Project Second Company: Strike Force Aphael

[ChapterMasterGodfrey]

Greetings Brothers of the Blood!

 

I am kicking off a new project that aims to put together the Blood Angel's Second Company as they were arrayed when they deployed to the (homebrew) War Zone of Harrow's Gate under the command of Captain Donatos Aphael.

 

In my fan fic/homebrew, Captain Aphael lead The Blooded to the planet of Harrow's Gate after the battle of Wyrmwood. Harrow's Gate, in the galactic south of Imperium Nihilus, seems to be in a portion of relatively calm real-space, whilst neighbouring systems writhe in warp tumulsion. Though it does not yet offer a passage way through the Great Rift, both Commander Dante and Primarch Lion El'Johnson have noted it's strategic importance. Thus, Aphael is joined by Master Lazarus of the Dark Angels 5th Company en route to Harrow's Gate.

 

Strike Force Aphael bound for Harrow's Gate:

 

So, "Harrow's Gate" simply refers to my local gaming club and the Dark Angel's contingent is my good friend's army. He also collects T'au, so I expect them to turn up on Harrow's Gate as well!

 

I plan on collecting, building and painting the Second Company as they are arrayed above. I have had an idea though that some may fine questionable... 3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th squad have their squad type written like that because while I will be painting them up as though they are battle line (red helms) they will be represented by Assualt Intercessors and Reivers. Furthermore, I plan on kitbashing the Reivers to have chainswords. Basically, I wanted all the Clsoe Support slots to go to Jump Pack Assault Intercessors. And I just thought "well, they'd just be like old Legion Despoiler Squads". I know I may get some heat for that from purists. On the "not-reivers", I'm also going to give them MV VI Beaky helms, not the skull masks.

 

I do own some of this already so can't wait to get going building and painting! Please share your thoughts brothers!

 

 

 

Harrow's Gate Lore

 

During the years of the Great Crusade, Harrow’s Gate still went by the name Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight One, being the first and only planet set out to be liberated by the Seven Hundred and Seventy Eighth Expeditionary Fleet. It is long lost to memory from what legion the Astartes who liberated the planet that would become Harrow’s Gate hailed from, for once the planet was brought back into the Imperial fold, the crusade moved swiftly on from the planet of seemingly little import.

 

Terran standard decades later, the Ruinstorm engulfed and blinded the galaxy as it burned in the fires of the Horus Heresy. Oddly unaffected by the Warp Storm, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight One stood as a steadfast bulwark against the Ruinstorm. Imperial Governor Yorvical Harrow made the decision to open the planet to loyal servants of The Emperor of Man, safe harbour in the storm.

 

Soon, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Eight One became known as Harrow’s Gate.

 

The planet had a calming effect on the immaterium, with warp travel smoother in areas surrounding the system. This, and a staunchly loyal populace made it a perfect base of operations for what loyal legionaries had found themselves there following their respective tragedies at Istvan, Calth and Signus Prime.

 

When the Ruinstorm receded back to the Immaterium and the light of Terra was seen once more, Harrow’s Gate shrank in import. After Horus was defeated at the Siege of Terra and the millennia past, the history of Harrow’s Gate was forgotten by all, save a dismal few ageless administratum adepts in the bowels of the Imperial Palace on Terra.

 

Now, in the 42^nd Millennium, another Warp Storm has once more dissected the Galaxy. The Great Rift, the Cicatrix Maledictum, keeps the Imperium Nihilus cut off from the Emperors light and the guiding light of the Astronomican; the beacon by which all Imperial ships navigate Warp travel.

 

It is by these catastrophic events, caused by the Warmaster of Chaos and the Black Legion, Ezekyle Abaddon The Despoiler, that the origin of Harrow’s Gate name is remembered. Though violent Warp Storms rage all round the system , Harrow’s Gate stands amidst relevant calm.