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So I’m putting together some deathwatch marines for my army, just as a change of pace and to use some random bits I have lying around, and had a few questions. I figured here would be a better place then the painting section, as they are not “how-to” questions, but “what to do” in regards to the lore.

Would a member of the Ravenwing join the deathwatch? It seems a perfect cover to go out into the galaxy and hunt for the fallen. Or to see if there are any fallen serving in the deathwatch. From a heraldry POV, on their chapter specific shoulderpad that’s not the DW black/silver, would they have the ravenwing insignia? The basic DA one? Green or black?

For White Scars, would they paint black over their red tribal jags? Leave them as is? Paint new ones on their black armor?

I know pinning down fluff questions is a moving target, but thought I’d get some opinions besides my own.

 Nevelon wrote:
Would a member of the Ravenwing join the deathwatch? It seems a perfect cover to go out into the galaxy and hunt for the fallen. Or to see if there are any fallen serving in the deathwatch.

Certainly. This would also be a way to keep tabs on what the Ordo Xenos is up to (DA are not friends of the inquisition). Not sure what they would actually do if they uncovered a Fallen - can't tell the inquisition about it, would need to frag them secretly.

From a heraldry POV, on their chapter specific shoulderpad that’s not the DW black/silver, would they have the ravenwing insignia? The basic DA one? Green or black?

They do keep a certain amount of armor decoration from their origin chapter. Take a look at this Deathwatch Space Wolf - has a wolf pelt, has a wolf teeth necklace, has a wolf logo on his kneepad. It's not all-out "space viking", but it is distinctly Space Wolf.

I'm not sure if they would use their black Ravenwing shoulderpad, or regular DA shoulderpad. Every illustration I've seen of Deathwatch has shown a clean chapter logo and nothing else, so I would lean towards that (all Deathwatch members are decorated veterans, so a lot of them would wear all sorts of fancy heraldry if they were with their home chapter).

For White Scars, would they paint black over their red tribal jags? Leave them as is? Paint new ones on their black armor?

Would probably paint over it. Deathwatch armor follows a pretty strict color scheme. I'm sure the marine would be very unhappy about that, but that's part of being Deathwatch.

In the new Deathwatch fluff, the marines get new armor when they arrive. They leave almost everything behind, but they're allowed some relics or trinkets.

Lucarikx

 DanielBeaver wrote:

 Nevelon wrote:

For White Scars, would they paint black over their red tribal jags?

Would probably paint over it. Deathwatch armor follows a pretty strict color scheme. I'm sure the marine would be very unhappy about that, but that's part of being Deathwatch.

The marines sent to serve in the Deathwatch are veterans in the service of the Emperor, not fresh recruits. They are calm enough to accept DW heraldry while their service lasts, putting aside any pride in Chapter or rivalries with other Chapters. To do anything less would bring dishonor not only on the marine himself but also those who selected him and maybe even his whole Chapter. It's not a beer run, it's a sacred duty - a marine who can't carry it out is a marine who wasn't sent there in the first place.

Spetulhu wrote:
It's not a beer run

Curb-stomping filthy xeno scum is sort of like a beer run to the Emperor's Finest

But the Death Watch isn't curb-stomping xenos. It's repeatedly stated that it's an extremely hazardous duty, which is why only elite marines are chosen in the first place.

I strongly doubt any member of the ravenwing or deathwing would end up in the deathwatch. Without DA chaplains to watch over a group with such sensitive information, things could slip. I dont ever see the supreme grand master letting anyone who knows of the fallen out of his grasp. Too big of a secret.

All who serve in the Deathwatch are sworn to secrecy, regardless of what they encounter during their service. I'm sure there's been encounters with the Fallen or red thirst incidents that all who were involved have had to remain silent about. In addition, the Deathwatch have chaplains of their own who are dedicated to maintaining the traditions and secrets of hundreds of chapters. They might not know everything, but I imagine they'd know enough to deal with a member of the Ravenwing should one come around.

Thanks for the input all. If you are interested in seeing where this is going, feel free to drop by my blog (link in sig)

I went poking around at GW’s website, looking at ravenwing minis. I didn’t see the classic DA symbol on any of their shoulders. It was all the RW one, with the company number "2" on the opposite pad. So I think I’ll be OK using the sculpted pad. Which is, quite frankly, why he was included in the first place.

I suspect I’ll end up going with the White Scars tribal markings. If that Space Wolf pic is anything resembling average, it’s in the same vein. I’ve seen both the "Issued new gear on arrival", and "paint your old stuff” From a modeling perspective, both should be OK to see on the tabletop. Does it mater that the marking on the armor were there when the suit was donated to the Deathwatch centuries ago, or when the volunteer walked in the door. If it’s part of the armors machine spirit, brings victory to the wearer, (and looks cool) it will be honored and preserved.

On another note, If there is a Wolf on the team, every mission is a beer run!

 Nevelon wrote:
On another note, If there is a Wolf on the team, every mission is a beer run!

Aye... Do you know how SW cure a hangover? Neither do I, never seen a sober one to ask.

The armor is still the armor they arrived with, a lot of the time, just repainted black. Parts are left remaining with the original heraldry of the armor to appease the machine spirit of the armor.

I also think a member from the 1st or 2nd company of the Dark Angels would rep the Dark Angels rather than their company. Couldn't tell you though.