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==Overview==
[[File:Chapter Serf DWFF.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Chapter serf bowing to a Space Marine{{Fn|27c}}]]
A Chapter's [[fortress-monastery]] is home to a large population of these hereditary servants. Although they occupy a humble position, they are loyal members of the Chapter. They are generally descended from individuals selected as potential recruits to the Chapter, but in the end, judged unfit to become actual Space Marines.{{Fn|28}} Many serfs are these unsuccessful aspirants.{{Fn|1c}}{{Fn|27a}} Although many failed Astartes aspirants show nothing but love and devotion for their duties, from the most honoured [[Artificer]] to the lowliest programmer of [[servitor]]s, many still harbour closely guarded regret and resentment.{{Fn|29}}
The serfs are inducted into the [[Chapter cult]] and tend to not begrudge their status.{{Fn|27a}} Both men and women are bound to serfdom under their Astartes masters.{{Fn|29}} They are generally well treated within the Chapter, are educated and trained to a much higher standard than most other servants of the [[Imperium]], and have access to a better range of equipment.{{Fn|1c}}{{Fn|27a}} Commendations received from their Space Marines for exemplary execution of their duties might consist of branding of the Chapter's symbol into their flesh.{{Fn|29}}
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}}
**{{Endn|27c}}: pg. 111
*{{Endn|28}}: [[The Flight of the Eisenstein (Novel)]], Part One, Chapter One
*{{Endn|29}}: [[Blood Reaver (Novel)]], Chapter XVII
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