Hey everyone! New to the forum but well versed in DH, BC, OW and starting DW. I am going through character creation in a DW game and I have a couple questions.

I can post my characters stats and info if need be but a quick summary would be:

1. Custom Chapter (No Respite For The Enemy Chapter Advance)
2. Squad Leader
3. Squad Includes a Storm Wardens Librarian, Space Wolf Assault Marine and a Dark Angels Devestator
4. 1400 XP (Rapid Reload, TwF (Ballistic & Melee) and Right Gear for the job deed)
5. Mag-locks for Bolters (Reload both as full action) & potentially Chain/Power Sword
6. High BS so he is more focused on dual wielding mid range combat with 2 bolters

So my questions:

1. I am looking at my Deed and need a little help on if it would be more worth it to get the Combat Shield or Power Sword? The combat shield gives me the obvious protection but the power sword gives me the option of helping out more in close combat. Thus I am undecided and need some advice
2. My GM has mostly given me leave to make whatever Chapter Trapping I want (within reason). The custom chapter at it's core is combination of Dark Angels and Black Templar so I was thinking either the DA hood for Adeptus Mechanicus lore (Since I don't think I can get it anywhere else in my advances). But I was wondering if anyone has any advice on what an appropriate chapter trapping would be for a chapter that is essentially a combination of two?

Just two questions for now I guess, Thanks in advance for any help!

My opinions-

1) Combat shield. I think it can work in combination with a single bolt pistol or a boltgun, and you're ranged focused.

2) Depends on how your chapter is a combination of the two, but a DA-style robe, with BT style chains would be appropriate. Bolt pistols chained to the armour and a hooded surcoat, in deathwatch black and silver (or possibly in your chapter colours, but I think the black and silver would look awesome). The bonus should be a minor bonus that is appropriate to your chapter. Maybe the Bolt pistol/combat shield combination is a common one in your chapter, so it gives a +3 bonus to WS tests to parry with a combat shield when not wielding any close combat weapons, allowing you to gun-kata with a bolt pistol. Or maybe it gives you a +3 to WS tests to parry with bolts pistols.

1) Plasma Pistol. Otherwise, the Power Sword gives you a good fall back option if someone gets close after all. But it's more a matter of taste.

Alex