Congratulations Herr Apostle, may you lead the 10th Host to many victories!

(let us not discuss the manner in which you secured command - it is ultimately unimportant, only the Word is important)

The 10th Host has a long continuous history, stretching all the way back to Terra. It was one of the original Chapters created by the Emperor before the Imperial Heralds left Terra. As such it always contained a large percentage of Terran-born marines. This held true even in the later stages of the Great Crusade, as the 10th was engaged in a distant war when Horus raised the banner of freedom. The 10th's major action during the Crusade was the holding action on Kellgaard against the White Scars led by none other than their Primarch. Losses were massive, but the Khan was halted and the rest of the battered Word Bearers could escape into the Eye of Horus.

Following the retreat the 10th languished in obscurity. It was held in very low esteem by the newly established Council. Probably having to do with their 'lack of faith and fiery action' during the Horus 'heresy'. The number of Terrans still in the ranks were another reason for distrust - over the next few millennia the Terrans all died in battle, had accidents or disappeared. The purge was complete. The only exception is was Castor - he was Terran born, but he's listed in his enlistment papers as being recruited on another world entirely. So he escaped the Terran purges.

The 10th has taken part in its share of wars, crusades and reavings. Both within the Eye and without. It helped bring the accursed 11th Host to justice following their fall into heresy. It helped burn the moon of Amogal in the Sicarus system after it become infested with utterly alien daemonic beings of uncertain origin. It did reasonably well during the 7th and 9th Black Crusades. But it never rose to greatness and none of its leaders are worthy of particular note. Nor did the 10th ever gain the favor of the Council - and thus it was never high on the list of reinforcements and spoils of war.

Until the coming of Apostle Obel Gar. He had the favor of the Council and some of that favor rubbed of on the 10th. He procured some new ships, refitted the Hammer of Faith (the ancient battle barge), secured new recruits and wargear - and got himself a role in the 13th Black Crusade. Perhaps not a very glorious one, but the 3rd Reaving of Finial was just large enough to be important, but small enough for the 10th to play a major role.

Obel Gar quickly became close to Asmodeus, Warlord of the Reaving, providing him with religious and tactical advice - and the might of an entire Chapter of Astartes. The 10th participated in the conquest of no less than 7 major Imperial worlds, the sector capital included, plus countless lesser actions and bombardments. Obel Gar quickly gained a reputation for caution and for preserving his own troops at the expense of his allies.

When Obel Gar died in a shuttle accident there was some confusion in the ranks, but eventually a new Apostle arose - Castor. Castor quickly took his Host with him and departed to parts unknown. The Reaving leadership is said to be greatly dispealeased. They had hoped the new leader would be more than Obel, but he proved to be less. At least that's the rumor in the fleet...

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In the event Castor had taken his Host to the Samson system, a remote system beyond the Hazeroth Abyss in distant Calixis sector. Previosuly scouted and home to the very Navy squadron that had chased Castor from Cyprian's Gate it was to be the symbol of things to come (and symbols are important - especially to Word Bearers). After some initial manuvering and strikes against outlying assets the Navy squarond engaged - and was destroyed (at the cost of one strike crusier and several escorts). Next followed a thorough orbital bombardment of Samson IV - the main world of the system, a small civilized world with a number of smaller hives (the Hammer and several other vessels suffered damage from orbital and ground defenses and much ordnance was expended).

Following the attack the 10th set course of Kazim for repairs and resupply - hopefully the little world can provide some basic services.

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The 10th currently consists of just under 1000 Brothers - the loss of one cruiser and various boarding/landing actions account the the rest.

The 10th has 1 battle barge and 2 strike cruisers, pluss five remaining escort class vessesl. These are in addition to Castor's own raiding forces.