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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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Once within the Deathwatch, these Black Shields send a life of atonement where they guard the outer reaches of the [[Imperium]] from many threats. Sometimes, their life long service can even award them the honour of being entombed at the [[Watch Fortress]] thus allowing them the last act of reforging the bonds of brotherhood that they had once severed. Normally, Black Shields are considered a rarity with only a few being ever seen in the life of a Watch Commander. Each Astartes that takes such a mantle has a different reason for walking down this path and their fellows often speculate on this matter. The only trait that is the hallmark of all Black Shields is a fierce determination to right a wrong in their past by dedicating themselves to the Deathwatch. They often expressed this by a penitent regime of prayers and self castigation between training sessions in order to better prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. Black Shields whose Chapters still existed were expunged from the records and forever forgotten. Such a practice is used by some Astartes Chapters as a form of permanent exile for some of their brethren.<sup>1</sup>
On the battlefield, a Black Shield fights without a care to injury and is single minded in achieving the objective of the [[Kill-team]]. They are noted for being reckless yet at the same time self sacrificing as they showed no hesitation or fear to put themselves in the path of danger. This meant they felt little worry for being put forward as bait against an enemy or to draw their foe's fire whilst his comrades terminated their target. As a result, Black Shields cared little for personal glory and did seek such moments as they never engaged in actions that would jeopardise those around him. However, they are ever ready to give their lives in battle as they believed themselves to be already dead and that their only worth was their service to the Deathwatch. They unquestionably accept all the hardships placed on them which included assignments that their comrades felt were not glorious enough to suit their views. As such, they offered no complaint whether stationed at the forefront of a Kill-team or standing alone on guard duty at a [[Watch Station]]. However, their dedication can lead to some being awarded positions ranging from [[Deathwatch Chaplains]], [[Watch CaptainsCaptain]] s and even rarely Watch Commanders. <sup>1</sup>
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