The Castigators

[Tyrannicide]

Mol!

 

I think that the 'Castigator Insignium Astartes' could turn out to be a very good idea. I have always wanted a couple sections detailing the companies of the chapter. I like your take on the captain's of the Castigators, best. There are moderates and radicals... much, much like the Inquisition. You could really pull this together on the website and create the 'chapter within a chapter' feel, that you are after on the website. As discussed before we have the 'main' radicals (Escalus, Caphius, and Sirius) and the 'main' moderates (Quintillius, Timon, and Anteas). Each captain deserves to have their own fleshed-out profile, which could indeed tie into the company/time-line aspect of the site.

[Chaptermaster Graymantle]

Hey there Molotov!

Glad to see the Castigators moving forward a lot in development and Im really looking forward to seeing their new web site.

 

Given that you already had a look at many other DIY sites, Im sure you've seen that a lot of what your talking about making here are already up for the Guardian Angels, but that a lot of it is in "skeleton" versions only.

Now, to a lot of people it would seem the Guardian Angels have been laying dormant for a loooong time now, but the truth of the matter is that behind the scenes, Ive been working over to two years now on detailing thousands of years of Guardian Angels history.

 

The plan is to use this history to create a more detailed look at each Company, the structure of the Companies, The Characters of the Companies, vehicles, artifacts, places, friends, allies, enemies and a whole lot more.

Now, the reason I chose to start with the history is my idea that each Character is formed by his history, his service and his Company.

A Company is formed by its history and its Characters, it enemies and so on; so what ties it all together and forms it all is history.

Thus Im glad to see you mentioning looking at evolving that step to.

 

Ok, so why have I left the Guardian Angels so dorment and not released any of their history etc. yet?

Well, everything ties together and needs to be developed, streamlined and all lose ends need tying up. - Finally a lot of tidying is needed to keep everything in line with the overall story, so its a lot of work.

 

The reason Im telling you this, is that you should know what your in for.

Maybe you will go as far as I have, maybe further and maybe you will keep it shorter, but what Ive learned from my work is that it is a lot of hard work (especially keeping everything chronologically correct), and the more you work on it, the harder it gets to keep everything in-line, because the more you do, the more you need to keep track of.

You will doubt yourself at times, at other times you will find that everything flows and just fit right together.

You will find at times that what you do is a total waste of time and money, then you will get back into it again.

One thing will flow into another, both forwards and backwards in time and you will see patterns emerging that you had no idea about before.

If you keep working on your Chapter you will find that you learn more and more about them that you didnt know and that they will evolve on their own in many ways. - You just peel away the layers and get a sort of "divine" overview you didnt have before.

Many Chapters have single events shape them, but as you work on your background, you will find how untrue that is.

As you work and start seeing the incredible scope of time the Chapter has been around, the ammount of characters and places, groups and organizations, peace-times, wars and places involved; you find that single events are usually unimportant in the overall view of things. - It is the patterns of repetetive occurances and the long term things that are most influential.

Some singular events do have a true impact on your Chapter´s "Soul", but they are few and far between; and when they do happen, they are truly titanic in some way.

 

Be ready for a lot of hard work; doubts and feelings of that what you do is pointless, but you will also find great reward in the toil you do and the Chapter will show you things and take you places you had no idea about.

Keep it up and as the network of everything comes together, the Chapter will essentially get a life of its own.

- Sometimes you have to reach in and set things right, steer the Chapter towards the right end with "hero" moments, but you will find it getting a life on its own and evolving in ways you never originally imagined.

 

Ah heck. Im rambling!

Anyway. When doubt comes, let it rest for a while, then lower your head and keep going against the storm.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

 

CMG.

Edited May 4, 2008 by Chaptermaster Graymantle

[Commissar Molotov]

Well, thanks for the input, CMG.

 

Like you, a lot of my work has been behind the scenes. There's only so much information that you can choke into an IA article, and it's incredibly easy to end up talking to yourself in the Liber. :lol: So I've been working on the Companies already; I have been for the past six months or more. My site going offline was an inconvenience, but in a lot of ways it's actually worked out well for me.

 

You're certainly right about the chronology, and whilst I'll be attempting to detail that, it's not my primary focus. I have a semi-worked up timeline which tells me many of the Castigators' pivotal battles, and details the exploits of many of the Companies, and I'm slowly working on that.

 

If you keep working on your Chapter you will find that you learn more and more about them that you didnt know and that they will evolve on their own in many ways. - You just peel away the layers and get a sort of "divine" overview you didnt have before.

 

That's an interesting way of putting it, and something that I really like. It's certainly my desired 'endpoint', so to speak. I also entirely agree with you about the single event/long-term-trend dichotomy. Of course, I think the greatest danger with DIY Chapters is the feeling of self-indulgence. It's a little egotistical, I suppose... ultimately, I hope that people like the Castigators and find them interesting and worthwhile. Otherwise it does all become a little self-gratuitous.

 

-----

 

Darth: The 'Insignium Castigator' is something I'm keen on doing, though I've not got the graphics know-how to do everything I'd like to. Scally has volunteered in the past to help me out, but he's busy with his own projects so it depends on when he's free. A great deal of the work on the Castigators has depended on the extreme generosity of others - something I'm ever grateful for.

 

The parallel between the Castigators and the Inquisition is an interesting one, but I really think it's something that can be applied to all organisations. For example, when Marneus Calgar allowed the entire Ultramarines Chapter to voice their opinions on the adoption of the Tyranid Hunters squads. Even look at Uriel Ventris - his viewpoint on the Codex differs radically to that of Learchus, say. The thing with the Space Marine Chapters is that they tend to promote those that fit in with the 'appropriate mindset'. Idaeus was a bit of a maverick himself, and thus he fostered Uriel. Similarly, that's why most Chapters tend to seem a little homogenous, but there's always room for difference of opinion - even if it's strategic style. A Captain that once served in the Devastators and a Captain that is known for lightning assaults will have differing opinions.

 

 

Varen: Thanks for the input; I'm certainly hoping to include most of that sort of stuff. This summer will be busy!

[NemFX]

Sorry, haven't gotten around to reading this in awhile.. For whatever reason the B&C's emailing updates thing doesnt seem to want to work for me..

 

I think you should definately have a modeling/terrain section for your site. While the stuff you do is not so unique that parts of it haven't been done before, the fact is that you do it in a way that inspires people, so when you get the models all fixed up and ready to show again, you'll probably have people asking anyway.

 

Incidentally, it won't be up for a few days, but I have a fun little army concept I'm going to be putting up soon that might inspire you a little <_<

[Commissar Molotov]

Sorry, haven't gotten around to reading this in awhile.. For whatever reason the B&C's emailing updates thing doesnt seem to want to work for me..

 

I think you should definately have a modeling/terrain section for your site. While the stuff you do is not so unique that parts of it haven't been done before, the fact is that you do it in a way that inspires people, so when you get the models all fixed up and ready to show again, you'll probably have people asking anyway.

 

Incidentally, it won't be up for a few days, but I have a fun little army concept I'm going to be putting up soon that might inspire you a little ;)

 

Crazy to think that anyone would subscribe to this thread. So, thank you - I appreciate it very much. :lol:

 

With regards to modelling the Castigators, Darth Potato recently said '2009 will be the year to be a Castigator' - I'm working on my Fifth Company force. My friend and I are hoping to post up a Castigators blog/paintathon. Cpt-Tiberius hopefully suggested that we should change the name to 'Procrastigators'. :rolleyes: Though with Darth Potato working on a Third Company force, Fifth Edition should herald the arrival of a few friendly scarlet-clad zealots. Alpha PTP sent me a PM recently to let me know he's working on a true-scaled Castigator, though that's been delayed by his work on Chaplain Gallows.

 

As I was saying, I've begun work on my Fifth Company army (under Captain Anteas). It's partly been an exercise in emptying my assorted bitzboxes; I've managed to gather around seventy Marines (with some more still on the sprue). It looks like I might even have enough to very easily collect the entire Fifth Company, with support from the First and Tenth Companies.

 

I'm hoping that I can get the site up as soon as possible, though I'm somewhat strapped for cash at the moment (some I'm eBaying everything within reach at the moment...) and, as such, the site might be delayed for a bit. I've been a little busy with Tiberius's Space Sharks in recent weeks, but I've been working on the Castigators 'behind the scenes'.

 

I know Darth Potato is working on fluff for the Third Company, and he might well post some of his ideas in this thread.

[Tyrannicide]

I decided to provide some of the notes on the third company, that Molotov mentioned.

 

'The Basics'

- The valiant third company of the Castigators Chapter, is lead by the experienced veteran, Captain Sirius. The elder marine has led his company for more than 250 years, longer than Chapter Master Quintillius has been at the helm of the Chapter. He shows leadership qualities that are unmatched, on the field of battle. Sirius' role in the chapter is 'Master of the Arsenal', and as such he has some strenuous tasks, which call for him. It includes keeping up the Chapter's wargear/vehicle issue and maintenance.

 

The Master of the Arsenal has unfettered access to the most ancient and sacred wargear of the Chapter.

 

Captain Sirius's heraldry is that of a blazing star. The sun is of special significance to the Castigators - the people of Losanco Secundus live in darkness and survive by moonlight. To venture to the bright-side and to see the sun is to face death - a transition that all Castigators must make. Sirius displays the blazing power of the sun - it is a fitting analogy for the potent firepower he wields as Master of the Castigators' Arsenal. Sirius is gruff and imposing, by turns stern and ferocious. On the field of battle, he commands and coordinates the various units under his control with great efficiency.

 

- The third company's current Chaplain is a young marine by the name of Argentus. He has been an incomparable asset to the the company's spiritual health as well as an accomplished warrior. He has taken part in many glorious victories since his inception into the company.

 

- Tarandas is the senior Sergeant in the company, he has been so since the Daebilis War took place. He's a good friend of Sirius's and he provides excellent counseling for his Captain. The veteran leads the battle company's first squad from the front of the battle line.

 

- The company has Astartes medical aid from Apothecary Gratus. The marine is a skilled surgeon who has been at the side of Sirius in countless battles. He removes the progenoid glands from the corpses of fallen Battle Brothers, as well as the gene-seed, for future Astartes recruits.

 

- Recent company disposition charts show the ten squads that currently make up the battle company:

• 1st Tactical Squad, Tarandas
  
• 2nd Tactical Squad, Deiad
  
• 3rd Tactical Squad, Solemnas
  
• 4th Tactical Squad, Lucan
  
• 5th Tactical Squad, Barrus
  
• 6th Tactical Squad, Hiberus
  
• 1st Assault Squad, Asprenus
  
• 2nd Assault Squad, Torquatus
  
• 1st Devastator Squad, Asturias
  
• 2nd Devastator Squad, Eclectus
  

 

'Notable Campaigns'

746.M41 - The Hellstar Purge - Sirius leads the Third Company against a Tyranid splinter-fleet in an attempt to exact revenge for the terrible losses sustained by the Ultramarines at Macragge a year earlier. This is one of the first actions, that Sirius partakes in, as acting Captain of the third company.

 

821.M41 - The Daebilis War - Captain Sirius and the Third Company fight alongside the Black Consuls, who are under the leadership of Brother Librarian Alektas. The combined forces defeat the heretics, and quickly restore order to the system.

 

900.M41 - The Garrett Insurrection - The entire Chapter mobilized to fight against a planetary uprising orchestrated by the Word Bearers. The battle lasted a full week, at which point the Third Company assaulted a breach in the enemy lines with Ancient Constantine, Bearer of the Crimson Standard. Constantine was killed during the assault but passed the standard to Rhetoricus, one of his Honor Guardians. The Third Company achieved victory for the Chapter and the Crimson Standard was unfurled atop the Word Bearers’ fortress.

 

993.M41 - Sadizar IX - The Castigators third company was called upon to aid in the extermination of a genestealer cult on the hive world of Sadizar IX. The cult had been discovered by Inquisitor Kyrmlic of the Ordo Xenos. A Tyranid Broodlord had infected the hive. The Castigators set to the task of purging Sadizar IX with zealous abandon. Two squads of First Company Terminators, fully half of the Castigators' complement, also aided the Third Company in the struggle to cleanse the hives of Sadizar IX. The Space Marines fought terrifying battles in cramped tunnels, accessways, vents and ducts.

 

 

 

*Speaking of behind the scenes I'm venturing deep into my first experience in writing, seriously speaking. What will it feature you ask? Stupid question, the Third Company, of course. To say the least though, Tarandas, Argentus, and Sirius.

 

More to follow, I need to work some things out before I post more.

Edited May 26, 2008 by Darth Potato

[Commissar Molotov]

Cool to hear some insights on your plans, Darth!

 

Sirius is somewhat of an interesting Captain. He's probably the second oldest behind Caphius (which suddenly makes me realise that Escalus must have done well to be selected as First Captain). You say that one of his first actions was the Hellstar Purge, avenging the Ultramarines. I like that idea, that in his earlier years, Sirius was quite the firebrand, a ferocious hot-blooded zealot, eager to prove his worth. And as such, he led his Company into war to defend the honour of Guilliman. As he's aged, he's mellowed somewhat, but still holds relatively strict, conservative viewpoints. As such, he would likely hold quite a bit of sympathy for the stance of Captain Caphius.

 

One thing I forgot to mention to you was that the Third Company was honoured for their actions in the Garrett Insurrection. I've been trying to decide whether they were awarded the Iron Skull or the Wreath of Thorns - it was an award as a Company, and so it was stitched into their banner.

 

- How did they cope with a Librarian from the Black Consuls? It strikes me they'd be caught between two conflicting impulses - to abhorr the witch, and to honour their gene-fathers. You should add some more detail into what they were doing during this campaign. (That goes for most of them, really - I am intending on having a 'notable campaigns' section on the site.)

 

Tell us more about Krmylic, too!

[Tyrannicide]

I really do like your standpoint on Sirius's beliefs and philosophies. He would strike me as a more radical captain, than a moderate, but he slowly tunes this done and is now more in between the two 'factions'. Astartes are often seen as bland individuals, and I disagree with how they are often portrayed in some of the fluff. They do have feelings, although sometimes they are hidden, deep behind their armored battle plate. I think that giving Space Marines personality above all else, is what makes them unique, not just the genetically enhanced killers approach.

 

Regarding the third company banner. I think that, as cool as a wreath of thorns would be, it might be too much, with the starburst and all already. I think the Iron Skull could tie into the banner, quite professionally. It could be inside the middle of the starburst, shining like a metallic star.

 

I plan to have more on the Black Consuls, and their Librarian, Alektas. I would think all the Castigators would be utterly repulsed to fight next to him. Who knows, would some marines come to blows with one each other over both of the Chapter's different ideals? :lol: I understand it's their father chapter, but the Castigators have some stern and stubborn personas, in the bunch.

 

As for Krymlic. We may just have to keep him undercover, for now. :huh:

Edited May 26, 2008 by Darth Potato

[Commissar Molotov]

Not quite sure what you mean by 'Radical' in this sense - whilst the Inquisition can use 'Radical', for the Castigators it conjures up the sort of imagery I'd be keen to leave to those mutated scum in the lesser Chapters. ;) I tend to use 'Puritan', 'Zealous' or 'Conservative', with Captains like Timon and Anteas being called 'Moderates'. After all, they're not liberal in the slightest, they're just not as hardcore as Captains like Caphius.

 

I'd considered the Iron Skull, too. So shall it be - the Third were awarded the Iron Skull for their actions in thwarting the Word Bearers, and it's been incorporated in their banner, in the heart of Sirius's starburst.

 

With regards to the Librarian, I think you're right; the Castigators would detest working alongside a Librarian. (What is a Librarian doing leading a force, anyway? It suggests that the force was understrength, or split off from the bulk of the Company...? You really need to detail the campaign somewhat.) Yet I think for the sake of Baraquiel, they would do what they could to suppress that revulsion, until it reached breaking point. I'm keen for the Castigators to have relatively cordial relations with the Black Consuls, so I'm not entirely up for the Third Company trampling over the Consuls - not physically, at least.

[Tyrannicide]

I can see the confusion I wrought, with the term 'radical', it's very close to how the Inquisition uses the term.

 

I like the sound of the third company banner, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

The Castigators wouldn't be too happy fighting alongside the 'Consuls Librarian. I plan to have some sort of chaos cult psychic presence on the planet the Astartes force attack, so this could be one reason, why Alektas was chosen to lead the force. Another reason, could simply be his companion, the Black Consols Captain, could've died early into the fighting.

[flameseeker574]

I hate this IA article, simply because its existence (along with others that are of a similar standard) make it much harder for me to write a decent article, so commissar I'm going to have to ask you to stop writing articles that raise the bar, because frankly I can't keep up.

 

Sarcasm aside this is an incredibly well written article that I will use to help me with my Sanguine Templar IA.

[brother varen]

Commissar, i've been thinking alot about your home world section. You were thinking of the Castigators giving the inhabants some from of technology or supplies in exchange for new recruits. What if the Castigators gave them newly established colonies (not fully established, but with limited techology toward food and power). This would help the inhabants to colonize their planet and also give them the best recruits. This would also give the inhabants a nomadic life style. I believe this would help in trying to keep the gene-pool pure for future recruits. Also give the inhabants a reason to strive for. Just some thoughts.

[Commissar Molotov]

Commissar, i've been thinking alot about your home world section. You were thinking of the Castigators giving the inhabants some from of technology or supplies in exchange for new recruits. What if the Castigators gave them newly established colonies (not fully established, but with limited techology toward food and power). This would help the inhabants to colonize their planet and also give them the best recruits. This would also give the inhabants a nomadic life style. I believe this would help in trying to keep the gene-pool pure for future recruits. Also give the inhabants a reason to strive for. Just some thoughts.

 

Thank you for the response. I don't especially like the idea of pre-fabricated colonies being plonked down by the Castigators, if only for the fact that I like the idea of semi-established conclaves of Human existence that are defended. At some stage I did write the basis of some extra-detailed fluff for Losanco which will hopefully be placed on the website when it's re-established. Basically there were settlements, and some of the smaller ones had been over-run by Mutants, leading to retaliatory purges by the darksiders. I'm not sure that I want the inhabitants to have a nomadic lifestyle.

 

One question, though - why would the Castigators providing them with colonies keep the gene-pool pure? ;)

[brother varen]

With the darksiders purges into the light side of the planet, the damaging effects of the radation to the gene-pool will likely be a down fall within a contained community. Only by merging gene-pools of diffrent colonies could you keep the effects of radation at a stale mate. That is why i thought of a nomadic lifestyle.

 

For example, the mongols are a nomadic poeple that travel in family groups. During special ceromonies, they travel to meet other family groups(colonies) to marry and create new family groups.

 

this would create a stronger bloodline, that doesn't stagnate and get polluted. If you think of one colony or family group, how long would it be before the radation got the better of them on their constant purges to the day side? With the intrduction of new DNA, you could create a stable counter weight. Think of this, picture a funnel. The top of the funnel would be the sart of a colony's DNA. As the colony keeps purging the light-side they travel down the funnel (Damages done by radation) to where their DNA isn't enough to keep the colony alive. Without the introduction of new DNA a colony will die out. Just my thinking.

 

Do the inhabants only live in a number of settlements? Or do they try to establish new colonies? I mean no offence in my rabblings. just food for thought.

 

it all depends on how you wish to create the way the the inhabants struggle to survive the damaging effects to their gene-pool.

[Commissar Molotov]

Okay, I see where you're going with this. I didn't mean to suggest that each settlement was its own little isolated enclave. In fact, I think that many of the settlements would have to trade with eachother in order to survive. Although I imagine there'd be a barter system if anything. So I think that the people could move relatively freely from colony to colony. With that said, I've always pictured those that go to the lightside as looking something akin to the Tusken Raiders, swathed in rags to stave off the heat and radiation. They'd look incredibly rag-tag (in fact, I've talked to Tiberius about illustrating these hardy individuals at some stage).

 

And no offense taken! It's rare for people to provide this article with feedback, so I appreciate it all the more.

[Octavulg]

Though the Tusken raiders put the idea in my mind, it seems apparent to me that travel between the colonies would need to be done in a fairly imposing fashion. Perhaps sandcrawlers are in order?

 

Certainly walking everywhere would seem a little...difficult.

 

Crawlers of some description might allow some mechanization and a bit more movement, while still avoiding the Mad Max feel.

[Heru]

Though the Tusken raiders put the idea in my mind, it seems apparent to me that travel between the colonies would need to be done in a fairly imposing fashion. Perhaps sandcrawlers are in order?

 

Certainly walking everywhere would seem a little...difficult.

 

Crawlers of some description might allow some mechanization and a bit more movement, while still avoiding the Mad Max feel.

From Tusken Raiders to Jawas... oh dear how very Tatooine...

[Commissar Molotov]

Certainly, which is why I wouldn't be in favour of 'sandcrawlers'. Certainly once you start using more and more terminology from that universe, Losanco becomes more like Lucas-land.

 

You say it'd be "difficult" to walk - but then "difficulty" is almost a prerequisite for Space Marine homeworlds!

[Orkdung]

Though the Tusken raiders put the idea in my mind, it seems apparent to me that travel between the colonies would need to be done in a fairly imposing fashion. Perhaps sandcrawlers are in order?

 

Certainly walking everywhere would seem a little...difficult.

 

Crawlers of some description might allow some mechanization and a bit more movement, while still avoiding the Mad Max feel.

 

Possibly Imperial Leviathans, converted to civilian use.

 

I have to reread the fluff, as I havent hit this thread in quite some time, but maybe the colonists had an STC or a Manufactorum ship that produces Leviathans. They are used as clan vehicles and wander the wastes of the planet, meeting once a year for social gatherings, recruitment by the Emperors "Star Warriors", and clan marriages.

 

Leviathan not Sandcrawler. GW not Lucas.

[Commissar Molotov]

...maybe the colonists had an STC or a Manufactorum ship that produces Leviathans. They are used as clan vehicles and wander the wastes of the planet, meeting once a year for social gatherings, recruitment by the Emperors "Star Warriors", and clan marriages...

 

Emphasis mine. :)

 

But no, seriously - the leviathan idea has some merit, but it removes the whole 'light side'/'dark side' dichotomy that I'm so keen to promte. It's also remarkably similar to Medusa, the Iron Hands' homeworld - they have giant vehicles that cross the deserts. So it's a little too... common for what I want to do. I like the idea of semi-established settlements. The Losancans live almost as techno-barbarians, anyway. I can imagine Losancans having to prove that they're not mutants before being allowed into settlements, things like that.

[Octavulg]

You say it'd be "difficult" to walk - but then "difficulty" is almost a prerequisite for Space Marine homeworlds!

 

Indeed. But impossible is too much - and the environment which seems to be prevalent would lean heavily toward the impossible.

 

Also, you REALLY need to read The Chrysalids. Seriously.

[Commissar Molotov]

Well, I read a summary of the book on the internet, and I'm intrigued. There are a great deal of similarities between the Losancans and those living in Labrador. Especially the idea that in order to keep God/the Emperor happy, those with 'deviations' must be cast out. Of course, the Losancans kill them wherever possible, rather than exiling them to the wastes. It's interesting, though. Very interesting indeed.

 

I'm not so sure that life would be 'impossible', though - I'd challenge that assertion.

[Octavulg]

Well, I read a summary of the book on the internet, and I'm intrigued. There are a great deal of similarities between the Losancans and those living in Labrador. Especially the idea that in order to keep God/the Emperor happy, those with 'deviations' must be cast out. Of course, the Losancans kill them wherever possible, rather than exiling them to the wastes. It's interesting, though. Very interesting indeed.

 

It is. Labrador's a lot nicer than Losanca, but it's still interesting for the look at the society.

 

It's quite a good book, really. I'd recommend you read it even if it weren't for the Castigators. That's just an additional reason. :lol:

 

I'm not so sure that life would be 'impossible', though - I'd challenge that assertion.

 

Travel, more. What with the roaming mutants, and the desert, and the radiation - plus the tendency in any culture where you walk everywhere for folks not to travel.

 

Add all that up and staying at home sounds pretty appealing. I'd expect either large caravans of people or some form of transport which made them faster and safer. Unfortunately, you don't really like either of those options (not that I blame you).

[Commissar Molotov]

My feeling is that there are certain settlements that would be somewhat larger, established and secure. And then there would be those that are closer to the light side, and more vulnerable. All the settlements would have defences of one sort or another - there would be established militias. And I think that most of the time, mutant assaults could be staved off. It means that the Losancans wouldn't necessarily need to go to the light-side to kill mutants - they could kill them on the dark side. But those that showed their determination by risking their lives in order to eradicate the mutant threat to them and theirs would attract no small interest from the Castigators.

 

There would be contact between settlements, but I don't see a constant flow between them. And perhaps there would be caravans - or convoys - so that those that wish to travel can do so with some protection. I can see it somewhat as villages, relatively far from each other, so news of a mutant assault overrunning a city might take a few days. I'm not sure.

[Octavulg]

My feeling is that there are certain settlements that would be somewhat larger, established and secure. And then there would be those that are closer to the light side, and more vulnerable. All the settlements would have defences of one sort or another - there would be established militias. And I think that most of the time, mutant assaults could be staved off. It means that the Losancans wouldn't necessarily need to go to the light-side to kill mutants - they could kill them on the dark side. But those that showed their determination by risking their lives in order to eradicate the mutant threat to them and theirs would attract no small interest from the Castigators.

 

OK - you definitely need to read the Chrysalids. :lol: You're an English major, IIRC - how is it you're afraid of reading? ;)

 

That said - entirely plausible and sensible. How do the periphery cities and villages see the interior ones? What, exactly, motivates these roving bands of anti-mutant warriors? How are they viewed by the villages? Dangerous extremists, glorious warriors of the faith, or some combination thereof?

 

There would be contact between settlements, but I don't see a constant flow between them. And perhaps there would be caravans - or convoys - so that those that wish to travel can do so with some protection. I can see it somewhat as villages, relatively far from each other, so news of a mutant assault overrunning a city might take a few days. I'm not sure.

 

You must then explain why these villages are so far apart, when centralization would clearly seem to be a better idea...