Warhammer 40K: Sanguinary Guard – Personal Bodyguards of Sanguinius
The Sanguinary Guard of the Blood Angels are elite warriors who’s origins are tied to their Primarch Sanguinius.
The Sanguinary Guard, also known as the Ikisat, Seraphs , or the Burning Ones are the utmost elite of the Veterans of the Blood Angels, proven in mind, body, and spirit, and exemplifying the values of their Primarch Sanguinius to an extent no other Space Marine can.
The Origins of the Sanguinary Guard
The Sanguinary Guard has its origins during the Great Crusade when Sanguinius himself led the Blood Angels as a Legion. These warriors were the most renowned of the Orders of the First Sphere, which then also included the Crimson Paladins, Burning Eyes, and Angel’s Tears. Members of the Sanguinary Guard were chosen for their unwavering devotion to their Primarch and were tasked to act as the personal bodyguard of Sanguinius. On some occasions, they were also used to protect other high-ranking members of the Blood Angels.
Azkaellon, founder and first commander of the Sanguinary Guard
The Sanguinary Guard fought alongside Sanguinius as he took part in the boarding operation of the Vengeful Spirit during the climax of the Siege of Terra. After this battle only a single survivor remained of that august force: Azkaellon, Herald of the Primarch, and only because Sanguinius insisted that he remain on Terra. It was on his shoulders that the heavy burden befell of the reconstitution of the Order, to serve as a beacon of hope for the dark days that lay ahead. It is largely through his efforts that the legacy of the Sanguinary Guard survived in the Blood Angels, and spread to all its Successors.
Sanguinary Guard – Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition
Ten thousand years later, after the formation of the Great Rift, the Sanguinary Guard again faced destruction against Hive Fleet Leviathan. In the ensuing Devastation of Baal, only a single member of the Sanguinary Guard, Caraeus, survived.
Sanguinary Guard, Warhammer 40,000 – 10th Edition
The Sanguinary Guard was subsequently rebuilt with surviving veterans and Primaris Space Marines. During the Battle of Idolatros in the Arks of Omen Campaign they accompanied Dante as he battled Angron. Once again the Sanguinary Guard took heavy losses, though there were several survivors.
Sanguinary Guard – Weapons of Office
Unlike other Veterans, the Sanguinary Guard do not select wargear according to their expertise, but instead use weapons and armor traditional to their Order: the wrist-mounted Angelus Boltgun, Plasma Pistol, or Inferno Pistol and the Glaives Encarmine, Encarmine Axe, or Power Fist. Golden Artificer Armour girds their bodies, and baleful Death Masks cover their faces, while they leap into battle courtesy of Winged Jump Packs. Depending on the situation, they may carry the Chapter Banner to war.
The Sanguinary Guard might have started as the bodyguards of Sanguinius but now they serve a new role in the Chapter.
