, eventually, the Void stares back. And when it does, it trembles at the sight of us."

Edited October 27, 2023 by space wolf

[space wolf]

Chapter Symbol: A red Panther in front of a black void.

 

 

The Sword of Portents:

 

Much mystery surrounds the sword.  Even the secretive and knowledgeable Adeptus Mechanicus, cannot explain its origins.  Some believe it is an ancient relic from the Golden Age of Technology.  Others believe, it is a piece of ancient xenos technology that has been reforged and fashioned into a weapon made to serve humanity.  Some even whisper that it may even be one of the lost crone blades of the Aeldari or a cleansed demon weapon, whatever the case the Sword of Portents is simultaneously the Void Panther's most cherished of relics and their most potent weapon. Its blade is made from an unidentified substance, that as of yet, has not met anything it could not cut. The jewel centered in its hilt, called the Primordus Eye, is fabled to provide its users with visions of the future.  

 

The Rite of the Chosen:

Once every bearer of the Sword dies, a new bearer must be chosen.  This is known as the Rite of the Chosen, wherein those who wish to bear the Sword of Portents must test their wills against its power.  All the prospective bearer must do is grasp the hilt.  Many witnesses have described the former bearers entering into a trance, which could last anywhere from a few standard minutes to several hours.  Bearers have described this trance as a battle of wills.  Once such bearer recorded that he was sucked into a fantastical arena within a void, where he had to defeat a mythical beast in single combat.  Another describes having to best a Sphynx in a game of riddles. The current bearer, Arslan Baraata, describes how he felt as if his hands were being grasped in an iron grip and he was being pulled into a deep abyss.  He resisted that pull with all of his will and was able to win the deadly tug-o-war.  This is indeed a dangerous test, as those who fail, never wake from the trance.  Only the mighty of the Void Panthers try, thus it is usually the Chapter Master, the strongest, the most cunning, that is able to dominate the strong will which inhabits the blade. Once the bearer has proven himself to the Sword, it will obey his commands.  Should the bearer die, the Sword has in the past allowed itself to be carried back to the Void Panther fortress monastery, however such temporary bearers are simply unable to remove the sword from its sheath.

 

 

Edited October 27, 2023 by space wolf

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Quote

Founding: Ultima Founding

Geneseed: Unknown (In my head canon they are actually World Eaters successors. An example of what could have been should Angron not have had the Butcher's Nails. Don't quite know how to introduce this though)

 

Guilliman specifically ordered Cawl not to use Traitor gene-seed, and is already suspicious the Archmagos may disobey him; an Ultima Founding Chapter shouldn't be of "unknown" gene-seed. Best claim it's of Imperial Fists gene-seed, covering the genetic differences as the result of Cawl attempting to correct zygote deficiencies and restore the sus-an membrane and Betcher's gland's functionality.

 

As for how to introduce this? Say the Void Panthers fought against the World Eaters in a campaign, during which the Traitors insulted the Loyalists' honor by falsely claiming they were brothers, sons of Angron, in a failed attempt to turn the Panthers to the World Eaters' cause; against Fabius Bile, during which the Primogenitor made such claims for reasons unknown to the Panthers, but considering Bile is known to be mercenary, he may be conspiring with a World Eaters warband leader to turn the Panthers to the Traitors' side, in exchange for some unknown boon; or a Radical Inquisitor made such a claim to justify his failed attempt to wipe out the Panthers and subject the Chapter planet to Exterminatus, as he lay dying in an oubliette after the Panthers boarded his ship and captured him.

Edited October 27, 2023 by Bjorn Firewalker

[space wolf]

Hmm, I like the inquisitor idea. I think I can work with that! Thank you!

[Gamiel]

On 10/28/2023 at 1:03 AM, Bjorn Firewalker said:

an Ultima Founding Chapter shouldn't be of "unknown" gene-seed.

But it could be geneseed from chapters' whose  own geneseed are officially unknown. 

[Bjorn Firewalker]

13 hours ago, Gamiel said:

But it could be geneseed from chapters' whose  own geneseed are officially unknown. 

Of course, the Founding Chapter should be identified in that case.

[space wolf]

Thanks for the feedback gents. Seems like Imperial Fists may be the way to go.  Then I can write a little sidebar fluff piece about an inquisition interrogation. In the meantime:

 

Recruitment Planet: Primordus Prime

 

Environment: Containing one major continent (Tuganda) and several subcontinants, Primordus Prime has a varied climate, ranging from humid jungles, near the equator, to ranges of ice covered mountains toward the poles.

Wildlife: Home to numerous species of megafauna, Primordus was almost classified as a death world, during the survey taken during the Great Crusade. The Apex of the local food chain is a species of feline, known as the Tugandan Panther. Standing at roughly seven Imperial Standard Feet tall from foot to shoulder, the Tugandan Panther is one of the largest feline species recorded in Imperial records. Revered by many of the locals as the epitome of strength and resilience, luckily they tend to stay away from human settlements, and can only be found it the deepest and wildest parts of Tugandan Jungle.

 

Other Dangerous Wildlife of Note:

Terrorbirds: A carnivorous terrestrial avian, they resemble their Terran Prehistoric namesake. Standing at roughly six feet tall, these birds hunt prey in the tall grass of the plains and brush of the tall deciduous forests. Known for hunting prey of all sizes, they hold a particular hazard to humans, as they are highly aggressive, and extremely cunning.

Strangle Trees: Similar in appearance to a Terran Willow tree, the Strangle Tree is a rare type of plant, that Is both aggressive and carnivorous, it uses its quick flexible limbs to constrict its prey. The desiccated corpses of its victims litter the base of the trunk where it drinks up the nutrients spilled from those rotted forms onto the soil.

 

Inhabitants: The people of Primordus have been inhabiting their world for millennia. Liberated during the Great Crusade, they accepted Imperial rule readily. However, because Primordus had no particular strategic significance, the Imperium quickly moved on, and left the local rulers to their own devices. Dangerous even then, Primordus Prime was initially going to be classified as a death world, however because of the inhabitants’ local governmental structure, and their relative success, Imperial records classified Primordus as a Feudal world. Possessing of a feudal system, Tuganda is littered with city-state regions controlled by kings and warlords. Due to the harshness of the terrain and aggressiveness of the local wildlife, the people of Primordus Prime, grow up hardy and wise, if not a touch barbaric.

 

All of the settlements appear to be built around the ruins of some other civilization. Built in ages long forgotten, each city’s walls are a patchwork of ancient cyclopean black stone ruins, with strange glyphs carved upon them, and the more roughshod work of the most recent inhabitants. The reason they build their settlements within these strange ruins is simple, the aggressive plant and animal life seem to be repulsed, providing some much needed respite from the hazards of the wild. Even behind the protective walls of the cities, however, life is hard. With very little ability to farm due to the hyper aggressive nature of the local plant life, the inhabitants sustain themselves through the small communal farms located within the city walls (often stunted by the same ruins that stunt the more wild growths), and hunting the great beasts. The cultures amongst different settlements are varied, but they all share this singular commonality.

 

Life outside, these handful of stone sanctuaries is fraught with dangers. The “barbarian tribes,” (according to those in the “civilized nations”) live short, brutal lives, where anything gained is done so through blood and steel. Making their homes often in cave systems, for the simple amount of protection they provide, the “barbaric peoples” are not so different from their urban counterparts. Much of their time is spent hunting, like their city counterparts, but also raiding, and mercenary work is very common. Many cities will pay tough warriors handsomely, to add even greater skill in bushcraft to their military ranks.

 

Common Cultural Practices:

 

“Mail will give a man a survivor’s chance – Steel will make him dangerous – but cunning will make him a predator.”

 

The Riddle of Steel: Metallurgy is an important foundation for the people of Primordus. Regardless, of city or social status, arms and armor are prized over almost everything, and for good reason. Not only must these people brave the wilds for everything they have, but must also defend it against other such people. As such, men who know how to “speak the tongue of steel” are regarded in the highest of esteem. Known as “shapers,” “steel sculptors,” or “steel speakers,” their positions have grown into one that is both religious and practical. The spiritual leaders of their given communities, they guide their people, down the Great Hunting Trail. With their wisdom, they help every person discover the answer to the “Riddle of Steel.”

The riddle is a question that upon any warrior’s death, Hemperator, the god of light and sky, will ask the newly departed soul. Believed to be a local derivation of “The Emperor,” he is viewed as the source of order and wisdom, something prized above everything in such a wild place. Should the wayward soul not know the correct answer, it is believed an eternity of doom awaits—an eternity of torment, conducted by the four great behemoths. Thus the “shapers” help each person in their community find the answer to the riddle. It is believed only through trials, such as hunting the great animals of Primordus will the truth reveal itself.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Quote

The Riddle of Steel: Metallurgy is an important foundation for the people of Primordus. Regardless, of city or social status, arms and armor are prized over almost everything, and for good reason. Not only must these people brave the wilds for everything they have, but must also defend it against other such people. As such, men who know how to “speak the tongue of steel” are regarded in the highest of esteem. Known as “shapers,” “steel sculptors,” or “steel speakers,” their positions have grown into one that is both religious and practical. The spiritual leaders of their given communities, they guide their people, down the Great Hunting Trail. With their wisdom, they help every person discover the answer to the “Riddle of Steel.”

The fact blacksmiths are religious figures on the Chapter planet, makes me suspect the Iron Hands visited it during the Great Crusade. You might as well mention Iron Hands Captains have claimed Ferrus Manus forged the Sword of Potents, and challenged the Void Panthers once for it, leaving the weapon with the Void Panthers Chapter after the Void Panthers Champion won, as a hard fought but honorable victory proves the Void Panthers are more worthy wielders of the Iron Hands Primarch's weapon.

Edited November 6, 2023 by Bjorn Firewalker
Typo

[Xenith]

Great to see you come back to this - any progress on models?

[space wolf]

On 11/8/2023 at 9:23 AM, Xenith said:

Great to see you come back to this - any progress on models?

Very slow. Sculpting all those trophies takes a really long time. I've managed to find some .stl files for my 3d printer that will work nicely to cut down my labor some. Unfortunately at the moment the only progress I've made with them, model wise, is just accruing more unbuilt kits that I have to get through. But I'm not worried, the inspiration will strike at some point. :D

 

@bjorn firewalker that's a neat idea. I'd most likely hint at it, as I don't want the origins of the Sword to be clear. I almost want it to give the impression, that maybe despite it all, the chapter is being lead by some warp entity in the sword...or maybe not...it's a mystery.

Edited November 12, 2023 by space wolf

[Bjorn Firewalker]

How about giving the Chapter planet a legend of how a "hero with silver arms" (You Know Who) imprisoned a demon within the "steel bones of a bronze beast" (a Necron construct, or even a C'tan) and then beat the prison into a "holy sword" for his successor to wield in battle against the demon's successor?