The Order of Our Martyred Lady is one of the six major Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas, and probably the most famous. It’s the order that gave the Sisters of Battle their reputation for self-sacrifice and relentless vengeance.
What it is
Based at the Convent Sanctorum on Ophelia VII, the order was founded in M36 by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII. It started life as the Order of the Fiery Heart, but everything changed when its first leader, Canoness Katherine, was murdered by the Witch-cult of Mnestteus.
Her Sisters renamed the order in her honour and adopted black as a mark of mourning. That black armour with dark red cloaks became their signature look. After heavy losses on Armageddon, most preceptories switched the cloth to all red, stitching the first line of the Fede Imperialis between silver lines along the hem as a reminder.
- Founder: Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII, M36
- Original name: Order of the Fiery Heart
- Home: Convent Sanctorum, Ophelia VII
- Patron saint: Canoness Katherine
- Colours: black armour, dark red cloaks (originally black with red lining)
Why martyrdom defines them
Every Sister is taught that dying in the Emperor’s service is the purest fate. In this order, that belief runs hotter than anywhere else. To outsiders it can look almost suicidal, but it’s really an extreme form of devotion.
They don’t fight for mercy. They fight to avenge Katherine and every Sister who’s fallen since. That makes them thorough, destructive, and very hard to break.
Katherine and the legacy of the shield
Katherine was one of the five companions of Alicia Dominica, the founder of the Orders Militant, and she carried Dominica’s holy shield, the Praesidium Protectiva. She led her order for decades before her death, and was later canonised by the Ecclesiarchy.
The order still carries her remains to war in solemn procession, using them to inspire the living. Sisters also dye their hair white in her honour, because Katherine’s own hair turned white when she stood before the Emperor.
Armageddon and beyond
The Third War for Armageddon is their most famous campaign. The order had a strong presence on the planet for years, and when Ghazghkull Thraka’s Orks overran Hive Tempestora via a massed submersible assault, the Sisters bore the brunt of the fighting.
They fought a desperate rearguard back to the Sanctorum of St. Katherine. The Orks won, but paid heavily for every Sister they killed. Since the Great Rift opened, many of the order’s citadels have been cut off, though that hasn’t dulled their desire for vengeance.
Key facts
- One of the six major Orders Militant of the Adepta Sororitas
- Founded in M36 by Ecclesiarch Alexis XXII as the Order of the Fiery Heart
- Renamed after the death of Canoness Katherine, now their patron saint
- Based at the Convent Sanctorum on Ophelia VII
- Famous for extreme devotion to martyrdom and relentless vengeance
- Fought heavily in the Third War for Armageddon, including the defence of Hive Tempestora
FAQ
What was the Order of Our Martyred Lady called before?
It was originally the Order of the Fiery Heart. The name changed after Canoness Katherine was killed and later canonised.
Who is their patron saint?
Saint Katherine, their first leader and one of Alicia Dominica’s five companions. She carried Dominica’s shield, the Praesidium Protectiva.
Why do they dye their hair white?
It’s a mark of respect for Katherine, whose hair supposedly turned white when she stood before the Emperor.
What battles are they known for?
The Third War for Armageddon is their most famous, especially the defence of Hive Tempestora. They’ve also fought in the Charadon sector.