User:Kamaluq/White Lions of Arcule
| White Lions of Arcule | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Battle Cry | "To Battle! To Glory! To Victory!" | |
| Founding | 23rd, The Sentinel Founding (ca. M38) | |
| Successors of | Astral Claws, pre-Badab War | |
| Successor Chapters | None | |
| Chapter Master | Grigorius Maximus | |
| Primarch | Unknown | |
| Homeworld | Arcule | |
| Strength | Over Strength | |
| Allegiance | Imperium | |
| Colours | White and Purple, Gold | |
"Know this, my fellow Lords Astartes! In a galaxy beset by innumerable foes and unspeakable horrors, it was the Emperor's divine will for us to protect the meek and lead them to victory! As long as we fulfill our oath and duty, Mankind will not know defeat!"
- — Brother-Elector Luy of Argagnan, speaking to an assembly of White Lions and Ultramarines before successfully repelling Waaagh Krumpstompa, 802.M40
Proud descendants of a great lineage, the White Lions of Arcule are the epitome of what it means to be an Astartes: powerful warriors tempered by the solemn duty to lead Mankind against the masses of their foes, as the Emperor did before them.
Contents
Chapter Description[edit]
| This information assumes the standard Deathwatch timeline with the "current" date being 817.M41, well before the Badab Crisis and the fall of Lugft Huron. The same hubris that will bring the Astral Claws down is already showing in their successors... but in the meantime, they'll get along extremely well with Watch Captain Andar Scarion (Watch Fortress Andronicus, Canis Salient), seeing how he hails from their glorious parent chapter.
For games set at a later date, feel free to make up whatever consequences seem fitting to you. Did they get absorbed by the parent chapter, like their brethren of the Tiger Claws? Did they stand aloof, focused on their own realm, or did they join the fight in hopes of soothing the Administratum's inevitable wrath? Did they get to keep their homeworld, forced to pay immense reparations, or were they stripped of all lands and sent on a crusade of penitence? Alternatively, you could instead trim the chapter of their Astral Claws connection, basing their lineage on another line of descent from the emperor. The easiest might be to make them successors of the proud but enigmatic Dark Angels, via the Angels of Absolution, as that frees them from the hunt for the Fallen without diminishing their nobility. Adjust their back story as necessary; instead of "Ancient Astrals", lines able to trace their descent all the way back might be "Ancient Angels" instead. It's up to you. |
History[edit]
Founding and Pre-Arculean Era[edit]
The White Lions of Arcule are a proud chapter of good standing and reputation. Created from the seed of the renowned Astral Claws in the early days of M38, they were originally a crusading chapter aimed at eradicating heresy across the Eastern Fringe in the rimward Segmentum Ultima, but they had barely served a century in that role when their efforts were redirected coreward by Administratum request. In the Dominion of Storms, a charismatic governour had rallied the Frankia Sector through a campaign of hope and change, casting out all administratum members and denying the Imperium its dues in taxes and manpower. The Lions were the closest Chapter at the time, and so were sent in to bring the sector back into the fold with bolter fire and power sword, but they found their efforts opposed at every step of the way by more than merely renegade militias and corrupted officials: the heretical rebels were reinforced by several warbands of Chaos Marines and orchestrated by a daemon prince of Tzeentch, whom the heretics only called the "Lost Son".
The Frankia Campaign, intended to be a quick and overwhelming show of force, dragged out into a lengthy tug-of-war of planetary conquest. The Chapter filed an official request for reinforcements, but indications were that any such relief would be late and little: in the meantime, the Lions faced the masses of the enemy alone. The Administratum's reluctance to send aid soured relations ever after and makes all contact ripe with discontent and accusations even to this day, as the chapter paid a dire price: within the first year of the campaign, they were whittled down from codex strength to less than two companies' worth of battle-worthy brothers, their HQ structure in shambles and their fleet shattered.
The Rousing of Saint Justus[edit]
The bruised Lions regrouped on the planet Arcule in Subsector Burgund, the breadbasket of the sector, where they had liberated a derelict arcology dating from the Dark Age of Technology, which rose from the depths of the planet's Middle Sea like a gleaming spire, topped by a still-functional space elevator connecting the arcology to an orbital spacedock. The remaining techmarines and attendant Magi of Mars retreated into its depths, only emerging weeks later to victoriously proclaim contact with the arcology's ancient machine-spirit, whom they had roused from millennia of slumber. So old was this mighty machine that its intellect, though humble enough to forestall any fears of possibly being an Abominable Intelligence, still overwhelmed several of the techpriests in the first few weeks of contact. Through the servants of the Omnissiah the chapter learned that the spire, once called "Saint Justus of the Sea", dated back to the original settling of the planet and had served as the administrative heart of the planet, if not the sector.
With Saint Justus' awakening giving them a powerful base to work from, the Lions returned to their campaign of reconquest. By striking first and fast, they worked to disrupt the forces of Chaos only to fall back to the arcology and the powerful defensive installations wielded masterfully by its machine-spirit. Soon, loyal subjects among the populace began to flock to the shores, some daring the open sea in ramshackle boats, all in the hope of reaching the spire's protection. Shantytowns sprung up planetside, and refugee flotillas crowded close to the spacedock as the people of Burgund fled the predations of Chaos, an open invitation to assaults by traitor forces, and the Chapter deemed it prudent to relocate such subjects as could be proven to be free of taint into the vaulted arcology, as replacement for the chapter serfs lost during the campaign.
When reinforcements sent by the Space Wolves, Salamanders and Astral Claws chapters did arrive in the Frankia Sector, they found that the Lions were still holding out. More than that: they had successfully reclaimed Burgund from the taint of Chaos and were mustering forces to assault Subsectors Normund and Bretain. Wheresoever the Lions established a bridgehead, PDF troops levied from liberated loyalists poured in to secure the hold, which had enabled the chapter to make enormous territorial gains despite their dwindled size. The Lions led these regiments themselves, lending their might and tactical prowess to the efforts of these mortal soldiers, and though such interaction is prescribed by the Codex Astartes, none of the chapters that came to aid made mention of it – not the Astral Claws, for they where rightfully proud of their successors; not the Salamanders, who lauded the Lions for the help and shelter granted to the helpless citizens; and not the Space Wolves, because they care little for the restraints laid down in the Codex.
Aided by the relief companies of these venerable Chapters, the White Lions saw the crusade brought to a successful end. The captain of the 1st Company's Vanguard, a veteran by the name of Carolus Maximus who had assumed the mantle of command over the Lions after the devastating loss of their command structures, was offered the vacant title of Chapter Master. To this day, the chapter is thus governed by the "Maximus" in remembrance of Carolus, who was lost along with a great number of brothers while repelling the Waaagh of Mekmasta Zzzipniggit in 934.M38.
The Establishment of the Fiefdoms[edit]
As his first act, Carolus informed the Administratum that due to the unreliability and degree of heretic subversion of the previous governours, the White Lions would temporarily assume control of Subsector Burgund until the last remnants of the rebellion and its Chaos backers could be routed out. In the meantime, the chapter intended to use Arcule as its new home and recruiting world, for the Lions were in dire need of reparations for the losses suffered due to the delay in reinforcements. The Administratum grudgingly complied, placing a higher priority on having the sector forward its delayed dues than on a confrontation with the chapter. The emergency regulations that allowed the Lions to assume control of Burgund and integrate its battle-brothers into the command structure of the levied Planetary Defense Forces have yet to be rescinded. As a counterweight to the Lions' military influence, the Administratum has relocated several regiments of the Imperial Guard to Frankia and reinforced the local battlefleet, making the previously somewhat hinterlandish sector a newly carved jewel in the Imperium's defense against Mankind's direst enemies as they press in from the Galactic Rim towards Holy Terra.
Under the Lions' watchful eye, Burgund prospered, and with it, the chapter did as well. The devastating losses were soon recouped, and more: in order to fully extend their protection across their territory, the chapter soon went beyond the manpower limits set down in the Codex, and eventually, the strict control of the Subsector's politics in order to route out remaining renegades lead to the direct political involvement of the Lions across all of Burgund. Whenever local governors were found corrupt and removed from power, a Lion was given control of their lands as their own demesne. In time, this lead to the Lions' absolute control over Burgund, each of these Fiefdoms ruled directly by an Astartes and held together by a byzantine web of vassalage and pledges of fealty. An Astartes ruling in such a fashion is considered a "Seated Brother". The most powerful of these are approximately equivalent to what would be company captains in other chapters, and usually it is from their ranks that the chapter's de-facto master is chosen and is granted the title of Maximus.
Each domain maintains its own subgroup of scouts and veterans, and since the White Lions' esprit du corps is very strong, rivalries between the fiefdoms are actively nurtured across decades. As this rivalry carries over into the populace, things such as the live-fire exercises of the Lions-led PDFs have taken on the character of a grand tourney, with live-holo broadcasts across the sector. Often local tourneys are held simultaneously, ranging from no-holds-barred hive brawls to formal championships between or within the fiefdoms.
Homeworld[edit]
Now more than ever, Arcule counts as a beautiful gem in the Imperium's crown of stars. From humble origins as a simple agri-world, its temperate climes and bountiful harvests have made it the breadbasket of its sector. At roughly two times the size of Holy Terra, yet possessing a lighter density, its gravity is only 50% percent above the average; this results in a hardy physique of the native biosphere, and the population is similarly disposed towards increased size and sturdiness, which generally generates excellent candidates for induction into the Chapter. Visiting dignitaries are rarely subject to any discomfort, as their quarters are usually located high atop the Palatium Spire or even in the orbital spacedock itself, where gravity influences are lessened or outright negated by artificial means.
The landmass-ocean ratio of Arcule stands at 66:34, distributed among two continents that cover the northern and southern hemisphere respectively, seperated by an equatorial ocean. Climate thus tends towards the temperate, with four seasons being the norm, though the coastal regions are subject to annual Monsoon seasons.
Ranks and Hierarchy[edit]
Seated Brethren[edit]
Maximus[edit]
The chapter master of the White Lions has ever borne the title "Praetor Maximus", or simply "Maximus", since the days of Carolus Maximus, first of that name. The Maximus is elected for life by the Conclave of Electors, but he need not be an Elector himself. Whatever his private domain were before his elevation, by virtue of his title the arco-hive Saint Justus of the Sea becomes his seat of power. The court is located in the so-called Palatium Spire in the uppermost reaches of the arcology, looking out over the land and the silvery band of the space-elevator that rises up into the heavens. Nominally, the arcology is the chapter's fortress-monastery, but typically only Unseated brothers call Saint Justus their permanent home. Seated Lions usually only visit on select occasions, such as the Grand Audiences in spring and autumn; though there have been schemes that forced Seated Brothers to rotate between the Palatium and their personal demesne, such as under Aquitanius, these were followed only grudgingly.
| 444.M38—934.M38 | Carolus, First of that Name, The Great |
|---|---|
| 934.M38—009.M39 | Interregnum |
| 009.M39—298.M39 | Carolus, Second of that Name, The Wise |
| 298.M39—300.M39 | Peregrine, The Ill-Fated |
| 300.M39—503.M39 | Lothair, First of that Name |
| 503.M39—887.M39 | Otho, Orksbane |
| 887.M39—021.M40 | Arnulph |
| 021.M40—184.M40 | Carolus, Third of that Name |
| 184.M40—664.M40 | Aquitanius, The Mighty |
| 664.M40—782.M40 | Lothair, Second of that Name |
| 782.M40—102.M41 | Rouland |
| 102.M41—407.M41 | Berengar, The Blessed |
| 407.M41—491.M41 | Luvician, The Pious |
| 491.M41—817.M41 | Grigorius |
|
Elector[edit]
All chapter masters since the days of Carolus have been chosen by a handful of electors, never more than eleven. The original electors were the eleven surviving First Company veterans of the Frankia Crusade, who chose to honor the foremost among their number as their new master, and even today the position and title is still held by the successors of these few. Though temporary power may come and go, an elector's right to cast his vote for the next Maximus is inalienable, and only in the case of an elector's lineage being completely eradicated is a new one elevated from the ranks of the Seated Brethren. In everyday use, the appellation "Brother-Elector" is used as a shorthand, though their full titles may differ – there have even been Epistolaries and Chaplains among the Electorate.
Praetor[edit]
Praetor is the umbrella term for any brother of the White Lions who, as a Seated Brother, holds claim to temporary power over a part of Burgund. Due to the feudal nature of the chapter's organisation, there are several subdivisions of this title, according to feudal rank, power, and the superior they are sworn to. The lowest of these is generally the Praetor Dominus, who owns land but no vassals below him other than the human inhabitants of his domain, and is in turn a vassal of a higher-ranking Praetor. This is often further differentiated by appending a more or less specific description of the domain held by the Praetor, such as "Urbanus", which usually signifies power over a heavily urbanized region such as a hive or equivalent.
Higher up in the hierarchy, titles diversify into such a variety of classifications that it becomes increasingly difficult for outsiders to recognize the feudal relationships between them. While "Princeps" is relatively easy to identify as ranking higher than a mere Dominus (and usually signifies sovereignty over a domain, ie, being subject to no higher authority than the Maximus himself), the difference between a "Grand Dominus" and an "Archdominus" is all but lost on the lay observer.
All Praetors owe to their liege certain services. These are:
- guard (the obligation of a vassal to serve in his liege's garrison)
- suit in court (the vassal's obligation to attend the lord's court, to give him counsel, and to help him judge disputes)
- attendance (accompanying the liege as his entourage when he travels or attends the court of a Praetor higher up in the feudal hierarchy, so as to increase the social status of his liege),
- accomodation (hospitality to the liege or to his servants)
- wardship (the right to choose guardians and mentors for Aspirants of the vassal's lineage)
Basileus[edit]
The Basileus is the High Reclusiarch of the chapter and head of the White Lions' chaplains. Given the Chapter's unique organisation, it should come as no surprise that the number of their chaplains is significantly higher than among other Astartes, as most of the more powerful Preators rely on a Court Chaplain for advice and spiritual guidance. Consequently, the influence of the Basileus is second only to the Maximus, as his influence extends, by way of the Chaplains, to most of the Seated Brethren and virtually all Electors.
Unseated Brethren[edit]
Unlanded Astartes account for the majority of the chapter's forces, usually bound in feudal service to a Seated Brother. Titles and positions of these retainers vary wildly from domain to domain, but one special subclass can be identified, consisting of unlanded Astartes that have not made feudal pledges to a Praetor.
A large part of these Itinerants are simply wandering warriors, hoping to one day be able to pledge their service to a Seated Brother as a member of his court. Often these Itinerants group together and form warbands, whose tightly-knit squads make up the bulk of most campaign deployments and can often be found off-world, searching for a worthy cause to pledge themselves to and by glorious victory heighten their standing in the chapter. It is also not uncommon for such a warband to share a common heraldic imagery, particularly if their personal lineage is not worthy of note. (There have been cases where a shamed member of a great line went into hiding among a warband and adopted its imagery over the more prestigious heraldry of his lineage, similarly to the Black Shields of the Deathwatch, but this is not a common occurance.)
Most prestigious among the Itinerants are the Justicars, unlanded chaplains who travel the sector and beyond, unbound by fealty. They possess judicial authority second only to the Maximus and the Basileus.
Aspirant[edit]
Aspirants are the chapter's recruits, who have not yet completed the induction rituals and have yet to receive the full amount of implants. These Aspirants usually hail from the Domain of the Praetor whose line they are to follow, and represent the creme de la creme of that domain's warrior elite. These warriors are usually groomed for their ascension into the ranks of the Astartes by their Praetor, but the feudal system the Lions use often means that a liege lord installs a Guardian from his own court to oversee their training, to ensure the bonds of vassalage remain strong in the next generation.
| Though otherwise beyond doubt in matters of genetic purity, the gene-seed of the White Lions has suffered a peculiar degeneration unheard of in other chapters. Through a benign mutation of the Betcher's Gland, Aspirants of the chapter acquire the ability to emit a thunderous roar, like those of their namesake lions, as their implants mature. The Lions have come to consider this a felicitous change, taking it as a sign that the Emperor encourages them in their plight.
In game effects, the Lion's Roar is represented by the Rite of Awe Talent, disregarding its Prerequisites. However, rather than a subtle manipulation of subsonic frequencies, the Roar is very much an overt act, and has become the chapter's battlecry and means of issuing a challenge. A Techmarine acquiring Rite of Awe normally can choose to use the silent version, or reinforce the Lion's Roar with subsonic frequencies, stacking the penalties for a -20 to the next test. |
Gene-Seed[edit]
Lineage is of supreme importance to the White Lions. The most prestigious lines can trace their gene-seed back to the original founding, and are informally known as the "Ancient Astrals" for their unbroken line connecting them to the Astral Claws, the Lions' parent chapter. Every member of the chapter knows and cares about such nuances as the major and cadet branches of a gene seed's lineage, and over the centuries this knowledge has been distilled into a refined set of heraldic codes all but impenetrable to outsiders. Where chapters adherent to the Codex merely display heraldic ordinaries and charges to designate Company and Squad status, each Lion boldly features personal heraldry outlining lineage, domain, and personal status within the chapter for all those who know how to read it. It should come as no surprise that purple, white, and gold are the most prestigious colors to be found in an individual's banner, nor that the lion is featured the most often among the possible charges. But other combinations and charges are far from rare; in fact there are records wherein White Lions were misidentified because their personal heraldry closely resembled that of another chapter of the Astartes. (Most widely told is the story of Brother-Praetor Cheval, whose line bears purpure an eagle or. To the unitiated this would appear to be the same as the chapter symbol of the Hawk Lords, and Cheval was often misidentified as belonging to that chapter during his service in the Deathwatch of the Gothic Sector.) This pride in their colors sometimes makes integration into the Deathwatch difficult, as some Lions resent the black veneer masking their armor. As a compromise, shields, tabards and robes find widespread use to express heraldic details otherwise hidden underneath the Deathwatch black.
Though detractors often make the White Lions' gene-seed out to be tainted because of the mutation of their Betcher's Gland, the Lions steadfastly reject such claims. First of all, they point to the manifold children of Rogal Dorn for emphasis that implant failure does not equal taint; secondly, the gene-seed tithe to Mars has always shown extraordinary individual stability, which explains how the average life span of a White Lion, barring his loss in battle, is nearly as long as that of the hallowed Sons of Sanguinius.
Philosophy[edit]
Despite the misgivings of others, to the Lions, there can be no doubt that their integration into mortal affairs is as righteous as it is necessary. It is necessary because the sway of Chaos remains strong in the sector. It is righteous, because it derives its justification directly from an unshakeable truth of Imperial Rule: given that the Imperial Throne holds undisputable, absolute and lawful power over Man's domain, any rulership of a given part thereof is merely pro tempore. Such rulership is ineffably entrusted by Imperial Will unto select subjects of the Throne, charging them to act as caretakers. Hence, the Lions argue, they may rule in Burgund, but they do not reign it.
Given the distate of the Chapter for the Administratum, they deem its attempts to countermand their direct rule to be a undermining of the ineffable Great August Will of the Unending Imperial Throne, which deemed them fit for the burden of rulership -- not sovereignity! -- as evidenced by the outcome of their historical struggle. In numerous confrontations, the Chapter has repeatedly and successfully claimed that their status as a Chapter, and the autonomy from Administratum influence thus afforded them, far outstrips the Administratum's nominal right to meddle in their affairs as planetary governors. The consequence of this strained relationship is that the administrative structure of Arcule and beyond is considerably more fractured than is the rule in Imperial holdings. The local administration of a fiefdom is legally and factually headed by its Praetor, and they jealously strive to minimize Administratum meddling.
The dark side of the Lions' direct involvement in Burgund's affairs is a constant struggle for lands and titles. A Lion without lands seldom holds any sway within the chapter, and so many Aspirants seek to acquire a fiefdom of their own, whether by guile or force of arms. Internecine war is often the result, where claims real or imagined are pressed, alliances made and broken, until a victor emerges from the fray. Alternatively, a Lion might request an audience with the Maximus, hoping to convince him of the justness of their ambition. The control and authority of the Maximus has waxed and waned over the centuries, but usually a claim is worth nothing if it does not find his approval. Aspirants whose lineage does not grant them a claim to a greater title often assume lesser positions of power for one of the Seated Brethren, such as marshall of their forces, or take to a life as mendicant brothers.
Combat Doctrine[edit]
Though the tight integration of the chapter's battle-brothers and the PDF has led to a significant increase in locally available force for the human auxiliaries, it has also led to the Lions' dependence on these auxiliaries for fire support. As a result of this (and the Lions' mindset that true glory lies in the direct contest of arms), the chapter has not designated Devastator squads since the days of the Liberation and grown heavily dependent on support provided by PDF artillery. The handful of Lions that do feel an affinity for ranged weaponry are usually given Heavy Weapons duty in a Tactical squad, and often go on to serve – faithfully but, in their brothers' eyes, ingloriously – in the chapter's Sternguard.
In a rare exception to the generally unfavourable view of fire support, the White Lions prefer to outfit the dreadnought frames of their entombed brothers with heavy weaponry. The pinnacle of this doctrine are the handful of combat-worthy Deredeo-Pattern frames the chapter inherited; whatever the Lions' opinion on fire support may be, they cannot deny that to be granted internment in one of these mighty warmachines of old is a great favor indeed. As the possession of these patterns is a point of pride for the chapter, two of these frames are usually on display in the Palatine Spire's Great Hall, flanking the throne of the Maximus, and the sight of that venerable pair, whose gleaming autocannon batteries first saw service during the Heresy, has overawed many an emissary.
Like the near-mythical Thunderwolf Cavalry employed by the noble sons of Leman Russ, the White Lions have adopted their own version of shock cavalry. The original conception goes back to the efforts of Reclusiarch Adamis, who, while undergoing a personal crusade of penitence, spent many years fighting alongside the Great Company of Harald Deathwolf. Upon his return to Arcule, he set out to make combat-ready 'battle cats' of the Manticore, the local apex predator and undisputed king of the Arculian megafauna. While he succeeded in starting a breeding program, others found the Manticore a difficult beast at best and instead turned to other examples of the local megafauna. The fragmented nature of the Chapter has thus lead to a variety of beasts used as mounts, such as the aforementioned Manticore or the more agreeable Gryphon and its lesser cousins, the Hippo- and Demigryph.
| As exemplars of the Emperor's indubitable wisdom in creating a strain of Man unhindered by the flaws of mere mortals, White Lions characters are groomed to solemnly assume the heavy burden of responsibility for the Imperium's common citizens. Others may disparage the chapter for 'dabbling in petty politics', but a Lion knows that only by involving themselves directly in the Imperium's administration can they truly fulfill the legacy of the Emperor. Proud descendants of a powerful lineage, White Lions strive to live up to their forebears' example and the expectation of their peers in word and deed. Such ambitions breed excellence in a wide variety of fields, and give the chapter a broad repertoire of expertise to draw from in times of war.
A White Lion of Arcule Space Marine gains the following benefits: +5 to two Characteristics of the player's choice, the Rite of Awe Talent (disregarding normal requirements), the Command or Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) Skill, and the Live by the Sword Solo Mode ability. |
| Demeanor: Lineage of Leaders |
| Lineage of Leaders is a Demeanour (see page 32 of the Deathwatch Core Rulebook) unique to Space Marines from the White Lions of Arcule Chapter.
The White Lions know that the fate of Mankind depends on unfaltering service to, and defence of, the Emperor's grand vision. To make this vision a reality, He On Terra created the Primarchs, and from them the Astartes. To this hallowed descendance do the White Lions owe their duty, and they strive ceaselessly to live up to the legacy of their lineage. Though a Lion may die, his gene-seed will live on in his line, and his repute will reflect on those yet to come, just as the deeds of his forebears shape his own actions. Knowing that he may have only one life to give but a lineage to uphold, a Lion will at all times strive to do his best lest he be seen as a stain on the record of his line. For the monastic traditions of other chapters, the White Lions have only disdain. Locked as Mankind is in an eternal struggle within and without, they consider it folly to keep themselves separate from the common men and women of the Imperium. Only when all assets of the Imperium work together to the best of their abilities can they prevail. Fearless and without flaw, their blood the twice-distilled essence of the Emperor, the White Lions proudly serve His creation in war and peace, dedicating their lives to the defence and governance of His people. |
Deathwatch Rules[edit]
White Lions Pasts[edit]
- 1 – Noble Lineage
- You hail from a prestigious lineage. Perhaps your forebears were Electors, or maybe you even count a Maximus or Basileus among your ancestry. Whatever the case may be, you are secure in the knowledge that you have been bestowed a special grace, and the eye of the Emperor rests favourably on you.
- 2 – Disgraced
- Whether through your own failings or through the actions of those who came before you, your honor is stained. You hold no right to a domain and may even have been exiled from the courts of your betters. The call to serve in the Deathwatch is a welcome reprieve for you, and may give you the opportunity to redeem yourself – if not through your deeds, then through your death.
- 3 – Hunter of the Host
- You have dedicated your life to the eradication of the foul traitors that call themselves the Host of the Lost Son. It came to your attention that a warband matching their description has been seen in the Jericho Reach, and you volunteered for service with Watch-Fortress Erioch immediately.
- 4 – Burgundian Aspirant
- Unlike most Lions, you were not chosen from the populace of Arcule, but from elsewhere in Subsector Burgund. Though you, too, grew up under astartes rule, you do not share the deep connection to domain and mentor of your Arculian brothers, and though you have been fully inducted into the ways of the chapter, you stand apart from them.
- 5 – Mission of Goodwill
- Despite the unblemished and noble conduct of your chapter, there are many who have misgivings about the tight integration of the White Lions into mortal affairs. You were chosen by the Maximus for a special mission to the Jericho Reach, and were tasked to alleviate such concerns through exemplary conduct.
| 1d10 | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Armis |
| 2 | Arthos |
| 3 | Clovis |
| 4 | Carloman |
| 5 | Guges |
| 6 | Luy |
| 7 | Martel |
| 8 | Merovin |
| 9 | Odo |
| 10 | Robur |
White Lions Primarch's Curse[edit]
Pride Before The Fall
- Level 1 – Brook No Insolence
- To besmirch a Lion's honor is to court death. In any instance where the Battle-Brother is challenged or taunted, he must make a Challenging (+0) Willpower Test or engage the target of his ire, favoring melee unless this is impossible.
- Level 2 – Admit no Defeat
- To admit defeat is to blaspheme. No White Lion will let an enemy's impudence go unanswered, and their fervor is only increased by insurmountable odds. In any situation in which the Battle-Brother suffered more than 10 points of Damage from an attack (after reduction for AP and Toughness) or one of the members of his Kill-team is incapacitated, he must attack the most able or dangerous of his foes. In the following turns he may attempt a Challenging (+0) Willpower Test as a Free Action to reconsider his approach.
- Level 3 – Serve no Other
- All Lions of Arcule know they are meant to rule, by virtue of their induction into the chapter. This is counterbalanced by the intricate system of vassalage that governs their relations, but no such system exists in the Deathwatch. Subordination based on merit becomes a perceived affront to their divine right to lead, and the White Lion reduces his Kill-Team's Cohesion by 2 unless he or another Lion is in charge. He will also attempt to assume leadership over non-Astartes assets, ignoring normal hierarchies and chains of command.
| Skill or Talent | XP Cost | Requirements |
| Command | 200 | – |
| Command +10 | 200 | Command |
| Command +20 | 200 | Command +10 |
| Wrangling | 300 | – |
| Wrangling +10 | 300 | Wrangling |
| Wrangling +20 | 300 | Wrangling +10 |
| Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) | 100 | – |
| Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) +10 | 100 | Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) |
| Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) +20 | 100 | Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) +10 |
| Talented (Scholastic Lore (Heraldry)) | 500 | Scholastic Lore (Heraldry) |
| Wall of Steel | 500 | Agi 35 |
| Air of Authority | 500 | Fel 30 |
| Counter-Attack | 700 | WS 40 |
| Thunder Charge | 1000 | Adeptus Astartes |
| Stalwart Defense | 1000 | Adeptus Astartes |
White Lions Solo & Squad Mode Abilities[edit]
Solo Mode Ability[edit]
- Live by the Sword
- Mode: Passive
- Required Rank: 1
- Effect: The White Lions are famed for their unmatched skill in melee. Other chapters might fight with greater ferocity or channel their unbridled rage into every stroke, but none possess a Lion's grace with blade and bludgeon, whether powered or primitive. Beginning at Rank 1, a White Lion may reroll any failed Weapon Skill test (once per test), but must take the second result.
- At Rank 4, his Weapon Skill tests receive a bonus of +10 (this does not count as an increase of the Characteristic).
- At Rank 8, he gains +1 Degree of Success with all Weapon Skill tests.
Squad Mode Abilities[edit]
- Imperious Majesty
- Action: Free Action
- Cost: 1
- Sustained: No
- Effects: When the White Lions take to the field, their leonine roars shake the very foundations of the ground they tread upon. Such is their majesty that even hardened enemies are given pause when they see the white and purple striding inexorably towards them, like predators on the prowl. Upon activating this ability at the start of combat, the Battle- Brother and any of those in Support Range may immediately move up to their Agility Bonus in metres towards the enemy, and make a Challenging (+0) Intimidate Test. If one or more of these Tests is passed, any enemies attacked before the start of the Battle-Brother’s next turn suffer a penalty on all Dodge and Parry Tests equal to –5 × the number of Intimidate Tests passed.
- If the Battle-Brother is Rank 4 or above, the Battle-Brother and those in support range may move up to twice their Agility Bonus in metres.
- Protector of the Meek
- Action: Reaction
- Cost: 1
- Sustained: Yes
- Effects: It is the burden and pride of the White Lions to the be shield and sword of those infinitely weaker than themselves. The vows of protection translate well to the interaction with fellow Astartes, and a Lion can call on this dedication to shield his brothers from harm. When this ability is activated and for as long as it remains sustained, a Battle-Brother may use his Reaction to move up to twice his Agility Bonus towards another member of his squad who would either be knocked prone and/or suffer Critical Damage. If the Battle-Brother’s movement would be sufficient to reach the squad member, the Battle-Brother is struck by the attack instead, with all the normal consequences. Battle-Brothers defending their brothers in this way may not Dodge the attack but may Parry melee attacks as part of their Reaction. If the attack has an area of effect which would affect both the Battle-Brother and the squad member he is trying to protect, then the squad member gains cover against the attack with Armour Points equal to the Battle-Brother's Armour Points on his torso location.
- At Rank 5 Battle-Brothers using this ability may move up to four times their Agility Bonus to reach a fellow squad member.
| Power | XP Cost | Requirements |
| Knife's Edge | 1000 | – |
| Wrath of the Pride | 500 | – |
| Shield of the Chosen | 1500 | Rank 3, WP 45+ |
| Utter Dominance | 750 | WP 40+ |
| Knight in Shining Armor | 500 | – |
| Blades of Fortinbras | 2000 | Rank 5, WP 40+ |
White Lions Psychic Powers[edit]
- Knife's Edge
- Half Action
- Range of 10 × PR meters
- Not Opposed
- Not Sustained
- Sharpening his Will into a mighty blade, the Librarian lashes out with a scything blow of psychic power. This attack travels in a straight line from the Librarian out to the extent of the power's range (10m × PR). Any creature (friend or foe) in its way suffers 1d10 × PR Rending damage that is not reduced by Toughness; Armor and Cover protect as normal.
- Wrath of the Pride
- Half Action
- Range of 5 × PR meters
- Opposed
- Sustainable
- The Librarian calls on the might of an angered pride of Arculian Manticores, infusing his squadmates with their wrath. The target of this wrath suffers from increased melee damage from the Librarian and his allies in range (5m × PR) equal to the Librarian's PR. Additionally, melee damage results in Righteous Fury on a roll of 9 or 10, instead of just 10.
- Shield of the Chosen
- Full Action
- Self
- Not Opposed
- Sustainable
- The Librarian shapes the stuff of the Immaterium into a glimmering golden shell that protects him against his foes, reminiscent of the glorious golden armor worn by the Adeptus Custodes or the Emperor himself. He gains a Force Field (see page 166 of the Deathwatch Rulebook) with a protection rating equal to 5 × PR. This force field cannot overload.
- Utter Dominance
- Half Action
- Radius of 5 × PR meters
- Opposed
- Not Sustained
- The "Lion's Roar", the chapter's unmistakable war cry made possible by a benign minor mutation of the Betcher's Gland, is often more than enough to make docile souls cower in abject deference. But by infusing this with eerie warp echoes and reverberations, the Librarian unleashes a cry so powerful as to give even the most hardened foe pause. A number of targets equal to the Librarian's PR in range (5m × PR) cannot use any Reactions until the start of the Librarian's next turn.
- Knight in Shining Armor
- Full Action
- Radius of 5 × PR meters
- Not Opposed
- Sustainable
- The Librarian tunes his will into a powerful reinforcement of the exemplary figure that he is to his allies. A number of allies up to the Librarian's PR in range can choose to use the Librarian's Characteristics in any checks they make. They can of course choose to use their own Characteristic if it is higher.
- Blades of Fortinbras
- Full Action
- Radius of 5 × PR meters
- Not Opposed
- Sustainable
- Fortinbras was the White Lions' first master of the Librarium, fighting alongside Carolus Maximus in the Frankia Crusade. So great was his skill with the blade that he scoffed at the widespread use of shields among his brothers, preferring instead to cut down the enemies of Man with his twin force swords, Corula and Colurna. Fortinbras was aboard the "Fivefold Claw" in the ill-fated Battle of the Fourteen Moons of 934.M38, leading the Lions against the Host of the Lost Son when the Claw was lost with all hands to a warp vortex ripped open by the warband's leader, the sorceror Bidenias. It is said that as he was sucked into the abyss, Fortinbras cast Corula and Colurna forth in spirit form, slaying Bidenias even as he stood gloating on the bridge of his ship. Since then, numerous librarians have called out to the Blades of Fortinbras in battle and found their summons answered by the empyrean shadows of the swords, fleeting across the battlefield and striking true and deadly at the librarian's behest.
- While the power is sustained, the Librarian gains two Free Action attacks during his turn, which he may direct at any target within a radius of 5 × PR meters. These attacks hit automatically, but may be Dodged or Parried normally. Corula deals 1d10 × PR Rending damage, while Colurna deals 1d5 × PR Rending Damage with a Penetration of 3 × PR. A target struck by either blade must roll on the Shock table (unless immune to Fear), immediately applying the result.
White Lions Trappings[edit]
- Leonine Targe & Spatha
- Shields are a prominent spot to feature a battle-brother's individual heraldry, and so it does not come as a surprise that they enjoy widespread use among the Lions. The Leonine Targe is the most commonly seen, as it does not feature the forcefields common to the larger Combat and Storm Shields and is thus easier to manufacture in abundance. Wrought by the tech-forges of Saint Justus using ancient alloying techniques, the shield is lightweight enough to be strapped to a forearm and leave the hand free, while being so sturdy as to be rendered immune to the destructive effects of power weaponry. The balance of the shield also allows for quick ripostes with a hand-held weapon, enabling the wielder to Counter-Attack with a melee weapon other than the shield after a successful Parry, such as the spatha handed down through the ranks of the Lions from brother to brother. (The Spatha is a Master-Crafted Combat Knife, replacing the standard issue.)
- For the damage values of a Leonine Targe, see the Relic Table below.
- Manticore Pelt
- A White Lions bearing a Manticore Pelt adds +3 to his Fellowship, after all other modifiers.
- Blade Fragment
- Imbued with the will to improve themselves, the White Lion eagerly seeks to take combat to Mankind's foes. He adds +2 to his Charge Move distance after all other modifiers.
- Claw Necklace
- Exemplifying the grace of their namesake, the White Lion gains a +2 bonus to Initiative.
White Lions Armaments & Relics[edit]
- Frankia-Pattern Light Power Axe
- As with any other chapter, the forgemasters of the White Lions have adapted some of the weapons found in any armory of the Astartes for the proclivities of their chapter. For the Lions, the result is the Frankia-Pattern Light Power Axe. Developed as a light-weight put powerful secondary weapon for melee, the Frankia-Pattern more than excels at its intended role. It does so by trading the massive power field generator of standard power axes for a sleeker version such as found in power swords, reducing the gyroscopic forces in play and making the Light Power Axe an extraordinarily responsive weapon. Since its introduction, it has become an accepted tactic among the chapter to make the most of its streamlined profile by throwing it into the ranks of the enemy ahead of a charge. This tactic, usually employed en masse by the entire front rank of the Lions' forces, serves as a ploy to break the shields of the enemy as much as their spirits, as it heralds the impending advent of the Astartes.
- When wielding a Frankia-Pattern Light Power Axe in the off-hand, the wielding character does not suffer the -2 to attack rolls normally incurred by wielding two weapons at the same time. Each Frankia-Pattern comes with a built-in tethered maglock, which functions as a standard Dipole Maglock in addition to allowing the wielder to retrieve the weapon to his hip from up to 50m away as a Half Action. The mag-codes used in this tethered maglock are specific to each axe, and may only retrieve the issued weapon.
- The Lance of Loyen
- A couched power-lance of immense age once wielded by Brother-Justicar Loyen, this weapon entered the vaults of Erioch after he succumbed to wounds suffered in the Cleansing of the Paranor Fields and willed the relic to the Deathwatch. Since then, it has been fielded against Chaos many times, and pierced the heart of many powerful foes.
- As with normal Power Lances, when charging from the back of a beast or vehicle, the wielder deals additional damage equal to his Strength Bonus. He can also strike foes within 2 metres and does not count as being engaged in melee combat with them unless they also have a similar reach with their weapons. When Charging, he need not end adjacent to the target, but must still fulfill the requirement of moving in a straight line for the last four metres of the charge. In addition, the Lance of Loyen grants its wielder the benefit of the Death From Above Talent (see Deathwatch Core Rulebook p.115) even when he does not meet the Prerequisites or wear a jump pack, but he must be mounted.
- The Lance of Loyen is a one-handed weapon when mounted, but two-handed when on foot. It is Master-Crafted, with the increased damage already accounted for in the weapon's profile.
- Stormbreaker
- Though the sword is the preferred weapon of the White Lions (both for its knightly image and its versatility), some brothers favor more devastating means of destruction. Stormbreaker is one such weapon, an enormous two-handed power axe gifted to the Deathwatch after the timely intervention of a Kill-Team saved a barge of Arculian pilgrims from the depredations of Dark Eldar raiders. In its years of service in the Jericho Reach, it has more than lived up to its reputation of peerless savagery in the face of teeming hordes, who break under its mighty strokes like twigs.
- Stormbreaker is a two-handed melee weapon that increases its wielder's Unnatural Strength multiplier by 1. It is Master-Crafted, with the increased damage already accounted for in the weapon's profile.
- The Crusader's Barrage
- An ancient relic predating the Heresy, the Crusader's Barrage is an archaeotech Heavy Bolter that was gifted to the Deathwatch of the Jericho Reach by Sternguard Veteran Dartenon on the day of his return home. It differs from modern patterns of the weapon by the fact that it is fired from the shoulder of the wielder, not unlike a missile launcher; finely balanced and fitted with stabilizers dating back to the Dark Age of Technology, the Barrage generates so little recoil that its wielder does not need to brace the weapon with his off-hand, leaving that hand free for other tasks. Due to its ancient design, it is incompatible with Astartes ammunition backpacks and jump-packs. (Requisition costs of special ammunition are increased by +5 per clip as per normal for Heavy Bolters.)
- The Crusader's Barrage grants its wielder the Auto-Stabilized Trait. It is Master-Crafted and thus never jams; the damage increase is already accounted for in its profile.
| Name | Class | Range | RoF | Dmg | Pen | Clip | Rld | Special | Wt | Req | Renown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lance of Loyen | Melee | — | — | 2d10+5E | 7 | — | — | Power Field, Razor-Sharp, Sanctified, Unwieldy | 9 | 60 | Hero |
| Stormbreaker | Melee | — | — | 2d10+7E | 8 | — | — | Devastating (3), Power-Field, Proven (4), Tearing, Unbalanced | 12 | 40 | Famed |
| Crusader's Barrage | Heavy | 120m | –/–/10 | 2d10+10 | 5 | 100 | Full | Gyro-Stabilized, Tearing | 40 | 30 | Distinguished |
| Leonine Targe | Melee | — | — | 1d5+1I | 0 | — | — | Defensive, Special | 1 | — | — |
| Frankia-Pattern Light Power Axe | Melee | SB×3 | S/–/– | 1d10+5E | 6 | — | — | Fast, Power Field, Unwieldy | 4 | 20 | — |
Gallery[edit]
- The Maximus and his Electors
Grigorius Maximus of Arcule
Luy "the Proud" of Argagnan
Carloman "the Bloodied" of Maragielle
Aramis of Dejerac
Hrothgar "the Lawbringer"
Peregrine "the Forlorn"
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Aquitanius Aurelius of Occitain
Guges "the Bulwark" of Deunan
Grandmaster Duval of the Spire
Robur "the Conqueror" of Verne
Carolus of Kernia
Dumont of Weralt
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