35 replies to this topic

[Octavulg]

Well, it seems a little derivative...

Nice enough concepts. I think some of it may be the sort of details that are great when you know them, but not as much when explained to a third party. But it makes sense, and it's an interesting source for inspiration.

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

Well, it seems a little derivative...

I detect my own words coming back to haunt me.

It could be a fair statement, though. Which parts seem a little derivative? I know that there is going to be some level of this as one cannot draw upon inspiration from another source without being somehow derivative. But I want to avoid being overly derivative, so if there's any portion where it looks like I'm laying it on a little thick, I'll find a way to cut back.

Nice enough concepts. I think some of it may be the sort of details that are great when you know them, but not as much when explained to a third party. But it makes sense, and it's an interesting source for inspiration.

I'm glad you like the concepts. I'll work up some rough drafts/revisions and hopefully you and others will help me to expand upon them so that it makes sense to a third party.

[Octavulg]

It could be a fair statement, though. Which parts seem a little derivative? I know that there is going to be some level of this as one cannot draw upon inspiration from another source without being somehow derivative. But I want to avoid being overly derivative, so if there's any portion where it looks like I'm laying it on a little thick, I'll find a way to cut back.

It's mostly just the fact that the source of your ideas is another Space Marine chapter. It seems like it should be fine once you've finished filing the serial numbers off.

More seriously: it'll be fine. They're solid ideas, and I think they'll be plenty distinct enough - especially since the White Scars haven't been using them lately.

Edited by Octavulg, 23 August 2011 - 04:51 PM.

[Marshal2 Crusaders]

No wonder you get upset when people say the Black Templars wouldn't sire a new chapter....

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

It's mostly just the fact that the source of your ideas is another Space Marine chapter. It seems like it should be fine once you've finished filing the serial numbers off.

I don't see that as "derivative" in the negative context, however. It's more of a conscious decision based on a reasoned evaluation of the Chapter's background, and the process is the key. To illustrate, I didn't think to myself, "hmmm...I want to make a Chapter that is a cross between the Imperial Fists and the Black Templars. Instead, I looked at the background and started with the concept of a Chapter descended from the Black Templars and how it might reasonably look. There is a consensus among many players that the Black Templars would never father a Successor, and though I don't agree with the conclusion, I agree with elements of the logic that led to the conclusion. So I considered what plausible explanation there might be for the Black Templars to be chosen as a parent for a descendant. From that, I speculated on how that all might pan out and decided that the Black Templars wouldn't train the new Chapter, choosing a training Chapter based on the situation I envisioned. Now I'm not saying that this is the only way that the Black Templars would ever father a Chapter or that every Successor of the Black Templars, if any exist, will look like this. I'm just taking the situation I envisioned and seeing where it takes me.

As for why the Chapter might look like the Imperial Fists, the logic is that the initial training cadre came from that Chapter so it's logical that some of the Imperial Fists character would carry through. The Successor doesn't currently look like the Imperial Fists, though there is a core that can be traced to that venerable Chapter (mostly in the swordsmanship, being Stubborn, and being Codex adherent). The Successor has, naturally, developed its own character over time based on its experiences and other influencing factors (the worlds it recruits from, etc.). In this, I've made the Chapter much closer to the Imperial Fists than the Black Templars because it seems much more logical to me. There are elements of the Black Templars I've included, but I've really tried to minimize them. For example, the Avenging Lions don't wear chains and don't follow the Crusade/Crusade Company organizational structure - they were trained by the Imperial Fists and, therefore, follow the Codex Astartes. I initially had the tabards, like the Black Templars, though I modified that based on the explanation for why the Avenging Lions might wear them. I've decided to change that now, though. Probably the only thing that really comes from the Black Templars is the heavier use of the Emperor's Champion. The oaths are a watered down version of the vows of the Black Templars, but I've changed them from an army-wide effect to something that is more personal in nature (I need to ensure that I explain that clearly when I actually write this stuff out) and which doesn't have any in-game effects (i.e., Brother Nick doesn't swear some oath and then have some benefit on the tabletop as a result of that oath - the oaths are just a way to give the Chapter some distinctive character).

There are a number of things that are unique to the Avenging Lions when compared to the Imperial Fists and Black Templars, however.

No wonder you get upset when people say the Black Templars wouldn't sire a new chapter....

Oh I don't get upset. It just gets frustrating when people don't get it and they try to waste my time in a vain effort to force me to do what they want instead of allowing me to enjoy the hobby. In reality, I pity those that are too narrow-minded to realize that their opinions are their own and that the fluff supports a number of other conclusions. Why they see a need to foist their own opinions on others in some attempt to dominate the game world-view is beyond me. Beyond having to occasionally deal with their intransigence, though, they're not really worth wasting any of my time on, so I just humor them and allow them to voice their thoughts, and then I ignore the prattle and consider the useful stuff. I might have to refute their ideas, and I give that the minimum amount of time it deserves, but after that they get the attention they deserve if they lack the intellect/courtesy to desist - they get ignored as white noise so that I can focus on real constructive feedback/ideas.

If you have something constructive to add to the conversation (i.e., helping me to further develop the Avenging Lions), I'd be more than happy to hear what you have to say and engage in a collaborative effort with you. If you'd rather just throw out zingers that don't really contribute to the discussion at hand, however...

[Octavulg]

I don't see that as "derivative" in the negative context, however.

Neither do I! You're reading too much into this.

Seriously. I was just talking about the White Scars bit (and not that seriously). IF successors should be a bit derivative of the IF.

Now I'm not saying that this is the only way that the Black Templars would ever father a Chapter or that every Successor of the Black Templars, if any exist, will look like this. I'm just taking the situation I envisioned and seeing where it takes me.

And speaking as the progenitor of the "Black Templars would never father successors" argument, your explanation works fine.

I don't think it'd hold as much water if everyone started using it, but it works.

[Marshal2 Crusaders]

No wonder you get upset when people say the Black Templars wouldn't sire a new chapter....

Oh I don't get upset. It just gets frustrating when people don't get it and they try to waste my time in a vain effort to force me to do what they want instead of allowing me to enjoy the hobby. In reality, I pity those that are too narrow-minded to realize that their opinions are their own and that the fluff supports a number of other conclusions. Why they see a need to foist their own opinions on others in some attempt to dominate the game world-view is beyond me. Beyond having to occasionally deal with their intransigence, though, they're not really worth wasting any of my time on, so I just humor them and allow them to voice their thoughts, and then I ignore the prattle and consider the useful stuff. I might have to refute their ideas, and I give that the minimum amount of time it deserves, but after that they get the attention they deserve if they lack the intellect/courtesy to desist - they get ignored as white noise so that I can focus on real constructive feedback/ideas.

If you have something constructive to add to the conversation (i.e., helping me to further develop the Avenging Lions), I'd be more than happy to hear what you have to say and engage in a collaborative effort with you. If you'd rather just throw out zingers that don't really contribute to the discussion at hand, however...

Good thing no one was doing that then, isn't it?

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

I don't see that as "derivative" in the negative context, however.

Neither do I! You're reading too much into this.

Seriously. I was just talking about the White Scars bit (and not that seriously). IF successors should be a bit derivative of the IF.

Well no worries, then.

Now I'm not saying that this is the only way that the Black Templars would ever father a Chapter or that every Successor of the Black Templars, if any exist, will look like this. I'm just taking the situation I envisioned and seeing where it takes me.

And speaking as the progenitor of the "Black Templars would never father successors" argument, your explanation works fine.

I don't think it'd hold as much water if everyone started using it, but it works.

Agreed. I understand the arguments that stack the deck against the Black Templars ever fathering Successors, but that doesn't make the notion impossible.

And I don't think I'd enjoy it if everyone jumped on my bandwagon, either.

So I'll get to work on revising the article as I described previously and we'll see if I can explain it well enough. Perhaps those who haven't helped anything yet might offer some criticism when I present the draft in order to help me improve upon it.

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

Apparently I'm not as creative as I thought. I was following some posts here and I realized that my preferred name for the "best of the best" is the same as the title of one of the Night Lords novels. I'm not sure if the usage of "Soul Hunters" there is a proper noun applied to a unit/organization, or if it's just a sexy title used to describe them. Either way, I probably need to change the name of my elite guys. Fortunately, I've been doing some conceptualization and have been expanding my ideas for these guys. Here's the current deal...

So going back to the basic concept, these guys are nothing more than the equivalent of a standard Honor Guard (or the Sanguinary Guard or Wolf Guard) - they are the most experienced of the Chapter's veterans. So a battle-brother will, once he accrues enough experience, ascend to the 1st Company where he becomes a veteran. While in the 1st Company, he trains in all of the aspects of warcraft and learns how to use terminator armor, and depending upon his preferences/aptitudes he may fight as a Sternguard, Vanguard, or Terminator (or maybe even all three ). The best of these veterans becomes a member of the Honor Guard.

I'm retaining this basic concept, but I'm going to give it a little bit of Avenging Lions flavor.

What I see happening in the Avenging Lions is that the standard "battle-brother to veteran" point is one of the significant crossroads. For most Avenging Lions, this is where a Space Marine is selected to remain on the standard path or if he'll train to join one of the special orders (Apothecary, Techmarine, or Chaplain). Librarians are selected during the initial stages of training, at the junction between neophyte and Scout (wherever such a "junction" might be said to exist). One's aptitude for the other special orders is measured by testing and observation: those that have demonstrated an understanding for complex biological issues might be earmarked as future Apothecaries; those whose intellect seems more in line with technology and the mechanical might be earmarked as future Techmarines; and those who have demonstrated exceptional zeal and devotion to the Chapter's warrior cult might be marked out as future Chaplains. This wouldn't be an immediate transition, though. Instead, battle-brothers who have demonstrated potential aptitude for these orders might undergo a period of apprenticeship and training to see if they truly belong in those orders. If they succeed, they will be fully trained in the appropriate order, but if they don't they might return to the "normal" path.

Those battle-brothers (veterans) who don't display an aptitude for one of the specialist orders might become normal veterans, typically fighting as either a Sternguard or a Vanguard until they learn to use terminator armour. It might still be possible for them to be shifted into one of the special orders if they demonstrate aptitude during this stage. The vast majority of veterans will probably "plateau" at the veteran level. This is simply a matter of potential - they might survive the never-ending warfare that the Chapter engages in, but they lack the ability to progress to the very pinnacle of leadership within the Chapter. A small number have both the physical and intellectual potential to progress further, though, and these will become the Honor Guard (whatever I end up calling them). These are the best of the best - veterans whose intellects might enable them to one day lead a company of Space Marines, or even the Chapter. They must be physically potent, but must also be able to apply leadership, tactics, and strategy, as well as direct logistics and perform diplomatically (in whatever capacity Space Marines might by diplomatic, which usually means just coordinating with other elements of the Imperium's war machine, but might also force them to meet with xenos representatives on rare occasions).

So there will only be a handful of these guys in the Chapter, perhaps two or three squads.

So far, I don't think this is out of sync with the standard organization and progression within a Space Marine Chapter. I've merely provided more detail than Games Workshop has given us, filling in some holes with my own speculation. If I'm wrong in this, please let me know.

Now it's going to get a bit hazy, though, as I change things up a bit.

All of these Honor Guard will undergo even more advanced leadership training, getting the "big picture" stuff that will enable them to one day lead a company (if they master the material, that is). Some of these will demonstrate that they might never be Captains, despite their martial prowess and intellect. Others will have potential to advance further. Those that lack the potential to advance further aren't shamed in any way - they simply lack the potential to effectively lead a company. If their piety and understanding is sufficient, they might transition over to the Chaplain ranks (going through the normal apprenticeship first). Otherwise, they will be the members that form the Command Squads serving in companies in the Veteran and Company Champion profiles. Those that have the aptitude to become Captains will generally serve in two capacities - either as the Honor Guard proper guarding the Chapter Master or as the Sergeants of the Command squads. In this role they are effectively apprenticed out to the Captains to fully refine their advanced leadership skills, serving as second-in-command while assigned to their companies. This doesn't guarantee that they'll succeed the Captain of the company they're assigned to if he dies, however. If a captaincy becomes vacant for some reason, one of the Command squad Sergeants will take his place after going through some selection process (that I haven't detailed yet, and perhaps never will).

So now that I'm ditching both "Souldrinkers" and "Soul Hunters" (thanks to AD-B for using an awesome name ) I have to look at alternatives. What I want to do is avoid over-saturating the lion imagery to the point where it becomes a parody of what might be realistic (in the way that I think the association of wolves with the Space Wolves has done). So I'm going to discard the "Lion Guard" idea, too (and I'm surprised no Dark Angels fans jumped on me for that idea in the first place ). So going back to the warrior cult of the Avenging Lions, there is a focus with vengeance and justice. The Chapter sees itself as taking the justice of the Emperor to the outer dark, punishing those that in the eyes of the Avenging Lions commit offenses against the Emperor. This might be for turning from the Imperium (as Chaos Space Marines and Lost and the Damned), being filthy xenos, or something else. They're not doing the job of the Adeptus Arbites (i.e., they're not enforcing the rules of the Imperium). Instead, they see it as their Emperor-given mandate to punish anyone that isn't in the Emperor's light.

So where am I going with this? The warrior cult of the Avenging Lions is based around justice.

So aside from the Chaplains (and their apprentices) preserving the justice-based warrior cult, I see the Honor Guard being established as the exemplars of the warrior cult. Basically, this is the application of them being the pinnacle of what every Avenging Lions battle-brother aspires to be (though few will ever attain this goal). Most battle-brothers might become pretty good, ascending to veteran level, but few will ever be the "all stars" that are the Honor Guard. In addition to the concept of a "promotion" (i.e., from "Veteran" to "Honor Guard"), I see this as having solemn ritual significance. These battle-brothers have basically proven that they are the best of the best and are thus charged with continuing to exemplify the ideals of the Chapter and to guard its spiritual sanctity. Where the Chaplains both teach and demonstrate the warrior cult's ideals, the Honor Guard are expected to exemplify those ideals (not with fiery zeal as the Chaplains, but through noble example - there's fine semantic difference that I have difficulty in explaining).

Taking this concept, the Honor Guard ranks will be given a special name that suits the nature of the Chapter and its warrior cult. The focus is on justice, so the working name I have right now is "Guardians of the Temple of Justice" (the "Temple of Justice" being the Chapter's Reclusiam). There's an element of cheesiness to that title, so I'm willing to change it if I can find anything suitably epic and accurate that doesn't have cheesiness. The "rule of cool" will apply.

Assuming I end up going with the "Guardians of the Temple of Justice", the name for the Honor Guard would then revolve one of the three elements: guardian, temple, or justice. All three have an element of coolness to them, but each also comes with a down-side. "Guardian" is the least cool, though it is most normal in that it parallels the Honor Guard, Sanguinary Guard, and Wolf Guard. "Temple" becomes "templar", which some might feel is too close to the Black Templars (the parent Chapter of the Avenging Lions), though it has definite ties to the Great Crusade era Imperial Fists Legion. "Justice" might become "justicar", though that might be considered too close to the Grey Knights. Of the three, I like "justicar", and it leads to unique Avenging Lions ranks (e.g., the company captains are called "Justicar-Captains", the Chapter Master is called the "Justicar-Commander", etc.) If I go with another name for the Honor Guard, I think I'd like to retain "justice" in there in order to go with the justicar usage. If anyone can come up with some other cool name that gives a decent title, however, I'm willing to switch. Right now, though, I have to say that I'm quite eager to use "justicar".

Some will see a sort of parallel with other Chapters and their unique organizations/appellations, though I've tried to avoid mirroring them too closely. While I've pointed out the Honor Guard, Sanguinary Guard, and Wolf Guard, I would be remiss in not pointing out the Black Templars, Dark Angels, Relictors, and Grey Knights. The Sword Brothers of the Black Templars are quite like the Honor Guard, and I think that the progression is quite similar to what I've done for the Avenging Lions. I've made some very minor deviations from the Sword Brothers, but they are, for the most part, nothing more than the Black Templars version of the veterans and honor guard of other Chapters, so looking similar to the Sword Brothers isn't unreasonable. Note that the similarity isn't derived from the Avenging Lions' descent from the Black Templars, and I definitely want to ensure that whatever name I give the Avenging Lions guys doesn't mistakenly give the impression that I'm just copying from the Black Templars. In this, I really think that I should avoid the use of "templar" in the name (even though I think it could be used well based on the Legion's history). The Deathwing of the Unforgiven Chapters is a strong representation of the higher ranks and orders within a Chapter. Likewise for the Conclave of the Relictors. Lastly, the Grey Knights have the Paladins (and as I've indicated, explicitly use the title "justicar"). I think I've successfully avoided mirroring any of these Chapters too closely, though I hope anyone that disagrees will let me know.

Sort of related to this whole "Honor Guard" issue is the Thracian swords I want to use. Last night I saw migsula's beautiful Alpha Legion project, especially noticing the blade that he gave to Alpharius That is a good representation of the Thracian sword I'm talking about, though I'm probably going to modify it a bit, making the blades a bit more robust. I also have a vision of incorporating elements of the Butcher Guards, the bodyguard of King Balor in Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. I don't envision the Avenging Lions honor guard to be as slow, nor do I see the swords being quite as cumbersome in appearance, but there are aesthetic elements of the Butcher Guards and their swords that I want to express in the Avenging Lions. Actually, you can see a much better picture here, and I definitely don't want the heavy chopper appearance of those blades. I think the concept I want is the ceremonial presence and fighting prowess they possess in performing their duties as a bodyguard. Hmmm...perhaps the Chapter Master of the Avenging Lions will have only one arm (the other one being bionic)...

So I've thrown a lot at you. This is all malleable stuff. My intent is to give you an understanding of where I'm going with this so that you can better critique the write-up I do for the article. If there is anything that you think needs to be worked on conceptually, please let me know. Otherwise, this should give you an understanding so that you can let me know where I can improve the actual article.

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

Okay, I've made my initial revisions into the article. Please let me know if you see anything that I missed or which might need some revision:

THE AVENGING LIONS

CHAPTER NAME: .............. THE AVENGING LIONS FOUNDING: .................. 22ND [M.36] CHAPTER WORLD: ............. ALIUM/CRUSADING CHAPTER FORTRESS MONASTERY: ........ THE STAR FORT CONSTANTIUS GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): ... IMPERIAL FISTS [BLACK TEMPLARS] KNOWN DESCENDANTS: ......... NONE “Let us be the Lions of the Emperor, visiting His justice upon all those who have turned their backs on Him.” Proclamation of Varen Aeolus, First Lord of Lions, in the Chapter Edicts

Thought for the Day:

Your sword is the Emperor’s judgement upon the wicked. Always make it your duty to carry out His sentence.

A

crusading Chapter in the proud tradition of the Primarch Rogal Dorn, the Avenging Lions were created in the years following the Wars of Apostasy. The Avenging Lions were one of several Chapters that from the outset was intended to spend its existence on continuous crusade. The Chapter has dutifully pursued that goal since its creation, earning honors and renown for their achievements in battles across the galaxy.

For their service to the Imperium in taking part in the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace that eventually saw the downfall of Goge Vandire, the Black Templars were honored by having their gene-seed selected for the creation of a new Chapter. The Adeptus Mechanicus screened the gene-seed stores submitted by the Black Templars, selecting the most pure samples for use. However, High Marshal Sigenandus surprised the High Lords of Terra by flatly refusing to provide battle-brothers to help train the new Chapter, declaring that it was the sacred duty of the Black Templars to further prosecute the enemies of the Emperor and leading his Chapter on its interminable crusade. Chapter Master Lazerian of the Imperial Fists offered to provide a cadre to train the fledgling Chapter. Another Successor of the Imperial Fists Legion and Rogal Dorn, the Imperial Fists had also taken part in the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace. The Imperial Fists and Black Templars had enjoyed strong bonds of brotherhood dating back to the 2nd Founding when both Chapters were first created from the 7th Legion, and Lazerian understood the motivations of the Black Templars. His offer was an effort to ensure that the traditions of the Legion were retained in the new Successor. The High Lords accepted Chapter Master Lazerian’s offer, allowing the Imperial Fists to train the new Chapter.

Addendum: “The Oathbound”

Upon becoming a full battle-brother, each member of the Chapter is granted a combat blade, called an “Oath-blade” by the Chaplains. This short sword is inscribed with the name of the battle-brother on one side and the date of his acceptance as a full battle-brother on the other side. Decorations upon the weapon typically include lion imagery for the Chapter and eagle imagery for the Imperium, though it isn’t uncommon for blades to bear personalized decorations. The battle-brothers of the Chapter are seldom without their oath-blade and when a battle-brother dies, the date of his death is added to the engravings upon the blade and the weapon will be added to the Hall of Fallen Lions within the Constantius in remembrance of the battle-brother.

The battle-brothers of the Avenging Lions swear oaths before every battle and major undertaking. These oaths will be sworn in solemn ritual, presided over by the Chaplains within the Reclusium. Battle-brothers will typically grasp their oath-blade when swearing their oath, symbolically swearing to accomplish their oath or see their blood spent and blade broken upon the battlefield. Battle-brothers are expected to accomplish their oaths or to die in the attempt.

Successfully accomplished oaths are typically commemorated in tattoo form, and the oldest of Avenging Lions battle-brothers have significant portions of their bodies covered in the ritual tattoos. The most significant of successfully accomplished oaths will be marked with oath-tokens – small tokens with the image of the oath upon them and hung from the pommel of a battle-brother’s oath-blade by a decorative cord.

The Avenging Lions are strict adherents to the dictates of the Codex Astartes. The Chapter does not view the Codex Astartes as inviolable dogma, however. Instead, they consider it to be the finest military treatise ever penned. As such, the Chapter has maintained the high degree of flexibility afforded in the codex and has been able to apply its strength in the full spectrum of battlefield tactics.

The Constantius, a mobile star fort, serves as the Chapter’s mobile base of operations. While considering itself to be a fleet-based Chapter, the Avenging Lions recruit from four different worlds. Though Berenus V initially served as the principal recruiting world for the Chapter, the Berenus star began to collapse in M39 and the role of principal recruiting role transferred to Alium, another of the worlds from which the Chapter recruited. The Avenging Lions maintain fortress-chapels upon each of the worlds from which they recruit, and these fortress-chapels serve as a secondary headquarters for training, an armory, storage of gene-seed, and coordination of the Chapter’s forces.

Veteran Brother Medokos
Avenging Lions 1st Company
Awarded the Imperial Laurel After the
Purging of Kliamanthes IV
Appointed to Chapter Honor Guard

Veteran Brother Berisades
Avenging Lions 1st Company
Posthumously Awarded the Iron Halo After
the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

ORGANIZATION
The Avenging Lions are organized along strict Codex lines, with the Chapter organized into the ten standard companies of about 100 Space Marines each.

The most experienced of the Chapter’s Veterans are initiated into an honor guard known as the Guardians of the Temple of Justice, more commonly known as “Justicars.” It is from the ranks of the Justicars that the Chaplains and Captains are chosen, and the formal titles of officers of these ranks are “Justicar-Chaplain” and “Justicar-Captain,” and the Master of the Chapter bears the honorifics of “Justicar-Master” and “Lord of Lions.” The Justicars assist the Justicar-Chaplains in administering the rites of the Chapter’s warrior cult and serve as bodyguards to the company captains and Chapter Master. The badge of the Justicars is the golden lion shield over a black fermee cross, and the ceremonial weapon of the Justicars is a long forward-curved sword (though many Justicars use other weapons in battle). The Justicars are answerable only to the Chapter Master, who also leads the 1st Company.

One of the distinguishing features of the Chapter is its self-appointed mission to punish those that have broken faith with the Imperium. Inculcated in the traditions of the Imperial Fists and raised in the shadow of the Wars of Apostasy, the Chapter’s first Chapter Master, Varen Aeolus, determined to proclaim this role in naming the Chapter and its first vessel, the battle barge Justice Bringer. The Chapter views its mission as avenging the injustices done to the Emperor and the Imperium, and it is utterly ruthless in pursuing this agenda against traitor Astartes, though it does so with cold calculating reason and not blind hatred. The Chapter has also been known to sanction extremely harsh action against Imperial worlds that turn from the Imperium, and the Chapter’s reputation has served to cause a number recalcitrant worlds to submit upon threat of destruction.

The Chapter provides protection to each of its recruiting worlds, but it provides no governance to these worlds, preferring to remain aloof. In addition to the Constantius, the Chapter’s fleet consists of one battle barge, the Justice Bringer; three strike cruisers; and a host of supporting vessels, including two forge ships. The bulk of the Chapter’s strength is usually divided between the Constantius and the Justice Bringer. Smaller strike forces will be embarked aboard the Chapter’s three strike cruisers. The Justice Bringer and the strike cruisers are typically commanded by the captains of the Battle Companies, with the Chapter Master commanding the Constantius. The Veteran, Reserve, and Scout Companies will generally have their squads spread out aboard the various ships, task-organizing forces according to mission requirements and the preferences of the commanders.

Addendum: Rift with the Angels of Absolution

When the 3rd Company of the Angels of Absolution quit the Viridian Retribution in 884.M39, they abandoned two companies of Avenging Lions who were cut off by a horde of renegades and mutants. Decimated in the fighting, the surviving Avenging Lions reported the incident to the Chapter Master, who accused the Angels of Absolution of base cowardice and desertion. The two Chapters were on the brink of full-scale war had it not been for the intervention of the Executioners. To this day, the Avenging Lions refuse to fight alongside the Angels of Absolution.

The strike forces of the Chapter are usually assigned to different warzones, though the Chapter has gathered en masse on several occasions in order to embark upon major crusades [re: the Stethnyrach Crusade in 125.M37 and the Bhuraeas Expedition in 609.M39]. The commanders of the strike forces often enjoy a certain degree of autonomy while on crusade, recruiting suitable candidates from the worlds they encounter in order to sustain fighting strength. Such measures are temporary, though, with the main recruiting efforts taking place at the established recruiting worlds.

The Chapter follows Codex Astartes conventions regarding marking and heraldry, displaying the squad badge in black upon the right shoulder pad. Company affiliation is indicated by the company number in Arabic numerals upon the left kneepad. The Chapter’s color scheme is reminiscent of the hunting lions from which the Chapter derives its name. Indigenous to Berenus V, these predators were associated with the warrior caste from which the Chapter drew its recruits on that world. When the Chapter relocated its primary recruiting to Alium, the selection of that world was based largely on its suitability to sustain the lion species and the lions were adopted into the primary feudal orders of that world. The Chapter’s badge features a gold shield stylized into the face of one of these lions over a black Aquila, symbolizing the Chapter’s service to the Imperium. In contrast to many other Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Avenging Lions are more spartan in decorating their armor and favor dark markings.

Aside from adherence to the Codex Astartes, the Avenging Lions inherited a number of other characteristics from the Imperial Fists. Most readily apparent among these is the Imperial Fist’s defiance in combat and stubborn refusal to give ground. This tenacity has occasionally resulted in heavy losses for the Avenging Lions, but the Chapter has repeatedly recovered and continued to crusade in the service of the Imperium. Additionally, the Avenging Lions have embraced the honor duels of the Imperial Fists and the battle-brothers of the Chapter are distinguished by the facial scars that are the results of these duels.

One distinguishing element of the Chapter’s organization is its common usage of the office of the Emperor’s Champion, called the Justicar-Champion. Whether this is by choice or if it is an inheritance of the Black Templars gene-seed used in the creation of the Chapter is unknown, but the Chapter fields battle-brothers in this role much more frequently than most other Chapters, including other scions of Rogal Dorn (except, of course, the Black Templars who field the Emperor’s Champion in almost every battle).

SELECTED BATTLE HONORS
The Stethnyrach Crusade [125.M37]
A notable point in the Chapter’s history was the aftermath of the Stethnyrach Crusade in the early years of M37. The Avenging Lions engaged at Chapter strength in the crusade, fighting alongside a crusade of Black Templars, their progenitors. An Eldar host had conquered the Imperial world of Stethnyrach, attacking without warning or provocation. The Black Templars had established a Chapter Keep upon Stethnyrach over two millennia prior and the small number of Black Templars upon that world had put up a valiant defense before being crushed by the swift-moving aliens. Responding to the emergency, the Avenging Lions provided assistance to the Black Templars. While the Black Templars launched the main assault to recover their Chapter Keep, the Avenging Lions fought a series of actions intended to draw the main force of xenos away from the site. These engagements included both ground and space battles, the Avenging Lions’ fleet pursuing the handful of Eldar vessels and eventually closing with them near the twin planets of Stethnyrach VII-VIII, the flux of gravity in the region distorting the stellar energies that facilitated the flight of the Eldar ships. The Avenging Lions’ crowning achievement in the crusade was the boarding and destruction of the Eldar flagship, the leader of the Eldar fleet defeated in combat by Emperor’s Champion Alcard and captured.

The crusade was costly for the Avenging Lions, with the Chapter Master and over two-hundred battle-brothers dying in battle. Ultimately, the participation of the Avenging Lions proved a key to the successful completion of the crusade and engendered a blood-debt with the Black Templars, who were able to successfully drive the aliens from the world and recover the invaluable gene-seed that had been stored within the Chapter Keep. The event marked a turning point in the Chapter’s history, where it established a bond with its progenitor Chapter. Whenever elements of the two Chapters meet, they renew their bonds of brotherhood through feast, ceremony, and ritual dueling, recalling their shared heritage and the aid the Avenging Lions provided to the Black Templars.

The Second Purging of Kanzuz IX [898.M40-904.M40]
Horgast Bellowflame had once been one of the Apostles of the Blind King, a rogue Tech Priest who viewed humanity as an affront to the Machine god. After the defeat of the Blind King in 550.M37, Bellowflame and his loyal bodyguard escaped to Kanzuz IX where they dedicated themselves to the service of the Chaos Powers and established a stronghold from which they terrorized Imperial worlds in the nearby sector. After centuries of warfare against the Imperium and the slaughter of millions, Bellowflame had grown in power. Through the patronage of the Daemon Gods and the embracing of combining forbidden technology with Warp-born power, Bellowflame was transformed into a Daemon Prince and commanded a significant force of renegades and daemons.

Assessing the threat posed by Bellowflame, Chapter Master Ymoris declared a crusade against Kanzuz IX and dispatched a task force equivalent to six companies to deal with the traitor. Brother-Captain Artakes was in overall command aboard the Redolent Fury. Brother-Captain Artakes had once fought as the Emperor’s Champion and was a figure of awe to the rest of the Chapter for his piety and example, and bore the Sword of Thane, a relic of the Imperial Fists Chapter. Brother-Captain Artakes’ prodigious experience in the Thrall Wars served him well against Horgast Bellowflame’s hellish minions and he established a series of probing actions that quickly pinpointed weaknesses in the defenses of Kanzuz IX while minimizing losses to the Avenging Lions.

Once he had determined the enemy’s critical vulnerability, Artakes planned a rapid assault that took Bellowflame by surprise. Leading a Thunderhawk-borne strike force through a deadly defensive grid, Artakes succeeded in attacking Bellowflame at the heart of his citadel, eventually confronting the corrupted warrior in single combat after the renegade had slain Chief Librarian Mortain. Though Horgast Bellowflame succeeded in inflicting terrible wounds upon the Brother-Captain, Artakes was able to deliver the Emperor’s justice upon the traitor. With the death of their leader, the daemonic horde dissipated and the renegades were thrown into confusion. The Avenging Lions eradicated the remaining renegades in hard-fought combat that lasted a further three days.

Rescued from the field of battle by the Apothecaries once Horgast Bellowflame had been slain and his minions destroyed, Brother-Captain Artakes was able to survive and his maimed body was fitted with augmetics to enable him to continue his service to the Imperium. When the High Lords of Terra declared a Victorix Maxima for the Avenging Lions in purging Kanzuz IX, Brother-Captain Artakes was present in person to receive the honorific and complete a pilgrimage to Holy Terra.

COMBAT SQUAD KOTYS
3RD BATTLE COMPANY

Veteran Sergeant Kotys
Commander Tactical Squad Kotys
3rd Battle Company Avenging Lions
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Avenging Lions Chapter Icon
Common Armorial Use

Brother Seuthes
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Tereus
Lost, the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Zalmoxis
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Syrmus
Survivor, the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

[Brule the Spear-Slayer]

(long overdue update)

THE AVENGING LIONS

CHAPTER NAME: .............. THE AVENGING LIONS FOUNDING: .................. 22ND [M.36] CHAPTER WORLD: ............. ALIUM/CRUSADING CHAPTER FORTRESS MONASTERY: ........ THE STAR FORT CONSTANTIUS GENE-SEED (PREDECESSOR): ... IMPERIAL FISTS [BLACK TEMPLARS] KNOWN DESCENDANTS: ......... NONE “Let us be the Lions of the Emperor, visiting His justice upon all those who have turned their backs on Him.” Proclamation of Varen Aeolus, First Lord of Lions, in the Chapter Edicts

Thought for the Day:

Your sword is the Emperor’s judgement upon the wicked. Always make it your duty to carry out His sentence.

A

crusading chapter in the proud tradition of the Primarch Rogal Dorn, the Avenging Lions were created in the years following the Wars of Apostasy. The Avenging Lions were one of several chapters that from the outset was intended to spend its existence on continuous crusade. The chapter has dutifully pursued that goal since its creation, earning honors and renown for their achievements in battles across the galaxy.

For their service to the Imperium in taking part in the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace that eventually saw the downfall of Goge Vandire, the Black Templars were honored by having their gene-seed selected for the creation of a new Chapter. The Adeptus Mechanicus screened the gene-seed stores submitted by the Black Templars, selecting the most pure samples for use. However, High Marshal Sigenandus surprised the High Lords of Terra by flatly refusing to provide battle-brothers to help train the new chapter, declaring that it was the sacred duty of the Black Templars to further prosecute the enemies of the Emperor and leading his chapter on its interminable crusade. Chapter Master Lazerian of the Imperial Fists offered to provide a cadre to train the fledgling chapter. Another successor of the Imperial Fists Legion and Rogal Dorn, the Imperial Fists had also taken part in the siege of the Ecclesiarchal Palace. The Imperial Fists and Black Templars had enjoyed strong bonds of brotherhood dating back to the 2nd Founding when both chapters were first created from the 7th Legion, and Lazerian understood the motivations of the Black Templars. His offer was an effort to ensure that the traditions of the Legion were retained in the new successor. The High Lords accepted Chapter Master Lazerian’s offer, allowing the Imperial Fists to train the new chapter.

Addendum: “The Oathbound”

Upon becoming a full battle-brother, each member of the chapter is granted a combat blade, called an “Oath-blade” by the chaplains. This short sword is inscribed with the name of the battle-brother on one side and the date of his acceptance as a full battle-brother on the other side. Decorations upon the weapon typically include lion imagery for the chapter and eagle imagery for the Imperium, though it isn’t uncommon for blades to bear personalized decorations. The battle-brothers of the chapter are seldom without their oath-blades and when a battle-brother dies, the date of his death is added to the engravings upon the blade and the weapon will be added to the Hall of Fallen Lions within the Constantius in remembrance of the battle-brother.

The battle-brothers of the Avenging Lions swear oaths before every battle and major undertaking. These oaths will be sworn in solemn ritual, presided over by the chaplains within the Reclusium. Battle-brothers will typically grasp their oath-blade when swearing their oath, symbolically swearing to accomplish their oath or see their blood spent and blade broken upon the battlefield. Battle-brothers are expected to accomplish their oaths or to die in the attempt.

Successfully accomplished oaths are typically commemorated in tattoo form, and the oldest of Avenging Lions battle-brothers have significant portions of their bodies covered in the ritual tattoos. The most significant of successfully accomplished oaths will be marked with oath-tokens – small tokens with the image of the oath upon them and hung from the pommel of a battle-brother’s oath-blade by a decorative cord.

The Avenging Lions are strict adherents to the dictates of the Codex Astartes. The chapter does not view the Codex Astartes as inviolable dogma, however. Instead, they consider it to be the finest military treatise ever penned. As such, the chapter has maintained the high degree of flexibility afforded in the codex and has been able to apply its strength in the full spectrum of battlefield tactics.

The Constantius, a mobile star fort, serves as the chapter’s mobile base of operations. While considering itself to be a fleet-based chapter, the Avenging Lions recruit from four different worlds. Though Berenus V initially served as the principal recruiting world for the chapter, the Berenus star began to collapse in M39 and the role of principal recruiting role transferred to Alium, another of the worlds from which the chapter recruited. The Avenging Lions maintain fortress-chapels upon each of the worlds from which they recruit, and these fortress-chapels serve as a secondary headquarters for training, an armory, storage of gene-seed, and coordination of the chapter’s forces.

Veteran Brother Medokos
Avenging Lions 1st Company
Awarded the Imperial Laurel After the
Purging of Kliamanthes IV
Appointed to Chapter Honor Guard

Justicar Berisades
Avenging Lions 1st Company
Posthumously Awarded the Iron Halo After
the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

ORGANIZATION
The Avenging Lions are organized along strict Codex lines, with the chapter organized into the ten standard companies of about 100 Space Marines each.

The most experienced of the chapter’s veterans are initiated into an honor guard known as the Guardians of the Temple of Justice, more commonly known as “Justicars.” It is from the ranks of the justicars that the chaplains and captains are chosen, and the formal titles of officers of these ranks are “Justicar-Chaplain” and “Justicar-Captain,” and the Master of the Chapter bears the honorifics of “Justicar-Master” and “Lord of Lions.” The justicars assist the justicar-chaplains in administering the rites of the chapter’s warrior cult and serve as bodyguards to the company captains and Chapter Master. The badge of the justicars is the golden lion shield over a black fermee cross, and the ceremonial weapon of the justicars is a long forward-curved sword (though many justicars use other weapons in battle). The justicars are answerable only to the Chapter Master, who also leads the 1st Company.

One of the distinguishing features of the chapter is its self-appointed mission to punish those that have broken faith with the Imperium. Inculcated in the traditions of the Imperial Fists and raised in the shadow of the Wars of Apostasy, the chapter’s first Chapter Master, Varen Aeolus, determined to proclaim this role in naming the chapter and its first vessel, the battle barge Justice Bringer. The chapter views its mission as avenging the injustices done to the Emperor and the Imperium, and it is utterly ruthless in pursuing this agenda against traitor Astartes, though it does so with cold calculating reason and not blind hatred. The chapter has also been known to sanction extremely harsh action against Imperial worlds that turn from the Imperium, and the chapter’s reputation has served to cause a number recalcitrant worlds to submit upon threat of destruction.

The chapter provides protection to each of its recruiting worlds, but it provides no governance to these worlds, preferring to remain aloof. In addition to the Constantius, the Chapter’s fleet consists of one battle barge, the Justice Bringer; three strike cruisers; and a host of supporting vessels, including two forge ships. The bulk of the chapter’s strength is usually divided between the Constantius and the Justice Bringer. Smaller strike forces will be embarked aboard the chapter’s three strike cruisers. The Justice Bringer and the strike cruisers are typically commanded by the captains of the battle companies, with the Chapter Master commanding the Constantius. The veteran, reserve, and scout companies will generally have their squads spread out aboard the various ships, task-organizing forces according to mission requirements and the preferences of the commanders.

Addendum: Rift with the Angels of Absolution

When the 3rd Company of the Angels of Absolution quit the Viridian Retribution in 884.M39, they abandoned two companies of Avenging Lions who were cut off by a horde of renegades and mutants. Decimated in the fighting, the surviving Avenging Lions reported the incident to the Chapter Master, who accused the Angels of Absolution of base cowardice and desertion. The two chapters were on the brink of full-scale war had it not been for the intervention of the Executioners. To this day, the Avenging Lions refuse to fight alongside the Angels of Absolution.

The strike forces of the chapter are usually assigned to different warzones, though the chapter has gathered en masse on several occasions in order to embark upon major crusades [re: the Stethnyrach Crusade in 125.M37 and the Bhuraeas Expedition in 609.M39]. The commanders of the strike forces often enjoy a certain degree of autonomy while on crusade, recruiting suitable candidates from the worlds they encounter in order to sustain fighting strength. Such measures are temporary, though, with the main recruiting efforts taking place at the established recruiting worlds.

The chapter follows Codex Astartes conventions regarding marking and heraldry, displaying the squad badge in black upon the right shoulder pad. Company affiliation is indicated by the company number in Arabic numerals upon the left kneepad. The chapter’s color scheme is reminiscent of the hunting lions from which the chapter derives its name. Indigenous to Berenus V, these predators were associated with the warrior caste from which the chapter drew its recruits on that world. When the chapter relocated its primary recruiting to Alium, the selection of that world was based largely on its suitability to sustain the lion species and the lions were adopted into the primary feudal orders of that world. The chapter’s badge features a gold shield stylized into the face of one of these lions over a black aquila, symbolizing the chapter’s service to the Imperium. In contrast to many other chapters of the Adeptus Astartes, the Avenging Lions are more spartan in decorating their armor and favor dark markings.

Aside from adherence to the Codex Astartes, the Avenging Lions inherited a number of other characteristics from the Imperial Fists. Most readily apparent among these is the Imperial Fist’s defiance in combat and stubborn refusal to give ground. This tenacity has occasionally resulted in heavy losses for the Avenging Lions, but the chapter has repeatedly recovered and continued to crusade in the service of the Imperium. Additionally, the Avenging Lions have embraced the honor duels of the Imperial Fists and the battle-brothers of the chapter are distinguished by the facial scars that are the results of these duels.

One distinguishing element of the chapter’s organization is its common usage of the office of the Emperor’s Champion, called the Justicar-Champion. Whether this is by choice or if it is an inheritance of the Black Templars gene-seed used in the creation of the chapter is unknown, but the chapter fields battle-brothers in this role much more frequently than most other chapters, including other scions of Rogal Dorn (except, of course, the Black Templars who field the Emperor’s Champion in almost every battle).

SELECTED BATTLE HONORS
The Stethnyrach Crusade [125.M37]
A notable point in the chapter’s history was the aftermath of the Stethnyrach Crusade in the early years of M37. The Avenging Lions engaged at chapter strength in the crusade, fighting alongside a crusade of Black Templars, their progenitors. An Eldar host had conquered the Imperial world of Stethnyrach, attacking without warning or provocation. The Black Templars had established a Chapter Keep upon Stethnyrach over two millennia prior and the small number of Black Templars upon that world had put up a valiant defense before being crushed by the swift-moving aliens. Responding to the emergency, the Avenging Lions provided assistance to the Black Templars. While the Black Templars launched the main assault to recover their Chapter Keep, the Avenging Lions fought a series of actions intended to draw the main force of xenos away from the site. These engagements included both ground and space battles, the Avenging Lions’ fleet pursuing the handful of Eldar vessels and eventually closing with them near the twin planets of Stethnyrach VII-VIII, the flux of gravity in the region distorting the stellar energies that facilitated the flight of the Eldar ships. The Avenging Lions’ crowning achievement in the crusade was the boarding and destruction of the Eldar flagship, the leader of the Eldar fleet defeated in combat by Justicar-Champion Alcard and captured.

The crusade was costly for the Avenging Lions, with the Chapter Master and over two-hundred battle-brothers dying in battle. Ultimately, the participation of the Avenging Lions proved a key to the successful completion of the crusade and engendered a blood-debt with the Black Templars, who were able to successfully drive the aliens from the world and recover the invaluable gene-seed that had been stored within the Chapter Keep. The event marked a turning point in the chapter’s history, where it established a bond with its progenitor chapter. Whenever elements of the two chapters meet, they renew their bonds of brotherhood through feast, ceremony, and ritual dueling, recalling their shared heritage and the aid the Avenging Lions provided to the Black Templars.

The Second Purging of Kanzuz IX [898.M40-904.M40]
Horgast Bellowflame had once been one of the Apostles of the Blind King, a rogue Tech Priest who viewed humanity as an affront to the Machine god. After the defeat of the Blind King in 550.M37, Bellowflame and his loyal bodyguard escaped to Kanzuz IX where they dedicated themselves to the service of the Chaos Powers and established a stronghold from which they terrorized Imperial worlds in the nearby sector. After centuries of warfare against the Imperium and the slaughter of millions, Bellowflame had grown in power. Through the patronage of the Daemon Gods and the embracing of combining forbidden technology with Warp-born power, Bellowflame was transformed into a Daemon Prince and commanded a significant force of renegades and daemons.

Assessing the threat posed by Bellowflame, Chapter Master Ymoris declared a crusade against Kanzuz IX and dispatched a task force equivalent to six companies to deal with the traitor. Justicar-Captain Artakes was in overall command aboard the Redolent Fury. Justicar-Captain Artakes had once fought as the Justicar-Champion and was a figure of awe to the rest of the chapter for his piety and example, and bore the Sword of Thane, a relic of the Imperial Fists Chapter. Justicar-Captain Artakes’ prodigious experience in the Thrall Wars served him well against Horgast Bellowflame’s hellish minions and he established a series of probing actions that quickly pinpointed weaknesses in the defenses of Kanzuz IX while minimizing losses to the Avenging Lions.

Once he had determined the enemy’s critical vulnerability, Artakes planned a rapid assault that took Bellowflame by surprise. Leading a thunderhawk-borne strike force through a deadly defensive grid, Artakes succeeded in attacking Bellowflame at the heart of his citadel, eventually confronting the corrupted warrior in single combat after the renegade had slain Chief Librarian Mortain. Though Horgast Bellowflame succeeded in inflicting terrible wounds upon the Justicar-Captain, Artakes was able to deliver the Emperor’s justice upon the traitor. With the death of their leader, the daemonic horde dissipated and the renegades were thrown into confusion. The Avenging Lions eradicated the remaining renegades in hard-fought combat that lasted a further three days.

Rescued from the field of battle by the Apothecaries once Horgast Bellowflame had been slain and his minions destroyed, Justicar-Captain Artakes was able to survive and his maimed body was fitted with augmetics to enable him to continue his service to the Imperium. When the High Lords of Terra declared a Victorix Maxima for the Avenging Lions in purging Kanzuz IX, Justicar-Captain Artakes was present in person to receive the honorific and complete a pilgrimage to Holy Terra.

COMBAT SQUAD KOTYS
3RD BATTLE COMPANY

Veteran-Sergeant Kotys
Commander Tactical Squad Kotys
3rd Battle Company Avenging Lions
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Avenging Lions Chapter Icon
Common Armorial Use

Brother Seuthes
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Tereus
Lost, the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Zalmoxis
Taken to the Emperor’s Grace,
The Purging of Kliamanthes IV

Brother Syrmus
Survivor, the Purging of Kliamanthes IV

(next I'll have to fix the characters, but that's more for the Homegrown Rules forum)