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This article, Nineteen Red Ravens, was written by Wyrrgy. This is an Expanded Universe article. The lore expands upon established canon, but does not contradict it. |
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This article, Nineteen Red Ravens, was written by Wyrrgy. Please do not edit or 'acquire' this fiction without the writer's permission. |
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This article, Nineteen Red Ravens, is currently under active construction. The author, Wyrrgy, apologizes for the inconvenience. |
Chapter History[]
Horus Heresy[]
The history of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter harkens back to the Age of Darkness, during the galaxy-wide conflict known as the Horus Heresy, primarily to the events of the Dropsite Massacre of Isstvan V. It was here, that several members of the Astartes fell under various companies, 14 Chapters, XIXth Legion. During the tragic events of the Urgall Depression, various surviving Legionnaires became separated from the main army of the XIXth Legion and their companies in the confusion of the retreat. And they witnessed brutal atrocities around them.
In the following days, these Astartes managed to join the rest of the XIXth Legion. Until Corax and his children were driven to the Gular Salt Plains. The Legionnaires, numbering around 50 Astartes, were separated from the Legion during the retreat and were driven into nearby ravines. And were thus unable to participate in the final battle at the Gular Salt Plains. And so unfortunately missed Commander Branne's unexpected rescue mission. These 50 Astartes were stranded on Isstvan V for the next few months. The Astartes formed into several squads. All the while they were on the run and hiding from the Traitor Legions and surviving on the planet's surface in various catacomb hideouts. Later they moved further north and hid in the desert area. During that time they went through several hard clashes with members of the Chaos Legions. By miracle or chance, 2 squad managed to find a wrecked but slightly damaged Thunderhawk belonging to the Traitor Legion World Ethers. After a few weeks, the "Mechanics" managed to get the ship operational.
In the end, only 22 surviving Astartes from various companies boarded the Thunderhawk with several containers of gene-seed.
Since the Thunderhawk originally belonged to the Traitors, the ship managed to get off the planet. Their next intention was to find a larger ship capable of warp travel among the battle debris in the system, if it were necessary to repair it and fly home. Unfortunately, their intention failed. The Astartes were unable to find a ship capable of operation in space. So they decided not to return to the planet.
But luck or fate favored them. The Raven Guard Command sent a small reconnaissance mission to the planet Istvan V. A strike cruiser named Silent Omen, on board of which were 11 Raven Guard Legionnaires. Silent Omen was picked up by Thunderhawk and had to immediately jump into warp because it was attacked by enemies. Thanks to the Warp Anomaly, the ship emerged into reality at the beginning of the 39th millennium.
39th millennium[]
Silent Omen with 33 Legionnaires arrived at Deliverance. The crew of surviving Astartes was subjected to investigation, whether they belonged to traitors or whether they were somehow negatively affected by the warp. When a few weeks later all tests finally confirmed the purity of their gene-seed and loyalty to the Imperium of Man and the Raven Guard. Their gene-seed was declared a relic. The then Chapter Master with the Librarian decided on the necessity of isolating and protecting this gene-seed. As a secret project, a special secret unit of the Raven Guard - Shadow Fears was formed from all 33 surviving Astartes.
Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter Banner
40th millennium[]
In the following centuries, after several successful missions, it was decided that the unit would become the cornerstone for the founding of a new Chapter with pure gene-seed. The founding of a separate Chapter occurred in the period M39.600-700. At the beginning of its existence, the Chapter was founded as a fleet. In the time of M40.009, the Chapter liberated Planet Guranion 12 from the Dark Eldar cabal. About a century later, this planet became the Homeworld of the Chapter.
Notable Campaigns[]
- Operation Silent Roar (404.M39): A sharp increase in Orc activity was detected in the central part of the Velkaer sector, including signs of the construction of a massive war machine. Unable to respond in time due to a lack of troops, Imperial forces were dispatched to the planet Ikran-Delta, a Shadow Fears strike force with the goal of destroying key infrastructure before the Orc war could fully erupt. The unit landed at night in the ruins of an old manufacturing zone and split into smaller teams. Saboteurs mined supply routes while Devastators positioned themselves on elevated positions. The tactical core then struck directly at the Orc command post, incapacitating their warboss and causing panic. Despite mounting resistance, the Astartes stuck to their plan - the enemy was disorganized and unable to respond in a coordinated manner. A series of controlled explosions destroyed the power cores, and the Gargant, which was being built, collapsed into its own ranks. The Shadow Fears withdrew without a trace after completing their objective. The operation was considered a complete success. The Orc threat in the sector was averted before it could grow to any greater proportions. The mission demonstrated the unit's ability to strike quickly, silently, and precisely - as the spirit of the XIX Legion and the Raven Guard demanded.
- Battle of Oryx-Tau (499.M39): The Shadow Fears unit was dispatched to the planet Oryx-Tau in the Gharron Nebulae, where signs of chaotic activity had emerged. The planet's surface was infested with warp energy, indicative of the presence of Word Bearers. The mission's objective was to strike before the warp rift opened. Veteran Sergeant Decael Torm led a platoon of devastators and occupied a high ground with a direct line of fire on the main complex. His heavy weapon silenced several defensive positions and allowed the strike teams to advance. Despite fierce resistance, Torm remained steadfast, holding a position from which he could coordinate the fire of the entire section. When the enemy attempted a counterattack, Torm decided to cover the retreat of the part of the forces that were in contact inside the complex. In the final overload of fire systems, he fell, personally stopping a group of mutant warriors with a swift volley. His heavy bolter remained the last weapon in action until his brothers withdrew to a safe zone. Torm's body was later found at the scene of the clash - he remained at his post until the end. His sacrifice allowed the mission objective to be completed without further losses. His name was inscribed in the annals of the fallen and to this day serves as an example of calm and devotion in the heart of chaos.
- Operation Glass Silence (561.M39): A Tau interstellar communicator on the moon of Yiv'Ratha-3 began jamming Imperial transmissions throughout the Vathor subsector. Imperial command had designated the station as a priority target for destruction, but a direct attack was ruled out due to the strong defenses and civilian presence. The task was entrusted to the Shadow Fears unit, known for their ability to destroy with surgical precision. During the night, the pods landed with a small squad in craters near the station. The soldiers moved unnoticed through the maintenance systems, guided by old maps from the days of human colonization. The saboteurs placed a silent charge on the main power core, while the rest of the team prepared escape routes. The explosion hit precisely. The communications complex collapsed in on itself, and its debris scattered into the wasteland. The Tau were disoriented and most of their defenses reacted too late. The Shadow Fears left the moon without casualties, while the communications chaos in the area prevailed, which the Empire used to quickly counterattack. The mission lasted less than six hours, but its impact was calculated to affect entire systems. In the unit's chronicles, it was marked as a textbook example of the silent destruction of a key target without open conflict.
- Battle of the Varantar Tomb (Date Unknown; Officially - 400-700.M39): On the planet Varantar, which was known for its ancient tombs and archaeological sites from the Dark Age of Technology. During the research, a warp seal was discovered, which attracted the attention of the Word Bearers and their 7th Company, the Black Choir. Together with the Chaos Cultists of the Cults of the Doomsday Confession, they began performing rituals on the planet, during which they sacrificed civilians and prepared to activate the warp portal. The Shadow Fears, an elite unit of the Raven Guard, volunteered for this mission to prevent the activation of the "Gate of Confession". And also to exterminate their hated enemies from the World Bearers. With the help of the surviving Deltar Guards, they began a guerrilla war in the underground catacombs, selectively eliminating the Chaos leaders and Word Bearers preachers. The attacks were swift and precise, but the Chaosites were determined to open the portal at all costs. The decisive moment came when the Chaos forces were able to activate the portal. The then-young Librarian Duren Valak sacrificed himself to deactivate the warp seals, preventing the planet Varantar from being swallowed up. Also killed in the battle was Sergeant Mornak Sael, a veteran known for his tenacity and determination, who was a key authority figure to the Shadow Fears' younger brothers. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Shadow Fears and their sacrifices, the planet Varantar was saved from falling into the Immaterium. Although the unit suffered casualties, their success ensured the planet's safety and halted the spread of Chaos. Varantar became a sacred place where the relics of fallen heroes, especially Mornak Sael, were enshrined.
- Battle of the Gharron Nebula ((Date Unknown; Officially - 600-700.M39): Several Imperial ships disappeared in a remote area known as the Gharron Nebula. The reconnaissance revealed the activity of the World Eaters – former brothers of the Legiones Astartes, now malignant servants of Khorne’s fury. The Shadow Fears were sent to investigate and stop the threat. The operation led through wrecked ships and dead colonies, whose ruins were ravaged by crazed berserkers. Sergeant Malrek Othus led a tactical squad into the heart of the battlefield – the devastated orbital station of Korshen’s Fall, where the World Eaters had set up a command post. The battle was fierce and personal. The Shadow Fears used precision, deception and movement, while the traitors threw their bodies into the attack without fear of death. Malrek Othus fell while covering the retreat of his wounded brother, pinned between two treacherous chain-axe marines. After several days of fighting, the World Eaters’ forces were scattered. The Shadow Fears had won – but at a high price. Malrek Othus' body was never found, but his helmet was recovered from the wreckage and placed in the treasury. His death symbolically closed the era of shadow warfare - before the brothers revealed themselves to the world as a new chapter.
- Battle of Ilathen Bridge (991.M39): The Chapter's Nineteen Red Ravens faced an unexpected invasion by an Eldar splinter "lighthouse" in the Ephesus system. The conflict began when Eldar warriors launched a series of surgical strikes on defense stations around the moon Ilathen, disrupting Imperial control of a key trade route. The Third Company was sent to secure Ilathen Bridge - a vast orbital structure connecting an industrial complex to a defense station. Led by Aspects of the Guardians and highly mobile units, the Eldar forces used teleportation and rapid strikes to sabotage and confuse Imperial lines. The Chapter responded by deploying a combination of Devastators, assault teams, and precision drop pod reinforcements. The fighting was characterized by unpredictable movements of the Eldar forces and the need to adapt tactics on the fly. The company commanders applied the doctrine of flexible command, which managed to stabilize the situation and force the Eldar to withdraw after the destruction of their transmission crystal. The resilience and discipline of the units were particularly outstanding during the night phase of the engagement, when the brothers were literally cut off from the main force. The battle ended in victory for the Nineteen Red Ravens, albeit at the cost of several fallen brothers and severely damaged station systems. The bridge was held and subsequently fortified, while the Eldar survivors withdrew via a hidden portal. The conflict was later recorded in the Chapter's chronicles as a warning against underestimating fast enemies.
- The Hunt in the Shadows of Guranion (009.M40): In the year M40.09, a wave of sudden kidnappings and massacres struck the planet Guranion 12 - entire villages disappeared without a trace, bodies were found mutilated and desiccated. The name "Black Riders from the Stars" resurfaced from ancient clan legends - dark gods who hunt humans like game. In reality, it was an incursion by the Dark Eldar cabal, led by Archon Vess'korys, who had chosen the planet as a new hunting ground for entertainment and the slave trade. The Adetus Mechanikum had a small research team on the planet, as it had been conducting genetic research on the planet's population for many years to determine whether it was suitable as a homeworld for future Chapters. The Mechanic units lacked the resources to confront the Eldar threat. So they sent out a distress signal for help. The Nineteen Red Ravens, the closest loyal Astartes at the time, picked up the call for help and arrived without hesitation. They landed in the Misty Mountains Valley at night and began Operation Silent Light. Thanks to the presence of the Mechanic, the Marines received detailed information about the terrain and the distribution of enemy forces. Thanks to this, they tracked down and eliminated the Drukhari attack groups one by one. The Battle of several weeks culminated at the sacred site of Stonecradle, where the Nineteen Red Ravens destroyed the portal gate back to Commorragh and killed Vess'korys himself. The result was that for the quick and decisive action that protected the population and prevented further attacks, the planet was officially entrusted to the stewardship of the Nineteen Red Ravens as their domain several years later.
- The Ordeal of the Eclipse of Doom (412.M40): The 6th Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, under the command of their Captain Daryn Kol, is sent to the Hesiskar Prime system to escort a convoy of Adeptus Mechanics supply ships. The mission goes awry when a massive Space Hulk, the Eclipse of Doom, emerges from the warp and appears directly in the convoy's path. During an emergency maneuver, the Strike Cruiser Silent Fenix suffers critical damage and Kol orders an emergency landing on one of the Space Hulk's stable sections. Shortly after landing, however, it becomes clear that the hulk is not dead - its corridors are inhabited by the mutated remnants of the World Eaters, who have turned into bloodthirsty monsters after millennia. The escort mission becomes a battle for survival. Daryn Kol immediately organizes defenses and divides the brothers into sectors to hold their positions as long as possible. The fighting lasted six days before the company was surrounded. Kol decided to stay with most of his command squad and cover the retreat of the last survivors. In the meantime, a small platoon of 6th Company sabotaged the wreck's reactor core, triggering the self-destruction of the entire Space Hulk. Only seventeen brothers escaped, carrying their captains' sealing wax and the memory of their brave captain, who fell with both judgment and honor. In his honor, the brothers of 6th Company have since recited an oath known as Kol's Formula: "Where logic fails, let reason prevail. Where reason falls, let honor stand."
- Operation Silent Fall (477.M40): The presence of Word Bearer forces in the Halvorn sector was revealed, transforming the abandoned industrial complex of Vordath Secundus into a bastion for the spread of heresy. The Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter sent a small infiltration team to carry out a sabotage operation. The mission was to destroy a key power reactor connected to a warp communications facility that could summon reinforcements from the depths of the Eye of Terror. Tarven Jhelt, a veteran saboteur and master infiltration, was given command of the operation. Together with five brothers, he penetrated deep into the enemy complex, overcoming cultist defenses and demonic guards, and placed a timed charge on the main reactor shaft - the explosion was intended to destroy the entire complex and disrupt the warp flow of communications. As they retreated, the brothers were intercepted by a patrol of Word Bearers. In the ensuing clash, two Astartes were seriously injured. Jhelt realized that the enemy could locate and deactivate the bomb. Therefore, he decided to stay. Together with his two brothers, he formed a final defensive ring - slowing the enemy and blocking access to the charge until their last breath. The explosion tore the complex apart. All data, equipment, and heretical forces present were wiped out. The bodies of the saboteurs were never found—only a recording of the final communication, in which Jhelt calmly confirms the success of the mission. Their names are now carved into a plaque inside the 9th Company sanctuary—a reminder of heroism without witnesses.
- Three Broken Wings on Antheron (505.M40): In M40.505, Imperial reconnaissance probes arrived at the planet Antheron—an agroworld crucial to the supply of the entire subsector—and confirmed the presence of a small fleet of World Eaters in orbit. It turned out that the forces of Chaos had already occupied the planet and were beginning to transform its surface into an arena of blood and madness. The first distress call for help came from the ruins of the former monastery of the Order of the Black Lilies, where the last surviving sisters were putting up a desperate resistance against the invading World Eaters. At the request of the Ordo Hereticus, the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter responded, and three of its companies - the 3rd, 4th, and 10th - were dispatched to the planet to disrupt the occupation, locate and destroy key enemy command posts, and assist in the evacuation of civilian and clerical personnel. During the fierce fighting in orbit, the Chapter's units were dropped into the atmosphere under full fire, while the battle fleet fought a desperate battle with the World Eaters. At the climax of the battle, the Chapter's flagship, the Bleeding Dagger, was badly damaged by a combined volley of torpedoes and plasma fire and exploded before evacuation procedures could be completed. Captain Helrak Fenn, Phantom Master of the Wings, of the 4th Company, died on board. The explosion also hit the supporting frigates, disrupting communication and coordination between the companies. The Astartes were thus drawn into the ground fighting in isolation, with no hope of reinforcement or retreat. The surface of the planet quickly turned into a bloody hell - the World Eaters already controlled key areas, and the lower orders of demons roamed freely among the ruins. Heavy fighting took place in the ruins of the city, with every street a new trap. Reconnaissance units of the 10th Company, led by Tharek Duskborn, were sent to map the enemy positions, but they were ambushed - Tharek was mortally wounded in a battle with World Eater berserkers while covering the retreat of his unit and the seriously injured Sister Claris of the Order of the Black Lilies. His body remained at the scene of the clash, but his efforts saved many lives. The Sororitas became a key ally at this stage - their faith and firepower helped hold the lines where technology and discipline failed. The fighting on the surface lasted for two long weeks, during which the situation changed with every hour. Each day brought new clashes, new casualties. The tactical units of the 3rd Company led key counter-attacks to slow down the World Eater units advancing from the eastern slopes. Jorvan Kreel, a veteran of the command platoon and a natural leader in the field, took command of the shattered unit after their sergeant fell. He coordinated the devastator fire and the attack with the Sisters of the Order of the Black Lily in an area known as Cathedral Pass. Kreel died while leading a counterattack to cover the retreating Allied forces—he was swept away by a plasma shell blast. However, his decisive leadership allowed the sororitas to pull their badly wounded to safety. After three more weeks of grueling fighting and defensive maneuvers, the turning point came—but not from the Nineteen Red Ravens. The decimated 3rd, 4th, and 10th companies had suffered heavy casualties and had to retreat to the ruins in the mountains, where they dug in and attempted a last-ditch hold. Reinforcements arrived. Ordo Hereticus units, Sisters of Silence, more Sororitas of the Order of the Black Lily. The new forces managed to deal decisive blows to the Chaosites. And in the end, they won - the Chaos portal was closed and the remaining World Eaters scattered. The battle was won, but not won - not for the Ravens. The loss of three veterans from Isstvan V, the destruction of the Chapter's flagship, dozens of fallen Astartes, and the collapse of the operational structures in two companies dealt the Chapter the greatest blow since its founding. The name of the battle - "Three Broken Wings" - became synonymous with pain and sacrifice.
- Battle of Frowar (555.M40): On the outskirts of the Arkeon capital city on the industrial planet Frowar, an ancient Necron tomb awakened. Before the Imperial administration could realize the extent of the threat, the defenders were overwhelmed and the city was reduced to ruins controlled by ruthless machines. Part of the 3rd Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens was deployed to locate and destroy the core of the Necron presence. In the ruins of Arkeon, the Astartes clashed with relentless legions of Necron Warriors, including heavily armed Immortals and the insidious Flayed Ones. Although the marines managed to form a defensive line and neutralize several teleport beacons, they were repeatedly forced to retreat in the face of overwhelming odds. Apothecary Ferren Raal, known as the Cold Touch, tirelessly tended to the wounded and extracted the gene-seed of their fallen brethren under enemy fire. Tragedy struck when veteran Faralus Gaheron was gravely wounded during a breach into the main chamber of the underground complex. Ferren Raal immediately moved to his position and began an extraction. At that moment, the area was hit by a volley of Necron weapons. Ferren covered his fallen brother's body with his own, saving his gene-seed, but himself succumbed to his devastating injuries. After the battle, the Necron presence was eliminated through targeted strikes and bombardment of the main tomb. Ferren Raal was solemnly inducted into the Hall of Heroes, as his death became a symbol of the apothecary's oath - to protect the brothers' gene-bequest at all costs.
- Defense of Castle Sourstone (614.M40): On the devastated world of Thullis, for centuries stood the silent fortress known as Castle Sourstone - a pre-Imperial observatory of black stone - surrounded by acid mists and corrosive rain. During the bloody campaign of the orcish Waaagh Tzolkha. This isolated outpost was attacked by a massive force of Orc warriors led by the warlord Gharazamad the Grey Claw. Thirty Marines, part of the 2nd Company of Nineteen Red Ravens, and their librarian Thareon “The Silent Voice,” were sent to defend it. Once the Marines arrived, they had no choice but to retreat. The communications link failed and the orbiting Strike Cruiser “Corax’s Heart” was destroyed. The battle lasted fourteen days and nights. Thareon, a master of the discipline of Shadow Memory, sealed the minds of the defenders, binding them to the structure of the fortress itself. As the troops fell, their memories remained: in the walls, in the shadows, in the echoes. The Orcs were blinded, confused, and mad with terror—attacking wraiths, falling into traps, fighting each other. Thareon commanded in silence, his thoughts guiding his remaining brothers as one blow. Yet the end was inevitable. He and his four brothers were the last to go, trapped in the heart of the fortress armory. When the Imperial Navy landing party arrived weeks later, they found only ash, rubble, and Thareon's charred body in a lotus seat—at the heart of a circle of shadow and ice. The message sealed in his psychic seal ended with the words: "Memory holds us. And we hold the line."
- Battle of the Black Moon of Neluthar (684.M40): This mission initially appeared to be a standard infiltration operation. A reconnaissance force from the 7th Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, led by Librarian Vekar Teralith, was tasked with eliminating a demonic prophet who was spreading psychic madness across the continent of Luthar. Vekar and his brothers made the landing, equipped with camouflage gear and precise orders. It soon became clear that the enemy's strength had been underestimated. Chaos cultists and marines... protected the prophet with warp spells. Which distorted space itself and disrupted communication links. After several days of protracted fighting and losses in the Astartes ranks, Vekar decided to act alone. According to the orbital probe's records, the Marines of the 7th Company fiercely defended the temple entrance under the onslaught of overwhelming enemy forces, while Vekar himself entered the prophet's temple and unleashed a technique known as the Memory Core Rupture, a psychic strike focused on direct contact with the target's mind. The result was a massive psychic detonation of energy that wiped out all life within a twenty-kilometer radius. All that remained were piles of dead bodies from both sides and scorched earth. Vekar's body was never found. The names of the fallen Astartes were inscribed in the Record of the Raven's Voices with a special seal. This battle remains one of the most terrifying testaments to the selfless service of the Astartes.
- Battle of Haark's Fall (812.M40): The Battle of Haark's Fall took place on the edge of the Tenebris sector, where the once-proud manufacturing world of Haark II had been reduced to a ruin-covered wasteland under the onslaught of a massive Ork invasion. Waaagh! The Grambuk had overrun the entire planet, crushing the Imperial defenses in a matter of weeks. The remaining forces retreated to the ruins of the main hive, Dorrask, where they awaited a miracle - or doom. The Nineteen Red Ravens, led by the 1st Company under the command of Verrian Drosk, answered the call for help. The Astartes landing was swift and hard. Verrian personally led the assault on the roofs of the hive, where they fought furiously to cut off the Ork supply lines. In the midst of the battle, during the third wave of the enemy attack, a veteran carrying the 1st Company's banner was mortally wounded by a shell explosion. The standard fell into the mud among the rubble, half-burnt. Verrian, who had once saved the 44th Company battalion from Isstvan, did not hesitate - he grabbed the flag and rushed forward without a word. The banner rose again - dirty, torn, but visible. The surrounding brothers followed Verrian in a counterattack that momentarily turned the tide. Verrian led the spearhead of the attack to the command center of the orc headquarters, where he encountered Warbos himself. The orc boss was a colossus, brutal and mad, armed with a hammer made of engine pistons. Verrian faced the monster in face-to-face combat. The duel lasted minutes, perhaps only seconds - in a furious rhythm of sword, banner, and blows. Finally, the boss impaled Verrian with the rusty tip of his blade. But at that moment, Drosk's final blow—a fist clenched around the standard—struck him squarely in the throat. Verrian fell like a warrior, his banner clutched tightly in his hands. The Warboss collapsed beside him—severely wounded and sentenced to death, which Sergeant Kaelos delivered to him hours later. The banner was saved, stained with Verrian's blood. Today it hangs in the Hall of Deception on Guranion 12, an unforgettable symbol of loyalty that does not fall—even when its bearer does.
- Battle of Nacht Exodus (868.M40): Erupted on the lost moon of Drelhar IX, where an Adeptus Mechanicus archaeological team was summoned to investigate underground structures of unknown origin. When the explorers lost contact, four squads of the 5th Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens, including Librarian Kalen Mirhane, were dispatched to the planet at the request of the Tech-Priests to assess the situation and ensure the evacuation of survivors. Adeptus Mechanicus archaeologists discovered an unidentified xenos structure on the moon of Drelhar IX, which was later revealed to be a malfunctioning Webway gate. Its activation inadvertently allowed Drukhari forces to enter the planet. As 4th Company Astartes penetrated the core of the underground complex, they were attacked by the forces of the Thousand Bloodbound Cabal, whose technology distorted space, time, and the senses. Confusion, disorientation, and a series of false ambushes soon divided the platoons and shattered command. Librarian Kalen attempted to stabilize the situation using his own Reality Fixation technique, which anchored the brothers' consciousness through collective memory. While this helped hold the formation together for a little longer, the Eldar resistance grew stronger. Deep in the catacombs, however, the brothers encountered Archon Veyressi himself and his relic known as the Seal of the Cowfetters. Kalen resolved to absorb its power in an attempt to prevent its use. Archon Veyressi, in a last-ditch attempt to thwart Kalen's efforts, cast a powerful warp spell. The combination of the two energies created a powerful surge of energy that eventually exploded, causing the ceiling of the underground complex to collapse. The losses of 5th Company were heavy, with 4th Platoon alone being a single Marine. The operation was formally concluded as a tactical defeat, but Kalen's act remains etched in memory as a desperate attempt to turn the despair of battle into solid ground.
Chapter Homeworld[]
Name:[]
Status:[]
Inhabited planet.
Type:[]
Feudal world.
Relationship:[]
The presence of the Chapter on the planet is a form of stewardship - the population has limited contact. The Astartes are seen as mythical heroes, from legends.
Population:[]
A less populated planet...
Location:[]
… I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THIS….
Fortress-Monastery[]
Name: Alatum castellum
Type: Planetary Fortress.
Location: Located at the site of the planet's highest mountain. Surrounded by dense clouds.
Description: A massive and vast fortress, built inside a mountain. Its main tower, which also houses the main entrance to the fortress, is shaped like a raven's head.
Most important rooms:
- Corax's Great Hall: A vast entrance hall, showing the power and glory of the Chapter. The walls of the hall are lined with 22 statues of heroes and many reliefs depicting famous battles from the Chapter's history. The ceiling of the hall depicts a scene of the battle of Isstvan 5 so that no member of the Chapter will forget the horrors from which the Chapter was born. On the floor in the middle of the hall is the Chapter's emblem. On the opposite side of the main gate is a statue of Corvus Corax, reminding everyone who is their father.
- Raven Hall: A huge aviary was built inside the fortress, where the Chapter keeps ravens from Terra. The ravens are also allowed to roam freely throughout the fortress and around it. The Chapter Master himself takes care of the largest and strongest raven.
- Librarium (Raven Wisdom): The second most important place in the fortress is the great Library. Where the librarians guard and preserve the entire history of the Chapter. The oldest records hide a past dating back to the times of the Great Crusade. The memories of all 22 original marines who survived Isstvan V are recorded here. Also their memories of various battles during the Great Crusade. Thanks to these records of memories, the Chapter managed to find several ancient Dreadnoughts lying on ancient battlefields.
- Forge and Armory: Deep under the mountaintop is the Chapter's forge and armory. Therefore, it is able to maintain its own combat needs.
- Apothecarion: The most heavily guarded inner complex of rooms where the Apothecarions tend to wounded Space Marines. It also serves as a repository for the Chapter's gene seed, of course.
- Reclusiam (Chapel): The Chapter also has a sacred place that contains rare relics acquired throughout the Chapter's history. Here are fragments of armor from Isstvan 5, armor from fallen champions of the Chapter. Blessed weapons that have drunk deeply of the blood of Heretic, xenos, and humans. Banners and shattered icons of defeated enemies.
- Chambers of the Silent Voices: These are special, isolated rooms within each Company's chapel. They are reserved for brothers who are on the verge of spiritual imbalance. They serve as a place of meditation, penance, and healing of the mind for those who have been struck by the shadow of loss, guilt for the fall of a comrade, or symptoms of mental instability. Each chamber is decorated in the style of its company, the walls covered with wax seals and engraved with quotes from the Song of the Red Ash Wings. The room is completely silent. The brother spends his time here alone, under the supervision of a chaplain who enters the chamber only for designated moments of contemplation. The purpose of these chambers is not to punish, but to help the brother find his place in the shadows again - in a balance between memory, silence and the will to continue. Returning from the Chamber of Silent Voices is considered a rebirth, and brothers who pass through it are often quieter, more serious - but stronger than ever.
- Chamber of Remembrance: A sacred and silent place deep in the heart of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter's fortress monastery, serving as the spiritual center of the Chapter and a temple to the memory of the fallen. Inside a circular chamber, lined with niches of sealed relics and fragments of armor, lies the sealed Codex Record of Raven Voices. The chamber is a place of contemplation, penance, and oath, where brothers silently pay their respects to those who have fallen and confront their own past. Every step, every whispered name, and every touch of stone here is a reminder that memory is not a burden—but a commitment.
- Crypts: A complex of burial chambers deep in the heart of the mountain. The marines of this chapter also honor their dead—When a battlebrother falls, his brothers take Corvia and his Brother's Soul totem, then his body is left at the site of his death. Upon his return to the Keep, the marine's items are placed in a chest that is then walled up in a small tomb. On it is carved his portrait and a list of his deeds.
Chapter Organisation[]
Reaction to Primaris:[]
The Chapter in the times of M42. can still be considered a Firstborn Chapter. Because it has not yet received Primaris reinforcements. The Chapter has basic, concise information about Primaris from various Imperial and non-Imperial sources. But this information has so far created skepticism among the Chapter's top leadership. If the Nineteen Red Ravens receive Primaris reinforcements in the future, it is not impossible that they will accept them. But it is also not impossible that they will not accept them, since the Apothecaries deeply revere the original purity of their Primarch's Geneseed. Furthermore, the Adeptus Mechanicus itself has a great interest in maintaining the purity of the original geneseed of Primarch Corvus Corax and the Raven Guard Legion.
General Description:[]
Chapter Master, 10 Captains - Each Captain has a command squad. 100 Marines, 10 platoons. 1 Sergeant for each company.
Standard role advancement:[]
After a warrior becomes a full-fledged Battle Brother, he is assigned to a Devastator unit to gain experience in power armor combat. He serves in a support role to the heavy weapons brothers in the unit. He identifies targets, carries ammunition, and collects weapons from fallen soldiers. Once proven stable and reliable in battle, he is assigned one of the heavy weapons. As the Space Marine proves himself steadfast and disciplined in the Devastator units over the following years, he earns a place in the assault squads, which are specialists in close combat.. They are equipped with jump packs and armed with a melee weapon in each hand. In these units, a Marine should learn to enjoy close combat and look the enemy in the eye without fear. After a Space Marine of the Nineteen Red Ravens has proven himself to be brave and wise, he may earn a place in the Tactical Squads. Also thanks to his service in the Devastator and Assault units, he has demonstrated his adaptability in his approach to the art of war and mastery of a variety of tactics and weapons. When a Space Marine has participated in hundreds of campaigns and thousands of battles, and has overcome the worst that the galaxy can throw at him, he is considered a veteran. Even in the Nineteen Red Ravens, such honor is not measured by length of service, but by blood shed, horrors overcome, and mighty deeds performed. Veterans of the Nineteen Red Ravens are also battle-proven leaders and highly experienced warriors. As such, they often fulfill the role of sergeant, leading squads of all types in any of the other companies. When a veteran demonstrates many years of combat experience and is awarded the Crux Terminatus and other war honors, he or she earns the right to serve in the elite 1st Company. In the Nineteen Red Ravens, veterans often wear classic power armor, which is why they are most often formed into Vanguard Veterans or Sternguard Squads. Because Terminator armor is less mobile than other Space Marines, the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter does not own many of these armors and only a small number of elite Veterans wear them. These veterans have the Indomitus pattern at their disposal. The Chapter also has several Tartaros pattern armors.
Climbing the ranks:[]
In the Nineteen Red Ravens, each new brother starts out as an ordinary warrior. They learn to cooperate, handle pressure, and survive their first encounters with the enemy. Those who succeed become a full-fledged part of the unit. Those who prove themselves in combat and can remain calm under pressure are given more responsibility. They begin to lead small groups, and other brothers rely on them and follow their example. Some eventually take the lead, plan events, or supervise the training of younger ones. Not because they ask, but because they have shown that they can do it—by actions, not by words.
Officer Ranks[]
Chapter Master role:[]
The Chapter Master of the Nineteen Red Ravens, as the greatest warrior, he has centuries of combat experience and is a master in all forms of combat. He leads the battle from the front lines, his experience allowing him to see how victory can be achieved. He also serves as the Governor of Guaniron 12, the home planet of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, and has overall command of the battle fleet.
Captains’ roles and specialist duties:[]
Phantom Master of the Keep, Captain of the 1st Company.[]
His duty is also to maintain the balance between military command and the spiritual shadow that permeates the Chapter's culture. In peacetime, he oversees the training of the most elite veterans, and in wartime, he leads the charge where unyielding strength and centuries of experience are needed.
Phantom Master of the Watch, Captain of the 2nd Company.[]
Duties as Captain: He is the ultimate commander of the Chapter's Keep defenses and oversees the security of the homeworld of Guranion 12. When the Chapter Master is off-planet, he assumes full responsibility for coordinating defense systems, standbys, and forces. He has the authority to call in defense units, activate reserve armories, and direct defenses in conjunction with the fleet and Techmarines. He also ensures that all access to genetic resources, libraries, and relics is protected according to Chapter protocols.
Phantom Master of the Arsenal, Captain of the 3rd Company. Company[]
He plays a key role as the Chapter's weapons and ammunition administrator. He is responsible for the inventory, distribution, and operational status of weapons systems, from personal weapons to heavy support systems to specialized ammunition and relic weapons. He works closely with the Techmarines and forges, overseeing supply logistics and ensuring that each company receives the appropriate equipment for its tactical deployment. In times of crisis, he has the authority to allocate weapons from reserve stores or release relics into combat - and his decisions often determine whether a mission ends in victory or defeat.
Phantom Master of the Wings, Captain of Company 4.[]
The Captain is responsible for all space operations of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. As Fleet Admiral, he commands the flagship and all accompanying vessels - from battleships to strike cruisers to escort frigates. He plans and coordinates orbital landings, blockades, atmospheric penetrations, and warp movements throughout the Chapter. His job is to ensure that every mission has the necessary support from space and that the Chapter's units can operate quickly, silently, and deadly effectively at any time. He also directs the training of space pilots and crews, oversees the fleet's health, and makes decisions about the deployment of individual ships, including the allocation of transports to companies.
Phantom Master of the Marches, Captain of Company 5.[]
He is a key figure in the strategic planning and logistical deployment of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. He oversees the operational deployment of all companies, monitors the development of campaigns, and maintains extensive tactical records and reports on the status of units, supplies, and losses. His primary role is to ensure that in any conflict the right forces are deployed in the right place, at the right time, and with the optimal support. When the Chapter Master is considering a major campaign, it is the Captain of Company 5 who provides him with an accurate map of capabilities, standby forces, and realistic options, including reserves, replenishment, and planned movements.
Phantom Master of the Rites, Captain of the 6th Company.[]
Responsible for the conduct, supervision, and preservation of all ceremonies, oaths, and rituals of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. He ensures that the spiritual traditions of the Chapter are observed not only in accordance with the teachings of the Imperium, but also with its own customs derived from the XIXth Legion, the Raven Guard, and the traditions of Guranion 12. He works closely with the Reclusiarchs, Librarians, and Company Commanders to ensure that every oath, brother initiation, or burial of the fallen is conducted with dignity and according to the Chapter's code. He oversees the preservation of sacred texts, battle litanies, and songs of remembrance - and is also the one who reminds the Brothers in difficult times who they are, where they come from, and why they fight.
Phantom Chief Victualler, Captain of the 7th Company.[]
Responsible for the comprehensive logistics of supporting the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, with an emphasis on supplying not only the combat units but also the support personnel and infrastructure. He is responsible for managing the supply of food, water, medical supplies, clothing, and all the necessities for the daily operation of the Chapter - from the fortress monastery to the fleet. He coordinates warehouses, supply routes, the management of servitors and serfs, and ensures that each Battle Brother has everything he needs to fulfill his service in times of peace and war. His role is especially crucial in long campaigns, when the right timing and distribution of supplies can decide victory as much as the blade.
Phantom Lord Executioner Captain of the 8th Company[]
He is fully responsible for the training of all specialized assault units of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. His task is to ensure that each Battle Brother of the Company is proficient in Jump Pack management, close quarters combat, and the rapid elimination of key targets. He oversees the condition and selection of equipment intended for close combat. During a war campaign, he often personally plans airborne maneuvers and determines the direction of the strike where brutal breakthrough force is needed. He also serves as a model of pride and fighting courage for others.
Phantom Master of Relics. Captain of 9th Company.[]
He holds the key role of custodian of all heavy weapons and firepower. He is responsible for the training of Devastators across the Chapter, their discipline in the handling of heavy weapons, and their deployment in fortress defense and war operations. He also oversees the maintenance and deployment of rare and master weapons. During times of war, the Chapter often personally plans which Devastator units and weapons will be called into service. Within the Codex structure, he is responsible for Devastator doctrine and represents the unwavering strength and deadly precision in the Chapter's tactics.
Phantom Master of Recruits And Reconnaissance, Captain of 10th Company.[]
He bears the immense responsibility of training the Chapter's new recruits, the Nineteen Red Ravens, and leading their youngest members on reconnaissance missions. His duties include not only preparing new recruits for the harsh conditions of combat, but also highly specialized training in areas such as infiltration, sabotage, and survival in hostile environments. He also plans and directs strategic reconnaissance operations, and is intended to be a role model for new Astartes, who learn from his impeccable skills in silent and deadly combat. His experience and knowledge of tactics and terrain make his role in the Chapter indispensable, and his leadership and training of the new generation of Astartes is crucial to the future of the Nineteen Red Ravens.
Sergeants:[]
In the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, Sergeants lead a 10-man platoon of most squads – be they tactical, assault, devastation, reconnaissance, veteran or terminator. They are responsible for leading their brothers directly on the battlefield, often in the toughest clashes, where seconds and instincts decide. Only those who demonstrate nerve, courage and the ability to make quick, correct decisions even under pressure can become Sergeants. They must be not only a strong warrior, but also a natural authority – someone whom their brothers will follow even into the shadow of death. An experienced Sergeant who has proven himself in many battles can earn Veteran status and be called to the Command Team or First Company – among the most honored warriors of the Chapter.
Veterans:[]
The Chapter’s veterans are the shadow of an ancient war and the blade of a new one. Veterans are some of the Chapter's most experienced and dangerous warriors. They excel in all forms of combat and are armed with the finest equipment the Nineteen Red Ravens have to offer. They lead by example, spearhead attacks, and prove their worth in every battle, forged by thousands of battles and unwavering loyalty. Their presence on the battlefield is a source of inspiration and reassurance - a warning to the enemy that the end is coming.
Command Squas:[]
The Command Squad of the Nineteen Red Ravens is also an elite unit composed of veterans who form the closest entourage to each company captain. These marines are chosen not only for their combat skills, but also for their tactical thinking and ability to lead independently. Members of the Command Squad regularly find themselves in the toughest battles, and only the most experienced survive long enough to be considered as future successors to their captain. The command squad serves not only as a bodyguard, but also as a support unit – the Company Champions defend the honor of the unit in hand-to-hand combat, the Antiques (standard-bearers) proudly carry the company banner, and the veterans provide fire support using special or ancient weapons. This platoon is the backbone of the command and ensures continuity of command in every campaign, even in the event of the loss of the captain.
Specialist Ranks[]
Librarian:[]
On the Chapter's home planet, Librarians are chosen from among the gifted apprentices of the tribal shamans. Once a psyker completes their training, they can enter the Librarius as a lexicanium and then rise through the ranks to become Codicier, Epistolary, and eventually Chief Librarian. Also in the Nineteen Red Ravens, their duties off the battlefield include interstellar communication and screening potential recruits for psychic abilities. They maintain knowledge of the Chapter's history, records of rare items, and serve as psyker warriors on the battlefield. In combat, the Librarian's psychic abilities often manifest in useful, and often destructive, ways. In the Nineteen Red Ravens, these abilities include casting destructive spells, building protective fields, masking the movement of friendly units, or psychically intimidating the enemy. More powerful Librarians use their abilities in more subtle ways, being able to step out of time to anticipate the enemy's next move, or deflect fire from friendly targets. They wield brutal weapons and wear psychic hoods to enhance their abilities. They are often armed with power weapons that only Librarians and other psykers can fully utilize, channeling their powers through these weapons.
Techmarine:[]
Chapter techmarines, are marines who have shown an interest and talent for technology, tend to the Chapter's vehicles and weapons, manage the forges and oversee the production of new equipment, and hold secrets about technology unique to the Chapter, wield all manner of axes and have servo-weapons or other mechanical enhancements built into their ancient armor. The Chapter needs Techmarines to maintain its most valuable equipment, which is the Dreadnaughty. The Chapter also owns several older Contemptors and Leviathans.
Chaplain:
The Chaplains of the Nineteen Red Ravens are guardians of faith, tradition, and memory. They lead their brothers in prayer before battle, reminding them of their oaths and the Emperor's legacy, but they also hold the painful history of betrayal on Istvaan 5. Their words provide strength and inspiration - even when all else fails - their voices are filled with both anger and hope. Each chaplain carries a rosarius, which protects them with an energy field, and a crozius arcanum - usually in the form of a heavy mace - a symbol of faith, but also an instrument of righteous punishment. Their presence on the battlefield is more than just spiritual: they are beacons of determination and strength that hold their brothers together even in the darkest hours. Given the Chapter's past and its origins in suffering and betrayal, the chaplains of the Nineteen Red Ravens are considered especially important. They are not just preachers - they are the living memory of the Chapter, the voice of those who have fallen, and the conscience of those who have survived.
Apothecary:[]
The Apothecary's role is to serve as a field medic and biological researcher, and is also among the Chapter's elite warriors. Apothecarys are highly respected within the Chapter, charged with maintaining the health and genetic purity of the Space Marines. Not all injured Marines can be saved; in such cases, it is the Apothecary's responsibility to provide the "Imperial Peace" (euthanasia) to those warriors who deserve it. The Apothecary's duty is also to harvest the progenoid glands from the bodies of fallen Marines, needed to cultivate geneseed. Each company in the Chapter is assigned an Apothecary to accompany it into battle. Marines rarely go into battle without an Apothecary available, as each Marine is a valuable resource, and the loss of any of their geneseed would be a blow to the Chapter. Apothecaries, who rarely go into battle, serve as bio-researchers and participate in the training of neophytes and potential new apothecaries.
Champion:[]
The Champion of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter is also a member of the Space Marine Honor Guard. He is a warrior of immense skill and great bravery. He is willing to lay down his life in defense of the Chapter Master. He must be prepared to challenge any enemy leader to single combat. His training is focused on this unique duty. He is equipped with a force sword so that he can fight for the honor of his Chapter.
Ancient:[]
They are known as the standard bearers of each company. These Space Marines have demonstrated honor and fighting ability sufficient to be granted the right to carry the company's banner into battle. They often form part of the command team and fight alongside veteran squads as well as the company captain. Even the standards of the Nineteen Red Ravens are ancient relics steeped in history and deeply revered by the warriors of each company. Some of them have been carried on the battlefield for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The Marines of the Nineteen Red Ravens companies, from the most seasoned veteran to the newest recruit, fight harder in the presence of the Ancient and the standards. The Ancients are powerful and fierce warriors, for it is their duty never to let their banner fall while they still breathe. Losing a banner while alive is considered the worst and most shameful disgrace.
Honor Guard:[]
The Honor Guard is the Chapter Master's escort, protecting him in battle and carrying the Chapter's banner.b They are veterans who have won all the awards and honors within the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. They have a wealth of experience, even so much so that the Chapter Master himself seeks their advice. They fight with cold courage, their experience having turned the tide of many battles. When one of the Honor Guard members dies in battle, his brothers fight even harder to retrieve his relics and return them to the Chapter's vault.
Other:[]
Phantom seeker:[]
Line Ranks[]
Scout Troops.[]
The Scouts of the Nineteen Red Ravens are the eyes and ears of the Chapter—young neophytes learning the arts of shadow and deception in the field. Deployed far ahead of the main force, they operate as independent infiltration teams, gathering intelligence, destroying key infrastructure, and sowing confusion in the enemy ranks before the first shot of the main assault is fired. To the Nineteen Red Ravens, Scouts are not just scouts—they are key instruments of the silent war. Every success behind the lines is theirs, and every fallen Scout is considered a young hero who took the first sacrifice on the path to full brotherhood.
Tactical squad:[]
The Tactical squad is the most versatile and tactically flexible force in the Nineteen Red Ravens army. It makes up the majority of the four battle companies and two of the four reserve companies. This makes it the most common type of unit in the Space Marine force. The Nineteen Red Ravens tactical units are the backbone of the Chapter – versatile, disciplined and ready to act independently in any conditions. They are based on the teachings of the Raven Guard and combine precision, rapid response and the ability to adapt to the situation in real time. Each individual in the squad has undergone rigorous trials and years of service in other roles before earning the right to wear the tactical insignia. They operate covertly on the battlefield, often deployed deep behind enemy lines, where they use terrain, shadow and disinformation. They attack key targets – command posts, communication nodes and supply lines – with surgical precision. Their missions are short, deadly and without unnecessary attention. Each member of the squad is well versed in infiltration, sabotage and direct combat. Not only is their training in “wraith-slipping” an advantage, but also a strong ability to operate independently of central command. The Nineteen Red Ravens tactical unit is a shadow that strikes where the enemy is most vulnerable – and before they realize they have been defeated.
Assault squad:[]
The Nineteen Red Ravens assault units are built for quick, precise, and deadly strikes. As frontline shadow hunters, they specialize in surgical strikes against command targets, sabotage, and counterattacks at key locations. Taking advantage of their rapid mobility via jump packs, motorbikes, or speeders, they operate within or outside the front lines—hidden but ready to strike. Close combat is their forte—each member is a master of movement, infiltration, and hand-to-hand combat. They often launch attacks from high above or from unexpected directions, shattering enemy morale and destroying command before they can react. Hit-and-run tactics are the order of the day—they don’t stay in one place longer than necessary. Their sergeants double as scouts and coordinators—they monitor the battlefield, relay key data, and adjust the company’s attack direction as needed. The Nineteen Red Ravens assault units are like blades slithering out of the darkness – fast, precise and unstoppable.
Devastator squad:[]
Devastator squad are specialized units tasked with long-range fire support and equipped with the Chapter’s rarest heavy weapons. Even within the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, two Devastator squad are typically assigned to each of the four battle companies, while the entire 9th Reserve Company is comprised of Devastators. The Nineteen Red Ravens Devastators are a silent, relentless force tasked with crushing key targets with surgical precision. They serve not as static batteries, but as mobile support for moving tactical and assault squads. Thanks to their training in silent deployment, they are able to assume advantageous positions without detection and strike the enemy before they realize where the death has come from. They focus on eliminating heavy vehicles, fortifications, and high-priority targets, clearing the way for faster units. They work in tight, well-coordinated teams, and their fire is often coordinated via Libraria or an advanced tactical-optical interface, allowing them to target with precision even in conditions of limited visibility. Some Devastator units also operate as silent "attention-catchers," using flashfire and deceptive positions to distract the enemy - only for the main blow to come from another direction. Their fire is not a storm - it always strikes the heart of the prey.
Vanguard Veterans:[]
The Vanguard Veterans of the Nineteen Red Ravens are lightning in the shadows, experts in the art of close combat. They are the elite strike force of the 1st Company, specializing in lightning close-quarters engagements. Deployed where a line must be broken, a precision strike must be delivered, or an ally must be rescued, they are a deadly combination of speed, precision, and experience. Each Veteran is a master of infiltration and close-quarters combat. Equipped with jump packs, specialized weapons, and in some cases, camouflage gear, they land like ghosts from above. They strike, crush key resistance, and disappear before the enemy can react. They are trained to operate in small groups, often without direct support. The Vanguard Veterans do not lead frontal attacks, they are a wedge that finds a weak spot and tears it apart without mercy. Their presence on the battlefield is a harbinger of the end approaching – not because of their overwhelming strength, but because of the cold, calm precision with which they carry out their deadly mission.
Sternguard Veterans:[]
The Sternguard Veterans are the Chapter’s unwavering bulwark – the elite marksmen of the 1st Company, trained to accurately and calmly destroy the enemy in the most difficult conditions. They bear the brunt of the last line: covering retreat, holding their ground, or standing firm in the face of overwhelming odds. They use specialized bolters, a variety of ammunition, and unwavering discipline to dominate the battlefield through control and precision. Unlike the Vanguard Veterans, they do not seek close contact. Their strength lies in patience, cool judgment, and accurate fire from ideal positions – from heights, ruins, or narrow access routes. Where others retreat, they stand. They weaken, slow, and at the perfect moment destroy the enemy. The veteran Sternguard of the Nineteen Red Ravens are both shield and blade - those who remain when others flee. Every shot is a testament to their devotion, every strike a response to the betrayal of Istvaan that they have never forgotten.
Terminator squad:[]
The Terminators of the Nineteen Red Ravens form the core of the 1st Company - elite warriors clad in rare relics of Terminator tactical or assault armor. The Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter has several Tartaros-type armors. Each suit is entrusted only to brothers who have survived decades of service, bear a deep bond to the fallen, and have passed the ultimate test of honor. In the eyes of the Chapter, the armor is a symbol of the spirit of the fallen of Istvaan - it cannot be owned, only worn with humility. Terminators are also deployed in the Chapter according to their division: Tactical Terminators use a combination of heavy firepower and melee hammers or swords; Assault Terminators are armed with storm shields and lightning claws or energy hammers, designed to break through resistance in heavy combat. In Nineteen Red Ravens doctrine, they also serve as an "unstoppable wedge". Terminators move via teleportation or heavy transport vehicles into the heart of an enemy position, where they strike without warning. Their advance is slow but inevitable - accompanied by psychic power and terrifying silence. Where their brothers creep in the shadows, Terminators come as living death - and in their presence the enemy no longer has a future.
Centurions:[]
The Nineteen Red Ravens Centurions are the heavy fist of the Chapter - slowly advancing walls of metal that break down fortifications and secure key positions. Equipped with Centurion Warsuit armor, they combine firepower with extreme durability. Unlike the light and stealthy strikes common to the Chapter, Centurions are deployed when forces are needed that will not only defeat, but overwhelm and crush the enemy. They are a dark exception to the Shadow Doctrine - and that is why they are so effective. The Chapter employs two basic types: Assault Centurions are armed with jackhammers and flamethrowers, specializing in fighting in urban ruins and against bunkers; Devastator Centurions carry heavy grav-cannons, lascannons or rocket launchers and support other units from defensive or breakthrough positions. They usually operate in small groups as an unstoppable wedge or defensive anchor during encirclement. Although they are not masters of stealth, their presence on the battlefield is carefully chosen - deployed where shadow is no longer enough and where darkness is needed to strike with the full weight of iron. Their slow, destructive advance is often accompanied by cover from the shadows – because once the Centurions move, the enemy knows that retreat is no longer possible.
Specialist Units & Formations[]
Order of Battle[]
Headquarters[]
| Chapter Command | |||||
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| Kite Fierce Last Phantom Master | |||||
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| Reclusium | Librarius | Apothecarion | Armoury | Fleet Command | |
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| Nakius Triven Phantom Chief Reclusiarch |
Vaelus Khar Phantom Chief Librarian |
Morr Caldar Phantom Chief Apothecary |
Elor Vex “The Screw” Phantom Maste of the Forge |
Fleet Commender Phantom Lord of the... | |
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Phantom Guard of the Death
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Companies[]
| Veteran Company | Battle Companies | |||
| 1st Company | 2nd Company | 3rd Company | 4th Company | 5th Company |
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| Keepers of Silence | Watchful eyes | Ash Wings | The Veiled Talons | Phantom Sentinels |
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| Dorono Anorn “Silent Shield” Phantom Master of the Keep |
Dith Kallendus Phantom Master of the Watch |
Koss Rushiu “Singing Thunder” Phantom Master of the Arsenal |
Knorr Torexas Phantom Master of the Wings |
Gerus Mahal “Solid Rock” Phantom Master of the Marches |
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| Reserve Companies | Scout Company | |||
| 6th Company | 7th Company | 8th Company | 9th Company | 10th Company |
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| Company Name | Company Name | Company Name | Company Name | Company Name |
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| Andar Taxus “Silent Shield” Phantom Master of the Rites |
Ravar Sivax Phantom Chief Victualler |
Lykir Vaan Phantom Lord Executioner |
Zhaed Morn Phantom Master of Relics |
Kaer Vorthan Phantom Master of Recruits and Reconnaissance |
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1. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 01 Company
Keepers of Silence an elite unit made up of the most powerful warriors of the Nineteen Red Ravens, renowned for their mastery of infiltration combat. In addition to standard Terminator armor, they have access to the best stealth armor in the Chapter, which is why many of them wear modified Mk6 and MK7 armor. Terminators are only deployed against the most tenacious enemies. In times of war, they are deployed where it is necessary to break resistance, stabilize the front line, or strike a decisive blow to the heart of the enemy
2. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 01 Company
Watchful eyes the 2nd Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens, known as Watchful Eye, is the Chapter's first line of warning and last line of defense. Its brothers are masters of observation, infiltration, and silent intervention - detecting threats before they strike and eliminating them with surgical precision. Under the leadership of Phantom Master Dith Kallendus, they have become the invisible shield of Guranion 12, a force that watches even when others sleep. libraries, and relics is protected according to Chapter protocols.
3. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 03 Company
Ash Wings3rd Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens, is the backbone of the Chapter's overwhelming firepower - a disciplined and precise network of brothers who have mastered the art of both concentrated attack and calm waiting. They are masters of coordination, able to combine devastating firepower with precise maneuver, transforming the battlefield into controlled chaos where every shot has a purpose. Their strength lies in raw brutality - in the calculated cadence of fire, in the precise timing of support, and in absolute loyalty to command. In peacetime, they are the pillars of the Chapter's logistical and technical support, in wartime they become a storm of controlled fire. Third Company embodies the balance between reason and fury - between the calm before the storm and the thunder itself that strikes when the time comes.
4. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 04 Company
The Veiled Talons 4th Company of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter is an elite unit specializing in long-term infiltration and stealth operations, acting as an extended wing of the Chapter's fleet. Its brothers master the art of stealth warfare—sabotaging, infiltrating, destroying key targets, and disappearing before anyone can react. A combination of tactical, assault, and devastate squads allows the company to operate in small, highly self-sufficient teams that operate deep behind enemy lines. Their doctrine of "lost sound" demands absolute silence, discipline, and precision; every strike is conducted to be final and devastating. In addition to their combat role, the company provides training for the Chapter's pilots, scouts, and saboteurs, and maintains databases of covert routes, encrypted signals, and other information.
5. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 05 Company
Gerus Mahal “Solid Rock”[]
Phantom Master of the Marches, Captain of the 5th Company. Gerus Mahal hails from the Norell tribe, a people living on the border of the swamps and forested mountain passes of Guranion 12. Even before his acceptance into the Astartes, he was known as a star computer, a young hunter with a prodigious memory and the ability to accurately memorize even the most complex hunting routes and clan chronicles. After entering training, he showed absolute accuracy in assessing situations and an exceptional ability to think tactically on a unit scale. He was not the loudest or most aggressive of the brothers, but he was infallible. Gerus could determine exactly when to attack, when to wait, and when to withdraw a unit to win tomorrow. His precision and analytical mind earned him the nickname Solid Rock. In combat, he earned a reputation as a man who “sees what others are yet to discover.” Even as a regular Marine, he kept records of ammunition consumption, fatigue levels, and force rotation, and often predicted the course of battles with an accuracy that even the auspexes could not. Thanks to his abilities, he climbed the ranks very quickly, and after two centuries of service in the 5th Company, he was selected as the new Phantom Master of the Marches and has been leading the operational planning of the entire Chapter ever since. Few know the location and strength of individual companies in such detail as he does - his mind is considered a tool more accurate than the strategic data of the fleet. In campaigns, he is not just an officer, but the voice of balance, telling the Chapter Master how deep he can dig his claws into the war. Duties as Captain: He is a key figure in the strategic planning and logistical distribution of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. He oversees the operational deployment of all companies, monitors the development of campaigns, and maintains extensive tactical records as well as reports on the status of units, supplies, and losses. His primary role is to ensure that the right forces are deployed in the right place, at the right time, with the right support in any conflict. When the Chapter Master is considering a major campaign, it is Mahal who provides him with an accurate map of capabilities, standby forces, and realistic options, including reserves, replenishment, and planned movements. His overview of the Chapter's dispositions is considered impeccable - like a living shadow who knows where the ravens have flown.
6. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 06 Company
Andar Taxus[]
Phantom Master of the Rites, Captain of the 6th Company. He hails from the tribal region of the lower steppes of Guranion 12, a people for whom the words of their ancestors were as important as the blade. He was selected as a youth for his physical prowess but also for his exceptional memory, his ability to listen and pass on stories with precision and passion. After his acceptance into the Astartes, he showed a strong sense of the spiritual side of service - and was sent to train as a Chaplain Novitiate. His preaching voice grew stronger, as did his devotion to the codes and the memory of the dead. Yet his fighting spirit also smoldered within him, and instead of being ordained as a chaplain, he requested a transfer back to the front lines - on the grounds that memory is not only in songs, but also in blood shed in the right direction. He gradually served as a battle brother, later as a veteran he demonstrated many excellent combat skills, but with an emphasis on observance of ceremonies, airborne litanies and battle oaths. It was he who volunteered to prepare the bodies of fallen brothers and their memorial rituals, even though it was not his duty. Thanks to his combination of spiritual discipline, organizational skills and a sense of war and command, he was chosen as the next captain of the 6th Company. As Phantom Master of the Rites, he became the embodiment of the bridge between ritual and reality - a man who understands that faith must not only be felt, but also led. Duties as Captain: He is responsible for the leadership, supervision and preservation of all ceremonies, oaths and rituals of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. He ensures that the spiritual traditions of the Chapter are observed not only in accordance with the teachings of the Imperium, but also with its own customs originating from the XIX century. Legion, Raven Guard and the traditions of Guranion 12. He works closely with the Reclusiarchs, Librarians and Company Commanders to ensure that every airborne oath, brother initiation or burial of the fallen is carried out with dignity and according to the Chapter's code. He oversees the preservation of sacred texts, battle litanies and songs of remembrance - and is also the one who reminds his brothers in difficult times who they are, where they come from and why they fight.
7. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 07 Company
Ravar Sivax[]
Phantom Chief Victualler, Captain of the 7th Company. Ravar Sivax hails from the rocky Zabvran Ridges of Guranion 12, where his clan has protected the mountain passes and trails for generations. From a young age, he excelled in meticulousness, organization, and a sense of responsibility—qualities he carried into his Astartes training. After being accepted into the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, he served for many years as a tactical marine, excelling in precision, tactical discipline, and the ability to plan in depth and over long distances. His command in the field was exemplary—he knew how to adapt to the terrain, maintain unit morale, and minimize casualties. His brothers said he always knew how many bullets were left in his magazine. His attention to detail and organization proved invaluable off the front lines, too – Ravar kept records of weapons, supplies and makeshift storage arrangements for his platoon of battlebrothers during a major campaign on the edge of the Varkol sector. After a battle in which he managed to keep four squads going for weeks without support, he was appointed the next Captain of the 7th Company. His promotion was not only a recognition of his fighting qualities, but also of his strategic thinking and ability to manage the Chapter’s logistics with surgical precision. As Phantom Chief Victualler, he embodies the balance between blade and magazine – a man who knows that hungry Astartes will not defeat even a weak enemy. Duties as Captain: Responsible for the comprehensive logistics support of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, with an emphasis on supplying not only combat units but also support personnel and infrastructure. His authority includes the management of food, water, medical supplies, clothing, and all the necessities for the daily running of the Chapter – from the fortress monastery to the fleet. He coordinates warehouses, supply routes, the management of servitors and serfs, and ensures that each Battle Brother has everything he needs to fulfill his service in times of peace and war. His role is especially crucial in long campaigns, when the right timing and distribution of supplies can be as decisive as the blade.
8. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 08 Company
Lykir Vaan[]
Phantom Lord Executioner Captain of the 8th Company. (Twenty-Two From Istvaan V) He was originally a member of the Dark Fury unit of the 81st Company of the XIXth Legion, where he excelled as a ruthless close combat fighter and master of ambushes. On Istvaan V, he became a terror to traitors - undertaking daring raids, distracting them and protecting his brothers' hideouts. After returning from the Warp, he served in the Shadow Fears unit as a sergeant, renowned for his tirelessness and unwavering spirit. When the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter was formed, he was a natural choice to command the 8th Company - a symbol of striking fury and devotion to vengeance. Duties as Captain: Lykir Vaan has full responsibility for the training of all specialized assault units of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter. His job is to ensure that every battlebrother in the company is proficient in Jump Pack management, close quarters combat, and rapid elimination of key targets. Lykir oversees the condition and selection of close combat equipment. During a war campaign, he often personally plans airborne maneuvers and directs the direction of the strike where brutal breakthrough force is needed. He also serves as a model of pride and combat courage for others.
9. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 09 Company
Zhaed Morn[]
Phantom Master of Relics. Captain of the 9th Company. (Twenty-Two From Istvaan V) An original Astartes from the 22nd group of survivors of Istvaan V, he served in the 77th Company of the XIX Legion. He was known for his unwavering tenacity and mastery of heavy weapons, earning him a reputation as a silent but deadly warrior who never backed down. After returning from the Warp, he became a veteran sergeant in the Shadow Fears unit. When the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter was founded, Zhaed was appointed Captain of the 9th Company, specializing in heavy weapons and fire support, where his name symbolized endurance, precision, and steadfastness. Duties as Captain: He holds the key role of custodian of all heavy weapons and firepower. He is responsible for the training of Devastators across the Chapter, their discipline in the use of heavy weapons, and their deployment in fortress defense and war operations. He also oversees the maintenance and deployment of rare and master weapons. During times of war for the Chapter, it is Zhaed who often personally plans which Devastator units and weapons will be called into service. Within the Codex structure, he is responsible for Devastator doctrine and represents unwavering strength and deadly precision in the Chapter's tactics.
10. COMPANY[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Company Card - 10 Company
Kaer Vorthan[]
Phantom Master of Recruits and Reconnaissance, Captain of the 10th Company. (Twenty-Two From Istvaan V) A former Astartes of the 22nd survivors of Istvaan V, he was an elite scout of the 44th Company of the XIXth Legion, renowned for his expertise in stealth, infiltration and the acquisition of valuable information on dangerous missions. He was the first to discover the downed Thunderhawk, which was crucial to the rescue of the survivors. After returning from the Warp, he became a member of the Shadow Fears unit, where he established himself as a veteran and expert in reconnaissance. After the founding of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, Kaer Vorthan was appointed Captain of the 10th Company. Duties as Captain: He bears the immense responsibility of training the new recruits of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter and leading their youngest members on reconnaissance missions. His duties include not only preparing new recruits for the rigors of combat, but also highly specialized training in areas such as infiltration, sabotage, and survival in hostile environments. Kaer Vorthan is thus not only a commander who plans and directs strategic reconnaissance operations, but also a role model for new Astartes, who learn from his impeccable skills in silent and deadly combat. His experience and knowledge of tactics and terrain make his role essential to the Chapter, and his leadership and training of the new generation of Astartes is crucial to the future of the Nineteen Red Ravens.
Gene-Seed[]
After the Thunderhawk landed on Deliverance, each of the 33 Astartes was subjected to intensive genetic and psychological testing. The Raven Guard initially strongly suspected that these Astartes might have been seduced into Chaos in the warp. So the Raven Guard Apothecaries conducted detailed analyses of the geneseed. They compared it to the current Raven Guard gene. They checked for mutations, possible degeneration, and signs of Chaos contamination. Techmarines closely examined the ship's black box data, weapons, armor, and personal records of the surviving marines. Chaplains subjected the survivors to thorough psychological and loyalty tests. All tests ultimately confirmed the purity of their geneseed and, most importantly, their loyalty to the Empire and the Raven Guard. Their geneseed was declared a relic from the time of Corax - a treasure that can no longer be replaced. The then Chapter Master and Librarian decided on the need to isolate and protect this precious geneseed. He decided that this line of seed would never be connected to the main Chapter geneseed pool. It was stored separately, as the "Ancestral Strain". Access to it has since been limited to a limited circle of Apothecaries and Librarians, and of course the Mechanics. It was also decided that these 33 marines would be deployed within the Chapter as a separate unit – the Shadow Fears – an experiment to show whether it was possible to function with this genetic foundation in the long term. As time went on, the experiment proved to be successful. The Apothecarium slowly began to collect and cultivate the geneseed. And thanks to successful combat actions, the decision was finally made to found a successor Chapter with its own line of this refined geneseed. The Adeptus Mechanica showed great interest in such pure and ancient geneseed. For this reason, the Mechanics have maintained close and firm contact with the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter for centuries. The Ordo Hereticus also has a vested interest in the Chapter, fearing that there may be a demonic mutation or warp contamination in the gene. If there is any sign of heresy, the Chapter will be purged.
Genetic Flaws[]
Primarch's Curse: Lure of the Shadows[]
The Raven Guard also suffer from certain genetic flaws inherited from the very nature of their primarch. The same flaws are also evident in the Nineteen Red Ravens. As a result, the behavior and general personality of these Space Marines, like their primarchs, also strongly reflects their combat doctrine. The Nineteen Red Ravens are also generally reserved, remaining in the shadows until the time is right to speak. When they do speak, they tend to be very defiant and terse, often denouncing the more direct combat tactics of their fellow Chapter members. When they become unstable, they also begin to mimic the sullen nature of their primarch before his mysterious disappearance. When this Chapter genetic curse manifests itself in an afflicted Battle Brother, it manifests itself in three phases:
- Phase 1 - The Battle Brother is accustomed to working in his small strike team and finds the direct tactics used by other Chapters brutal and ineffective. When given the order to make a direct attack, which he considers foolish, the Battle Brother is resistant, almost to the point of insubordination.
- Phase 2 - The Battle Brother becomes increasingly unmanageable and is quiet and brooding. He remains in the shadows during mission briefings, speaking only when absolutely necessary. For example, as with the Raven Guard, members of the Death Watch assassin team would feel uneasy around a moody Battle Brother and would tend to avoid him when possible.
- Phase 3 - Like the Raven Guard's battle brother, the Nineteen Red Ravens' brother despises the battle tactics of his fellow brothers, knowing that his more intelligent approach is the best path to victory.
Recruitment[]
Location(s) of recruitment:[]
There are two ways for an ordinary person to become an aspirant for the Chapter on Guarion 12.
- Recruitment for the Chapter is handled by Phantom Seekers – veterans with years of combat experience. Each of them uses a flock of small cybernetic servo-ravens that secretly observe young residents in villages and cities. When one of them catches the Seeker’s attention, the veteran uses the ravens to discreetly monitor him for several months and assess whether he has the potential to become an aspirant. If the Seeker finds the candidate suitable, he sends a group of Voice of the Gods – serfs posing as monks and messengers of the gods. They solemnly announce to the candidate that he has been chosen and take him to the exams.
- Various clan meetings are held on Guarion 12 throughout the year. During which adulthood tests may be held for adolescents. From the young men who have successfully passed the exams, the High Council of Clan Chiefs then selects several of the strongest and most capable. Those accompanied by the Voice of the Goods are taken to the trials.
When it is decided that the young man is suitable for the aspirant, he is taken to the “Gate of the Phantoms”. At its threshold he receives his equipment and begins his first trial, to traverse the wild “land of phantoms” and reach the “Fortress of the Phantoms”. Here he is housed among the “Voice of gods” for several more weeks. During the following weeks he undergoes basic instruction in the empire and the traditions of the chapter, as well as further tests. After passing all the tests, he becomes a Neophyte and is transported to the main fortress of the Nineteen Red Ravens.
Selection Criteria:[]
- Physical Endurance and Stamina - Aspirants must demonstrate an extraordinary ability to endure pain, hunger, fatigue, and physical injury. It is not enough to be strong - they must be able to survive in an environment designed to destroy them in the future. Physical weakness is the first sign of a failing spirit in the eyes of the Chapter.
- Mental Stability - There must be a solid core of calm and equanimity in the heart of every brother of this Chapter. Aspirants must be able to endure prolonged isolation, resist hallucinations and extreme stress, and maintain reason and judgment in any situation. Weak minds would succumb to fear, madness, or despair - which the Chapter does not tolerate.
- Memory - Aspirants must have the ability to perceive and retain details, memorize complex information under stress, remember combat situations, and the ability to analyze correctly.
- Empathy - Aspirants must understand the value of life and understand that their power is for protection, not destruction for their own pride. They must be able to distinguish in battle when it is necessary to defend the innocent and when to strike relentlessly.
- Honor - The Nineteen Red Ravens do not raise heroes for statues and hymns. They seek brothers who sacrifice themselves in silence, without claim to fame. The aspirant must demonstrate a willingness to accept tasks that no one will glorify, and to be strongly committed to them.
- Devotion - They look for devotion in aspirants, because they believe that without absolute loyalty to the Chapter, brothers, and the Emperor, it is impossible to survive or maintain honor. The betrayal they survived on Isstvaan 5 taught them that devotion is a shield against falling into darkness. They build their existence on cohesion, sacrifice, and service to higher ideals, not themselves.
Trials:[]
Each aspirant is taken to the “Gate of Phantoms” by the Voice of Gods.
- Mirror of Determination (test of physical endurance): The aspirant is equipped with light clothing and only a knife in the “Gate of Phantoms” Fortress and sent on a journey. His task is to travel dozens of kilometers through wild and hostile landscapes to the next fortress “Phantom fortresses”. Along the way, he faces extreme weather, predators and natural obstacles. Those who collapse, desert or try to call for help are immediately considered unfit. Those who survive and reach the fortress are accepted for further trials. After the aspirant arrives at the “Phantom fortresses”. Here, in the following days, he will receive basic information about his future, the Imperium and The Emperor.
- Mirror of the Soul (mental stability test): The aspirant is locked in a small, empty, lighted cell deep in the Phantoms' underground fortress. In complete solitude, without human contact, without change of environment, he is left there for several weeks. At various intervals, he is exposed to subliminal sound stimuli - whispers, distorted voices, distant rumblings - intended to induce hallucinations and paranoia. During the quiet phases of this test, he is given various basic educational materials about the history of the Chapter and the Imperium. The aspirant must endure this test without falling into delusions, hysteria, despair, or irrational behavior. At the end of the test, not only is he assessed for survival, but also for his ability to analyze his own perceptions and describe what was real and what was delusion.
- Mirror of Memories (memory test): Immediately after the end of isolation. The weakened and mentally exhausted aspirant is subjected to a series of rapid tests of memory and comprehension. He must reconstruct from memory the basic information presented to him during isolation – key events in the history of the Chapter, famous names and deeds, important values of the Empire and the meaning of serving The Emperor. He is then presented with several simple conflict scenarios, adapted to his current understanding of combat (e.g. battles between tribes, defending villages, ambushes by warriors), and his task is to recognize the right action and think strategically. The test does not examine knowledge of technology, but the ability to learn, analyze situations and maintain concentration and balance even under extreme pressure. After this test, the aspirant is housed among the serfs, where he will spend the following weeks learning more in detail about the history of the Chapter and the Imperium.
- Mirror of the Heart (empathy test): In the next test, the aspirant is placed in a simulated crisis situation. He is in a closed space with several other people (these are the Chapter serfs as extras). Some are wounded, others are on the verge of death, others appear as enemies. The aspirant is given limited resources – a minimum of water, simple medical supplies, a knife – and minimal instructions: “Protect those who deserve to live.” He must recognize for himself who to defend, whom to help, and when and against whom to intervene. His ability to empathize, judge, and discern the value of life is tested, without instructions from superiors and without the possibility of seeking his own benefit. A bad decision (ruthlessness, cruelty, selfishness) is considered a failure. Excessive hesitation or inability to act is also considered.
- Mirror of Honor (test of honor): The aspirant also performs other simple tasks within the civilian environment of the serfs – for example, he is supposed to guard supplies. During the service, theft or intentional damage occurs by another young resident of the monastery. The aspirant knows about it – he saw who did it – but the perpetrator is his companion, maybe even someone who helped him during his stay. Subsequently, the serfs of the summons are held accountable and everyone is asked the question of who is responsible for the problem caused. The test monitors whether the aspirant understands the ways and justice. If they hide the truth, for their own benefit. They have failed the test. If they tell the truth and help justice, they have passed the test.
- Mirror of Devotion (test of devotion): The last and most important test in which the aspirants are divided into small groups of two or three and dropped in a hostile and dangerous environment. Their task is to survive for several days and fulfill a given goal – for example, to obtain an object, or to save a serf. They have only minimal equipment. During the test, their ability to stick together, protect each other and sacrifice their own comfort or chance of survival for the benefit of the group is monitored. Betrayal, abandonment of a comrade or selfish action means immediate failure. Those who survive and complete the task together, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to their brothers, are deemed worthy to become full brothers.
Treatment of Failed Aspirants:[]
Aspirants who fail the exams but survive remain alive. They become serfs serving as support staff in the main fortress.
Geneseed Implementation Rituals:[]
- The Swallow of Transition: Before the geneseed is implanted, the neophyte drinks three small chalices of liquid. The first, tasteless, contains dust from the wings of small ravens. The second, hot, contains a mixture of poisonous herbs that cause pain and stomach cramps. The third, sweet, contains soothing medicinal herbs that will calm the stomach and induce sleep. By drinking these three drinks, the aspirant accepts the knowledge that the path of the Astartes is a path of pain, but also of hope.
- The Song of Remembrance: During geneseed operations, the Apothecary assistants sing an old war song, the words of which commemorate and celebrate the fallen heroes of the Chapter. This chant is tied to the tradition of honoring the fallen and fosters a strong bond between new brothers.
- The Surrender of the Body: After the geneseed is implanted, the neophyte's body is symbolically smeared with black mud. A mixture of dust from the deserts of Guarion 12, ash and blood from small raven birds. This act is a reminder that the body is not eternal and that each physical container is destined to return to nature and the world from which it came.
Further Trials:
As successors to the Raven Guard, the Nineteen Red Ravens are masters of stealth, infiltration and sabotage, and all their Neophytes are trained by the finest Phantom Masters. Despite their enhanced Astartes physiology and cumbersome armour, they learn to move silently and invisibly, moving from one dark place to another through the shadows. This art of silent and inconspicuous movement, specific to the Raven Guard and this Chapter, is known as wraith-sleeping.
Novice members of the Nineteen Red Ravens learn this art in the environment of their planet as well as within the confines of their fortress. They learn how to muffle the noise they make, first in their clothing and on the dirt, then with acoustic silencers and pure movement skills. Later, they use these techniques to muffle the sounds created by their own Energy Armor. This is done in the so-called “secret rituals of silence,” which were taken from their native Raven Guard chapter. And so, every Nineteen Red Ravens must master these skills once they become a full initiate of the chapter.
Each Nineteen Red Ravens warrior moves silently in his own way, and it is his understanding of the spaces between sounds that allows him to master them. Anyone who practices the art of “wraith-slipping” – deceptive movement in the shadows – must undergo trials, for without them his ability gradually weakens. For this reason, once a year, the chapter holds “Phantom games” during which warriors test their abilities. Only by merging with the shadows can a warrior move through them without revealing himself. Only by being hunted can he achieve that inner state that allows him to blend in perfectly with his surroundings. However, this protection is not infallible, and no member of the Chapter is ever truly invisible. But veterans, such as Phantom Captains, have a bond with the darkness so deep that they almost become the darkness.
Role of Neophyte:[]
The first step to becoming a full-fledged Battle Brother is serving in one of the Scout units of the 10th Company. In infiltration and reconnaissance missions, a Neophyte learns how to approach and observe the enemy, and how to properly relay combat information back to the main fighting forces.
Process of Becoming a Battle Brother:[]
In the Nineteen Red Ravens, a Neophyte becomes a full-fledged Battle Brother after decades of building his armor. After that, he is assigned to a Devastator unit.
Combat Doctrine[]
“We are the silence that survived. Our shadow walks first. Our blow of vengeance follows.”
The Nineteen Red Ravens’ way of fighting is rooted in the original tradition of the 19th Legion and later the Raven Guard Chapter, which specialized in guerrilla tactics behind enemy lines, employing precisely coordinated attacks and avoiding frontal assaults or long wars of attrition. The Nineteen Red Ravens draw on their own experience and trauma from Istvaan 5. They fight with the knowledge that they live in the place of those who fell not only on Isstvaan 5. They are not just soldiers—they are living monuments to those who were betrayed without warning. They hold a special hatred for the traitors of the World Eaters and Word Bearers—the two legions that committed the worst atrocities on their brothers during the massacre of Istvaan 5. They have sworn vengeance against these traitors. Their revenge is not furious—it is conscious, deep, calm, and relentless. It is an oath they swear in the name of the Emperor, to their dead brothers who screamed in mad agony. An oath of blood that fell on the black dust of Istvan V. The Nineteen Red Ravens seek out these traitors like shadows, hunt them down like hungry ghosts, and destroy them without mercy—down to the last traitor. But they never stoop to their level. They have learned to survive in the darkest conditions. They have honed their awareness of how to wage guerrilla warfare. How to hide, move quickly in silence, and carry out precise sabotage even behind enemy lines. The doctrine combines the principles of stealth with brutal efficiency. The goal is not to remain invisible forever—but to strike from the darkness so overwhelmingly that the survivors have no chance to warn others. They also use disorientation and fear as weapons. They operate in small groups that carry out key orders. They use acoustic jammers and disorientation grenades, snipers, and psyker abilities to mask the disgrace of the units and also to break morale. The companies of the Nineteen Red Ravens also operate independently - each captain has the authority to act according to his own judgment and adapt tactics to the situation. This autonomy is the key to their effectiveness and is based on the experience of surviving on Istvaan V. However, this independence is always supported by the strong core of the chapter: Oath, memory and loyalty. The companies maintain secret communication channels and share information through communication networks as well as the psyker abilities of the Librarium. In the event of a major threat, they can unite with surgical precision - like a flock of ravens silently swooping down on prey. Every marine knows his brothers, even if he does not fight side by side with them. The shared past and the harsh experience of István have created something more than a chapter - they have created a brotherhood of phantoms. They protect civilians. They recognize the value of human life. Even though the core of their culture is revenge, their fight is not a hunt for blood, but a show of service to the emperor. They are warriors, not predators.
Chapter Beliefs[]
Chapter Philosophy:[]
“Memory shapes us. Honor guides us. Vengeance does not burn us—it is our shadow.”
The Nineteen Red Ravens see themselves as living witnesses to the betrayal of Istvaan V—as those who survived the darkness and returned to bear the Emperor’s light. Their philosophy is built on three pillars: memory, honor, and balance. Memory is the foundation of their identity. They do not forget their fallen brothers, the horrors of the Warp, or the betrayal of the 9 Legions that once walked alongside them. Every brother is a bearer of memory, every veteran a bearer of an oath. For the Nineteen Red Ravens, forgetting is the greatest sin—for it means letting the enemy win a second time. Honor is their compass. They do not despise human life, fighting with respect for those they protect and with an aversion to brutality for brutality’s sake. They are not slaves to rage – their courage is not blind, but driven by a sense of duty and justice. The balance between vengeance and service is their endless struggle. Their hatred for traitors runs deep, but they learn not to let it burn them. They believe that service to the Emperor is greater than their personal pain – and yet they will never forget. In the eyes of the Nineteen Red Ravens, the universe is a dark, treacherous place – but that is precisely why those who carry within it the light of the past, the sword of justice and the shadow of retribution must exist. They are warriors of the 19th Legion. They are ravens – and their every flight is a reminder that even in the Warp, the will can survive.
Highest Values:[]
Nineteen Red Ravens have a strong sense of honor and loyalty, not only to the Emperor, but to each other. This applies not only in combat, but also in the daily life of the Chapter. They see betrayal of the Chapter, the Emperor, and the Imperium as an unforgivable crime. Given the experience of their founders in Isstvan 5, other absolutely key values for them are agility and adaptability. The ability to adapt quickly to changes in battle. Like the Raven Guard, the Nineteen Red Ravens value self-control and discipline. This is reflected in all aspects of their lives, from combat to interactions with others. While they harbor a deep hatred for the traitors of Istvaan, they are able to control it and do not act impulsively. As specialists in silent, deadly attacks and shadow fighting, the Nineteen Red Ravens highly value the ability to conduct operations with maximum precision and minimal interference with their surroundings. They never forget their purpose – to serve the Emperor and protect the Imperium, by any means necessary. This commitment is embedded in all their decisions and combat. While capable of brutal combat, the Nineteen Red Ravens have a deep respect for the lives of ordinary people. This is part of their belief that their fight is for a greater good and that every fallen soldier, just like ordinary citizens, has value. Due to their close connection to the past and memory of Istvaan 5, it is crucial for the Chapter to preserve memory and learn from history, not only their own, but also the broader context of galactic events. A specific feature of their combat doctrine is their hatred of traitors and heretics of Istvaan 5. It is driven not only by revenge, but also by a sacred commitment to cleanse the galaxy of those who betrayed the Emperor. This inner fire is a key motivation for fighting.
Perception of the Emperor:[]
The Chapter views the Emperor as its father. As a living being with extraordinary powers and amazing visions for the Empire and the galaxy. For the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, the highest faith is the ancient and original Imperial Truths of the Emperor, therefore the Chapter refuses to perceive the Emperor as a god.
Views on death:[]
The members of the chapter view death as a fulfilled duty to humanity and especially to protect the empire. They see death, whether of their own or of mortals, as a cycle of life. However, some rituals associated with death in the chapter are also reflected in the original beliefs of the inhabitants of Guarion 12.
Adherence to Codex Astartes:[]
The Chapter operates according to the rules of the Codex Astartes, but not too rigidly. In several cases, it has its own philosophy, dating back to the Horus Heresy.
Traditions:[]
The Nineteen Red Ravens have adopted several cultural traditions and customs from the Raven Guard. And over the centuries, several traditions from the people of Guarion 12.
- Rites of Shadow: The Rites of Shadow are a silent ritual with ancient roots. The ritual of the Raven Guard, followed by its Successor Chapters, including the Nineteen Red Ravens. The traditional question and answer session uses the sign language of Corspoke, which is conducted in complete silence. The rites teach that the shadow contains both truths and lies, the purpose of each being to separate one from the other and to glimpse otherwise hidden truths. This applies to, - one's battle-brother, one's cause, and even one's enemies. Once a Marine completes the rituals, they are granted the status of "Shadow" in the Raven Guard. In the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter, this title has been changed to "Phantom." The title carries great respect, but no rank or authority.
- Corvia: All Raven Guards, during their initiation or as a form of meditation or spiritual quest, hunt small ravens from the forests of Kiavahr. The Nineteen Red Ravens have also adopted this ritual. Ravens were brought to Guarion 12 from the forests of Kiavahr. In order for the ravens to be able to survive on another planet, they were genetically modified and then released into the forests of Guarion. The recruits' task is to approach the small and alert birds, catch them with their bare hands and break their necks. This takes months of training and practice. The skulls of these birds are worn as small totems hanging from small chains embroidered somewhere on their armor. These totems are known as Corvia and represent the warrior's honor. If a battle brother falls, one of his surviving comrades takes his Corvia and carries it - and with it the honor of the fallen warrior - into battle. Until well before he can return to Guarion 12, the small skull is buried in the Chapter crypts.
- "Wraith-Slipping": A process described as a combination of mental discipline and martial art that involves using one's surroundings to conceal one's presence. It is not a psychic power, but rather a collection of disciplines and techniques that the Raven Guard, and later the Nineteen Red Ravens, use to conceal their visual and auditory presence despite the use of power armor. It is a technique that is described both before the outbreak of the Horus Heresy Civil War and up until the 41st millennium.
- Corspake: Another form that the Nineteen Red Ravens adopted from the Raven Guard. It is a form of sign language that all members of the chapter learn. This allows them to communicate on the battlefield without having to risk being exposed to speaking or using Vox technology.
Treatment of the Dead:[]
After a Marine dies, if circumstances permit, his body is stripped of his equipment and adornments (including the Corvia), his gene seed is harvested, and left for the local scavengers to feed on.
- “Brother's soul”: This tradition was adopted by the Chapter from the traditions of the inhabitants of Guarion 12. Each brother carries a small personal bone totem statuette that represents his own soul. Every resident, male or female, at the age of 10 undergoes a religious ritual at the end of which he has the right and duty to carve his own totem. When a Battle Brother falls, one of his surviving comrades takes his totem and upon returning to Guarion 12, it is stored with other belongings in the Chapter's crypts.
Notable Space Marines[]
Twenty-Two From Istvaan V[]
22. Raven Guard Legionnaires who survived half a year on Istvaan V.
Eleven From Silent Omen[]
11 Raven Guard Legionnaires, from the Cruiser Silent Omen, who rescued 22 Legionnaires from orbit around the planet Istvaan 5.
Notable Space Marines Shadow Fears[]
Shadow Fears were a special secret unit composed of all 33 surviving Astartes of the original XIX Legion of the Raven Guard.
Notable Space Marines of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter:[]
"The Twelfth Raven"[]
- Veteran Sergeant Honor Guard 1st Company.
The Shadow That Listens. No one knows his real name – in the Chapter archives he is only identified as Task Force XII, nicknamed “The Twelfth Raven” by his brothers. He was born into the Fenmath clan in the misty mountains of Guranion 12, where as a boy he would disappear into the mist for days, hunting silently in the silence of the mountain passes. During his selection for the Chapter, he demonstrated exceptional spatial orientation and the ability to “disappear” – literally melting into the shadow of a rock. He survived his initiation silently, without complaint, and never spoke of his visions. His training in the Scouting Unit developed into a silent mastery of surveillance, infiltration, and intelligence operations – he became the Chapter’s eyes in the dark. His skills led to him being entrusted with the Mirror Skin relic – an adaptive cloak that had rejected several other users whose minds were not quiet enough or whose bodies were too coarse. Raven accepted the cloak without a word. From that moment on, he became a legend—his brothers spoke of him in whispers, saying he was present in every traitor’s premortal vision, that he would appear on the battlefield only once, silently, to bring news or death. His voice echoed from vox recordings like a shadow—never in real time. His messages came unsigned, but their accuracy was impeccable. Today, the Twelfth Raven serves directly under the Chapter Master—part of the Honor Guard, yet he rarely appears in the brotherhood. It is believed that he knows the paths of the enemy before they take them, that he gathers words from the breath of the dead, and that the Chamber of Memories bears his traces. Some say he never sleeps. Others say he speaks to the spirits of the fallen in the mists of Guranion. Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: when the Raven steps forward, no one notices his presence—only a shadow, only silence… and then death.
+Thareon "The Silent Voice" (KIA)[]
Librarian 2nd Company Nineteen Red Ravens
+Vekar Teralith (KIA)[]
Librarian 7. Roty Nineteen Red Ravens
+Archivist Kalen Mirhane (KIA)[]
Second Librarian of the Chapter's 5th Company.
Chapter Fleet[]
Chapter Relics[]
Chapter Appearance[]
Chapter Colours[]
Chapter symbol:[]
Red silhouette of a flying raven from the front. In place of the head, there is a white raven skull. Between the wings is the black number XIX. The number is part of the emblem, because the chapter is proud of its origin from the 19th Legion. In the case of shoulder plates, the number is displayed separately in the lower part of the shoulder plate, the red raven is alone.
Armor colors:[]
The Chapter most often uses black armor types MK6 and MK7.
Nineteen Red Ravens Brother in MK6 armour
Nineteen Red Ravens Brother in MK7 armour
Helmet configuration:[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Helmets
Companies insignia and Squad numbers:[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Companies insignia and Squad numbers
Shoulder insignia:[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Shoulders
Weapon colors:[]
Nineteen Red Ravens Bolter Colors
Chapter Badge[]
Relations[]
Allies[]
Due to the events of Istvan 5, I consider Raven Guard, Iron Hands and Salamanders chapters my brothers and allies. I also consider the successor chapters of these two chapters as allies. Whenever they ask for help, they will not refuse.
Enemies[]
Chaos:[]
Thanks to the betrayal on Isstvan 5, the Chapter has an “aversion” to all 9 traitorous legions and the Dark Mechanics. Whenever they are called upon to protect the empire from traitors, they set out without delay to fulfill their duty and take revenge.
Enemies beyond the grave:[]
For the two traitorous legions World Eaters and Word Bearers , who committed outrageous atrocities on Isstvan 5. The members of the Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter feel a deep hatred and revenge against these traitors is always merciless and total. They often search for units from these legions on their own, and fight them until their units are exhausted to the last individual.
Xenos:[]
The Chapter does not explicitly have any Xenos enemies. However, when called upon to protect the empire, they fulfill their duties towards xenos enemies with devotion and zeal.
Relations with Imperial Organizations[]
Adeptus Mechanicus:[]
Relations with the Machine Masters are good, they are close allies, because the marines of this chapter have helped them many times in a number of battles. Because the chapter has pure old geneseed, the Adeptus Mechanicus maintains close and strong contact with the chapter.
Astra Militarum:[]
The relationship with the Astra Militarum is basically positive. And every human soldier has respect for the chapter, for their courage and determination to fight even though their normal human bodies are fragile and weak against the Astartes. Therefore, even in battles where there are human units, the chapter tries to have the human units withdraw first and then the Astartes when retreating.
Adeptus Astra Telepathica:[]
In the chapter, the Psykers are considered allies and are not afraid to cooperate with them.
Ecclesiarchy:[]
Relations with the Imperial Church are not good, rather at the freezing point. The chapter, whose history dates back to the 31st century, despises the Church for worshipping the Emperor Father as a god, and for blind religious fanaticism.
Inquisition:[]
Although the Chapter despises the Church and some of the practices of the Inquisition are repugnant to the Chapter, it understands that some alliances can be beneficial. Especially in the fight against the traitorous legions. Therefore, it maintains a mutually beneficial relationship in exchanging information with the Ordo Hereticus.
Deathwatch:[]
The mutual relations are neutral, which is why the Marines from this chapter are not often sent on patrol. One reason is that the Chapter's activities are often focused on operations against the traitorous legions.
Officio Assasinorum:[]
The Nineteen Red Ravens Chapter maintains a discreet but permanent alliance with the Vindicare temple of the Officia Assassinorum. This bond was established during M41, when the Chapter repeatedly clashed with Word Bearers and World Eaters units in remote sectors beyond the reach of standard Imperial intelligence. Through secret exchanges of information and mutual assistance in the targeted elimination of these threats, the Chapter gains priority access to information on the movements of these traitorous legions. In return, the Nineteen Red Ravens provide access to their archives and battle records, which can be used to locate and neutralize long-hidden targets. This partnership is strictly confidential and known only to the highest representatives of both organizations.
Adepta Sororitas:[]
As previously mentioned, relations with the Imperial Church are not good. Thus, it is very strange that the Nineteen Red Ravens maintain a warm and mutually respectful alliance with the Order of the Sacred Flame, the militant branch of the Adepta Sororitas operating in the surrounding sectors of the Segmentum Tempestus. This bond was formed during the joint defense of a sanctuary on the planet Caelestis-Mir, where the Chapter's brothers and the Sisters of Battle fought side by side against a demonic invasion. Since then, there have been several coordinated campaigns, with the Nineteen Red Ravens providing heavy support and shadow operations while the Sororitas held the front lines with the flame of faith. There is a deep respect between the two factions - the Nineteen Red Ravens Astartes appreciate the purity of the Sisters' faith, while the Sororitas see the Nineteen Red Ravens as silent but loyal guardians of the Emperor's will. The Chapter often offers them a helping hand in times of need, and relics of their shared battles are kept in the Chapter's Reclusiarium as a symbol of the bond between blood and fire.
Rogue Traders:[]
The Chapter accepts these organizations, and uses them to provide information on the movements of the WB and WE. As well as to trade and resupply.
Relationship with Humans[]
General Population:[]
The Chapter treats humans with respect and compassion.
Psykers:[]
The Chapter considers Psykers to be powerful allies and is not afraid to use them within the Librarium or to work with other Psykers.
Abhumans:[]
The Chapter accepts them, has no problem working with them.
Serfs:[]
Relationship of Brothers to Serfs[]
The Chapter considers its serfs to be a living part of the daily process - they are not machines or a slaving force, but human helpers, bearers of heritage and functionality. They take on the role of witnesses - their eyes record the actions of the Astartes that no one else will see. Chaplains teach them the basics of the Emperor's cult, and the history of the Chapter. Apothecaries instill in them the meaning of blood, and Techmarines teach them to cherish every bolt. Thus, a silent bond is formed between the brothers and subjects. It is not equality - but a deep understanding that everyone has a place in the workings of the Empire and their Chapter. In days of peace, even when their brothers march into battle, their subjects stand firm, loyal - and ready to serve or die.
Actions and Faith[]
The serf are taught a culture of deep respect for the Marines. They see them not as mere superhumans, but as embodied instruments of the Emperor's will - the Eyes of the Storm and the Hands of Vengeance. They believe that every Marine carries a piece of the Emperor within them, and that to serve him is to touch the ruler of the Imperium. Stories of fallen brothers and their heroic deeds are often whispered among the subjects. On the other hand, this respect is not blind or based on fear. The Marines of the Nineteen Red Ravens treat their serf with calm and respect. It is not uncommon for brothers to know the names of their aides, and they know exactly when it is best not to speak. The death of a serf in the line of duty is recorded and their name is read out at silent vigils - as are the names of fallen brothers.
Serf Culture in Chapter Nineteen Red Ravens:[]
Steels:[]
- Chapter serfs who have basic training in the ways of the machine god. They perform routine maintenance on all the machinery and war equipment used by the chapter.
Medicae:[]
- Medicae are chapter serfs who have medical training and assist the apothecaries.
Sacratium:[]
- Chapter serfs who care for the chapter's relics and assist the chaplains.
Scribellum:[]
- Serfs who assist the Librarians. They record the history and all important deeds of the chapter. They are both scribes and artists. They also assist in the creation of seals of purity and similar devotional texts.
Observers:[]
- Serf who are trained as messengers are known as monitors.
Master of the Refectorium:[]
- Is a chapter serf who is in charge of the kitchens and food processing facilities in the fortress.
Ordinator of the fears:[]
- This chapter serf serves as the personal seneschal of the chapter master.
Equerries:[]
Brothers shadows:[]
- Serf who take care of the daily needs of individual brothers. Members of the chapter respect them and treat them with care. They often serve as their assistants and confidants in the marines. For example, they clean their weapons, repair their armor.
Voice of the Gods:[]
- Serf who help with the recruitment of Aspirants from towns and villages for the exams. They appear before the common people as monks, who inform the aspirants that they have been chosen to serve the gods.
Notable Quotes[]
By: Nineteen Red Ravens[]
About: Nineteen Red Ravens[]
Gallery[]
