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The Dark Angels have the honour of being the first [[Space Marine Legion]] created by [[The Emperor of Mankind]]. Their first known engagement - and indeed the first combat engagement of the Legiones Astartes - was combating the [[Palace Coup]] at the end of the [[Unification Wars]].{{Fn|58}} In the early days of the Great Crusade, the Dark Angels became the test and standard by which all future Legions would be judged and based. As such, they were prone to experimental methods of combat, creating six "Hosts" known as the [[Hexagrammaton]]. These later became known as the [[Dreadwing]], [[Stormwing]], [[Ravenwing]], [[Ironwing]], [[Firewing]], and [[Deathwing]] although these terms are Calibanite in origin and the original Legion would have used different terminology.{{Fn|40b}} They were also equipped with a large number of advanced [[Archaeotech]] and [[Plasma Weapon|plasma]] weapons.{{Fn|33}} In this period, the Dark Angels were not even known as the 1st Legion as no others existed yet, the Emperor simply referred to them as his "Angels of Death" or the Six Hosts. In these early days of the Great Crusade, the 1st Legion was undoubtedly the most powerful.{{Fn|36}}

When the [[Primarch]]s were scattered throughout the galaxy by the [[Ruinous Powers]] while still in their infancy, the child who would be named Lion El'Jonson landed on the distant planet of [[Caliban]], which bore some resemblance to medieval [[Terra]]. [[Luther]], who discovered El'Jonson and prevented his death at the hands of his fellow knights, was a member of the [[The Order|Order]], an organization of knights, and the two become close friends. The Primarch eventually became the leader of the Order and the whole of Caliban.{{Cite this}}

The Great Crusade had to go on: there were countless human worlds that were still under the influence of [[Chaos]] or suppressed by the harsh rule of alien races. In an [[Dulan Campaign|infamous episode of the Great Crusade]], the Lion and [[Leman Russ (Primarch)|Leman Russ]], Primarch of the [[Space Wolves]] Legion, came to blows over the latter's action during the siege of the Crimson Fortress. This event began a feud which that still continues strong in the 41st millennium, usually taking the form of a ritualistic duel between two elected champions{{Fn|2b}}, although it has been known to manifest itself in a very violent manner{{Fn|14}}.

As Jonson's fame spread throughout the galaxy and reports of his great deeds and prowess in battle reached the Legion's home worldhomeworld, Luther felt robbed of his share of the glory. He wanted the fame and recognition that he felt he deserved as Jonson's equal. His role as planetary governor of some half-forgotten backwater world seemed more and more to him like an insult. The seed of jealousy and dissension that had been planted within Luther when Jonson was made the Grand Master of the Order now began to grow and rankle within his heart as the Primarch became more and more celebrated and famous.{{Fn|1}}

The seeds of heresy were further planted during the Dark Angels crusade against the [[Sarosh]], who managed to sneak a nuclear warhead onto the Lion's flagship. ''[[Invincible Reason]]''. Luther discovered the plot and for a moment, overcome by jealously, wondered if he should leave Jonson to his fate. However he quickly proved his loyalty by foiling the Sarosh assassination attempt, but somehow The Lion discovered his hesitation. Luther and a portion of the Dark Angels were sent to [[Caliban]], but left to aid [[Horus]] during the [[Zaramund Campaign]]. The Lion was furious at this unapproved deployment, and angrily demanded Luther return to his banishment. Feeling abandoned on Caliban and dealing with [[Unrest on Caliban|a rebellion by the landless nobility]] and [[Chaos]] agents, Luther , and his forces would slowly turn against their Primarch.{{Fn|13}}

Ultimately after a number of disasters, clashes between Guilliman, Sanguinius, and [[Lion El'Jonson]], and a vision by Sanguinius that the Emperor was alive, Imperium Secundus was abolished. The three Primarch's led their Legions in an attempt to breach the [[Ruinstorm]] and reach Terra. Through an arduous journey, they eventually reached [[Davin]], the nexus of the Ruinstorm, and [[Second Battle of Davin|engaged a vast Daemonic host]]. After the battle and the destruction of Davin, a way to Terra through the Ruinstorm was clear. However , in their way stood many enemy blockades as Horus had foreseen this route. Sanguinius and the Blood Angels raced directly for Terra, as was their destiny, while Guilliman and Lion El'Jonson led the [[Ultramarines]] and [[Dark Angels]] in diversionary attacks against Horus' blockade.{{Fn|45}} By the time of the [[Siege of Terra]] the Lion hoped to draw away traitor forces from the Throneworld by striking at their own homeworlds. As a result, the Dark Angels destroyed several traitor homeworlds such as [[Chemos]], [[Nuceria]]{{Fn|60}}, and [[Barbarus]].{{Fn|49}} Meanwhile [[Corswain]]'s fleet of Dark Angels was able to reach Terra and aid the loyalists.{{Fn|60}}

This story of treachery and betrayal is the Dark Angels' secret shame. None know of it other than some of the Dark Angels, their Successor Chapters , and, maybe, the Emperor on his Golden Throne. Within the Chapter itself very few Brother-Marines know exactly what happened during those fateful days{{Cite This}}.

*The [[Massacre at Darkmor]]- '''???.[[M42]]'''. Six Unforgiven chapters are devastated in an ambush orchestrated by [[Cypher]]. In the aftermath of the disaster [[Azrael]] organizes a summit of all Unforgiven Chapters Supreme Grand Master's Masters at The Rock. During the summit, [[Roboute Guilliman]] and his new [[Indomitus Crusade]] docks at The Rock and delivers much-needed [[Primaris Space Marine]] reinforcements. Relieved that Guilliman apparently did not know or at least did not care about the truth of [[The Fallen]], Azrael pledges his forces to the new Crusade.{{Fn|46}}

As the first Space Marine Legion, Dark Angels Gene-Seed is among the purest and least degraded. Remarkably, Dark Angels [[Apothecaries]] have observed that gene-seed carried by [[Primaris Space Marines]] is universally of the highest quality they have ever seen, and so the Chapter's stock is qualitatively and quantitatively in excellent health. There are no known abberations aberrations in the Dark Angels gene-seed, which makes the historic reluctance of the [[High Lords of Terra]] to use it in new [[Founding]]s perplexing. In the [[Era Indomitus]] however, this policy appears to have been relaxed. Some in the [[Inquisition]] argue that [[Roboute Guilliman]] was involved in this decision while others claim that there is a desire in [[Terra]]n and [[Mars|Martian]] circles to counter-balance the amount of [[Ultramarines]] successors.{{Fn|53}}

The Dark Angels and their successor chapters are collectively known as the "[[Unforgiven]]" and generally maintain close links with each other. The Chapter Masters of each chapter belong to the Inner Circle and also carry the honorific of "Grand Master of the Inner Circle". The [[Dark Angels Grand Master|Dark Angels Chapter Master]] is also the Inner Circle supreme leader and every member of the circle answer to him when it come comes to the hunt for the Fallen.{{Fn|16}}

Dark Angel's Successor Chapters, much like themselves, will abandon everything for the hunt of the Fallen. It's known that the Dark Angels Legion sired at least three Second Founding chapters, although several other others are also thought to hail from this Founding.{{Fn|16}}

The organisation of the Dark Angels Chapter has been shaped primarily by events in its history, as a result it is different from that of any other. The Chapter is monastic in nature with much time being given over to worship and prayer. There are also many different levels within the Chapter which that individuals may gradually rise through. On attaining each level, they find out a little more about the truth behind the Dark Angels' origins. Most Dark Angels themselves know nothing about the beginnings of the Chapter. It is only those at the very top who have learned the whole truth{{Cite This}}.

In the same vein as their father Lion El'Jonson, Dark Angels officers are expert tacticians and specialists, and have been quick to capitalize on the skills of [[Primaris Space Marine]]s and the particular varieties of their squad types. New specialized formations have been developed alongside ancient patterns such as the '''Hammer of Caliban''' and '''Scout Recon Stalker Strike'''. '''Caliban's Reach''' is but one example, which combines the firepower of [[Hellblaster]]s and [[Devastator]]s with [[Centurion]]s to devastating effect. The advanced infiltration and reconnaissance skills all Primaris Space Marines learn as part of their [[Vanguard Space Marine|Vanguard]] training is of great value to a chapter seeking hidden foes. The [[Omniscrambler]]s of [[Infiltrator Squad]]s can severely disrupt enemy communications, allowing [[Ravenwing]] squadrons to strike without their quarry being warned. The Divinator-class [[Auspex]]es of the [[Incursor]]s collect data from battlefields that previously would have been almost impossible to extract. This yields new information to the [[Inner Circle]] to act upon without Vanguard Space Marine's knowledge.{{Fn|53}}

To outside observers, the Dark Angels seem to follow the standard [[Codex Astartes]] organization - comprising 10 companies of roughly 100 Marines plus Headquarters Staff, however , they do have several organisational differences which are unique to them and their Successor Chapters -

During the [[Great Crusade]] and [[Horus Heresy]] six specialized "[[Hexagrammaton|Wings]]" existed, the Deathwing and Ravenwing included. The [[Dreadwing]], [[Ironwing]], [[Firewing]], and [[Stormwing]] were also known.{{Fn|31}} These formations were a legacy of the [[Unification Wars]]. Additionally , during the Heresy Era, the Dark Legions legion included many sub-factions and Orders such as the [[Order of the Hekatonystika]]{{Fn|62}}

Representatives of the Dark Angels visit each recruiting world once within a normal human's lifetime, and take the strongest juveniles from the population. Each recruit is thoroughly screened, and from the moment he is accepted into the Chapter as a Space Marine his past becomes irrelevant.{{Fn|1}}

The Dark Angels rebuilt their fortress-monastery on the asteroid that had borne the old one, drilling deep into the bedrock and rebuilding the ruins. The new fortress is known officially as The Tower of Angels, but is more commonly referred to as The Rock. The Rock has been equipped with warp engines, enabling faster-than-light transit through the Immaterium.{{Fn|1}}

However, even this pales in comparison to the greatest secret held by the Dark Angels. This secret is known only to the [[Watchers in the Dark]], and to the Emperor himself. Deep within the bedrock of the asteroid which is their home , there is a solitary chamber. In this chamber, attended to by the Watchers in the Dark, lies the sleeping form of Lion El'Jonson.{{Cite This}}

*[[Bethor]] — Battle -Brother, Bearer of the Sacred Standard (The Dark Angels have three Sacred Standards: the ''Standards of Fortitude'', ''Retribution'' and ''Devastation'').{{Fn|4e}}

*At the 2012 [[Black Library Weekender]], [[Gav Thorpe]] said the Dark Angels are unique among the [[First Founding]] [[Space Marine Legion]]s in that, although they obeyed the [[Codex Astartes]] and divided into [[chapter]]s, they are so single-minded in their pursuit of the Fallen that, in a way, they remain united as a Legion.