So let us say you are assigned to the Deathwatch and while you are away your Chapter of Marines (or Company at least) falls to Chaos?

Discuss.... if interested.

You are not with your Chapter, and whilst you might be suspect, you wouldn't, I'd think, be thrown out.

If this occurred, they'd probably end up covering up their Chapter symbol and become a Black Shield, remaining in the Deathwatch until they fall in battle.

Wow that would make a pretty awesome book! If only I had some writing talent.

Pretty much summed up in what Millandson said. I think whatever Inquisitor has closest ties to that particular Watch Commander's team might have some pretty heavy questions for the Marine though. That is if they knew there was one of the Marines in said team, otherwise it would probably be kept internal with some questioning from the commander, purity checks from the Apothecary etc. before a ritual repainting of his insignia black.

You are not with your Chapter, and whilst you might be suspect, you wouldn't, I'd think, be thrown out.

...assuming you pass a subsequent purity test.

I agree about the rest, though.

MILLANDSON said:

This is indeed one of the origins of a Black Shield. There have also reputedly been rare instances of Traitors redeeming themselves and serving in the Deathwatch as penance for past sins.

-=Brother Praetus=-

Though the newly minted Blackshield would likely be transferred to some other section of the Imperium, given that Black Shields are kept somewhat enigmatic, and to further isolate and keep an eye on it away from those he might've known and started to influence.

I suppose much depends on what kind of traitor the marine chapter became.

"Fallen to Chaos"

I would imagine the marine would be taken for interrogation. It is possible thay may know how and why the marines turned to the foul ones. Using advance interrogation techniques the inquisition would see what can be discovered.

They would also want to trace the geneseed, discover where it came from, whether it has been tampered with.

Suffice to say his term in the DeathWatch would be 100% over.

"Gone Renegade"

Once again the inquisition would want to interrogate the marine, though I believe if the marine has proven themselves they would be offered a suicide mission as a black shield to prove their loyalty to the god-emperor.

FatPob said:

MILLANDSON said:

Technically, the page says that some may be traitors. Personally, I doubt a heavily corrupt traitor would make it past purity checks but one resistant to the warp could well do so.

As for OP's question, I think there would be a battery of interrogations and purity tests. If this marine has the same flaw as the rest of his chapter, then it may only be a matter of time before he turns. If there were unusual cirumstances (such as massive exposure to the warp) that damned his ex-brethren, he may be spared. At least long enough to die in the Emperor's service.

No questions! Throw him on the pyre!

..some others would say.

I suspect the "blackshield" doesn't just let anybody in. I mean there has to be tests of some kind, if not the whole of the Deathwatch is open to corruption.

I doubt the orrganisation would allow this possibility, therefore I wouldn't expect chaos marines to roll up and ask to join.

My take is that the Blackshield is for those whose chapters have been destroyed, marines who have failed their chapter and renegade (non-chaos) marines seeking redemption.

Also whether the Alpha Legion is truly a traitor legion is possibly debatable - after all there are huge hints that they were asked to join the traitors, and are likely a double agent, thats how I read it anyway.