Dark Angels: A Comprehensive History

Dark Angels: A Comprehensive History

 

++Homeworld: Caliban (Destroyed)++

++Primarch: Lion El'Johnson++

++Legion: I++

 

Origins

 

The history of the Dark Angels Chapter goes back to the very foundation of the Imperium in the glory days of the Emperor's Great Crusade with the foundation of the twenty Space Marine Legions, the mighty armies of the Emperor charged with reuniting the disparate colonies of humanity under the banner of the Imperium. The first of the Astartes Legions were the Dark Angels. Alongside the Emperor of Mankind the 1st Legion united Terra, conquered the Sol system and embarked on the Great Crusade, bringing countless worlds to compliance. The deeds of the early Astartes Legions are ancient history and legend, much of it lost to time, clouded in myth. The First Legion's accomplishments during the Great Crusade are even more obscure, for unknown reasons during the days of the Horus Heresy the Legion erased their earlier history, renouncing their deeds and honors. Since the days of the Scouring the Dark Angels and their successor Chapters have been known collectively as the Unforgiven for reasons unknown to the Imperium at large.

 

What is known of the First Legion's origins begins, like all of the Legions, with the creation of the Primarchs. They were to be the twenty great generals that would lead the Emperor's Legions across the stars, masters of war, beings of unparalleled intellect, strength and skill. Before the Primarchs could take their place at the head of the Emperor's crusade a terrible disaster occurred. The twenty incubation pods were dragged into the warp and cast across the galaxy to crash to the surface of distant worlds. Though the Primarchs were lost the Emperor's vision of uniting humanity would not be denied, rather than attempting to recreate the Primarch project the Emperor used the genetic templates of the Primarchs as the basis for the Adeptus Astartes Legions. The gene-labs of Terra gave birth to twenty Legions in the event known as the First Founding. Successors to the Thunder Warriors the Astartes Legions took part in the final battles of the Unification Wars and formed the vanguard of the massive Expeditionary Fleets that struck out across the galaxy, uniting colonies of humanity lost since the beginning of the Dark Age of Technology.

 

Even as the fleets of the Imperium struck out from Terra the scattered Primarchs awoke on distant worlds. Some were found by the local inhabitants, given mentors and teachers, growing and learning and eventually rising to positions of respect and command. The Librarians of the Dark Angels tell a very different story about the early life of the First Legion's Primarch, who came to be known as Lion El'Johnson. The stasis pod containing the infant Lion El'Johnson crashed to the surface of the beautiful but tainted world known as Caliban. The touch of chaos lay upon the world of Caliban, turning its dark jungles into nightmare realms of vicious and deadly beasts, monsters and mutants. Those humans native to the world lived in isolated strongholds, protected by the Knights of Caliban. Orders of warriors armed with primitive power armor and bolt weapons, riding forth on equine mounts on great hunts against the monsters of Caliban. Lion El'Johnson was not fortunate enough to land near one of the strongholds, instead coming to rest deep within the monster infested forests. How the infant Primarch survived those early years alone in the hostile wilds of Caliban is unknown and Lion El'Johnson never spoke of his early life.

 

The discovery of Lion El'Johnson is recorded in the Lay of Luther. The knightly orders of Caliban were largely made up of nobility who ruled the natives of Caliban from their great stone citadels. Only one group of knights, known only as the Order, recruited anyone worthy regardless of their birth or station. A  young and promising member of the Order named Luther discovered the child Primarch while leading a hunting party into the forests of Caliban. The knights brought the child back to the Order's Fortress Monastery and gave him the name Lion El'Johnson, which in the native tongue of Caliban means "The Lion, the Son of the Forest." Johnson quickly adapted to life amongst the natives of Caliban, rising through the ranks of the Order alongside Luther who came to be like a brother to the Primarch. The exploits of Luther and Johnson against the chaos beasts became legend, spreading far and wide, drawing ever greater numbers of recruits to the Order.

 

In time Johnson's power and prestige grew so great that he united all the Grand Masters of the knightly orders in a crusade against the beasts of Caliban. For thousands of years the people of Caliban had lived in fear of the beasts, the deadly creatures dominating the dark forests covering much of the planet. No two beasts were exactly alike, their forms and capabilities changing drastically from one individual to another. Some flew, others crawled, some stalked on multiple feline limbs, some spat acide, others had poisonous stingers. Regardless of the form each beast took they were all massive and deadly monstrosities. Of all the beasts the most feared were referred to as the Nephilla. These beasts did not hunt with sight, sound or smell but rather could detect the soul light of their prey, seeing through the warp to hunt. Hunt after hunt, battle after battle the beasts were hounded to their lairs and slain. For the first time in uncounted centuries the people of Caliban no longer had to fear the terrible chaos monsters lurking in the shadows. Unbeknownst to Johnson one of the knightly orders, the Knights of Lupus, had secretly been capturing and hiding beasts. The Knights of Lupus feared that without the beasts the Caliban way of life would disappear. Though the combined armies of Johnson defeated and annihilated the Knights of Lupus the fears of Lord Sartana turned out to be well founded, though none knew just how much so at the time.

 

As Caliban entered a golden age free of the dreaded beasts the Emperor led his armies across the galaxy, reuniting his lost sons with their Legions one by one. When the Emperor reached Caliban it is said that he and Johnson immediately recognized one another. The Apocrypha of Skaros records that Johnson was given command of the Dark Angels Legion, who had been created in his image, and Caliban became the Legion's new homeworld. The Knights of Caliban clamored to join the Legion, though many of the youngest were transformed into post-human Space Marines a great many of the Order's most accomplished knights were far too old to undergo the standard Astartes transformation. The Emperor leant Johnson a number of his best Apothecaries who managed to significantly enhance the veterans of the Order and allowing them to join the Dark Angels Legion. The Knights of Caliban so enhanced were not full Space Marines for they did not possess the gene-seed of Lion El'Johnson and without the genetic inheritance of the Primarch they could not receive a number of the more sophisticated implants. Even so Luther and many others took their place as Veterans and commanders of the Dark Angels Legion, even as the Legion took on the traditions of the Order.   

 

As time wore on and the Imperium brought its technology and administration to Caliban a number of the former Knights of the Order came to view the transformation of Caliban as a great loss, their culture, history and heritage literally demolished to make way for mass agriculture, manufacturing and mining to support the Legion. Luther, who had ever been the closest brother to Johnson, became disenchanted with his role. In any other time Luther would have been the greatest hero of Caliban but in Johnson's shadow he was just another man. Shortly into the Dark Angels return to the Great Crusade Luther and Johnson had a falling out, Johnson and many of the former Knights of Caliban were returned to their homeworld. Ostensibly placed on guard and training duty the veterans of the Order consoled themselves that they would eventually be called to return to the front lines. As months turned into years and years into decades Luther and his comrades began to realize they had been left behind. While the First Legion earned glory and renown on the fields of the Great Crusade the Knights of Caliban stood sentinel over nearly empty fortresses, seeing generation after generation of new recruits dispatched to the Legion while they remained. Those veterans of the Old Legion before the discovery of Johnson and the Knights of Caliban who remained with the Legion Expeditionary Fleets found themselves distanced from the Primarch. Over time new Legion Chapters and warships began to shadow the Old Legion Chapters.

 

On the battlefields of the Great Crusade Lion El'Johnson exhibited one of the greatest tactical geniuses the Imperium has ever seen, his accomplishments and those of his Legion rivaling even those of Guilliman, Horus and Sanguinius. The Horus Heresy changed all of that. Only a handful in the Imperium know what followed, of the betrayal and infighting that splintered the Legion and destroyed Caliban. The Inner Circle of the Dark Angels works hard to protect their secrets, to hunt down the Fallen and silence the sins of their past.

 

The Horus Heresy

 

The Great Betrayal of Horus and the traitor Legions saw the end of the Great Crusade and the beginning of the civil strife that would come to be known as the Horus Heresy. As hostilities erupted between the forces of the Imperium the Dark Angels found themselves far out on the fringes of the Imperium fighting an endless shadow war against the Night Lords of Konrad Curze in the Thramas system. A brutal game of cat and mouse played out across dozens of systems and scores of warzones as the Dark Angels sought to pin down the Night Lords and bring them to direct confrontation. Curze's dread hunters would not be so easily cornered. All of Johnson's formidable tactical acumen failed to adaquately predict the movements of the Night Lords, no blockade, no chase achieved success.

When news of the Siege of the Emperor's Palace reached Johnson he made the decision to link up with Leman Russ' Space Wolves and drive for Terra. The forces allied to Horus and the turbulence of the warp made the journey painstakingly slow and fraught with danger. The two Legions were far from Sol and had to fight every step of the way. By the time Johnson and Russ reached Terra the battle was all but over, Horus lay dead and the Emperor had been mortally wounded and interred within the Golden Throne. With a heavy heart Johnson returned to Caliban for the first time in decades.

 

While Johnson had been away however Caliban had changed. With the disbanding of the knightly orders and the mass relocation of the planet's population into arcologies the surface of Caliban had changed dramatically. For a time Caliban became a center of production and recruitment for the Legion producing millions of rounds of boltgun ammunition, thousands of Astartes and numerous divisions of Jaegers to join the Imperial Army units under the Lion's command. In the months leading up to the outbreak of the Horus Heresy the situation on Caliban had begun to deteriorate. Riots and insurrectionist activities began to cut into the production quotas, the disruption only increasing with time as the citizens of Caliban became increasingly discontent with the plundering of their homeworld's resources for the Imperium and the Great Crusade while the ancient traditions and culture of Caliban were destroyed. Luther was initially reluctant to deploy the Dark Angels in suppression of these riots but as the disruption continued to escalate he was forced to assign Librarian Zahariel to investigate the matters. The Edict of Nikaea appeared to have never really reached Caliban and as such Zahariel and the other Librarians assigned to the training cadre remained in active use of their powers, Zahariel himself serving as Johnson's second in command. Brother Zahariel discovered sorcerous rituals being enacted on Caliban and ancient secrets of a warp-taint permeating the very core of the world. Worried about the Imperial reaction to Caliban's taint the Dark Angels attempted to keep it a secret but as the riots escalated and played into the hands of the Terran sorcerer cabal the news broke out. Forced to make a choice to consign Caliban to destruction or abandon the Imperium Luther chose Caliban. The legendary oratory skills of Luther drew the Dark Angels on Caliban to his cause, convincing them as he believed that Johnson had abandoned Caliban, betrayed his homeworld and hidden his knowledge from them. The Emperor's Imperium would destroy them for their taint and Johnson had sent them to their deaths, the only choice was to stand alone and protect Caliban from all invaders. Worse Luther turned to sorcery as a method of protecting his homeworld from the Imperium, utilizing knowledge recovered from the library of the Knights of Lupus and hidden within the Fortress Monastery of Aldurukh Luther began to study sorcery and warp craft.

 

When Johnson and his fleet arrived in orbit over Caliban the defense weapons opened fire, scattering the Dark Angels fleet, sowing destruction and confusion amongst the forces loyal to Johnson. The Primarch was shocked to discover that he had fought his way across half the galaxy, fighting the spread of chaos across countless worlds only to find his own homeworld corrupted by the forces of chaos in his absence. This discovery unleashed Johnson's full and terrible fury. The conflict that followed was brutal and merciless, the defenses of Caliban and the fleet of the First Legion tearing into each other with relentless fury. The forests and settlements of Caliban burned even as ships were broken apart and obliterated in orbit. One by one the defense batteries were silenced until Johnson deemed it time to launch the ground invasion. The surviving forces of Johnson had bunkered down in the Fortress Monastery of the Order, the last and greatest bastion of Caliban. Johnson himself led the assault, tearing down the defenses and cutting his way through the defenders until he came face to face with Luther himself. While Johnson was a living engine of destruction, a virtually peerless warrior the chaos gods had empowered Luther, transforming him into a being equal to Johnson in nearly every way. The two demigods engaged in a furious duel that laid waste to the Order's Fortress Monastery even as the Dark Angels fleet bombarded every other monastery on Caliban to rubble. Under the fleet's ceaseless bombardment the surface of Caliban began to crack and splinter, the planet threatening to come apart.

 

As Caliban became engulfed in a firestorm of destruction around them the duel came to its end. Despite the gifts of the chaos gods Luther could not match the skill of Johnson, yet when the opening came the Lion could not bring himself to deliver the blow. As Johnson hesitated Luther called on his chaos gifts to unleash a devastating sorcerous assault, mortally wounding Johnson. Standing over the fallen Primarch the full measure of his treachery finally dawned on Luther, the enormity of his betrayal was too great for Luther and he fell to his knees, his sanity forever shattered. The loss of their chosen champion enraged the chaos gods, the fury of the warp tearing apart the weakened planet and dragging the fragments into the warp. When the dust cleared only a small chunk of Caliban's surface remained, the rock beneath the Order's ruined Fortress Monastery where Luther and Johnson had fought.

 

Though the Dark Angels steadfastly maintain that the rock was empty the Codicium Astartes Mortis, or Book of the Angels of Death, describes how when the Dark Angels descended to the ruins they found Luther curled into a ball muttering to himself and of Johnson there was no sign. The fallen traitor repeated endlessly that the watchers in the dark had taken Johnson and he would one day return to forgive Luther of his sins.

 

The senior members of the Legion gathered in a secret conclave to discuss the Dark Angels future. They decided that the treachery of Luther and his warriors must forever be kept a secret, should the greater Imperium ever discover the events at Caliban the Legion would surely be doomed and lose all hope of regaining their honor. The senior Legion commanders formed a secretive Inner Circle to safeguard the Legion's secrets. Luther's traitors had been dragged into the warp, the chaos gods fury scattering them throughout space and time. These survivors of Luther's traitors became known as the Fallen and ever since that dark day the Inner Circle has made it their mission to hunt down the Fallen, capture them and force them to repent for their sins. Only when every last Fallen has been redeemed would the True Sons of the Lion regain their honor, until that day the Dark Angels and their Successor Chapters would be the Unforgiven.

 

The Rock

 

Known to the Chapter as the Tower of Angels and more commonly to the Imperium as the Rock, the home of the Dark Angels is the very fragment of Caliban on which stands the ruins of the Order's Fortress Monastery. In the centuries after the destruction of Caliban the Dark Angels carved countless passageways and chambers into the rock, in time even installing propulsion systems and even warp engines to allow the Rock to move from system to system. As a result the Rock does not remain in any given location for long.

 

Within the expansive interior of the Rock lay many secrets, ancient vaults sealed for centuries behind adamantium doors and sigils of warding and lost crypts holding untold mysteries. Only the Masters of the Inner Circle know of these places and can access their secrets.

 

The largest and oldest Fortress Monastery of the Order was the fortress of Aldurukh. As the headquarters of the Order Aldurukh became the home of the Dark Angels Legion after the arrival of the Imperium, the fortress expanded and upgraded to suit the needs of the ever growing First Legion. Even before the coming of the Imperium the fortress of Aldurukh was often referred to as the Rock of Eternity. When the fractured remains of Caliban were torn into the warp all that remained was a massive chunk of bedrock beneath the ruins of Aldurukh, granting an all new meaning to the old title.

 

The Watchers in the Dark

-The mysterious creatures known as the Watchers in the Dark were natives of Caliban long before the arrival of the Imperium. Somehow the Watchers survived the Fall of Caliban and exist today in service to the Dark Angels Chapter. The numbers, activities and basic physiology of the Watchers are all mysterious and the Dark Angels.

 

Chapter Keeps

-Like many fleet based Chapters the Dark Angels maintain a number of Chapter Keeps and Basilica on worlds from which they recruit regularly. One such Basilica stands on the world of Piscina IV, a staging ground and center of recruitment for the Dark Angels in the Piscina system whose worlds have supplied many able-bodied recruits to the Chapter over the centuries.

 

Gene-Seed

 

As the first of the Space Marine Legions the Dark Angels Gene-Seed is one of the purest of the Adeptus Astartes gene-stocks with virtually no known flaws or degradations. Despite this genetic purity relatively few Successor Chapters have been founded of Dark Angels gene-stock in the long centuries since the Second Founding. The reasons for this lack of successor Chapters is unknown however exceptions have occasionally been made. Most mysteriously and controversially the Disciples of Caliban were seemingly founded upon the request of Chapter Master Anaziel to the High Lords in M37. It is virtually unheard of for a Chapter Master to make such a request, even more surprisingly despite no clear reason for the request was provided it was ultimately granted and the Disciples of Caliban were born.

 

Successor Chapters

 

Like all the loyalist Legions following the Horus Heresy the Dark Angels Legion was broken down into smaller Chapters. One Chapter retained the colors and heraldry of the initial Legion while the remaining three chose new colors and heraldry. The Angels of Absolution, Angels of Redemption and Angels of Vengeance were the first three successor Chapters created during the 2nd Founding.

 

Known Successor Chapters

 

 The Angels of Absolution

-Of all the Unforgiven Chapters the Angels of Absolution maintain perhaps the closest ties with the Dark Angels, working together in joint operations on multiple occasions. The teachings and practices of the Angels of Absolution are similarly close to those of the Dark Angels themselves save in that the Chapter believes their sins erased by the valor of their forebears in the Fall of Caliban, the hunt for the Fallen thus being merely an act of punishment rather than atonement as the Dark Angels view it. Despite this subtle distinction the Angels of Absolution's 1st and 2nd Company have fought alongside the Deathwing and Ravenwing on more than one occasion. Most notably during the battle for Achangel VII where the combined 2nd Companies cornered a group of Fallen and their followers allowing the Deathwing and the Angels of Absolution 1st Company to assault their fastness.

 

The Angels of Redemption

-In reputation the Angels of Redemption stand second only to the Dark Angels themselves, celebrated across the Imperium for their role in many great wards, either as part of a larger Imperial force or on their own. Even so the Angels of Redemption, as all Unforgiven Chapters, stand apart from their allies, ever ready to disengage to chase down a lead on the Fallen. Yet while the Dark Angels have on occasion withdrawn from a campaign to pursue the Fallen the Angels of Redemption have done so far more often, often with severe consequences for the forces of the Imperium. Every battle the Angels of Redemption fight is calculated to bring them closer to locating one of the Fallen, the Chapter's zeal for the hunt virtually unmatched amongst the Chapters of the Unforgiven. This proclivity cost the lives of seven brigades of the Gatlinghive Militia and the population they sought to protect when the Angels of Redemption abandoned the Defense of Gatlinghive just before the Ork final assault, leaving the defenders to face a horde more than three million strong. The Angels of Redemption did manage to capture Company Master Baalakai, a particularly notorious member of the Fallen. Despite this personal victory the loss of Gatlinghive, and similar incidents, have led to Imperial forces going so far as to directly turn down the aid of the Angels of Redemption. The repercussions of these actions could perhaps lead to excommunication in the coming years if the Chapter cannot improve its reputation.

 

The Angels of Vengeance

-Even more than the other Unforgiven Chapters the Angels of Vengeance shun fame and glory, preferring to concentrate on their duties. All of the Chapter's companies were armor of jet black, heralding back to the original heraldry of the Dark Angels during the Great Crusade. So single-minded is the determination of the Chapter that it has often become embroiled in battles it has little hope of winning yet the Angels of Vengeance often emerge bloody but victorious despite the odds. The cost of this steadfast refusal to disengage has on occasion been very high indeed. After the Siege of San Apolis the Chapter had to spend nearly a century replenishing its ranks and gene-stores before it could engage in battle once again.

 

Guardians of the Covenant

-The Guardians of the Covenant are perhaps the most monastic and scholarly of the Unforgiven, dedicating themselves as much to the scholarly arts as they do to the arts of war. The battle-brothers of the Chapter view themselves as warrior-monks and their armor, banners and vehicles bear dense, spidery script taken from the Codex Astartes, the Requiem Angelis and numerous other tomes considered sacred to the Adeptus Astartes. Even the Chapter Fortress Monastery on Mortikah VII stands as a massive cathedral whose spire pierces the clouds. The Chapter's homeworld lies near the western edge of the Imperium along the outer marches of the Segmentum Pacificus. The Guardians of the Covenant have spearheaded several Crusades into the Halo Stars and were pivotal in repelling the Lelith Incursion.

 

The Disciples of Caliban

-Founded in M37 at the request of Chapter Master Anaziel. It is widely believed that Anaziel had the Disciples of Caliban founded to fulfill a very specific purpose, a purpose some believe to be the capture of the Lord Cypher, likely the most notorious and infamous of all the Fallen. Whether this is true or not is known only to the Inner Circle of the Disciples of Caliban themselves. What is known is that the Disciples of Caliban are an extremely mobile fleet based Chapter sighted in engagements the length and breadth of the Imperium and even beyond. It is believed many of these actions were instigated by the presence of Cypher and the Chapter has certainly become extremely adept at uncovering even the most subtle signs of the Fallen. Curiously the gene-seed of the Disciples of Caliban was taken from the very purest available to the Dark Angels at the time of the Chapter's founding and the Chapter maintains the most stringent recruiting and purity standards of any of the Unforgiven Chapters. Proud and virtuous the battle-brothers of the Chapter are unflinching in the prosecution of their sacred duties. Many reliquaries are housed aboard the Chapter fleet and each Company maintains a number of relic bearers who carry artifacts of great significance to the Chapter into battle to inspire the Chapter's warriors to ever greater feats of prowess and valor, greatest of these relics is the Lionus Censum, a sacred scroll listing the names of the Chapter's most renowned brothers.

 

The Consecrators

-The Consecrators are perhaps the most mysterious and secretive of the Unforgiven. The first appearance of the Chapter in Imperial records is in the notations of Corwen Quilp in the third century of the fortieth millennium. Quilp records the Chapter's involvement in his account on the Second Kuppukin Schism. At the most dire hour of the war when Army 52 had been completely surrounded by the Schismatics forces the entire Chapter deployed to the field, ignoring any and all messages from Army 52 and proceeding to utterly annihilate the Schismatics high command before leaving just as suddenly a mere six hours later. The Chapter's next appearance was some three decades later when the 4th Company was sighted alongside the Dark Angels during the Arrulas Intervention. Descriptions of the Consecrators describe them as possessing many relics and bearing armor, weaponry and vehicles of ancient pattern.

 

Recruitment

 

As a fleet based Chapter the Dark Angels do not maintain a home world, instead the Chapter recruits from a number of different worlds scattered across many systems. Usually these are feral worlds, the savage natives ideal recruits for the Adeptus Astartes, having grown up in a hostile environment these natives are strong and skilled. The transformation into a Space Marine largely wipes any previous identity from the recruit's mind and it is common for a new name to be granted to the warrior in keeping with the traditions of the Chapter. Occasionally previous names, titles or accomplishments may hold over but this is relatively rare and most recruits will never visit their homeworld again save perhaps on a future recruiting mission.

 

Combat Doctrine

 

With a few notable exceptions the Dark Angels follow the strictures of the Codex Astartes. However in battle the Dark Angels are utterly intractable, preferring to fight to the death rather than give ground or redeploy to a new position, determined to hold their ground at all costs. The Chapter is also extremely intolerant of non-humans, often refusing to fight alongside an army including xenos forces or even abhumans except in exceptional circumstances. Even largely accepted sub-species of humans or abhumans such as Ogryns or Ratlings are objectionable to the Chapter. Insular and reclusive the Dark Angels do not mingle with other Imperial forces often, preferring to stand apart from their allies and have even withdrawn from campaigns when confronted by members of the Inquisition or missionaries of the Ecclessiarchy.

 

The hunt for the Fallen takes precedence over any other oaths or commitments, driving the Chapter's forces to redeploy from campaigns to hunt down the Fallen should a lead be discovered. Though such action is relatively rare it has lead to disaster for Imperial forces on more than one occasion and has not done much good for the reputation of the Unforgiven among their fellow Imperial forces.

 

It has been noted that the Chapter maintains a sizable number of plasma weapons and other esoteric weaponry compared to other Chapters. The reasons for this are unknown but it is speculated that the Chapter has access to ancient stores of weaponry or ancient manufacturing techniques lost to the wider Imperium. Most notably the Company Master of the Chapter's 2nd Company, the Ravenwing, rides to war on an Astartes Mark 14 jetbike, a vehicle not seen widely in the arsenals of the Adeptus Astartes for centuries.

 

In the hunt for the Fallen the Dark Angels have occasionally had to adapt in order to achieve success. The Mortis pattern Dreadnoughts are believed to have originated with the Chapter as have the designs for the Land Raider Ares. Developed for the Assault on Murus the Ares has not been officially accepted by the Mechanicus of Mars but some Chapters have obtained the schematics from the Dark Angels and made use of the design in the years since its creation.

 

Battle-Cry

 

"Repent! For tomorrow you die!"

 

Beliefs

 

Like many of the Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes the Dark Angels give great praise to the Emperor of Mankind but do not worship him as a god. Though this is most disagreable with the Ecclessiarchy the independence and autonomy of the Space Marines largely protects the Dark Angels from the Adeptus Ministorum's doctrines of imperial faith. As with most of the 1st Founding Chapters the Dark Angels revere their Primarch as much as they do the Emperor himself.

 

The Dark Angels believe themselves forever tainted by the sins of the traitorous Luther and his compatriots until the last of the Fallen can be captured and forced to repent. Only then will the Chapter be redeemed in the eyes of the Emperor. Any rumor of the Fallen is followed up relentlessly, no matter how slim or remote every lead is hounded to its end. When a Fallen Angel is captured he is brought back to the Rock and handed over to the ministrations of the Interrogator-Chaplains. Should the Fallen repent he is given a quick, clean death. More often the Fallen will refuse to repent and so is put under the tireless tortures and interrogations of the Chaplains until the Fallen either repents or dies. Should an Interrogator-Chaplain succeed in forcing a Fallen to repent he will add a black pearl to his Rosarius. No matter the end the effort is worth it to the Chapter, each name added to the Book of Salvation bringing the Dark Angels one step closer to redemption.

 

"What is it that gives us our purpose?" - Chaplain

"War."

"What is it that gives war purpose?"

"To vanguish the foes of the Emperor."

"Who are the foes of the Emperor?"

"The heretic, the alien and the mutant."

"What is it to be an enemy of the Emperor?"

"It is to be damned."

"What is the instrument of the Emperor's damnation?"

"We, the Space Marines, the Angels of Death."

"What is it to be a Space Marine?"

"It is to be pure, to be strong, to show no pity, no mercy, nor remorse."

"What is it to be pure?"

"To never know fear, to never waver in the fight."

"What is it to be strong?"

"To fight on when others flee; to stand and die in the knowledge that death brings ultimate reward."

"What is the ultimate reward?"

"To serve the Emperor."

"Who do we serve?"

"We serve the Emperor and the Lion, and through them we serve mankind."

"What is it to be Dark Angels?"

"It is to be the first, the honoured, the sons of the Lion."

"Praise the Lion." - Chaplain

 

The Higher Mysteries

-The advanced tactics and teachings of the Order and then the Dark Angels Legion. The Lord Cypher maintained the integrity of the Higher Mysteries in addition to the traditions of the Legion under the Lion. The Higher Mysteries were just one of the many traditions of the Order that were taken on by the Dark Angels Legion.

 

The Feast of Malediction

-The Feast of Malediction is an annual event held within the Seclusium of the Dark Angels deep within the halls of the Rock. The feast honors the Dark Angels founding during the Great Crusade and place as the First Legion. During the feast one of the Company Champions is chosen to serve as the honorary Custodian in honor of the Dark Angels place at the right hand of the Emperor. At the culmination of the feast the Custodian ritually cuts his thumb and pours a drop of his blood into the Cup of Retribution, said to be the same vessel from which the Emperor drank during the feast honoring his reuniting with Johnson. The cup is then passed around to each member of the Chapter who add a drop of their blood to the mixture. When all have added to the cup it is mixed with large open caskets of wine and then each battle-brother dips the cup one by one into the wine and drinks. This ritual is an ancient and sacred practice of the Chapter and it is considered an ill-omen indeed should a campaign or battle delay the feast.

 

The Heavenfall Blades

-The Dark Angels lore tells how the core of a meteor that struck the Rock in orbit around the feral worlds of Al Baradad contained a block of purest obsidian. From this block were cut the Heavenfall Blades, mightiest of which is the Sword of Secrets wielded by the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, the sword was cut from a single chunk of obsidian and is said to have not chipped or lost its keenness in the millennia since its forging. The blades born by the Masters of the Deathwing and Ravenwing also utilize a small amount of the obsidian in their forging. A small amount of the obsidian was dispatched to each of the Successor Chapters, allowing them to forge blades of the same origin as those borne by the Dark Angels themselves.

 

The Sacred Standards

-The Dark Angels maintain three Sacred Standards that may be carried by the Chapter's Standard Bearers during particularly momentous battles or on campaigns of great importance. These standards date back to the glory days of the Great Crusade and by custom only one may be used at any given time, the other two kept safely in the Great Hall of the Rock. These standards are known as the Standard of Fortitude, the Standard of Devastation and the Standard of Retribution.

 

The Blades of Reason

-Ancient devices that appear as knives of many sharp and polished blades the Blades of Reason are horrific tools used by the Chapter's Interrogator-Chaplains in their interrogations of the Fallen. Torture device and badge of office both the Blades of Reason are etched with fine neural wires capable of inflicting untold agonies on an interrogation victim. In the hands of an expert the Blades of Reason are capable of quickly extracting information from even the most stubborn and hardy of prisoners, including captured members of the Fallen in an attempt to elicit a repentance.

 

The Black Pearls

-For each member of the Fallen an Interrogator-Chaplain forces to confess his sins the Chaplain is awarded a single black pearl kept on a cord somewhere about their person, both on and off the battlefield. These pearls are a subtle indication of the achievements of each Chaplain without revealing hidden truths to those members of the chapter not initiated into the Inner Circle. The legendary Interrogator-Chaplain Molochia earned a remarkable twelve Black Pearls over the course of his service to the Chapter. No other Chaplain in the Chapter's history has earned as many before or since.  

 

Relics of the Chapter

 

The Lion Sword

-The fabled blade of Lion El'Johnson this sword has been lost to the Chapter since the Fall of Caliban. It is believed by some that the Fallen Cypher carries the blade, though he never draws it. If this is true it is simply one more reason for the Dark Angels to desire Cypher's capture.

 

Traitor's Bane

-This master-crafted Force Sword is currently wielded by the Grand Master of Librarians Brother Ezekiel.

 

The Sword of Secrets

-The greatest of the Heavenfall Blades possessed by the Dark Angels the Sword of Secrets is wielded by Supreme Grand Master Azrael.

 

The Sword of Silence

-One of the Heavenfall Blades possessed by the Dark Angels, the Sword of Silence is wielded by Grand Master Belial of the Deathwing.

 

The Raven Sword

-One of the Heavenfall Blades possessed by the Dark Angels, the Raven Sword is wielded by Master Sammael of the Ravenwing.

 

Fellbane

-One fo the Heavenfall Blades possessed by the Dark Angels, Fellbane was formerly wielded by Company Master Zadakiel. Before his death Master Zadakiel passed the blade to Brother Balthasar who now leads the 5th Company.

 

Nightfall - The Sword of Luther

-Recovered from the Martyr's Tomb on a distant Eldar Exodite World the Sword of Luther had been kept sealed away by the xenos for ten thousand years. Though corrupted the sword is a relic of the Chapter's history and was returned to the Rock by Interrogator-Chaplain Uzziel.

 

“To Luther, friend and comrade-in-arms. May your faith be your shield. LEJ.”

 

Hope and Despair

-These paired master-crafted hand-and-a-half broadswords were crafted by a forgotten Calibanite artisan, the blades are edged with a crystal compound making them razor sharp and virtually unbreakable. Acquired by the Lion from one of the Order's masters. Despair was lost in battle against a Changer of Ways, Greater Daemon of Tzeentch during the Battle for the Invincible Reason.

 

Adamant

-Bejeweled Greatsword wielded by Lion El'Johnson during the Horus Heresy.

 

Lion's Wrath

-This master-crafted combi-plasma is carried into battle by Supreme Grand Master Azrael. The Lion's Wrath is reputed to have been crafted by the Techno-Magus Prestor the Unchallenged in the days after the Fall of Caliban.

 

Deliverer

-This master-crafted bolt pistol is carried by Grand Master Ezekiel.

 

Secret's Shield

-This magnificent suit of Artificer armor is worn by Grand Master Ezekiel.

 

Protector

-This masterfully crafted suit of Artificer armor is worn by Supreme Grand Master Azrael himself.

 

The Shield of Night

-This technological artifact generates a powerful protective energy field around the personal land speeder of Master Sammael, granting his mechanical chariot protection nearly the equal of a Land Raider.

 

Master Sammael's Jetbike

-The Mark 14 Astartes Jetbike ridden into battle by Master Sammael of the Ravenwing is one of the last known examples of its kind in existence. Whole squadrons of jetbike riders rode to war during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy but in the long centuries after the Great Betrayal the knowledge to replicate the Mark 14's technology has been lost to the Imperium. Few have been seen in active use for centuries and as far as anyone knows Sammael's may be the last.

 

The Lion Helm

-This ancient helmet is said to have been worn by Lion El'Johnson himself. It projects a protective energy field capable of shielding Supreme Grand Master Azrael and any marines in his viscinity and is carried into battle in the clutches of one of the Watchers in the Dark.

 

The Cup of Retribution

-This relic of the Chapter is said to be the very cup from which the Emperor drank on the feast celebrating his reunion with his lost son. The cup is used each year during the Feast of Malediction.

 

The Grimoire of Remembrance

-Tome in which the names of the honored dead are recorded, to be remembered by the Chapter for their deeds and sacrifice.

 

The Book of Caliban

-Treatise of the Dark Angels written by Lion el'Johnson

 

Calibanite Legacy

-Holy book studied by the Chapter's Chaplains during their initiation.

 

Hymnals of Fortitude

-Holy book of the Chapter's Chaplains.

 

Contemplations of Castigation

-Revered text of the Chapter's Chaplains.

 

The Rosters of Caliban

-These ancient texts record the names and details of the warriors of the Dark Angels Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy. Now these same texts provide the Chapter details on those traitors numbered amongst the Fallen.

 

The Book of Salvation

-The Book of Salvation records the names of all those Fallen captured and forced to repent by the Unforgiven over the ten thousand years since the Fall of Caliban.

 

The Verbatim

-The basic and fundamental tenets of the Order. Elements of these teachings likely continued with the Dark Angels Legion and may still be in use with the modern era Chapter.

 

Meditations

-Book written by the poet philosopher Aureas. A popular tome of wisdom amongst the Knights of the Order.

 

The Proclamations of Caliban

-The first laws laid down by Lion El'Johnson when he took command of the Dark Angels. Worn into battle on the Primarch's hip contained in six ornate red leather cylinders bound in platinum.

 

The Wolf and the Lion

 

The rivalry between the Dark Angels and the Space Wolves traces its origins back to the days of the Great Crusade. Each of the Legions strove to outdo the others, a competitive rivalry pushing them to fight harder and strive further than they otherwise might have. In general this rivalry was largely constructive but it could occasionally cause significant rifts between certain Legions. Of all the Legions Astartes the Space Wolves were one of the most accomplished, outmatched in victories only by Horus and Lion El'Johnson. This proved a constant irritant to the Primarch of the Space Wolves Leman Russ, driving him to great efforts attempting to outdo the Lion. This rivalry came to a head on the world of Dulan where the Dark Angels and Space Wolves fought side by side against the Tyrant Durath. The tyrant had insulted the Emperor by personally sacrificing thousands of Imperial agents to his patron daemon. Both Russ and Johnson sought the glory of delivering retribution for this heinous act. Durath drove Leman Russ into a rage when he called the Space Wolves Primarch the Emperor's lapdog and promised to feed him to his own grox. Russ demanded Johnson stand aside and permit the Space Wolves the honor of the kill, the Wolf King swearing to personally take Durath's head for his insults.

 

Johnson had already spent days scouting out every weak point of the fortress where Durath resided, meticulously planning his assault in exacting detail and refused to have Russ ruin his plans in a fit of hot-headed rage. Johnson immediately began the assault, storming the keep with remarkably few casualties while Russ was entangled in bitter fighting at the base of the walls, forced to watch Johnson slay the Tyrant far above.

 

Enraged Russ stormed into the keep and struck Johnson across the skull, beginning a wrestling match between the two Primarchs that lasted for a full day and night with neither demigod able to overcome the other. As the two Primarchs parted Russ saw the pointlessness and humor in their duel and began to laugh uproariously. Un-amused and angry over Russ' first treacherous blow Johnson did not laugh but rather struck Russ unconscious and departed with his Legion before the Space Wolves Primarch awoke. When Russ came to he vowed vengeance for the stain on his honor.

 

To this day when the two Chapters meet a champion is selected from each Chapter to refight their Primarch's duel anew. Usually this is merely an honor duel, rivalry and competition played out in the dueling ring. However the underlying enmity between the two Chapters has erupted into open conflict no less than twelve times. Recently the two engaged in the Magdelon War during which the Space Wolves finally forced the Dark Angels from the gem mines of Magdelon's second moon. Even more recently the Dark Angels and the Space Wolves of Berek Thunderfist's Great Company engaged in open conflict on the world of Hyades. 

 

Organization

 

The Dark Angels are a largely codex adherent Chapter maintaining only a handful of notable differences to the standard organizational structures laid down in Roboute Guilliman's Codex Astartes. The 1st Company of the Dark Angels is known as the Deathwing, the all Terminator armored Veterans of the Chapter war bone white armor and make up the majority of the Chapter's Inner Circle. The Deathwing are charged with capturing the Fallen when they are located, using their advanced arms and armor to face down whatever devious trickery or ancient skills the Fallen employ. The 2nd Company of the Dark Angels is known as the Ravenwing and is perhaps the greatest difference to the Codex Astartes in the Chapter's organization. Rather than a typical Battle Company the Ravenwing wear jet black armor and are entirely mounted on bikes and landspeeders. Ranging far and wide in small groups the Ravenwing are charged with tracking down any trace of the Fallen across the length and breadth of the Imperium, any rumor, any clue, any whisper of the Fallen is tracked relentlessly. Though the Ravenwing know more about the Dark Angels secret past than the rest of the Chapter's uninitiated battle-brothers only the Master of the Ravenwing is a member of the Inner Circle and privy to the knowledge of the Fall of Caliban and the treachery of Luther and the Fallen.

 

The senior officers and veterans of the Chapter form the Inner Circle, the secretive body of the Chapter that safeguards the secrets of the Fallen. Yet even amongst the Inner Circle there are layers of secrets and mysteries, only the Chapter Master likely knows all of the Chapter's secrets, followed closely by the Chapter's Grand Master of Librarians and Master of Sanctity.

 

The Chapter's Captains are known as Company Masters, who form one of the highest circles within the secretive Inner Circle. Above the Company Masters are the Chapter's Grand Masters including the Grand Masters of the Fleet, the Arsenal, the Recruits and the Watch. The only warriors prohibited from the ranks of the Inner Circle are the Chapter's Techmarines. The duel oath of a Techmarine to the Chapter and the Mechanicus of Mars makes them untrustworthy of the Chapter's innermost secrets. The Chapter Master is known as the Supreme Grand Master and bears the honorific title the Keeper of Truth. The Chapter's Grand Master of Librarians holds the honorific Holder of the Keys.

 

The Dark Angels Chaplains maintain the rank of Interrogator-Chaplain. Senior to the Company Chaplains the Interrogator-Chaplains are charged with forcing the Fallen to repent for their sins, either through persuasion or through torture. It is also the Interrogator-Chaplains who occasionally lead their brethren in the hunt for the Fallen, tracking down the corrupted traitors of the former Legion across the Imperium.

 

Perhaps because the Chapter's Veteran 1st Company are privy to the Chapter's secrets and thus their faith, resolve and loyalty must all be absolutely assured before promotion to the vaunted Deathwing the Chapter maintains squads of Veterans within each of the Companies. These Squads do not appear to be in addition of the standard number of Squads in a company, instead they appear to simply be Veteran Tactical Squads granted additional equipment in respect of their experience and accomplishments until they prove their worth to join the Deathwing or die trying.

 

The Chapter's structure and beliefs are still influenced by the ancient knightly orders of Caliban, including the monastic robes worn by many of the Chapter. Though some of the Order's traditions, such as the rank of the Lord Cypher have long since fallen out of use or been locked away with the secrets of the Fall of Caliban. Another ancient tradition fallen out of use is the Ironwing. One of the first organizations within the Dark Angels reflecting the traditions of the knights of Caliban along with the Ravenwing and the Deathwing the Ironwing are lost to time and myth.

 

The Deathwing

-For centuries the Deathwing wore jet black armor the same as that worn by the Ravenwing in echo of the ancient colors worn by the Dark Angels during the Great Crusade. However events on one of the Chapter's recruiting worlds saw the 1st Company repaint their armor white in honor of their comrades sacrifice against a genestealer infestation. Whether this story is true or simply a stand-in for those members of the Chapter not yet inducted into the Deathwing and privy to the real reason for the Company's white armor is not known. Unusual amongst the Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes the Dark Angels only ever field the 1st Company as Terminators, never deploying its veterans as power armored Sternguard or Vanguard units. The Deathwing use a variant of the Chapter symbol painted in red with the center sword featuring a jagged break partway along its length. Another common symbol of the Deathwing are small bird feathers adorning their armor and weapons. These are supposedly tokens sacred to the feral traditions of the recruiting world where the Deathwing Veterans sacrificed themselves to end a Genestealer infestation but as with the rest of the 1st Company traditions the truth of the matter is largely unknown.

 

The Ravenwing

-The Ravenwing are charged with tracking down the Fallen and to do so they are equipped with a variety of specialized equipment and techniques from the Company's bikes and land speeders to vast information networks constantly alert for any whisper of the Fallen. Company Master Sammael rides to war either mounted on an example of the nearly extinct technology of the Mark 14 Astartes Jetbike or a significantly customized Land Speeder equipped with a device known as the Shield of Night. The Ravenwing use a variant of the Chapter symbol featuring a sword facing point down and to the right with a wing on the upper right.

 

The Chapter Fleet

 

Ever since the Fall of Caliban the Dark Angels have been a fleet based Chapter, meaning that they do not maintain a single homeworld but instead constantly move from system to system recruiting from a number of worlds and the Chapter does not remain in any given location for long. Because of this the Chapter likely maintains a relatively large standing fleet of vessels and the Tower of Angels certainly stands as one of the most prominent and powerful space going assets of the Chapter fleet, possessing weapons and defenses likely equivalent, if not significantly exceeding those of a Ramiles class star fort. In addition to the Rock the Chapter maintains the usual Strike Cruisers and Battle-Barges common to all Chapters of Imperial Space Marines along with squadrons of rapid strike vessels and fleet escorts of varying classes.

 

Known Vessels of the Chapter Fleet

 

The Tower of Angels

-The mobile Fortress Monastery of the Chapter is a massive edifice of stone and architecture and is all that remains of the Chapter's lost homeworld of Caliban. On the upper surface of the Tower of Angels can still be seen the ruins of the Order's Fortress Monastery, protected from destruction by void shields of immense power the ruins are an abandoned sacred site to the Chapter.

 

Gloriana-Class Battleship Invincible Reason

-Flagship of the Legion fleet during the Great Crusade.

 

Battleship Relentless

-Battleship serving the 6th Company during the Cordassa mission.

 

Battle-Barge Spear of Truth

-Battle-Barge in service to the Legion during the Great Crusade.

 

Battle-Barge Angelus Morte

-The Battle-Barge serving the Chapter during the encounter with the Space Hulk the Prison of Lost Souls.

 

Battle-Barge Unrelenting Fury

-The Unrelenting Fury served the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Battle-Barge Vinco Redemptor

-Battle-Barge serving Interrogator-Chaplain Vargas during the mission to Hyades.

 

Battle-Barge Angel of Retribution

-Battle-Barge serving Supreme Grand Master Azrael during the Siege of Vraks. The Angel of Retribution was later assigned to patrol the Draconis subsector before embarking on the mission to hunt down the Crimson Slaughter far into the eastern fringe. During this time the 4th, 5th and 6th Companies along with elements of the 1st, 2nd and 10th Companies were stationed aboard the venerable vessel.

 

Battle-Barge Ultimate Vengeance

-Battle-Barge of the Chapter.

 

Grand Cruiser Decimator

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet. Designated as the fleet capitol ship in the absence of the Invincible Reason.

 

Avenger-Class Grand Cruiser Iron Duke

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat. Lost in the Second Battle for Diamat.

 

Avenger-Class Grand Cruiser Duchess Arbellatris

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat. Suffered crippling damage during the initial space battle for control of Diamat. Though the Duchess Arbellatris was towed back to Diamat and repairs were attempted it was a lost cause, the vessel all but a derelict. What little remained was lost in the Second Battle for Diamat.

 

Infernus-Class Heavy Cruiser Flamberg

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat.

 

Infernus-Class Heavy Cruiser Lord Dante

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat.

 

Strike Cruiser Star of the First Legion

-Vessel serving the First Legion during the Thramas Crusade.

 

Strike Cruiser Pridemark

-Destroyed by the Night Lords at the end of the Thramas Crusade.

 

Strike Cruiser Wrath of Caliban

-Vessel serving the Dark Angels during the Great Crusade, the Wrath of Caliban transported the training cadre back to the Legion homeworld after the Compliance of Sarosh.

 

Strike Cruiser Pride of Caliban

-A unique vessel believed to predate the Imperium the lower decks of the Pride of Caliban feature detention cells capable of holding three hundred prisoners. Only the highest levels of the Dark Angels command structure have access to these holding cells, the Inquisition has made two attempts to infiltrate the ship's holding cells with no success.

 

Strike Cruiser Salvation

-Strike Cruiser serving the Chapter during the Siege of Vraks. The Salvation later served the 4th Company on patrol of the Draconis system trade routes alongside the Pride of Caliban.

 

Strike Cruiser Sword of Caliban

-Strike Cruiser serving the Chapter during the Siege of Vraks. The Sword of Caliban later served the 5th Company during the hunt for the Crimson Slaughter.

 

Strike Cruiser Relentless Wrath

-Strike Cruiser of the Chapter in service to the 4th Company during the Pyrus Reach Campaign.

 

Strike Cruiser Amadis

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat.

 

Strike Cruiser Adzikel

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat. Lost in the Second Battle for Diamat.

 

Strike Cruiser Vehemence

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Horus Heresy. The Vehemence transported the Lion to Tsagualsa for his confrontation with Konrad Curze.

 

Light Cruiser Formidable

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the mission to Diamat.

 

Rapid Strike Vessel Blade of Caliban

-One of the fastest ships in the Chapter fleet serving Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas prior to his death in the Chapter Basilica of Piscina IV.

 

Frigate Intervention

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Horus Heresy.

 

The Seraphic Vigil

-Outrider vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Thramas Crusade.

 

Bold Conveyor

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Great Crusade. 

 

Intrepid

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Great Crusade. 

 

Arbalest

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Great Crusade. 

 

Destroyer Rapier

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet Destroyer Squadron Twelve during the mission to Diamat. Destroyed in action.

 

Destroyer Audacius

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet Destroyer Squadron Twelve during the mission to Diamat. Destroyed in action.

 

Destroyer Hotspur

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet Destroyer Squadron Twelve during the mission to Diamat. Destroyed in action.

 

Destroyer Stilleto

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet Destroyer Squadron Twelve during the mission to Diamat. Destroyed in action.

 

Destroyer Courageous

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet Destroyer Squadron Twelve during the mission to Diamat. Destroyed in action.

 

Destroyer Seventh Son

-Vessel serving the 4th Expeditionary Fleet during the Horus Heresy. The Seventh Son participated in the mission to Tsagualsa.

 

Thunderhawk Zealous Guardian

-The Zealous Guardian served the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Shot down over the eastern barrens while attempting to investigate the east wastes power station. Brother Mephael, the ship's gunner, was killed in the crash. Techmarine Hadrazael, who had been piloting the gunship, survived the crash and was extracted from the wreckage by Sergeant Naaman.

 

Thunderhawk Divine Judgement

-The Divine Judgement served the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Thunderhawk Cestus

-The Cestus participated in Chaplain Uzziel's mission to the Martyr's Tomb.

 

Dropship Deathwing

-Gunship serving the 1st Company.

 

Notable Engagements

 

The Compliance of Sarosh

-The Saroshi initially appeared to accept the Imperium as their saviors, rescuing them from the darkness of Old Night. The truth was far more sinister. Initially delays stalled the compliance process while census records revealed well more than seventy million Saroshi mysteriously vanished. Shortly after the arrival of the Dark Angels with the 4th Expeditionary Fleet the Saroshi attempted to murder the Imperial command aboard the Invincible Reason with an atomic weapon hidden aboard the shuttle the Saroshi dignitaries used to reach orbit. Meanwhile simultaneous mutinies occurred on three vessels of the 4th Expedition Fleet and those Imperials on the surface were either murdered or abducted, only a handful escaping the Saroshi. The survivors described the Saroshi engaging in a simultaneous outburst of calm, orchestrated violence against the Imperium. Even as the Dark Angels prepared to reap vengeance for this attack the fleet detected a massive build up of psychic energy. To negate the psychic build up the Librarians of the Legion and the 4th Expeditionary Fleet's Mechanicus personnel crafted an electro-psychic pulse weapon, modified from a cyclonic torpedo. The focal point of the psychic build up was discovered to be a facility marked as Mining Station One Zeta Five, having located the enemy the Legion wasted no time in launching the assault. As the Dark Angels forged into enemy territory they came under attack from reptilian beasts. Believed of xenos origin at the time but more likely warp entities the reptilian monsters had an ethereal, unearthly appearance and their claws could phase straight through armor to rend the flesh beneath. Deep beneath the mine, unknown to the Imperials, the Saroshi were attempting to summon a daemon known as the Melachim, the Angel of the Saroshi. Even more sinister the missing citizens of Sarosh were revealed to have been sacrificed and piled within the underground complex of Mining Station One Zeta Five, the corpses filing the massive underground cavern built by the Saroshi in an ocean of death. Fighting deep into the caverns the Dark Angels succeeded in detonating the electro-psychic pulse weapon, banishing the warp entities and eliminating any further resistance on Sarosh.

 

Despite the apparent victory and rapid compliance the Primarch Lion El'Johnson declared recruitment on Caliban was not running as smoothly or quickly as desired. Issuing a host of new orders the Lion dispatched many veteran Astartes and a number of the recent Calibanite recruits back to Caliban to oversee the induction of fresh recruits. Underneath the facade of these orders ran a darker current, one of disgrace and disunity. Hundreds upon hundreds of Astartes were returned to Caliban, far more than necessary to oversee recruitment and at their head was Luther, the closest mortal alive to the Lion and the Legion's second in command would no longer participate in the Great Crusade, barely after having joined it in the first place. Over time more and more veterans, particularly Terran veterans would be returned, whole Chapters at a time even, to garrison Caliban. By the outbreak of the Horus Heresy nearly half of the entire First Legion remained on Caliban, literally sitting out the Great Crusade in idleness and disuse. The repercussions of this would be felt for many centuries to come.

 

 The Shield Worlds Campaign

-The months long slog to bring Gordia IV and the other planets of the Gordia League to compliance saw the Dark Angels pitted against a stubborn and tenacious foe. The Gordia League and their xenos allies resisted the Imperial truth of the Imperium across a stretch of planets known as the Shield Worlds. Rather than conquer each world one at a time the Legion fleet formed into multiple detachments bringing battle across the length of the worlds of the Gordia League.

 

The First Battle for Diamat

-The Class I-Ultra Forge World in the Tanagra system was brought to compliance relatively early in the Great Crusade and quickly became a center of logistical supply for a large region of the Imperium. At the onset of the Horus Heresy Diamat took on a whole new value as a center of supply and operations for any force in the area. What few realized is that Diamat was critical to the war in a very different way, the forges of Diamat harbored a secret weapon prepared for a singular purpose, breaching the Emperor's Palace. As soon as Lion El'Johnson learned of Horus' treachery he knew Diamat would have to be secured. The Dark Angels Legion was tied up in the Shield Worlds Campaign at the time and Johnson could ill afford to withdraw his forces at the critical final stages of the campaign. Instead Johnson withdrew several hundred veterans, all that could be spared, and withdrew from the front lines with a handful of the 4th Fleet's vessels under the auspices of refit and supply. Making for Diamat with all haste and secrecy the Dark Angels fleet arrived to discover a motley collection of Imperial army and fleet forces, the dregs of Horus' rebellion, engaged in capturing Diamat from the Mechanicus garrison. The Lion cut wasted no time in brutally smashing his way through the lines of traitor Imperial fleet vessels, sacrificing an entire destroyer squadron and one of the 4th Fleet's Heavy Cruisers to smash past the traitor blockade and deploy troops to the surface of Diamat. Battle Force Alpha, numbering some two hundred Astartes, deployed to the surface to relieve the capitol city of Xanthus. The Dark Angels struck swiftly and surely, recapturing the principle Forge Complex just outside of the Capitol and driving off the invaders. With Diamat secure the Legion prepared for Horus to send reinforcements. With around two and a half weeks to work the Dark Angels set about organizing resistance, the local Tanagran Dragoons, the Mechanicus forces and the Legion's own fleet were resupplied and prepared for battle.

 

The Second Battle for Diamat

-As the preparations continued however Johnson looked through the Mechanicus inventory seeking something he would not disclose. At last Brother Nemiel drew an answer from the Primarch, learning that between six and eight massive siege weapons had been built on Diamat some hundred and fifty years before on the orders of Horus himself. War-machines of immense power the siege engines would be terrible weapons should they fall into the hands of the Warmaster but they were not listed amongst the Mechanicus inventory. Brother Nemiel and Squad Kohl were dispatched to reconnoiter the forge facility and find the siege weapons. After an exhaustive search Brother Nemiel concluded that the siege weapons had been moved to the Legio Gladius maintenance and manufactory facilities for refurbishing prior to deployment. Infiltrating the active but supposedly empty Titanicus installation the Dark Angels discovered the war-machines had indeed been moved there in preparation for deployment with Horus, even worse the Magos in command of the Forge Complex had sided with the Warmaster and slain his superiors prior to the First Legion's arrival. The traitor Mechanicus were engaged in ritually corrupting the war-machines with blood sacrifices and sorcerous rituals, all under the supervision of elements of the 15th Hesperan Lancers, a traitor army unit serving with Horus' 53rd Expeditionary Fleet.

 

Even as the Brother Nemiel discovered proof of the acting Arch-Magos' treachery Archoi's plan was already going into effect. Magos Archoi had assimilated Skitarii forces loyal to him into the ranks of the Dragoons and even the barracks of the Dark Angels as well as aboard many of the vessels of the Dark Angels fleet. Minutes before Nemiel's arrival in the Titanicus facility a coded transmission was received by the Mechanicus forces triggering a mass betrayal of their allies.

 

Simultaneous a fresh fleet of traitors arrived, though smaller than the previous fleet that had assailed Diamat this new fleet was fresh while the Dark Angels fleet was battered and still in dire need of repairs. The traitors had an even greater advantage however, Magos Archoi had worked to sabotage the Dark Angels fleet, when the defenders attempted to launch their first spread of torpedoes the warheads detonated in the silos, utterly destroying a squadron of destroyers and crippling the Dark Angels light cruisers. In the fight that followed both of the fleet's Grand Cruisers and one of the Legion's Strike Cruisers were lost and the fleet was forced to retreat, giving the traitors orbital supremacy. Before the Dark Angels fleet departed it unleashed an orbital bombardment on the Mechanicus facility, punishing the traitors as a last act of defiant retribution before the final ground battles began. The Astartes on the ground, led by Johnson himself, withdrew to the Titanicus facility where the traitors would be unable to bombard them or risk destroying the very war-machines they had come to claim.

 

Sigma Five-One-Seven

-Two weeks after mass riots and rebel insurrection began on Caliban the materials processing plant designated Sigma Five-One-Seven came under major assault from the rebels. Though Luther was reluctant to commit the Dark Angels against the insurrectionists Brother-Librarian Zahariel convinced the Master of Caliban of the need for the Astartes to investigate. Luther ultimately agreed and dispatched Zahariel and a squad of Veterans to the facility. The Dark Angels discovered the facility empty, of the four thousand workers and three hundred Jaegers there was no sign. After inspecting the facility further Brother Gideon discovered traces of likely enemy activity in the geothermal power core of the facility. The Astartes discovered chambers bored deep beneath the power core leading to a Reaver Worm nest. Sorcerous sigils had blocked communications and enhanced the vile worms but despite the threat the Dark Angels squad eradicated the nest and ordered the Stormbird Squadron Broadsword Flight to annihilate the facility, keeping the infestation secret from the general populace. The discovery of sorcery and unnatural beasts beneath the processing facility deeply disturbed Brother-Librarian Zahariel, the Librarian could only fathom that Caliban itself was warp-tainted. Almost as disconcerting the Terran Engineers at the facility were nowhere to be found, the defenders had been betrayed from within, leaving the Dark Angels to assume the Terrans had undertaken the sorcerous ritual beneath the geothermal plant and slaughtered the workers and Jaegers, the question remaining was of course, why had they done so.

 

The Battle for the Northwilds Arcology

-The discovery of a cabal of Terran sorcerers attempting a daemonic summoning in the Northwilds Arcology came weeks into the rebellious riots sweeping Caliban. Determined to end the threat Brother-Librarian Zahariel uncovered the Terran's plot while investigating Sigma Five-One-Seven. Even as Zahariel worked to convince Luther to act the riots spread further and mass chaos threatened to sweep Caliban. The Imperial authorities, up to that point staying out of local affairs, at last learned of the full extent of the situation and the taint permeating Caliban. Rather than allow the Imperium to destroy Caliban rather than permit the warp-taint Luther rounded up the Imperial authorities and deployed the Dark Angels under his command to end the sorcerous threat in the Northwilds Arcology. Leading the mission were Luther, Librarian Zahariel, Chapter Master Astelan and the Lord Cypher. The Dark Angels managed to forge their way into the underlevels of the Arcology near the geothermal plant and end the daemonic summoning. However Luther had studied the texts from the Knights of Lupus and attempted to dominate and control the summoned daemon rather than simply banishing it, determined to free Caliban from the Imperium through sorcery. The attempt failed but that did not deter Luther from learning more and making further attempts in the future. Even as Johnson fought the forces of the Warmaster on the distant battlefields of the Horus Heresy his former comrade took his first tentative steps into daemonic rituals and chaos sorcery that would ultimately culminate in the Fall of Caliban.

 

The Thramas Crusade

-Unable to reach distant Terra through the fury of the warp storms the Lion determined to hold together what he could of the eastern fringe of the Imperium centered on the Aegis sub-sector and the Thramas system from the predations of the Night Lords. The Dark Angels and Night Lords engaged in endless skirmishes in the Thramas system, the Lion unable to bring Curze to direct and decisive confrontation. The Night Lords sabotaged three major orbital docking facilities in the Parthac, Questios and Biamere, denying the Dark Angels the facilities necessary to repair, refuel and resupply the Legion fleet. The Thramas Crusade ground on for two long years before the confrontation on Tsagualsa where the two Primarchs engaged in a bloody but indecisive duel.

 

The Confrontation on Tsagualsa

-Two years into the war for Thramas and the surrounding systems of the Aegis sub-sector Konrad Curze left a message for the Dark Angels to find inviting the Lion to the barren world of Tsagualsa, deep in the eastern fringe. The Lion journeyed to the surface accompanied by Captain Alajos and Champion Corswain, meeting in the foundations of what would become the Night Lords flesh citadel in the decades to come. The Night Lords Primarch Konrad Curze met the Dark Angels party accompanied by his huscarl Sheng and First Captain Sevatar. The two Primarchs walked away from their escorts to converse for a short time, when they returned the Lion struck at his fallen brother, the dark parody of Johnson himself. That first blow began a devastating duel between two of the mightiest living beings ever to walk the Imperium. As the Primarchs fought so too did their warriors, Drop Pods raining down on the planet from both sides as the four champions engaged in combat. Though the Night Lords appeared to care nothing for their Primarch's fate in the duel the Dark Angels were desperate to aid Johnson against the savage Curze. Sacrificing himself Alajos bought Corswain time to run to the Lion's aid as he fought desperately against Sevatar and Sheng, losing his head to the Chain Halberd of the First Captain. Champion Corswain did not waste the opening, leaping on Curze's back and driving his sword into the back of the Night Lords Primarch. The distraction allowed Johnson to rise and rejoin the fight even as Corswain was thrown into one of the foundation pillars and seriously injured. As the fighting escalated on both sides the two Legions dragged their respective Primarchs from the field of battle, both demigods of war bearing horrific injuries sustained at each others hands. With the duel ended the Dark Angels retreated from Tsagualsa and the Thramas Crusade ground on.

 

The Battle for Perditus

-The remote system of Perditus was brought to compliance during the Great Crusade by the Dark Angels and Death Guard Legions. Largely uninhabited the system only contained a small Mechanicus research station. The research that station conducted however was of the greatest value, a device known as the Tuchulcha engine. During the Horus Heresy the Death Guard sought to claim the facility, opposed by a force from the Iron Hands Legion. Learning of the conflict Lion El'Johnson chose to respond in force, mobilizing the Fourth, Sixth, Ninth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Thirtieth Orders of the Legion numbering more than thirty thousand warriors in the Balaam system. Though the journey was eventful the Dark Angels fleet arrived in the Perditus system, outnumbering the fleets of the Iron Hands and Death Guard. The Lion forced the two forces to parlay, unwilling to trust the loyalty of either faction out of hand. Ultimately the Lion claimed the Tuchulcha for himself and destroyed Magellix station, the Mechanicus facility on Perditus Ultima. The warp engine was the weapon Johnson sought to turn the tables on Curze in the war for the Thramas system. 

 

Battle for the Invincible Reason

-During the warp journey from Balaam to Perditus the Dark Angels discovered a vessel following them closely, a feat considered impossible by conventional warp navigation. Unable to shake the pursuer the Lion ordered an emergency warp translation close to the trailing vessel, dragging the Invincible Reason's unknown shadow out of the warp with them. Once in real space the Dark Angels discovered the shadow to be the Eclipse-Class Light Cruiser the Avenging Shadow, a Night Lords vessel. The Avenging Shadow was trapped in a warp vortex, a pocket of space where the energy of the warp and realspace mixed. As the Invincible Reason closed to board the enemy vessel the Night Lords activated their warp engines and void shields, creating a feedback loop of warp energy that destroyed the Light-Cruiser but also trapped the Invincible Reason in a similar vortex of warp energy. Within moments of becoming trapped daemons began to manifest on the Invincible Reason. Still believing in the Imperial Truth and the impossibility of souls or daemons the defenders were utterly unable to fight the daemons, the Edict of Nikaea denying the Legion even the esoteric powers of it's Librarians. Brother Asmodeus defied the Edict, using his psychic powers to repel some of the attackers. Rather than sanction Asmodeus for his actions the Lion grasped the few weapons he had against the attackers, returning the three former Librarians to service in defiance of Nikaea and along with the four Navigators aboard struck back against the attackers. The Lion confronted a two headed Greater Daemon of Tzeentch, perhaps the infamous Fateweaver himself. The Dark Angels Primarch succeeded in defeating the greater daemon and securing the warp core. Once the Invincible Reason had translated fully into the warp and erected it's Gellar Fields the Dark Angels were able to clear the ship of the daemonic invaders. Over two days the Dark Angels, spearheaded by the Librarians and Navigators, hunted down the intruders and banished them back to the warp. The final tally of casualties listed nearly three hundred dead Astartes and twice that in slain crew.

 

The Ambush at Sheol

-The Thramas Crusade ended in a mere three hours. Using methods unknown to the Night Lords the Dark Angels ambushed Curze and  his warriors on the world of Sheol. On the surface and in the void the Night Lords engaged in direct confrontation with the I Legion after three years of endless skirmishes. The results were devastating for the Sons of Curze. The Dark Angel fleet tore into the Night Lords with a vengeance, many vessels fell back on their Nostraman roots and simply fled, abandoning their comrades and warriors to die to the Dark Angel's guns and blades. First Captain Sevatar held the flagship, Nightfall, in orbit around Sheol to evacuate companies who had been abandoned and cover the retreat of the slower and weaker vessels of the VIII Legion Fleet. Even so more than one fifth of the entire Legion and attendant fleet assets were confirmed lost, with total casualties possibly reaching as much as twenty five percent. All of these losses occurred in a mere three hours of bloody combat. In one fell stroke the Lion ended the Thramas Crusade and decimated the Night Lords twice over. More than that the Lion and Curze engaged in a mortal duel on the surface of Sheol even as their warriors clashed. The duel lasted less than sixty seconds and resulted in Curze falling to the Lion with no less than eleven horrific wounds covering his body including a gaping cut to the neck. Nearly an entire Company of VIII Legion Astartes was spent forcing the Lion back long enough to retrieve the fallen Primarch and evacuate him on the Excoriator.

 

The Second Battle for the Invincible Reason

-Two weeks after the Ambush at Sheol the Dark Angels tracked down one of the Night Lords rally points and launched an attack on roughly a third of the remaining VIII Legion fleet. First Captain Sevatar ordered most of the fleet to scatter while he led fifty ships in an assault on the Invincible Reason. Initially Sevatar planned to bombard the flagship at close range as the Night Lords ships passed by before boosting out system and retreating into the warp. That plan was undone when Lord Curze awoke on the Excoriator and ordered the ship to close with the Invincible Reason. Curze led the seven hundred Night Lords aboard the Excoriator in a boarding assault that was joined by the Atramentar teleporting aboard from the Nightfall. Though Captain Sevatar was initially cut off from joining the attack he managed to hitch a ride on a Wrath fighter, quite literally, and entered the First Legion flagship through one of the open docking bays. The First and Eighth Legion forces engaged in a vicious fight in the fifteenth concourse, one of the main passages running the length of the Invincible Reason. The Night Haunter and the Lion fought as equals, no savage surprise attacks to tip the balance one way or the other, while the two Legions tore each other bloody. Ultimately the VIII Legion forces were outnumbered eight to one, realizing defeat was imminent Curze fled into the dark lower levels of the flagship while several dozen of his sons were captured and imprisoned.

 

The Rise of the Deathwing

-A story told to the Dark Angels battle-brothers tells of how a squad of 1st Company Veterans returned to their feral world home to find an infestation of genestealers laying waste to the planet. Though grievously outnumbered the handful of 1st Company Veterans succeeded in defeating the genestealers and freeing the planet but at the cost of nearly all their number. Before embarking on their suicide mission the Veterans invoked a tribal rite known as the Deathwing, painting their armor bone white in preparation for their own death. Rather than return to the Chapter the survivors took charge of the survivors, rebuilding their society from the untainted natives until an expedition of the Chapter returned years later to discover what had occurred. In honor of the Veterans sacrifice the 1st Company would forever after be known as the Deathwing and paint their armor bone white.

 

The Prison of Lost Souls

-The Dark Angels 1st Company fought a warband of Chaos Space Marines aboard the Space Hulk known as the Prison of Lost Souls. Though outnumbered the Terminator Armor of the 1st Company Veterans gave them the advantage and after furious fighting the chaos marines were defeated.

 

The Procel Campaign

-The Dark Angels came to reinforce the faltering defense of Amadis on the world of Procel V. The line was held by the Procel 1st Irregulars who had all but collapsed by the time the Dark Angels arrived. Only one of the Irregulars ultimately survived, Regan Antigone hailed as a hero of the Imperium for holding the line against the forces of chaos. Unknown to the Dark Angels at the time the Irregulars had been aided by the mysterious member of the Fallen known as Cypher who swore the survivors to secrecy. Cypher's involvement was only uncovered years later when Master Tigrane returned to Procel V to investigate the sole survivor on the truth around the defense of Amadis.

 

The Assault on Angellicus City

-Chaplain Bareus led a Strike Team into the capitol city of Angellicus on the Cathedral World of Valedor to hunt down a suspected member of the Fallen acting as the Prophet, the leader of the chaos insurrection on the planet. During the mission all of the members of the Assault Squad accompanying Chaplain Bareus fell save for Sergeant Kaelen and Bareus himself fell during the final battle with the Prophet. Sergeant Kaelen managed to survive and defeated both the Prophet and a Fallen Dreadnought known as the Angel of Blades. Before he breathed his last Chaplain Bareus passed his Crozius Arcanum to Sergeant Kaelen, inducting him into the Chapter's Chaplaincy and Inner Circle. Ultimately the mission to Valedor could be considered a success, despite the loss of ten veteran Marines of the Chapter two members of the Fallen were defeated, their names added to the Book of Salvation and bringing the Chapter that much closer to ultimate salvation.

 

The Battle for Kurin's Acropolis - 551.M37

-One of the proudest honors of the 3rd Company is the Battle for Kurin's Acropolis on the world of Persembe II. Close to the Eye of Terror the world of Persembe II had suffered numerous assaults by the arch-enemy over the millennia but even these paled to the assault by the forces of the High Anarchist Potchek. A devastating orbital assault left the defenders of Persembe II reeling, within a week what little resistance remained had fallen back to the Great Crusade Era monument known as Kurin's Acropolis. As the defenders prepared to fight their last stand the Dark Angels 3rd Company launched their own orbital assault, raining down on the chaos forces in Drop Pods and gunships. The attack was led by Master Baradiel from the turret of his personal Land Raider the Fury of Caliban. The Company Master blew apart the High Anarchist's head with a volley from his silver plated Storm Bolter, spelling the doom for the chaos forces. None of the Anarchist's warriors escaped the retribution of the Dark Angels.

 

The Assault on Altid 156 - 299.M38

-At the height of the Altid Crusade a force of Dark Angels engaged in an assault on the world of Altid 156, a colony planet largely populated by decrepit pilgrim-colonists who had long since declared themselves independent of the rule of Terra. The Crusade Council deemed a single regiment enough to capture the world but the Dark Angels had received information they refused to disclose and insisted on undertaking the assault. Unable to stand against the Space Marines the council granted their accept and without delay the Dark Angels deployed to Altid 156. Three Ravenwing squadrons, 5 Deathwing Squads and five Tactical Squads of the 5th Company made up the Strike Force that assaulted the surface of the colony world. The assault was led by the Ravenwing Squadrons who made planetfall and immediately dispersed across the surface. Six hours later the Ravenwing reported in the location of the rebel colonists main base and the primary assault commenced. The Ravenwing kept the enemy bottled in their base while the 5th Company Squads deployed and formed a cordon, ensuring none of the enemy could escape. Finally the Deathwing locked onto the Ravenwing's homing beacons and teleported directly into the heart of the enemy base. In the base the Deathwing located their true objective, the heretic known as Elucidax the Keeper, the figurehead of dozens of rebellions that had plagued the sector. The Dark Angels knew him as a member of the Fallen, a former Captain by the name of Zeriah. The Fallen was interrogated by Chaplain Asmodai, confessing under the Interrogator-Chaplain's ministrations and leading to the capture of his entire band of compatriots but even so he ultimately refused to admit to his part in Luther's treachery and remains held in a cell deep within the Rock to this day.

 

The Fourth Quadrant Rebellion - 780.M41

-During the tumultuous Fourth Quadrant Rebellion Company Master Sammael led the initial assault of Rastabal. The commander of the Ravenwing was successful in subduing and capturing the Fallen known as Kaligar and returning him to the Rock.

 

The Faze V Uprising - 897.M41

-Refugees fleeing the Nephilim schism discovered a region of space previously cut off by warp storms. A Rogue Trader from Clan Arcadius supported by the Chapter's 5th Company journeyed into the region to investigate. Upon entering the orbit of Faze V the fleet was fired upon by devastating and esoteric energy weapons. The 5th Company immediately launched a combat-drop discovering that the human inhabitants of Faze V had been cyberneticaly enhanced and slaved to ancient logic engines composing a heretical artificial intelligence. The Dark Angels assaulted and destroyed the AI but the people of Faze V had never lived without the communion of the machine and rejected the rule of Terra. The Dark Angels response was immediate and harsh, an all out assault devastating the heretics and destroying the ancient logic engines utterly, but not before the Deathwing entered the data stacks and retrieved an unknown scrap of data.

 

The Assault on Tharsis

-Discovering the world of Tharsis had been taken over by a tyrannical despot believed to be a member of the Fallen the Dark Angels launched a devastating assault upon the world. The Dark Angels attack force discovered a world transformed over seven decades of brutal rule into a blasted nightmare by the former Chapter Commander Astelan, the right hand of Luther himself. Hordes of indoctrinated soldiers through themselves at the Dark Angels, zeal driving them to protect their overlord and destroy the invaders. Their efforts were in vain, resulting only in death and destruction meted out to the people of Tharsis. Astelan was captured and returned to the Rock where he was interrogated by Chaplain Boreas though a repentance was never drawn out of him, to this day Astelan remains in a cell deep within the halls of the Tower of Angels.

 

The Assault on Murus

-When rumors reached the Chapter of the presence of a trio of Fallen on the world of Murus calling themselves the Tribunal a mission was dispatched to capture them. The Tribunal had prepared for this and fortified their stronghold to the extent that a traditional assault would be costly indeed. Determined to run the Fallen to ground the Dark Angels Techmarines developed the Land Raider Ares, a modification of the traditional Land Raider featuring a Siege Shield and Demolisher cannon at the front and heavy flamer sponsons. Six of these vehicles were deployed to Murus, only one failing to reach the Fallen. In the aftermath of the assault the Chapter's Techmarines made the controversial decision to dispatch the schematics for the variant to the Mechanicus of Mars. Though the Ares has not yet been accepted by the Mechanicus as a sanctioned variant the designs have been obtained and used by some Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes.

 

The Battle for Hyades

-Learning of the presence of a Fallen on the world of Hyades the Dark Angels dispatched a task force to apprehend the traitor. Under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Vargas the 5th Company aboard the Battle-Barge the Vinco Redemptor journeyed to Hyades. Before the arrival of the primary task force the Kill Team dubbed the Lion's Pride under the command of Captain Jeremiah infiltrated the planet with the objective of securing the traitor known as Commander Cadmus. Unbeknownst to the Dark Angels a group of Space Wolves in service to Navigator House Belisarius known as the Wolfblade had arrived on Hyades shortly beforehand. Commander Cadmus manipulated the two groups of Astartes agents into conflict. With the Kill Team having apparently failed Chaplain Vargas prepared an all out assault on Hyades capitol city of Lethe. Before the Dark Angels could capture the city however the Fist of Russ and the Space Wolves of Berek Thunderfist's Great Company arrived to oppose them. The fighting that followed was vicious and costly. Ultimately the Lion's Pride and Wolfblade managed to overcome their differences and worked together to defeat the forces of chaos and slay Commander Cadmus. Despite this victory the conflict provided the cover for the minions of the Thousand Sons to steal the gene-seed of fallen Dark Angels and Space Wolves in preparation for the Traitor Legion's nefarious rituals. Through the combined efforts of the Vinco Redemptor and the Fist of Russ the chaos fleet was driven off but not before achieving their objective. Despite the losses the mission could ultimately be considered a success, Commander Cadmus' name now added to the Book of Salvation.  

 

The Martyr's Tomb

-Learning of a blade believed to be the Lion Sword hidden on a distant Eldar Exodite World a mission led by Interrogator-Chaplain Uzziel was dispatched to recover the relic. The Exodites fought fiercely to protect the relic, costing the Chapter dearly. Uzziel was successful in recovering the blade but it was not the Lion Sword as he had believed, the Fallen he had interrogated had lied, the blade was actually the Sword of Luther, a corrupted artifact of chaos. Nevertheless the blade was a piece of the Chapter's history and so Uzziel returned it to the Rock.

 

The Battle for Cordassa

-The Dark Angels came to Scala city, the capitol of Cordassa to track down a member of the Fallen suspected to be there. The Dark Angels efforts were hindered by the presence of Inquisitor Heiron. The Inquisition had come to Cordassa seeking the Liber Nefestum, a potent artifact of chaos, not knowing the true link between Borroleth and the Dark Angels. Heiron managed to keep pace with the Dark Angels strike force as it struck for the Fallen, fighting their way into the heart of the enemy and confronting Borroleth the Corrupter at the Falls of Marakross. Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius killed Borroleth rather than let him fall into the hands of Inquisitor Heiron. Of the twenty Dark Angels that participated in the mission only three fell, far fewer casualties than many other missions to hunt down the Fallen.

 

The Battle for Orphean Trine

-One of the major engagements of the Pyrus Reach Campaign. The Eldar Swordwind of Biel-Tan had returned to the planet to assault the city of Pious IV, easily overwhelming the mortal defenders. The Dark Angels deployed in significant force to protect the planet, engaging in a costly battle with the deadly Aspect Warriors of Biel-Tan. Though the Imperium was ultimately victorious that victory was largely bought by the bullet of a Vindicare Assassin ending the life of the Autarch leading the Eldar host. At the end of the battle the Chapter had lost a Captain and many battle-brothers to the xenos.

 

The Fall of Hyrus Secundus

-During the Pyrus Reach Campaign the Dark Angels deployed to Hyrus Secundus to oppose the Word Bearers invasion sweeping across the planet. The Imperial defenders collapsed in the face of the great enemy and the Dark Angels failed to stem the tide. Librarian Crucius survived the initial battle and managed to rally a number of the natives into a last resistance though this defiance ultimately appears to have been inconsequential to the outcome of the battle.

 

The Scouring of Tyrine

-During the Pyrus Reach Campaign the 4th Company heard rumors of a Fallen present on the world of Tyrine just within the edges of the Maelstrom. Daring the turbulent region of space the Dark Angels brought fire and retribution on the world that had fallen to the influence of the insidious traitor. The Eldar clashed with the Dark Angels on Tyrine, attempting to avert some foreseen disaster. The conflict allowed the traitor Kor Phaeron of the Word Bearers to escape the planet. Tyrine was put to the sword, its blasphemous temples thrown down and its corruption punished. Situated within the Maelstrom this vengeance has likely been short lived, the world impossible to return to the Emperor's light. What Kor Phaeron's purpose was on Tyrine is unknown though doubtless his actions will have sinister consequences for the Imperium.

 

The Siege of Vraks - 813-830.M41

-When news of the Alpha Legion presence on the world of Vraks Prime reached the Dark Angels a force of five companies led by Supreme Grand Master Azrael responded, deploying to the surface of Vraks in support of the Imperial forces. In 821.M41 the Dark Angels led a devastating assault on the Vraks Starport. Preceded by indiscriminate and overwhelming bombardment and aerial assault the Dark Angels initially met with great success, overwhelming the mortal chaos troops with ease before launching the final assault against the city led by the Chapter's Land Raiders. The assault ran straight into the Alpha Legion ambush laid by Captain Arkos. The Alpha Legion Champion and the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels engaged in a furious duel that nearly ended in Azrael's death, only the intervention of Interrogator-Chaplain Belphegor and the Chapter's Deathwing saved the Supreme Grand Master and forced Arkos to withdraw. Unbeknownst to the Imperial commanders this was merely the beginning. Spearheaded by the Despoiler Class Battleship the Anarchy's Heart a massive chaos fleet entered the system and overwhelmed the Imperial Navy, establishing void dominance in orbit over Vraks Prime.

 

The chaos forces wasted no time enacting their retribution, landing warbands from the World Eaters, Death Guard, Black Legion and Iron Warriors as well as lesser traitor hosts from the Purge, the Apostles of Contagion and the Lords of Decay. In addition to the chaos space marines the traitors landed Titans from the Legio Vulcanum and countless thousands of cultists and mutants. By this point Cardinal Xaphan, the heretic who had initiated the Battle for Vraks had largely been removed from command, a mere figurehead, if that.

 

The escalation of the war drew out the conflict, resulting in two additional major space battles involving the chaos fleet and the newly arrived reinforcements from Battlefleet Scarus. On the ground Imperial Commanders attempted a variety of tactics to break the stalemate including massive assaults led by Gorgon APCs and tunneling attempts resulting in bloody and viscious underground fighting.

 

The tide turned when the Red Scorpions agreed to join the conflict. Spearheading a fresh assault the Red Scorpions succeeded in forcing a breach, bringing the conflict to the gates of the Fortress of Vraks itself. The Red Scorpions assault had not been heavily opposed by the chaos space marines on planet, the traitors engaged in sorcerous rituals to summon daemonic allies. Detecting the signs of a major warp incursion the Ordo Malleus responded in force, further aided by the Grey Knights and the Red Hunters Chapters. Under the command of Inquisitor Lord Hector Rex the Imperial assault ground on relentlessly, costing the lives of tens of thousands of Guardsmen but slowly the noose tightened around the traitors until at last the final assault commenced. It was at this point that the Dark Angels called in their trump card, the Angels of Absolution had arrived at the request of Supreme Grand Master Azrael and initiated an assault on the chaos citadel at the final hour of the campaign. Assaulting the Alpha Legion positions the Angels of Absolution succeeded in capturing Captain Arkos and returning him to the Rock. The cost of this victory was high, with hundreds of the Dark Angels dead, even so another name has been added to the Book of Salvation.

 

The Invasion of Mormathathrax

-The greenskin warlord Mashskull the Unsane assaulted the Dark Angels recruiting world of Mormathathrax. With the rest of the chapter engaged in other warzones the task fell to the 4th Company aboard the Battle-Barge the Vinco Redemptor to reinforce the small garrison on Mormathathrax. Delays while in warp transit resulted in the 4th Company arriving three standard Terran years after the assault had begun, though the Imperial defenders still defied the invaders it was far too late to save Chaplain Phaldor and his men. Warboss Mashskull had claimed Phaldor's shoulder pads and Crozius as trophies and wore them into battle, a stain on the honor of the Chapter. Determined to exact vengeance against the vile xenos Company Master Fraciel ordered the entire 4th Company to deploy to the surface and bring battle to the greenskins. The 4th Company fought through the greenskin horde to the warlord's citadel in the heart of the planetary capitol where Master Fraciel engaged Mashskull in an epic duel drawn straight from the pages of legends. For a day and a night the two war leaders fought until at last Master Fraciel stood victorious. In that time the 4th Company had weathered ceaseless assaults by the greenskin horde, of the hundred battle-brothers of the Company, only twenty seven survived the Battle of Mormathathrax.

 

The Harbinger of Woe

-Thirty years after the Invasion of Mormathathrax the 4th Company aboard the Strike Cruiser Salvation encountered the massive Space Hulk the Harbinger of Woe while on patrol through the outer reaches of the Merro sub-sector. With no other Astartes forces able to intercept and the Hulk far too large to destroy with the Salvation's guns Company Master Fraciel made the decision to teleport the entire company aboard. Remarkably the entire 4th Company arrived together and unharmed in a massive chamber deep within the Hulk, close to the realspace engines of the conglomerated vessel. No sooner had the Dark Angels materialized however than the Tyranids set about them with deadly precision. The heavy and special weapon wielders were the first to fall, followed by the officers. Soon only Sergeant Arion and Company Master Fraciel remained standing amidst a circle of ever dwindling survivors. Fraciel ordered Brother Arion to take a pack of melta charges to the engines and destroy them and then teleport back to the Salvation. Brother Arion succeeded in burning his way through the xenos horde to the engines and then fought his way back to the chamber, determined to rejoin his brothers. Before Arion could reach them however the last of 4th Company were cut down and the melta charges went off. Brother Arion awoke weeks later in the Apothecarion of the Salvation, his sus-an membrane having put him in a healing coma after the explosion. Brother Arion was the only survivor of the 4th Company. Rather than remain with the Battle-Company Brother Arion was transferred to the Ravenwing and given command of a Squadron by Interrogator-Chaplain Seraphicus.

 

The Piscina IV Campaign - 997.M41

- Shortly before the Beast of Armageddon launched his infamous invasion of the Piscina system nearly the entire Dark Angels Chapter was assembled around the inhabited world of Piscina IV to conduct a recruitment mission. The Dark Angels maintain a Basilica in Kadillus Harbor, the largest center of population on Piscina IV, from which they conduct operations to the nearby feral world of Piscina V from which the Chapter draws fresh aspirants. The recruitment mission went according to plan and before long the majority of the Chapter was headed out-system towards their next destination, leaving behind the 3rd Company and elements of the 1st, 2nd and 10th Companies to conclude the Dark Angels affairs and follow after the rest of the Chapter fleet.

 

Before the Imperial defenders realized what was happening a force of Orks comprised mostly of infantry was launching a rapid assault against Kadillus Harbor and the attendant city of Northport. The Dark Angels responded rapidly but could not contain the Orks rapid advance, led by the mighty Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka the Orks were a rolling tide of destruction. Master Belial led the Dark Angels counter-attack personally, daring to cross blades with the legendary Warboss himself. The duel nearly cost Belial his life and the Dark Angels were forced to give way in the face of the Ork advance and allow them to capture the Kadillus Harbor Geothermal Station and Orbital Defense Laser as well as the Dark Angels own Basilica. Infuriated by this turn of events the Dark Angels immediately threw themselves into ousting the Ork invaders. Master Belial, despite his wounds, took charge of the majority of the 3rd Company and 1st Company elements and launched repeated assaults against the Orks defending the Geothermal Station while Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas led a smaller detachment against the Orks defending the Dark Angels Basilica. The 2nd and 10th Company elements were largely deployed to Koth Ridge to the east of Northport to watch for further Ork forces and ensure the Orks in the city remained isolated from any reinforcements. Despite the Dark Angels best attempts the Orks in the Geothermal Station would not be routed, though it was some consolation to the Chapter's pride when Chaplain Boreas at last recaptured the Basilica after five attempts.

 

Scout Sergeant Naaman convinced Belial to permit him to scout the Eastern Barrens for the Ork landing site. Meanwhile Master Chaplain Uriel led a force into the Eastern Barrens along with the detachment's Ravenwing Squadrons searching for Ork activity. Encountering far more Ork resistance than anticipated contact with the force under the command of Master Chaplain Uriel was lost, believed dead. The Orks were not able to kill the venerable Chaplain however, Uriel eventually managing to fight his way back to Koth Ridge to rejoin the Dark Angels defense.

 

Meanwhile the first against the Orks in the east fell against the Eastern Barrens Geothermal Station. Scout Sergeant Naaman and Scout Squad Damas attempted to infiltrate the station. Naaman had been given a teleport homer by Techmarine Hepheastus that, when activated, permitted Master Belial and Deathwing Squad Adamanta to teleport to the surface and disable the Geothermal Station. Through the sacrifice of his scouts and Ravenwing Squadron Aquila the Veteran Scout Sergeant Naaman managed to report back that the Orks were teleporting troops in from the Eastern Barrens Geothermal Plant. Scout Sergeant Naaman and Scout Squad Damas undertook a suicide mission to infiltrate the Eastern Barrens Geothermal Station in an attempt to cut off the Ork reinforcements. Naaman had been given a teleport homer by Techmarine Hepheastus that, when activated, permitted Master Belial and Deathwing Squad Adamanta to teleport to the surface and disable the Geothermal Station. The mission was a success but it cost the lives of all the Scouts, including Sergeant Naaman. Now knowing the full importance of the Geothermal Stations a detachment was sent to the Barrak Gorge Geothermal Station under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas while Master Belial split his remaining forces into two forces. One set up defenses along Koth Ridge while the other formed up with the remaining mechanized might of the Dark Angels forces for an armored thrust into the Eastern Barrens.

 

Determined to regain the power needed to operate the telly portas the Orks launched a major assault on the Barrak Gorge Geothermal Station led by none other than the Warboss Nazdreg himself. Chaplain Boreas was the only survivor of the battle for the Geothermal Station though the Orks suffered significant cassualties as well. With the rest of the Chapter's forces otherwise engaged nothing could be done about the Barrak Gorge Station, all the Koth Ridge Garrison could do was dig in and prepare for more Ork reinforcements to renew their offensive.

 

Meanwhile Master Belial led his armored contingent against the Indola Mine, the first stronghold of the Orks in the Dark Angels path to the east of Koth Ridge. The battle was short but furious, costing Belial roughly a Squad and the Rhino dispatched back to Kadillus Harbor with the wounded. The remainder of Belial's force continued east to the already damaged Geothermal Station. Upon arriving at the Station the Dark Angels found it heavily defended and operational once again. Preparing for the worst Belial launched an all out assault complete with orbital bombardment from the Battle-Barge Unrelenting Fury. The assault was successful in damaging the Ork portal and slowing reinforcements but did not succeed in capturing the Geothermal Station or eliminating the telly porta. However Master Belial made the decision to entrench his forces and keep the portal bottled up, annihilating any Orks attempting to emerge from the open portal rather than launch a costly assault on the fortified and heavily occupied station. This tactic was successful, allowing Belial to return to Barrak Gorge with an ad-hoc force and recapture it from the handful of Orks remaining to defend it three days before the Chapter's reinforcements arrived. The bodies and gene-seed of the fallen were recovered and Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas was discovered alive and deep within a sus-an membrane induced coma. The survival of Chaplain Boreas was a rare bright spot in the otherwise disastrous campaign, Boreas later recovered following the Campaign.

 

Despite the Chapter's best efforts the Beast of Armageddon escaped Kadillus Harbor, his departure and the recapture of the Kadillus Harbor marking the end of the Piscina IV Campaign. Despite Master Belial's deep guilt at the outcome of the Campaign his actions were lauded by the Chapter as preserving one of the Dark Angels recruiting worlds despite facing great odds. Before long Master Belial became Grand Master of the vaunted Deathwing.

 

The overall campaign is often split into numerous individual engagements. The Battle for Barrak Gorge, the Battle for Koth Ridge, the Battle for the Indola Mine and the Battle for Kadillus Harbor among others.

 

The Mission to Stern's Remembrance

-During the patrol of the Draconis System the 5th Company received an astropathic message indicating the presence of Attias the Untamed on the world of Stern's Remembrance. Company Master Zadakiel and Deathwing Squad Balthasar responded immediately, journeying to Stern's Remembrance determined to finally capture the notorious Fallen. Attias was merely bait in a trap set by the Crimson Slaughter, a traitor warband led by Kranon the Relentless. The two billion pilgrim colonists of Stern's Remembrance had been slaughtered by the bloodthirsty marauders, their corpses piled from floor to ceiling in the Ecclessiarchy World's Cathedrals. Attias himself had been imprisoned in a ball of warp energy and left floating over the mounds of corpses in one of the largest Cathedrals. No sooner had the Dark Angels apprehended the traitor than the Crimson Slaughter launched their attack, raining scores of Drop Pods to the surface. Cultists by the hundreds sought to impede the retreat of the Deathwing, dying in droves before a massive and horrifying Helbrute reached Master Zadakiel and Sergeant Balthasar. Though Balthasar managed to extract the Fallen Attias the Company Master gave his life to cover the escape. Before his death Zadakiel threw his Heavenfall Blade, Fellbane, into the hold of the Thunderhawk, ensuring it was not lost to the Chapter with him. Sergeant Balthasar was promoted after the mission to Master of the 5th Company and Brother Barachiel took his place as Sergeant of Balthasar's Deathwing Squad.

 

The Defilement of the Kadillus Harbor Basilica

-After the conclusion of the Piscina IV Campaign a small force was left to garrison the Kadillus Harbor Basilica under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas. During the garrison's usual rotation of recruiting missions the garrison was drawn away by the manipulations of the Fallen Cypher who, in the garrison's absence, attacked the Basilica. The entire mortal staff of the Basilica including all of the neophytes were slain in the attack and a secret vault of gene-seed was stolen. More troubling a device known as the Annihilus was set to activate on the Dark Angels return, releasing a virus bomb in the heart of the Chapter Keep. Kept contained by the Basilica's environmental seals the virus could not get out but neither could the Dark Angels. Rather than sacrifice the people of Piscina IV to chase after the stolen gene-seed Chaplain Boreas made the decision to sacrifice himself and his command to protect the people of Piscina IV. The loss of the Basilica garrison and its store of gene-seed has certainly merely increased the Chapter's desire to hunt down Cypher and all those who aid him.

 

The Veiled Region Campaign - 998.M41

-The Chapter discovered evidence of a Fallen calling himself the "Voice of the Emperor" operating in the largely unexplored wilderness of the Veiled Region. A task force was assembled and dispatched, carving a swath of destruction across the region. Unknown to the Dark Angels fleet a Crusade of Black Templars operating from the Strike Cruiser the Ophidium Gulf were close behind. When the two fleets met the Black Templars offered to assist the Chapter in assaulting the fortress of the Voice, reluctantly the Dark Angels accepted the offer and the two Chapters launched a joint assault. Unfortunately the Black Templars breached the inner sanctum first and discovered the Voice was an ancient marine clad in armor of midnight black. Suspicious of the Dark Angels motives the Black Templars immediately returned to their vessel. Determined to capture the Fallen at all costs the Dark Angels fleet locked onto the Templar vessel and ordered the prisoner to be handed over. With no other choice but to accept the Templars handed over the prisoner and departed. The Ophidium Gulf was never seen again.

 

The Torva Anser

-Shortly after defeating an Eldar pirate infestation while hunting down the Crimson Slaughter the Dark Angels task force commanded by Company Master Balthasar detected the Space Hulk Torva Anser entering the region. Picking up life signs aboard the hulk Master Balthasar decided to deploy Squad's Raphael and Barachiel to the Space Hulk to investigate. Discovering a genestealer colony on board the Dark Angels methodically exterminated the xenos before destroying the hulk with the Strike Cruiser the Sword of Caliban's bombardment cannon. Though this action delayed the chase for the Crimson Slaughter it granted the Dark Angels a chance to unleash their pent up fury against the xenos and saved the score of worlds just freed from the marauding Eldar from having to face a full blown genestealer infestation.

 

The Battle for Bane's Landing

-Company Master Balthasar hounded the traitors of the Crimson Slaughter for months seeking retribution for the death of Master Zadakiel, at last bringing the traitors to battle on the feral world of Bane's Landing. The Crimson Slaughter set a trap for the Dark Angels, intending to sacrifice one of their enemies on a chaos artifact known as the Hellfire Stone in order to summon the dread daemon Haur'esh, ultimately with the intention of freeing themselves from a chaos curse set by the Balethu. Formerly the honorable and respected Crimson Sabres the Chapter had brought death to the world of Umidia and the Khornate cultists of the Balethu there. Unknown to the Crimson Sabres the Balethu welcomed their slaughter, their spirits tormenting the Crimson Sabres with ceaseless whispers silenced only in slaughter. Over centuries the Crimson Sabres became the Crimson Slaughter, a foul warband of chaos tainted by the powers of the warp. On Bane's Landing the Dark Angels destroyed the Helbrute Mortis Metalikus and slew a number of the chaos marines, succeeding in foiling their attempts to summon the daemon from the Hellfire Stone. Seven marines were lost during the mission including Ravenwing Sergeant Arion, a veteran of more than a century of service to the Chapter. The Hellfire Stone was recovered for storage safely out of reach of the forces of chaos.

 

The Death of Kranon the Relentless

-For years the warriors of the 4th, 5th and 6th Companies hounded the chaos space marines of the Crimson Slaughter further and further into the far Eastern Rim of the Imperium, ever closer to Tau space. Finally the traitors were brought to battle deep in Tau space. The Dark Angels received unexpected aid from the Space Wolves in their assault on the traitors, the Sons of Russ setting about the destruction of the chaos fleet as the Dark Angels brought battle to the renegades on the surface of a nameless moon. Engaging in personal combat with Kranon for the third time Master Balthasar succeeded in taking the traitor's head and returning it to the Battle-Barge the Angel of Retribution in an iron box.

 

The 13th Black Crusade - 999.M41

-The entirety of the Unforgiven Chapters mobilized in full strength during the 13th Black Crusade, operating around the site of Caliban's destruction. The objective of these operations is unknown to the wider Imperium but they must have been important for the Unforgiven largely refused contact or requests for assistance from the rest of the Imperium's armed forces attempting to hold back the forces of chaos spilling from the Cadian Gate.

 

Notable Characters

 

Supreme Grand Master Anaziel

-It was at Chapter Master Anaziel's request that the Disciples of Caliban were founded in M37. It is believed that the Chapter was founded for a very specific reason but whatever it may be is a mystery.

 

Supreme Grand Master Rhamiel

-The predecessor to Chapter Master Azrael.

 

Supreme Grand Master Azrael

-The current Chapter Master of the Dark Angels, Brother Azrael is a dynamic and charismatic leader in a way few members of the Inner Circle can match. He is a beacon of hope to his allies and an image of terrible retribution to his enemies. In addition to leading the Chapter in battle Chapter Master Azrael coordinates the hunt for the Fallen and is the guardian of the Chapter's innermost secrets unknown to even the members of the Inner Circle. The true burden of the Chapter's uttermost secrets lays on his shoulders and his shoulders alone. Even the Masters of the Dark Angels successor Chapters bow to Azrael's authority. Only the Supreme Grand Master knows of the existence of Luther within the halls of the Rock.

 

Seneschal Corswain

-Former Paladin and Champion of the Ninth Order Brother Corswain was appointed to the position of Seneschal to the Lion after the mission to Tsagualsa. One of the few confidants of the Primarch Lion El'Johnson and after the exile of Luther the acting second-in-command of the Legion.

 

Chapter Commander Belath

-A Chapter Commander of the Dark Angels Legion during the latter days of the Great Crusade Commander Belath and his Chapter were dispatched to rendezvous with Chapter Commander Astelan in the Calcabrina system. Commander Belath was a member of the Order of the Raven's Wing, one of the knightly orders of Caliban and bore the newer heraldry of the Legion, the dark green representing the forests of the Legion homeworld. 

 

Chapter Commander Mentheus

-Commander of the 23rd Chapter during the Great Crusade.

 

Chapter Master Hadariel

-Commander of the 22nd Chapter of the Legion serving with the 4th Expeditionary Fleet. Formerly a Knight of the Order.

 

Chapter Master Torannen

-Commander of the Legion's 7th Chapter during the Shield Worlds Campaign.

 

Grand Master Belial

-The current Master of the Deathwing Brother Belial was formerly the Company Master of the 3rd Company. As Grand Master of the Deathwing Belial is charged with presiding over the rites, rituals and ceremonies of the Deathwing and the Inner Circle. Master Belial earned the Sword of Silence, one of the fabled Heavenfall Blades, after his defeat of the Khornate Chaos Lord Furion. Master Belial also was pivotal in repelling the invasion of Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka on Piscina IV. During the opening stages of the Battle for Piscina IV the Orks under the command of Ghazghkull struck hard and fast for the geothermal station in Kadillus Harbor. Master Belial counter-attacked fiercely, confronting the mighty Beast of Armageddon in close combat. Despite his efforts Master Belial could not defeat the monstrous Ork and was severely wounded in the encounter, escaping death by a narrow margin. Despite his injury Master Belial went on to command the defense of Piscina IV, leading an armored thrust into the Eastern Barrens. Thanks to the efforts of Master Belial and his warriors the Orks were denied the power they needed to keep their telly portas operational, ending the invasion of Piscina IV though at significant cost to the Chapter. Master Belial previously led the 3rd Company in the Battle for Forgewell and the Assault on Aggreon.

 

Grand Master Bekenel

-Grand Master of the Deathwing during the Faze V Uprising in 897.M41.

 

Company Master Sammael

-The current Master of the Ravenwing Brother Sammael is an accomplished hunter of the Fallen. Sammael was promoted to Master of the Ravenwing after his predecessor fell to the chaos Titan Traitorous Ire. Sammael led the initial invasion of Rastabal and captured the Fallen Kaligar during the Fourth Quadrant rebellion. He joined in the war against the Orks of Charadon around Rynn's WOrld and Bad Landing. During the landing on Rynn's World Master Sammael's gunship was shot down, performing the only known aerial-drop separation maneuver Sammael flew his Jetbike out of the hold of the Thunderhawk before it plowed into the surface of Rynn's World.

 

Company Master Gaius Oblonsky

-The former Master of the Ravenwing.

 

Company Master Duma

-Commander of the 6th Company before Master Tigrane. Master Duma fell mere months after the Procel V Campaign.

 

Company Master Tigrane

-The current commander of the Dark Angels 6th Company. As a Sergeant Brother Tigrane participated in the Defence of Procel V. Later Tigrane uncovered the presence of Cypher during the battle. Master Tigrane served alongside the 4th and 5th Companies on patrol in the Draconis system and participated in the pursuit of the Crimson Slaughter warband of chaos space marines into Tau space.

 

Company Master Zadakiel

-The former Master of the Dark Angels 5th Company and Guardian of the Inner Sanctum. His death led to the rise of Company Master Balthasar. Brother Zadakiel fell to a chaos Helbrute, a terrible and twisted engine of war. Brother Zadakiel received a specially crafted seeker bolt from Chaplain Boreas after they defeated the daemon Char Gar Kethekon during the liberation of the Kumenar Gap. Master Zadakiel had the honor of wielding the Heavenfall blade known as Fellbane.

 

Company Master Balthasar

-The current Master of the Dark Angels 5th Company Brother Balthasar is currently operating throughout the Draconis System. Hearing of the Crimson Slaughter's attack on the Nephilim Sector Master Balthasar led a small strike team there to oppose the chaos incursion. Brother Balthasar served in the 7th and 5th Company before rising to the ranks of the Deathwing where he served for half a century before his promotion to Company Master. Brother Balthasar inherited the Heavenfall Blade Fellbane from Master Zadakiel.

 

Company Master Boaz

-Master of the 4th Company assigned to patrol the Draconis system trade routes alongside Master Zadakiel and elements from the Executioners and Doom Eagles. After the mission to Bane's Landing the Battle-Barge the Angel of Retribution rendezvoused with the Sword of Caliban and took aboard the 5th Company. Master Boaz and Master Tigrane of the 6th Company ceded overall command to Master Balthasar in deference to his experience against the forces of chaos. The combined task force pursued the Crimson Slaughter into the eastern fringe and Tau space, eventually bringing the traitors to battle on a nameless moon.

 

Company Master Fraciel

-Master of the 4th Company during the greenskin invasion of Mormathathrax and the assault on the Space Hulk the Harbinger of Woe where he fell in battle against the Tyranid xenos.

 

Company Master Baradiel

-Master of the 3rd Company during the Battle for Kurin's Acropolis in 551.M37.

 

Company Master Kalidian Axryus

-Master of the 4th Company during the Pyrus Reach Campaign.

 

Company Master Damas

-Company Master of the 22nd Chapter of the Legion.

 

Force Commander Lamnos

-Commander of Battle Force Alpha during the combat drop to Xanthus. After the initial drop the Dark Angels forces were formed into two Companies, Brother Lamnos was given command of 1st Company while Captain Hsien was placed in command of 2nd Company. Greviously wounded during the Second Battle for Diamat Brother Lamnos went into a sus-an membrane induced coma.

 

Commander Bracchius

-Commander of the Destroyer Rapier during the mission to Diamat.

 

Commander Aradiel

-Commander serving the Chapter during the encounter with the Space Hulk the Prison of Lost Souls.

 

Ship Commander Sen Naziel

-Veteran of the Chapter serving in command of the Rapid Strike Vessel the Blade of Caliban.

 

Captain Stenius

-Master of the Invincible Reason. Captain Stenius suffered extensive nerve damage during the Great Crusade rendering his face a virtual emotionless mask, his eyes replaced with silvery mechanical orbs.

 

Captain Hsien

-Captain of the 2nd Company of the ad-hoc task force assembled by the Lion during the mission to Diamat. Slain during the Second Battle for Diamat.

 

Captain Ezekiel/Cloud Runner

-Veteran of the 1st Company.

 

Captain Gabriel/Broken Knife

-Captain of the Chapter.

 

Captain Darius

-Captain of the Chapter.

 

Captain Jeremiah Gieyus

-A member of the Chapter's elite Deathwing Captain Jeremiah commanded the kill team Lion's Pride dispatched to Hyades to capture the Fallen impersonating the Imperial Commander Cadmus. Despite the manipulations of the Fallen to pit the Dark Angels and Space Wolves against each other Captain Jeremiah managed to team up with the Space Wolves Wolfblade to apprehend Cadmus. Rather than take him prisoner Jeremiah dueled the Fallen commander and slew him.

 

Captain Alajos

-Captain of the Ninth Order during the Horus Heresy. Brother Alajos suffered grievous injuries at the hands of Captain Sevatar of the Night Lords on Kruun during the campaign for the Thramas system. During the mission to Tsagualsa Brother Alajos sacrificed himself to allow Corswain to go to the Lion's aid.

 

Captain Tragan

-Captain of the Ninth Order after the death of Captain Alajos.

 

Captain Masurbael

-Captain of the Frigate Intervention.

 

Deck Captain Isaases

-Commander of the Invincible Reason's gun decks.

 

Lieutenant Djinn Ntonnik

-Lieutenant of the Ravenwing.

 

Grand Master of Librarians Ezekiel

-The Grand Master of the Chapter's Librarians Brother Ezekiel is known as the Holder of Keys and the Keeper of the Book of Salvation.

 

Codicier Ahiezar

-Brother Ahiezar participated in Chaplain Uzziel's mission to the Martyr's Tomb. Brother Ahiezar fell during the mission.

 

Codicier Corvus

-Brother Corvus cautioned Chaplain Artemius on the presence of an Inquisitor during the mission to Cordassa.

 

Librarian Turmiel

-Brother Turmiel is aloof and taciturn even for one of the Chapter's Librarians, earning distrust from the warriors of the 5th Company whom he fights beside. Under the tutelage of Grand Master Ezekiel Brother Turmiel has learned to use the fear of those around him as a shield. Brother Turmiel possesses significant psychic might both in combat prowess and a gift for precognition. Brother Turmiel subdued the Helbrute Mortis Metalikus psychically allowing Brother Heskia to destroy the creature with his plasma cannon.

 

Librarian Lucian/Two Heads Talking

-Veteran of the 1st Company and Librarian of the Chapter.

 

Librarian Samiel

-Brother Librarian Samiel assisted Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas in the interrogation of the Fallen Chapter Master Astelan.

 

Librarian Crucius

-Librarian of the Chapter deployed to Hyrus Secundus during the Pyrus Reach Campaign. Brother Crucius fell in battle defending the planet from the Word Bearers.

 

Librarian Asmodeus

-Librarian of the Legion relegated to the status of a line brother after the Edict of Nikaea. During the daemonic assault on the Invincible Reason Brother Asmodeus broke his oath to abide by the Edict and unleashed his psychic powers. Proving successful the Lion chose to return the Librarians of service in defiance of Nikaea.

 

Librarian Hasfael

-Librarian of the Legion relegated to the status of a line brother after the Edict of Nikaea. Present during the daemonic assault on the Invincible Reason.

 

Librarian Alberein

-Librarian of the Legion relegated to the status of a line brother after the Edict of Nikaea. Present during the daemonic assault on the Invincible Reason.

 

Lexicanium Acutus

-Lexicanium Hebron was present with the Dark Angels contingent under the command of Company Master Belial during the Defense of Piscina IV. Brother Acutus wields a force staff topped with a representation of the Dark Angels Chapter Symbol.

 

Lexicanium Charon

-The seniormost of the Lexicanium present during the Battle for Piscina IV.

 

Lexicanium Hebron

-Lexicanium Hebron was present with the Dark Angels contingent under the command of Company Master Belial during the Defense of Piscina IV.

 

Grand Master Chaplain Sapphon

-Grand Master of the Chaplains during the attack on the Chapter Keep of Piscina IV by Cypher. Known as the Finder of Secrets.

 

Master Chaplain Asmodai

-Master and Interrogator-Chaplain Brother Asmodai is perhaps the greatest living Chaplain in the Chapter, second to none in his prosecution of the Fallen. None possess more black pearls than Asmodai.

 

Master Chaplain Uriel

-Master Chaplain Uriel was present with the Dark Angels contingent under the command of Company Master Belial during the Defense of Piscina IV. Belial dispatched him to Koth Ridge to take charge of the defense just before Scout Sergeant Naaman returned from his foray east. Chaplain Uriel led the Dark Angels in an armored advance from Koth Ridge into the eastern barrens. Before long the advance was stalled by heavy ork resistance and contact with Chaplain Uriel and the northern flank of the advance was lost. The Dark Angels were forced to fall back to Koth Ridge. Eventually Master Chaplain Uriel managed to return to the rest of the Chapter's forces..

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius Grohm

-Brother Grohm served alongside the 1st Company during the mission to Cordassa.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Lexius Truidan

-Chaplain of the Chapter serving alongside the 4th Company during the Pyrus Reach Campaign.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Uzziel

-Brother Uzziel earned his promotion to Interrogator-Chaplain for his inspirational leadership during the Bylini Campaign. Chaplain Uzziel led the mission to the Martyr's Tomb, recovering the Sword of Luther.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Belphegor

-Brother Belphegor participated in the Siege of Vraks where he saved the life of Supreme Grand Master Azrael by defeating the Alpha Legion Captan Arkos in single combat.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Molochia

-The greatest Interrogator-Chaplain in the Chapter's history, Brother Molochia served the Chapter for three centuries during which time he earned twelve Black Pearls, a record no other Chaplain has been able to match.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Sarpedon

-Interrogator-Chaplain Sarpedon was present with the Chapter contingent under the command of Company Master Belial during the Defense of Piscina IV. As the campaign in Kadillus Harbor progressed Chaplain Sarpedon was dispatched to reinforce the defense of Koth Ridge. When contact was lost with Master Chaplain Uriel command of the ridge defenders fell to Sarpedon. Chaplain Sarpedon bears a Power Sword in addition to his Crozius Arcanum.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Vargas

-Brother Vargas was dispatched by Supreme Grand Master Azrael to the world of Hyades to apprehend a member of the Fallen believed to be there. Vargas had earned two black pearls before the mission to Hyades.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas

-Brother Boreas was only a year out of the 10th Company when he was summoned to train as a Chaplain. For three centuries Boreas served the Chapter until his death in the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV. Initially Brother Boreas was tasked with retaking the Dark Angels Basilica in Kadillus Harbor, a task which the Chaplain undertook with the utmost determination and tenacity. After repeated attempts to storm and recapture the Basilica Chaplain Boreas and his warriors were able to locate the Ork entrance point in the crypts beneath the Basilica and seal them, finally providing the Dark Angels enough advantage to overwhelm the remaining greenskins infesting the sacred Monastery. Following the recapture of the Basilica Chaplain Boreas was gifted with a number of specialized seeker bolts by Techmarine Hephaestus. Master Belial dispatched Brother Boreas to capture and then defend the Barrak Gorge Geothermal Station. The initial capture of the station went as smoothly as could be expected with Chaplain Boreas deploying with Assault Squad Zaltys from the back of the Thunderhawk Divine Judgement. Defending the station proved entirely more difficult. Despite a fierce battle the Dark Angels and free militia proved insufficient to hold back the forces of the Ork Warboss Nazdreg. Chaplain Boreas was the only survivor of the battle, recovered later following the eventual defeat of the combined Ork army and their withdrawal from the planet. Boreas suffered significant injuries during the defense of the Barrak Gorge Station, surviving in sus-an membrane induced coma until his recovery after the campaign. His barely living body was discovered by Lexicanium Charon three days before the arrival of the Chapter reinforcements. Afterwards Chaplain Boreas was assigned to the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV to oversee recruiting missions in the system. During his tenure there the Dark Angels suffered an attack by Cypher resulting in the theft of a secret store of gene-seed in the Basilica and the activation of a virus bomb hidden in the keep. Rather than allow the virus to destroy all life on Piscina IV Chaplain Boreas and his command sacrificed themselves to keep the Basilica sealed and the virus contained.

 

Interrogator-Chaplain Seraphicus

-One of the Chapter's Interrogator-Chaplains, Brother Seraphicus assisted the efforts of Company Master Balthasar against the forces of chaos. Brother Seraphicus is an expert interrogator and by the time of the mission to Bane's Landing possessed three black pearls.

 

“As our bodies are armoured with adamantium, our souls are protected by loyalty. As our bolters are charged with death for the Emperor's enemies, our thoughts are charged with wisdom. As our ranks advance, we carry with us our devotion, for are we not Space Marines? Are we not the chosen of the Emperor, his loyal servants unto death?”

-Interrogator-Chaplain Seraphicus.

 

Chaplain Phaldor

-Brother Phaldor and his honor guard attempted to defend the recruiting world of Mormathathrax from the greenskin incursion of Warboss Mashskull the Unsane. Reinforcements arrived to late, the greenskins having already overrun Phaldor and his warriors.

 

Chaplain Bareus

-Chaplain Bareus led a strike team to the city of Angellicus on the Cathedral World of Valedor to apprehend a member of the Fallen known as the Prophet. All of the Strike Team save Sergeant Kaelen fell during the mission including Chaplain Bareus. Before his death Bareus passed his Crozius to Sergeant Kaelen, inducting him informally into the Chaplaincy and the Inner Circle.

 

Chaplain Kaelen Leuctra

-Sergeant Leuctra led his assault squad in an aerial-drop into the capitol city of Angellicus on the Cathedral World of Valedor. During the assault the entire squad fell save Sergeant Kaelen to the cultists and the Fallen. Even Chaplain Bareus, who had been leading the mission, fell to the Fallen known as the Prophet. Despite the losses Brother Kaelen succeeded in slaying the Angel of Blades and the Prophet, adding two names to the Book of Salvation and before his death Chaplain Bareus passed his Crozius to Kaelen, informally inducting him into the Chaplaincy and the Inner Circle.  

 

Brother-Redemptor Barthiel

-Predecessor to Brother-Redemptor Nemiel, Brother Barthiel fell during the Siege of Barrakan.

 

Brother-Redemptor Nemiel

-One of the first Calibanite Legionaries and cousin to Zahariel. Brother Nemiel initially served with the 22nd Chapter under the command of Chapter Master Hadariel. Brother Nemiel earned his rank ten years before the Shield Worlds Campaign during the Siege of Barrakan. Brother Nemiel's inspirational leadership during the defense of Firebase Endriago earned him nomination to the rank after the death of Brother-Redemptor Barthiel during the siege. Towards the end of the Great Crusade Brother-Redemptor Nemiel became one of the Lion's rough inner circle of commanders within the Legion. His proximity and efficient and dedicated prosecution of his duties placing him frequently alongside the Primarch during the most critical moments of the early battles of the Horus Heresy. That was until the Lion ordered the Legion's Librarius returned to active service to combat the daemonic enemies during the Battle for the Invincible Reason. Brother Nemiel refused to comply with Johnson's orders and rather than punish or restrain the Chaplain the Lion simply lashed out and crushed his skull, ending the Chaplain's life of service suddenly and brutally.

 

Techmarine Ulvo

-Techmarine of the Chapter and contemporary of Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius.

 

Techmarine Mandeus

-Techmarine and Artificer of the Chapter Brother Mandeus forged the magnificent suit of Artificer armor worn by Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas.

 

Techmarine Geneon

-One of the greatest Artificers of the Chapter.

 

Techmarine Aster

-One of the greatest Artificers of the Chapter.

 

Techmarine Hadrazael

-Brother Hadrazael served under the command of Company Master Belial during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Techmarine Askelon

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. During the mission to locate the siege-engines manufactured and stored on Diamat Brother Askelon overloaded a major power conduit, the feedback ruining his armor and severely injuring him. Despite his injuries Brother Askelon was able to modify the MIU interface of one of the siege-engines to connect with the sarcophagi of Brother Titus, enabling the Dreadnought pilot to operate the siege-engine and turn it's formidable armament against the Sons of Horus.

 

Techmarine Hephaestus

-Brother Hephaestus served under the command of Company Master Belial during the Piscina IV Campaign. Hephaestus was instrumental in the defense, working tirelessly to keep the battle-brothers under Master Belial's command equipped, their armor prepared and doing all he could to do the same for the mortal defenders of Piscina IV. After the campaign Hephaestus was assigned to the garrison of the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas. Brother Hephaestus was the secret warden of a device known as the Annihilus, a virus bomb failsafe to be detonated should Piscina IV fall into enemy hands. Cypher infiltrated the Chapter Keep, stole a secret store of gene-seed and activated the device. Rather than permit the virus bomb loose on Piscina IV Chaplain Boreas ordered the keep kept sealed and his command sacrificed themselves rather than breach the environment seals to save themselves.

 

Techmarine Demensuis

-Brother Demensuis served under the command of Company Master Belial during the Piscina IV Campaign. Pilot of the Thunderhawk Divine Judgement.

 

Chief Apothecary Vandrillis

-Chief Apothecary under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Apothecary Gideon

-One of the two Apothecaries assigned to the task force that undertook the mission to Diamat.

 

Apothecary Tarros

-Brother Tarros served under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius during the Cordassa mission.

 

Apothecary Mennion

-Mentor and tutor to Apothecary Nestor.

 

Apothecary Nestor

-One of the oldest members of the Chapter before his death Apothecary Nestor served for more than six centuries. Brother Nestor served under the command of Company Master Belial during the Piscina IV Campaign.  After the campaign against the Orks Apothecary Nestor was assigned to the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV. When the Basilica suffered an attack by the Fallen Cypher a secret vault of gene-seed was stolen and a virus bomb hidden in the keep activated. Rather than allow the virus to wipe out all life on Piscina IV Chaplain Boreas ordered the keep sealed and his command to end their own lives rather than allow the virus to escape. Apothecary Nestor demanded they go after the stolen gene-seed and was slain by Boreas rather than be allowed to break the Basilica's environment seals.

 

Dreadnought Titus

-Dreadnought serving the Legion with the 4th Expeditionary Fleet. Brother Titus participated in the mission to Diamat. During the Second Battle for Diamat his Dreadnought shell was destroyed but by then his sarcophagi had already been removed and interred within one of the siege-engines on Diamat. Controlling the formidable firepower of the siege-engine Brother Titus turned the guns on the Sons of Horus, utterly annihilating the traitor's ground forces.

 

Revered Dreadnought Venerari

-Revered Venerari has served the Chapter as an Ancient for 817 years after 406 years of service as a battle-brother. He was initially laid low by an Eldar power blade cut to his nec that destroyed his vocal chords.

 

Dreadnought Arion the Unchallenged

-Revered ancient serving with the 5th Company during the Battle for Hyades.

 

Dreadnought Hawk Talon

-Feral warrior chosen to join the Dark Angels, great-great grandfather to Captain Cloud-Runner. In time Brother Hawk Talon fell in combat and was interred within the armored shell of a Dreadnought war-machine.

 

Deathwing Veteran Sergeant Conrad

-Veteran Sergeant serving the Chapter during the encounter with the Space Hulk the Prison of Lost Souls.

 

Deathwing Veteran Sergeant Barachiel

-Brother Barachiel and his squad currently serve alongside Company Master Balthasar and the warriors of the 5th Company. Brother Barachiel served alongside Master Balthasar in the Deathwing for many years.

 

Deathwing Veteran Sergeant Adamanta

-Participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Deathwing Veteran Sergeant Malignus

-Participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Deathwing Veteran Sergeant Vigilus

-Deployed to the defense of Koth Ridge during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Deathwing Veteran Dardariel

-Member of Squad Balthasar. Normally the most quiet and taciturn member of the squad, his distaste for the powers of the warp is the only subject likely to draw him to be vocal. Brother Dardariel carries the squad Assault Cannon.

 

Deathwing Veteran Narcariel

-Member of Squad Balthasar.

 

Deathwing Veteran Mendrion

-Member of Squad Balthasar, Brother Mendrion wielded a chainfist in addition to his storm bolter. Brother Mendrion was shorn in half by the Helbrute Mortis Metalikus during the mission to Bane's Landing. 

 

Deathwing Veteran Varhmiel

-Member of Squad Barachiel, Brother Varhmiel was formerly a long serving member of the Ravenwing.

 

Deathwing Veteran Amediel

-Member of Squad Vigilus during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Amediel bore the squad's Heavy Flamer.

 

Deathwing Veteran Marius/Weasel-Fierce

-Veteran of the 1st Company.

 

Deathwing Veteran Lame Bear

-Veteran of the 1st Company.

 

Deathwing Veteran Paulo/Bloody Moon

-Veteran of the 1st Company.

 

Ravenwing Sergeant Laertius

-Participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Ravenwing Sergeant Orphaeus

-Participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Ravenwing Sergeant Validus

-Participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Ravenwing Sergeant Arion

-Formerly a member of the 4th Company Brother Arion was the sole survivor of the assault on the Space Hulk the Harbinger of Woe. His squadron has been assigned on request to the 5th Company to aid Master Balthasar against the forces of chaos. Brother Arion managed to activate the teleport homer bringing Deathwing Squad Barachiel to the surface of Bane's Landing to join the fight but was injured and captured by the Crimson Slaughter. Librarian Turmiel used his powers to free Arion from where he lay on the sacrificial Hellfire stone and rather than give the traitors a chance to recapture him Arion drove his chainsword into his own chest, eviscerating his primary and secondary hearts and denying the enemy their sacrifice.

 

Ravenwing Sergeant Aquila

-Sergeant Aquila participated in the Piscina IV Campaign, his squadron was dispatched to scout Koth Ridge alongside Scout Squad Naaman. Brother Aquila was killed in action destroying an Ork Battlewagon east of Koth Ridge. 

 

Ravenwing Brother Aramis

-Member of Aquila Squadron during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Aramis was killed in action east of Koth Ridge.

 

Ravenwing Brother Demael

-Member of Aquila Squadron during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Demael was killed in action east of Koth Ridge.

 

Ravenwing Brother Analeus

-Member of Aquila Squadron during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Analeus was the bearer of the Squad's Plasma Gun. Killed in action east of Koth Ridge.

 

Ravenwing Brother Barakiel

-Member of Aquila Squadron during the Piscina iV Campaign. Brother Barakiel was killed in action east of Koth Ridge.

 

Ravenwing Brother Carminael

-Member of Aquila Squadron during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Carminael was killed by tripmines and grenades in an ork ambush east of Koth Gorge.

 

Ravenwing Brother Arias

-A member of Attack Squadron Arion, Brother Arias has been assigned to aid the 5th Company under the command of Company Master Balthasar. Slain by the Helbrute Mortis Metalikus of the Crimson Slaughter during the mission to Bane's Landing.

 

Ravenwing Brother Gethel

-A member of Attack Squadron Arion, Brother Gethel has been assigned to aid the 5th Company under the command of Company Master Balthasar. Slain by Kranon the Relentless during the mission to Bane's Landing.

 

Ravenwing Gunner Amathael

-Gunner of Land Speeder Ravenwing Six during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Amathael was killed in action during the battle for the Barak Gorge Geothermal Station.

 

Ravenwing Driver Methaniel

-Driver of Land Speeder Ravenwing Six during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Methaniel was killed in action during the battle for the Barak Gorge Geothermal Station.

 

Veteran Sergeant Damas

-Serving as Sergeant of a Scout Squad during the Piscina IV Campaign Damas was dispatched along with Sergeant Naaman to investigate the East Barrens Geothermal Station. Squad Damas was honored as full battle-brothers for undertaking such a suicidal mission with a predicted .7% survival rate. Scout Sergeant Naaman and most of the Scouts fell during the mission, though seriously wounded Sergeant Damas survived. Afterwards Damas served under the command of Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas in the Basilica of Piscina IV, charged with training neophytes recruited to the Chapter. Sergeant Damas, along with the rest of Boreas' command, died rather than allow the Annihilus Virus Bomb to escape the seals of the Chapter Keep on Piscina IV.   

 

Veteran Sergeant Constantin Raphael

-Veteran Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of the 5th Company under the command of Master Balthasar. Brother Raphael is known as the Bulwark of Caliban and his squad is made up of only the best members of the 5th Company.

 

Sergeant Lammas

-Sergeant of the 3rd Tactical Squad of 4th Company. Slain on the recruiting world of Mormathathrax.

 

Sergeant Syriel

-Tactical Sergeant of the 6th Company. Brother Syriel served under the command of Chaplain Artemius during the Cordassa mission.

 

Sergeant Ogion

-Tactical Sergeant of the 6th Company. Brother Ogion served under the command of Chaplain Artemius during the Cordassa mission.

 

Sergeant Beatus

-Brother Beatus participated in Chaplain Uzziel's mission to the Martyr's Tomb.

 

Sergeant Strages

-Brother Strages led his Devastator Squad during the mission to the Martyr's Tomb.

 

Sergeant Redemptor

-Brother Redemptor participated in the mission to the Martyr's Tomb.

 

Sergeant Ferus

-Brother Ferus led his Assault Squad alongside Chaplain Uzziel during the mission to the Martyr's Tomb.

 

Sergeant Abdaziel Magron

-Heresy-Era Sergeant awakened in the forty first millennium.

 

Sergeant Andrael

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Later given command of Ad-Hoc Squad Exacta.

 

Sergeant Azraeth

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. 

 

Sergeant Dominus

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. 

 

Sergeant Scalprum

-Devastator Sergeant of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Sergeant Scalprum wields a venerable Power Fist.

 

Sergeant Heman

-Devastator Sergeant of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Zaltys

-Assault Squad Sergeant of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Sergeant Zaltys was born on Piscina V and has returned to the feral world twice as a member of recruiting missions. Brother Zaltys fell in battle defending the Barrack Gorge Geothermal Station.

 

Sergeant Menelauis

-Assault Squad Sergeant of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Peliel

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Sergeant Peliel was tasked with investigating the Ork incursion routes in the basement of the Basilica during battle for the Dark Angels headquarters. Squad Peliel discovered that the Orks had broken through into the Basilica through Kadillus Harbor's sewer network. Lost three brothers to gain this knowledge and was forced to fall back. Sergeant Peliel bears a power sword and was wounded, perhaps seriously, in the neck by a lucky ork bullet during the Battle for Kadillus Harbor.

 

Sergeant Nemeaus

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Lemael

-Sergeant of a Tactical Squad of 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Sergeant Lemael participated in the operation to cleanse the Chapter Basilica of Orks during the Battle for Kadillus Harbor. Sergeant Lemael bears a chainaxe.

 

Sergeant Arbalan

-Field promoted Sergeant of an Assault Squad of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Vindictus

-Field promoted Devastator Sergeant of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Laetheus

-Field promoted Sergeant who participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Livenius

-Field promoted Sergeant who participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Ophrael

-Devastator Sergeant armed with a deadly Power Fist assigned to the Koth Ridge Garrison during the Battle for Piscina IV.

 

Sergeant Lemael

-Field promoted Sergeant who participated in the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Sergeant Kohl

-Terrain Legionary with the 4th Expeditionary Fleet. At the time Brother Kohl was one of the oldest surviving members of the Legion, having served during some of the earliest battles of the Great Crusade. Brother Kohl received honors for his valor against the Cyborian hunter-killers during the combat drop on Cyboris.

 

Sergeant Argeon

-Sergeant under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Sergeant Cayvan

-Sergeant under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Sergeant Jak

-Devastator Sergeant under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Sergeant Gemenoth

-Sergeant under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Sergeant Riyan

-Sergeant under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Sergeant Ammael

-Officer stationed aboard the Invincible Reason.

 

Sergeant Lennian

-Sergeant of a Squad in Seneschal Corswain's attack force during the Battle for the Invincible Reason. Brother Lennian and his squad were slain by the daemonic attackers attempting to recapture the warp core.

 

Sacred Standard Bearer Bethor

-Bearer of the Sacred Standard of Retribution. Brother Bethor disembarked alongside Supreme Grand Master Azrael upon the arrival of the Chapter's reinforcements to the surface of Piscina IV.

 

Company Standard Bearer Arael

-Standard bearer of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Veteran Brother Mandiel

-Member of Belial's Command Squad during the Piscina IV Campaign, Brother Mandiel lost a hand during the assault on the Eastern Barrens Geothermal Station.

 

Brother Alartes

-Member of Seneschal Corswain's personal guard.

 

Brother Marthes

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. Brother Marthes bore the squad's meltagun. Slain during the Second Battle for Diamat.

 

Brother Vardus

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. Brother Vardus bore the squad's Heavy Bolter.

 

Brother Ephrial

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. Brother Ephrial took a shot through the right knee during the assault on the Forge Complex of Xanthus. Slain during the Second Battle for Diamat by a Sons of Horus Sergeant.

 

Brother Yung

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. Brother Yung suffered serious injury recapturing the principle Forge Complex of Xanthus during the mission to Diamat.

 

Brother Cortus

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad. Brother Cortus suffered serious injuries from a battle-cannon round during the mission to Xanthus.

 

Brother Farras

-Member of Sergeant Kohl's Squad.

 

Brother Phaeton

-Member of Tactical Squad Syriel of 6th Company during the Cordassa mission.

 

Brother Oltos

-Member of Tactical Squad Syriel of 6th Company during the Cordassa mission. Slain by concentrated las fire during the mission.

 

Brother Thracius

-Member of the 6th Company, Brother Thracius participated in the Cordassa mission.

 

Brother Marhod

-Member of the 6th Company, Brother Marhod participated in the Cordassa mission.

 

Brother Methandes

-Member of the 6th Company, Brother Methandes participated in the Cordassa mission. Methandes is large even for a Space Marine and not well suited to stealth.

 

Brother Kyrris

-Member of the 6th Company, Brother Kyrris participated in the Cordassa mission. Slain by suicide cultists strapped with melta charges.

 

Brother Lanidei

-Member of the 6th Company, Brother Lanidei participated in the Cordassa mission. Slain by suicide cultists strapped with melta charges.

 

Brother Balthur

-Rhino driver serving Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius.

 

Brother Caleb

-A member of Assault Squad Ferus during the mission to the Martyr's Tomb. Brother Caleb fell fighting the Exodite Eldar.

 

Brother Alexius

-A member of Assault Squad Ferus during the mission to the Martyr's Tomb. Brother Alexius fell fighting the Exodite Eldar.

 

Brother Elijah

-Auspex operator of Captain Jeremiah's kill team during the mission to Hyades. The most recent addition to Jeremiah's kill team.

 

Brother Nathaniel

-Member of Captain Jeremiah's kill team during the mission to Hyades. The oldest and most experienced member of Jeremiah's kill team.

 

Brother Marius

-Member of Captain Jeremiah's kill team during the mission to Hyades. Brother Marius typically carries a plasmagun in support of the team. Brother Marius was slain in an artillery bombardment during the Battle for Hyades.

 

Brother Gilead

-Member of Captain Jeremiah's kill team during the mission to Hyades. Brother Gilead was slain in an artillery bombardment during the Battle for Hyades.

 

Brother Sebastian

-Member of Captain Jeremiah's kill team during the mission to Hyades. Brother Sebastian was slain in an artillery bombardment during the Battle for Hyades.

 

Brother Thumiel

-One of the warriors under Chaplain Boreas' command stationed at the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV. Brother Thumiel gave his life to contain the virus bomb within the Chapter Keep rather than allow it loose on the people of Piscina IV.

 

Brother Zaul

-One of the warriors under Chaplain Boreas' command stationed at the Chapter Basilica on Piscina IV. Brother Zaul gave his life to contain the virus bomb within the Chapter Keep rather than allow it loose on the people of Piscina IV.

 

Brother Zepheus

-Member of Tactical Squad Lemael during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Zepheus was seriously wounded cleansing the Basilica.

 

Brother Sarion

-Member of Tactical Squad Lemael during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Sarion was beheaded during the battle to cleanse the Basilica.

 

Brother Dannael

-Member of Tactical Squad Lemael during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Dannael went missing in action after the battle for the Basilica, presumed killed.

 

Brother Aspherus

-Member of Tactical Squad Lemael during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Brother Zamiel

-Member of Tactical Squad Lemael during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Zamiel was the flamer bearer of Squad Lemael.

 

Brother Lemaseus

-A member of Assault Squad Zaltys during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Lemaseus was killed by the flamethrower of an Ork wartrakk during the defense of the Barrack Gorge Geothermal Station.

 

Brother Anduriel

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Anduriel's gene-seed not yet removed for safe storage. Brother Anduriel was fatally wounded by a shot from a Battlewagon's cannon mount.

 

Brother Mephael

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Mephael's gene-seed not yet removed for safe storage.

 

Brother Saboath

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Saboath was one of the squad's two Plasma Cannon bearers. Brother Saboath's gene-seed had yet to be removed for safe storage. During the battle for Koth Ridge Brother Saboath was wounded by an Ork Power Weapon.

 

Brother Zarael

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Zarael's gene-seed not yet removed for safe storage.

 

Brother Hasmal

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Hasmal bears one of the squad's Heavy Bolters.

 

Brother Anahel

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Brother Hasrien

-Member of Devastator Squad Scalprum of the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign. Brother Hasrien lost an arm during the battle for Koth Ridge.

 

Brother Mephael

-Gunner of the Thunderhawk Zealous Guardian. Killed when the Thunderhawk was shot down over the eastern barrens on Piscina IV.

 

Brother Lephrael

-The driver of Master Belial's personal Rhino during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Brother Meledon

-Commander of the Predator Hammer of Judgement during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Brother Lucius

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Lucius was slain by a lascannon.

 

Brother Marius

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Marius fell to the chaos cultists during the attack.

 

Brother Caiyne

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Caiyne was slain during the attack.

 

Brother Guias

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Guias was slain during the attack.  

 

Brother Septimus

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Septimus was slain during the attack.

 

Brother Christos

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Christos fell during the assault.

 

Brother Mellius

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Mellius fell to the Angel of Blades during the assault.

 

Brother Janus

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Janus fell to the Angel of Blades during the assault.

 

Brother Temion

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Temion fell to the Angel of Blades during the assault.

 

Brother Urient

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Urient fell to the Angel of Blades during the assault.

 

Brother Persus

-A member of Assault Squad Leuctra during the assault on Angellicus city. Brother Persus fell to the Prophet during the assault.

 

Brother Orion

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Simiel

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Selaphiel

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company. Slain by chaos cultists on Bane's Landing.

 

Brother Heskia

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael of the 5th Company. Brother Heskia, while one of the newest members of the squad, is one of the finest warriors of the 5th Company as are all members of Squad Raphael. Brother Heskia bears the squad's plasma cannon. The Helbrute Mortis Metalikus and slayer of Master Zadakiel fell at last to a concentrated barrage from Brother Heskia's plasma cannon after the creature was psychically subdued by Librarian Turmiel.

 

Brother Angelus

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Joash

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Regulus

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company. Slain by chaos cultists on Bane's Landing.

 

Brother Kerael

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company. Bears the squad's plasmagun.

 

Brother Tennin

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Oriphiel

-Member of Tactical Squad Raphael, 4th Squad of 5th Company.

 

Brother Bellaphon

-Combat Squad leader of one of the Razorback mounted units under the command of Master Belial during the Piscina IV Campaign and the assault on the Eastern Barrens Geothermal Station.

 

Brother Cademon

-Flamer bearer of one of the 3rd Company Tactical Squads.

 

Brother Midris

-A Terran Legionary, Brother Midris was one of the first Dark Angels to journey to the surface of Caliban and meat the Lion.

 

Brother Rathis

-Battle-Brother under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Brother Kherios

-Battle-Brother under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Brother Nikolan

-Battle-Brother under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Brother Andubis

-Battle-Brother under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Brother Alexian

-Battle-Brother under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Scout Sergeant Naaman

-Sergeant Naaman was a legendary veteran of the Chapter with 174 years of service, several more than Sergeant Aquila. Naaman has served the last 26 years with the 10th Company. Sergeant Naaman is the 27th Battle Brother to bear the name Naaman since the founding of the Chapter. Before departing on his mission to the East Barrens Geothermal Station Naaman was given a teleport homer by Brother Hephaestus. The homer would call down Deathwing Squad Adamanta should the Scouts require the firepower of the 1st Company to complete their mission. Though the mission was ultimately successful all of the Scouts involved, including Naaman, lost their lives in achieving it.

 

“For every battle honor, a thousand heroes die alone, unsung and unremembered.”

-Imperial saying used by Sergeant Naaman.

 

Scout Sergeant Volcus

-Sergeant of a Scout Squad during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Scout Sergeant Arcanus

-Sergeant of a Scout Squad during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Scout Sergeant Astarael

-Sergeant of a Scout Squad during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Scout Kudin

-Scout Kudin was the eldest of Naaman's scouts during the Piscina IV Campaign. Kudin was almost ready for promotion to a full Battle-Brother but was killed in action in the Eastern Barrens.

 

Scout Teldis

-Scout Teldis was one of the squad's youngest members of Squad Naaman during the Piscina IV Campaign. Killed behind Ork lines while scouting east of Koth Ridge.

 

Scout Keliphon

-Scout Keliphon was a member of Squad Naaman during the Piscina IV Campaign, killed behind Ork lines while scouting east of Koth Ridge.

 

Scout Gethan

-Scout Gethan was one of the Squad Naaman's youngest members. Killed behind Ork lines while scouting east of Koth Ridge.

 

Scout Ras

-Scout Ras was a member of Squad Naaman during the Piscina IV Campaign, killed behind Ork lines while scouting east of Koth Ridge.

 

Scout Luthor

-Member of Squad Damas, Scout Luthor bore the Squad's Heavy Bolter. Along with the rest of Squad Damas Brother Luthor gave his life to allow Deathwing Squad Adamanta to destroy one of Piscina IV's Geothermal Stations powering the Ork telly porta's.

 

Aspirant Beyus

-Recruited from Piscina V by Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas.

 

Aspirant Varsin

-Recruited from Piscina V by Interrogator-Chaplain Boreas.

 

Landspeeder Tornado Ravenwing-Six

-Ravenwing-Six participated in the Piscina IV Campaign and was shot down during the battle for the Barak Gorge Geothermal Station.

 

Predator Caliban's Wrath

-The Caliban's Wrath served alongside the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Predator Hammer of Judgement

-The Hammer of Judgement served alongside the 3rd Company during the Piscina IV Campaign.

 

Land Raider Two-One

-Vehicle in service with the Caliban Training Cadre.

 

Land Raider Fury of Caliban

-Personal transport of Company Master Baradiel during the Battle for Kurin's Acropolis in 551.M37.

 

Known Members of the Fallen

 

Luther

-Likely the first of the Fallen to be captured and imprisoned the existence of Luther is a closely guarded secret within the Chapters of the Unforgiven. Deep within the halls of the Rock is a prison cell where Luther is kept in stasis forever muttering in madness. Only the Supreme Grand Masters of the Chapter know of Luther's existence and each in turn has attempted to coerce a confession from him but even Azrael has failed to do so, Luther continuing to claim he has no need to confess for one day Johnson will return and forgive him. Luther's connection to the warp makes him something of an oracle to the Chapter Masters of the Dark Angels, his ramblings broken at times by rare moments of lucidity from which the chapter can gain some measure of insight.  

 

Lord Cypher

-Perhaps the greatest of all the Fallen currently active in the galaxy. No matter how hard the Dark Angels fight to capture or kill Cypher he is forever beyond their grasp. Whenever capture or death seems imminent Cypher vanishes into the warp only to reappear elsewhere. The appearance of Cypher tends to herald a number of the Fallen gathering, the former allies of Luther seemingly drawn to the mysterious Lord Cypher. It is believed by some that Cypher carries the broken blade of Lion El'Johnson and is working his way to Terra to bring it before the Emperor himself. Some believe he does so to slay the Emperor of Mankind, others in an effort to redeem the Fallen. Whatever the truth of the matter Cypher does appear to be slowly working his way towards the ancient homeworld of mankind and the center of the Imperium. Around the time of the coming of the Imperium the previous Lord Cypher passed, as Grand Master of the Order the Lion chose the new warrior to hold the title. In a surprise move Johnson appointed a young knight virtually unknown to the Order. It was only decades later as Sar Daviel hunted down the last members of the Order that he and Master Ramiel began to suspect the new Lord Cypher was actually the last surviving member of the Knights of Lupus, chosen by Johnson as an agent loyal to him alone, to act in his best interests regardless of the repercussions to the rest of the Order or the Dark Angels Legion after that. Whether this is actually true none can say.

 

Chapter Commander Astelan

-Chapter Commander Astelan served as the right hand of Luther during the tumultuous civil strife leading to the Fall of Caliban. Before that Chapter Commander was a Terran member of the Dark Angels Legion and a hardened veteran of the Great Crusade. For nearly two centuries Astelan crusaded across the galaxy bringing worlds to compliance in the name of the Emperor until his Chapter came to the world locals had dubbed Byzanthis. A mere two weeks before a second Chapter of new legionaries recruited from Caliban and led by a young, freshly appointed Chapter Master rendezvoused with Astelan's forces in the Calcabrina system. The new legion Chapter Commander Belath wanted to immediately assault the discovered world without even making an attempt at a peaceful compliance. Astelan refused and made a scouting journey to the surface, unfortunately the small town his fleet's augurs had identified turned out to be a military installation and Astelan's scouting operation ended in open conflict. Still determined to find a peaceful way to bring the world into the Emperor's Truth Astelan continued to refuse launching an all out attack without first attempting to negotiate with the ruling Committee of Nations on the planet. Astelan's attempt at diplomacy was sabotaged by Belath's orders for his fleet to move into orbital barrage positions over Byzanthis' major population centers. The natives detected the warships and reacted with violence. The ensuing conflict ended any possibility of diplomacy and began the Dark Angels all out assault on the planet. Despite the undermining actions of Commander Belath it quickly became clear that Astelan would shoulder the blame and he and his Chapter were sent back to Caliban to join Luther and many other old legionaries and knights of the Order on endless guard duty. Unsurprisingly Astelan felt betrayed, undermined and abandoned by the Legion he had served for so long and by a Primarch who clearly did not trust him or his brothers. This resentment and anger was fed by Luther's corrupted oratories leading to the internal war that tore the Dark Angels homeworld of Caliban asunder. Nearly ten thousand years later Astelan was finally captured by the Dark Angels and his interrogation was overseen by Chaplain Boreas. Though Boreas initially drew out a confession from Astelan in time the Chaplain learned there was much truth in what Astelan had told him, that the Dark Angels had kept a great many secrets even from him. To all knowledge Astelan remains in a cell aboard the Rock.

 

Chief Librarian Israfael

-Chief Librarian of the Dark Angels Legion. Brother Israfael was instrumental in the creation of the electro-psychic pulse weapon that defeated the Saroshi angel and was mentor to the burgeoning Librarian Zahariel. Despite his contributions Brother Israfael was amongst the contingent returned to Caliban after the Compliance of Sarosh. Following the Dark Angels discovery of the taint permeating Caliban and the actions of a cabal of Terran sorcerers Luther agonized that Johnson had sent the training cadre to their deaths, knowing Caliban would ultimately be destroyed. Refusing to permit such seditious talk Brother Israfael attacked his former comrades resulting in his defeat at the hand of Luther. Though not slain outright Brother Israfael was seriously wounded by a plasma bolt to the chest. Rather than finish off the downed Terran Legionary Luther decided to imprison him within the Tower of Angels and hopefully turn him to Luther's cause.

 

Librarian Zahariel

-One of the first Calibanite Legionaries and cousin to Brother Nemiel. Brother Zahariel first earned fame as the Slayer of the Beast of Endriago, the last Calibanite Lion. After the arrival of the Imperium Brother Zahariel foiled an assassination attempt on the Emperor but had the knowledge of the event erased from his mind by Chief Librarian Israfael. Trained as a Librarian Brother Zahariel possesses a rare capacity for Terrorsight, a form of scrying. Brother Zahariel initially served with the 22nd Chapter under the command of Chapter Master Hadariel. After the Compliance of Sarosh Brother Zahariel returned to Caliban with Luther and many of the Legion's veterans. Over time Brother Zahariel became Luther's second in command on Caliban and was instrumental in uncovering the warp-taint of Caliban and defeating a cabal of Terran sorcerers attempting to summon a daemon in the Northwilds Arcology.

 

Master Ramiel

-Formerly the Castellan of Aldurukh. Though technically part of the Legion Master Ramiel refused the physical alterations and rejuvenate treatments used on the older Knights of Caliban to turn them into aproximations of Astartes capable of serving the Legion. As the 200th year of the Great Crusade dawned Brother Ramiel at last resigned from his post as one of Aldurukh's training masters and rode out into what remained of the wilderness with lance in hand as was traditional amongst the old Knightly Orders of Caliban. It turned out Ramiel had not gone to his death but had rather become one of the leaders of a group of rebels displeased with the Imperium's pillaging of Caliban. After Luther discovered the warp-taint of Caliban and turned from Johnson and the Imperium Master Ramiel's insurrection effectively ended and his cause realligned with that of Luther.

 

Company Master Baalakai

-One of the more notorious of the Fallen captured in recent centuries, Company Master Baalakai was captured by the Angels of Redemption after they abandoned the Gatlinghive Militia to face the onslaught of the greenskin hordes alone. For the Unforgiven the capture of such a high ranking Fallen appears to be worth the loss of billions of Imperial lives.

 

Commander Cadmus

-The Fallen known as Commander Cadmus infiltrated the command structure of the Imperial world of Hyades, luring the Dark Angels there Cadmus orchestrated a conflict between the Sons of the Lion and the Space Wolves allowing the servants of the Thousand Sons to gather the gene-seed from fallen warriors of both Chapters. Ultimately the Thousand Sons abandoned Cadmus to his fate and he was slain by Captain Jeremiah.

 

Black Shield Watch Commander Israfil -A mysterious Black Shield of the Deathwatch, Brother Israfil was discovered to be a member of the Fallen. Israfil was rare even among the Black Shields for he rose to the rank of vaunted rank of Watch Commander. Commander Israfil was captured by the Chapter in a battle against the xenos race known as the Mire. A rapid intervention force joined the battle against the Mire and in the confusion captured the Israfil and returned him to the Rock. The Deathwatch believe him killed in action.

 

Captain Galedan

-Captain under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Captain Astoric

-Captain under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Captain Melian

-Captain under the command of Chapter Commander Astelan during the Great Crusade.

 

Captain Zeriah

-The former Captain of the Dark Angels Legion's 14th Assault Company the Fallen known as Zeriah had taken the name Elucidax the Keeper. He was captured on the colony world of Altid 156 by a combined strike force from the Deathwing, Ravenwing and 5th Company. Ultimately however Zeriah refused to repent for his sins and remains held in a cell within the Rock to this day.

 

Captain Arkos

-The commander of the Faithless during the Siege of Vraks and agent of the Alpha Legion the traitor known as Arkos was captured by the Angels of Absolution and transported to the Rock.

 

Captain Borroleth

-Known as Borroleth the Corrupter, Servant of Nurgle the Unclean, the Fallen Captain was run to ground on the world of Cordassa at the Falls of Marakross and slain by Interrogator-Chaplain Artemius.

 

Captain Zhebdek Abaddas

-Former Captain of the Legion during the Horus Heresy.

 

Brother Jonas

-Member of the Caliban Training Cadre. Brother Jonas was amongst the ten warriors who volunteered for the mission to investigate Sigma Five-One-Seven.

 

Brother Gideon

-Member of the Caliban Training Cadre. Brother Gideon was amongst the ten warriors who volunteered for the mission to investigate Sigma Five-One-Seven. Brother Gideon served as the auspex bearer for the unit. Slain fighting the Reaver Worm Queen beneath Sigma Five-One-Seven.

 

Brother Eliath

-One of the first Calibanite Legionaries. Brother Eliath passed the Legion training with honors to become one of the Legion's best heavy weapons specialists. Brother Eliath was amongst the warriors returned to Caliban.

 

The Tribunal

-A group of three members of the Fallen the Tribunal took over the world of Murus, digging in and fortifying in preparation of the Dark Angels assault. The Chapter's Techmarines developed the Land Raider Ares to prosecute the assault on the Tribunal's fortress, the design proving effective in bringing retribution against the three Fallen.

 

Attias the Untamed

-One of the first Calibanite Legionaries. Brother Attias suffered extensive injuries to his face during the mission to Sarosh. Attias survived his injuries but was inexplicably among the contingent returned to Caliban in disgrace. Though he eventually recovered from his injuries the damage to his face was extensive and could not be repaired, instead most of his face was replaced with cold steel augmetics. Initially believed dead in the Fall of Caliban the Fallen known as Attias the Untamed emerged less than a century ago. In that time three attempts have been made by the Deathwing to capture the traitor, all without success. Attias for his part had not succumbed to the lure of chaos, instead taking up a life on a distant Imperial world on the eastern fringe. That is, until the Crimson Slaughter arrived and butchered the people, Attias' efforts to protect them in vain against such numbers. The Crimson Slaughter then used Attias as bait to lure the Dark Angels into a trap on Stern's Remembrance. Though Master Zadakiel lost his life on the mission Attias was returned to the Rock for interrogation.

 

The Voice of the Emperor

-The Fallen going by the title the Voice of the Emperor had set himself up as ruler of a region of xenos systems in the unexplored wilderness of the Veiled Region. A combined force from the Black Templars and Dark Angels captured the Voice.

 

Kaligar

-During the Fourth Quadrant Rebellion the pretender Kaligar led the traitorous forces against the Imperium. He was run to ground and defeated in a duel with Master Sammael of the Ravenwing that is said to have lasted a full day and night. 

 

Cephesus

-Known as the Prophet the Fallen formerly known as Cephesus led a chaos uprising on the Cathedral World of Valedor. Cephesus bore the panoply of a Dark Angels Chaplain including a Rosarius and a Crozius Arcanum. The Prophet collected a Blade of Reason from slain Chaplains, before the Dark Angels came to Valedor he possessed eleven of the ceremonial blades.

 

The Angel of Blades

-Formerly a Dreadnought of the Dark Angels the twisted creature known as the Angel of Blades was  multi-limbed death dealing monstrosity, perhaps the rough equivalent of a Hellbrute in appearance and function. The Dark Angels encountered this member of the Fallen in Angellicus city on the Cathedral World of Valedor. The Angel of Blades slew many of the Dark Angels strike force before falling to the Power Fist of Sergeant Kaelen Leuctra.

 

Knights of the Order

 

Sar Amadis

-The Hero of Maponis, Battle Knight of the Order. Slain by the Beast of Endriago.

 

Sar Adariel

-Battle Knight of the Order. One of the three knights who discovered Johnson deep in the Northwilds.

 

Sar Javiel

-Battle Knight of the Order. One of the three knights who discovered Johnson deep in the Northwilds.

 

Sar Yeltus

-Battle Knight of the Order.

 

Sar Varael

-Battle Knight of the Order.

 

Sar Ulient

-Battle Knight of the Order. Alongside Sar Daviel Brother Ulient remained at the fortress of the Knights of Lupus after their defeat due to his injuries and was tasked during his recovery with packing up the library of the Knights of Lupus. During the packing Brother Ulient read many of the tomes learning truths about Caliban kept secret from even the Order, culminating in his attempt to assassinate the Emperor.

 

Sar Daviel

-Battle Knight of the Order, Brother Daviel was seriously wounded during the final assault on the Knights of Lupus. During his recovery Daviel pored through the library of the Knights of Lupus, learning of the taint of Caliban. After the coming of the Imperium Brother Daviel tried to join the Dark Angels Legion but was found unsuitable given the severity of his injuries.

 

Sar Thuriel

-A young knight of the Order Sar Thuriel was found genetically incompatible with the Dark Angels Gene-Seed after the coming of the Imperium. His resentment over his failure to become a Space Marine and the coming of the Imperium led him to become a leader of the rebellion that swept Caliban decades later.

 

Moniel

-Knight Supplicant of the Order.

 

Pallian

-Knight Supplicant of the Order. Slain by one of the beasts of Caliban.

 

Sources

 

Index Astartes: Dark Angels

Index Astartes: Unforgiven

Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook 3rd - 6th Editions

Codex: Imperialis

Codex: Angels of Death

Codex: Dark Angels - 3rd Edition

Codex: Dark Angels - 5th Edition

Codex: Space Marines - 3rd Edition

Codex: Space Wolves 3rd Edition

Codex: Space Wolves 5th Edition

Codex: Black Templars

Imperial Armor V: The Siege of Vraks Part One

Imperial Armor VI: The Siege of Vraks Part Two

Imperial Armor VII: The Siege of Vraks Part Three

Deathwatch: Core Rulebook

Datasheet: Land Raider Ares

Dark Vengeance Boxed Set

Dark Vengeance: Interrogator-Chaplain Seraphicus

Dark Vengeance Hardback Novel

Space Marine

Angels of Darkness

The Purging of Kadillus

Eye of Terror

Sons of Fenris

Fallen Angels

Descent of Angels

Deathwing: Deathwing

Deathwing: Unforgiven

Into the Maelstrom: The Black Pearl

Tales from the Dark Millennium: The Falls of Marakross

Tales from the Dark Millennium: Vindicare

Tales from the Dark Millennium: A Balance of Faith

Tales from the Dark Millennium: Tears of Blood

Tales of Heresy: Call of the Lion

The Primarchs: The Lion

Age of Darkness: Savage Weapons

Shadows of Treachery: Prince of Crows

Audiobook: Malediction

Audiobook: The Ascension of Balthasar

Warhammer 40,000 Compendium

Inquisitor: Thorian Sourcebook

Inquisitor: Short Film

WD96

WD112

WD126

WD213

WD392