Chaos Space Marines: writing the background

[Drax]

Since I only have 750 points of my sisters to paint before my self imposed ban on (re)starting my Chaos Marines runs out, I thought I might as well start with the background, but for once I am running dry on ideas.

What I have got:
Clour scheme – as my avatar’s colours: Green and silver with gold detailing.

Background: all I know is that they are a traitor chapter of a thousand years or so. That they lost one of their key officers and a small force to the warp about 50 years prior to turning traitor and they weren’t permitted to find him. He later ‘seemed’ to be found by accident and rescued, but it later appeared that he had turned to chaos and it was part of the Gods’ plan and thus the majority of the rest of the chapter followed.

I am not yet sure whether it will be my Tzeentch Sorceror or my Undivided Lord that will be this character, but whichever it is gets my name.

Essentially I plan to make a chapter for each power, including Glory so I also need to include how and why so many fell, plus their choices along the way.

I also need to decide whether they changed their name, if so what from and what to and I also need a chapter icon. If any of you remember the redeemer from WH Monthly, the brazier on his head seems like a good start, perhaps with a skull underneath it, but is that to close to the Pyre?

I realise I have a lot of fleshing out to do so any suggestions, corrections etc most welcome. Cheers guys!

oops, should obviously have posted this in the fluff section. could a mod please move?

[Lord Commander Erus]

thread moved, and being watched eagerly for updates.

[Drax]

I wrote the following in about 45 minutes last night and it is only the skeleton of the story at this stage. i realise it needs a lot of fleshing out, but what do you guys think of it so far?

The last of the sacrifices fell to the floor, limp and lifeless once more as Celephus Drax entered through the portal into the vast, menacing chamber. The unnatural static of powerful magicks ran over his ornate armour and down his spine as he strode confidently deeper into the cavernous room.

As he progressed, the light of ancient glow globes returned as the ethereal mist dissipated and the chamber cleared, revealing once more the form of the Sorcerer as he replaced his helmet.

Drax halted a few yards from the sorcerer and awaited his attention. In his peripheral vision he was sure he saw the evaporating mist coalesce into a snarling maw and snap at his leg, yet he ignored it. Long since had smoke and shadows made him afraid. Even knowing that in this blasphemous shrine, it was more than merely an illusion held no fear for him.

Lord High Sorcerer Elaetos Varn, as he styled himself, turned slowly and dramatically towards the newcomer. “Our Lord wishes word of my progress.” It was not a question; there would be no other reason for Drax’s interruption of the ritual, and few others willing to risk the intrusion.
“He requests that the Lord High Sorcerer pay his respects and indulge a humble servant of the Gods with their wishes”
“My Lord Drax, Neither you nor I, nor in fact our Master are under the misapprehension that he is but a humble servant. Indeed should he wish it, he has the ear of the Gods more so than I.” Drax felt a momentary feeling of amusement as heard the words, for although Varn betrayed no bitterness in his tone, Drax knew it to be there.
“However, our master requests my presence, and my presence he shall have” Drax bowed slightly as was the custom, and turned to lead them both to the Bridge.

“A warning, though Celephus.” Suddenly the tension built in the room, and Drax regretted turning his back on his old friend, his trusted mentor. Not for the first time Drax wondered if his Death was at hand. Without turning, Drax halted and listened for the next words.

“Our master’s choler may rise at my words, his ire directed towards his favourite, his… ever so enlightened Lord Drax.” This time Varn’s tone did betray his emotion; cold amusement. Drax said nothing, merely waiting, uneasy for he knew not what followed, but unwilling to show any weakness his features may betray by turning once more to the Sorcerer.

“I shall tell you of the Gods’ plan for us. ‘Upon the fields of blood, he who taught us will fail. He who showed us our path will lead us to our doom. Cast off the weak, and our Glory is assured. Embrace the fool and our death is assured. Follow instead the rival, and Victory and Glory will be our prize.’ It would seem, Celephus, that your influence has come to an end!”

Drax’s features broke into a twisted snarl, then slowly and unseen, a mocking smile. Yes, it was Drax who had brought the glory of Chaos to the Chapter, Yet the fool had misinterpreted the warning. In his bitterness he had believed the very untruths that had twisted his soul until he grew to despise his former pupil. Drax had never been a tutor. No he was a warrior pure and simple. To succeed in spreading the word of his new patrons, Drax had needed an ally, one better versed than he, one better suited to influence and mould the chapter on its new path. No, though Drax had been revered for doing so, it had not been he who had shown the Chapter the path of Chaos. His first convert, under the guidance of Drax had been the one who had shared the Dark Gods’ Visions. His mentor had instructed first the Lords of the Chapter, and then those of the rank enlightened enough to see the falsehoods of the Emperor.
Yet instead Drax had been praised as being the one to do so, and for that had earned the eternal hatred of his friend, his ally, his mentor: Lord High Sorcerer Elaetos Varn.

Once again Drax began walking, confident that his death was not yet at hand. Already he had in mind a worthy successor to the Lord High Sorcerer.

[Inquisitor Rosenadel]

Looks good so far! I await more updates.