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(Filled out the beliefs section and added a bit about organisation)
(The Nemesis Incident: Completely rewritten.)
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===The Nemesis Incident===
 
===The Nemesis Incident===
In 945.[[M36]] the Storm Wardens aided the [[Inquisition]] in operations against an infestation of [[Enslavers]] in the [[Steropes Cluster]]. What came to pass in Steropes' ancient, cyclopean ruins is unknown, but at the conclusion of the conflict the Storm Wardens' [[Chapter Master]], [[Owin Glendwyr]], discussed with an [[Inquisitor Lord]] of the [[Ordo Xenos]] matters most dire. The decision made would affect the Storm Wardens as a chapter thereafter. By authority of the [[Lords of Terra]], Owin had much of the Storm Wardens fortress-monastery on Highcastle sealed. All records of their history and Founding were destroyed or hidden away. Furthermore, the Storm Wardens homeworld of [[Sacris]] was forbidden to have contact with the [[Imperium]] at large, deceptive propoganda of a virulent plague on Sacris's surface being spread by automated beacons in the planet's orbit in years to come.{{Fn|1a}}
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In 945.[[M36]], [[Chapter Master]] [[Owin Glendwyr]] took his forces to the [[Steropes Cluster]] in response to a reading of the [[Emperor's Tarot]] by the [[Chief Librarian]], although some versions of the account state that it may have been at the behest of the [[Inquisition]]. The region of space had many worlds consumed by the energies of the [[Warp]]. Several worlds in the periphery had come upon the dominion of [[Enslavers]]. Glendwyr had a painful choice: deploy his warriors in costly battles or destroy the worlds and their populations. In one account, Glendwyr and an unnamed [[Inquisitor Lord]] of the [[Ordo Xenos]] explored a series of ruins of uncertain origin. The Storm Wardens and an allied Inquisitorial force came upon attack by [[Enslavers|Enslaver]]-controlled humans and later by [[Enslaver Behemoths]]. The ensuing battle cost the lives of many battle-brothers. Three worlds were cleansed of the xenos presence, but ultimately the Inquisitor Lord declared the Writ of Exterminatus on seven more before the cluster was declared purged.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2b}}
  
Finally, many Storm Wardens, including the entire veteran [[First Company]] and Chapter Master Owin Glendwyr, were placed in hidden stasis vaults, as solely recorded by the ''Liber Tempest''. The [[Chapter|Chapter's]] [[Space Marine Dreadnought|Dreadnoughts]], having taken vows of silence, stand guard over these hidden chambers.{{Fn|1a}}
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The Storm Wardens returned to Sacris, where it was discovered that a psychic taint from the Enslavers had corrupted a number of the First Company. The Chapter's Apothecaries, Chaplains, and Librarians attempted to remove the taint, but it was found to be too ingrained and presented a threat to the entire Chapter. The Inquisitor Lord wanted the infected to volunteer for liquidation, but the senior officers rejected it. Glendwyr proposed a compromise. Having convinced the Inquisitor Lord of its viability, the Chapter Master ordered that he and the First Company be interred within stasis sarcophagi in vaults far below the Chapter's fortress-monastery, which would not be opened until a cure for the taint was discovered. The Inquisition placed an addition demand of requiring that Sacris be isolated and all knowledge of the Nemesis Incident be purged from the Imperium's history. Deceptive propaganda of a virulent plague on the planet's surface was spread by automated beacons in orbit for years to come.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2b}}{{Fn|2c}}
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 +
The sealing of the vaults caused the Chapter to lose access to the details of their founding or early history. This also resulted in the legend of the lost First Company and Chapter Master returning one day when the Chapter and Imperium are threatened, the battle-brothers seeking every chance to prove themselves in the eyes of those who will judge them upon their return. Only the [[Chapter|Chapter's]] [[Space Marine Dreadnought|Dreadnoughts]] are aware of the location of the stasis vaults, but have taken a vow of silence, standing as mute sentinels.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2c}}
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Only the ''[[Liber Tempest]]'' records the Nemesis Incident. This text is only available to senior officers of the Chapter, no one outside the Chapter having any knowledge of what happened.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2c}}
  
 
===Kraazgrug's Folly===
 
===Kraazgrug's Folly===

Revision as of 01:16, 24 August 2012

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The Storm Wardens are a Space Marine Chapter of unknown Founding.

Storm Wardens
Storm Wardens icon.png
Storm Warden.png StormWardensSergeant.jpg
Founding Chapter: Unknown[1a]
Founding: Unknown[1a]
Chapter Master: Lorgath Maclir[1a]
Homeworld: Sacris[1a]
Fortress-Monastery: Highcastle[1a]
Colours: Blue and White
Specialty: Armoured Assault[1b]
Strength: Unknown
Battle Cry Unknown

History

The Nemesis Incident

In 945.M36, Chapter Master Owin Glendwyr took his forces to the Steropes Cluster in response to a reading of the Emperor's Tarot by the Chief Librarian, although some versions of the account state that it may have been at the behest of the Inquisition. The region of space had many worlds consumed by the energies of the Warp. Several worlds in the periphery had come upon the dominion of Enslavers. Glendwyr had a painful choice: deploy his warriors in costly battles or destroy the worlds and their populations. In one account, Glendwyr and an unnamed Inquisitor Lord of the Ordo Xenos explored a series of ruins of uncertain origin. The Storm Wardens and an allied Inquisitorial force came upon attack by Enslaver-controlled humans and later by Enslaver Behemoths. The ensuing battle cost the lives of many battle-brothers. Three worlds were cleansed of the xenos presence, but ultimately the Inquisitor Lord declared the Writ of Exterminatus on seven more before the cluster was declared purged.[1a][2b]

The Storm Wardens returned to Sacris, where it was discovered that a psychic taint from the Enslavers had corrupted a number of the First Company. The Chapter's Apothecaries, Chaplains, and Librarians attempted to remove the taint, but it was found to be too ingrained and presented a threat to the entire Chapter. The Inquisitor Lord wanted the infected to volunteer for liquidation, but the senior officers rejected it. Glendwyr proposed a compromise. Having convinced the Inquisitor Lord of its viability, the Chapter Master ordered that he and the First Company be interred within stasis sarcophagi in vaults far below the Chapter's fortress-monastery, which would not be opened until a cure for the taint was discovered. The Inquisition placed an addition demand of requiring that Sacris be isolated and all knowledge of the Nemesis Incident be purged from the Imperium's history. Deceptive propaganda of a virulent plague on the planet's surface was spread by automated beacons in orbit for years to come.[1a][2b][2c]

The sealing of the vaults caused the Chapter to lose access to the details of their founding or early history. This also resulted in the legend of the lost First Company and Chapter Master returning one day when the Chapter and Imperium are threatened, the battle-brothers seeking every chance to prove themselves in the eyes of those who will judge them upon their return. Only the Chapter's Dreadnoughts are aware of the location of the stasis vaults, but have taken a vow of silence, standing as mute sentinels.[1a][2c]

Only the Liber Tempest records the Nemesis Incident. This text is only available to senior officers of the Chapter, no one outside the Chapter having any knowledge of what happened.[1a][2c]

Kraazgrug's Folly

Ork Warboss Kraazgrug's Waaagh! had been raiding settlements on Keffik's World, threatening to cut the food supply for an entire sub-sector of the Scarus Sector. It was only just before the green tide overran the last of the world's defences that an astropathic message reached Sacris. In reaction to this plea for aid, the Storm Wardens sent a massive armoured spearhead to Keffik's World, consisting of several companies supported by massed vehicles and even a few of the veteran 1st company. The then-Captain Lorgath Maclir was given command of this battle group.[1c]

Lorgath planned to face the Warboss's Trukks and Buggies on the open, grassy plains of the planet's north continent. Kraazgrug, however, outflanked the Storm Wardens' formations under the cover of a mighty dust storm. Realising the Ork Warboss's cunning plan, Lorgath was forced to rethink his strategies before the Orks descended on their unguarded flanks. The Captain decided to lure the approaching Greenskins into a trap of his own crafting. Lorgath redeployed the bulk of his forces to the top of a box canyon while launching a skirmish force of Scout Bikers, Land Speeder Typhoons, and Stormravens to lull the Orks in. The skirmish force engaged the enemy and, when they retreated, the Orks took the bait. The bulk of Waaagh! Kraazgrug pursued the mobile Storm Wardens into the canyon, where they were brutally ambushed. In an unwavering hail of heavy weapons fire, Kraazgrug and his entire army were destroyed, not one Ork escaping.[1c]

The Cleansing of Vigil

The Cleansing of Vigil took place in lightless tunnels below the surface of the dead world of Vigil. In the tunnels the Storm Wardens battled against the Slaugth and their warrior constructs. Conflict consisted of a series of bloody, close-range firefights and, due to the confined conditions, heavy armour was impossible to use. The Storm Wardens' advance soon became cautious and methodical; unfortunately, the Slaugth forces seemed adept at provoking the Astartes out of such careful tactics. The toll of casualties grew high as the battle raged on and the Storm Wardens' morale was sorely tested. Despite their casualties, the Storm Wardens pulled through and Vigil was cleansed of the Xeno Slaugth, a costly victory for the Chapter. Veterans who survived the battle learned to pay closer attention to the wisdom of the Codex Astartes. Chapter Master Lorgath Maclir promoted many of these veterans to his Honour Guard.[1c]

Watch Station Oertha

Watch Station Oertha is a Deathwatch bastion in one of the primary warzones of the Canis Salient of the Jericho Reach. It is currently under attack by Tau forces who wish to colonise the planet Oertha, which, they believe, possesses vast reserves of fuel and other primary materials. It is jointly defended by the Achilus Crusade defense forces and the Deathwatch. Fifty battle-brothers of the Chapter, along with twenty Deathwatch marines under Watch Codicier Kurita, currently garrison the Watch Station. The garrisoned base is used as a platform to launch devastating raids against the Tau invaders.[1d]

Organisation

The Chapter counts a high number of Techmarines amongst its numbers. There is speculation that the Chapter enjoys a closer relationship with the Adeptus Mechanicus than other Chapters.[1b]

The Inheritors

After the Nemesis Incident, the Storm Wardens rebuilt its First Company. Those who joined its ranks became known as "The Inheritors", knowing that they represent their Chapter's honour until their ancestors awaken from their timeless slumber in stasis.[1a]

Combat Doctrine

It is commonplace for Storm Wardens to engage in single combat against the strongest opponents the enemy has to offer. This glory-seeking behaviour has seen a fair share of outmatched Storm Warden leaders recklessly slain in battle.[1b]

Despite being a Codex Chapter, there is one strategy the Storm Wardens have near perfected: the armoured assault. Preceding the assault, the enemy is condemned to a short, yet devastating, bombardment delivered by a Strike Cruiser or Thunderhawk Gunships. While pinned in place, the Storm Wardens launch a spearhead of Land Raiders and Predators, backed by Rhinos and Razorbacks transporting Tactical Squads and Sternguard Veterans into the thick of battle. Most Storm Wardens see these troop carriers as a steed which deliveres them into battle, from which they can launch brutal assaults and seek out foes who'll bring them glory. This doctrine has won the Storm Wardens many impressive tactical victories and, of course, thins the enemy lines, so the fighting is even.[1b]

Beliefs

The Storm Wardens are influenced highly by the ways of the Sacris tribesmen, who view the Emperor as a stern father figure who judges all men's souls by the strength of their arms and the purity of their honour. The impact is so strong that scouts are commonly seen with woad-painted faces like the tribesmen.[1a] Many also carry a Sacris claymore, an heirloom given by his tribe. This weapon often returns to Sacris upon the death of the Storm Warden.[1b]

A Storm Warden values highly his strength-at-arms and personal honour[1a], his word being his bond.[1b]

Quiet camaraderie is often shared on the night before battle. Many of the most senior battle-brothers engage in ritualised duels, the victors gaining a coveted place in the vanguard.[1c]

Notable Storm Wardens

Related Articles

Sources