The 13th Death Korps Siege Regiment

[Silke Kraushaar]

The 13th Death Korps Siege Regiment OVERVIEW » Common Name: The 13th » Official Name: The 13th Death Korps Siege Regiment » Faction: Imperium of Man » Purpose: Siege Regiment » Locations: Corinthe System » Headquarters: Valorous Heart » Motto: "Death is Absolution" » Regimental Colors: Slate Gray and Charcoal Black » Iconography: Silver skull overlaid the wings of a golden aquila atop a white-trimmed red saltire on a black field. Thirteen on parchment scroll centered above the skull, with regimental motto on a parchment scroll unfurled across the skull's mouth as if silencing it. OPERATIONS It is generally accepted and acknowledged by other regiments that there is something wrong with the 13th. They are lucky, but not in a good way. Their luck seems to come from those around them, particularly their allies. When they show up, they will survive, and they will win, but almost always at the expense of all of their allies. Because of this, they are sometimes known as the "Lucky 13th", or the "Death's Head" regiment for their silver skull iconography. Their reputation is not helped by their propensity for assimilating devastated or understrength regiments, either. They are a little more even-keeled than other Krieg regiments, and thus have a mellower disposition. They are still dour and taciturn, especially in combat, and certainly seek out death as a form of atonement or absolution, but never throw their lives away needlessly like some might expect of them. They will, however, expend their lives in the service of the Emperor if they believe that doing so will help them claim victory, and will do so eagerly. However, they are no Astartes, and are not without fear. The 13th will not only tactically retreat, but on rare occasion, break and rout when things are particularly grim. The 13th treads the line of combined arms regiment rather closely without actually crossing that line, specifically because they rely so heavily on auxiliary attachments as some sort of technicality. Likewise, much of their equipment, especially armored vehicles, are geared towards their siege work rather than other roles.  As a siege regiment, the 13th has a high quantity of artillery, engineers, and heavy weapons teams. They have reduced infantry numbers, but due to the age of the regiment, they have a higher than average number of grenadier squads and veteran guardsmen in general. As with most Krieg regiments, the eschew the use of abhumans such as Ogryns and have instead attached a number of armored units to bolster their defensive and offensive capabilities.  Though they are very capable of assaulting enemy fortifications, the 13th considers itself specialized in defensive warfare and holding positions. They deploy in a tiered formation, with each company serving as a line of battle that supports the others, often centered around the 4th company which features a single stormblade heavy tank. They observe most traditions that other Krieg regiments have, and have assimilated numerous ones that were more niche by replenishing their ranks with devastated units. Like with other Krieg units, their sergeants are known as watchmasters, their medics are replaced with quartermasters, and any rank over colonel is either held by someone from another planet, or a colonel elevated to rank of marshal leading a concerted effort of multiple regiments. In order to promote security, reduce likelihood of infiltration, and stave off outside influence, the 13th uses a day code, referred to as watch codes, which is a question-answer security phrase changed daily. An example would be the question, "thunder", with the answer, "flash".  The 13th is currently in the Corinthe sector after they finished fighting in a nearby system at behest of the inquisition. The ship they were being transported on, the Valorous Heart, a dictator-class cruiser, now serves as a headquarters for the regiment while they await further orders.  PERSONNEL The 13th Siege Regiment is an old regiment, reinforced numerous times over the years and possessing a rather illustrious history. As such, they have been afforded some concessions that others might not, and are well-equipped compared to younger regiments.  Regimental Headquarters The regimental headquarters is made up of several major components, each of which serves a vital role within the regiment. Aside from the command company consisting of the colonel; their executive officer, the major, and other noteworthy personnel, there are groups dedicated to handling operations, intelligence, communications, transportation, supply, and administration.  Most of these components are supplied by non-Krieg personnel and are administratum adepts or munitorum personnel. While not expected to see combat directly, the 13th's regimental headquarters is often very close to the frontlines, and it is uncommon for the command company to be far from the action once battle has begun. 1st Company, "The Shield" The first company, known as the shield, plays a frontline role, intended to hold as long as possible while the other companies assist from the behind. It is predominantly infantry, heavy weapons teams, and engineers who construct battlements.  The 1st company attempts to maintain fourteen platoons, with each platoon trying to maintain at least six full squads. They will reinforce above that minimum if able. The company command has at least four grenadier squads with chimeras for transport, and eight engineer squads with centaurs. The first through twelfth platoons are typical infantry platoons. Each squad has a support weapon, such as a plasma gun or melta issued to it, and each platoon command has a heavy weapon such as a heavy bolter or twin-linked heavy stubber.  The thirteenth and fourteenth platoons are fire-support, and consists of heavy weapons teams. They are either dedicated to anti-armor and use las-cannons, or will focus on anti-infantry with more heavy bolters and twin-linked heavy stubbers. Each heavy weapon squad consists of three weapon teams. The first and second platoons have two less infantry squads, but have auxiliary armor squads attached to them with three Lemun Russ battle tanks each, favoring anti-infantry types like the punisher. The support teams try to maintain at least one auxiliary squad of three sentinel walkers. 2nd Company, "The Sword" The sword is the second line of the 13th, and they focus on bringing heavy fire-support to bear. This is done through a slightly reduced infantry number and an increase in armored vehicles with heavy weapons and artillery armaments. The 2nd company tries to maintain at least ten platoons. The first through fourth have one grenadier squad, three infantry squads and two heavy weapons squads. Each has an auxiliary armor squad attached to it with two-to-three Lemun Russ variants, though primarily anti-armor types such as the vanquisher.  The fifth through eighth focus on six infantry squads each, while the ninth and tenth are predominantly light artillery. They have six heavy weapons squads each, with three weapons teams a piece fielding mortars and las-cannons.  As with the 1st company, all platoon command squads have at least a heavy bolter, though some will have a las-cannon in the 2nd company. The command company has a large number of quartermasters serving as battle field medics, as well as two engineer squads for fortifications.   3rd Company, "The Hammer" The 3rd Company, known as the hammer, brings up the rear, and it should be no surprise that they come with some serious firepower. Their intent is to devastate enemies from the backline and provide heavy fire support. Four platoons of three basilisks and associated personnel rain devastation upon the unwary. Two platoons with two hydras and four infantry squads provide some anti-air support. Four heavy weapons platoons provide additional weapons teams with heavy mortars for crushing enemy advances or bypassing their defensive emplacements. Eight engineer squads are assigned to the 3rd company to provide additional support. Two auxiliary squads of three sentinels help with spotting for the artillery. 4th Company, "The Spear" The 4th company is simple, and for good reason. It consists of one entity, and that is a single Stormblade super-heavy tank. This powerful tank is used to bust open fortifications or decimate heavy vehicles that the enemy is foolish enough to send their way. If available, the 4th company will attach up to twelve Lemun Russ battle tanks in four squads of three to protect the Stormblade. Additional Companies The 13th Siege Regiment will frequently assimilate other under-manned regiments into it's ranks, and as it does so, it will often go over it's target number of companies and support units. When this occurs, they add additional infantry companies as able. Specialist units are often reassigned to one of the primary companies or tagged on as auxiliaries. At it's zenith, the 13th had some twenty-thousand souls under it's banner, but it has dwindled since, and due to being stuck in the Corinthe system after a recent deployment, the 13th is unable to replenish it's ranks as easily as it once was. BACKGROUND The 13th Siege Regiment was raised in 812.M41 as part of the 88th Siege Army intended to take the fight to the enemy of Mankind as part of the Siege of Vraks. However, the 13th was reassigned before deployment and their place was taken by the 15th Siege Regiment. Instead, the 13th was sent to the nearby Varus sub-sector, where they engaged heretical forces that were attempting to expand influence beyond Vraks.  The fighting was fierce, but unlike the Siege of Vraks, the defense of Varus was rather short and only took the better part of two years. After the fighting in the sub-sector had concluded, the 13th was redeployed.  Since that time, the 13th has fought in numerous theaters across the galaxy, engaging all number of foes, generally with good success. They did, however, begin building a reputation. The regiment proved to be rather lucky no matter where they went, but those around them seemed to suffer in exchange, especially other Krieg regiments. To make matters worse, they often assimilated other depleted units, or were replenished with devastated regiments. These factors led to the acquisition of a reputation and bad omens as the Lucky 13th.  They've lived up to their reputation. Despite being an extremely old regiment, the 13th still stands strong and takes on particularly dangerous missions.  Over time, they've assimilated a number of other regiments leading them to a higher percentage of veteran troopers, expansive armories of rare and powerful equipment, and a penchant for success.  Recently, the 13th was requisitioned by the inquisition to fight heretics on behalf of the Ordo Hereticus. Prior to the fall of Cadia, they were operating in one of Corinthe's sub-sectors and were just preparing to redeploy to fight against the 13th Black Crusade. However, they were rearming and replenishing supplies at Corinthe when Cicatrix Maledictum cut them off from the rest of the galaxy and left them stranded.  Now they await deployment on the Valorous Heart, and whether it will be at the behest of the inquisition or others, they are prepared to fight.  MEMBERSHIP Regimental Headquarters — Colonel Silke Kraushaar - ‡ Major Karsten Bauer - † Voxmaster Dietmar Barsch - † Commissar Jaques Lacan 1st Company — † Captain Katrin Engel Alpha Platoon Alpha Squad Trooper Hans Kraber Beta Platoon Gamma Platoon Delta Platoon Epsilon Platoon Zeta Platoon Eta Platoon Theta Platoon Iota Platoon Kappa Platoon Lambda Platoon Mu Platoon Nu Platoon Xi Platoon Grenadiers Alpha Squad Beta Squad Gamma Squad Delta Squad Engineers Alpha Squad Engineer Krost Cabur Beta Squad Gamma Squad Delta Squad Epsilon Squad Zeta Squad Eta Squad Theta Squad 2nd Company Alpha Platoon Beta Platoon Gamma Platoon Delta Platoon Epsilon Platoon Zeta Platoon Eta Platoon Theta Platoon Iota Platoon Kappa Platoon 3rd Company Alpha Platoon Beta Platoon Gamma Platoon Delta Platoon Epsilon Platoon Zeta Platoon Eta Platoon Theta Platoon Iota Platoon Kappa Platoon Engineers Alpha Squad Beta Squad Gamma Squad Delta Squad Epsilon Squad Zeta Squad Eta Squad Theta Squad Auxiliary Sentinels Alpha Squad Beta Squad 4th Company Alpha Platoon Auxiliary Lemun Russes Alpha Squad Beta Squad Gamma Squad Delta Squad † indicates an NPC that can be replaced or adopted ‡ indicates an NPC that cannot be replaced or adopted without permission Regimental Designation There are several sets of designators used to reference the regiment via vox communication. When operating in a theater of war, only company-level officers will use communication.  In this case, the 13th is referred to as K-Thirteen-[Company]-Primus, where the company is the corresponding Greek letter.  Therefore, the 13th regiment 1st company would be K-Thirteen-Alpha-Primus, with primus designating the primary officer of the company is speaking. Omitting primus would indicate that someone is speaking to the unit, rather than the officer speaking. Company command is always K-13(-Primus).  Internal Designations  Internal communication follows a similar format. Since it is unnecessary to specify the regiment as a whole, the formula changes to [Company]-[Platoon]-[Squad]. Third company, fourth platoon, first squad would therefore be Three-Four-Alpha. As before, -Primus would be used when the squad leader is speaking, while omitting it would be done when someone is speaking to the squad.  An auxiliary unit, such as the first company's Lemun Russ squad attached to the first platoon would insert an X, becoming One-One-X-Alpha. Alpha would indicate that it is the first auxiliary unit attached to that platoon. Subsequent units would follow the alphabet.  Specialist squads, such as engineering squads or grenadier squads attached to a company follow a different format. [Company]-[squad] 2nd Company's third engineering squad would be Beta-Zero-Three. However, grenadier squads take priority, so if there are two grenadier squads, then they would be Beta-Zero-Five, instead.  Auxiliary units and specialist squads both use the -Primus reference designation.

[Last Order]

Congratulations!