Quick question on fluff

[tatro43]

Hey guys,
I'm part of a campaign that my local store is running called Sanctus Reach where the Orks are invading a bunch of planets. My IG force is combining with other players Space Marines, but I've been nominated as the Team Captain. I was just curious as I want to write some fluff on my character, what would his title be?
Thanks!!

[emptyhat]

If your character has enough sway and influence that Space Marine chapters will provide forces to act under their strategy then they are probably a General, a Warmaster, or a Lord Commander Militant.

[RedsandRoyals]

Yeah, it's worth noting that Space Marines are never under the command of regular Imperial forces, be they Guard or Navy. Even though you, as a player, are team leader, the fluff should reflect it's your commander and the SM commander agreeing on a strategy and coordinating their efforts. If you want to have a bit of fun with it, you can blame any defeats on poor coordination between the two forces, or one side deciding they're going to do their own thing.

[Casiarius]

Unless your Imperial Guard commander is a hero of great renown (Commissar Yarrick, etc.) there's little reason for Space Marines to follow his lead. Now if your list was not finalized and you wanted to use an allied Inquisitor as your HQ... that would clear up any questions of who's in charge!

[RedsandRoyals]

There's also the chance that the Space Marine leading the SM expedition is a pragmatist, and agrees to work together because it'll be easier for all the Imperials. It's probably best to say that, fluff-wise, your strategy was worked on by all parties.

[emptyhat]

Space Marines are all about pursuing the path of their duty via the detour of their chapter traditions. As long as the Imperial commander can line those two up with something that is useful to their own plan then it all works out. If your character is placed highly enough in the sector/crusade command that they are in charge of most of the military resources for whatever war is happening at the time then it is usually worthwhile for the marines to listen, even if they don't have to obey.

If you want your guy to have any semblance of control then you should write a character that is god at military politics and a shrewd manipulator, or that they are the iron fist of that person.

[tatro43]

Awesome, thanks for the direction guys!
Looking forward to the campaign. I'll try to narrate a little of it and put it on here.

[cheminhaler]

Some quotes from Lord General Xarius, of the Imperial Guard, on having Space Marine allies. Source : Soul Drinkers first omnibus, book 3 ; Crimson Tears, by Ben Counter.

"The thing about Space Marines, Threlnan, is that they're all brain-washed psychopaths."

"Don't look at me like that, Threlnan, I know what they're like. The Dark Angels were supposed to spearhead our assault on the Dragon Archipelgo on Balhaut, and when the orders came down they were nowhere to be seen. Off fighting their own little war, never mind the men dying in the surf to win a beach the Marines should have taken. Never mind the rest of us lesser men.
No, when they do what they're told they're the best, I know that. But just because we've got a company of Crimson Fists doesn't mean they'll fight where I tell them. They should be helping the Fire Drakes get a decent foothold in the south but I can't even contact the Fists' commander. They've got a private war here, Threlnan, and you're a fool hoping it will coincide with ours."

Edit - there's another quote or two but I'll have to look for them. One of them effectively states that marines are still teenagers in attitude, just like when they were first inducted into their Chapter

[Rolling Thunder]

Unless you're a Warmaster/Lord Solar, then IG and SM do not integrate the chain of command. I'd go for a background of a retired Crusade general whom the SM are (naturally) deferring to.