The Deathwatch is a unique organisation that is directly linked to the Inquisition. It is made of Marines from multiple Chapters who are brought together to combat the alien menace under the command of Ordo Xenos. The duration of a Marines assignment can vary from one or two missions, to a couple of years, and there are Deathwatch Commanders who have stayed for centuries. These Commanders are in charge of the Deathwatch bases throughout the gakaxy. When a Marine eventually returns to their Chapter they take with them new and vital experience of fighting various alien races.



A squad isn't made up of Marines from one single Chapter, but warriors from multiple Chapters fighting side by side, usually under the command of an Inquisitor who gives them their assignments. These missions can range from simple seek and destroy assaults, to capturing prisoners or alien weaponry and tech. The tech is passed on to the Mechanicus for study, and the prisoners become 'guests' of the Inquisition.



Alongside the usual Adeptus Astartes arsenal, the squad members can also utilise weapons enhanced with Xenos tech. How better to combat the alien then by using their own weaponry against them. These weapons are specially created by the Mechanicus, and only used by members of the Deathwatch, and by certain Inquisitors.



Being called to the Deathwatch is seen as an honour, and only a small handful of Chapters don't send warriors, or are exempt for various reasons. When a Marine enters the Deathwatch they repaint their armour black, save for the right pauldron which keeps the Chapters colours and heraldry. The left pauldron displays the stylised silver 'I' of the Inquisition. Usually a warrior is called upon only once, but sometimes their expertise is needed again, and they can be recalled if and when they are needed.





To discover the origins of the Deathwatch, read The Beast Arises: The Watchers In Death (I recommend reading each book though, to get the full picture).