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The Creation of a Space Marine
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THE RISKS
Although the Chapters are careful to select only the most suitable candidates, not all
neophytes survive to become initiates. This is due in part to the degeneration of knowledge amongst the individual Chapters
that makes screening procedures less effective than they once were. Nor are operational methods entirely satisfactory in some
cases. In many Chapters implant surgery is heavily ritualised, and is often accompanied by scarring, incantation, periods
of prayer, fasting and all sorts of mystical practices which compromise medical efficiency. For example, the Space Wolves'
Phase 17 implant has slightly mutated so that Space Wolves' canine teeth continue to grow throughout their lives, turning
them into vicious fangs over several centuries. The length of fangs is a source of Chapter tradition, and is even part of
their organisation, hence the veterans of their heavy weapons squads being known as Long Fangs.
Another Chapter about whom there is widespread rumour regarding their gene-seed are the Blood Angels. They often lapse
into a battle-induced frenzy, known as the Black Rage, and can become berserk warriors who thirst for blood and raw flesh.
The Blood Angels search eternally for a cure to the curse of Sanguinius, but at the same time the Death Companies made up
of such Marines are highly valuable shock troops, who are almost impervious to pain and rend apart their foes with their bare
hands.
Another extreme example of gene-seed deterioration can be found in the Black Dragons Chapter, whose ossmodula implant functions
in an abnormal way. This leads to the growth of bony crests on the head, and blade-like protuberances from the forearm and
elbow. Like the Death Company of the Blood Angels, warriors inflicted with such abnormal developments are formed into a separate
fighting unit. Known as the Dragon Claws, they sharpen their additional protrusions and sheath them in adamantium to turn
them into vicious close combat weapons
If an implant fails to develop properly, it is likely that a Marine's metabolism will become badly out of synchronisation.
He may fall into a catatonic state or suffer bouts of hyperactivity. In either event, he will probably die.
Those unfortunates that do not die almost invariably suffer mental damage, degenerating into homicidal maniacs or gibbering
idiots. When a Chapter is at full strength these misfits may be put out of their misery. However, if the Chapter is short
of Marines they are often allowed to live, and may be placed within their own special units. Those who display uncontrollably
psychotic tendencies can be recruited into suicide assault squads.
Some Chapters deliberately foster such creatures, even going so far as to implant deformed zygotes into some initiates.
This is very dangerous, and the practice is discouraged by Imperial edict. But old traditions die hard.
PSYCHO-CHEMICAL AND OTHER CONDITIONING
Implantation goes hand-in-hand with chemical treatment, psychological
conditioning and subconscious hypnotherapy. All of these are essential if the Marine is to develop properly.
Until his initiation, a Marine must submit to constant tests and examinations.
The newly implanted organs must be monitored very carefully, imbalances corrected, and any sign of corrupt development treated.
This chemical treatment is reduced after completion of the initiation process, but it never ends. Marines undergo periodic
treatment for the rest of their lives in order to maintain a stable metabolism. This is why their power armour suits contain
monitoring equipment and drug dispensers.
As the super-enhanced body grows, the recipient must learn how to use his
new skills. Some of the implants, specifically the Phase 6 and 10 implants, can only function once correct hypnotherapy has
been administered. Hypnotherapy is not always as effective as chemical treatment, but it can have substantial results. If
a Marine can be taught how to control his own metabolism, his dependence on drugs is lessened. The process is undertaken in
a machine called a hypnomat. Marines are placed in a state of hypnosis and subjected to visual and aural images in order to
awaken their minds to their unconscious metabolic processes.
Physical training stimulates the implants and allows them to be tested for effectiveness.
A Marine is more than a human with extraordinary powers. Marines have extraordinary
minds as well! Just as their bodies receive 19 separate implants, so their minds are altered to release the latent powers
within. These mental powers are, if anything, more extraordinary than even the physical powers described previously. For example,
a Marine can control his senses and nervous system to a remarkable degree, and can consequently endure pain that would kill
an ordinary man. A Marine can also think and react at lightning speeds. Memory training is an important part of the indoctrination
too. Some Marines develop photographic memories. Obviously, Marines vary in intelligence as do other men, and their individual
mental abilities vary in degree. And thus is born another of the Imperium's finest warriors, an adamantium link in the armour
of the Imperium.
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