Difference between revisions of "Chaplain"
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Many chapters follow the Codex Astartes, but some have strayed from it. The [[Dark Angels]] use [[Interrogator-Chaplain]]s, forcing the fallen of their forces to confess and repent or to kill them after days of agonising pain. | Many chapters follow the Codex Astartes, but some have strayed from it. The [[Dark Angels]] use [[Interrogator-Chaplain]]s, forcing the fallen of their forces to confess and repent or to kill them after days of agonising pain. | ||
| − | The [[Iron Hands]] have the rank of [[Iron Father]] fulfilling the roles of Chaplain and [[Techmarine]]. Due to the animosity between the Iron Hands and the Ecclesiarchy, the Iron Fathers are not issued with a Rosarius, they must instead manufacture their own versions of the protective holy symbol. | + | The [[Iron Hands]] have the rank of [[Iron Father]] fulfilling the roles of Chaplain, [[Apothecary]] and [[Techmarine]]. Due to the animosity between the Iron Hands and the Ecclesiarchy, the Iron Fathers are not issued with a Rosarius, they must instead manufacture their own versions of the protective holy symbol. |
In the [[Blood Angels]] chapter, the Chaplains lead the [[Death Company]] to their demise. They also care for those who completely succumb to the [[Red Thirst]], keeping them locked on their homeworld, [[Baal]]. | In the [[Blood Angels]] chapter, the Chaplains lead the [[Death Company]] to their demise. They also care for those who completely succumb to the [[Red Thirst]], keeping them locked on their homeworld, [[Baal]]. | ||
Revision as of 18:40, 7 March 2007
Space Marine Chaplains are the spiritual leaders of the Space Marines. They accompany their battlebrothers to war, chanting liturgies and pushing them to further feats of bravery. They wear black power armour and often wear helmet in the visage of a skull. They enjoy warfare and the slaughter of their enemies, as they believe it to be the best way to honour the Emperor and their founding primarch.
They differ in their preaching compared to the Ecclesiarchy by their belief that the Emperor is not a god, just an inspired man. This is more how Space Marines see the Emperor.
Chaplains are often blessed with a rosarius from the Ecclesiarchy to symbolise the tenuous link between the groups. A rosarius is a holy symbol, taking the form of a necklace or brooch, but can be rebuilt into other shapes to suit the chapter (notable examples include the Space Wolves chapter)
Within a Chapter
Chaplains feature heavily in a Space Marine's daily life. They also watch over the neophytes, newly joined members of the Space Marines, waiting for their implants. They are notoriously strict and fiery but they are also known for sense of duty and responsibility for the brother marines.
Within the Fortress Monastery is the Reclusium, the place where the chapters holy relics and, sometimes, the body of their primarch, is housed. The Chaplains lead their sermons from here, and rouse the Marines in their love of the Emperor. The battle barges and ships of the chapters fleet also include huge cathedrals in the heart of each ship, allowing the Space Marines to pray while away from the fortress. They always lead the Space Marines in prayer, but a chaplain is not always needed for a marine to pray.
Wargear
The armour worn by Chaplains are holy in themselves. Often, they are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. It is frequently adorned with ancient pieces of equipment, making them walking shrines in and of themselves. The face plate almost always represents a skull, inspiring fear in their enemies and faith in their fellow marines.
He also carries the Crozius Arcanum, used in official ceremonies and worship, and is often topped with an Imperial Eagle or winged skull. It incorporates a potent energy field, allowing it to punch through armour easily.
The rosarius that chaplains are issued with contains a powerful force field, offering its protection to the bearer even against weapons that would otherwise leave no hope of survival.
Chapter Variations
Many chapters follow the Codex Astartes, but some have strayed from it. The Dark Angels use Interrogator-Chaplains, forcing the fallen of their forces to confess and repent or to kill them after days of agonising pain.
The Iron Hands have the rank of Iron Father fulfilling the roles of Chaplain, Apothecary and Techmarine. Due to the animosity between the Iron Hands and the Ecclesiarchy, the Iron Fathers are not issued with a Rosarius, they must instead manufacture their own versions of the protective holy symbol.
In the Blood Angels chapter, the Chaplains lead the Death Company to their demise. They also care for those who completely succumb to the Red Thirst, keeping them locked on their homeworld, Baal.
Within the Space Wolves, the Wolf Priests fulfill both Chaplain and Apothecary roles.
The traiorous Word Bearers Legion still make use of Chaplains in battle, although spreading the twisted faith of Chaos rather than the Imperial creed. Skilled and cunning orators, these champions - now known as Dark Apostles - can lead entires armies fearlessly to sacrifice their lives, or summon hordes of daemons to tear into the enemy. Their Crozius Arcanum have been defiled over the centuries, the resultant Accursed Crozius acting as weapon, shield and rallying point for the warp.
Sources
- Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
- Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)
- Index Astartes II
- Index Astartes III
