After reading up on the Blood Angels' Sanguinary Priests (Apothecaries), I'm left wondering if such characters would be provided to the Deathwatch considering how vitally important they are in the creation of new Blood Angels. Are they really appropriate as Deathwatch characters?

I am not that familiar with Blood Angels lore, but I would have thought that if Sanguinary Priests are so valuable to the Chapter, the Chapter would be loathe to let them go.

Are all Blood Angels Apothecaries Sanguinary Priests, or are Sanguinary Priests a small section of the Blood Angels Apothecarion?

What makes them different is not only do they hold a replica of the chapters chalice (Original held by the chief priest?) but those they lead look upon that as a symbol inspiring them to greatness. Without that desire there is not effect, atleast IMO.Their is a BA relic chalice in the DW Book, but it is not limited to Apothecaries.

It's just my opinion but I say all BA Apothecaries are Sanquinary Priest, just like Space Wolf Librarians are Rune Priest.

All Blood Angel's apothecaries are indeed Sanguinary Priests. Whilst they'd be loathe to let them go, there are some benefits I suppose that the Blood Angels may see. The Sanguinary Priests secondary role is an attempt to cure or control the Black Rage. Normally they'd never get to see other mutated, or pure geneseed from other Chapters never mind learn the "secrets". Whilst the Sanguinary Priest is bound to not talk of what he knows, the knowledge he could carry about pure geneseed and other mutated Chapters could aid his research on controlling the Blood Angels mutations and rage.

In addition, the Blood Angels would want to keep the Inquisition on side (what the the whole suppressed rage thing, too many Inquisitors knocking on the door can be awkward I suppose). Also the Blood Angels see the entirety of the human populace as under their protection, not just their homeworld. So serving the Deathwatch is probably seen as very important when the time comes for a Brother to go. In keeping with the highest traditions of the Chapter and of the honour of their Primarch etc. Plus the potential to make allies can't be lost on the Blood Angels, when their home is under attack or if they have reason later to call in favours having allies is important even, I guess; for 7-8ft tall super humans. Just my opinions but hey maybe they helped.

Core rulebook is pretty clear on this subject. No Chapter is exactly happy to see Apothecary go, but no Chapter would ever send anyone to Deathwatch unless there was Apothecaries there to harvest the geneseed of them in case they die. So if Chapters stop sending Apothecaries the Deathwatch would cease existing. Its really no different no matter which color marine you are.

Technically, the only one of the six chapters who do not have access to the "apothecary" specialty are the Space Wolves . This is most likely due to their Wolf Priests doubling as apothecaries and chaplains. But, yes, a Sanguinary Priest may find themselves serving in the Deathwatch. Especially if they are serving in a theater with several other Blood Angels and their successors.

-=Brother Praetus=-