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Hello everyone and welcome to my story of my Blood Knights. Yeah they might be crazed and pretty much completely homicidal, but they're still space marines, and in the Grim Dark Future, anything is possible (Like Mephiston over coming the Black Rage, Calgar just being a continual badass, and NO ONE figuring out that the Dark Angels are hunting down their evil older brothers... for the past 10 milennia). So in my world, as I see it, One slightly more sane/actually has self restraint Blood Knight can make a difference, and bring back a chapter on the verge of annhilation, or ya know, go out with a nuclear bang, in true space marine fashion.

I started building and playng my Blood Knights for a Kill Team event, and I love giving my guys names and playing 'in character' because doing things that makes your oppenent go "why the feth did you do that" and you get to smile and say "thats what a huge, extra homicidal assault oriented killing machine would do" is a great feeling.

I've always tended to go into too much detail sometimes, which was great for being a Game/Dungeon Master, but not always so much when writing. Comments and critiques are always welcome, infact, its one of the my motivations for posting my story here. The Dakka Community seems like an amazing place, and i thought I'd share a little fiction and hope that through continual writing and revision we can all enjoy a story that gets better over time. I'd also like to thank Ice Angel for the inspiration, gotta love the Sons of Sanguinius.

Epilogue - Homecoming

The Battle Barge Lance of Baal came thundering back into real space with the force and brutality of a knights charge. Nothing about the ship’s arrival in system was smooth. The Geller Field still crackled as the raw stuff of the warp dissipated in real space unable to maintain form. Unlike the smooth, practiced and stately arrival of many of her sister ships in service to other chapters, The Lance of Baal did not so much drop out of the Warp as it did crash into existence. But that’s just the way the chapter she served liked it. Her arrival in system was anything but subtle, but that’s because there was nothing subtle about the Brothers the Blood Knights Chapter.

For the first time since his ascendance to full Brotherhood, over eight decades ago, Andros laid his eyes upon the home world of the Blood Knights, Regal Prime. The sense of relief at seeing his home planet was tainted by the bitterness of their return. When the Lance of Baal departed on their crusade, it was at the head of small, but deadly armada, her decks held the full might of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th companies with the Strike Cruisers Spatha and Crusader in flanking formation, with Commander Daedolon commanding. But that was more than eighty years ago…

When the fleet had departed Regal, Andros had just recently assigned to the 3rd Assault Squad of 3rd Company. He had been a raw, wet behind the ears marine, but like all young space marines, he wanted to prove his worth in battle. He had exceeded all expectation as a scout in the areas forward infiltration and displayed an amazing sense of restraint and patience, wildly uncharacteristic of the savage Blood Knights, it was this patience and restraint which kept his squad alive time and time again.

When the Blood Knights departed, Daedolon vowed that they would crusade with their cousins, the Lamenters, on their penance crusade into the Maelstrom. The Lamenters, numbering less than 300 Battle Brothers, with many of them having succumb to the Black Rage at their defeat by the Minotaurs, were only too glad to accept the help of the Blood Knights. Such were the Lamenters grief and the Knights Rage that they threw themselves into the worst case scenarios, roaring into battle by drop pod and storm raven, unleashing the fury of their Lost Brothers, and emerging bruised and broken but victorious.

The victories and laurel tasted like ash and the coppery tang of blood in Andros’ mouth. More than 300 hundred Knights had left Regal, only 65 had returned. Seven of which had succumbed to the Black Rage and were in stasis, their armor painted black, their weapons ready to voice their vengeance one last time, when the desperate hour calls for it.

Through misfortunate or providence, Andros had managed to survive where half is squad had not. His patience and calm an island of stability in the midst of rage and anger. He didn’t want this, he didn’t want to be the one standing on the command dias. But the few remaining veterans, along with Chaplains Vicaron and Trasdin and the young Librarian Ryzan all unanimously called for him to take the mantel, to become Commander of the Crusade of Lament, and so here he stood, looking down at the 56 Brothers which he now knew better than he knew his former family. With a smile he didn’t feel, and shout he wished was in anger at the foe,

“Brothers… We are Home.”

Part 1 - Reformation

“Two hundred and fifty nine Brothers lost.”

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. Andros could not bring himself meet the gaze of Guardians of the Keep. These four wardens, each with twenty marines under their command, have kept a vigil over the Blood Knights Fortress Monastery, The Keep, for the past 150 years.

“How did this come to pass Brother Andros?” The grief and emotion barely kept out of the voice that could only belong to Brother-Warden Edonal, Master of the Arsenal. The Guardians had of course expected losses, but not at this magnitude.

“A full two companies…” Brother-Warden Jesiden, Lord Executioner, voice trailed off as the ramifications of effectively losing two full reserve companies.

“My Lords,” Began Andros finally finding his voice and the will to look them in eyes, “We persecuted the Crusade of Lament with our cousins, the Lamenters, with the Blessing of the Chapter Masters and with all the fury that is expected of the Sons of Sanguinious. Once we joined with the surviving Brothers of the Lamenters, we persecuted Alien, Heretic and Demon with impunity. We could not fore see the onslaught that came upon us in the Maelstrom, nor the heroism of both our Brothers and our Cousins. We fought bravely for close on 50 years before Commander Daedolon was lost to us. We lost the Spatha and Crusader in our flight out of the Maelstrom, I do not know their fate.”

“Andros,” his name coming out like rolling thunder “We know what happened during the crusade, we have read the reports, reviewed the video logs, analyzed the strategies utilized and their effectiveness” spoke Brother-Warden Brytan, Regent of Regal and head of the Guardians. “What we do not know, is how a young marine, such as yourself, was selected by his peers and superiors, to lead the Knights home.”

His gaze lowering to the floor, ‘I never wanted this’ he thought to himself, ‘I only wanted to serve.’ As he looked up, he found his voice, “I do not know.”

…..

‘That was yesterday,’ Andros thought to himself, ‘today won’t be any easier.’ It was 0500 and he was already dressed in his and red and silver robes, waiting for the Brothers Talcon and Halico, the only surviving Sanguinary Priests to return on the Lance of Baal. He didn’t wait long.

“Brother-Commander we are-“

“Please Brothers,” He interrupted “I am just Brother-Andros, it is up to the Guardians to Decide what will happen with what is left of the companies.”
Talcon and Halico briefly glanced at each other, than back to Andros. They were both his senior by at least 30 years, but they, like all the survivors, defferred to him for leadership.

“As you wish” they said in unison. “We have presented the Priests of the keep with our fallen Brother’s legacy, they wish to speak to you,” continued Talcon.

The two could have been twins, it was hard to tell them apart outside of their armor, but what troubled Andros more was that he did not know why he was being summoned.
“I do not know why they would want to see me, but let us not keep our Brothers waiting”

The walk to the Apothecarion was not long, but was done in silence. The air was thick with grief and mourning. You could taste it in the air, even the incense seemed bitter sweet. The 9th Company was garrisoning The Keep upon the return of the Crusade. A rare event for one of the Knight’s companyies to be at full strength and with it a full three squads of scouts. As the three passed their Brothers of the 9th they would stop and salute as they passed. The attention made Andros more than a little uncomfortable, but he graciously accepted and returned their salutes, bringing his clenched fist to his chest.
When they reached the entrance, Talcon and Halico entered first, then the door closed abruptly before Andros could move forward. A dark sense of foreboding began to seep into his thoughts. It wasn’t fear, for that concept no longer held any meaning to him, but Andros knew he wasn’t going to like what he saw when he would be allowed to pass into the Apothecarion. As the doors open, and he looked into the hall beyond, he knew he was right.

Off to a good start here.
I shall definitely be following this!

Agreed, I like it.

Seconded, this is quite good.

As those above me have stated. Well done

Thanks guys! I'm glad you like it so far!

Part 1 - Chapter 2 Face to Face

“Good Morning Brother Andros, and thank you for attending” said High Priest Gildan in a warm deep voice that seemed at odds with the man it came from. Gildan was by no means small, but not as large as most of the Blood Knights. What he lacked in size he made up for in dexterity and agility, his hands having brought back Brothers from the edge of death so that they may continue to serve the Emperor.

“The honor is mine High Priest,” replied Andros as he took in the gathering of the men in front of him. Reclusiarch Stantoln stood to the High Priest's right, in robes of midnight black with two of his acolytes in attendance, one with a recording servo skull hanging just above his shoulders. His presence alone casting a feeling of dread and salvation in equal measures.

“I am sure you are wondering why we summoned you here,” continued the High Priest, “do not worry, you are not in any form of physical or spiritual danger-

“That is to be seen High Priest” cut in the Reclusiarch in an avalanche of sound emanating from deep in his black hood as he stepped forward and crossed his arms.

“As I was saying, we had some questions for you to answer and for your body to provide as well”

As he spoke, Talcon, Halico and two other Priest came forward and drew vials samples of blood from his arms so quickly he hadn't realized what they were doing until they had 4 vials of his dark life blood and were walking to work stations sequestered around the Apothecarion.

Then the final member of the group stepped from behind the Reclusiarch in his deep blue robes, moving with a grace and purpose the bellies the tempest of power at his command. As Chief Librarian Darrion Tranco pulled his hood down, his ice blue eyes crackled with power as he looked into Andros’ soul.

“Now Brother Andros, the Reclusiarch and I are here to determine the manner of man you are,” spoke the psyker at level that was polite and cordial in tone, but one that echo through his soul “whether you possess the qualities of a great commander, knowing when to pull back and when to strike - ”

“Or if our Brothers turned to a coward who’s only thought was to flee from the field of battle while the enemies of the Emperor still drew breath” came the accusation dripping with venom as the Reclusiarch withdrew his hood as well and for the first time Andros looked upon the face of Guardian of the Chapter’s soul.

Here in front of him stood two of the most powerful men in the sector, two men of infamy, whose reputation went far more than to proceed them but to become legends unto themselves. If Tranco’s gaze spoke of power and forbidden knowledge, the black pits of the Reclusiarch’s eye spoke of judgment and fury.

“I am No Coward,” stated Andros before he realized he had, “My Lords” he recovered quickly.

“You still have a fight in you” came the Reclusiarch with a sneer. “Good, you will need it.”

“Prepare yourself Brother-Andros” the Chief Librarian spoke with a charge of electricity “For you now you must prove to us that you are worthy of the respect and honor our Brothers gave you” with a solemnity that chilled Andros.

“Do not worry Brother” came the voice of Brother-Chaplain Vicaron.

“You will not stand alone,” finished Brother-Librarian Ryzan, as the two Brothers who fought by his side for five decades entered the Apothecarion.

“Impressive,” Said the Lord Librarian with a slight smile crossing his face, “most impressive Andros.”

“You realize that his judgment shall be your own,” rumbled the Reclusiarch, his face creasing in consternation. “Your testimony, Brother-Chaplain, I expect to be exemplary” as the Reclusiarch turned his depthless gaze to his acolyte.

“That we do my lord,” spoke Brother-Priest Talcon as he moved to stand beside his fellow crusader chaplain and librarian. “High Priest,” he began again, “Initial diagnostic show no deviation in blood content or genetic code, as I predicted.”

The High Priest appeared from the cloisters to stand beside the Lord Librarian and Reclusiarch and continued to speak in his cordial, almost eager voice, “That is good to hear my son, but you know that much is still to be determined. I see you as well have chosen to stand with Brother Andros, correct?” asked the High Priest.

“That I have, my lord” replied Brother-Priest Talcon.

“Very well my son” and at that the High Priest returned to the cloisters to the cogitators and his fellow priests.

“Most impressive,” the Lord Librarian commented. “Our Brothers Honor you Andros, do not dishonor them, or worse, disappoint me.”

“Enough of this,” rumbled the Reclusiarch, “Let us begin.”