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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Updated overview to be more accurate to HH book 9, plus cleanup
==Overview==
The origin of the Ravenwing dates back to pre-[[Imperial]] times; originating from both [[Terra]]n and [[Caliban]]. The original incarnation Wing most changed by the return of Lion El'Jonson, the Ravenwing of Terra drew from was named for the [[Hosts Calibanite Order of the First Legion|Hosts]] of [[Host of Wind|Wind]] and [[Host of Raven which had trained the Void|Void]] of the [[Hexagrammaton]].{{Fn|11}} On Caliban it drew from a most fearsome mounted cavalry section of [[The Order]] known as the ''Order of the Raven'' warriors to be found on that savage world, who rode black horses and ''"could survive alone in the deadly forests of [[Caliban]], heroic figures in matt black armour and winged helms."''{{Fn|4}}{{Fn|9}} While its title originates from . Combining those warriors of the Order of the Raven inducted into the Dark Angels with the remnants of the [[CalibanHost of Wind|Hosts of Wind]] and it was heavily reorganized by [[Host of the Void|Void]], the Lion El'Jonsoncreated a formation that would carve a legend for itself on the battlefields of the [[Great Crusade]]and beyond. Based around the principles of mobile attacks, of strike and fade tactics and skirmish warfare, the Ravenwing excelled at the use of light skimmers and aircraft, but also incorporated significant infantry assets. These were mostly reconnaissance squadrons, though among those infantry units specialised in the use of drop pods and other orbital assault doctrines, there were many initiates of the Ravenwing marked by the symbol of a white corvid. When the Legion gave battle to a foe that sought to evade or confuse them, or one whose overwhelming power compelled them to counter it with speed, it was the initiates of the Ravenwing that took to the fore. These initiates were often considered mavericks and glory-hounds by the more hidebound veterans of the other Wings, for the Ravenwing retained a number of more barbaric customs associated with its recruits, many of which hailed from remote feudal worlds. As such, those Calibanite warriors who gained admission to its ranks were often those out of favour with the Masters of the more prestigious Wings or those eager to forge their own legend.{{Fn|11}} It’s role was designed by the [[Emperor]] during the [[Unification Wars]] as part of the [[HexagrammatonHosts of the First Legion]].{{Fn|7}} On Caliban it drew from a mounted cavalry section of [[The Order]] known as the ''Order of the Raven''
The Ravenwing is a highly specialized formation where speed is more important than heavy firepower. To this end, all of the marines in the company ride into battle on [[Space Marine Bikes|Bikes]] or [[Land Speeders]] on land, including specialized vehicles such as the [[Land Speeder Vengeance]] and [[Darkshroud]].{{Fn|1}} In the air, the Ravenwing employs [[Dark Talon]]s and [[Nephilim Jetfighter]]s.{{Fn|5}} The Ravenwing's hidden role within the chapter is that of mobile hunters, eternally prowling for their traitorous ancestors, [[The Fallen]].{{Fn|2}} Instead of the usual dark green panoply of the rest of the chapter, the Ravenwing's armour and vehicles are painted jet black, echoing the original colours of the Dark Angels Legion. The Ravenwing also contains specialized sub-formations, such as [[Ravenwing Command Squads]], support squads{{Fn|6b}}, [[Ravenwing Apothecary|Apothecaries]]{{Fn|13b}}, [[Ravenwing Champion|Champions]]{{Fn|13b}}, [[Ravenwing Ancient|Ancients]]{{Fn|13b}}, and [[Ravenwing Black Knights]], the latter of whom are the most hardened veterans of the Ravenwing with access to the 2nd Company's [[Inner Circle]].{{Fn|5}} It is these warriors that know the Ravenwing's true mission, hunting the [[Fallen]], and thus they are closely monitored by [[Chaplain]]'s to make sure their loyalty is in check.{{Fn|8}}
