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 QUADRATUS ( Level IV ) 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"

The fourth level of the Arcanum is the only one relegated to the Annulum Medianus or the middle circle. This is the first step within the Arcanum Fidelis towards formal command positions. As for the Arcanum Surreptius, this marks the highest achievement, again leading to a command position for a specified duty that is unique to his expertise. Admission criteria and process Admission to the fourth level is a very significant event in a distinguished battle brother's career. It represents the culmination of all the training as a member of the Dark Angels chapter and as an inductee of the Deathwing. It signifies the suitability of the dark Angel for command level duties. In the case of the Arcanum Fidelis, these members are chosen exclusively from the squad leaders of the Deathwing Company. Once accepted in to the fourth level, they also achieve the command rank of Brother-Captain. Within the Arcanum Surreptius, acceptance in to the fourth level signifies the highest achievable rank, and comes with it the responsibility of specific mission or duty that these battle brothers would continue to perform until the end of their useful lives. Knowledge It is at this level that the Deathwing members are allowed to read the names of the fallen. Every one of the fallen battle brothers, written down in the book of Salvation is made available to them. They are expected to read it, study each individual using whatever available facts. They come to understand the nature of their duty more closely. They become intimate with the knowledge of those who have been captured, those who had been killed, and the few who had repented. Most of all they learn about those whom they shall hunt endlessly. Eligibility The criteria for inclusion in to the upper levels of the Deathwing become more and more stringent than ever. All members of the Deathwing Company are exceptional individuals and this makes the selection process a very arduous process for both the candidates and the command staff. As the admission to the fourth level carries with it an inherent command rank their promotion and acceptance is discussed on three separate occasions by a selected group of the Inner Circle. In the case of those chosen in to the Arcanum Surreptius, they are carefully chosen in a similar manner, but with a specific purpose in mind. No command rank is conferred to these members and they remain unseen by the all but selected members of the inner circle. Training and Deployment Those who are honoured by admission in to the fourth level are also returned to the Tower of Angels for a period of deep meditation and extensive study of many of the chapters battle secrets. They are expected to be proficient in their ability to command and lead a myriad of dark Angel forces in very many different conditions and situations. Their mental fortitude is further strengthened by regular prayers and meditation supported by their mentor chaplain. Following this short but intense

period they are given a number of command choices. As Brother-Captains they may return to their original company or a battle company of their choosing where they may take up the position of squad leader of the first squad. As the first squad also acts as the command squad for the company commander this allows them to remain within the command structure. They may at times lead one wing of an attack formations and also act in place of the company commander upon his injury or death. On the otherhand, they may choose to return to the Deathwing company and continue to lead their original Deathwing squad in to battle. Those within the Arcanum Surreptius have now reached their highest rank. They too are returned to the Tower of Angels for a similar study and training period following which they are posted to a duty that is unique, specific and extremely important. These include the care of geneseed in remote outposts and overview of the Deathwing's landraiders. They have highly specific orders and report directly to the second level of the Deathwing.