Order of Grimwald

The Order of Grimwald, often informally called the “Green Templars”, are a successor chapter of the Black Templars. They are a mere demi-company strong and were founded when a single squad of Black Templars provided a miraculous defense on a forsaken Shrine World. They now serve as a small defense force for the far-flung planet and the medical facility it contains.
== Founding - The Battle of Kaldissian ==
The Order of Grimwald were a squad of Black Templars returning to the crusade after ceremonial duties had called them elsewhere. They received a distress signal from the Shrine World of Kaldissian. The planet had been under siege by a renegade regiment of guardsmen who had fallen to Chaos and no Imperial aid had yet come. The squad (Squad Grimwald) diverted from their course and engaged the enemy in the last remaining cathedral city on the planet.
For a full year Squad Grimwald managed to hold the foes of mankind at bay while they awaited reinforcements. The first to fall was Initiate Ortwin, who attempted to flee after his spirit was crushed (supposedly by an enemy psyker) and was cut down by his own brothers to save him the shame. Leonhard fell next when the enemies pushed with all their might at the famous Battle of the Nightgate. Curt died saving Neophyte Zelindo and Gilbert soon followed. With no bolter shells left and armor so damaged some marines went without pauldrons or helmets, the enemy made one final push as they knew reinforcements were about to arrive.
The remaining marines (Grimwald, Ulrich, Zelindo, Dietgard, Siegbald, Ottokar) were forced to move all the survivors to a hospital in the center of the last city to keep them safe. All the marines but Grimwald had suffered grievous wounds during the campaign and had to be relegated to controlling mounted weapons or providing fire support.
Sword Brother Grimwald stood against a thousand and slew them all. Only when the enemy struck with a second wave did the marine finally fall still. They say his body was wedged against the door to the hospital he was protecting and no enemy dared approach him for they thought him still alive. Only when a crow landed on his helmet did they realize he was dead. Many report that this bird was in fact a double-headed eagle and what they had witnessed was a miracle. 
With his death Siegbald took control of the remaining marines and fished what Grimwald had started. They were able to drive off the remaining forces and the planet was spared.
== Establishing the Order ==
When the deeds of Grimwald reached Holy Terra (and with a little support from the high ranking church officials who were saved) the Order of Grimwald was established. They were, nominally, to be a successor chapter of the Black Templar but one of small stature. The remaining marines, except for Ulrich and Zelindo were established as the first marines from the chapter and reinforcements were provided to the chapter in time. The chapter itself would remain at a company size (though they were often below this) and were to have the sacred mission of protecting the Shrine World of Kaldissian and pilgrims who traveled to and from there. Because their chapter is so small they do not claim the title of "High Marshal" or even "Chapter Master" for their chapter but use "Marshal" (as that denotes the leader of a crusade within the Black Templar, from whom they descend).
Despite their warlike nature the marines of the Order of Grimwald became quite skilled at medicine and provided comfort and protection to those suffering illnesses in the hospital. This hospital became the foremost medical center in the sector and many important members of the Imperium are brought to Kaldissian for medical attention under their aegis.
== Chapter Cult & Traditions ==
The chapter has a strange relationship with Sword Brother Grimwald. In many ways he is revered as a Saint, though the word “Saint” is never used. They believe he was a man who best exemplified what the Emperor sought for humanity and that he should be emulated. They also believe in extreme piety, acts of sacrifice and ritualistic self-flagellation, as well as ministering to the sick and those of faltering faith. They are strange in that they are encouraged to interact with the average citizens and frequently do.
Some chapters of Imperial Fists gene stock send battle brothers to serve as part of the Order of Grimwald, either seconding them for a time or permanently joining them. Standing vigil over such an important medical facility is a sacred duty and many battle brothers gain clarity while sojourning with the Order of Grimwald. For this reason very few Neophytes are recruited. Those that join the Order of Grimwald as recruits often prophetically find their way into their service and are recruited from among their serfs.
== Squad Grimwald ==
Squad Grimwald was a crusader squad led by Sword Brother Grimwald with the Standard Bearer Ulrich attached due to ceremonial duties.
=== Sword Brother Grimwald ===
A veteran Sword Brother of the chapter given the honor of commanding his own Crusader Squad.
=== Initiate Ottokar ===
This senior Initiate had just returned from Deathwatch service before the events of the Battle of Kaldissian. Had he returned to the chapter he would have been elevated to the ranks of the Sword Brethren.
=== Initiate Siegbald ===
The 3rds most senior member of Squad Grimwald. He was the squad’s most skilled duelist, save for Grimwald himself and wielded a power axe. Siegbald was responsible for acting as Grimwald’s second in command and, regrettably, had to take that role in the middle of the Battle of Kaldissian. Siegbald would survive the battle and become the first Marshal of the Order.
=== Initiate Dietgard ===
A melancholic battle-brother with a clear mind but morrose disposition. He was a poet who wrote long laments about the battles he partook in, often maligning that he could not have slain more in the name of The Emperor.
=== Initiate Leonhard ===
Leonhard was a newly promoted Initiate who had earned his power armor just a year before, having graduated from being a Neophyte after a deadly campaign against a rogue psyker and his ganger army.
=== Initiate Curt ===
A stern and elderly (by marine standards) marine with a thick white mustache. He acted as a mentor and drill sergeant to many of the younger marines, having already trained a dozen Neophytes. He was mentoring Zelindo at the time of the battle.
=== Initiate Ortwin ===
While many kind things can be said of the members of Squad Grimwald, few are spared for Ortwin. He had a corrupt heart in his chest and though he fought well his faith failed him in the end and he was slain by his own brothers for cowardice.
=== Initiate Gilbert ===
Gilbert was a simple marine. He had no greater joy than wading into melee with enemies, impaling those he disliked, and crushing the skulls of those he found worthy. Gilbert was also quite larger, even for an Astartes, standing a full head taller than the rest of his squadmates.
=== Neophyte Zelindo ===
As a newly inducted Neophyte, the Battle of Kaldissian was Zelindo’s first crucible. He would later become a veteran among the Black Templars, serving two tours in the Deathwatch, before returning to the Order as its 3rd (and current) Marshal.
=== Banner Bearer Ulrich ===
Ulrich was an Ancient assigned to bring the Crusade Banner from their company to a ceremony where the received a returning Initiate from Deathwatch service.