IA: Sons of the Dragon

[Thoughtweaver]

Hello, everyone.

 

This is the result of several months work (more off than on) and I have finally decided to bite the bullet to post the results so far so I can get input on making it better. As a result, this is a WIP and will be updated until my inner editor is finally satisfied...assuming he's ever fully satisfied with someting. <_<

 

All comments and questions are welcome, and deeply appreciated as this is my first attempt at an IA.

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http://www.angelfire.com/games/roleplus1/SotD_ver9ii.jpg

 

“We are the Sons of Vulkan and through him the Dragon Emperor Himself. If you value your lives, leave now or be destroyed.” – Shogun Miyamoto Musashi

 

History

“The reason we exist is to defend humanity. If you sacrifice those we are charged to protect for some artefact, let me remind you of your duty with Inazuma.” – Salamander’s Captain T’sar to Captain Namarre of the Relictors. Inazuma is a Master Crafted Relic Blade.

 

The Sons of the Dragon are one of the 24th founding chapters based upon the Salamander gene-seed, and while generally they adhere to the Codex Astartes there are some minor differences. The Sons of the Dragon Chapter of space marines were originally created as a force to escort a convoy of colony ships, and also set up a bastion to help protect the Imperium from possible extra-galactic attack. The area was a mostly unexplored region just past the south-western end of the Segmentum Tempestus.

 

Initial creation and training of the newly forming Chapter fell upon Captain T’sar of the Salamander’s 6th Company along with a few of his Firedrakes. As with his original chapter, he wanted to ensure that the ideals of interaction with the humans under their protection and the ideas of defending humanity come before any other consideration. During the century that it took for the colony ships to gather, T’sar and his fellow Salamanders discussed plans with the leaders of the colonists and started recruiting from them to help integrate the new Chapter more quickly within their society.

 

Out of the first Space Marines thus created, Miyamoto Musashi was to become one of the foremost, alongside Henata Tzu. They all performed to the high standards of their parent chapter in their training (both martial and blacksmithing), and both men were singled out by T’sar as potential leaders after the Chapter’s first battle helping the Relictors fighting off a Alpha Legion Chaos warband on the planet Anhelion. During this conflict, Relictors Captain Namarre unexpectedly pulled out of the defense perimeter along with half of his 4th Company and two veteran squads for some unknown reason. They were gone for two days, while the remainders of the defenders were hard-pressed to fight back the Traitor Marines and their cultist allies. In the end the battle was won when the missing Marines returned, and Namarre was newly wielding a sword wrought of black metal that cut through anyone that faced him. After the dust of the final battle cleared there was a confrontation between T’shar and Namarre about the latter’s actions sacrificing thousands of Imperial citizens. The relations between The Sons of the Dragon and the Relictors have been very cold since that time.

 

The battle earned T’sar the respect of the Lords of Terra, and they directed that since any newly created chapter would require a strong leader T’sar was to become the Chapter Master for this one. Newly promoted, T’sar meditated for several days after that first battle and when he emerged he had decided that his chapter would follow the path of what was once known as the Way of the Samurai (or Bushido). As part of this he ordered that their power armor be modified to reflect this background, and their power weapons were to be based upon katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Since they follow the way of Bushido, many of them take up other skills over the years to try and perfect as much as they can. Calligraphy, writing (poetry especially), music, painting, playing Go, dancing, tea, and various forms of labour are just some taken up.

During the journey to their assigned area, an unexpected and very fierce series of warp storms began. Despite the valiant efforts of the convoy’s Navigators there was no escape by any of the ships. Nothing was heard from any of the ships for three hundred years, but eventually the storms passed and the convoy re-emerged as if nothing at all had happened.

Nobody within the fleet could initially believe that so much time had passed, but they’ve had to accept the many changes during their absence. A message was immediately sent via astropath to the nearest major outpost from their time period. The signal went unanswered. An emergency signal to the sector command, however, did receive a response. Although they initially rejoiced when they learned that the Imperium was just as it always had been in spite of the forces arrayed against it, at the same time a small pall of depression also settled in due to the fact no progress had been made either. The Dragons were ordered to continue their mission as The Lords wanted the colonies set up, especially where the Sons of the Dragons were concerned.

 

Those initial orders were in turn overridden in a short, terse communiqué from the Inquisition. The message stated that the Ordo Hereticus and Ordo Malleus had sent one Inquisitor Lord each with their retinues to investigate demonic corruption within the fleet. The convoy was instead ordered to move to the nearest star system and wait there until these examiners arrived. For the next year every single person aboard the ships was put under a microscope for any hint of taint. Every test they could run showed no signs of Chaos, and all the travelers were present and accounted for. The fact that the newly created chapter of Space Marines received an even more thorough series of trials and tests, in spite of the fact their own apothecaries swore oaths that they had found nothing wrong, certainly did not enhance their relations with these shadowy organizations. In fact, the Chapter Masters of The Sons of the Dragon chapter have uncovered evidence that there is likely a secret base of the Inquisition in an uninhabited nerby system named Dionesis. Further they believe there is a small observation post somewhere within the Otaka system’s asteroid belt. From what they can determine, the two Ordos still take turns keeping an eye on the descendants of both the convoy and the Space Marine chapter.

 

When the convoy was finally allowed to continue, they found a score of dead planets to greet them. For they had arrived after the appearance of Hive Fleet Laviathan made its way through the sector on the way to Terra. However, there was a series of planets strangely undisturbed with their full compliment of life forms left intact in the middle of the barren chaos. Several drop ships were sent to each continent filled with combat squadrons of Dragons combining with civilian survey groups to investigate the anomalous “miracles”. From all the evidence, it appeared the Tyranids had deliberately left some worlds alone on their way towards Terra by a stealthier route under the galactic ecliptic.

 

Another message was sent to the subsector command warning them about the immenent threat from the Tyranid Hive Fleet. Once again the reply was "continue the mission at all costs, and without deviation". The reasons given were that the Hive Fleet had already been detected (codified as Laviathan), with several regiments of Imperial Guard, Chapters of other Space Marines, and other elements being committed to stop the threat. The Stretegos could not see any additional benefit to having the Dragons involved in the fight, although the Chapter later participated in hunting some of the splinter fleets.

 

Homeworld

In this case the colonists’ origins could be traced back to Terra via an ancient empire named Japan from a time before the Age of Strife. There had been some mixing of the blood lines since then, but these colonists kept alive the traits of Asians from skin colour, along with facial features. Their ancestors had left the home world of the human race millennia ago to gather on several other worlds, and now these descendents were about to make new homes again for their race. Over the centuries they’d found ways to use technology in harmony with nature and had returned to a more ancient philosophy for their daily lives.

 

As a result the colonies began taking shape after extensive studies of each planet were made. Every building was planned to the tiniest detail along with the effects each would have on the environment. Thorough mineral, flora and fauna studies were incorporated along with plans for expansion of each city to be built. Because such steps were taken before a single gram of plas or metal was built or foundation laid the beauty, plant, and animal life of each planet was preserved for the colonists and their descendents to enjoy. The potential of each planet was carefully harnessed so that the chances of loss were minimized. This created an area that is about as efficient and hardy as the realm of the Ultramarines.

 

The Dragons chose the central system of Otaka with the planet of Okayama as their home world. Its defenses are laser batteries at both poles of the planet, missile silos, and the citadel of the Sons of the Dragon atop the highest peak on the planet – Mount Nagasoki. These are secondary to the spherical layers of orbital defenses from automated satellites linked to the orbiting space stations bristling with weapons and defenses. The other planets of the cluster have similar defenses but none as concentrated as Okayama. The next planet out in the same system became a dedicated naval base as it was one of those worlds without anything left after being stripped by the Tyranids. The Dragons’ fleet is based here, and its defenses are also quite formidable.

 

The planet Okayama has four main continents, and strings of islands dotted around as well. One of the continents is largely plains, with some mountains, deserts, and forests strung along here and there. A good portion of the world’s food is grown here. The second continent is half covered in tropical jungle, but again some mountains and rocky hills can be found. The vegetation can take a fair bit of clearing, and grows back quickly. However, the abundance of wildlife makes for excellent hunting and a wide variety of herbs along with fruits and vegetables. The third continent has a mixture of climates, including a large desert in it’s center that would eclipse the Sahara in size on ancient Terra. The fourth continent has a greater amount of mountains, and is very rich in various ores as it is also the most tectonically unstable with several active volcanoes. It is in this place that that Mount Nagasoki and the Sons of the Dragon exist.

 

In total six planets have been colonized so far throughout the nearby solar systems, with several smaller outposts established for mining or research stations. Each planet is different, with each contributing to the betterment of the whole. Each of the major colony planets has a chapter keep, with a minimal compliment of a full squad of marines posted to each with periodic visits from chaplains and grizzled recruiters who select candidates during their visit that return with them to the Chapter Monastery for further testing. Even so, the majority of the Chapter’s new recruits still come from their home world.

 

Organization

Unlike their parent chapter, the Sons of the Dragon chapter are much closer to the Codex Astartes ideal with the ten companies composed of ten squads each.

 

The companies are organized as one would expect from the Codex, with the 1st being the Veterans. In this case, the company is called the Kensei or Swordsaints. The 2nd through 5th companies are Battle Companies, the 6th through 9th as Reserve Companies.

 

The 10th, or Scout company, are known as Ronin due to having no master until such time as they become a full samurai (battle brothers). As part of their training they roam the countryside of their home world helping where they can and performing assigned tasks. This, their other artistic pursuits, and the training expected of other chapters’ scouts continues until they are judged worthy to become full samurai. Since they recruit from six planets rather than just the one, even with those that do not succeed the trials of the Scout they have more than adequate numbers of recruits which can be further increased should a disaster befall the chapter.

 

The final test expected of the Initiates before becoming full Samurai is to kill one of the deadly fire dragons that nest in the Flamespire Mountains. They are only allowed the long bow with one quiver of 30 arrows, their daisho (katana and wakazashi), and a yari (spear).

 

Some differences from the Codex do exist, however. They have chosen to emulate and follow the path of what was once known as the Way of the Samurai, or Bushido. Their power armor has also been modified to reflect this background, and their power weapons tend to be katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Since they follow the way of Bushido, many of them take up other skills over the years to try and perfect as much as they can. Calligraphy, writing (poetry especially), music, painting, playing Go, dancing, tea, and various forms of labour are just some taken up. As with their progenitor chapter, each marine has been taught enough about the mysteries of technology and metalwork to build and maintain their own weapons and armour.

 

Squad markings are on the right shoulder pad along with the squad number, and the chapter symbol is on the left. The shoulder pad trim is the standard company colour. The chapter colours are jade green as primary, with the feet and hands being a darker green. The secondary colours are gold, and red.

 

Techmarines are given respect, and any lost knowledge that can be found studied intensely. However, unlike most that follow this path they believe the information should be shared as much as possible so that anything learned has a smaller chance of falling into the darkness of anarchy in the future. This has caused some small tension with the occasional TechAdept, but most are grateful for the fact that their own knowledge is grown without the effort of trying to re-engineer what the Sons of the Dragon have found.

 

The Chaplins have become known as Saishi (priest) or Daisaishi (high priest, Master of Sanctity). They ensure that their brothers all follow the principles of Bushido, and know the teachings of both the Codex Astartes along with their own Art of War. They are often sent to help evaluate potential recruits along with their other duties. The current Daisaishi is Tokugawa Nishimura.

 

Librarians have also taken a title more in keeping with the influence of the culture they recruit from. Currently the Chief Librarian (Shinreijutsu) is Ota Dokan. Theirs is the duty of searching for and training aspirants with psyker talents. They are treated as advisors to the chapter’s leaders, and while there are some that do not feel comfortable around them overall they are seen as having gifts from the Dragon himself.

 

The current Shogun (Chapter Master) is Miyamoto Musashi.

 

Company Captains are known as Daimyo. The current list is as follows: Musashibo Benkei (1st Company), Minamoto no Y:cusssune (2nd Company), Arima Kata (3rd Company), Toyotomi Hideyori (4th Company), Yoshioka Seijuro (5th Company), Sasaki Kojiro (6th Company), Tokugawa Ieyasu (7th Company), Ogasawara Tadano (8th Company), Taira no Kiyomori (9th Company), and Keiichi Nobunaga (Master of Recruitment/10th Company).

 

Sergeants are called gunsho, while all veteran sergeants are also part of the 1st Company with the same honourific.

Even with the efforts made, the colonist clans still have skirmishes and full fledged wars with each other. The Chapter Master (or Shogun) of the Sons of the Dragon, along with the Planetary Governors and their forces do not interfere in such conflicts unless the hostilities grow to threaten the production of the planet or its environment. Many of the best fighters in these conflicts are watched, with a squad of marines often escorting a chaplain as observers and sometimes mediators. To help enhance the recruitment options further, each planet holds contests once every two years. The contests are open to all clans, and are treated as neutral ground so any clans currently fighting each other can safely send contestants. Any clan that breaks this stalemate is banned from returning for the next four contests. The winners of these games are given the option of either joining the chapter, or becoming part of the govenor’s honour guard PDF force. Most choose to join the Sons as their families are also elevated higher within their society than the in the PDF, and the chance to defend not just their world but the Imperium as a whole is also highly sought after.

 

Combat Doctrine

“Mobility is often a key to victory, and a strike from an unexpected quarter can have devastating effects upon one’s enemy.” – Shogun Miyamoto Musashi

 

The Sons of the Dragon are a codex chapter, and very proud of it. That being said, there are still some differences even so. While they hold the Codex Astartes as a vast store of knowledge, they do not believe it cannot be expanded upon. As a result, they believe in training each marine for multiple roles and encourage their leaders from Sergeants to the Chapter Master himself to evaluate a situation thoroughly before setting plans in motion. They believe in knowing their strengths and weaknesses, along with their enemies’, will strongly tip the battle in their favour.

 

One of the very first new chapter recruits, one Henata Tzu, became a great warrior-philosopher and penned the great treatise “The Art of War.” Its every word is studied, memorized, and various tests are applied to ensure its essence is understood by each battle brother be they an Initiate or Chapter Master. One of the strongest signs of this works influence is followed in the area of psychological warfare. As such, each helmet worn by a battle brother has been at least slightly modified with “horns”, or in the case of many Veteran Sergeants, their helmets have been shaped to look like skulls to intimidate the enemy.

 

They tend to favour the mobility of bikes and landspeeders a bit more, given that horses are so much a part of the culture they come from. As a result, the 6th and 7th companies see squads assigned to other companies as bike and landspeeder squads for additional mobility. Tactical squads are often sent with Rhinos or the entire attack force sent in via drop pod.

 

Beliefs

“Until the Emperor returns, it is our duty to defend humanity first and foremost, for if there are none left for Him to lead then all is lost.” – Shogun Miyamoto Musashi

 

“The return to Balance cannot be achieved without fighting those Forces that create Imbalance, whether they be Choas, Xenos, or something within you. For the former, gird yourself in your power armour and arm yourself with boltgun, bolt pistol, and a good katana. For the latter, seek meditation and the purity of thought it brings. If those should fail, I will fight you until all your doubts are left bleeding on the training floor.” - Daisaishi Tokugawa Nishimura.

 

The Sons of the Dragon follow the teachings of Vulkan, but these have been joined by the influences of the culture they recruit from. As per their progenitors in the Prometheus Cult, self-sufficiency, self sacrificing, and loyalty are highly prized. They practice the art of the metal smith, but do not mark themselves with brands. Some replace those with tattoos for battle honours, but most prefer to let their actions and the librarians tell their story.

 

Their foremost belief that they live by day to day, is the Way of the Warrior or Bushido. The chapter’s Art of War codifies it, but for the most part it is a way of life that is almost a part of the blood of the warriors within the colonies. As such, it follows the following virtues:

 

In any situation, however, they are the protectors of Mankind and will do anything within their power to protect those they were created to defend.

 

They see the Emperor not as a god, but as a very gifted man who was trying to grant Mankind the peace and knowledge needed for a greater age to come. As such, they see him as the Great Dragon, holder of knowledge and wisdom along with being a spiritual guide that rewards those who follow his Way. The Primarchs, and especially Vulkan, are respected as both his closest sons and the ones that passed various aspects of the Way on to the Space Marines, and humanity in general, to follow. Because of this each one’s teachings are often reviewed, debated, and the insights gained help the chapter improve both for war and time between battles.

 

Further, they have integrated the beliefs of the cultures they recruit from and this has strongly influenced their view of the galaxy. From the lowest rung to the Planetary Governors, these colonists believe there is a spiritual balance that must be maintained if anything from a person, to the planet, solar system, galaxy, and ultimately the universe is to proceed as it ought to. They do believe in the Emporor as a God, and as the source of balance for humanity that was thrown out of kilter when his son Horus betrayed Him and the Imperium. Further, they believe that because of this imbalance with humanity is not alone, such as with the Eldar, and as a result the whole of the galaxy has been affected. They see the invasion of the Tyranids, and the awakening of the Necrons as proof of this since such catastrophes did not occur while the Emperor was alive and leading humanity towards a new golden age. Further, as time has passed and the imbalance has grown worse, so too have the Ork and Choas Black Crusade attacks. As a result, should the Tyranids and Necrons be defeated it may result in the balance as tipping back towards stability, but that to have the maximum effect all of those affected by the imbalance must participate in the destruction of the Forces of Imbalance.

This last tenet, along with the fact that the chapter is still relatively young, means they are far more willing to work beside the Eldar or other races to combat these Forces of Imbalance should such help be offered. They do not seek such offers, although they have on rare occasions offered one to fight a common enemy. After that enemy has been defeated, they then continue their original mission if circumstances are still favourable.

 

Geneseed

They are direct decedents from the Salamanders chapter, and as such have stable geneseed with all of the organs fully functional. Currently, given the possible corruption by the Warp storms they are being tithed an extra 2% of their geneseed for additional tests by the Adeptus Mechanicum and Inquisition. At this time no corruption has been found, and there are no signs of instability.

 

Battlecry

Captain/Chaplin: “For honour and the Dragon!”

Rejoinder by the troops: “For the Imperium!”

[CantonWC]

It's been a long, long time since I've posted on these boards.

 

Just so you know, I am not a man who pulls punches with his critiques.

 

There are a lot of things I want to talk about, but the biggest thing by far is the whole Japanese culture thing. Just from looking through this IA one or two times, the thing I'm getting is "SAMURAI MARINES!!!!!" Which I suppose is what you're going for, but listen. It is very, very easy to screw up a Chapter themed on a specific culture, why? Because you've essentially taken Japanese culture and samurai and copy pasted it on a SM Chapter. I don't see a Chapter with a unique theme and personality of its own, I just see Samurai in Space.

 

Culture-themed Chapters can be done, but it must be subtle. You are hitting me over the head with the fact that they are samurai, and they carry around katanas and practice bushido. Names like Musashi, Tokugawa and Nobunaga just destroy suspension of disbelief for me. This is 40k, 38,000 years into the future. I just cannot believe that Japanese culture has survived in its modern incarnation completely intact all this time... actually scratch that, you are talking about feudal Japan, how is it possible that these Marines have found out about that ancient culture and why have they decided to completely emulate it?

 

A good culture theme has to be subtle and not too obvious, maybe put a few original spins on the source material too. Do not slather your Chapter with Japan, because then all I see is Japan, and I can't see any original character the Chapter has.

 

Just a couple other things off the top of my head:

 

The Sons of the Dragon Chapter of space marines were originally created as a force to escort a convoy of colony ships

 

There are only a thousand Chapters in existence, and their sole purpose is to kick the crap out of bad guys and solve situations that ordinary men cannot. I think baby sitting some colonists is something the Imperial Guard can do, SMs are needed for more important tasks.

 

During the journey to their assigned area, an unexpected and very fierce series of warp storms began. Despite the valiant efforts of the convoy’s Navigators there was no escape by any of the ships. Nothing was heard from any of the ships for three hundred years, but eventually the storms passed and the convoy re-emerged as if nothing at all had happened.

 

So... it seems to be the general consensus in the Liber, from what I remember, that 'lost in the warp' is just not something you can do anything good with. Seriously, almost everyone seems to want to do 'lost in the warp' at some point or other. If all the stories in the Liber were true, there would be literally dozens of SM Chapters and companies getting lost in the warp. I have to ask, what does getting lost in the warp do for your Chapter? How is it important and how does it contribute to the character of the Chapter? If it doesn't do either, you should drop it.

 

That's all for now, may post some comments on the little things later.

 

CWC

[Thoughtweaver]

Thank-you, CantonWC.

 

It's been a long, long time since I've posted on these boards.

 

I count it as an honour that you would do so on my efforts. Although I suppose if I were a tad more self-conscious, which as a writer I am still debating on this point, I could take this on a more "Oh my God, I didn't think it was ~that~ bad!?!?!?!" note. ;)

 

Just so you know, I am not a man who pulls punches with his critiques.

 

I really would not want you to. Better a bit of pain now so I can get things going in the right direction than getting told after a lot more work that this is crap. :D

 

There are a lot of things I want to talk about, but the biggest thing by far is the whole Japanese culture thing. Just from looking through this IA one or two times, the thing I'm getting is "SAMURAI MARINES!!!!!" Which I suppose is what you're going for, but listen. It is very, very easy to screw up a Chapter themed on a specific culture, why? Because you've essentially taken Japanese culture and samurai and copy pasted it on a SM Chapter. I don't see a Chapter with a unique theme and personality of its own, I just see Samurai in Space.

 

Hmmm...an excellent point. I guess I was so busy trying to get my thoughts down I did not stand back and think about going for a bit more subtle approach yet. Especially with the character names. Maybe some from less obvious historical origins may help. Did that a bit more with the Captains, need to work on the Chapter Master. Maybe more or better quotes might help as well. Plus I have to get some pictures of the actual miniatures...and figure out the image pasting system. ^_^

 

One question, however, does this include the names for the ranks? Was I too thick there as well, do you think?

 

Culture-themed Chapters can be done, but it must be subtle. You are hitting me over the head with the fact that they are samurai, and they carry around katanas and practice bushido. Names like Musashi, Tokugawa and Nobunaga just destroy suspension of disbelief for me. This is 40k, 38,000 years into the future. I just cannot believe that Japanese culture has survived in its modern incarnation completely intact all this time... actually scratch that, you are talking about feudal Japan, how is it possible that these Marines have found out about that ancient culture and why have they decided to completely emulate it?

 

Which partly goes back to the names. Mental note, really need to fix those ASAP. And I can certainly see where you are coming from about the cultural standpoint. Less is more, as they say. I think the beliefs work, so de-emphasize the weapons. Maybe just mention one rather than a whole raft of them. Which honestly, since I have used swords from the Dark Elves for the sergeants that have blades may be a good thing. :) Couldn't actually find GW katana-style swords other than the ones on the one Ogre Maneater and the ones in LotR (which cannot be used with any GW product for official events "or else". Bloody license agreements. ;) ) Yank out the Bushido by name and the Virtues, and instead suit actions/organization to hint at them instead. Definitely much to think about here, which was why I really need the comments. Keep them coming!...Please? ;)

 

There are only a thousand Chapters in existence, and their sole purpose is to kick the crap out of bad guys and solve situations that ordinary men cannot. I think baby sitting some colonists is something the Imperial Guard can do, SMs are needed for more important tasks.

 

Well, it's more of a killing two birds with one stone idea. I will rework it. Basically, the idea for the Imperium was that they were planning on sending out colony ships to the area, and "oh, we have a new Chapter heading that way anyway so let's have them escort the colonists". I see your point. Maybe making it so that they are investigating the disappearance of the colonists instead...

 

So... it seems to be the general consensus in the Liber, from what I remember, that 'lost in the warp' is just not something you can do anything good with. Seriously, almost everyone seems to want to do 'lost in the warp' at some point or other. If all the stories in the Liber were true, there would be literally dozens of SM Chapters and companies getting lost in the warp. I have to ask, what does getting lost in the warp do for your Chapter? How is it important and how does it contribute to the character of the Chapter? If it doesn't do either, you should drop it.

 

Yeah, I remembered that fact after reading your post. I think it is actually mentioned in the Liber IA writing suggestions/guidelines post that Warp Storm disappearance/reappearance ideas are a bad idea. I can see where they might see it as laziness on the writer's part, but now I am scratching my head on how to get the confrontation between the Inquisition and the Chapter in quite that way without it. *Channeling the great Winnie The Pooh. Tapping my forehead and muttering "Think. Think. Think."* I will see what I can do about making some of the changes today, and more over the weekend. Likely the warp part is going to be dropped in this case, as I honestly do not see it as adding to the chapter's character. Maybe have more of a warp squall going off after they reach their destination might work better...or something non-warp related that somehow stops their communication with the Imperium? That would keep the Inquisition part, just reworked a bit.

 

That's all for now, may post some comments on the little things later.

 

Again, I deeply appreciate everything you have commented on so far as it already has me considering several new possibilities for this Chapter. I look forward to any further comments you may choose to make.

[NightrawenII]

1st, welcome in the Liber.

2nd, the image doesn't work for me.

3rd, we have guides here and here.

 

Now onto C&C:

History

The Sons of the Dragon are one of the 24th founding chapters based upon the Salamander gene-seed... yada yada yada... Out of the first Space Marines thus created, Miyamoto Musashi was to become one of the foremost, alongside Henata Tzu. They all performed to the high standards of their parent chapter in their training (both martial and blacksmithing), and both men were singled out by T’sar as potential leaders after the Chapter’s first battle helping the Relictors fighting off a Alpha Legion Chaos warband on the planet Anhelion.

- The last Founding, the 26th was in 738.M41 and the Chapter of Fire Claws was not known as the "Relictors" until the middle of the ninth century of the 41st Millennium.

- The Anhelion is similar to Anphelion.

- btw, according to the IA9: The Badab War the 23rd Founding was in the late M37 and 25th Founding in the late M40.

 

... the Way of the Samurai (or Bushido). As part of this he ordered that their power armor be modified to reflect this background, and their power weapons were to be based upon katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Since they follow the way of Bushido, many of them take up other skills over the years to try and perfect as much as they can. Calligraphy, writing (poetry especially), music, painting, playing Go, dancing, tea, and various forms of labour are just some taken up.

- Ahem, but WHAT? How could he know about the samurai and bushido? He is the SM captain, not the beardy historian. Not to mention, we are ~35.000 years in the future.

 

The Stretegos could not see any additional benefit to having the Dragons involved in the fight, although the Chapter later participated in hunting some of the splinter fleets.

- Strategos = singular; Strategoi = plural.

 

Homeworld

In this case the colonists’ origins could be traced back to Terra via an ancient empire named Japan from a time before the Age of Strife. There had been some mixing of the blood lines since then, but these colonists kept alive the traits of Asians from skin colour, along with facial features. Their ancestors had left the home world of the human race millennia ago to gather on several other worlds, and now these descendents were about to make new homes again for their race. Over the centuries they’d found ways to use technology in harmony with nature and had returned to a more ancient philosophy for their daily lives.

- Once again, we are ~35.000 years in the future. They are Japanese no more.

 

Organisation

They have chosen to emulate and follow the path of what was once known as the Way of the Samurai, or Bushido. Their power armor has also been modified to reflect this background, and their power weapons tend to be katana, wakizashi, and tanto.

- They do not use No-Dachi or Naginata? Shame upon thou! :(

 

As with their progenitor chapter, each marine has been taught enough about the mysteries of technology and metalwork to build and maintain their own weapons and armour.

- What about forging his own katana, before being accepted as aspirant/Battle-Brother/Veteran?

 

Squad markings are on the right shoulder pad along with the squad number, and the chapter symbol is on the left. The shoulder pad trim is the standard company colour. The chapter colours are jade green as primary, with the feet and hands being a darker green. The secondary colours are gold, and red.

- We have SM painter here.

 

The Chaplins have become known as Saishi (priest) or Daisaishi (high priest, Master of Sanctity).

- Chaplains. Chaplin was/is famous comic.

 

Combat Doctrine

One of the very first new chapter recruits, one Henata Tzu, became a great warrior-philosopher and penned the great treatise “The Art of War.”

- Except the Codex *is* the Art of War.

 

Belief

This last tenet, along with the fact that the chapter is still relatively young, means they are far more willing to work beside the Eldar or other races to combat these Forces of Imbalance should such help be offered. They do not seek such offers, although they have on rare occasions offered one to fight a common enemy. After that enemy has been defeated, they then continue their original mission if circumstances are still favourable.

 

CATECHISM OF THE XENO

To be Unclean That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Impure That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Abhorred That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Reviled That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Hunted That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Purged That is the fate of the Xenos

To be Cleansed For that is the fate of all Xenos

~ extract from the Third Book of Indoctrinations

 

Repeat until memorized. :)

[CantonWC]

I count it as an honour that you would do so on my efforts. Although I suppose if I were a tad more self-conscious, which as a writer I am still debating on this point, I could take this on a more "Oh my God, I didn't think it was ~that~ bad!?!?!?!" note. msn-wink.gif

 

Well, no, i just meant I was in "retirement." My own Chapter has been on the back burner because of school and other stuff, and I just gradually lost track of things. But now I'm on break, so I hope I can contribute more to these boards.

 

One question, however, does this include the names for the ranks? Was I too thick there as well, do you think?

 

Stuff like Shogun, daimyo, ronin etc. are things that most people will immediately recognize as Japanese, and this breaks suspension of disbelief. If I were reading about a Chapter called the Knights of the Grail, led by a guy named Arthur, who are looking for a Holy Grail with which to revive the Emperor... it would be impossible for anyone to take the Chapter seriously or believe that it could plausibly fit into the 40k universe.

 

Yank out the Bushido by name and the Virtues, and instead suit actions/organization to hint at them instead.

 

It is fine to have a warrior code or some such, just don't call it bushido. It is fine to have curved swords if they come from the homeworld's culture, but don't say outright that they are called katana.

 

I don't know if this helps, but the Skorne are an army from another miniatures game that have some Japanese elements. They have the curved swords, similar armor, flags, they have their own warrior code called hoksune, but they still have a unique feel to them because of some other weird quirks thrown in, like Dark Eldar-style cruelty and a death-oriented cult.

 

but now I am scratching my head on how to get the confrontation between the Inquisition and the Chapter in quite that way without it.

 

It is fine to have some disagreements with the Inquisition, most Imperial organizations seem to distrust each other to some extent, but if you are thinking what I think you are thinking, then don't. Evil Inquisitors seem to be as popular as Lost in the Warp. If there were that many rogue Inquisitors were running around screwing over SM Chapters for their personal agendas as is described in some of the IA's here, the Imperium would have fallen apart a long time ago. 95-98% of Inquisitors at the very least, are loyal, hard working servants of the Imperium. Only a few go radical.

 

Further, they have integrated the beliefs of the cultures they recruit from and this has strongly influenced their view of the galaxy. From the lowest rung to the Planetary Governors, these colonists believe there is a spiritual balance that must be maintained if anything from a person, to the planet, solar system, galaxy, and ultimately the universe is to proceed as it ought to. They do believe in the Emporor as a God, and as the source of balance for humanity that was thrown out of kilter when his son Horus betrayed Him and the Imperium. Further, they believe that because of this imbalance with humanity is not alone, such as with the Eldar, and as a result the whole of the galaxy has been affected. They see the invasion of the Tyranids, and the awakening of the Necrons as proof of this since such catastrophes did not occur while the Emperor was alive and leading humanity towards a new golden age. Further, as time has passed and the imbalance has grown worse, so too have the Ork and Choas Black Crusade attacks. As a result, should the Tyranids and Necrons be defeated it may result in the balance as tipping back towards stability, but that to have the maximum effect all of those affected by the imbalance must participate in the destruction of the Forces of Imbalance.

 

This is interesting. Elaborate more.

 

CATECHISM OF THE XENO

To be Unclean That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Impure That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Abhorred That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Reviled That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Hunted That is the Mark of the Xenos

To be Purged That is the fate of the Xenos

To be Cleansed For that is the fate of all Xenos

~ extract from the Third Book of Indoctrinations

 

Just to add on to NightRawen's comment... Most, if not all Eldar consider it perfectly acceptable to slaughter a million humans if it means saving a single Eldar life. Alliances with the Eldar can happen occasionally... but only when there is no other option, and SMs are not going to be the ones initiating or participating in such alliances. It is simply not in their nature.

 

CWC