The Castigators

[Hasoroth]

Hive Fleet Nihlathak, named after the necromancer in D2 who gave Baal the key to the Worldstone. I liked the sound of that name (Arreat is a good one too imo, the mountain where the Worldstone was hidden)

[Commissar Molotov]

Wow, I wasn't expecting things to get quite this busy! Thank you in advance to everyone for their contributions. :)

 

 

 

 

 

The Doldrums scene from Master and Commander comes to mind.

 

A very interesting comparison. Especially because I wasn't planning it on a useful time-taking measure. Rather, I planned for Caphius and his company litereally to be stranded on the warp-tides, not unlike what happened to Mortarion and his men. Something that's always interested me about Space Combat with the Astartes is that they're effectively impotent; almost all of their enhancements are rendered null and void as they're forced to just become observers to the action. Equally, putting Caphius in a situation where he can't fight his way out strikes me as being very interesting from a psychological point of view.

 

 

Now that I have all of my resources (minus Codexes) I will try to resume work on the third company fluff. Specifcally Sirius' actions against the Tyranids. To start I have one question: Have we come up with a name for the Tyranid Menace in the Howling Stars? I was thinking Hive Fleet Ammit, the Egyptian personification of Divine Retribution. Or since I belive it was decided to be a Kraken Splinter, Hive Fleet Hydra impliing again multiple tendrils but instead of them being led by lesser creatures they are led by Hive Tyrants, again alluding to the fact the each of the Hydra's head was intelligent and independent.

 

Glad to hear you'll be working on the Third Company. I wasn't expecting this talk of Tyranids to accelerate quite to the point I've found it at this morning! First off, to be clear, we have a Splinter Fleet, rather than a Hive Fleet. Ignoring the pre-Behemoth fleets (Colossus, et al), we have Behemoth, Kraken, Leviathan and Jormugandr. Aside from Behemoth, they're all classic mythic sea-serpents - which is quite fitting, really. As such, if possible, I'd like a name somewhat similar. I've considered Nautilus, Coelacanth (also the name of a tank in X-Com: Terror from the Deep) and Triton as being suitably maritime names but none of them have really fit thus far.

 

The other thing to mention is that the Tyranids aren't actually assailing the Howling Stars just yet (though the Third Company has uprooted a number of genestealer infestations throughout the region.) Rather, the Tyranids are presenting a large enough threat for the Third to engage them.

 

It's always possible that if the splinter fleet represents a fragmentary piece of a once much larger fleet that it could receive a numerical designation by the tacticians. You could then have something like "Splinter Fleet A-000/1 "Hydra", or the like... once we finally settle upon a suitable name, of course!

 

Still, the name isn't THAT vital - and I'd like to avoid this thread becoming consumed by Tyranids. Focus on what's relevant to the Castigators, for now.

 

 

I especially like your second idea of naming the bulk of the Tyranid splinter fleet, though the name 'Hydra' seems a bit basic.

 

I can agree that the name is a bit simplistic, but it works. My concern is that it's an obvious and common name that's likely been used before. If nothing else, don't forget that the Hydra is a symbol associated with the Alpha Legion. (The idea of an Alpha Legionnaire in a Hormagaunt costume doesn't bear thinking about!

 

Is there another name thats more Latinized? I would go with something like that.

 

I'd like to stay away from latin names, as it almost always sounds clumsy when people try to shove extra latin into the 40k universe - in their Chapter names, for example. I personally don't like 'Jormungandr' as a name that much, as it's the first official hive fleet to break away from the classic Greco-Roman mythological base.

 

 

I'm not too sure, I'd have to look into it further. That said I had an idea playing off of the Hydra route of the Hive fleet's name, that it is a tendril of the original fleet. We could always use the idea of Cerberus, the multi-headed dog which guarded the gates of Hades, to prevent those who crossed the river Styx from ever escaping. (Taken from Greek and Roman mythology) We could somehow replace the river Styx with a counterpart in the 40k galaxy. Perhaps the Castigators themselves and other defenders of the Howling Stars could be seen as a Cerberus-like figure, guarding the Imperium against the Tyranid menace and the hive mind.

 

Therefore Imperial scholars have named the fleet 'Cerberus' in recognition of the hive fleet's identity and threat to the Imperium. The one thing I do like more about Hydra is that it seems to be a more vile and offensive creature, when compared to the three-headed watchdog. Either way it isn't too much of a problem. :)

 

Of course you need to remember that the 40k universe is a bizarrely paradoxical one. Names like 'Leviathan' or 'Hades' can be thrown around with inpunity, but the Imperium knows nothing of Ancient Greece. It would be awkward to say that they named the fleet X because of the myth of Y; do you see what I mean? I do, though, like your idea of a Stygian analogy. It makes me think of the area in the Star Trek universe known as the Badlands. It's certainly food for thought.

 

eh mate that the symbol for starcrafts own sons of korhal

can't you find a differen't symboleif you don't belive me fallow link

http://starcraft.wikia.com/wiki/Sons_of_Korhal

 

I wish someone had told me that back in 2004! :rolleyes:

 

But no, seriously. A lot of people have commented regarding the Castigators' chapter symbol, which is indeed based heavily on that of the Sons of Korhal, from Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft series. The symbol was chosen after I had framed up the majority of ideas for the Castigators, and seemed to fit perfectly with the concepts of punishment that I'd come up with.

 

 

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z121/mnesimache/Castigators/Castikorhal.png

 

The badge used by the Castigators was redesigned by Cpt. Tiberius, and it is functionally different from that of the Sons of Korhal - you can see that the layout of the arm and the length of the whip are both different.

 

 

 

After Caphius's first mission to search for survivors from the Black Consuls. He began to question the actions of his parent chapter and his homeworld beliefs. He went to the chapel to reflect and found himself standing before a statue of Lycidius. His reflection took him back to the time of his service with the Librarium. That his when his path and obsession with Lycidius started. He might have asked the chaplains for the Hero's Mantle and was told that he could only have it when Lycidius himself found Caphius worthy. So Caphius takes the 2nd on a crusade to prove his worthiness, while studying on info on Lycidius molding himself to try to become Lycidius's heir. Maybe taking the crusade along the path of worlds that Lycidius himself went.

 

What do you think?

 

Have you played any games with your gaming group lately? How have the 5th company faired in battle? I see that now you might want to map the Howling Stars?

 

Darth and Marshal2, What about using the name of the mother of all monsters? I can't remember the name, but it was the creature that gave birth to all monsters that plagued mankind.

 

I'm a bit dubious about the Mantle for now, and as such I'd suggest just leaving it and focusing on more pressing things. After all, we don't know entirely how Lycidius died so it's possible Caphius could've found it. I need to give the idea some thought.

 

Aside from that, I'd say that his obsession with Lycidius probably started even before he became a Captain - that was my thought, anyway. It might've been what started him on his course to become a Commander,to emulate his idol.

 

As for the Howling Stars - yes, but not obsessively. I don't want to get caught up in detail, because that'd be troublesome in the extreme. I've named some of the systems in the Stars, but I wouldn't go as far as to name every single system. It's not like the Anargo project!

 

This is one of the best IA's on the B&C, the only one that's better would have to be SCC's Brazen Claws. And they're a GW chapter, so they have SOME pre-established fluff. I really want my DIY renegades to reach this level. The Liber Traitoris is somewhat lacking. <_<

 

You've also taught me this: Drawing Space Marines is one thing. Drawing them well is something entirely different. Did you draw Ancient Rhetoricus and the Chaplain or did somebody else? 'Cos if you did, they're both amazing :woot: .

 

Thanks, Argon. SCC's article was one of my inspirations when writing IA: Castigators, so I suppose I can't begrudge coming second to it. ;) I'd be curious how you feel that the Brazen Claws are better, though. Is it some thematic issue? Something wrong with my IA article? I'm always keen to improve!

 

Rhetoricus and the Chaplain were both drawn by Cpt. Tiberius. You can see more of his artwork over on the ORDO ILLUMINATUS website.

 

 

That's it! Hive Fleet Internet, swallower of worlds.

 

The blue screen of doom is a fearsome thing! Guard your machine spirits!

 

 

What do you make of all this hive fleet naming madness, Molly?

 

Well, as said before I'd be pretty glad if we could turn it down a notch and return to the Astartes! I'm glad for all the interest and activity that it's drawn, but equally I don't want the moderati drawn down on me because of all your enthusiasm. ;)

[Marshal Rohr]

Some ideas about Sirius that I had kicking around:

-As a relative 'moderate', he would be more inclined to lend a hand to situations where other's would scoff and walk away. Note: He isnt humanitarian, but the third might participate in things like pirate interdiction or eradicating feral Orks. Would this tread on the 5th's role though as the Marcher Lords?

-He had a kind of 'come to the Emperor' experience in some conflict. Maybe when he faced his first real action against the Tyranids, as opposed to the 'fox hunt' of hunting down Genestealer Infestations.

-He was kind of Caphius' yes man in his younger years, but now he has grown to be a voice of reason to Caphius more hair-brained ideas.

-He never served in the first company, having been promoted directly from Senior Sergeant to Captain of the 9th where he served for a short three years before being selected to replace the third company commander.

-He has a nemesis, I havn't really thought of a good one though.

-He is more cordial with other Astartes Chapters, but is reluctant to serve under another that is not of his chapter, so much so he avoids more domineering Chapters.

-He is diplomatic in showing that the Castigator are the real muscle in the Howling Stars, and he knows how to use intimidation instead of eradication to keep a populace inline. For example: he would make a big show of hunting down a pirate group or rebel cell on a planet, using very showy means of destruction, like Lance Strikes and Thunderhawk deployments (flying in over capitols and such). Going to meet the local governor from a Drop Pod :tu: .

-The third is frequently deployed spending far more time aboard their vessels than at the Chapter Monastery. Sirius hands off approach to being Master of the Arsenal has made the techmarines warm up to him.

 

 

My dad and I had an interesting discussion about Chapters whose mission is to guard a region of space (Ultramarines), as opposed to acting as a QRF (Raven Guard) or pacification force (Black Templars). He thinks that Chapters like the Ultramarines, Iron Snakes, and Castigators would be more ambassadorial in their approach to the worlds they protect. They would care about the territory and take measure to let the humans on those worlds know that they are under their protection, like the Iron Snakes having a protocol to contact them in case of emergency or Ultramar having inspections from Marneus. That is what makes me think the Castigators would have factions within the Chapter who care about letting the worlds of the Howling Stars know who it is that protects them, as well a factions who would remain aloof and stand offish. In the Third Sergeant Solemnas would be one of the aloof faction and Sirius is one of the diplomatic faction.

 

Also, I have come up with some names for squad II, V, and VI

Squad II (Tactical) 'the Sentinels': Veteran Sergeant Deiad

-name given for being the protectors of XXXXXX Shrine

Squad V (Tactical) 'the Swords': Veteran Sergeant Barrus

-name given for captain Sirius' reliance on them during battle as his 'Sheild'

Squad VI (Tactical) 'the Sheilds': Veteran Sergeant Hiberus

-name given for Captain Sirius' reliance on the during battle as his sword

 

I wanted to have two tactical squads that Sirius would use for their teamwork when he needed to devote a full two squads to a task. As such to make the connection stronger Sergeant Barrus and Sergeant Hiberus came up from noviciacy together. Their solidarity is reknowned and when it came time for Sirius to select replacements for two sergeants who had bee killed, they were his first and only choice. The names for V and VI are WIP, but I like the Sentinels alot.

 

Godslayer was a Sergeant in the company, sergeant Patronus. He was Senior Sergeant of the company.

 

Chaplain Argentus is a fiery zealot, a master orator and a thorn in Sirius' side. The working relationship is cordial, but Argentus takes the 'smash' approach to warfare. Even so far as on occasion, when caught up in the fervor of combat, to lose control and decide for himself what his next target will be; causing other units to have to cover down. He is fond of Sergeant Solemnas, who he sees a s a kindred spirit. He was recently promoted up from a reserve company. He fights almost exclusively jump pack equipped unless the mission cannot support it (such as in a space ship). He is armed with the Crozius 'Punisher' and the Plasma Pistol 'Traitors End', awarded to him by Sirius upon his elevation to the third company.

 

Lexicanium Liciunus is a quiet reserved warrior who focuses on the lores of defense. He has spent his time in service to the Librarium studying the way of the great siegemasters and when Sirius has walls that need be taken, Licinus is given complete tactical control to devise a strategy. He wears a robe of Cream over his blue armor and wields the power sword 'Hand of Ares'.

 

Senior Sergeant Tarandas is Sirius most loyal Sergeant. He is ever at Sirius side and fulfills his duties as the companies second with modesty. He considers himself Sirius bodyguard, and on the feild of battle f Sirius accompanies his command element he takes great care keep Sirius from harm. Much to the Captains chagrin. He is armed with the power sword 'Amicus'.

 

Apothecary Gratus is cynical and morbid. He has an unhealthy fascination with death and if it were possible for a marine to be depressed, the Gratus would be depressed. He is an exceptional marksman wielding his plasma pistol to devastating effect on the battlefield. He rarely participates in company activities (when they have them) preferring to spend his time in the Librarium amongst the Medicae texts. Even with an uncomfortable personality, he is an admirable healer who was tutored by none other than the chief apothecary.

 

All ideas are WIP, let me know what you think.

[Ferrus Manus]

I'm going through the process of updating my notes on the Eighth and Tigris. I think I remember discussing the idea that Tigris maybe older than we originally suggested. So I'm working with that and putting more detail into the company itself, I'll chat with you on messanger as soon as I have something substantial to show you.

[Tyrannicide]

I could sit here for a while responding to everything you said M2C but that would just be a waste of time. I really do like all the ideas you've generated, but as you said, the names for squads V and VI have got to go. I do however like the name 'Sentinels', it's a very nice choice. ^_^

 

By the way, if you want to discuss anything regarding the third company with me just say so.

 

EDIT:

Senior Sergeant Tarandas is Sirius most loyal Sergeant. He is ever at Sirius side and fulfills his duties as the companies second with modesty. He considers himself Sirius bodyguard, and on the feild of battle f Sirius accompanies his command element he takes great care keep Sirius from harm. Much to the Captains chagrin. He is armed with the power sword 'Amicus'.

It's not a problem at all if you want to stick with what you've got, but I pictured Tarandas with the Lightbringers only power fist. Just thought I'd mention it.

Edited January 14, 2009 by Darth Potato

[Marshal Rohr]

Gah! I am out of Non-Templar Power Fists! Ok file time...

[Ferrus Manus]

Mol, did you ever manage to finalise a list of Titles for each of the Captains?

[Commissar Molotov]

Some ideas about Sirius that I had kicking around:

-As a relative 'moderate', he would be more inclined to lend a hand to situations where other's would scoff and walk away. Note: He isnt humanitarian, but the third might participate in things like pirate interdiction or eradicating feral Orks. Would this tread on the 5th's role though as the Marcher Lords?

-He had a kind of 'come to the Emperor' experience in some conflict. Maybe when he faced his first real action against the Tyranids, as opposed to the 'fox hunt' of hunting down Genestealer Infestations.

-He was kind of Caphius' yes man in his younger years, but now he has grown to be a voice of reason to Caphius more hair-brained ideas.

-He never served in the first company, having been promoted directly from Senior Sergeant to Captain of the 9th where he served for a short three years before being selected to replace the third company commander.

-He has a nemesis, I havn't really thought of a good one though.

-He is more cordial with other Astartes Chapters, but is reluctant to serve under another that is not of his chapter, so much so he avoids more domineering Chapters.

-He is diplomatic in showing that the Castigator are the real muscle in the Howling Stars, and he knows how to use intimidation instead of eradication to keep a populace inline. For example: he would make a big show of hunting down a pirate group or rebel cell on a planet, using very showy means of destruction, like Lance Strikes and Thunderhawk deployments (flying in over capitols and such). Going to meet the local governor from a Drop Pod :) .

-The third is frequently deployed spending far more time aboard their vessels than at the Chapter Monastery. Sirius hands off approach to being Master of the Arsenal has made the techmarines warm up to him.

 

Interesting thoughts.

 

With regards to Sirius being a "relative moderate" - I'm not so sure. I'd still put him on the scale as being conservative. His views are certainly more moderate than those of Caphius, but he would be notably more zealous than Anteas. My intention with Sirius was always that he has mollified in his old age (whilst Caphius has become more entrenched.)

 

With that said, we can't apply the terms "moderate" and "zealot" in a satisfactory way. It's possible that Sirius would agree with certain things and not with others - we can't say that "all zealots think X".

 

I see nothing wrong with the pirate interdiction and the like - the Howling Stars tend to attract such threats, so I imagine all the Castigators would have experience with it at various times. It's possible the Master of the Marches would simply coordinate such actions.

 

I don't want Sirius to be Tyranid-centric; he's certainly no Cassius. But I think that perhaps he simply views them as a serious threat that has to be eliminated. Obviously the Tyranids haven't encroached so close that the entire Chapter has had to fight them - it's likely that Sirius has been taking the fight to the Splinter Fleets as they've approached the Howling Stars. Likely he's had to coordinate with others - the Imperial Guard, perhaps other Chapters (though I've never really detailed any other Chapters as being near the Stars). As I can't see a Captain bouncing from one problem to the other I have to consider that there was likely a post-Kraken Splinter (c.994.M41) and then perhaps another in c.997. The fluff on post-Behemoth splinters is incredibly contradictory, but we know that Sirius uprooted a number of Tyranid cults since he became Captain in 845.M41.

 

I'd be interested in you defining his relationship with Caphius. I certainly never would've considered him a 'yes-man'; he has conviction enough of his own. Of course, those of Caphius's ilk would likely consider him to be "going soft", relaxing his stance in recent times.

 

I'd omit the 'never served in the first Company...' section, as it doesn't add anything, and it's not entirely clear as to whether Veteran Sergeants are obligated to have served in the First. Plus, you seem to suggest he's never served in a Battle-Company, which is worrying! I'd just eliminate it because it creates more problems than it solves.

 

Why the "Hands Off" role? It strikes me as odd for him to shirk his duty.

 

My dad and I had an interesting discussion about Chapters whose mission is to guard a region of space (Ultramarines), as opposed to acting as a QRF (Raven Guard) or pacification force (Black Templars). He thinks that Chapters like the Ultramarines, Iron Snakes, and Castigators would be more ambassadorial in their approach to the worlds they protect. They would care about the territory and take measure to let the humans on those worlds know that they are under their protection, like the Iron Snakes having a protocol to contact them in case of emergency or Ultramar having inspections from Marneus. That is what makes me think the Castigators would have factions within the Chapter who care about letting the worlds of the Howling Stars know who it is that protects them, as well a factions who would remain aloof and stand offish. In the Third Sergeant Solemnas would be one of the aloof faction and Sirius is one of the diplomatic faction.

 

It's an interesting viewpoint. The Iron Snakes and the Reef Stars are perhaps a better analogy than the Ultramarines, as the Castigators don't actually rule the Howling Stars. They've just made it their business to safeguard the Stars, and have over the millennia been intertwined into the sector. For example, the small colony-world of Aeteron Point was saved by Captain Lycidius from Dark Eldar pirate raids that could've entirely depopulated the planet. It's now, millennia later, a bustling port and a valuable world in the Stars. All down to the Castigators. I can imagine that protocols to call the Castigators likely do exist, and there are probably blood-oaths set down that ensure the Castigators will come when they are needed.

 

When it comes to the defence of the Howling Stars, I can't see the Chapter being as ideologically fractured as on other issues. Anteas and Caphius fought side-by-side on Maethax, for example, even if things were strained at the time. Caphius orchestrated the defence of Mutara and there would've been Marines that disagreed with him serving side-by-side. So I guess I'm asking you to advance your argument and convince me otherwise!

 

Also, I have come up with some names for squad II, V, and VI

Squad II (Tactical) 'the Sentinels': Veteran Sergeant Deiad

-name given for being the protectors of XXXXXX Shrine

Squad V (Tactical) 'the Swords': Veteran Sergeant Barrus

-name given for captain Sirius' reliance on them during battle as his 'Sheild'

Squad VI (Tactical) 'the Sheilds': Veteran Sergeant Hiberus

-name given for Captain Sirius' reliance on the during battle as his sword

 

I like 'The Sentinels'. I also like your fluff regarding Sergeants Barrus and Hiberus. With that said, I can't say I like their squad-names! I make no bones about it, squad names are incredibly difficult to get right, so don't feel too bad. I like the either/or relationship they've got going, though.

 

Two quick notes - Licinus would be a Codicier, and he would wear a yellow robe, as per Codex dictates.

 

Wouldn't all Apothecaries be tutored by the Apothecary Primus? Especially in a Chapter like the Castigators, who place such great emphasis on the preservation of their gene-seed?

 

I'm going through the process of updating my notes on the Eighth and Tigris. I think I remember discussing the idea that Tigris maybe older than we originally suggested. So I'm working with that and putting more detail into the company itself, I'll chat with you on messanger as soon as I have something substantial to show you.

 

B)

 

It's not a problem at all if you want to stick with what you've got, but I pictured Tarandas with the Lightbringers only power fist. Just thought I'd mention it.

 

I would think that Power Weapons would be a fair deal more common than that, especially in the Master of the Arsenal's Company!

 

 

Mol, did you ever manage to finalise a list of Titles for each of the Captains?

 

No. Of course they maintain the codex titles for the most part, but I'd like to come up with additional ones at some stage.

[Tyrannicide]

I would think that Power Weapons would be a fair deal more common than that, especially in the Master of the Arsenal's Company!

Do you have to be right all the time? B) I hadn't even considered that the third is still led by the Master of the Arsenal. That said, then yeah I'm sure they would have a couple more to lend. I originally liked the fact that Tarandas wielded a giant, deadly power fist on his arm.

[Commissar Molotov]

I actually originally meant "... more power fists than that..." after you said he had the only fist in the Company.

 

 

Oops!

[Argon]

This is one of the best IA's on the B&C, the only one that's better would have to be SCC's Brazen Claws. And they're a GW chapter, so they have SOME pre-established fluff. I really want my DIY renegades to reach this level. The Liber Traitoris is somewhat lacking. <_<

 

You've also taught me this: Drawing Space Marines is one thing. Drawing them well is something entirely different. Did you draw Ancient Rhetoricus and the Chaplain or did somebody else? 'Cos if you did, they're both amazing :woot: .

 

Thanks, Argon. SCC's article was one of my inspirations when writing IA: Castigators, so I suppose I can't begrudge coming second to it. ;) I'd be curious how you feel that the Brazen Claws are better, though. Is it some thematic issue? Something wrong with my IA article? I'm always keen to improve!

 

Rhetoricus and the Chaplain were both drawn by Cpt. Tiberius. You can see more of his artwork over on the ORDO ILLUMINATUS website.

 

Don't get me wrong, nothing's really wrong with yours. It's just that the Brazen Claws come off as being slighly more detailed. That, and like I said, they're a GW Chapter, so some of the things like gene-seed were already in place like gene-seed. You came up with every detail yourself.

[brother varen]

I'm just curious, What planets have you named in the Howling Stars?

 

Need some input from you Mol, for the defense of Mutara. I know Mutara has a titan legion named Legio Lux. Have you come up with an organization for them? Also, Would the Howling Stars have any Knight worlds? I would like to think that in the opening purge of the Howling Stars that Legio Lux and a few Knight households were involved. They could have been the defense force while Mutara was in its infantcy.

[Marshal Rohr]

Arn't the Knight Households non-existent? I thought that they were lost?

[Donkey Kong]

If Lexicanum is anything to go by, Knight titans are gifted to feudal worlds as barter for resources, and if there are going to be Forge world around, then there are going to be farm worlds (quite possibly feudal) to fuel them. So, all in all, I'd assume that they're still strong, alive and kicking.

 

I also remember there being something about titan legions having their own little stock of Knight Titans.

[Commissar Molotov]

I'm just curious, What planets have you named in the Howling Stars?

 

Need some input from you Mol, for the defense of Mutara. I know Mutara has a titan legion named Legio Lux. Have you come up with an organization for them? Also, Would the Howling Stars have any Knight worlds? I would like to think that in the opening purge of the Howling Stars that Legio Lux and a few Knight households were involved. They could have been the defense force while Mutara was in its infantcy.

 

Some of what you're asking is irrelevant to the Castigators. The organisation of a Titan Legio has little bearing on anything else, and so I've done nothing with it. That said, the best place to ask questions of that nature would be in the Howling Stars Discussion Thread. I'll do my best there to answer whatever questions you have, though I have to emphasise once more that I don't want to spend years of my life excessively detailing the entirety of the Howling Stars! I'm fine with detailing as much as is useful, but too much detail only confines us and makes it difficult for us to write without contradicting ourselves..

Edited January 15, 2009 by Commissar Molotov

[brother varen]

Mol, The Castigator fleet that you have named, are they the Originals from the begining of the Castigator chapter? I guess what i'm trying to ask is this: In the defense of Mutara i was thinking of having a BattleBarge sacifice itself to destroy/stall a large part of the advancing ork fleet. Of course, only with a skeleton crew. Don't want to sacifice to much. The captain of the battlebarge would be dirctly linked to the ship due to serve battle wounds in previous actions. Name unknown at this time.

 

This is what i was thinking:

 

Captain Timon (master of the fleet) was having trouble in slowing the advancing ork fleet. Captain XXXXX of the Battlebarge XXXXX had substained major damage and made the choice to sacifice himself and his ship to give more time to the defense of Mutara. He ordered an evac of all personal in any vessel or escape pod left on the Battlebarge and to report to Captain Timon's vessel. He then ordered the BattleBarge to full raming speed and targeted a large spacehulk with many other ork vessels around it for maxium damage. While closing on the ork spacehulk, he fired every weapon in his possession at it, to weaken it. Within kill range, he ordered a reactor overload. He was to take as many orks with him before he joins the Emperor. In a brillant flash of light, the Ork spacehulk and any ork vessel near it was obilerated. Needlessly to say, the ork warlord was among the dead. So, the orks fought amongst themselves to pick a new warlord to lead. The in-fighting gave the Imperials the time they needed. What do you think?

[Commissar Molotov]

The Castigators' Battle-Barges both date to the founding of the Chapter. The Sacred Endeavour was the ship Baraquiel used when calling the members of the Vocates together for the first oath of loyalty. It was also where the second swearing (after the fall of the Reapers) took place. The Holy Enterprise is where Baraquiel died after eradicating the Ryssith. They're revered relics of the Chapter and have sustained heavy damage over the years. They bear the scars of their service, and do so with pride.

 

As a result, I'm a bit leary of ramming one into a Space Hulk! The idea will have to sit with me, but I'd be more inclined to allow a Strike Cruiser to go to its doom. With that said, I'm not sure that ramming a vessel into a Space Hulk is necessarily a good idea. Just because it's heavily damaged... I guess it's because you don't make it clear that the Ork fleet would've overwhelmed the Astartes? Of course, the thing is that Space Marine vessels aren't designed for ship-to-ship action, being mostly geared around delivering troops to a planet's surface. The Imperial Navy would've borne the brunt of naval actions before Mutara (though the Castigators would've conducted boarding actions, of course).

 

My other concern is that the Hive Fleet Behemoth fluff has a Battleship charging a Tyranid bio-ship during the battles for Macragge and detonating its engines. I wouldn't want to seem too unoriginal! Perhaps we can work to make it something different, I'm not sure. I'm open to the possibility of heavily damaging a Battle-Barge (even crippling it) and destroying a Strike Cruiser, but we'd need to work out the logistics.

 

Aside from that, we need a date for the Mutaran Conflict. Now that you've dated Caphius and know he became a Captain in 455.M41, I'd be keen to know when in his 550-year career you reckon he'd have defended Mutara!

[Commissar Molotov]

I've pieced this together based on the discussion on the previous few pages - hopefully it'll be useful and we can update it further.

 

Castigators Timeline - NEW DATES AND REFERENCES AS OF JAN 17

YearNotes367.M41-: Caphius is inducted into the Chapter.455.M41

• Captain Caphius becomes Captain of the Second Company upon the death of his predecessor.
  
• The Siege of Goddeth Hive: The Black Consuls Chapter is reported as destroyed during the Siege of Goddeth Hive.
  
• -: In late 455.M41 the Castigators receive word of the Black Consuls' apparent destruction. Caphius, newly appointed Captain of the Second Company, is tasked with travelling to Goddeth Hive to ascertain the truth. Caphius never relates what he saw at Goddeth Hive to anyone but his fellow Captains, but returns with the tattered and torn Company Standard of the Black Consuls, which is hung in the Hall of Heroes.
  

801.M41-:An unprecedented flicker in the light of the Astronomican throws thousands of ships off course. Communication is disrupted across the Howling Stars. Captain Caphius and his Company are stranded in the warp aboard the Strike Cruiser Inviolate.852.M41The Empress: Captain Sirius engages in a xenodcidal campaign against the XXXXX. The XXXX were a space-faring race united in service and worship to their living God-Empress. This 'deity' was a capable Commander and was able to coordinate a campaign that delayed the Castigators.855.M41The Scouring of Lacion: The Third Company engages in an extended campaign in the Lacion Sector against Warboss Gutzob. They are aided in their endeavours by the Crimson Knights Chapter.

• At Toth, Sergeant Solemnas killed the Ork Overlord, a senior lieutenant in Gutzob's horde.
  
• At Fordun, the Astartes encounter a faction of renegade Iron Warriors known as the Hellhammers. The Siege of Fordun was fierce; at its climax Dreadnought 'Godslayer' dispatched a Daemon Prince whilst Tactical Squad Solemnas seized the city gates, allowing the Armoured Spearhead of the Crimson Knights to rout the Iron Warriors.
  

994.M41 The Hydra: Sirius and the Third Company lead a force that engages a Tyranid Splinter-Fleet codified by Imperial strategicians as 'Hydra'. The initial engagements occur in space at the Quiet Barrier, a nebula only two sectors away from the Howling Stars.

 

As the battle against the Splinter Fleet reached its climax, Captain Tigris and a specially-selected Strike Force from the Eighth Company struck at the Tyranid forces, engaging in deadly close-combat in order to give the Adepta Sororitas time to evacuate the bones and relics of Saint XXXXX of XXXXX. Tigris personally slays a Hive Tyrant in close combat. The relics are successfully evacuated, and the news is warmly received by Ecclesiarchal and Sororitas representatives.

XXX.MXXThe Defence of Mutara: Captain Caphius leads 400 Castigators and other forces against the Orks of the Delvis Rift. (FURTHER INFORMATION INCOMING)

Edited January 17, 2009 by Commissar Molotov

[Ferrus Manus]

The Hydra: Sirius and the Third Company lead a force that engages a Tyranid Splinter-Fleet codified by Imperial strategicians as 'Hydra'. The initial engagements occur in space at the Quiet Barrier, a nebula only two sectors away from the Howling Stars.

 

As the battle against the Splinter Fleet reached its climax, Captain Tigris and a specially-selected Strike Force from the Eighth Company struck at the Tyranid forces, engaging in deadly close-combat in order to give the Adepta Sororitas time to evacuate the bones and relics of Saint XXXXX of XXXXX. Tigris personally slays a Hive Tyrant in close combat. The relics are successfully evacuated, and the news is warmly received by Ecclesiarchal and Sororitas representatives.

 

That is crying out to be fictionalised (is that even a word?) I may just have to go away and write something up.

[Commissar Molotov]

Feel free; I'm not set on the details; I was simply trying to correlate the fluff you and M2C had given me. It's certainly not final. I did like the idea of the Castigators' actions being applauded by the Ecclesiarchy. Quintilius would be keen to promote relationships with other Imperial organisations, so it seemed to work for me.

[Marshal Rohr]

I love the fact our games help drive the fluff for the chapter. Makes them worth playing.

 

Also, good news Mol, I now have a Tau player in my neighborhood :o .

[Commissar Molotov]

The Tau have always occupied an awkward position for me. They're a relatively insignificant race on a galactic scale. I dare say that there's plenty of Chapters (those on the Western Fringes, particularly) who've never heard of the Tau. In order for Chapters to justify playing the Tau, nearly every DIY player seems to place their homeworld somewhere along the Eastern Fringes!

 

The older Castigators fluff stated that the Fourth Company was the widest-ranged of all the Companies, and the only one to have fought the Tau. One of my close friends also has a Tau army (The Elsy'eir Sept) and so I've been placed in the awkard situation of how to justify such a battle. I can't just not fight him, so... In some games I've just pretended I'm playing Fourth Company (they did fight the Tau when they brought about the downfall of Commander Quickblood, Shas'O Tash'var Raal). In others, I just play "Generic Space Marines". Sometimes I'm not fighting Tau, but another alien race - it would be easy to represent the Belaxalar Xenocide, or the campaign M2C created against the alien Empress.

 

But then sometimes it just doesn't matter, and we're just playing a game. After all, I wouldn't be able to fight Abaddon the Despoiler either, by fluff! ;)

 

Random ramblings.

 

In other news, as a treat for reading through that, I managed to unearth a few sketches Tiberius sent me a while back:

 

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z121/mnesimache/Castigators/Space-maroon_doodles_low.jpg

[Marshal Rohr]

Abaddon ate Sirius in a recent game :lol: . I think I need to rework my list!

[Hasoroth]

Or not charge a Marty Stu (of the nth power) with a Space Marine captain :rolleyes:

[Marshal Rohr]

More Notes on the Third Company

 

Team Leaders now added:

Squad I (Tactical) ‘Torchbearers’: Sergeant Meridius/TL Scipius

Squad II (Tactical) ‘Sentinels’: Sergeant Deiad/TL Vorenus

Squad III (Tactical) ‘Illuminators’: Sergeant Solemnas/TL Decurion

Squad IV (Tactical) 'Vanquishers': Sergeant Xerian/TL Lucianus

Squad V (Tactical): Sergeant Barrus/TL Marius

Squad VI (Tactical): Sergeant Hiberus/TL Quintus

Squad VII (Assault) ‘Eagle’s Claws’: Sergeant Asprenus/TL Sabastius

Squad VIII (Assault) ‘Venerators’: Sergeant Torquatus/ TL Crucius

Squad IX (Devastator) ‘Hammers of Dawn’: Sergeant Asturias/TL Belisarius

Squad X (Devastator) 'Iron Guard': Sergeant Eclectus/TL Orosius

 

Third Company Notable Deeds:>890.M41: The Revival. The Third Company moves through the systems on the border of the Howling Stars, decimating planets that had become lax in enforcing Imperial rule. These systems, one of which was consorting with the Eldar, quickly renewed faith in the Emperor after a thorough population screening by local Inquisitorial agents.

 

890.M41: Sergeants Barrus and Hiberus are dispatched to quell a small uprising on XXXXXX. It is here that Sergeant Barrus lost his legs when he was caught in an intense mortar barrage in a village south of the capital. Ordering his squad to stay in cover, Sergeant Hiberus braved the turmoil to reach his crippled companion and took him in his arms and carried him again through the same bombardment back to where his squad was bunkered down. Here Apothecary Gratus was able to stem the flow of blood and keep the honorable sergeant from joining the Emperor.

 

899.M41: The Defense of XXXXXX. The Third defends the planet XXXXXX from an invasion of a portion of Splinter Fleet Hydra. Captain Sirius takes command of the Local PDF and a Guard Regiment from XXXXXX, in a delaying action that allows most of the population to withdraw before the planet is burnt.

 

Sergeant Astyre of the Tenth Squad is killed fighting a Carnifex. Brother Eclectus takes charge of the squad for the remainder of the war. He fights with honor and distinction against the Tyranids, and Captain Sirius presents honors him with the Marksman’s Honor, for his admirable service, and permits him to wear a thorn pattern upon his helmet.

 

Sergeant Tarandas of First Squad kills a wounded Hive Tyrant in close combat, a rare and unusual feat even for a Space Marine. In Honor of the fantastic achievement Tarandas is elevated to the position of Senior Sergeant of the Third Company and gifted with the power fist ‘Osgod’. Sergeant Meridius is taken from the position of Scout Sergeant to the Sergeant of Squad I.

 

Sirius’ Wargear:

‘Lux Vibedis’- Lux Vibedis was forged by the great sword-maker Evander, a chapter serf renowned for his craftsmanship. The blade shines with an emerald light when activated and it is said to be imbued with unnatural power.

Master-Artificed Mk. 2 Crusade Armor- Sirius’ Power Armor is a great work of art, covered in golden-framed depictions of great deeds of its previous wearers and of Sirius’ own deeds. It turns aside even the deadliest weapons and houses advanced logic engines capable of keeping Sirius appraised of all battlefield conditions and it is rumored to have a sentient machine spirit capable of controlling armor systems if Sirius is wounded or incapacitated.

‘Tarquin’s Sheild’- A storm shield borne to battle by the famed Captain Tarquin, it currently belongs to Captain Sirius. Gifted to him by Master Quintillus for his cleansing of the Howling Stars following the 1st Tyrannic War it protects Sirius from even deadly plasma and melta weapons.

Master of the Arsenal’s Cloak- The Master of the Arsenal’s position is typically represented by a cloak of deep black and white that signifies the light and dark of Losanco and the Master of the Arsenals role within the chapter; to his foes he brings both Light and Dark, the light of the Emperor and darkness to all who oppose him.

Iron Halo-Passed to him from his predecessor, Sirius bears his Iron Halo on a mounting over his shoulders below his back banner.

‘Lightbringer’- ‘Lightbringer’ is a master-crafted plasma pistol gifted to each Captain of the Third since the time of XXXXXX when the company first received the nickname ‘Lightbringers’.

‘Justificatus’- Sirius still bears the knife he wielded as a brother-marine, because of it’s of sentimental value to him and the memories of the foes whose lives ended upon its blade.

‘Helm of Juneval’: Sirius wears a modified Mk. 4 helmet, upon which rests a crest of thorns. The helmet once belonged to Captain Juneval, a Captain of the 8th Company famed for his savage persecution of those who had betrayed the Emperor during the wave of apostasy that spread in the middle of the thirty-ninth millennium.

 

 

The Adamark Campaign

A campaign that I wanted to write about. I wanted to create a trying environment for Sirius in a war that causes him to grow into a true Captain instead of the hack and slash character I have him as now. During the campaign he will be tested in ways he has not been tested, in ways he has not since the revelation of the Tyranids. I want it to be a big engagement so I have elements of the 1st, 8th, and 10th supporting the 3rd in this campaign. The war is primarily fought by the guard, but that wont have anything to do with what Sirius is doing. Right now I am in the outline stage but I think I should have a good two pages about it as the finished product.

 

Notes on Sirius himself:

-I am thinking of ways to deepen his character without shoehorning him into a Cassius, or Grimaldus, or a Tycho. I came up with multiple options: loss of a mentor, time with the deathwatch, held prisoner, sole survivor of a mission. When I think of characters for him to be the 40k version of I think of Johhny Rico from Starship Troopers, Faramir/Eomer, Devlin from Once and Eagle, or Obi-Wan during the Clone Wars

-In large games he will be represented by Sicarius' rules, as I think they are appropriate for the power that an Astartes Captain would wield.

-I want Sirius to have a single ally within the chapter with which he would identify with and be 'friends', if such a term could even apply.

-I want to expand more on his dealing with the Techmarines and the Cult Mechanicus. I think for Mutara to be providing such high quality equipment to the Castigators it would require a friendly face from the chapter.

-I think the 3rd would be deployed alot, fighting many different foes across the length and width of the Segmentum, but not so far as the Eastern Fringe, there is no point for them to be that far out IMO

Edited January 22, 2009 by Marshal2 Crusaders