IA: The Stonebound

[Ace Debonair]

Captain D'ain Maurak looked into the single eye of the ancient marine who had called into question the honour of his chapter. Picking up the iron gauntlet, he considered his words carefully. "Your armour tells me you have seen much battle, my brother. But the valour and deeds of my chapter will not be questioned!" D'ain stood proud and tall, crashing his hand againt his chest, accompanied by the rustling jingle of his mail hauberk. "We are the Stonebound - let me tell you of our saga!"

 

IA: The Stonebound

 

F

erocious on the attack, unwaveringly stubborn in defence, The Stonebound Chapter of the Adeptus Astartes are known best for their grim and unyielding service to the Emperor of Mankind. With skill, unswerving determination and quiet pride, they have fought His enemies and protected His subjects for millennia, and are resolved that they shall continue to do so - evermore.

 

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/sm.php?b62c=@hybVZ_i2A49.hy8sR@_@@@@@hbyfu@.@@__@@@@_@@@_@@@_@_@_@@@@_@@@@.@@@@@@@@@@_@@@iakk7&grid=TRUEhttp://www.bolterandchainsword.com/sm.php?b62c=@hybVZ_i2A49.hy8sR@_@.@@@hbyfu@.@@__@.@@_@@@_@@_._.@_@@@@_@@@@.@@@@@@.@@@_@.@iakk7&grid=TRUE

 

Battle-brothers of the Stonebound chapter. Company is denoted by the number on the knee, and the chapter's insignia is two grey axes in the form of a diagonal cross, blades facing outwards. The marine on the right is a member of the chapter's First Company, the Redshields.

History:

They called us Stone Warriors,for no weapon in their hands could harm us. Had we come to wage war, I would have thought nothing of it and slain them outright. The name, though, had appeal. We Astartes, bound in armor as enduring as the stones upon which we stood..." Extract from the saga of Alar Baines, Grand Captain of the Stonebound.

 

Created in the Sixth Founding from the gene-seed of Jaghatai Khan, the Chapter that would come to be known as the Stonebound was assigned to the Segmentum Pacificus to combat the threat of increasingly numerous Ork incursions. A cadre of veterans from their parent chapter, the Red Sabres, would train them for a time, overseeing the maturation of their first five generations of recruits. Alar Baines was the leader of this cadre, but would not claim the position of Chapter Master, insisting that his role was only to mentor the Chapter for a short time. He instead took up the title of Grand Captain and created a temporary council of Captains. Baines taught these warriors of the many responsibilities and burdens of command, and began to search for a leader who might replace him when the time came.

 

Baines

Edited January 13, 2011 by Ace Debonair

[Solomon de Gravier]

Do't be so hard on yourself. This is much better than mine :cuss

 

One critism is that you mention thier father chapter a bit too often. You made me want to know about the Red Sabres as well, which you chouldn't.

 

Other than that, good work!

[Ace Debonair]

Hmm, fair enough.

I did kind of just make up the Red Sabres, too. :)

 

Actually, I was sort of considering writing an IA for them, since I had the idea to-

No, Ace. Five chapters is enough to work on. :cuss

 

Anyone else got anything to say about The Stonebound?

[DarkUncle2003]

You said Orks attacked within the first year or so of the Chapters inception? Wouldn't this be a bit rough since most of teh recruits would be somewhat 'new' astartes?

 

Does this chapter have any dealings with the Administratum or the Ad. Mech?

 

Having been around for a while I would be curious how they acted with those institutions in mind. Do they have much of a fleet or are they more of a system-based chapter?

 

How are the companies or Great Companies organized. (on a game-play note I see these guys using the wolf dex)

 

Gauntlet Challenge 1: 3/20

Edited January 7, 2010 by DarkUncle2003

[Ace Debonair]

Points well made, DarkUncle2003 and duly noted.

 

What do you think would be better - for the Ork attack to wait a few years or so or for the chapter to lose most of it's marines?

 

I didn't really want to draw links to the AdMech, as that could be seen as taking the easy route to good gear and so forth.

If anyone has any ideas on this front, they too will be appreciated.

 

Game-play wise, I don't really have an opinion. On my precursor thread folks drew lots of similarities to the Space Wolves, and I've tried to make them acceptably different.

Views on how successful I've been here (from anyone, of course, but Space Wolf fans would be favourite ^_^ ) are valued also.

 

Fleet-heavy or system-defendy, huh?

You've got me there. Perhaps a division between the two, as and when neccesary, but that might seem a little over-the-top.

 

You've given me, and hopefully any other kind commentators, food for thought.

Anyone else got any questions/answers for me?

 

On a side note, how's the colour scheme? Like, Dislike?

Should I add a scheme for the Redwing company? It's a bit... similar, so I can't decide. :lol:

[Starblayde]

I've got no criticisms for what you've written so far, it's all construction from here on in!

 

They are Fast Attack based, with obvious themes from the Space Wolves and White Scars chapters, but how are their companies organised, and how closely do they follow the codex. Are their Chaplains or Librarians particularly notable for their numbers - or lack thereof - or have special designations in keeping with the Stone theme?

 

Is the Beakie marine image just from personal preference, or are there a particularly high number of Mk.6 suits of armour being used?

 

Iron Gauntlet Challenge 1: 6/20

[Ferrus Manus]

First off, let me say I think your writing skills have severally improved and you can tell with this piece. It's very good. :lol:

 

and begin preperations to leave the village until the spring.

Should be 'preparation'

Food is scarce in the vast labyrinth if underground tunnels,

Typo

 

Otherwise, first section is good. But I think you need a something like 'thanks to these testing conditions the Stonebound chose this world as their own, declaring that the populace were worthy aspirants due to their imposed trials.' Just to tie it off.

 

History

 

Created in the sixth founding from the geneseed of Jaghatai Khan via the Red Sabres,

Sixth Founding should have capitals, considering it's a name.

The axe, to The Stonebound, symbolises the role of a space marine - to brutally and irrevocably destroy the enemies of makind.

No need for the capital.

 

Beliefs

 

the Stonebound often have a hand in creating arms and armour for the Imperial Guard stationed in nearby systems.

I don't like this, if I'm honest. Why not spend time crafting great wonders or some such. Give them a past time, besides war. This is a good chance to humanise your Astartes.

and the Primarchs who lead the loyallist legions in the days of the Horus Heresy.

Typo, only one 'l'

 

Combat Doctrine

 

However, as such tactics often cary the risk of failure against the brutal Orks,

Typo

with a splinter of a tyrannid hive fleet

It's Tyranid, and it should have a capital.

 

Organisation

 

and the honour is now also sometimes given to the most decorated veterans also.

Makes it read better.

There are also a larger than average number of bikes in the Chapter;

'Is' not 'are'

Vehichles attached to this company also often have red feather designs either emobssed or painted onto them.

Typo

 

Hope that helps :P

 

EDIT: Oh, and make it longer :)

 

Iron Man Challenge: 1/20

Edited January 7, 2010 by Ferrus Manus

[Ace Debonair]

DOH!

 

I forgot that altogether, so many thanks Starblayde. You just earned your number 6/20 right there.

 

What with the veneration of armour and stuff, I meant to add that there are quite a few mk6 and even some older suits of armour within the chapter.

 

More to think over, I see.

Happily nobody's found any critical errors up to now.

 

Anyone think they can see any? :lol:

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

Nice, however, one slight question. the World Fortress is underground, yet they use bikes? might not work :D also, with the Redwing, the name doesnt really suit the Stonebound. maybe a type of rock Wing, such as obsidian wing, granite wing etc? also, why feathers, do the symbolised something? that they are veterans maybe? and may i suggest that the Dreadnoughts are held in extremely high regard, due to their ancient knowledge?

 

Iron Gauntlet: 7/20

Edited January 7, 2010 by Captian Lucas Raziel

[Lysimachus]

I really like this, Ace, it's well written and some very cool idea's.

 

I must say, the only thing that really surprised me was the choice of Gene-seed. Given that they're based on Dwarves, my immediate thought was that you would go for Salamander successors, you know; slightly slower, preference for short ranged firefights (ideal for cave fighting, etc), very into their craftsmanship/artificering and so on, even this:

They called us 'Stone Giants'

which is the name of a Chapter believed to be a Salamanders Successor!

Edit for stupidity: No, it's not is it, that's the Storm Giants. D'oh!

 

Not saying you should change it as it still works fine as it is, just something that struck me as I read it and thought it might be worth considering.

 

cheers

 

Lysimachus

 

PersonalChallenge:1/30

Edited January 7, 2010 by Strike Captain Lysimachus

[DarkUncle2003]

Honsetly I would make the ork attack happen as the first major engagement that put the chapter in its low-number marine standard. Despite how long ago they were created the small marines may be more of a liking to the leaders who would be used to the tribal conditions of their home. Tribes as a standard being smaller than other types of social groups.

 

The chapters first tech marines could have been investigating the deeper reaches of the planet and found lost or forgotten tomes which have helped them to create a Fortress-Monastery-Forge. (Making Masters of the Forge a decent choice for you!!)

 

You are definitely different from the Wolves for my taste!

 

You won't be a fleet-based chapter, and I would assume you have a bit of a fleet, even maybe a battle barge. Just flesh this part out a little. This is a good place to add names. A good idea is the reason they don't have a Battle-Barge is that it was driven into a space hulk full of orks to stop their plundering and marauding.

 

Gauntlet Challenge 1: 4/20

[Ace Debonair]

Hey, I didn't spot Ferrus Manus posting on my IA.

 

Thanks for the compliment, buddy. I try my best.

 

I also see that you've picked out a number of extremely valid points. I'll see to them at once.

 

Captain Lucas Raziel:

The location of the Fortress Monastery isn't always where the marines fight; most of the Stonebound's campaigns are off-world. ;)

 

The Redwings are nothing more than something I wanted in there to tip the nod to the Red Sabres, and I thought it would look pretty good. Plus the name strikes a chord with me personally. :lol:

Dreadnoughts would be held in high regard, but being White Scars at heart not everybody would willingly do so. Hmm, I really must edit that in. lol:

 

Make it longer, as a final note?

I've asked a fair few questions about my own chapter since I started this post, and until they are answered I'm not sure I can make it longer.

I'll give it a go, however, when my brain next engages itself.

 

 

EDIT: Thanks also to Strike Captain Lysimachus and DarkUncle2003 for posting while I was writing this, you devious devils you.

 

To Lysimachus' points, I thought that Salamanders would be too... obvious. Ditto for Iron Hands. I'm also pleased that I narrowly dodged a Salamanders' Successor name, as that was totally unintentional. And, if you're into deeper meanings, can be taken as a sign not to go with the Salamander geneseed. ;)

 

DarkUncle2003; thanks for tackling some of those questions for me. Good man.

 

Perhaps, to answer an earlier question, I could have close-ish ties with the AdMech so that my chapter can pick up a few extra strike cruisers, and even explain the presence of a Battle Barge.

Edited January 7, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[DarkUncle2003]

Ace,

 

Hey. I like alot of the development since this morning!!

 

I don't think close-ish ties to the admech would be required for a battle barge. But I was just saying you should look at what sort of fleet and assets your marines have.

 

If they were primarily an in-system fleet then Strike Cruisers and escort ships would be more than enough. If they travel much then a Battle Barge is basically required. But like in Dorn's story of discovery a huge vessel plays a big role in that and the Imperial Fists history. Like I also mentioned its a great place for creativity and naming.

 

As for the Redwings, I like the idea, how about the Blood-stones or Stoneblood or some similar name to keep in step with your chapter, just use red-feathers off the dark lizard things as a test or a trial of sorts. Like initiation into the first company. Then nick name them the Redwings. This would allow you to use some DA feather bits on models too! Just paint them red and blam! Got your home built hockey team!!

 

Gauntlet Challenge 1: 4/20

Edited January 7, 2010 by DarkUncle2003

[Ace Debonair]

As for the Redwings, I like the idea, how about the Blood-stones or Stoneblood or some similar name to keep in step with your chapter, just use red-feathers off the dark lizard things as a test or a trial of sorts. Like initiation into the first company. Then nick name them the Redwings. This would allow you to use some DA feather bits on models too! Just paint them red and blam! Got your home built hockey team!!

 

 

YES! That's good thinking, right there. :)

 

Why didn't I think of that myse- wait a second, what hockey team? :)

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Perhaps, to answer an earlier question, I could have close-ish ties with the AdMech so that my chapter can pick up a few extra strike cruisers, and even explain the presence of a Battle Barge.

 

You should have several Strike Cruisers and at least one Battle Barge (unless you've got grounds for refusing it) as standard. The idea of having close ties to the AdMech in order to get hold of a Battle Barge is like suggesting you should have close ties to the AdMech so you can get yourself some power armour. A Space Marine Chapter is next to useless if you can't get around to deal with trouble, and any Chapter lacking in standard fleet assets is going to be re-equipped with them as a priority.

 

If they were primarily an in-system fleet then Strike Cruisers and escort ships would be more than enough. If they travel much then a Battle Barge is basically required.

 

Well, they're not a garrison force, are they? :)

[Ace Debonair]

Perhaps, to answer an earlier question, I could have close-ish ties with the AdMech so that my chapter can pick up a few extra strike cruisers, and even explain the presence of a Battle Barge.

 

You should have several Strike Cruisers and at least one Battle Barge (unless you've got grounds for refusing it) as standard. The idea of having close ties to the AdMech in order to get hold of a Battle Barge is like suggesting you should have close ties to the AdMech so you can get yourself some power armour. A Space Marine Chapter is next to useless if you can't get around to deal with trouble, and any Chapter lacking in standard fleet assets is going to be re-equipped with them as a priority.

 

If they were primarily an in-system fleet then Strike Cruisers and escort ships would be more than enough. If they travel much then a Battle Barge is basically required.

 

Well, they're not a garrison force, are they? :)

 

Put like that, what can I say?

I know almost nothing of 40k fleets.

 

I'll make certain in the next edit that the chapter more obviously fights on distant fronts as well as close to home.

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Put like that, what can I say?

I know almost nothing of 40k fleets.

 

This should help you. The Astartes fleets are detailed from page 20 onwards. If you're interested in more background reading, the rest of the BFG resources are also free to download from GW's website.

[DarkUncle2003]

Just as a side note I would love to give a few of these guys a quick paint up with some of my extra Space Wolf models :), if you are up for that. Esp. the 1st company.

[space wolf]

I really like the quotes at the beginning of each section....consider that idea stolen! *YOINK*

 

As for the article, I agree with Manus, it needs to be longer! :P

That being said I just have a question or two. Did they fight the orks in the tunnels? if they did I would find it surprising that they rely on bikes so much, as bikes aren't very conducive to tunnel fighting. If not then I don't see any problems. Actually I kind of like the idea that a subterrainian chapter uses something so, unlike what you would expect. I can just see them popping out of the ground in those big ninja turtle footclan tunnel drills and riding out on bikes screaming like wildmen.

[Dosjetka]

last night i thought of a bit of fluff for your chapter. i'll post it here or PM you whenever i've finished it. whichever you prefer. it's something to do withthe name of your chapter: The Stonebound. <_<

 

BB Ludovic

[Ace Debonair]

Grand Master Tyrak, thanks for the link and the interesting read.

There's now some details about the Chapter's Battle Barges.

 

DarkUncle2003, paint as many Stonebound as you like! :D Seriously though, if anyone wants to paint up some Stonebound I'd love to see how the colours translate onto a model.

I'd do it myself if I had the money and time. ;)

 

space wolf, if you like that idea you can have it. Making up those quotes was one of the hardest parts. :P

I can just see them popping out of the ground in those big ninja turtle footclan tunnel drills and riding out on bikes screaming like wildmen.

:D Right on.

 

Hmm, it looks like I'll have to explicitly point out no bikes were used in the subterranean battle. No hardship, I guess. I did kind of harp on about keeping their fast-attack roots, so this is what I get.

 

Battle-Brother Ludovic, I'm intrigued. Whilst I have already written my idea for how the name came about, I'll consider any feasible alternatives happily.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[Dosjetka]

i didn't mean fluff to say why that's their name, but to reinforce their name...try and make sense of that until i post my idea, probably tomorrow...or tonight, i'll have to see.

 

BB Ludovic

[Ace Debonair]

The intrigue levels, they have risen. :( Battle-Brother Ludovic has struck again. :lol:

 

Back on the note of what's already updated - does anyone approve of the new, more detailed sections about the Redwings and the lines about the Battle Barges?

 

Better still, a few people have requested I make this IA longer. I don't really know where to start, so does anyone think anything is missing?

 

I'm also unsure about the Librarians, Apothecaries, Chaplains and Techpriests in this chapter. I mean, what should I do with them? Should they just be as-per-standard like an ordinary chapter, or should I start blurring the lines a little, perhaps adding alternate duties?

 

Of course, any comments on any part of this IA (like the colours - any problems with the colours? Or the invention of a makeshift language for Kagarans to speak? Or... absolutely anything, acutally) will be much appreciated.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Ace Debonair

[DarkUncle2003]

Hey Ace,

 

I have been at work but I am still reading. I have some ideas and questions I will post up here shortly.

 

Just as an aside I have a model on the go but I need some direction with color.

 

Hopefully work will be done soon!!

[Captain Lucas Raziel]

I'm also unsure about the Librarians, Apothecaries, Chaplains and Techpriests in this chapter. I mean, what should I do with them? Should they just be as-per-standard like an ordinary chapter, or should I start blurring the lines a little, perhaps adding alternate duties?

 

Of course, any comments on any part of this IA (like the colours - any problems with the colours? Or the invention of a makeshift language for Kagarans to speak? Or... absolutely anything, acutally) will be much appreciated.

 

i think Tech priests within your forging chapter would be very high regard. chaplains i'd say standard. as for librarians, maybe take a page outta the fantasy book, with the melt armour, BURN!!!! powers. also, stone powers?

 

also, a guttaral language would quite suit this chapter, i have a image of a battle line like a stone wall against an enemy attack, and the captain screaming ommands in guttaral languages.

 

Better still, a few people have requested I make this IA longer. I don't really know where to start, so does anyone think anything is missing?

 

maybe major battles, a description of a notable character? religon, anything really. maybe an inquistors account of the chapter?

 

Iron Gauntlet: 10/20 HALFWAY :)