Codex Unforgiven

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How does a Dark Angel go from a simple recruit to the Grand Master of the Chapter?

This is an article about just that. I give you a series of promotion ladders, shining a bit of light on the rank progression of all aspects of a Marine Chapter.

Discuss this article on the forums. (8 posts)

The Deathwing 

Competitor  

- Selected to take part in the Trails to become a Marine. This is the only time they are completely human. Psykers are usually discovered at this point and separated by the Librarians.

- Since they are not a member of the Dark Angels, they will retain the garb of their homeworld.

 Recruit

- The child Marines are going through puberty and gaining all the organs to become a fully-fledged marine. During this time, they are taught the ways of the Chapter and they will learn most of their basic combat skills with a Knife or Weaponless.

- Recruits wear plain robes of Dark Green that drape all the way to the floor. The only ornamentation is the Chapter Badge on their back as well as on both sleeves.

 Scout  

- The Marine joins the Scout Company where he begins his training as a Tactical marine as well as learning the Scouting Arts. During this time, proficiencies are noticed in the Scout. These will directly influence the path of the Dark Angel. Stronger or sharp-eyed Scouts will end up in the Ninth Company to be trained as a Devastator. Aggressive Scouts are sent to the Eighth Company to be trained as an Assault Marine. Those with proficiency on the Bikes will be sent to the Sixth Company. The remaining Scouts will be sent up to the Seventh, Sixth or Ninth Companies.

- On the battlefield, Scouts are recognized by their Scout Armor. Off the battlefield, the Scouts continue to wear the plain dark green robes with the Chapter Badge on their Left sleeve and their Squad Number on the Right Sleeve.

 Reserve Marine  

- After proving themselves worthy, they join the Reserve Companies where they learn how to use Power Armor and specialize in their company’s way of war.

- They now step onto the field of battle in Power Armor. When not in armor, they retain the green robes. The Marine replaces his Scout Squad number with the Company Emblem on their Right Sleeve. Until they have completed training in the Power Armor, they do NOT wear a number after which time they will join the Tenth Squad.

  Battle Marine  

- After gaining the expertise and working their way through to the Reserve Company’s First Squad, they are called upon to replace a fallen brother in one of the Battle Companies. The Marine has gained enough skills that only remedial or synchronized training is needed. Depending upon their Reserve Company will determine their place in the Company.

- Same as the Reserve Marine but they switch their Right Sleeve Badge to reflect their new Company and Squad.

  Squad Leader (Corporal)  

- The Marine is showing his ability to lead and is willing to take on more responsibilities and duties. They are the second-in-command behind the Sergeant. Sergeants will typically train the Squad Leaders on how to be Sergeants.

- On the battlefield, there are no visible variations from that of a Battle Marine. Squad Leaders fight only with their bolters. They do not carry a Heavy or Special Weapon. Of the field, they add a Red band around their sleeves, cowl and on the bottom of their robe.

 Sergeant

 - The marine has gained a level of mastery that exceeds those of his peers. He is given the responsibility and the formal training to lead as well as train his squad. He can be a Sergeant in all Companies but the Deathwing. They are under the watchful eye of the Inner Circle to see if they are eligible to be members of the Deathwing.

- The Sergeant is recognizable on the battlefield in three ways. The first is the display of the Squad Standard or Device. This can be accomplished by a banner pole or a cloak. The second is the Ceremonial Dagger worn on the hip. The third is the blessing of a single piece of wargear befitting the personality of the Sergeant. They are the Power Sword for Nobility, Power Fist for Strength, Thunder Hammer for Determination or Lightning Claw for Efficiency. Once they are out of their armor, their Green cloaks have the Red Bands replaced with White Bands

 Veteran Sergeant  

- The Sergeant is inducted into the Deathwing’s Outer Circle (Level 7), but instead of donning the Tactical Dreadnought Armor, they remain in their suits of power armor. Their Charisma or their Tactical mastery is above par and they can be more effective among the other Companies (2nd through 10th) then as a Terminator. The Veteran Sergeants undergo training in Terminator armor to receive the Terminator Honors.

- Veteran Sergeants are recognized by the plain Bone-White Robes they wear on and off the field of battle.

 Deathwing (Master Sergeant)  

- The Sergeant takes his place among the Elite First Company. Since nearly all Deathwing are Sergeants, the Sergeant is a member but not the leader of the Terminator squad. They advance in the Outer Circle to Level 6. The knowledge gained at that level has a tendency to make the Sergeants more stubborn.

- On the field of battle, they wear the coveted suit of Terminator Armor. When the armour is removed, the Deathwing walk in their Bone Robes with the Deathwing logo on their back and on their left sleeve. Their squad number again adorning their right sleeve

 Deathwing Sergeant (Lieutenant)  

- They have become true masters of war and have again risen above their peers to take the reins of leadership. They advance to Level 5 in the Outer Circle.

- The Sergeant is recognizable in two ways. The first is the display of the Squad Standard or Device on top of the armor. The second is the blessing of a Power Sword. Out of armor, they add a Red Band to their robes.

 Brother-Captain  

- These are the Deathwing Sergeants and rare Veteran Sergeants that continue to grow in proficiency and wisdom. They are treated as heroes of the Company and fight as their Champions. Upon reaching the rank of Captain, they are brought into the Middle Circle (Level 4). The knowledge they have and additional experiences and training allow the Captain to lead a small group of Marines (chiefly from one company, but can have temporarily assigned squads from other Companies) into battle under his direct command. They assist the Chaplains in the training of their Companies where their Charisma can bolster marines to push themselves further.

- Captains are given the honor of using their assigned company symbol to fabricate their own heraldry that is displayed on their white robes and on the cloak and Right Shoulder Pad that they wear into battle. They add a second Red Band to their robes.

 Masters (Lieutenant Colonel)  

- When not leading marines from the Company in battle, they are the assistants of the Grand Master help in the administration of the Company. During their time as Masters, they maybe removed from the battlefields to handle logistics, administration duties and act as aide to the Grand Master. This position grants the Master to join the Inner Circle at Level 3. Only Deathwing Captains may become Masters of the Deathwing.

- Masters replace their Red Bands with a single Green band.

 Grand Master (Colonel)  

- These Marines are the Masters that have been able to prove themselves as worthy successors over their peers to replace the fallen Grand Master. These are chosen by the Inner Circle and there can only be one per Company. As such, the newest Grand Master is brought into the second Level of the Deathwing. Only Deathwing Masters may become Masters of the Deathwing.

- Grand Masters add a second Green Band to their robes. Their heraldry or standard is the Company symbol.

 Supreme Grand Master (General)  

- The highest man in the Chapter Chosen by his predecessor prior to their death, he alone can gain access to Luther's cell. Only the Chief Librarian, Grand Master of the Chaplains and the Supreme Grand Master make up the First Level of the Inner Circle.

- The Grand Master removes all ornamentation on his robes and replaces it with the Black Chapter Badge. Only his heraldry on his Right Shoulder Pad and Standard remain. He can be seen on the battlefield by his badges of office - the Sword of Secrets and the Lion Helm.