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| COMMIT TO: Inquisition
Record 0856 816-2000
CROSS FILE: Inquisition of the Vindicators INPUT DATE: 3749914.M36 |
AUTHOR: Inquisitor
Ryjak
TRANSMITTER: Astropath Prime Oberst RECEIVER: Astropath Secundus Zaul |
| SUBJECT: Ordo Templaris | THOUGHT: Righteous zeal often leads to self-destruction |
As far as I can tell, the Ordo Templaris is an elite warrior
cult within the Vindicators. Its members consist of both officers
and battle brothers, which I find surprising. I think there is a
heirarchy within the Ordo seperate from the command structure of the Chapter,
but thus far I have no concrete evidence. Information indicates that
the Ordo is lead by the Chaplain Corps, and that the Chaplains select those
they feel are worthy of the Ordo. In some respects they have authority
over even the Chapter Master himself, who only has limited authority within
the Ordo Templaris.
From the records I've seen, it seems that the Ordo traces its
origin back to members of the Black Templars that participated in the Crusade
of Vindication. In fact, some of the armor used by this chapter is
practically identical in appearance to the armor used by the Black Templars.
In addition, the symbol of the Ordo Templaris is a combination of the Black
Templar Crux and the Crusade of Vindication badge. It is no surprise
to me to find many rituals within the Vindicators are identical to those
used by the Black Templar.
I'm not sure how a marine is selected to join the Ordo, but I
have yet to see records of someone being inducted before the age of 40.
I believe the prequisits are both mental and spiritual, but I have yet
to uncover an writing pertaining to the selection process. There
also seems to be some kind of trial the initiate has to undertake, but
I know not what it is. I do know that many have died in the process,
for there is a record of every one on a special memorial within the Ordo's
chapel.
Once a marine is member of the Ordo Templaris, he is awarded
a tungston axe as a symbol of his accomplishment. The white metal
seemingly glows with an inner energy, and is a sign of the marine's spiritual
attainment. In battle it proves to be a very reliable weapon; Ordo squads
tear through their opponents, and officers cleave through even the heaviest
of armor. Ordo squads are rarely formed, and are often lead by a Chaplain
of the Ordo. Instead, most members of the Ordo lead their battle-brothers
into battle.
Occasionally, the Ordo Templaris conducts a religous crusade.
In this case, the Chaplain Corps leads everything, and rides into battle
on their Crusader. There are several murals within the Ordo's chapel commemorating
the Chaplain Corps' accomplishments on the field, and their battle standard
is impressive to say the least.
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Lord, I have recently intercepted this report sent from the Vindicators to some of their allies. It includes detailed information about the Ordo.
If you need to contact me Lord, send your transmission to ryjak@neo.tamu.edu
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