Apothecaries and other specialists

[Mortare]

I am at the point of starting to paint my own Heresy-era army, and am unsure on what way to paint the specialists. I don't recall them using specialist tech marines as the legions had plentiful admech support, and not even sure what the librarians wore until they were disbanded. Any ideas/knowledge on this issue? I have an apothecary who would love your feedback!

[ThisisJimmy]

I've had the same questions as you, and I haven't found a whole lot of answers. We know that there were apothecaries pre-heresy, but as for their colours, unfortunately I have no idea. I would guess that the white armour was present pre-heresy, although I can't confirm or deny that. I feel that the answer should lie in the Heresy series, so someone with more knowledge may have a better idea then me.

[Ironwrought Huw]

Techmarines were present during the crusades and Heresy, they're mentioned a few times in the HH series books. I can remember passing reference in Fulgrim (both the EC & IH Legions, when they have to repair their ships in-space after fighting an enemy who's name I've forgotten... 'disporax?' ), and again in Mechanicum, where a long list of 'famous' techmarines of several legions are mentioned.

 

No mentioning of the colour of their armour (at least none that I've read) - however, red is always the AdMech colours.

I paint my heresy techmarines mostly in legion colours - only with the helmet, both shoulder pads, knees and some of the technical gubbins red. I've done the same with my apothecary, only with white rather than red.

[AGPO]

Short answer is it depends what you're taking as cannon. Techmarines did exist during the heresy as did apothecaries. Chaplains were only present in some legions depending on the fluff you follow. Many people use the Rogue Trader book as their guide for heresy-era markings, and they have details of medics (as apothecaries were called in those days) with markings varying according to legion.