Difference between revisions of "Carnifex"

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{{TyranidsPortal}}
 
{{TyranidsPortal}}
 
{{otheruses|USE=the [[Tyranid]] species|OTHERUSE=Apothecary tool|OTHERPAGE=Carnifex (Tool)}}
 
{{otheruses|USE=the [[Tyranid]] species|OTHERUSE=Apothecary tool|OTHERPAGE=Carnifex (Tool)}}
 
[[Image:Carnifex.jpg|thumb|300px|right|A monstrous Carnifex tears into a [[Rhino]]{{Fn|2a}}]]
 
[[Image:Carnifex.jpg|thumb|300px|right|A monstrous Carnifex tears into a [[Rhino]]{{Fn|2a}}]]
'''Carnifexes''' are hulking, powerful [[Tyranid]] creatures used as living battering rams.  They are often armed with the most powerful Tyranid [[Bio-weapon]]s, and are used in shock assaults, spaceship boarding actions, massed battles, and for battering through fortified positions and tank formations.{{Fn|1a}}
+
'''Carnifexes''' are hulking, powerful [[Tyranid]] creatures used as living battering rams.  They are often armed with the most powerful Tyranid [[Bio-weapon]]s, and are used in shock assaults, spaceship boarding actions, massed battles, and for battering through fortified positions and tank formations.{{Fn|1b}}{{Fn|14b}}
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
Carnifexes excel at thunderous charges, where their immense bulk is used to crush or smash through any opponent or obstacle.  They are not as swift as other Tyranid creatures but their brute force more than makes up for this.  A Carnifex's stampede takes time to build force as their incredible alien musculature strains to propel it forward.  As it builds momentum and reaches top speed, the ground shakes with each stride of the monster and foes are scattered or trampled before it, and only fortress walls or [[Super Heavy Tank]]s have any chance of surviving the ferocious impact.{{Fn|1a}}  Most Carnifex kills registered come from high energy attacks — [[lascannon]], [[plasma weapon|plasma]] and [[melta weapon|melta]] weapon strikes to critical locations.  Carnifexes can shrug off other small arms fire and even [[boltgun]] hits with minimal loss of function.{{Fn|4a}}
+
Carnifexes excel at thunderous charges, where their immense bulk is used to crush or smash through any opponent or obstacle.  They are not as swift as other Tyranid creatures but their brute force more than makes up for this.  A Carnifex's stampede takes time to build force as their incredible alien musculature strains to propel it forward.  As it builds momentum and reaches top speed, the ground shakes with each stride of the monster and foes are scattered or trampled before it, and only fortress walls or [[Super Heavy Tank]]s have any chance of surviving the ferocious impact.{{Fn|1b}}  Most Carnifex kills registered come from high energy attacks — [[lascannon]], [[plasma weapon|plasma]] and [[melta weapon|melta]] weapon strikes to critical locations.  Carnifexes can shrug off other small arms fire and even [[boltgun]] hits with minimal loss of function.{{Fn|4a}}
  
Carnifexes are not very intelligent and in fact have little self-awareness.  They will revert to unthinking rampages of destruction if not constantly supervised and guided by the [[Hive Mind]].{{Fn|1a}}  All Carnifex species seem well able to adapt to extremes of environments, from arctic cold to desert heat.{{Fn|4a}}
+
Carnifexes are not very intelligent and in fact have little self-awareness.  They will revert to unthinking rampages of destruction if not constantly supervised and guided by the [[Hive Mind]].{{Fn|1b}}  All Carnifex species seem well able to adapt to extremes of environments, from arctic cold to desert heat.{{Fn|4a}}
  
The [[Imperium|Imperium's]] first recorded encounters with the Carnifex were in the battles against [[Hive Fleet Behemoth]] that lead up to the [[Battle for Macragge]].  As the Imperium tried to stop the Tyranids in space, Carnifexes were at the head of every boarding action.{{Fn|1a}}  The strain of Carnifexes encountered became known as '''Screamer-Killers''' because of their terrible ululating shriek, caused by rasping plates in their esophagus that were used to energize a form of [[bio-plasma]] in their gut to shoot bio-plasmic bolts, and in some instances Screamer Killers were reported using an electrical field around their claws to build up an incandescent bio-plasma ball before launching it at a target over longer ranges.{{Fn|4a}}
+
The [[Imperium|Imperium's]] first recorded encounters with the Carnifex were in the battles against [[Hive Fleet Behemoth]] that lead up to the [[Battle for Macragge]].  As the Imperium tried to stop the Tyranids in space, Carnifexes were at the head of every boarding action.{{Fn|1b}}  The strain of Carnifexes encountered became known as '''Screamer-Killers''' because of their terrible ululating shriek,{{Fn|14a}} caused by rasping plates in their esophagus that were used to energize a form of [[bio-plasma]] in their gut to shoot bio-plasmic bolts, and in some instances Screamer Killers were reported using an electrical field around their claws to build up an incandescent bio-plasma ball before launching it at a target over longer ranges.{{Fn|4a}}
[[Image:Carnifex5e.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Carnifex{{Fn|1c}}]]
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[[Image:Carnifex5e.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Carnifex{{Fn|1a}}]]
The Carnifex genus actually comprises many species displaying a wide variety of symbiotic weaponry such as the [[Heavy Venom Cannon]], [[Stranglethorn Cannon]], and [[Deathspitter]]s.{{Fn|2}} They also can sport a number of support [[Biomorph]]s including [[Adrenal Gland]]s, [[Acid Maw]], [[Chitin|Chitin Thorns]], [[Enhanced Senses]], [[Spore Cysts]], [[Toxin Sacs]], and [[Tusks]].{{Fn|12}}
+
The Carnifex genus actually comprises many species displaying a wide variety of symbiotic weaponry such as the [[Heavy Venom Cannon]], [[Stranglethorn Cannon]], and [[Deathspitter]]s.{{Fn|2b}} They also can sport a number of support [[Biomorph]]s including [[Adrenal Gland]]s, [[Acid Maw]], [[Chitin|Chitin Thorns]], [[Enhanced Senses]], [[Spore Cysts]], [[Toxin Sacs]], and [[Tusks]].{{Fn|12}}
 +
 
 +
'''Carnifex Arbylis''' is a sub-classification of extreme Carnifex variants that meld both pairs of upper limbs into complex ranged weapon symbiotes such as twin [[Venom Cannon]]s.{{Fn|2b}} Most common of these is the "Venomspitter" Carnifex. Carnifex Arbylis generally have improved ocular acuity and excellent depth perception from multiple eyes, although specimens employing a kind of stereoscopic echo-location have also been found on night worlds.{{Fn|4b}}
  
 
==Species of Carnifex==
 
==Species of Carnifex==
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===Major Strains===
 
===Major Strains===
 
;[[Thornback]]
 
;[[Thornback]]
*Carnifex Vorantii — Commonly called the “[[Thornback]],” these creatures are living batteries of symbiote weaponry equipped with short- to medium-range ballistic parasites and living bomb projectors such as [[Deathspitter]]s, [[Devourer]]s, [[Stranglethorn Cannon]]s, and [[Spine Bank]]s{{Fn|13}}. Several of the intimidating-looking thorns on this subspecies are in fact sensory organs for sniffing out prey. They are infantry hunters that seem to take pleasure in rooting out hiding men. Despite its lack of specialized melee limbs the Thornback is extremely dangerous at close quarters, where its speed and bulk allow it to easily impale incautious enemies.{{Fn|4b}}
+
*'''Carnifex Vorantii'''— Commonly called the “[[Thornback]],” these creatures are living batteries of symbiote weaponry equipped with short- to medium-range ballistic parasites and living bomb projectors such as [[Deathspitter]]s, [[Devourer]]s, [[Stranglethorn Cannon]]s, and [[Spine Bank]]s{{Fn|13}}. Several of the intimidating-looking thorns on this subspecies are in fact sensory organs for sniffing out prey. They are infantry hunters that seem to take pleasure in rooting out hiding men. Despite its lack of specialized melee limbs the Thornback is extremely dangerous at close quarters, where its speed and bulk allow it to easily impale incautious enemies.{{Fn|4b}}
  
 
;[[Screamer-Killer]]
 
;[[Screamer-Killer]]
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===Rare strains===
 
===Rare strains===
;Bile-beasts
+
;Bile-beast
*Carnifex Bilius, commonly called “Bile-beasts,” have been converted into walking biological weapons factories. Their carapaces are pitted with bubbling spore cysts and their guts writhe with lethal pathogens and molecular acids that gout from dorsal vents. The combined attack of necrotizing spores and acids used by these beasts will fatally overwhelm most bio-chem defences in moments; more resistant enemies are crushed by the creatures’ crab-like claws and digested by its drooling, acidic maw."{{Fn|4b}}
+
*'''Carnifex Bilius''', commonly called “Bile-beasts,” have been converted into walking biological weapons factories. Their carapaces are pitted with bubbling spore cysts and their guts writhe with lethal pathogens and molecular acids that gout from dorsal vents. The combined attack of necrotizing spores and acids used by these beasts will fatally overwhelm most bio-chem defences in moments; more resistant enemies are crushed by the creatures’ crab-like claws and digested by its drooling, acidic maw."{{Fn|4b}}{{Fn|2b}}
 +
 
 
;Death Beetle
 
;Death Beetle
 
*This beast was designed so that it took advantage of nearly every biomorph.{{Fn|8}}  
 
*This beast was designed so that it took advantage of nearly every biomorph.{{Fn|8}}  
;Razorfex{{Fn|8}}  
+
 
 +
;Razorfex
 +
*{{Fn|9c}}
 +
 
 
;Scuttle-Basher
 
;Scuttle-Basher
*This life form is absolutely single minded in its purpose to destroy each and every piece of armour on the battlefield.{{Fn|8}}  
+
*This life form is absolutely single minded in its purpose to destroy each and every piece of armour on the battlefield.{{Fn|8}}
;Strangle Seeder{{Fn|8}}
+
 
 +
;Shovel-Tusker
 +
*{{Fn|2b}}
 +
 
 +
;Strangle Seeder
 +
*{{Fn|8}}
 +
 
 
;Terrorbore
 
;Terrorbore
 
*This Carnifex was built to slaughter even the toughest infantry in wholesale quantities. They are typically equipped with 2 twin Devourers, Spinebanks, and enhanced senses.{{Fn|8}}  
 
*This Carnifex was built to slaughter even the toughest infantry in wholesale quantities. They are typically equipped with 2 twin Devourers, Spinebanks, and enhanced senses.{{Fn|8}}  
;Toxic-Lasher{{Fn|8}}  
+
 
 +
;Toxic-Lasher
 +
*{{Fn|8}}  
 +
 
 
;Tusked Shrieker
 
;Tusked Shrieker
*Though fully capable of ripping through vehicles (or anything else for that matter), this bio-construct will often lumber straight for Elite infantry squads {{Fn|8}}
+
*Though fully capable of ripping through vehicles (or anything else for that matter), this bio-construct will often lumber straight for Elite infantry squads.{{Fn|8}}
 +
 
 
;Venomspitter
 
;Venomspitter
*'''Carnifex Arbylis''', a sub-classification of extreme Carnifex variants that meld both pairs of upper limbs into complex ranged weapon symbiotes such as twin [[Venom Cannon]]s.{{Fn|2c}} Most common of these is the "Venomspitter" Carnifex, a beast capable of launching hyper-velocity crystalline shards of pure poison that can knock out a tank or easily kill a warrior in [[power armour]]. Carnifex Arbylis generally have improved ocular acuity and excellent depth perception from multiple eyes, although specimens employing a kind of stereoscopic echo-location have also been found on night worlds.{{Fn|4b}}
+
*A Carnifex beast capable of launching hyper-velocity crystalline shards of pure poison that can knock out a tank or easily kill a warrior in [[power armour]].{{Fn|4b}}{{Fn|2b}}
  
 
===Notable Individual Carnifexes===
 
===Notable Individual Carnifexes===
*[[Old One Eye]] - a unique Carnifex with the ability to regenerate itself from mortal wounds.{{Fn|1b}}
+
*[[Old One Eye]] - a unique Carnifex with the ability to regenerate itself from mortal wounds.{{Fn|1c}}{{Fn|9b}}
  
 
==Miniatures==
 
==Miniatures==
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Screamerkiller1992.jpg|Screamer-Killer miniature (1st Edition - 1992){{Fn|10}}
 
Screamerkiller1992.jpg|Screamer-Killer miniature (1st Edition - 1992){{Fn|10}}
 
Tyranid Carnifex 2.jpg|Carnifex miniature (3rd Edition - 2001){{Fn|9a}}
 
Tyranid Carnifex 2.jpg|Carnifex miniature (3rd Edition - 2001){{Fn|9a}}
Tyranid Carnifex1.jpg|Carnifex Miniature (4th Edition - 2005)
+
Tyranid Carnifex1.jpg|Carnifex Miniature (4th Edition - 2005){{Fn|2c}}
 
ScreamerKiller2023.jpg|Screamer-Killer miniature (10th Edition - 2023){{Fn|11}}
 
ScreamerKiller2023.jpg|Screamer-Killer miniature (10th Edition - 2023){{Fn|11}}
 
</gallery></center>
 
</gallery></center>
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==Sources==
 
==Sources==
 
*1: [[Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)]]
 
*1: [[Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition)]]
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 46
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: Cover art
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 57
+
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 46
**{{Endn|1c}}: Cover art
+
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 57
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (4th Edition)]], {{Cite This}}
+
*2: [[Codex: Tyranids (4th Edition)]]
 
**{{Endn|2a}}: Cover
 
**{{Endn|2a}}: Cover
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg.56-57
+
**{{Endn|2b}}: pgs. 46-47
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 46
+
**{{Endn|2c}}: pgs. 56-57
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project]], pg. 100
 
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project]], pg. 100
 
*4: [[Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos]]
 
*4: [[Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos]]
Line 73: Line 90:
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition]], pg. 74
 
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Imperial Armour - Apocalypse Second Edition]], pg. 74
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/11/03/codex-tyranids-preview-units-nov-3gw-homepage-post-2/ Warhammer Community Codex: Tyranids Preview – Units] ''(last accessed 9 January 2018)''
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/11/03/codex-tyranids-preview-units-nov-3gw-homepage-post-2/ Warhammer Community Codex: Tyranids Preview – Units] ''(last accessed 9 January 2018)''
*{{Endn|8}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060701030046/http://us.games-workshop.com/games/40k/tyranids/painting/carnifex_conversions/1.htm GW page saved with Webarchive]
+
*{{Endn|8}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20080411115555/http://uk.games-workshop.com/tyranids/carnifex-conversions/1/ Carnifex Conversions: Gene Splice A Nightmarish Assault Organism] "(saved archive page, dated 11 April 2008, last accessed 30 September 2024, original link: http://uk.games-workshop.com/tyranids/carnifex-conversions/1/)"
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (3rd Edition)]], pg. 40
+
*9: [[Codex: Tyranids (3rd Edition)]]
**{{Endn|9a}}: pg.27
+
**{{Endn|9a}}: pg. 27
 +
**{{Endn|9b}}: pg. 34
 +
**{{Endn|9c}}: pg. 40
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 146 (UK)]], pg. 58
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 146 (UK)]], pg. 58
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/04/29/warhammer-40000-leviathan-whats-in-the-box/ Warhammer Community : Warhammer 40,000: Leviathan – What’s In The Box? (29/04/23)] (last accessed 29/04/23)
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/04/29/warhammer-40000-leviathan-whats-in-the-box/ Warhammer Community : Warhammer 40,000: Leviathan – What’s In The Box? (29/04/23)] (last accessed 29/04/23)
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (9th Edition)]], pg. 113
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (9th Edition)]], pg. 113
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (8th Edition)]], pg. 104
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Codex: Tyranids (8th Edition)]], pg. 104
 
+
*14: [[Codex: Tyranids (2nd Edition)]]
===Uncited===
+
**{{Endn|14a}}: pg. 33
*[[Codex: Tyranids (2nd Edition)]]
+
**{{Endn|14b}}: pg. 72
  
 
{{Tyranid5E}}
 
{{Tyranid5E}}

Revision as of 21:03, 30 September 2024

{{


Targetdrone.gif This article is about the the Tyranid species; for the Apothecary tool, see Carnifex (Tool).
A monstrous Carnifex tears into a Rhino[2a]

Carnifexes are hulking, powerful Tyranid creatures used as living battering rams. They are often armed with the most powerful Tyranid Bio-weapons, and are used in shock assaults, spaceship boarding actions, massed battles, and for battering through fortified positions and tank formations.[1b][14b]

Overview

Carnifexes excel at thunderous charges, where their immense bulk is used to crush or smash through any opponent or obstacle. They are not as swift as other Tyranid creatures but their brute force more than makes up for this. A Carnifex's stampede takes time to build force as their incredible alien musculature strains to propel it forward. As it builds momentum and reaches top speed, the ground shakes with each stride of the monster and foes are scattered or trampled before it, and only fortress walls or Super Heavy Tanks have any chance of surviving the ferocious impact.[1b] Most Carnifex kills registered come from high energy attacks — lascannon, plasma and melta weapon strikes to critical locations. Carnifexes can shrug off other small arms fire and even boltgun hits with minimal loss of function.[4a]

Carnifexes are not very intelligent and in fact have little self-awareness. They will revert to unthinking rampages of destruction if not constantly supervised and guided by the Hive Mind.[1b] All Carnifex species seem well able to adapt to extremes of environments, from arctic cold to desert heat.[4a]

The Imperium's first recorded encounters with the Carnifex were in the battles against Hive Fleet Behemoth that lead up to the Battle for Macragge. As the Imperium tried to stop the Tyranids in space, Carnifexes were at the head of every boarding action.[1b] The strain of Carnifexes encountered became known as Screamer-Killers because of their terrible ululating shriek,[14a] caused by rasping plates in their esophagus that were used to energize a form of bio-plasma in their gut to shoot bio-plasmic bolts, and in some instances Screamer Killers were reported using an electrical field around their claws to build up an incandescent bio-plasma ball before launching it at a target over longer ranges.[4a]

Carnifex[1a]

The Carnifex genus actually comprises many species displaying a wide variety of symbiotic weaponry such as the Heavy Venom Cannon, Stranglethorn Cannon, and Deathspitters.[2b] They also can sport a number of support Biomorphs including Adrenal Glands, Acid Maw, Chitin Thorns, Enhanced Senses, Spore Cysts, Toxin Sacs, and Tusks.[12]

Carnifex Arbylis is a sub-classification of extreme Carnifex variants that meld both pairs of upper limbs into complex ranged weapon symbiotes such as twin Venom Cannons.[2b] Most common of these is the "Venomspitter" Carnifex. Carnifex Arbylis generally have improved ocular acuity and excellent depth perception from multiple eyes, although specimens employing a kind of stereoscopic echo-location have also been found on night worlds.[4b]

Species of Carnifex

There are many species in the Carnifex Genus:

Major Strains

Thornback
  • Carnifex Vorantii— Commonly called the “Thornback,” these creatures are living batteries of symbiote weaponry equipped with short- to medium-range ballistic parasites and living bomb projectors such as Deathspitters, Devourers, Stranglethorn Cannons, and Spine Banks[13]. Several of the intimidating-looking thorns on this subspecies are in fact sensory organs for sniffing out prey. They are infantry hunters that seem to take pleasure in rooting out hiding men. Despite its lack of specialized melee limbs the Thornback is extremely dangerous at close quarters, where its speed and bulk allow it to easily impale incautious enemies.[4b]
Screamer-Killer
  • The Screamer-Killer is the most infamous adaptation – and the biggest. Named after the sinister howl emitted as it unleashes their Bio-plasma blasts, Screamer-Killers are unstoppable shock creatures.[11]
Stone-Crusher

Rare strains

Bile-beast
  • Carnifex Bilius, commonly called “Bile-beasts,” have been converted into walking biological weapons factories. Their carapaces are pitted with bubbling spore cysts and their guts writhe with lethal pathogens and molecular acids that gout from dorsal vents. The combined attack of necrotizing spores and acids used by these beasts will fatally overwhelm most bio-chem defences in moments; more resistant enemies are crushed by the creatures’ crab-like claws and digested by its drooling, acidic maw."[4b][2b]
Death Beetle
  • This beast was designed so that it took advantage of nearly every biomorph.[8]
Razorfex
Scuttle-Basher
  • This life form is absolutely single minded in its purpose to destroy each and every piece of armour on the battlefield.[8]
Shovel-Tusker
Strangle Seeder
Terrorbore
  • This Carnifex was built to slaughter even the toughest infantry in wholesale quantities. They are typically equipped with 2 twin Devourers, Spinebanks, and enhanced senses.[8]
Toxic-Lasher
Tusked Shrieker
  • Though fully capable of ripping through vehicles (or anything else for that matter), this bio-construct will often lumber straight for Elite infantry squads.[8]
Venomspitter
  • A Carnifex beast capable of launching hyper-velocity crystalline shards of pure poison that can knock out a tank or easily kill a warrior in power armour.[4b][2b]

Notable Individual Carnifexes

  • Old One Eye - a unique Carnifex with the ability to regenerate itself from mortal wounds.[1c][9b]

Miniatures

Related Articles

Sources


Tyranid Planetary Forces
Commanders Norn-QueenHive TyrantNeurotyrant (Neuroloid) • BroodlordNeurothropeTervigonTyranid PrimeTrygon PrimeRavener PrimeMalanthrope
Elites BiovoreTyrant Guard (Hive Guard) • Lictor (Lictor AlphaNeurolictorDeathleaper) • LeaperPyrovoreVenomthropeZoanthrope
Troops Tyranid Warrior (Shrike) • Ravener (AlphaFelltalonTremorscytheWreckerVenomspitter) • Genestealer (Ymgarl) • Gaunt (TermagantHormagauntBarbgauntNeurogaunt) • Ripper (Sky-Slasher)
Monstruous Creatures Carnifex (ThornbackStone CrusherScreamer-Killer) • DimachaeronExocrineHaruspexMaleceptorPsychophageSporocystToxicreneTyrannofex
Gargantuan Creatures CereboreDactylisHieroduleMalefactorMawlocNorn EmissaryNorn AssimilatorTrygon
Bio-Titans DominatrixHierophantViciatorNautiloidVermisEater Beast
Flying Creatures GargoyleHarpyHarridanHive CroneTyrannocyte
Spores Meiotic SporeMycetic SporeSpore MineMucolid Spore
Unique Tyranids SwarmlordDeathleaperDoom of Malan'taiOld One EyeParasite of MortrexRed Terror