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|Name = Guardians of the Covenant
|Name = Guardians of the Covenant
|Heraldry = [[file:Guardians_heraldry.jpg|200px]]
|Heraldry = [[file:Guardians_heraldry.jpg|200px]]
|Battle Cry = "For Mortikah and the Imperium!"    "Knowledge is power!"
|Battle Cry =
|Number =  
|Number =
|Founding = Unknown Founding
|Founding = Unknown Founding
|Successors of = [[Dark Angels]]
|Successors of = [[Dark Angels]]
|Successor Chapters =  
|Successor Chapters =
|Chapter Master = Xandor Solaceon
|Chapter Master =
|Primarch = [[Lion El'Jonson]]
|Primarch = [[Lion El'Jonson]]
|Homeworld = Mortikah VII
|Homeworld = Mortikah VII
Line 13: Line 13:
|Strength = ~1000
|Strength = ~1000
|Allegiance = [[Imperium of Man]]
|Allegiance = [[Imperium of Man]]
|Colours = Gunmetal grey, a black trim and crimson robes
|Colours = Gunmetal grey, a black inner pauldron and aquila with crimson robes
}}
}}
The Guardians of the Covenant are a Dark Angels Successor Chapter of an unknown founding, though sources suggest it to be around M36. Their home planet, Mortikah VII, lies close to the western rim of the galaxy, in the Segmentum Pacificus and more specifically, near the Halo Stars. The brothers of the Chapter have stood vigil for thousands of years, defending the Imperium for whatever threat may lurk betwixt the borders of the Imperium and ancient stars of the Halo Zone.
The Guardians of the Covenant are a [[Dark Angels]] Successor Chapter of an unknown founding, though sources suggest it to be around M36. Their home planet, Mortikah VII, lies close to the western rim of the galaxy, in the [[Segmentum Pacificus]] and more specifically, near the Halo Stars. The brothers of the Chapter have stood vigil for thousands of years, defending the Imperium for whatever [[Xenos|threat]] may lurk betwixt the borders of the Imperium and ancient stars of the [[Halo Zone]]. The Chapter is known to spearhead Crusades into that benighted region of space.


==Origins==
==Origins==
It is known only to few Guardians themselves from which time their Chapter stems. Knowledge is power, and the origins of the chapter are secrets well guarded deep within the catacombs of the Spire, a vast baroque Fortress-Monastery hidden deep within the mountains of Mortikah VII
It is known only to few Guardians themselves from which time their Chapter stems. Knowledge is power, and the origins of the Chapter are secrets well guarded deep within the catacombs of the Spire, a vast baroque Fortress-Monastery hidden deep within the mountains of Mortikah VII. The only thing that is certain, is the fact the Guardians of the Covenant were founded to stand vigil against the [[Xenos|horrors]] that lurk beyond the Halo Stars, on the edge of the Segmentum Pacificus. [[Inquisitor]]s place the founding of the Chapter around M34, though their chapter iconography (the crossed swords) is identical to that of the original [[Deathwing]] of the [[Dark Angels|First Legion]] during the [[Great Crusade]]. During their millennia-long existence, the Chapter has stood watch over a region of space from which many alien threats find their origin. One of their better-known exploits is their rescue of an entire sub-sector during the [[Lelith]] Incursion. Described as a "particularly appaling" Xenos subjugation by 40K standards, one can only wonder what [[Slaanesh|manner of sick fuckery they put an end to]]. To better understand the myriad threats the galaxy has to offer, the brothers of the Guardians of the Covenant took upon themselves to record and catalog all knowledge and information they could gather. It is this the Battle-Brothers of the Chapter are renowned for and it has earned them both praise and ire from the various institutions the [[Imperium]] consists of.
The only thing that is certain, is the fact the Guardians of the Covenant were founded to stand vigil against the horrors that lurk beyond the Halo Stars, on the edge of the Segmentum Pacificus.
Inquisitors place the founding of the Chapter around M34, though some ancient scriptures and artistic renderings speak of a Chapter in the First Legion which carried the Chapter Symbol, Vigilatus on their banners.
During their millennia-long existence, the Chapter has stood watch over a region of space from which many alien threats find their origin. To better understand the myriad threats the galaxy had to offer, the brothers of the Guardians of the Covenant took upon themselves to record and catalog all knowledge and information they could gather, eventually leading to works such as the Tome of Oblivion, a vast collection of knowledge, carefully gathered and indexed over the course of dozens of centuries. It is this the Battle-Brothers of the chapter are renowned for and it has earned them both praise and ire from the various institutions the Imperium consists of. The quest for knowledge and understanding is what drives the Chapter. Where the pinnacle of martial training will result in a suit of Power Armour for an aspiring Battle-brother, they are expected to add a unique piece of knowledge, fully studied and well documented, to the Archives of the Spire. Only after a Brother has done this, will he earn the trademark Crimson Robe so often seen flowing over the dull grey Power Armour.  


==Beliefs==
==Beliefs==
The Chapter places knowledge and understanding above all else. Though dogmatic worship of the Emperor is frowned upon by members of the Chapter, certain freedom of thought is given to Brothers of the Chapter. This has resulted in both zealous Space Marines as well as more open minded individuals. Guardians of the Covenant believe that no one entity but the Emperor holds the truth, and by congregating and sharing ideas, they can come closer to understanding this truth.
The Chapter places knowledge and understanding above all else. As [[Imperial Cult|dogmatic worship]] of the [[Emperor]] is frowned upon by members of the Chapter, certain freedom of thought is given to Brothers of the Chapter. Every teaching from the Emperor and the [[Primarch|Lion El'Jonson]] is studied, analysed and debated so that few can match them on the theoretical field of battle.
 
 
They even appear to have an uncharacteristic reverence ''(as members of the Unforgiven)'' for [[Roboute Guilliman|Guilliman's]] [[Codex Astartes]] and inscribe their arms, armour, banners and war machines with passages and artistic renderings from that ancient text, as well as other sacred documents. What drives the Guardians of the Covenant to do this is not entirely understood, and is suspected by some that it is part of an [[Just as Planned|Unforgiven conspiracy]] of [[A Game of Pretend|misdirection]]. Or, perhaps, they simply realized through their debates that Guilliman made many very good points in his Codex and it would be stupid to ignore the wisdom of a primarch just because he is not ''your'' primarch. Just as stupid, in fact, as [[Spiritual Liege|following that wisdom blindly]] without any initiative.
 
==Chapter Doctrines==
==Chapter Doctrines==
The Chapter is unique in that they value scholarly arts on an equal level to martial arts. Most Battle-Brothers are gifted individuals with unique skills that range from poetry to masonry and from biology to exact science.
The Chapter is unique in that they value scholarly arts on an equal level to martial arts. Most Battle-Brothers are gifted individuals with unique skills that range from poetry to masonry and from biology to exact science.[[File:Guards_Cov_Astartes.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Guardians of the Covenant march to <s>the courtroom, preparing to lay down the law</s> war]]
The path to becoming an Astartes of the Chapter is a long and arduous one. A brother is expected to take part in the Practicum as well as the Theoreticum. The former earning them a suit of Power Armour, the latter earning a brother his Crimson Robes. The Practicum equals the training each aspiring member of the Adeptus Astartes receives over the course of many years until they become a full Battle-Brother. During this training, a brother of the Guardians of the Covenant will also attend the Theoreticum, a unique course of learning which is considered of equal importance to the Practicum. In order to pass the Theoreticum, a brother has to complete a Quest for Knowledge. This Quest can only be completed once the Brother has proven his worth by adding a unique piece of knowledge to the Archive or Librarium. A Battle-Brother is free to choose in what way this piece of knowledge takes form, be it music, scripture or science.
Through extensive knowledge, a Battle-Brother hopes to understand his situation and his foe.
The Chapter itself is divided into Convenio, which translates to Low-Gothic as “Gatherings”. Each Gathering the equivalent of a Codex Company. A Convenio is led by a Dominus, or Company Master. These are gifted and wise individuals, each one taking care of a certain aspect within the Chapter. Together with the First Company, the Convenio Mentoris, they form the Convenio Arcanum. The Guardians of the Covenant equivalent of the Inner Circle. The Convenio Arcanum is led by the Saint Solacion, Lord Guardian of Mortikah and Grand Master of the Guardians of the Covenant.
 
==Status as Unforgiven==
Though part of the Unforgiven and close ties to other Unforgiven Chapters, the Guardians of the Covenant, mostly due to their remote location, do not actively hunt the Fallen like their primogenitor and fellow successor chapters. Though aid will be given when requested, the Chapter's Convenio Venator, which was originally formed after the primogenitor's Ravenwing, seldom rides out for one of the cast-down members of the legion from whence they originated.
This has further lead to an already isolated status apart from the rest of the Unforgiven. Nevertheless, the Guardians of the Covenant are proud of their heritage as Sons of the Lion and follow many traditions laid down by their parent Legion and Chapter.


In fact, player characters in the [[Deathwatch (RPG)]] all begin play with '''[[Bear Lore|Infused Knowledge]]''', representing the extreme amount of education imparted to the Guardians of the Covenant as part of their training process. Much of it implanted hypnotically so they do not even realise how much they know until the situation arises. In essence a Guardian of the Covenant may theoretically have a basic knowledge of EVERY subject so long as it is not forbidden or restricted lore.


Uncharacteristically for most of the Imperium military (let alone the Dark Angels) they, comparatively, [[Salamanders|seem to show a great amount of care for the common citizens living in their dominion]], having at one point sacrificed a significant portion of their battle brothers beating back a Necron invasion to save the lives of the human colony of Forlex.


==Status as Unforgiven==
Though part of the Unforgiven and close ties to other Unforgiven Chapters, the Guardians of the Covenant, mostly due to their remote location, do not actively hunt the Fallen like their progenitor and fellow successor chapters. Though aid will be given when requested, the Chapter's Second Company, which was originally formed after the progenitor's Ravenwing, seldom rides out for one of the cast-down members of the legion from whence they originated. This has further lead to an already isolated status apart from the rest of the Unforgiven. Nevertheless, the Guardians of the Covenant are proud of their heritage as Sons of the Lion and follow many traditions laid down by their parent Legion and Chapter.


Amongst other chapters however, the Guardians of the Covenant are not well known or highly regarded, due to their isolation and secrecy. This is represented in the [[Deathwatch (RPG)]] with the fact that any team led by a Guardian will have a reduced group cohesion, as the team members are less inclined to follow a recluse commander with few acknowledged battle honours.


{{Template:Marines-Official}}
{{Template:Marines-Official}}
[[Category:Warhammer 40,000]][[Category:Imperial]][[Category:Space Marines]]
[[Category:Warhammer 40,000]][[Category:Imperial]][[Category:Space Marines]][[Category:Dark Angels]]

Latest revision as of 09:40, 21 June 2023

Guardians of the Covenant
Founding Unknown Founding
Successors of Dark Angels
Primarch Lion El'Jonson
Homeworld Mortikah VII
Strength ~1000
Specialty Armoured warfare and fighting Xenos
Allegiance Imperium of Man
Colours Gunmetal grey, a black inner pauldron and aquila with crimson robes

The Guardians of the Covenant are a Dark Angels Successor Chapter of an unknown founding, though sources suggest it to be around M36. Their home planet, Mortikah VII, lies close to the western rim of the galaxy, in the Segmentum Pacificus and more specifically, near the Halo Stars. The brothers of the Chapter have stood vigil for thousands of years, defending the Imperium for whatever threat may lurk betwixt the borders of the Imperium and ancient stars of the Halo Zone. The Chapter is known to spearhead Crusades into that benighted region of space.

Origins[edit]

It is known only to few Guardians themselves from which time their Chapter stems. Knowledge is power, and the origins of the Chapter are secrets well guarded deep within the catacombs of the Spire, a vast baroque Fortress-Monastery hidden deep within the mountains of Mortikah VII. The only thing that is certain, is the fact the Guardians of the Covenant were founded to stand vigil against the horrors that lurk beyond the Halo Stars, on the edge of the Segmentum Pacificus. Inquisitors place the founding of the Chapter around M34, though their chapter iconography (the crossed swords) is identical to that of the original Deathwing of the First Legion during the Great Crusade. During their millennia-long existence, the Chapter has stood watch over a region of space from which many alien threats find their origin. One of their better-known exploits is their rescue of an entire sub-sector during the Lelith Incursion. Described as a "particularly appaling" Xenos subjugation by 40K standards, one can only wonder what manner of sick fuckery they put an end to. To better understand the myriad threats the galaxy has to offer, the brothers of the Guardians of the Covenant took upon themselves to record and catalog all knowledge and information they could gather. It is this the Battle-Brothers of the Chapter are renowned for and it has earned them both praise and ire from the various institutions the Imperium consists of.

Beliefs[edit]

The Chapter places knowledge and understanding above all else. As dogmatic worship of the Emperor is frowned upon by members of the Chapter, certain freedom of thought is given to Brothers of the Chapter. Every teaching from the Emperor and the Lion El'Jonson is studied, analysed and debated so that few can match them on the theoretical field of battle.

They even appear to have an uncharacteristic reverence (as members of the Unforgiven) for Guilliman's Codex Astartes and inscribe their arms, armour, banners and war machines with passages and artistic renderings from that ancient text, as well as other sacred documents. What drives the Guardians of the Covenant to do this is not entirely understood, and is suspected by some that it is part of an Unforgiven conspiracy of misdirection. Or, perhaps, they simply realized through their debates that Guilliman made many very good points in his Codex and it would be stupid to ignore the wisdom of a primarch just because he is not your primarch. Just as stupid, in fact, as following that wisdom blindly without any initiative.

Chapter Doctrines[edit]

The Chapter is unique in that they value scholarly arts on an equal level to martial arts. Most Battle-Brothers are gifted individuals with unique skills that range from poetry to masonry and from biology to exact science.

The Guardians of the Covenant march to the courtroom, preparing to lay down the law war

In fact, player characters in the Deathwatch (RPG) all begin play with Infused Knowledge, representing the extreme amount of education imparted to the Guardians of the Covenant as part of their training process. Much of it implanted hypnotically so they do not even realise how much they know until the situation arises. In essence a Guardian of the Covenant may theoretically have a basic knowledge of EVERY subject so long as it is not forbidden or restricted lore.

Uncharacteristically for most of the Imperium military (let alone the Dark Angels) they, comparatively, seem to show a great amount of care for the common citizens living in their dominion, having at one point sacrificed a significant portion of their battle brothers beating back a Necron invasion to save the lives of the human colony of Forlex.

Status as Unforgiven[edit]

Though part of the Unforgiven and close ties to other Unforgiven Chapters, the Guardians of the Covenant, mostly due to their remote location, do not actively hunt the Fallen like their progenitor and fellow successor chapters. Though aid will be given when requested, the Chapter's Second Company, which was originally formed after the progenitor's Ravenwing, seldom rides out for one of the cast-down members of the legion from whence they originated. This has further lead to an already isolated status apart from the rest of the Unforgiven. Nevertheless, the Guardians of the Covenant are proud of their heritage as Sons of the Lion and follow many traditions laid down by their parent Legion and Chapter.

Amongst other chapters however, the Guardians of the Covenant are not well known or highly regarded, due to their isolation and secrecy. This is represented in the Deathwatch (RPG) with the fact that any team led by a Guardian will have a reduced group cohesion, as the team members are less inclined to follow a recluse commander with few acknowledged battle honours.

Chapters of the Adeptus Astartes
First Founding
(M29)
Blood AngelsDark AngelsImperial FistsIron HandsRaven GuardSalamandersSpace WolvesUltramarinesWhite Scars
Second Founding
(021.M31)
Angels of AbsolutionAngels EncarmineAngels PorphyrAngels of RedemptionAngels SanguineAngels of VengeanceAngels VermillionAurora ChapterBlack ConsulsBlack GuardBlack TemplarsBlood DrinkersBrazen ClawsCrimson FistsDestroyersDoom EaglesEagle WarriorsExcoriatorsFists ExemplarFlesh TearersGenesis ChapterInceptorsIron SnakesLibatorsLions SableMaraudersMortifactorsNemesisNovamarinesObsidian GlaivesPatriarchs of UlixisPurple StarsPraetors of OrpheusRampagersRaptorsRed TalonsRevilersSilver EaglesSilver SkullsSoul DrinkersStorm LordsWhite ConsulsWolf Brothers
Third to
Twelfth Founding
(M32-M35)
Astral ClawsAngels PenitentAngels RevenantCharnel GuardDark PaladinsExecutionersFlesh EatersHalo BrethrenHowling GriffonsIron KnightsMantis WarriorsMarines MalevolentNight SwordsSable Swords (initial) - Scythes of the EmperorSpace SharksSons of Guilliman
Thirteenth Founding
(M35)
Death SpectresExorcists
Fourteenth to
Twentieth Founding
Angels of FireAvenging SonsCelebrants
Twenty-First Founding
(991.M35)
Black DragonsBlood GorgonsFire HawksFlame FalconsLamentersMinotaursSons of AntaeusTiger Claws
Twenty-Second to
Twenty-Sixth Founding
(M35-M41)
Angels of VigilanceAngels ExcelsisCelestial LionsDark HuntersDisciples of CalibanEmperor's SpearsFire AngelsGolden SonsHospitallersImperial HarbingersIron LordsKnights of the RavenMarines ErrantMentorsFire Claws/RelictorsStar PhantomsSubjugators
Ultima Founding
(999.M41/000.M42 to 012.M42)
Angels of DefianceBlack VipersBlades of VengeanceCastellans of the RiftCovenant of FireDark KrakensFulminatorsKnights CeruleanKnights of the ChaliceKnights of ThunderNecropolis HawksNemesorsPraetors of UltramarPrime AbsolversRift StalkersSilver DrakesSilver TemplarsSons of the PhoenixStorm ReapersUmbral KnightsUnnumbered SonsValiant BladesVoid TridentsWolfspear
Unknown Founding AbsolversAccipitersAdulatorsAngel GuardAngels EradicantAngels of RetributionAstral KnightsBlood RavensBlood SwordsBrazen DrakesBringers of JudgementBrothers PenitentCarmine BladesCowled WardensCrimson CastellansCrimson ConsulsCrimson ScythesDark HandsDark SonsDeath EaglesDoom WarriorsEmperor's ShadowsFire LordsGuardians of the CovenantGraven SpectresHammers of DornHarbingersHawk LordsInvadersIron CrusadersIron TalonsJade DragonsKnights of BloodKnights UnyieldingMarines ExemplarThe NamelessNight WatchRainbow WarriorsReclaimersRed HuntersRed ScorpionsRed SeraphsRed TemplarsRetributorsSable Swords (refounded) • Shadow WolvesSolar HawksSons of OrarStar DragonsStormwatchersStorm GiantsStorm WardensValedictorsViper LegionVorpal SwordsWhite TemplarsStorm Wings
Unsanctioned Founding Consecrators (founding unknown, but likely after 2nd Founding) • Sons of Medusa (separated from parent Chapters, ratified by edict) • Steel Confessors (de facto 22nd Founding, de jure ratified by edict) • Ashen Claws (separatist Raven Guard Legion exiles, nominal loyalists)
Others Astartes PraesesDeathwatchGrey KnightsJudgedLegion of the Damned