Raldoron was the First Captain of the Blood Angels Legion, Sanguinius’s equerry, and the first Chapter Master of the Blood Angels after the Horus Heresy. He’s one of the most respected commanders of the Legiones Astartes, and his story runs from the Great Crusade through the Siege of Terra.
Who is Raldoron?
Raldoron came from the hunter tribes of Baal Primus and rose to become First Captain of the Blood Angels Legion. Sanguinius picked him for the role because he understood the hearts and minds of his battle-brothers, a contrast to Azkaellon’s more rigid style.
He served as Sanguinius’s equerry during the Great Crusade and the Horus Heresy. After the Heresy, he became the first Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, guiding them through the Scouring and the early years of the Imperium.
- Homeworld: Baal Primus
- Born: c. late M30
- Roles: First Captain, Equerry to Sanguinius, Chapter Master
- Genetic father: Sanguinius
- Affiliations: Imperium of Man, Blood Angels, Grand Council of Reconstruction
Why he matters
Raldoron is often named alongside Ezekyle Abaddon, Sigismund, and Jago Sevatarion as one of the deadliest First Captains of the Legiones Astartes. That alone puts him in the top tier of Space Marine commanders.
He also shaped the Blood Angels’ identity after Sanguinius’s death. As first Chapter Master, he laid the foundation for how the Chapter would operate for the next ten thousand years.
Key events
Raldoron fought in the joint Blood Angels/Luna Wolves campaign against the Nephilim on Melchior, where he discovered a brother lost to the Red Thirst and handled it quietly to protect the Legion’s secret.
He accompanied Sanguinius to Nikaea and took part in questioning Kasper Hawser. Later, he was present at Signus Prime, during Imperium Secundus, and at the Siege of Terra.
After the Heresy, he led the Blood Angels during the Scouring and sat on the Grand Council of Reconstruction.
| Event | Role |
|---|---|
| Melchior campaign | Discovered Red Thirst incident, kept it secret |
| Nikaea | Accompanied Sanguinius, questioned Kasper Hawser |
| Signus Prime | Fought against the daemonic threat |
| Imperium Secundus | Served under Sanguinius |
| Siege of Terra | Defended the Imperial Palace |
| The Scouring | First Chapter Master of the Blood Angels |
Personality and wargear
Raldoron was known for his adaptable command style and his deep connection with his brothers. He wasn’t as rigid as Azkaellon, and he preferred to lead from the front when needed.
His wargear included a power sword and a combi-weapon, but details vary by source. The Lexicanum lists his equipment without much elaboration.
Philosophies of Raldoron
Raldoron wrote a text called the Philosophies of Raldoron, which is still studied in the 41st millennium. It contains aphorisms like “Necessity is the shield of faith” and “Pride is merely the seed of hubris, and death without victory is wasted.”
These writings give insight into his pragmatic and determined mindset, and they’re sometimes quoted by Blood Angels and other Imperial scholars.
Key facts
- Raldoron was the First Captain of the Blood Angels Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy.
- He was Sanguinius’s equerry and one of the most formidable Astartes of his era.
- After the Heresy, he became the first Chapter Master of the Blood Angels.
- He wrote the Philosophies of Raldoron, a text still referenced in the 41st millennium.
- He hailed from Baal Primus and was chosen for his adaptable command style.
FAQ
Who was Raldoron?
Raldoron was the First Captain of the Blood Angels Legion, equerry to Sanguinius, and the first Chapter Master of the Blood Angels after the Horus Heresy.
What happened to Raldoron after the Heresy?
He became the first Chapter Master of the Blood Angels and led them during the Scouring. He also served on the Grand Council of Reconstruction.
What is the Philosophies of Raldoron?
It’s a written work by Raldoron containing his thoughts on duty, faith, and pride. Excerpts are still cited in Warhammer 40,000 lore.