I originally wrote this at the end of 2007 after the previous codex came out and the Frater of that time wanted more information about their beloved successors. As one who liked to write science fiction for fun, I took to the boards with my own interpretation of each of the Successors and allowed the community to shape them into what became the original article that has since been added to the Librarium. Now it is 2013, little more than five years has passed and a new Codex has come out. With it, the canon for the Successors have intentionally been kept to a minimum to let us the gamers add the missing details with our creative imaginations. Now all of us here have our area of the hobby we enjoy more than the others, be it gaming, painting, converting or writing narratives. For those that enjoy other aspects of the hobby besides creative writing and would like to know more about the Successors, I present this UNOFFICIAL background to you for your use. Take from it what you like, discard what you don't. Use this as a framework to add more depth to your Successor and enjoy!
THE ANGELS OF VENGEANCE
Of all the 2nd Founding Successors, the Angels of Vengeance seem to be the most reliable when in a mixed force. The brothers of the Angels of Vengeance have maintained the original legion's panoply of black armor (including their fist Company) and it is rumored that they even continue the legion's original mission given during the Great Crusades, clear all who stand in the way of the Imperium of Man. They can be readily called upon to lead an Explorator team to new worlds and to purge worlds of any heretical and Xenos taint. A duty they perform with zeal if not maniacal, for any offense to the Emperor or the Lion is an offense to them.
On the battlefield, their tactical cunning is beyond reproach. Any opponents of the Angels of Vengeance will quickly find themselves dying a slow death as supplies are cut off and their forces diminished. The Angels of Vengeance tend to be quick to anger, however they are very slow to cool. For once the Angels of Vengeance engage in battle, they will not stop until the enemy has been utterly removed and destroyed.
Of all the Unforgiven, the Angels of Vengeance had the best accounting of themselves during the most recent Black Crusade. Their deep-rooted hatred to Chaos and heretics had the Angels of Vengeance taking on any Chaos force that they could find even if they were greatly outnumbered. Though they refused or deferred any glory that they have received, it was made known that the outcome of the Crusade could have been far worse were it not for the stalwart Angels of Vengeance.
HOME WORLD
The Angels of Vengeance are a Fleet based Chapter. In times when it’s numbers have been severely depleted in a protracted action. The remainder of the Chapter will either return to the Rock or to a sector of space that offers them multiple systems where potential recruits can be found and trained.
COMBAT DOCTRINE
They get in fast and doggedly pursue their quarry to the ends of the Imperium. At the time of the Second Founding, many marines who would later become the Angels of Vengeance were a part of Lion El’Johnson’s vaunted Ironwing.
The Angels of Vengeance prefer to take the fight to the enemy and in particular to any weak points that they find in their enemies defenses. To that end, they react quickly mounting their entire strike force in vehicles or drop pods before flooding their target with troops.
ORGANIZATION
The Angels of Vengeance tends to not have any Reserve Companies though they still maintain the unique First and Second Companies common to all Unforgiven Chapters. Every Company is equipped to maximize speed and mobility. The number of vehicles in the Chapter Armory has led to a greater number of Techmarines than other Unforgiven chapters.
BELIEFS
The Angels of Vengeance have lost their impetus that other Unforgiven Chapters have placed on finding the Fallen Dark Angels. Instead they focus on all mutants, aliens, and traitors with equal hatred. When the Angels of Vengeance do encounter a Fallen Dark Angel, the level of grim determination becomes nearly legendary as the Fallen’s schemes collapse under the cunning of the Angels of Vengeance.
BATTLECRY
"Death by a Thousand Cuts!"
"We bring Vengeance!"
Time to update this venerable old document to take into account some changes from the new Codex. But I will let the Frater to suggest any modifications or additions. I left the photos out for the moment so I could see some painted models.
Edited by Grand Master Belial, 05 February 2013 - 11:12 AM.