Princeps Autem Corpus
The Princeps Autem Corpus (lit. "first of the body" in High Gothic, pl. Principes) is the equivalent of a sergeant or squad leader in the Daughters of Verity, leading a unit (formally titled a corpus - lit. "body" in High Gothic, pl. corpora, but informally referred to as squads).
According to the Daughters' doctrine of the corpora, these units are ad hoc and and can be - and are - changed, disbanded or reformed at the whim of the Canoness or commanding Palatine in order to avoid complacency, particular friendships, unhealthy rivalries and to promote Order - rather than squad-level - cohesion.
When a corpus is formed, a professed Sister is selected to serve as a Princeps Autem Corpus (often just called Princeps). The selection is made primarily because of her faith, spirituality and devotion - although military experience is a significant factor. As a badge of rank, she wears vambraces decorated with a fleur-de-lys - these contain logistics and communications equipment, allowing her to more effectively lead her corpus in combat. While it might seem that Princeps is a military rank, it is better understood as a position or duty - a Sister can be placed in it or removed from it without it being considered either a promotion or demotion. A Sister serves where the Canoness or Palatines feels she will be be most effective, and accepts her assignment as the Emperor's Will.
Celestian Principes
While the leadership of a corpus is seen as a spiritual office, military experience and skill are highly prized. Because of this, it is very common for a Celestian to be selected; having been recognized by the wider Imperium for military honors, such a Sister's competency has been firmly established.Verum Viscera Weapons
Sometimes, the decision to appoint a Princeps seems to be made by a higher authority than even the Canoness - by Verity herself. A Sister may be granted a melee weapon - usually a sword - made of verum viscera, the circuit-laced blue crystal that defies analysis and is speculated to be the Crystal Lady's body. A Sister so gifted is viewed as blessed and approved of by Verity and is invariably selected by the Palatines to lead a corpus, usually holding the position all-but-permanently.Designer's Notes
The "communications vambraces" were created to explain why metal Sister Superior (squad leader) models have different forearms than rank-and-file models. The much-less formal structure of the Seraphim allowed me to explain why their leaders did not have those forearms.
Type
Religious, Military
Alternative Naming
Princeps (pl. Principes)
Equates to
Sergeant, Squad Leader
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
Princeps Autem Corpus Battleplate, Habit & Arms
Princeps Autem Corpus (with Celestian honor) Habit, Battleplate & Arms
