SAINT KATHERINE
Saint Katherine, originally known as Katherine Elysius, is a founding Matriarch of the Adepta Sororitas and the patron saint of the Order of Our Martyred Lady. Known as the 'Shield Bearer,' she was a legendary warrior whose martyrdom transformed her original order into the most iconic faction of the Sisters of Battle.
Cronologia
Biografia
Saint Katherine was one of the six founding members of the Adepta Sororitas and served as the second-in-command to Alicia Dominica. Originally a member of the 'Daughters of the Emperor' on the world of San Leor, she became a pivotal figure in ending the Reign of Blood.
Katherine was the founder and first leader of the Order of the Fiery Heart, leading her sisters through countless Wars of Faith against heretics across the galaxy. Her reputation was built on a foundation of fiery determination and a vengeful spirit that terrified the enemies of Mankind.
She was often seen at the absolute forefront of battle, embodying the wrath of the Emperor. Her life ended in martyrdom when she was murdered by the Witch-Cult of Mnestteus. The grief following her death was so profound that her sisters renamed their entire organization the Order of Our Martyred Lady in her honor.
Storia
Katherine's story begins in the late 35th Millennium during the Age of Apostasy, a dark era ruled by the tyrant Goge Vandire.
Alongside Alicia Dominica and four other companions, Katherine was part of the personal bodyguard of the High Lord before the Adeptus Custodes revealed Vandire's treachery.
Led by Centurion Longinus, Katherine was one of the six women brought into the Sanctum Imperialis to stand directly before the God-Emperor on His Golden Throne. This divine encounter stripped away Vandire's influence and filled the sisters with holy purpose; the sheer proximity to the Emperor's power famously turned Katherine's hair stark white. Following the execution of Vandire, she helped reform the Daughters into the official military arm of the Ecclesiarchy.
Evoluzione
Saint Katherine has evolved from a piece of background 'flavor text' in the late 90s to one of the most visually stunning centerpieces on the modern tabletop. Originally just a name associated with a shield in the 2nd Edition, her lore was fleshed out during the 3rd Edition Witch Hunters era through the recovery of her relics.
In 2019, Games Workshop fundamentally changed her presence by introducing the 'Triumph of Saint Katherine'—a mobile shrine featuring her skeletal remains. This moved her from a historical figure to a tangible, active force on the battlefield. By 2026, with the launch of the 11th Edition, she has become the narrative focal point for the Imperium's major counter-offensives, cementing her as the face of the Adepta Sororitas' enduring spirit.
Da Collezione
For collectors, the absolute 'grail' item is the Triumph of Saint Katherine plastic kit released by Games Workshop in 2019. It is widely considered one of the best miniatures ever produced, essentially serving as a multi-figure diorama on a single base. Painting this model is a rite of passage for dedicated Sisters of Battle players.
Beyond the tabletop, the Magic: The Gathering 'Saint Katherine' card from the 2022 Universes Beyond set is highly sought after by card collectors. In 2026, the 11th Edition launch has made 'Order of Our Martyred Lady' themed models—painted in the Saint's iconic black and red colors—the most popular and tradeable figures in the secondary market.
The Ardent Blade, her primary weapon, was lost for millennia until it was miraculously recovered by Saint Celestine.
