Editing Reasonable Marines (section)

==Tactics==

[[Image:Reasonablemarine.png ‎|thumb|Typical Reasonable Marine camouflage for desert and scrubland operations.]]

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 41st millennium is radically different than the typical Wardian space marine chapter. 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 (ironically making them closer to the Dark Eldar in their approach, but far more benevolent and less sadistic). The [[Deathwatch]] comes close to being Reasonable Marines in terms of tactics, but they are only geared towards Xenos, are rarely diplomatic, and are under the direct command of the Inquisition, so no.

<s>Also, the [[Alpha Legion]] back in the Great Crusade era might have been similar to them, but at the same time the Alpha legion has always been about mind-fuckery and deception and not as heavy as the Reasonable Marines in the use of cover and stealth. But again, as said before the loyal Alpha legion might have been the closest thing the Imperium ever got to the Reasonable Marines.</s> The alpha legion are not "reasonable". They are paranoid scheme worship idiots. Being "reasonable" means, first of all, recognize that often the simplest solution is the best solution. The Alpha Legion managed to precipitate the whole Horus Heresy by being unable to recognize the obvious thing to do was to purge the xenos and warn the emperor. They were convinced by the most evidently facepalm derpish xeno mind fuckery ever by being unable to think outside of convoluted "just as planned" idiocy. Instead, the closest ‘canon’ equivalent to the reasonable marines are the [[Raptors]] chapter, renowned for using stealth and guerilla tactics to counter enemy forces far more numerous than themselves.

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, a merciless aerial campaign will be waged against them by Stormraven gunships and other such aircraft, 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 chaos and confusion amongst the ranks. Other scout units wage bitter guerilla campaigns, most often by slipping behind enemy lines before cutting supply routes and other means of disrupting enemy logistics. A final, orchestrated bombardment of dozens of krak and frag missiles courtesy of Devastator squads topples defenses and shatters 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 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 shock bolts, stun grenades, 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. What cannot be captured or fortified, is destroyed with maximum efficiency and a minimum of fuss. At this point, it is merely a question of wearing the opponent out.

Even in the heat of battle, Reasonable Marines hold to their principles 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 shock mauls and stun grenades 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 the full intention to kill off any 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.

Additionally, while the Reasonable Marines make use of Librarians, they deploy them in combat very sparingly. They recognize that, despite their psychic hoods and indoctrination, any use of psychic powers carries the risk of Very Bad Things, especially in the confusion and stress of combat. They would rather lose a position because the Librarian stayed home than lose a squad because he accidentally summoned a pack of Bloodletters. Instead, Reasonable Librarians act mainly as interrogators and negotiators, using their mind-reading and persuasive powers to extract information from prisoners and convince enemy leaders to surrender. Even in combat, they take a supporting role, defending other Marines from enemy psykers, and, outside of emergencies, they are forbidden from initiating any sort of psychic attack without specific orders from their commanding officer.

(insert new Primaris lore here)