IA - Abyss Watcher + IG Auxilary

[Conti]

Hi there,

 

this is the first scratch of my DIY Chapter and Guard regiment and furthermore my first post in this forum, so please bear with me.

And if someone has tips for formatting (i.e. pictures) it would be appreciated

 

 

Beginning with the guard:

 

Homeworld

Name.............Aurigae

Segmentum...Segmentum Ultima

Sector............Unknown

Subsector......Unknown

System...........Zalea

Population......Around 12.000.000

Affiliation........Imperium

Class.............(HiveWorld)/FeralWorld/AdeptusAstartes World

Tithe Grade...Solutio Tertius

Ruler..............Abyss Watcher

http://i.imgur.com/vvejVo6.png

 

Geography:

Zalea is a planet with a predominant jungle consisting mostly of fungus-like trees only interrupted by partially huge canyons and caverns. It has one main ocean which covers around 85% of the surface.

The remaining terrain is united in one continent and several island/island-groups.  Due to the high amount of rain there are high numbers of rivers/seas and a humid climate.

 

History:

Discovery........501.M41; Roguetrader

Settling............534.M41;

Destruction/Reduced to feral world.......615.M41; DarkEldar-Raid

Declared as recruitment world astartes.......817.M41; After HiveFleet Naga

 

The system of Zalea was discovered in 601.M41 through a rogue trader who had a contract with the Administratum  to report any planet that was capable to support human life.

The settling-fleet arrived in 634 and declared the planet Aurigae as the main planet in the system. After about 80 years, Aurigae had built the first HiveCity where 95% of the population lived. The two other planets in the System were colonized to smaller extends. Near the end of 715 a DarkEldar-Raid arrived and assaulted the Hive. After blowing up the main reactors and therefore destroying the entire Hive (and creating a serious amount of canyons due to bursting pipelines) they set a huge amount of homunculus-manipulated animals free and left with the captured slaves. The only survivors where those, who lived on the outskirts and managed to escape into the jungle.

Since the Beasts controlled the local fauna and most technologies were lost, Aurigae was declared as feral/death-world, a status that hasn´t been revoked since then.

After the discovery and defeat of HiveFleet Naga and the existence of the Uluméathic League, the High Lords of Terra decided to create a new Chapter and declared Aurigae as recruitment world in 817. Several thousand potential recruits from the planet were shipped to Macragge where they were used to build the chapter.

On Aurigae is a fortress of the Administratum.

 

Culture:

The technological level of Aurigae is comparable to the feudal Age of Terra since mostly farmers, slaves and workers managed to escape the DarkEldar-Raid. Society is formed around companies who are constantly fighting against the beasts and other companies. For this reasons, the culture is centered about warrior-cults that prefer heavy armor and weapons that are capable to penetrate these (and beast-scales) like war picks. The main Symbol/Equipment of the warriors is the shield and his facemask which each warrior gets on his initiation.

The fortress of the local Administratum sends Scholares to the Companies to teach them Low Gothic. This provides an easier integration in Imperial Organizations like the the Astartes.

Every ten years, many Companies travel to the great Hive-ruins as a Symbol of defiance. This is considered as a holy event and therefore are all aggressive actions against other humans sentenced to death by impaling.

On this gathering are warbands formed out of warriors from different companies who are going into the ruins to search for technologies (even Xeno) and fight against the beasts that inhabit it.

The warbands that are successful (and survive) deliver the treasures/trophies to the Agents of the Ordo Xenos/Administratum. Those are send to this event to gather said goods, while several Astartes will be watching those warbands to select Companies for the next recruitment phase. Companies that have members of successful warbands (means gathered trophies and artifacts) are getting support from the Administratum for the next 3 years. This means, they will get deliveries of food and primitive (for the Imperium) medicine and are under protection for this interval. This means no other Company is allowed to attack their villages. This is to compensate for the losses through the Astartes-Recruitment.

The recruitment-cycle is every two years. The Warrior takes his facemask with him, but will leave his shield for his Cult-brothers or children.

A relative high percentage of newborn have the tendency to be Psykers. If their talent gets discovered, they will be send to the Ordo to test them. If they are uncorrupted and stable, they will be sanctioned and allowed to get back to their Company. On the next recruitment-cycle (if they are old enough), all sanctioned Psykers will be send to the to the Astartes.

 

Religion:

The population believes that the God-Emperor guides those who use their skills to fight against His enemies. Therefore every warrior has to fight and endure, especially against the beasts. The Astartes are His Pantheon and are the greatest honor a man can achieve.

The agents of the Ordo are his representative and judge Men and Company alike. Those who are found worthy are allowed to ascend to greater honor and fight in His vast army to prove their worth to Him.

To be contributed as a Soldier to the Guard is an Honor only shadowed by the recruitment of children from your Company to become part of His Pantheon.

The people of Aurigae tribute to Emperor in their daily life’s by sacrifices. Those who aren´t capable of fighting against beasts and other Companies cutting themselves and give their blood to the Emperor. On the contrary, Warriors tribute the slain enemy by impaling them.

While ascending to the void is their concept of paradise, the Abyss (a collective memory of the DarkEldar Webgate and the Maelstrom) is the gate to hell, which has to be guarded.

 

Chapter Serfs:

The Aurigae Linebreakers are the dedicated combat company of the chapter serfs from the feral/death world of Aurigae, located at the edge of the Maelstrom. They are classified as heavy infantry and are organised similar to guardsmen regiments.

 

 

The Recruits are a tribute from the Cults and Companies who are select 1/10 from their best. Each of them is an ascending warrior but they lack the skills of soldiers. Therefore, most of the following training is drill with formation and modern weapon. Since the Astartes-Chapter Abyss Watcher is the Ruler/Warden of the System, the recruits are trained/observed by Astartes-Chaplains, the believed Pantheon of the Emperor. This ensures, that they will be follow every Order with fanatical enthusiasm.

 

The Linebreakers are proud of their heritage and want to prove the worth of Aurigae to the Emperor (and everyone who might watch them).

They are often used by the Abyss Watcher as auxillary troops.

A relatively high amount of psykers is included in the regiment.

 

Equipment:

Every soldier keeps the facemask from his origin and will attach it in combat. Furthermore, in respect to their origins, they have access to combat shields which sports a cutout to lay a lasgun on it.

Since they are heavy infantry, the soldiers are fielded with carapace armor. Notable is the red gauntlet on the right arm which is a symbol for the hatred and sworn revenge towards their enemies (especially the DarkEldar).

They are usually equipped with hotshot lasguns although some dedicated specialists in the units field grenade launcher, flamethrower or even melta and plasma weapons.

As melee choice it is typically some kind of war pick.

Sergeants usually have one pistol (most likely Laser) which they can attach to their shield. In addition they carry chainswords.

 

Vehicle:

The Linebreakers have access to a great number of Chimeras (all variants) and Crassus Armoured Transport.

 

Strategies:

Due to their name end equipment the Aurigae Linebreakers are supposed to break enemy’s formations. Usually they follow a constant artillery barrage and disembark in the lines/trenches of the enemy.

After the victory it is not unheard of troopers to seek wounded enemies an impale them. Following regiments who are arriving are shocked most of the times to see an entire trench line with those signs of “devotion” to the Emperor.

 

SpaceMarines:

Name.........................Abyss Watcher

Founding Chapter.....Ultramarines

Founding...................26th

Chaptermaster...........Patriarch Marek Velos

Homeworld.................Aurigae

Fortress-Monastery....The Gate

Colors.........................Bolter grey, Gold, Blood Red / Ultramarine Blue

Specialty.....................Close Combat

Space Hulk.................Auxillaries

Strength.....................1000 + Auxilaries

Battlechant:

Initiation:  The giant rises.

Answer: We will strike him down.

Initiation:  The beasts roam free.

Answer: We will slay them.

Initiation:  The Abyss opens.

Answer: We will march through the gate.

All: We bring the Emperor´s light.

http://i.imgur.com/y5bhfSZ.jpg

 

History:

After the discovery of several alien empires and the constant threat from the Maelstrom, the High Lords of Terra decided to strengthen the defenses in the eastern fringes. In 736.M41 several thousand potential recruits from Aurigae where shipped in stasis to the worlds of Ultramar, where the chapter was formed and equipped during the 26^th founding.

 

After the creation, the chapter set off in full force in addition of material, serfs and a mechanicum fleet. On arrival it was decided, that the largest asteroid in the debris-belt around Aurigae would be an ideal Fortress-Monastery/star fortress. Thus the Gate was founded.

Later, the provisory Chapter-Master, a former member of the Ultramarines Honor Guard and ten Marines from the first Company were ordered to Macragge. The reason was to accompany an Ultramarine force into the Maelstrom-regions to fight against a Word Bearer host  and thus strengthen the bounds between Successor and Primogenitor. The Chapter-Master and all but one of the first company died in the battle against the apostle that lead the Word Bearers. He was ultimately defeated by Marek Velos, the Chaplain of the first company.

After his return, Marek was declared as Chapter-Master. Short before he would return to Ultramar to his pilgrimage to the shrine of the primarch and the visit of the fortress of Hera, two Gladius frigates with the symbols of the Ultramarines emerged from the Warp near the Gate. However they were accompanied by several Ork Battlekroozers. Knowing that the Gladius would not be able to defend themselves and the Chapterfleet was not near enough to engage, Marek ordered to activate all orbital weapons on the Gate and weapon-platforms to fire. While this destroyed all Ork vessels, he also had doomed the Ultramarines on the frigates. As the Nova canons hit the Gladius, Marek realized that he might have set his, still young, Chapter to get potentially declared as renegade. In the consequence, he ordered an absolute isolation from the Ultramarines and successor chapters.

 

After the Abyss Watcher supported an mechanicus exploratory fleet with 7 Companies (including Auxillaries) against a hrud mass migration and escorted them for several years with the result of discovering ancient human tech, the mechanicus repaid them greatly (at least for the isolated chapter). They build forges/factories and, more importantly, helped to cleanse and repair a ramillies star fortress which was inhabited by Orks. This fortress was captured while the chapter helped to defend an invasion on the Agri-World Lethion-2. After the chapter fleed emerged from the Warp, they saw a small fleet of ork-cruizers supported from the huge fortress. While the main fleet engaged the ork-vessels (with help from the mechanicus explorators) all boarding parties and auxillaries attacked the fortress. After six months, the fight for fortress and the agri world where over.

Since the Abyss Watcher promised the Explorator-Magus to research and eventually keep every interesting technology he cooperated without hesitation. After the end of this project, the magos/his forgeworld and Marek swore an oath of support for every case.

 

Organization:

In 780.M41, short after the incident with the UltraMarine vessels, the Chapter was reorganized drastically. The Companies were now lead by a trio of Chaplains, called Tribunal. Furthermore the Companies are in command of an Auxillary-force, consisting of 1000 Aurigae Linebreakers and 10.000 regular Guardsmen from the other two inhabited planets in the Zalea system. These Auxiliary-forces include their dedicated vehicles.

The Librarium was reorganized, since short after the founding, it was discovered, that the bodies of the Skriptors would reject the geneseed short after the full initiation. To maintain psychic support, the Librarium consists of selected human primaris psychers from Aurigae, who are augmented to the maximum extend that the human body can endure.

The Chaplains were renamed to Ordinators, while the leader of the first company wears the title High Ordinator.

The Chapter-Master is voted from the Ordinators and is called Patriarch.

 

Culture:

While the Abyss Watcher are still loyal to the Imperium and pay the Tithes, they shun every contact with the Ultramarines and other successor chapters. The resulting isolation could be potentially dangerous if not for the good connections to the Mechanicus.

After the destruction of the two vessels that lead to said isolation, every single marine colors his left gauntlet (shieldhand) blue to remember the origin of the chapter and cause of separation, while the right gauntlet (weapon hand) is colored in red as a ritual from their homeworld, a blood sacrifice for the emperor and a sworn oath for an everlasting fight against the enemies of mankind.

Every marine (with the exception of chaplain is called Shieldbrother).

While the Auxilaries from Aurigae practice the impaling of every wounded enemy, after the victory is gained, the Ordinators of the Abyss Watcher are the only one who are doing this. They use the poles on their backpack and take only champions and/or commander from the enemy.

 

Beliefs:

The Abyss Watcher believe in the Emperor as a god but more towards that he was a human who achieved the highest state of existence and thus can be called a god. By sacrificing (impaling) the enemy’s champions, the chapter honors the struggle, the Emperor had to go through, and their willingness to follow his example.

They respect normal humans if they prove strength in battle or trials. However, the stereotypical civilian is viewed as currency of the Emperor. That means it shouldn´t be spilled unnecessary but is allowed to be exchanged against something more valuable.

 

Equipment:

Every Ordinator outside of the first company is equipped with a chain glaive, while the High Ordinator carry force halberds. In addition, every Ordinator has three sharpened poles attached to his backpack. Ordinators are the only ones who are wearing Terminator-Armor.

The rest of the Marines are equipped and organized in regards of the codex astartes.  The exception is that, similar to the Linebreakers-Auxillary, every Marine has a combat shield and a war pick as melee choice.

The facemasks of their origins are merged with the right pauldron.

 

Arsenal:

Vehicles:

• The standard vehicles given, when a chapter is founded (Rhinos, Landspeeder, Predator-Tanks…), although decimated
• Several Spartan assault tanks, “sponsored” from the mechanicus.
• Many mobile void shields , “sponsored” from the mechanicus.

Vessels:

• Battleship
  • ramillies fortress “Divine Conquest”
• Cruisers
  • 8 Strike Cruisers
• Escorts
  • 12 Cobra Destroyer

 

Chapter-Monastery:

The Gate is a huge Asteroid near the only save entry in the debris-field that surrounds Aurigae. It is partially hollowed and can house the entire Chapter. It has several large anti-capital-ship-weapons and numerous batteries against smaller crafts. In addition it sports void shields to withstand most weapon types.  It is connected to a star port and several smaller bases for the auxiliary.

The debris field contains many, partially hidden weapon platforms and minefields.

 

Combat Doctrines:

If the Abyss Watcher go to war, it will most likely be a nearly all-out assault. Several companies and every Auxiliary Unit that belongs to them will be deployed.

Phase 1: Orbital Bombardment, while the troops are landing.

Phase 2: Constant assault to conquer key-positions through transports and void shields.

Phase 3: Deployment of reinforcements, the second wave consists of the Guard from a separate fleet. These Reinforcements are not officially attached as auxiliaries, instead they are split into Imperial Guard and Navy.

Phase 4: Exterminating from all sources of resistant (Eventually through the Guard or bombardment)

In Phase 2, all companies/regiments are ordered to push the enemy back and ultimately grind him down. While the artillery fires constant barrages, the Astartes are pushing forward. This contains shield walls from Astartes (and partially Linebreakers) in combination with transporters and, if the enemy manages to establish an organized defense, portable void shields.

If an Ordinator (or any other officer) orders retreat, he has to explain himself and might be punished severely.

 

Current Status:

Patriarch Marek issued High Ordinator Samael with a Reconquista of the worlds from the, now nearly defeated, Uluméathic League (due to HiveFleet Naga). The Crusade contains the Divine Conquest, 5 Strike Cruisers, 8 Cobra Destroyers and several Support-Vessels for Material, etc. As for invasion troops 700 Astartes, including the full first company, 7 Regiments of Aurigae Linebreakers + Vehicles and 70 Regiments of Guardsmen + Vehicle and aircraft are deployed as first wave.

As reinforcements are 2 Mechanicus-Cruisers + Skitarii to examine potential technologies.

The second wave followed after 2 month, consisting of 40 transport vessels, carrying about 1.000.000 Guardsmen and armored companies. The transports are escorted by several frigates and light cruisers from the imperial Navy.

The 9^th company escorts the fleet of the explorator magus as the result of the alliance.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Are the Aurigae natives' "companies"- those you described "[traveling] to the great Hive-ruins in a Symbol of defiance,"- comparable to mercenary companies? If not, a different term could be chosen, to avoid confusion; "Clan" (also used on the Iron Hands home world) is one option.

 

Overall, I like your ideas and find the concept promising. I don't think Marek should order the Chapter to isolate itself from other Imperial institutions, as such decisions appear highly suspicious, and will surely make the Inquisition wonder, "What are they plotting?" Instead, he should file a report, and- after an Inquisitorial investigation clears the Chapter of wrongdoing- those Imperial institutions (including the Ultramarines) cutoff relations with the Abyss Watchers Chapter, to protest the Inquisition's decision.

 

Note: Space Hulks are known to enter and exit the Warp at unpredictable times and places, making them unsuitable as a loyalist Chapter's base-of-operations. A LOT of work will be necessary to make the Hulk useful- likely requiring the whole damn thing to be stripped of the malfunctioning Warp drives I suspect are responsible for this phenomenon, or purging it of anything with a psychic (and thus, potentially Daemonic) residue.

[Conti]

"Overall, I like your ideas and find the concept promising."

Thank you; I am considering to do some writing for them;

Further critic would be much appreciated

 

"Are the Aurigae natives' "companies"- those you described "[traveling] to the great Hive-ruins in a Symbol of defiance,"- comparable to mercenary companies? If not, a different term could be chosen, to avoid confusion; "Clan" (also used on the Iron Hands home world) is one option."

The organisation of the natives was divided into

1. Clans (basicly tribes with the familiesm, etc)

2. companies; basicly warrior-cults that are "attached" to one or more clans

 

"I don't think Marek should order the Chapter to isolate itself from other Imperial institutions, as such decisions appear highly suspicious, and will surely make the Inquisition wonder, "What are they plotting?" Instead, he should file a report, and- after an Inquisitorial investigation clears the Chapter of wrongdoing- those Imperial institutions (including the Ultramarines) cutoff relations with the Abyss Watchers Chapter, to protest the Inquisition's decision."

 

That is done out of several reasons:

1. I like empire-building and with observation from other instituitions, it would be relativly hard (see babdab war)

2. I dont like the "Legionbuilding" that the Ultramarines are doing

3. It allows divergence from the Codex (i.e. The leading role of Chaplains and human psykers as librarium)

 

Also, the tithe will be paid and if i recall correctly, Chapter dont have to report to the high lords/inquisition (other than the geneseed tithe)

 

"Note: Space Hulks are known to enter and exit the Warp at unpredictable times and places, making them unsuitable as a loyalist Chapter's base-of-operations. A LOT of work will be necessary to make the Hulk useful- likely requiring the whole damn thing to be stripped of the malfunctioning Warp drives I suspect are responsible for this phenomenon, or purging it of anything with a psychic (and thus, potentially Daemonic) residue."

 

To be honest, this was about one of the few things i´ve liked in the souldrinker-novels. Is this the standard for spacehulks (random warp traveling)?

I would argue, that the mechanicus would be more as willing to repair some warpdrives in exchange for the exploration of a spacehulk.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Recalling what I read, I must revise my statement: the way a Space Hulk enters and exits the Warp is somewhat predictable, but nothing can be done to stop the Hulk from doing so. This is implied in 'The Greater Good', a Ciaphas Cain novel and sequel to 'The Emperor's Finest' (Cain accompanies Space Marines from the Reclaimers Chapter aboard an Ork and Tyranid-infested Hulk). Cain asks about the welfare of a Techmarine he knew, and was told the Chapter- knowing that specific Hulk will reenter the Warp- sent a boarding party (including said Techmarine) back to the Hulk in the hope the damn thing will remain in Imperial hands the next time it appears.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

As for the Chapter's isolation, I was putting myself in the Inquisition's shoes. If the Chapter chose to isolate itself, I would definitely ask, "What are they plotting?" and make plans to purge it, just in case. If an earlier investigation turned up no evidence of wrongdoing, and it is other institutions that chose to shun the Chapter, then my suspicion will fall on those other institutions; that distraction will give your Chapter the opportunity to "build an empire" in the way you intend.

[Olis]

Welcome to the Liber, Conti, and B&C. 

 

It is curious that your DIY Chapter and your own DIY regiment come from the same planet. Seeing as astartes worlds are exempt from tithes, they are not obliged to provide fighting men for the munitorum. For one of my own Chapters, the Conflagrators, any fighting men leaving their homeworld to take battle to the enemies of mankind is done more through fanatical duty to creed than anything else. While I'm not sure such reasoning would fit your own article, as your marines sound a touch more sane than mine are.

 

But they do see lives as coin to be spent. Maybe the Chapter wishes to behave in a strongly feudal manner, treating the humans under their supervision (not command, though, as that is technically forbidden) as coin for the Imperium, coin for war. Where they serve the Imperium, the humans in turn serve them (which could develop towards the whole empire building idea). Maybe at first they didn't command them but over the course of time they take control of local troops to make them more efficient. Then, as time goes by, the are by default the officers of the units they 'supervise', lending them an excuse to model them after the Tyrants Legion.

 

Just a series of thoughts but hopefully I haven't missed anything obvious that would invalidate it all. ;) 

[Legionare]

A quick question, while i like the chapter and especially how your librarium consists of human psykers (i find the thought intriguing), but could you specify a little how do the Abyss Watchers command their Auxliary forces? I mean does every captain just command them or is the command structure blended to Abyss Watchers' structure? (For example does each sergeant have a certain amount of Auxliaries under his command?

[Conti]

@Bjorn Firewalker

"As for the Chapter's isolation, I was putting myself in the Inquisition's shoes. If the Chapter chose to isolate itself, I would definitely ask, "What are they plotting?""

But are the Inquisition/Highlords actively monitoring the movement/actions of Astartes?

From my knowledge, there are many chapters, that dont have communication with the IoM for long times (Carcharadons comes to mind)

 

"(...)but nothing can be done to stop the Hulk from doing so."

If I recall correctly, the Brokenback (SoulDrinker) was fixed from random/unreliable Warpjumps. Also, aren´t the Ciaphas Kain novels generelly viewed as not really canon friendly?

 

@Olis

Thank you.

"Seeing as astartes worlds are exempt from tithes(...)"

That is a good point. I guess, I could argue, that this would be, because the Administratum has listed this world as a hive (outdated Informations). Or that they are listed as chapter serfs (are those limited by the Codex?). However this would not affect the reinforcements from the other two worlds. Maybe as a formal contract with the governours of the world, i.e. protection and limited tithes in exchange for soldiers?

 

@Legionare

"while i like the chapter and especially how your librarium consists of human psykers (i find the thought intriguing)"

Thank you, to be honest, I was tired about the massively overpowered Astartes psykers, while regular humans are not nearly as powerfull (although it should not make any difference in terms of raw power if the user is astartes or human). Also a Chapter should have flaws to avoid Marie-Sue territory.

 

"(...)how do the Abyss Watchers command their Auxliary forces?"

The Company-Command (Chaplain/Ordinator) has the Command over the assigned forces, but can assign part of the auxillarys to squads/seargents. Until then, a seargent has no authority over the soldiers.

[Legionare]

Ok that clears it out, thanks for the answers. Keep up the good work!

[Olis]

@Olis

Thank you.

"Seeing as astartes worlds are exempt from tithes(...)"

That is a good point. I guess, I could argue, that this would be, because the Administratum has listed this world as a hive (outdated Informations). Or that they are listed as chapter serfs (are those limited by the Codex?). However this would not affect the reinforcements from the other two worlds. Maybe as a formal contract with the governours of the world, i.e. protection and limited tithes in exchange for soldiers?

 

I suppose, in theory, the other two worlds would be treated normally... if the Imperium believes them to be outside of the usual aegis of astartes ownership. Maybe they know Zalea (the Planet) is controlled by astartes but Zalea (the system) is not logged as theirs. It would beg the question how exactly the Imperium could get that wrong but, as always, the labyrinthine bureaucracy that is Imperial book keeping is hardly known for its accuracy...

 

Food for thought, brother.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

Regarding the Carcharodons, remember who they were fighting, and why. At least the Carcharodons don't act like "Astral Claws 2.0".

 

Regarding the Brokenback, it must be remembered the Soul Drinkers were renegades and Tzeentch's unwitting pawns. The technique they used to stabilize the Space Hulk may be Chaos-tainted.

[Conti]

@Olis

out of curiosity, is it forbidden for an Astartes world to muster Guard regiments?

If I recall correctly, Chapters like the DA had around 12 recruitment worlds.

 

@Bjorn

"Regarding the Carcharodons, remember who they were fighting, and why. "

Beg your pardon, but my knowledge about them is quite limited. AFAIK they were sent to an eternal crusade and were mostly fighting Chaos warbands? Or do you mean the the Badab war?

 

"At least the Carcharodons don't act like "Astral Claws 2.0"

This would be correct, assuming you are comparing my Chapter to the Claws?

However, the Astral Claws were, to thte best of my knowledge, wardens and legitimate rulers of the system and their main crime was the denial of imperial tithe and legion-building?

 

"Regarding the Brokenback, it must be remembered the Soul Drinkers were renegades and Tzeentch's unwitting pawns. The technique they used to stabilize the Space Hulk may be Chaos-tainted."

That would be correct. Is there a lore reason for the random warp jumps (aside of malfunction on the warpdrives)?

What would be an alternative kind of vessel, that can act as lineship/transport for armys and would be adequate for my kind of chapter?

[Bjorn Firewalker]

'Ragnar's Claw' (republished in 'Space Wolf: The First Omnibus') states no one knows why Space Hulks behave the way they do. Best look up Lexicanum for details on the Ramilies and other classes of starforts.

[Olis]

@Olis

out of curiosity, is it forbidden for an Astartes world to muster Guard regiments?

If I recall correctly, Chapters like the DA had around 12 recruitment worlds.

 

Well, they are forbidden to command armies of men, iirc per the Codex Astartes, and astartes worlds are not obliged to raise Imperial Guard regiments as it's seen as drawing potential manpower away from the residing Chapter. Are they expressly forbidden to actively raise regiments of Guard? I don't know for sure, but I doubt it would be allowed. I know that the Astral Claws raised and commanded their own mortal troops under the banner of the Tyrant's Legion, and that was not something that pleased Imperial officials (besides the fact the the Astral Claws were hiding their extra marines within the Legion). 

 

As for the Dark Angels, they recruit wherever they go. Their home is The Rock, which can travel under its own power to anywhere they please (within reason). Aside from worlds under the sovereign domain of other Imperial institutions, they are technically free to recruit anywhere, really.

[Conti]

@Bjorn

The star fortress looks promising, however doubt Chapter can get them on their founding?

Would it be plausible to "find"/recapture such a fortress?

 

@Olis

What would be a more plausible organisation to have both forces from the same planet?

1. Mercanaries/PDF that are "formaly" in a seperate command structure?

2. Recruited as Chapter-serfs (which are not limited by the codex)?

 

To the DA:

     According to the Lexcianum, they have currently four recruitment worlds

[Bjorn Firewalker]

It's certainly plausible for the Abyss Watchers to capture a starfort. May I suggest reclaiming an Ork-occupied fort?

 

As for attached Astra Militarum units, Chapter serfs are best supported in canon. Real-world soldiers tend to loath mercenaries, unless they themselves fight for money; I doubt Space Marines (who are usually portrayed as the epitome of honor) will have much tolerance for mercs.

[Olis]

I concur with Bjorn. Serfs would serve better in this role than Mercenaries. However, the viability of an armed force of serfs is unknown. Serfs are not exactly the subject of much material from GW. 

[Conti]

@Bjorn

Sounds good, however, would an ork-occupied starfortres be usable without big meks/salvagable?

If i recall correctly, they tend to modify stuff alot.

 

@Olis/Bjorn

Then they will be serfs. In the novel where the thousend sons attack the Fang (to destroy the genelabs of the SW), the SW had Huscarls that were relativly effectiv. Also, they are generally regarded to be on the lvl of the guard.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

I'm assuming the AdMech's help, ample resources, and competent Tech-Priests will be able to repair the damages the Orks inflicted.

 

The reason I suggested an Ork-occupied fortress? It's the height of stupidity to simply abandon a battle station like that- especially on that is MOBILE, unlike terrestrial forts (Warp-capable ships can tow starforts through the Immaterium)- so a good reason is necessary to justify WHY the fort wasn't manned. Plague or quarantine are good reasons, but that would suggest Nurgle has claimed the fort for his own reasons, and the fort should be destroyed instead of reclaimed- it'll never be safe for human occupation again. Non-Chaos enemy conquest and occupation is a justifiable reason for the fort's condition, in my opinion.

[Conti]

Does anyone know, how large these are?

I can´t find anything in the lexicanum.

"It's the height of stupidity to simply abandon a battle station like that- especially on that is MOBILE, unlike terrestrial forts (Warp-capable ships can tow starforts through the Immaterium)- so a good reason is necessary to justify WHY the fort wasn't manned."

Alternativly, the orks tried to assault a planet and brought the fortress with them. Through the assault, the chapter came and borded it?

Although it would certainly take some months to fully eliminate every ork on it.

[Bjorn Firewalker]

It's probably best to leave the size vague, and let the readers' own imagination fill in the details. Something like "size of a continent" and "more firepower than a system fleet" will probably suffice.

[Conti]

I have reworked some parts of the guard (mainly changing the names to chapter serfs) and changed the space hulk to a fortress.

 

"They build forges/factories and, more importantly, helped to cleanse and repair a ramillies star fortress which was inhabited by Orks. This fortress was captured while the chapter helped to defend an invasion on the Agri-World Lethion-2. After the chapter fleed emerged from the Warp, they saw a small fleet of ork-cruizers supported from the huge fortress. While the main fleet engaged the ork-vessels (with help from the mechanicus explorators) all boarding parties and auxillaries attacked the fortress. After six months, the fight for fortress and the agri world where over."

 

Are these changes more lore-friendly or did I forgot something?

[Brink]

Conti really cool Ideas your working with here I agree with Legionare about the human psykers and as for the lore friendliness of the star fortress/ space hulk it seems to be close to plausible but I would work on it a little more such as why it took so long to clear the fortress. Such as how big was the Waagh! or perhaps the chapter experienced some technological setbacks.  Keep up your good work!

[Conti]

@Brink

Thank you.

However, for the timespan, as it appears, we dont really know the size of these things, besides that they are huge.

And since they have many different levels (hangars, ventilation shafts, hallways, barracks, etc.) theres plenty of space for Orks to fight/barricade/hide(for Grots). Furthermore, the goal was to conquer the fortress, not to destroy it, therefore you need much more time.

 

Also, I am currently at a loss for a chapter-symbol/banner.

If anyone knows something fitting, it would be much appreciated.

[Chaplian Belphoron]

A Broken Omega could be a good one, due to the Gladius Incident?