Sammael is the current Grand Master of the Ravenwing, the Dark Angels Chapter’s fast-moving 2nd Company. He’s a bold, often reckless commander who hunts the Fallen and leads from the front on his jetbike, making him one of the most distinctive Space Marine characters in Warhammer 40,000.
Who is Sammael?
Sammael is the 348th Master of the Ravenwing, the Dark Angels’ 2nd Company. He’s the youngest Dark Angel ever inducted into the Ravenwing, and he’s held the post for over a century, an unusually long reign.
He answers to no one but the Supreme Grand Master and, ultimately, the Chapter’s hidden agenda: the capture of the Fallen. His title ‘Leader of the Hunt’ reflects that obsession.
From assault marine to grand master
Sammael started as an Assault Marine in the 8th Company. His skill caught the eye of then-Ravenwing Master Gideon, who brought him into the 2nd Company. After proving himself against Orks, Traitors, and Eldar pirates, he fought beside Gideon on Kaphon Betis, where they nearly caught Cypher. That encounter led Gideon to unofficially induct Sammael into the Inner Circle.
His rise to command came during the Kapua Uprising. Gideon, mortally wounded by the Chaos Reaver Titan Traitorous Ire, named Sammael his successor. Sammael took up the mantle and oversaw the Titan’s destruction. His first action as Master was leading the Ravenwing in the invasion of Rastabal in 465.M41.
Notable campaigns and exploits
Sammael has led the Ravenwing through some of the Dark Angels’ toughest fights. He fought in the Fourth Quadrant Rebellion, the war against the Ork Empire of Charadon, and the Invasion of Rynn’s World, where his Thunderhawk was shot down. He escaped by riding his jetbike out of the crashing gunship, the only recorded successful aerial-drop separation maneuver of its kind.
During the Gehöft Daemonic incursion, he fought alongside White Scars and Imperial Guard against Nurgle forces, but the planet was lost and subjected to Exterminatus. The Dark Angels abandoned their allies to chase the Fallen angel Skethon, a typical example of their divided loyalties.
In the Arks of Omen campaign, Sammael defended The Rock itself against Chaos forces, acting as fleet commander during the siege.
Wargear and tabletop role
Sammael rides a jetbike known as Corvex and wields the Raven Sword. In games of Warhammer 40,000, he’s a fast, hard-hitting HQ choice for Dark Angels armies, often leading Ravenwing Outrider Squads or Bike Squads.
His rules have changed across editions, but he’s consistently a mobile beatstick who buffs nearby Ravenwing units. In 10th edition, he appears in the Space Marines index with the Ravenwing keyword.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chapter | Dark Angels |
| Company | 2nd (Ravenwing) |
| Title | Grand Master of the Ravenwing, Leader of the Hunt |
| Predecessor | Gideon |
| Notable wargear | Jetbike Corvex, Raven Sword |
| Affiliation | Imperium, Dark Angels |
Key facts
- Sammael is the 348th Master of the Ravenwing and the youngest ever inducted.
- He was promoted after his predecessor Gideon died during the Kapua Uprising.
- He rides the jetbike Corvex and carries the Raven Sword.
- His first action as Master was the invasion of Rastabal in 465.M41.
- He’s a playable character in Warhammer 40,000, currently in the Space Marines index.
FAQ
Who is Sammael in Warhammer 40k?
Sammael is the Grand Master of the Dark Angels’ Ravenwing, the 2nd Company. He’s known for his aggressive tactics and his jetbike, Corvex.
What is the Ravenwing?
The Ravenwing is the Dark Angels’ fast-attack company, made up of bikes, speeders, and aircraft. They hunt the Fallen and screen the main force.
Is Sammael a named character in the tabletop game?
Yes. He has a datasheet in the Space Marines index for 10th edition and has been a playable character in previous editions as well.