Fallen fluff - Background for a tournament

[Tanhausen]

Hey y'all :(

 

In my downward spiral to stupidity ( PA only project ), I'm trying to find a suitable background.

 

Since I know very little of specific fluff (just the broad lines of the Chapter), I turn to my Frater.

 

Outline:

 

- Must contain Cypher (I have the model and love it, plus makes me have to paint him)

 

Digging around, I've found that Cypher is not so much a person but a title! Now that has surprised me...

 

- Must include a second libby

 

- No heavy support, but with a bit of ravenwing

 

- Many power armour bodies

 

So....

 

Cyhper + ravenwing... hunt for the fallen? hehe

 

Ideas:

 

1.- A strong force of the X company (dunno which, suggestions appreciated) has just captured a fallen angel (Cypher)! The detachment, led by a libby and supported by RW, has to be fast and on the move, so no armour (AV models that is) and basically on their way back the are forced to battle.

 

2.- A misterious character (Cyhper) has contacted the DA and claims to have exact information regarding the location of the sword of the lion! The DA are fully aware this is probably a ruse or even an ambush...but not only is the chance to retrieve the Lion's Sword too big to pass, it also means they will probably be able to get hold another Fallen Angel!

 

The Inner Circle dispatches a light force in order to counter-ambush the opponent's intentions. The idea is to follow along the misterious character until he decides to betray the DA...if only he knew. Or does he already?

 

3.- The DA have captured a Cypher and are forcing him to aid into smoking out Fallen hideouts.

 

4.- The DA libbies have divinated (pun) a prophesy in which Brother Librarian (name pending) will find the Lion's Sword. They grant him the title of Cypher and the mission succeeds.

 

However, on their way back, such a powerful item draws the attention of humanity's foes. Daemons cringe at the proximity of the sword; Orkz pulse with the latent power of the Sword; The Inquisition frowns upon such items (out of their control obviously); Other chapters distrust such a light and unresponding DA force... you get the idea.

 

So, these are just general ideas...

 

Comments and suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated :)

 

************ Draft of the background ********************************

 

Sargeant-Brother Taniel shuddered in the cavernous space.

 

A veteran of dozens of skirmishes and battles, with over two centuries of service within the Chapter, he frowned. No matter how many times he witnessed the use of approved psychic abilities, those were not natural.

 

Reciting the Litany of Pureness under his nose, he reminded himself that the Emperor, praised be His Glory, had bestowed the light of purity upon sanctioned use. He still didn’t like it.

 

In the center of the chamber, the wards glowed. High Librarian Asphodel stood next to Sergeant-Brother Taniel, watching upon Apprentice Librarian Potrius with his eyes closed. Cold drifts swept the area, bringing silent howls from invisible sources.

Bared to his black carapace and a simple tunic, Potrius sat in the middle of a triple quarz ring, carved on the black tourmaline pavement. In a meditation like position, his brow dripped with sweat from the effort, the frost showing peculiar patterns on the floor.

 

For the hours the ritual had lasted, both Asphodel and Taniel had remained observant while Potrius sat. The few candles barely brushed away the shadows from the space-domed chamber, flicker with the effort of keeping the darkness at bay.

Light flashed while the temperature rose suddenly and Potrius sighed.

 

“I have found it, High Librarian” – said the Apprentice

 

“Explain”, whispered Asphodel filling the darkness.

 

“The Ritual has concluded that the most probable location for the unknown item to resurface is at Caesar Prima, in the Augusta System. The form remains undetermined but the certainty is high”.

 

“ We see…”, nodded softly Asphodel. “The Chapter Master has to be informed”, he stated as he started to leave the room followed by Taniel. He then stopped in the threshold of the vault and smiled at Potrius:

 

“ Refresh yourself and remember to fulfill the Lintanies of Gratefulness and Cleansing. We cannot take any risks when in touch with the Disformity”.

 

And they left, the hissing pistons of the heavy security door locking the space.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The screen fizzled as the conference ended and the silhouette of Chapter Master Azrael faded.

 

At the helm of the Bringer of Faith, Grand Master Belial stood next to High Librarian Asphodel, both silent and meditating the orders and counseling they had received.

 

Azrael has been clear. By no means could this opportunity be missed but all caution was needed.

 

Full company deployment had been denied and reinforcements were not an option. Only the resources of the ship could be designated to operation Angelus Liberandum…and they were quite whitled down.

 

The Bringer of Faith was an ancient crusader, originally servicing for a Forgeworld but given to the Dark Angels as a token of appreciation by the Adeptus Mechanicus. Nowhere close to the real possibilities of a Mechanicus workshop, it served as a vehicle repair outpost for the Segmentum. Technomarine Idus was its highest ranking servant.

 

As for the Dark Angel forces, most of the squads had been redirected to other service points, supporting distant fronts and securing the supply lines.

 

However, Master Belial himself was present and Asphodel felt optimistic.

 

“ Our current vehicle park is currently depleted. Only the 3rd squad from the Second Company along with some supporting Land Speeders are available”, stated Technomarine Idus while checking his signum-feed information.

 

“No light transport or heavy armour?”, Belial asked.

 

The Technomarine fiddled with some dials and creaked his shoulders, in what seemed to resemble a shrug. “Negative. We only hold a Whirlwind MK III Punisher patter…and a MK II vindicator of unkown patter with few munition and dubious condition”.

 

Belial looked at Asphodel, “Have you checked upon how many squads we have available?”.

 

“Yes, Sire. Barely 3 squads, with no designated transportation available.”

 

The Master of terminators smiled, seemingly tired. “It seems we will have to comit most of our resources to this hunt of yours. Are you sure of your boy?”.

 

Asphodel nodded, “I’d trust his abilities as much as I do mine. His coolness and steadfastness now…”.

 

“Very well”, added Belial. “I will lead the operation on the field, along with the second company squad and at least two combat squads… and first and second First Company squads”.

 

Technomarine Idus rasped and both Masters turned to face him. “Sire, if it pleases you, I could accompany the force to make the most of the pieces of armor we might field…along with some servitors that might prove useful”.

 

Belial smiled again, much more warmly now. “That would be very useful. Asphodel”, he said turning, “see that boy of yours prepared for deployment: he’s coming with us”.

***************************************

[WatchCaptainAzrael]

Hmm. Being the resident grumpy :lol:, I shall point out that...

 

1- I find a bit iffy to justify the usage of Ravenwing and Greenwing units to capture such a hugely high profile target like Cypher. At the same time, the actual Cypher is a Ward-esque vessel of destruction inside an exoskeleton of ceramite with exotic weapons attached, not quite something that can be replicated with the current 'dex and its contempt for ICs. Unless of course you want to fluff Cypher as only putting up a show. ;)

 

2- A bit of the same above.

 

3- Traditionally, the title of Cypher was only handed out upon death of the previous bearer. No matter, as the 'dex implies there may be more than a single Cypher running around and telling people to stop worshipping the Emperor and watch Richard Dawkins' speeches instead. :huh: The act of "forcing" Cypher (the actual OP bastard one) to do anything is a bit iffy, unless they already know he's a fake. He's got an admirable track record of evading escape after all, and I bet any Grand Master worth its salt would take that into account.

 

4- I'm not so big in the Dark Angels using elements of their Order background willy nilly. It is, after all, the same Order that turned on the Lion... Would you give your son the name of that guy who killed your dad in front of you and won the trial after? That said, perhaps it's not -the- sword of the Lion, but -a- sword (he had an incredible collection after all!) the Lion once used to purge so-and-so group of nasties, which in turn became "corrupted" in some way? Hence the unhealthy attraction the enemies have for it.

[Tanhausen]

First of all, thanks :lol:

 

Quick thoughts:

 

- I agree: THE!! Cypher wouldn't in any way be either fooled by the DA (he's too cunning) nor forced (again, too cunning). That's why I talk about a Fallen Angel rather than Cypher himself

 

- THE sword, again, its not important. Just trying to "combo" a bit with the model.

 

The Cypher model will be used. And I'm trying to fit it in a better way (backgroundwise) than "I simply love the model and painted it" (to whatever standard I'm able! hehe).

 

Maybe we should build the story the other way around.

 

¿Why would a libby carry a plasma pistol and a sword?

 

The fact that it's 2 librarians suggests it is a Librarian Council-What-ever-name-they-have (Libby munitorium xD) mission.

 

Maybe one is the elderly (the non plasma one) and the other his young aid which has a crush with slaying Cypher and then claiming the title for the Chapter (maybe even for himself??).

[AngelVeto]

Well just a quick statement right now as I'm at work,

 

But THE cypher carries a sword he never draws in combat, no matter how dire the circumstances... Which is supposedly actually the lion sword.

[WatchCaptainAzrael]

Crazy suggestion: maybe the young and overenthusiastic Libby is dressing up as Cypher in an attempt to fool unsuspecting Fallen? :lol:

 

All that remains is him starting combat as close to the enemy as possible to reflect his luring the enemy into the open. ;)

[Tanhausen]

@Angelveto

 

Yes, the idea isn't carrying THE sword to the field.

 

All the sword-thing is just thinking about some kind of icon to motivate devoting half a company and 2 libbies.

 

Ya'now, "we need people to go to a tourney" doesn't do well in the Inner Circle :lol:

 

@WatchCaptain

 

A count-as Cypher to fool the Fallen? Me-likez!

 

As for the leading from the front...er...not really ;) The concept of the list is more of a gunline than anything else! It could be nice to do a bike-libby to outflank with the RW...but I don't have the points :verymad: But this is looking like a good plot: the Fallen fooling Librarian.

 

Hmmm maybe in the future ;)

 

Keep them coming!

[Brother Immolator]

Ill get the Watchcaptains statement and drag it from the hair, all the while making it borderline heretical.

 

Make your libby a loose cannon. Obviously the chapter wouldn't approve of a libby playing theatrics risking exposure of the secret for a small chance of capturing a couple of fallen.

Now the problem is that the Libby is fond of his plan and considers it awesome sauce (the voices in his head telling him that the sword of the Lion is near help with that). He manages to convince the inner circle to spare some ravenwing and PA troops to escort him to the ruins of an ancient keep where the chapter did battle during the heresy and relics of old may still lay. There he uncovers the sword (a minor demon blade) who he totally manages to control by force of will. But since he has the troops under his control he thinks why not? And he begins his Cypher masquerade.

[WatchCaptainAzrael]

And then they all die from an orbital bombardment after luring out the dirtiest pack of Fallen, sorcerers, mutant beasts and assorted nasties out of the woodwork! :)

 

And their battleforce shall be dubbed.... THE ARISTOCRATS!

[Raven Angel]

This might help you out some as it is the most recent rule set from GW for Cypher. You will have to translate it from spanish though.

Rumor was he got dropped from the DV box in favor of the Chaplain. Rules were offical in Spain for like 2 months I think.

[Brother Immolator]

If I read this right its WS and BS 7 and 8 and Initiave 7 !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[Isiah]

Aye and no points value :huh:

[Tanhausen]

@ inmolator

 

Thanks for the idea! However, do you think anybody could "fool" the inner circle into spending resources without being checked by the Librarians? You know, the keeper of secrets and whatnot.

 

I'll think a bit about it and try to get a roughdraft.

 

@ spanish cypher

 

***looks at his location*** yes, I think I just might be able to translate it...to catalan hahaha

 

Anyhow, those rules were developed by 1 GW store which simply ran a local event. Thanks for digging them up though!

[Lemariont]

Grettins Battle Brother... T3mpano.

 

How are you? I hope the best for your list DA in Atalaya Vigia tournament. You know, this time the best DA will have a great prize...

[Artemid]

Aye and no points value :lol:

 

This cropped up before... I think the explanation was it was a rules set drawn up for a special tournament event.

[Tanhausen]

Grettins Battle Brother... T3mpano.

 

How are you? I hope the best for your list DA in Atalaya Vigia tournament. You know, this time the best DA will have a great prize...

 

Jajajajaja

 

Frater, Lemariont was the best DA player in a recent GT 3 weeks ago! I was ahead of him the first day but had to retreat on the second day and he carried on to take the best DA (out of 7 or 8 of us).

 

And he is a TO in January for another GT...for whom I'm doing this background stuff ;) Points points points!

[Brother Immolator]

@ inmolator

 

Thanks for the idea! However, do you think anybody could "fool" the inner circle into spending resources without being checked by the Librarians? You know, the keeper of secrets and whatnot.

 

My theory was actually based on the fact, that the librarian himself is in the inner circle thefore trust worthy and he simply looses it. He doenst fall to chaos per se.

But you are right I might overstretch it.

[Captain Semper]

Hey y'all :)

 

In my downward spiral to stupidity ( PA only project ), I'm trying to find a suitable background.

 

Since I know very little of specific fluff (just the broad lines of the Chapter), I turn to my Frater.

 

Outline:

 

- Must contain Cypher (I have the model and love it, plus makes me have to paint him)

 

Agree. It's a "historic" mini although it does show its age... But it has movement and a very "wild west" kind of pose - with a huge sword in the back! What's not to love? ;)

 

Digging around, I've found that Cypher is not so much a person but a title! Now that has surprised me...

 

It was indeed a title - but a title of the old Legion that has its roots in the Order. However the title did not survive the Fall and one can only assume that the 40k Cypher was indeed the last "Cypher" that was on Caliban during the Fall.

 

- Must include a second libby

 

- No heavy support, but with a bit of ravenwing

 

- Many power armour bodies

 

Who's the first Libby?

 

So....

 

Cyhper + ravenwing... hunt for the fallen? hehe

 

I think you need to keep in mind that the RW has no official knowledge of the Fall per se. Individuals within the RW might (the Master of the RW for one) but as a whole they are oblivious to the Fall. That's why the DW is there... But it only comes in Termie armour! :P

 

Ideas:

 

1.- A strong force of the X company (dunno which, suggestions appreciated) has just captured a fallen angel (Cypher)! The detachment, led by a libby and supported by RW, has to be fast and on the move, so no armour (AV models that is) and basically on their way back the are forced to battle.

 

Maybe you can make it so a particular Veteran Sergeant of say, 5th Company is also a member of the DW (allowed under 3rd edition fluff to have Veteran Sergeants that are inducted in the DW but not serve in the 1st Comp.) that is hand-picked by a Librarian to hunt down a notorious Fallen... The operation is supported by a small RW detachment (the Sergeant could also be in the know) to spring the trap. However the Fallen turns out to be Cypher... Now the only way an ad-hoc force could capture Cypher is if Cypher himself wants to be captured. Maybe he wants to corrupt a member of the hunting party (the Vet. Sergeant maybe?) before he escapes again. You realise Cypher is pretty central in the DA mythos - having him captured in a 1,500 pts game is not really... canonical! :lol:

 

2.- A misterious character (Cyhper) has contacted the DA and claims to have exact information regarding the location of the sword of the lion! The DA are fully aware this is probably a ruse or even an ambush...but not only is the chance to retrieve the Lion's Sword too big to pass, it also means they will probably be able to get hold another Fallen Angel!

 

The Inner Circle dispatches a light force in order to counter-ambush the opponent's intentions. The idea is to follow along the misterious character until he decides to betray the DA...if only he knew. Or does he already?

 

Well, if the stakes are so high, I seriously doubt the Inner Circle would forgo the option to deploy DW. That's what they are there for. And if they are elsewhere engaged they'll be extracted and redeployed to actually hund Cypher. I mean seriously the Sword is interlinked with Cypher, if one is there, the other is not far behind. A squad of RW will just not do. My 2 c.

 

3.- The DA have captured a Cypher and are forcing him to aid into smoking out Fallen hideouts.

 

There is only the one. If they capture him, end of game. And given that he has disappeared from custody a number of times, I seriously doubt you could capture him and then use him for anything. Bottom of the Rock is not deep enough let alone the odd spaceship...

 

4.- The DA libbies have divinated (pun) a prophesy in which Brother Librarian (name pending) will find the Lion's Sword. They grant him the title of Cypher and the mission succeeds.

 

Cypher is a title dead to the DAs. The only one who carries the title is, well, the Fallen one. And we'll get him - oh we'll get him! :P

 

No matter, as the 'dex implies there may be more than a single Cypher running around and telling people to stop worshipping the Emperor...

 

Where's that? I must have missed it. Honestly, I always thought this a good idea but it was never supported (or even hinted) in any Codex. Unless I missed it... Could you point it out for me? (*not being funny here, I'm genuinely interested*)

[WatchCaptainAzrael]

No matter, as the 'dex implies there may be more than a single Cypher running around and telling people to stop worshipping the Emperor...

 

Where's that? I must have missed it. Honestly, I always thought this a good idea but it was never supported (or even hinted) in any Codex. Unless I missed it... Could you point it out for me? (*not being funny here, I'm genuinely interested*)

I'm basing this remark on the whole Voice of the Emperor act Cypher reportedly pulled on the 13th Black Crusade (any info the Inner Circle would care to declassify here?), coupled with the fact he's said to be able to instigate planetary insurrections with just a single transmission. And uh.. He's an old guy from the time Emps was denying his otherworldliness with abandon, but that's my least valuable speculation. :P

[Tanhausen]

No matter, as the 'dex implies there may be more than a single Cypher running around and telling people to stop worshipping the Emperor...

 

Where's that? I must have missed it. Honestly, I always thought this a good idea but it was never supported (or even hinted) in any Codex. Unless I missed it... Could you point it out for me? (*not being funny here, I'm genuinely interested*)

 

Cypher in Lexicanum <- here you can read about the Voice of the Emperor, which I believe WatchCaptain is thinking of.

 

 

I think you need to keep in mind that the RW has no official knowledge of the Fall per se. Individuals within the RW might (the Master of the RW for one) but as a whole they are oblivious to the Fall. That's why the DW is there... But it only comes in Termie armour! tongue.gif

 

Err...I might be mistaken, but

The Ravenwing's hidden role within the chapter is that of mobile hunters, eternally prowling for their traitorous ancestors, The Fallen source

 

These guys are hunters (at least int he way I see them): fast, hard hitting, extremely mobile and agile.

 

The Deathwing is not soley a tactical formation - promotion to the Deathwing also means that an individual is bestowed many of the darkest secrets of the Chapter. The most closely guarded of these secrets is that of the betrayal of Luther and the Fallen, and the subsequent fate of their Primarch, Lion El'Jonson source

 

They incarnate the faith, trust and lore withing the chapter. They know the ins and outs but do not focus on the hunt so to say.

 

I'll try and post a draft later with the feeling I'm getting of the concept :P

[Brother Immolator]

I think in the current codex in the gry box of Cyphers entry, it says that Cypher has became a mythical figure in the Imperium itself and that there have been instances of people posing as him. Maybe even not astartes.

[WatchCaptainAzrael]

I think in the current codex in the gry box of Cyphers entry, it says that Cypher has became a mythical figure in the Imperium itself and that there have been instances of people posing as him. Maybe even not astartes.

There ya go Brother Tanhausen! He's inflitrating a Cypher cosplay club. :tu:

[Tanhausen]

I think in the current codex in the gry box of Cyphers entry, it says that Cypher has became a mythical figure in the Imperium itself and that there have been instances of people posing as him. Maybe even not astartes.

There ya go Brother Tanhausen! He's inflitrating a Cypher cosplay club. :tu:

 

*** chuckling low at the office, watching the clock tic for 2 more hours before running to get some games ***

 

All this pseudo Cypher, Fallen hunting at least proves an interesting topic which has not been received with a dismissing frown...for that I'm happy :lol:

[Tanhausen]

Snipet

------------------------------

Sargeant-Brother Potrius shuddered in the cavernous space.

 

A veteran of dozens of skirmishes and battles, with over two centuries of service within the Chapter, he frowned. No matter how many times he witnessed the use of approved psychic abilities, those were not natural.

 

Reciting the Litany of Pureness under his nose, he reminded himself that the Emperor, praised be His Glory, had bestowed the light of purity upon sanctioned use. He still didn’t like it.

 

In the center of the chamber, the wards glowed. High Librarian Asphodel stood next to Sergeant-Brother Potrius, watching upon Apprentice Librarian Taniel with his eyes closed. Cold drifts swept the area, bringing silent howls from invisible sources.

 

Bared to his black carapace and a simple tunic, Taniel sat in the middle of a triple quarz ring, carved on the black tourmaline pavement. In a meditation like position, his brow dripped with sweat from the effort, the frost showing peculiar patterns on the floor.

 

For the hours the ritual had lasted, both Asphodel and Potrius had remained observant while Taniel sat. The few candles barely brushed away the shadows from the space-domed chamber, flicker with the effort of keeping the darkness at bay.

Light flashed while the temperature rose suddenly and Taniel sighed.

 

“I have found it, High Librarian” – said the Apprentice

 

“Explain”, whispered Asphodel filling the darkness.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

More to come!

[Captain Semper]

I think you need to keep in mind that the RW has no official knowledge of the Fall per se. Individuals within the RW might (the Master of the RW for one) but as a whole they are oblivious to the Fall. That's why the DW is there... But it only comes in Termie armour! tongue.gif

 

Err...I might be mistaken, but

The Ravenwing's hidden role within the chapter is that of mobile hunters, eternally prowling for their traitorous ancestors, The Fallen source

 

Well, that's the problem with Lexicanum... The info is often partial and out of context because it often assumes previous knowledge by the reader. Also you need to keep in mind that the Lexicanum is not a GW database, nor it is owned or endorsed by GW. Taking info from the Lexicanum without been familiar with the original source might mislead you into a distorted take of the background. Now let's see what's actually written about the DW over the years in the Codices (actual GW publications):

 

Codex Angels of Death (1996), p.30 description of DW second paragraph:

 

It is only when a Dark Angels Space Marine is promoted to the Deathwing that he first starts to learn the History of the Chapter and their unrelenting mission to hunt down and destroy all of the Fallen Dark Angels, no matter how long this may take. Even the Dark Angels of the Ravenwing are unaware that the Chaos Space Marines they are so often called to hunt down were once fellow Dark Angels

 

So right there it's clear that the DW is the first level of knowledge regarding the Fallen - the RW is just not in the know! Furthermore, on p.14 under the section “The Chapter Today” the entire last paragraph explains:

 

It is only when Dark Angels reach the Deathwing that they learn the story of Luther’s betrayal. More terrible still they learn that many of the Dark Angels that followed Luther are still alive. These damned warriors are known as the Fallen Dark Angels or simply “the Fallen”, and it’s the eradication of this stain on the Chapter’s honour which drives and motivates the Chapter to this day

 

Moving on to 3rd edition (1999 & 2002 - two versions). So p.7 next to the DW entry in the grey border there is a short paragraph to describe DW. It says:

 

Only when a Dark Angel is promoted to the Deathwing does he learn the true history of the Chapter and of their millenia-long mission to hunt down all of the Fallen.

 

Again here it is evident that only once a DA achieves DW status learns about the Fall... Furthermore it goes further on p. 9 (2002 edition) (or p.8 in the original 1999 edition) again in the grey border area to say that:

 

However, apart from the Company Master, members of the Ravenwing are unaware that the Chaos Space Marines they are so often called upon to hunt down were once fellow Dark Angels.

 

So two editions down the story remains unchanged. Deathwing is the first level that a Dark Angel learns about the Fall and the RW (apart from its highest ranking officer) is oblivious. They just don't know.

 

Now in the 4th (current - 2006) Edition on p 11 first column last paragraph (that carries on the second column) it says that:

 

only on his ascension to the 1st Company, the Deathwing, would a battle brother begin to learn of the event that have transpired at the very dawn of the Age of the Imperium.

 

So the most recent official GW publication on the issue clearly states that you have to be DW in order to begin to learn...

 

In the same publication in the Ravenwing description (p.17) is says:

 

Although only the company's highest ranked officers know it, the Ravenwing's primary role is to hunt down and capture the Fallen Angels.

 

So only the "highest ranking officers" know. Now what does this exactly mean in a company with a single officer (i.e. the Master) is unclear. Maybe they mean the Chaplain... Maybe some of the Vet. Sergeants are also members of the DW - this is a possibility, as not all DW members serve in the First Company although all First Company is DW - that's a legacy from 3rd Edition and something that I proposed in my initial post.

 

A point that could create confusion (and rightly so - it's been an appalling write-up) is the bit that says:

 

Therefore the members of the 2nd Company are granted limited knowledge of the secrets of the Dark Angels - much more than the 3rd to 10th Companies, but far less than the Deathwing and the Inner Circle.

 

The above sentence is borderline incomprehensible as 3-10th are not granted any knowledge of the Fall (maybe we are talking of allegories or generic stories here as suggest in the text on page 16 stories that create the right frame of mind to Dark Angels in relation to their history - as it’s the case even the Tale of Two Heads Talking maybe allegorical - it's purposefully unclear). Regardless, in the very next paragraph it clears up the situation saying that:

 

To the Brethren of the 2nd Company, those they are ordered to capture are vile and debased heretics, renegades and traitors. All Dark Angels are trained to be deaf to their captives' lies and the Ravenwing even more so, for traitors will seek to undermine faith in the Chapter and in the Lion himself.

 

So at best we're looking for some rigorous indoctrination and psyco-conditioning here - certainly not divulging any secrets…

 

Bottom line:

 

DW is the first (of many) Circles of Knowledge as regards the DAs secret. The RW is not. At best they have an extra level of indoctrination to resist the influence of the Fallen whenever they come across them – but certainly, the2nd Company, as a whole does not possess the knowledge. To put it differently, getting into the RW does not grant you knowledge of the Fall – getting into the DW does.

 

I hope the above help you in forming a view as to the function of the RW and the DW in the Chapter and creating a suitable background in line with official lore. The Lexicanium is useful but do not rely on it if you have access to the original source. Sometimes (often) the information within is worded in such a way that can be misleading if you take them out of context. It has a great feature though – it lists sources!

[pueriexdeus]

In response to the ambiguity of the RW fighting the Fallen.

 

If you'll pay attention to the new DV RW Bike set. The Robed SGT has the Crux Terminatis (sp) attached to a chain on his chest and also attached to the left side of his gas tank. Might indicate a retcon direction GW is moving in.