Codex Unforgiven

The following article is the first content submission to the Codex Unforgiven. It was written by Agent Dorby, and given to me, at the old Bolter & Chainsword forums, and it concerns the organzation and duties of the Chaplain Corps within the Dark Angels chapter. As it's the first, there will likely be problems with it, or something you'd like to change with it. As usual, please comment on the available forum thread so changes can be made.

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The Chaplains

                The Origins of the Office of Chaplain

            For as long as the legions of the Adeptus Astartes have the ranks of Chaplains wandered amongst the warriors. Initially created by the Emperor during the great days of the Great Crusade to keep the forces of Chaos at bay and to ensure their loyalty (Scholars note: This would explain why upon turning traitor the majority of Chaos Legions executed their Chaplains). Donning their Black armour, a symbol used as devotion to the Lord Emperor, and raising their staffs of Office, the dreaded Crozius Arcanum, there are a sight to behold, and many new initiates to the Chapter have been bewildered by the very presence of one of these individuals.

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Forming a stark contrast to the Interrogator Chaplains, the Chaplaincy of the Dark Angels Chapter preach the word of the Cult Leo, on the battlefield and within the Shrine. Their fiery oratory igniting the hearts of all those who hear it, and their presence bolstering the determination of those who fight under them. Equipping themselves with the traditional Death Mask of the Chaplaincy, the Chaplains will traditionally say their peace to the Emperor and the Lion before battle starts, and thus they have no fear of Death, for there are Death Incarnate.

            The Role of Chaplains

Within the Ranks of the Adeptus Astartes, the Chaplaincy provides a religious purpose in keeping the traditions and legends of the Chapter alive. Versed in the rites of the Cult Leo, the Chaplains of the Dark Angels are no different. The Cult Leo teaches self discipline and self sacrifice, all of which is demanded by the Chaplains. Each is expected to lay down his life for the Chapter if necessary, and none can be said to be unwilling to do so.

            The Chaplain also ensures the spiritual purity of the Marines under his command. With the help of the Librarius in detecting the taints of Chaos, the Chaplaincy will seek to remove the taint, or if the case proves too severe, provide an honourable death to the Brother, an option never taken lightly.

            Traditions and Rituals of the Cult Leo

                The Reclusium

            The Reclusium is the central shrine, deep within the depths of the Tower of Angels. Lined with statues of past heroes, and each of the Company Standards adorns its walls. At the head of the Chamber lay two massive stained glass windows, in which are depictions of the Lion. Set between these two windows are a heavy set of doors. Behind these doors lays the Inner Sanctum, where the most sacred of the relics maintained by the Dark Angels are kept.

 Within the Main Hall of the Reclusium are enough pews to seat over 5000 marines, the chamber being a relic from the Great Crusade. Set within the walls are Dialogous Servitors through which the oratory of the Chaplains is relayed throughout the chamber, the very sounds echoing around the chamber.

            Behind the Heavy set doors of the Inner Sanctum lie the most treasured artefacts of the Legion, it is here that the Sacred Standards are kept, as well as the Standard of the Legion. In the centre of the chamber though is where the most prized artefact is kept. Lit by torches, the Lion Helm rests on a podium, a stasis field protecting its ancient mechanisms. It is only when the Keeper of the Truth goes to battle that the Stasis fields are powered down, and the Helm reverently prepared the Chaplains before it is gathered by the mysterious Watchers.

            The Badges of Office

            Many are the badge of Office used by the Chaplaincy, and many are their uses. Some take the form of armour, old and ancient relics from a time gone past, to the blessed Rosarius gifted by the Ministorum.

The ancient suits of power armour which are worn by the Chaplaincy are usually archaic, ornate relics from times long past. Each one is a shrine to the Imperium, and are worshipped as such by all who see them. The Chaplains usually will decorate their armour with all manner of accoutrements, such as Purity Seals and devotional scripts. Frequently, the bones of Martyrs will be attached to the faces of the armour, and most Chaplains take on a quality of Death incarnate. The Helm worn by all Chaplains is designed to resemble a Skull, the symbol of Death and the Martyrdom of the Emperor, which also serves the dual purpose of striking fear into their foes, and demanding the respect and devotion of their Brothers in Arms.

            The Rosarius is itself a symbol of the Ministorum and therefore not directly related to the Adeptus Astartes. Most Chaplains carry it as a symbol of Devotion however, and it is seen as a symbolic gesture of mutual respect and peace between the Adeptus Astartes and the Ministorum.

            The most important piece of equipment is his Crozius Arcanum Utilizing the same technologies as the power weapon, it is a potent artefact. But it is more than a mere weapon, the Crozius Arcanum is the Chaplains badge of Office, and is used during official ceremonies and celebrations. The Chaplain will carry his Crozius to war, a symbolic gesture of the very importance the Adeptus Astartes put on holy battle.

            The Path to Chaplaincy

            The path to Chaplaincy starts with induction to the Chapter. During the training with the Scout Company, the Chaplains of the Chapter will search for individuals with a passion for the religious aspects of the Chapter, those who are of fiery zeal and steely determination. These Neophytes are then taken for additional training with the Chaplaincy in addition to their combat training.

            Upon elevation to the ranks of Brother Marines, the company may decide to take on a apprentice Chaplain, who will be groomed as his successor. This practice ensures there is never an excess amount of Chaplains within the Chapter.

            When the former Company Chaplain is lost to the ranks of the Office of Chaplaincy, either it be induction to the Office of Interrogator Chaplaincy or they have fallen in battle, the Apprentice will take up the mantle of his predecessor, and take his own apprentice. It is in this way which the Chapters Chaplains are replenished, and so the cycle continues.

            If somehow, Both the Chaplain and his apprentice fall, and there is no successor for a company, a Apprentice will be chosen from another company by the Grand Master of the Chaplaincy, and he will be assigned to the Company, in which case, both the former Master, and former Apprentice will both take on apprentices of their own.

            The Arts of Interrogation

            While not specialising in this field like the Interrogator Chaplains do, it is the duty of all Chaplains within the Dark Angels Legion to be apt interrogators if the case arises. Occasionally, when a Interrogator Chaplain is too far away to be of any assistance, the Chaplain will take it upon himself to extract a repentance from the Fallen. Although this is not common, it is a far from rare occurrence.

                Ranks within the Office of the Chaplaincy

            Apprenta Chaplain – The first official rank on the path of the Chaplain, an Apprenta is picked by the Company Chaplain and trained in the arts of Chaplaincy. Upon the Loss of the Company Chaplain for various reasons, the Apprenta will assume his place, becoming the Companies Chaplain and taking on his own Apprenta.

            Chaplain – The rank assigned to the Company Chaplains upon elevation. The Company Chaplain will take on an Apprenta to train as his successor. If a suitable candidate for Interrogator Chaplaincy is determined, he will usually be taken to the Office of Interrogator Chaplaincy at this stage.

            Reclusiarch – The second rank attainable by Chaplains. Whilst still a battlefield rank, and still assigned to their company, the Reclusiarch has a greater say with the Chaplaincy upon issues of importance. The Reclusiarchs will also lead the prayers, after the sermons of the Masters of Sanctity, when at the Tower of Angels.

            Master Of Sanctity – The final rank of Chaplaincy before ascendance to the Inner Circle. Higher ranking still than the Reclusiarchs, the Masters of Sanctity are removed from Company duties to focus on the well being of the Chapter as a whole. While they will still accompany Brothers on the field of battle, it will usually be of their own design that they do, or under strict orders from above. They are also in charge of maintaining the Inner Sanctum, and it is they who will hand out the Holy Relics which are contained within.

            Grand Master of Sanctity – The head of the Office of Chaplaincy. The Grand Master of Sanctity is a member of the Inner Circle, and it his duty to ensure the purity of all Chaplains within the Chapter.

            Grand Master of the Offices of Chaplaincy – A rank encompassing both the Office of Chaplaincy and the Office of Interrogator Chaplaincy. The Grand Master of the Offices of Chaplaincy is a member of the upper echelons of the Inner Circle, and it his duty to ensure the purity of the Inner Circle itself. While this rank is obtainable by either the Office of Chaplaincy, or the Office of Interrogator Chaplaincy, The bearer must have proven to have excelled in both areas (scholars note: This does not mean that the Bearer must be the most proficient in both paths, but merely he must have achieved the highest rank within his Office and shown considerable skill in the skills of the other Office)