Who outranks whom?

[Vulshra]

What is the command structure of the inner circle? Are Masters or Interrogator Chaplains superior in the hunt for the fallen? does it depend on company?

 

e.g.,

 

A successor chapter master of the Ravenwing (so not a grand master) believes that if they strike quickly they can capture a member of the fallen. An interrogator chaplain of a successor disagrees and orders a delay until they can arrive with deathwing reinforcements. Is the Ravenwing obligated to stand down?

 

[Grotsmasha]

As best I understand, a person's military rank and position within the Chapter aren't necessarily analogous to their level within the Inner Circle.

 

In the above example, the Ravenwing Master would still have command, if the decision was made on the battlefield. If the decision is being made beforehand in a conclave, then it is possible the Interrogator Chaplain might have the rank

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Dark Angels (and presumably their Successors) have key words / phrases encoded into their indoctrination process, allowing for suggestive / hypnotical mind control. There's a BL novel where (IIRC) Asmodai uses it on Belial.

Edited September 23, 2021 by Grotsmasha

[Chaplain Lucifer]

In a military operation the commander calls the shots. The Chaplain is an advisor. He may have higher inner circle ranking but he can't override commanders orders.

[march10k]

It depends on the context of the disagreement.  I prefer to go with the idea that more of the host/order structure survives than simply the Deathwing and the Ravenwing.  If so, are the two leaders members of the same host and/or order?  Which of the three available organizational structures is the most appropriate context in which to settle the dispute?  Perhaps one of the two might win out based on precedence in the overt command structure, but the other might have special knowledge based on adherence to an order whose raison d'être pertains very closely to the matter at hand.  How can he apply that special knowledge to ensure the correct decision is made without violating oaths of secrecy?  It's hard being of the First Legion!

[Vulshra]

Interesting perspectives all.

 

To help frame the question, we do know that inner circle position and chapter rank, at least to those outside the inner circle, are different: talon masters are generally NOT inner circle but nominally outrank black knights, though the latter are higher within the chapter

[Grotsmasha]

A more interesting question is, can a ranking member of the Inner Circle from one chapter, command another member, from another chapter? For example If the Consecrators have military control of a crusade / multiple chapter mission, could a Chief Librarian / Chaplain of the Angels of Absolution over-rule a Consecrator Company Master?

[Vulshra]

We know they can, at least when in hunt for the fallen. per codex, when multiple unforgiven chapters coordinate in a hunt, the highest ranking member of the inner circle automatically takes over regardless of chapter affiliation