[[Image:Cherubael.jpg|thumb|right|A bound daemonhost]]{{ChaosPortal}}A '''Daemonhost''' is a living mortal body used as a receptacle to bind a [[daemon]], differing from a Possessee [[Daemonic Possession|possessee]] in that the creature has no daemon does not possess or control over the mortal body, but is "wielded" bound within it. The Daemonhost is controlled by another mortal - , usually its creator,{{Fn|13}} often in order to use [[Chaos ]] to fight Chaos.{{Fn|1}}

Being an entity of the [[warp]], a daemon cannot manifest itself in real space under normal circumstances. A daemon may instead enter the mind of a vulnerable [[psyker]] and turn the individual to its will and, through its host, affect reality. Outside of natural circumstances, and outside the [[Eye of Terror]], daemons can exist temporarily in real space by being summoned through complex rituals.{{Fn|1}}

==OriginsOverview==The source binding of such bodies varies. a Daemonhost is a dangerous and arcane practice beyond the scope of all but the most malign and knowledgeable [[Chaos Cults|Chaos cultistssorcerer]] will often sacrifice themselves for "the good of the cause" so their patron daemon s. A single error can lead them personallyto disastrous situations. Other times an end-justifies-Two notable results of failure includes the-means type [[Inquisitor]] of daemon being loosed uncontrolled, or the subject's flesh being transformed into a ravening [[Ordo MalleusChaos Spawn]] will sacrifice inconsequential individuals so that they can bring forth a daemon that can be interrogated for information on Chaos. Or even more diabolically, they create daemonhosts to fight other daemonic creatures. The creation of a daemonhost is considered heresy, and is enough for an Inquisitor to be declared ''excommunicate''.{{Fn|12b}}

The bound daemon can be released, leaving the individual free, but usually mentally and physically scarred by the experience===Origins===[[Image:Cherubael. Sometimesjpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Cherubael]], a bound daemonhost{{Fn|5}}]]The source of such a mark is made that the individual is more susceptible to future daemonic possession, so that a freed individual should be executedpsychically attuned bodies varies. Examples of organisations that specialise in exorcism include the [[IlluminatiChaos Cult]] and ists will often sacrifice themselves for "the good of the cause" so their patron daemon can lead them personally. Other times an end-justifies-the -means type [[ExorcistsInquisitor]] of the [[Space MarineOrdo Malleus]] will sacrifice inconsequential individuals so that they can bring forth a daemon that can be interrogated for information on Chaos. Or even more diabolically, they create daemonhosts to fight other daemonic creatures. The creation of a daemonhost is considered [[Chapterheresy]], and is enough for an Inquisitor to be declared ''excommunicate''.{{Fn|2a}}

===Creation===The host must first be inscribed with certain marks, runes, and wardings [[ward]]ings to prepare it for the entrapment of a daemon. The sigils involved are largely unknown, but an essential rune called the ''"Rune of Voiding"'' must {{Fn|3}} [[Pentagrammic wards]] can be inscribed on the chest of the host in order physical objects to empty it of any previous souls so that the daemon contain a warp entity, however, they can be effectively contained. Apparently, this rune is sometimes ignored, as in certain occasions, the original host's mind endured. Radical [[Inquisitors]] with the resources would also string the host with chains, padlocks, amulets, easily altered to help a sorcerer or witch control and other bindings as to ensure enslave rather than simply create a barrier that the daemon's obediencefinds difficult to breach.{{Fn|12a}}

Once all the preparations The sigils involved are madelargely unknown, but an essential rune called the Incantations ''"Rune of Binding, Voiding"'' must be inscribed on the Litany chest of Servitus, and the Wards host in order to empty it of Entrapment must any previous souls so that the daemon can be spokeneffectively contained. Apparently, this rune is sometimes ignored, as in certain occasions, along with the final sealing words: original host''"In servitutem abduco, I bind thee fast forever into this hosts mind endured."'' Note that only these were mentioned by [[InquisitorRadical|Radical Inquisitors]] [[Eisenhorn]] in his logswith the resources would also string the host with chains, padlocks, amulets, and other bindings that other rites might have been involvedensure both daemon's obedience and its containment.{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|13}}

If not Once all of the special preparations have been are made, i.e. a hasty on-the-spot bindingIncantations of Binding, the severe trauma Litany of Servitus, and the process might inflict Wards of Entrapment must be spoken, along with the daemonhostfinal sealing words: ''"In servitutem abduco, ensuring I bind thee fast forever into this host."'' Note that it remains docile only these were mentioned by Inquisitor [[Eisenhorn]] in his logs, and unresponsive for several daysthat other rites might have been involved. ^{{Fn|1}}

==Effects on If not all of the Host==Daemonic possession eventually takes its toll special preparations have been made, i.e. a hasty on -the mortal body until it is consumed and destroyed by the power. Initially, they may remain human in appearance, but over time the human form will be corrupted - its eyes will start to changespot binding, sometimes becoming blood red, or taking on the look severe trauma of a cat's or snake's eyes, while the bone structure will process might be reformedinflicted on the daemonhost, resulting in horns ensuring that it remains docile and other inhuman featuresunresponsive for several days.{{Fn|1}}

The host also usually manifests psychic powers as a result of their close connection with a creature of ===Effects on the warp, sometimes so powerful that Host===Daemonic possession eventually takes its toll on the host's mortal body can barely contain until itis consumed and destroyed by the power. They Initially, they may appear remain human in appearance, but over time the human form will be corrupted - its eyes will start to arc with electrical energychange, cause minor air disturbances and often float sometimes becoming blood red, or taking on the look of a few inches from cat's or snake's eyes, while the groundbone structure will be reformed, resulting in horns and other inhuman features.{{Fn|1}}

The host also usually manifests [[psychic powers]] as a result of their close connection with a creature of the warp, sometimes so powerful that the host's body can barely contain it. They may appear to arc with electrical energy, cause minor air disturbances and often float a few inches from the ground. Daemonhosts also benefit from the invulnerabilities invulnerability of the daemon inhabiting its body, though the particulars may change from daemon to daemon. Some may only be harmed with silver, while others may be destroyed by sunlight. Some need to consume nothing but blood to survive. These traits may account for the stories of Vampyre cults that exist on some worlds in the [[Imperium]].{{Fn|3}}

Eventually, no matter how powerful a host's will, the experience of sharing a mind and body with a daemon will lead to insanity, effectively bringing an end to the life of the host, and allowing the warp entity to take complete control. In such cases, an exorcism may be of little benefit to the pathetic creature, and death will be the only mercy.{{Fn|3}} ===Lesser Daemonhosts===Summoners who don't wish to try untried or unperfected rituals might conjure far less powerful entities to bind and thus more easily controlled. Animals, humans, or both might be used for these trials and be used to create a '''lesser daemonhost''', also known as a [[Dybuk]] (translating in some proscribed texts as literally meaning ''"a vessel for the unclean"'').{{Fn|12b}} This "lesser" form of daemon binding is still an exceptionally dangerous of a process. Once the victim is bound and has the proper bindings carved into their flesh, the depraved and bloody rituals of summoning begins. It takes many hours of sustained torture to the host while under the sorcerer's observation. If the living host dies, the ritual will fail and misfire. If it is successful, the soul of the mutilated host body is murdered from within and a [[Lesser Daemon|lesser daemon]]ic spirit takes its place.{{Fn|12b}} The flesh holding the daemon serves as a vessel for its malignant hunger and contains a portion of its unnatural power. Over time the body will writhe and warp under the stain of the vile presence within and ultimately destroy itself. Some cults favour Dybuk as guardians and shock troops.{{Fn|12b}} ==Notable Daemonhosts==*[[The Burning One]]{{Fn|3}}*[[Cherubael]]{{Fn|1}}*[[Ghaustos]]{{Fn|2b}}*[[Hedrodal]]{{Fn|7}}*The [[Infernal Celestials]]{{Fn|4}}*[[Loa Gorg]]{{Fn|2a}}*[[Kessel]]{{Fn|14}}*[[Prophaniti]]{{Fn|10}}*[[Red Angel]]{{Fn|8}}*[[Sarasti]]{{Fn|9}}*[[The Vessel]]{{Fn|11}} ==See also==*[[Cackling Abomination]]*[[Daemon Engine]]*[[Daemon Weapon]]*[[Malediction]]

*{{Endn|1}}: [[Hereticus (Novel)]] — [[Eisenhorn (Omnibus)]], Chapters Six and Seven, pgs. 589–595*{{Endn|2}}: [[White Dwarf 264 (UK)]] - ''Battle Report: The Paraelix Configuration'':**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 104**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 105*{{Endn|3}}: [[Dark Heresy: Creatures Anathema]], pg. 113*{{Endn|4}}: [[Dark Millennium (game system)]]: '''Prophecy's Peril''' — [http://ccggamez.com/index.php?opcja=karta&idkarty=287201 Card description] (Last accessed on 24 April 2022)*{{Endn|5}}: [[Inquisitor Rulebook]], Characters, pg. 33*{{Endn|6}}: [[Dark Heresy Core Rulebook]], pg. 368*{{Endn|7}}: [[White Dwarf 258 (UK)]], pgs. 38-42*{{Endn|8}}: [[Collected Visions]], pgs. 265-266*{{Endn|9}}: [[Fallen (Comic Series)]], Issue #9*{{Endn|10}}: [[Malleus (Novel)]], Chapter Fifteen*{{Endn|11}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20250923192338/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/mkh26zdt/meet-the-lords-of-war-venturing-to-the-warhammer-40000-grand-narrative-this-week/ Warhammer Community: Meet the Lords of War venturing to the Warhammer 40,000 Grand Narrative this week] ''(saved page 23/09/2025, last accessed 23/09/2025, [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/mkh26zdt/meet-the-lords-of-war-venturing-to-the-warhammer-40000-grand-narrative-this-week/ original link])''*12: [[Dark Heresy: Disciples of the Dark Gods]]:**{{Endn|12a}}: pg. 120**{{Endn|12b}}: pg. 128*{{Endn|13}}: [[White Dwarf November 2019]], pgs. 26-27 - ''Index Imperialis: Inquisition: Forces of the Inquisition''*{{Endn|14}}: [[Codex: Inquisition]], pg. 36===Uncited==={{uncited}}

{{OMUnitsGKUnits}} {{InquisitionForces}}[[Category:Daemons]]

[[Category:Gods and DaemonsTroops (Ordo Malleus)]]