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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
clean up, replaced: honor → honour (3)
{{SpaceMarinesPortal}}
The '''Company Champion''' is the greatest warrior of a [[Space Marine Company]], though he is not a high-ranking officer, such as a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] or even a [[Space Marine Sergeant|Sergeant]]. Part of a Captain's [[Space Marine Command Squad|Command Squad]], they can be seen fighting in the fiercest of battles.{{Fn|5c}}
[[File:DarkAngelsChampion.jpg|right|thumbnail|A [[Dark Angels]] [[Company Champion]].{{Fn|5c}}]]
==Overview ==
Charged with upholding the honour of his [[Space Marine Company|company]], his [[Chapter]] and the [[Emperor]] himself, a Company Champion's primary role is to engage enemy warlords and champions in single combat, so that their commanding officer may conduct the wider battle free from interference. They also hold key roles in conducting the various rituals and ceremonies of the Chapter.{{Fn|1b}}
*and sometimes acting as his Captain's second when it is appropriate.{{Fn|5c}}
Although technically outside the regular chain of command, a Champion would be a veteran of many wars and served at his Captain's side longer than most. The last duty can also be a great burden, for if the Champion fails in protecting his Captain's life and the battle it would bring dishonor dishonour on them both. Few Champions have ever dealt with such failure, but those that do often choose to stand down from their honoured role and take penance at their Chapter Master's discretion.{{Fn|5c}}
Champions also have other duties off of the battlefield. All Chapters have long-lived traditions that usually revolve around significant events. Champions represent their own companies for events where multiple companies are involved. For example, during the [[Feast of Blades]] conducted by the [[Imperial Fists]] and their successors the Chapters will nominate Champions to represent them during the great tournament.{{Fn|5c}}
==Wargear==
[[File:UltramarinesChampion.jpg|right|thumbnail|An [[Ultramarine]] [[Company Champion]].{{Fn|2}}]]
Most Champions will arm themselves with [[Power Sword]]s and [[Combat Shield]]s.{{Fn|5d}}
Champions wear Power Armour specifically tailored for them, a pattern known informally as the '''Curadh''' variant which is based loosely on [[Aquila Pattern]] battleplate. It features additional reinforcement upon the shoulder guards, designed to showcase the Champion's many honors honours and provide better protection. '''Curadh''' armor comes with a reinforced breastplate where a Champion is allowed to display his personal heraldry. As for the helm it is deliberately fashioned to resemble knightly helms of [[Terra|Terra's]] ancient past, in honor honour of the ideals of those half-forgotten warriors, represented by the Champions.{{Fn|5d}}
When a Champion falls in battle and his body is recovered, his armor will be placed in the Chapter's reliquary to be lauded and remembered.{{Fn|5d}}
