Techmarine

From Lexicanum

Techmarines (Frater Astrotechnicus) are Space Marine mechanical technicians as well as being battle-brothers. They are members of both the Cult Mechanicus and their chapter. They serve a similar role in their Chapter as an Techpriest Enginseer in the Imperial Guard.

Prospective Techmarines are chosen from those within the Space Marine Chapter who show an affinity for machines. They are sent to Mars for thirty years of training and taught the machine lore. They learn how to divine the Runes of Engineering and study the Liturgy of Maintenance. This great body of lore must be committed to memory and understood by the novice Techmarine. They are taught how to "feel" the pain of a damaged machine and heal it.

A great deal of the thirty years of instruction involves learning each of the many and intricate maintenance rituals by heart. The rituals furthermore have variations to cover every conceivable circumstance in battle. After completing the training, the Techmarine is ordained, and returns to his chapter.¹

Techmarines are fully members of the chapter, and although not directly connected to the Adeptus Mechanicus, they are still considered members of the Cult Mechanicus. Their armour is modified to accommodate their cybernetic enhancements and their backpacks are upgraded with several servo-arms. Their armour is painted the rust red of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but their Chapter badge is retained and displayed on one of the shoulder guards, so as not to disrespect the armour's spirit. Techmarines are able to wear full servo-harnesses, huge harnesses armed with servo-arms, plasma cutters, and flamers. Techmarines can also be accompanied by a retinue of servitors; gun servitors, combat servitors, and tech servitors. They bear a power axe with the Adeptus Mechanicus symbol on the head, as both a symbol of rank and as a weapon.²

The highest position among the Techmarines is held by the Master of the Forge³.

Many Chaos Obliterators are said to be the former Techmarines of the Traitor Legions⁴.