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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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Space Marine Chapters identify prospective Techmarines from within their own companies, favouring those who show the greatest affinity for machines. These aspirants are despatch early for training with the [[Auxilia Technologica Astartes]], an organisation within the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. This training is traditionally undertaken on [[Mars]], but is sometimes undertaken on major [[forge world]]s. The marine is inducted into the [[Cult Mechanicus]] and after returning to their Space Marine brothers act as a liaison between the Adeptus Mechanicus and their chapter, straddling a line between their chapter and the Mechanicus.{{fn|24}}
Long and arduous years of training ensue, where they are taught the lore of the [[Machine God]], how to divine the ''Runes of Engineering'' and the ''Liturgy of Maintenance''. This great body of lore must be fully understood and committed to memory by the novice Techmarine. A great deal of their instruction involves learning each of the many and intricate maintenance rituals and hymns by heart.{{Fn|1a}} For some, this training can span over the course of thirty years.{{Fn|25}} The rituals, furthermore, have variations to cover every conceivable circumstance in battle. A fully-fledged Techmarine is expected to be able to "feel" the pain of a damaged machine and heal it. After completing the training, the Techmarine is ordained, and returns to his Chapter.{{Fn|2}} The highest position among the Techmarines is held by the [[Master of the Forge]].{{Fn|4}} Techmarines pledge allegiance to both the Cult Mechanicus and their Chapter, which makes them something of an oddity among their battle-brothers, sometimes viewed with suspicion. Having spent potentially decades away from their chapter during their training can potentially strain relationships between the techmarine and their other battle-brothers.{{Cite This}} The highest position among the Techmarines is held by the [[Master of the Forge]].{{Fn|4}} ===Equipment===
A Techmarine's [[Power Armour]] is modified to accommodate his [[cybernetic]] enhancements and his armour's backpack is also upgraded with several [[servo-arm]]s and [[mechadendrite]]s. His armour bears the rust-red colours of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but his Chapter badge is retained and displayed on one of the shoulder guards, so as not to disrespect the armour's spirit. Techmarines are able to wear full '''servo-harnesses''', huge harnesses armed with servo-arms, [[Forge Bolter]]s{{Fn|16}}, [[plasma cutter]]s, and [[flamer]]s. They commonly use a [[Grav-Pistol]] as a sidearm.{{Fn|16}} Techmarines can also be accompanied by a retinue of [[Servitor]]s; Gun Servitors, Combat Servitors, and Tech Servitors. Techmarines additionally make use of Cyber-familiars in their retinue, a term that encompasses a variety of semi-autonomous devices such as [[Servo-skull|servo-skulls]], mek-spiders and other smaller drone units and lesser haemonculites tied into the direct neural control of their operator. These minion-drones are an extension of their master's will and provide them with a host of additional senses and capabilities.{{Fn|22}} Their usual weapon is an [[Omnissian Power Axe]] with the Adeptus Mechanicus symbol on the head, as both a symbol of rank and as a weapon.{{Fn|3}}
