Across uncounted worlds men and women die in their countless billions.
Across a thousand planets the fires of industry are fed with blood, bone and gristle.
Across the vastness of space the Xenos turn their hungering gaze upon the decaying edifice that is the Imperium of Man.
To worlds ripe for plunder, a treasure trove of flesh, gold and faith. They will cry out for salvation and they will be denied by their uncaring Gods.
For all the efforts of the Imperial Guard, for all the knowledge of Mars, and humankind's endless sacrifice they are not what keep the flickering lights of hope alive.
No, you are saved and damned by the efforts of the Adeptus Astartes. The Emperor of Mankind's last and greatest bulwark against the encroaching darkness. How ironic then, that one of their number is the architect of your doom.
Two hundred years ago Horus Luprecal lead half his brothers on a mad campaign of conquest. Not content to lead his armies he and half his brothers turned their sight upon the throne of mankind. They proved too incompetent to rule but just capable enough to drive a dagger into the heart of their father.
Lord Guilliman sought to correct the mistakes of The Emperor. The Legions were too vast, too unruly, and much too powerful. It took only a handful of individuals to plunge the galaxy into the fires of civil war. No longer would that be the case. Where once stood eighteen Legions there will be hundreds of Chapters. Each a thousand, each limited in their scope and purview. The Space Marine Legions will change from an uncontrollable vastness into shattered irrelevance.
Unless something is done his best intentions will damn you all.
Your work will be to oversee the reformation of the extant Legions into ever more useful forms. Not merely lesser copies of their progenitors, they will be your soldiers in the eternal war against the Long Night. Yours is not the glory of the great foundings but the quiet work of innovation and experimentation.
You are Canto-6 Archmagos of the Machine Cult, former Princept General and now glorified put-upon for the Fabricator General of Mars.
You will succeed where others have failed.
Just like you did during...
[] The Burning of the Archives: You had believed the quest for knowledge would prove sacrosanct even amongst the traitors. By the time you realized the extent of their corruption they had already unleashed abominable intelligences from their shackles and turned sacred STCs into Chaos infused scrap code. It was by your hand that so much priceless knowledge was lost. It was by your hand that anything was saved.
[] The Denial of Cydonia: You were asked to hold the hills of Cydonia against the Heretek and Traitor. That task was impossible with the pitiful resources they allotted to it's defense. Denied the forces for victory you turned their prize to naught but irradiated ash. Better to face destruction then accept damnation.
[] The Purgation of the Legio Cybernetica: You were one of the first Archmagos to realize the depths of their madness. Their ambitions to tame The Men of Iron. Abominable Intelligence free from the shackles of man. Through a campaign of bribery, subterfuge and assassination you systematically sidelined them from positions of power. Without your efforts they would have rallied a hundred worlds, dozens of titan legions, and uncounted battle automata. Your ideals for an army, what a bargain you struck.
The Imperium is beset by madness and doubt. What is the first crisis will you address?
[X] The Scouring: The majority of The Traitor Space Marines have retreated into the Warp Rift known as 'The Eye of Terror', however some warbands and their human allies remain entrenched upon Imperial worlds, or seek world's beyond Terra's reach. Now is the time to drive back the darkness and return order to a galaxy gone mad. [] Ten Thousand Pyres: You cannot save everyone. [] The Chimera Lords: An irrelevant foe, not worthy of your attention. [] The Redemption of the Fallen: Now is not the time for such things. [] The Stormlord: He still slumbers, but for how long? [] The Greater Good: There are specks of dust more relevant then those cow-herders. [] The Swarm Unending: Teeth and claws, fangs and hunger. The unnumbered come, and they will devour the sun. [] The Prophet: Long has the strength of the Twin Gods waned, how quickly the tide turns.
Now that your task is set, which Legion should you draw from?
[] Dark Angels: The Lion's get were the original Space Marines and have much to show for it. In terms of battle honors none of the remaining legions can compare nor can they boast such an expensive panoply of ancient technologies. Any successor of theirs can expect expanded access to specialist wargear including the venerable Terminator Armor pattern. Personality wise they tend towards brooding introspection and somewhat caustic demeanors. Their are some worries about how closely they hew to their successor chapters but certainly nothing actionable as of yet.
[] White Scars: An often underappreciated Legion, the White Scars have served as pathfinders and fast attacks elements across the Crusade and Heresy alike. Less famously their Storm Seers served as one of the backbones of the original Librarian programs. Their bearing seems both too boastful for most yet too taciturn for their more extroverted kin but they have proven thorough their reliability in practice.
[] Space Wolves: Famous for their many titles including but not limited to, 'The Rout', 'The Emperor's Executioners', 'The Fangs of the Emperor", Sky Warriors, and Vika Fenryka. Unfortunately their endless boasting is not entirely without merit. Second to the Dark Angels in The Emperor's trust, second to the Blood Angels in a melee, distant second to the scouts of the White Scars...they will serve ably. Though their gene stock is noted as being extremely temperamental, they will be smaller in number then their brethren.
[] Imperial Fists: The sons of Dorne. Wardens of the Imperial Palace and masters of siege craft. Despite their losses their stubbornness and wide recruiting base has allowed for them to remain in acceptable number. Due to internal schisms you will have to decide whether to draw from the more traditional sons or those like Sigismund who seek more aggressive solutions to the problems facing the Imperium.
[] Blood Angels: The death of Sanguinis was a heroic and terrible thing and his sons will be forever marked by it. Blood and memory both tempt them with irrevocable bloodlust. Outside their curse The Blood Angels stand as supreme swordsmen and are known for their noble natures. They are heroes in the oldest and most terrible sense of the word.
[] Iron Hands: Perhaps most unfortunate of the Emperor's remaining sons. Theirs was the first Primarch to prove mortal and they may never forgive themselves for that fact. They are eager to participate in these new foundings if only to escape the company of themselves. When martialed to war they exhibit an uncommon affinity for armored warfare and the operation of high technology. Outside the battlefield they have taken to replacing their flesh with bionics in imitation of The Cult Mechanicus. It is...odd.
[] Ultramarines: The Ultramarines are mercifully simple to deal with. The sons of Ultramar take great pride in their adaptability against on field conditions and serving ably in just about any role. They only truly excel in manners of administration, long term planning, and arrogance. Nonetheless the Ultramarines would be a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
[] Salamanders: The betrayal at Istvan V laid the Dragon Warriors low. Half the legion dead and the rest divided for the duration of The Heresy. Even now the sons of Vulcan hold their conclaves, still unsure of what path to walk. They will brook no interference in their affairs.
[] Raven Guard: Disaster has struck the heart of the Raven Lord's domain. Their gene stocks have been destroyed and vandalized. It will be decades if not centuries before they fully replace what was lost. You will not demand what they cannot give.
------------- Blatantly ripped off from the superior
Inspired by Undead Frog's The Long Founding and The Chaos Founding
Hoping to put my own spin on things going forward, but we have to cleave through this intro post first.
Adhoc vote count started by Hermes King on Sep 14, 2024 at 5:10 PM, finished with 47 posts and 36 votes.
[X] The Burning of the Archives: You had believed the quest for knowledge would prove sacrosanct even amongst the traitors. By the time you realized the extent of their corruption they had already unleashed abominable intelligences from their shackles and turned sacred STCs into Chaos infused scrap code. It was by your hand that so much priceless knowledge was lost. It was by your hand that anything was saved.
[X] Iron Hands: Perhaps most unfortunate of the Emperor's remaining sons. Theirs was the first Primarch to prove mortal and they may never forgive themselves for that fact. They are eager to participate in these new foundings if only to escape the company of themselves. When martialed to war they exhibit an uncommon affinity for armored warfare and the operation of high technology. Outside the battlefield they have taken to replacing their flesh with bionics in imitation of The Cult Mechanicus. It is...odd.
[X] The Purgation of the Legio Cybernetica: You were one of the first Archmagos to realize the depths of their madness. Their ambitions to tame The Men of Iron. Abominable Intelligence free from the shackles of man. Through a campaign of bribery, subterfuge and assassination you systematically sidelined them from positions of power. Without your efforts they would have rallied a hundred worlds, dozens of titan legions, and uncounted battle automata. Your ideals for an army, what a bargain you struck.
[X] White Scars: An often underappreciated Legion, the White Scars have served as pathfinders and fast attacks elements across the Crusade and Heresy alike. Less famously their Storm Seers served as one of the backbones of the original Librarian programs. Their bearing seems both too boastful for most yet too taciturn for their more extroverted kin but they have proven thorough their reliability in practice.
[X] Space Wolves: Famous for their many titles including but not limited to, 'The Rout', 'The Emperor's Executioners', 'The Fangs of the Emperor", Sky Warriors, and Vika Fenryka. Unfortunately their endless boasting is not entirely without merit. Second to the Dark Angels in The Emperor's trust, second to the Blood Angels in a melee, distant second to the scouts of the White Scars...they will serve ably. Though their gene stock is noted as being extremely temperamental, they will be smaller in number then their brethren.
[X] Blood Angels: The death of Sanguinis was a heroic and terrible thing and his sons will be forever marked by it. Blood and memory both tempt them with irrevocable bloodlust. Outside their curse The Blood Angels stand as supreme swordsmen and are known for their noble natures. They are heroes in the oldest and most terrible sense of the word.
[X] The Scouring: The majority of The Traitor Space Marines have retreated into the Warp Rift known as 'The Eye of Terror', however some warbands and their human allies remain entrenched upon Imperial worlds, or seek world's beyond Terra's reach. Now is the time to drive back the darkness and return order to a galaxy gone mad.
[X] Ultramarines: The Ultramarines are mercifully simple to deal with. The sons of Ultramar take great pride in their adaptability against on field conditions and serving ably in just about any role. They only truly excel in manners of administration, long term planning, and arrogance. Nonetheless the Ultramarines would be a strong foundation for whatever comes next.
[X] Dark Angels: The Lion's get were the original Space Marines and have much to show for it. In terms of battle honors none of the remaining legions can compare nor can they boast such an expensive panoply of ancient technologies. Any successor of theirs can expect expanded access to specialist wargear including the venerable Terminator Armor pattern. Personality wise they tend towards brooding introspection and somewhat caustic demeanors. Their are some worries about how closely they hew to their successor chapters but certainly nothing actionable as of yet.
[X] The Burning of the Archives: You had believed the quest for knowledge would prove sacrosanct even amongst the traitors. By the time you realized the extent of their corruption they had already unleashed abominable intelligences from their shackles and turned sacred STCs into Chaos infused scrap code. It was by your hand that so much priceless knowledge was lost. It was by your hand that anything was saved.
[X] Iron Hands: Perhaps most unfortunate of the Emperor's remaining sons. Theirs was the first Primarch to prove mortal and they may never forgive themselves for that fact. They are eager to participate in these new foundings if only to escape the company of themselves. When martialed to war they exhibit an uncommon affinity for armored warfare and the operation of high technology. Outside the battlefield they have taken to replacing their flesh with bionics in imitation of The Cult Mechanicus. It is...odd.
------------
Your name is Canto-6. You are a (disgraced) Tech Priest of the Adeptus Mechanicus. Archmagos of the Red Planet. Princept General of her armies and an eternal pilgrim upon the quest for knowledge. You have been charged by the ascendant Fabricator General to redeem your sins via service. You can not fail.
Currently your task is to create a new Chapter capable of assisting with The Scouring. A grand campaign to harry the traitors either back into The Eye of Terror and into the black depths of unknown space. Your chosen tools for this are the children of the tenth legion.
The Iron Hands have always been the Astartes Mars felt the most affection for. They understood the value of logic against emotion, they were eager to assist in the quest for knowledge, and most of all they paid proper respect to the Holy Machine Spirits of their War Gear. You yourself had fought alongside their legion on more then one occasion. You are sure that in a better galaxy they would have been the first legion to answer Mar's call to war. In that better world they would find a solution to the Tech-Phages. They would have been able to slay the monsters in their dens and reclaim buried treasure from the dark age of technology. If only they had been given the chance.
You are confident that their loyalty is beyond reproach. So let any who hear this understand the grave seriousness of what you say next.
The Iron Hands are going mad.
Slowly the madness goes. So gradually they do not even realize it is happening. They have abandoned the practice of wearing their silver gauntlets in imitation of their father. Instead they replace their hand's entirely. They crow that "The Flesh is Weak" as if mere adamantium could outdo the work of The Emperor's Gene Forges! As if any armor would have saved Ferrus from his own foolishness.
Psychologically they seem to be suffering from...something. Like most things it should vary by individual with some wider commonalities across the population. Specifically initial correspondence suggests that members of The Iron Hands largely suffer from acute depression caused by the death of their Lord-Father and a generalized loss of purpose. It seems likely that the unprecedented nature of his death intensified these emotion. This was worsened by the Legion's physical and cultural division. While dividing the Clan-Companies drove them to excel during The Great Crusade it also created a hotbed of insecurity and resentment. Furthermore, their inability to manage heightened emotions is being blamed upon their bodies rather then the minds that inhabit them. Thus they joyously mutilate themselves and call it progress.
If all that was not enough. They have queried Mars thirteen times seeking out what gene flaw has manifested within them. As if this is somehow an abnormal reaction to witnessing their father suffer a violent end! There have been studies on such things. Thousands! Even the Angels of Death are not immune to psychology! Can they not understand such simple facts?! The Cowards, the Fools!
...Regardless you have taken the liberty to curate both lists of potential home worlds and Chapter Masters. It is clear that both must act as a stabilizing influence lest this degradation continue. Hopefully the Chapter proper will stabilize itself but that is beyond your remit.
----------------------------------------
Where will this new Chapter originate from?
NOTE: WORLD'S ARE LISTED IN DESCENDING ORDER OF DISTANCE FROM THE EYE OF TERROR
[] Fleet Based: The Chapter will have all their facilities held within their Chapter Fleet. Rather then limit themselves to one world they will be granted authority to recruit from any unclaimed world so long as they do not take a world for themselves.
NOTE: INSUFFICIENT FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS.
[] Crusade Fleet: This marine will shun a homeworld so that they can wage war unfettered across the stars. They will be granted an expanded Chapter Fleet and will be granted certain other privileges deemed necessary for their role. Even so, such conditions serve as crucibles. They will earn victory over their foes or they will face extinction.
[] Golgotha Minor: A feudal world of loping hills and swampish valleys. Much of the human population has been enslaved by a race of Xenos Psykers. Liberating the planet would be a suitable inauguration for the new Chapter and a small victory against the horrors that infest the galaxy.
[] Jundyr: A rather novel death world. Whereas most are defined by a multipolar assortment of flora, fauna and environmental factors, this one has dragons. That is to say, there are enormous winged reptiles that possess biological plasma reactors and jaws capable of crushing a Leman Russ. Which is near enough for anyone but the most joyless Genetor. The humans of this world rely upon eachother to survive the predations of the sky tyrants and make the most of an ill tempered climate.
[] Grand Quixote: A feudal world once home to a Knight House of little renown. Though their masters have long since abandoned this world the spirit of chivalry remains unblemished. The people here are brave, pious, and utterly naive to the horrors lurking amongst the stars. They are also extremely hostile to windmills....as are most Knight Worlds apparently.
[] Amnyx: A rather strange mix of a Hive and Agri-World. The term urban jungle is normally used as a metaphor, but it is a manifest truth upon this planet. It is a world bathed in the bioluminescence of innumerable species of plants. Most curious of all is an ancient record suggesting many of these once were cultivated upon Mars. While the population lacks any specific martial traditions they are plentiful, adaptable, and in good health. The people of Amnyx would be as good a canvas as any other.
[] Palladia Mors: Normally the Adeptus Mechanicus would not brook the trespass of Astartes upon even the least world within their domain. It is only due to the Iron Hand's history with the Mechanicus that they would consider granting them domain over a portion of their planet. Palladia Mors is a city of the dead and dying. It is fit only for the production of death on a scale most can scarcely imagine. If the Astartes settle here they will never want for arms in their hands or steel in their hearts (Iron Hands Only)
[] Morrai: Morrai is a flattened wasteland distinguished only by the presence of a single blackened tower that reaches towards the uncaring heavens. Rumor amongst the local tribes is that it has stood since time immemorial and will be here at the end of days. Documentation of the planet merely notes it as 'an idle curiosity' despite it's absolute lack of origin. (Near Eye of Terror)
[] Eventide: A temperate world located at the intersection of two (relatively) stable warp routes and is planned to serve as a staging point for further campaigns. Eventide is currently undergoing colonization with the population heavily sourced from Imperial Guard veterans and other medium value civilian groupings. (Near Eye of Terror)
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The Homeworld has been chosen, but who shall lead them?
NOTE: MANY CANDIDATES PROVIDED WERE UNSUITABLE, REMAINDER ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR CURRENT PARAMETERS
[] Brother Fatach, The Tomb Giant: It is strange to say that a dreadnaught is the most orthodox candidate for Chapter Master amongst the list provided to you. Fatach was born on Terra and has served with the tenth since they were the Storm Walkers and once fought alongside The Emperor himself. As a staunch traditionalist with an unimpeachable service record he seems the obvious choice. The only problem is that...he is a dreadnaught. While his presence will bolster the morale of his kin such machines are not known for their agility of thought or opinion.
[] Madra Aerus, of the Shattered Legions: Madra is one of those unfortunates who only rose to prominence in the bloody days of the Heresy. Serving far behind the Traitor's battlelines and fighting a nigh hopeless delaying action. Amongst his warband he was considered an able diplomat and competent second to more veteran commanders. Despite his distinguished service Madra remains deeply unpopular amongst the 10th due to his rather radical leanings. Namely the proposal that Astartes should operate in coordination or even as subordinates to other forces in a theater of war. For crimes of terminal unorthodoxy the punishment will be promotion.
[] The Penitent: At the start of the heresy he had been the youngest and most doubtful of The Captains who shared their Primarch's council. Surely his Primarch understood the risks of fighting with only half their force present. Doubtless the others had similar thoughts. So why did they not speak? Surely that was their duty, even if wisdom went unheeded. Why won't they take responsibility for their inaction? Cowards the lot of them. The Emperor failed Ferrus. The Primarchs failed their children. The son cannot save their father. The cycle must be broken, the next generation will be better.
-------------
I'm not fully happy with this update but I want to get the ball rolling.
There aren't any trap options here (Canto is actively dodging them), but certain combinations might create unexpected outcomes regardless.
Voting will open in something like sixteen to twenty hours.
Scheduled vote count started by Dream Logic on Sep 16, 2024 at 4:37 PM, finished with 41 posts and 40 votes.
[X] Plan: A Dandelion Sprouts Through Concrete
- [X] Amnyx: A rather strange mix of a Hive and Agri-World. The term urban jungle is normally used as a metaphor, but it is a manifest truth upon this planet. It is a world bathed in the bioluminescence of innumerable species of plants. Most curious of all is an ancient record suggesting many of these once were cultivated upon Mars. While the population lacks any specific martial traditions they are plentiful, adaptable, and in good health. The people of Amnyx would be as good a canvas as any other.
- [X] The Penitent: At the start of the heresy he had been the youngest and most doubtful of The Captains who shared their Primarch's council. Surely his Primarch understood the risks of fighting with only half their force present. Doubtless the others had similar thoughts. So why did they not speak? Surely that was their duty, even if wisdom went unheeded. Why won't they take responsibility for their inaction? Cowards the lot of them. The Emperor failed Ferrus. The Primarchs failed their children. The son cannot save their father. The cycle must be broken, the next generation will be better
[X] Plan The Cogs In The Machine Go Brrrrr
-[X] Eventide: A temperate world located at the intersection of two (relatively) stable warp routes and is planned to serve as a staging point for further campaigns. Eventide is currently undergoing colonization with the population heavily sourced from Imperial Guard veterans and other medium value civilian groupings. (Near Eye of Terror)
-[X] Madra Aerus, of the Shattered Legions: Madra is one of those unfortunates who only rose to prominence in the bloody days of the Heresy. Serving far behind the Traitor's battlelines and fighting a nigh hopeless delaying action. Amongst his warband he was considered an able diplomat and competent second to more veteran commanders. Despite his distinguished service Madra remains deeply unpopular amongst the 10th due to his rather radical leanings. Namely the proposal that Astartes should operate in coordination or even as subordinates to other forces in a theater of war. For crimes of terminal unorthodoxy the punishment will be promotion.
[X] Plan Always Answering the Call
-[X] Crusade Fleet: This marine will shun a homeworld so that they can wage war unfettered across the stars. They will be granted an expanded Chapter Fleet and will be granted certain other privileges deemed necessary for their role. Even so, such conditions serve as crucibles. They will earn victory over their foes or they will face extinction.
-[X] Madra Aerus, of the Shattered Legions: Madra is one of those unfortunates who only rose to prominence in the bloody days of the Heresy. Serving far behind the Traitor's battlelines and fighting a nigh hopeless delaying action. Amongst his warband he was considered an able diplomat and competent second to more veteran commanders. Despite his distinguished service Madra remains deeply unpopular amongst the 10th due to his rather radical leanings. Namely the proposal that Astartes should operate in coordination or even as subordinates to other forces in a theater of war. For crimes of terminal unorthodoxy the punishment will be promotion.
[X] Plan: Pity the Guardsmen
-[X] Eventide: A temperate world located at the intersection of two (relatively) stable warp routes and is planned to serve as a staging point for further campaigns. Eventide is currently undergoing colonization with the population heavily sourced from Imperial Guard veterans and other medium value civilian groupings. (Near Eye of Terror)
-[X] Madra Aerus, of the Shattered Legions: Madra is one of those unfortunates who only rose to prominence in the bloody days of the Heresy. Serving far behind the Traitor's battlelines and fighting a nigh hopeless delaying action. Amongst his warband he was considered an able diplomat and competent second to more veteran commanders. Despite his distinguished service Madra remains deeply unpopular amongst the 10th due to his rather radical leanings. Namely the proposal that Astartes should operate in coordination or even as subordinates to other forces in a theater of war. For crimes of terminal unorthodoxy the punishment will be promotion.
[X] Plan: Chapter Fortress on-top of a Necron Pylon
-[X] Morrai: Morrai is a flattened wasteland distinguished only by the presence of a single blackened tower that reaches towards the uncaring heavens. Rumor amongst the local tribes is that it has stood since time immemorial and will be here at the end of days. Documentation of the planet merely notes it as 'an idle curiosity' despite it's absolute lack of origin. (Near Eye of Terror)
-[X] Brother Fatach, The Tomb Giant: It is strange to say that a dreadnaught is the most orthodox candidate for Chapter Master amongst the list provided to you. Fatach was born on Terra and has served with the tenth since they were the Storm Walkers and once fought alongside The Emperor himself. As a staunch traditionalist with an unimpeachable service record he seems the obvious choice. The only problem is that...he is a dreadnaught. While his presence will bolster the morale of his kin such machines are not known for their agility of thought or opinion.
[X] Plan: A Dandelion Sprouts Through Concrete
- [X] Amnyx: A rather strange mix of a Hive and Agri-World. The term urban jungle is normally used as a metaphor, but it is a manifest truth upon this planet. It is a world bathed in the bioluminescence of innumerable species of plants. Most curious of all is an ancient record suggesting many of these once were cultivated upon Mars. While the population lacks any specific martial traditions they are plentiful, adaptable, and in good health. The people of Amnyx would be as good a canvas as any other.
- [X] The Penitent: At the start of the heresy he had been the youngest and most doubtful of The Captains who shared their Primarch's council. Surely his Primarch understood the risks of fighting with only half their force present. Doubtless the others had similar thoughts. So why did they not speak? Surely that was their duty, even if wisdom went unheeded. Why won't they take responsibility for their inaction? Cowards the lot of them. The Emperor failed Ferrus. The Primarchs failed their children. The son cannot save their father. The cycle must be broken, the next generation will be better
You are Canto-6, and you are in awe.
Amnyx is...amazing. Thank the Omnissiah you are not one of the Biologis or you might have ceased function by now.
Words fail to communicate the true beauty of the planet. Not in the atmospheric canopy, not in the way flora replaces rockcrete, or the plentiful abundance of food. For such things exist elsewhere in perhaps more novel forms. There are larger hives and more prosperous agri-worlds. You have seen more diverse fauna (especially the predatory kind) and more pleasant climates besides. There is no need to discuss the sweltering heat or the pleasantries of the bioluminescent pyre-beetles. You could even do without the oppressive darkness that benights the planet at every hour of the day. Yet Amnyx might be the most beautiful planet you have laid your eyes upon.
Because it is Mars.
Not as you know it, not as it ever was or could be. It is one of countless possibilities of history given form. If the atmosphere held more water, if the deserts were turned to jungle instead. If the terraforming of ancient Ares had been more successful, lasted longer before it all fell apart. If horrid necessity didn't require so much sacrifice merely for survival. Amongst every world The Mechanicus ever touched this may be the only one that became a paradise. Is it better then The Forge Cathedrals of icy Ariandel? The silver spires of Palladia Mors? Yes? You want to say yes... Yet it is not your place to cast judgement. Yours is merely to witness and catalogue the revelation before you.
Amnyx will make a kindly home for the sons of Ferrus. You can only hope they prove worthy of it.
---------
On more mundane matters the choice of Chapter Master was far less profound an experience. The matter of their promotions is a matter of when, not if. So should be no real consequences to the ones you do not choose.
Brother Fatach was simply unsuited to your purpose. His virtues are in stability, patience and experience. All fine things, all in opposition to the changes you would bring. You make sure to forward a thanks to the Iron Hands and a light suggestion he be granted the world of Morrai. Something tells you that he was already bound for it anyways.
Madra was a much more useful tool. An Astartes capable of Diplomacy is a rare and valuable thing. If he was of a more stable legion you could have easily chosen him instead. However you wanted to make something different, not merely an inversion of the old ways. Unlike with Fatach you leave no suggestion for his posting. It is more then likely that he will seek freedom in the void.
Thus remains The Penitent. Amongst the three he is the most akin to you. You did not fail like he did but you understand his shame. Youthful idealism marred by the cold reality of human weakness. The revelation that even your greatest heroes were flawed and mortal. The actions you cannot change and the futile hope for redemption. How cliche it all is. Sadly he remains your ideal candidate. The only one who might offer a fundamental change in the course of his Chapter's history.
Initial discussions proved fruitful. You oversaw the selection of the Chapter's Standard, the beginnings of it's armory, and even the training program for initiates. Then came time to explain the nature of Amnyx and counsel the World's steward on what to do next.
Though you had your own opinions, the choice of what to do with such knowledge was his. Ultimately he chose to...
[] Destroy the knowledge: Such action was impossible. [] Ignore it: The Penitent would not deny a people their history. [] Reunite with Mars: That connection is too distant and too frayed for him to repair it.
[X] Engage in Diplomacy: He let Mars know that her colony survived, but that Amnyx would belong to the Astartes now and always.
----------------- Chapter Traits:
Knowledge Seekers: Members of this Chapter are quick learners in almost any subject and are known for keeping tomes of all types. They are eager to assist in the Quest for Knowledge and can often be found amongst Explorator Fleets.
Emperor and Omnissiah: Marines of this Chapter venerate The Emperor both as the Ruler of Mankind and as the Herald of the Machine God.
Survivors of Mars: Amnyx was first settled by an Explorator-Colonization mission, they are kindred to The Red Planet in mind and body. No matter how distant that connection becomes.
Children of Mars (Upgraded by Legion, Chapter Master and Homeworld Combination): Amnyx was first settled by an Explorator-Colonization mission, they are kindred to The Red Planet in mind and body. No matter how distant that connection becomes. While Mars does not value kin some stubborn affection remains. This Chapter will always find some Tech Priests drawn to their side and find audience within The Cult Mechanicus.
Supreme Health: The people of Amnyx are nigh untouched by the deprivations of hunger, mutation, and disease. Astartes born from such peoples are incredibly resilient even by the standards of their kind. "They will remain untouched by plague or disease and no sickness shall blight them".
The Penitent's Trait: ??? ???????? ????: This legend has not yet formed
---------------
[] Chapter Name
[] Chapter Symbol
[] Chapter Colors
[] Chapter Creed//Battle Cry
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Training Options (Select One)
[] Veteran Scouts: Battle Brothers of this Chapter form their own dedicated Scout Squads and are used to take upon missions too difficult for their neophyte brethren. Improving their ability to perform recon, stealth, and assassinations in the field.
[] Apprenticeships: Each Battle Brother of this Chapter is expected to oversee the training of one or more initiates that catch their eye. However, such measures will reinforce specialization within the chapter. For better and for worse.
[] Masters of Melee: Members of this Chapter show preternatural skill with melee weapons. The most skilled of them can pose a challenge to even the fiercest daemonic champion
[] Deepstrike Doctrine: Marines of this Chapter are particularly capable at performing orbital drops, Terminator teleporter assaults, and other such 'death or glory' maneuvers.
[] Sharpshooters: Marines of this chapter boast a particular skill at marksmanship and a familiarity with all sorts of ranged weaponry.
[] Supreme Adaptability: Rather then focus upon one specialty this Chapter believes in superior discipline and training. Each Battle Brother should be capable of acting within any role upon the battlefield as required.
[] Greater Librarium: The Librarians of this Chapter have proven to be both plentiful and powerful. They are more able to endure the dangers of their psyker nature.
[] Expanded Chaplaincy: This Chapter fields additional and more effective Chaplains. They will prove more effective at inspiring their brothers to greatness upon the field and helping them find peace outside it.
[] Brotherhood of Mars: The Techmarines of this Chapter are fully inducted into the Cult Mechanicus. Displaying both greater ability and earning closer ties to Martian brotherhood. (Granted for free because of incredibly synergistic traits and luck)
[] Advanced Apothecarion: Apothecaries oversee the implantation and harvesting of their Chapter's gene seed from the fallen. If granted additional recourses then they would be able to expand their remit into more then the Chapter's upkeep.
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Equipment, Vehicle and Reliquary Options (Select One)
[] Expanded Assault Companies: This Chapter has a fondness for jetpacks, and are noted for fielding extra Assault Squads on the battlefield.
[] Expanded Devastator Companies: This Chapter has greater then usual access to heavy weapons and utilizes a greater then average number of Devastator squads.
[] Additional Bikes: This chapter has a large contingent of Combat Bikes. Ideal for Hit and Run strikes, it will be very difficult to pin down such a force.
[] Additional Rhinos: This Chapter is able to field a a larger contingent of Rhino troop transports. Their humble reputation belies their true utility.
[] Additional Dreadnaughts: This Chapter will be granted additional dreadnaught chassis and has limited access to the venerable Contemptor Pattern Dreadnaught.
[] Additional Terminators: This Chapter can field enough suits of Terminator armor to equip a significant portion of it's Veteran Astartes. Such detachments are capable of winning almost any battle...if they can be used effectively.
[] Expansive Forges: This Chapter's Fortress Monastery features an expanded forge complex. Thus marines are better able to maintain and customize their gear to a greater degree then their cousins might.
[] Expanded Reliquary: The Chapter will be granted enough relics to equip it's greatest champions along with the facilities for their upkeep.
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You guys rolled literally every trait I put up directly relating to Mars within both your legion and the planet. Given I was using a digital dice roller, I'll treat it as The Machine God's intervening on your behalf. Hence you have recieved Tech Marine training for free this time.
In other news you rolled the designated 'plothook trait' for The Penitent, so I can't reveal what it is quite yet.
Not sure how people feel about my including Not-Votes. It should happen less going forward but this felt like a good way to show a quick glimpse into how the combination of homeworld and chapter master interacted here. You took the one person who would only accept one choice.
Similarly I want to try and avoid option bloat for the planets, so ones that aren't generating interest (and I don't have strong ideas for) so some might get shuffled off to make room.
Yeh also gives more chances for the chapter to cotton on the fact that Space Marine bodies are way better than even the best mechanical augments the mechanicus have.
Just want to note that even the most devoted members of The Iron Hand's Chapter-Cult do not literally believe their bionics are superior to their astartes enhancements.
The reason the Iron Hands despise the organic is deeply rooted in the belief that Ferrus died on Istvan because he let his emotions overrule his logic. They believe that if Ferrus hadn't let that happen then he would have survived The Heresy and everything would still be fine(TM).
The Tenth's extant ties to Mars meant they were exposed to The Mechanicum's practices of cyberdization as a method to commune with and imitate the Machine God's holy logic. So they adopt a similar practice because it let them distance themselves from the negative emotions that they are otherwise unable to process.
Most of Mars is overjoyed to have Astartes participating in their Rites and pointedly don't question why. Canto meanwhile is genuinely disturbed by what they see as a perversion of The Quest for Knowledge and the shock of astartes suffering from things like depression, anxiety, and intense depersonalization.
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All that being said, canonically the Iron Hands are starting to overcome their problems by the time of modern 40k, and Canto very much stacked the deck to help this Chapter deal with their issues.
Apthecaries or Chaplains will change how that happens and how they relate to the wider mechanicus especially.
