The Order of the Ebon Chalice is the oldest and most traditional of the six major Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas. Based on Terra, they guard the Segmentum Solar and embody the original doctrines of the Daughters of the Emperor.
Origins and founding
The Order of the Ebon Chalice was founded in M36 by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII, who split the Sisters of the Convent Prioris on Terra. It remains based there today.
Their first leader and most honoured saint is Alicia Dominica. The order’s symbol, a flaming chalice, represents the terrible knowledge she received before the Golden Throne.
Though not originally called by its current name, the Ebon Chalice is the direct continuation of the original Daughters of the Emperor, making it the oldest Order Militant.
Role and duties
While other orders fight across the far reaches of the Imperium, the Ebon Chalice dedicates itself to safeguarding Terra and Segmentum Solar. They root out mutant conclaves, Chaos servants, traitors, and xenos infestations.
They’ve exposed corrupt governors and Imperial Guard officers who didn’t follow the Imperial Creed to the letter. When resistance met their purges, they responded with violence.
The order reveres a Holy Trinity of the Emperor, the Ecclesiarch, and the Matriarch. It’s said that the highest-ranked members learn the same truth Dominica did before the Golden Throne.
Colours and relics
The Ebon Chalice wears black armour with white cloaks lined in red, and their weapons are deep red. These were the original colours of the Convent Prioris, inherited from the Daughters of the Emperor, and they haven’t changed in four thousand years.
The Simulacrum of the Ebon Chalice is a blackened goblet relic imbued with a portion of the original’s power. In its presence, the impious suffer physical and spiritual anguish. It’s carried by the Spirit of Dominica when six chosen members of the Orders Pronatus escort Saint Katherine’s remains into battle.
Recent history
Since the formation of the Great Rift, the order has fought to keep Segmentum Solar secure. This brought them into conflict with several Chaos warbands, most notably the Blades of the Despoiler.
They’ve taken heavy losses, and despite a constant stream of recruits from the Schola Progenium, few meet their high standards. This has left them numerically lacking, but they continue to fight on.
The order proved instrumental in the early Indomitus Crusade.
Key facts
- Founded in M36 by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII.
- Based on Terra, part of the Convent Prioris.
- First leader and most honoured saint: Alicia Dominica.
- Colours: black armour, white cloaks with red linings, deep red weapons.
- Dedicated to protecting Terra and Segmentum Solar.
- Suffered heavy losses since the Great Rift, especially against the Blades of the Despoiler.
FAQ
Who founded the Order of the Ebon Chalice?
Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII founded the order in M36 when he split the Sisters of the Convent Prioris on Terra.
What is the Simulacrum of the Ebon Chalice?
It’s a blackened goblet relic that causes physical and spiritual anguish to the impious. It’s carried by the Spirit of Dominica during the Triumph of Saint Katherine.
What colours does the Order of the Ebon Chalice use?
They wear black armour with white cloaks lined in red, and their weapons are deep red.