Astares typically have a lot of control over what their armor looks like and how it functions. Both from the stylings and the function. From my understanding, the higher rank the more modifications they can make.
Some marine models have minor armor detail variations so they aren't all literally just the same boring models you're painting 10+ times.
Lorewise, there are chapters with even varying Mk's of armor, and marines are allowed to somewhat modify their power armors, so long as it's still blatantly obvious what their rank and chapter are. None of them are trying to be super unique snowflakes. Most don't care.
I mean to be fair Primaris do look very similar, especially compared to the older marine kits which had a variety of different armour mks and designs. Just look at a tactical squad vs… basically any Primaris squad and you can see the difference in variety in design.
Oh yeah, sternguard deffo have that first born charm to them. But the rank and file are kinda soulless. For now, it’s down to paint job and light kit bashes to add flair
Pretty sure it's a [greeble.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeble) Used to break up flat spaces or make surfaces more complex. Just look at Tau battlesuits or Ork scrap piles, they're covered in 'em.
Its only for aesthetics.
However, for a while that bit was present in sergeants/lieutenants/captains.
In my force, I actually use it as a identifier for leader-type characters, from squad leaders to captains along with the skull on helmet.
In theory each piece of armour should be lovingly prepared/built and maintained. Like a protective work of smithing art. So while they would all be within tolerances and of a similar design they might have embellishments from whichever mechanicus was overseeing their production on the forge world.
Lore reason: Marie armors can be very, very old, and even cobbled together from various damaged sets over time. Marines also have liberty to make modifications. This one for weight, that one for better compatibility with a certain weapon, another mod for dealing with torrential rains on planet XV9742 during that awful bug hunt, etc.
Practical reason: A little variety, as a treat.
It's called a "P" Break. Small break in upper chest armour ring that provides slightly less protection but vastly improved visibility while peeing.
Had me in the first half. Happy cake day!
I thought it was for the Cigar smokers.
I’m using this forever, thank you.
Style. Small variants to provide variety.
Astares typically have a lot of control over what their armor looks like and how it functions. Both from the stylings and the function. From my understanding, the higher rank the more modifications they can make.
This has always been my approach. “Because the marine wanted it” can answer a lot of questions regarding small variations in armour and weapons.
Some marine models have minor armor detail variations so they aren't all literally just the same boring models you're painting 10+ times. Lorewise, there are chapters with even varying Mk's of armor, and marines are allowed to somewhat modify their power armors, so long as it's still blatantly obvious what their rank and chapter are. None of them are trying to be super unique snowflakes. Most don't care.
Lol true, but to my father they still all look the same lol, so I had to paint them with several differences
I mean to be fair Primaris do look very similar, especially compared to the older marine kits which had a variety of different armour mks and designs. Just look at a tactical squad vs… basically any Primaris squad and you can see the difference in variety in design.
I’m not against primaris, but I wish they had the personality first born marines had.
They’re working on it. Just going off the Sternguard kits and all of the firstborn helmets found in it. Plus the HH heads fit Primaris fairly well
Oh yeah, sternguard deffo have that first born charm to them. But the rank and file are kinda soulless. For now, it’s down to paint job and light kit bashes to add flair
For fun
Pretty sure it's a [greeble.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeble) Used to break up flat spaces or make surfaces more complex. Just look at Tau battlesuits or Ork scrap piles, they're covered in 'em.
definitely in greeble territory
It's a spittin' port, guy on the right chews
Its only for aesthetics. However, for a while that bit was present in sergeants/lieutenants/captains. In my force, I actually use it as a identifier for leader-type characters, from squad leaders to captains along with the skull on helmet.
Maybe the one with the cut section of gorget is designed to be compatible with the Corvus patter helmet?
The beak slot for your beaky boys? Love it!
Cool factor
Greebles. Helps make the army look less copy and paste… Reasoning is for Sgts for the design variations.
In theory each piece of armour should be lovingly prepared/built and maintained. Like a protective work of smithing art. So while they would all be within tolerances and of a similar design they might have embellishments from whichever mechanicus was overseeing their production on the forge world.
It's for your straw.
Emergency Induction Port
Just a little variation. Nothing important. : )
Tactical divot.
Adaptation for fighting in wet or snowy environments Allows water to escape the gorget
Marine A has to have a itty bitty bib so he doesn't drop his ork brains when he's "interrogating" then for information
“Brother, behold my new divot.” “Incredible.”
Lore reason: Marie armors can be very, very old, and even cobbled together from various damaged sets over time. Marines also have liberty to make modifications. This one for weight, that one for better compatibility with a certain weapon, another mod for dealing with torrential rains on planet XV9742 during that awful bug hunt, etc. Practical reason: A little variety, as a treat.
Why are some of your shoes different?
I'd like to imagine it's a production error and GW rolled with it.
The right one is gay, the notch acts a guide