88th Vermilion Regulars- Background and history for building the army.

 

The 88th Vermilion Regulars are a proud line-infantry regiment specializing in disciplined volleys and parade-ground precision.

Founded during the Macharian Crusade, the 88th Vermilion Regulars are one of the oldest continuously serving regiments in Segmentum Pacificus. Raised from the noble families and martial academies of Valoris Prime, their officers trace their commissions to the personal muster rolls of the Lord Solar himself.

The 88th retains the traditions of those glorious days—crimson coats, duelist’s etiquette, strict line drills, and the unshakable conviction that they represent the finest soldiery the Imperium has ever produced. In their eyes, modern regiments lack polish, discipline, and lineage.

"To march in vermilion is to inherit a legend—and to be judged by it."

 No regiment is more conscious of its heritage. Few are as proud. None are as insufferably certain of their own superiority.

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The Uniforms of the 88th Vermilion Regulars and Attached Auxilia

1. The Vermilion Line (Core Regiment – “The Reds”)

Command HQ, Command Squad, 1 Infantry Squad, 1 Heavy Weapons Squad, Ogryn Squad, Rough Riders, Sentinels, the Leman Russ MBT, and the psyker.

Color inspiration: British redcoats of the Peninsula and Waterloo.
Scheme: Deep crimson coats with buff straps and cuffs, black greatcoat collars, dark grey or blue trousers.
Helmets & gear: Black or gunmetal with brass trim; a white stripe or regimental “V” on the shoulder pad.
Iconography: The stylized “V” of the Valore Korps, framed in laurel wreaths or a winged skull motif.
Lore hook: The original 88th from Valoris Prime—elite, haughty, and infamously dismissive of their allies’ tailoring.

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2. The Azure Auxilia (Dutch and Belgian Analogue)

Two Infantry Squads.

Color inspiration: Deep Prussian or French blue coats with lighter blue trim.
Scheme: Blue coats, tan or khaki webbing, black helmets.
Lore hook: Attached forces from a sister world—Volturn IX, a feudal planet with a tradition of mercenary soldiery. Brave and reliable, yet viewed as provincial by the Vermilions.

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3. The Green Company (Nassauer Analogue)

Ratling Sniper Squad, Storm Troopers.

Color inspiration: Dark rifle green, black straps and boots, silver detailing.
Scheme: Very dark green coats with dull metal armor and blackened brass fittings.
Lore hook: Recon and marksman detachment. They serve as the regiment’s scouts and skirmishers, often fighting in loose order (much to the Colonel’s eternal irritation).

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4. The Onyx Guard (Brunswick Analogue)

1 Veteran Infantry Squad, 1 Heavy Weapons Squad.

Color inspiration: Black coats and armor with white skull or bone insignia.
Scheme: Black greatcoats, gunmetal trim, pale undershirts for contrast.
Lore hook: Grim, zealous soldiers from a world recently devastated—fighting in mourning black. They may have ties to a fallen Valore domain, earning them a place in the 88th’s campaign host.

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5. The Commissariat

Black and red in the traditional, timeless pattern.

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The 88th Vermilion Regulars — Founded in the Age of Macharius

Founding Era

The regiment was raised during the Macharian Crusade (392–399.M41), one of the greatest Imperium-wide military expansions since the days of the Great Crusade. Worlds across Segmentum Pacificus were tithed to provide elite regiments for the Lord Solar’s campaign.

Home World

Valoris Prime, a proud aristocratic world with a strong dueling and officer-cadet culture, contributed several regiments—but only the 88th still survives in its original form. This longevity is central to their identity.

Lineage

The regiment was sponsored by the noble houses of Valoris Prime. Many of the earliest officers were younger sons of aristocratic families, academy-trained duelists, or scions seeking glory in a crusade destined for legend.

Their commission scrolls trace directly to the Macharian Muster Rolls, a fact they bring up constantly when dealing with “upstart” regiments like the 13th Necromunda.

They maintain elaborate commemorative ceremonies, hereditary officer lines, preserved relics (banner fragments, medals, oath papers), and a regimental chronicle dating back to 399.M41. Lord Colonel Pembroke-Valen claims descent from one of the original founding officers.

An Old Style of Warfare

Their doctrine reflects the tactics of the Macharian Crusade: rigid line infantry formations, dueling-style officer traditions, brightly colored parade uniforms, and an unwavering belief in order and proper soldiery.

This makes them naturally disdainful of:

·       “scavenger regiments”

·       “irregulars”

·       “gang-born auxiliaries”

·       and especially the 13th’s creative approach to logistics.

Color Schemes

During Macharius’s crusade, regiments often bore flamboyant and distinctive heraldry. Thus bright red coats, polished brass, and striking banners are not merely decorative—they are historical tradition.

“We wore vermilion when we conquered the rim with Macharius. We shall not stop now.”

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Regimental Motto:

“In Vermilio, Victoria.”
In Vermilion, Victory.

 Officer Corps Motto:

“Iure Stirpis, Facto Igne.”
By Right of Lineage, By Deed of Fire.

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Army Composition (2nd Edition)

The army consists of:

·       1 Command HQ section with 3 Infantry Units

·       1 Ratling Sniper Team

·       1 Ogryn Squad

·       1 Storm Trooper Squad

·       1 Command Squad with 1 Infantry Squad

·       2 Heavy Weapons Squads

·       1 Leman Russ Battle Tank

·       1 Rough Rider Squad

·       1 Sentinel Squad

·       1 attached Commissar

·       1 attached Psyker