I’m curious about what happens to neophytes or scouts in the Space Marine chapters when their bodies reject the last few implants. Do they get stuck as scouts for life, or is there a different fate in store for them? I feel like if that happens, the chapter would lose a lot in terms of experience and resources, not to mention the potential of a young recruit.
3 Answers
There are instances in the lore, like with Talos from the Night Lords, where issues with implants can cause rejection even after a long time. Sometimes they just don’t function correctly, and it can lead to serious problems down the line. It’s not uncommon for neophytes to die if they can’t fully process the gene-seed.
Most of the time, if a neophyte’s body rebels against the implants, they either don’t make it or end up becoming chapter serfs or servitors. It’s a tough gig for them, really.
Unless they’re from the 6th Legion, where the rules might be a bit different. They don’t end up as wolves on Fenris!
In standard chapters, a neophyte can’t be deployed as a scout unless they’ve received all the necessary implants. The biggest factor is the Black Carapace, which isn’t fitted until they’re deemed ready for full advancement.
What do neophytes do while waiting for the rest of their implants? I imagine learning and training, but those kids are around 10-15 years old and must get bored easily!
I’ve read about cases like that; the Marnius Calgar comic touches on a failed candidate who ends up teaching initiates but eventually falls to chaos. It seems like a sad fate for someone who could have been a great Space Marine.