Welcome back, fellow lore seekers! Today, we dive deeper into the rich saga of Warhammer 40,000, focusing on a pivotal chapter in the life of an illustrious character: Dante, the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels. So, strap on your power armor, and let’s teleport into the grim darkness of the far future.
In the twisting narrative of Guy Haley’s “Dante”, we find Dante, then known as Lis, having passed all the trials set forth by the Chaplain. Following the grand tradition of the Blood Angels, he was bestowed the Sanguinary Chalice and drank the synthesized blood of the Ninth Primarch, instantly plunged into a ritual year-long sleep. This slumber was crucial for the implantation of the gene seed, a transformative process that would see Lis reborn as a Space Marine.
But this sleep was anything but peaceful. As the genetic memories encoded in Sanguinius’ blood flooded into Lis, he was tormented by visions of Ultramar, Melor Kivas, and Signus – names of worlds he had never visited that now roared through his mind. His sleep teetered on the edge of wakefulness as he shouted the names of Fallen Primarchs, Dark Gods, and long-banished demons.
Such a tumultuous sleep would often spell doom for candidates. Many perished within the confines of their blessed sarcophagi. But not Lis. Despite the traces of struggle etched into the inner lid of his sarcophagus, he emerged reborn, exemplifying mental stability and calmness. Lis, the boy, had died. In his place stood Space Marine Brother Dante.
The Sanguinary Priests were divided. Some saw Dante’s intense visions as a harbinger of future insanity and succumbing to the dreaded curses of the gene seed – the Red Thirst and Black Rage. Others saw his survival and resilience as a sign of greatness yet to come.
Destiny would soon put their theories to the test. Dante rose to the rank of Captain, proving his mettle during the Callas Insurrection in the 40th Millennium. But in the aftermath, tragedy struck. The Blood Angels were ambushed by Chaos Space Marines. The Chapter’s captains fell in battle, leaving Dante the sole survivor. Thus, in the wake of devastation, Dante was proclaimed Chapter Master.
The investiture ceremony that followed was a somber affair. The Grand Basilica of Blood Calla, usually vibrant with life, was eerily silent. Bereft of the usual choirs and cyber constructs, the remaining officers performed the necessary rituals, painting pledges of virtues with blood on Dante’s skin. Each drank from the sacred Red Grail, filled with the mingled blood of Sanguinius’ carriers and nine drops from Dante’s neck, in honor of the old Legion’s number.
The agreement was solemn, the council’s number much reduced. Yet, each officer voiced their assent sincerely, and wholeheartedly. Dante drained the Grail, marking his acceptance of the mantle of leadership. His name joined the illustrious line of Chapter Masters, inscribed into his flesh as Commander Reron, the first Chapter Master.
And thus, Dante began his journey as Chapter Master, stepping into a role of great responsibility and even greater peril. He was the new beacon of hope for the Blood Angels, carrying the weight of their survival and glory on his shoulders. The future would indeed test Dante’s mettle, but that is a tale for another day.
Stay tuned, fellow lore seekers, as we continue to explore the grim, dark universe of Warhammer 40,000, where there is only war, and heroes are forged in the crucible of battle.
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