Absolvers

"*We are judgement. Death is absolution.*"

— Chapter Master Tygranas Dalir of the Absolvers Space Marine Chapter
The **Absolvers** is a *Codex Astartes*-compliant Loyalist Space Marine Chapter of unknown Founding and origin.

Their dogmatic adherence to the *Codex Astartes* suggests a lineage to the Ultramarines, but there is no decisive evidence.

Enigmatic and dour, the Absolvers Chapter of the Astartes are based -- and now trapped -- in the Gilead System. Recruitment of neophytes has skyrocketed since the appearance of the Great Rift to alleviate the burden of these stalwart warriors, oath-bound as they are to defend the Imperium's citizens from the fell foes of the Emperor.

The citizens of the Heartworlds in the Gilead System whisper of the righteous wrath of the Absolvers, relentless and draconian in their fight against heresy. Each noble Astartes knows they have no reinforcements; cut off from the vast war machine of the Imperium, and instructed to savour every bolt round. They have been informed that to save the many they may have to sacrifice the few.

Many Space Marines have been allowed to operate individually, lending their strength to covert operations. The Great Rift spews daemonic monstrosities into the Gilead System daily. Although Astartes-led warbands have proven more than capable of beating back daemonic incursions, there has been notable collateral damage.

## Chapter History

The Absolvers Chapter have protected the Gilead System since their former Chapter Master, Tygranus Dalir, swore a solemn vow to defend its people in perpetuity. His Astartes carry this mantle still, tightly bound as they are to every vow they make.

They have acquiesced to many orders in these trying times, often causing collateral damage as they ensure they keep their word; citizens of the Gilead System that have seen their ghastly work and survived speak of them with fear.

The Firstborn Astartes of the Absolvers refuse to initiate their Primaris Space Marine brethren into the Chapter's secret rites; another isolation they must bear.

Ferried to the Gilead System by the Varonius Flotilla of the Rogue Trader Jakel Varonius who is working closely with Imperial forces to combat threats to the worlds of the *Imperium Nihilus*, the Intercessor reinforcements have met with a cold welcome despite a proven prowess in combat.

The unwillingness of the Firstborn Absolvers to fully work alongside the Primaris Intercessors has led to them being assigned to watch over less powerful agents of the Imperium in need of heavy combat support.

## Chapter Recruitment

"*Eighteen times I have lain on cold metal, my eyes open, my body torn asunder and remade strong by the strictures of the Codex. Once more and I will be an Angel of Death. These scars are steps to my ascension.*"

— Gezrael, Space Marine Scout of the Absolvers Chapter
Space Marine Scouts are viewed as demi-gods among the people of the Heartworlds of the Gilead System; though the Absolvers Chapter have a reputation for being as fearsome as they are fearless, most Heartworlds citizens still put their faith in the Emperor's greatest warriors.

The Chapter's lack of resources and dwindling gene-seed reserves mean there are many Scouts operating as part of the Absolvers.

Leading a small cadre of mortal warriors on focused missions is considered a rite of passage; one that some Absolvers Scouts have been committed to complete for solar decades whilst they await the implantation of their Black Carapace.

## Chapter Beliefs

"*I'll tolerate a meddling Inquisitor over another decadent, dogmatic sybarite of the damned Ecclesiarchy.*"

— Brevet Captain Akahir of the Absolvers
If an Absolver proclaims that he will take an action, nothing but death stops him. This has garnered a famed reputation for the Chapter of utter trustworthiness and dependability, coupled with an infamously obstinate inflexibility.

Beset on all sides by Warpborne evil, opportunistic xenos, wary allies, and rebellious citizens, the Absolvers rely on their faith to shield them more than ever before -- after all, the Emperor protects.

The Absolvers Chapter of the Astartes have 1,000 names they deem sacrosanct, ritually tattooed onto a Space Marine's magnified form when the Chapter Master deems it has been earned.

Many Absolvers decorate their wargear with their names, knowing that when they fall in glorious battle their designation will be passed to a new aspirant.

## Notable Members

* Tygranas Dalir - First Chapter Master
* Syres - Captain
* Shahin - Chaplain
* Gulkir - Battle Brother defending the Gilead System
* Invictor Braham - Primaris Intercessor defending the Gilead System
* Akahir - Captain