Rarity and Honour: The Path of the Raven Guard
Welcome back to our enthralling multi-part series diving into the mysterious and foreboding world of the Raven Guard. In this instalment, we’ll delve into the relentless service expected from the chapter’s neophytes, their dangerous path to becoming full-fledged Battle Brothers, and the secretive workings of the 10th Company’s Vanguard elements. Buckle up, as we take you through the grim and glorious world of these shadowy warriors.
The 10th Company, known as the Pinions, represents much more than a regular Marine contingent. They are the silent knife in the dark, the unseen hand that tips the scales of war. These specialist infiltration and reconnaissance teams, known as the “Unseen,” are often deployed at the heart of major strike forces. They operate behind enemy lines, transmitting vulnerabilities to strike force command, and providing reconnaissance that can influence the fate of an entire conflict.
But the path of the “Unseen” is more than a mission; it is a trial by fire. It’s a testing ground where neophytes learn to master the art of shadow. Stealth isn’t taught; it’s honed under the watchful gaze of the enemy. Silence isn’t learned; it’s practiced within earshot of vigilant sentinels. These warriors rush into war on bikes, aboard Land Speeders, keeping pace with their elite brethren, and appearing in the deadliest of situations.
Survival in these joint operations isn’t just about staying alive; it’s a rite of passage. For those who endure, it’s the main source of skill enhancement, and often the final initiation before achieving the status of a Battle Brother. When this long-awaited goal is reached, it’s a time of dark celebration for the neophyte and their trainers.
Among the Unseen, there are permanent squads of Space Marine Specialists clad in Phobos armor. These include Reavers, Suppressors, Incursors, and Infiltrators. Their mission? To weaken the enemy before the strike – kill commanders, jam communication networks, sabotage infrastructure. Only after their victims have been crippled do these Vanguard warriors strike openly, leaving the enemies of the Raven Guard as carrion for the crows.
Secrecy is their strength. The full details of the Vanguard elements’ whereabouts are known only to their Shadow Captain and the Master of Shadows himself. This level of autonomy is a unique characteristic of the Raven Guard, and it extends throughout the chapter’s command structure. Chaplains, Librarians, and Tech Marines must act intuitively in combat, guided by experience and instinct, just as Corax himself once did.
This unconventional approach might seem a step towards anarchy for some, but for the Raven Guard, it has been their strength for ten millennia. It ensures that even in the event of a leader’s death, another amongst the self-sufficient Shadow Captains is always ready to take up the mantle of command.
The Raven Guard maintains a larger cadre of Apothecaries to preserve their remaining stocks of Gene-seed. In the wake of the chapter’s stormy past, all efforts are made to extract the progenoid glands of the honored dead. When a Battle Brother falls, the metallic drills of the Reductor are never too far away for extracting the precious Gene-seed.
All these elements come together to form the Raven Guard’s strength: their ability to act independently yet cohesively. Despite their restless nature and inclination towards solitude, their shared legacy and insatiable desire to free humanity from darkness cements their bond. It’s a brotherhood as strong as any that can be found across the battling Imperium. And they will take every necessary step to accomplish their mission.
Stay tuned for the next part of the series where we delve deeper into the intricate and fascinating world of the Raven Guard.
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