So all Deatwatch Marines start off with Deathwatch Training which allows them to automatically succeed on RF against aliens. Looking in Rites of Battle, the Favored Foe Distinction does the same thing with a few other bonuses. Other than getting the extra penetration, what is the point of this Distinction giving a DW marine the same ability he already has? Or am I missing something?

Side note: Where in the book does it say you get Deatwatch Training automatically??? I dont see it on page 2 of the character sheet and other than the entry for the Talent, I dont see mention of getting free Talents like that. Are there other Talents and skills we automatically start with that are seperate from our speciality?

Seianus said:

Page 36 of the rulebook lists in full the SKills, Talents and Traits that an Astartes character begins with.

That answers the second part of my question. Thanks.

My answer to part 1- First 2 extra pen isn't something to sneeze at. Second a once per combat reroll of damage on the big bad or huge horde can be a good 'safety net. The rightous fury confirmation is already there for DW Marines, but this Distinction could also work for non-DW marines as well. And Finally if you have a GM willing to work with you, you'll get extra info about how the choosen group might operate in the current situation.

Yeah, the fact it could apply to non DW marines did occur to me. But since this IS about DW marines it is kind of odd. Unless it is a prototype for future Space Marine games.

So you'd turn down 'favoured foe: traitor marines'?

Granted, it's not anywhere near as good if given against xenos, but against the afor-mentioned example, or 'demons of khorne' or other things, it's worthwhile.

Seianus said:

As I said thats only one part of it and Siranui, makes a good point, and I forgot, that this distincition isn't just xenos. It can be any enemy.

Good call. I had not even thought of that. I'm playing a Crimson Fist Tac Marine and alot of my bonuses are for Orks. Taking Traitor Marines would be a **** good use of that distinction. Sadly, my choices are just mildly working against me, but it fits the theme greatly.