The Order of the Argent Shroud is one of the six major Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas, the Sisters of Battle. Founded in the 36th Millennium, it’s known for its silent, selfless heroism and lightning-fast shock assaults.
What is the Order of the Argent Shroud?
It’s a major Order Militant of the Adepta Sororitas, based on Terra within the Convent Prioris. The order was founded by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII when the Convent Prioris was split, and its first leader and patron saint was Sister Silvana.
Silvana was martyred shortly after the split from the Order of the Ebon Chalice, before the new order had fully forged its identity. The fledgling order took its name and symbol from the silvery impression of her skull on her death shroud.
How they fight
On the battlefield, the Argent Shroud are known for lightning-fast assaults and manoeuvring. They commit utterly to the offensive, often leaving themselves cut off from support.
They offset that weakness by crying out for Silvana to protect them, which seems to grant a miraculous degree of luck. Enemy fire veers off course and blades fail to hit their mark. Sisters who fall often save their whole squad with a dying action, throwing themselves into the line of fire just as their Matriarch did.
Because of their hit-and-run style, they’ve become some of the deadliest and most experienced shock troops among the Sisters of Battle. They boast large contingents of Dominion squads, who also lead many of the order’s rites of worship.
Silence and faith
Like Silvana, the Sisters rarely speak, preferring to let their actions speak for them. They avoid grand stratagems and rarely share tactics with allies, which irritates many Imperial generals.
They emulate Silvana’s mysterious silence by speaking little and entering long periods of complete silence during training. That doesn’t stop them from praying or chanting hymns of purgation as they march into battle.
Home and the Great Rift
Most of the Argent Shroud’s sanctuaries lie in the region of space that abuts the Great Rift. During the Noctis Aeterna, many of those sanctuary worlds were thought lost.
It’s estimated that as much as 80% of the order may have been swallowed by Warp storms. In the years since, they’ve continued to fight on.
Key facts
- One of the six major Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas
- Founded in M36 by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII
- Patron saint and first leader: Sister Silvana
- Based on Terra within the Convent Prioris
- Silver armour with white cloaks lined in red
- Known for silent, selfless heroism and fast shock assaults
FAQ
Who founded the Order of the Argent Shroud?
Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII founded it in M36 when the Convent Prioris was split. Its first leader and honoured saint was Sister Silvana.
What makes the Argent Shroud different from other Sisters of Battle orders?
They’re known for silence, selfless heroism, and lightning-fast shock assaults. They rarely speak or share tactics, preferring to let actions speak for them.
What happened to the Argent Shroud during the Noctis Aeterna?
Many of their sanctuary worlds near the Great Rift were thought lost, and up to 80% of the order may have been swallowed by Warp storms. They’ve kept fighting since.