Lemartes, the Guardian of the Lost, is a pivotal and tragic figure in the Blood Angels Chapter in Warhammer 40K. He serves as the Chaplain of the Death Company, the most tormented and cursed of the Blood Angels' warriors, and is a symbol of both their heroism and the curse that haunts them. Lemartes is a character defined by his loyalty, his strength in battle, and the deeply tragic fate of the Death Company.
Lore and Background of Lemartes
Lemartes is a Blood Angels Chaplain who is often seen leading the Death Company, a group of battle-brothers who have succumbed to the Black Rage, a curse that drives them into frenzied combat at the cost of their sanity. The Death Company are those warriors who are lost to the rage of Sanguinius, fighting with a reckless and almost suicidal fervor, while still holding onto the core of their ancient duty.
- Role as Chaplain: Lemartes serves as the spiritual leader of the Death Company, guiding them in their final, bloody battles. He helps them channel their rage and grief, reminding them of their fallen brothers and their sacred duty to their Chapter and the Emperor.
- The Curse of the Black Rage: Lemartes himself is not immune to the curse, but he has learned to control it to some extent. His role as Chaplain is to ensure the Death Company does not fall into complete chaos, and his presence gives the Death Company warriors a sense of purpose as they descend into madness.
- Guardian of the Lost: Lemartes is often referred to as the Guardian of the Lost, a title that reflects his role in protecting the brothers who have lost themselves to the Black Rage. His duty is to keep them focused on their mission, even as their minds unravel.
Lemartes’ Appearance and Equipment
Lemartes’ model is one of the most striking in the Blood Angels range. He is often depicted as a heroic figure, wearing the distinctive armor and weapons of a Chaplain, with symbols of his tragic role and unwavering loyalty to the Chapter.
- Armor: Lemartes wears the black armor of a Chaplain, which is adorned with skulls, bones, and angelic motifs, marking him as a spiritual leader and a warrior of the Blood Angels. His armor is a mix of black and gold, representing both his faith and his connection to the Blood Angels’ legacy.
- Death Mask: One of the most iconic features of Lemartes is his skull-like death mask, which reflects his role in leading the Death Company. The mask is a symbol of his unwavering commitment to his brothers and his willingness to embrace death for their cause.
- Crozius Arcanum: Lemartes wields the Crozius Arcanum, a weapon that is both a spiritual and physical tool of the Chaplains. This weapon has both a symbolic role as a holy relic and a devastating power in close combat.
- Banner of the Lost: Lemartes carries the Banner of the Lost, a banner that represents the fallen brothers of the Blood Angels and the tragic fate of those who fall to the Black Rage. The banner serves as a rallying point for the Death Company and a reminder of their noble sacrifice.
Rules and Abilities in Warhammer 40K
In the game, Lemartes is a powerful character who serves as a supporting hero and a leader for the Death Company. His abilities reflect his dual role as both a spiritual guide and a fearsome warrior.
- Rites of Battle: Lemartes can use his Rites of Battle ability to enhance the combat effectiveness of nearby Death Company units. This makes them even more deadly in close combat, where they are already at their most dangerous.
- The Lost and the Damned: Lemartes’ special rule gives him the ability to improve the combat prowess of the Death Company, allowing them to hit harder and move faster, even though they are consumed by the Black Rage.
- Guardian of the Lost: As the Guardian of the Lost, Lemartes can boost morale for the Death Company and prevent them from falling into complete disarray. His presence keeps the Death Company fighting with purpose, even as their minds are clouded by rage.
- Fearless: Lemartes, being a leader of the Death Company, is Fearless, meaning he and any Death Company unit nearby do not break under fire, even when facing overwhelming odds.
- Close Combat Prowess: Lemartes is a deadly force in close combat. His Crozius Arcanum is a powerful weapon that allows him to deal with even the toughest enemies, making him a formidable opponent in any melee encounter.
Lemartes in the Blood Angels Army
Lemartes is an essential character for any Death Company-focused Blood Angels army. His combat abilities, leadership, and spiritual guidance make him an invaluable asset in any engagement. He can lead the Death Company into battle with strength and purpose, making them a truly terrifying force on the tabletop.
- Synergy with Death Company: Lemartes works best when paired with Death Company units, as his abilities directly enhance their abilities in combat. His leadership keeps them from succumbing to the worst effects of the Black Rage, making them a much more focused and effective fighting force.
- Improved Close Combat: When Lemartes is leading the Death Company, they become an extremely deadly close-combat unit, capable of cutting down enemies with brutal efficiency. His ability to allow them to re-roll failed charge rolls and advance rolls ensures that they get into combat and hit hard.
- Durability: While Lemartes is no slouch in terms of offense, he also provides durability to his units, thanks to his Fearless and inspiring presence.
Conclusion
Lemartes is one of the most tragic and heroic figures in the Blood Angels Chapter. As the Chaplain of the Death Company, he is the spiritual anchor for those who have fallen prey to the Black Rage, leading them in battle with both strength and honor. His combination of combat ability and supporting powers makes him a powerful addition to any Blood Angels army, particularly one focused on close combat and the Death Company.
Whether you’re looking to add a legendary figure to your army or you’re drawn to the tragic tale of a warrior consumed by the Red Thirst, Lemartes is a character who embodies the sacrifice and loyalty of the Blood Angels, making him an unforgettable part of any collection.