Among the swordsmen of a Space Marine company, one is raised above the rest as its Champion, a duellist of supreme skill entrusted with a sacred charge. His foremost duty is the protection of his commander, standing at the captain's side to turn aside any blade that seeks his lord's life and to fall, if need be, so that his lord might live.
The Champion is also the company's chosen blade in matters of honour. When a mighty enemy hero strides forth, it is the Champion who answers, meeting warlords, dark champions and monstrous foes in single combat while his brothers hold back. To slay such an adversary is to strike a blow at the enemy's spirit as much as its strength, and the Champion trains ceaselessly for these moments of decision.
Armed customarily with a finely wrought power weapon and a combat shield, and often bearing a helm crested to mark his station, the Company Champion embodies the martial pride of the Adeptus Astartes. He is the living proof that skill at arms, honed over a lifetime of war, remains a weapon as fearsome as any the Chapter can bring to bear.
Order of battle
