IA: Celebrants

[Lysimachus]

Hello all,

I was looking for something to work on while my Iron Gods PBP is taking a few months break, and I found the Community Chapter Creation Project thread from back in 2017. One of the Chapters that was considered (and one that I've been a huge fan of for many years!) was the Celebrants.

I'd thought about working up an IA for them anyway, but there were some amazing ideas from the Liber that I'd like to possibly include. I've quoted all that I could find from the CCCP thread:

My personal choice would be the Celebrants, because they're awesome. Minimal official detail except for the super cool colour scheme, a M36 Founding date and the fact they sent all 10 Companies to take part in the 3rd War for Armageddon. I'd been meaning to work up an IA for them for ages, but kept getting sidetracked and so all I've got so far is the following quote: "Aye, we are the Celebrants. For with a loaded boltgun in my fist and the enemies of Mankind before me, what greater cause for rejoicing could I have?"

They have a truly unique colour scheme (a gradient scheme transitioning from red at the top down to yellow at the bottom) along with a peculiar name that speaks to me of an unusually upbeat and boisterous Chapter who really, really love their job!

The colour scheme and the tone of their own name invites ideas that are out of the norm for most DIY Chapters, imo. You don't see a great deal of "boisterous" Chapters...

I really can't see them ending up as Happy/Frat Boy Marines - in fact, without getting into too much detail, I was picturing them less as wild, SW-boisterous types and more as educated warrior-scholars who are able to be joyful because they understand their role and purpose and place in the galaxy. I also like the real world meaning of Celebrant as someone who officiates over various ceremonies and rites of passage, perhaps something to think about if we go with them.

Have you considered what the Celebrants, psychopaths much like their other brethren, actually do to earn their name? What would psychopaths, not only with reinforced thought processes by psycho-conditioning and hypno-suggestion but a singular purpose and a violent raison d'etre, spend their time? What is joy to a psychopath? What is worth celebrating to people that literally live to kill and be killed?

My initial thoughts on the idea of the Celebrants is a Chapter who honours all efforts to the good of the Imperial cause, specifically through ritual and ceremony. They might raise memorials on planets they've conquered, make speeches post-battle honouring the sacrifices of the forces involved, etc.

Well celebrants in the real world aren't limited to officiating 'happy' ceremonies either, they preside over burials and funerals too. Given their colour scheme and the flame colours, maybe they could preside over cremations or something. They could be astartes undertakers, if we're talking grimdark. I'm a little concerned we're taking their 'cheer' or 'joy' as written already - I think it's the stranger of the two readings of the word celebrant in this context. But if people want to go with them because they might be more cheerful or joyful, then I'll be quiet.

Celebrants: A younger chapter raised in the dark days following the Age of Apostasy, they celebrate battle in all its forms and venerate the Immortal Emperor as a warrior-father. Some within the Inquisition question their purity due to their pre and post battle rites and many an Imperial Governor has refused their aid, fearing what those who so gleefully engage in combat could do. Their joy for fighting has left them seriously under strength many times, as unlike other Chapters they rarely stay long at their fortress monastery or leave companies in reserve should the worst happen.

Created during the 26th founding, the Celebrants are a relatively young, fleet based chapter. Highly ritualistic, the marines of the Chapter believe they have transcended humanity and have become reborn in the highest form of the Emperor's will. Marking this blessed occasion, the Chapter conducts war with praises to Him and joyous laughter on their lips.

I was going for a Nirvana-inspired experience in which the Chapter celebrates the fact that they've reached the highest level of humanity possible. They live the rest of their lives celebrating their profound transformation knowing that once they die, the cycle of rebirth is over and they will join the Emperor at his side. I suggested a fleet based Chapter because the idea of a bunch of happy and optimistic marines rampaging around the galaxy, singing and laughing while murdering the enemies of the Imperium, is absolutely epic in my mind. However, having a home world could benefit them greatly as this thought process of reaching the highest level of humanity could stem from the culture of their home world.

Part of me thought of the Celebrants' colour scheme as somewhat mimicking a sunrise. Perhaps they see themselves (and/or the Astartes in general) as heralding a new dawn for the Imperium. Perhaps the Chapter was created at a time of resurgence and growth for the Imperium. There could be merit in seeing how the Chapter tries to live up to a brighter dream from a past age.

I also thought today of the idea of the Book of Hours that certain religious adherents use. I imagine that the Chapter has a complex and Byzantine calendar of holy days and festivals that they observe as they fight.

For me, the Celebrants chapter icon (star with wings?) reminded me of this:

"They shall be pure of heart and strong of body, untainted by doubt and unsullied by self-aggrandisement. They will be bright stars on the firmament of battle, Angels of Death whose shining wings bring swift annihilation to the enemies of Man. So it shall be for a thousand times for a thousand years, unto the very end of eternity and the extinction of mortal flesh."

I instantly thought of them as an Ultramarine Successor that embodies Codex Astartes. More noble than grim, more devout than glory-seeking. They are the Emperor's angels that would bring forth the new age for mankind. Now the question is... what are they celebrating?

"What is the terror of death? That we die with our work incomplete. What is the joy of life? To die knowing our task is done. I stand alongside warriors of honour, and the warrior who acts out of honour cannot fail. His duty is honour itself. Even a warrior's death--if it is honourable--is a reward and can be no failure, for it has come through duty. Seek honour as you act, and you will know no fear."

So perhaps Celebrants celebrate (take joy?) in fulfilling their duties. Maybe battle is their form of celebration, their chance to fulfill their duty - and thus joyous occasion.

That was all I could find, but I think it's a solid place to start from? I'd be very interested to hear if anyone else has any thoughts about this Chapter.

Next job I'll be doing will be to work up a bullet point outline of an IA (I like this format as I think it covers all the points you want to hit about a Chapter) trying to incorporate some of the above.

Edit: The new Heresy box rumoured to be coming soon chock full of Mk VI Marines would look awesome painted like the pic at the top too...!

C+C always welcome!

[Codex Grey]

Ahh, the Celebrants. One of the most memorable color schemes (I'll whip up a Primaris version as soon as I can. I imagine the Celebrants would ... celebrate the coming of Primaris  )

 

I have some ideas from a similar Chapter concept I was working that may suit these guys better.

 

I think they should be Howling Griffons successors. The HG are a mid-to-early founding Chapter with substantial history, so the timeline fits. It's noted that "few have won as much renown as quickly as the Howling Griffons." This to me reads as a bold and daring culture that could be transferred to a successor Chapter, in lieu of or in addition to a homeworld culture to justify their nature. Their color scheme is quartered red and yellow with a black symbol. Mix them together in a gradient and you have the Celebrants. And they're Ultramarines successors themselves, so no genetic funny business. 

 

Maybe the Celebrants have a healthy dose of intra-Chapter competition, Between companies, between squads and between individuals. An idea I had for my Chapter was a Champion of Glory. Maybe the first Chapter master died in a spectacular fashion that resulted in victory. Since then, his weapon has become a symbol and a prize held by any individual within the Chapter, no matter their rank, who is named Champion of Glory after performing a suitable moment of glory. Meaning the reigning Champion could be anyone from a Captain to a newly inducted Battle-Brother.

Edited February 6, 2022 by Codex Grey

[Lysimachus]

Thanks CG!

 

I was definitely thinking Ultras of some sort based on one of the quoted points above, but I wasn't sure whether to go direct or include another Chapter in between. HG are definitely a good call!

 

Nice idea about the competition and relic, that might be nice sidebar material?

 

I'll whip up a Primaris version as soon as I can.

Yes please!!! :D

[Bjorn Firewalker]

My ideas:

they sent all 10 Companies to take part in the 3rd War for Armageddon.

It's a gross act of irresponsibility to leave one's own Chapter planet unguarded. I interpreted this line to mean the Celebrants have no Chapter planet, i.e., they're fleet-based.

Given their colour scheme and the flame colours, maybe they could preside over cremations or something.

The Chapter may have recruits perform firewalking to test their courage and their faith. An idea I shared with TechCaptain for his Heralds of Ash Chapter, is having the flames conceal the presence of Librarians scanning the minds of these new recruits, to ensure they harbor no treacherous thoughts.

[Lysimachus]

That's good logic, you can still defend your Fortress Monastery if you've brought it with you! :P I don't think it's a guarantee that you have to be Fleet based, but I might go that way...

 

As to the colours, I am thinking that I might focus less on the fire/flame and more on the sunrise/dawn, but I'm not 100% so it's a valid suggestion!

[Lysimachus]

Anyway, as mentioned first task is an outline of an IA:

 

 

IA: Celebrants

 

Origins:

 

Late M.36, 22nd* Founding

Age of Apostasy ended.

Positive outlook. New dawn for Imperium and Astartes.

Howling Griffons descendant, Ultramarines Successor

 

*Has to be 22nd, 21st (Cursed) is late M.35/early M.36 and 23rd (Sentinel) is M.38)

 

Homeworld:

Not sure on this, seriously considering Fleet based? Probably with numerous recruiting worlds (like HG). If so, Initiates' cultural differences are quickly subsumed by Chapter Cult.

 

Beliefs:

(Moving this section up, as it is the key for the Chapter. Needs more thought but based on/around the various quotes in the first post)

2 possible aspects, would like to include both:

Positive, Joy in Battle - understand their place and purpose in the galaxy.

Celebrants lead in rites and rituals.

Warrior-scholars?

 

Organisation:

Codex Standard. Not a lot to add at this point, not sure how the Chapter might view the various specialist officers - Chaplains would obviously be heavily involved in rites and rituals, Celebrants among Celebrants?

 

Combat Doctrine:

Balanced structure as per above, but very aggressive, see it as a privilege to take part in Imperial Crusades. Regularly commit the entire Chapter to campaigns (10 Co. to Armageddon, etc) but this leaves them with limited reserves.

 

Geneseed:

Ultramarine, no degradation. (Don't want to complicate them with addition of genetic issues?)

 

Battle Cry:

??? - if they use lots of rites, maybe there are ritual phrases/litanies used depending on the mission or even specific manoeuvres?

 

The Era Indomitus:

Perhaps their wholehearted crusading had almost brought them to the brink of extinction?

Viewed era of their creation as a new start, perhaps they see the Indomitus Crusade with similar optimism?

Joy to have Guilliman back too!

[Mazer Rackham]

With all this breastplate clashing and cheerfulness, you need some grimdark in there.

 

Tacking on to your dawn/sun theme, perhaps a Master of Sanctity could be known as a Master or Harbinger of Dusk (or maybe this could be a weapon/relic of office?).  This could be a permanent appointment passed down in the Codex: A Lord Executioner as you will.

 

"And so as the dawn do we burn ever brighter, cheering our victories and the chance to serve anew.  Yet as morn turns to noon, our glories behind us, we greet the dark.  As life fades and the voices of our chorus grow dim, we fall to silence and count the cost."

 

Just a random thought I'll leave there.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Good ideas, Lysimachus and Mazer Rackham.

Tacking on to your dawn/sun theme, perhaps a Master of Sanctity could be known as a Master or Harbinger of Dusk (or maybe this could be a weapon/relic of office?). This could be a permanent appointment passed down in the Codex: A Lord Executioner as you will.

Make the "Harbinger of Dusk" an executioner's ax or sword with an integral meltagun, so an executed criminal's body may be purified with flame immediately after his soul is purified with death?

 

Celebrants Chaplain (raising the Harbinger of Dusk, preparing to behead a criminal): "Be joyful, heretic and traitor! Soon your suffering in this world shall cease. Your soul shall face the Emperor's judgment, and be renewed."

[Mazer Rackham]

Sounds good!  Nice ideas Bjorn.

 

Maybe call the Dreadnought tomb the Sepulchre of Twilight.

 

As they await a new chassis, for their rebirth into flame and glory.  A new dawn.

[Gamiel]

As to the colours, I am thinking that I might focus less on the fire/flame and more on the sunrise/dawn, but I'm not 100% so it's a valid suggestion!

Like that idea

[Codex Grey]

The only mention of company markings I could find was on warhammer40k.fandom which I don't fully trust. They say companies are indicated by the left knee pad color and show a picture of it, but they don't say specifically where they got the information or picture from, they just a have a list of sources.

Either knee pad or chest eagle color could work, I guess.

Edit: Modified the color scheme to make the eyes green/teal, make the yellow a bit more orange and pop some more, plus small things Edited February 16, 2022 by Codex Grey

[Gamiel]

My ideas:

they sent all 10 Companies to take part in the 3rd War for Armageddon.

It's a gross act of irresponsibility to leave one's own Chapter planet unguarded. I interpreted this line to mean the Celebrants have no Chapter planet, i.e., they're fleet-based.

Or they consider Ghazghkull (or the forces he lead)* a big enough threat for them to consider it worth to leave no forces on their homeworld. Or they trust their homeworlds PDF:s. Or they relay on secrecy with their homeworld being an uninteresting world and therefor don't think there will be any problem if only serfs man their hidden fortress-monastery.

* or maybe they don't really think about Ghazghkull/his forces but their Librarians/Chaplins/similar had a vision/tarot reading that told them that Armageddon should not be allowed to fall

[Lysimachus]

@CG: that's just beautiful! Makes me wonder again why you don't see more Celebrants armies, although it is admittedly a beggar to paint, I've done one as a one off, but a full army would be a challenge. Worth it though!

 

@Gamiel: Good point, there are certainly possible reasons why a Chapter might leave their FM without any Astartes defenders. I do quite like the idea of fleet based though, so unless anyone has any really good suggestions for a homeworld, I think I'll probably go that way?

[Gamiel]

If you are interested do I have a concept list for Chapters whose "homeworld" is the void. 

 

And another one for those that have the sun as their "totem", if you want to go with the sun theme you mentioned earlier

[Codex Grey]

Thanks, Lysimachus.

 

I think fleet based fits, but how about this. There is some value in having a permanent ceremonial place, maybe even the tomb of their first Chapter Master or hero or something, a place they return to recuperate and perform sacred rites and celebrations. So maybe they have a "homeworld" but they don't recruit from it or anything, and has no value to anyone other than the Celebrants like Gamiel suggested. Maybe they have some redundant facilities in addition to having everything they need on their ships, but maybe it is completely empty, except for some sentimental value to the Chapter. A place of worship, rites and celebrations with only the sparsest of facilities for rest and feasting.

Edited February 7, 2022 by Codex Grey

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Thanks, Lysimachus.

 

I think fleet based fits, but how about this. There is some value in having a permanent ceremonial place, maybe even the tomb of their first Chapter Master or hero or something, a place they return to recuperate and perform sacred rites and celebrations. So maybe they have a "homeworld" but they don't recruit from it or anything, and has no value to anyone other than the Celebrants like Gamiel suggested. Maybe they have some redundant facilities in addition to having everything they need on their ships, but maybe it is completely empty, except for some sentimental value to the Chapter. A place of worship, rites and celebrations with only the sparsest of facilities for rest and feasting.

I like this idea, but what should they do if someone squatters occupy this place while they're gone? Should this place be on a civilized planet, with Chapter allies taking responsibility for its defense, like Orar's Sepulchre?

 

The idea also reminds me of the Black Templars' Chapter Keeps. Should the Celebrants also set up Chapter Keeps along the Chapter fleet's patrol routes, or will they consider this a waste of resources?

Edited February 7, 2022 by Bjorn Firewalker

[Brother Tyler]

My ideas:

they sent all 10 Companies to take part in the 3rd War for Armageddon.

It's a gross act of irresponsibility to leave one's own Chapter planet unguarded. I interpreted this line to mean the Celebrants have no Chapter planet, i.e., they're fleet-based.

 

The Celebrants were one of five Chapters that deployed their entire Chapter to Armageddon. The others were the Celestial Lions (who were ordered to deploy their entire Chapter from their homeworld), the Exorcists (who were described as being fleet-based at the time that the Third War for Armageddon campaign was written, but who have since been revealed to have a homeworld), the Mortifactors (who were described as having a homeworld), and the Relictors (who were described as having a homeworld).

 

More importantly, the Angels of Vigilance were introduced in the Third War for Armageddon campaign and one of the notable things about that Chapter, something which was considered peculiar for the Adeptus Astartes, was that they have sworn an oath to never leave their homeworld unguarded and thus have never deployed in full Chapter strength anywhere, always leaving at least one company to guard their homeworld.

 

In addition, ten of the Chapters listed as participated in the Eye of Terror campaign (the Thirteenth Black Crusade of Abaddon the Despoiler) deployed in full Chapter strength. These were the Angels of Absolution, Brazen Claws, Dark Angels, Exorcists, Iron Hands, Night Watch, Relictors, Space Wolves, and White Consuls. Of those, only two are known to be fleet-based (the Dark Angels and, at that time, the Exorcists) whereas at least 5 are known to have homeworlds (the Angels of Absolution, Iron Hands, Night Watch, Space Wolves, Storm Warriors, and White Consuls). Note that the lore for the White Consuls was later changed so that one company was left to guard another planet (not their homeworld).

 

Based on the lore, then, it is not unheard of for Chapters to deploy their full Chapter strength. One might consider forces left behind, not least their Chapter thralls and not inconsiderable defenses, sufficient to protect an Adeptus Astartes Chapter planet from all but the most overwhelming of forces.

 

From this, we can't draw a conclusion about whether or not the Celebrants have a homeworld or are fleet-based.

[Brother Tyler]

...

The only mention of company markings I could find was on warhammer40k.fandom which I don't fully trust. They say companies are indicated by the left knee pad color and show a picture of it, but they don't say specifically where they got the information or picture from, they just a have a list of sources.

Either knee pad or chest eagle color could work, I guess.

The source for the left kneepad showing the company color is the Adeptus Astartes Successor Chapters booklet that came with the limited edition version of Codex: Space Marines in 6th edition. The image is below:

The Codex Astartes prescribed color for the 3rd Company (Battle) is red.

According to Insignium Astartes, it is permissible for livery methods to change. For example, the Raven Guard are shown displaying the company number in white Arabic numerals on the left kneepad and using the standard squad badges without the coloring that later sources showed.

[Gamiel]

According to Insignium Astartes, it is permissible for livery methods to change.  

They also mention this in one or two of the episodes of the Warhammer Community Podcast.

[Lysimachus]

Thanks all!

 

That's some very helpful info in both posts, Bro Tyler, thanks!

 

I think if I were to paint more Celebrants I'd either say they had indeed changed method... or make them 2nd Co! I think the knee pad in another colour might spoil the gradient effect?

 

One thing I do like though, is the different eye lens colour that pic shows. Yellow, while quite accurate to the original art, seems a slightly missed opportunity for a contrasting spot colour? I was thinking an icy blue but a turquoise-y green could also be very nice!

 

 

Edit: re the Homeworld, I'm coming around to the idea that they have one, but its much more a historic/ritual place than a practical base of operations, and not a recruiting world either.

Edited February 7, 2022 by Lysimachus

[Brother Cambrius]

Well this was a nice throwback, we were oh so very close to running with the Celebrants in that particular group event before we settled on the Taurans. I really did wanna work on the Celebrants though and their uncharacteristic optimism in the world of 40k.

 

I can def see them embracing the Advent Primaris with gusto as it is seen to be another dawn of hope after the horrendous decades following Noctis Aeterna and the Cicatrix showing up and tearing the Imperium in half.

 

I'd agree on them being Fleet Based, potentially with Chapter Keeps akin to the Templars dotted on a number of worlds, acting not only as a place of defence and monitoring, but also recruitment and keeping the hope of the Emperor's will of his Imperium alive.

 

I can def seeing them having ranks linked to pyres/fires in some capacity.

 

I did write something out for Destiny that may be of use here as a rank or outlook for the Celebrants you might find useful to help gauge further on their character:

 

The Ember Smith

 

'From fire comes protection. From fire comes destruction. Master your control, and you can safeguard your allies and burn away your enemies.

 

But all fires need to be kindled, both literally and metaphorically. Find the fuel and spark, you shall grow it to your needs.

 

And even with the dying embers of a once almighty conflagration, with more fuel and tending it will be reborn anew.

 

Fire shall be our tool and weapon until our final days. As an Ember Smith, I shall keep the protective flames alight and forge hope to burn bright for the Imperium.

 

For in the darkest times, even the faintest flame glows brightly.' 

 

Cambrius

[Lysimachus]

Thanks Cam!

 

I can def see them embracing the Advent Primaris with gusto as it is seen to be another dawn of hope after the horrendous decades following Noctis Aeterna and the Cicatrix showing up and tearing the Imperium in half.

Very much so! I'm considering whether to use the Era Indomitus section to bring in the grimdark like Mazer mentioned. Maybe they were almost destroyed? So they've been saved by the arrival of the Primaris, but how do they feel about it? Have they (or some of them at least) had the confidence and optimism knocked out of them?

 

 

Chapter Keeps on recruiting worlds sound good to me, probably only maintained by serfs.

 

On the fire thing, it's definitely one way to interpret the colour scheme. I think I prefer the sunrise idea though, just ties it in with the hopeful outlook?

[Codex Grey]

On the fire thing, it's definitely one way to interpret the colour scheme. I think I prefer the sunrise idea though, just ties it in with the hopeful outlook?

Why not both? I definitely think the focus should be on the dawn symbolism, both because of the thematic fit and there are so many fire themed Chapters out there.

But when if/when it makes sense to use it as fire symbolism, then I see no reason not to do both. Maybe it turns out to be too much or all over the place, but it's worth exploring some more, I think.

 

Maybe they were almost destroyed? So they've been saved by the arrival of the Primaris, but how do they feel about it? Have they (or some of them at least) had the confidence and optimism knocked out of them?

Again, just my opinion, but I feel 'Chapters on the brink saved by Primaris reinforcements' seems to be very common. Nothing wrong with this device (I certainly used it for my Heralds, though I think it worked thematically for them), but I think it would be more fitting to have the Celebrants be at more or less normal numbers, and then figure out their reaction. For example, if you go with the intra-Chapter competition idea I had, maybe they formed Primaris squads vs. Firstborn squads for some healthy comp., but mixing them within Companies so that the comp. never gets out of hand.

 

As for a more grimdark element, I'm not sure, but I agree there should be one. Thinking as I write, it would be cool if you managed to have a subtle dark underpinning to their general joy and optimism, but I fail to come up with something, so this might not be of any help but maybe you get what I mean at least?

 

As for Chapter keeps, I think a single place of importance could be easier/better to flesh out. It's certainly possible to make keeps interesting, and it would make sense if they travel all over the place instead of staying within a smaller area, though, at the same time, it feels a bit too black templar-ish/crusade Chapter-ish(unless the celebrants are straight up a crusade Chapter)

Edited February 12, 2022 by Codex Grey

[Gamiel]

On the fire thing, it's definitely one way to interpret the colour scheme. I think I prefer the sunrise idea though, just ties it in with the hopeful outlook?

I'm for the sunreise idea.

 

Here is a list with concepts based on the idea of the sun as a "chapter totem":

1. A Chapter with a preference for las-weapons, flash grenades, halo-reflector fields and other light using/creating technology.

2. Are aversive to fighting on Night Worlds.

3. A group of Evil Sunz orks have mistaken the Chapter as serving the same totem as they and therefore treat them as if they were fellow, if rival, Evil Sunz orks.

4. There homeworld is tidal locked with the chapter-fortress laying in the eternal dayside.

5. The Chapter’s homeworld is blessed with perpetual sunlight thanks to three or more suns.

6. Life is the gift the sun brings to the worlds, the growth of plants and thus the foundations of animal life are directly tied to the sun’s presence, as such the Chapter take dim views on the pollution of living words and short-sighted plundering of natural resources.

7. Gold is seen as the metal of the sun and Chapter’s Marines armour become more and more gold-plated as they rise in rank/honour.

8. Have an aversion against nightworlders and especially Nightsider abhumans.

9. Take pleasure in fighting enemies against the Imperium that prefer night fighting or skulking in the shadows, like the Night Lords and Drukhari Mandrakes.

10. The Chapter's wargear and motor pool is equipped with strong lanterns, search-/spotlights and/or flare guns. So the Chapter can light up the battlefield like the sun light up the day.

11. When on a planet the battle-brothers pay homage to the sun just before dawn each day, if possible this prayer last throughout the sunrise, concluding once the sun has fully risen.

12. When on a planet the battle-brothers pay homage to the sun at the dawn, when it is at its peak and just before dusk.

13. The Chapter’s recruitment stock are worshipping the Emperor not as a god seated upon a golden throne, but residing in the heart of the sun that burns in their world’s sky, and that has influenced the Chapter’s iconography and rituals, even if they have not taken upon that belief.

14. The Chapter uses the image of the Sun of Terra in place of the Aquila.

15. The Sun of Terra is regarded as an aspect of the God Emperor, and referred to as the Sol Invictus, or the Invincible Sun.

16. The Chapter’s fortress-monastery is a void-station that’s usually in extremely close orbit around particularly brilliant stars, the light of which floods the ship through crystal windows.

17. The Chapter’s fortress-monastery is a void-station that’s stationed in an extremely close orbit around their home-system's sun, the light of which floods the ship through crystal windows.

18. The Chapter ideally prefer to eliminate all enemies with orbital strikes – like the sun striking down from the heavens. Possibly this propensity for orbital strikes has resulted in casualties among loyalist forces.

19. In combat the Chapter favours flame, melta and plasma based weapons.

20. Uses custom grenade that combines the effects of a photon flash and incendiary grenade – a blinding flash and lethal burning plasma fluid.

21. The sun is the life giver that makes most kinds of agriculture possible; as such battle-brothers are trained in the agricultural arts. It’s possible that they are often presiding over agricultural festivals and/or the Chaplains give blessings to farmers and their fields.

22. The Chapter embrace the sun in its aspect of the life giver that makes most kinds of agriculture possible. They have preference for defending Agri Worlds and their own homeworld may be one.

23. All battle-brothers have a deep, rich sun tan.

24. The sun is often used to symbolise enlightenment and the Chapter’s battle-brothers are expected to either study themself or help out teaching when not on war duty.

 

maybe they could be of inspiration

[Brother Cambrius]

So following on from Gamiel's post of ideas, one just sprung to mind in keeping with the Dawn theme and sunlight:

The Tenth Company are referred to as the "Dusk Company", due to their more covert means of warfare. Their colours could be in shades of blue displaying the dusk sky.

Atop this, the First Company could have the moniker of the "Daybreak Company", as they are the paragons of the Celebrants and shine as bright in purpose as the Emperor's will made manifest.

 

Cambrius