tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51396686914966068032024-03-05T15:18:07.655-05:00Imperial AthenaeumSean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-17673628922325311302011-06-22T11:06:00.007-04:002011-06-22T13:53:21.119-04:00[Hobby] The Future of Finecast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrznx7PFzVMjuND894fDHlgvYPu7aV9pxYHNF5hwYZAHvNOfZ9ZUqgnRiRVqWavi9Dq482JxxTK0WRe757QHt9tC8tHbWDUQwBXZFUljEOcQjgvYyMTjTuK_UMQpTKtyFjTnURSjagP10/s1600/GW+Citadel+Finescast+logo.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 63px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621063642731422146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrznx7PFzVMjuND894fDHlgvYPu7aV9pxYHNF5hwYZAHvNOfZ9ZUqgnRiRVqWavi9Dq482JxxTK0WRe757QHt9tC8tHbWDUQwBXZFUljEOcQjgvYyMTjTuK_UMQpTKtyFjTnURSjagP10/s320/GW+Citadel+Finescast+logo.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Calibri;">There seem to be few topics in wargaming right now as polarizing as Citadel Finecast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Internet personalities with an abundance of creativity have cleverly titled it “Failcast”—clearly these people should be working for Games Workshop’s marketing department—based primarily on hearsay and conjecture; most I’ve interacted with haven’t actually touched a Finecast product.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Most that have worked with the product, myself included, seem to believe that, despite some initial shortcomings—namely QA questions regarding bubbling, miscasts, and mispacks—Finecast will be a boon to the hobby and is a vast improvement over metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Regardless of either opinion, Finecast is here to stay, so it’s worth exploring what the future may hold for the hobbyist and our new hobby material.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Positives of Plastic</span></b></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Finecast is an as yet undisclosed resin mixture, giving it essentially the best properties of both metal and plastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You get a great deal of detail, more so than previously seen on any GW kit (including both metal and plastic), while adding the durability of the plastic model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was a great deal of trepidation regarding the resin used—and there are still ‘net trolls out there ignorantly extolling the hazard that is Finecast resin, resin dust, and GW in general—but GW has seemingly found a nice medium in Finecast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pieces glue together really simply, don’t break when dropped (I’ve dropped my Vanguard Vets and my Deathmaster Snitchk from about shoulder level to test this), and even have a bit of bend in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Further, like a Forge World or McVey resin, a simple bath of warm water will straighten up any piece that is cockeyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">One of the major benefits that lie in resin is the ease in which one will be able to convert the Finecast models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Previously, if someone wanted to convert some of their Vanguard Veterans (because, let’s be honest, the weapon combos on the models aren’t great) it took real dedication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’d need a razor saw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’d probably need a vise so you didn’t dismember yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You’d need a Dremel to properly file everything down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And you’d need an abundance of patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I bought the Vanguard Veterans Finecast box with the express idea that they’d be my conversion ‘guinea pig.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The models passed with flying colors.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621061468504149874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1hroZDvNXwc0rWy0wrSjw3zFFTzvOKInNmZ2e4MXmqWcc8GS3KjjFWZo2X6cMnFjkYSg3NC8mtKNdD0fb5OW-giyHMFTNYQtZd2gfeu_Rp5CXoVhkAtqFUyHaGejYujcgrN-O-CV0M/s320/Finecast+Vanguard.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">It took me less than an hour to convert all five of these models, and I was able to give them the weapon options I wanted by using my abundance of leftovers from the Death Company/Sanguinary Guard sprues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even better is the fact that the arms that I didn’t use I was able to save for future veteran models.</span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0Fybwh59WNyc6ZIChDKiOLRBxAPvhNGa1_rDwkzEdUOLTpWCHZr3JZGpDwMgbSbFTkE5xvSbpQWT_VLQHm_YB4KeYnrRCr468JtqSSbNqcNydhaiQ8m4l7EPIqTMrLgkkzaBxm_PSFM/s1600/Finecast+Single+Vet.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621063255285694770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0Fybwh59WNyc6ZIChDKiOLRBxAPvhNGa1_rDwkzEdUOLTpWCHZr3JZGpDwMgbSbFTkE5xvSbpQWT_VLQHm_YB4KeYnrRCr468JtqSSbNqcNydhaiQ8m4l7EPIqTMrLgkkzaBxm_PSFM/s320/Finecast+Single+Vet.JPG" /></a><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Additionally, swapping the heads was a breeze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve converted the occasional metal model before, but I’d never attempt to swap the head from a metal model; quite frankly, it’s far too time consuming and it really isn’t easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, the Finecast resin alleviates this, and I was able to really Blood Angels up my Vanguard Vets.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">A Healthy Conversion<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I know one of the main concerns people are expressing surrounds resin dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll say it plainly: there wasn’t any at all when I converted these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Finecast resin is soft enough that a hobby knife is more than enough to remove any mold lines or details you don’t want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, I’ve been able to scrape some of the mold lines (of which have been surprisingly few!) away with my finger nail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In that same regard, the softness of the Finecast resin can easily create a situation where a hobbyist could remove a detail they didn’t intend to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a slight concern, but with a bit of care one should be able to avoid these instances.</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Finecast, From Here</span></b></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Make no mistake: there are quality assurance issues with Finecast at its outset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pictures you’ve seen of completely miscast miniatures, most notably the Terminator Librarian, are out there, and miscasts are unacceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Games Workshop needs to fix this, and quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, I think the problem is much smaller than the internet would have you believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The vocal minority on any issue is usually the most vociferous, and that remains the case here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of the 12 Finecast miniatures I’ve been hands on with only one has had an issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Remind yourself the amount of flash that used to exist on the GW plastic kits and compare that to the new Blood Angels or Dark Eldar kits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Flash no longer exists on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Games Workshop fixed the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m confident they’ll work through any problems they encounter with Finecast.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Finecast resin is, in any objective measure, a better hobby material than metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The details in the models are sharper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The material is lighter and more easily converted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The material works splendidly in conjunction with any existing plastic kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It really is a hobbyist’s dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While shortcomings may presently exist, the future is certainly bright for Citadel Finecast.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></div></div>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-31064887916394235862011-05-30T14:41:00.010-04:002011-05-30T15:12:17.251-04:00[Hobby] Finecast vs Forge World<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfEhUgGwvm9YFuwXnHWH7s5jVzMWg6s1fcG5YswBllq2oyN2J9jRkaTYHFIOvyR-bRUchzklMl4qE0bK5LtZsp-DP0Sxpuy9GC4edQVWHi_Om-4cnUjnhvAmUdOA0cle733Akc18E-4/s1600/finecast.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 60px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNfEhUgGwvm9YFuwXnHWH7s5jVzMWg6s1fcG5YswBllq2oyN2J9jRkaTYHFIOvyR-bRUchzklMl4qE0bK5LtZsp-DP0Sxpuy9GC4edQVWHi_Om-4cnUjnhvAmUdOA0cle733Akc18E-4/s320/finecast.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612581683849218114" /></a><div>With the introduction of Citadel Finecast, Games Workshop has made an interesting decision in the move to a completely new casting material for their home product. A lot has been made about the type of resin being used, whether or not it would be safe (of course it is; they wouldn't use it were it not), if it would be hard to work with (it's not) and if it</div><div> would really bring an improved casting quality to the models (it seems t0). I'll address the latter two questions here with a side-by-side comparison between two Empire models, one the Citadel Finecast Empire Captain, the other the new Forgeworld Nuln Ironsides Sergeant.</div><div style="text-align: center;">First, I can't say enough about the new packaging GW has introduced for the Finecast range. The new packaging is a marketing dream: it presents the miniatures in a fully-painted version that will look simply stunning on a shelf and should really improve sales for some of the older sculpts we sometimes forget. It sold me on the Empire Captain, a model I'd probably never have looked at previous.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6Q7jq9b-Nh9jUZZgGvyw1TsvdpX6Br_u5UvV2J5V2D6pCt8juF_kCozrtMPztPO8FOLZjTFK6WDFP6CWBfgme4yTsuhXNSGGdOw7VRujKFiHlzYheBLeR1k9Eao4jJTALyhqFgekuwA/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" style="text-align: center;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612585044667503826" /><div style="text-align: left;">The models come on a sprue not dissimilar from what we're used to with plastic, and it provides a nice base for the models to come on. The resin is soft enough that you really don't need clippers to get the models off the sprue (though I still recommend it) and gone seems to be some of the venting that you'd see a lot of on the metals (t</div><div style="text-align: left;">his would come in the form of tiny pieces of metal coming off sharp points within the model.) I don't know if this is because of the resin, or if it's simply a matter of luck on the two models I've thusfar assembled.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Where everyone really wants to find out how Citadel Finecast stands up is</div><div style="text-align: left;"> when compared to both the metal equivalents and their Forge World sisters. As I don't have any metal Empire models, I'll only look at the Forge World comparison, where I can reasonably say that the new Finecasts look great when next to those of the sister company. There are some differences, but I'll show you the side by side to see if you can spot the most noticeable ones:</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_M_MQ9ImQuueMNkPe-HzlJ9bRI63UI8IwE_d5RdynmUcfBx7WFaLYdsNT6IhqFbDCe4bz4Gtj07Wq0Es2mT0r9sOccGEOWvyfmQb_LFl2oA9hDNYIwlI_1QW3ao1ZhgDum_x-CFRtP8/s320/IMG_0466.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612586015396380498" /><div style="text-align: left;">Can you even tell which is which? I'll give you a second...<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The one on the left is our Forge World model, where the one on the right is the Finecast Captain. The models look fantastic next to each other, and with a less discerning eye you'd probably have trouble pointing out any major difference. However, the Forge World model is slightly better in a few areas: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRi0xc1x-1JgEo8Dwb6hycwrtttzqZaeuIqbDr2kRCZqzgo_rUdF2_r81WD5DGVEzv4N7x03iHAw6piatpsHNe7a1tnAX1So89tHb9qjAY-zLF7zcHkrwJFG32m6vI3JcmQSSYuubPKo/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612587605206165138" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First, the feathers. One the Forge World model, the definition of the feathers is much more pronounced and the undercuts much deeper; as such, it would probably be easier to highlight it. However, the Finecast model wasn't terrible. There is still definition in the feathers, the undercuts simply aren't as pronounced.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Second, the ruching on the pants of the Forge World model is, again, a bit more defined. That's not to say that the Finecast model looks poor; quite the opposite, in that the ruching on the Finecast is superior to that of the regular plastic Empire model.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll also address the concerns of many that there have been QC issues with the models: I think a lot of people are complaining to complain. I don't know if the two models I purchased had any bubbles, and if they did they weren't prominent enough for me to notice them. Remember these Finecasts are the first batch, and that they will certainly improve their casting quality over time. My Deathmaster Snikch did have a bit of the yellow mold material left on the model, but I was easily able to get it out of the recess.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I think Finecast is going to be a great addition to Games Workshop's line. The material is dead easy to use and the quality is really high, nearly equal to that of the Forge World models. As time goes on, GW will only improve upon their casting techniques, and I expect all of the new Finecast models to come will be on the same level as their Forge World brethren.</div>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-7243364367548076972011-05-11T11:30:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:37:54.370-04:00[40k Review] Age of Darkness Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrl2-EelV9qEotzTTpHFKvXgLywk-AgdbDzQvKDh_eb4J9KsmH-vYEzjGKWopN-z-Te74NY2wOQjtympu3ngTnazETeIaLQc1dPFlzt9ez0yAWrNwlxItLUG82f8Lh9_em64bDCit54/s1600/Age-of-Darkness.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605481494058224082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrl2-EelV9qEotzTTpHFKvXgLywk-AgdbDzQvKDh_eb4J9KsmH-vYEzjGKWopN-z-Te74NY2wOQjtympu3ngTnazETeIaLQc1dPFlzt9ez0yAWrNwlxItLUG82f8Lh9_em64bDCit54/s320/Age-of-Darkness.jpg" /></a> <strong>Rules of Engagement – Graham McNeill </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>“Rules of Engagement,” penned by veteran Ultramarines scribe Graham McNeill, is a story detailing the Ultramarines 4th company and their ‘testing,’ as it were, of Primarch Roboute Guilliman’s newly written Codex Astartes. With 4th company captain Remus Ventanus at the helm of the playfully dubbed Troublesome Fourth, the story is written as a series of combat engagements that are ultimately a testing ground to determine whether or not the Codex Astartes will work; each of the engagements serves to provide a different test to Remus and his kin. The engagements are varying battle situations, and each one, while nothing exceptionally gripping, is well written and paced.<br /><br />We also get to see a glimpse of Guilliman’s character, as he holds a conversation with Remus in very brotherly tones. Surprisingly, it also indicates that perhaps Roboute is not as rigid as previously understood. McNeill’s writing here is good and the action scenes are fun as each engagement is engrossing and well-paced, though there is some purposeful ambiguity as to whether or not the tests are ‘live-fire.’ “Rules of Engagement” is a nice Ultramarines story that gives some additional background on Guilliman and the book that will eventually shape all Astartes Legions, but it isn’t groundbreaking, nor does it offer any revelatory experiences. 6/10<br /><br /><b>Liar’s Due – James Swallow</b><br /><br />“Liar’s Due” marks a return for James Swallow the human world of the Horus Heresy that he so successfully explored in Nemesis. Here, instead of focusing on Terra and the elite humans of the Imperium, Swallow’s focus is squarely on the average citizen. Taking place on Virgir-Moss II, a border-world farming community,”Liar’s Due” follows Leon Kyyter, a youth of the world, as Swallow shows us how the Astartes civil war effects the Imperium, even on a border planet light years away from the bulk of the fighting. Leon’s interactions with the stranger Mendacs are the focal point of the story, as Leon tries to understand the far distant fighting, while Mendacs sows fear and propaganda on behalf of the Warmaster Horus.<br /><br />Swallow continues to prove that he can ably weave a tale of layered deception. The methods Mendacs employs to corrupt the peaceful farm planet are interesting to see happen, and fall squarely in line with the Astartes legion of which he is an agent. The fear and distrust that slowly brews throughout the town populace is well written and quite believable; it is a credit to Swallow that he is able to create that slow boil in such a short period of time. Like Nemesis before it, Swallow is able to take an ancillary story from the Horus Heresy and make it seem necessary. While Virgir-Moss II isn’t important in terms of the grand scope of the Heresy, “Liar’s Due” shows how Horus’ machine of war is being fought throughout the Imperium through disinformation and fear. 7/10<br /><br /><b>Forgotten Sons – Nick Kyme</b><br /><br />The Salamanders have been seldom discussed in the Horus Heresy thus far, so “Forgotten Sons” is a welcome addition to Age of Darkness. Granted, Promethean Sun will certainly shed further light on the Legion’s actions in the Horus Heresy, but for now, “Forgotten Sons” serves as a basis for our Horus Heresy knowledge of the Salamanders. As such, Forgotten Sons is the story of Hek’tan, a Salamander, and Arcadese, an Ultramarine, and their attempt to sway a border world towards Imperial, not Heretical, favor. The actual story is interesting, as we haven’t seen this appeal to planets thus far, but it pales in comparison to what Nick Kyme is able to do in terms of characterization. Kyme is the Black Library’s “Salamanders Guy,” and his knowledge of the chapter is on display here, and that is where the story is at its best.<br /><br />We see an uncommon fragility in these two Astartes: Hek’tan, emotionally crippled by surviving Istvaan V, and Arcadese, physically crippled by his near death at Ullanor, and it is in that fragility that Kyme brings the narrative forward. We rarely get to see the Astartes as human, but Kyme puts that very humanity on display here. Hek’tan is shattered, not in body, but certainly in mind, as the horrors of Istvaan plague his dreams. Similarly, Arcadese, though still a proud Ultramarine of noble mind, no longer has the facilities to live up to his heritage, and that deeply affects his character. More of a character study than anything, “Forgotten Sons” does a great job reminding us that the Astartes, while superhuman in both body and ability, are perhaps still very human in other aspects. 7/10<br /><br /><b>The Last Remembrancer – John French</b><br /><br />The Remembrancers have played a huge role in the Horus Heresy series. They were prominent in the opening trilogy, and have continued to be so through Prospero Burns, a novel that is, for all intents and purposes, told from the perspective of a remembrancer. As such, it is fitting that the end of the rembrancers would find its way into short story form in Age of Darkness. This is John French’s inaugural effort for the Black Library and I can unequivocally state that he will be writing more;”The Last Remembrancer” is wonderful. Telling the final story of Solomon Voss, the man that began the remembrancer order and the remembrancer that served at Horus’ side as his turned Betrayer, and through Istvaan V, “The Last Remembrancer” does a lot in a scare 35 pages. While Voss is the last remembrancer in question, the story is equally about Rogal Dorn and his reaction to his erstwhile traitor brother. Flanked by Iacton Qruze (in his newly minted armour), Dorn interrogates—though I hesitate to use the word interrogate, as Dorn is neither severe, nor does Voss withhold information— Voss about the happenings while Voss was with Horus. What follows is a disquieting experience, as Voss brings to bear questions regarding everything Dorn holds dear.<br /><br />The interaction between Dorn and Voss is what drives the narrative, and French establishes both characters incredibly well. Their interaction is cordial and warm; Voss and Dorn were friends prior to Voss’ station as Horus’ only remembrancer, but the conversations shake Dorn’s faith in both the Emperor and the Imperium. Voss is a man resigned to fate, both to his own, and to that of the Imperium, and he reveals the truth he has discovered to Dorn. Dorn’s reaction to this revealed truth is brilliantly rendered by French; it is a truth that Dorn refuses to accept, yet he can’t help but understand its inevitability. The story is tragic on multiple levels and French probably should have been allowed more than 35 pages to flesh it out. Much like “The Last Church” in Age of Heresy, ”The Last Remembrancer” is an important benchmark for the Horus Heresy series, and I greatly look forward to reading John French’s next effort. 9.5/10Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-32770909495777234702011-04-04T19:53:00.002-04:002011-04-04T19:58:03.508-04:00[Adepticon 2011] Chapter 13 - Liber Financia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhz5tX_cdolBkQX7pRWJC1i5rv9Q4fZx145Rxloir5_L4PT8C7CrE5cwVZTnMjEqG6toQ4dyO4_P3lchyphenhyphenvC90qfCEmT6hcZJEmWm6lMiD3hyjvJz-NInbTy8mcBi01wgGp14cIz_SVMU/s1600/Chapter+13.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />A Mentors successor chapter, Chapter 13 spent their first 1500 years in existence as the Crimson Harriers. Their heraldry paid homage to the ancient Terran symbol of power, one adopted by the Emperor himself: the eagle.<span style=""> </span>However, unlike the majority of the Imperium, the Crimson Harriers chose to embrace the natural color of that bird, brown, as opposed to the more ornate, grandiose gold.<span style=""> </span>This would prove a bold, and ultimately ill-conceived, choice.<span style=""> </span>Despite the many glorious victories won on behalf of the God Emperor, the Crimson Harriers were often mocked on the field of battle, even in the midst of glory.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >THE ‘INCIDENT’</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The Crimson Harriers had been dispatched to the agricultural world Excrementia to quell an Ork uprising led by Poozflinga the Vile.<span style=""> </span>While not a full-fledged WAAAGH!, Poozflinga appeared to be aided by the Chaos God Nurgle; his Nobz were covered in festering sores, the grots sluggish and fat, <span style=""> </span>while Poozflinga garnered his name by using an oversized cannon replacing his left arm to siphon and fire the discharges from his own Nurgle induced pustules at his foes.<span style=""> </span>While preparing to assault a Crimson Harriers fortification, Poozflinga taunted the brothers, bellowing, “Dem ‘umies look like da poo I flingz.<span style=""> </span>Dey mus’ be da Poo Burds.” Despite the massive defeat and scores of casualties inflicted upon Poozflinga, he ultimately escaped, mocking the Crimson Harriers, with cries of, “Da Poo Burds too slows ta’ catch me.”<span style=""> </span>Most untimely was the interception of the transmission by a voxman upon the Imperial Battlecruiser<b style=""><i style=""> </i></b><i style="">Admonisher</i>; living up to the vessel’s namesake, he began spreading the unfortunate moniker, Poo Birds, throughout the crew.<span style=""> </span>The nickname stuck, and the once proud brown livery of the Crimson Harriers was now a source of derision and scorn.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >FLIP EAGLES</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />Too shamed to face their brother Astartes, the Crimson Harriers withdrew from combat roles almost entirely.<span style=""> </span>Afraid the Crimson Harrier name would soon carry no weight or import, Chapter Master Cramer leveraged the chapter charter to purchase Imperial stocks and Rogue Trader.<span style=""> </span>However, Cramer found his true calling within the Imperial Real Estate industry.<span style=""> </span>With the remaining wealth gained from leveraging the charter, the Crimson Harriers proceeded to purchase interplanetary real estate.<span style=""> </span>They would purchase entire hives, wipe out the low-class habs, and replace them with swanky condos.<span style=""> </span>They would purchase outer rim worlds rich with resources and materials, leak information to the Adeptus Mechanicus regarding their Forge World potential, and would sell them to the adepts of Mars at exorbitant prices, realizing unheard of profits.<span style=""> </span>Their ability to purchase and turn a piece of real estate was remarkable.<span style=""> </span>Their success was widespread and well known; long forgotten was the derisive “Poo Birds.”<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers were now coined the ‘Flip Eagles.’</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >ALL ABOUT THE GREEN… FLAW</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >In order to distance themselves from their previous frugality and unfortunate namesake, the brothers of the Crimson Harriers began to spend at a rapid rate.<span style=""> </span>Their new Fortress Monastery was built within a mountain, carved by hand from stone, with no expenses spared.<span style=""> </span>Expensive tapestries were imported from throughout the Imperium, and great works are art were commissioned, rivaling the artistry of the Blood Angels.<span style=""> </span>Artificer armour was purchased by nearly all of the chapter elite.<span style=""> </span>Jump Packs became a functional fashion—never again would an enemy escape to besmirch their name.<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers were frivolous and lavish.<span style=""> </span>However, for some brothers, the need to live the ‘good life’ seemed to come at a cost.<span style=""> </span>Fostering a ‘have it now’ mentality within their ranks, many Astartes of the Crimson Harriers became singularly focused on the acquisition of wealth.<span style=""> </span>At first, there were only rumours, whispered in hushed tones in the darkest corridors.<span style=""> </span>However, the flaw became more apparent as more and more brothers fell for get rich quick schemes, only to be driven to madness by their thirst for wealth.<span style=""> </span>The “Green Greed” rooted its way throughout the chapter, slowly usurping reason from the chapter leadership, blinding them from the impending peril they would place themselves, and their portfolio, in.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:red;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >THE AVIAN ALLIANCE</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The Crimson Harriers, always on the search for insider information and increased market share, found an easy alliance with the brothers of the Blood Ravens chapter.<span style=""> </span>Initially drawn by the Blood Ravens’ mantra, “Knowledge is Power, Guard it Well,” Cramer and Blood Ravens’ Chapter Master Azariah Kyrus quickly formed a bond, their goals similarly aligned.; Cramer for wealth, and Kyrus for knowledge. <span style=""> </span>Kyrus’ psychic acumen, which he was keen to share with Cramer, granted the Crimson Harriers unprecedented access to the minds of powerful Rogue Traders and Planetary Treasurers throughout the Imperium.<span style=""> </span>Their wealth expanded exponentially under the kinship forged with Kyrus and the Blood Ravens.<span style=""> </span>Cramer, blinded by the new wealth acquired by the chapter, failed to notice Kyrus’ slow declension of knowledge and increasing obsession with death and bloodshed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >MARKET EXTERMINATUS</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Upon learning of longtime friend and knowledge broker Azariah Kyrus’ fall to the Chaos God Khorne and the ensuing Exterminatus order issued against primary Blood Ravens’ recruiting world Cyrene,<span style=""> </span>it came to light that many of the Crimson Harriers investments were gained through deceit and unethical practices—namely the use of Kyrus as a conduit to privy financial information.<span style=""> </span>Spurned on by this distrust, the real estate markets throughout the Crimson Harrier’s holdings crumbled.<span style=""> </span>Cramer called the brothers home to take stock of the holdings and discuss financial outcomes for the quickly deteriorating situation.<span style=""> </span>It was discovered upon an internal audit that the chapter was funding their extravagant lifestyles—from artificer armour to the Fortress Monastery—by leveraging their real estate portfolio; a portfolio that was now hemorrhaging funds.<span style=""> </span>Word spread quickly to the Great Financiers of Terra—the Rogue Traders whom the Harriers had convinced to finance their underhanded operations were less than forgiving—who called for the payoff of debt immediately.<span style=""> </span>Left with little in terms of concrete assets, the Crimson Harriers were forced to drum up funds in the only way they could think of: selling off the fruits of their extravagance piecemeal, and often at a loss, including the liquidation of their Fortress Monastery and the majority of their armory.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, there was little interest on the secondary market for used power armour, allowing the brothers to maintain some semblance of honour and combat ability, though leaving the Crimson Harriers in an unfamiliar position: as a chapter with limited means.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >CHAPTER 13</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Ashamed of their second decent into failure and scorn, Cramer and the chapter leadership decided to look back to their founding roots of Terra, rechristening themselves as Chapter 13, to once again honour an ancient Terran custom.<span style=""> </span>With their heritage so shamefully tarnished, Chapter 13 has come into question time and again regarding their questionable histories.<span style=""> </span>Though not actively pursued by the Inquisition as a result of their association with Kyrus, the Crimson Harriers are considered rogue for all intents and purposes.<span style=""> </span>They maintain their zealous enforcing of the Imperial Creed and are steadfast sons of the Emperor; however, the primary focus of the chapter rests in the reacquisition of their former wealth and glory, until a time when they can shed the shroud of Chapter 13 and deem themselves worthy again to be the Crimson Harriers and embark alongside their brothers on the Emperor’s holy crusade.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> 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</w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />A Mentors successor chapter, Chapter 13 spent their first 1500 years in existence as the Crimson Harriers. Their heraldry paid homage to the ancient Terran symbol of power, one adopted by the Emperor himself: the eagle.<span style=""> </span>However, unlike the majority of the Imperium, the Crimson Harriers chose to embrace the natural color of that bird, brown, as opposed to the more ornate, grandiose gold.<span style=""> </span>This would prove a bold, and ultimately ill-conceived, choice.<span style=""> </span>Despite the many glorious victories won on behalf of the God Emperor, the Crimson Harriers were often mocked on the field of battle, even in the midst of glory.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >THE ‘INCIDENT’</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The Crimson Harriers had been dispatched to the agricultural world Excrementia to quell an Ork uprising led by Poozflinga the Vile.<span style=""> </span>While not a full-fledged WAAAGH!, Poozflinga appeared to be aided by the Chaos God Nurgle; his Nobz were covered in festering sores, the grots sluggish and fat, <span style=""> </span>while Poozflinga garnered his name by using an oversized cannon replacing his left arm to siphon and fire the discharges from his own Nurgle induced pustules at his foes.<span style=""> </span>While preparing to assault a Crimson Harriers fortification, Poozflinga taunted the brothers, bellowing, “Dem ‘umies look like da poo I flingz.<span style=""> </span>Dey mus’ be da Poo Burds.” Despite the massive defeat and scores of casualties inflicted upon Poozflinga, he ultimately escaped, mocking the Crimson Harriers, with cries of, “Da Poo Burds too slows ta’ catch me.”<span style=""> </span>Most untimely was the interception of the transmission by a voxman upon the Imperial Battlecruiser<b style=""><i style=""> </i></b><i style="">Admonisher</i>; living up to the vessel’s namesake, he began spreading the unfortunate moniker, Poo Birds, throughout the crew.<span style=""> </span>The nickname stuck, and the once proud brown livery of the Crimson Harriers was now a source of derision and scorn.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >FLIP EAGLES</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />Too shamed to face their brother Astartes, the Crimson Harriers withdrew from combat roles almost entirely.<span style=""> </span>Afraid the Crimson Harrier name would soon carry no weight or import, Chapter Master Cramer leveraged the chapter charter to purchase Imperial stocks and Rogue Trader.<span style=""> </span>However, Cramer found his true calling within the Imperial Real Estate industry.<span style=""> </span>With the remaining wealth gained from leveraging the charter, the Crimson Harriers proceeded to purchase interplanetary real estate.<span style=""> </span>They would purchase entire hives, wipe out the low-class habs, and replace them with swanky condos.<span style=""> </span>They would purchase outer rim worlds rich with resources and materials, leak information to the Adeptus Mechanicus regarding their Forge World potential, and would sell them to the adepts of Mars at exorbitant prices, realizing unheard of profits.<span style=""> </span>Their ability to purchase and turn a piece of real estate was remarkable.<span style=""> </span>Their success was widespread and well known; long forgotten was the derisive “Poo Birds.”<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers were now coined the ‘Flip Eagles.’</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >ALL ABOUT THE GREEN… FLAW</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >In order to distance themselves from their previous frugality and unfortunate namesake, the brothers of the Crimson Harriers began to spend at a rapid rate.<span style=""> </span>Their new Fortress Monastery was built within a mountain, carved by hand from stone, with no expenses spared.<span style=""> </span>Expensive tapestries were imported from throughout the Imperium, and great works are art were commissioned, rivaling the artistry of the Blood Angels.<span style=""> </span>Artificer armour was purchased by nearly all of the chapter elite.<span style=""> </span>Jump Packs became a functional fashion—never again would an enemy escape to besmirch their name.<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers were frivolous and lavish.<span style=""> </span>However, for some brothers, the need to live the ‘good life’ seemed to come at a cost.<span style=""> </span>Fostering a ‘have it now’ mentality within their ranks, many Astartes of the Crimson Harriers became singularly focused on the acquisition of wealth.<span style=""> </span>At first, there were only rumours, whispered in hushed tones in the darkest corridors.<span style=""> </span>However, the flaw became more apparent as more and more brothers fell for get rich quick schemes, only to be driven to madness by their thirst for wealth.<span style=""> </span>The “Green Greed” rooted its way throughout the chapter, slowly usurping reason from the chapter leadership, blinding them from the impending peril they would place themselves, and their portfolio, in.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:red;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >THE AVIAN ALLIANCE</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The Crimson Harriers, always on the search for insider information and increased market share, found an easy alliance with the brothers of the Blood Ravens chapter.<span style=""> </span>Initially drawn by the Blood Ravens’ mantra, “Knowledge is Power, Guard it Well,” Cramer and Blood Ravens’ Chapter Master Azariah Kyrus quickly formed a bond, their goals similarly aligned.; Cramer for wealth, and Kyrus for knowledge. <span style=""> </span>Kyrus’ psychic acumen, which he was keen to share with Cramer, granted the Crimson Harriers unprecedented access to the minds of powerful Rogue Traders and Planetary Treasurers throughout the Imperium.<span style=""> </span>Their wealth expanded exponentially under the kinship forged with Kyrus and the Blood Ravens.<span style=""> </span>Cramer, blinded by the new wealth acquired by the chapter, failed to notice Kyrus’ slow declension of knowledge and increasing obsession with death and bloodshed.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >MARKET EXTERMINATUS</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Upon learning of longtime friend and knowledge broker Azariah Kyrus’ fall to the Chaos God Khorne and the ensuing Exterminatus order issued against primary Blood Ravens’ recruiting world Cyrene,<span style=""> </span>it came to light that many of the Crimson Harriers investments were gained through deceit and unethical practices—namely the use of Kyrus as a conduit to privy financial information.<span style=""> </span>Spurned on by this distrust, the real estate markets throughout the Crimson Harrier’s holdings crumbled.<span style=""> </span>Cramer called the brothers home to take stock of the holdings and discuss financial outcomes for the quickly deteriorating situation.<span style=""> </span>It was discovered upon an internal audit that the chapter was funding their extravagant lifestyles—from artificer armour to the Fortress Monastery—by leveraging their real estate portfolio; a portfolio that was now hemorrhaging funds.<span style=""> </span>Word spread quickly to the Great Financiers of Terra—the Rogue Traders whom the Harriers had convinced to finance their underhanded operations were less than forgiving—who called for the payoff of debt immediately.<span style=""> </span>Left with little in terms of concrete assets, the Crimson Harriers were forced to drum up funds in the only way they could think of: selling off the fruits of their extravagance piecemeal, and often at a loss, including the liquidation of their Fortress Monastery and the majority of their armory.<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, there was little interest on the secondary market for used power armour, allowing the brothers to maintain some semblance of honour and combat ability, though leaving the Crimson Harriers in an unfamiliar position: as a chapter with limited means.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >CHAPTER 13</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Ashamed of their second decent into failure and scorn, Cramer and the chapter leadership decided to look back to their founding roots of Terra, rechristening themselves as Chapter 13, to once again honour an ancient Terran custom.<span style=""> </span>With their heritage so shamefully tarnished, Chapter 13 has come into question time and again regarding their questionable histories.<span style=""> </span>Though not actively pursued by the Inquisition as a result of their association with Kyrus, the Crimson Harriers are considered rogue for all intents and purposes.<span style=""> </span>They maintain their zealous enforcing of the Imperial Creed and are steadfast sons of the Emperor; however, the primary focus of the chapter rests in the reacquisition of their former wealth and glory, until a time when they can shed the shroud of Chapter 13 and deem themselves worthy again to be the Crimson Harriers and embark alongside their brothers on the Emperor’s holy crusade.<br /> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Chapter Themes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >No Mech:<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >In order to pay back part of the exorbitant debt accrued by Chapter 13, the brothers were forced to sell</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > the majority of their vehicles.<span style=""> </span>The remaining ones were eventually repossessed by various agencies, including the dreaded wAAAgh! Repossessions. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Red: </span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The chapter uses the color red to symbolize their portfolios "In the red" or upside down - owe money.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br /><b style="">Make it Rain: </b>Once used to describe the brothers of Chapter 13 and their proclivity toward tossing around their money, it now refers to the manner in which they now descend into battle.<span style=""> </span>The brothers of Chapter 13 are adept with jump packs and routinely use them to enter battle.<span style=""> </span>They</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Debt Company (</span></b><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Death Company</span></i><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >): </span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Brothers who succumbed to the Green Thirst become victims of the Green Rage, and are placed in the Debt Company. They are highly focused on money and only see get-rich-quick schemes in their mind. Often confused, they rush the battlefield to obtain any opportunity to make money before their brothers who have turned from this path. They often speak as if they are in the high days of the Flip Eagles, not understanding the fall from grace the chapter has experienced.<br /><br /><b>Investment Advisors (</b><i style=""><span style="">Sanguinary Priest</span></i><b>): </b>Investment Advisors have recently been introduced to the Chapter as a means to stem losses.<span style=""> </span>Often embedded within the ranks of the normal brotherhood, their advice on the battlefield can provide crucial benefits to help avoid further failures. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Portfolio Guard</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > (<i style="">Sanguinary Guards</i>). Clad in shining gold, cherished relics of a better time, the Portfolio Guard are the elite of Chapter 13; they are the brothers that have rebounded most successfully from the financial turmoil the chapter suffered, and they are now the protectors of the new investments and assets.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Rent-a-Ravens</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >While Chapter 13 continues down the path to redemption and financial freedom, some campaigns require a bit more then hoofing it. Fifteen years after the collapse of their financial holdings, the brothers of Chapter 13 discovered Rent-a-raven. Rent-a-Raven allows the chapter lease to own or rent a storm raven for a campaign until such time as they can afford their own. Rent-a-Raven is a legitimized subsidiary of Rouge trader cooperative. The High Lords of Terra and the Adeptus Mechanicus have yet to penetrate the mystery of how the cooperative have come upon the stash of <span style=""> </span>nearly 40 Ravens available for lease, though under equipped chapters don't hesitate patronize Rent-a-Raven in times of need.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br /><b>Master of Investments Cramer (Dante)</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Long believed to be the Saviour of the Crimson Harriers, Cramer has been the Master of Investments for centuries.<span style=""> </span>Unlike most Astartes, Cramer received the best possible education from the Schola Progenium as an orphan.<span style=""> </span>Upon his 14<sup>th</sup> Terran cycle, he had surpassed nearly every other student and the Schola deemed his talents unworthy of simple missionary work.<span style=""> </span>As Cramer was already a robust youth, it was recommended that he be recruited into an Astartes chapter to see if his academic brilliance would transfer to military stratagems.<span style=""> </span>Few chapters had any interest—the boy’s upbringing kept him from being of proper genetic stock for many—but the Crimson Harriers were willing to take the gamble.<span style=""> </span>It would pay off in droves.<span style=""> </span>Cramer ascended the ranks in short time, quickly becoming the Crimson Harrier’s youngest Captain when he took over the captaincy of the 3<sup>rd</sup> company.<span style=""> </span>His leadership skills were unsurpassed, and upon the tragic fall of the former Master of Investments, Cramer took over.<span style=""> </span>It was his leadership that guided the Crimson Harriers into the height of their success as the Flip Eagles.<span style=""> </span>Under Cramer, they experienced unprecedented gains and good fortune; however, Cramer was unable to see the pending doom that his friendship with Azariah Kyras would bring.<span style=""> </span>Now recovering, Cramer has admitted his mistakes and is prepared to lead Chapter 13 back to their former glor</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Master of Finances Orman (Sanguinor )</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />Master of Finances Orman is something of an anomaly within the ranks of the Astartes; few chapters throughout the Imperium hold a female in such high regard.<span style=""> </span>However, Orman maintains an important place within Crimson Harrier lore.<span style=""> </span>Another product of the Schola Progenium, Orman was originally slated to enter the ranks of the Adepta Sororitas.<span style=""> </span>Her conditioning had been proven, and her faith in the Emperor was unshakeable. <span style=""> </span>However, her sound financial advice—coupled with questionable relationships that were developed within the Adepta Sororitas—created alarm within the upper echelons of the Ecclisiarchy, as the common ‘flock’ to which the Ecclisiarch attended often looked more to Orman than the Ecclisiarch himself.<span style=""> </span>Set to be put to death for falsified charges of Heresy, Orman escaped the Schola Progenium within hours of her execution order.<span style=""> </span>Since, she is never regularly seen.<span style=""> </span>However, in the darkest hour of both commoner and Astartes alike, Orman materializes to provide sound financial planning advice.<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers have benefited from her sage words more than once, and as a result have given her the honorary Master of Finances.<span style=""> </span>While not a full member of Chapter 13, it has been Orman’s sound guidance that has helped to lead the Crimson Harriers out of their financial ruin. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Master of Savings Ramsey (Mephiston)</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />Master of Savings Ramsey is a much lauded hero to the brothers of Chapter 13.<span style=""> </span>A self-made man previous to his Astartes rebirth, Ramsey shows all the character and charisma needed to be a leader of men and Astartes alike.<span style=""> </span>However, Ramsey’s financial acumen proved not to be infallible.<span style=""> </span>Failed investments in real estate in the Oberon Sector—due to a newly reformed purchasing act—caused Ramsey enough distress that he began to show the signs of the Green Rage.<span style=""> </span>Succumbing to the greed, Ramsey locked himself in an underground bunker for nearly a week.<span style=""> </span>It is said that during that week his lust for money became so palatable that he nearly killed himself; however, on the 8<sup>th</sup> day of his seclusion, Ramsey emerged seemingly unscathed, bearing witness to new financial freedom and providing the brothers that greeted him with sound financial advice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Ponzi Master Madoff (Astorath)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Perhaps the most feared of all the Crimson Harriers is Ponzi Master Madoff.<span style=""> </span>Revered within the ranks of the Debt Company, Madoff is reviled by his fellow Astartes for the unethical financial choices that allowed Madoff to become rich and successful, while it left many of his brothers in financial ruin.<span style=""> </span>In fact, Madoff relishes his role as shepherd of the Debt Company, many of whom he’s driven to the Green Rage himself.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Brother Paulson (Dreadnought)</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >:<br /><br />Brother Paulson was the heralded Master of the Treasury. Affectionately known as "Big Hank" by his comrades, Paulson brought his personal financial expertise to the chapter and helped to build the wealth by leveraging the Chapter’s assets for many times their value.<span style=""> </span>At the peak, Paulson was one of the first to notice the down turn in the value of the chapter's assets and the impending insolvency. He went to the Imperium and pitched TARP: the Troubled Astartes Relief Program. When the HIVEs around the sector got word of this, there was mayhem and a revolt on the Chapter’s homeworld. The Master of the Treasury was sent home from Terra with no assistance, dooming the Crimson Harriers. Paulson succumbed to the "Green Rage" at Calderus XII, where he valiantly threw himself into a trench to save his brothers, killing a rumoured 115 enemy guardsmen, all while sustaining near fatal injuries.<span style=""> </span>Too valuable to the Chapter to be allowed to die, Paulson was entombed in dreadnought armour shortly after.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >No Mech:<span style=""> </span></span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >In order to pay back part of the exorbitant debt accrued by Chapter 13, the brothers were forced to sell</span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > the majority of their vehicles.<span style=""> </span>The remaining ones were eventually repossessed by various agencies, including the dreaded wAAAgh! Repossessions. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Red: </span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >The chapter uses the color red to symbolize their portfolios "In the red" or upside down - owe money.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br /><b style="">Make it Rain: </b>Once used to describe the brothers of Chapter 13 and their proclivity toward tossing around their money, it now refers to the manner in which they now descend into battle.<span style=""> </span>The brothers of Chapter 13 are adept with jump packs and routinely use them to enter battle.<span style=""> </span>They</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Debt Company (</span></b><i style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Death Company</span></i><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >): </span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Brothers who succumbed to the Green Thirst become victims of the Green Rage, and are placed in the Debt Company. They are highly focused on money and only see get-rich-quick schemes in their mind. Often confused, they rush the battlefield to obtain any opportunity to make money before their brothers who have turned from this path. They often speak as if they are in the high days of the Flip Eagles, not understanding the fall from grace the chapter has experienced.<br /><br /><b>Investment Advisors (</b><i style=""><span style="">Sanguinary Priest</span></i><b>): </b>Investment Advisors have recently been introduced to the Chapter as a means to stem losses.<span style=""> </span>Often embedded within the ranks of the normal brotherhood, their advice on the battlefield can provide crucial benefits to help avoid further failures. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Portfolio Guard</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > (<i style="">Sanguinary Guards</i>). Clad in shining gold, cherished relics of a better time, the Portfolio Guard are the elite of Chapter 13; they are the brothers that have rebounded most successfully from the financial turmoil the chapter suffered, and they are now the protectors of the new investments and assets.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Rent-a-Ravens</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >While Chapter 13 continues down the path to redemption and financial freedom, some campaigns require a bit more then hoofing it. Fifteen years after the collapse of their financial holdings, the brothers of Chapter 13 discovered Rent-a-raven. Rent-a-Raven allows the chapter lease to own or rent a storm raven for a campaign until such time as they can afford their own. Rent-a-Raven is a legitimized subsidiary of Rouge trader cooperative. The High Lords of Terra and the Adeptus Mechanicus have yet to penetrate the mystery of how the cooperative have come upon the stash of <span style=""> </span>nearly 40 Ravens available for lease, though under equipped chapters don't hesitate patronize Rent-a-Raven in times of need.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > <b>Master of Investments Cramer (Dante)</b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Long believed to be the Saviour of the Crimson Harriers, Cramer has been the Master of Investments for centuries.<span style=""> </span>Unlike most Astartes, Cramer received the best possible education from the Schola Progenium as an orphan.<span style=""> </span>Upon his 14<sup>th</sup> Terran cycle, he had surpassed nearly every other student and the Schola deemed his talents unworthy of simple missionary work.<span style=""> </span>As Cramer was already a robust youth, it was recommended that he be recruited into an Astartes chapter to see if his academic brilliance would transfer to military stratagems.<span style=""> </span>Few chapters had any interest—the boy’s upbringing kept him from being of proper genetic stock for many—but the Crimson Harriers were willing to take the gamble.<span style=""> </span>It would pay off in droves.<span style=""> </span>Cramer ascended the ranks in short time, quickly becoming the Crimson Harrier’s youngest Captain when he took over the captaincy of the 3<sup>rd</sup> company.<span style=""> </span>His leadership skills were unsurpassed, and upon the tragic fall of the former Master of Investments, Cramer took over.<span style=""> </span>It was his leadership that guided the Crimson Harriers into the height of their success as the Flip Eagles.<span style=""> </span>Under Cramer, they experienced unprecedented gains and good fortune; however, Cramer was unable to see the pending doom that his friendship with Azariah Kyras would bring.<span style=""> </span>Now recovering, Cramer has admitted his mistakes and is prepared to lead Chapter 13 back to their former glor</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Master of Finances Orman (Sanguinor )</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Master of Finances Orman is something of an anomaly within the ranks of the Astartes; few chapters throughout the Imperium hold a female in such high regard.<span style=""> </span>However, Orman maintains an important place within Crimson Harrier lore.<span style=""> </span>Another product of the Schola Progenium, Orman was originally slated to enter the ranks of the Adepta Sororitas.<span style=""> </span>Her conditioning had been proven, and her faith in the Emperor was unshakeable. <span style=""> </span>However, her sound financial advice—coupled with questionable relationships that were developed within the Adepta Sororitas—created alarm within the upper echelons of the Ecclisiarchy, as the common ‘flock’ to which the Ecclisiarch attended often looked more to Orman than the Ecclisiarch himself.<span style=""> </span>Set to be put to death for falsified charges of Heresy, Orman escaped the Schola Progenium within hours of her execution order.<span style=""> </span>Since, she is never regularly seen.<span style=""> </span>However, in the darkest hour of both commoner and Astartes alike, Orman materializes to provide sound financial planning advice.<span style=""> </span>The Crimson Harriers have benefited from her sage words more than once, and as a result have given her the honorary Master of Finances.<span style=""> </span>While not a full member of Chapter 13, it has been Orman’s sound guidance that has helped to lead the Crimson Harriers out of their financial ruin. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > Master of Savings Ramsey (Mephiston)</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ><br />Master of Savings Ramsey is a much lauded hero to the brothers of Chapter 13.<span style=""> </span>A self-made man previous to his Astartes rebirth, Ramsey shows all the character and charisma needed to be a leader of men and Astartes alike.<span style=""> </span>However, Ramsey’s financial acumen proved not to be infallible.<span style=""> </span>Failed investments in real estate in the Oberon Sector—due to a newly reformed purchasing act—caused Ramsey enough distress that he began to show the signs of the Green Rage.<span style=""> </span>Succumbing to the greed, Ramsey locked himself in an underground bunker for nearly a week.<span style=""> </span>It is said that during that week his lust for money became so palatable that he nearly killed himself; however, on the 8<sup>th</sup> day of his seclusion, Ramsey emerged seemingly unscathed, bearing witness to new financial freedom and providing the brothers that greeted him with sound financial advice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" > </span><b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Ponzi Master Madoff (Astorath)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Perhaps the most feared of all the Crimson Harriers is Ponzi Master Madoff.<span style=""> </span>Revered within the ranks of the Debt Company, Madoff is reviled by his fellow Astartes for the unethical financial choices that allowed Madoff to become rich and successful, while it left many of his brothers in financial ruin.<span style=""> </span>In fact, Madoff relishes his role as shepherd of the Debt Company, many of whom he’s driven to the Green Rage himself.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span><b style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >Brother Paulson (Dreadnought)</span></b><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >:<br /><br />Brother Paulson was the heralded Master of the Treasury. Affectionately known as "Big Hank" by his comrades, Paulson brought his personal financial expertise to the chapter and helped to build the wealth by leveraging the Chapter’s assets for many times their value.<span style=""> </span>At the peak, Paulson was one of the first to notice the down turn in the value of the chapter's assets and the impending insolvency. He went to the Imperium and pitched TARP: the Troubled Astartes Relief Program. When the HIVEs around the sector got word of this, there was mayhem and a revolt on the Chapter’s homeworld. The Master of the Treasury was sent home from Terra with no assistance, dooming the Crimson Harriers. Paulson succumbed to the "Green Rage" at Calderus XII, where he valiantly threw himself into a trench to save his brothers, killing a rumoured 115 enemy guardsmen, all while sustaining near fatal injuries.<span style=""> </span>Too valuable to the Chapter to be allowed to die, Paulson was entombed in dreadnought armour shortly after.</span></p>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-91666275281972414302011-03-10T11:16:00.007-05:002011-03-10T11:41:47.269-05:00[40k Review] Dead Men Walking - Steve Lyons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoPOw1ojtPsFS_aEZN-3lA_wDYvEIaBu2o2szpSR6yJMKxW7qtXGbbNGRq8voRT8eX2hcBPrgqi3DW23NMNOJ0OyIhOjRjqd86IyqlJR-yJOgpj8qSaE_V44V792vYw699X6dTC9smB4/s1600/Dead-Men-Walking.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582486255918522098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoPOw1ojtPsFS_aEZN-3lA_wDYvEIaBu2o2szpSR6yJMKxW7qtXGbbNGRq8voRT8eX2hcBPrgqi3DW23NMNOJ0OyIhOjRjqd86IyqlJR-yJOgpj8qSaE_V44V792vYw699X6dTC9smB4/s320/Dead-Men-Walking.jpg" /></a> If you’ve played a game of Warhammer 40k, there’s a good chance you at least know who the Death Korps of Krieg are. They wear the greatcoats. They have the skull-faced rebreather masks. They look pretty badass. However, beyond the rather costly Imperial Armour books, there hasn’t been a ton written about them. Steve Lyons (<em>Death World</em>, <em>Ice Guard</em>) changes that with the Black Library’s most recent Imperial Guard output, <em>Dead Men Walking.</em><br /><br />Dead Men Walking tells the story of Hieronymous Theta, a mining world that unwittingly unearths a necron tomb, awakening the slumbering necrons within. As Hieronymous Theta has been a previously peaceful, ordered world, they only have a small PDF force to and enlist the aide of the Death Korps of Kreig to defend their world. To drive the narrative, Lyons breaks up chapters between three major characters: Gustaf Soreson, a mining overseer turned soldier, Constellin, the commissar assigned to the Kreig regiment, and Arex, Soreson’s would-be love interest that finds herself trapped in the under siege city. This is a calculated decision by Lyons that serves the narrative greatly, as it provides points of stark contrast between the protagonists in the novel. Lyons also does a really nice job of fostering the idea of hope in the face of extreme adversity in the novel. It serves his narrative well, though going too far into this idea would require some spoiling of the plot, which I won’t do.<br /><br />The choice of the necrons as the protagonist serves its purpose well: to mirror the Death Korpsmen. To the other people of Hieronymous, both groups are eerily similar. They are unfeeling. They are calculating. Most of all, they are inhuman. The Korpsmen don’t go by names, merely numbers, and like the necrons, their skull faces are devoid of emotion, despite the gravity of war. Constellin serves as the Kreig commissar, but even more so as their go-between for contact and deliberation with other humans. Throughout the book, his exhaustion is tangible as he constantly struggles with his role as the commissar of a regiment that, for all intents and purposes, doesn’t need one save to communicate with outsiders.<br /><br />While Constellin is a good character and Arex serves to provide the ‘average citizen’ element to the novel (despite the fact that she is the Governor’s niece), it is through the eyes of Soreson that the narrative shines. In <em>Dead Men Walking</em>, Soreson serves to display the dehumanizing aspect of war, particularly one fought with the Death Korps of Krieg. Throughout the novel, we see Soreson’s descent from ordinary man to Korpsman. He moves from cowardly overseer to unfeeling automaton, willing to serve the Emperor at all costs. Lyons does a really nice job portraying this. Soreson’s agony through the change is believable, and ultimately painful to bear witness to.<br /><br />Soreson’s is easily the best characterization in the novel, and is Lyons’ high point. The pacing of the novel is good, as the shifting focus helps to move the story alone without becoming too stagnant, but it does create some problems within Lyons’ prose. There are points in the novel that just don’t read ‘right.’ I had a hard time placing it, but it seems that the narrative voice Lyons employs shifts subtly at peculiar times. Were it to change per different character, I think I’d have appreciated it more, but as it stands, it simply stood out and bothered me. To be fair, it is a minor quibble, but it grated on me as I read, so it seems worth pointing out. I also particularly enjoyed the portrayal and description of the necrons. They are as robotic as one would expect, but Lyons does a nice job of mirroring them to the Death Korps. Additionally, he does a really nice job of integrating the well known units of the necrons without slapping the reader in the face with Immortals, or Flayed Ones, or Scarab Swarms. He refers to them as any human might, and it works well within the confines of the story.<br /><br />Lyons has done a good job with <em>Dead Men Walking</em>. The narrative is solid, with good pacing, appropriate characterization, and solid battle scenes. His mirroring of the Death Korps in the necrons is a nice addition, and allows Dead Men Walking to be, overall, a very solid read. It is not, however, a happy read. The world of the Death Korps is bleak, cold, and calculating. Just as a Korps book should be.<br /><br />(7/10) RecommendedSean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-85772493283861381442011-01-10T13:17:00.003-05:002011-01-10T13:18:31.624-05:00[40k Discussion] The State of Heresy<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The State of Heresy<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As Dan Abnett’s <u>Prospero Burns</u> has clawed its way into the NY Times Bestsellers list, marking the third straight Horus Heresy novel to do so, it seems about time to address the state of the Heresy; where it’s been, what has been announced for the horizon, and what we’ve yet to see.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There will be spoilers ahead, so consider yourself warned if you’ve not waded through all 15 of the Horus Heresy novels.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Where We’ve Been<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Timeline<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In terms of a timeline, the Horus Heresy is presently fixed right after the Dropsite Massacre of Isstvan V.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><u>Nemesis</u> seems to be the furthest along in timeline, as it is clearly after Horus has taken control of the Traitor forces and seems somewhat entrenched in the planning of the assault on Terra.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of the literature has drawn to conclusion right at the Isstvan massacre, though both <u>A Thousand Sons</u> and <u>Prospero Burns</u> conclude somewhat earlier, with the Razing of Tisca.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Players</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thus far, stories have been told from the perspective of the Emperor’s Children and Iron Hands (<u>Fulgrim</u>), Word Bearers (<u>The First Heretic</u>), Dark Angels (<u>Descent of Angels</u> & <u>Fallen Angels</u>), Ultramarines (<u>Battle for the Abyss</u>), Thousand Sons (<u>A Thousand Sons</u>), Space Wolves (<u>Prospero Burns</u>), Alpha Legion (Legion) and the Luna Wolves/Sons of Horus, Death Guard, World Eaters, and again Emperor’s Children (<u>Horus Rising</u>, <u>False Gods</u>, and <u>Galaxy in Flames</u>)—chapters figure into other stories, but for purposes here, the featured chapters are the only ones I note in reference to each book.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Additionally, we’ve seen the Custodes and Assassin Claves in <u>Nemesis</u> and the Adeptus Mechanicus in <u>Mechanicus</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By that count, 11 of the 18 Astartes Legions have been highlighted and detailed in some fashion in a Horus Heresy novel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve seen Rogal Dorn and his Imperial Fists briefly, but the focus was hardly on them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Additionally, the Raven Guard and Night Lords have seen some face time in the audiobooks <u>Raven’s Flight</u> and <u>The Lightning Tower</u>; though the stories are brief, they do shed a bit of light on the Primarchs Corax and Konrad Curze.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Salamanders and Iron Warriors have both been mentioned in passing as participants in the Dropsite Massacre.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The only legions thusfar unmentioned as as Legions are the Blood Angels and the White Scars, though Sanguinius was sighted at the Council of Nikea in both <u>A Thousand Sons</u> and <u>Prospero Burns</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Secrets to Heresy</i> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While the first five or six books of the Horus Heresy were tools for narration and character development, beginning with <u>Legion</u>, readers were offered more insight into the characters at play in the Heresy, as well as some of its secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Starting with <u>Legion</u>, I’ll divulge and speculate on some of the secrets we’ve been made privy to:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Legion</i> – We already knew the Alpha Legion was a secretive and pragmatic legion, but we were slapped in the face by the actual reality of their pragmatism and (perhaps) devotion to the Emperor’s Cause—the unification of mankind—when it was revealed to us that the Cabal, a mysterious group of seers, directed the Alpha Legion to side with Horus in order to prevent further bloodshed in the years that follow the Horus Heresy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Though not implicitly told to follow Horus, the Cabal indicated that siding with Horus would result in a shorter war that could eventually be overcome, whereas siding with the Emperor would lead to devastation and a war that would burn the galaxy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Mechanicum</i> – Though not laden with shocking truths, <u>Mechanicum</u> lays the foundation for the Dark Mechanicum and shows the civil war on Mars.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Graham McNeill delves deeply into the notion of the Machine-God, ultimately leaving us hanging with the semi-revelation that the Dragon (perhaps a C’tan) is buried and dormant on Mars.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> – Here’s where we learn a great deal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Another McNeill penned novel, <u>A Thousand Sons</u> reveals three primary truths to us: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">1) by all intents, the Thousand Sons are loyal to the Emperor.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Magnus and Co devoutly follow the Emperor, their hubris in their thirst for knowledge of the warp, not heretical intentions, is their undoing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">2) the Emperor was working on a device to seemingly rival the Eldar webways.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In Magnus’ haste to warn the Emperor of Horus’ heretical intent, he psychically breaks down the barriers the Emperor has constructed around Terra to keep the malicious denizens of the warp out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">3)”There are not wolves on Fenris.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The most subtle, and perhaps most debated topic since <u>A Thousand Sons</u> was released, it is hinted that the wolves that accompany the Space Wolves are not in fact wolves, but rather another warp entity.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Nemesis</i> – While providing insight into the Assassin Clades—as well as presenting two Clades we’ve previously heard little about—we’re also shown that perhaps Horus is not in total control of the Traitor forces, even following the Dropsite Massacre.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The assassin sent to kill the Emperor is not mandated by Horus, and Horus tells Erebus at the end that he does not conduct war in the shadows, indicating that perhaps some of Horus’ nobility remains.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The First Heretic</i> – This is an incredibly insightful book, particularly in terms of discovering the nature of Lorgar and the feelings his brother’s harbor towards him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The most revelatory thing here is the fact that Lorgar is barely in charge of his legion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His is led down a Heretical path by both Erebus and Kor Phaeron; rarely does he make a decision without them, and Dembski-Bowden makes it quite clear the aforementioned two are perhaps the architects of the Heresy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Further, we learn that Lorgar is despised by nearly all of his brothers and is nearly killed on Istvaan V by Corax, only to be rescued, much to his own chagrin, by Konrad Curze.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Burns</i> – Perhaps my favorite Black Library novel, <u>Prospero Burns</u> tells us quite a few new truths.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It examines the statement introduced in <u>A Thousand Sons</u>, “there are no wolves on Fenris,” but again does so in an abstract and incredibly vague way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also up to much debate, Abnett seems to indicate that the wolves that accompany the VI Legion are either positive manifestations of the warp, or perhaps even the spirts of deceases Space Wolves that lay watch over Fenris and their living brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again, the notion is extremely abstracted and left open to a lot of debate.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Second, <u>Prospero Burns</u> shows us that Magnus’ undoing and the fall of Horus had been plotted for a long, long time previous to it happening by a Great Unclean One.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is does make quite clear is the Space Wolves place in the Imperium.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are the Emperor’s Executioners, but they do not relish the role.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Known Horizon<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We know that there are two Horus Heresy books on the upcoming horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First readers will see <u>The Age of Darkness</u>, a collection of short stories that will detail the seven-year period between the Dropsite Massacre at Isstvan V and the Traitor forces massing their offensive to Terra.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We know that there will be at least one Nick Kyme story looking into the Salamanders in this collection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I imagine this is where we’ll see some expanding on the other Legions that have yet to be explored fully.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Second, the Black Library has just announced a Graham McNeill penned Horus Heresy novel that will, based off the cover art, presumably deal with either Malcador the Sigillite or a member of the Navigator Houses.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My money—and hopes—would be on Malcador, though it’s doubtful that McNeill’s effort will be bad.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Heretical Future</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We know a few things, despite any lack of announcement:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We WILL see at least a few books detailing the Siege of Terra.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’d like to see a trilogy similar to the opening three, where the entire conclusion of the heresy is dealt with at great length over three novels.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It would provide a really nice bookend to the series and would provide a nice mirroring to how it began.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bet money that if there are three books, Abnett and McNeill will be writing two of them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We WILL see a Blood Angels book.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have no doubts about this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sanguinius and Co figure to be one of the main chapters detailed in the Siege of Terra.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My money would be on James Swallow writing this, as he has already penned five Blood Angels novels in the current 40k era, and proved with <u>Nemesis</u> that he deserves to be a member of the Horus Heresy writing staff.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We SHOULD see a book detailing the creation of the Grey Knights.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I imagine that this idea could be built within the greater framework of the Imperial Fists and their defense of Terra, even though we’ve seen glimpses of Dorn’s presence on Terra in the short stories.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We SHOULD see a book detailing the Battle of Calth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s been hinted at now in both <u>The Battle for the Abyss</u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>and <u>The First Heretic</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If it’s done like the raising of Tisca and is a two-parter, you can guarantee that the Ultramarines side will be penned my McNeill and the Word Bearers side will be written by Dembski-Bowden.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t know that I want to see both sides in two separate books.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’d be interesting to see a combined effort between the two, but I imagine there will be one book, it will be from the Ultramarines side (as they don’t have a great book focused on them yet), and Graham McNeill will write it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I WOULD LIKE to see a book concerning the Custodes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are a fascinating order, and it would do them a disservice, particularly after the marvelous short story in <u>Tales of Heresy</u>, to not give them a bit more face time</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I WOULD LIKE to see a book detailing the Space Wolves and Dark Angels campaign of blood to Terra.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By all accounts, the two chapters perhaps most loyal to the Emperor cut a swath through the galaxy that was unmatched by any other legion, plus it would really highlight the rivalry the legions and their Primarchs have with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let’s call it “The Wolf and the Lion” and let Abnett write it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I WOULD LIKE to see each aforementioned legion that has thusfar been slighted receive their own book.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These books don’t need to be epic in length like <u>Prospero Burns</u> or <u>Mechanicum</u>, but I think the Salamanders, Raven Guard, White Scars, Night Lords, and Iron Warriors deserve to be highlighted in more than just some passing footnotes or short stories.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They all have important stories to tell.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let’s hear them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Overall</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Horus Heresy series has never been better.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The most recent four books (starting with <u>A Thousand Sons</u>) have really raised the bar on quality and have marked the Horus Heresy series as the avenue that for Black Library authors to explore the universal themes that are most often associated with “literature.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’d argue that the Horus Heresy books have started to transcend the “military sci-fi” restrictions, though they of course fit there, and have breached the universe of mainstream fiction and literature.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With James Swallow, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, Graham McNeill, and Dan Abnett, the Horus Heresy novels have been left in very capable hands.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-14990336535493424042011-01-07T11:33:00.003-05:002011-01-07T11:45:02.772-05:00[40k Review] Firedrake - Nick Kyme<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ-qocjUAJd1gYUX3yx0vDIBi9FO-IrCsvWJe9DQ12Y9gIvsgMfgPeMG9oV51L1cf9tMOiAPRZvss98cvWw9Py7VV1Ld9mpdBAOw1HNPFpbnwWrX15QXIE2rBtXlXWIXEyWc2-Ad9vZ0/s1600/Firedrake.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQ-qocjUAJd1gYUX3yx0vDIBi9FO-IrCsvWJe9DQ12Y9gIvsgMfgPeMG9oV51L1cf9tMOiAPRZvss98cvWw9Py7VV1Ld9mpdBAOw1HNPFpbnwWrX15QXIE2rBtXlXWIXEyWc2-Ad9vZ0/s320/Firedrake.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559485955172223906" /></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">The Salamanders have a special place for me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They represent the first fully painted force that I’ve had in miniature gaming.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vulkan He’stan was one of the first figures that I painted to what I would consider a “high standard.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Further, they represent the Space Marine chapter that most embodies the heroic ideals that I find so intriguing: chivalry and brotherhood.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Firedrake</u> is the second installment in Nick Kyme’s Tome of Fire trilogy and picks up where <u>Salamander</u> left off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Change is on the horizon for the Salamanders, with Da’kir, protagonist from <u>Salamander</u>, again playing a key role in the narrative.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Da’kir has been elevated to librarian status, and the part he plays in the story has much to do with his Lexicanum training.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Running concurrently to the Dak’ir thread is a story involving the abduction of Chaplain Elysius at the hands of Dark Eldar raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The two stories provide a nice balance for one another, as Dak’ir’s story is a bit more cerebral, focusing more on Dak’ir’s internal struggles, whereas the story of Elysius is a much more straightforward affair, a simple, yet interesting survival and rescue operation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Da’kir’s story is interesting, if not a bit slow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getting the chance to see his Lexicanum training is interesting, but often the pacing of his story is off and, as a result, can become a bit tedious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What becomes very clear is Da’kir’s power; he possesses unmatched raw talent, but his ability to control that power is really the focus of his story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The survival of Elysius is a great deal more enthralling than the story of Dak’ir, if only because more ‘happens’—that isn’t to say nothing happens to Dak’ir, it does, but again, it is all quite cerebral.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Elysius is abducted by Dark Eldar raiders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That alone is exciting; however, when Elysius, now sergeant Ba’ken, and Iagon (all from <u>Salamander</u>) are taken through the webway, the story becomes quite entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The depiction of the Dark Eldar is spot on; they are malicious, they are violent, and they possess a graceful lethality.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The presence of Lilith Hesperax enhances this, as she is the embodiment of all the aforementioned qualities.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Further, <u>Firedrake</u> really provides a nice primer to the Dark Eldar for the uninitiated; I didn’t know much about them, but found their description, and that of the webway, really interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the rescue mission, we also get a chance to see Vulkan He’Stan in literary action.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is a mythic figure to the other Salamanders, and his portrayal is pretty cool.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He seems larger than life, fights like a fire-born demon, and inspires the others around him to be greater.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In short, he’s very cool, and I found it really cool that the Black Library is making a concerted effort to put characters from the Space Marine Codex into the literature.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It really helps to tie the 40k universe together and make everything seem more fluid. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">While I appreciated the stories of <u>Firedrake</u>, it leaves me feeling a bit torn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He furthers the notion that the Salamanders are protectors and that quality is unique to the Astartes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their compassion is shown in droves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He provides clear narration and quality battle scenes, particularly the ones depicted in the webway.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kyme has a clear picture of what he wants from the Tome of Fire trilogy, there is no doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, it was also clear that <u>Firedrake</u> is the middle chapter of a trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In actuality, it shares a number of parallels with <u>The Empire Strikes Back;</u> Dak’ir’s quest and training is Luke’s training on Dagobah; Elysius’ capture is the capture of Han and crew on Bespin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And like <u>Empire</u>, there are major revelations that will affect the third chapter of the Tome of Fire trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, <u>Firedrake</u> lacks a bit of the ‘oomph’ that <u>Empire</u> provides in droves, mostly due to the difficulty grasping a similar level of emotional investment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s not to say the characters aren’t strong, or that we don’t care about them; the truth is quite the contrary.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kyme’s characters are fleshed out well, there are simply too many of them to invest in.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Also, at times it becomes very clear that <u>Firedrake</u> is a middle chapter; Kyme does a lot of setting up future events that we presently see no payoff in.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I liked <u>Firedrake</u>, and again I’m excited to see how Kyme ends the trilogy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kyme has a plan for the story, and once all three installments are released, I think the story as a whole will be worthy of much praise and a higher score.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As it stands, <u>Firedrake</u> falls just a bit short, if only because it is an obvious middle chapter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Bottom Line</u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nick Kyme’s <u>Firedrake</u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"> </i>is very clearly the middle chapter of a trilogy, providing a nice filler narrative while advancing the overall story and further developing his characters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The story is strong, but the lack of resolutions—which are sure to come in the third installment—and the definitive absence of finality keep it from being great.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Read it only if you’re previously read <u>Salamander</u>, as the novel will be confusing without the introduction <u>Salamander</u> provides. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is a solid novel, but requires previous reading, and some patience for the final book. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7/10 Above Average</p>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-69349231611788811272011-01-03T09:35:00.003-05:002011-01-03T12:35:21.511-05:00[40k Review] Prospero Burns - Dan Abnett<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhNIzfvxJHhbniuE44JL8CUTs7dhhzCgJct-cOnld6FqxAbm3xbqmJjjqa9Yhhyphenhyphen2m0-cPfg-Ex1sWJ8cSHWuaQCUh-DARw_M99-a19mJsFEUK2SqJfWCmHB4qdxfZ4ebYJ8zv0uW24Sw/s1600/Prospero%252BBurns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhNIzfvxJHhbniuE44JL8CUTs7dhhzCgJct-cOnld6FqxAbm3xbqmJjjqa9Yhhyphenhyphen2m0-cPfg-Ex1sWJ8cSHWuaQCUh-DARw_M99-a19mJsFEUK2SqJfWCmHB4qdxfZ4ebYJ8zv0uW24Sw/s320/Prospero%252BBurns.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557969436547470530" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">When Graham McNeill’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> was released and had time to be processed, readers were almost immediately clamoring for it’s sister story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Prospero Burns</i>; I know, as I was certainly one of them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, due to an unfortunate medical situation, Dan Abnett’s accompanying story was put on hold for nearly four months.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was worth the wait.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> before it detail the events leading up to and the subsequent razing of Prospero, the Thousand Sons chapter homeworld.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> focused on the title legion and their primarch Magnus, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> is the anthropological study of the VI Legion of astartes, the Sons of Russ, the Vlka Fenryka, seen through the eyes of conservator Kasper Hawser.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hawser is an imperial conservator, his job roughly translated to a modern day anthropologist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He studies cultures through their histories and what they left behind, piecing together the lost bits of knowledge, hoping to discern from them the ‘why’ behind the Dark Age of Technology.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His search leads him to Fenris where he ultimately finds his home as a skjald, or storyteller, for the VI Legion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As skjald, Hawser is privy to the innermost workings of the VI Legion.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hawser, as he is cryptically instructed by an astartes priest, “is free to go as he pleases.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This allows the reader to see these otherwise private dealings through the eyes of a human, to see his reactions to them, and to see the very human responses Hawser has.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because of this freedom, the entirety of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Prospero</i> is told through Hawser’s eyes, to much the benefit of the novel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Through Hawser, we see life on Fenris, we see an Astartes battle drop, and we even see the Council of Nikea, but more importantly, we see his reactions to each situation as a human.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> before it, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> is a complicated, layered novel.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Abnett has essentially remade the Space Wolves here; he keeps very much alive the Nordic spirit that the legion has previously embodied, but purposefully distances them from their barbaric roots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These are not the feral, unthinking wolves of yore; rather, through Hawser we see the intricate and rich culture Abnett has crafted for the Vlka Fenryka.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> is a cultural study.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Though we see the Wolves in action fighting, like most of Abnett’s work, the battles, while visceral and exciting, are purposeful and sparse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, the actual siege and razing of Prospero accounts for a mere chapter in the entire book.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This book is not bolter-porn.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The story of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Prospero Burns</i> is not the fall of Prospero; rather, the story here is the men of the VI Legion, their culture, and their legacy.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve seen a great deal of criticisms of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Prospero Burns</i>, primarily from two dissenting accounts: “there is not enough action” and “I hate that it is told through the eyes of a human, not an astartes.” <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both of these complaints frustrate me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Part of the beauty of the Horus Heresy novels is that they are the grounds for the ‘literature’ of the 40k universe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The authors are allowed the freedom to explore ideas of morality and religion, and are allowed the freedom to be creative in doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In this regard, Abnett’s novel is supremely successful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I’ve enunciated previously, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> is an anthropological study of the Space Wolves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It documents their rich traditions and way of life of the VI Legion, and with sister novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i> creates a beautiful counterpoint to one another.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Space Wolves and Thousand Sons are perfect foils: one, a pragmatic, knowledge seeking culture driven by the thirst for more; the other an instinctive, tradition-rich and superstitious culture marked not by their ferocity, but rather their restraint.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Abnett and McNeill need to be applauded for so deftly intertwining their novels while allowing each to stand firmly on its own ground, while having the foresight—and perhaps even courage—to write these novels from a human perspective; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> would not have worked were it told from the eyes of an astartes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i>, as a result, is a masterful work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The novel is cerebral and deep, and while that has apparently garnered detractors, I’ve now read the novel twice and can find little wrong with it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Abnett’s take on the VI legion is brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He has successfully created a story that gives the already tradition-rich VI Legion an even more interesting background, while maintaining some of the best facets of established Space Wolves canon and giving knowing winks to the readership with nods to the VI Legion’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His crafting of the astartes characters through the eyes of Hawser is spot on and helps weave a novel that not only stands on its own, but becomes even better when counterpointed with Graham McNeill’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">A Thousand Sons</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Simply put, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> is the best Horus Heresy novel to date, and perhaps the best novel released by the Black Library.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Bottom Line<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Prospero Burns</i> tells the story of the VI Legion astartes, the Space Wolves, through the eyes of human Kasper Hawser.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dan Abnett crafts a purposeful novel at a deliberate pace, showing apt restraint in regards to battles, while creating lasting characters and a rich culture for the Space Wolves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The best of the Horus Heresy novels and perhaps the best the Black Library has to offer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10/10<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Masterful, a must read</p>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-85530966780169523192010-11-16T09:24:00.004-05:002010-11-16T09:28:49.086-05:00[40k Review] The First Heretic - Aaron Dembski-Bowden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxFOIWhg97wJxHr0HdbDCGBtguI4j8YccVgEoTUwnKStA0JRDpsP61uAlwwe7Iv6SJxw-PzGV-jLYte4jpxEk-xQcwNNG-Yh63qaNbQvfrZZxHg3qAh66gHVeMjCCkOF2XJ2Hd32Ue_I/s1600/The_First_Heretic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540154136122335858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxFOIWhg97wJxHr0HdbDCGBtguI4j8YccVgEoTUwnKStA0JRDpsP61uAlwwe7Iv6SJxw-PzGV-jLYte4jpxEk-xQcwNNG-Yh63qaNbQvfrZZxHg3qAh66gHVeMjCCkOF2XJ2Hd32Ue_I/s320/The_First_Heretic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />The Black Library’s Horus Heresy series has become no less than epic. Spanning 14 books thusfar, the Games Workshop Warhammer 40k IP is being worked hard and worked diligently through the Horus Heresy, and for the most part, each book in the series has been a decent addition to the overall story. With Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s (ADB) first effort in the Horus Heresy, we are treated to a story that is arguably the most important in the series so far, the story of the roots of the Horus Heresy itself, the story of The First Heretic.</div><br /><div><br />The First Heretic details the story of the Word Bearers chapter over nearly 60 years of the Great Crusade, continuing through the Isstvan V Massacre. Detailing the events largely through the eyes of 7th Company Captain Argel Tal, we are taken on a journey that details the fall of the Word Bearers legion from the initial setting off point at Monarchia, where Lorgar and his Word Bearers are forced to kneel in deference to both the Emperor and Roboute Guilliman, to the ultimate point of betrayal at Isstvan V. The story reads much like a Shakespearian tragedy; we know the ultimate fate of our players, yet we can't help to hope that, at the eleventh hour, the story will change. As such, it provides a driving narrative that moves deftly through ADB's adept prose.</div><br /><div><br />The prose that drives the story is, much like the other ADB books, gripping and readable. ADB is one of the best of the Black Library authors at varying sentence structure and creating a narrative that has consistent pacing. He has a great feel for establishing an ebb and flow to the narrative structure that allows for slower, more relaxed portions of story to counterbalance the more tense ones. It all works very well, but mostly due to ADBs biggest strength: his characterization.</div><br /><div><br />Rich characterization is a skill ADB always brings to the table. He has a laudable knack for being able to create characters that the reader can both relate to and cares about, and thus is able to draw his reader further into the story. The First Heretic is no different. Argel Tal is a wonderfully portrayed character. He is deeply loyal, but unlike many of his Word Bearer brethren, his loyalty doesn't turn into zealotry. It makes him stand out as character, particularly because it provides such a strong point of internal conflict. We also get a healthy dose of Kor Phaeron and Erebus, characters previously introduced in other Horus Heresy books, and who, unlike Argel Tal, are certainly not conflicted about their conviction of purpose. Suffice it to say that, in The First Heretic, the roles that both Erebus and Kor Phaeron have to play in the greater space opera that is the Horus Heresy come into even greater light. Though we do see much of the story through the eyes of the Astartes, it Is through the characterization of the Primarch Lorgar that ADB's prose really shines.</div><br /><div><br />Lorgar is an incredibly polarizing figure in this novel. Unlike the primarch’s we’ve seen in other books, Lorgar is, and I’ll quote a friend here, “a bit of a douche.” He isn’t Hurculean like Ferrus Manus or Leman Russ. He isn’t magnanimous like Gulliman or Dorn. He isn’t influential like Horus or Magnus. Lorgar is the Golden Primarch and is described as, essentially, a Primarch-sized Egyptian boy-emperor. He’s whiny, he’s petulant, and worst of all, he’s far more naïve than any Primarch should be. In a particularly telling, and poignant scene, Lorgar asks his advisors what his fault as a Primarch is. He is told, “you trust too much, and too easily.” It is a weakness that makes Lorgar far more human than any previous Primarch, and perhaps could make his fall all the more bitter; however, the manner in which his naiveté leads to his downfall makes him appear simply weak. That’s not to say his is a bad, or poorly developed, character—he’s quite the contrary. Lorgar is a really well fleshed out character that is simply hard to like or sympathize with because of his faults.</div><br /><div><br />This is a complicated book in many respects. On one level, The First Heretic is similar to Fulgrim and A Thousand Sons, in that it is a chronicling of the fall from grace of one of the Emperor’s chosen sons. Unlike the other primarchs, Lorgar is a far less sympathetic character than both Fulgrim and Magnus. Where both Fulgrim and Magnus fall due to their arrogance in service to the Emperor despite the best intentions, Lorgar’s fall is much less pitiable as his naiveté and blind faith serve to betray him. That faith, and the nature of faith itself, serves to set this book above as not simply a science fiction novel—as so many Black Library novels are cast aside—but as a piece of literature. We saw a glimpse of this depth in the short story “The Last Church” from Tales of Heresy, but ADB really explores this theme at great length in The Last Heretic. Now, there’s no confusing The Last Heretic for Aquinas, but I really applaud both ADB and the Black Library for tackling these very real and applicable themes.</div><br /><div><br />In The First Heretic, Aaron Dembski-Bowden has crafted a very important book in the scope of the Horus Heresy, the Warhammer 40k canon and IP, and the Black Library. Echoing the epitaph on the novel’s cover, ADB explores the roots of the Heresy and we are introduced to information that is both staggering and heartbreaking. Additionally, The First Heretic marks the first time themes beyond good and evil are explored to such an extent in a Black Library novel. The Horus Heresy novels are quickly becoming the vessel for the Black Library to create ‘real’ literature, to craft stories that examine those universal themes that turn books into literature and movies into films. The First Heretic leads the charge, and Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s work is a wonderful entry to the Horus Heresy series and a superb piece of literature that should not be missed. </div><div><br /><strong>9.5/10 Masterful</strong></div>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139668691496606803.post-33619778371655380852010-11-15T09:21:00.000-05:002010-11-15T09:49:42.731-05:00[40k Review] Hunt for Voldorius - Andy Hoare<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yoXKPSk4hs5Sa0BiVLsH_YoQjdpbLQRX3SIQqa6OnO8UZXMNGJf09qfviCwClQpU_TtG8v-2yQvOFymTeGvJTjmWlsl_NnbgFmYQN8qRiVBtmaIjpgWLgplpY7CnmSm8escUVovZc80/s1600/hunt_for_voldorius.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539788671641464482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yoXKPSk4hs5Sa0BiVLsH_YoQjdpbLQRX3SIQqa6OnO8UZXMNGJf09qfviCwClQpU_TtG8v-2yQvOFymTeGvJTjmWlsl_NnbgFmYQN8qRiVBtmaIjpgWLgplpY7CnmSm8escUVovZc80/s320/hunt_for_voldorius.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Space Marine Battles novels of the Black Library are an important an necessary series within the canon of the Warhammer 40k universe. Thusfar, both Steve Parker's Rynn's World and Aaron Dembski-Bowden's Helsreach have served important roles within the grimdark future of 40k; they have fleshed out with great breadth and clarity two of the epic battles that shaped two nominal Astartes chapters as well as the heroic marines that serve them. With that in mind, Andy Hoare's Hunt for Voldorius is the first in the series that falls a bit short.<br /><br />Battle for Voldorius centers around the White Scars chapter and the hunts in which they embark to slay the worst enemies of the chapter. In this instance, the hunt is for the demon prince Voldorius, an enemy responsible for the death of billions across the Imperium. Led by Kor'sarro Khan, Master of the Hunt and character introduced in the most recent Space Marines codex, the White Scars 3rd company embarks on a quest to slay the aforementioned foe.<br /><br />While Hoare's prose is strong and his action sequences sufficiently exciting, the narrative falls short. While i really like the idea of the hunts--it fits quite well with the Mongol-inspired heritage of the White Scars-- this particular story feels remarkably less-than-epic and the quest to find Voldorius more of a foregone conclusion than a hunt. Voldorius is found quickly, effectively eliminating any excitement that should have been found in a proper hunt.<br /><br />While the narrative came up short, Hoare does a really nice job fleshing out his heroes. Kor'sarro Khan is an interesting character and really fits the heroic ideal of a Space Marine captain. Hoare provides a nice contrast between Khan and Kayvaan Shrike, the Raven Guard captain that also appears in the story. Where Khan is brash, Shrike is reserved. Where Shrike is humble, Khan is a bit arrogant. The characters, as well as their respective chapters' combat doctrines, are good foils for one another, and provide a strong point of conflict within the story, but aren't explored nearly enough.<br /><br />The use of both the White Scars and the Raven Guard as is one of the major issues I had with Hunt for Voldorius. While I was initially excited to read a story involving Shrike and Khan, putting them together in one book left me wanting. While the character of each captain is established well, their personal histories and individual stories are woefully underdeveloped. A previous chapter conflict is hinted at, but is never explained. As a result, the mistrust between the two chapters isn't entirely believable beyond the reader being told that the two have trust issues. It's frustrating because the hints are really intriguing and you want to know more, only those questions are never answered. I think both characters would have been better served with their own books rather than a combined story.<br /><br />Through all its faults, Hunt for Voldorius isn't a 'bad' novel. Hoare is a good writer (see my reviews of his Rogue Star and Star of Damocles) and his competent prose helps to save an underwhelming narrative. I really appreciate the Black Library's exploration of characters from the 40k codices, but wish in this instance that Kor'sarro Khan and Kayvaan Shrike were allowed the room to develop that both Grimaldus and Pedro Kantor were In their respective books. Hunt for Voldorius is a worthwhile read, but not a must-read. Hoare spins an acceptable addition to the Space Marine Battles series, but, much like an episode of Lost, it is one that ultimately leaves you with more questions than answers.<br /><br />5.5/10 Mediocre</div>Sean Dooleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05603781471350587463noreply@blogger.com0