Techmarine
From Lexicanum
Techmarines (Frater Astrotechnicus) are Space Marine technicians as well as being battle-brothers. They are members of both the Cult Mechanicus and their chapter. Prospective Techmarines are chosen from the ranks of the Space Marine Chapters for their affinity with technology. They are sent to Mars for thirty years of training, 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. When they come back they serve the same role in their Chapter as an Techpriest Enginseer in the Imperial Guard.
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 anger 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 office and as a weapon.
The highest position among the Techmarines is held by the Master of the Forge.2
Sources
- 1: Codex: Space Marines (4th Edition)
- 2: UK White Dwarf 346
