The Ravenwing is the Dark Angels’ Second Company, a fast attack force built around bikes, Land Speeders and aircraft. On paper it’s a mobile strike company. In practice, its real job is hunting the Fallen, and only the Inner Circle knows that.
What the Ravenwing actually is
The Ravenwing is the Second Company of the Dark Angels, and like the First Company (the Deathwing) it doesn’t follow the Codex Astartes. The rest of the Chapter does. So the Ravenwing is a Chapter-sized exception, kept outside the normal structure on purpose.
It’s a flexible fast attack force, but that’s the cover story. The real mission is tracking down members of the Fallen. That secret is only shared with senior Black Knights and the Inner Circle, so most Ravenwing brothers fight without knowing the full picture.
Where it came from
The Ravenwing’s roots go back to before the Imperium, drawing on both Terran and Calibanite traditions. It was the Wing most reshaped by Lion El’Jonson when he took over the First Legion.
The name comes from the Calibanite Order of the Raven, whose mounted warriors rode black horses and were famous for surviving alone in Caliban’s deadly forests. The Lion mixed those warriors with the remnants of the Hosts of Wind and Void to create a formation built on speed, strike and fade tactics, and skirmish warfare.
- Light skimmers and aircraft were its specialty, backed by reconnaissance infantry.
- Some infantry specialised in drop pods and orbital assault, marked with a white corvid symbol.
- Ravenwing initiates were often seen as mavericks by the stuffier veterans of other Wings.
Who leads it
Sammael is the current Master of the Ravenwing. He goes to war on the last known surviving Imperial Jetbike, which makes him one of the most recognisable commanders in the Chapter.
Talonmasters
Talonmasters are specialised Lieutenants added to the Ravenwing after Guilliman revised the Codex Astartes. Their job is different from Lieutenants in other companies: they direct the company’s firepower in battle.
They ride Land Speeders fitted with extra Auspex scanners and vox gear, spotting enemies hidden in dense terrain and calling coordinates out to every Ravenwing unit. Other Unforgiven Chapters with Ravenwing-style companies have added the rank too.
Sources disagree on where Talonmasters sit. The 8th edition Dark Angels codex says they rank below the Black Knights and that none have joined the Inner Circle. Later codices say Talonmasters are usually promoted from the Black Knights, who are Inner Circle members. So the earlier account looks outdated, but it’s worth knowing the discrepancy exists.
Colours and look
Ravenwing armour is black with white markings and beige Aquilae, and officers wear a beige tunic. It’s a deliberately stark scheme that sets the company apart from the green of the rest of the Chapter.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | 2nd Company, Dark Angels |
| Grand Master | Sammael |
| Specialty | Fast attack |
| Armour | Black, white markings, beige Aquilae |
Key facts
- The Ravenwing is the Dark Angels’ Second Company, a fast attack force outside the Codex Astartes structure.
- Its secret mission is hunting the Fallen, known only to senior Black Knights and the Inner Circle.
- Sammael commands the company and rides the last known surviving Imperial Jetbike.
- The name comes from the Calibanite Order of the Raven, whose mounted warriors inspired the formation.
- Talonmasters are specialised Lieutenants in Land Speeders who coordinate the company’s firepower.
- Ravenwing armour is black with white markings and beige Aquilae; officers wear beige tunics.
FAQ
What is the Ravenwing?
It’s the Dark Angels’ Second Company, a fast attack force of bikes, Land Speeders and aircraft. Officially it’s a mobile strike company, but its hidden purpose is hunting the Fallen.
Who leads the Ravenwing?
Sammael, the Master of the Ravenwing, who rides the last known surviving Imperial Jetbike.
What’s the difference between the Ravenwing and the Deathwing?
Both sit outside the Codex Astartes. The Deathwing is the First Company, built around Terminators and veterans. The Ravenwing is the Second, built around speed and mobility.
What is a Ravenwing Talonmaster?
A specialised Lieutenant who rides a Land Speeder packed with Auspex and vox gear, directing the company’s firepower and spotting hidden enemies. Sources disagree on whether they rank above or below the Black Knights.