Retribution Stalkers

"Any time, anywhere. We will appear before the guilty and tear them apart for their sins. We are watching. We are the ghosts of retribution. And we are coming for you, heretic." - Founding Supreme Grand Master Axuphus 'The Eagle' Lassarius. 
Vigilant and vengeful. Deep within the border between Segmentum Obscurus and Segmentum Solar exists the Decdalore System. Within this imperial system exists a planet, Vorsrax Prime, seemingly devoid of all civilised life. Within the harsh world of Vorsrax through its darkest caves exists Umbra, the hidden fortress-monastery of the Retribution Stalkers. Here the circle judge individuals and their transgressions against the Imperium. Plotting their next moves as the Interrogator Chaplains bleed information from their victims.
The Retribution Stalkers are a non-codex compliant, loyalist space marine chapter, founded in the closing century of the 34th Millennia. Upon being founded, the chapter was to spearhead Battlegroup Dread into the Falkren system that had inexplicably gone dark.
Retribution Stalker battle doctrine focuses on ambushing the enemy with overwhelming firepower. This chapter will sneak, hide, deceive, manipulate, drop-pod, teleport and smash through fortifications to get its units positioned around the throat of the snake. When the time is right, the throat will be crushed and the remaining hostiles will be swept away as they wither under the intensity of the assault.
Like the Unforgiven before them, the Retribution Stalkers steer away from the prying eyes in the Imperium, lest their shame become known. As such the Inquisition watch them with a degree of suspicion, especially given their first conquest concluded with a temporary alliance with an Eldar Craftworld when combating a renegade system corrupted by a Slaaneshi Daemon Prince. 
Feeling the burden of their past, the Unforgiven are desperate to absolve themselves of the traitors of Caliban. However, unlike many of their counterparts, the Retribution Stalkers are unwilling to give strategic ground or leave battles in order to hunt rogue Fallen. They see this as allowing the traitors to further stain their honour and as a disservice to the Imperium. Furthermore, the eventual repentance of all those who turned against The Lion is believed to be an absolute that can not be avoided. They will have their revenge, perhaps not that day but eventually. 
== Organisation ==
As an Unforgiven, the Retribution Stalkers find themselves with an organisation very similar to that of the Dark Angels. Their first company, Stalkerwing, is entirely comprised of the most veteran marines donned in terminator armour. Contrary to the Dark Angels, however, Stalkerwing Knights often also wield mighty centurion war suits and field the most dreadnoughts of any of the other companies. Stalkerwing can be identified as all of its marines have black hoods and helmets as opposed to the standard white helm. 1st Company Stalkerwing Knights who specialise in melee combat are equipped with storm shields and their 
own unique power glaive. Modifications to their terminator armour have included a small thruster on their power glaive wielding arm, meaning thrusts with the weapon are aided by minor jet propulsion. Adding momentum to the thrust and becoming ideal at taking out highly armoured individuals, although becoming slightly more vulnerable to ranged fire during the strike.
The second company, Defilerwing, is an entirely mounted company. This company is perfect at smashing through weaknesses in the enemy line. Defilerwing can be identified by red markings on their helmets as well as unique symbols of Caliban their bikes. Unlike Ravenwing, Defilerwing often wields power lances as it focuses on being a shock cavalry type unit. 2nd Company also field significantly more Dark Talon and Nephilim Jets than any of the other companies. 
Unique to the chapter, the Retribution Stalkers field a highly-specialised veteran scout unit known as a Phantom Operative. These Phantom Operatives are scout-marines who have shown particular prowess as a scout and have progressed into this role. Specialising in ambush, it is crucial that the Retribution Stalkers have their location hidden at all times. Phantom Operatives assume the role of a field-counter intelligence team, using any means at their disposal search and destroy enemy intelligence assets. This role can include anything from hunting down enemy scouts with sniper rifles or bikes to destroying enemy radar buildings with demolition charges or land speeders. The Stalker's find much joy in watching their enemies panic as they fall blind to their pending doom. 
Retribution Stalker's value Librarians as powerful battlefield assets, their own Librarians being referred to as Dread Masters. Almost every single squad will contain a Dread Master, due to an unstable geneseed. This abundance of psykers makes many mistrustful of the chapter and the average Dread Master may not have as much power at their finger tips as their regular counterparts. However, this also means those who survive in the upper echelons, of the chapter, wield terrifying power, their role is to rain explosive destruction onto the enemy during the initial ambush to add to the shock and awe. Furthermore, Dread Masters distract and demoralise the enemy by filling their minds with gruesome visions of their own deaths, making them lambs to the slaughter. 
Whilst interpreting "The Eye", Dread Masters may bare witness to a moment so painful that the artifact becomes unstable with warp energy. In such an event, The Eye will strike the Dread Master in the centre of the forehead, bypassing armour and shields, leaving a scar. Once struck, the Dread Master will lose his ability to speak and will rely on whispering through warp based telepathy. The presence of one who has committed great atrocities against humanity will enrage the Dread Master, bolstering his strength. Those rare few, who have been afflicted by The Eye, are organised into The Revenant Guard. These honour guard don black robes over their power armour to hide the mark from prying eyes. The Inquisition is unlikely to approve of the truth surrounding The Revenant Guard. 
Each tactical squad has a maximum capacity of 12 marines. The squads are composed of a sergeant, a dread master (who may double as the sergeant), a marine with a plasma weapon, grav weapon, flamer or heavy boltor, an anti tank marine and the rest make up of standard tactical or close-range tactical marines (depending on the scenario). 
Due to the interception of Primaris reinforcements, during the .... crisis, The Retribution Stalkers only field 2 squads of Primaris Marines. The first squad, Delta team, is an intercessor squad that pilots a repulsor executioner tank. The second squad, Epsilon team, are a squad of mobile inceptor marines. 
=== Gene Seed ===
While still being relatively pure, the gene seed of the Retribution Stalkers has two minor impurities. The first minor impurity doesn't hold much weight, in that marines are on average 1-2 inches taller than their Astarte brethren. The next impurity is much more significant, in that marines are much more likely to possess a connection to the warp. This means the chapter is able to field a librarian, or dread master, in every squad. However, because of this impurity, Retribution Stalker training involves much heavier psychological testing and training. Those who fail training and survive rarely do so with their minds intact. 
== History ==
Officially, the Retribution Stalkers were founded as a fleet-based crusading chapter. Unofficially, the chapter spent time building up a small intelligence base around a mysterious artifact within the deep caverns of Vorsrax Prime. This base is known as 'Umbra'. This artifact was in 987.M34 discovered when a squad of marines were tasked with removing a heretical cult presence from the deep cavern network of the planet. The artifact, nicknamed "The Eye", uses warp energy to detect large-scale human suffering. A well-trained Dread master is capable of connecting to The Eye to gain visions of mass human suffering and the perpetrators of such horrible deeds. This power has lead to the documentation of many crimes committed against humanity, including crimes committed by humans, like exterminatus. These visions make the chapter hold grudges against Imperial forces they have never come into contact with, such as the marines malevolent. However, unless the marines are punishing individuals for their sins, these grudges are kept secret so that they're base may not be discovered.
=== The Falkren Campaign 964.M34 ===
Many distrust the Dark Angels and their successors. While none can argue with their achievements, people hold their intentions with a moderate degree of suspicion. Which is why, upon its organisation, the warriors of the Retribution Stalkers were rearing to go. Many eyes throughout the Imperium were watching and they knew it. The opportunity arose when the chapter was tasked with investigating and reclaiming the Falkren System, a strategically resourceful system that had inexplicably gone quite. Fearing the worst after the hive world, home to the Falkren Vultures Imperial Guard Regiments, stopped responding to Imperial Astropaths. A battlegroup was formed under the Retribution Stalkers to put an end to whatever treacherous plot had afflicted the system.
The newly designated Battlegroup Dread consisted of forces from the Retribution Stalkers, the Goliath Guardians, the Steel Eclipse space marine chapters, numerous regiments of Phyromondiian Pythons that had been on crusade, a detachment of Imperial Knights from House Mors and a small Battle Congregation from the local Adeptus Mechanicus World. A large congregation of Battlegroup Dread amassed around hive world capital and upon entering the dusty atmosphere immediately spotted Eldar vehicles engaged with the local imperial PDF. Not wasting a moment, the drop-pods deployed screeching down below, smashing through the Eldar lines. Outgunned, the Eldar attempted to flee through the webway. Using their infamous agility, they ran. Boltor rounds hunted their flesh, ripping slabs of meat from their bodies. As Imperial Guard and Skitarii made groundfall, Eldar Scorpion Tanks and Wraith Guard attempted to cover the retreat of their forces by bringing to bear as much firepower as they could. Unexpectedly, Falcon tanks were bursting through the webway portal to aid in the elder retreat. 
"Why is there so many damned xeno here?" Axuphus Lassarious thought to himself as he was forced behind the closet rock formation. He gripped his krak grenade. Patience. He waited for his opportunity before assault-packing toward the wraithguard. Grappling the head of the bone-construct and slamming his grenade against it. His actions earned himself the attention of the enemy armour. Desperately he jump-packed to the side looking for cover. A shuriken whistled by his face as two more made contact with him. The first ricocheting off his shoulder plate and the other causing a sizeable wound in the exposed joint of his knee. He was forced to the dirt by the impact of the 2 rounds. His saving-grace came in the form of the smoke provided by his krak grenade and the dust kicked up by the wraithguard that came crashing down in front of him.
As more and more battlegroup assets landed, the Eldar hastened their retreat. Narrowly escaping the vengeful clutches of imperial might. 
"This will not go UNPUNISHED!" roared Axuphus.
He was furious, his first major assault and what did he have to show for it? A few dead Eldar and a major flesh wound. Slowly he got to his feet and walked toward the hive city, ignoring the pain shrieking in his mind. A moment of silence befell the irradiated wasteland. Interrupted only by the subtle whisper of a rocket sweeping over from the fortified heights of the city. Even for a marine, Axuphus was quick. Without comprehension of his situation, he had blasted his assault pack. The missile landed just short of him and, for the second time in mere minutes, Axuphus was launched threw the air and onto the ground. His rage threatened to consume him as gunfire exploded and cracked all around him once more. Rising to his feet again, he ordered the slow withdrawal of his forces as to reassess the situation. They grabbed the wounded, suppressed the traitors and got behind the hills to set up camp. 
A day passed as the Imperial forces were bolstered by heavy armour, 2 knights from House Mors and much-needed supplies after the brutal landing. Recce elements reported 3 Eldar approaching the camp unarmed. A bold move. Perimeter positions were given extra eyes; whilst the Farseers and her 2 warlocks were escorted to the camp.
"You will not escape my judgement, xeno." Axuphus remarked. His cold hostile gaze grasped on the elegant and slender figure.
Unphased, the Eldar spoke.
"I am Farseer Tael of the Varak'Tai. Our presence on the planet was to prevent she who thirsts from gaining power here. Your "judgement" prevented us from expelling her daemonic presence and now, during your recuperation, you have allowed her minions to summon many daemonic subjects into the material realm. Your weapons will not penetrate their void shields. You will rectify your mistake, by aiding our assault. We do not have a moment to waste" Axuphus was startled, an Eldar from a Craftworld he had never heard of walked into his camp unarmed and demanded his assistance. The pure audacity of this move made him want to rip her apart where she stood, but she had a point. She maybe xeno scum, but filthy traitors are an even worse blight to the Imperium. Reluctantly, they came to an agreement, a joint operation would see the storming of the traitor's bastion. Every second wasted was another daemon summoned, another civilian tortured.
Dawn approached and the forces were mobilised. An armoured vanguard spearheaded by demolisher cannon land raiders, Imperial Leman Russ tanks, Eldar fire prisms and falcons with the Mechanicus Ironstriders and Skorpious tanks made the most diverse armoured coalition an unforgiven chapter could ever see themselves leading. Renegade forces were not prepared for the speed in which their walls were breached, within moments the first void generator had been destroyed. The Renegades failure to hold the generator was rewarded with terrifying firepower being hammered upon the city. Retribution Stalker psykers suffered a splitting head pain as a warp rift ripped through reality at the spire of the city. Thousands of seekers and daemonettes poured from the upper levels and crashed into the coalition lines, ripping the heads of those caught in their way. Blood splattered in every direction, the daemons refusing to give ground under the terrifying firepower of the coalition forces. The Imperial Knights killing hundreds of daemons and civilians alike as they swept their cannons through the streets. Axuphus remembered his training, he called for 2 assault squads. The ominous purple tear in the sky marked the location of scum that was to be punished. By the time he reached the top, only 2 marines still stood beside him. His other warriors had been consumed by the silver/purple tide of daemons. There it was, stood in front of him. A towering husk of silver skin, imbued with chitinous plating, horns and a monstrous chela. 
"DAEMON!" Axuphus launched himself at the warped entity and brought his master-crafted mace, Warpsbane, down from above his head. Spinning at unnatural speeds for its size, the daemon prince's claw backhanded Axuphus out of the air. In another swift motion, it gripped one of the marines by the head and clenched. The helmet caved in along with the marine's skull, there it was one of the Emperor's finest killed in a heartbeat. Plasma bolts were unleashed from the remaining two, ripping flesh as it smashed the daemons hard leathery skin. With not so much as a flinch the malevolent creature descended upon Axuphus, swinging energetically; it's serpintine tongue dancing in ecstasy. Trying to create distance Axuphus flew above the creatures head, only for the claw to intercept his injured leg and crush down. Space marines have extreme pain tolerance, yet, the pain was exquisite. The foul abomination could taste it. Gleefully the horned monstrosity used Axuphus to swat the other marine off of the platform in which they fought. As if playing, the daemon prince swung Axuphus around his head and launched him against the rigid stone wall. A daemonic excited cheer sinisterly erupted from the chaos prince as he lowered his head and charged. Mustering all the strength he could manage, Axuphus raised his plasma pistol and discharged several rounds. One of which caught the daemon prince on his bare head. The impact was enough to knock the charging abomination off its course. The daemon ripped its horns from the stone wall in which it had impaled, grabbing Axuphus' mace and raising above its head. The daemons coup de grace was intercepted by a bolt of eldritch lightning striking the creature's core and forcing it to the ground. Once more Axuphus forced every working cell in his body to come alive once more; leaping onto the daemon prince as it too attempted to rise. The daemon struggled as Axuphus' arm wrapped around its neck. Still holding his plasma pistol he unleashed round after round into the daemon prince's head. Splat. Its soulless husk dropped to the ground. Violent violet energies dissipated from the once-monstorous being. As its conduit fell, the tear began to collapse. Sucking all the daemonic energy with it.
Proudly standing above him, Farseer Tael stood. She extended her hand through her white and teal robes to help the warrior to his feet. In principle the thought would have sickened him, though, given she just saved his life and he had a leg out of action, Axuphus Lassarious humbled himself by accepting the outstretched hand. 
After the battle, the battlegroup was tasked with hunting down any pockets of traitors that may have escaped the massacre. Upon reflection, the newly appointed Grand Master felt a great shame. While it was certainly admirable that it was his hand that brought down the daemon prince, it was his first battle since he stepped up to his new role and he ended up joining forces with filthy xeno. Worse yet, had it not been for these xeno, Axuphus would of surely fell in his first battle. Many will die absolving his shame.
=== The Atonement Crusade 966.M34 - 976.M34 ===
Axuphus Lassarious had something to prove. His embarrassing first victory called for bloody conflict. Axuphus looked to the Ghoul Stars, recently abandoned by the Imperium following the heavy losses during the Pale Wasting. The Retribution Stalkers were to hit back against the nightmarish xeno that await among the dead worlds of the Ghoul Stars. A decade of brutal conflict ensued, slashing the ranks of the chapter to less than 100 marines. His brilliant cunning earned Axuphus the title of 'The Eagle' and he felt satisfied he had redeemed himself. The surviving marines became hardened over the 10 years of pure bloody combat, and were organised into the Stalkerwing veteran 1st company. Much to The Eagles disappointment, details of his deeds were censored, as was most information regarding this forgotten and wretched place among the galaxy.
== Deathwatch Service ==
Despite the Chapters complicated relationship with the Inquisition, it is considered a great honour to serve within a Deathwatch kill team. Members may volunteer themselves for the service if they failed their objective in battle, thereby giving them a way of redeeming themselves. This can cause friction when meeting members of the Space Wolves due to the conflict of their progenitor Primarchs, though, this confrontation is usually respectful. Having said that, the Space Wolves were quick to draw parallels between the Retribution Stalker's affinity for warp powers and the Thousand Son's gene flaws of old. Seeing how corruptible the warp is, there is built-up tension between the Space Wolves and Retribution Stalkers.Category:Space Marine Chapters
Category:Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes
Category:23rd Founding
Category:Dark Angels Successors