The Blood Ravens are one of the most mysterious chapters of Space Marines; it takes a lot to unravel the lore and truth of these warriors!
In the vast universe of Warhammer 40,000, countless factions and chapters engage in a relentless struggle for dominance. One such chapter that has garnered a significant following among fans is the Blood Ravens, a faction of the Space Marines shrouded in mystery and speculation. This article delves into the intriguing lore surrounding the Blood Ravens, their notable characters, and the chapter’s unique background.
Blood Ravens: The Mystery & Lore of Warhammer 40k Most Enigmatic Chapter
Introduced in the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series of video games, the Blood Ravens are an enigmatic chapter of Space Marines. They were known for their striking crimson armor, an unusually high number of psykers, not to mention their penchant for stealing things.
One of the key aspects contributing to the mystery surrounding the Blood Ravens is their uncertain origins. The chapter’s history is largely shrouded in mystery, lacking concrete records predating M37. The origin of their geneseed is also a subject of much speculation, with some fans theorizing connections to the Thousand Sons, a traitor legion renowned for its psychic prowess.
This uncertainty and the Blood Ravens’ relentless pursuit of knowledge and relics further heighten the enigma surrounding them.
Who are the Blood Ravens?
The Blood Ravens are a chapter of the Space Marines in the Warhammer 40,000 universe introduced in the Dawn of War series of video games. They are known for their striking crimson armor and unusually high number of psykers.
Who are Some Notable Characters in the Blood Ravens?
Notable characters in the Blood Ravens include Gabriel Angelos, the Chapter Master; Isador Akios, a Librarian who tragically fell to the temptations of Chaos; Davian Thule, a Force Commander turned Dreadnought; and Azariah Kyras, the former Chapter Master and Chief Librarian who fell into madness and was corrupted by Chaos.
Here’s a more in-depth look:
- Gabriel Angelos: Perhaps the most iconic character, Chapter Master Gabriel Angelos, is a central figure in the Dawn of War series. Angelos is a steadfast and honorable leader, renowned for his strategic acumen and his relentless stand against Chaos. He was instrumental in the Blood Ravens’ victories in the Dark Crusade and the Kaurava Campaign.
- Isador Akios: Librarian Isador Akios is another notable character, though his story is one of tragedy. Akios fell to the temptations of Chaos during the events of the original Dawn of War game, leading to a dramatic confrontation with his close friend, Gabriel Angelos.
- Davian Thule: Known for his initial appearance as a Force Commander and later as a Dreadnought, Davian Thule is a central figure in the Blood Ravens’ defense against the Tyranid and Ork invasions in the sub-sector Aurelia.
- Azariah Kyras: The former Chapter Master and Chief Librarian, Kyras is a pivotal character in the Dawn of War II series. His descent into madness and his subsequent corruption by Chaos leads to dramatic internal strife within the Blood Ravens.
The Unique Character of the Blood Ravens Chapter
The Blood Ravens are renowned for their quest for knowledge and the high value placed on acquiring and preserving relics and artifacts. This trait defines their tactics and strategies, often characterized by careful planning, cunning, and utilization of their numerous psykers. Moreover, their mysterious origins contribute to their unique character.
The Blood Ravens’ motto is “Knowledge is power; guard it well.” This reflects their relentless quest for knowledge and their high value in acquiring and preserving relics and artifacts.
Why are the Blood Ravens Rumored to Steal Things?
In the Dawn of War series of video games, the Blood Ravens have a penchant for collecting a vast array of relics and artifacts throughout their campaigns and have garnered a reputation for “acquiring” relics and artifacts from other factions in the Warhammer 40k universe.
Thier knack for relic acquisition is coupled with the chapter’s notably high number of Librarians (psykers), their unconfirmed gene-seed origins, and the general lack of historical records about them. This mystery has sparked a wealth of in-universe and fan speculation, which often circles back to the recurring joke that the Blood Ravens have a habit of “stealing” things.
That characterization has led to a fan-coined motto for the chapter: “For those we cherish, we die in glory. For those that are not us, we take all their stuff.” This is, of course, a humorous alteration of the chapter’s official motto and emphasizes the Blood Ravens’ penchant for relic collection.
It’s important to note, though, that this reputation for theft is largely tongue-in-cheek within the fan community. In the actual lore, the Blood Ravens’ acquisitions are typically portrayed as a relentless quest for knowledge and understanding of their own obscured origins and the mysteries of the universe. They value relics and artifacts for their historical and informational value, not for simple material gain.
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
