2,814
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
no edit summary
{{SpaceMarinesPortal}}
[[File:Chapter Serf DWFF.jpg|thumb|right|A Chapter serf bowing to a Space Marine{{Fn|27c}}]]
'''Chapter serfs''' (or '''Legion serfs''' during the [[Great Crusade ]] and [[Horus Heresy]]) are the normal [[human ]] bondsmen and servants of a [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]]. The Space Marines themselves are too few in number to manage all the tasks required to maintain all the aspects of the Chapter, its fleet, fortress, and other myriad aspects. It is the serfs who perform most of these vital functions.{{Fn|27a}}{{Fn|27b}}
==Overview==
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}}
The serfs are inducted into the [[Chapter]] cult and tend to not begrudge their status.{{Fn|27a}} 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}}
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}}
When Space Marines go to war, the serfs maintain the fortress and defend it from attack. Chapter serfs auxiliaries aren't often deployed in battle alongside their Space Marine masters, as their human limitations would be incapable of keeping pace. Some are trained to levels at least equivalent to that of the [[Imperial Guard]], and are expected to assist in the defense of chapter assets such as fortresses and vessels. Indeed, when facing down a Space Marine [[Battle Barge]] it would be a chapter serf manning the gun turrets, as a full Space Marine would be too valuable for the menial task. Combat Scribes are sometimes deployed alongside their lords. Specially trained serfs might also be employed for missions of infiltration or sabotage within human populations, or other missions where a hulking mass and unsubtle nature of a Space Marine would prove unfit for the task.{{Fn|27a}}
