pre heresy squad markings

[LordSion]

what were squad markings like pre heresy? did they use the tactical arrow or was there something else?

 

i tried a searchy but that came back with every mention of the word 'squad'

[Pacific81]

Hmm, this is a tough one. As there is very little accurate description of armour and squad markings, the only real portrayal we have is the card artwork from Collected Visions and it really is a mixed bag.

 

Using this as a basis, its nothing like as uniform as the codex-following chapters of 40k. There seems to be big variation not only between legions, but also within them as well. Many of the pictures portray simply a legion symbol on the shoulder pad, with some form of studding or extra armour on the other one which would prevent any squad or designation markings.

 

Having said that, there are several pictures which portray the marines with squad markings - one of a deathguard tactical marine with the 'tactical arrow' on it is one example, and also of marines with the company number on their shoulder pad. Although, this might well be the chapter number if you consider the size of the legions.

 

Other marines portrayed, quite often ones such as the Space Wolves, Thousand Sons, Night Lords, World Eaters and Blood Angels do not seem to have significant markings other than their legion symbol (and sometimes not even that) on their shoulder pad.

 

I think really alot depends on what legion you are playing. For my World Eaters, I have the legion symbol on one shoulder pad and a studded shoulder pad the other side for the majority of cases. I put the odd marine, and vehicles, with the 2nd company designation but these are a minority.

 

Hope this helps!

[jipimus]

From memory they are similar to the present ones. I have the old how to paint space marines booklet from waaaaaay back in the day that had markings in it, I will try and dig it out and post up for everyone to enjoy, but in the meantime here are the olde rank markings for marineslinky

[Pacific81]

Unfortunately, Rogue Trader does not = pre-heresy. Although some effort has been made to retcon in the armour marks, black dark angels, jetbikes etc. and older style models amongst many other things (even the old Space Marine game with the tactical marines armed with assault cannons!), the collected visions books show the legions don't adhere that closely with the RT era marines.

 

Case in point, look at the colour schemes for the space wolves during 1st edition - they're essentially just normal marines, but with a wolf icon on their shoulder pad. The only time those colour schemes might be appropriate is during the unification wars, or very early great crusade forces where the legions are still made up of Terrans and have yet to acquire much of the distinctiveness or character they would later possess.