This entire section is one attempt to describe the long history of the Dark Angels in a linear form. Every known piece of history and event based on GW publications has been written in my own words and linked together in a reasonably plausible manner by additional fiction. This is in no way the official GW version nor is it in anyway an attempt to infringe on their IP. There are many versions of imperial history buried within the sands of time and this is but just one of them. Read on if you dare!

PHALANX MORTIS ARCANUM TERTIUS ( Level III ) Chronicled By ( Shadow Guard )

CODEX ASTARTES ANGELUS MORTIS

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ANNULUM INTIMA "The Inner Circle"

ANNULUM MEDIANUS "The Middle Circle"

ANNULUM EXTERNA "The Outer Circle"

This is the first level in the coveted Inner circle. Only the most honoured Dark Angels are admitted to this level as it is the doorway to the higher echelons of command within the chapter. At this level and above there is no equivalent Arcanum Surreptius levels. Admission criteria and process It takes a Dark Angel spacemarine approximately three to four hundred years of active and dedicated service before he is considered for advancement in to the inner circle. Nearly all those who are considered have served a considerable time as a Brother-Captain within one of the companies or spent an extensive tour of duty with the Deathwing Company. Once admitted to the third level, Brother-Captains are promoted to the rank of Master. Others who are considered for acceptance are those special individuals belonging to the Librarium and Sacrarium. Librarans of the level of Lexicanium and Codicier along with entry apprentice interrogator-chaplains. Admission to the inner circle brings with it the privilege of wearing the coveted robes of the inner circle. Each one is custom made for the individual spacemarine and is not only an insignia of rank but also becomes his personal wargear. This vestment is not merely a symbolic garb. Hidden within it's layers are many small devices and equipment designed to aid the space marine in many ways. The robe itself is made from an unusually designed material with many interwoven elementals which provide additional protection to the armour in combat and against natural and artificial elements. Knowledge Only when the Dark Angels are admitted to the inner circle do they become aware of the true nature of the dungeons below the Tower of Angels. Once admitted to the third level, they are given access to enter selected areas within the dungeons and librarius, allowing greater access to the chapters past and its quest for redemption. This includes access to the transcripts of previous interrogations including those where the fallen have repented and mission logs involving the fallen. Eligibility The choice of suitable candidates for ascension in to the third level is a difficult one. The qualities of those considered are excellent even by the superhuman standards of the space marines. The Brother-Captains of the fourth level are under constant observation and assessment by their mentor chaplain as well as by the inner circle. Once the Brother-Captain has been deemed to have acquired the requisite experience and command qualities, he is sent of specific missions designed to test his mental fortitude and loyalties. Upon completion of one such index mission, he is then ceremoniously admitted to the inner circle. Battle brothers who are also suitable in their abilities in the psychic realms and those who demonstrate an aptitude for the spiritual, once admitted to their respective organizations are admitted to the third level automatically. However, admission to their own parent organization (Librarius and Sacrarium) carries with it exacting trials on par with those of the Deathwing.

Training and Deployment Once the battle brother achieves his rank of Master, he is deployed on a number of assignments. This includes attachment to the chapter headquarters as supernumerary command staff. In this position they are not only exposed to the chapter's command and control of operations but also have the opportunity of leading specific strike forces in to battle. They may also be tasked with the command of a company on temporary duty. All this exposure gradually builds up their experience towards subsequent company command. Members of the Sacrarium and Librarius practice their own skills and remain attached to the chapter command under the purview of their own mentors within their organizations. Such members are now eligible to observe, witness and gradually partake in the process of interrogation and possible repentance of a potential fallen.