A space marine once told a rogue trader who believed the emperor to be a god. "The emperors blood flowed through the veins of his primarchs, his sons. And their blood flows in me, does that make me a god? I bleed and die like any other. And for a god to beat an immortal monster is not nearly as inspiring as a man that conquers the immortal."
hell yeah. that kind of philosophy is also why I like the Imperial Guard a lot more than the space marines. they're all just normal men and women holding the line against the galaxy's horrors. nothing is more inspiring than a guardsman sacrificing himself to take out a CSM by charging the bastard with lit melta grenades in each hand and on a bandolier across his chest. that level of balls is something to respect to all hell, because that guy wasn't some transhuman monster trained for hundreds of years to literally be incapable of fear, but a normal guy who was shitting himself the whole way to his glorious death.
Dude the channel vox in the void has a gaurd and chaos marine moment right before the marine kills the god they talk about how standing against chaos is futile. And the burn the gaurd gives him is beyond badass.
I may have taught my toddler "Blood for the Blood God, Skulls for the skull throne!" And said the "no pity..." out loud when she yelled it at the park :)
had to give you a sub my guy. that was great, its midnight and you almost had me waking up people in my house. was wondering if you do any work with a "vox in the void"?
I work as a chaplain in the United States VA system. I'm just glad to have representation in 40k! I think this video has inspired me to make a unique chaplain model based on my Custodes army!
As a pagan, I apologize you have to deal with us, given our lack of a singular book for research and all the endless paths and beliefs and nuance. Even as a follower myself, I can imagine researching for us is a pain in the ass. 🤣
@stingerjohnny9951 it's not a problem at all. Chaplains are trained in multiple backgrounds so we can provide care to anyone. Our job isn't to evangelize or convert. A chaplains job is simply to be a compassionate presence and a listening ear. Helping people use what they already believe in order to find answers for themselves. It makes things much easier when you simply ask a person what they believe and what it means to them. It's not as bad as you think. 😂
Our Chaplin jumped alongside us, and when we were deployed he absolutely carried. We were joking around one time and asked him about it, and he said "A shepard carries a staff to protect his flock dosen't he? Mine just reaches a bit further."
I retired from the US Army infantry and I was an open atheist throughout which can be rough in the infantry, but the man I had the most respect for in my first unit was Major Carrothers our Chaplain. He is a great man who I was honored to serve beside through some of the bloodiest fights in Iraq. I was actually very lucky to run into him when he became the post Chaplain at the base I work as a contractor at a few years ago. Seriously a great man. The vast majority of chaplains are great people. Not all, but the majority are.
From what I hear, most chaplins have the .. 'biggest records' if you catch my drift. Just good men, coming back to men, to be with them, and help them through the paths they have walked.
They're not just soldiers. They have to think of spiritual needs and for atheist soldiers mental health. I think being a "combat priest" is a lot different to what people think, their job doesn't stop at the end of the day because their duty extends to all parts of his brother in arms lives.
Real-world military Chaplains are the best individuals I have ever met. In all of my time within the US Army, it was always the Chaplain who helped me the most. They're the reason why Chaplains in 40K are *my* favorite Space Marines unit, and why I have so many in all of my armies.
And just like in 40k, the chaplains consist of some of the most battle hardened men in the military. They’ll tell you the most harrowing stories of war as though they’re recounting yesterday’s grocery run. And through it all they’re upbeat and constantly looking to help.
I mean Leandros snitching didn't change much the inquisition was on the case anyway & a snitch could've stopped Horus heresy & alot of "snitchs" saved billions of lives during it & seeing how many traitors there are it's needed. There's 2 sides and Titus was due suspicion. Also you could say Titus is only as big a Chad as he is cus of his time in the inquisition and the death company as without his experience the war in space marine 2 could've gone the other way & his snitching drew more inquisition to the planet which secured it after rather than left it to the whims of other forces
*Update: apparently one of the many cons of chaplains is that while he holds a higher rank he does not get missions that often if not at all. He stays on the ship most of the time buried in books, unable to join his brothers in glorious combat and even if he did see combat his squad would never try to bond with him at all. Poetic justice at its peak. He ratted on his brother because of the codex astartes and now it's the only thing he has.
Me watching this today "Cool, so taking all this into account... How in the WARP ADDLED, CHAOS WORSHIPPING *deep breath* fuck, did Leandros become a chaplin? Especially when Marneus really did not like what went down with Titus."
The Blood Angels chaplains also have the added duty of giving those who fell to the black rage an honorable death. They will even abandon military goals to hunt them down and give them their fitting end. Astaroth the high chaplain is my favorite blood angel. he actually will travel to successor chapters and make sure the deed is done. This has caused some friction between him and the flesh tearers s he once passed judgement on a squad. However he has also spoken in defense of Gabriel Seth. so it makes for an interesting situation. Also, noteably the emperor has made more exceptions than mars. Sanguinious asked the emperor not to destroy the faith of Bhaal who saw Sanguinious (and by extention the emperor) as a god as one example.
What more can I say? I loved this "in depth" dive on the Chaplains as a whole and it was really nice to see "Nick" return as a guest on this episode, as his voice really is amazing. Anyway, have a great new year Wes, and we shall greet you in 2024. 😎
I used to view chaplains as closer to irl chaplains and priests Nowadays I view them as mostly Drill Instructors and to a degree, consultants and counsellors, vital to maintaining the mentality and spirit of soldiers through both words, penance and example In a way they also play a part in a selection cadre, picking desirable neophytes and "flagging" astartes that may need guidance in some fashion
I think the lore has moved heavily in that direction although they have become more disciplinarian than real life chaplains these days just to make them "angrier" characters.
@@incredibleflameboy Yeah, while I certainly like characters like Grimaldus and how he starts much angrier and sorta becomes more stoic I love the development of the Salamanders chaplain in the Nick Kyme omnibus (I cannot remember his name for the life of me), he was far more of a consultant and figurehead in almost how an emperor's champion used to be written where he targets high priority targets to spur on his brothers all while being there to help render guidance (tactical and emotional) to his troops Idk, I like the direction of chaplains in 40k being drill sergeants and counselors rather than JUST ideological figureheads
an hour of blood ravens lore would be amazing actually ^^ i dont know much about them at all ^^ are they even canon in the "normal" lore? bcs i once heard or read that they were just made for the game(which is true i guess), but it would be interesting to know if there are mentions of them in newer books :) wtf is their geneseed? blood angels? thousand sons? dark angels? they behave like a healthy mix out of them all...
@@tyrionlannister4920personally I think their gene seed is thousand son. They’re a mainly psyker based chapter desperate for knowledge, so it would fit.
The Sangunary priests serves as the apothecary, but they definitely do watch for signs of the red thirst. The Chaplains of the Blood Angels look for early signs of the black rage and are leaders of the death company. Mostly this is due to the fact that they are able to be the heart of the chapter and aim their rage towards the enemy before killing them when their duty is done.
The Importance of Chaplains can never be understated! Many have a spirit and soul no matter how atheistic they are their spirit still impacts their will, thus the Chaplains are needed to be the pillar of strength and the comfort for the withered souls. Chaplains are a necessity in any military force or even civilization as the human spirit always needs guidance through the dark.
For anyone not knowing this: Chris Tester voiced Heinrix Van Calox in the recently released Rogue Trader game by Owlcat. Another great performance by him. While I appreciate the zeal and ardour he gives off with Grimaldus' speach, the more subtile, insinuating tone he pulls off playing a member of the Inquisition is a masterpiece.
14:44 Dude, I heard the speech and I tried to pick up a bolter and chainsword that I don't actually have so I could fight the xenos and heretics. Chris' voice is truly amazing and fits like a glove in Warhammer 40k.
The 10th edition SM codex doubles down on the vow of silence. Not just on their datasheet, but on page 39 where it talks about becoming a chaplain. It says they are forbidden to speak. My guess is that there was a communication error or editorial miss in the writing of the books.
This video is right on time to help inspire me. I just got Chaplin for xmas. I can't wait to paint him but i have to figure out what chapter my marines need to be. Thank you for all you amazing videos!
Is this the first video Wes has done that had sources listed as they come up in the video? Idk if I just started noticing it but either way it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time and I’m so glad to see it
I've done it a couple of times in the past, normally if I include one it's because on my end I was trying to find the answer to a specific question for days and ended up pouring through 100 books before I finally found it. Putting the source there was kind of like me planting my flag of like "f*** yeah I found it." I am trying to get better about about actually including them more frequently throughout the videos though
Apothecary is gonna be a great vid too they are the multitaskers and shoulders that carry the burden of repairing or retrieving any gene seed from the fallen brothers
They’re beautiful. More capable of empathy than other battle brothers, yet the least likely to allow it to cloud their judgement; kind, yet they are merciless. When loyalty is without question, the chaplain is capable of directing that loyalty.
If so, ironic that the imperium of men was so devoted to the idea of their not being divine entities, while simultaneously admitting that they fight chaos gods in a different realm, when they go through the war into the eye of terror
Look at what they did with Leandros! The most hated guy in 40k. A zealot that makes sense that he would become a Chaplain. The surprise in my fave when i saw that
Working in a VA hospital as a trauma therapist, I always appreciated working with the chaplains. There was one Army chaplain in particular, a Catholic priest, who was just stellar. He never proselytized to anyone and didn't try to convert folks, just sat with the Vets and got them talking.
I went to the va hospital because of some depression i was having, told every person i came into contact with about my autism and ptsd involving police and my sexual assault at a hospital. Literally every person, even the guy at the window.I start stressing out because I was sexually assaulted at a hospital and i'm not getting helped fast enough, staff freaks out bc i'm stimming, cops show up, i decide to leave completely non violent, they block me won't let me leave, guy comes up behind me and uses pain compliance and i react like someone with ptsd and before I know it there's like 8 guys dogpiling me putting me in restraints and shit. I'm sure you do your best, but those hospitals are some of the shittiest places i've ever been. Honestly? I complained but i know it didn't go anywhere. Know how i know? I wanted to do a formal complaint on the guy using pain compliance and tried to get his information and i haven't heard from them in months.
Hey Wes! Love your videos man. I’m a vet, so I want to thank you for the little military history for everyone. I wanted to let you know that some chaplains carry a sidearm while deployed over seas. I served with a Chaplin who actually had a combat action ribbon due to some fighting in Afghanistan. Also thank you for jump staring my love for 40k man! You’re videos were my first introduction into the grim dark. Thanks again!
20:58 Military Chaplins do actually carry weapons as far as my knowledge goes. And they will fight to protect their men if need be. Most were previously in FOBs and saw combat before becoming a Chaplin as well.
Most chaplains are serving for their previous sins. Most I've met have been the highest level of men I've ever met. They've seen it and done it all. I'd listen to any word they'd have for anyone
On page 43 of Indomitus it says “ ‘Kill for the Emperor.’ With his free hand he pushed on his helmet, assuming his vow of battle-silence. As a Judiciar, it was his role to inspire with acts not words, proving his worth as a Chaplain.” I’m reading an ebook so It might not be the exact same page but for me it’s 2 pages before chapter 3.
This Chaplain of the Black Templars Weshammer I give you the blessing of the Emporer for your and the my fellow Templars to see your way to Champlain hood
Hey, it's me. Your favorite underrated guntuber. I got into the 40k lore, and I'm hooked. I also really appreciate the taticus promo code. Thanks for everything
There are also a few examples of a Chaplain becoming Chapter Master. The Consacrators, A 2nd founding Dark Angels successor currently have A Chapter Master who is a Interrogator Chaplain,, Grand Master Nakir. Nakir holds one of the highest ranks in the Inner Circle of the Unforgiven chapters as Master of Souls. He is one of three Chaplains who are members of the highest rung of the inner circle, Sapohon is the Dark angels Master of Sancjty, and Head Chaplain of not only the Dark Angels but all of.the Unforgiven, Asmodai is Master of Inrerogations. Nakir and his chapter specialize in recovering lost relics of the 1st legion. They are one of the more frequently seen Dark Angels successors in lore appearing in the Azrael novella, the novel the Unforgiven(both by Gav Thorpe), they have their own short story in the Successors anthology and they appear in Arks of omens the Lion fighting alongside their parent chapter are thus present when the Lion is reunited with his younger modern sons. Nakir, is so trusted by Azrael, that he has been given overall command of the Rocks defenses twice in the lore, which allowed Azrsel to take A more active part on the front lines. The first time is when Astelan's warband of Fallen And Typhus and his death guard attack the rock in the novel the Unforgiven. The second time is at Wyrmwood in arks of omens. Nakir is only know member of a DA successor to currently wield one of the five Heaven fall blades, he wields the Sword of Souls. It seems to have been the only heaven fall blade to regularly be wielded by a member of one of the successors as its previous owner wss Orlais, A grandmaster of the Disciples of Caliban chapter. Nakir lewd a years long crusade to recover ir, he presented it to Azrael thinking to return to the Parent chapter but Azrael gave it back saying Nakir earned it.
Emperor: science and rationality Emperor: no schools, tons of desperation, crazily superstitious iconography, dresses like a giant golden war god who commands angels of death Didn't really foster an atmosphere of science and enlightenment
Eh, not particularly true. Big Emps did what he could considering mankind was a shattered empire composed of millions of individual worlds. Star sectors close to the Sol system were doing very fking well under his administration. Education, research, rising standards of living, all the good stuff. The problem was that golden boi established essentially a transitionary goverment, as the whole "horrendous totalitarian super-structure called the Imperium" thing was only to perpetuate his first and most vital objective: the Great Crusade. He needed a stratified, militaristic, totalitarianism in order to reunite the human race as quickly as possible. Problem being, he obviously didn't factor in the possibility of him not being around to rule, at which point the "transitionary goverment" began to stagnate and regress irretrievably.
From what I have understood with the Judiciar’s was that they take a vow of silence for the battle and let their deeds inspire and speak for themselves. I may be wrong but that’s what I’ve always understood it as.
This is my favorite saying from a space Marine Chaplin It's from the blood angels series on Warhammer Plus You blood you were born, in blood you are honored
About the judiciar it must be an inconsistency or chapter to chapter case because in the Hammer and bolter episode of Lucius, the judiciar didn't speak at all and it was referred to have taken a bow of silence, so in my headcanon its just a chapter to chapter case because as real life the interpretation of rules vary , or it depends on how strict the chapter is.
I actually had the honor of being a Marine instructor for the Navy RPs that act as the Chaplain’s bodyguards at FMTB East. Great shout out to that tradition and real world example of the Chaps.
Most real world Chaplains have more combat awards than most infantrymen/women. They have been there, done that, and made it through. They just chose to hang up their weapons and pick up a holy item to wield instead. They are almost notoriously badasses compared to everyone else.
With the judicars I remember it being said that they take the vow of silence only during battle to let there actions stand on there own though honestly I couldn't tell you where I remember this from? Maybe one of the 9th edition live streams when they were talking about the new models?
18:00 I don't think most people appreciate the irony of old-school WH40k, and WH40K's referencing of history. During the enlightenment, real-life philosopher Denis Diderot said that "man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest." In Warhammer, the emperor is someone who outlawed religion (there's a great short story called "the Last Church" where the emperor has a conversation with the last priest on Terra during the unification wars.) And later, as corpse on the golden throne (Emps was more dead in old-school 40k than in modern 40k) the emperor was the object of worship in the most dogmatic, and least progessive, religion.
The most intetesting revelation of this video was finding out that greenstuff excists in the 40k universe. (In the closing thoughts, a chaplin basically used the in universe equivalent of greenstuff to mend a statue). Facinating stuff.
I've been watching your lore videos from about 2 years ago til this one in chrono order and I have to comment, you really continue to improve as a storyteller. It's very cool to see your growth over time
I love using Chaplains in Chaos Gate: Daemonhunters. The buffs they give to the rest of the Grey Knights squad is hilariously busted. Crit chance for bolters, or crit damage for melee.
Was a Medic in the Army and was deployed a few times. Can confirm that our Chaplain was an awesome guy! I am not religious, but he and I were super close while I was in. You said in your video that a great Chaplain is not feared... but loved... you are correct Wes.
Honestly I love the voice over man don’t get me wrong, but when I think of the wall speech of think of the 3 hour long fan made movie and that voice actor being PURE GOLD
I absolutely love your content especially these long form videos. Your video 40K timeline explained is what got me into Warhammer so I thank you for that.
i know it probably doesnt help your algorithm, but i listen to MK while getting ready. and i listen to you when i can sit have a nice drink and just relax
I think there is something i can leave here as example for how chaplains presence can turn the tides. There is this story, which made it to the history books about Battle of Warsaw, where chaplain Ignacy Skorupko - who was described as young and beautiful - together with whole squad was pinned down with gunfire during counterattack in Ossowo village. He stood up with word of prayer on his mouth with unwavered courage and led the charge, inspiring the people. He died there, shot in the head shortly after, but the counterattack was success. This is of course matter of debate, but some say it was the turning point when polish army snatched initiative from soviets hands. You can find the scene in the movie and no matter what you believe, it gives chills.
My dad was a chaplain in the military and raised me with an understanding of a variety of different religions without judgment. It's really crazy the difference between what religious leaders are supposed to be and what they usually are.
US military chaplains although they don't carry weapons, are almost always former soldiers who saw combat. And at least going by the stereotype, which has a lot of merit, is that they usually are _very_ competent in the usage of weapons and absolutely will take up arms if need be. That was especially common in conflicts where it was more common for operating bases to get attacked or overrun and accordingly you'd have a chaplain in the base with a lot of weapons laying around. A quote from a military chaplain that I love is "my job has always been sending people to God, I just do it in a less direct fashion now that I'm a chaplain, but if the need arises I'm more than able to switch back to the old way. I do my best to send everyone I meet to god, some more directly than others". That's likely off from the actual quote but it gets the idea right.
