I just recently got RoB (like in the past two weeks) and I've been having trouble puzzling out some things. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

1. What are the differences between Valorous Deeds and Marks of Distinction?

2. How are Marks of Distinction obtained?

I also have some questions regardings Chapter-specific Marks of Distinction.

1. While my group hasn't gotten around to playing Deathwatch yet, when we do get around to playing it I was really looking forward to playing a Blood Angels Assault Marine and one of my ultimate goals is to become a member of the Sanguinary Guard. Now it says to earn this distinction a Blood Angel must have proven themselves to their Chapter Master with some heroic deed or feat of arms. How exactly is a Blood Angel supposed to prove himself to Lord Commander Dante when he's on the other side of the galaxy from him where the Blood Angels don't even have a Crusade Detachment? Also, what kinds of heroic deeds and feat of arms would we be talking about? I'd like to know so that in the event that I achieve one I can petition my GM for the Mark of Distinction.

2. Is it concievable for a Mark of Distinction to be given as result of a character's background? I know that these marks are all above the experience points given to first rank starting players but if an Ultramarine served at the Battle of Macragge could he not start out with the Tyrannic War Veteran Mark of Distinction?

Carnage1138 said:

Deeds may be purchased during character creation, although you may only purchase one. Distinctions may not just be bought by the player, and must be 'awarded' by the GM through roleplay and buying the GM pizza. If the GM awards the option of a distinction to a player, then the player can elect to either take it and spend the noted XP on it, or to not bother, if they don't want to.

Basically, Distinctions are story-awards, or given out for doing really cool stuff. Extra carrot-on-a-stick to players. What you need to do to earn them specifically is up to the GM. I can see a GM offering the favoured enemy type one for Tyranids after completion of the two introductory scenarios, for instance. Or maybe the 'you're awesome at killing things' one for single-handedly taking out a greater demon in melee. Some GMs might settle for pizza and a 4-pack, however.

Earning Sanguinary Guard status in Deathwatch is an awkward one. You're right in that it doesn't make much sense. I recommend brushing over the fact that your Chapter is not going to send it by post (especially since your deeds in the Deathwatch are a sworn secret!), and simply start working towards it as you would if you were in your own Chapter. Getting the Distinctions at start-up may cheapen them a little, as they seem to be designed as something that players should have to really work for.

Thanks that answered the question perfectly.