Codex Unforgiven

Combat Doctrine

Sample force organization chart

The chapter relies heavily upon the use of heavy weapons in tactical squads but has rarely been seen employing squads entirely comprised of devastator marines. Their dislike of tanks is probably a result of the circumstances on their home world of Fimus III. Any tanks they tried to use didn't have any grip in the mud and sank into it, never to be seen again. There are some battles documented where the Angels of Destruction fielded a small number of tanks, but these are far from numerous. Dreadnoughts however, seem to be enough light-weight to be able to move on the muddy plains of Fimus III and as such, they are regularly used as mobile fire support.

New recruits are also heavily tested upon the field of battle. Therefore, Scout squads with all kinds of weaponry often get into forward positions. These recruits do not have the gift of the Lion yet and so they are often accompanied by veteran sergeants. These are in charge of the battlefield training of these recruits and they often carry teleport homers with them to act as a beacon for possible interventions of Deathwing terminators. This reassures the recruits and also accomplishes another goal: keeping the scout casualties to a minimum. Scouts not only act as a spearhead for the main Marine force, but are also used as snipers to take out important enemy characters.

Sniper scouts (with heavy bolter backup)

 
Tactical squad (with plasma gun and missile launcher)

Plasma weapons are the favored weapon of many Angels of Destruction. Inside the fortress monastery on Fimus III lies a small amount of these ancient weapons, guarded and maintained by the techmarines and their servitors. The Lion's gift allows marines to tune in to the essence of the plasma weapon, this way they are far more capable of keeping the weapon in perfect shape and detecting possible overheats at an early stage. To them it seems like the weapon has its own mind and this is how the reverence of the Plasma Spirit first appeared.

Upon introduction into the Deathwing, a veteran brother is given his own plasma pistol. Before this culmination in the training of a battle brother, he must study the proper rites of maintenance and repair to be able to keep his personal badge of honor in perfect shape for battle.

Deathwing Terminator

Brother marines who show exceptional bravery during a battle may be rewarded by the right to carry their squad's plasma rifle into battle, when they next enter the fields of slaughter. This is considered a great honor and has put many a marine up to great acts of courage.

Only the oldest and most experienced devastator marines are allowed to carry one of the chapter's few plasma cannons with them into battle. Before every blast delivered to the enemy, the brother wielding this arcane device of immense power dedicates a prayer to the Plasma Spirit within it, to keep it pleased.

Plasma weapons are prone to overheating, and brother marines killed by the temper of the Plasma Spirit are held in high regard, some of them even being incarcerated in a dreadnought. This way, they can continue serving the holy emperor by using their preferred weapon to deliver hot, burning death to the enemies of the imperium.

Angels of Destruction battle companies are usually led into battle by a Chaplain. These are often accompanied by a squad of assault marines with jump packs. This is the best way for the Chaplain to identify and interrogate any targets that are rumored to carry information relating to the Fallen. This interrogation, along with any torture that is necessary, often happens on the battlefield itself. This process can last a long time, during which the chaplain uses all wisdom bestowed upon him by his tutor to try to extract all the necessary information. During this time, his retinue stave off any attacks. The squad under the chaplains leadership acts as a counter-measure to protect the battle lines from being overrun in assaults.

 
Chaplain and Assault Squad