The Knights of Fury
History
The founding of the Knights has been documented some time in the 39th Millennium, but as with many of the Imperium’s records, the details remain sketchy. It was well documented that their positioning on the feudal world of Teuton was in relation to the proximity of the Maelstrom and the danger of Renegade forces erupting from that baleful place. The stability they brought to the region was well known. However, the very same position would almost bring the Chapter to its ruin.
Commander Clement was a brave soldier and fine warrior, but within him burned an ambition and ego that was not content with the lot of his Chapter. Hailing from one of the senior noble families of Teuton, he was also possessed with a natural arrogance. Why should he be concerned with the guardianship of this area of space, when there were so many other glories available? The proximity of the Maelstrom was the danger and through this, the Gods of Chaos whispered to him in his meditations.
They promised him victories across the stars – worlds trembling at his feet and foes to smite wherever he stood. At first he resisted – he was still a Space Marine and his loyalty to the Emperor was limitless – or so he thought. As the whisperings became louder, he began to doubt. And then he was doomed …
He began to worship his new masters and started to work his way through his Chapter. Several of the senior Captains were twisted to his way of thinking and the worship of the Gods of Chaos secretly began to spread through the Chapter. It remained in secret still, Clement content to wait until he knew his hand was strong enough to remove the remaining Loyalists and leave Teuton forever. However, he had been unable to corrupt two key figures within the Chapter. Captain Villaret of the First Company and the young Captain Sebastian Troyes.
Captain Troyes had been elevated to his rank only thirteen years previous and was given command of the Seventh Company. He was inexperienced at command, but had already shown a shrewd tactical mind and a humility born of a less illustrious birthright. His life before the Chapter was that of a squire, but bravery upon the battlefield following the death of his master had resulted in his selection to the Chapter. Little had the Chaplain who selected him known, that decision may have saved the Chapter.
Troyes had been dismissed by Clement in his arrogance as a nothing, who would not be worthy of his new order. He was content to allow him to perish with the others when the inevitable revolt came. But Troyes would not accept this history for the Chapter. His keen mind was able to uncover the conspiracy within the Chapter and in secret he began to form a counter-insurgency group. He enlisted the aid of Captain Villaret, with whom he was able to dispatch a coded message to the Inquisition. Then, gathering the knowledge of the faithful members of his Chapter, he entered the Conclave of the Chapter, and confronted Clement.
The Chapter Master was caught entirely unprepared and his revolution was not ready. In the Conclave, the rouge Captains were swiftly slain and Clement was beheaded by Troyes himself. Whilst the remnants of the insurrection attempted to carry out Clement’s intentions, the Loyalists with the aid of Villaret’s Terminators crushed them. The rebels still inflicited heavy casualties and damage to the fortress, but ultimately could not survive the righteous onslaught of Troyes and his men. The lasy sight of the traitors was as they stole a Strike Cruiser and headed towards the Maelstrom. When the Inquisition arrived, they found the Chapter serious damaged, but still prepared for its duty. Purges were carried out of those traitors who remained behind and tried to hide their history in the confusions, but Troyes and Villaret were found to be free of any taint and allowed to rebuild the Chapter, albeit with an Inquisition adviser left behind to ‘assist.’
The surviving officers immediately offered Captain Villaret the position of Chapter Master. But he was troubled by the events of the recent uprising. Instead he insisted that the Chapter’s failing was one of faith and immediately resigned his position of Captain. Instead he was appointed to the ranks of the Chaplains, replacing Master of Sanctity Chinon who had been killed in the infighting. His last act before having his Terminator armour repainted black, was to suggest Troyes for the rank of Chapter Master. No other officer opposed him and Troyes was given command.
Homeworld
Teuton is a planet of baronies and fiefdoms, where petty warfare is common place over any supposed insult or argument. The warriors are proud and aloof, the elite taking their place within the famed knight regiments – almost exclusively of noble birth. It is frequently from these units that the Knights of Fury are recruited, although the sheer spirit of a squire or man at arms is taken into account when the Chaplains observe battles.
The remaining people are peasants, who toil on the land without concern over the squabbles of the wealthy. As land and agriculture are a common cause of complaint, the nobles would be mad to harm the workforce to which their wealth is indebted. And so the peasants work for them, often unconcerned as to who they work – as this can change several times in a year.
The Chapter fortress is in the Mountain of Sanctuary, as place that is off limits to the planetary populace. The Scouts of the Chapter, who watch the one route to its door, guard it. Trepassers are found at the base of the Mountain horribly mutilated, giving cause to the locals to whisper of the monsters that haunt that region. Few souls dare venture too close as a result.
Organisation
Whilst retailing the ten Company practice of the Codes Astartes, the background of the planet reflects highly in the combat style. The powersword is the weapon of choice almongst almost all senior officers. Several Tactical squads make use of bolt pistols and chainswords, as duelling is seen as the highest honourable way to conquer your foes. As a result, the Marines in these squads, who prefer to take the fight forwards in their Rhinos, often discard heavy weapons. The charge is not one of bloodlust or fanatical fury, but of grim determination and skilled swordplay that leads their enemies astounded at the speed and skill of these giant warriors.
The Chapter is still in a process of rebuilding following its recent history and this is a slow process. As a result, several of the reserve companies are low on numbers, as the main battle companies have been reinforced. The Scout company is growing rapidly, in order to compensate for this loss of numbers.
Appearance
Their armour is almost entirely white, reflecting loyalty and honour above all. This is mixed with a rich purple colour on the chest and shoulder trims, this being the colour favoured by the planets nobility to display their wealth. The Knights regard themselves as the very best and so this colour has been adopted.
The Chapter symbol is a pair of crossed black longswords, representing their preferred style of fighting.
An image of the Chapter can be seen here …
http://bolterandchainsword.com/sms.php?bpe=6B13AD&bpj=FFFFFF&bp=FFFFFF&bpc=FFFFFF&hdt=6B13AD&hdm=6b13ad&hdl=FFFFFF&ey=0FF007&er=6B13AD&pi=2E2E2D&nk=6B13AD&ch=6B13AD&eg=EFF249&sk=EFF249&abs=FFFFFF&bt=FFFFFF&cod=FFFFFF&ull=FFFFFF&lk=6B13AD&lll=FFFFFF&lft=FFFFFF&url=FFFFFF&rk=6B13AD&lrl=FFFFFF&rft=FFFFFF&slt=6B13AD&sli=FFFFFF&srt=6B13AD&sri=FFFFFF&ula=FFFFFF&lel=6B13AD&lla=FFFFFF&lw=FFFFFF&lh=FFFFFF&ura=FFFFFF&rel=6B13AD&rla=FFFFFF&rw=FFFFFF&rh=FFFFFF&bg=956EF0&rb=2E2E2D&gr=FFFFFF&grid=TRUE&wg=true&be=BBBBCC&aq=true&dm2=true&mk8=true&chps=CC0000&ti=050505&rkg4=050505&bpr=000000&cs=000000Battle Cry
We are the Emperor’s Blades!
Key Figures
Chapter Master Troyes – The Chapters inspiration and some say saviour. Astute and intelligent, he is well versed in the tactics of several of the Emperor’s foe ad how to counteract them. He is well known for his humility and is willing to hear the opinions of any ranking member of the Chapter when making a decision. As a warrior, he is skilled, but would admit to their being several within the Chapter finer than he.
Master of Sanctity Villaret – The former Captain of the First Company, he is now the guardian of the Chapter’s faith. Softly spoken away from the battlefield and a giant even amongst other marines, he takes to battle in a suit of Terminator armour. Clutching his crozius in one gauntlet and a Thunder Hammer in the other, his demeanour rapidly shifts. He is a firebrand, urging his men to battle and cursing the unbelievers before him.
Inquisitor Moray – A female inquisitor from the Ordo Hereticus, she has been stationed with the Knights of Fury as an advisor. In truth, she is tasked with ensuring that the Knight’s do not teeter so close to rebellion again. Her entourage includes several death cultists, which she lends to chapter’s aid on the battlefield. It is common knowledge that these would be turned on any Marine who considers giving themselves over the side of Chaos and their presence during operations serves to underline the Inquisition’s power
