Scheduled vote count started by Dream Logic on Oct 6, 2024 at 2:02 PM, finished with 33 posts and 29 votes.
[X] Plan: To Burn the Darkness
-[X] Char'is Zarr, Keeper of the Count: The use of Destroyer squads amongst the Astartes has a long and shameful history. While the Dark Angels were the foremost each Legion was expected to field units capable of truly erasing the worst of the galaxy's horrors. The Salamanders were no exception to this. Char'is has served centuries as his Legion's foremost expert on the application of such immoral weaponry. Indeed he has written treatise after treatise about their development, applicability and the ethics of their use. Under his leadership the Chapter will learn how to use these weapons to reshape worlds instead of merely destroying them. (Gain Trait Biome Eradication Specialists)
-[X] Crusade Fleet Harrow: Exclusively populated by the remnants of dead world and irrevocable formations this Crusade Fleet is famed for bold action against the enemies of mankind. Deployed to only the worst battlefronts they are expected to serve as vanguard against impossible odds. Their bravery in turn inspires allied units to embrace a style of war defined by constant aggression against the enemies of mankind.. the appearance of this fleet is often considered an ill omen, as it is near exclusively formed from the world's they've visited and regiments that fought alongside them.
[X] Plan The Most Dangerous Game(s)
-[X] Hercuule Zeon, The Strategos-Huntsman: Despite his reputation for grand heroics Hercuule is not particularly brash or bold. Unlike many brothers in the first company his drake skin wasn't won in grand confrontation. Rather by stalking and tracking a venerable Firedrake turned infirm with age. He spends great effort studying and learning from his foes while planning his strategy. Often favoring infiltration and preparation instead of direct confrontation with a prepared foe. Hercuule believes that wars are won in the time before the first blow is struck. When he takes to the field it is only to finish off his beleaguered foe. (Gain Trait: Preparations for Victory)
-[X] Tenebris Silva: This penal colony serves as an experiment in artificial death worlds. The planet is host to a variety of invasive species from feral orks to giant grox, Venusian man eaters, Nyxian night terrors and the odd Catachan barking toad. Originally the planet was meant to serve as a training ground but casualty rates proved too dire for that to be practical. At Inquisitor Arminius's request it was populated with repentant criminals and now creates some of the Imperium's most reliable solutions to securing truly hostile worlds.
[X] Plan: Hostile environment re-terraforming
-[X] Char'is Zarr, Keeper of the Count: The use of Destroyer squads amongst the Astartes has a long and shameful history. While the Dark Angels were the foremost each Legion was expected to field units capable of truly erasing the worst of the galaxy's horrors. The Salamanders were no exception to this. Char'is has served centuries as his Legion's foremost expert on the application of such immoral weaponry. Indeed he has written treatise after treatise about their development, applicability and the ethics of their use. Under his leadership the Chapter will learn how to use these weapons to reshape worlds instead of merely destroying them. (Gain Trait Biome Eradication Specialists)
-[X] Tenebris Silva: This penal colony serves as an experiment in artificial death worlds. The planet is host to a variety of invasive species from feral orks to giant grox, Venusian man eaters, Nyxian night terrors and the odd Catachan barking toad. Originally the planet was meant to serve as a training ground but casualty rates proved too dire for that to be practical. At Inquisitor Arminius's request it was populated with repentant criminals and now creates some of the Imperium's most reliable solutions to securing truly hostile worlds.
[X] Plan: Students of Death.
-[X] Hercuule Zeon, The Strategos-Huntsman: Despite his reputation for grand heroics Hercuule is not particularly brash or bold. Unlike many brothers in the first company his drake skin wasn't won in grand confrontation. Rather by stalking and tracking a venerable Firedrake turned infirm with age. He spends great effort studying and learning from his foes while planning his strategy. Often favoring infiltration and preparation instead of direct confrontation with a prepared foe. Hercuule believes that wars are won in the time before the first blow is struck. When he takes to the field it is only to finish off his beleaguered foe. (Gain Trait: Preparations for Victory)
-[X] Gemini-4: A set of colonized asteroid-shipyards in the model of Sol's Jovian Moons. Though they lack the same level of facilities the people of Gemini make up for it with their boldness. Rather then content themselves to scrapyard hulls or the hostile void they capture and repurpose Space Hulks. As such they experts in exploring dangerous or unknown environments and improvising novel solutions.
[X] Plan: To Burn the Darkness
-[X] Char'is Zarr, Keeper of the Count: The use of Destroyer squads amongst the Astartes has a long and shameful history. While the Dark Angels were the foremost each Legion was expected to field units capable of truly erasing the worst of the galaxy's horrors. The Salamanders were no exception to this. Char'is has served centuries as his Legion's foremost expert on the application of such immoral weaponry. Indeed he has written treatise after treatise about their development, applicability and the ethics of their use. Under his leadership the Chapter will learn how to use these weapons to reshape worlds instead of merely destroying them. (Gain Trait Biome Eradication Specialists)
-[X] Crusade Fleet Harrow: Exclusively populated by the remnants of dead world and irrevocable formations this Crusade Fleet is famed for bold action against the enemies of mankind. Deployed to only the worst battlefronts they are expected to serve as vanguard against impossible odds. Their bravery in turn inspires allied units to embrace a style of war defined by constant aggression against the enemies of mankind. The appearance of this fleet is often considered an ill omen, as it is near exclusively formed from the world's they've visited and regiments that fought alongside them.
Your instructions are clear. Exterminatus is not an option. You must disregard the fact that they gave you a (rather diminished) Crusade Fleet. The realities of the situation limit their ability to effect the battlespace. Exterminatus is not an option.
No, that isn't correct.
Exterminatus cannot be the option of first resort. Most obviously because such measures might fuel whatever workings are being done upon the planet. Secondly because it is possible and probable that Hydross escape while you burn the world. Lastly the Mechanicus has asked you to leave the planet intact if at all possible. Apparently the Tyranid organisms are of interest and habitable worlds are quite rare this far from the galactic center. All valid and serious concerns. All making this operation significantly more difficult.
Tyran is an ocean planet with only two continents of worth. The first is where Rotigus the Rainfather has made his home. It is here that the experiments at animal-daemonhost are being done. Rotigus presents the majority of the immediate and obvious threat upon Tyran. Furthermore his efforts are responsible for the storms wreathing the planet. While the Unclean One's ritual remains active it will be difficult for your ships to provide meaningful support.
The second landmass is less a geological formation and more the sum of Hydross's submerged fleet and many, many dead sea monsters. Given previous encounters this terrain is extremely favorable to him. Even before his capacity for necromancy he is greatly proficient in boarding operations. He must either be engaged within the trap or risk allowing his escape. For their part the Burning Hands have volunteered their 3rd company for this task. They lack any specialty but hatred will lend them strength.
There is also the general and constant danger of a notably hostile biosphere to contend with. While it is unlikely to kill many Astartes, it complicates both stealth and maneuver once the battle is joined.
Exterminatus would be so much simpler...
There are uncounted problems present, but such is the life of a Space Marine...
You are Char'is Zarr and you will not fail.
Eight Companies Salamander Descended Space Marines
Crusade Fleet Harrow (10 Capital ships and assorted escorts)
Burning Hands 3rd Company (Seeking revenge upon Hydross)
--Strike Cruiser "Chronicle of Knowledge"
General
--Eight Nurgle infested Capital Ships (Fully crewed, currently with Hydross)
Hydross Venom Blood
--Unknown number of dead and enslaved beasts
--Unknown capability to summon warp spawn
--Unknown supporting elements
Rotigus the Rainfather
--Nigh guaranteed ability to summon warp spawn
--Possible Animal Daemonhosts
--Maintaining planet wide storm system
--Hostile to everyone and everything
--Functionally unlimited numbers
--Adapt rapidly to threats across generations
--Theoretically capable of harming Astartes
--Generally feral
--Primarily land or air based
--Aquatic bioforms are both unknown and highly likely to be dangerous
--------------- Chapter Traits
Giants Amongst Giants (Salamanders): Marines of this chapter are even larger then their cousins. They are marked by an increase in strength in toughness but also an increased target profile. They also insist upon higher then average structural clearances whenever possible.
Anvil and Hammer Doctrine (Salamanders): The sons of Vulkan have a well earned reputation for being slow to act, and this Chapter is no different. Relying upon steady advance and prepared action rather then swift decision and improvisation. A reliable if somewhat inglorious methodology.
Pyre-Hearts (Salamander Mutation): Due to gene seed mutations marines of this chapter have nonstandard Sus-an Membrane. Rather then entering suspended animation they instead experience an intense spike in adrenaline, metabolism and general capability. This allows them to temporarily ignore serious wounds albeit with a higher risk of lethal injury.
From Hell's Heart (Harrow): Crusade Fleet Harrow was formed from those who lost everything. As such they had little to live for but taking vengeance upon their foes. Marines of this chapter gladly go to their deaths if doing so might bring ruin upon their foes.
Eclectic Expertise (Harrow): Recruiting from many worlds allows this chapter access to a wide variety of skills and abilities. Each Battle Brother is expected to use their perspective and background to the utmost. Such practices also ensure they always remember what fate befell their home planets.
Biome Eradication Specialists (Chapter Master): Char'is Zarr wrote multiple treatises on the practical and ethical usage of Destroyer Weaponry. Much of his writings covered methodologies for cleansing hostile or invasive ecologies. His teachings have informed this Chapter's abilities and preferences in biological warfare.
Exterminatus Extremis (Mission, Chapter Master): While theoretically every Space Marine Chapter can enact Exterminatus very few boast extensive experience on the subject. This Chapter is very practiced in the art of killing worlds.
---------------
[] Chapter Name
[] Chapter Symbol
[] Chapter Colors
[] Chapter Creed//Battle Cry
---------------
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. Such measures will reinforce specialization within the chapter, for better and 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.
[] Sharpshooters: Marines of this chapter boast a particular skill at marksmanship and a familiarity with all sorts of ranged weaponry. From pistols to bolters or rocket launchers they show tremendous talent.
[] 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.
[] Deepstrike Doctrine: Marines of this Chapter are particularly capable at performing orbital drops, Terminator teleporter assaults, and other such 'death or glory' maneuvers. Woe betides the foe who thought themselves safe.
[] Breacher-Siege Squads: The practice of dedicated point-assault squads has fallen out of favor against an increased focus upon maneuver warfare. However they remain a potent option for fighting through entrenched positions on land or in the void.
[] Diplomatic Cadres: Marines of this chapter understand how to interact with and manipulate both individuals and the larger systems they create. As such they achieve the rare feat of being socially competent Astartes. Good for influencing others and rallying them to their cause.
[] 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. Furthermore they will be able develop their own unique specialties distinct from the standard patterns.
[] 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.
[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
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Equipment, Vehicle and Reliquary Options (Select One)
[] Test-Slaves: This chapter uses servitors, criminals, and other stock to farm their gene seed on mass. Such measures are unseemly and create lesser recruits but will allow them to rapidly replenish themselves from any losses.
[] 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 larger 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 upon the field.
[] Additional Predators: The Predator trades the Rhino's troop transport capability for extra arms and armor. Serving as the Astarte's main battle tank, an expanded regiment will serve well in armored warfare.
[] Additional Thunderhawks: More Thunderhawk troop transports will be granted to this chapter. Those fielded will also be given superior arms and armor so that they can better act as air support and skirmishing assets.
[] 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 to hold and maintain many more.
[] Expanded Fleet: This Chapter's fleet of voidships will be reinforced with additional Strike Cruisers and a variety of escorts to support them.
(Granted for free due to Crusade Fleet)
[] Auxiliary Forces: Whether it be Chapter Serfs, Imperial Guard or something more esoteric this chapter has a reliable stable of worthy allies to accompany them onto any battlefield.
[] Greater Flagship: This Chapter's flagship is a Glorianna class Battle Barge, a truly irreplicable relic predating even the Great Crusade. (May only be taken once, ever)
--------------------------------
[] Plan X
-[] Chapter Name
-[] Chapter Symbol
-[] Chapter Colors
-[] Chapter Creed//Battle Cry
-[] Training Option
-[] Equipment Option
New Options! New problems!
As always I'm going to be around for questions, feedback, commentary, etc..
I'm going into detail on the tactical situation less because I expect you guys to create a plan of action and more so you can see what you're walking into (and to try different types of fluff). If anyone has ideas I'll be happy to implement or consider them but otherwise you can trust Char'is to do his best with what he's given.
The Burning Hands are back as well, and they are desperate to get revenge for their earlier mauling.
[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
I say we should get this since the chapter is specialized in anti-biological.
Nah I think Adaptability and Then Greater Flagship is best.
Eclectic Expertise Should mix really well with adabtability while Flagship ensures the Crusade and Greater fleets has gread void power. Granted Devastators might be better since this chapter is gonna fighting planet side.
Hmm Advanced Apothecarion and then Auxiliary Forces work too. The Crusade fleet is gonna be fighting with this chapter so solidying the bonds between Fleet and Chapter along with apothecarion for researching nurgle I can see working.
Okay I have looked and while the Cybernetica may be reduced it seems it is far from being as much reduced as I figured. In their hayday there were several thousands of cohorts serving alongside the Astartes legions (as subservient forces, mostly in logistics) after the Heresy I estimate them to be a little under a tenth of their previous numbers and strength. I am having to guesstimate here as I can't seem to find solid numbers after the Heresy (which may be intentional). Adding to this the loss of so much tech and even the declaring of the Cybernetica Cortex (the then main control system of the Cybernetica Automata) as tech-heresy means that they are quite diminished but far from gone. It even seems that the Legio Cybernetica has managed to recover from the political fallout of the Heresy (which is suffice it to say quite impressive).
[] 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.
This would probably slot really well into their eclectic ability and give the enemy some really nasty surprises.
And Ninjs'd
[] Breacher-Siege Squads: The practice of dedicated point-assault squads has fallen out of favor against an increased focus upon maneuver warfare. However they remain a potent option for fighting through entrenched positions on land or in the void.
[] 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.
If don't think we can out adapt our foes then the breacher squads and additional terminators should allow a steady breakthrough to disrupt their bases. These should combine well with the melee buffs from the chapter and the spite trait from the fleet.
I really like Advanced Apothecarion, let them evolve themselves to keep up with their prey. Although I worry about their mental health without Expanded Chaplains.
[] Plan: From Between the Stars
-[] The Void Drakes
-[] A black dragon with a violet star in its jaws
-[] White and dark violet
-[] (Battle Cry) Naught but ashes.
-[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
-[] 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.
[] Additional Thunderhawks: More Thunderhawk troop transports will be granted to this chapter. Those fielded will also be given superior arms and armor so that they can better act as air support and skirmishing assets.
Given the Crusade Fleet Harrow choice this may be appropriate as we will not only need to get down fast but pull people, materials, forces, etc, etc, etc back up, and likely in a rush so additional Thunderhawks may be prudent to have. Plus it will give us greater tactical mobility.
//Edit: Sorry @KingCrimson1081 for using half of your plan.🙇♂️
[] Plan: Dragons of the Stars
-[] (Name) The Void Drakes
-[] (Symbol) A black dragon with a violet star in its jaws
-[] (Colors) White and dark violet
-[] (Creed) Burn the Scourge, Cleanse the Blight, Save the Loyal
-[] Supreme Adaptability
-[] Additional Thunderhawks
Hmm Tentative draft. Cant think of a better creed but satisfied with the battlecry. This goes all in with Harrow giving electic skills and fighting together with the crusade driven by vengence. Binding the fate of both the chapter and fleet together.
[] Plan: Bonds of Harrow.
-[] Nemesis Flame
-[] A Scale with Purples Flames
-[] Primary Black, Secondary Dark Purple
-[] Harrow Stand's Together//Vengeance is Ours!
-[] 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.
-[] Auxiliary Forces: Whether it be Chapter Serfs, Imperial Guard or something more esoteric this chapter has a reliable stable of worthy allies to accompany them onto any battlefield.
[] Plan: Purgation
-[] Name: The Abyss Claws
-[] Symbol: A white dragon's claw holding a violet star
-[] Colors: White and dark violet
-[] Creed: We Are Blight's End
-[] Battle Cry: Doom To The Unclean!
-[] Supreme Adaptability
-[] Expanded Devastator Companies
I feel like Diplomatic Cadre might give more mileage. It lets them build relations with vital Ports of Harbor despite their stated mission of slaying Worlds. And on a lesser note, Salamanders have a higher than average friendliness and empathy with common people. Diplomatic Cadre may allow them to work around their huge size, and bind those lost souls who have no home into the Fleet.
[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
Little known fact about the Apothecarion, they are more than just healers. They also are capable of creating pretty nasty poisons to slay the enemy. That could be really useful against the Nids, while their healing abilities would obviously help against the Nurglites
Here is my suggestion. Medics and more firepower. Also they will be able to counteract the stuff on the ground. Maybe use chemical warfare. They will need everything they can get when they go to that world.
[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
[] Additional Predators: The Predator trades the Rhino's troop transport capability for extra arms and armor. Serving as the Astarte's main battle tank, an expanded regiment will serve well in armored warfare.
[] Plan: Salt the Earth
-[] Name: The Cleansing Flames
-[] Symbol: A white fire on a green background
-[] Colors: Jade and White
-[] Creed: We Bring The Purity of Flame
-[] Battle Cry: Let Their Corruption Burn!
-[] 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 into research or adaption rather then merely attending to the Chapter's upkeep.
-[] Expanded Devastator Companies: This Chapter has greater then usual access to heavy weapons and utilizes a larger number of Devastator squads.
Apothecaries for poisons and devastators for fire. Nothing will be left alive. Also I think apothecaries will synergize with biome eradication specialists and devastators will synergize with hammer and anvil.
My problem with apothecarion is that it really doesnt have any Synergy with our existing traits. Plus trying to outpoison Nurglelites and tyranids to me just doesnt seem viable. These guyts are the masters of poison, I can understand fighting fire with fire but not when we dont really have other bonuses for it other than apothecaries.
I feel like Diplomatic Cadre might give more mileage. It lets them build relations with vital Ports of Harbor despite their stated mission of slaying Worlds. And on a lesser note, Salamanders have a higher than average friendliness and empathy with common people. Diplomatic Cadre may allow them to work around their huge size, and bind those lost souls who have no home into the Fleet.
On the other hand, given our reputation and deeds, having peopole around to keep the marines sane and healthy is a musthave. Do you want another Iron Warriors or Death Guard?