Difference between revisions of "Deathwatch"
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*[[Codicier]] [[Jensus Natorian]] of the [[Blood Ravens]] | *[[Codicier]] [[Jensus Natorian]] of the [[Blood Ravens]] | ||
*[[Codicier]] [[Velim]] | *[[Codicier]] [[Velim]] | ||
+ | *[[Codicier]] [[Kaelar]] of the [[Celestial Lions]] | ||
*[[Rune Priest]] [[Hengir Stormhowl]] of the [[Space Wolves]] | *[[Rune Priest]] [[Hengir Stormhowl]] of the [[Space Wolves]] | ||
*[[Rune Priest]] [[Valtar Skyclaw]] of the [[Space Wolves]] - one of the original members of the Deathwatch | *[[Rune Priest]] [[Valtar Skyclaw]] of the [[Space Wolves]] - one of the original members of the Deathwatch |
Revision as of 22:51, 13 May 2018
The Deathwatch are a unique and specially trained Space Marine Chapter that dedicates its every hour to xenos hunting. They are the Chamber Militant of the Ordo Xenos, charged with protecting it in its search of information, containment, and ultimate destruction of all xeno species. Consisting of Battle-Brothers drawn from many Chapters, the Deathwatch operates from Watch Fortresses and Watch Stations across the whole of the Imperium.
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Contents
Background
Rather than following the standard Codex Astartes organization, the Space Marines themselves are drawn from many different chapters. These chapters have sworn sacred oaths to raise a unit of Space Marines specifically for this task. The warriors are then gathered together to fight where and when they are needed.[Needs Citation]
Giant fortresses orbit desolate worlds at the edge of the galaxy, keeping constant vigil over possible xenos forces. There are also several secret bases spread throughout the Imperium, which provide a launch site for their crusades.[Needs Citation]
The warriors who fight are given the honour of painting their armour black (to show their service to the Emperor), while leaving one shoulder pad with the original insignia of the Chapter from which the marine came. Although the armour is painted black, it is never all painted black as this action would dishonour the armour's Machine Spirit. They also are equipped with a new shoulder pad with the symbol of Deathwatch onto their other side. Once in the employ of the Deathwatch, there is no set length of time for service, rather it is as long as the commander deems necessary. Each Space Marine may serve a discrete amount of time, or for the duration of a mission, which may be a number of years. Once the mission is complete, the Space Marine is allowed to return to his chapter, under an oath of silence, as their duty has been fulfilled.[Needs Citation]
The orders of the Deathwatch are not merely the cleansing of xenos cultures. They also include the recovery and study of alien devices and artifacts. Sometimes it is necessary to use a weapon against the enemy who created it, although this is not taken lightly. The Deathwatch are constantly vigilant for sabotage, or to advise if it is truly safe to use a weapon of xenos origin. The Adeptus Mechanicus are always on the lookout for alien technology; the C'tan Phase Sword, used by the Callidus assassin was recovered from a Necron tomb world and successfully integrated into the arsenal of the Imperium.[Needs Citation]
Usually, a Deathwatch team is led by an Inquisitor, but in extreme circumstances, a Deathwatch Captain or Librarian may take command of the unit. Their word is law, and can requisition anything they desire to complete their objective. They are the best armed and trained units in the Imperium. They might be deployed in areas where conventional methods are insufficient or if the troops available are not properly equipped or trained for the task. The presence of a Deathwatch team is always welcomed, even though they are feared by all those who know of them.[Needs Citation]History
The seeds of the Deathwatch were first sown during the War of the Beast, when a mighty warboss known only as The Beast nearly destroyed the Imperium.[28a] During the war, Lord Commander of the Imperium and Chapter Master of the Imperial Fists Koorland realized that small Kill-Teams of Astartes were required to eliminate The Beast and key strategic assets. Needing experience and knowing that no new Foundings could be created in such a short time, the recruits were to be drawn from a multitude of existing Chapters. Despite the reluctance of the High Lords of Terra to approve the creation of this force, desperation forced their hand. The original recruits were drawn from units of survivors of Koorland's invasion of Ullanor which saw heavy Astartes losses. Thus standing in vigil of their fallen brothers, the Deathwatch came to be. Their first mission was to eliminate the Ork Attack Moon plaguing Terra.[29] Shortly before the second invasion of Ullanor to try and slay The Beast, Koorland reached a power-sharing agreement with Inquisitorial Representative Wienand to try and avert crisis with the suspicious High Lords of Terra. It was agreed that the Deathwatch would fall under the purview of the Inquisition but that a Space Marine would serve as a Chapter Master. The first Chapter Master of the Deathwatch, known as the Watch Commander, was Asger Warfist.[30]
An account from older editions states that centuries ago, a Conclave of Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Lords, known as the Apocryphon Conclave of Orphite IV - convened with the purpose of formulating a galaxy-wide strategy to combat the many xenos civilizations assailing mankind. Foreseeing an age where mankind would eventually consume the Imperium itself, the conclave sat and debated for many years. Some advocated the annihilation of all xenos, some that certain less-violent civilizations should be "tolerated". However a strategy was eventually formed and the Conclave requested an audience with many assembled Chapter Masters of the Adeptus Astartes. After hearing the Inquisitor's pleas, the Chapter Masters deliberated for one night before giving their verdict: they and the Inquisitors would together take a solemn oath and form a new Chapter, one drawn entirely from Battle Brothers from existing chapters. The alliance dubbed it the 'Deathwatch', for it would stand guard against the doom foretold by the conclave.[7a]
Strategy
The Deathwatch has developed several distinct tactical deployments over its long history, developed over its wars against Xenos. These tactical methods are taught at every Watch Fortress.[28b]
- Furor Tactics involve the delivery of explosive firepower across a wide frontage. By concentrating on tightly-packed hordes of their foes, corpses of the enemy slow the advances of those behind. They were developed by Squad Veridium to combat Orks and Tyranids.[28b]
- Venator Tactics were developed to fight Wych Cults. First created by Jaaghen Khan, Venator tactics involve using Jetbikes to engage in long running battles leading their fire. The enemy is eventually struck by an encirclement maneuver that swings back to surround them.[28b]
- Malleus Tactics were first used by Captain Brontos on Rakkor IX against the Tyranids. Malleus tactics involve using Land Raiders to claim larger enemies before using Power Weapons to engage them in close combat.[28b]
- Purgatus Tactics were developed by the Librarian del Athyu and involve the application of utmost force on the leadership figures in alien hordes.[28b]
Notable Engagements
- 544.M32 - The War of the Beast sees the Deathwatch created
- ??? - The Purging of Hrud on Rhidl[28a]
- ??? - War against Orks on Endasch[28a]
- ??? - The battle for Fortress Omega
- ??? - Waaagh! Dregsmasha
- ??? - The purging of Ur-Ghuls on Plenitia[28a]
- ??? - The purging of Sslyth in the Vensine Sector[28a]
- ??? - The Purging of Yddylia
- ??? - The war for Tharsis Prime
- ??? - The Fall of Ebon Vale
- ??? - The purging of Anthasem
- ??? - The battle for Gruk's World
- 335.M36 - The Xenarite Schism
- ???.M36 - The Szaeyr Deathwatch Crusade
- 119.M37 - The Lok'kroll Xenocide
- 182.M38 - A full company of Deathwatch fail to protect Lord Inquisitor Korscht from the Kabal of Immortality Denied
- ???.M41 - The Crusade of Fire
- ???.M41 - Torhaven incident
- ???.M41 - The Purging of Castillium
- ???.M41 - The defense of Namatoria
- ???.M41 - War against Xenarite Tech-Priests on Stygies VIII
- 240.M41 - The destruction of the Saruthi[14]
- 681.M41 - The purging of the Cult of the Four-Armed Emperor on Ghosar Quintus
- 745.M41 - The First Tyrannic War[7]
- 777.M41 - The Achilus Crusade[9b]
- 964.M41 - The Tyrama Secundus Campaign
- 993.M41 - The Second Tyrannic War[7]
- 997.M41 - The Battle of Tarsis Ultra
- 999.M41 - The Third Tyrannic War[7]
- 999.M41 - The Third War for Armageddon[2]
- 999.M41 - The Reclamation of Damnos[28a]
- 999.M41 - The Second Battle of Damnos
- 999.M41 - The Second Agrellan Campaign[28a]
- 999.M41 - Raids into the Farsight Enclaves[28a]
- 999.M41 - The Battle of Port Demesnus
- ~100s.M42 - The Plague Wars[33]
Organisation
Deathwatch Marines are most frequently divided into Kill-Teams, specialized combat units consisting of Marines from various Chapters.[4] The Deathwatch itself is heavily integrated with the Ordo Xenos, operating from Watch Fortresses and Watch Stations across the Galaxy. Operating mostly in small elite teams alongside the Inquisition, rarely does the Deathwatch gather in large strength.[7]
Deathwatch ranks and positions
- Watch Commander (Chapter Master)[30]
- Watch Master
- Watch Captain
- Deathwatch Black Shield[8]
- Deathwatch Champion[8]
- Deathwatch Chaplain[8]
- Deathwatch Dreadnought[8]
- Deathwatch Epistolary[8]
- Deathwatch Forge Master[8]
- Deathwatch Keeper[8]
- Deathwatch Kill-marine[8]
- Deathwatch First Company Veteran[8]
Equipment
Deathwatch members have access to a range of specialist equipment such as the Stalker Boltgun and variant bolter ammunition such as Inferno Bolts, Kraken Penetrator Rounds, Metal Storm Frag Shells and Stalker Silenced Shells.[1]
The most widely used aircraft by the Deathwatch is the Chapter-exclusive Corvus Blackstar.
Chapter Fleet
The Deathwatch operates its own fleet, and most notable of these ships are Kill-ships, specialized bombardment craft to enact Exterminatus upon worlds lost to the Imperium. The Deathwatch often deploys from Inquisitorial Black Ships for planetary strike operations.[7]
Known ships of the Deathwatch
- Excrutio - Strike Cruiser
- Eye of Retribution - Frigate[21a]
- Fatal Redress - Rapid Strike Vessel[23]
- Final Mercy - Rapid Strike Vessel[9a]
- Hallowed Sword - Nova Class Frigate[21c]
- Lance of Darkness - Nova Class Frigate[24]
- Nemesis - Strike Cruiser[34]
- Silent Slayer - Strike Cruiser[25]
- Spear of Fury - Hunter Class Destroyer[26]
- Thunder’s Word - Gladius Class Frigate[7b]
- Wrathbringer - Strike Cruiser[21b]
Notable Members
Watch Commanders
- Asger Warfist of the Space Wolves- The first Watch Commander of the Deathwatch.[30]
- Horthan
- Gideon Borleos
Watch Masters
- Mordelai of the Imperial Fists
- Alathresis of the Novamarines
- Astoren Korr
- Feron
- Utorian Denash
- Vaedrian Shenol
- Vilnus
Brother-Captains
- Brother-Captain Uriel Ventris of the Ultramarines[12a]
- Brother-Captain Bannon of the Imperial Fists[12a] (Deceased, killed by Tyranids on the world Tarsis Ultra.)[12b]
- Brother-Captain Artemis of the Mortifactors[6]
- Brother-Captain Quiron Octavius of the Imperial Fists (Deceased, killed by a Dark Eldar Talos)[10][11]
- Captain Alessio Cortez - Master of the Charge[11], Nigh-invulnerable Captain of the 4th Company
- Sephanor
- Esteban de Dominova
- Mathias
- Kail Vibius
- Andar Scarion
- Marius Avincus
- Peratos
- Prium
- Peratos
- Brontos
- Jaaghen Khan
- Galesus
Librarians
- Librarian Ashok of the Angels Sanguine[10][11]
- Librarian Shaidan of the Mantis Warriors[10]
- Librarian Del Athyu
- Codicer Librarian Lyandro Karras of the Death Spectres[13]
- Librarian Andreas[5]
- Epistolary Zadkiel
- Epistolary Galius of the Novamarines
- Epistolary Kuran of the Revilers
- Epistolary Anathrus of the Blood Angels
- Codicier Jensus Natorian of the Blood Ravens
- Codicier Velim
- Codicier Kaelar of the Celestial Lions
- Rune Priest Hengir Stormhowl of the Space Wolves
- Rune Priest Valtar Skyclaw of the Space Wolves - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Librarian Hanniel of the Dark Angels - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
Chaplains
- Chaplain Broec of the Black Templars[10][11]
- Ortan Cassius of the Ultramarines
- Mordran of the Blood Angels
- Kubalai of the White Scars
- Jeramael of the Dark Angels
- Malegran of the Howling Griffons
- Toreus of the Genesis Chapter
- Idemon
- Brother Vigilant
Techmarines
- Master of the Forge Xerill of the Iron Hands
- Techmarine Korpheus of the Raven Guard[10][11]
- Techmarine Gadreel of the Blood Angels - One of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Techmarine Simmias of the Ultramarines - One of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Techmarine Abathar of the Dark Angels - One of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Iron Father Jurkim Bohr of the Brazen Claws - Fought during the War of the Beast
Apothecaries
Dreadnoughts
- Dreadnought Chyron of the Lamenters[13]
- Dreadnought Szobczak of the Imperial Fists
- Dreadnought Xenomortis
- Dreadnought Symio
- Dreadnought Nihilus
- Dreadnought Axcillian of the Eagle Warriors
- Redemptor Dreadnought Rahellion
- Venerable Dreadnought Aeton Macramus
- Dreadnought Xandor
- Dreadnought Balthor
Others
- Sergeant Grevius of the Crimson Fists (Deceased, killed by Tyranid Lictor on Herodian IV)[10]
- Sergeant Gjunheim
- Sergeant Kjarvik Stormcrow of the Space Wolves. Fought during the War of the Beast
- Sergeant Tyris of the Raven Guard. Fought during the War of the Beast
- Sergeant Soron of the Mantis Warriors[10]
- Sergeant Pasanius of the Ultramarines[12d]
- Sergeant Crull of the Flesh Tearers
- Sergeant Galatael of the Blood Angels
- Sergeant Cassius[3]
- Sergeant Angeloi of the Scythes of the Emperor[22]
- Sergeant Jetek Suberei of the White Scars
- Sergeant Antor Delassio of the Blood Angels
- Sergeant Tulwei of the Storm Lords - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Sergeant Zaeron
- Sergeant Iairos of the Ultramarines - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Sergeant Haevron of the Novamarines. Was stationed on Talasa Prime[35]
- Scout Sergeant Cyrus of the Blood Ravens[16]
Brothers
- Brother Neleus of the White Consuls[10][11]
- Brother Trythios of the Blood Ravens[16]
- Brother Edryc Setorax of the Raven Guard
- Brother Greymane of the Space Wolves
- Brother Vael Donatus of the Ultramarines
- Brother Zameon Gydrael of the Dark Angels
- Brother Tidaeus of the Ultramarines
- Brother Nereus of the Imperial Fists
- Brother Arteros of the Blood Angels
- Brother Garran Branatar of the Salamanders
- Brother Ignatio Solarian of the Ultramarines[13]
- Brother Darrion Rauth of the Exorcists[13]
- Brother Maximmon Voss of the Imperial Fists[13]
- Brother Siefer Zeed of the Raven Guard[13]
- Brother Henghast of the Space Wolves[12c]
- Brother Felgir, presumed to be of the Space Wolves[22]
- Brother Mettius[22]
- Brother Hadrovar[22]
- Brother Rennin Tri'el of the Silver Skulls
- Brother Alric
- Brother Rextrus of the Novamarines
- Brother Drenn Redblade of the Space Wolves
- Brother Rodricus Grytt of the Imperial Fists
- Brother Ennox Sorrlock of the Iron Hands
- Brother Aldierrez of the Crimson Fists
- Brother Nutujin of the White Scars
- Brother Forcas of the Blood Angels - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Vepar of the Blood Angels - One of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Hakon Icegrip of the Space Wolves - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Straton of the Ultramarines - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Vehuel of the Dark Angels - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Eligos of the Blood Angels - one of the original members of the Deathwatch
- Brother Zarrael of the Flesh Tearers - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Atherias of the Hawk Lords - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Baldarich of the Black Templars - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Phareous of the Iron Snakes - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Vega of the Doom Eagles - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Nubis of the Salamanders - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Antares of the Fists Exemplar - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Grigorus of the Soul Drinkers - Fought during the War of the Beast
- Brother Ranulf Longstriker of the Space Wolves
Contributing Chapters
Hundreds of Chapters have contributed to the Deathwatch over its history. Only one has been found wanting, its honor forever tarnished.[28b] Specific chapters that are known to contribute troops to the Deathwatch include;
- Angels of Redemption [34]
- Angels Resplendent [32]
- Angels Vermillion [15]
- Aurora Chapter [34]
- Black Consuls [11]
- Black Dragons [19][20]
- Black Guard [34]
- Black Templars [10]
- Black Wings [32]
- Blood Angels [10][11][12][18]
- Blood Ravens [11][16]
- Brazen Claws [28b]
- Brazen Minotaurs [15]
- Brotherhood of a Thousand[32]
- Carcharodons [18]
- Celebrants [34]
- Crimson Fists [10]
- Dark Angels [17]
- Death Spectres [13]
- Destroyers [34]
- Doom Eagles
- Exorcists [13]
- Fists Exemplar
- Flame Falcons [20]
- Flesh Tearers [20]
- Hawk Lords
- Howling Griffons[28b]
- Imperial Fists [10][12][13][15]
- Iron Hands[28b]
- Iron Snakes
- Knights of the Raven
- Lamenters [16][12]
- Mantis Warriors [10][11]
- Marines Errant [34]
- Marines Malevolent [15]
- Mentors[28b]
- Mortifactors [18]
- Novamarines[28b]
- Praetors of Orpheus [19]
- Raven Guard [13]
- Red Talons [11]
- Relictors [20]
- Revilers [11]
- Salamanders [12][15]
- Scimitar Guard [19]
- Scions of Sanguinius [34]
- Scythes of the Emperor [22]
- Silver Skulls[28b]
- Sons of Antaeus [20]
- Soul Drinkers
- Space Wolves [10][12][18]
- Star Phantoms [15]
- Storm Giants [34]
- Storm Lords
- Storm Wardens [17]
- Ultramarines [10][12]
- Warmongers [34]
- White Consuls [10][12][18][31]
- White Scars [12][18][19]
Related Articles
- Deathwatch Armoury
- Loyal Space Marine Chapters (List)
- Space Marine Forces (List)
- Deathwatch: Overkill
Sources
- 1: Chapter Approved 2003[Needs Citation]
- 2: Codex: Armageddon (3rd Edition), pg. 32
- 3: White Dwarf 287, Last Stand Of The Firebrands
- 4: White Dwarf 306, pg. 30
- 5: White Dwarf 317, The Fall Of Medusa V
- 6: Inquisitor Rulebook, [Needs Citation]
- 7: Deathwatch Core Rulebook[Needs Citation]
- 8: Deathwatch: Rites of Battle, pgs. 100-123
- 9: Deathwatch: The Achilus Assault
- 10: Warrior Brood (Novel) by C.S. Goto, [Needs Citation]
- 11: Warrior Coven (Novel) by C.S. Goto, [Needs Citation]
- 12: Warriors of Ultramar (Novel) - The Ultramarines Omnibus by Graham McNeill[Needs Citation]
- 13: Headhunted (Short Story) by Steve Parker
- 14: Xenos (Novel) by Dan Abnett, Chapter 26
- 15: Machine Spirit (Short Story) by Nick Kyme
- 16: Dawn of War 2
- 17: Fantasy Flight Games Website
- 18: The Infinite Tableau (Short Story) by Anthony Reynolds
- 19: Weaponsmith (Short Story) by Ben Counter
- 20: The Vorago Fastness (Short Story) by David Annandale
- 21: Deathwatch: The Jericho Reach
- 22: Last Watch (Short Story) by Laurie Goulding
- 23: Mission: Annihilate (Short Story), pgs. 1-3
- 24: Warrior Coven (Novel) - Kill Squad: A Deathwatch Omnibus, Chapter 3, pgs. 212-213
- 25: Dark Heresy: Daemon Hunter, pg. 106
- 26: Deathwatch: Game Master's Kit, pg. 7
- 27: Deathwatch: The Achilus Assault, pg. 128
- 28: Codex: Deathwatch (7th Edition)
- 29: Watchers in Death (Novel) Chapter 2
- 30: The Last Son of Dorn (Novel) Chapter 7
- 31: Imperial Armour Volume Two - Space Marines and Forces of the Inquisition, pg. 193
- 32: Deathwatch: The Walker in Fire (Short Story) by Peter Fehervari
- 33: Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook pgs. 158-159
- 34: Storm of Damocles (Novel),[Needs Citation] pg. 29
- 35: White Dwarf September 2016, Designer's Notes - Slayers of the Alien Horde
Uncited
- Games Workshop Deathwatch Site, [Needs Citation]
- "The Cleansing Of Hive Thetus", Games Workshop Black Templar Site, [Needs Citation]
- White Dwarf 248, "St Jowen's Space Dock"
- Tactica Imperialis - Rophanon - The Reef Stars, [Needs Citation]
- One Hate (Short Story) by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
- Last Chancers (Novel Series) by Gav Thorpe, [Needs Citation]
- Deathwatch (Graphic Novel), [Needs Citation]