Visual Sets & Markings
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:
Visual Sets and Markings constitute the graphical identity and heraldry system for Space Marine chapters within the project. This system manages color schemes, specialized heraldry for specific ranks (livery), and environmental or role-based markings. The architecture relies on structured JSON data to define how different armor components—such as pauldrons, helmets, and lenses—are colored and marked based on the unit's role or the chapter's unique traditions.
This system ensures that high-ranking officials like Captains or specialists like Apothecaries are visually distinct from standard battle brothers, while also allowing for full chapter-wide "liveries" that override standard patterns for specific factions like the Deathwatch.
Core Livery Architecture
The visual identity of a chapter is defined within its specific configuration file through the colors, complex_livery_data, and full_liveries objects. The system distinguishes between general color palettes and role-specific adjustments.
Basic Color Definitions
Standard chapters define a base palette for the main armor, secondary components, pauldrons (right and left), trim, and weapon colors. A "special" flag determines the application pattern, such as normal, breastplate-specific, vertical, or quadrant styles.
| Field | Description | Example (Consecrators) |
|---|---|---|
main | Primary armor color | Black |
secondary | Secondary component color | Black |
pauldron_r | Right pauldron color | Black |
pauldron_l | Left pauldron color | Black |
trim | Armor trim color | Black |
lens | Helmet lens/eye color | Gold |
weapon | Weapon casing color | Dark Red |
special | Pattern application type (0-3) | 0 (Normal) |
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/37.json:63-74, datafiles/main/chapters/35.json:62-72
Complex Livery Data
Complex livery allows for granular helmet customization based on a marine's rank or role. This system overrides the base lens and main colors for specific units like Veteran Sergeants or Captains.
The diagram above shows the logic flow for determining helmet visuals based on role-specific overrides.
For example, the Celestial Lions use specific IDs for their Warleaders (Captains) to distinguish them from standard battle brothers:
- Captain:
helm_primary: 29.0 (Turquoise),helm_lens: 22.0 (Lime). - Veteran:
helm_primary: 29.0 (Turquoise),helm_lens: 11.0 (Dark Red).
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/35.json:73-100, datafiles/main/chapters/37.json:75-107
Full Livery Overrides
Certain chapters, most notably the Deathwatch (Chapter ID 33) and the Raptors (Chapter ID 36), utilize a full_liveries array. This structure provides a complete mapping for every individual limb and armor plate, allowing for asymmetrical designs or highly specific camouflage patterns.
Full Livery Mapping Structure
Each entry in the full_liveries array defines the color ID for specific components.
| Component | Usage in Deathwatch | Usage in Raptors |
|---|---|---|
left_arm | 1.0 (Silver) | 38.0 (Raptors Green) |
right_arm | 8.0 (Black) | 38.0 (Raptors Green) |
metallic_trim | 20.0 | 3.0 |
left_pauldron | 1.0 (Silver) | 38.0 |
right_pauldron | 8.0 (Black) | 38.0 |
eye_lense | 9.0 (Red) | 9.0 (Red) |
The Deathwatch configuration specifically uses the left_arm and left_pauldron to denote the silver heraldry of the Ordo Xenos, while the rest of the armor remains black.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/33.json:442-473, datafiles/main/chapters/36.json:281-312
Role-Based Visual Modifications
The system handles specialized markings through custom_roles and custom_squads. While primarily functional, these roles often dictate the visual set used by the unit.
The relationship between a Chapter and its visual components, showing how roles and liveries are attached to the chapter definition.
Specialist Markings
Specific chapter advantages can also modify the visual or equipment profile of a chapter, which indirectly affects their markings:
- Ancient Armoury: Increases the prevalence of Heresy-era armor patterns.
- Elite Guard: Replaces standard tactical markings with Veteran livery across the entire chapter.
- Ambushers: Often associated with the Raptors, focusing on environmental blending liveries.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:41-52, datafiles/main/chapter_advantages.json:196-200, datafiles/main/chapters/36.json:37-45
Data Structure and Logic
Visual information is stored using floating-point numbers in JSON, which correspond to indexed color or texture assets within the game engine.
Configuration Elements
- is_changed: A boolean flag within
full_liveriesindicating if the default chapter colors should be ignored in favor of the specific component mapping. - company_marks & company_marks_loc: Specific fields used in the Raptors configuration (and others) to define the index and anatomical location (e.g., knee, pauldron) of company-specific iconography.
Sources: datafiles/main/chapters/36.json:309-310, datafiles/main/chapters/33.json:444
Visual Sets and Markings provide the necessary technical framework to support the diverse heraldry of the Adeptus Astartes. By combining simple base color palettes with complex role-based overrides and component-level livery mapping, the system can render everything from a standard Codex-compliant chapter to the specialized, asymmetrical requirements of the Deathwatch.