Azrael is the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, the most secretive Chapter in the Adeptus Astartes. He commands the hunt for the Fallen and carries secrets that could shatter the Imperium.
Who is Azrael?
Azrael is the current Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels, a title he’s held since 939.M41. He was recruited from the feral world Kimmeria, but you’d never guess it from his demeanour. He’s cultured, sharp, and utterly dedicated to his Chapter.
Before leading the Dark Angels, Azrael served as Master of the 3rd Company and Grand Master of the Ravenwing. He earned his reputation through brutal campaigns like the scouring of Truan IX and the Faze V Uprising, where he crushed a techno-revivalist cult.
The burden of command
As Supreme Grand Master, Azrael sits at the head of the Inner Circle, the clandestine group that knows the truth about the Fallen. He’s the Keeper of the Truth, a title that means he alone holds the Chapter’s most dangerous secrets.
He didn’t get the job easily. When his predecessor Naberius was killed during the Rhamiel Betrayal, Azrael fought alongside Ezekiel to recover the body and the Chapter Banner, defeating the Night Lords Daemon Prince Gendor Skraivok in the process.
Hunting the Fallen
The Fallen are Dark Angels who turned to Chaos during the Horus Heresy. Azrael orchestrates their capture, often diverting entire companies from battle to pursue a single lead. This obsession has cost the Chapter dearly, but Azrael considers it a sacred duty.
He’s ruthless in this pursuit. Entire worlds have been subjected to Exterminatus to keep the secret safe, as happened after he slew the daemonically possessed Governor of Sephlagm.
Wargear and appearance
Azrael wears the Armour of Azrael, a suit of artificer armour said to date back to the Heresy. He carries the Sword of Secrets, a power sword that’s rumoured to contain a fragment of the Lion’s own blade, and the Lion’s Wrath, a combi-plasma weapon.
He also bears the Chapter Banner, a relic he recovered from Naberius’s killers. In battle, he’s a charismatic leader, inspiring those around him with his presence and tactical brilliance.
Azrael in the lore
Azrael has appeared in several novels and campaigns. During the Pandorax Campaign, he initially refused to honour an oath to the Grey Knights, considering it blackmail, but was eventually persuaded by Kaldor Draigo.
In the Arks of Omen storyline, Azrael plays a key role in the Dark Angels’ response to the return of Lion El’Jonson. The Primarch’s resurrection has shaken the Chapter’s foundations, and Azrael must navigate a new era where his authority is no longer absolute.
Key facts
- Azrael is the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels and Keeper of the Truth.
- He was recruited from the feral world Kimmeria.
- He became Supreme Grand Master in 939.M41 after Naberius died in the Rhamiel Betrayal.
- He leads the hunt for the Fallen and guards the Chapter’s darkest secrets.
- His wargear includes the Sword of Secrets, the Lion’s Wrath, and the Armour of Azrael.
FAQ
Who is the current Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels?
Azrael has been Supreme Grand Master since 939.M41, after the death of his predecessor Naberius. He’s also known as the Keeper of the Truth.
What is Azrael’s role in the hunt for the Fallen?
He orchestrates the entire hunt, directing the Inner Circle and often diverting Chapter forces to capture the Fallen. Keeping their existence secret is his top priority.
What wargear does Azrael use?
He wears the Armour of Azrael, wields the Sword of Secrets and the Lion’s Wrath, and carries the Chapter Banner.