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+++ PREFACE +++ After a frustrating and costly tour of the Cellebos Warbone, Kill Team Rapier (at the time comprised Alyxander, Rarai’an, Auranis and Validus) had a chance meeting with Inquisitor Jemini Malethann. He was concerned with the myriad xenos incursions within the Matteus Subsector, and was headhunting experienced Deathwatch Astartes to investigate these threats. Kill Team Rapier welcomed the opportunity to adapt their xeno-hunting skills in an arena free of the political infighting of the Jericho Reach. With the permission of their Watch-Commander, they relocated to the Segmentum Obscurus to assist Malethann's operations. Once there, they were formally introduced to the Inquisitor’s cohort and their newest Astartes members: Gorlin and Lucena. +++ EXPEDITION IV - DAKOTA MINOR +++ Kill-Team Rapier's first major assignment in the Matteus Subsector was on Dakota Minor, to investigate the growing Ork presence within the rocky forests native to the planet. The Orks had persisted forty years after their invasion of Dakota Minor, and it was speculated a new Warboss had risen up to lead the directionless Orks lurking in the forests. Meanwhile, the equally disorganised Dakota Minor Defence Corps was itching to charge head-first into the Ork-infested jungle; their confidence sky-high from their victory over the Orks decades ago. Fearing a needless slaughter and a second Ork incursion on Dakota Minor, Malethann dispatched Kill Team Rapier to soften the Ork threat before the local PDF got involved. Their mission: reconnoiter the forests, determine the Ork strength, and if the opportunity presents itself, eliminate their leader. The following transcript and pict-feed highlights are a record of their mission. ++++INLOAD BEGINS++++ +++KILL TEAM RAPIER OPERATIONAL REPORT – DAKOTA MINOR 989.924M41+++ ++FOR THE EYES OF INQUISITOR JEMINI MALETHANN ONLY++ As per your instruction, Inquisitor: a report of our operations on Dakota Minor. Events were logged as deemed pertinent. Time zero begins at 1515h 971.924M41. Composition: Alyxander (Leader), Auranis, Rarai’an, Validus, Gorlin +CARRY THE EMPEROR'S WILL AS YOUR TORCH; WITH IT, DESTROY THE SHADOWS+ +0 days, 00:00 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Deployment by Blackstar into the jungle. Gorlin and Validus scouted ahead; no resistance, no signs we were detected. Kill Team Rapier proceeded to marker Primus. +0 days, 01:27 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 001 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ Kill Team Rapier enter the rocky forests of Dakota Minor, in search for the Ork warband. +0 days, 03:55 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Kill Team Rapier arrives at marker Primus (co-ord 016.32 x 047.69). Ork tracks identified. No sign of standing forces, ally or foe. Proceeding to marker Secondus. +0 days, 06:00 ++AUDIO FEED 001 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ VALIDUS: Bearing two-two-one. ALYXANDER: A small rabble. RARAI'AN: They may lead to the greater horde. ALYXANDER: We follow them. Auranis, acknowledge? AURANIS: Acknowledged. Gorlin, we are moving on. +0 days, 18:50 ++AUDIO FEED 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: A large horde, bearing zero-seven-three. VALIDUS: Some large Orks, but not- GORLIN: Orks approaching our position. ALYXANDER: On what bearing? GORLIN: Behind us! RARAI'AN: Specifics, Gorlin! ALYXANDER: Validus, hold here and watch that horde. Auranis, I am returning to you. AURANIS: Acknowledged. Gorlin, provide bearing on the Orks! GORLIN: ... Fifty metres ... at zero-seven-zero, approaching on foot! ALYXANDER: They will have our scent. How many? GORLIN: Fifteen... More! ALYXANDER: Hold fire. Wait for my signal. GORLIN: Die! <Ork roaring> ALYXANDER: Curse it! Rapier, engage at will! <15 seconds of non-vocal combat audio> VALIDUS: Sergeant, the horde is turning to us. GORLIN: We can take them! ALYXANDER: No, we cannot! Rapier, tactical withdrawal bearing three-three-zero. RARAI'AN: Auranis, watch your right! AURANIS: <unintelligible; cry of pain?> GORLIN: Xenos filth! ALYXANDER: Rapier, move! +0 days, 18:51 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ Members of Kill Team Rapier are ambushed by an Orb mob while on reconnaissance. +1 days, 08:56 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Kill Team Rapier sighted a large horde of Orks. Estimated 200 strong, with 10 to 20 scrap-form vehicles. Were forced to engage a small band of Orks approaching our position. Half were slain, but we were forced to withdraw before the much larger horde approached our position. +1 days, 13:50 ++AUDIO FEED 002 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ AURANIS: I count twenty to twenty-five Ork scrap units. Five hundred metres, bearing two-nine-zero. VALIDUS: Logged. How is your injury? AURANIS: It will heal. VALIDUS: I have a reserve bolter. AURANIS: I can still carry the cannon. But thank you, brother. +1 days, 19:33 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 003 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ A column of Ork armour is spotted by Kill Team Rapier, as they maneouvre deeper into the forest. +1 days, 21:26 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Multiple Ork units were sighted and numbers recorded. Initial estimates of two thousand fighting bodies and forty armour assets. Scrap units were limited to small to medium sized vehicles. Many of them scrap-walkers and defiled Chimeras. +2 days, 00:32 ++AUDIO FEED 003 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: Validus, another horde approaches. VALIDUS: ... No sighting of a leader. ALYXANDER: There must be a larger concentration, still within the forest. GORLIN: Filthy and wretched- RARAI'AN: Gorlin, be silent! AURANIS: It has been forty-eight hours, brother. We have sufficient reconnaissance data. Neutralising the Ork Warboss was a secondary objective. ALYXANDER: I am not leaving the fate of this world in that Corps Commander's hands. He is a fool, and they are drunk on their victory over the Orks so long ago. VALIDUS: A Salamanders' victory. ALYXANDER: Indeed. I will not settle for partial success. We will not have a second incursion on Dakota Minor. GORLIN: We are His Angels! RARAI'AN: And death is our gift. ALYXANDER: Validus? VALIDUS: Agreed. ALYXANDER: Auranis? AURANIS: ... Very well. Let us hunt this Ork. +2 days, 11:59 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Rapier continued to reconnitore the forest, in search of the Ork leader. Small mobs were engaged and dispatched. Will continue to search the forest for another 60 hours before moving to Marker Terminus for exfiltration. +2 days, 21:47 ++AUDIO FEED 004 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ ALYXANDER: Validus. Eyes on an Ork at bearing three-four-eight. VALIDUS: Sighted. Inloading to the feed. AURANIS: That is not the Ork leader. GORLIN: How do you know? AURANIS: Do you see the spanner sigil? GORLIN: What of it? AURANIS: That is indicative of one of their mechanic - GORLIN: How would you know this? AURANIS: The Deathwatch Librarius. Somewhere you will start to frequent once this is over. GORLIN: I do not devolve myself to study - AURANIS: This is not debatable. We study our enemies, so we can destroy them! ALYXANDER: Enough, both of you. I agree, Auranis. It is not the Leader. We are less than a kilometre from their camp now. Move out. +3 days, 01:10 ++VISUAL FEED STILL 004 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL NOOSPHERE++ The suspected Ork Warboss is sighted, as Kill Team Rapier positions themselves for a killing strike. +3 days, 01:10 ++AUDIO FEED 005 - KILL TEAM RAPIER INTERNAL VOX-LINK++ RARAI'AN: I see the leader. VALIDUS: Bearing? RARAI'AN: Three-zero-nine. ALYXANDER: Sighted... Inloading... Auranis? AURANIS: ... A high-ranking leader, certainly. ALYXANDER: You seem unconvinced, brother. AURANIS: It is hard to judge without understanding the full scale of the Ork infestation. RARAI'AN: If there are no other contenders? ALYXANDER: I will make the call. The Ork is marked for termination. VALIDUS: Loading Kraken. AURANIS: Wait. Let me line up a shot in tandem. It may have a refractor field. RARAI'AN: Be ready, brothers. They will run amock once it is dead. VALIDUS: Neutralising... <bolter discharge> AURANIS: <frag cannon discharge> ALYXANDER: ... Confirmed kill. GORLIN: Ha! That was easy. AURANIS: Indeed, easy... RARAI'AN: What of the horde? VALIDUS: ... Squabbling amongst themselves. Infighting. GORLIN: Orks approaching, one-seven-nine! RARAI'AN: A lot of them! ALYXANDER: Rapier, engage the beasts! <heavy weapons fire> RARAI'AN: Artillery incoming! ALYXANDER: Take heading two-zero-zero. Move, Rapier! <12 seconds of over-threshold noise> GORLIN: <laughter> AURANIS: What is it, Gorlin? GORLIN: <laughter> That was not called in on us! ALYXANDER: <unintelligible; laugher?> The Emperor smiles on us. AURANIS: We should move to exfiltration. ALYXANDER: Agreed, brother. +3 days, 01:30 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Suspected Ork warlord terminated by Validus and Auranis. Squabbling and infighting immediately occured upon the Ork horde. Kill Team Rapier was set upon by an Ork mob, but was dealt with by their own artillery assets. Returning to Blackstar at Marker Terminus. +3 days, 09:11 +MANUAL ENTRY+ Extraction by Blackstar at Marker Terminus. +APPENDIX I+ Cartograph of sighted Ork encampments and estimates of force strength, as well as Kill-Team Rapier's path thro ++++INLOAD ENDS++++ +++ DEBRIEF +++ ++++INLOAD BEGINS++++ +++RE: KILL TEAM RAPIER OPERATIONAL REPORT – DAKOTA MINOR 998.924M41+++ ++FOR THE EYES OF KILL TEAM RAPIER ONLY++ Rapier, well done. I applaud your initiative. Leave the rest of them to the DMDC. Let them have their battle. Return to the Scepter. I have another assignment for you. Inquisitor Malethann, Ordo Xenos ++++INLOAD ENDS++++ +++ END ARTICLE +++

Greetings. So, I have been hard at work creating a new Blood Drinkers army. My first attempt at a codex chapter (Death Spectres) met with unsatisfactory results, so I have decided to stick with what I am familiar. This is my first test model; a Blood Drinkers Primaris Aggressor. The lighting in the photo washes out some of the highlighting. Hopefully, it still conveys a reasonable representation of what I am trying to achieve. As I was painting this model, it occurred to me that there is a bit of conflict concerning the Blood Drinkers squad and company markings. Every current source I was able to review indicates that the Blood Drinkers are organized according to the Codex Astartes with regards to squad and company markings (i.e. squad number and specialty markings on the right shoulder), yet these same sources indicate that the entire chapter shares the same color scheme of red armor with gold trim. So, my question (which I hope others may have some useful insights into) is how does the Chapter indicate company designation on their armor?

A CHALLENGE LAYS ISSUED! http://i.imgur.com/fm7lYfol.png The Dark Angel's known only as Shadow Guard and Darkn3ssF4lls walk out of a dark room deep inside the flying fortress only known as The Rock. Their heads held low after their deep conversations within held only moments before. "Brother, we need a Champion to lead these oaths to victory!" Darkn3ssF4lls said shifting his gaze to stare ahead down the long corridor. Dimly lit with candles he could see the glories of the past artistically crafted into the corridors. "Only the finest warriors will be chosen to lead the new squads, let us begin the preparations" replied Shadow Guard. To coincide with the Covenant of Caliban (1 July - 30 Sep) and because of the launch of 8th edition, I would like to challenge us all to make some great conversions of our new sworn brothers, the Primaris Marines. + + +THE PALADIN CHALLENGE II + + + Objective Create, Convert and Paint a Member of the Unforgiven utilizing both the Dark Angels bits and those given to us in a Primaris Marine Kit. Rules for Registration Single Primaris Marine miniature which must be converted/kitbashed (Can be part of a squad or IC) Must be wielding either a single sword, dual swords, or a two handed sword and must be wearing MK X armour. Can be included as part of the Covenant of Caliban event oath, please state here too so I can keep track. Please name your Champion/Paladin Prize A unique badge for the winner. A standard badge for all. The judges will pick a favorite and the community will be able to vote on who's champion gets to write their name in the banner hall. Here is the OATH I (name), with all my strength, honor and faith in the Lion, pledge my Champion (name). Failure of my oath is not an option. When the oath is taken you may wear one of these banners. http://i.imgur.com/T0x4MJd.png Upon completion of your oath you may discard your oath badge in favour of the badge you win. http://i.imgur.com/wj0WOvZ.png OR http://i.imgur.com/k0EYErV.png + + + PRAISE BE THE LION + + + OATHMAKERS Fallen Dark Angel - Lieutenant Gawain - Starting State - Ending State Skorp - Viktor - Starting State - Ending State Chmur - Tiguel, The Unwavering - Starting State - Ending State Punk Possum - Kormareal - Starting State - Ending State Robofish7591 - Ezkariel, Master of 3rd Co. - Starting State - Ending State jbaeza94 - Amulius - Starting State - Ending State Master Sheol - Anaziel - Starting State - Ending State Joewavridr - Heleman - Starting State - Ending State Elmo - Methandes - Starting State - Ending State Immersturm - Lemuel - Starting State - Ending State Jack of the Pelt - Grinnaux, Company Master - Starting State - Ending State Grotsmasha - Variel - Starting State - Ending State ronin_cse - Tariel, Company Master - Starting State - Ending State Master Toddius - Zaal - Starting State - Ending State

The Inner Circle presents: http://fortressofunforgiven.homestead.com/Covenant_of_Caliban_2_Poster.jpg http://i.imgur.com/N1o9Swjb.jpg Staring up at the screens before him the Dark Angel known only as Darkn3ss F4lls furled his brow as information arrived from the Crusier Sword of Defiance. The information seemed inconceivable but he could see it would not be proved a fabrication. More information poured in from the Astra Militarum and other Astartes chapters. The command floor stood still as the news of both the destruction of Cadia and the loss of the entire 4th Company sank in. Snapping back to reality just as quickly as things had paused everyone got to work with the efficiency only Astartes could achieve. Leaving the the command deck he left in a solemn search. Entering the dimly lit chamber deep inside the rock he found the floor littered with Oaths of Moment that had been unfulfilled over the course of time. The reasons for the failure were both numerous and varied. The marines of the Inner Circle stood in silence over the pile. One amongst them lifted from the pile an Oath and read to himself the prior promise. To the one marine, the goal was both attainable and notable. Looking at another one, it was possible to complete it with the changes that have occurred since the Oath was made. “Many of these can be completed now.” http://i.imgur.com/ysXAgj8b.png From the darkness, the cloaked form of the Shadow Guard stepped forth, “Indeed. It is time that these Oaths be fulfilled and raised in honor.” “Then let them be raised up as new Oaths.” “And let this be a new covenant for the Unforgiven, that we will return to this chamber and bring forth some of these so that they may be returned to honor our lost brothers” INTRODUCTION: The Covenant of Caliban is a Dark Angel Forum Event series aimed at having participants vow a single unit and bringing it in to completion. This unit could be still in plastic, partially assembled, or base-coated. The timeline for completing the event is three month’s time. The event will have two parts, the first listed below and the second in another thread. One can enter their vow into both should it meet both criteria. HOW TO ENTER: 1. Make an oath in this thread in the following manner: I, <<YOUR NAME>>, OF THE <<CHAPTER / FIRST LEGION>>, IN THE NAME OF THE LION, MAKE THIS OATH OF MOMENT TO FINISH <<INSERT UNIT OR CHARACTER HERE>>. 2. Take a before photo to be placed in the same post as your vow. 3. Work to bring your vow to completion. 4. Post a second photo of the completed unit to be posted by Midnight of September 30th, 2017. (B&C Board Standard Time) 5. Claim your reward. RULES: Only a SINGLE VOW will be allowed for this event. The Vow must be a SINGLE UNIT that is Dark Angels Chapter or Legion Legal. No Formations are allowed for this event. The Vow can be in ANY of the listed state of construction/painting when then vow is made REWARDS: Once you make your oath you may wear the following banner in your signature: http://fortressofunforgiven.homestead.com/Covenant_of_Caliban_2_Banner.jpg + + + PRAISE BE THE LION + + + OATH BEARERS Pvnisher - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Fallen Dark Angel - 1 Intercessor Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother Haim - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad with Attack Bike (9x) - Starting State - Ending State Skorp - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (8x) - Starting State - Ending State GrayRavenC - 1 Greenwing Command Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Jack of the Pelt - 1 Ravenwing Dark Talon (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Tygwyn - 1 Sammael on Sableclaw (1 x) - Starting State - Ending State Darkn3ssF4lls - 1 Terminator Librarian (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Robofish7591 - 1 Intercessor Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending Greenz - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad + Attack Bike (6x) - Starting State - Ending State Chmur - 1 Primaris Lieutenant (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother-Captain Sharp - 1 Deathwing Knight Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Aura_Enchanted - 1 Land Raider Excelsior (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Brother Vod - 1 Dreadnaught (1x) - Starting State - Ending State ronin_cse - 1 Hellblaster Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Eib.Almera - 1 Deathwing Suad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Master Sheol - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad + Attack Bike (7x) - Starting State - Ending State SNEAKYBAMSEN - 1 Assault Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Joewavridr - 1 Black Knights (12x?) - Starting State - Ending State Goblinchow - 1 Assault Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Rychu - 1 Devastator Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Elmo - 1 Intercessor Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State SYPHID - 1 Storm Eagle Assault Gunship (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Lostrael - 1 Asmodai (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Aothaine - 1 Tactical Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Grotsmasha - 1 Primaris Lieutenant (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Master Ciaphas - 1 Primaris Captain (1x) - Starting State - Ending State DasOgrefied - 1 Ravenwing Bike Squad (5x) - Starting State - Ending State Worsey - 1 Ravenwing Dark Talon (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Dark rage - 1 Intercessor Squad (1x) - Starting State - Ending State Jbaeza94 - 1 Tactical Squad (10x) - Starting State - Ending State Oaths = 31 Completed = 8 Failure = 0

Hello fellow hobbyists! Welcome to my little blog of "By the Emperor that is a disturbing amount of money," Space Wolves. I originally had a Space Wolves army that I was semi okay with, and then I found B&C. I have people like KrautScientist, Terimus, The Insane Psychopath, The Observer, and many, many more to thank for indirectly teaching me hobbyist skills I did not even know existed, which prompted me to start my army from scratch. Now I am ready to bare my fangs if you will. (Oh yes puns are involved too.) Without further ado, I present the Skywarriors Great Company. "Sven Bloodhowl now lies in red snow... and the lots have been cast for his successor. Drein Bladedancer step forward." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/Drein%20Bladedancer_zpsoclvr95d.jpg "In the name of Russ and the Allfather, as Great Wolf of the Vlka Fenryka, I give you the mantle of Wolf Lord. Choose the name of your new Great Company." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/20170626_115023_zpsypwvj6fx.jpg "The Skywarriors. We shall take the name that we heard tale of since we were pups." http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p493/40kDestiny/20170626_115001_zpsuaogttjy.jpg "My first request as Wolf Lord, Great Wolf, is the release of two Wulfen into the custody of my company." "Only two? Name them." "Charlamagne the Bloody and Monarch, Terror's Eye." "So be it."

Hot off the path- uhh, presses.

Uh, yeah, exactly what it says on the tin. Woof?

I'm on a Crusade to remove all derp and cheese from 40k and I'm starting with the Core Book itself. So the question I have for you is this: If you could add/change/remove one thing in the 9th edition Core Book, what would it be?

Hi, Here are some pictures of a Death Korps of Krieg Veteran Guardsman that I painted from the Kill Team Octarius box set.

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.php?app=downloads&module=display&section=screenshot&id=677 File Name: Open Play Black Templars for 9th Edition File Submitter: Brother Sidonius File Submitted: 03 Feb 2021 File Category: Warhammer 40,000 In this fan-made supplement you will find rules for Battle-forged armies that include Black Templars Detachments. These rules include Abilities, Stratagems, Litanies, Warlord Traits, Relics and Datasheets designed to be used alongside Codex: Space Marines. Together, these rules capture the character and fighting style of the Black Templars Crusades so that they can be played in your games of Warhammer 40,000 9th Edition. The aim of this supplement is to not only capture the spirit of the Black Templars Chapter as they are portrayed in other Games Workshop publications but also maintain the streamlined game design of 9th Edition. Click here to download this file

Introduction: Kill Team Rapier was a Deathwatch strike team formed in 920M41, originally stationed in the Jericho Reach. The team was led by Watch Sergeant Alyxander, with Veterans Auranis, Gorlin, Validus, Lucena and Rarai'an under his command. As of 925M41, Kill Team Rapier had a short yet eventful operational history that has taken them from the Jericho Reach to the Agripinaa Sector, striking down heretics and Xenos that threaten the Imperium's holdings. Kill Team Rapier assembled. Kill Team Rapier’s first assignment was during the siege of Hargotta in 920M41 to locate and identify the heretic Astartes commanders of the Stigmartus warband. Despite their success the Imperium crusade forces abandoned the siege, much to the chagrin of the Kill Team. Shortly after, they made an ally of Ordo Xenos Inquisitor Jemini Malethann, who sought to utilise them for his own projects. It was the offer Kill Team Rapier needed to get away from the strife and politics of the Jericho Reach. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander and Veteran Auranis face off against an Ork mob. After accepting Malethann's offer, Kill Team Rapier soon found themselves stationed out in Segmentum Obscurus, under the Inquisitor's command. Using their experience in fighting heretics, their knowledge of Xenos, as well as their newfound brotherhood, they quickly set about tracking down an Ork Waaagh! plaguing the innermost sectors of Segmentum Obscurus. Their search would eventually embroil them into the seemingly unending conflict between Waaagh! Brassjaw and the Steel Reavers in 925M41. Current Members: Kill Team Rapier is a six-strong strike team comprised of the following members: Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Chapter: Black Templars Chapter Initiation: 882M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Initiate of Fighting Company “Bohemond’s Brothers”, post-Crusade of Vice. Deathwatch Initiation: 914M41 Alyxander is the sergeant of Kill Team Rapier. He is a Black Templar initiate who was crusading with his fighting company, “Bohemond’s Brothers”, across the northern stretches of the Segmentum Ultima. Before joining the Deathwatch in 912M41, his company was part of the Crusade of Vice fighting against Orks in the Tamahl sector. An advising Inquisitor took interest in Alyxander when she witnessed him slay an Ork Warboss with a broken power sword. Alyxander was honoured to join the Deathwatch, but was unprepared for the radical nature of the Inquisition, particularly their dealings with Xenos and their technology. He has become disenchanted with his assignment as the Inquisition's methodology often clashed with Alyxander's faith. Now, he is simply content with the opportunities given to him to purge the various aliens, mutants and heretics across the galaxy. He and Auranis have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Watch-Sergeant Alyxander Veteran Auranis Chapter: Crimson Fists Chapter Initiation: 875M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Sergeant of 5th Company 9th Devastator Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Auranis is the squad gunner of Kill Team Rapier. Hailing from the Crimson Fists chapter, he joined the Deathwatch in 912M41. Before the Deathwatch, he was Sergeant of the 9th Devastator Squad, 5th Company. He and his squad earned battle honours during an encounter with a Drukhari raiding party in the Loki Sector in 907M41, where they destroyed an entire Venom squadron. The Chapter Master of the Crimson Fists recommended him to the Deathwatch, and though Auranis was pensive he accepted their offer without complaint. He has not regretted his decision since, and he takes great pride in his duties and assignment with the Deathwatch. He and Alyxander have a strong bond, one built up from their decade of service together. Veteran Auranis Veteran Validus Chapter: Raven Guard Chapter Initiation: 850M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 2nd Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 912M41 Validus is the sharpshooter of Kill Team Rapier. He hails from the Raven Guard chapter, and was initiated into the Deathwatch in 890M41. He was a member of the 4th Company 2nd Tactical Squad, and during this time he was nearly killed in battle by an Ork Meganob. He was in suspended animation for six weeks before returning to service, being reassigned to the 7th Company, which would not see battle for several months. Validus lamented his defeat in his last battle, and his “demotion” to the reserve companies. Naturally, he seized the opportunity to join the Deathwatch when they sent their recruiters to the Raven Guard’s chapter keep. He successfully impressed the Deathwatch emissaries with his exceptional marksmanship and quick manoeuvring. Despite his withdrawn and brooding personality, he has a newfound pride and purpose as a member of Kill Team Rapier. Veteran Validus Veteran Rarai’an Chapter: Mortifactors Chapter Initiation: 801M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 7th Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 885M41 Rarai’an is the specialist of Kill Team Rapier, skilled in Astartes medicae and mechanics. He is the oldest member of the Kill Team Rapier, having joined the Deathwatch in 880M41. He was a veteran Astartes of the Mortifactors, where at separate times was an novice apothecary and apprentice techmarine. His desire to learn as many new skills as possible made him a prime candidate for secondment to the Deathwatch, which Rarai’an saw as a great opportunity for himself and to honour the chapter. Rarai’an is studious and insightful, and strives to master every skill an Astartes may learn. Despite his seniority among his Deathwatch squad mates, he shies away from command positions. He prefers to take on an advisory role, which can be frustrating for his superiors and intimidating to younger Deathwatch Astartes. Nevertheless, he has found a place in Kill Team Rapier, who appreciate his knowledge and wisdom. Veteran Rarai'an Veteran Gorlin Chapter: Flesh Tearers Chapter Initiation: 895M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Assault Marine of 3rd Company 7th Assault Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 921M41 Gorlin is the close combat specialist of Kill Team Rapier. He is a young Astartes hailing from the Flesh Tearer’s 3rd Company, 7th Assault Squad. He was headhunted by Inquisitor Malethann after witnessing his savage yet controlled ferocity in combat against heretics, during one of the Inquisition’s many “observations” of the errant chapter. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 921M41, joining Kill Team Rapier as his first assignment. Gorlin considers himself a master of blades, and relishes new opportunities to fight and kill new opponents. He is ambitious and aggressive, as befits one who hails from the Flesh Tearers chapter. This has often caused friction with his squad, who need to constantly remind him of his duty and the mission at hand. They have learnt to tolerate his bloodlust and acknowledge his mastery with a chainsword. Veteran Gorlin Veteran Lucena Chapter: Howling Griffons Chapter Initiation: 859M41 Former Chapter Assignment: Tactical Marine of 2nd Company 1st Tactical Squad. Deathwatch Initiation: 901M41 Lucena is second-in-command of Kill Team Rapier and serves as the Astartes advisor for Inquisitor Malethann. He hails from the Howling Griffons 2nd Company, and was offered to the Deathwatch as a tribute; Lucena took it as an honour to serve the Deathwatch on behalf of his chapter. Inquisitor Malethann was impressed by his leadership skills and strong loyalty to the Emperor, and sought to employ him as an advisor and bodyguard for his operations. He was initiated to the Deathwatch in 901M41, but would not join Kill Team Rapier until 921M41. Lucena is a charismatic and ambitious Astartes, and is very confident in his abilities and leadership skills. This has made him an effective leader among many Imperium officers, but can be aggravating for his fellow Kill Team members. Despite his seniority, he is still seen as a new member to Rapier, and does not share the same bonds of brotherhood as the others. Veteran Lucena