Mechanicus Protectiva
The Mechanicus Protectiva is the sacred badge of office of an Iron Father and a potent device in its own right.
The rank of Iron Father combines that of both Chaplain and Techmarine amongst the Sons of Ferrus Manus, such as the Iron Hands. In the same way, the Mechanicus Protectiva combines the rosarius worn by the Chaplains of other Chapters with the force-field technology granted to those Marines who studied under the Priesthood of Mars - red planet of the Machine God and the resting place of the Omnissiah itself - as part of their induction into that branch of the Adeptus Astartes.
This all serves to make the Mechanicus Protectiva a powerful arcane piece of equipment. The blessings of the Emperor and the Omnissiah are channelled through the amulet to protect the Iron Father from the assaults of the Emperor's enemies in battle. The Mechanicus Protectiva hangs from the breastplate of an Iron Father's armour on a strong iron chain, the red gem set at its centre glowing with an unearthly light, and the air around it crackles with mystic energies.[1]
Source
- 1: Iron Hands (Novel), Chapter 1, pg. 18
