We are Legion!

Hey Everyone,

So I have a special treat for everyone today, new units and some extras. Also there's a  question for those out in the audience which will be talked about later on in the blog.

Legion XVI Luna Wolves Squad

First off we have a showing of a squad of tactical Luna Wolves. Horus said it best that there was few things that didn’t require or couldn’t be completed, a bolter squad, and for me I agree with that. This unit itself brings up my total to 50 bolt marines and am very happy with the results. I may add a few more though I'm still debating if I want to add just pure despoiler units but that is still further down the line since I feel my line infantry is pretty complete.

Legion XII World Eaters Veteran Squad

So something that came out of the blue a local guy was selling off a few legionaries and the price was right so I picked them up. I like the paint scheme and I am hoping this unit  will be usable by the next book since rumour has it it would be the shattered legions rules if so this might be a fun little side project or the start of a larger project.

Legion III Emperors Children Veteran Squad

So from the same gentlemen I was able to pick up some Emperors Children infantry. I think for this one I may end up keep them as they are and build them up into a demi company. Reason why is I want to have, after the wolves is fully built. something fun and to change it up from my present army. The other was this is one the legions I was originally going to pick but the wolves in the end won out.

 

Legion III Emperors Children Dreadnought

Another little gem I picked up, this forgeworld dreadnought is a nice pick up for a small army. He put in magnetized arms which allows me to switch out to multiple weapons. Though not alot of players will enjoy a standard dreadnought I find they are pretty useful and will give you a cheaper unit that you can get in more bulk.

 

So here they are, 3 legions standing proud and I think it’s a amazing to see them. Now as I said before I was debating on a few things, primarily do I want to keep the Emperors Children and the World Eaters as they are or strip them and paint them up for my Luna Wolves?. The other option is to have small, one off squads or as secondary projects and build them up to smaller legion forces that can serve as either loyalist or traitors to be used in campaigns. I really like the second idea and I'm curious what you might think of this.

So let me know your thoughts and also what you want to see on the blog!   I'm always curious what people out there want to see and would enjoy. I hope you enjoyed this post and, as always, happy gaming everyone !

 

General Soban 

Signing off till next time

Luna Wolves 14th Company Fluff

Hey everyone,
So today we have another major fluff for the army this time going into the background. As always hope you enjoy.

--------------501st Expeditionary  Report--------------

Expeditionary Commander: Captain Soban 14th Company XVI Legion

To: XVI Legion Command, Imperial Remembrance Order.

Subject: 501^st Expeditionary Fleet Assets and brief History

Numeration: 14th Company

Cognomen: The Iron Spear, The Wolves of Terra.

Observed Strategic Tendencies: Combined Arms, Decapitation Strikes, Ship-borne Assaults and Boarding Actions, Void Raiding, Vanguard Exploration.

Expedition Fleet:501^st

Notable Alliances: Alliance with Forgeworld Volcanus, Legio Astorum, Questoris Familia Knights of the Wolf.

Present Company Commander: Captain Soban

Allegiance: Fedelitas Constantus

Primary Recruit Stock: Jermani Province Terra

Secondary Recruitment Stock: Luna, Cthonia, Small Influx of Recent Compliant Worlds.

Present Company Strength: 564 Estimated Legionaries

Brief History and combat doctrine.

The 14^th company is one of the longest serving companies presently in the XVI Legion. Founded in the Jermani Province of Terra in the closing days of the unification wars. Serving in Campaigns including the Pacification of Luna, Oort Cloud, and the Romulas Campaign, its battle history is one that contains many honours of the Great crusade. With many honours and glories this company is one that shines as an example of all the Luna Wolves stand for.

The 14^th company was originally designed as an armoured company that saw it in some of its earliest actions shipped into many war-zones. With this design in mind the company was primarily equipped with the few baneblades of Terra as well as Malcador heavy tanks in the Imperial Inventory.  With this mix of heavy and fast tanks this lead to a mixed combat doctrine where the heavy baneblades would form a center while the Malcadors would out flank. This would be a preferred combat doctrine that would see constant use even up to heresy Era.

During its earlier years during the unification wars the company would constantly be shifted around from battle to battle due to its highly mobile nature. This lead to the company to gain considerable experience though with it causalities where not easily replaced due to constant movement.  Because of the constant movement and re-deployments this would cause the company not to grow as much but be a highly elite force. This would force it later on to another role that would shape the company. 

After the Pacification of Luna the 14^th company, though a small but elite force, was left behind on Terra to be a training company for new recruits. Though retaining many battle hardened officers and line sergeants the 14^th was slowly being drained of other viable personal and equipment per the needs of the crusade. This would eventually hurt the morale of the company who were missing the action especially with the invasion of the Oort cloud underway. It wouldn’t be till half way through the campaign that the 14^th would see action again.

The current commander of the time, Captain Thaddeus, petitioned daily to both Legion command as well as the war council to be readied back to the crusade. Though it took many years the 14^th company would be given their chance and given command of the 501^st Expeditionary fleet. Taking several mothballed ships and others that were under repair, he built a power force back up of recently trained but also a core of veterans from the Unification War. With his command again back on the front lines they would undergo a new change.

With the directives of the company it changed from an armoured formation to a combined force that was to be the vanguard of the crusade doctrines and new equipment would take effect. No longer a force comprised of just tanks, the company still preferred highly mobile and a combined arms approach. Utilizing both rhino, stormeagle and other highly mobile transports, the company would focus on quick engagements that would break through and quickly cut off opposing forces. This would later be refined into speartips that other Luna Wolves Forces would use especially after the finding of the Primarch.

The Primarch and second Captain

The finding of Horus would see minor changes in the company compared to other companies. Owning to the highly mobile and blitzkrieg focus this was in line with the preferred operational doctrines of the Primarch. The only changes that would initially happen would be the deployment of the despoiler type squads and eventually the adoption of terminator armour units. The other thing that prevented further change was also the low Cthonia recruitment into the company and would have effects later on.

One thing that did cause a major change was the appointment of a new captain. After 10 years of the crusade Captain Thaddeus would meet his end at the conclusion of the Romulas campaign and with him a new captain had to be found. At the time Centurion Soban would be given command by Horus himself.  This honour was bestowed due to  leadership and for redeeming the company during the campaign after a high amount of casualties. The new captain set several new doctrines and new formations would be created to further assist the company.

One of his first acts as captain would see a expansion of several key groups in the company. His first was the creation of smaller fixed platoon like structures to build a rigid command structure with each platoon holding to a particular combat doctrine. One of the first platoons to be made was a elite assault group that would be able to clear heavily entrenched enemies as were faced on Romulas and the company had a hard time rutting them out. From here a recon element and other commando groups that could identify and then eliminate key personal. Lastly would be an formation of a body guard that would both defend the command staff as well as the flag to prevent the tragedy that happened to the company on Romulas.

With this created the company was given a blessing by Horus in the support of some elements of the 1^stCompany. Both Justerain and Reavers would rotate in to the company to provide support and also in gratitude for both Soban and Thaddeus fighting alongside Horus and with Thaddeus taking a fatal wound that was aimed at the Primarch. This would further boost the company assault element as well as provide valuable combat leaders that the company sorely needed after heavy losses. With this last gift the 14^th was again ready to wage war in the great crusade.

Unqiue Formations.

Reichsritter - An elite group within the company, the Reichsritter are some of the companies greatest fighters and some of the best assault units. Originally an informal title for the few infantry legionaries in the company in the unifaction wars, these units had seen some of the fiercest combat up to the battle of Romulas. After the ascension of Soban to captian, the formation was given the job of both defending the flagship but as well as serving as the spear tip of the company. The unit is also marked out by the gold trim on the shoulder pads of their armour and many officers and sergeants have served in this elite formation.

The Ghosts – The self appointed title of the companies Recon and Seeker squads, this group has a dark reputation within the company. Charged with the elimination of enemy commanders as well as gathering intelligence, this small force has often been the silent knife that has won many campaigns. The major reason for their dark reputation is there is a rumour that some of the ghosts have been also used against both human and legionary allies who where impeding campaigns or wasting lives in fruitless campaigns. If this last rumour is true this would be a dark stain on an otherwise honourable company.

Das Schnitter ( Aka the Reapers)- The Informal name of the Justerain and Reaver Detachment presently on permanent detail with the 14th Company. Lead by their grim commander Centurion, Heron Lupus, this elite group is often called up to crack tough defenses and be the tip of the spear. This elite formation often competes with the Reichsritter over battle honours and being the 1^st one to crack opposing lines. Of recent regularity this group is found alongside Captain Soban and have formed a body guard around the captain shielding him both from danger as well as slaughtering those that get in their way.

Famous Armour and other Vehicles.

The Wolf of Terra- An ancient but powerful baneblade that has been around since the formation of the company. Often used as the command tank of the company this tank has seen every campaign of the 14^th and its rolls of honours is the history of the company itself. Reserved for either the captain itself or the best tank commander in the company it is the most fought over command in the 14^th.

The Wolves Honour- This Desolator Class Battleship, is the current flag of the fleet and also one of the longest serving ships in the Great Crusade. Serving as a flag ship in multiple fleets and fighting in the Fierce Pacification of the Oort Cloud. During that part of the Campaign she was heavily damaged and almost abandoned to rot in a moth ball yard due to her damage. It was here that 14^th company, wishing to rejoin the crusade and secure a heavy asset for its forming Expeditionary Fleet, requested the battleship to be repaired and given to their growing fleet. The request was granted the ship was re-christened the Wolves Honour. During this time she would be refitted as a Legion Astartes Battle Barge and could hold several hundred legionaries plus armour giving the ship a improved planetary invasion role. From this time she served as the Flagship of the fleet and has gained a reputation in the fleet as a fierce combatant and reliable ship.

Note-Worthy Personal.

Captain Soban- Captain of the 14^th and commander of the 501^st Expenditory fleet. This Terran Legionary has served since the formation of the company and has seen the companies greatest battles as well as worst defeats. Tactically, Soban has a preference for highly mobile campaigns as well as keeping causalities low,  he is well liked by the company and has gained many allies in many theaters. This fiercely loyal commander with his  ideals the great crusade may have his faith soon tested in the dark days to come.

Gerald Widald- Admiral of the Fleet for the 501^st Expeditionary Fleet he is the second in command after Captain Soban. Another Terran Legionary he has served in the 14^th since the formation of the 501^st Expenditory Fleet. A very able commander his greatest strength lies into space combat. Due to this he has been appointed to the Admiral of the fleet and has become close friends with Soban .

Heron Lupus- Centurion and commander of elements of the 1^st company present in the expeditionary fleet.  A Cthonia by birth, this fierce and able commander is considered one of the most able fighters in the fleet. Of major concern is the divided loyalty this Officer has, one to Horus who he swore a oath to first, and second to Soban who he has fought alongside of for many years.

Sergeant Ferdinand- A old Terran Veteran of the unification wars this Veteran Sergeant is usually found leading new recruits into battle. One of the few in the 14^th company that enjoyed his time as a instructor this old veteran regularly trains new recruits into the company. Despite being a very able commander has personally declined multiple promotions preferring to stay in the field guiding new legionaries in the ways of warfare.

Sergeant Nero- Joining about mid crusade this Line sergeant was transferred from the 33^rd Company to replace lost officers after the Romulas campaign. Due to being Cthonia he was able to bring fresh ideas and new tactics to the company from a previously all Terran Company. A popular figure among new recruits from Cthonia, he is considered reckless by some older sergeants and centurions due to his aggressive tactics. Despite this he has favour with Captain Soban who enjoys his unique perspective on war and has even adopted some Cthonia unit formations since Nero joined the company.

Centurion Gespenst-an Engima in the company since its unknown when he joined or if Gespenst is his real name. A legion Moritant in service with the company, he leads the few destoyer units into battle. Now being deployed with grim reality due to fiercer combat the company is now engaging on a regular basis, some wonder if the Captain would be able to reign him in when mercy is needed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End Report


Alright everyone as always hope you enjoy it post below what you think what you might think it might improve it.

General Soban 

Signing off till next time

Heavy Armour !

Hey Everyone,

So this time I have something new to show off.  This being the heavy armour recently added to the 14^thcompany. So we have the baneblade as well as two new landraiders to give some character as well as some more transports for terminators and some heavy fire power. As with some of the last post I will also be going into some lore that I think is enjoyable. Hoping you enjoy this post as always and lets get to it !

--------------501st Expeditionary  Report--------------

Expeditionary Commander: Captain Soban 14th Company XVI Legion

To: XVI Legion Command, Imperial Remembrance Order.

Subject: 501^st Expeditionary Fleet Assets and brief History

The Subject of this report is for the assessment of Legion command of company assets as well as recording battle honours of the 14^th company. In addition to the traditional honour roles and history, operational formation that has sprung up in the 14^th company operational use will also be discussed. It is hoped that this will help not only XVI Legion personnel serving alongside but other Imperial forces. Lastly for the Remembrance order to record the storied history of this proud company of the XVI Legion.

The Moonlight and the Twilight are both examples of the MKIII Land Raider pattern currently in wide spread use with the 14^th company. Due to a major alliance with Forgeworld Volcanus the 14^th company has been able to keep a steady supply of these vehicles in operational use throughout the Great Crusade. This has thankfully occurred since, asides from the Land raider, other heavy tanks are a rarity within the company. This has been due to several events and  the operations of the company that has taken it far away from most supply routes.

Both the Moonlight and the Twilight entered the company at the same time during re-armament after the Romulas campaign. Since this time both the vehicles have often served as a transport for the elite of the company especially the terminator equipped forces. Operational doctrine has put this as the spear tip of a armor push with more lightly armed rhinos following up. Due to this both are under constant repair and has made the machine spirits very forceful and vengeful in combat.

The Wolf of Terra is an ancient baneblade and the longest serving vehicle in  14^th company. Originally issued during the formation of the company back when it was a heavy armour company, this has been the primary command tank for all combat deployments. Due to its ancient renown it is looked to fondly and many of the 14ths tank commanders have often petition to try and gain command of this vehicle to gain prestige.  The other fact is due to the reliability of its machine spirit which is unusually in harmony for any commander and crew to use.

Of interesting note is other than the Wolf of Terra and a few other baneblades presently in the armory these tanks are the largest in inventory with the 14^th. This is currently due to a few factors with the supply of the company which is usually too far ahead of most supply routes to be able to reliably deploy new equipment to the legion. The second is the fact that ForgeWorld Volcanus is the primary supplier for most combat arms for the company. This last fact has often made shipments from mars  sometimes not arrive or be re-directed to other companies more in favour with mars then other forgeworlds.

One of the last major topics of this report is to talk about one of the heavier formations within the company often called the Wolf Hammer. The term has been coined due to the fact the Wolf of Terra was the first bane blade that was used as the command tank and since then is rarely not within this formation group. The formation puts together one baneblade battle tank and 2 land raiders from the armory, with veteran infantry or terminator support. This forms a tight formation that uses the better armoured vehicles to safely deploy the veteran infantry into the most needed battle areas in the combat zone.

This tactic was famously used during the closing days of the compliance of the world 161433. During the later stages of this campaign it was often a heavy siege combat or deployment into zone mortilis area of operations. During these later stages, normal rhino transports and storm eagles where rendered almost combat ineffective due to the amount of heavy weapons and ordinance that was in position against the attacker. Due to this, the company used all heavy tank assets presently in the armoury to combat their foe.

During this the land raiders would be positioned behind the bane blade in an arrow formation. Using the baneblades main gun to clear out fortifications while the land raiders took out any exposed anti tank guns or other armour. While this heavy formation rumbled forward they would have infantry disembark, securing the beach thus far secured by the tank. This would then be followed up by the rhinos and storm eagles who would then repeat this tactic over and over again till the campaign itself was won.

In closing these are two fine examples of equipment presently in use plus their normal operational doctrines within the company and the expeditionary fleet as a whole. They are amazing assets and have been put to great effect .It is also hoped that Legion Command will consider some of the operation doctrines in use at present. Also attached to this document is concerning the late delivery of {----------------------------Item redacted by order of Legion Command and the Office of the Warcouncil----------------------} . It is hoped that this will be able to further booster these  great vehicles in 14^th as well as helped the Great Crusade as a whole.

End Report

 

So as always I hope you like it and please stay tuned for more company fluff and other stuff to come!

 

General Soban 

Signing off till next time