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Chaplains are the keepers of a Chapter's faith, rites and traditions. Each company normally has its own Chaplain, who leads its devotions and fights in its battles. Senior Chaplains tend the Reclusiam, the Chapter's sacred shrine. The most senior, the Master of Sanctity, often ranks second only to the Chapter Master.
Most Space Marine Chapters do not worship the Emperor as a god in the way of the Ecclesiarchy. They revere him as the father of their Primarch and the creator of their kind. Chaplains preach that creed, along with the Chapter's own traditions. They watch over the spiritual health of the battle-brothers and look for signs of corruption.
Some Chapters give the role a special twist. The Dark Angels have Interrogator-Chaplains who hunt the Fallen. The Blood Angels' Chaplains lead the Death Company, and the Space Wolves have Wolf Priests instead. Ortan Cassius, Master of Sanctity of the Ultramarines, is almost four hundred years old and survived the war against Hive Fleet Behemoth.
Chaplains are the Space Marines' spiritual leaders. They preach the Chapter's beliefs, conduct its rites and lead the Reclusiam, its sacred shrine. They carry the crozius arcanum and wear a skull helm. The rosarius protects them, and their words inspire brothers in battle. Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplains hunt and question the Fallen.
Appearance & wargear
Chaplains wear black power armour with a skull-faced helm, the most recognisable look in the Space Marine ranks. They carry the crozius arcanum, a power mace topped with an aquila or similar icon, and the rosarius, a protective amulet that projects a conversion field. Primaris Chaplains wear the same look in Mark X armour, and some fight on bikes or with jump packs.
Chaplains wear black power armour with a skull helm, crozius arcanum and rosarius.
Weapons & Vehicles
A massive warhammer whose head releases a deafening concussive shockwave and disruption blast on impact, shattering Terminator plate an…
A master-crafted blade sheathed in a crackling molecular disruption field that parts ceramite, bone and steel with effortless lethality…
The signature .75-calibre rocket-propelled mass-reactive firearm of the Adeptus Astartes, firing self-propelled explosive bolts that de…
A volatile directed-energy rifle that hurls bolts of miniature sun-hot plasma capable of vaporising Terminator plate and tank armour—at…
A twin-barrelled, double-chambered automatic bolter wielded one-handed by Space Marine Terminators, Grey Knights and battle tank pintle…
An armoured orbital-insertion capsule fired like a shell from a Space Marine Strike Cruiser, slamming into the heart of the enemy battl…
Explore all 48 entries in the Weapons & Vehicles armoury.
Battlefield role & tactics
In battle, Chaplains are inspirational close-combat leaders. They chant litanies of hate and battle hymns, urging nearby battle-brothers to fight harder. They lead charges personally and are fearsome in melee. They also preside over oaths before battle and rites for the fallen afterwards.
They lead and inspire, joining assault squads and improving their fighting ability.
Notable battles & users
- Ortan Cassius: Ultramarines Master of Sanctity, veteran of the First Tyrannic War and rebuilt with extensive bionics.
- Lemartes: the Blood Angels Guardian of the Lost, a Chaplain who himself fights on the edge of the Black Rage.
- Dark Angels: Interrogator-Chaplains such as Asmodai question captured Fallen.
- Asmodai: a venerable Dark Angels Interrogator-Chaplain and the oldest in the Chapter.
- Ortan Cassius: the Ultramarines' Master of Sanctity and oldest serving member.
- Grimaldus: the Black Templars Reclusiarch and Hero of Helsreach.
- Carnarvon: the Flesh Tearers' High Chaplain, known as the Watcher of the Lost.
Related
Characters (4)
Marneus Calgar · Chapter Master of the Ultramarines, Lord Macragge
Helbrecht · High Marshal of the Black Templars
Azrael · Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels
Commander Dante · Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, Regent of Imperium Nihilus
