Ashen Angels

Ashen Angels armorial with Chapter iconography.

Ashen Angels Firstborn Battle-Brother of the 2nd Company, 4th Battleline Squad.

"*Amidst the shadows of adversity, we stand, not as mere mortals, but as the living embodiment of the Ashen Echo. In the face of the abyss, we rise, for our legacy is etched in the obsidian annals of Vespera Mortis. United by the ashes of our brethren, we are the Ashen Angels—our wings aflame with the undying spirit of sacrifice and the fervor of duty. In the fires of battle, we forge our destiny, and with every triumph, we honor the eternal chorus of those who have become one with the ash.*"
— High Seraph Raphael Voss, Chapter Master of the Ashen Angels
The **Ashen Angels** hail from the First Founding Chapter of the Dark Angels, brought from their home world of Vespera Mortis, a death world of obsidian mountains and volcanic, ashen lands. They are well known for their brutal close-combat prowess and their connection with their fallen brothers.

Their unknown gene-flaw is that of major importance to the chapter, "The Ashen Echo", which lets the afflicted see the souls and hear the voices of those brothers who have passed. Some are affected more deeply than others, being that Librarians often have psychic overloads from these visions.

The chapter and its council are arguably some of the most distinguished and powerful members of the chapter, all under the watchful eye of the High Seraph (Chapter Master) Raphael Voss. But this does not mean that their three captains do not have their respect.

Despite being a primary anti-Chaos and anti-Ork Space Marine chapter, they almost suffered the fate of their fallen brothers, being nearly eradicated by the Tyranid menace. Even after much work and eradicating much of the Tyranid hive, to this day the Great Devourer is still being staved off.

Their greatness and comradely is greatest exemplified in their High Seraph. The revered Raphael Voss is one of the most storied space marines of the Ashen Angels, being the current wielder of the Ebon Wing. He is as deadly as he is caring, for in times of calm, he and his councilors engage in activities of strategy and often hosts competitions where brothers and sisters compete side by side with the councilors.

## Chapter History

Much of the Ashen Angels is shrouded in mystery, as their record keeping had been very minimal in their earliest days. They are successors of the Dark Angels, but distance themselves from the hunt for the Fallen, for their duty is not to hunt, but to protect, and keep those in their systems safe from the xenos, heretic, and the daemon.

### Founding and History

It is unknown when the Ashen Angels were founded, some of the few records remaining coming from the 32nd Millennium, and some even speculate they hail from as early as the Second Founding which occurred after the events of the Horus Heresy and the subsequent Great Scouring. Because of this discrepancy and lack of early records, not even the earliest chapter masters are known. But the record-keeping of the Ashen Angels has greatly improved due to their connection with their past.

## Notable Campaigns

### The Purging of the Ebon Maw (M32)

In the 32nd Millennium, the Ashen Angels engaged in a protracted campaign known as the Purging of the Ebon Maw. A warp anomaly, referred to as the Ebon Maw, threatened to engulf nearby systems, whereby The Ashen Angels were called to aid by nearby Astra Millitarum forces, in which the Ashen Angels brought a force that was made for perfectly combating beings of the warp, with nearly a fifth of the chapter's Librarium being tasked with this campaign. Unfortunately, even after achieving victory, The Ashen Echo only gained strength and gave birth to the Librarian's vulnerability to the Echo.

### The Shadow Crusade (M36)

The Ashen Angels first gained their chaos-slaying mantel by first undertaking the Shadow Crusade. A heretical cult had manifested in a neighboring system, and the Ashen Angels not wanting to fail as a guardian figure, went out into the fight. Many months of brutal fighting had occurred, but a ritual had commenced which summoned a Khorne Bloodthirster "GnarlWound" into the material realm. After much of the chapter was slaughtered by GnarlWound's hands, the unknown High Seraph of the time had challenged the Greater Daemon to a duel, and with many injuries, the High Seraph managed to contain the daemon's essence in a relic sword that is passed through the Ashen Angels through history, at the cost of his own life. To this day, the daemon mutters thoughts of violence to the High Seraph, persuading him to do the Blood God's bidding.

### The Emberfall Campaign (M38)

The Ashen Angels once had a High Seraph, given the name Elysian, which had been a fairly recent High Seraph. She had been beloved by all of the chapter, but after some years, the Greater Daemon within the Ebon Wing had taken hold of her, straying her into the way of the Blood God. After succumbing to the daemon, she convinced one of the three companies along with their captain to join her crusade, plunging the Ashen Angels and their already barren world of Vespera Mortis, into a civil war. Countless died, and those who betrayed their brothers and sisters conjured from the Ashen Echo, the spirits that guide the living Astartes, into chaos spawn, and twisted mockeries of their previous forms. A high-ranking sergeant of an assault squad was chosen by the remaining two captains to become the High Seraph, and his personal goal was to retrieve the Ebon Wing and banish Elysian from the material realm. After a long and arduous battle, the new High Seraph defeated Elysian the Scornful, banishing her along with the entire 2nd company, back into the warp, but not before regaining the Ebon Wing. Even in the modern times of the 42 Millennium, Elysian the Scornful is considered to be the arch-nemesis of the Ashen Angels.

### The Balefire Incursion (M40)

In the time of grieving their recently deceased High Seraph, the Ashen Angels were threatened with a Necron incursion on the fringes of their sector. The chapter, with its deep connection to the spiritual realm, stood resilient against the soul-draining abilities of the Necrons, but the chapter was already on the back foot with their High Seraph not even getting a proper burial before the incursion. Other Imperial forces saw the oncoming threat and responded almost immediately, and along with the Astra Militarm and Imperial Fists, saw the victory over the Necron horde.

### The Ashen Reckoning (M41)

The Ashen Reckoning marked a series of punitive campaigns against Ork WAAAGHs! that threatened nearby systems. This campaign brought about the most recent High Seraph, Raphael Voss and showed his expertise in handling unpredictable opponents. Along with his assault marine squadron, he destroyed a multitude of Ork invaders, and because of his practical skill, was chosen to begin the training to become the High Seraph.

### The Tyrannic Echo (978.M41)

A large Tyranid hive-fleet had set its sights upon Vespera Mortis, and faced with unpredictable opponents before, Raphael Voss set up a plan to counter the oncoming horde. When the Tyranids made landfall, all three companies were ordered to stand their ground and listen to the guidance of the Ashen Echo. Many respected figures were lost, but lucky few made their interment into dreadnoughts, namely Ignatius Ashenshroud and Caelum Pyreborn. The scars of the war are still imprinted upon Vespera Mortis, and the Ashen Echo only grew stronger with the knowledge of how to combat the unceasing horde.

## Chapter Homeworld

### Vespera Mortis

Vespera Mortis is a desolate, ashen wasteland covered in volcanic activity. Many mortals that roam the planet stay indoors for the ash that encircles the planet is so thick it can suffocate a being. The planet's obsidian mountains and grey/red sky add an ominous sense to the planet, not only this, but the Ashen Echo is so strong on the homeworld of the Ashen Angels, that faint glimmers of Astartes can be seen roaming the wasteland by even mortal humans.

### Fortress-Monastery

The Crag of Remembrance is a shard of obsidian, 500 feet tall, and hollowed to allow for rooms and necessities for a Fortress -Monastery. Around the outside of the Crag of Remembrance, is a large obsidian wall, and statues of all past High Seraphs carved from the magma that seeps from the Crag's lakes.

### Unique Tournaments

On the surface of the desolate Vespera Mortis, many competitions are held by the Councilors and High Seraph. Although they are Astartes, they wish to strengthen their camaraderie by competing along side their brothers and sisters. Each councilor enjoys these challenges, and gave them much more relatability amongst the ranks of the chapter than other chapter masters and captains. These competitions range from a manhunt on in the desolate Ashen-Planes, to sword fighting or jump pack competitions.

## Chapter Organisation

### Officer Ranks

* **High Seraphs (Chapter Master)** - Many High Seraphs were chosen for the Ashen Angel's leadership, and for as many great deeds they have done, an equal amount of them have met their end in battle. Record keeping of the first few Seraphs was minimal to none, the only one being heavily documented being Elysian the Scornful, a traitorous High Seraph who to this day nominated herself as the mortal enemy of the Ashen Angels.
* **Councilors (Captains)** - The captains of the Ashen Angels are made up of 3 councilors, each of their own respective company: Assault Company, Devastator Company, and Tactical Company. Each company usually having roughly 300 marines (Including those who are picked from their reserve companies), these councilors do their best as a group, deciding decisions together and voting for who should be their next High Seraph, if their current one should fall.

### Specialist Units & Formations

* **Obsidian Guards** - These are a group of 5 heavy weapon specialists, either Devastators, or Desolators, who guard the revered Seraphina Obsidian, Councilor of the Devastator Company.

### Order of Battle

**Chapter Equerries**
**Techmarines**
**Servitors**
**Rhinos**
**Razorbacks**
**Land Raiders**
**Chaplains**
**Judicars**
**Apothecaries**
**Epistolaries**
**Codiciers**
**Lexicaniums**
**Acolytum**

2 Lieutenants
8 Fire Support Squadrons
1 Close Support Squadron
4 Battleline Squadrons
3 Dreadnoughts
2 Lieutenants
12 Battleline Squadrons
3 Fire Support Squadrons
3 Close Support Squadrons
2 Dreadnoughts
2 Lieutenants
8 Close Support Squadrons
2 Battleline Squadrons
1 Fire Support Squadrons
3 Dreadnoughts
Undetermined amounts of Scouts,
Neophytes, Battleline, Fire Support,
Close Support Squadrons and
Dreadnoughts.

## Chapter Beliefs

The Ashen Angels have a strong connection with their fallen brothers, and constantly hold communions and funeral pyres to honor the fallen. Because of these beliefs, they employ a huge reliance on Chaplains to strengthen their ethereal bond with their brothers. These beliefs are only strengthened from their Gene-flaw "The Ashen Echo", which allows them to gain insight and knowledge from the ethereal specters of their fallen brothers that roam wherever they go.

This belief is also translated into their armor, where the winged hourglass represents the fleeting of time for mortals, and how all of the chapter will one day become the one who guides the living to victory. On many high ranking captains, writings are inscribed upon their armor, counting the deeds as well as the fallen that the bearer has came into contact with.

## Chapter Gene-Seed

### Genetic Flaws

The Lion's Gene-Seed is fairly clean in terms of corruption, but the Ashen Angels have developed a unique defect that has become a detriment and a blessing to the chapter. The Ashen Echo as it is called, makes the chapter see and hear those brothers and sisters that have passed away, giving them valuable insight toward their current foe. Sometimes the Ashen Echo manifests itself in different ways, for most it develops as a voice or specter, but for others like Raphael Voss, his Ashen Echo manifests as both the whisper, and a force guiding is revered sword.

Not all are blessed by the Ashen Echo, for Librarians of all kind experience extreme psychic backlashes by seeing their fallen brothers. This likely alludes that the Ashen Echo is strongly warp based, and thus affects the librarians in drastic ways. Chaplains often accompany librarians to sooth the extreme effects of the Echo, and because of their innate connection to the Echo, the Chaplains are even suppress the it within the psykers mind, allowing them to conjure warp magics without the interference of the Echo.

## Deathwatch Service

Few to no Ashen Angels join the deathwatch, for their duty is bound on Vespera Mortis and its systems, and the Ashen Echo would have no effect on the other chapters not effected by it, making one of their most useful traits rendered useless amongst the ranks of the Deathwatch. However, especially after the Tyranid invasion on Vespera Mortis, more Astartes than usual joined the Deathwatch to put their prowess at eliminating Xenos to use.

## Notable Space Marines

* **High Seraph Raphael Voss** - Raphael Voss being the most recent and current High Seraph, is also possibly the only heavily documented one. He is a tall and imposing figure, clad in the ornate Ashen Mantle power armor. The armor is a mix of ash gray and obsidian black, adorned with intricate engravings and symbols of Vespera Mortis. Voss's face is stern and weathered, marked by the harsh conditions of his homeworld, but marking the wisdom of a true chapter master. At his side is the revered weapon passed down from High Seraph to High Seraph: The Ebon Wing, a power sword with an obsidian blade that gives off a faint, otherworldly glow.

* **Seraphina Obsidian** - Captain Seraphina Obsidian, in charge of the Devastator Company, is not only a skilled tactician but also a master of artillery. She personally oversees the maintenance and deployment of the chapter's heavy weapons, earning her the respect of both her company and the Techmarines. She has a commanding presence, tall and imposing. Her power armor is heavily modified to accommodate the arsenal of heavy weapons she oversees. Obsidian carries a helmet adorned with targeting lenses and holo-screens, and her armor is covered in marks of battle and soot from the devastating firepower she commands. By her side is her trusty firearm: The Emberforge Boltgun, a Bolter that fire searing rounds that can pierce even the armor of a dreadnought.

* **Gabriel Stormwind** - Captain Gabriel Stormwind, leader of the Assault Company, is known for his daring and acrobatic combat style. In a celebrated battle against a Tyranid swarm, he performed a series of mid-air maneuvers, earning him the nickname "Stormdancer" among his brothers. His jump pack (The Wings of Time) gives him an extra hint of mobility that allows him to shred enemies to pieces with his dual chain swords.

* **Uriel Grimshroud** - Captain Uriel Grimshroud, leading the Tactical Company, is known for his stoic demeanor on the battlefield. In a particularly grueling campaign against Chaos cultists, Grimshroud held his ground against wave after wave of attackers, inspiring his brothers to fight on despite overwhelming odds. His deeds have earned him many blessings and respect, as he is the oldest living council member seeing the days when Raphael Voss was elected to become the High Seraph. Being tactical in his origin, he prefers to wield a Plasma Pistol and Power Fist into battle, adding a mix of sturdy heavy killing and melee power.

* **High Chaplain Cassiel Emberstorm** - Cassiel Emberstorm's origins are shrouded in mystery, as he appeared on Vespera Mortis as an orphaned child. Taken in by the Ashen Angels, his psychic potential and unwavering faith in the Emperor quickly marked him for training within the Chapter's Chaplaincy. Emberstorm's zeal and connection to the spiritual realm set him apart, and he swiftly rose to the position of Chief Chaplain. His presence on the battlefield is both inspirational and terrifying, a living embodiment of the chapter's belief in the sanctity of the fallen. No one dares to question his loyalty for his wargear is of the terrifying Pyre-Bearer Crozius, lit with flames that below at the enemy, and his Censer of Penance, coating his brothers and sisters in the ashes of the fallen.

* **Chief Librarian Aetherius Ashenborne** - Aetherius Ashenborne is a venerable psyker who has risen to the esteemed position of Chief Librarian within the Ashen Angels. His psychic abilities are deeply intertwined with the chapter's spiritual practices, and he bears the weight of the Ashen Echo with unwavering resolve. His ability to conjure a vortex of ash that melts ceramite and disintegrates bone is a terrifying weapon, the only one who does not fear the psyker, is Cassiel himself, being the best companion of the Chief Librarian.

## Chapter Relics

* **The Ebon Wing** - An ancient obsidian blade wielded by High Seraphs uncounted, is a venerable power sword, that channels the Ashen Echo through it, whispering deeds of heroism to its wielder. However, the blade had been used to slay a great daemon, sealing its essence in the blade. The blade now whispers deeds of bloodshed, and favors to the Blood God, as well as heroism, only one has fallen to this, being High Seraph Elysian, who has succumbed to the Blood Gods blessing, and she had staged a civil war amongst the Ashen Angels.
* **Ashen Mantle** - A suit of armor worn by Rapheal Voss, this armor is adorned with the sacred symbols of Vespera Mortis. The Mantle enhances his resilience and serves as a symbol of his leadership. It is said that the ashes of fallen brothers are woven into the fabric of the Mantle, providing spiritual protection to its wearer.
* **Pyre-Bearer** - The esteemed weapon of choice for Cassiel Emberstorm, is the Pyre-Bearer, a crozius arcanum adorned with flickering flame motifs. This ancient weapon channels the spiritual essence of fallen brothers, empowering his strikes and bolstering the morale of those around him. The Pyre-Bearer is a symbol of the eternal flame that the Ashen Angels believe resides within the ashes of their brethren.
* **Funeral Pyre Force Stave** - Aetherius wields the Funeral Pyre, a powerful force staff with a crystalline core that resonates with the spiritual echoes of the Ashen Angels' fallen brothers. The staff is adorned with sacred runes and ashes from past Librarians, amplifying Aetherius's psychic powers.

## Chapter Appearance

### Chapter Colours

The primary colors of the Ashen Angels are a light ash grey with silver trim on their shoulder pauldrons. Sergeants are denoted by a white-colored helmet. Apothecaries have the insets of their shoulder pauldrons and poleyns (knee pads) painted white to denote their healing prowess. Officers, such as Captains and Lieutenants (as well as the High Seraph himself) wear black-colored shoulder pauldron insets with black-colored poleyns. The High Seraph and the senior officers of the Chapter are also known to adorn their battle-plate with purity seals, bones of fallen battle-brothers, and ancient scriptures of heroism and enemies engraved onto their armor.

### Chapter Badge

The badge and symbol of the Ashen Angels, is an hourglass, filled with ash. This symbol represents the constant passing of time, and how they too, with succumb to the same fate as their siblings, being the next to guide them as a specter of the Ashen Echo.

## Gallery

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