The Absolvers

The Space Marines are the Emperor’s Angels of Death, the mightiest warriors of the Imperium. They arrive like thunderbolts from the heavens, raining destruction on His enemies across the galaxy. Now ensnared within the Noctis Aeterna, one chapter’s ancient vow to defend the system may be all that stands between Gilead and eternal damnation.
The Absolvers have been bound to Gilead since its earliest days, and then became its home when Chapter Master Dalir swore a grand oath to protect Gilead forever. Most of its numbers were trapped within when the Dark Storm erupted, though, and the chapter’s commanders have not been heard from for long years. Even if the Absolvers could leave they would never do so, for such is the permanence of their vows.
Each day brings new perils to the chapter’s future. Ammunition and other essential materiel are growing scarce. Viable geneseed stock is dwindling as well, meaning fewer scouts can progress to become full Battle Brothers. Chaos Space Marines grow bolder in their probing attacks from the Reach, and even within hive cities. Only firm conviction and vigilance offers any hope of preserving the chapter until the storm recedes.

Training

The Absolvers are warriors of the finest calibre, with instruction that takes their transhuman physiques to levels the finest regimental troopers could never match. Their senses are honed to perceive all around them, and even their scouts have reactions allowing them to ready and operate weapons with uncanny accuracy. Some become skilled pilots and all are impeccable marksmen, but the recent low levels of ammunition replenishment means for greater reliance on close quarters combat. Their minds are also rigorously trained, with millennia of tactical and strategic doctrines dating to the chapter’s founding as well as from battles not recorded in Imperial records.

Politics

The Absolvers have but one essential goal: defend Gilead, as their founder vowed ages ago. All who know these marines know that their vows are inviolable, so there is assurance that Gilead is well protected. The Absolvers are also known to be utterly honest, but also utterly ruthless. Entire populations might be eradicated before allowing one rebel to escape, as happened in the Cleansing of Yellem. This means political dealings are difficult, and so the chapter relies on might more than negotiation.
The power that the Absolvers wield is immense but limited. The chapter can bring lightning from the skies in thunderclaps of bolter fire and can destroy most enemies before defenses can be mounted. Even targets in the void are not safe from Astartes attack craft. Sometimes even the merest hint that such actions are imminent is enough to drive capitulation. Its relatively few numbers, however, means it cannot fight prolonged battles — victories must be fast and decisive, or not at all. The drought of ammunition also means every shot must kill; suppression fire is a luxury the Absolvers can no longer afford, even when facing the Chaos Space Marines of the Faithful Writ.

Relationships

The Absolvers are both feared and revered by Humans. On the battlefield, Militarum troops and Sisters of Battle welcome their aid, as do the cybernetic Skitarii. Away from combat, the Mechanicum have a good relationship as do some Puritan Inquisitors, and fellow Astartes of the Deathwatch. There is always friction with the Ministorum, though, over doctrinal beliefs. The chapter’s inflexible nature also means Rogue Traders are rarely welcome. Dealing with xenos is, of course, unthinkable.
Its most troubling relationships are internal. The Primaris Absolvers who arrived with Varonius’s fleet have been met with cold indifference at best. Some Absolvers, especially newer brothers, would rather they be welcomed into the chapter, but dare not speak openly.

Important Writings

Codex Astartes
Rites of Absolution (chapter’s secret rituals)

Symbols

Chapter icon
Astartes icon
two handed Aquila symbol
hands held together to form a chalice/cup

Heroes

Founding Chapter Master Tygranus Dalir
Battle Brother Titus Mikel
First Company Sergeant Tarik Kamril
Veteran Scout Diallo Mirl

Duties and Strictures

• Honor the Chapter.
• Know No Fear.
• We Are the Angels of Death.
• One Bolt, One Death.
• Our chapter elders are missing. They must be found lest our past be lost. Any who have knowledge of this matter must share it with us or be branded a traitor to Gilead.
• We must cleanse — or destroy — Persephone’s Regret before it can venture into the Heartworlds. Any who would say otherwise, even with the desire to reclaim lost heritages buried within the Space Hulk, have no concept of what the unleashed xenos aboard could do to Gilead.
• Be Stern and Obstinate in all things.
• Those who rebel against the Emperor will face our unending wrath.
• To break a vow is to shame the Emperor.
• There can be no rest until Gilead is purged of the alien and the rebel.
• Our duty is as our Founder stated, and nothing will change that.
• Recruiting and training new Astartes is paramount. Preservation and replenishment of geneseed is essential.