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The Angels of Prythain are a Loyalist Successor Chapter and an Ultima Founding Successor Chapter of Dark Angels, it is thus counted amongst the ranks of the Unforgiven Chapters.
Chapter History[]
The Angels of Prythain are a Dark Angels Successor Chapter, formed from the gene-seed of the First Legion during the Ultima Founding amidst the turbulent times following the Great Rift's creation. They carry the burden of their predecessors' secrets with them but have forged a path that is their own, one deeply tied to the history of the Dark Angels and legacy of the Lion.
Lucius Artorius Castus, handpicked by Roboute Guilliman to lead the Angels of Prythain, believed that 10,000 years of service had redeemed the sins of their ancestors. Inspired by the Lion's knightly honor and Guilliman's vision, Castus molded the chapter into a force of versatile warriors, their Battle Companies echoing the knights of Prythain and Caliban, whose versatile knights mastered all forms of warfare, ready to face the galaxy's threats while the Marc'heigen guards the Unforgiven's secrets. This doctrine, together with the lessons of the Horus Heresy make the Angels of Prythain reflects the chapter's commitment to control, unity, and the Emperor's broader mission.
When whispers of Lion El'Jonson's return reached the Angels of Prythain, Lucius Artorius Castus saw it as a divine omen. The Lion's acts of forgiveness toward loyal Fallen and his campaigns against Chaos confirmed Castus's belief that 10,000 years of service had redeemed Caliban's shame but their mission to rid the Galaxy of the Fallen should not be forgotten.
Born of the Indomitus Crusade's fires, the Angels of Prythain were forged to defend Segmentum Tempestus, with Castus—a 200-year-old veteran from the Angels of Vengeance—leading them through early trials like securing Prythain from Ork raiders. This founding crucible instilled their knightly code, blending Caliban's monastic secrets with Prythain's feudal honor.
The Angels of Prythain primary adversaries are the rebellious Xenos factions encroaching upon the Segmentum Tempestus, including the Orks, Tyranids, and the chaos-corrupted remnants of the Traitor Legions. The chapter's success on the battlefield, aided by their mastery of all forms of combat, is legendary. They proved themselves capable of rapid strikes, devastating fire support, and guerrilla warfare in the wilds of the Chiros Sector.
But it is not just their martial prowess that draws attention. The Angels of Prythain are also scholars of war, highly disciplined and meticulous in their study of military tactics, much like the Dark Angels. They embrace the teachings of the Marc'heigen (the inner circle) with a singular devotion, always careful to avoid the mistakes that had plagued their forebears. In doing so, they became known for their ability to maintain control, balance, and discipline-both on and off the battlefield.
Notable Campaigns[]
- Indomitus Crusade (ca.999 M41) - The Angels of Prythain’s valor during the Indomitus Crusade stands as a testament to their unyielding resolve.
Summoned by the clarion call of the resurrected Primarch Roboute Guilliman, the chapter surged forth from the shadowed vales of Prythain, their banners unfurling like storm clouds over war-scarred horizons. Assigned to Fleet Tertius, which cleaved through the southern reaches of Segmentum Tempestus and the fringes of Segmentum Ultima, they became a bulwark against the Xenos tides and Chaos incursions that threatened to consume the Emperor’s realm.
- Battle of Thalax Prime (ca.999 M41) - One of their earliest and most decisive contributions in the Indomitus Crusade came during the Battle of Thalax Prime, a forge world teetering on the brink of oblivion under the onslaught of Chaos hordes. As daemonic engines clawed at its adamantine walls, the Angels of Prythain descended like avenging specters. Lucius Artorius Castus led the vanguard, his terminator-clad warriors forming an unbreakable phalanx of storm shields and thunder hammers. They held the line against waves of infernal abominations, their unyielding defense granting the Astra Militarum and Adeptus Mechanicus the precious moments needed to rally and unleash a devastating counteroffensive. Amid the fray, Castus’s duel with the Chaos Lord Mordrakk the Black became legend—a clash of titans where Caledfwlch cleaved through warp-forged armor, banishing the fiend to the void and securing victory. This triumph not only saved Thalax Prime but solidified Castus’s moniker as the Dragon of Prythain, a name that echoed across the Crusade’s vox-nets.
- Devastation of Baal (ca.999 M41) - During the Devastation of Baal, as Hive Fleet Leviathan descended upon the Blood Angels’ homeworld, the Bringers of Dawn fortified the planet’s orbital defenses, their centurion war-suits and heavy artillery forming unbreachable lines against Tyranid bio-titans. Seneschal Lanslod Benoic led the ground reinforcements, coordinating with the Sanguinary Brotherhood to shatter synaptic nodes, their combined fury turning the tide in a desperate stand that echoed the chapter’s own quests for redemption.
- Harridan’s Fall (Unknown Date M42) - The Victors of Camlann, under Seneschal Bors Gannis, emerged as the chapter’s anvil of unbreakable resolve. In the shadowed craters of Harridan’s Fall, they dismantled an Ork warboss’s sprawling fortress, their relentless barrages from centurion war-suits and heavy artillery carving breaches through greenskin scrap walls. Gannis, a paragon of tactical brilliance, orchestrated the assault with precision, his brothers storming the inner sanctum to decapitate the beastly overlord. This victory became a paradigm for the chapter’s siege doctrine, a blueprint replicated across battles to come.
- Siege of Tregaron’s Vaults (Unknown Date M42) - In the Siege of Tregaron’s Vaults, the Angels of Prythain’s expertise in siegecraft shone brightest. A Necron tomb world teeming with undying legions, Tregaron defied orbital strikes with its subterranean vaults. The Victors of Camlann led the surface breach, their centurion war-suits grinding through xenos phalanxes while Gannis coordinated with Castus to deploy subsurface strikes. The recovery of ancient Mechanicus artifacts from the depths not only crippled the Necron resurgence but fortified the Imperium’s arsenals.
- The Fall of Eldralith Spire (Unknown Date M42) - The Second Company – Sons of Bendragon, led by the fiery Seneschal Agravain Orkney, gained renown fame during the Fall of Eldralith Spire. The towering webway city of the Eldar Corsairs of the Shimmering Veil had become a nexus for raids across the Segmentum Tempestus. The Angels of Prythain were tasked with eradicating this xenos threat. Agravain’s aggressive tactics were instrumental in the campaign’s success.
The Sons of Bendragon spearheaded the assault, deploying via Thunderhawk gunships directly into the heart of the spire. Utilizing their expertise as shock troops, they shattered the Eldar defenses with relentless precision. Agravain personally led the charge against the Eldar Corsair leader, engaging in a brutal melee that ended with the xenos leader’s demise. The spire’s collapse marked the end of the Shimmering Veil’s raiding dominion and cemented the Sons of Bendragon’s reputation as peerless breakers of enemy lines.
- The Scouring of Kharon’s Rift (Unknown Date M42) - The Fifth Company – Spears of Prythain, commanded by Gwalchmei Orkney, earned their laurels in the claustrophobic depths of Kharon’s Rift. The Ork Warboss Skargul Steeljaw had entrenched his forces within a network of caverns that defied orbital bombardment. The Spears of Prythain were deployed to purge this menace in a protracted campaign of close-quarters combat.
Gwalchmei led his warriors into the labyrinthine tunnels, their combat shields and power swords cutting through the orks in brutal engagements. The Spears’ mastery of confined warfare and unwavering discipline allowed them to advance methodically, eliminating resistance pocket by pocket. Gwalchmei’s leadership and valor became legendary when he slew Skargul in single combat, severing the warboss’s head and raising it as a trophy to signal their victory.
- The recovery of the Grail of Eternity (Unknown Date M42) - The Fourth Company – Seekers of the Grail, led by the enigmatic Galahaed Corbeneic, are renowned for their pursuit of ancient relics tied to the Chapter’s heritage. One of their most celebrated achievements was the recovery of the Grail of Eternity, a relic believed to have been lost during the fall of Caliban.
Operating in the shadows, the Seekers tracked rumors of the chalice to the derelict space hulk Eclipse of Sorrows, infested with Genestealers and corrupted Mechanicus remnants. Galahaed’s meticulous planning ensured the success of their expedition, battling through waves of xenos and corrupted servitors to reach the relic’s resting place.
The recovery of the Grail of Eternity was a moment of profound significance for the Angels of Prythain, strengthening their spiritual connection to the Emperor and their Dark Angels lineage. The relic now resides in Ka’maha Loth’s inner sanctum, a symbol of their enduring quest for redemption and mastery over the past.
- Fourth Tyrannic War (Unknown Date M42) - The Angels of Prythain have been at the forefront of defenses in Segmentum Pacificus borders with the Segmentum Tempestus, their sphere of influence becoming a key battleground for Tyranid incursions. Responding to Hive Fleet Leviathan’s tendrils ravaging southern fringes, the chapter deployed the Bringers of Dawn and Scourge of Morgen to purge bioforms on infested worlds like Prythain’s neighbours. Their siege expertise proved invaluable in breaking hive nodes, with Centurion war-suits and Dreadnoughts holding against synaptic swarms while allied Imperial Fists fortified positions. This war has tested the chapter’s vigilance, with the Marc’heigen ensuring no psychic taint exposes secrets, reinforcing alliances through shared victories against the xenos horde.
Chapter Homeworld[]
Culture[]
Their homeworld, Prythain, is a feudal world located in the Chiros Sector of the Segmentum Tempestus. A land of darkened forests, rocky highlands, deep lakes, and towering fortresses, Prythain echoes a history steeped in endless warfare and chivalric tradition. The noble houses of Prythain vie for dominance in perpetual conflict, adhering to a rigid code of honor that prizes martial skill and loyalty. This unyielding culture produces hardened warriors and knightly champions, many of whom are deemed worthy to join the ranks of the Angels of Prythain. For the people of Prythain, the Chapter represents protectors of their lands and keepers of ancient traditions. The Angels of Prythain are venerated as both superhuman defenders and spiritual authorities, embodying the ideals of strength and justice.
It was on this harsh and storied world that the Chapter was forged, a second Caliban, as it's noble houses and fierce beasts echo the knightly traditions of their Primarch's homeworld, shaping a chapter that honors Lion El'Jonson's legacy. The Trial of the White Hunt, inspired by the Lion's battles against Caliban's Great Beasts, tests warriors in the same spirit of courage and discipline, forging knights worthy of their Primarch's name.
Their fortress-monastery, Ka'maha Loth, stands as an enduring testament to their vigilance. Built into the colossal peaks of Prythain's highest mountain range, Ka'maha Loth's imposing spires pierce the sky, visible for miles around. Its sheer walls are hewn from the mountain itself, blending natural rock with gothic architecture. The monastery serves as both a fortress and a sanctum, safeguarding the Chapter's most sacred relics and forbidden records within its deepest chambers. Its grand halls resonate with the echoes of marching feet, prayer chants, and the hum of machinery, reminding all within of the Chapter's purpose.
From Ka'maha Loth, the Angels of Prythain oversee their dominion, launching campaigns to protect the Imperium from encroaching threats. The fortress's battlements bristle with defenses, and its inner sanctums house armories, libraries, and training grounds. Here, neophytes undergo rigorous trials, and veterans gather to reflect on their oaths and prepare for the battles to come. For the Angels of Prythain, Ka'maha Loth is more than a stronghold—it is a symbol of their enduring strength and an eternal reminder of their duty to protect the Imperium.
Prythain is a world shaped by its beasts as much as its warriors. The creatures that roam its mountains, forests, and valleys are more than mere animals—they are the embodiments of the planet's spirit, testing those who seek to rule it and some only whispered in legends. Amin these animals the more legendary creatures are the Aurum Lions and the Ddraiggan.
In the oldest records of Prythain, it is said that before the first Brenin could claim his throne, he had to prove himself worthy to rule not just men, but the world itself. The legendary warrior embarked himself on a quest that prolonged for years until. It was deep within the mountains, where fire and stone met, that he found the Great Wyrm of Prythain, an immense beast with scales that shone like pure gold, and wings that could block out the sun.
Rather than slaying the dragon, the legendary Brenin faced it in a trial of honor, standing unshaken before its fire and proving his right to rule. The Wyrm bowed before him, granting its blessing, and from that day forward, the rulers of Prythain bore the sigil of the Golden Dragon.
Fauna[]
- Aurum Lions, these massive beast are twice the size of a terran lion with thick silvery-white fur, allowing them to vanish into the snow-covered peaks of the Crown of Prythain. Their roar can shake the mountains, and their claws can rend ceramite, making them among the deadliest creatures on Prythain. Their golden eyes have given rise to the belief that they are spirit-wardens of the land, messengers of the Emperor himself. Only veteran warriors of the Angels of Prythain may attempt the Trial of the White Hunt, where they must track and slay one in ritual combat to prove their mastery over both their own instincts and the fury of nature. Those who succeed are permitted to wear a white lion's pelt, a sign of the emperor's grace, martial perfection and dominion over the land.
- Annwvyn Wolves, towering umber wolves, silent hunters that prowl the dark forest of Prythain's. They leave no tracks, make no sound, and can strike from nowhere, making them a feared omen in Prythainian culture. Hunted by the elite of the Angels of Prythain, who seek to prove themselves against one of the most elusive of Prythain's beasts.
- Cŵn Draenog, gigantic, quadrupedal war-beasts covered in chitinous black spines, capable of launching their quills at enemies like harpoons. Hunted in great ritual hunts by noble houses, where only the most daring warriors ride out to face them. Their hearts are said to be immune to fire, making them valuable in alchemical rites of the chapter.
- Yr Gwyllgi, a nightmare predator, covered in pitch-black fur, with glowing red eyes that burn in the darkness. It hunts only lone warriors, watching from the shadows for hours before striking in absolute silence. Slaying a Gwyllgi is seen as a mark of supreme skill, and its hide is sometimes used to create relic-cloaks for the chapter's Chaplains.
- Ddraiggan, a serpentine, wingless drake, with molten-red scales that glow like fire. Found in the volcanic depths beneath Prythain, where it burrows through lava flows, its breath can melt power armor, and its presence warps the land, causing flames to rise where it treads. A warrior who wields a Ddraiggan's fang as a blade is believed to carry the fire of the world within them.
Fortress-Monastery[]
Ka'maha Loth is a fortress-monastery of immense scale and grandeur, redesigned to evoke the legendary castles of old Caliban and inspired by the chivalric myths of Prythain's culture. Built into the rocky peaks of the mountain range known as the Crown of Prythain, its architecture blends gothic majesty with the practical fortifications required for defense against both mortal and xenos threats.
Architectural Features[]
Ka'maha Loth, fortress-monastery of the Angels of Prythain
- Towers and Battlements: Ka'maha Loth boasts twelve soaring towers, each named after legendary figures of Prythain's chivalric history. These towers serve as watchposts and sanctuaries for the Chapter's most sacred rituals. The tallest, the Tower of the Eternal Vigil, houses the Chapter's grand communications array and a chapel dedicated to the Emperor.
- Courtyards: The fortress features five expansive courtyards, each designed for specific purposes. These include the Court of Blades, which serves as a training ground where initiates and seasoned warriors alike hone their skills, and the Court of the Grail which is a place of reflection, adorned with ancient statues and flowing fountains fed by mountain springs.
- Gates: The main gate, known as the Shield of Prythain, is a massive construct of adamantium reinforced with ceramite. Its surface is etched with the heraldry of the Chapter, depicting their victories and oaths. Lesser gates, such as the Lion's Gate and the Gate of Dawn, provide access to different sections of the fortress.
- The Great Hall: The Great Hall of Ka'maha Loth is the grand and solemn heart of the fortress-monastery, a space that serves as both a functional gathering place and a hallowed testament to the Chapter's storied legacy. Stretching hundreds of meters in length, the hall is a marvel of engineering and artistry, a space where tradition, history, and reverence converge.
The vaulted ceiling soars high above, its expanse adorned with intricate murals chronicling the history of the Angels of Prythain. Each panel tells a story, from their founding by Roboute Guilliman to their greatest victories in the Emperor's name. The imagery is breathtakingly detailed, with scenes of battle, triumph, and sacrifice, illuminated by golden veins that shimmer faintly in the flickering torchlight.
Lining its gothic walls are the banners of the ten companies, each a masterpiece of embroidery and design. The banners flutter faintly in the cool air of the hall, each inscribed with the deeds, honors, and victories of its respective company. The First Company's banner, in particular, is resplendent, woven with golden thread and adorned with the emblem of the Victors of Camlann.
Between the banners are sconces holding flickering braziers, their flames casting dancing shadows across the walls. Each brazier is engraved with the names of fallen brothers, a solemn reminder of the price of duty and honor.
At the far end of the hall stands the Throne of the Brenin, the seat of the Chapter Master. The throne is carved from a single block of jet-black obsidian, its surface polished to a mirror sheen. Simple yet imposing, its back is inscribed with the sigil of Prythain.
- Cells and Dormitories: The fortress contains barracks for the battle-brothers, with spartan cells for initiates and more ornate chambers for veteran warriors. Each room is adorned with a small shrine to the Emperor and the Lion, encouraging constant reflection and devotion.
- Armoury of Bagdegamus: The armoury of Ka'maha Loth is a vast and heavily guarded section of the fortress. Overseen by the master of the forge who holds the title of “Bagdegamus”, it contains rows of weapon racks, power armor suits, and vehicles, including the Chapter's prized Centurion war-suits. Ancient weapons from the time of the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy are meticulously maintained within.
- The Vaults of the Daol Grenn: Beneath the fortress lie the Vaults of the Daol Grenn, a sanctum accessible only to the Marc'heigen, safeguarded by the Keepers of Calesvol. They are a vast, labyrinthine network of ancient halls, chambers, and corridors designed to confuse and disorient any intruders, with hidden passages, dead ends, and defensive choke points. They serve as the most sacred and secure location for the Angels of Prythain, housing their most prized relics and guarded secrets, their honored dead and a series of fortified cells designed to hold even the most dangerous prisoners, including Fallen Angels captured by the chapter.
Deep within these labyrinth are the Tombs of Prythain, where Prythain's legendary heroes and the battle-brothers of the chapter are laid to rest. Each tomb is a testament to the valor and sacrifice of those who have served the Emperor, adorned with engravings and relics recounting their deeds.
At the heart of the catacombs stands the Gates of Honor, a pair of towering adamantium doors adorned with bas-reliefs of ancient Prythain's battles and its unification by the legendary first Brenin. They are flanked by statues of two colossal warriors, their hands resting on the pommels of massive swords, symbolizing eternal vigilance and giving passage to the Hall of the Brenin.
- The Hall of the Brenin: The vast and solemn chamber steeped in history and reverence carved out of the rock of the mountain, its ceiling soaring high above and painted to resemble the star-studded void of space with immense columns lining the hall, sculpted to resemble armored knights. The central aisle stretching from the gates to a rotunda at the far end, the polished obsidian floor reflecting the flames giving the impression of walking among stars.
Dominating the far wall of the hall is the statue of Prythain's legendary Brenin, a masterwork of artistry and reverence. The Brenin is depicted in a commanding stance clad in ornate armor, holding the Blade of Caledfwlch aloft in his right hand and on his left hand an old storm shield. At the base of the statue is an altar where the Blade of Caledfwlch was discovered. The altar remains intact, its surface etched with the story of the blade's forging and the prophecy of its return. A faint, golden glow emanates from the altar, said to be a blessing from the Emperor himself. During ceremonies, the blade is returned to the altar, symbolizing the unity of the chapter and the continued legacy of the Brenin.
Encircling the central rotunda are the seats of counsel, identical in design and positioned at equal levels- symbolizing the shared burden of leadership among the Marc'heigen, with the seat of the Brenin positioned directly in front of the altar and statue.
Vaults of Daol Grenn, Hall of the Brenin
In the centre, embedded in the rotunda is a circular star map, a glowing projection of the galaxy. It serves as both a strategic tool and a reminder of the vastness of the Imperium they are sworn to protect.
The Hall of the Brenin is used sparingly, reserved for moments of profound significance:- Council of Prythain: Where the Marc'heigen decides on major chapter-wide actions, including the declaration of crusades or the handling of Fallen.
- Oaths of Bendragon: When a new Brenin is chosen, their first act is to sit among equals in this chamber, pledging their leadership in service of the chapter.
- Truths of Prythain: A rare and solemn gathering where hidden knowledge is shared among the Marc'heigen, ensuring continuity of their sacred charge.
- Council of Prythain: Where the Marc'heigen decides on major chapter-wide actions, including the declaration of crusades or the handling of Fallen.
- The Library of Merzhin: The Library of Merzhin is a repository of knowledge and arcane secrets, housing tomes, scrolls, and data-slates collected over millennia. The master librarian, who holds the title of “Merzhin”, oversees this sanctum, ensuring that its contents remain protected and accessible only to those deemed worthy. Among the library's treasures are records of the Chapter's history, treatises on Xenos and Chaos, and fragmentary accounts of Caliban's ancient days.
Monastic Life[]
In the shadowed embrace where the Crown of Prythain's jagged peaks claw at the heavens, the Angels of Prythain find respite from the galaxy's ceaseless wars. Amid the frost-kissed spires and echoing halls, the chapter's monastic chivalry flourishes—a rhythm of discipline and devotion that forges knights not only of steel but of spirit. For the Brothers, a day without the clamor of battle is no idle repose; it is a vigil, a forge, and a quest inward, where the Emperor's light pierces the soul as surely as Caledfwlch cleaves the foe.
Dawn breaks with the tolling of the Lion's Bell, its deep resonance vibrating through the fortress's adamantium bones, summoning the brethren to the Great Hall. The Brothers rise from their austere cell, the chill air biting at his unarmored skin like the breath of an Annwvyn Wolf. Clad in a simple tabard of green wool embroidered with the hooded skull, they join their Brothers in silent procession. The hall's vaulted ceiling, painted with the star-strewn void of Segmentum Tempestus, looms above, a reminder of the vast portion of the Imperium they guard. Before the Throne of the Brenin the chapter gathers for the Vigil of the Lion—a monastic rite of reflection that begins each day.
The Medraut, Tiberius Auxpex, intones the ancient litanies, his voice a thunderous whisper: “In the Emperor's shadow, we find our light. In silence, we hear the Emperor's command.” The Brothers kneel, their minds turning inward contemplating the weight of their oaths—the burdens of honor, the eternal quest for redemption through service, the unyielding resolve that binds the Chapter like the knights of old Prythain.
For an hour, the hall fills with meditative silence, broken only by the faint hum of the chapter's grand communications array in the tallest tower, relaying astropathic whispers from distant allies. This monastic interlude, drawn from the Lion's contemplative legacy, steels their spirits, reminding them that true strength lies not in the fury of battle but in the quiet resolve of faith.
As the sun crests the peaks, casting golden lances through the hall's arched windows, the brethren disperse to the Library of Merzhin. Many spend the morning hours immersed in the vast repository of knowledge—data-slates glowing with tactical treatises, star maps of the Chiros Sector's turbulent voids, and chronicles of Segmentum Tempestus's fractious peoples, while others debate the cultural fractures of the Agritha Sub-Sector's feudal societies. Under the watchful eye of Merzhin Venutius Carvetian, the chapter's psychic scholars guide study sessions, dissecting the Ork Waaagh!s of Ghazghkull or the insidious Genestealer Cults infiltrating hive worlds like Tregaron. This scholarly pursuit, blending Codex tactics with Prythain's knightly lore, ensures the Angels remain masters of war, their minds as sharp as their blades.
Midday brings the clamor of the Court of Blades, where the chapter's martial soul ignites. The Brothers don their power armor, their green plates etched with grail motifs, and join their squads in the expansive courtyard ringed by soaring towers. Under a Seneschal stern gaze, the Brothers drill in versatile formations—simulating siege breaches with Centurion war-suits, rapid strikes with Outriders, and close-quarters duels with power swords. The air rings with the clash of steel and the thunder of boltguns, their endurance tested in grueling bouts that mimic the fury of an Aurum Lion. This daily crucible hones their physical strength, weaving the Chapter's knightly chivalry with the Lion's tactical genius, preparing them for the galaxy's unforgiving trials.
As the afternoon wanes, the Brothers retreat to the Court of the Grail, a serene courtyard nestled among the fortress's five expansive plazas, where mountain springs flow like veins of liquid silver amid ancient statues of Prythain's legendary knights. Here, Brothers gather for a moment of meditation and reflection, kneeling before the central altar dedicated to the Emperor. This sacred pause, a cornerstone of the Chapter's monastic chivalry, renews their spiritual fortitude, reminding them that true mastery lies in balancing the fury of war with the quiet wisdom of faith.
As dusk falls, the brethren gather in the Great Hall for the Evening Feast, a rite of fellowship that balances the day's monastic solitude with knightly camaraderie. Spiced amasec flows from grail-shaped chalices, and tales of past quests echo amid the banners, forging unbreakable bonds before retiring to their cells for private vigil. Thus, a day at Ka'maha Loth ends—not in idleness, but in renewed purpose, the Angels of Prythain ever vigilant, monastic knights forged for eternal war.
Chapter Organisation[]
The Angels of Prythain are not just warriors; they are stewards of control. The Chapter believes that greater control, discipline and structure are required to prevent the catastrophic events of the past from repeating themselves, thus their organization differs subtly from that of the Dark Angels.
The Angels of Prythain adhere to the Codex Astartes' framework, with ten companies of one hundred Battle-Brothers each, but their structure reflects Prythain's feudal hierarchy and Castus's philosophy of control.
Each company is led by a Seneschal, supported by two Constables, trusted vassals, oversee half the company each, ensuring tactical discipline. Below them, six Knights—senior squad leaders titled after Prythain's warrior elite—each command three or four squads, ensuring tight oversight and versatility. Squads are led by Errants (sergeants), with specialists like Chaplains and Apothecaries providing support. This structure, inspired by Prythain's adaptable noble houses and Castus's belief in redemption through service, ensures every company is a self-sufficient force, capable of meeting any threat worthy of the Lion's Calibanite legacy.
The Librarium, led by the Merzhin, Venutius Carvetian, maintains ten Primaris Librarians, one per company from the First to Ninth, with an Epistolary deputy aiding Marc'heigen duties. The Apothecarion and Armoury, led by Uthyr and Bagdegamus, each maintain ten specialists, ensuring gene-seed purity and wargear readiness amid the chapter's siege demands.
At the heart of the Angels of Prythain lies the Marc'heigen—the Inner Circle, which is comprised of the highest-ranking members of the chapter. Like the Dark Angels, they guard the secrets of the chapter and the tragic events of the Horus Heresy, including the fall of Caliban and the subsequent betrayal of the traitors among their ranks. This inner circle of warriors, each sworn to secrecy and unyielding loyalty, ensures that the sins of the past are never forgotten. The titles held by the members of the Marc'heigen are steeped in the traditions of the Chapter and mirror the roles once held by the ancient leaders of Prythain itself:
Officer Ranks[]
- Brenin - Chapter Master equivalent, the Brenin is the grand master and supreme commander, holds the ultimate authority over the Chapter. His role mirrors that of the Chapter Master in other Codex-compliant Chapters, but his title is one of greater reverence, as "Brenin" means "King" in the old tongue of Prythain.
- Seneschal - Company Captain equivalent, the Seneschal is the commanding officer of one of the chapter’s ten companies, responsible for leading their warriors in battle, enforcing the chapter’s doctrines, and ensuring tactical adaptability in line with the Brenin’s vision. Drawing from Prythain’s feudal lords, the title evokes a steward of knightly honor, strategic brilliance and unyielding command.
- Constable - Lieutenant equivalent, the Constable serves as a trusted vassal to the Seneschal, overseeing half of the company’s forces to ensure balanced command and rapid response in combat. Inspired by Prythain’s knightly enforcers who upheld law and order in feudal courts, the title reflects a guardian of discipline, coordinating tactical maneuvers, squad rotations, and support elements like Dreadnoughts or Centurions.
Specialist Ranks[]
- Medraut - Reclusiarch equivalent, the Medraut is the Master Chaplain who is tasked with overseeing the spiritual wellbeing of the Chapter and ensuring that the sacred rites are followed. His title reflects the ancient role of guiding the Chapter's warriors through the trials of faith.
- Interrogator-Chaplain - Within the Reclusiam, led by the Medraut, Tiberius Auxpex, a select few Chaplains serve as Interrogator-Chaplains, sworn to the Marc'heigen and tasked with extracting confessions from captured Fallen Angels in the Vaults of the Daol Grenn. These rare specialists, numbering no more than two, work alongside the Keepers of Calesvol during Quests of the Shrouded Blade, balancing the Unforgiven's duty with the Angels of Prythain's focus on redemption through service to the Emperor. Their somber rites, conducted in the shadow of the Gates of Honor, reinforce the chapter's vigilance without overshadowing its broader mission.
- Judiciar - Alongside the chapter's Chaplains, the Reclusiam includes two Judiciars, grim enforcers of the Emperor's justice who wield executioner's greatblades and the Tempormortis to purge corruption. Also sworn to the Marc'heigen, they may join Quests of the Shrouded Blade to eliminate unrepentant Fallen, their presence a silent reminder of Prythain's unyielding resolve.
- Merzhin - Chief Librarian equivalent, the Merzhin is the Master Librarian, is the keeper of all knowledge, secrets, and lore concerning the Chapter, including the dark truths of the Fallen. His mastery of psychic abilities allows him to guide the Chapter in both war and wisdom.
- Bagdegamus - Master of the Forge equivalent, the Bagdegamus is the Master of the Armoury, oversees all matters relating to the weapons and vehicles of the Chapter. His knowledge of the Chapter's arsenal is unparalleled, and his role is crucial in maintaining the Chapter's effectiveness on the battlefield.
- Uthyr - Chief Apothecary equivalent, the Uthyr is the Master Apothecary. The foremost expert in the genetic and biological health of the Chapter. His responsibility is to ensure the purity of the Chapter's gene-seed and the well-being of its warriors.
Line Ranks[]
- Knight - Veteran Sergeant equivalent, a veteran squad leader who commands two squads within a company, serving as a paragon of martial excellence and tactical oversight. Knights ensure the chapter’s doctrines are upheld at the squad level, they embody the chapter’s emphasis on control, leading sub-formations in sieges or hunts, their steadfast presence a bulwark against chaos on the battlefield.
- Errant - Sergeant equivalent, the Errant leads individual squads with proven valor, acting as the frontline enforcer of the chapter’s adaptable tactics and chivalric code. Drawing from Prythain’s wandering knights who quested for glory and redemption, the title evokes a seeker of battle’s trials, mentoring recruits through the rigors of siege warfare and close-quarters assaults.
Specialist Units & Formations[]
- Knights of Daol Grenn - Among the Marc'heigen are the Knights of Daol Grenn, their numbers are few but revered, they are comprised of the Seneschals and Constables of each Company, as well as a handful of the chapter's most honored Knights. The Knights of Daol Grenn ensure that each Company fulfils their duties while being vigilant for any opportunity to hunt the Fallen, advising the Brenin and guarding the chapter's secrets.
Knight Geraint Dyfed, Knight of Daol Grenn and Knight of the Fourth Company - Seekers of the Grail
In line with the Chapter ideals of control and secrecy, the Knights of Daol Grenn are called upon by the Brenin to conduct secret quests to hunt the Fallen, known as the Quests of the Shrouded Blade. For these quests the Knights of Daol Grenn are led by a chosen Seneschal and their Constables, who draws on the Knights of each Company that have joined the ranks of the Knight of Daol Grenn, these task forces operate in utmost secrecy, ensuring the chapter's broader focus remains on mankind's enemies. Errants, sergeants of proven valor, maintain company cohesion in the temporary absence of the Knights of each Company. This practice, inspired by Prythain's knightly quests and the Lion's legacy, balances vigilance with redemption, earning the Primarch's approval in the Era Indomitus.
- Keepers of Calesvol - Within the elite warriors of the Knights of Daol Grenn, the Marc'heigen selects the Keepers of Calesvol, an elite cadre of the chapter's most zealous and steadfast warriors. Their sacred duty is to safeguard the Vaults of the Daol Grenn, an ancient and hallowed site buried deep beneath Ka'maha Loth.
- Teulu Brenhinol - an indomitable cadre of eight elite warriors, meticulously selected from the chapter’s most valorous veterans for their unyielding devotion, martial excellence, and unbreakable oaths. These guardians serve as eternal sentinels at Brenin Lucius Artorius Castus’s side, clad in ancient Terminator armour—priceless relics of the First Legion’s storied legacy. Their bone-white capes billow like spectral shrouds in the gales of war, while hooded visors conceal eyes ablaze with vigilant fire. In battle, they form a living bastion against the Emperor’s foes, their thunder hammers and storm shields forging an impenetrable wall, sworn to defend the Brenin unto annihilation and uphold the Chapters ideals through every shadowed siege and perilous quest.
Order of Battle[]
Headquarters[]
The Angels of Prythain’s command structure blends the monastic secrecy of their Dark Angels progenitors with the feudal knightly traditions of Prythain. At its apex stands the Brenin, supported by the highest ranking members of the Marc’heigen, this is the Medraut, the Merzhin, the Bagdegamus, the Uthyr and the Seneschals. This elite cadre meet in the Hall of the Brenin, their deliberations veiled even from most brothers, enforcing redemption through vigilant oversight.
Companies[]
Each of the ten companies of the Angels of Prythain are bound by their unwavering loyalty to the chapter's ideals. While their tactics and roles may vary, they all embody the principles of vigilance, discipline, and control, ensuring that the mistakes of the past will never be repeated.
- First Company – Victors of Camlann, led by Seneschal Bors Gannis, aided by the Constables Lucan Gwyllgi and Lyonell Gannis, this veteran company is filled with the most seasoned and battle-hardened warriors, considered both tacticians and heroes, as well as renowned for their skill in all forms of warfare.
- Second Company – Sons of Bendragon, led by Seneschal Agravain Orkney, aided by Constables Gareth Orkney and Bleoberis Gannis, they are known for their unyielding charge into the heart of the enemy, breaking their lines with overwhelming force.
- Third Company – Wardens of Ka'maha Loth, led by Seneschal Bredwyr Bredyarant, aided by Constables Breunor Nero and Kay Ceinfarfog, this company serves as the chapter's guardians, tasked with the protection of Ka'maha Loth and its secrets. They are the last line of defense should the chapter's fortress-monastery come under siege.
- Fourth Company – Seekers of the Grail, led by Seneschal Galahaed Corbeneic, aided by Constables Palamedes Sarradin and Dagonet Morio, they are an elite force of reconnaissance operatives who search for any threats to the chapter or the Imperium, relentlessly hunting down the enemies of mankind. The Seekers of the Grail are a revered company known for their quest to find and safeguard relics of immense importance to the Chapter.
- Fifth Company – Spears of Prythain, led by Seneschal Gwalchmei Orkney, aided by Constables Gaheris Orkney and Pelleas al Lenn, this company specializes in precision strikes and surgical maneuvers, striking from the shadows with deadly accuracy.
- Sixth Company – Bringers of Dawn, led by Seneschal Lanslod Benoic, aided by Constables Ector Mareais and Gingalain Lothian, this company specializes in the use of siege tactics and heavy artillery. The Bringers of Dawn are often called upon to break fortified positions or to cleanse a battlefield with firepower.
- Seventh Company – Storm of Annuvin, led by Seneschal Parzival Gral, aided by Constables Tor Listeneis and Aglovale Galis, the Storm of Annuvin specializes in aerial and orbital strikes, often deploying from their fleet of drop pods or Thunderhawk gunships. They are known for their lightning-fast attacks and unparalleled ability to strike swiftly.
- Eighth Company – Dragons Claw, led by Seneschal Drustanus Kernov, aided by Constables Safir Mescogneu and Segwarides Mescogneu, the Dragons Claw are the chapter's elite shock troops, excelling in close combat and brutal hand-to-hand engagements.
- Ninth Company – Scourge of Morgen, led by Seneschal Leodogran Carmeliatd, aided by Constables Helyan Blanc and Brandalus Liz, the company is often deployed as a punitive force to cleanse heretical or traitorous factions, cleansing the Imperium of any who would defy the Emperor.
- Tenth Company – Eyes of Brenin, led by Seneschal Lamorak Listeneis, aided by Constables Branor Brun and Dornar Gral, the reconnaissance company, formed by neophytes, serves as the eyes and ears of the chapter. They operate as spies, infiltrators, and assassins, gathering intelligence on the enemies of mankind from the shadows.
Chapter Culture & Beliefs[]
Trial of the White Hunt[]
The Trial of the White Hunt is among the most sacred and demanding rites of passage for a warrior of the Angels of Prythain. It is a test not only of skill and strength but of discipline, patience, and the mastery of one's own primal instincts. To undertake the hunt is to seek dominion over the wild, to prove oneself not merely a warrior but a knight of the Emperor's will.
The Aurum Lions are the focus of this trial, these majestic yet deadly creatures are seen as living embodiments of strength and sovereignty. To face one alone is to walk the path of the greatest warriors in the Chapter's history with only veteran warriors, particularly those who aspire to join the Knights of Daol Grenn, permitted to undertake the trial.
Before embarking on the hunt, the warrior stands within the Great Hall of Ka'maha Loth, before the Marc'heigen and the statue of the first Brenin. Clad in their ceremonial wargear, the warrior kneels, unsheathing their chosen melee weapon and swearing the Oath of the Hunter:
"By the blade in my hand and the fire in my soul, I seek the beast that walks in the snow. Let my mind be as sharp as steel, my heart as steady as stone. By the Emperor's will, I shall master the hunt or perish in its embrace."
Once the oath is spoken, the warrior departs alone - no squadmates, no vox-links, no tracking devices. Only their melee weapon, their instincts, and the judgment of the land are carried on their ascension into the Crown of Prythain, where the Aurum Lions roam in the blinding snow. The lions are masters of stealth, blending seamlessly into the snowdrifts, days pass before the hunter even lays eyes upon their quarry and some never do.
The Aurum Lion is a creature of pure muscle and instinct, capable of outmaneuvering a fully armored warrior and tearing through ceramite plating, Their duel a spectacle of skill, patience, and power, a clash of two predators - one seeking to defend its domain, the other seeking to prove mastery over it.
Many are those who undertake the hunt never return, some fall to the lion's claws, their bodies lost in the snow, their names whispered only in mourning, others fail the test of resolve never able to find their prey and thus lost to the mountains in eternal exile. If the warrior succeeds it earns the right to wear the pelt of the Aurum Lion - a mark of mastery, a true hunter of the Emperor.
Lamorak and the White Cub[]
Lamorak Listeneis, was already a distinguished warrior of the Angels of Prythain before he undertook the Trial of the White Hunt. A master of close-quarters combat and excellent marksman, known for his relentless and indomitable will, he had fought in countless battles against the xenos and the traitor legions.
For three days, he stalked his prey, tracking a monstrous Aurum Lion, its mane as pale as the winter sun, its golden eyes burning like embers in the darkness. On the fourth day, the beast turned to face him, standing atop a ridge where the snow met the storm. The two locked eyes, predator against predator, warrior against the ancient fury of the wild - their duel had begun. Hours passed before he bested the beast, snow fell around them, the light was starting to dim as he made his victorious return to Ka’maha Loth when something stirred in the nearby undergrowth.
Expecting another predator, Lamorak turned, blade ready—only to find a small Aurum Lion pup, barely larger than his gauntlet. It had thick silvery-white fur, but unlike the others of its kind, its paws were a striking unnatural blue. For a moment time seemed to freeze, his breath caught in his throat as he looked upon the creature, and in that instant, he understood. The House of Listeneis had borne the sigil of a silver lion with blue paws for generations, an omen of wisdom, strength, and destiny. To find such a beast in the wilderness of Prythain, in the aftermath of his greatest hunt, was no mere coincidence—it was a sign from the Emperor himself.
Rather than leaving the cub behind, Lamorak wrapped his cloak around it and carried it back with him to Ka’maha Loth. When he arrived at the Great Hall, the warriors of the Marc’heigen and the Knights of Daol Grenn gathered to witness his return. The neophytes who had watched from the shadows whispered in awe—not only had he completed the White Hunt, but he had returned with a living omen of his house and lineage.
Many within the Chapter debated the fate of the cub. Some believed it should be given over to the Chapter’s beastmasters, trained as a symbol of the Angels of Prythain. Others, however, whispered that the creature was a gift to Lamorak alone, bound to his destiny. It was the Brenin himself who decreed that if the beast had chosen Lamorak, then it was his to command, for the Emperor’s will had already been made known.
Now, years later, the once-small pup has grown into a fully matured Aurum Lion, towering and fearsome, its silvery-white mane flowing like a river of light in the wind. It is known as Cadwaladr, meaning “Battle-Leader” in the ancient tongue of Prythain, is unlike any other beast of its kind. While most Aurum Lions are solitary and untamable, it follows Lamorak into battle, standing at his side as a symbol of both his lineage and the Emperor’s favor.
Many within the Eyes of the Brenin whisper that Lamorak and Cadwaladr share an unspoken bond, a connection forged not by words, but by blood, battle, and destiny. It is said that when Lamorak fights, Cadwaladr moves with him, not as a trained beast, but as an extension of his own will—two predators hunting in perfect harmony.
In the annals of the Angels of Prythain, none have carried both blade and beast into war. The legend of Lamorak has grown over time, rumours and whispers echo in the halls of Ka’maha Loth that Cadwaladr’s birth was a prophecy fulfilled, a sign that some warriors are chosen by the Emperor himself and that one day Lamorak will play a greater role in the Chapter’s fate than even he realizes.
Chapter Recruitment - Trials of Bendragon[]
For the recruits - boys plucked from the feudal halls and rugged wilds of their world—the Trials of Bendragon test not just flesh and bone, but the very essence of courage, strength, and endurance. Only those who emerge unbroken can ascend to the ranks of the Angels of Prythain, their bodies remade as Primaris Marines through the sacred rites of the Apothecarion. The trials, named for the ancient myths that echo Prythain's own legends, begin at the foot of Ka'maha Loth and culminate in its shadowed peaks, a pilgrimage of pain and purpose.
The first trial, the Ordeal of the Dagda, draws from the myth of the mighty god-king whose club slays nine foes with one swing. The recruits, stripped to loincloths and armed only with crude spears fashioned from Prythain's ironwood, are cast into the shadowed depths of the Mahal Caves—a labyrinth of jagged stone where seismic tremors and collapsing tunnels demand raw physical strength. For three days and nights, they labor to shift boulders weighing as much as a Thunderhawk's engine, constructing barricades against simulated xenos incursions triggered by explosive charges. Endurance defines the ordeal; the caves' crushing darkness and bone-shaking rumbles test their resolve, with many faltering as limbs give way or spirits break. Those who persevere learn the Dagda's lesson: strength lies not in brute force alone, but in the will to wield it unyielding. From this trial, the survivors gather fragments of shattered rock, symbols of their unbreakable resolve, to carry onward.
Next comes the Gauntlet of the Morrígan, inspired by the war goddess who shifts shapes and sows terror on the battlefield. In the storm-swept valleys below Ka'maha Loth, the recruits face a gauntlet of illusions and horrors conjured by the chapter's Librarium—shadowy apparitions of Tyranid swarms and Ork brutes that lash out with psychic fury amid howling winds and lashing rain. Armed only with a shield scavenged from the caves, they charge through the phantoms, enduring mental lashes that mimic real wounds, tearing at flesh and mind alike. The Morrígan's trial culls the fearful; some break, fleeing into the wilds as their courage shatters like glass under the goddess's gaze. The brave press on, their hearts steeled against deception, forging bonds of unshakeable trust. From the defeated illusions, they claim tattered banners, emblems of conquered fear, to bear as talismans.
The third trial, the Hunt of Arawn, evokes the lord of Annwn, the Underworld of Prythain's myths, whose wild hunt claims the souls of the unworthy. Here, the recruits venture alone into Prythain's darkened forests to stalk an Annwvyn Wolf—a towering, silent predator with pitch-black fur and eyes like glowing embers. For seven days, they track the beast without armor or ranged weapons, relying on endurance to outlast its cunning ambushes and strikes that rend ceramite. Courage is paramount; to falter means death or exile, as the wolf's claws test physical strength and the hunt's isolation erodes the mind. Lucius Artorius Castus himself slew one in his youth, and survivors claim its pelt, a cloak of shadows symbolizing mastery over the hunt's terror, to wear in future battles.
The fourth trial, the Vigil of Fionn, honors the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, whose wisdom and endurance tame giants and beasts. At the base of Prythain's peaks, recruits endure a week of unceasing trials: carrying massive stones up treacherous slopes, fasting amid blizzards that freeze the blood, and solving riddles etched into ancient monoliths that demand mental fortitude amid physical exhaustion. Strength falters without endurance; many collapse under the weight or succumb to exposure, their bodies claimed by the wild. Those who prevail gather sacred herbs from the slopes—symbols of wisdom and resilience—to brew a restorative elixir, fortifying their bodies for the final ascent.
The fifth and final trial, the Ascent of Bendragon, draws from the myth of Bendragon, the dragon-slaying king who climbs the world's spine to claim his throne. Burdened only with what they gather—the rock of Dagda for strength, the banner of Morrígan for courage, the pelt of Arawn for stealth, and the elixir of Fionn for endurance—the recruits scale the Crown of Prythain to Ka'maha Loth. Jagged cliffs, avalanches, and predatory beasts assail them, demanding every ounce of courage, strength, and endurance.
As the exhausted candidate crests the final ridge, the biting winds of Prythain's peaks whipping at their ragged form, the Marc'heigen await before the Shields of Prythain. Clad in shadowed armor, their hooded visors gleaming with inner light, they form a silent circle, the weight of centuries pressing upon the air. The Brenin himself, or his designated voice, steps forward, his words echoing like the toll of a ancient bell, reciting the Oath of the Ascent:
"Warrior of Prythain, child of the Emperor's forge, why have you climbed the spine of the world, bearing the burdens of the wild?"
The candidate, knees buckling but spirit unbroken, responds with the ancient reply, their voice steady amid the storm:
"To seek the blade of Caledfwlch, to hunt the shadows of betrayal with unyielding vigilance, to bath on blood of the xenos and the heretic and pledge my life in eternal service."
With the oath sealed, the gates grind open, admitting the worthy to the rites beyond. Those deemed worthy undergo the Apothecarion's rites, their bodies remade as Primaris Marines—knights reborn, sworn to the Emperor's eternal vigil. The unworthy are cast down, their failures a warning to all. Thus, the Trials of Bendragon forge not warriors, but legends.
Once the survivors of the Trials of Bendragon pass through the Shields of Prythain, their transformation begins in earnest. The Apothecarion, under the watchful eye of Uthyr, Dio Cassius, awaits within the fortress's sanctified chambers. Here, the recruits—bloodied and battered—are subjected to the Emperor's sacred rites, their mortal forms remade through the implantation of the Primaris gene-seed. The process is grueling, a symphony of pain as the Belisarian Furnace ignites within their chests, the Sinew Coils weaving through muscle, and the Magnificat enhancing their neural pathways. For days, they lie in stasis sarcophagi, their bodies convulsing as the Emperor's gift takes hold, forging them into superhuman warriors capable of enduring the galaxy's horrors. Uthyr's steady hand ensures the purity of the process, drawing upon the chapter's Dark Angels heritage to ward against any taint, while the Medraut chants litanies of faith to shield their souls.
Upon awakening, the newly forged Primaris Marines are led to the Great Hall, where the initiation rite unfolds amid the flickering torchlight and the gaze of ancient banners. The hall, stretching hundreds of meters, its vaulted ceiling soars high above, its expanse adorned with intricate murals chronicling the history of the Angels of Prythain. The Brenin, Lucius Artorius Castus, presides from the Throne of the Brenin, flanked by the Marc'heigen in their hooded robes while the Medraut intones sacred rites, invoking the Emperor's blessing and the Lion's unyielding spirit, as each initiate swears the Oath of Ascension:
"I am the blade in the darkness, the shield against the storm. By the Emperor's will, I serve Prythain and the Imperium, in honor eternal."
As the oath echoes, the initiates rise to receive their armor, forged in the Armoury of Bagdegamus and inscribed with their personal heraldry. The Brenin presents each with a shard of Prythain, a solemn reminder of their homeworld and their oath, while the Merzhin bestows a psychic ward against corruption. The rite culminates in a communal feast, where tales of past knights are shared, forging bonds of brotherhood. From this moment, the new Angels of Prythain are assigned to companies, their trials complete, ready to hunt the galaxy's threats with the vigilance of their forebears.
Combat Doctrine[]
- "Superiority of force is key and the key to superiority is above all structure. With structure comes order, with order the ability to carry out purpose, and only through clear purpose can victory be perceived."
- — Principia Belicosa, Ch. XXXIV, Vs. I-IV
While they share the Dark Angels' mastery of all forms of warfare, the Angels of Prythain excel in siege tactics. Their campaigns are marked by disciplined advances, relentless bombardments, and the use of Centurion war-suits to break the strongest fortifications. They do not maintain specialized companies like the Deathwing or Ravenwing, instead all companies are trained to be versatile, capable of adapting to the demands of any battlefield.
In keeping with their pragmatic doctrine, members of the Knights of Daol Grenn—sworn to the Marc'heigen and entrusted with the chapter's deepest secrets—may don ancient Terminator armor for missions demanding unparalleled protection and close-quarters dominance. These revered suits, relics of the First Legion's legacy housed within the Vaults of the Daol Grenn, are deployed sparingly and only when the Brenin deems necessary, such as during Quests of the Shrouded Blade or fortified assaults against the Fallen. This selective use underscores the chapter's commitment to adaptability, ensuring that even their elite warriors remain unbound by rigid specialization, with the armor symbolizing their unyielding vigilance rather than defining a dedicated formation.
Deathwatch Service[]
The Angels of Prythain maintain a complex and multifaceted relationship with the Deathwatch as the Marc'heigen is highly selective when nominating warriors for Deathwatch service.
Only those with exceptional combat prowess, unshakable loyalty, and no knowledge of the Fallen are chosen, ensuring the chapter's darkest secrets remain hidden from the scrutiny of outsiders. Battle-brothers chosen for the Deathwatch are seen as embodying the chivalric ideals of their chapter—knights embarking on a holy quest to rid the galaxy of alien abominations, quickly earning the respect among their peers. Their mastery of siege tactics, close combat, and disciplined formations make them invaluable assets in Deathwatch kill-teams.
Those who survive their Deathwatch service return to Prythain as honored heroes, often ascending in rank within their company. However, they are rigorously interrogated by the Medraut upon their return to ensure they have not uncovered any truths about the chapter's secret war against the Fallen.
Deathwatch veterans are highly regarded within the chapter and are often inducted into the Knights of Daol Grenn. Their Deathwatch experience also provides them with greater insight into xenos tactics, which is used to bolster the Angels of Prythain's own strategies in future campaigns.
Notable Members[]
The Angels of Prythain are led by individuals of exceptional character and prowess, each a paragon of the Chapter's chivalric ideals and martial strength. Below are the most renowned figures of the Chapter, their titles and roles steeped in the legends of Prythain:
- Lucius Artorius Castus, the current Brenin and supreme commander of the Angels of Prythain, is veteran of countless wars who exemplifies the Chapter’s ideals of chivalry, wisdom, and leadership. Known as the Dragon of Prythain, he wields the relic Blade of Caledfwlch and the Helm of Uthyr, both symbols of his authority and his unwavering duty to defend the Imperium. His rise to the mantle of Brenin was no mere matter of circumstance but the result of a lifetime of unwavering loyalty, extraordinary martial prowess, and a vision that embodies the ideals of both his Chapter and the Imperium at large.Castus was originally a member of the Angels of Vengeance, a Second Founding successor of the Dark Angels. Within the Angels of Vengeance, Castus quickly distinguished himself as a warrior of immense skill and as a tactician with a remarkable grasp of battlefield dynamics. His relentless pursuit of victory and his steadfast adherence to the Chapter's secrets earned him a place within the vaunted Inner Circle.
During both the 13th Black Crusade and the Battle of the Caliban System, Castus demonstrated the qualities that would define him as a warrior and leader: an unbreakable will, strategic brilliance, and a personal courage that inspired those who fought beside him. These campaigns served as formative experiences, shaping the future Brenin and preparing him for the challenges of commanding an entire Chapter.
As a member of the Inner Circle, Castus was entrusted with knowledge of the Fallen, the greatest shame of the Dark Angels and their successors. His ability to wield this burden with discretion and resolve marked him as a figure of great trust and leadership potential.
When the Angels of Prythain were created as part of Roboute Guilliman's Ultima Founding, the Primarch himself saw in Castus a leader capable of shaping a new Chapter in the Emperor's vision. Guilliman handpicked Castus to become the supreme commander of the Angels of Prythain, entrusting him with the sacred duty of guiding this Chapter in their mission to defend Prythain and the wider Imperium.
For this Castus was one of the early adopters of the Rubicon Primaris, a transformation that enhanced his already formidable abilities and further solidified his leadership. The Rubicon Primaris not only elevated his physical prowess but also granted him access to the enhanced durability and resilience of a Primaris Space Marine.
The transformation was not without its risks, and Castus’s decision to undergo the Rubicon was driven by his unwavering belief that the Angels of Prythain required a leader capable of meeting the challenges of a galaxy in turmoil. His survival of the ordeal and subsequent emergence as a Primaris Space Marine inspired his Chapter, further cementing his status as a near-legendary figure.
As Brenin, Castus holds a deep respect for the traditions of the Dark Angels while forging a unique identity for the Angels of Prythain, drawing heavily on the myths and legends of Prythain to foster a sense of shared purpose.
His ability to balance secrecy with openness, a hallmark of the Unforgiven Chapters, has allowed him to navigate the delicate relationships with the wider Imperium. Castus’s charisma, combined with his tactical brilliance and physical dominance, ensures his place not only as a leader of his Chapter but as a figure of inspiration across Prythain.
To this day, the Angels of Vengeance regard Castus as one of their most esteemed sons, and his exploits are recounted with pride in both Chapters’ annals.
- Venutius Carvetian, the current Merzhin, is the psychic heart of the Chapter. A scholar and warrior of immense power, he safeguards the Chapter’s spiritual and psychic well-being. His mastery of the Warp has vanquished daemons and uncovered hidden xenos threats, earning him legendary status among the Librarius.
- Tiberius Auxpex, the current Medraut, is the spiritual backbone of the Angels of Prythain. A figure of unyielding devotion, he inspires his brethren to face the galaxy's horrors with faith and resolve. Clad in midnight-black armor adorned with sacred scripture, Tiberius carries the crozius arcanum Lion’s Vow- its head forged in the likeness of a roaring lion. Said to have been consecrated by the Dark Angels' Legion Chaplaincy. His sermons, often delivered before battle, recount the heroic deeds of their forebears and the eternal mission to uphold the Emperor’s will.
- Vettius Bolanus, the current Bagdegamus, is the architect of the Chapter’s technological might. He oversees the maintenance of their sacred wargear and vehicles, from power armor to mighty Dreadnoughts. A brilliant engineer and artificer, Vettius created the Sphere of Eternity, a revered artifact that amplifies the Chapter's command networks. His expertise ensures the Angels of Prythain remain armed and ready to face any foe.
- Dio Cassius, the current Uthyr, is the guardian of the Chapter’s genetic legacy and the healer of its warriors. His role extends beyond the battlefield, as he ensures the purity of the Chapter's gene-seed and the survival of its traditions.
- Bors Gannis, the Commander of the Victors of Camlann, Bors Gannis leads the Chapter’s the finest warriors bearing to battle a terminator armour and the weightiest responsibilities. Gannis wields Aegis Eternal, a shield said to have been blessed by the Lion himself.
- Agravain Orkney, a resolute and battle-hardened warrior, leads the Second Company and gained renown fame during the Fall of Eldralith Spire.
- Bredwyr Bredyarant, commands the guardians of Ka’maha Loth itself. His leadership ensures the Chapter’s fortress-monastery remains impenetrable. His thunder hammer, Mountain’s Fury, is a devastating weapon forged from the very peaks of Prythain.
- Galahaed Corbeneic, a knight of unmatched dedication, leads the Fourth Company in their quest for honor and truth. The Seekers of the Grail are known for their search of relics and spiritual insight.
- Gwalchmei Orkney, commander of the Spears of Prythain, whose bold strategies mirror his fiery temperament and led to the triumph during the Scouring of Kharon’s Rift.
- Lanslod Benoic, commander of the Bringers of Dawn, who exemplify his mastery in the use of siege tactics and heavy artillery.
- Parzival Listeneis, commander of the Storm of Annuvin, his lightning-etched blade Annuvin’s Tempest, a slender and elegant power sword, said to be imbued with the essence of a tempest from Annuvin the legendary realm of Prythain mythology.
- Drustanus Kernov, a warrior of unparalleled strength, leads the heavy-hitting formations of the Dragon’s Claw excelling in close combat and brutal hand-to-hand engagements.
- Leodogran Carmeliat, commander of the Ninth Company - Scourge of Morgen, is a relentless warrior and devoted soldier of the Emperor.
- Lamorak Listeneis, leads the Eyes of Brenin, the Tenth Company renowned for reconnaissance and precision strikes. Clad in camo-cloak, Listeneis’ long-range weapon ensures his company never misses its mark.
- Caradoc Veritas, gained legendary status within the Deathwatch after leading a kill-team against an Ork manufacturing plant. Amid overwhelming odds he destroyed the factory, halting a Waaagh! before it could spread across an entire subsector. Caradoc’s leadership and relentless resolve in the face of danger became a symbol of honor within both the Deathwatch and the Angels of Prythain. Upon returning to his chapter, he was inducted into the Knights of Daol Grenn.
- Caedric Vryn, brother Caedric served as the team sniper during a mission to recover an Eldar artifact from a Necron tomb world. Using his precision skills, he neutralized key Necron Crypteks, allowing his team to complete their objective.
- Eryndor Morthain, played a pivotal role during the cleansing of Xarkon, an industrial world overrun by Tyranids. Wielding a heavy bolter, he provided suppressive fire while his kill-team held back the xenos tide long enough for an orbital bombardment to eradicate the swarm. His stoic nature and mastery of siege warfare earned him commendation and saw him become a siege specialist, training others in heavy weaponry.
- Librarian Malcador Tynne, during a battle against an emergent Genestealer Cult, Malcador’s psychic abilities were instrumental in shielding his team from ambushes while disrupting the cult’s psychic synapse network. His deep understanding of xenos physiology and tactics proved invaluable. Malcador’s service greatly enhanced the Angels of Prythain’s own records of Genestealer patterns, and he was inducted into the Marc’heigen upon his return.
Chapter Fleet[]
The Angels of Prythain maintain a formidable fleet, designed to wage war across the stars. Unlike some of their more secretive Unforgiven brethren, the Angels of Prythain favor strategic fleet operations, combining siege warfare, planetary assaults, and rapid strike tactics to bring ruin to the enemies of the Imperium.
Their fleet is a blend of powerful battleships, fast strike cruisers, and heavily reinforced escorts, each vessel named after legendary figures and fortresses from Prythain's history. Though they lack a Gloriana-class battleship, their flagship and fleet coordination rely on specialized battle-barges and battlecruisers designed for both orbital supremacy and planetary engagements.
In total the Angels of Prythain fleet consist of five battle barges, eight strike cruisers, fifteen rapid strike vessels, and twenty five thunderhawk gunships, including:
- Excalibur Eternum (Battle Barge): The crown jewel of the Angels of Prythain fleet, Excalibur Eternum is a modified battle-barge, heavily reinforced to withstand prolonged sieges. It serves as the personal command vessel of the Brenin and the Knights of Daol Grenn, coordinating the Chapter's largest campaigns and housing entire companies. Equipped with reinforced void shields, lance batteries, and heavy macro-cannons, capable of orbital bombardments that can reduce fortified worlds to ruins.
- Bendragon's Wrath (Battle Barge): Named after an ancient warrior-lord of Prythain, this heavily armed battle-barge is often deployed to lead blockade actions, specialising in void superiority and ensuring that the Chapter's enemies are cut off from reinforcements.
- Grailbearer (Strike Cruiser): The Fourth Company, the Seekers of the Grail, uses this strike cruiser to search for relics and lost technology. As such it often operates independently from the main fleet, venturing into unexplored space and ancient warzones of the Segmentum Tempestus.
Chapter Relics[]
Hidden behind a section of the Hall of the Brenin is the reliquary, accessible only to the Merzhin and the Brenin, it holds records of the Fallen and other truths too dangerous for even most battle-brothers to know and the Chapter relics which include:
- The Blade of Caledfwlch: Is one of the most revered relics of the Angels of Prythain, its legend entwined with the Chapter's history and the myths of Prythain's culture. A master-crafted power sword of unparalleled beauty and lethality, it is said to have been wielded by an ancient Brenin (king) of Prythain, a warrior of legend who united the land under the Emperor's light during the tumultuous times of the Great Crusade.
The Blade of Caledfwlch is an elegant, slightly curved longsword, with its blade inscribed with High Gothic scripture and ancient Prythain runes, said to invoke the Emperor's blessing and the ancestral spirits of the Chapter. Its crossguard resembles a pair of outstretched wings, while the hilt is wrapped in braided leather taken from the original scabbard said to be fashioned by the hands of the Brenin himself. The pommel bears a crystalline shard rumored to be a fragment of the Crown of Prythain, linking the blade to the mountains that house Ka'maha Loth.
According to legend, it was forged in the heart of Prythain by master artificers and psykers who infused it with warp-borne energy to cleave through xenos and heretic alike. The blade was wielded by the Brenin during the battles that defined Prythain's history, from the defense of the Crown of Prythain against Ork warbands to the subjugation of rebellious warlords who defied the Emperor's will.
After the Brenin's passing, the blade was said to have been lost for centuries, hidden in the mountains of Prythain, protected by the myths of guardians and spirits. It was rediscovered by the Angels of Prythain during the reclamation of Prythain's ancient tombs, found embedded in the stone altar at the Hall of Brenin. The Chapter declared the discovery a divine omen, and the blade was enshrined as one of their greatest relics.
- The Grail of Eternity: A mysterious artifact believed to contain traces of the Emperor's light, used in the Chapter's most sacred ceremonies.
- The Helm of Uthyr: An ancient helm bestowed by the noble houses of Prythain to the Chapter, it is said to enhance the wearer's strategic acumen, passed down among the Brenins of Prythain and now among the grand masters of the Chapter.
- Shards of Caliban: Fragments of the destroyed homeworld of Caliban, kept as a solemn reminder of the Chapter's origins and the cost of failure.
- The Aegis Eternal: A massive storm shield, said to have been blessed by the Lion himself. Crafted from adamantium and ceramite, it has withstood blows that would destroy lesser shields, while its blessed surface projects an aura of unwavering defiance.
Chapter Appearance[]
The Angels of Prythain adhere closely to the principles of the Codex Astartes, but with specific adaptations that reflect their unique history and heritage of the Dark Angels.
Chapter Colours[]
- Primary Color: striking blend of camouflage green, reflecting their origins on the war-torn world of Prythain and their ties to the legacy of Caliban.
- Secondary Color: black, representing vigilance and honor in battle, worn on their helmets, shoulder pad and jumpsuit.
The Aquila, the symbol of the Imperium, is rendered in black with the skull at its center in bone, a grim reminder of the death that awaits all who challenge the Emperor's will. The first row of the Aquila's feathers is colored in bone as well, marking the Chapter's unwavering dedication to purity and strength.
The Chapter motto: Honor in Life, Eternity in Duty.
Chapter Badge[]
The Chapter badge is a green-hooded, white skull crowned with a white halo centred on a black field, representing their devotion to duty, purity of purpose, and connection to their parent chapter heritage .
Company Markings[]
Company markings are displayed on the right knee pad, similar to the tradition of the Dark Angels. The selected elite members of the Knights of Daol display on the left kneepad a gold cross over a black field signifying their Unforgiven vows.
Squad Markings[]
Squad designation and type are marked on the right pauldron in white icons consistent with the Codex Astartes. Veterans display additional adornments, such as a laurel wreath or a gilded trim around the squad icon.
Personal Heraldry[]
The Angels of Prythain encourage individual knights to bear personal heraldry, reflecting their oaths and victories.This is typically displayed on the left knee pad or as small adornments on their armour, such as shield motifs, purity seals, or tabards.
Battle brother engaged in long-term campaigns may display crusade badges or honor marks on their chest plates or vambraces.
The Angels of Prythain's heraldry blends the Codex Astartes' clarity with the legacy of the Dark Angels, reflecting their dual heritage. A fusion, inspired by Lucius Artorius Castus's belief in redemption through service and a vision of a knightly order adapted to the Imperium's needs.
Relations[]
Allies[]
The Angels of Prythain, as successors of the Dark Angels and members of the Unforgiven, maintain a complex web of alliances forged through shared secrets, mutual vigilance, and the Imperium’s endless wars. While their primary bonds lie with fellow Unforgiven chapters, they have also formed pragmatic partnerships with other Astartes forces, blending their siege expertise with complementary strengths. These collaborations, often born of necessity during the Indomitus Crusade and battles in the Segmentum Tempestus, reflect the chapter’s commitment to redemption and the Emperor’s cause under Brenin Lucius Artorius Castus.
Bonds with the Unforgiven
A deep kinship has been formed with the Angels of Vengeance, where Lucius Artorius Castus, as a veteran, distinguished himself in countless battles including the Battle of the Caliban System and the 13th Black Crusade. This alliance has continued in hunts for the Fallen, with Angels of Vengeance second company scouting alongside Prythain outriders in Quests of the Shrouded Blade, sharing intelligence on hidden traitors without compromising secrecy.
The Angels of Prythain also share a unique connection with the Angels of Absolution, not only due to their mutual respect as Unforgiven and collaborations but particularly due to their shared view on the events during the fall of Caliban and the atonement of the loyal forces. This bond extends to joint vigils in Ka’maha Loth, where Angels of Absolution Chaplains have joined the Vigil of the Lion, reinforcing the chapter’s philosophy of redemption through service.
These Unforgiven ties, veiled from outsiders, ensure the Angels of Prythain remain part of the collective hunt, their Brenin consulting with Vengeance and Absolution masters via encrypted astropathic relays.
Partnerships with Other Chapters
Among these alliances, the Angels of Prythain have joined forces with the Red Talons, Executioners, Storm Wings, and Lamenters in the defense of Segmentum Pacificus and Segmentum Tempestus, united against Xenos and Chaos threats. In the Siege of Tregaron’s Vaults, the Red Talons’ armored assaults complemented the Prythain’s defensive lines, their Dreadnoughts charging alongside Centurions to shatter Necron fortifications, forging a bond through shared siege mastery.
The Executioners, with their savage headhunting, allied in the Scouring of Kharon’s Rift, where Prythain Spears of Prythain fought in brutal engagements against the orks, their combined fury cleansing the caverns and strengthening frontier defenses.
With the Storm Wings, fleet-based strikers, the Angels of Prythain collaborated in multiple skirmish against the Tyranids, their Thunderhawks coordinating with Prythain Drop Pods to deliver devastating orbital blows, their rapid assaults turning the tide in the Fourth Tyrannic War’s early incursions.
The Lamenters, tragic heroes of the Blood Angels, partnered in the Fall of Eldralith Spire, their self-sacrificial charges bolstered by Prythain artillery, purging Eldar Corsairs and sharing tales of redemption that resonated with Prythain’s vigilance. These partnerships, rooted in mutual respect for endurance against the xenos tide, have solidified the Angels of Prythain’s role as steadfast guardians of the Imperium’s borders.
Enemies[]
The Angels of Prythain primary adversaries are the rebellious Xenos factions encroaching upon the Segmentum Tempestus, including the Orks, Tyranids, and the chaos-corrupted remnants of the Traitor Legions. The chapter's success on the battlefield, aided by their mastery of all forms of combat, is legendary. They proved themselves capable of rapid strikes, devastating fire support, and guerrilla warfare in the wilds of the Chiros Sector.
Notable Quotes[]
By: Angels of Prythain[]
About: Angels of Prythain[]
Gallery[]
