Reasonable Marines
A /tg/ chapter, the Reasonable Marines are what Space Marines would be if 40K was less grimdark, the Imperium was a benevolent governmental body, Tau were happy Koreans and Abaddon was competent. They wear camouflaged power armor, fight using careful tactics that make heavy use of cover, and are the epitome of practicality. They also seek to avoid combat whenever possible and are adept diplomats. However, in its own way, being clever badass can be even cooler than balls out badass.
They're one of the legions with the lost Primarchs, their primarch currently wandering around dazed and confused in an alternate reality where he is known as Jean Lu Picard.
Synopsis
Heresy begets retribution.
Imperial Thought for the Day.++
A Rather Content Marine you might say Reasonable Marines operate with efficiency. They fulfill their orders and fight valorously and without hesitation, unless they see a more sensible solution that can fulfill the same goals. They always prefer to force a surrender rather than routing the enemy, and take prisoners to interrogate them humanely and use as bargaining chips. It's not so much that they don't like to fight as it is that they're not bloodthirsty - they understand that fighting puts their own in harm's way and is detrimental to their cause due to its great expense.
Seeking vision without prejudice, yet understanding that this ideal may be unattainable, the most important thing to them is to successfully serve the true interests of the Imperium. If this involves negotiating with or even protecting xenos, then that is what they will do.
Heroism and a thirst for glory are frowned upon in their ranks, as they are wasteful of personnel and other resources, and perpetuate the conflict. They wish to create a stable end to the war with mankind in a comfortable and free position. Victory is their goal only insofar as a civilization vanquished in this conflict is sure to be subjugated or annihilated.
In battle, they employ sophisticated and highly coordinated group tactics not commonly associated with normal space marines. Their armor is painted to blend into their environment in order to limit visibility (maybe camouflaged in multiple spectra so that, for example, their heat signature is harder to detect). No matter how cool it looks, a Reasonable Marine still needs to request permission from their commanding officer to carry nonstandard equipment into battle, and must justify this in a way that demonstrates its effectiveness in combat.
One of their mottoes is Sun-Tzu's saying, "For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill", which is actually pretty fucking long for a motto.
As such, they're super happy sunshine puppy best friends with the Tau since they are the only other faction who have the word "Reasonable" in their dictionaries. It doesn't mean they haven't come to blows, mind you, since there are a few occasions where there are things too vital to give to another. However it can be guaranteed that the Reasonable Marines would attempt to pacify them with as little killing as possible to minimize future aggressions.
Tactics
If Reasonable Marines were to be considered an actual Marine faction, they would quickly become one of the most infamous for rage inducing as their approach to war in the 41rst millennium is radically different then the typical Ward marine. Seeking to always operate at utmost efficiency, minimizing casualties and avoid Pyrrhic victories, Reasonable Marines aren't likely to even pop their heads up until the odds are in their favor.
Favoring a ridiculously mechanized approach to protect their own, chances are somebody who proves stubborn enough to force Reasonable Marines into combat would find themselves being bombarded from orbit for days on end. In this example, consider a force more prone to reason like Imperial Guard, Tau or Eldar. The following siege strategies don't apply to more heavily armored foes like Chaos Marines, Necrons or even other Space Marine chapters. If the opponent in question persists, they'll be carpet bombed endlessly by waves of stormraven gunships, aiming to force a surrender while simultaneously providing a distraction for initial drop pods to seed scouts and devastators in their territory . If that doesn't work, that's when things begin to get ugly.
Operating under the confusion of constant bombardments and propaganda drops, the Reasonable Scouts would act as pathfinders for the devastators. Digging in to key positions, the sniper fire begins, killing commanders and high ranking officers to further increase the the chaos and confusion amongst the ranks. A final, orchestrated bombardment of dozens of krak and frag missiles courtesy of the devastators topples defenses and shatters the morale, at least if things go according to plan. If the enemy's commanders have evaded assassination and continue to rally their troops to the cause, the Reasonable Marines engage in one final show of force.
Dozens of land raiders and predators are deployed, now free to move ahead free of high-risk scenarios. Rolling up at the opponent's front door, heavy vox systems broadcast the final warnings.
It is here they are given an ultimatum- surrender and resolve things diplomatically, or be pacified.
If this fails to work, the action begins. Infiltrated squads of tactical marines storm the enemy, subduing them under a hail of rubber bullets and taking officers prisoner. More prisoners are taken off to be brought up to the Reasonable Marine ships to serve as bargaining chips while tanks below deploy hydro-cannons with intensely freezing waters to pacify infantry and use traditional weaponry to pick apart enemy armor formations. Tech Marines scurry back and forth erecting defenses and surface-to-air missile silos in case of enemy reinforcements. At this point, it is merely a question of wearing the opponent out.
Even in the heat of battle, Reasonable Marines cleave to their principals and creed. You will not see chainswords or power weapons being brandished within the ranks of these Astartes. Assault Marines are clad in riot gear and equipped solely with stun sticks to apply a reasonable degree of force necessary to force violent brawlers into submission. In times where the enemy knows no reason such as the Tyranids or more fanatical factions of Chaos Marines such as the Word Bearers, these troopers wield traditional weaponry with full intention to kill off threats. A few of the commanders considered extreme and naively optimistic even in the eyes of the other Reasonable Captains have been trying to find ways to reason with the Necrons after initial shocking- and absurd- reports were confirmed of Blood Angels actually managing to ally with them.
Writefaggotry!
Captain Darren of the 3rd Company was one of the most decorated members of the Reasonable Marines for three reasons: He was a supreme executor of reason and logic, he was a formidable warrior, and he had a certain manner about him that put many non-Astartes at ease. He was massive, well over eight feet, but he perpetually wore a rather mild facial expression improved with a slight smile. His eyes invited conversation from those around him, and unlike many Astartes from their brother legions, he did not attempt to tower over those Xeno/Heretics/Imperials that they bothered to talk to. He stood well outside of their personal space, and nodded politely as they talked, only offering his own input when it was necessary.
As such, Captain Darren possessed the honorific "Master of the Deal", essentially meaning that diplomacy was his forte. He excelled at it, and was greatly respected for his record of avoiding bloodshed when other Astartes would have simply engaged in a ferocious battle.
As such, when the Tau attacked the Imperial colony on the planet Teron I, Darren was chosen as the ideal candidate to reason with them. The Imperial forces in the sector were baying for blood, but the Reasonable Marines were in the lead: the Imperial Guard forces of the XIV "Rip and Tear" Doom II (a large planet in the Quake system) regiment had no choice but to defer to the command of the Space Marines.
Arriving on the planet, the Reasonable Marines ordered the XIV Regiment to garrison the drop zone and absolutely refrain from hostilities unless fired upon. Darren himself took a squad of Marines and requested negotiations from the Tau commander, which was accepted. A half-company of Guardsmen led by the Regimental Colonel Voss accompanied him.
Arriving at the designated meeting zone, the Tau Commander was wearing his Crisis Suit and was accompanied by a squad of similarly suited warriors. Darren inclined his head, and extended his hand to the larger figure:
"I am Captain Darren of the Reasonable Marines, and I come in peace." The Guardsmen murmured and grumbled seditiously, and some of the Astartes politely requested they keep quiet.
The Tau Commander was taken aback by Darren’s manner, and looked to his personal bodyguard, who raised an arm in a gesture equivalent to a shrug. “I am Shas’O B’aw, and I welcome you here to Bah’ntowhn, outpost of the Tau Empire.”
Darren smiled graciously, though Colonel Voss’ back stiffened at the presumptuousness of this Xeno. “I respect your claim to this area Shas’O, but I’m afraid this is an Imperial planet. You have to buy term papers for your claims. Have you filed the necessary forms to annex an established area of Imperial space?”
The Tau seemed confused. “No…”
“Well I am here to help you in this regard. While I have the greatest respect for your race’s right to expand space, surely there is no need for aggression in doing so? There are unclaimed planets in the area, it isn’t necessary for you to attack an Imperial planet.”
“Well…”
“I am willing to overlook your intrusion into this area and supply you with anything you need as recompense for the effort it must have taken to control this outpost. I however must request that you leave for now.: if you still desire to take control of this planet I will forward the necessary papers to the local Departmento, which will be forwarded to the system Administratum, which will be forwarded to the Imperial Administratum, and I will have the necessary forms you must sign to request the forms for annexation of an Imperial planet within the decade. Is this acceptable?”
“Gu’ela…you do realize we Tau are not as long-lived as your race, right?”
“I do, and you have my sincere condolences.”
Only a few days later, completely baffled by the willingness of Darren and his Astartes to help at every opportunity, the Tau vacated Teron I and the Reasonable Marines helped rebuild the damage done. The locals were simply thankful further destruction was avoided.
Colonel Voss filed a formal complaint to the local Departmento in regards to what he saw as treason by Darren in bargaining with a Xeno, but was not willing to wait for a response. Accompanied by a company of his men, he challenged Darren to a duel. Darren politely accepted, and offered to make things fair by allowing Voss to choose nine men to assist him during the duel.
There were no survivors. The Reasonable Marines are suckers for such gentlemanly acts of violence.
Campaign Data
Accessing Reasonable Marine Date Ref. No. 435-CD...
Permission granted. Loading excerpt from "Tales of Imperial Liberation" by Scribe Tedecis.
When the Warp Storms abated about the Derelis System after three hundred years of isolation, the Imperium's first contact with the primary production world of Derelis II was disheartening. With the taste of freedom on their lips, the ruling Government split away from the Imperium, and demanded the explorator vessels leave immediately under pain of death.
Nearest of Imperial Forces able to mobilize swiftly, the 3rd Company of the Reasonable Marines led by Captain Sensibus (Ref. The Comforting of Colot) dropped out of the warp a scant week later, striking swiftly at the seat of power of Derelis II's primary hive. Before any of the citizenry knew what was occurring, the Astartes had set up an intense negotiation with the rulers, and convinced them through an old planetary law that their succession was invalid.
Parting amiably from the system, the Reasonable Marines stopped to improve space-born defense systems, and promised to return with a nice gift they would pick up from their next campaign.
Upon news of the system's swift re-absorption into the Imperium of Man, Inquisitor Explodor (Ref. The Big Book of 101 Exterminatus Methods) kicked a nearby wall, and was heard to utter "Dangit".
Thought for the day: I quite like butterflies.
+++++
More Writefaggotry!
"Incoming signal."
"Hail, Eldar. I am Force Commander Spock of the Reasonable Marine Chapter of the Imperial Adeptus Astartes."
"What is your buisness here, Mon'Keigh?"
"We have become aware that this system harbors a Necron Tomb World, a Chaos incursion, an Orkish WAAAGH! and a Dark Eldar army. We are here to cleanse it."
"Your hostility will not be tolerated!"
"We hold no quarrel with you, Farseer. If we keep out of each other's way there's no reason we can't both fight the true threats here. In fact, if we coordinated against the Necrons..."
"I will not be deceived by your clumsy trickery! This system was once ours and it shall be ours again! I HAVE FORESEEN IT!" <end signal>
"Your orders, Commander?"
"Prepare to land on the Necron Tomb world, and inform the Battle Brothers that the Eldar are now targets as well. If we can kill their high-and-mighty Farseer, we might be able to route them back into the Webway without much fighting."
"Yes, my Lord."
"Sir, Tau signals inbound."
"This is wonderful, the Tau are famous for listening to reason, hail them!"
"Greetins Gue'la, this is Shas'Or'es'ka, this system will be made into a sept of the Tau Empire to defend its borders against Gue'la madness. Have you come to join us?"
"If by join us you mean fight side by side against a common enemy then yes. If you would be so kind we could fight the Orkish tide on Kaurava II as one."
"Erm...no I mean become part of the Tau Empire."
"Oh...well...I'm afraid I can't do that."
"Then I must regretfully inform you that we must do battle Gue'la. Prepare the Ar'ka cannon for firing!"<end signal>
"Oh dear...Change of plans, land on Kaurava II and make plans to invade the Nan Yaonoi moonbase and deal with the Orks."
"Commander! Incoming signal from an Imperial Guard regiment!"
"What? Excellent! Now we can..."
"So, you Space Marines think you can just tromp in on your battle-barge and steal the glory of the Imperial Guard, do you?"
"...I..."
"Well we'll show you! I, Vance MOTHERFUCKING Stubbs, declare myself Governor-Militant of this system, and will claim it in the name of the Imperial Guard!" <end signal>
"What just..."
"Brother-Captain, Heretical signals inbound, identified as Fieravious Carron."
"I see your Metal Boxes in orbit! YOU COWARDS! YOU FOOLS! We....we shall take away your metal boxes."<end signal> "But...."
"Sir incoming Dark Eldar signals."
"Don't Hail the-"
"-Your screams shall satiate our thirsts for pain and pleasure Mon'keigh!"<end signal>
"Ugh...."
"Necron signals inbound."
"Oh come o-"
"You...shall die here....Space Marines....The Deceiver....Grants us strength..."<end signal>
"..."
"My Lord! The Inquisition has arrived in the system!"
"Oh what now..."
"Commander Spock! Don't think we didn't detect you sending a signal to those filthy xenos! ALL IS TAINTED! ALL WILL BE PURGED BY THE FIRES OF THE SISTERS OF BATTLE IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY EMPEROR! <DEAN SCREAM>!" <end signal>
"Sir..."
"WHAT!?!?"
"Ork signals, identifying self as Warboss Gorgutz 'Ead 'unta."
"WAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!! MY BOYZ IZ GONNA KRUMP YA 'UMIE GITZ!!! Ya 'eadz gonna look nice on me pointy stick."<end signal>
"Sir, fellow Astartes signals coming from the Blood Ravens chapter, it's from Brother-Captain Indrick Boreale."
"Yes! Finally someone who will work with us!"
"Heretic! You parlay with xenos! But we are blod rehvens, we are SPEHSS MEHREENS!! Face the rath of multiple, simuhltaneouhs, devahstating, defensive, deep strikes in what the Codex Astartees calls Steehl Rain! We are teh Emprah's Fureh!"<end signal>
"Oh for the love of..."
...
"My Lord?"
"This is going to be a long fight."
See Also
External links
- http://oldsuptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/graveyard/1009422/ (The original idea)
- http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/1470967/ (Discussion on a 40K army that would make players rage turns to Reasonable Marines)