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Chapter Serfs might serve as intermediaries between human civilian populations or [[xenos]] delegations where subtle diplomacy or non-intimidating representative of Space Marine forces are needed.{{Fn|27a}} Prominent Chapter Serfs might serve an individual Battle-Brother as their personal [[Equerry]] (a role typically filled by either a Chapter Serf or Space Marine). These individuals serve a assistants, advisors, and intermediaries for their master so that they may focus on other matters.{{Fn|27a}}
When Space Marines go to war, the serfs maintain the fortress and defend it from attack. Chapter serfs auxiliaries aren't often deployed in battle alongside their Space Marine masters, as their human limitations would be incapable of keeping pace. Some are trained to levels at least equivalent to that of the [[Imperial Guard]], and are expected to assist in the defense of chapter assets such as fortresses and vessels. Indeed, when facing down a Space Marine [[Battle Barge]] it would be a chapter serf manning the gun turrets, as a full Space Marine would be too valuable for the menial task.{{CME}} Combat Scribes are sometimes deployed alongside their lords. Specially trained serfs might also be employed for missions of infiltration or sabotage within human populations, or other missions where a hulking mass and unsubtle nature of a Space Marine would prove unfit for the task.{{Fn|27a}}
The treatment of serfs varies from chapter to chapter. While many have privileged and honours roles such as in the [[Space Wolves]]{{Fn|6}} and [[Imperial Fists]] successors such as the [[Excoriators]],{{Fn|5}} in chapters such as the [[Carcharodons]] they are regarded as [[slave]]s beneath the notice of most members of the Chapter.{{Fn|12}} Even before their fall to [[Chaos]] the [[Iron Warriors]] regarded serfs as little more than replaceable fodder.{{Fn|16}} In the [[Salamanders]] serfs often form genuine bonds of friendship and camaraderie with their masters.{{Fn|4}}