Editing War Scribes (section)

==Legion Organization== 

While their formations had a definite uniformity of spirit and generally held to similar equipment standards, the War Scribes fielded two quite different kinds of unit to serve their dual purposes.  Like all of the Space Marine Legions, their forces formed the core of mighty [[Expedition Fleets (Hektor Heresy)|Expedition Fleets]].  In addition, War Scribes forces could be found spread wide across the Galaxy, nominally organised as Imperial Compliance Groups.

'''Expedition Fleets'''

No uniform structure for an Expedition Fleet existed.  Each fleet was expected to be militarily self-sufficient and its commanders directed assets ranging from void-going warships down to ordinary human auxilia.  Until late in the Great Crusade, all of the Expedition Fleets under the command of the War Scribes were based around at least one Chapter of Space Marines, supported by sizable Auxilia forces.  Typically, an expedition fleet also fielded a detachment from the Cult Mechanicum.

Befitting their focus on smaller units, the War Scribes' Chapters were smaller than the norm for a Crusade Legion.  Each was divided into two Battalions of 500 men each, rotating the Battalions into and out of war zones to spread the attrition on both. At the lowest level, the Battalions were divided into five Companies of 100 Marines.  Squads varied in size depending on their competency, with the smallest being five men and the largest numbering twenty warriors.

'''Compliance Groups'''

From early in the Great Crusade, the War Scribes fielded very small independent bodies, sometimes just individual squads, as Compliance Groups.  In theory, and sometimes in practice, these detachments were tasked with carrying out crusading actions on ill-defended worlds and counter-insurgency operations behind the Imperial lines.  The reality was that these groups were roving salvage teams, who chased after rumours of advanced technology and relics.  Naturally, these groups developed very close ties with [[Rogue Traders (Hektor Heresy)|Rogue Traders Militant]].  In addition to working with Rogue Traders granted Warrants of Trade to ply the whole scope of the Galaxy, War Scribes Captains began the custom of giving out Letters of Marquee to empower agents to work in more tightly defined areas.

===Specialist Ranks===

'''Chaplains''' 

Chaplains of the War Scribes are honored indeed. Even before the [[Council of Nikaea (Hektor Heresy)|Council of Nikaea]], the War Scribes were extremely wary of the corrupting influence of the Warp, and they were heartened by the Emperor's anti-psyker decrees.  The establishment of Chaplains was zealously taken up by the Second, and those chosen to shoulder this weighty responsibility received the pick of the Legion's extensive arsenals. 

'''Sky Hunter Formations''' 

Perhaps because of their clannish roots, the War Scribes have a great love for the Jetbike. Despite the difficulty of maintaining these rare vehicles, they are among the most frequently deployed of all of the Legion's treasured technology. Those chosen to join the Sky Hunter squads are among the most highly honoured in the Legion and are entrusted with critical reconnaissance and fast strike missions.

During the Heresy, the overwhelming firepower arrayed against their depleted forces prompted a change in Jetbike deployment.   The Marines began to coordinate a handful of Jetbikes with a single Javelin Attack Speeder equipped with heavier armor and a special Force Field that could shield the entire formation for short periods.  The Javelin gives up the second crewman and pintle bolter, as well as some of its missile carrying capacity, in return for this increased durability. 

'''Techmarines''' 

As a Legion long-beloved of Mars, Techmarines occupy proud role in the Second Legion.  With the blessing of the Fabricator-General himself, those inducted into the ways of the Techmarine are permitted to pass on some minor understanding of the holy rites of Mars to their squadmates.  This indulgence has led to a widespread technical know-how throughout the War Scribes.

'''Destroyer Squads''' 

One might think that their history would make the War Scribes averse to deploying Destroyer Squads, but the sons of Orannis hate little more than to give away a possible advantage.  Every Chapter held a small reserve of deadly rad weapons, ready to use in extreme situations.  During the Heresy, such situations became routine.

'''Maestro Ferrorum, Lord of Armor'''

The small scale of War Scribes Chapters led to considerable specialisation.  The Maestro Ferrorum is an honorific reserved for commanders of the Legion's three super-heavy tank Chapters.  Though these Chapters were rarely deployed as individual units before the Heresy, at full strength each would have been able to field over a hundred massive war machines.  Due to the demands of this position, a Maestro is invariably one of the most experienced Techmarines in the Legion.