A Neophyte is the term used for those adolescent recruits of a Space Marine Chapter who have been accepted as Initiates of the Chapter but are still in the process of undergoing the transformation into superhuman Astartes through the implantation of the gene-seed and the genetically-engineered Astartes organs. Before the process is begun these recruits as known as Aspirants. The Neophyte receives the title upon being judged worthy and capable of becoming an Astartes of the Chapter after completing his Chapter's version of the Aspirant Trials. Upon completing the physical metamorphosis into an Astartes and the necessary psychological and mental conditioning, a Neophyte is accepted as a full Initiate of the Chapter and is assigned to his first combat duties. This is usually as a Scout Marine in Codex Astartes-compliant Chapters.

Black TemplarsEdit

The term Neophyte is also used by the Astartes of the Black Templars Chapter for those recruits who are organised as part of a Fighting Company where they train and learn from the veteran Initiates who are in charge of them. As such, the Black Templars do not maintain a standard company of Scout Marines. A Neophyte will learn quickly from his tutor or die if he cannot. When his supervising Initiate and the Chapter's Chaplains deem that the Neophyte has proven himself satisfactory in courage and skill, he is himself elevated to the rank of Initiate and takes his place in the Fighting Company. Should the Initiate in charge of a Neophyte die before the Neophyte's training is complete, his training and instruction will be taken over by another Initiate, if that Initiate finds the Neophyte worthy of his tutelage.

SourcesEdit

• Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)
• Codex: Black Templars (4th Edition)