The Schola Progenium in the Warhammer 40,000 universe is one of the many divisions of the Ecclesiarchy. It is responsible for the upbringing and training of orphans, predominantly those of officers who have died in the service of the Imperium, often by means of the Imperial Guard. These children are known as Progena, and most of them will end up serving the Ministorum or the Adeptus Terra. Others will go on to become military leaders and special forces within the Imperial Guard or Navy, such as Navy officers, elite Storm Troopers or iron-willed Commissars. Some may find office in a planetary government, while many girls are destined for one of the Orders of the Sisterhood (Sisters of Battle/Adepta Sororitas). Those Progena who display psychic aptitude are often killed, but may sometime be handed over to the Adeptus Psykana, or, in rare cases, receive further training as neonate Inquisitors.
Drill Abbots Progena are given specialised combat training by Drill Abbots. Many are Imperial Guard veterans who have been ordained as Abbots, though a few are products of the Schola Progenium themselves.
Drill Abbots are famed for their stubbornness and tenacity, coupled with a rock solid faith in the Emperor. These are the main qualities they instill in their pupils, along with the ideals of humility and sacrifice. Of course, these mental strengths are backed up by considerable combat skills, especially in hand-to-hand fighting. Drill Abbots are always ferocious warriors, stirred by the endeavours of Saints from the past, their hands guided as if by the Emperor Himself.
|