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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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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 rituals and hymnals of maintenance and activation 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 Mechanicus training, this absence can sometimes further strain the relations between them and their battle-brothers.{{Cite Marker End}} Upon their return they are often aloof and carry superstitious awe. They are both pledged by blood to the Chapter, but bound body and mind to the Omnissiah. This dichotomy ensures he is never truly trusted by his brother and kept at arms length from the Chapter's secrets and rituals. Despite this, they are held in great esteem for by their Battle-Brother for their expertise in the mysterious sciences.{{Fn|1a}}
Many Chaos [[Obliterators]] are said to be the former Techmarines of the [[Traitor Legions]].{{Fn|5}}
